Expert Tips On Taking Care Of Your Gold Jewelry

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Reading Time: 5 minutes

Gold has been an important part of people’s lives for thousands of years. It is a precious metal that was first mined in the Middle East and then spread through Europe. Today, it is one of the most common materials used to make jewelry, but gold can also be used to make other valuables like coins or religious objects. Gold is valuable because it does not corrode or change color easily; it cannot be destroyed by heat, and the natural yellow color makes it very desirable. People often wear gold rings on their fingers as symbols of wealth and power, which probably started when they discovered how easy it was to identify who had taken their gold ring off after they died.

Jewelry made of gold is very desirable, but if you want to make sure it remains beautiful you should take care of it properly. Gold is an expensive metal, so you don’t want to damage your jewelry by doing things like using the wrong detergent or leaving it out in the sun too long. The better you take care of your gold jewelry, the longer it will last. This article will provide you with some tips on how to properly take care of your gold jewelry.

Taking care of your gold jewelry

The best way to take care of your gold jewelry is to store it safely when you are not wearing it. You can accomplish this by getting a chain and hanging the item somewhere in your home, such as on a wall or from a hook on the back of a door. This will keep it safe while also allowing you to see all of your jewelry at once. You should also clean it regularly, which can be done using warm soapy water. Proper maintenance or negligence to do so can significantly impact the price of gold. As a material, gold can be challenging for maintenance, but specialists at https://www.npmex.com/category/gold share quite a few ways to thoroughly clean and maintain it. Buying vintage gold pieces (from coins to rings) can be a tricky challenge, so make sure you are getting them from professional dealers. On the other hand, if you own a piece make sure you clean it properly. 

Start by letting the gold jewelry soak for about ten minutes in the soap and water mixture before scrubbing it gently with a soft cloth or toothbrush. Rinse with clean water and set it out to dry. Wipe or brush your jewelry regularly, especially if you are wearing it often, to make sure it is always clean before storage.

Proper storage

One of the best things you can do for your gold jewelry is to keep it somewhere safe where nothing will bump into it or scratch it. Generally, this means putting it somewhere out of sight. It is almost always best to put your gold jewelry away after you wear it because the chemical makeup of your body, along with soap and perspiration, can leave a residue that can damage your valuables over time.

The chemicals in the air can also harm your gold jewelry, which is why it should be wrapped before being placed in a box. If you want to be even more careful, put a layer of tissue paper between your jewelry and the container it is being stored in. This will keep them from touching if they shift during transport or storage. There are several other ways that you can store your gold jewelry properly, but how you choose to do so will depend on how much you want to spend and the amount of storage space you have available. Be creative and you will find a solution that works for your budget and home.

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Jewelry’s maintenance tips

It is not always necessary to take your jewelry to a professional cleaner when it gets dirty, but before trying any home remedies be sure that the item is 100 percent gold or that it has a pure-gold clasp. Many products will say that they are safe for “gold and diamonds,” which is generally code for “not real gold.” If you can’t tell, wear the item around for a day to see if the skin reacts with it in any way.

If your budget doesn’t allow you to get your items professionally cleaned, you can use products like toothpaste and baking soda to clean them yourself. However, this will rarely result in a shine that is as bright as the one you get from having it done by a professional jeweler. If you want special polishing cloths and creams to keep your gold good-looking then learn how to properly use it.

Gold is a beautiful metal but it can also be quite delicate if you don’t take good care of it. If you want your jewelry to last a long time, then store it carefully and use a gentle detergent when cleaning it. With a little bit of work, your gold items will look fantastic for years to come.

Jennifer
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Makeup Tips That Would Make You Dazzle at New Year Party

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Reading Time: 4 minutes

The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes a schedule jam-packed with events ranging from get-togethers with friends and family to the annual business party. This is the time of year when your makeup can really shimmer and shine, just like the holiday decorations embellishing the trees and illuminating the streets.

Read on further to rock a look that sets you apart from others at this New Year Party:

1.    Gel Your Eyes

It’s difficult to use a kohl eye pencil, but by holding it over a flame for a few seconds, you can transform it into a lovely gel formula. The consistency of the eyeliner changes, allowing you to glide your eye pencil easily around your eyes to define them.

2.    The Brow Tale

Because the contour of your brows is often the same, brush hair strands upward and then trim hair to make it look longer. Make sure not to over-trim your brows, or you’ll wind up with odd-looking brows.

If you have minimal brow hair, use an eyebrow pencil to accentuate the areas where there isn’t enough. Eyebrow pencils perform wonders but stay away from those that leave a greasy appearance. Instead, use a smooth and light-textured pencil to create smooth, natural-looking brows.

It’s preferable to color your brows darker. Because the color will fade with time (boo), a deeper dye will produce a fuller illusion for a longer period. 

Roots, it turns out, are a thing for brows as well, so keep that in mind if you’re going from light to dark on your brows. You would not need to remember to re-do your Eyebrow tinting going between parties or even travels. So, invest in a nice pencil or pomade. 

There’s no need to worry about terrible eyebrows if you tweeze often and are reasonably competent at it. Simply hold skin taut with a free hand while tweezing to minimize pain.

Using gel to groom your brows is the best, most painless, and fastest way to do it. Brush hair strands upwards and apply a clear gel to hold them in place. 

3.    Flush of Roses

Using the same colors on the eyes, cheeks, and lips is a certain way to amp up your New Year’s Eve celebration. Without needing to use multiple items at once, you can increase your makeup game. Monochromatic makeup is usually a nice idea, and this display of pink hues makes us want to try it right now. 

Simply combine an eyeshadow, blush, and lip color in the same color family on your eyes, cheeks, and lips to achieve this effect. Apply a contrasting color in the corners of the eyes for a subtle twist to bring in a contrasting color for the finishing touch.

4.    Set That Luscious Pout

After applying lipstick, dab some translucent powder on your lips with a brush, or place a tissue over your mouth and translucent dust powder over it. This allows the color to set in and ensures that your lipstick lasts a long time.

5.    Go Bold 

Apply your lipstick and blend it out with the tip of your finger to achieve a more lived-in stain effect. To create the illusion of a fuller-looking pout, pat a lighter color into the center of your lips, then finish with a touch of gloss for a 3D impression.

Some Pro Tips:

  • When doing your makeup this Christmas season, keep these three top suggestions in mind for a professional appearance every time:
  • Start mild and work your way up while contouring. You can get a more natural subtle tint by this step.
  • Brush your brows with a bar of soap! Pick up the soap from a wet bar with a brush before brushing through your brows and filling in any gaps with brow powder or pencil.
  • Do you have bright lip color on? To ensure that your lipstick lasts as long as possible, line your lips with a liner pencil before applying it.

Let’s welcome 2022 with a bang and makeup that shines…but of course, with a mask on!

Carol
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5 Tips for Planning Your Luxury Vacation

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Whether you want to celebrate a special birthday or anniversary or you’re simply giving yourself a long-deserved reward, when you go on a luxury vacation, you want everything to be just right. After all, you are paying top dollar for the experience. However, even terrific surroundings and top-notch staff can’t save a vacation for you if you haven’t done the right kind of planning. The tips below can help ensure that you plan in a way that gives you the experience you expect.

Know Your Budget

The first step is to know your budget, so you’ll understand what options are within your reach. This will also mean you don’t have to undercut your expectations. It might turn out that you have more money to spend than you expect. If there’s an option that really appeals to you and your budget won’t cover it, you could always take out a personal loanfrom a private lender. For a trip this important, it may be worth it to you to borrow some cash to make sure it’s possible.

Define Luxury

One thing you may want to consider is exactly what luxury means for you. What are your priorities? Luxury looks different across the board, incorporating luxuries into your home, for example, differs from incorporating them into a travel itinerary. Is it first class airline tickets, fine dining, five-star hotels or shopping at the most exclusive stores? Maybe it’s all those things, but for many people, luxury will be more important in certain areas than others. By pinpointing what is really important to you, you can make sure you use your money strategically to get the very best experience without wasting it on elements that aren’t important to you.

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Consider Your Objective

Another thing to think about is your purpose on this trip. Do you want to relax and rejuvenate, or are you looking for nonstop adventure? You might be looking for a high-end yoga experience or something that is both luxurious and sustainable. Maybe you’re hoping to reconnect with your spouse on a romantic getaway, or maybe this is all about going away with your friends or on your own. Be sure that you choose the vacation that fits your objective. You should consider your travel style as well. Are you an all-inclusive type of person, or do you prefer to book the various components of your trip separately?

Start Planning

Only once you’ve done all of the above should you really start planning. Of course, you might have been planning as you go. In fact, if you are struggling with deciding what luxury means to you and what your objective is, a great way to figure that out is by researching, reading others’ accounts online and perhaps saving photos of places that appeal to you. However, whether you’ve already done a lot of research or none at all, it’s time to start making some concrete plans. 

Be sure to check social media, online forums and review sites to learn more about the places you’re considering, but at the same time, keep in mind that reviews are subjective. Look for consensus rather than focusing on any one person’s opinion. Talking to others about your trip might also open up possibilities you hadn’t considered.

Make the Leap

The danger in the previous stage is getting stuck on endless planning. It’s great to find out about hidden gems, but if you aren’t careful, this can turn into overplanning or indecision. You can become paralyzed if you convince yourself that because you are spending a lot of money, every moment of your vacation has to be perfect. If you think back on the experience you’ve enjoyed the most, perfection probably wasn’t a requirement. If you do your planning with your genuine priorities in place, you will have a good time even if everything does not go exactly as you expect.

Carol
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Planning To Buy A Luxury Car? Here’s How To Safely Drive It

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Buying your dream car is always a thrilling experience, but it’s essential to ensure that you’re prepared for everything that comes with owning a luxury vehicle. Many people own luxury vehicles, but many are very careful about how they drive them. Owning a luxury car means you’ve got money to spend on yourself, which is undoubtedly an exciting feeling. However, it’s essential not to take risks with your expensive vehicle.

Here are some great tips for driving your new luxury vehicle safely:

Taking A Professional Driving Course

Whether you’ve been behind the wheel for years or not, you’ll want to ensure that you’re as comfortable as possible driving your luxury car. Many people don’t think about getting into a driving school when they buy a luxury car, but it’s a great idea. Passing the free Nebraska practice driving test after learning how to drive a high-powered car in a safe and controlled environment is the best way to make sure that you’re ready for anything. Taking a professional driving course is a great way to learn more about driving such an expensive vehicle. While you might feel confident about your ability to drive your new luxury car, receiving proper training and practicing with it can be highly beneficial.

If You Can’t Afford It, Don’t Buy It

It might seem like a good idea to buy a luxury car just for fun, but that’s not the best approach. If you don’t have the money to cover your monthly expenses and afford your new luxury vehicle, it’s not worth buying. It can be tempting to buy a new luxury car even when you’re in debt and struggling financially, but doing so can lead to significant financial problems later. Your luxury car will quickly become more of an inconvenience than worth.

Be Aware Of Your Surroundings

When driving a luxury car, it’s essential to be aware of your surroundings. Just because you can afford a high-end car doesn’t mean that you can take risks on the road. Always be mindful of the other drivers around you and drive defensively. Many people make the mistake of thinking that they’re invincible when they’re behind the wheel of a luxury car, but that’s not the case.

Keep Your Car In Good Condition

When you own a luxury car, one essential thing is making sure that it’s always in good condition. This means taking it in for regular maintenance and keeping it clean. If you don’t take care of your car, it will eventually show wear and tear. Keeping your car in good condition will make it look nicer and help to ensure that it runs smoothly.

Don’t Speed

Speeding is a significant problem with any vehicle, but it’s mainly a problem for luxury cars. Don’t speed if you want to make sure that you’re safe while driving your luxury car. Please don’t allow yourself to get into the habit of speeding when you have a luxury car because it can be pretty dangerous. Luxury vehicles come equipped with some of the most sophisticated technology available on the market today. This technology is great for monitoring your speed and keeping you safe, so make sure that you always take advantage of it.

Take Care Of Your Car

Taking care of your new luxury car does not only mean being careful about how you drive it. It also means making sure that you clean and maintain it regularly. This might sound like something that you don’t want to spend time on, but it’s essential to avoid any issues with your car later on down the line. Taking care of your luxury vehicle is necessary if you want to keep it running in excellent condition for years to come.

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Maintain Your Insurance

It’s also essential to ensure that your insurance policy provides adequate coverage for your luxury car. You don’t want anything wrong happening while you’re driving around town in an expensive new vehicle, so always do everything possible to ensure that you have excellent insurance coverage at all times. If you can afford a luxury car without having any problems with how much it costs each month, buying one is a good idea. Just make sure that you consider all of these things before making your purchase.

Buying a luxury car is a big decision, but it’s definitely worth the investment if you can afford it and take care of it properly. Just make sure that you keep all of these things in mind when making your purchase so that you can enjoy your new car for years to come. In addition, it’s important to remember that there are certain things you need to do to keep it safe. Follow these tips, and you’ll be able to enjoy your new car without any worries.

José Amorim
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Top 6 Most Prestigious Professions You Should Consider

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Are you looking for a career path? Do you want to start working, but don’t know where to begin? It can be challenging to find out how to work towards your goals, but many prestigious professions can make your resume shine. While any profession can be prestigious with the right level of dedication and effort, some careers are more highly respected than others. Here are six of the most prestigious professions you should consider.

Doctor

Doctors are highly respected professionals who dedicate their time and expertise to the betterment of society. By studying and training for many years, doctors can diagnose and treat a variety of illnesses and health conditions. They are responsible for helping people get back on their feet and live healthy, fulfilling lives. In addition to being well respected, doctors are also very well paid for their hard work and dedication! With university and then internships, doctors are also highly skilled, and most often only the best survive their rigorous training

Lawyer

Lawyers are another highly respected profession. They help people resolve disputes and navigate through the legal system. Lawyers, like doctors,  have to go through years of schooling and training to get the skills needed for their jobs. Many people find lawyers trustworthy, which is one reason why they are well respected. Lawyers can make a big difference in people’s lives and help them get the justice they deserve. The pay can be good too, depending on experience and location. It’s no wonder that lawyers are one of the most prestigious professions around, and probably one of the most difficult to get to study at university, the entry levels required are high.

Teacher

Teachers are responsible for shaping the minds of the next generation. They are responsible for teaching children the skills they need to succeed in life. Since the pandemic of Covid-19, teachers have become more involved with children’s personal lives as well. According to Degree Planet, students can now easily get an online business degree thanks to the help of online tools as well as their teachers. Teachers are responsible for helping children learn and grow, which is why they are so respected. With the importance of teachers increasing, their profession is becoming more prestigious by the day.

Engineer

Engineering is a prestigious profession that involves creating things – buildings, and infrastructure. Engineers are responsible for the creation of everything from solar panels to smart devices to bridges and buildings. Their work is essential in our society and can help make the world a better place. Engineers play an important role in our economy and are some of the most highly respected professionals in the world. The work can be challenging, but it is also very rewarding.

Scientist

Scientists are responsible for exploring the natural world and understanding how it works. They come up with innovative solutions to complex problems and help make the world a more interesting place. Scientists are highly respected for their work, and many people look up to them as role models. Their work is essential to our society and helps us understand the world we live in. The best part is that you can make a difference in the world and change society for the better.

top-jobs-to-apply-to

Law Enforcers

Law enforcers, such as police officers and detectives, are responsible for keeping our society safe. They work hard to enforce the law and protect the public. They face many challenges in their work, but they are essential in keeping our society functioning. Law enforcers are highly respected for their work and are often looked up to as role models. They play an important role in our society and help keep us safe from harm.

All of these professions are highly respected and can make your resume shine. If you are looking for a career path, consider one of these prestigious professions. With the right level of dedication and effort, you can achieve anything you set your mind to. Be it a Ph.D. or an online business degree, the sky’s the limit!

Carol
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10 Surprising Ways You Can Use Essential Oils In Your Everyday Life

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With the wellness industry exploding, you are probably paying more attention to your mental and physical well-being. Rather than just surviving, wellness focuses on thriving by nourishing every aspect of your life. And essential oils can play a significant role in your wellness journey.

Wondering how? Well, your sense of smell is quite powerful and can help you feel relaxed, inspired, nostalgic, refreshed, and so much more. If you are unsure about how you can incorporate essential oils into your lifestyle, we are happy to help. In this post, we’re sharing creative ways you can start using essential oils. Let’s dive in.

Make Bath Extra Relaxing

Picture this- soothing music, a glass of wine and a perfectly warm bath. What could possibly make this setup even more relaxing? Essential oils! A couple of drops of Lavender or Eucalyptus oils can help you unwind after an exhausting day. Stock up on essential oils for spa-like baths.

Fill Your Home with Pleasant Aroma

Essential oils are potent enough to make your entire house smell fantastic. All you need is an aroma diffuser and your favorite essential oils. 

Curate Homemade Products

There are several reasons why people make products at home. It could be to control the ingredients or for their small business. From bath products to candles, essential oils can become the star ingredient for your homemade products. Apart from a pleasing fragrance, certain essential oils can add antibacterial properties to your bath products.

Sleep Better

Sleep issues are becoming increasingly common. If you struggle to fall asleep at night, aromatherapy can help you feel calm. Lavender, Peppermint, and Cedarwood are some essential oils that have relaxing properties. You can combine distilled water with your essential oils of choice to create a pillow spray.

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Improve Focus

If you have been struggling to concentrate at home or school, essential oils can help improve your focus. Spearmint, Lemon, and Rosemary essential oils have been shown to boost focus, mood, and motivation.

Refresh Linens

Even after washing linens, they may end up smelling musty when stored in a closed cupboard. To make your linens smell fresher for longer, we suggest creating a spray with essential oils. You just need to combine vodka, distilled water, and essential oils in appropriate ratios.

Elevate Cleaning Products

Many people resort to making cleaning products at home to eliminate harmful chemicals and save more. However, homemade cleaning solution recipes often contain vinegar, which has an unpleasant odor. You can easily mask the potent smell of vinegar with essential oils.

Deodorize Trash

We tend to become accustomed to our home’s unique smell. Therefore, you may not be able to tell if your home is smelling bad because of your trash. Save yourself from such a blunder by deodorizing your trash cans with essential oils. 

Get Rid of Blemishes

Breakouts are annoying, but the blemishes they leave behind can be equally upsetting. Did you know Tea Tree essential oil is effective in lightening the appearance of dark spots? This oil also has antibacterial properties when used appropriately. So consider adding it to your skincare routine.

Create a Signature Scent

Despite countless perfumes available on the market, are you struggling to find a scent that’s right for you? Luckily, concocting your signature scent isn’t as difficult as you may think. You just need a few ingredients, such as carrier oils and essential oils, to curate perfumes.

Wrapping Up

Whether you are new to essential oils or have used them for a while, we hope you were able to find unique applications. What are you going to try first? Tell us in the comments below.

Jennifer
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6 Lovely Gift Ideas For Baby Girls

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It’s a joyous time, blessed with the arrival of a new baby. It can also be an overwhelming time as you try to figure out what to buy for this adorable little one. We hope that our list of six lovely gift ideas will help make it easier and more fun!

1) Clothing

Clothes are always big hits. They are also a popular choice for baby showers as well as first birthdays because they are useful. When it comes to clothes for baby girls, cuteness is a must! You can pick a dress, skirt, or rompers. Whether it’s a frilly dress or something with pink tutus, make sure that the clothing is soft, fun, and comfortable. There are a lot of choices, so you’ll have no problem picking something nice. Just search for gifts for a baby girl or clothes for a baby girl online, or look in your local store for baby clothes. The mommy and the baby will both appreciate your thoughtfulness.

2) Shoes

There’s nothing cuter than a little girl in cute shoes. If you are looking for something different, you can try ballet shoes, Mary Janes, or boots. These shoes are practical as well as cute. Whatever you pick, it should be comfortable and fit as expected. You can ask her mom what you should get so that the shoes fit right and the baby gets a lot of use out of them. Also, don’t forget to get the matching socks! Imagine a cute baby girl in pink socks and Mary Janes or a frilly dress with white tights and ballet shoes. So sweet! Just like clothing, you can find cute shoes in many different stores, or online.

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3) A Baby Diary

This is a sentimental and practical gift all in one. A baby diary can be a place for the parents to write down milestones, thoughts, and feelings about their new arrival. It can also be a place for the baby to document her own growth and development. The diary can be started anytime during the first year, making it a perfect present for a newborn, first birthday, or even Christening. You can find baby diaries at most bookstores or online. If you’re feeling creative, you can even make it by yourself. You can find templates online or look in a book of scrapbooking ideas for inspiration. Add pictures and thoughts from the parents, friends, and family to make something special. You can pass it down as a keepsake for future siblings or generations!

4) A Cuddly Friend

Does she have a favorite animal? Maybe a pink teddy bear, bunny rabbit, or kitty cat? Whatever it is, make sure that this plushie is extra soft and cuddly. You can find these stuffed animals at most toy stores, or online. A great thing about plushies is that they can be used for playing and cuddling! If you want to go cute, you can also try giving her a matching blanket or pillow. If the baby’s room is decorated in a certain color, find a plushie that matches. For example, if the walls are light pink, get a pink teddy bear. It will add some extra cuteness to the room and make the baby feel at home.

5) Jewelry

Jewelry is a popular gift for newborns. With so many cute choices, you’ll have no problem finding something for your special someone. You can choose something like a necklace or bracelet. If you prefer earrings, there are also lots of cute choices available. The baby’s mom will appreciate your choice because it is designed with babies in mind. Baby jewelry is usually safe to wear and is made with materials that will not harm the baby. You can find this type of jewelry at most stores, or online. Just make sure to pick something special that the mom can keep and pass down to her daughter.

6) Toys

What child doesn’t love toys? Babies are no exception! When it comes to choosing a toy for a baby girl, think soft, colorful, and fun. You can find many different types of toys, such as dolls, rattles, teething rings, and more. If you’re not sure what the baby likes, ask the mom. She’ll be able to give you some ideas. You can also look online or in a store. Just make sure that the toy is appropriate for the baby’s age and developmental stage.

There are so many options when it comes to gifts for a new baby girl. From clothing and shoes, stuffed animals, jewelry, or even toys – there’s something available for every taste and budget. Hopefully, this article has given you some ideas for the special someone in your life. No matter what you choose, make sure it is something that the baby and her parents will love and appreciate. 

Carol

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Tips For Planning A Beautiful Wedding: The Ring, The Dress, And Everything Else

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Planning a wedding is not an easy task. There are so many details to take into consideration, from the location of the ceremony and reception to the type of flowers you want for your bouquet. The more time you spend planning your big day, the less stressful it will be on your special day! 

The Ring and the Ringbearer

One of the most important parts of your wedding day is your wedding ring. This jewelry not only symbolizes the bond you and your spouse-to-be share, but it will also be a constant reminder that you are loved and treasured. Remember to buy wedding rings that fit both your personality and lifestyle.

When deciding on the ring there are a lot of things to take into consideration, the symbolism, the price, the way it will be brought to you. You can click here to see some ideas. A good tip is to give a heads up to the ringbearer to practice a few times before the actual ceremony. An elegant catwalk and presentation of the rings leave a grand impression on everybody.

The Dress

Your wedding dress is one of the most important aspects of planning for your wedding; it sets the tone for what you want out of your wedding day! Whether you want an elegant, simplistic gown or a glamorous ball gown with lots of beadwork and lace, make sure your dress reflects who you are as a couple.  

When trying on wedding dresses, make sure to bring along your fiance and any close friends or family members who will be helping you make your decision. They can offer their opinions and help you find the dress that makes you look and feel like a beautiful bride on your wedding day! 

The Ceremony

Your wedding ceremony is an important part of your wedding day. This is where you and your spouse-to-be will exchange vows and begin your lives together as one. When planning your wedding ceremony, there are many things to take into consideration, such as the location, the type of service, who will be presiding over the service, and what type of music you want to be played. 

One thing to keep in mind when planning your wedding ceremony is the weather. If you are planning an outdoor wedding, make sure to have a backup plan in case of bad weather. You don’t want your guests to be standing in the rain or snow during your big day! Of course, choosing summer or autumn for your big day makes sense, as those are the most pleasant times of the year weather-wise, but don’t forget that a heatwave can be even worse than rain! 

The Reception

After the wedding ceremony, it’s time for the reception! This is where you and your guests will celebrate your marriage with food, drinks, and dancing. When planning your wedding reception, there are many things to take into consideration, such as the type of food you want to be served, the type of music you want to be played, and how you want the decorations to look. 

One important thing to remember is to not overbook your wedding reception, as that can create tense situations. Then again, hosting your reception in a too big venue is also bad as people will feel like they are few and far in between. Though a rough estimate with an error of +/- 10% of the number of guests is a good starting point.

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The Food

When it comes to wedding food, there are two things to take into consideration: the type of food you want and the catering style you prefer. There are many different types of wedding foods, from Italian wedding soup to shrimp cocktail, so you’re sure to find something that will please both you and your guests. 

When it comes to catering style, there are two main types: buffet-style or served-style. Buffet-style catering is where your guests can help themselves to whatever food they want, while served-style catering is where the wait staff brings food to your guests’ tables. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, though the decision will mostly rest on the location where the reception is hosted. A formal venue, such as a restaurant, or one that has several smaller rooms, is better for served-style catering. Large, open spaces are better suited for a buffet, though servers should be present either way.

Wedding planning can be a daunting process. There are many details to consider, from the wedding dress and food at your reception to the ceremony’s location. If you’re overwhelmed with wedding decisions, don’t worry! This article has provided some helpful tips on what you should take into consideration when planning for your big day so that it reflects who you are as a couple. Don’t forget to have fun while wedding planning!

Carol
Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only.

How To Find Luxurious Outdoor Gear For Your Next Trip

Reading Time: 4 minutes

While half of the world is currently deep in the winter season, the weather will warm up again soon enough and you’ll be able to plan your next outdoor trip. Dreams of camping under the stars may seem far off, but it will happen before you know it. So, why not begin planning for your next expedition, and make a list of the best outdoor gear available? The humble thermal shirt or roll up sleeping bag have become far more sophisticated, and it’s well worth your while to research the luxurious gear you could use for your next trip. Here are a few tips on how you can find top notch gear without over paying or getting shortchanged on the quality. 

Try a Gear Library

This may sound a bit far fetched, but hear us out. Much in the same way that there are local libraries from which we borrow books, there are places where one can check out whatever type of gear they need and return them once they’re due. A gear library can be found in most states, but you do need to be a member in order to enjoy access to the handy equipment they have in stock. Some of these groups are part of youth-oriented organizations such as the girl scouts, or are community driven through the Boys and Girls Club.

You’re also bound to find outdoor enthusiasts in your town who have started their own gear library for other nature loving aficionados in their community; a quick search should help point you in the right direction. There tends to be a monthly subscription fee, or a one-time membership fee to join. If you can’t find a gear library somewhere close to you, then try starting one yourself; you’d be filling a large gap. You’re bound to find other people who share your interests and wouldn’t mind lending their gear out in exchange for someone else’s tools for their next trip. This is a great way of spreading the most useful yet luxurious goods around in our communities and on the market without having to spend a ton.

luxury-travel-gear-guide

Hit Winter Sales

Another excellent way of trying out luxurious goods without having to spend an arm and a leg is to zero in on all the winter sales. We have Black Friday, Cyber Monday, the deluge of post-Christmas sales, and a whole lot more. As an added bonus, you can search for different discount codes available online. The variety available at  https://www.raise.com/coupons/bass-pro-shops can give you a good idea of what kind of coupons you can use. By simply googling a store’s name and “coupon” next to it, you’re bound to find something. Also, don’t forget that most retailers these days offer a ten or fifteen percent discount once you sign up for their mailing list, so be sure to take advantage of that. 

Rent Local

Instead of buying the latest product, try renting them out from your local sporting goods store. Renting is, of course, cheaper than actually buying a product. You’d also be supporting a local business. Local sporting goods stores are especially great because the owners are specialists in the local area, and will be able to assess which items are definitely necessary for you to take on your trip. It’s also an excellent way to take a luxury good out for a test run before deciding to buy it. Few things are worse than buying an expensive piece of equipment, only to find that it isn’t relevant to your needs, or unwieldy and too uncomfortable for you and your family members to use. Getting a try out period can go a long way in minimizing buyer’s remorse. 

Whether you’re a newbie to the beauty of exploring the great outdoors, or an old hat who is looking to find ways to upgrade their equipment, you’re bound to find something new and wonderful on the market to use. However, before spending a lot of money, it pays to do a bit of research and figure out smart ways of saving your coin for something you really love.

Carol
information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only.

5 Top Champagne Bottles You Need To Taste This Holiday Season

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Reading Time: 7 minutes

The holiday season is already here, and this year, more than never, we need to fill it with good and relaxing moments with family and beloved ones. While different people may have different traditions to follow during the end of the year celebration, champagne became much more popular than in the past. According to Forbes magazine, over 300 million bottles of champagne are produced every year and sold globally. Why has this French beverage become so popular across the years? There is for sure a festive and surprising facet of champagne that makes it so special.

According to Gérard Liger-Belair, a researcher at the University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, there are generally 100 million bubbles in one single bottle of champagne that rocket off the surface around 8 meters per second as bubbles burst. If more and more people are consuming champagne nowadays, choosing the right one becomes a true challenge. There are around 260 champagne houses and over 100’000 champagne labels. Imagine yourself at the restaurant with a menu containing so many dishes! Very hard to choose.

Finding the right champagne for you is a personal matter. There are no right or wrong answers. It all depends on your personal taste, the occasion you wish to taste it and even the period of the year. Nevertheless, let’s try the impossible, which is trying to bring you some inspiration by proposing my top 5 champagne bottles you should definitely try during the holiday season. Life is pretty tough right now, so we all deserve to treat ourselves with only the best.

1- Lelarge-Pugeot les Meuniers de Clémence extra brut 2013

Photo: Lelarge-Pugeot

The Lelarge-Pugeot family history in the wine business goes back to the 18th century, and since then, it has remained truthfully to the state of the art champagne know-how. Since 1990, they stopped using pesticides and herbicides in their domain, growing the wine plants in harmony with nature. Thanks to a much more respectful way of farming, grapes come in the winery at a higher sugar level, which allows the winery to produce a Coteaux Champenois Rouge, a still red Pinot noir. The history of this beautiful Champagne house is punctuated by hidden treasures you need to discover. In 2010, they bottled the first 100% Meunier (the ancestor grape of the region). In 2013 the first vintage of Blanc de Meunier was bottled. A white wine made from a red grape. Outstanding! And year after year, the Lelarge-Pugeot family produces true wonders in the world of Champagne.

This holiday season, I can only advise you to discover their Extra brut 2013. This is very much a rarity – a 100 per cent, hand-harvested Pinot Meunier wine. This champagne is made with minimum intervention to ensure the bottle’s purity of flavour and age. This is wonderfully balanced with intense, crisp, mineral, orchard fruit and citrus flavours and a fine and delicate mousse—a great wine for both an aperitif and fine seafood. Check the company website to learn more about this amazing Champagne house:

http://champagnelelarge-pugeot.com

2- Dom Pérignon Vintage 2012: An explosive harmony

Dom-Perignon-vintage-2012-review
Photo: Dom Perignon

For Dom Pérignon, the blend is the main meeting place for winemaking with champagne. The creative gesture from the vineyard, through a search made of intuition and creation, will bring into play contrasts and paradoxes, oppositions and complementarities, and thus reveal the own truth of each vintage.

Dom Pérignon Vintage 2012 is a brilliant and unique illustration of this creative process. With heavy precipitation and hailstorms, summer heatwaves and a mild, dry fall heat, the unpredictable seasons of 2012, their strength and generosity have shaped an exceptional olfactory landscape imbued with remarkable variety.

The nose is full and changeable, mixing flowers with fruits then vegetal and mineral. The bouquet is tactile. Powdery white flowers with the sweetness of apricot and mirabelle plum. From the freshness of rhubarb and mint to the minerality of ash. White pepper. It is the energy that dominates in the mouth. After a welcoming opening, the wine vibrates quickly. The effervescence is revealed, the sensation is invigorating. Channelled by acids and bitter, the finish tightens. It leaves its mark: ginger, tobacco, roasted. Visit the brand website and discover amazing vintage champagnes:

https://www.domperignon.com

3- Dom Ruinart Blanc des Blancs 2009: Heaven in a glass

For those who do not know, the label “Blanc de Blancs” designates champagne composed at 100% of Chardonnay, mainly harvested in a specific region of Champagne called “La Cote des Blancs”. These champagnes are recognisable by their aromas, recognizable by the colour of their pale yellow crystalline dress, especially when they are young. As the champagne ages, the colour takes on golden hues. Ruinart is the oldest established Champagne house, exclusively producing champagne since 1729.

Entirely composed of Chardonnay Grands Crus, 82% from the Côte des Blancs (Cramant, Avize, Chouilly & Le Mesnil-sur-Oger) and 18% from the northern slope of the Montagne de Reims (Sillery), the wine will wait nine years in the depths of the chalk pits of the Ruinart House, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

While Dom Ruinart Blanc des Blancs is pretty subtle in the nose, you will be surprised by the explosion in the palate. Very fresh and fruity notes mixed with floral tones of citrus, nectarines and yellow plums. I personally see as well a small Lilly of the valley facet. Then, the olfactory story continues with several green notes and a precise spicy and woody structure. Chech the champagne house website for more information:

https://www.ruinart.com

4- Louis Roederer Cristal Rosé 2013: Intense and precise

Louis-Roederer-champagne-reviews
Photo: Louis Roederer

Jean Baptiste Recaillon, from Wine Cellar, said about this champagne: “Cristal rosé 2013 is as pure as nectar, a distillation of delicate perfumes with dense, concentrated aromas. Could it be perfection?” – Who am I to contradict Mr Recaillon?  This is, indeed, by far one of the best Rosés I have ever tasted in my life. It is definitely in my top 3.

Let’s remember that 2013 was a special year in the Champagne region. I was a particular late growing cycle. Winter was never-ending, and the wine plants started blossoming only in July! Fortunately, summer was glorious, which helped the ripening of Pinot noirs and Chardonnays. Late harvesting around a cold October brought freshness and elegance to the grapes. The Cristal Rosé 2013 is for sure a state of the art champagne.

The first immediate feeling you will get is a truly refined bouquet of fresh red fruits and citrus notes. The more you smell it, then you start hooking into fresh almonds, bread and spicy notes. Once you taste it, the story goes further into something more vertical and intense. The wine structure liberates a beautiful harmony thanks to the roundness and delicacy of its creamy bubbles. Check the Champagne house website for more information:

https://www.louis-roederer.com/

5- Philipponnat Clos de Goisses Juste Rosé 2006: Fine & Rare.

Philipponnat-clos-des-goisses-rose-2006
Photo: Philipponnat

Philipponnat crafts its wines using exclusively first press juice from the finest grapes, mainly from Premier and Grand Cru plots. It is committed to harvesting grapes when they reach greater maturity than the average in the Champagne wine-growing region. A portion of the wines is fermented or matured in casks, which is exceptional for Champagne; ageing in wood gives them greater complexity without coarsening them. 

Known for its focus on Pinot Noir, Phillipponat’s Juste Rosé hails from the house’s famed Clos des Goisses vineyard, celebrated for its wine’s concentration, power, and longevity.

Created by adding a small percentage of still Pinot to its Clos des Goisses blanc, a blend of 63% Pinot Noir and 37% Chardonnay, barrel ageing adds texture and weight to its notes clementine, blood orange, papaya and hawthorn blossom. Please check the house official website for more information:

https://www.philipponnat.com

Many other beautiful bottles of champagne exist. This extraordinary know-how perpetuates a true love for the Champagne terroir and most of the times, there are outstanding talents working every single day to please your palate and surprise you at every glass you would taste. Cheers!

José Amorim
Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only. Featured Photo de Joonas kääriäinen provenant de Pexels.