• Wedding gifts are the perfect way to help your newlyweds start their lives together on a strong note. If you’re stuck in a gifting rut, rest assured your newlyweds will love these easy gifts.

    Quality pots and pans:

    Your newlyweds will most likely be doing a lot of cooking together, so its important they have quality pots and pans that will last for a long time. If you’re willing to splash out, this is one gift they will absolutely love.

    We love: Artisanal Ceramic Non Stick Pan 24cm from Woolworths – R450

    Crockery and glassware:

    People gotta eat and drink, right? They might as well do it in style. Depending on the couple’s taste, you can go with wine glasses, gin glasses, whiskey glasses or just good old tumblers for the teetotallers.

    We love: Crystal Red Wine Glasses 4 Piece from Woolworths – R260

    Home decor:

    Now this is a tricky one. Only opt for purchasing furniture or home decor for a couple if you are familiar with their taste and style. You wouldn’t want to gift them with a colourful nick-nack only to discover they prefer the minimalist aesthetic.

    We love: Marble bookends from @Home – R599

    Linens:

    Half the battle of a cosy sleep is quality linens. Give your newlyweds the gift of a good rest with a set of comfy linens that will make them never want to leave the bed.

    We love: Egyptian cotton oxford satin duvet cover set from Superbalist – R1199

    Kitchen appliances

    Add some flair to their mornings with fun kitchen appliances. Whether they love coffee or sweet treats, there are a multitude of applicances that will fulfill their desires.

    We love: KitchenCraft Stove Top Waffle Maker from Yuppiechef – R769

    Money:

    Weddings are expensive, and your newlyweds will most likely struggle with empty pockets after their big day. Help them out by gifting them with some money instead of a physical present. Not sure how much to give? We’ve got you covered.

    Image: Pexels

    With the coronavirus sweeping through almost every nation, strict restrictions are in place to keep those who are most vulnerable safe. The elderly are one of the most at risk groups. This Lake Waccamaw woman made the best of a difficult situation, and managed to give her grandfather some good news despite visitor restrictions at his care facility.

    The recently engaged Carly Boyd desperately wanted to share her good news with her grandfather. Since visitors are not allowed at the care facility where he resides, she had to find her way around the restrictions. The result, caught on camera by the facility’s administrator, Gennie Parnell, was truly heartwarming.

    Boyd stood at her grandfather’s window and showed off her engagement ring. She and her grandfather then touched hands against the glass of the window.

    Credit: Premier Living and Rebab Center Info Page
    Credit: Premier Living and Rebab Center Info Page

    “Even though visitation is restricted at this time, staff suggested an alternative,” said Premier Living & Rehab Center (the facility where Boyd’s grandfather resides) in a Facebook post.

    “Emotional and memorable, for sure!! Thank you for allowing us to capture this special moment!!,” they added.

    The bride-to-be is a student at Southeastern Community College, she is in pursuit of a qualification to become a Registered Nurse. Trevor Sellers, her fiance, is a contractor with the Department of Transportation. Hopefully this happy couple will have a chance to properly celebrate with Boyd’s grandfather soon!

    In the meantime, however, the Community Activity Coordinator at the facility, April Bass, says that they are working hard to make sure residents still have contact with relatives.

    Congrats to the happy couple, and the proud grandfather!

    Image: Facebook / Primier Living & Rehab Center Info Page 

    Romantic and exciting, destination weddings have been trending for many years. However, they also have tons of drawbacks. From all the possible legal complications and the fact that not all your guests can afford the pricey airplane ticket to a foreign destination, those opting to tie the knot in a different country will have to make sacrifices on their big day. Instead of limiting your dream wedding, why not go local?

    From Parys to Potchefstroom, there are so many small towns in the country that give you that private, destination feel without breaking the bank. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a serene day only a few hours away.

    One particular wedding venue we’ve been loving is the Nut Farm. Situated in Hartbeespoort, Skeerpoort, the Nut Farm offers spectacular mountain views worthy of your vows. Say your ‘I do’s’ at their open-air chapel with the serene farmland that paints an unforgettable backdrop for your wedding, or go traditional with their inside chapel situated on the second floor of the reception area. Guests will have a beautiful birds eye view of the bride as she makes her entrance, as well as stunning views of the famous Hartbeespoort Dam.

    With a spacious reception area, mobile bar and hidden outside fireplaces, this wedding venue serves as a blank canvas for you to live out your vision. Their orchard accommodates intimate or larger celebrations of 200 guests.

    Visit their website for more information.

    Feature image: supplied

    On the easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic you’ll find the small town of Punta Cana. This may seem like an odd and offbeat choice for a romantic getaway, but you’ll be surprised at all the great activities the town has to offer.

    Well-known for it’s 32km stretch of beaches and crystal clear waters, you’re guaranteed a relaxing and refreshing trip. But there is so much more to this town.

    Here are some things to do with your partner in Punta Cana:

    – Moonlit couples massage 

    Many resorts in Punta Cana offer moonlit massages. This is the perfect way to relax and recharge before you get going with some more physically taxing activities.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B6JPz9XIxGh/

    – Seaquarium 

    An aquarium experience with a twist! You and your partner will be whisked off on an open-top bus and taken to a quay where a catamaran awaits you. Once you board the catamaran you’ll be treated to live entertainment, snacks and drinks. As if that is not an experience on its own, you’ll also get to walk under water with fish, sharks and manta rays! If you’re lucky enough you’ll get a kiss from a sea lion.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bp-pgTEhF5j/

    – Reserva Ecologica Ojos Indigenas

    The Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park and Reserve (Reserva Ecologica Ojos Indigenas) is a 1,500-acre area owned and operated by the Punta Cana Ecological Foundation. Historians discovered that the Taíno Indians, former inhabitants of the island, referred to the lakes as “eyes” (ojos in Spanish) because of their distinctive shape and formation.

    Visit the reserve and take a dip in the crystal clear waters. What could be better than indulging in some tranquility with your partner by your side?

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B8eMHxsI03w/

    – Hot air balloon

    Take a sunrise hot air balloon ride and bask in the glory of the amazing sights you’ll see. Float high above sugarcane fields and grazing cattle, as you see the world from a different perspective.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B5q7kxMH5st/

    – Hoyo Azul 

    This is one of the best landscapes that Punta Cana has on offer, you and your partner will have to spend an entire day there. With various activities such as cave exploration, snorkeling, riding through the jungle, and zip-lining, the day will be one you’ll remember for a long time.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BfpMO0sAyYW/

    – Aromas Museum

    Visit this private museum dedicated to the production of rum, coffee, cigars and cocoa. Of course you’ll get a chance to taste, touch, and smell all of these products (the best part) as you learn about their importance to the people of the Dominican Republic.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BFTNSS-orz5/

    Image: Instagram / puntacana