One thing that can’t be avoided on your big day? Photos. Besides your official photographer, your guests will definitely be snapping some cute pictures together to remember this special day. So why not give them a beautiful backdrop to do it against?
Maybe you’re having a more ceremonial backyard moment just for you and your partner, or maybe you’re prepping for when you can have the wedding of your dreams. Regardless, these beautiful backdrops will perfectly compliment the day. What makes them even better is that they can be made at home using a few key components, and customised to fit your day.
Feature image: Unsplash
The 21-day lockdown in South Africa to curb the spread of coronavirus has effectively brought social gatherings of any kind to a halt during this time. However, some…
With the spread of the coronavirus in South Africa and across the world, people are much more conscious about hygiene. Specifically hand hygiene. All we’ve heard from our leaders is for weeks is “wash your hands, don’t touch your face”. This has led to an increase in the use of hand sanitizer.
The hand sanitizer you should be using consists of about 70% alcohol (isopropyl or ethyl) mixed with water, glycerine and fragrance.
You’d think that no harm can come from using proper hand sanitizer. After all, you’re trying to protect yourself from a pandemic. While you’re taking care of yourself, however, be sure to take care of your engagement ring too!
It turns out that hand sanitizer is quite bad for your ring, especially when it’s used excessively (much like we’re all doing these days). According to James Allen, an online diamond and bridal jewellery retailer, contact with cleaners that contain chlorine, bleach, and rubbing alcohol “can break down the brilliance of metals and gems over time”. The last thing you want is for your ring to lose it’s sparkle!
Experts at James Allen also warned of a different way the sanitizer could be ruining your ring. “Extensive hand sanitizer use can also loosen prongs that hold diamonds in place,” they said. This means you’re putting your diamond at risk. It could loosen and fall out without you noticing.
Of course, we don’t want these risks to stop you from practicing good hygiene. Quite the opposite, actually.
All you need to do is remove the ring from your finger each time you sanitize and you should be good to go! Remember to wait until your hand dry’s before placing the ring back on your finger.
If you really want to protect your ring, you could choose to remove it until the coronavirus pandemic passes. Bacteria can make its way into the grooves of your ring. If you don’t plan on cleaning the ring, it may be better to store it away until this all blows over.
It’s not that difficult to clean your ring though! So, if you want to keep wearing it, simply pop it in some warm water with dish washing soap at least once a week! Voila, good hygiene and a ring that remains safe and sound.
Image: Unsplash
Bindi Irwin and Chandler Powell said ‘I do’ in a private ceremony at the Australia Zoo on March 25, attended only by her mother, brother and Steve’s best…
We tune in week after week, episode after episode to follow the lives of fictional characters, so it’s natural that we would develop some feelings toward them. Living in the golden age of television, there are so many iconic, memorable tv couples giving us absolute couple goals.
Here are a few of our favourite smallscreen couples:
Fran Fine and Mr. Sheffield – The Nanny
From the beginning, the chemistry between nanny Fran and Mr. Sheffield was undeniable. Fans waited with baited breath for the pair to realise they were madly in love with each other and it was worth every second when they finally got together in the sixth season.
Jim and Pam – The Office
Although it took them ages, once Jim and Pam stopped pining for each other across the office and finally got together, it’s fair to say every viewer breathed a sigh of relief. Jim and Pam’s relationship started off a friendship, and they continued that mutual respect for each other throughout.
Ben and Leslie – Parks and Recreation
With her infective positivity and bright exuberance, who would have thought Leslie Knope could get any happier? Ben made her shine even brighter, always supporting her goals. We love how their relationship subtly reversed gender norms and avoided drama tropes.
Dre and Rainbow – Blackish
This pair are somehow able to handle anything that comes their way, and often come out of situations stronger. We love that their ridiculous, sometimes camp relationship still feels real and authentic, and we especially love how they address societal issues and embrace different viewpoints.
Bob and Linda – Bob’s Burgers
Happy-go-lucky and excitable Linda seems to be the polar oppopsite of square, dependable Bob, but that’s what makes this animated couple so special. They bring out the best in each other, and somehow keep their incredibly quirky yet lovable family together.
Kurt and Blaine – Glee
The original teenage dream, Kurt and Blaine had Gleeks the world over clutching their chests whenever they sang together. Besides representing LBGTQIA+ love equally and on mainstream television, this couple were eternally supportive of each other’s goals.
Glenn and Maggie – The Walking Dead
The zombie apocolypse seems like a bad time to start a relationship, but somehow Glenn and Maggie make it work. Fan-favourites ever since they got together, this pair gave viewers happiness amongst the grimness of the zombie storyline.
Beth and Randall – This is Us
Beth and Randall seem to be the strongest couple on This Is Us. The pair constantly support each other, even when they don’t agree with what the other wants. Despite having rocky moments, they always end up on top and remain committed to each other as well as being present, positive parents.
Feature image: Instagram / The Office NBC
Classic and chic, there is nothing more elegant than an updo hairstyle. If you want to show off your neck and décolletage area, an updo will perfectly frame…
So lockdown ruined your big proposal plans but you can’t keep the secret inside any longer? It looks like an at-home proposal is your only choice! There’s no need to worry though, there are more than a few ways to make it special.
If you’re in search for some at home proposal ideas, we’ve got you covered. Here’s how to get your love locked in during lockdown:
– The games night proposal
If you’re a playful pair, plan your proposal around a games night. You could do it under the guise of keeping busy on another night under quarantine. Set out a scrabble board, and throughout the game try to spell out words that eventually lead up to “will you marry me?”. “say yes?” or “wife/husband?”.
Alternatively, you could play charades, pictionary, or any such guessing game, and take your proposal from there! Act out or draw marriage, and then get down on one knee.
– The classic dinner proposal
Cook your soon-to-be a romantic dinner, decorate the table with candles, and do it just like they do in the movies. After some casual dinner-time conversation or perhaps during dessert, pop the question.
– The pet proposal
We know those of you with fur babies don’t want to leave the little ones out of anything! Plan to have your pet involved, by placing the ring on their body (without hurting them of course). Have your pet approach your partner for them to find the ring.
– The treasure hunt proposal
Hide the ring, write down some clues, and make a fun activity out of your proposal. Tell your partner you’ve got them a gift but they need to go on a treasure hunt for it. Voila, a fun and flirty at home proposal.
– The pamper proposal
Treat your significant other to a spa day, full with DIY face masks and a massage, perhaps even a bubble bath. After they’ve relaxed to the max, and you’ve built up the nerve then get down to business.
Good luck with your proposals!
Image: Unsplash