Everything and Anything

If you’re convinced you’ve found that one special person you want to be with for the rest of your life and you’ve finally decided to pop that important question of marriage, you might think all the hard decisions are over. But you’d be wrong. There is still one very big question you have to ask yourself before you get down on one knee and make your proposal. Do you pick out the ring, or do you wait for her to pick her own ring? Both sides of the debate make convincing arguments.

On one hand, she will be totally surprised and swept off her feet if you pick the ring yourself. But on the other hand, she might not like the ring, and she’ll have to wear it throughout the engagement. So should you take the risk of getting something she won’t like? After all, this isn’t just any piece of fashion jewelry. This is (hopefully) her one and only engagement ring. It, of course, depends on the dynamic of the couple, but if the ring would matter to your fiancée to be, hold off. Surprise her with an elaborate proposal, but propose with a plain gold band. Let her pick the diamond that’s perfect for her.

The changing of the season to spring is always an exciting time. Not only is the weather improving (or at least on its way to improving), but it also means that the fashion season is about to change over as well. Out are the woolen sweaters and high waist trousers of winter, and in are the flirty flats and knee length skirts of spring. And because the main cache of clothes is changing, that means the fashion accessories have to change accordingly. While accessories are much more season flexible than clothes, there are certain spring specific accessories that should start making a more prominent appearance.

As the weather turns nicer, don’t be surprised if pastel colors start popping up everywhere. While winter is usually dominated by black boots, spring is the time for lemon yellow stilettos or robin egg blue patent leather flats. It’s also a great time to bust out those pashminas and shawls that have just been sitting in your drawers. They add just enough warmth when it’s too cold for nothing and too warm for a coat.

I’ve always loved the outdoors, ever since my dad took me with him on little hiking trips through the wilderness.  While I do like hiking, I’ve never been so much interested in excursions as I have about appreciating nature.  When I was seventeen, my dad bought me a pair of sports optics; a standard set of binoculars.  I used them for a long time to spot wildlife, and became interested in bird watching in my twenties.  Now I spend a couple days every month out in the wilderness investigating rare birds.I’ve now witnessed a lot of amazing birds in their native habitats; birds most people have never seen like horned owls.  It’s great not having to see these birds caged in the zoo, and viewing animals in their native habit gives a whole new appreciation for nature.  I think for parents too, getting your children interested in nature at a young age is a great idea!