Diamond Shapes & Their Meanings

Image by Barbara Jackson from Pixabay

Diamonds are steeped in history, with many traditions, beliefs and values that are attached to these highly valued gemstones. In this short article, we examine various shapes that are used in the cutting and polishing process, along with the meanings.

• Radiant Shaped Diamonds - Very similar to the emerald shape, a radiant fancy coloured diamond is a real head-turner, and one that attracts women who love a challenge. Typically entrepreneurs, these girls are always ready to move out of their comfort zone; if that is you, this is the perfect shape for your diamond engagement ring.

• The Classic Round Shape - This is the oldest shape used in the making of diamond jewellery, mainly due to the high sparkle factor that is achieved using the brilliant round cut. One could say that a round diamond symbolises traditional love. Check out the current blue diamond carat price, commission a custom jeweller, and you will be pleasantly surprised.

• Pear-Shaped Diamonds - The pear-shape diamond denotes individual strength and is one of the most popular with romantics. Many famous celebrities proudly wear pear-shaped diamonds, which signifies a person who sets trends rather than follows them.

• Oval Shaped Diamonds - The oval shape is for creative spirits, for girls who love to express themselves in unique ways. For most couples, bespoke solutions are preferred when it comes to an engagement or wedding ring, which costs no more than an existing ring from the shelf of a jewellery store. Talk to one of the loose diamond broker Sydney or your city trusts about acquiring quality loose diamonds for an oval shaped engagement ring.

• Heart-Shaped Diamonds - Traditionally, the heart shaped has been connected with romance, yet this shape is also suited for women who like adventure or a girl who thinks outside the box. When you approach a custom jeweller, you can design every aspect of the ring, from the base metal used to the gemstones and cuts. You can select the loose uncut stones and the jeweller will cut, polish and send the diamonds for grading.

• Asscher Shape Diamonds - A rectangular shape using the famous Asscher cut is the ultimate in vintage luxury. Sophisticated and outgoing women embrace the Asscher cut, with its bold facets that cause diamonds to give up their brilliance. The custom jeweller has access to the wholesale gemstone markets and he or she can select the best diamonds for the Asscher cut, ideal for the girl who loves fancy jewellery.

• Square Art Deco Shape - The Art Deco period is trending and outgoing, vibrant personalities love the bold geometric shapes that the Art Deco period brought us. Show a custom jeweller a hi-res image of an Art Deco diamond engagement ring and he or she can base the design on this. The emerald, Asscher and marquise cuts work well with Art Deco jewellery; the custom jeweller has 1000s of images to give you some inspiration.

Photo by Sabrianna on Unsplash

As you can see, there are many diamond shapes, each with its own set of traditions and beliefs. When you find the right shape for you, approach a custom jeweller and he or she can work to your budget. If your diamond engagement ring is truly a one-off creation, it will make the piece much more valuable to you.

It is a common myth that bespoke jewellery is very expensive. Whatever your intended budget, the custom jeweller can work with that and design a ring that you will cherish forever. Choose a diamond shape that expresses your personality, and work with the ring designer to design the ultimate symbol of your undying love. 

Online Selling Tips For Absolute Beginners

If you are a beginner when it comes to selling online then you need to make sure that you set yourself up for success. It doesn’t matter what product you are looking to sell or how you want to go about setting up your store, because this guide will help to set you on the right path.

Create a Solid Strategy for SEO

When it comes to selling online, you don’t have people walking into your brick-and-mortar store by chance. You don’t also have people making impulsive purchases. If you can make sure that you do SEO right and that you have a strategy in place then this will really benefit you in the long run. SEO might seem like a scary concept, but making sure that people can find you through search engines is one of the best ways for you to ensure success.

Photo by PhotoMIX Company from Pexels

Pick the Right Platform

eCommerce platforms really are the backbone of online retail experiences. They allow the back end and front end of a shop to work together. Ideally, the platform you choose should give you whatever you need to scale and manage your company. Spend some time making sure that you are doing your research and that you are always choosing an option that suits your needs. If you are buying wholesale products, take note of the products you’re buying so you can reflect them in your site design.

Reducing Friction

Minimising friction should always be your priority when selling an online product. Do whatever it is you can to make sure that your customers are always getting the best experience possible and that you are also helping to facilitate a purchase. It may be that you need to add some testimonials and reviews, or that you need to have video messages from your customers that explain why your service is so good. Little things like this can work in your favour, not to mention that it can also help you to solve any issues that you may be having.

Don’t Send Customers Away

One of the worst things you can do is send customers away. A lot of newer online stores spend their time promoting social media links.  The second someone sees your Facebook or Instagram page, they may be likely to click it and this means that they are being taken away from your site. If you do want to include social links, then keep them in the website footer and also make sure that they are as discreet as possible.

Invest in your Site

In the world of online shopping, people are not going to type in their card number if they don’t trust the site. It is so important that you invest in a solid website developer because they can then help to build your site as well as ensuring that it works comprehensively. If you are not investing in your site then this can cause you major issues in the future, not to mention that it can also lead to you having a very high bounce rate. If you want to work around this, then make sure you only get your site built by a trained professional.

How Power Washing Can Benefit Your Home

Photo by Pixabay from Pexels

Are you thinking about power washing your home? A power wash could be just what you need to get the surfaces of your home looking brand new.

Power washing is great because it will protect the investment that you have made in your home. If you've never had a power wash before you may be on the fence about whether or not it can offer any benefits for your home.

Here's a closer look at some of the main benefits you'll receive from power washing your home.

Prevent Damage

When you power wash your home you can effectively prevent it from getting damaged. Power washing can remove a lot of the contaminants that often lodge themselves on the siding of homes.

You may have mold or even algae and mildew under your siding. All of this can be removed by getting a power wash.

This will prevent mold and mildew as well as algae from spreading all around your home. You can call the experts at EverLine Coatings and Services to assist you with your power wash.

Get Ready To Paint

Power washing your home can be a great way for you to prepare it for your next painting project. When walls are dirty painting is not the best idea.

It's always better to get the walls cleaned off before you add paint. When there is dust and grime already on the surface, painting over this can cause the paint job to become botched.

When you power wash and remove these contaminants ahead of time, you will get a better paint job.

Enhance The Value Of Your Property

If you fail to maintain your property you may find that the value significantly declines over time. Power washing is one way to easily maintain your home and keep it looking its best.

If you intend to sell your home shortly then power washing the exterior as well as surfaces such as the driveway and pathways will get them looking as good as new. This will significantly enhance your curb appeal and make it more likely that your home will sell faster.

Prevent Injuries

One of the benefits of power washing is that it can help to prevent injuries on your property. When there is dust and grime on your driveways and pathways it can cause people to slip and fall when they are walking on it.

By washing these areas and removing dirt debris and grime that has settled into the surface, you will be able to ensure the safety of those who walk in these areas.

Get A Power Wash

As you can see there are lots of benefits that you will get from doing a pressure wash on your home. It is one of the most cost-effective ways of upgrading the look of your property.

Whether you want to power wash simply to enhance your curb appeal, paint your home or reduce the risk of injuries, it can be done quickly and cost-effectively. With all the benefits that you receive, it's easy to see why it is one of the most popular ways to do a home upgrade.

FHI Heat Platform Blowout Handle-Less Hair Dryer Review

Not Sponsored: I saw a beautician use the FHI Heat Platform Blowout Handle-Less Hair Dryer on a YouTube tutorial. I was really impressed with how straight it got her customer's hair. They ran a sale and I decided to purchase it. This is a handle-less hair dryer, that has three (3) attachments [straightening comb, speed dry nozzle and curl defining diffuser]. The first thing I noticed was how lightweight the hair dryer was in my hand, which is so important. Who wants something heavy, while drying their hair? Another thing that impressed me was how powerful this hair dryer is when drying hair. The drying time to complete my mom's hair was much faster than the current blow dryer we're using. The final thing that impressed me was how straight it go my mom's hair. So you're probably saying, WOW ... GREAT! Kim, you probably give it a Supersweet rating! Well, I experienced some quirks while using this hair dryer, that I feel you should know about before purchasing. The first quirk is with the comb attachment. The more hair and thicker your hair is, the better this attachment will work for you. If you have thin to medium thickness hair, I don't think you will like the comb feature. My mom doesn't have thin hair, and as you will see in my Instagram video, I had to lift her hair while using the comb attachment as to not apply it directly to her scalp. The teeth of the comb are too much for people with thin to medium hair. If you have really coarse, curly or thick hair, this attachment will work like a dream in straightening your hair. I think ALL HAIR TYPES will love the speed dry nozzle. It quickly dries and straightens your hair. But if that is all you need, then I would purchase one of FHI Heat's OTHER hair dryers (you don't need all of these attachments). The next question is do you have curly or wavy hair? Do you want to dry your hair and leave it in its natural pattern? Then the diffuser attachment with this product makes it an overall great purchase. So as you can see, there are a lot of ifs ands and buts if you want to purchase this type of hair dryer. I'm on the fence about keeping it, because I like the T3 hair dryer better (for my mom and I). This hair dryer does a good job with frizz, but I did notice more frizz than when I used the T3 on her hair. So I wanted to share my overall honest opinion.

Sweet-Bittersweet-NotSweet

supersweet(run & buy it) sweet(really good,buy it) bittersweet(ok, issues)not sweet(not good,don't buy this stuff) 

FHI Heat Platform Blowout Handle-Less Hair Dryer is Sweet

CHI 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray Review

Not Sponsored: Confession!!! I've been blow drying and flat ironing my mom's hair, without using thermal protection. Yes, I knew about thermal heat protection products, but her hair was doing just fine with the ionic technology of the hair tools I was using on her hair. I didn't visually see any damage or breakage etc. to her hair, so I didn't see the need for it. So this year I thought I would try using thermal heat protection, to see if there was any difference. I purchased a travel size of the CHI 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray and wow I did see a difference. I didn't think styling her hair could get any better, but it did. The CHI made her hair smoother, silkier and shinier. This protection spray works from the inside out. It has vitamins and proteins that add essential moisture to (hydrate) the hair. It helps seal the hair cuticle. It's suitable for all hair types and is Sulfate Free, Paraben Free, Gluten Free and Cruelty Free. I just gave her hair a quick spray throughout, combed it through and started blow drying her hair. After that, I used the "cool" button on the dryer and then began flat ironing her hair. You can see the full video on my Instagram page. This will definitely be an added step in her hair care routine. The results are amazing. Try it!

Sweet-Bittersweet-NotSweet

supersweet(run & buy it) sweet(really good,buy it) bittersweet(ok, issues)not sweet(not good,don't buy this stuff) 

CHI 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray is Supersweet

5 Tips When Starting Your Real Estate Investing Career

Image by Steve Buissinne from Pixabay

A real estate investing career boasts multiple benefits, with the potential for profit being one of the most notable. It can be enough to tempt anyone, but that doesn’t mean it’s the easiest career to take advantage of. Instead, it has its unique challenges and hurdles you’ll need to get through.

Using a few tips when you’re starting your real estate investing career helps to overcome these potential problems. With a bit of time and effort, you should see yourself finalizing deals and making a profit. It’s worth diving into five tips that should get you there.

Starting Your Real Estate Investing Career: 5 Top Tips

1. Know The Legalities

One of the more overlooked parts of a real estate investing career is the legal side. There are multiple legalities to consider, no matter whether you’re buying a property to rent it or sell it. Know these before you start your investing career.

Since these can be slightly different depending on where exactly you’re based, it’s something you’ll need to spend time researching. Know the ins-and-outs of the entire legal side of investing to make sure you don’t run into any problems.

Permits, taxes, and multiple other factors all play into this, both on the state and federal level. Make sure you know them.

2. Look For Professional Help

Speaking of legalities, they can be difficult to wrap your head around. It could be worth getting a professional to help you with this side of things. Syndication Attorneys (https://syndicationattorneys.com/) can be a great place to get this, especially if you’re looking for people with experience.

By getting professional help, you make the process much more understandable and straightforward for yourself. It also lets you focus on the areas that matter most for you, such as figuring out which projects and properties to invest in. It’s worth a consideration.

3. Gain Experience

Experience in real estate can make or break your investing career. Without it, you mightn’t know enough about the industry to make informed choices, which is vital to seeing success with your investments. Aim to get this experience before investing.

One of the more obvious ways you can do this is by spending time as a real estate agent or broker. Spend a few months on-the-job to figure out how everything works so you can make much better decisions when you start investing.

Even spending time shadowing real estate professionals can be enough for this. It makes things more straightforward for you once you actually start investing.

4. Analyze The Market

One of the essentials when you’re starting your real estate investing career is to actually understand the market. What kind of homes are popular, and how much are they selling for? Is the market more sales-oriented, or are more people looking for rentals? What does the near-future look like?

You’ll need to know the answer to all of these questions, and more. Analyze the market to figure everything out. With this, you should be much more informed about exactly which projects and builds you should invest in. You’ll be in a better position to actually make a profit.

5. Network

When you’re starting out on your real estate investing career, you mightn’t know too many people in the industry. Making connections is a vital part of starting off, as it gives you more and more opportunities in the future. It also means you could get advice from people with experience, letting you start off on the right foot.

Put the effort into networking as early as you can to take advantage of this. Be open to listening to people and learning when you’re doing so. You could even end up finding people to partner with on projects, putting you in a much better position going forward. The more you put into this, the more you should get out of it.

Starting Your Real Estate Investing Career: Wrapping Up

Starting your real estate investing career can be an exciting process, but it can also be a stressful one. There’ll be multiple challenges and hurdles, all of which can stop you from making a profit and getting where you want to go. They don’t have to be as much of a problem as you think.

Using the right tips helps to minimize them and makes sure you can start making a profit. Analyzing the market, knowing the legalities, getting professional help, and similar tips all help with this. While you’ll still need to put the work in, you should be putting it into the right areas.

What Are The Key Features And Advantages Of The A0 Plotter Printer?

A0 plotters are essential tools for businesses requiring large-format printing, such as architecture, engineering, and construction. They allow users to produce high-quality prints quickly and efficiently, and with a range of features and advantages, they're a worthwhile investment for any business. This article will explore the key features and advantages of an A0 plotter printer.

Image by ElasticComputeFarm from Pixabay

Key Features

High Resolution

One of the primary features of an A0 plotter printer is its high resolution. With a typical resolution of 1200 x 1200 DPI, it can produce extremely sharp and precise prints, even at large sizes. This high level of resolution ensures that the prints produced by an A0 plotter are accurate and true to the original design.

Large Format Printing

Another key feature of an A0 plotter is its ability to print in large formats. It can produce prints up to 1189mm in width, making it ideal for businesses needing large-scale drawings and designs. This is especially useful for architectural and engineering firms that need to print out detailed plans and blueprints too large to fit on standard printers.

Fast Printing

A0 plotters are designed to print large-format documents quickly and efficiently. With print speeds of up to 30 pages per minute, it can quickly produce large volumes of prints. This is particularly useful for businesses that must produce many prints regularly, as it can save time and increase productivity.

Advantages

In-House Printing

One of the main advantages of an A0 plotter is the ability to produce large-format prints in-house. Businesses no longer need to outsource their printing needs to third-party vendors, which can be costly and time-consuming. With an A0 plotter in-house, businesses can produce high-quality prints on demand, saving time and money.

Cost-Effective

While an A0 plotter may seem like a significant investment, it can be a cost-effective solution for businesses needing to produce large-format prints regularly. By producing prints in-house, businesses can save money on outsourcing costs and quickly recoup the initial investment in the plotter. Additionally, A0 plotters are designed to be durable and long-lasting, meaning they're a worthwhile investment that will provide value for years to come.

High-Quality Prints

A0 plotters produce high-quality prints that are sharp, precise, and accurate. This is because they use advanced printing technologies and high-quality ink or toner to produce prints that are true to the original design. This makes A0 plotters ideal for businesses that need to produce detailed and accurate designs and drawings, such as architectural and engineering firms.

Versatility

A0 plotters are versatile tools that can be used for various applications. They can produce large-scale technical drawings, designs, and high-quality graphics and images. This makes them ideal for businesses that need to produce various prints, such as advertising agencies, design firms, and print shops.

Conclusion

A0 plotters have revolutionized how architecture, engineering, and construction professionals produce technical drawings and blueprints. With their ability to produce high-quality prints up to A0 size, A0 plotters have made large-scale printing more accessible and efficient. The precision and accuracy of A0 plotters make them an essential tool for professionals requiring detailed and intricate work output. 

Dropshipping Services For Medical Products. How Does It Work?

Dropshipping is a method used for online shops. It is a kind of retail completion process where the seller buys products from a third person rather than warehousing them, just like buyers create demands. The seller doesn't require to manage the product directly because he ships the products straight to the buyer. It is a safe and uncomplicated process, taking your steps toward the world of e-commerce. It yields high returns with low risk without getting involved in heightened business investment.

Dropshipping of medical products is an enhancing niche in online stores because of the increased amount of hospitals and healthcare opportunities. Many online products have a large gap and usually weigh less. Such products will direct to more reasonable shipping costs.

Dropshipping of medical products is the most suitable option as it demands small to zero investment. We don't need to keep physical reserves. More sales push when this business unites with an essential and widespread niche, such as medical stocks. A market analysis firm NMSC states that disposable medical stores can earn an income of about 56 billion USD by 2030. This estimation illustrates a steady presentation of the medical product industry. That is why the drop shipping of medical products will help to create a great profit in the long run. Following are some of the best online stores that work on drop shipping of medical products:

 Image by Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay

Alibaba

A chance emergency can happen at any time. Keeping the necessities for an emergency in your home is a great idea. Thus the drop shipping of emergency survival kits is extremely necessary. Such kits are drop shipped by companies like Alibaba. They also drop ship medical products such as adhesive bandages, pill organizers, and quality first aid kits.

Pure Source, LLC

Pure Source, LLC is a drop shipping service for medical supplies present in the United States of America. It supplies medical products, including creams for face care, anti-aging, hair care, body care, supplements, moisturizers, sunblock creams, and vitamins. They provide excellent drop shipping services for medical products.

Healthyline

Healthyline.com is a company that dropships medical stock, especially PEMF devices, which may be a PEMF mat or a PEMF pad. They may also drop ship other essential medical supplies. For such products, the most suitable option is healthyline.com, with splendid services. It is a responsible company with outstanding drop shipping services for medical supplies to its customers.

Dear Jane Medical

As the name says, it is a drop shipping online store that drop ships only medical supplies, including Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Masks, Pulse Oximetry, Hand Contracture, Patient Positioning, and much more.

Enliven

It is a medical supplier drop shipper present in the United States. It supplies medical products such as extra Strength Cannabidiol Pain Relief cream, essential cannabidiol hemp oil, cannabidiol essential pain bundle, CBD or cannabidiol dog treats, and much more. It supplies medical services for human health. It also plays a role in animal health. They provide excellent drop shipping services for medical products.

Blue Sky Farms

Blue Sky Farms is also a great drop shipping supplier for medical products. It is also available in the United States. It drops ships, cannabidiol Sublingual Oils, cannabidiol Balms, cannabidiol capsules, cannabidiol vape juice, cannabidiol pen, cannabidiol herbal teas, cannabidiol isolate, cannabidiol pet drops, creams, rub, salves, cannabidiol Nano Enhancers, hemp flower, cannabidiol retail displaying kits, edibles, and gummies and much more. It also drops ships medical supplies for both humans and animals. It is a trustworthy drop shipping online store with magnificent services and high-quality medical products.

Author: Amelia Croud
Authors EMail: ameliacroud@gmail.com

Identifying And Rectifying Negative Habits: Useful Tips To Promote Future Well-Being

It is never too late to start developing good habits and improving your life. However, breaking old behavior patterns or developing new ones can be difficult. This article will provide tips on how to identify and rectify negative habits to promote a more positive future for yourself.

Photo by Chevanon Photography from Pexels

Track Your Habits:

One of the best ways to identify negative habits is by recording your actions. This could include writing down your activities each day or tracking your thoughts and behaviors in a journal. By keeping track of your habits, you can begin to recognize patterns that might be causing harm or preventing progress.

This also means that you should consider how your habits make you feel. For example, do certain activities bring joy and peace or stress and anxiety? Write down what emotions you experience when engaging in different habits. This will help you identify which behaviors are more harmful than helpful.

Adjust Your Lifestyle:

Once you have identified the negative habits that may hold you back, it's time to adjust your lifestyle by replacing them with healthier alternatives. Start by making small changes, such as substituting unhealthy snacks for healthier options or trying a different type of exercise. It can also be helpful to set achievable goals and rewards when you reach them - this will help motivate you to stick with the new habits and stay on track.

It is important to remember that these changes take time, and it may feel overwhelming at first. Take things one step at a time and ask for support from family and friends if needed. IGET Vapes offers various products to help people break bad habits such as smoking cigarettes.

Make Small Changes:

Once you've identified some bad habits, it's important to take action and start making small changes that will help rectify them over time. For example, if you spend too much time on social media, set a timer for yourself and limit your usage. Likewise, if you're eating unhealthy food regularly, slowly start introducing healthier alternatives. These small changes will help you make a lasting difference in your life and can lead to bigger changes over time.

Remember that it takes time to form new habits, so don't be too hard on yourself if the results are slow. Instead, be patient, consistent, and kind to yourself as you work towards the better future you want for yourself.

Take Care of Yourself:

The journey to breaking negative habits and forming positive ones is one that can take time. During this journey, it's important to remember to take care of yourself. This means practicing self-care techniques such as eating nutritious foods, getting enough sleep, finding time for relaxation and exercise, and spending time with people who support you. All of these will help you stay motivated and on track with your new habits. It may also be helpful to find an accountability buddy who will help keep you motivated in the pursuit of bettering your future.

Forming healthy habits is an important part of living a better life. It may take time and effort, but the results are worth it. The tips provided in this article can help you identify negative habits and replace them with healthier alternatives to promote a more positive future for yourself. IGET Vapes offers various products that are designed to help those looking to make a change in their life. With the right support and dedication, anyone can break bad habits and form new ones that will help them lead a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Four Simple Steps To Secure Your Family Money

Photo by Puwadon Sang-ngern from Pexels

Even though it might not seem that way, managing your money can be simpler than many people think. There isn't a single thing you can do, but if you combine some acts that can increase your income, you'll find that success is attainable. In this article, we'll look at several practical suggestions that will help you manage your money better.

Take A Good, Hard Look

When you suspect that your financial situation might not be as ideal as you'd like it to be, it might be tempting to avoid looking at your finances. Nevertheless, you must follow through. You can only start to make progress once you are aware of where you are right now. More than just checking your bank balance is required to honestly examine your finances. It entails taking a close look at all of your income and expenses, debts, and spending patterns.

Eliminate Unnecessary Spending

Even those with well-paying occupations are susceptible to financial problems because they overspend on things they don't need. It's time to review your bank statements to see exactly where your money is going if it seems like your bank balance is usually lower than you anticipated. Even though you might not think that buying lunch on the go, treating yourself to a pricey coffee every day, or treating yourself to a few upscale drinks is too damaging, all of that spending will mount up over the course of a month or year. If you stop them (or at least cut back on your expenditure), your balance may increase without much effort.

Send Funds Directly To A Savings Account

We all understand the importance of saving money. However, if you're having trouble getting your bank account in order, the thought of placing money in your savings account will seem absurd. But it's crucial to keep in mind that even a small amount of saving is preferable to none at all. If you have trouble saving money, consider getting a phone app that rounds up credit card purchases to the nearest dollar and deposits the difference in a savings account. If you can contribute an extra $15 or so per week, you can build up a sizeable savings account in a matter of months.

Be Wise With Your Spending

You will occasionally need to spend money on certain items; that goes without saying. Your clothes and electronics won't remain in use indefinitely. You'll eventually have to swap them out. When it comes to money, always shop around online for the best prices before making a purchase. Whatever you're looking for, you'll almost certainly find a coupon code or a website that offers the item for less than you could elsewhere. It's also a good idea to keep in mind that you can frequently find affordable used goods of outstanding quality. Part of this should include fixed rate indexed annuities and family insurance.

Conclusion

Organizing your funds requires time and effort, but it is worthwhile. Once you've done so, you'll discover that you're less stressed and more able to enjoy life.

Why Lakeside Weddings Are The Best!

For many people, before they are even engaged, they know that when they do get married, they want a specific type of venue.

When you think about getting married, many people think about the joy of the people celebrating there with them and their comfort—the food that they want to serve, the party after, and more. And unsurprisingly, one of the biggest things is the wedding photos.

Wedding photos are, for many people, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have a stunning backdrop surrounded by people they love and, of course, the love of their life too.

Weddings in Lake Arrowhead and other lakeside venues offer so many great benefits that a lakeside wedding might end up being at the top of your list - if it isn’t already.

Photo by Mathijs Beks on Unsplash

Photography

Specifically looking at drones here, which are becoming more commonly used in wedding photography. Drone usage is much easier when there are fewer people around and a lot more space. Not to mention that lakes look spectacular on drones meaning you can have a beautiful wedding video filled with water and nature.

Weather

For those who just want to make sure they have water in their photos, you’ll be happy to know that most often, the severe and sometimes unpredictable weather conditions that happen over bodies of water are usually the sea- not lakes. And the ones that do form over lakes are often short, less dangerous, and cause less damage to the area.

With more predictable weather, it is much easier for your photographer to be able to plan the perfect sunrise or sunset photos accordingly.

Humidity

The coolness of large bodies of water can actually help the day feel a little cooler. Humidity can be awful for wedding hair and guests who don’t like warm or clammy weather. Although the humidity won’t be completely gone, it will be lower than in other areas.

Secluded

One of the best things about the spaces around lakes is that they do change over time, and a photo that another couple has the year previously is likely to look completely different for you.

There are plenty of secluded spaces around the lakes too, which are ideal for getting photos that look candid and elegant.

Lakes typically have a range of different shore types, too, so if you want to stand in the water, on a dock, or tucked into the greenery, you can. You can get the perfect ‘just us two’ photos.

Recreate the ocean

The magic of the lakeside is that there will be areas that look closer to the ocean than a lake. And with some editing from your photographer - the ocean can be created. With such a diverse range of options, it is easier than ever to turn your lakeside views into almost anything, from forests to oceans and secluded magical places into big group photos with a sunset backdrop.

Weddings, even the intimate smaller ones, can be a nightmare to plan, so it is a great idea to make use of the wedding planner from your venue - or hire one! 4 Reasons Why You Should Hire A Wedding Planner | A Very Sweet Blog. 

Top Ways To Protect Your Family

If you have a partner and children, protecting them is one of your first priorities. Whether you are newly expanding your family or you have a large family already, you may not know where to begin when it comes to protecting them in the right way. You want to be able to protect them online and in person, because either way, they are exposed to the world around them. There are plenty of ways that you can ensure that everybody in your family is protected and we've got a list of those ways for you below.

Photo by Pixabay from Pexels

• Consider your finances. It sounds like an obvious thing to do, but sometimes money equals protection. If you don't have an established budget, it's time to sit down in front of the computer and create one. You need to ensure that you have enough financial security which means having both savings and your bills paid. Whether you have built a successful empire for your family or not, establishing the right budget can prevent you from overspending. Living within your means means that nobody has to worry about being on the breadline, and when things crop up that your family needs you'll be able to provide for them. You want to free up additional money that you can spend on bigger expenses such as a home or a holiday or you are covered in the event of a job loss. Financial collapse can happen to anybody, and you need to ensure that you have an emergency savings fund ready to back you up.

• Safeguard your house. Security is not an option, it's an essential. Cameras either ring cameras in the doorbell or cameras at the edge of the home, gates, walls and outdoor lighting are all going to help your home to be more secure. You can also buy the kids a dog, and they will be so excited because they won't realize that it's all about their protection and not about being cute. Having a dog in the home is enough to deter most criminals, but it's always a good idea to make sure that you have your home security bases covered. It may not necessarily be on the top of your list of priorities right now, but it's something that you should be looking at if you want to ensure the safety of your family at all times.

• Go to the doctor regularly. From you and your partner to the children, you will need to be seeing the doctors regularly. If you ensure that your health screenings are up to date, you will feel safe in the knowledge that everybody in your family is at their best possible health. Scheduling regular health screenings and attending checkups relevant to gender, age and previous medical history is smart. If anybody has had any chronic and long term illnesses, then making sure that you are having those illnesses checked on regularly is a good way to prevent any further issues.

• Organize health insurance. In your job you may be a key person insurance beneficiary, but at home you need to make sure that you have family health insurance, life insurance and it's something that will suit both your individual lifestyle and your budget. Shopping around is important here, because you need to be able to weigh up the pros and cons of each policy before you make an informed decision. When you have insurance you might be able to secure access to the doctor of your choice when you need them, and it's one of the main reasons that a growing number of families are opting for insurance as soon as a baby is created.

• Start building college funds. A good way to protect your family is to build college funds for your children. You are protecting their futures by taking care of the financial aspect of further education years in advance. It also means that if later in life when they start to turn college age something happens to you or you lose your job, your children are looked after already.

• Teach your children life skills. From camping to learning how to change the oil in the car, your children need to know how to protect themselves through life. Online safety and security should also be a factor in these conversations, because the parents that are in today's digital landscape are seeing more and more issues happening due to the Internet. Education and knowledge are key.

 

The Benefits Of Wood Furniture

The last 50 years have seen many different types of materials used for furniture, and with tighter budgets in place, many people turned to wood alternatives—or wood composites.

However, wooden furniture has always maintained a place in both commercial and residential properties.

What is it about wooden furniture that makes it something worth investing in? Here are just a few benefits of solid wood furniture!

Photo by Trac Vu on Unsplash

Lifetime

Solid wood will be good for you if you’re good with solid wood. What that means is that if you make sure that it is sanded down, refinished, and well-maintained when required, you are going to have a piece of furniture that doesn’t lose value.

In fact, depending on the type of wood used and the design, it can go up in price. Unlike other flatpack furniture options, it means that the lifetime value of the wood is higher. And is an investment worth making.

Maintenance

Solid wood tables and other wooden furniture from reputable companies like Created Hardwood know that the wood they use and sell is of the highest quality. And, in general, the higher the quality, the less maintenance it will need.

Solid wood family tables are going to get more wear and tear than solid wooden desks that only one person uses. So that will need to be taken into account.

For daily maintenance, when required, a clean with wood or varnish-friendly cleaning products and oil is usually enough. Over time (many, many years), the wood item might need to be professionally refinished to keep it looking as good as new. 

Unique

There is a simplicity to opening up a catalog and being able to order everything you see and put it in your own room. And while they are curated with lifestyle considerations from interior designers and furniture designers alike - they aren’t unique. Solid wooden furniture is unique because each piece of wood used is individual. You’ll have the joy of grain, color differences, and knots. 

All of these things mean that each piece is unique to you.

Durability

Solid wood pieces are some of the strongest furniture options around. Master craftspeople will build the items, so there isn’t a timeframe for how long they will last. Often, oak, maple, and walnut are used for wooden furniture, and these hardwoods can stand after going through harsh conditions and hundreds of years in time.

Refinishing

Refinishing has been mentioned a few times, and that is because it is one of the most important things to keep in mind. If you never want to change anything about the item, refinishing can help it look new (if that is what you want). 

And, if you choose to overhaul your interior and need the table to look lighter, darker, matte, or shiny, it is all possible. The wood can be refinished to work with your needs, and it will never impact the integrity of the build or the strength.

One of the ways that you can keep your living space looking chic is by adding wood and some of these other points: 7 Ways To Make Your Living Room More Stylish | A Very Sweet Blog.

Choosing Outdoor Holiday Party Outfits: A Beginner’s Guide

Are you tired of the same old holiday party outfits?

Holiday parties will soon be in full swing. There's nothing like getting your team together, decking out a space, and enjoying a festive celebration.

While you're visiting different offices, why not spruce it up a bit? Instead of wearing the same structured suits to these parties, make a statement in these fashionable pieces.

Read on to learn more about picking the right outdoor holiday party outfits.

Image by QK from Pixabay

Factors to Consider

Weather, dress code, location, and personal preference are all important factors to consider. If you expect the weather to be cold, you should opt for a coat or jacket. Also, go for heavier fabrics like wool, flannel, or cotton.

If there's no specified dress code, smart-casual attire is always an appropriate option. Think carefully about the location and be sure to pick shoes suitable for the terrain.

Last but not least, pick something that makes you feel confident. Show your style and have fun with your holiday party outfits. The perfect alfresco holiday party look is within reach!

The Essentials

You should always consider the essentials. Start with your base layer. Think cozy sweaters or scarves, comfortable joggers, and a light jacket for added warmth and protection.

Then, layer on fun for a cold-weather style that stands out. Go with pieces like breezy skirts, playful tops, and flashy accessories.

Footwear is also important. Choose boots or booties with a good grip for slippery surfaces. Make sure that you’ll be comfortable wearing them for the entire evening.

Finally, don’t forget to add an eye-catching touch like a colorful headscarf or playful jewelry that adds a spark to any outfit. With the right pieces, you can be the life of the party in any outdoor holiday celebration.

Ideas for an Elegant Look

An elegant look for your holiday party can include vibrant colors and touches of sparkle. A sun dress, jumper, or a skirt and blouse combo in a flattering warmer hue is a stylish option.

Shoes can be heels or strappy sandals in a coordinating bright color. An added touch would be festive jewelry and long earrings.

For men, elegant work holiday party outfits can look great with comfortable trousers, a crisp white button-up shirt, and a sports coat. He can pair the outfit with dress shoes and some nice subtle accessories. You can check out this page on Viking boots if you're feeling a bit adventurous.

An elegant hat would also be a fashionable addition. Furs, capes, and scarves can also be chic choices since they offer warmth and add a touch of sophistication.

Picking the Best Outdoor Holiday Party Outfits

Holiday parties are a great opportunity to show off your style. Outdoor holiday parties offer a unique opportunity for you to challenge yourself when picking the perfect outdoor holiday party outfits.

So have some fun with your holiday wardrobe and let your creative side shine. With a few smart choices, you can look as festive and charming as the season demands. So get ready, and make sure to pick your outfits carefully!

If you enjoyed our article and want to find more advice, check out our website!

Vampyre Cosmetics | Vampire Vineyards Fangria Lipstick And Voodoo Wine Lipstick Poison Apple Review And Swatches

Disclosure: I was sent Vampyre Cosmetics Vampire Vineyards Fangria Lipstick and Voodoo Wine Lipstick in Poison Apple for review. All opinions in this blog post are 100% my own and honest. This post contains affiliate links. I get commission for purchases or clicks made through links in this post.

PR Sample: I was contacted by Vampyre Cosmetics PR and asked if I would like to try their King Cake Shadow Palette (reviewed here). It's Mardi Gras time here in New Orleans, so I was ecstatic at the offer. It's a really beautiful palette. It's so realistic and fun. I'm really happy to add it to my makeup collection. They sent me some other cool products to try, along with the palette. So I would like to share my thoughts about each for you today. I received two lipsticks. One is called Vampire Vineyards Fangria Lipstick and the other is called Voodoo Wine Lipstick Poison Apple. Be sure to check out my Instagram post to see these in action.

Sweet-Bittersweet-NotSweet

supersweet(run & buy it) sweet(really good,buy it) bittersweet(ok, issues)not sweet(not good,don't buy this stuff) 

Vampyre Cosmetics Lipsticks are Supersweet

Vampyre Cosmetics | Vampire Vineyards Fangria Lipstick (Purple)

Let's first talk packaging! How cute is it!?! This lipstick is housed in a realistic "wine bottle". My readers know, how much I love details. The details that Vampyre Cosmetics puts into their packaging has definitely impressed me. The label's take on the popular Sangria drink, all the way down to its design is super awesome. This lipstick has an easy twist cap and doe foot applicator. The formula and color is rich. It goes on velvety and dries down matte. This beautiful purple lipstick compliments the King Cake Palette, but can also be worn so many different ways. Don't limit yourself to just "holidays" with this color. Create other effects by dabbing on a glittery eye shadow atop this lipstick. This lipstick is transfer resistant (for up to 12 hours), 100% vegan and cruelty free. I really love this lipstick.

Voodoo Wine Lipstick Poison Apple (Green)

Poison Apple. What's the first thing that comes to mind, when you hear those words? I immediately think of the story of Snow White and the Evil Queen. Many makeup companies, when they make a poison apple lipstick often make it RED. In actuality, the poison placed atop the apple is GREEN in color. Vampyre Cosmetics gets it right! This is a green lipstick, that has the same formula as the Fangria lipstick above. They also have a sweet scent. I would also like to add, that the Voodoo line of lipsticks come in an array of other fantastic colors. You should definitely check them out.

Vampyre Cosmetics | King Cake Eye Shadow Palette Review

Disclosure: I was sent Vampyre Cosmetics King Cake Eye Shadow Palette for review. All opinions in this blog post are 100% my own and honest. This post contains affiliate links. I get commission for purchases or clicks made through links in this post.

PR Sample: I was contacted by Vampyre Cosmetics PR Team and asked if I would like to try their King Cake Eye Shadow Palette. I said to myself, ARE YOU KIDDING ME!?! OF COURSE I WOULD! I was ecstatic. One, I LOVE MAKEUP! Two, I LOVE FUN MAKEUP! Three, IT'S A MARDI GRAS KING CAKE THEMED EYE SHADOW PALETTE! Four, I'M A NEW ORLEANIAN and so is the FOUNDER of this makeup company. I'm just a little excited! 

Let me give you some background on Vampyre Cosmetics! They are woman owned (Rachel Clinesmith & Karen Holton), disabled owned and LGBTQ owned. ALL of their products are VEGAN, CRUELTY-FREE AND TALC FREE. They believe in green standards, clean beauty and transparency in everything they do. I love their philosophy! 

It's Mardi Gras time here in New Orleans. Mardi Gras Day is February 21st (one day after my birthday). Parades are rolling. Bands are playing. People are dancing and eating. It's just a magical time of year for natives and tourists that come to visit. King Cake is a tradition during this time and is synonymous with the Mardi Gras holiday. This baked sugary confection has always been a party of my life since I was a little girl. I love them!

Now, the palette you guys! How realistic does it look!?! I could just take a slice and eat it. But this beauty of a palette is icing & sweetness for your eyes. In the traditional Mardi Gras colors of PURPLE, GREEN AND GOLD, this palette houses 12 shades ... 4 of each color. Each contains matte, glitter and shimmery shades. I swatched all 12 shades on the back of my hand for you. Aren't the colors RICH!?! I also love the names: PURPLE (Rex, Masks, Mardi Gras, Carnival), GREEN (Krewe, Floats, Go Cup, Neutral Ground) and GOLD (Boeuf Gras, Flambeaux, Zydeco, Doubloons). Here's an entire glossary of Mardi Gras Terms!

I created the following look below. Watch my Instagram video, to see how all the colors lay on my eyes and lips.

Sweet-Bittersweet-NotSweet

supersweet(run & buy it) sweet(really good,buy it) bittersweet(ok, issues)not sweet(not good,don't buy this stuff) 

Vampyre Cosmetics King Cake Eye Shadow Palette is Supersweet

7 Secrets Of Blemish-Free Skin

The skin, being the largest organ in the body, is what people first notice when they look at you. Its condition reflects your overall personality. For this reason, taking care of the skin to look clear and smooth is essential.

But hormonal changes, stress, pollution, and allergy to certain substances can cause skin rashes and blemishes. The most common skin conditions include acne, uneven skin tone, atopic dermatitis, and sunburn. They form unsightly skin blemishes, affecting a person's self-confidence. So, what should you do to avoid skin blemishes? 

Check out the top secrets below if you want healthy and blemish-free skin:

1. In-Clinic Skin Treatments

Get facials at least once a month. No home treatments can replace professional facial treatments, including professional extraction and exfoliation. You might want to consider facial massage to tone your muscles, acting like a non-surgical facelift.

You can try proven-effective at-home treatments if you don't have time to visit your dermatologist. But make sure that your dermatologist approves it. For instance, light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that can further help get rid of acne by reducing inflammation and stimulating skin rejuvenation.

2. Regular Skin Checkup

When you notice skin blemishes on your face or elsewhere in the body, go to a licensed dermatologist. Clinic visits for a full-body skin examination must be at least once a year. The dermatologist can quickly diagnose skin problems and recommend medications and therapies to prevent breakouts.

Regular skin checkups can help maintain healthy, blemish-free skin. The American Cancer Society doesn't have guidelines for early skin cancer detection, but most doctors recommend self-skin inspection at least once a month.

3. Good Skin Care Routine

Develop a good skincare routine, which includes cleansing, exfoliating, hydrating, and protecting. Here's how:

• Cleansing

Use a mild cleanser to wash away dirt, oil, and impurities from your face. Wash your face at least twice daily to prevent clogged pores, acne breakouts, wrinkles, and other signs of premature aging.

• Exfoliating

Exfoliation isn't part of basic skincare. However, exfoliating your skin can help maintain blemish-free skin by removing dead skin cells. It allows the active ingredients of skin products to penetrate deeper into the skin to do their job. So, don't forget to exfoliate at least twice weekly to improve skin texture and minimize pores.

• Hydrating

Hydrate your skin by applying a moisturizer, preferably with hyaluronic acid. This active ingredient can make your facial skin smooth, plump, and firm, minimizing visible lines, acne scars, and other skin blemishes.

• Protecting

Apply sunscreen to protect your skin against harmful ultraviolet rays. An SPF of 30 or above protects the skin from the sun, harmful irritants, and premature aging.

4. Good Hydration

The skin cells need water to perform their functions, particularly combating free radicals due to pollution and defending the body against infection, thereby preventing acne. Drinking enough water promotes good blood flow in the skin and other vital organs in the body.

If you lack water, your skin becomes dull and dry, which triggers excess oil or sebum production, predisposing you from developing acne. Taking enough fluids can also help maintain good skin elasticity. You'll likely suffer from signs of skin aging such as wrinkles and scars.

5. Proper Nutrition

Eat lots of fruits, vegetables, and foods high in protein to replenish the lost nutrients in your skin. Stock up on broccoli, citrus fruits, sweet peppers, avocado, kiwi, oily fish, sunflower seeds, and dark chocolate. In addition, mangoes and tomatoes are rich in vitamin C and carotenoids, which are good for the skin.

6. Manage Stress

Stress can cause skin blemishes because of high cortisol levels. This stress hormone can lead to skin breakouts due to hormonal changes. You can reduce stress by improving your coping skills and preventing major sources of stressors. Music, arts, sports, reading, meditating, and exercising are some ways you can reduce or divert stress.

7. Get Enough Sleep

No matter how good your skincare routine is, if you're not getting enough sleep, then it's useless. During sleep, your body heals itself, carrying out natural defense mechanisms to prevent infection. Therefore, you're at risk of developing acne and other skin blemishes if you're not sleeping well enough.

Conclusion

Healthy, blemish-free skin is attainable by having a good skincare routine and trying proven-effective skin treatments. While there's no absolute skin product or formula to achieve this goal, applying the tips above with consistency, patience, and discipline can help. If you have severe skin problems, a licensed dermatologist can assess your skin and recommend appropriate treatment options. Consider the ideas mentioned here as you plan and prepare.