Category: Lifestyle Tips

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.

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

Fall 2016 /

Celebrate the 12 Days of Cava this Holiday Season with Freixenet

It’s always a grand idea to pop some bubbly during the most festive time of the year. Grab a case of Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut (SRP $12) and celebrate Freixenet’s 12 Days of Cava this holiday season! At just $12 a bottle, Freixenet Cava allows you to invite all your friends and keep the celebration going longer. Freixenet Cava is delightful when served on its own, mixed in cocktails, and added into holiday recipes. Follow Freixenet’s 12 Days of Cava plan to ensure a jolly celebration with your friends all season long:

DAY 1: Personalize Your Present

 Need a last minute Holiday party hostess gift? Don’t panic – a bottle of Freixenet Cava is all you need. The matte black bottle is the perfect canvas for a personalized message. Grab a gold pen and turn the bottle into a unique gift that everyone can enjoy.

DAY 2: The Sparkling Maple Leaf
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine 1 oz whisky, 1 oz maple syrup, and 1/2 oz lime juice. Shake and strain the mixture into a glass. Top off with 3 oz Brut Cava.

DAY 3: Brie + Cava Fondue
Rub 1 whole clove garlic in a saucepan. Add 1 c Extra Dry Cava and 1 tbsp cornstarch over low heat. Do not boil. Add 2 c Brie cheese in portions while slowly increasing the heat, (do not let boil). When cheese has melted, add 2 tbsp kirsch (fruit brandy), 1 tsp lemon juice, and a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg, cinnamon and brown sugar. Serve in a fondue pot with your favorite choice of fruit and bread for dipping.

DAY 4: Grab a bottle of Freixenet Cava and decorate the bottle with holiday stickers! Give to a coworker or friend to enjoy with you after work.

DAY 5: Candy Cane Cava-tail
Fill 1/3 of a flute with White Crème de Cocoa and the rest with chilled Sweet Cuvée Cava. Garnish with a whole candy cane.

DAY 6: Add Cava in cake balls!

DAY 7: Pomegranate Cava Punch
In a large bowl, stir together 1 juiced lemon, 1 c Old Orchard pomegranate juice, 1/3 c pomegranate seeds, 1 c orange liqueur and 2 c Brut Cava. Add twists from lemon peel and rosemary sprigs for garnish.

DAY 8: Cava Ginger Hot Toddy
In a small mug, combine 2 oz brewed gingerbread tea, 1/2 tsp molasses, 1 tsp raw sugar, and top off with Extra Dry Cava. Garnish with a lemon slice and cinnamon stick

DAY 9: Marshmallows fluffed with Cava.

DAY 10: The Ginger Swing
Purée 1 ripe pear in a food processor, set aside. Combine 1/2 c water, 1/2 c sugar and 4 inch piece of fresh ginger, quartered in a small pan. Bring to a boil and stir until sugar is dissolved. Cover, turn the heat off and let sit for 30 minutes. Remove ginger pieces, pour the syrup into the pear purée, stir, cover and refrigerate until cold. Once cold, spoon 2 tbsp of mixture into a flute, top off with Brut Cava.

DAY 11: The Evergreen Twist
Bring 1/2 c sugar, 1 1/2 c water, and 1/4 c juniper berries to a simmer in a pot, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat; let cool completely. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve; discard solids. Refrigerate 1 hour. Combine 3 tbsp juniper syrup with 1/2 cup Freixenet Cava to a glass. Garnish with a pine sprig; serve immediately.

DAY 12: Cava Wonderland
Prepare rims by combining 1/4 c coconut flakes, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, and one scraped vanilla bean. Coat the rim of a glass with lemon juice to make the sugar mixture stick. Pour 2 oz coconut juice blend or coconut puréed nectar into bottom of glass. Fill with Extra Dry Cava and stir to mix.

DAY 13: Grab a bottle of Freixenet Cava and a few friends and toast to 2017! Add some black and gold decorations, a fun playlist and sip Cava all night long while re-living the most hilarious moments of 2016.

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About Freixenet:

Freixenet (pronounced “fresh-eh-net”), best known for their iconic Black Bottle, was first introduced to the world in 1914. It is a family-owned winery based just outside of Barcelona. Under the leadership of the Ferrer family, the Freixenet Group is the global leader of sparkling wines made in the traditional method, and the pursuit of quality has been the family’s priority for more than a century.

Beauty /

Joe Zee – Tips for Looking Great During Holiday Season

Looking great during the holidays can go a long way to making the season bright.  About 90 percent* of Americans report feeling some holiday season stress contributing from pressure to look good for the many work and family social gatherings taking place this season.

With fashion and style tips for looking and feeling your best throughout the holiday season, Fashion Editor and Stylist, Joe Zee, shared how to be Insta-ready for the season’s mistletoe moments.

About Joe Zee:  Joe Zee is currently the Editor in Chief of Yahoo Style, where he is tasked with launching and running a digital fashion magazine for the tech giant.  Joe recently released his lifestyle & fashion memoire THAT’S WHAT FASHION IS: Lessons and Stories from My Non-Stop, Mostly Glamorous Life in Style and was also recently seen co-hosting the nationally syndicated ABC daytime talk show FABLife. Prior to this, Joe was the Creative Director of ELLE magazine where he not only oversaw all photoshoots and styled the covers, but he also penned a monthly column “Style A to Zee”. In addition to over a decade of editorial experience and an A-list styling roster, Joe is also a frequent fashion and pop culture expert appearing on ABC’s Good Morning America, NBC’s The Today Show, and recently wrapped a month long special fashion correspondent assignment for CBS’s Entertainment Tonight.

Joe Zee’s Tips for Looking Great during Mistletoe Moments

 

MAKE A STATEMENT: Have some fun this holiday season and step out of your comfort zone. Seek out a statement piece (maybe one you typically wouldn’t wear, ie, a funky jacket or big piece of jewelry) and add it to that holiday outfit. This is the fastest way to add pizazz to any outfit. It’s also an easy way to take a look from day to night (especially adding that great piece of jewelry) which is important during the busy holiday season.

LET IT SHINE: What better time than the holiday season to embrace the sparkle in you. Metallics and shine are a huge trend right now, both for day and night, so why not add some sparkle to your everyday look. Try a sequin trimmed t-shirt with that pencil skirt or a metallic belt and shoes to that natural look. And if you’re daring enough, I love a sequin sweater for day as well.

GO BIG OR GO SMALL: There’s a saying that “women shop and men just buy.” But there’s no reason that the guys can’t also love the part this holiday season. Guys, don’t be afraid to have some fun with your wardrobe this season as well. You can embrace trends by going all out or just have a small nod to it (I like to call this tip-toeing into the trend). So if color isn’t your thing, why not just have a pop of it with your tie or your pocket handkerchief but if you’re feeling bold, then the holidays are the perfect time to branch out and try a colored jacket mixed with a solid pant, or a patterned shirt under a darker jacket mixed with a different pant. It’s all about the mix and match.

LOOKING THE PART FROM HEAD TO TOE: Being well-groomed is just as important as what you wear. Be sure to have a fresh shave before you head out for a night of holiday parties! A close shave ensures you’re mistletoe moment ready!

Here’s a link to more info:  walmart.com/mistletoeready

Interview courtesy of Gillette, Crest, Braun and Oral B available at

Style Life Fashion from The Media Choice on Vimeo.
 

Birmingham /

Painting and Tips to Reduce Holiday Stress

Tis’ the season to be jolly!  Last weekend, I decided to take a break from the holiday busyness and visit Painting With a Twist art studio.

The purpose behind the class was to celebrate my mom’s birthday.  We had a great time and made plans to register for more events.

Aside from the celebration, one aspect to remember is that painting has therapeutic properties.  Some of the benefits include memory strength, stress relief, and emotional growth.

Painting a one-of-a-kind picture was the perfect bonding activity and awesome way to meet new friends!

I am not the best painter but with guidance I can create a masterpiece!

I also want to share a few additional tips to reduce stress during the holiday season:

  • Make holiday decor during the off-season to eliminate a hectic schedule.
  • Create a food menu and prep/freeze holiday dishes.
  • Visit your local grocery store or warehouse club for prepared dishes (example, Assorted Pinwheel Wraps, Rotisserie Chicken Enchiladas, or Ciabatta Sandwich Party Tray.)
  • Play upbeat holiday music to get everyone in the spirit.
  • Allow enough time to wrap gifts not excluding co-workers and care providers.
  • Include low-impact exercise into your weekly routine.
Amazon /

Amazon.com will Kick Off 12 Days of Deals

Amazon.com has kicked off 12 Days of Deals (www.amazon.com/holidaydeals), offering great prices on holiday gifts for everyone. There will be hundreds of deals December 4 – 15, starting at midnight PT. Each day will feature a specific theme, including:

–          December 4: Gifts for kids

–          December 5: Books and media

–          December 6: Gifts for entertaining/gifts for foodies

–          December 7: Gifts for gamers

–          December 8: Fashion

–          December 9: Tools and DIY

–          December 10: Gifts for travelers

–          December 11: Fitness and activity

–          December 12: Tech and gadgets

–          December 13: Gifts for crafters and hobbyists

–          December 14: Gifts for pets

–          December 15: Stocking Stuffers

 

Mobile-only Deals:

In addition to themed daily deals, Amazon is also offering flash sales December 7 – 20 available on the mobile app only.

Sunday, December 4: Kids

–          $10 off Kindle for Kids Bundle

–          Save up to 50% on select life-sized toys – for a limited time, save on select toys that are the size of a kid, including:

  • Star Wars Episode VII Massive BB-8 Deluxe Feature Action Figure
  • Star Wars Big Figs Rogue One Massive 31″  K-2SO Action Figure
  • Meccano – Meccanoid XL 2.0
  • K’NEX Thrill Rides – Big Ball Factory Building Set
  • K’NEX Sorcerer’s Eclipse Roller Coaster Building Set

–          Save over 25% on select instruments for kids from top brands like Epiphone, Gammon, and more, including:

  • Gammon 5-Piece Junior Starter Drum Kit with Cymbals, Hardware, Sticks, & Throne – Various Colors
  • Epiphone LP Junior Solid-Body Electric Guitar, Vintage Sunburst
  • Music Alley MA34-N Classical Junior Guitar
  • AirJamz App-Enabled Bluetooth Music Toy, Electric Air Guitar and more for your iOS or Android Mobile Phone or Tablet, Black, Powered by Zivix
  • Mahalo Rainbow Series Soprano Ukulele Starter Pack
  • RockJam Electronic Roll Up Drum Kit with Built in Speakers, Pedals, Drumsticks, and Power Supply

–          Save up to 50% on Kids’ Sports Products, including:

  • Skywalker Trampolines 8-Feet Jump N’ Dunk Trampoline with Safety Enclosure and Basketball Hoop
  • Lifetime 90040 Height Adjustable Portable Basketball System, 44 Inch Backboard
  • Lifetime Ace Flyer Airplane Teeter Totter
  • Champion Sports Rhino Skin Dodgeball Set

Monday, December 5: Entertainment/Media

–          $80 off Amazon Tap + Fire tablet Bundle

Thursday, December 8: Fashion

–          Deal on Levi’s Must-Haves including bestsellers like the 501 Original, 511 Slim, and 711 Skinny, which make the perfect gift for any denim lover

–          Save up to 60% on Cold-Weather Accessories

 

Saturday, December 10: Travel

–          Save up to 60% on select luggage from Travelpro

Event /

Exclusive Beer Pairing Dinner at Fleet Street Kitchen

The guided dinner, created exclusively by Fleet Street Kitchen Chef Michael Correll, highlights a variety of beers and ciders from the MillerCoors portfolio.

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Beyond enjoying a delicious menu, a MillerCoors beer expert was on hand (for the event) to share little-known facts from the brewers’ storied history and portfolio of products throughout the night.

 

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1st Course

Venison Terrine with Apple Butter

Blue Moon Cinnamon Horchata

2nd Course

Nantucket Bay Scallop Crudo with Cranberry Ponzu, Poached Cranberry, Sunchoke and Uni

Leinenkugel’s Cranberry Ginger Shandy

3rd Course

Farro risotto with Matsutake mushroom, smoked bacon, green apple and spruce or Grilled baby octopus with local honey, smoked paprika, confit potato, fennel puree and citrus

Blue Moon White IPA

4th Course

Pan Seared Halibut with Kumquat-truffle Jam, Cauliflower Puree, Frisee and Roasted Tri-colored Cauliflower

Blue Moon Belgian White

5th Course

Roasted Magret Duck Breast with Charred Onion Soubise, Chanterelle Mushrooms, Arbequina Olive, Artichoke and Nasturtium

Leinenkugel’s Bavarian Dunkel

6th Course

Praline Kit Kat with Crunchy Praline Feuilletine, Chocolate Financier, Malted Whipped Cream, Coffee Sorbet

Blue Moon Cappucino Stout

 

Amazon /

Amazon Prime Now: The Ultimate Destination for Thanksgiving Prep

As we are gearing up for our Thanksgiving feasts, wanted to call to mind that Amazon’s Prime Now service can deliver all Turkey Day essentials to customers’ doors in just one hour!

We can all relate to being in the kitchen cooking the biggest meal of the year and realizing you forgot the cranberry sauce, pie crusts or the roasting pan. Prime Now can bring customers these items and more in an hour or less so they can skip the trip to the store and continue spending time with friends and loved ones.

Beyond the food, customers can also find hostess gifts or “family fun” items, including the most popular board games that have been delivered in one hour through Prime Now: Pie Face Game, Connect 4, Catan and Taboo.  We also have localized shopping data for all Prime Now cities available upon request.

In Baltimore, Prime Now is available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week, and will be operating on Thanksgiving Day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. to help account for anyone that’s forgotten the butter, paper towels or other essentials. Two-hour delivery is free and one-hour delivery is available for $7.99. All Prime members can download the Prime Now app, available on iOS and Android devices, and will be notified when the service is available in their zip code.