• 50 years of marriage is a huge milestone, one that is worthy of a big celebration. However, when this couple’s plans were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, their family stepped up to make sure their day was memorable while still maintaining a safe social distance.

    Dan and Janice Kauffman from Ohio had planned an anniversary dinner to honour their relationship with all their family and friends. However, the elderly couple were forced to give up their plans as the coronavirus spread worsened in America.

    The couple had to self-quarantine to avoid contracting the virus, meaning physical contact with their family was cut off.

    This couple’s family could not let the anniversary pass by without doing anything. They decided to make a beautiful tribute to Dan and Janice. Standing in small family groupings, they held hand-made signs and cheered on the patriarch and matriarch of the family while performing for them. One family member serenaded the couple with a guitar performance and one child played the violin for his grandparents.

    Watch the sweet video below:

    Feature image: video screenshot

    While we’re under lockdown, we’ve got nothing but time. So, if your wedding is coming up and you are (or want to be) a creative soul, why not make your own wedding jewellery? Depending on your style, you can make almost anything under the sun. It will be a special keepsake you can even pass on to future generations.

    Granted, traditional jewellery might be a little harder and need more time, but the challenge will make it that much more rewarding. Other styles like boho does not need as much detail, and can work out cheaper as you do not necessarily need jewels like diamonds or other precious stones.

    Here’s how to get crafty:

    1. The first thing you will  need is to gather ideas and decide what you want to wear. Earrings are simpler to make, but a necklace or arm band are just as doable. Head over to Pinterest for some ideas and settle on one. Remember that yours will not look exactly the same, but that’s the idea! We love these pieces:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B-X2eTwHpDl/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B-WsyweAwlz/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B-Y0DAPHEAD/

    2. Get what you need. This step is a bit tricky seeing as arts and crafts stores will be closed, but some online delivery services might still deliver. You may even already have beads and jewels at home if you’ve done it before, or know someone who does. If not, make a list of what you need so you can go buy it as soon as it is safe to do so.

    Some basics you will need (but might vary depending on what you make) are pliers, soft gold or silver wire or chain, clasps or fastening rings and of course, the beads, jewels, stones or whatever your piece will consist of.

    3. Watch a tutorial (or three). If you’re new to this, better get some expert advice. There are loads of online videos with advice and instructions ranging for all levels of skill. Check out these ones we love:

    Image:  Pixabay

     

    Online shopping can be risky business. There’s always a chance, no matter how small, that you end up with something that’s not quite what you were expecting. If you’re considering switching from window shopping to (Microsoft) Windows shopping, then read on!

    We’re absolutely certain that you don’t want to be the bride who buys her dress online and, on delivery, instantly regrets it. As with everything, there are pros and cons of online wedding dress shopping. However, there is something to be said for the convenience, savings, and options that come with the online experience.

    Whether you’re sick of making your way through racks and racks of dresses, or you’re simply not keen on the idea of hunting for dresses in store, online wedding dress shopping could be a great option.

    If this is the route you’re taking, then keep these tips in mind:

    – Measurements 

    You need to know the measurements of your bust, waist, and hips. If you don’t know these, your dress will not be the best fit it can be. Brides who have undertaken the online shopping experiment report that a great way to find your fit is to go in store (oh no!) and fit on some dresses there, with the sole purpose of finding what fits you. Once you’re clued up on your measurements, pop back online and get searching. Of course, you could just use the trusted measuring tape.

    – Fabrics 

    Be familiar with fabrics and how they look and feel. You wouldn’t want a detail like this to ruin what you expected to be your perfect dress.

    – Policies 

    Look, we’ve said it once and we’ll say it again. There are always risks with online shopping. Before you make this very important purchase, find out what the online store’s policies are. Imagine you’re unable to return a dress that has turned out to be a Halloween costume! The horror!

    – Social media 

    Check across all social media platforms for brides wearing a similar dress to the one you’ve chosen. It’ll give you a good idea of how the dress looks in real life!

    – Read reviews 

    Be sure to check the online reviews of the stores you’re shopping at. You’ll either see many angry customers or tons of happy brides. This will help you decided whether to keep shopping there.

    – Read carefully 

    Be aware of common terms like “fully lined” and “partially lined”. The latter will have you in a see-through dress on your special day. Pull out those comprehension skills and read the dress descriptions carefully.

    Image: Unsplash 

    Your hand will be on display throughout your big day as you show off your ring. You better make sure your nails are looking good!

    If you want to make a bold statement, why not adorn your fingers with some abstract nail art? Using the colours or the general theme of your wedding, you can create fun and memorable nails that will add extra personality to you overall look. Here are a few unique ideas to inspire you.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B3PSgp-g4hP/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B7OfCsLgwnP/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B-OM7PPn1sN/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B-NT33hDumc/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B-M6GHXHGmh/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B-IQrN5BgPs/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B-GgxI7D21z/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B-FgMmMBxmg/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B-AyPTYIfrX/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B9254vGjx5B/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Feature image: Unsplash