Category: Fall 2016

Accessories /

Should You Design An Engagement Ring From Scratch?

One of the first things to think about when you’ve decided to propose is, do you want to purchase a store-bought ring or have the freedom to design your own? Many jewelers offer both options but it can be hard to decide whether the convenience, quality warranty and being able to see the finished product is better. As on the other hand, you could have the chance to choose a ring that suits your bride to be’s personality, matches your budget and has been flawlessly manufactured. Remember, an engagement ring is a paramount piece of jewelry as it symbolizes the promise the two of you are making to each other and needs to be worthy of that commitment.

Featured photo from People.com

It’ll Be Truly Unique

The last thing you want is your excited fiancé to show off her ring only to be told ‘yeah that style’s nice’ or worse see someone wearing pretty much the same ring as her. Even though there are lots of different designs, it’s entirely possible that sooner or later she may run into someone who has been proposed with the same ring style from the same store. If your future wife has very individual style and tastes  it may be better to pick out your own ring. That way the diamonds, setting and even band color will be different as you’ll be able to incorporate more details. Another way to set her ring apart from the crowd is weave in personal elements, such as engraving, colored stones and a ring box with her name or birth date on.

You’ll Be Able To Control Your Budget

Engagement rings come in a range of price points so by purchasing all the elements of the ring separately you’ll be able to prioritize what’s important to you. If you want a larger diamond you may be able to choose a slightly less precious metal for the band; a smaller setting may give you more room on the band if you’re selecting a pave style. A diamond that is only slightly more colored than another one may vary hugely when it comes to price. Look for loose diamonds for sale that are categorized as I to J as these are good quality, medium priced gems as well as those that weigh between one and two karats for large singular diamonds, such as solitaires, and 0.50 and one karat for three stone styles.

Greater Sentimental Value

Designing a ring is a process that involves quite a few people including yourself, the salesperson, shop designer, gem dealer and the craftsmen that creates setting and band. It isn’t a cheap nor a quick option and so it requires an awful lot of thought and preparation, multiple phone calls or meetings and a lot of trust in your chosen jeweler.

Your fiancé will appreciate the amount of love, time and effort that went into her ring and will be genuinely touched by all your hard work. Remember, engagement rings are designed to be worn for a lifetime alongside wedding or even eternity rings. So if you’ve created one custom piece then you may have to create another for the jewellery to look right together.  David Alan is a master jeweler who works with you to take your vision and create one-of-a-kind custom pieces that you and your partner will love.

collaborative post

Accessories /

6 Last-Minute Shopping Hacks for Holiday Procrastinators

If you’ve waited until the eleventh hour to wrap up your gift shopping, you may be feeling anxious and a bit panicked over you ability to get it all done in time. Unfortunately, this combination could cause you to make poor purchasing decisions and lead you to overspend.

1. Shop in the wee hours.
Save your sanity by taking advantage of extended store hours and shop during the less busy times of day. Many stores will be keeping their doors open past regular hours for straggling shoppers. For instance, Babies ‘R Us will stay open until 2am through Friday, Macy’s and Target will be open until 12am all week long, and Kohl’s will operate around the clock through Friday. Know when to shop by reviewing the comprehensive list of store hours from DealNews.

2. Know where the sales are.
Save time and money by using the Steps Away app, which offers hyperlocal, real-time offers and promotions from nearby retailers so you know where to find the best sales and deals instantly. It is now available in over 150 malls in 40 states and 20 major metro areas. Don’t forget to download Coupon Sherpa’s free coupon app which provides coupons to stores based on your location so you never miss an offer. You’ll find offers such as 15% off with a Famous Footwear coupon or 20% off from Kohl’s.

3. Find gifts in unexpected places.
You don’t have to shop at traditional retailers to find gifts for everyone on your list. Save time by picking up presents in unexpected places while running errands. If you’re heading to the drugstore for prescriptions and gift wrap, look for beauty sets, fragrance and even toys for the women and children on your list. The warehouse store is the perfect place to stock up on groceries for guests and cleaning supplies while offering a wide selection of potential presents like small kitchen appliances, gadgets and even chocolate and cookie tins that make great hostess gifts. And if you’re on the way to the airport, look for a Best Buy kiosk for affordable headphones and bluetooth speakers.

4. Opt for an experience gift.
Experiential gifts are the ideal last-minute gifts because they’re quick and easy to procure and offer the recipient a lasting memory. Print certificates to various experiences like wine tasting, race car driving and hot air balloon rides instantly from your computer. Get creative with packaging by combining the certificate with a coordinating item like a bottle of wine with a wine-making experience, for example. Check out eBay experiences or Groupon for an endless list of ideas!

5. Make something.
Making a gift may sound time-consuming and complicated, but there are several homemade items that are cheap, easy and quick to make. For example, you can put together a festive cookie mix gift by layering ingredients from your favorite cookie recipe in a mason jar or try this DIY Peppermint Sugar Scrub, it’s simple to make with just sugar, coconut oil, food coloring and peppermint essential oil. If you’re feeling crafty, make a painted or glitter ornament by following instructions here.

6. Regift.
Regifting is a controversial practice, but when executed thoughtfully, it can be a great alternative to traditional gift giving. There are definitely do’s and don’ts for regifting, including using only new or like-new items and being honest about whether the recipient wants the item. Unused candles and accessories like scarves make great gifts for coworkers and neighbors. You can even regift a favorite book with a note letting the recipient know why you enjoy it so much, and why you thought they would, too.

Feel free to share “6 Last-Minute Shopping Hacks for Holiday Procrastinators” with your audience, giving proper attribution to the source.

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Andrea Woroch is a money-saving expert who transforms everyday consumers into savvy shoppers by sharing smart spending tips and personal finance advice. As a sought-after media source, she has been featured among such top news outlets as Good Morning America, Today, CNN, Dr. OZ, New York Times, MONEY Magazine, Consumer Reports, Forbes and many more. In addition, Andrea’s stories have been published among leading publications and sites such as Yahoo!, AOL Daily Finance, CNN Money, Huffington Post, LearnVest and New York Daily News. Check out Andrea’s demo reel or visit her website at AndreaWoroch.com for more information about booking an interview or requesting an original written article. You can also follow her on Twitter or Facebook for daily money tips.

ANTM /

Rita Ora Take-Over Rimmel Snapchat Channel TODAY

Rimmel London ambassador Rita Ora is getting to grips with using the new Snapchat Spectacles in preparation for giving a unique behind-the-scenes sneak-peek at her new Rimmel London advertising campaign – FROM HER EXCLUSIVE VIEW-POINT.

The multitalented singer-songwriter-actor today announced on her social media accounts that she will be taking-over the Rimmel London Snapchat Channel on December 20, 2016. Fans will get an extraordinary backstage insight into Rita’s new photoshoot for Rimmel London, all thanks to the innovative use of Snapchat Spectacles. Throughout the day, Rita will be wearing the sought-after sunglasses, which have a built-in camera to record 10 second videos that are directly uploaded to Snapchat.

For the FIRST TIME for a beauty brand, Rimmel London will be able to show exactly what it’s like to be a celebrity on the set of a shoot with footage taken from Rita’s perspective. Rita will record and upload Snapchat videos whilst she’s talking to her glam squad, getting her hair and make-up done, and even whilst she’s being shot by the photographer. Beauty and music lovers will get an unprecedented A-lister look at all the behind-the-scenes action, different angles of the set, the people involved and what it’s like to be on the other side of the camera.

Thanks to Rimmel, Rita is one of the very few to get her hands on a fun pair of stylish Snapchat Spectacles. Made by Snap Inc, these wearable camera-glasses are available in random locations across the US.

Rita Ora will be streaming her behind-the-scenes videos on Rimmel London Snapchat (Rimmel_London) today, December 20, 2016.

Accessories /

First Lady Michelle Obama Says Farewell To The White House – Must See Interview

First Lady Michelle Obama looked stunning during her interview with Oprah Winfrey.  FLOTUS was seen on the CBS network wearing a Brandon Maxwell Shift Dress.  Personally, I adored the high fashion and use of bold accessories (purple pumps) during this television special but the hairstyles were gorgeous as well.

The new special FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA SAYS FAREWELL TO THE WHITE HOUSE — AN OPRAH WINFREY SPECIAL will be broadcast Monday, Dec. 19 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. OWN will air the second showing of the special on Wednesday, Dec. 21 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT). In the special, which taped on Dec. 14, Oprah Winfrey speaks to First Lady Michelle Obama for her final one-on-one interview inside the White House. During this exclusive interview in the First Family’s private residence, Mrs. Obama talks about life at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, her eight years as First Lady of the United States, the legacy she’ll leave behind and her plans for the future. Photo: Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon

Michelle’s natural (chemical-free) hair was cut in a Blunt Bob and Oprah wore the perfect Ponytail.  Aside from the fashion and beauty displayed by both women, the CBS special addressed topics that can be related to women across the world.

The First Lady Michelle Obama discussed her experiences entering in The White House, national program initiatives such as Let’s Move, and raising her daughters in the public eye.

There was also a brief visit from President Barack Obama.  In closing, Michelle couldn’t forget to address that life changing quote “When They Go Low, We Go High” as we prepare for the upcoming inauguration.

To watch, click here:  An Oprah Winfrey Special:  First Lady Michelle Obama Says Farewell To The White House

Birmingham /

Santa Spreads Holiday Cheer in UAB’s NICU, Continuing Care Nursery

Infants in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Women and Infants Center had a special visitor Monday, Dec. 11, and Tuesday, Dec. 12. Santa Claus visited with babies and their families in the UAB Regional Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Continuing Care Nursery. As Santa peeked in on these newborns and checked his list, families gathered to celebrate the holidays and take special photos with him.

About UAB
Known for its innovative and interdisciplinary approach to education at both the graduate and undergraduate levels, the University of Alabama at Birmingham is an internationally renowned research university and academic medical center and the state of Alabama’s largest employer, with some 23,000 employees and an economic impact exceeding $5 billion annually on the state. The five pillars of UAB’s mission deliver knowledge that will change your world: the education of students, who are exposed to multidisciplinary learning and a new world of diversity; research, the creation of new knowledge; patient care, the outcome of ‘bench-to-bedside’ translational knowledge; service to the community at home and around the globe, from free clinics in local neighborhoods to the transformational experience of the arts; and the economic development of Birmingham and Alabama. Learn more at www.uab.edu.

FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/uab.edu TEXT: www.uab.edu/news TWEETS: www.twitter.com/uabnews VIDEO: www.youtube.com/uabnews

Accessories /

New Year’s Eve Party Prep – Start Now

It seems like just yesterday that we were getting into the Christmas spirit and now, it’s pretty much upon us. Aside from the food that we’ll eat and the presents that we’ll share, that only means one thing: New Year’s is right around the corner. The Holidays can be a busy time to prepare for, but they don’t just end when the clock strikes midnight on December 25th. In fact, for some people, they just get into full swing. So, why not think about getting prepared now?

You’re probably all ready for Christmas. You’ve got your candy cane nails on, the presents are wrapped, and the food is all planned out. So, now is the perfect time to get ready for your New Year’s Eve plans. You might even find that some of these preparations prepare you more for Christmas itself. Regardless of your plans this year, you’ll be grateful that you started early when you’re enjoying the evening with ease.

 

Look After Your Skin

With the range of delicious food and even a little champagne, it’s like that our bodies are going to be a little relaxed over the Holidays. It can also apply to our skin. When we’re indulging more and working out less, it starts to show all over our face. So, combat that now and do your best to fight away and problems that could pop up. Work on your cleansing routine and schedule in a few masks. Your perfect New Year’s complexion will be worth all of the effort.

Book Your Wax

If you’re a regular visitor at the waxing salon, why not swing by and make sure your appointment for New Year’s is already booked. You might even be able to get in before Christmas, killing two birds with one stone. But, if you leave it too late, you might find yourself without an appointment but with hairy legs. So think fast and make sure your appointment is set in stone.

Pick Your Makeup

You’ve got plenty of time, so why not think about trying a new makeup routine for New Years? It’s never a good idea to try something new on the night (unless you’re a professional), so start practicing now. Get your brushes, your Anastasia makeup, your lashes, and find a tutorial that will look great with your outfit for New Year’s – it might even make for a fun afternoon.

Decide What To Wear

And while we’re on the topic, you’re going to want to think about what you’re going to wear. You might already have an outfit in mind, so if you do try it all on. If you’ve seen something you want to buy, buy it now. If you wait any longer, your size might be sold out. Or, if you’re styling up an outfit with things you already have, waiting until the last minute to put it all together could be disastrous. It might not look right, or you could find that things no longer fit. So while you have the time, get your look ready.

Book Your Hair

Now that you’ve got an outfit sorted and you’ve had a play around with your makeup, you’re going to want to think about your hair. If you’re planning on having it cut or a new color applied, head to the salon and get your appointment confirmed. You might even want to get any style changes done now, just to make sure that you like them ahead of the night. If you’re thinking of having it styled, then booking it now will make sure that your slot is reserved.

Get In Shape

The year isn’t over yet, so if you’re still a pound or two off of your New Year’s Eve target, you’ve still got time to get in shape. You might not be able to see a complete turnaround, but there’s still time to get in some running and weight training. You never know, your final efforts could be the ones that make you feel incredible or finally make you fit into that dress. So get your mind in the game and stick at it!

Book Your Mani

And finally, the last appointment that you might want to make will be for your nails. You have your Christmas design on now, but it might not look right for your New Year’s Eve plans – especially now that you have your makeup, outfit and hair all sorted out. Get an appointment for the 31st itself or as close to it as possible; then you can avoid any last minute breakages that could kill your mood!

Beauty /

iRestore Hair Growth System – Thickening Formula

Serums are the latest beauty product to increase optimal hair growth.  As women, we undergo several health factors such as hormone changes, poor diet, and stress that can have an impact our hair.  In addition, hair is part of the largest organ (on the body) which is our skin or epidermis.  Skin care goes hand in hand with Hair care for several reasons:

  1. Every season has an impact on hair follicles – from the environment.
  2. Consuming the right amount of vitamins and minerals extends hair growth.

I had the opportunity to use the iRestore Hair Growth System. Due to body changes and child-birth my hair root has changed.  This is also the reason I became natural (chemical-free) while seeking to have a healthy scalp.

The iRestore Hair Growth System was easy to use (a few drops daily) and I have reduced seasonal shedding. With the use of this product, I’m looking forward to hair growth over the next few months!

Learn more about the company below:

For those looking to grow thicker and healthier hair due to thinning hair, Freedom Laser Therapy, maker of the FDA-cleared laser hair loss medical device, The Hair Growth Serum was developed using an advanced thickening formula, Redensyl®, that is clinically proven to stimulate hair growth for both men and women who suffer from alopecia.

“The loss or thinning of your hair can be traumatic and frustrating. Having experienced it myself, I sought to discover a way to help those in similar situations,” said Craig Nabat, CEO of Freedom Laser Therapy. “First we launched the iRestore device, and now, we have introduced the Hair Growth Serum. We’re excited to offer customers a non-invasive solution––made of natural ingredients––that proliferates hair growth and allows users to have more beautiful hair without negative side effects.”

The Hair Growth Serum is formulated with patented molecules, Redensyl® and Vitamin E & B, designed to reactivate hair stem cell activity and nourish hair follicles to promote optimal hair growth. By applying 1ml two times a day directly onto the scalp in areas of hairloss, users can expect to see significant visible results in as little as three months.

The iRestore Hair Growth Serum is developed and made in the United States. It is sold for $39.99 for a 2oz. / 60ml bottle and is available for purchase now on iRestore’s website.

About Freedom Laser Therapy
Freedom Laser Therapy is a Los Angeles-based company that develops and markets cutting-edge light and hair therapy products that improve consumer health and beauty. The company hopes to inspire customers to care for their appearance and well-being in a reliable, health-conscious way. Freedom Laser Therapy was founded in 2003 by CEO Craig Nabat who, having struggled with hair loss and quitting smoking, was determined to find solutions to both challenges—and so he did with the iRestore Hair Growth System and Freedom Quit Smoking System. Nabat is a serial entrepreneur and was featured as the October 2015 cover story of Inventors Digest. Freedom Laser Therapy has been featured by The Doctors TV, Access Hollywood, Huffington Post, VH1, TLC, Fox News, and CBS. To learn more, visit http://www.freedomlasertherapy.com/.