Beauty & Grooming

Are you about to celebrate an anniversary where you feel that you won’t be able to make the proper arrangements for a holiday or restaurant reservation on time? What if you suddenly run out of ideas or inspiration to actually plan out an anniversary date, and you need to come up with one really fast? When you still want to make this anniversary extra special but for some reason or another you can’t take your spouse out, then it’s time to consider celebrating your union at home. Here are a few quick suggestions to start you off:

Mark the Date

Setting the date is partly a matter of managing time and finding the right time for it. However, if you really can’t find a way to celebrate it on the day itself due to your schedules and important activities, then simply do so before or after it. What matters is that you remember it, greet your partner with a kiss, hug, and small gift, along with the announcement that you’ve set your special date on another day due to scheduling issues.

Fix the House

You don’t have to go with anything flashy when it comes to decorations, but you can start by cleaning your house, or at the very least, the areas where you plan to spend your anniversary. If you can afford to hire cleaners, then do so and make sure that they finish before the actual special day arrives. Add a few decorations such as curtains, rugs, and centerpieces. On the day itself, add the extras, such as scented candles and flower petals, preferably an hour before your partner arrives. The best thing about all these preparations is that you can keep some of the changes in place even after your anniversary.

Offer Your Cooking

Nothing beats like offering a dish that you have made yourself on this special day. You’ll never run out of possible choices as there are many dishes that you can make hours or even a few days in advance. You can also look up videos online for dishes that need little cooking or supervision—that is if you’re short on time. For those who aren’t confident with their cooking skills, ask a friend to help you out in the kitchen, but make sure that they mostly supervise and guide you and not do everything on your behalf.

Choose Your Gift

This can make or break the occasion, so you need to find a gift that will both be practical and pleasing to her. Though you may not have the budget for a new luxury watch or exclusive jewelry, you can still find less expensive but quality choices such as signature skincare or beauty products. The Korean COSRX skincare is a very good example of these kinds of gifts since COSRX offers popular, high-end, and effective products.

Just because you can’t manage a date in a posh restaurant doesn’t mean that your anniversary is going to lack romance and intimacy. Sometimes you just need the right kind of creativity, resourcefulness, and sincerity to make these special occasions work. May the best of luck go to you and your spouse as you surprise her with a happy wedding anniversary celebration at home.

One of the most important aspects of a wedding is the wedding band. No, not the wedding performers — the rings. The joy in finding something that will signify your love for each other forever is something that most couples look forward to.

But, despite the initial excitement, a lot of people will come to realize that choosing a wedding ring is not really as easy as choosing something out of a catalog. Feeling lost? You are not alone.

That is why this guide is here to help you choose wedding rings in DC. Symbolize your love for each other perfectly. Tiny Jewel Box tells us more.

1. Have a reasonable budget

Wedding rings can be affordable or can be really expensive depending on different factors. Thus, before shopping for one, it is best to set aside a reasonable budget and stick to it. Doing some research beforehand regarding the market prices will be helpful.

2. Shop with your spouse-to-be

The experience of shopping for a wedding band together is an activity that most couples enjoy doing. Some people get a wedding ring only to go home and disappoint their partner over a wedding ring they feel does not represent their relationship as well as their individualities.

Not only is it a good bonding experience, but it is also a way to get to know your other half, and to make sure that you both get what you want.

3. Know what you want

Speaking of getting what you want, it pays to have an idea of what to look for in a ring. It need not be matching as some couples nowadays opt to wear something of their personal liking. A quick visit to inspiration sites such as Pinterest on the internet will be helpful.

4. Decide between custom and pre-made

Some couples opt for ready-made rings, while others want something uniquely theirs and would prefer customized wedding bands. Having jewelry made specifically for you is very special, but getting rings that are already pre-made will save you lots of time and money.

So, your choice between the two options depends on your budget, how much time you have, and whether or not you have found a pre-made pair of rings that is already perfect in every way. Talk with your jeweler about your choice to know what to expect from it.

5. Choose the materials wisely

The materials used in the rings will affect how beautiful they are and how long they will last without damages, such as fading or scratches. This factor will also determine the specific look of the ring. A quick choice between gold, silver, and rose gold can make a lot of difference in your ring’s outcome.

Now that you know the basics of shopping for a wedding ring, finding one can be easier, and not to mention, more memorable for the both of you. Planning a wedding can be very stressful, but you only get to do this once for the first time, so make sure you enjoy every moment, too.

While there are many positive things that go along with getting older, the way your skin is starting to look or change may not be one of them. This is especially true if you notice some premature signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, and sunspots.

The natural process of aging, however, is not the only thing to blame. You may not realize it, but your daily habits and lifestyle may be the reason you are aging faster than you expect. Here are some of the culprits and a few tips on how you can reverse the process.

You don’t get enough sleep

This doesn’t just result in dark bags and circles under the eyes. Sleep deprivation, according to studies, can also lead to poor collagen formation, which ages the skin. It can also raise your cortisol levels and affect your skin’s moisture levels, making it dull and less youthful. Make it habit to sleep at least seven hours each night.

You don’t use eye or wrinkle cream

Aging tends to be more noticeable around the eyes. This only makes it important to keep this area moisturized with eye or wrinkle cream. Be sure to look for products with retinol, Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, and neuropeptides. You may also want to do your homework to find the best wrinkle cream and moisturizers in the market.

You skip wearing sunscreen

Sunlight exposure is one of the main causes of premature lines and wrinkles on the face. Do take note that UV rays are still present on cloudy and rainy days, and can damage your skin. Be sure to stay out of the sun and slather on sunscreen every time you go out. Be sure to look for a broad-spectrum product or those with an SPF of at least 30.

You sleep on your stomach

This sleeping position can get your face smashed into the pillow. This can then speed up aging and cause the wrinkles to become etched in your skin. It may also cause the fluids to accumulate in your eyes, resulting in puffiness. Sleeping on your back can help you avoid wrinkles, as well as investing in a satin pillowcase.

You wear a lot of makeup

Excess makeup, particularly oil-based ones, can wreck your skin by clogging your pores. Some of these products may also contain irritating chemicals and alcohol that can dry your skin and remove its natural oils. This can then lead to blemished skin, as well as premature lines and wrinkles. Here are a few tips on keeping your makeup simple and natural. The more simple and natural our makeup is, the less problem we will have with our ageing skin.

Take note of these habits and stop aging your skin too quickly. It is better that our skin does not age quickly or else we may look much more older than what are age is. It is also a good idea to invest in creams, moisturizers, and other skincare products that can help fight aging.

Getting married is a unique experience. This special event brings families and friends together, as well as bind two souls as one. It is so special that couples spend a significant amount of money for it. The money goes to a variety of expenses, including wedding preparations, catering, wedding dress, venue, and of course, engagement ring and wedding bands.

While most people were willing to splurge on engagement rings before, many couples are becoming more practical these days. When choosing the perfect engagement ring, more people are no longer keen on spending a fortune on their preferred option, especially the millennials. They tend to allot the money on the venue, food, and other important things related to their relationship goals or wedding plan. Some couples just put the extra amount on their joint savings account.

But why do they choose to avoid spending a huge amount on an engagement ring? Student loans probably drive them to keep their spending within budget. A survey somehow reflected this, as most of the respondents believe that you shouldn’t spend more than $3,000 on an engagement ring. Every couple wanting to get married someday should adopt this good practice.

Popular Options

If you plan to buy a diamond ring, AAA Jewelers notes that you should at least be familiar with the four Cs: cut, clarity, carat weight, and color. A stone with a high color and cut, and a lower clarity will cost less, so consider this when you have a limited budget.

It will likely take you at least two weeks before the ring is finished, depending on the level of craftsmanship that you prefer for the item. Whether you plan to buy custom jewelry in Utah or in another state, make sure you have insurance for it. Those who plan to buy diamond rings should also consider an inspection report from a third-party group, such as the American Gem Society. It may cost you extra, but that’s a better alternative to buying a fake or substandard piece.

Popular Days

The day and time of your proposal should also be a factor for the price of an engagement ring. An analysis showed that the days between Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day are the most popular time to pop the question.

Since more people want to be engaged during this period, you should expect prices to be higher. Even if you find discounted offers, you may need to wait for a longer time before the ring becomes available due to a bigger number of orders. If you want to save money, you can propose on other regular days or season. The secret is to make the ordinary day extraordinary. Your creativity and imagination are the limits.

A proposal need not be too flashy and costly. Sincerity, love, and passion are more important than the price of the ring. Set the right budget for an engagement ring and this will make it easier for you to choose since determining how much you’re willing to spend will let you narrow down the options.

Weddings are very special because they are intimate and romantic events. These bring two people together and bind them as one. The wedding day is the start of a new chapter in a couple’s lives. They will be sharing a house and living together to build a family. The event is special for the couple and their friends and family, which is why it’s important to plan it carefully.

Planning your own wedding can be a challenging task though, as you would need to think about many things, including the catering and food, the cake, decors, tables and chairs, sound system, and of course, the venue. Choosing the right venue is important to make sure everyone who’s attending your wedding ceremony and reception will be comfortable. Make sure the location is accessible and has sufficient parking spaces for the guests.

If you’re planning to tie the knot in Minnesota, you can find a variety of wedding venues that will suit your budget and personal preferences. Here are some of the things you need to remember when choosing an event center in Lowertown, St. Paul for your wedding reception:

The Area’s Capacity

Finish your guest list early and count all of the people that have already responded to your RSVP. Look for specific venues and locations that are big enough to handle the headcount, so you would not get into trouble during your wedding.

In addition, be sure to get a few extra seats so that when some people arrive unexpectedly, you can let them in. A contingency plan is a must during any type of event. You’ll never know what might happen, so it’s best to have a plan B.

Choose a Theme

Talk to your partner and discuss the theme that you want for your wedding. You can go for formal, boho, rustic, low-key, vintage, artistic, etc. Modern weddings are now usually held in barns, galleries, tents, and beaches, so you have the freedom to choose a theme that you and your partner will love. You should also choose between an indoor or outdoor wedding to find out which type of venue is appropriate. Once you have a theme, inform your wedding planner and the venue about it, so they can make the right preparations.

Ask About the Catering

Some venues do not allow couples to bring in their own caterers, which means you will have no choice but to hire their in-house caterer. If you are planning to bring your own caterer, then go ahead and ask about it firsthand. If they don’t allow it, then ask for their menu and see if they charge a cake-cutting fee for bringing your own wedding cake.

Arrange a food tasting session, so you and your partner can decide which food to serve during your wedding reception. This is important, especially if some of the guests you invited have personal, religious, or cultural preferences when it comes to food.

Talking to the owners and managers and looking around the area is key to ensuring a successful wedding reception and venue. Check the options you have and do not rush into things.

The reception is definitely one of the most important parts of a wedding. It brings the lovely couple together with both sides of the family, and it is also where loved ones give their speeches out to the newlyweds. If you are thinking of going rustic for your reception, here are some tips for making sure your barn wedding in Minnesota becomes a huge success.

Use the ceiling height to your advantage

Most barn wedding venues have a high ceiling height. Use this to your advantage by hanging beautiful crystal chandeliers or something that gives a similar effect. This will immediately give your reception a rustic yet elegant feel, and your pictures will surely look amazing!

Pair the stationery with your overall design

Set the tone right by keeping the stationery paired up with your wedding’s overall design and theme. If you are going for a rustic type of lighting and wall decor, then you should do the same with your invitations and other stationery materials. You can even ask the caterer to design the menu the way you would plan the whole place.

Hang some fabrics

Keep the setting rustic yet intimate by placing a couple of hanging fabrics in the background. White and sheer fabrics are mostly what people go for when it comes to weddings, as they immediately give out a comfortable vibe. If you are not sure how to design it yourself, ask for some help from your family, friends, or even from a professional wedding or event organizer.

Insect-proof the area

Insects can be unwanted guests at your wedding reception. Therefore, one thing you should not forget to do is place citronella candles around the barn to keep these pests away. You should also provide little bottles of bug sprays, particularly in the entrance area and the bathroom, so that your guests can stay safe from bug bites the whole night.

Prepare for the weather

You can never tell for sure what the weather is going to be on your big day. So, make sure to be prepared in case bad weather suddenly decides to make a visit. Have a backup plan. Set up tents in your venue. Provide heating or cooling systems, and make sure your guests stay comfortable.

Utilize the outdoor space for entertainment

Take advantage of the vast outdoor space by having live music and letting your guests dance their hearts out. This will not only make your reception more fun but also encourage guests to interact with each other. You can also facilitate some games children and adults alike can truly enjoy.

Always ask for your partner’s opinion when it comes to designing the wedding reception venue. This will help the event become even more successful, beautiful, and ultimately memorable. You can also consider hiring a professional event or wedding planner to make sure your big day will be a huge success and a big hit to the crowd. This is one of the biggest events in your lifetime, so make sure to plan it according to what will make you and your partner happy.

You have different options for your bed’s headboard, but one of the best that you can pick is an upholstered headboard. This allows you to sit up comfortably in your bed and at the same time, lends a luxurious feel to your room.

When buying an upholstered headboard, you will have to evaluate two primary elements, namely fabric and style. While the fabric might be easy to pick, the style options available at mattress stores like 2 Brothers Mattress are vast. As such, it might be a challenge to select the ideal one for your bedroom space.

Here is a guide to help you match the choice of your headboard style to the overall theme of your bedroom.

Romantic Bedrooms

You can add a romantic look to your bedroom with a tall curved upholstered headboard. To add a luxurious feel to your romantic theme, opt for a headboard with rich jewel-toned satin or plush button-tufted white velvet. This will create a bedroom fit for a king and a queen.

Classic Bedrooms

A classic bedroom theme does not mean a boring one. You can make a classic theme stand out with an upholstered headboard with a corded border. Go for creamy white stripes mixed with navy, charcoal or black for a formal headboard look. The pinstripes will also create a casual overall appearance to your bedroom.

Eclectic Bedrooms

For the artistic people, an eclectic bedroom makes a perfect fit. Headboards in printed fabrics with minimal headboard padding are the best choice to set your wild side free. Tropical, vibrant colors are your best choice for the headboard.

Bold Bedrooms

If you are the type of person who likes to take risks in designing your space, why don’t you go for an ornamented headboard, complete with flashy fabric, bright colors and bold patterns? Make this stand up to the boldness of the rest of the room, but make sure to keep every little detail cohesive.

Luxurious Bedrooms

Go all the way in terms of luxury by choosing velvet as the material of your headboard and chocolate brown as the primary color. You can also add royal curtains behind it and then plush pillows and linens on your mattress to add an even more elegant feel to your bedroom space.

Monochromatic Bedrooms

If you like the interiors of your bedroom to look not too bold but at the same time, not boring, go for something in between. Make sure that the colors of your wall and headboard complement each other so that there will be not too much contrast but only subtle changes in the overall look of your space.

Your headboard covers the most substantial portion of your bedroom and can hence be used as the focal point of your bedroom’s theme. With a greatly designed headboard, you will get to not only make your bedroom more comfortable and cozy but also improve the overall aesthetics of the whole space. With this guide, you are in an excellent position to pick the best style for your headboard.

 

Heading to the beach is always exciting. You will finally get to wear your favorite pair of bikini, lie on the beach sand, and soak up the sun. It is one of the greatest ways to destress and let all of your worries go.

There are a couple of things that you should remember before heading to your trip though, such as buying sunscreen to keep your skin protected, making sure you have protective clothing, and of course, seeing to it that your bikini area is properly waxed. His & Hers Waxing shares some of the things that you should consider before getting your bikini or Brazilian wax in Midvale.

Take note of the length of your hair

The hair on your bikini area should be at least 1/4 inch long before you get a wax. The wax will not be able to pick up most of the hair if they are too short, which means that your money, time and effort will only go to waste. Your waxing specialist will most likely let you know if your bikini area hair is too short for the wax, so you can just let them know beforehand.

Do not get a wax right before or after your period

Your skin tends to be super sensitive three days before and after your period, which means that you will definitely feel a lot of pain if you ever decide to get your bikini area waxed during that time. Also, your body produces a lot of heat before, during and after your period, so the wax will easily melt off. Therefore, it will be much more difficult for the waxing specialist to finish the job.

The actual waxing procedure will hurt

If it is your first time getting a bikini wax, then you should know that bikini, Brazilian, and basically, any type of waxing would hurt. The pain level will depend on your threshold, so it is a different experience for everyone. Just prepare yourself and let the waxing specialist know that this is your first time getting a wax so that they can be gentler.

Prepare your skin

Aestheticians suggest that you exfoliate your skin first before getting your hair waxed. This will help you get rid of the dead skin cells and allow the hair to break through the surface. Also, inform the waxing salon if you have any skin allergy so that they can identify the right wax for your skin type.

Do not forget aftercare

Remember to care for your skin post-waxing by keeping it moisturized. If you have dry skin, you will likely feel discomfort the next time you visit the waxing salon, which should be around at least four to six weeks after your last appointment. Also, keep in mind not to take a hot bath, sunbathe, use perfumed products, or wear tight clothing for the next 24 hours after your wax.

Bikini waxing is quite a personal and up-close experience, so make sure that you are ready and comfortable enough before getting the procedure done.

It is normal that every person you encounter has a different skin care routine. This is because each of us has different skin types, and they all call for different caring methods. You cannot just follow every fad that comes out. What works for your friend (or that beauty guru you follow), may or may not work for you.

Knowing that, however, skin care basics almost always include cleansing, toning, and moisturizing. Most people understand the importance of having clean and moisturized skin, but not all know how to appreciate and see the results of including toner in their regimen.

Are you one of them? You are not alone. Before you feel guilty and start shopping for facial toners online or in your local beauty store, understanding the importance of facial toners in your skin care routine can help you better appreciate its role.

What is a Toner?

A skin toner, or simply a toner, helps complete the cleansing method you do on your skin. It removes dust and impurities that could still be lingering on the skin after washing it with a cleanser, which usually contains ingredients like oil that could leave a film on the face.

A toner looks like water, but it is packed with glycerin, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, active ingredients like plant extracts, and many other beneficial elements. It is a fast-penetrating liquid that hydrates the skin, which results in a plump and glowing look.

You can choose from astringent toners, calming and soothing toners, and hydrating toners. There are also cleansing toners and pH balancing toners.

What Does a Toner Do?

1. It removes dirt and grime

Toners are liquid solutions that contain minerals and ingredients that help remove excess dirt and grime in the skin, which was not removed during cleansing. Applying toner on your face is like giving it another kind of cleansing, but this time, on a deeper level.

2. It keeps pore size at bay

Facial toners come in different kinds depending on your skin type. It is commonly used by people who have oily skin since toners, in general, are known to help reduce the size of the pores. It has relaxing properties that help relax the skin, allowing the pores to relax as well.

3. It maintains the pH balance of the skin

The natural pH balance of the skin is between five and six, but using different kinds of skin care products can disrupt this balance. Once that happens, the skin can become oilier than usual because it is trying to get back to the ideal pH level. Using a toner can help regain this balance faster.

4. It moisturizes the skin

A toner helps remove dirt and maintains an ideal pH balance that prevents oiliness, but it also has another use — to keep the skin moisturized. The right kind of toner can help lock the skin’s natural moisture, giving it a healthier appearance.

Try adding facial toners to your skin care routine and see how it can help your skin be its best version yet.

The concept of ‘power dressing’ seems to be currently taking a break these days. The stiff shoulder pads of the eighties (and other rigid dress codes) no longer define fashion success. For every suited corporate titan, there’s a Mark Zuckerberg donning the casual t-shirt, hoodie, and jeans — with the power to win the masses and earn more money.

For some people, the 21^st century definition of power dressing is simple: WEAR WHAT YOU WANT. After all, no one’s going to call you out, right?

Wrong.

Actively wearing too much casual clothes can prevent people from taking you seriously. Surely, you wouldn’t wear a snapback and hoodie to a meeting?

True power dressing isn’t about flaunting your wealth — it’s all about demonstrating mastery. It’s showing that you know how to play by the rules and bend them when you want to. Dressing like a teenager doesn’t prove you’re the boss; dressing with knowledge does.

With these in mind, consider the following precepts for contemporary power dressing.

Leverage Your Power Suit

A great deal of self-confidence, authority, and respect comes with a dark and well-fitted suit. With a power suit, you get a leg up in job interviews, presentations, and other occasions. For this reason, it’s important that every guy should suit up once in a while. It can, after all, make or break your first impression.

Here are formal outfits every gentleman should have:

• Light-colored dress shirt
• Solid dark and classic style suit
• Dress shoes
• Tie of deeper hue

Brass Neck

There are still a few workplaces that treat neckwear as the Holy Grail. If you work in one, drop some cash on the best tie brands available. Or perhaps, try to be a more adventurous. Go crazy with knitted styles or try different materials, such as linen or wool.

Some guys, however, aren’t comfortable with wearing ties. If you wear one, you risk appearing overdressed; if you skip it, you close off an avenue for self-expression.

You can’t be just another generic dude with an open-necked shirt. Your power move is simple: cut the tie know altogether.

Granddad, collarless, or band-collar shirts are a swerve but are still recognizable shirts that will adhere to the dress code.  Roll neck jumpers won’t just make you look good; it also serves another purpose: keep you warm during the colder months.

There are other casual with tailoring options, such as a Henley, polo, or t-shirt. While these won’t fly in certain situations, these are still power moves. You just need the right blazer or suit and match it with the right kind of top.

Update the Pinstripe Look

The power dressing classic — the pinstripe suit — will always be on point. In a conservative, tailoring environment, however, there’s something abrasive about the crisp lines. It can also look out-of-place in casual workplaces.

Soften the pinstripe’s sharp elbows by trading for a chalkstripe — a fuzzier and wider line. If you are looking for a power dressing staple with a rising value, go for the plain double-breasted jacket, whether it’s a part of your suit or just a blazer.

With a double-breasted jacket, you can take fashion confidence on another level, which is a look not everyone can pull off. It’s just a subtle but powerful flex that stands out in the middle of any stuffy boardroom.

Impress with a Fresh Fade

From footballers to rappers, every man wants a new hairstyle. They have a good reason: a new shave gives you that metaphorical edge.

A clean trim can make the simplest or sloppiest fashion ensemble look pulled together.  Frankly, any haircut will do as long as you do it often. But if you really want to impress, go with the traditional fade.

This haircut is very versatile: it’s not just for the macho military man look. It can also work well in the corporate world. Talk to your barber to determine what type of fade works well with your face shape.

Good Footwear Makes a Good Impression

Whether you wear sneakers or soles to work, there are still a few dressing principles to follow.

First, quality is always important. It’s easy to tell when a pair is well-made. The price difference isn’t also that steep — especially if you are considering replacing your cheaper shoes. Keep in mind that luxury sneakers don’t cost much because for the sake of it being luxurious. These shoes are made with better quality material and are stitched instead of glued.

Second, cleanliness also matters. After all, this is next to style godliness. It doesn’t matter if your shoes were made from the finest leather. Make sure your footwear always looks polished.

Watches: Your Piece De Resistance

A watch is the perfect way to top any power dressing look. But before you slap on any other watch, ask yourself: is your accessory dialed into your outfit and the mood of your surroundings. Do you understand what makes your timepiece sporty or formal, appropriate for a barbecue or a black tie event?

If you know the answer, you don’t have to spend much on your watch. An affordable timepiece, deployed expertly, is better than a luxury watch worn badly.

Know The Rules Before You Break Them

Keep in mind that all your style choices should still revolve around you. It’s your confidence to grow and brand to build.

There’s nothing wrong with following the rules. But once you’ve got the hang of the power dressing guidelines, feel free to bend them in ways that benefit you. It can be something as simple as a suit that’s not buttoned all the way up (for that less uptight look) or going crazy with the colors. Just remember not to go overboard.

While hoodies and t-shirts are good, power dressing is one way to establish your presence in every event. Instead of wowing your audience or potential partners with a boring ensemble, learn how to mix and match power suit elements. Standing out in fashion requires time, resources, and plenty of dedication to power dressing.