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Spring has sprung, so why should your hair still be stuck in winter? From a subtle trim to a dramatic colour change, we’re showing you four ways to up your hair’s cool factor this Spring.

A cut above the rest

It doesn’t take a dramatic change or a major snip to have a transformational hair moment, so before you reach for the scissors, listen up. An easy way to completely change your look without any long term commitment, is by going for some well-placed layers, or better yet, bangs. These options won’t require you to change the overall length of your hair, but will still give you some new-found movement. You could also try changing up the style of cut you’d normally get, like going for a blunt cut rather than feathered, or something leaning more towards asymmetrical. Small changes can make you feel like a brand new person, and isn’t that what spring is all about?

Pin-up girl

This Spring, it’s all about bringing retro back. Opt for slicked back hair with a few pins, slides or barrettes keeping it all together. Alternatively, wash and blow-dry hair into a smooth, voluminous ‘do, making use of some mousse, a blow-dry cream and a big barrel brush. For the curly girls, take it up a notch and really celebrate those curls by grabbing a curling cream or gel, and working it through damp hair to define curls without weighing it down.

Dive right in

Even though it’s not quite warm enough to go for ocean dips yet, we can still achieve beachy waves without needing the actual waves. Surfergirl hair is not only effortless and cool, but saves on unnecessary heat damage and mechanical wear and tear as well. Regardless of your hair texture, beachy waves is all about working with the texture you have and creating a more tousled, natural effect. Work a small amount of sea salt spray through the lengths of your clean, towel-dried hair and comb through to distribute evenly. Scrunch the hair to encourage a tousled effect, or plait hair into a few rough braids and leave to air dry.

Hot or cold

But in this case, why not both?! Science has revolutionised the beauty industry, and it isn’t stopping any time soon. So why not jump on the bandwagon and try out, not one, but two tones for your locks this Spring? Wella’s Opal-Essence range gives you one colour result with both warm and cool light reflections and a milky metallic sheen, thanks to a proprietary artificial intelligence process where unique colour desire is captured. From copper peach to silver mauve, the 5 no-depth permanent shades means the light is less absorbed, producing warm and cool hues depending on the bend of each hair.
For a completely unique colour update, visit your nearest Wella Professionals salon near you:  https://linktr.ee/wellaprofessionals_sa
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If you’ve ever been a guest a wedding, you’ll know there’s a weird waiting period between the wedding ceremony and the reception. While the bride and groom are take photos, the guests make their way to the reception venue and hang around until the bridal party arrives.

To make this period a little more fun, why not have a snack bar for you guests to indulge in? That will take care of that slight rumble in their tummy. It also gives them the opportunity to interact with each other at the same time.

To keep the hunger at bay, delight your guests with a snack bar. Here are some cool ideas.

Movie theatre popcorn

Popcorn is easy to snack on and you can make tons of it at once. You can even offer various flavours, from caramel corn to butter and icing sugar. Make sure to offer your guests tons of toppings and sides, like Astros, mini chocolates and nuts to mix in their bags.

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Sophisticated seafood

Oysters are chic and sophisticated. Have them displayed with some lemons and lime, and of course some sauce to pair. If you want to be even more extravagant, have some champagne on hand to pair them with.

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Donut wall:

Donut mind if we dig into this station! Donut walls have been trending in the wedding world for years. It doubles up as a snack station and a visual attraction.

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Candy station

Get your sweet on with a colourful candy station. Incorporate all your favourite sweets and throw in some sour candies for balance.

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Ice cream bar

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream. Buy a few of your favourite ice cream lollies in bulk and keep them cold in a cooler box, or have tubs and cones ready for your guests to help themselves. This is perfect for a summer wedding, when your guests will be desperate for something to cool them down.

Credit: Pinterest

Feature image: Pexels

A beach wedding is the quintessential summer event. The sound of the waves gently lapping on the shore and the feeling of sand in between your toes is enough to soothe anyone’s senses.

With such a beautiful backdrop, there isn’t that much you need to do to dress your venue. A few tables, flowers and umbrellas for shade are all you need.

If you want to add that extra flair, there are so many fun and vibrant styling ideas that are guaranteed to wow your guests. Think chandeliers,  modern arches and boho-inspired lanterns.

If you’re struggling to visualise, don’t fear. We’ve got some amazing inspiration:

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Feature image: Pexels

The case for eloping strengthens with every day the COVID-19 pandemic continues. More and more couples are opting to spend their big day on a micro-scale, with only two witnesses and an officiant present.

If you were meant to marry this year and still want to go through with it despite the pandemic, the safest option is to elope. This way, only your absolute closest are present.

Considering elopements are a lot more casual, you have more options for what to wear. Shorter dresses are more appropriate if you intend to have a casual courthouse event, or even a mountaintop moment. Here are some lovely looks you can shop right now:

Holly Cowl Neck Dress from Forever New

Boho Ruffle Sleeve Gown from Princess Lola Boutique

Ruched bardot midi dress from Missguided 

Off Shoulder Scalloped Lace Gown from Princess Lola

Kira Belted Linen Jumpsuit from Forever New

Lace panel scuba tiered midi dress from Missguided

Draped Bodycon Dress White from Mango

Winona Metallic Dress from Forever New

One shoulder midi dress from Missguided

Secret Garden Lace Gown from Princess Lola Boutique

Feature image: Pexels

It may seem simple, but nothing pleases a crowd like a cheese board. This perfect plate laden with an assortment of cheeses, fruits, meats and spreads is an easy way to serve guests and look like you put some effort in.

However, making the perfect board requires more than just slapping some cheese on a plate and calling it a day. Here are some tips to craft the perfect cheese board.

Variety is the spice of life:

You’ll want a wide variety of cheeses to cater to different taste palettes. Give your guests options by incorporating about 3-5 difference cheeses of varying firmness and texture. A soft cheese like brie, a hard one like parmesan and a crumbly blue cheese cater to different tastes.

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Complementary bites:

It can’t all be about cheese! You need some extra treats to snack on to provide more depth and flavour. Items like meats, crackers, nuts and fruits work wonders in adding both colour and flavour to your board. You want to hit various flavour profiles, so make sure to have something sweet, salty, and crunchy on your board. Red grapes, figs and jam are perfect for some added sweetness, while cured meats give a smoky finish. Add sides of crackers and bread to act as the perfect base for your snacks.

Use condiments like mustard, chutneys, honey and pesto as binding agents and to provide some moisture.

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Pile it on:

There really is no rhyme or reason when it comes to putting your cheese board together, as placement depends on your specific items and the size of your board. In general, it helps to place the cheeses first, spreading them out evenly across the board. Next, pile on your salty snacks and then fill in the gaps with your sweet treats. Use your crackers and breads as a perimeter, and slot in jars of condiments wherever you still have space. Garnish with springs of rosemary.

It depends on you whether you want to pre-slice your cheeses. Slicing them is easier for your guests to dish, but keeping them whole preserves them for longer and looks nicer. If you are keeping them whole, remember to provide individual knifes for each cheese.

Here are some setups to inspire your own:

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Feature image: Unsplash

Marriage is an old institution but that doesn’t mean it hasn’t been updated over the years. This is especially true when looking at marriage advice for brides and wives from the 1900s.

The rise in the feminist movement and women in the workforce have been major factors in creating more equal, modern married relationships. However, this wasn’t always the case, with women relegated to the home and caring for her husband and children.

While some advice, like making time for each other and not going to bed angry, may have stood the test of time, other bits of wisdom have not. Take a look and have a laugh at the absurd expectations of women from the past and then leave these tips in the history books where they belong.

Don’t bother him with your problems

“Don’t bother your husband with petty troubles and complaints when he comes home from work.” –Sex Today in Wedded Life, by Edward Podolsky, 1943.

Your nagging will cause the divorce

“I verily believe that the happiness of homes is destroyed more frequently by the habit of nagging than by any other one. A man may stand that sort of thing (nagging) for a long time, but the chances are against his standing it permanently. If he needs peace to make life bearable, he will have to look for it elsewhere than in his own house. And it is quite likely that he will look.” – Sex Satisfaction and Happy Marriage, Reverend Alfred Henry Tyrer, 1951.

Sex is not for fun and not for you

“At this point, dear reader, let me concede one shocking truth. Some young women actually anticipate the wedding night ordeal with curiosity and pleasure! Beware such an attitude! A selfish and sensual husband can easily take advantage of such a bride. One cardinal rule of marriage should never be forgotten: GIVE LITTLE, GIVE SELDOM, AND ABOVE ALL, GIVE GRUDGINGLY. Otherwise what could have been a proper marriage could become an orgy of sexual lust.” – Instruction and Advice for the Young Bride, 1894.

Pink underwear is key

“That the underwear should be spotlessly clean goes without saying , but every woman should wear the best quality underwear that she can afford. And the colour… should be preferably pink. And lace and ruffles, I am sorry to say, add to the attractiveness of underwear, and are liked by the average man.” –Married Life and Happiness, William Josephus Robinson, 1922.

Don’t be lazy

“Nothing destroys the happiness of married life more than the lazy, slovenly wife.” –Bath Chronicle, Dobbin Crawford, 1930.

Don’t clean too well

“Men like a clean house, but fussing about all the time, upsetting the house in order to keep it clean, will drive a man from the house elsewhere.”- Married Life And Happiness, Dr. William Josephus Robinson, 1922.

Picture: Pinterest

In recent years, it’s been quite trendy for bridesmaids to have their own unique looks, whether it be with various dress cuts or different gowns entirely. Why should they have all the fun?

The mismatched groomsmen trend is slowly picking up, and we are here for it. There is no rule that your groomsmen have to match. Let your groomsmen flaunt their fashions with some unique styles.

This option is also great for those who already have good-fitting suits, as they don’t need purchase a new one for the big day. This saves them some coin and adds the comfort of knowing you look good in the suit already.

Your best guys can mismatch in many ways. Go with different shades of a specific colour, personalised neckwear of even a variety of bold patterns.

 

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Spring is in the air. The weather is heating up, the flowers are blossoming and better days are ahead.

With weddings allowed under Level 2 lockdown, wedding planning can go full steam ahead. We love a Spring wedding because the weather is not overbearingly hot, and nature acts as the perfect backdrop.

If you’re planning a spring wedding, extend that theme into your wedding cake. This theme is all about having fun and enjoying life, there is nothing serious about it. Opt for pastel colours, and include your favourite flowers as decoration.

Here are terrific tiers to inspire your own:

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Feature image: Pexels

When it comes to wedding fashion, grooms are often forgotten about. It’s easy to slip on a simple black suit and call it a day.

However, stylish grooms deserve better. Those not afraid to make a statement, should go bold with a crisp, white suit. This can be risky business and will require some expert styling.

A white suit works for almost all seasons. It complements a winter wedding, and adds a lighter feel to go along with a summer soiree. What’s great about a white suit is that it looks great in any style, from a classic tuxedo to an edgy double-breast.

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When opting for a white suit, it is crucial to match your whites. Wearing an ebony jacket and pearl-hued trousers will emphasise the different shades and look off.

The easiest way to ensure your whites match is to have your suit professionally made in the same fabric or rent a full suit that has been made from one fabric.

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Finish this look off by carefully considering your accessories. A brown shoe adds a stark difference and a bit of richness, while a black shoe is eternally classic.

Grooms can go fully monochromatic with a matching white shirt, or break up the look with a coloured shirt. We advise a light-coloured shirt like a soft blue, pale pink or even a subtle pattern to keep up the airy look. Just avoid stripes, you don’t want to end up looking like a sailor!

Since this look is quite bold already, its best to be simple and keep accessories to a minimum. All you need is some good neckwear and a watch to finish off this look.

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Feature image: Unsplash

We’ve all got some extra mirrors laying around somewhere in the house. This easily accessible and affordable item works wonders as DIY wedding decor, all you need is a sharp eye for detail.

Mirrors can be repurposed as wedding decor in a number of ways. Use a large mirror as a seating chart by writing your table information in permanent marker, or use smaller mirrors as escort cards.

They can also be used as table numbers and table decor, or even as a table runner! Depending on the size and shape, its uses are endless.

Here are some magical ways to give old mirrors new life:

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Feature image: Unsplash