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Is the Diamond on your Finger Conflict Free?
Ever since the movie Blood Diamond came out featuring the dreamy Leonardo DiCaprio, the term has been somewhat of a buzzword. However, many think the problem has been curbed – as now there are processes in place to ensure diamond mining isn’t funding war in developing countries.
However, these processes are not the end all be all to corruption revolving around diamonds. In fact, some of these processes aren’t doing enough – which means blood diamonds are still ending up in stores.
Recent events highlight this fact. In late 2011, Zimbabwe’s Marange mines were readmitted into the Kimberley Process. What is the Kimberley Process? It’s a checks-and-balances system put into place by the UN that mandates a mine is conflict free. So if Zimbabwe was just readmitted, it must mean that its diamonds are ethical, right?
Wrong. The actions taken by the Kimberley Process resulted in somewhat of an uprising. Global Witness – an organization dedicated to the ethical mining of resources – pulled out of the Kimberley Process program, accusing the group for “conspiring.”
So why the extreme reaction? The devil is in the details. The Kimberley Process’ definition of “conflict diamonds” only encompasses diamond mining that directly aids military rebels in warring countries. It does not count diamond mining that aids corruption and violence against a countries own people. Because of these wording, Zimbabwe was readmitted despite evidence that there is unrest in the region.
Below is a graphic that presents the evidence against Zimbabwe’s Marange mines. What does this mean for you? That even those government processes are not the final say in ethical diamonds. If you are on the market to “put a ring on it,” make sure that your jeweler can tell you exactly where the diamond came from, with certifications above and beyond the Kimberley Process. If ever in doubt, do research about the mine where the jeweler came from and make sure its work flow is up to par with your ethical standards.
(via Ingle & Rhode Ethical Diamonds).
Adria Saracino is a marketer and fashion blogger. When not consulting on content strategy, you can find her writing about style on her personal fashion blog, The Emerald Closet.
Engagement shoots now come with many wedding packages. While some couples are full of modeling-mojo, others may need some guidance. Since the hours are going to be long, it’s fun and exciting to go some place or do something that you two enjoy. Here are five things that make for awesome engagement shoots. It’s great to get down all your best poses now so you’ll be a pro in your wedding dress.
1. Find a View
There’s a reason why so many romantic movies are against backgrounds that are bigger than life. Sunsets and oceans are the most obvious, but cityscapes and natural landscapes are also beautiful.
2. Once Upon a Time
Everyone has a love story. While your love story might not fit into a single day, you can retell your courtship by visiting familiar places or making one up. It might be true or complete fiction, as dramatic as a life or death scenario, or as intimate as reaching for the same box of cereal.
3. Doing Something You Love
There must be things that you and your fiancé love to do together, and have done again and again as your relationship grew. Take full advantage and showcase your love for each other in the context of something you both share.
4. Bring a Pet
If you have a pet, chances are they feature pretty prominently in your life. Why not bring them along and make them part of your shoot?
5. A Place with History
In every relationship there are moments and places that carry some emotional significance - the place where you first kissed, the park where he proposed, where the two of you met… Doing your engagement shoot in a place that matters to the both of you will add an intimate feel to your photos.
Ok so we can’t know for sure but it sure is fun to speculate. What do you think of this dress for the Queen of Jersey shore?
Trying to decide what to get your sweetheart for Valentine’s Day? Tired of flowers and chocolate? Why not go with something sweet AND practical? Give the gift of comfort and style with these 2-Tone Yoga Pant in black/blush. These stylish, stretchy pants are great for hitting the gym, or lounging around the house. The pink accented waistband is a fun way to keep with the holiday theme, without giving a boring bouquet.
Does your Valentine love to cook? Here’s a great gift option for the girl who loves cooking, but also wants to feel special on February 14th. This beautiful set of Heart Shaped Measuring Spoons makes an awesome, and creative gift for the mom, wife, or friend whose always adding to her kitchen collection. 
Looking for a more traditional gift with a bit more personality? How about a set of 9 Double Dipped Chocolate Covered Oreos? This beautiful box of chocolate dipped cookies is reasonably priced at under $40, and is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. 
While contacts are a convenient option for some brides, eyeglasses are a great way to not only show your personal style, but also feel like yourself while you walk down the aisle. Here are a few tips for wearing glasses on your big day.
1) One of the most important things to remember when shopping for wedding day glasses is to find a pair with anti-reflective coating, which will keep your glasses from shining in pictures. It may also be important to remind bridesmaids and immediate family of this option if they’ll be joining you for a lot of your photo ops.
2) Decide which eyeglasses you want to wear in advance and wear them. You should get used to the way they feel on your face, especially if they’re brand new. You may even decide that they’re not the right fit and change your mind.
3) Match your glasses with your dress and other accessories. Not just color, but style as well. If you’re wearing a vintage dress and jewelry, go with vintage specs.
4) Give your photographer a heads up that you will be wearing glasses on your big day. Often times, they’ll have specific techniques and lenses to reduce glare. Let them be prepared.
5) Work with your make-up artist to determine colors and shades that will flatter your glasses and not be overshadowed by them. It is important to emphasize your eyes, not hide them.
6) Finally, buy glasses that will flatter your face. While chunky, dark or colorful frames might be fun for day to day, a more delicate, neutral-toned frame will be less distracting and allow guests to focus on you.
Prescription glasses are a great way to accessorize, but more importantly if you’ve worn them your whole life, they’ll make you feel more comfortable. Whether your want to go fancy, or a bit more subtle, here a few great options for wedding day eyeglasses from GlassesUSA.com.
GlassesUSA.com
Valentine’s Day is almost here, have you decided what you’re going to get your Valentine this year? Even if you’ve already gotten their gift- forget it, because we’ve found something even better.
GigMasters is hosting a contest where you can win a free serenade for your Valentine! You could have a violinist play at dinner, a comedian show up at their office, or something else that fits their personality a little better.
All you have to do is enter the contest for a chance to receive $200 towards entertainment (also known as the serenade) from GigMasters as well as two EarthLust Water Bottles. Here are four different ways you can enter:
1) Visit the GigMasters’ Life of the Party Blog and leave a comment that describes the serenade you’re planning. Talk about your valentine and explain why it’s such a great plan for him or her.
2) Do the same thing on the GigMasters’ Wedding Blog
3) Go to the GigMasters Facebook Page and post your serenade plan
4) Tweet “Hey @gigmasters help me #serenademyvalentine” with this link http://bit.ly/A90ISH
The contest runs from now through February 6th at 5 p.m., and each person can enter up to four times. The winner is chosen at random and will be announced on GigMasters’ Twitter, Facebook, and blogs at noon on February 7th. If you need a fun, unique way to surprise your Valentine, this will definitely do it.
Ok, so you’ve chosen your bridesmaids, decided on a color scheme, and even picked out your own gown, but now for the hard part:
bridesmaid dresses! You want your best gal pals to be happy, and more importantly look amazing on your big day, but what will they wear?
Single shoulder dresses are a hot trend not only on the red carpet, but also for weddings. The one strap is a great way to be trendy without being over the top, classic, but just fashion-forward enough. For your petite bridesmaid, a single shoulder can create great curves, while your top heavy friends can avoid the discomfort of a plunging neckline or strapless gown.
Whether your goal is to have every bridesmaid in the same dress, or switch it up with different colors or lengths, at least you have one choice made. Single shoulder dresses are totally in right now, and don’t seem to be going anywhere soon. Here are a few great examples from David’s Bridal.
There’s something magical about wintertime, and having a winter bridal shower can be a lot of fun. It’s all about frosted glass and crystals, decorations in pale blues and shimmering silvers, and snowflakes. Lots and lots of snowflakes. If you’re having a bridal shower this winter, why not embrace the season and thank your guests with winter-themed favors? Finding the perfect bridal shower favors can be tricky, but favors that match the season are festive, fun, and will be especially appreciated by your guests. Here are three bridal shower favor themes from American Bridal that have winter written all over them:
1. Crystals- Winter is full of shimmering snow and sparkling icicles, so anything that glitters goes perfectly with a winter bridal shower. Favors that are made out of or decorated with crystals like the crystal engagement ring keychain above are a great way to thank your guests with some bling!
2. Snowflakes- Nothing says wintertime more than snowflakes do. Your favors can be shaped like one, decorated with them, or covered in snowflake prints and patterns. The snowflake shaped wine stopper featured above is cute and useful, making it the perfect winter-themed gift for your guests.
3. Frosted glass- Just like frosty windows on a cold morning, frosted glass screams winter. Frosted glass tea light holders can serve as elegant table decorations that your guests get to bring home with them after the shower. Or frosted glass photo coasters make fun shower favors that can double as place card holders.
If you’re having a bridal shower this winter, pick any one of these themes and you’re guaranteed to have a favor that your guests will love!
Image Source
Valentine’s Day is not only a great day for a wedding proposal, but has also become a very popular day to get married. After all, February 14th is arguably the most romantic day of the year, and with all of the hearts, flowers, and pink going around, your wedding day theme is obvious. Here a few fun products perfect for V-Day weddings.
These Sterling Heart Cufflinks add the perfect hint of red without making the groom look like cupid. You can even engrave these classic sterling silver cuffs for a more personalized touch. At under $200, they make a great groom or groomsmen gift.
These Personalized Heart Place Card Holders are awesome wedding decorations, but can also be perfect wedding gifts for the new married couple. Available in sets of 4, these place card holders add a beautiful silver touch to any table.
How can you go wrong with yummy Mini Pink Chocolate Hearts wrapped in Italian double sided pink foil? These tasty morsels make a great addition to any table top, and double as sweet treats for guests. Also, they’re available in bulk, so you may have a few left over for snacks on the honeymoon!
This time of the year has been called “the most wonderful time of the year” for decades. Whether it’s because it’s the beginning of the holiday season or because of the refreshing chill that’s in the air, people enjoy the winter season and all of the good and festive things that go along with it.
Studies show that more people get engaged at the holidays than any other time of the year. The sparkling beauty of the season creates the perfect scene for a holiday engagement, or better yet, a winter wedding! Most reception venues decorate elaborately to celebrate the season, so brides may find that little decorating is needed at their reception.
Many brides choose to carry the winter and holiday theme through to their table centerpieces and wedding favors. To do so, create centerpieces that include the blossoms of winter, such as poinsettias, pine cones, and holly and balsam sprays. Mistletoe can even be hung over doorways to add an extra touch of romance for the happy couple and their guests. Winter wedding favors are a festive and fun way to add to the celebration. Snowflake wine bottle stoppers and snow flurry ornament place card holders add to the festive décor.
Gather as many ideas as you can to create your own winter wedding wonderland. A great resource for winter wedding ideas is a visit to a local wedding shop or online wedding store to see the latest wedding trends for ideas to incorporate into your own event. Whatever you decide, one thing will hold true, this will be the most wonderful time of the year – and it’s all yours.
