Couples are difficult to shop for and having a wedding registry solves a whole lot of problems for guests who don’t understand your style. Gift registries are easy and effortless, and ensure you don’t have 10 of the same gifts. Here are a few local shops and websites to consider when listing your registry. You can also read: Best wedding planning APP’s and tools.
1. Yuppiechef
Founded in 2006, YuppieChef was created by two friends. Known as a kitchen and homeware store, the company has assisted over 5000 happy couples. They offer an easy and convenient set up and stock products from over 700 brands. The company specialises in knives, cookware, appliances and soft furnishings.
2. @home
This well known homeware store offers a gift registry that can be set up online. @home offers an in-store consultation if you and your partner desire this. You can also manage your registry online. They offer several brands in various homeware sections such as the kitchen, bedroom, living room, bathroom and decor.
3. Wrapistry
Wrapistry have a variety of gifts and brands on their website. The website boasts brands like Carrol Boyes, Jamie Oliver, Maxwell & Williams, Le Creuset and many more. Options include group gifting, free delivery, gift tracker and cash refunds.
4. Mr Price Home
This store has a wide variety of homeware items at affordable prices. Have your pick of living room, kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and home decor items. Mr Price Home has online videos available to help assist with setting up your registry.
5. Gift Tree
They provide many gift registries and items to choose from. Gift Tree also allows group gifting, so if you choose something a bit more expensive, a few people can contribute to it. They customise your registry to suit any budget. Offering gifts from various sections like bar ware, decor, tableware, bedroom, bathroom and dining.
6. Bespoke
Founded in 2012, Bespoke offers a carefully curated collection of homeware items. Take a pick from kitchen, decor, bedroom, outdoor and living room items.
7. From9am.com
From9am is your one-stop online cyber destination for all things health and beauty in South Africa. Quality products made locally and imported are available for online purchase, this includes makeup, eye, Lip, face, hair, body and feet products catering for all types of consumers! Shop the From9am.com beauty destination for makeup brush sets, blush and powder brushes, beauty blenders, makeup bags, tweezers, foundation, eyeshadows, palettes, eye makeup, lashes, concealers, contours, highlighters, bronzers, primers, setting sprays, face, body and feet products + so much more.
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Destination weddings are quickly becoming a popular option, but as with any wedding choice, they come with their own pros and cons. Guests The biggest appeal of having…
We’ve rounded up some of the coolest hair accessories under the sun, fit for the modern bride looking for something a little different.
Headbands
They’re back! Big and bold, or slim and subtle, which ever you prefer. Headbands have the power to uplift your entire look with an added touch of elegance. What’s more, they’re reusable long after the wedding, and if you grow tired of them on the day, you can simply slip it off without compromising your perfectly crafted ‘do.
Dramatic veils
Although some brides are opting to forgo the tradition altogether, the veil still adds a romantic element that few other accessories can compare with. Instead of going the traditional route, set your sights on something more dramatic – think embellishments, opulent details or interesting fabrics to take you from basic to breathtaking.
3-D Florals
Forget flower crowns. Floral appliqués offer a fresh take on the otherwise bohemian alternative. Incorporate them into your hair in any way you deem fit. Clip it into your updo or ponytail along your hairline, or scattered throughout loose strands to look as though confetti has landed perfectly on your hair.
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Barrettes
This quirky look has come a long way since the 90s. From glitter and crystals, to pearls and diamonds, bridal barrettes are the perfect addition to your hairstyle for an updated take on traditional bobby pins that are mostly hidden away. Keep it subtle, or stack them on – either way you’ll win.
Hats
There’s absolutely no reason why you can’t wear a beautiful hat on your wedding day. It can take you from relaxed boho bride to ultra sophisticated, and you always have the option of taking it off when you feel it’s done it’s job (of making you look cool, that is).
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Now that you’re engaged, you’ll want to have an engagement party to celebrate with your family and friends. Where to have it? Gorgeous George is a new boutique…
Who doesn’t love a great suit and who doesn’t look good in one too? That’s exactly why more and more women are opting to ditch the dress – along with patriarchal gender norms – for a bridal suit.
We love how modern brides are breaking barriers and defying tradition, we love power moves and a bride wearing a classic blazer-pants combo to her wedding is exactly that, whether you prefer smart tailoring, relaxed and fluid shapes or modern and flourished designs. Here are a few things to know if you’re unfamiliar with the sartorial world of suits.
Know the difference
Bespoke suits are traditionally cut from a pattern drafted from scratch for the customer, and so it differs from Ready-to-Wear, which is factory made in finished condition and standardised sizes, and from Made-to-Measure. Made-to-Measure typically refers to custom suits that are cut and sewn using a standard size based pattern. A Made-to-Measure suit will be more expensive than a Ready-to-Wear suit but will be cheaper than a Bespoke suit.
Style lingo
Regarding stylistic choices, when it comes to choosing your suit you have to consider what you want in terms of lapels,vents, buttons and the lining. There are three types of lapels and vents, each with their own stylistic connotations.
– The three-button suit is not usually a contemporary style choice, though it was quite a hit in the 90’s. The three-button suit has a high button stance creating a higher “V” on the chest, but because of this it can sometimes look stuffy depending on your height, so it’s a great option for someone over 6’2”.
– The two-button suit is a much more popular choice in recent times, good for creating the illusion of an elongated chest with longer lapels and a deeper “V”.
– The one-button suit is a fairly new trend, providing edge and sleekness with an even deeper “V”. This option usually pairs well with slim suits.
The lining of a suit is not merely for cosmetic reasons. It adds structure and weight to your suit, so fully-lined suits will generally be warmer and have a more substantial look to them. Cheaper lining suits will often lack durability and breathability, creasing and sticking to your shirt or whatever undergarments you may be wearing under your blazer, so don’t disregard the importance of quality lining.
By Keenan Martin
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Planning your wedding and finding inspiration can be tough. Luckily, wedding expos and fairs are there to guide soon-to-be wed couples. Not only can you get tips, ideas…
Every bride wants to look and feel incredible on her wedding day. Setting a wedding date may be just the perfect motivation needed to get to your goal weight.
We asked Loredana Loots, an integrative nutrition and holistic health coach for her expert opinion on how to get into the best shape of your life.
1. Set a realistic goal
“Instead of going crazy and trying to reach an unattainable goal, start by adopting healthy and consistent habits that can easily become part of your lifestyle.This will not only help you in your journey of looking your best, but will strengthen your immune system and give you a much-needed mood and energy boost during the stressful planning times. It’s also important to not put too much pressure on yourself, or you’ll risk damaging your health as well as your mental wellbeing,” explains Loots.
2. On your plate
“Choose to eat real, whole foods (food in its natural state) whenever you can. These have not been processed, refined or altered and will provide you with the most nutrients,” says Loots.
“Try to include a balance of the following foods everyday: Veg out: At least half of your plate should consist of fruit and vegetables. The power of plants is unbelievable. They are the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet! Rich and diverse in vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients, these are the nutrition superheroes you should always rely on. Aim to eat the rainbow.”
“Protein please: Eggs, lean meat, poultry and fish (organic and pasture-raised if possible). Beans, legumes, raw nuts and seeds. Broccoli, watercress, green peas, spinach, Brussels sprouts, kale, asparagus and spirulina. A quarter of your plate should consist of protein.”
“Whole grains and friendly fats: Not all carbs and fats are enemies! They are vital for a healthy bodyweight and good health. Whole grains should take up the remaining quarter of your plate. Try out quinoa, brown and wild rice, buckwheat or rolled oats. 1 to 2 tablespoons of healthy fats such as extra virgin olive oil, raw nuts and seeds, avocado, tahini, nut butters and organic coconut oil added to every meal will ensure the absorption of vitamins, balance your mood and nourish your hair, skin and nails. Fatty fish such as wild caught salmon, mackerel, sardines and anchovies are also high in essential omega-3 fats.”
“Drink up: Water, that is! Something so obvious but often overlooked. Add a squeeze of lemon, apple cider vinegar and a dash of ginger for a natural detox, to fight the bloat and encourage glowing skin. Herbal teas without milk and sugar also count.”
“Cold feet: Avoid or limit sugar ,processed/junk food, refined carbs and gluten, conventional dairy (plain Greek yoghurt in moderation), excessive alcohol, caffeine and salt.”
“Snack attack: Keep healthy snacks on hand to beat any cravings and the 4pm slump. Raw nuts, fruit, dry and lean biltong, veggie soup, air-popped popcorn, boiled eggs, etc.”
3. Get moving
“Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise 5-6 days per week. Mix it up, keep your body guessing for maximum benefits. Try to do a variety of workouts every week in the form of strength training, weighted, resistance and body weight workouts that target the legs, glutes, back, biceps & triceps, chest, abs and shoulders,” says Loots.
“Encourage more movement through pilates, HIIT, Zumba and Barre classes to tone, increase cardio health and muscle-to-fat ratio. Low intensity, restorative workouts like yoga, walking, casual swimming and cycling are ideal for ‘active rest’ days.”
Last, but definitely not least…
“Your wellness and state of mind is just as important as what you put in your body, and the exercise you do. Adopt some of these habits early on and they too will soon be part of your daily routine:
– Get enough sleep and priorities a healthy routine. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time everyday.
– Avoid caffeine after 2pm
– Try not to use electronics 2 hours before bed
– Eat your last meal of the day atlas 2 hours before you go to bed
– Wind down with a good book, a warm bath, aromatherapy, a soothing tea such as chamomile, meditation or controlled breathing, or a combination of them all!”
Get in contact: Loredana Loots – [email protected]
Facebook: Nourish To Flourish Health and Wellness Coach
Instagram: @nourishtoflourish_with_lore
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