Tracey Edmonds, Author at AlrightNow

About Tracey Edmonds

Tracey Edmonds is a mother of two, television/film producer, and health/wellness advocate who seeks to empower others with a combination of pertinent, enlightening, and inspirational information. She practices yoga, daily meditation and believes in self-cultivating wellness at every level: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Tracey is the editor of Alrightnow.com and can be contacted at [email protected]

9 Natural Ways to Improve Your Energy Levels

We all have jobs and families that need us at peak performance levels all week long and we all hope to do the best we can. But we don’t always have the energy to back it up! Especially as we get older, healthy energy levels become more difficult to maintain. Energy drink companies try to sell us temporary boosts or incorporate the latest ginseng derivative into another supplement. However, most of the energy-boosting products on store shelves have no real value for consistently maintaining high, healthy energy. Most of the real solutions to low energy involve simple, effective lifestyle changes that can help you change your hormones and activity levels to achieve higher energy in the long run. However, some supplements can help – I’ll go over those as well. Read on to learn 9 effective, natural ways to improve your daily energy. 1. Work Less The first lifestyle change sounds like a no-brainer even though for some of us, it may be impossible. But the pressures of a modern work schedule are a huge contributor to reduced energy levels. Refocus your priorities on the work that you must complete and leave yourself time for breaks, recreation, and family time. Don’t be afraid to lighten your load for the sake of your energy (if you can). 2. Exercise Whether or not you can lighten your workload, adding exercise to your routine can easily help you regulate energy. Exercise increases brain activity, improves mood, circulates blood and oxygen, and even contributes to some of the other benefits listed below. Exercise is known as a natural painkiller due to the endorphin release you get from it. That applies to energy levels as well. 3. Eat Right Most of us try to eat well. But those of us who suffer from low energy need to eat right for our specific issue. Refined carbs and starches, for instance, are made of sugars that our bodies absorb quickly, which is what makes them worse for regulating blood sugar and sponges when it comes to our reserves of energy. A diet that includes protein, whole grains, fibrous vegetables, and olive oil can do wonders for your energy. 4. Cut Back on Drinking … If you find your days feeling longer, a lunch-time cocktail may be to blame. Alcohol sedates you (we all know it!) and during the day, this can really eat into your energy levels. Drink less and time it right so that your energy only takes a hit when you want it to. 5. … But Remember to Drink Water Athletes know that water improves performance. For anyone, water is nature’s answer to mid-day fatigue, when your body tells you that you need to hydrate to keep your cells plump and active. Remember to calculate the amount of water you need (approximately half your weight in ounces) to maintain optimum energy. 6. De-Stress Stress is a huge culprit of low energy since it [...]

2021-01-07T14:03:02-08:00By Tracey Edmonds|

7 Important Reasons Why You Should Buy Life Insurance Today

No one wants to think about death. It’s a difficult subject to discuss, and most people will want to avoid the subject altogether. However, death is a natural part of life. It is not often that people know when they are going to die, and because it is a mystery, it is something we don’t plan for. Unfortunately, it is something we must plan for. While we may not know when it is going to happen, it is important to have plans in place in case the worst should happen. This is where life insurance comes in. Life Insurance is an agreement between a person and an insurance company where, if the insured person dies, the money will be paid to a beneficiary (someone who would receive the money, like a spouse or family member). Life Insurance is not a policy most people think to have, but they should. With so many options available for life insurance, you can find a policy that works for you, regardless of your situation. If you are still unsure about life insurance, or even if you’ve never thought about it - here are 7 reasons you should buy life insurance. It’s One Less Thing for Your Loved Ones to Worry About In the unfortunate case that you die, you will be leaving behind loved ones. They will be dealing with a lot, and the last thing they should be worried about is money. Life Insurance guarantees that your loved ones will receive money in the event of your death. This is especially important if you had a job and that income was supporting your family. Now, even without that income, life insurance will help them financially. It Can Pay Off Debt Unfortunately, debt doesn’t go away in death. If you leave behind any debt, life insurance can significantly reduce or even pay off the debt so your loved ones will not have to worry about it. Between funeral expenses and planning for the future, you don’t want your loved ones to have to be dealing with the added level of stress that comes with paying off debt. It Creates Cash Value for You There are two types of life insurance – term life insurance and whole life insurance. Term life insurance is only active for a specific timeframe (months, year, etc.). Whole life insurance stays in place until you cancel the policy. Whole life insurance also builds up cash value, and you can withdraw from this cash if needed. This way, you can have an emergency fund of cash you can pull from in emergencies (that do not involve your death). It Can Come at a Discount Odds are the insurance company you already work with for car or home insurance also offers life insurance. Combining your insurance options (like [...]

2021-05-24T19:27:16-07:00By Tracey Edmonds|

6 Smart Ways to Eliminate Credit Card Debt

Have you ever felt like, no matter what you do, you can’t seem to get ahead of everything? It feels like, no matter what you do, you are always struggling to keep up. This has never been truer than these pandemic times that we are currently living in. With people either losing jobs, being furloughed, or having their salaries reduced, everyone has been affected financially in some way. And yet, we still need to buy things to survive. Whether you have been using credit cards to buy things here and there, or you experienced a major unexpected bill (medical, home repair, etc.), most people are dealing with some sort of credit card debt now. What if there was a way to eliminate that credit card debt, so you could keep the money you earned instead of just using it to make a dent in your debt? Whatever your situation is, we want to share 6 ways to easily eliminate your credit card debt. Cut and Budget Before you do anything, you must commit to not increasing your credit card debt by much (if at all). Find out how much you owe on each card, and plan to stop paying with a credit card. You won’t be able to ever catch up on debt if you keep adding to it (or pay a little but charge a lot). Once you’ve decided to stop using your cards, the next thing is to budget. Figure out the essential spending – food and bills. Everything else can and should wait until you are in a better place financially. Transfer Balances to a 0% Credit Card Credit card interest, where a “penalty” fee is added to the total amount you owe (based on how much it is) is one of the quickest ways your debt can increase. There are 0% interest credit cards available to anyone with a good credit score (around 700 or higher). You can transfer your balance to a 0% card and not have any interest added to it if the balance is paid in full by the end of the introductory period (around a year). If you have good credit and a good plan to pay off your debt, transferring the debt to this one card is a great way to get rid of your debt without it increasing. This is also known as “debt consolidation”, where, instead of paying off multiple credit cards with different balances, you are making one payment for one debt. If you have a good plan in place (and use the other ways mentioned in this article), debt consolidation is an effective way to eliminate your debt. Pay Your Minimum Payment Twice When dealing with credit cards, people usually pay the minimum amount and hope for the best. Like we previously mentioned, just paying the minimum is not going to [...]

2021-05-24T18:53:42-07:00By Tracey Edmonds|

Ghee vs Butter: How to Choose a Healthy Spread

We all occasionally crave the rich, creamy taste of butter, even though we eat it only in moderation. When you’re spreading butter on toast, you probably want to use real butter for the familiar taste. However, in cooking processes, ghee can be a versatile substitute. Whether you’re sautéing veggies, baking, or adding flavor to a recipe, ghee has advantages and disadvantages compared to butter. If you’re cognizant of your butter intake, use this brief guide to understand the difference between ghee and butter and which you should be using. Depending on the situation, ghee may be the alternative you’re looking for. What is Ghee? We need to be on the same page with what ghee is before talking about its pros and cons. Basically, ghee is butter that has been clarified. This means that the butter has been heated, separating the fat from the liquid. With the milk product removed from the butter, the remaining oil solidifies and becomes ghee. Food culture in India and the Middle East commonly uses ghee instead of butter. Read on to learn if the pros outweigh the cons for you. Pros of Using Ghee Compared to butter, ghee is harder to burn since the fat composition is different. When heated, it doesn’t produce as many toxic aftereffects as other oils. So, ghee is safer to burn than most of your cooking oils and easier to use than butter. For those who are lactose-intolerant (or just sensitive), ghee’s makeup should be a huge plus. Since the milk fat has been removed, people with sensitivity to lactate would do better using ghee in their cooking, even though it should be noted that it isn’t completely dairy-free. Cons of Using Ghee Ghee doesn’t taste exactly like butter since it contains less dairy, so those who are looking for the rich, creamy taste of real butter may need to adjust or switch between them. Ghee contains slightly more calories and fat than butter, including saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated. However, it’s important to remember that a range of healthy fats is necessary to maintain healthy heart function and weight regulation. So, this is barely even a con – it’s more like an observation. A Note About Butter Butter’s reputation has been waning since health food culture hit the mainstream. But there’s one thing that needs to be said: in moderation, butter is fine for you! A healthy mix of fats is required to keep your cholesterol in check, which is why fat-free diets often result in more problems than they fix. Butter has no trans fats, which are the unhealthy fats in many oils that raise your risk for metabolic disorders. These fats are why margarine is actually much worse for you than butter. But ghee has no trans fats in it either, so in the case of making healthy diet changes, don’t listen to a pushy health craze that tells you that ghee is a magic alternative. The differences [...]

2021-01-05T18:46:23-08:00By Tracey Edmonds|

6 Genius Ways to Save Money While Renovating A Home

Now that you’re home more often due to our crazy times – have you noticed how much repair your home needs? Whether it’s minor chips in the wall, old and damaged flooring, or outdated fixtures that are long past their prime – spending more time at home means finding more things wrong with your home. When you are spending almost all of your time in the same place, you get inspired to fix everything. You may think that, since you’re spending more time at home, you might as well make your house look as nice as possible. You deserve a home you are proud of, and sometimes that may mean changing it up. In this scenario, we’re not talking about caulking some of the baseboards or just painting over some scuff marks – we are talking about renovating a home – a project that will cost a significant amount, take some time, and involve lots of little tasks. As we mentioned earlier, you deserve to have a home you are proud of, but that doesn’t mean you should go broke doing it. Renovating a house costs money, but it doesn’t have to cost as much money if you do it right. Here are 6 ways to save money while renovating a home. Create a Budget As with any large project, you have to start by knowing what you are working with in terms of money. You may want to get your entire home and re-build from the ashes, but what you can afford may not line up with that. Make a list of everything you want to do in your home, and then create a budget with how much you are willing to spend on the entire project or break it up by category (“We are willing to spend up to $X for the kitchen”). Starting with a specific amount of money helps guide every decision in your renovation to ensure your home looks good and your bank account doesn’t look empty. In addition to money, the next thing you need to properly plan a budget is priority. You may not be able to afford to do everything at once, and that’s ok. Prioritize the major/main things you want to do first, and focus your budget and energy on those. After you’ve completed those tasks, you can reevaluate the time, money, and need for other possible renovations. Do It Yourself (Or Get It Ready) Some things are best left to the professionals, like plumbing. There are other projects, like installing a backsplash or re-carpeting a room, that you can do yourself. There are many resources you can use to learn how to do certain home projects… Books at your local library or hardware store Weekend workshops focused on specific projects at stores like Lowes or Home Depot YouTube There are contractors and professionals with their channels on YouTube who share tips [...]

2021-05-21T00:15:58-07:00By Tracey Edmonds|

6 Tips to Reduce Stress and Save Money When You Move

Life never slows down. Whether you’re enjoying a new opportunity or living in the middle of a pandemic, there is always something going on. One thing you may be experiencing is moving. Maybe you are moving due to financial reasons, or you are just trying to live differently. Either way, moving can be a stressful experience, both physically and financially. Just the thought of moving makes you think of hundreds of different decisions that need to be made – do you do it yourself or hire someone, if you do it yourself - do you have to buy moving equipment, and so on. It’s easy to get overwhelmed before you even pack your first box. Fortunately, we are going to share some tips to help make your move as smooth as it can be financially. Here are 6 ways to reduce stress and save money when you move. Sell Your Stuff It doesn’t matter how long you’ve lived in your current house – when you move, you always figure out how much stuff you lived with (and wonder how you had any space, to begin with). Before you begin to move, the first way you can save money is by making some money. There are tons of apps out there like Facebook Marketplace, Letgo, and Decluttr where you can sell your stuff and make a quick buck. You’ll be able to make some money, have less stuff to move, and feel good that your unwanted stuff is benefitting someone else. Change Your Address Before You Move On USPS.com, once you sign up for a new address and mail-forwarding, you’ll receive lots of coupons in the mail. They could be anywhere from discounts on moving services to stores you may need to buy new stuff from. You’ll most likely use the services you get coupons for anyway, so why not save some money in the process? Don’t Buy Boxes Boxes are critical to an easy move, but they can be pricey to purchase. Instead of buying boxes – check around your local area for any unwanted boxes. Maybe you can ask your neighborhood or social media for any unwanted moving boxes (there is always someone around who just got done moving and has a lot of boxes they don’t need). Ask your local stores (liquor, department, or grocery stores are safe bets) if they have any to use or use an app like Freecycle to locate unwanted boxes for free. As we mentioned before – you will be shocked at how much stuff you’ll need to move, so using free boxes is a great way to save money. Try the Move Yourself (or Make the Process Easier) Moving services can save you time and energy, but they aren’t cheap. If you’re able, move everything yourself (with some help [...]

2021-05-24T14:03:59-07:00By Tracey Edmonds|

4 Proven Practices to Give You a Perky Butt

As we get older, it seems body parts start to change location a bit. What once was tight and toned is now sagging down into another zip code. I say with no shame that my perky butt was once one of my best aspects (of course, my brain and my personality are up there as well ). However, I noticed a few years back that my bum was sort of melting down into the top of my legs. Well, I refused to go out like that and began my quest to put things back to where they once belonged. I hope these tips will give you back your perky butt like it did with me! Donkey Kicks While training your legs does improve your butt, there are several exercises that are specifically meant to focus on your backside. Donkey kicks is one of these exercises! Kneel down to all fours and alternately kick out your legs up and behind you. It trains your gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus; the three muscles that make up your buttocks. The first couple of times you perform donkey kicks, you are going to be sore the next day. I’m just warning you now. But this is good news as you are training muscles that have not been worked for quite some time. Your butt is making a comeback! Glute Bridge I’ve seen men perform these in the gym and always felt a bit uncomfortable. But once I realized they were training their backside, I got on the floor and joined them. A glute bridge appears almost like a pelvic thrust. You lay down with your back on the floor and your legs bent and then thrust your hips upward and then back down to the floor. Hold the pose at the top of the rep for a few seconds and you will get better results. Repeat it for a few sets and you will get back that butt you had as a teenager. Kang Squat You may have never heard of this exercise or even seen it since it is not the most common one. The kang squat is a bodyweight squat with a couple extras thrown into it to give you a better butt. This is a go-to move though for those in the know about how to get their butt looking tight. Planks Planks are known for being an exercise that trains your core, but it also works your glutes. If you doubt this, simply watch someone hold the plank for a minute or two. You will be able to see their butt physically tighten up as the time goes on. No Need for a Special Trip to the Gym All four of these exercises can be performed in the [...]

2021-05-26T13:18:01-07:00By Tracey Edmonds|

4 Tips for Having A Beautiful Wedding on A Budget

Your wedding day will be one of – if not, the – most important and memorable days of your life. Perhaps you’ve been dreaming about it since you were small, or now that you’ve found “The One,” it’s all you have been thinking about. Either way, or something else, now that you’ve decided to get hitched, it is time to plan for the big day. If money were no object, your every wedding wish would be doable. You’d have all details done to perfection…no matter the price tag. It would be television-worthy, and your guests would be wowed. Can you still have such a special affair if you’re on a budget? Of course, it is possible, especially when you spend strategically without feeling like you’ve skimped. I love a good deal as much as a lavish wedding. That’s why these four ideas are the perfect combination for any couple who’d rather save their dough for down the road rather than go broke on the “I dos.” On-Point Attire Brides and grooms tend to go overboard on wedding attire. But there is no need for designer dresses and Oscars-style tuxes. There are plenty of options out there that are far less expensive and still look like a million bucks. Seek out samples rather than a brand new item. The discounts are dramatic, and you’ll get the look you’ve been after. Consider wearing family heirlooms (i.e., perhaps your mother’s wedding gown) which not only save money but have an emotional component too. Shop off-season and seek out sales, and think of stores that aren’t necessarily tailored for weddings exclusively. You can find wedding-appropriate attire online, at the mall, or even on Etsy. * You can also rent your wedding dress, tux, and even bridesmaid/groomsmen attire. You’ll be able to choose something outside your budget because the rental fee will be far less than purchasing a new piece to own. See more money-saving rental ideas below. With a little searching, you’ll find something classy that you’ll feel comfortable in. You don’t have to break the bank to be beautiful. DIY Décor Couples spend a fortune on invitations, flowers, centerpieces, place cards, take-home gifts, and so on. Things add up in a snap, and before long, you’ve blown your budget…and then some. The crafty types can do projects to prep for the wedding, with their own artistry and personal touches. Get supplies at the store and make it a hands-on experience. It’s a nice way to see how well you work alongside your soon-to-be spouse too. If you’re not particularly talented in this area, check out instructional YouTube videos or find some friends and family members willing to help out. You can work this angle for food too, making your wedding a homemade feast. Prepare large portions at home to heat up at the venue. Make it buffet-style so everyone can sample each DIY dish. [...]

2021-05-11T15:55:18-07:00By Tracey Edmonds|

7 Natural Remedies for Bloating Issues

Bloating can not only be uncomfortable but embarrassing too. It can make your clothes ill-fitting, mess up your meal plans, and cause gassiness. It can affect anyone, but it’s often far worse (and far more frequent) for women. The reasons are simply biological. To retain more water during pregnancy and facilitate other functions, women have a much longer colon, which means it runs into more problems during digestion, menstruation, and everything else. It’s a perfect recipe for a bloating problem. However, even though bloating seems inevitable, you can use natural remedies to prevent it from occurring and even reduce the bloating you already have. If you’re a woman whose busy week gets waylaid by digestion and bloating issues, it may seem biologically unfair. But these 7 natural remedies can help even the score. 1. Probiotics Probiotics encourage your gut to produce healthy bacteria that help you absorb nutrients. They also stop cultures of bad bacteria from forming in your intestines, which is a huge cause of bloating. This means that a plant-based, natural source of probiotics is your best soldier on the frontlines of bloat prevention. Dietary probiotic sources include sauerkraut, kimchi, and kombucha. You could also go the dairy route and try kefir and Greek yogurt, though your stomach may not take well to dairy in this instance. Stick to the plant-based alternatives. 2. Hydrate Hydrating can improve your digestion and the speed with which you absorb nutrients. If you know you’ve had excess salt lately or you haven’t been drinking enough, proper hydration can flush you out, reduce face-swelling and bloating, and make you feel better. Try the water warm with a little lemon for extra benefits. 3. Fennel Fennel is a natural bloat-blaster, even in raw seed form. You can cook with fennel seeds or even eat them raw as a snack, which can help with bloating particularly when it’s caused by cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and brussels sprouts. However, an easy and more palatable choice might be fennel teas, which you can steep yourself or buy in the store. 4. Cut Back on Coffee I know, I know. Your busy week is a train and coffee is the coal and if the steam runs out, the whole thing grinds to a halt. But caffeinated coffee is not only a mild diuretic, meaning it takes water out of you, but it’s also a gastrointestinal irritant. It has a natural propensity for causing bloating. Since most of us aren’t going to drop coffee cold turkey, one thing you can do besides simply limit your number of cups in the morning is to reduce the additives you use. Less cream and sugar can help reduce the irritation on your bowels. 5. Ginger Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory that my grandma often sliced up and made us chew to treat an upset stomach. Turns out, she was on to something, since a homemade ginger and lemon tea does wonders for [...]

2020-12-24T11:37:33-08:00By Tracey Edmonds|

How to Avoid and Stop Muscle Cramps

If you are already getting hit with muscle cramps during or immediately after a workout, you are walking on the painful wild side. Muscle cramps can end your training quickly and have you crying uncle like a toddler if you are not careful. It does not matter how tough you are! Just ask LeBron James. He had to be carried off the court in the NBA Finals years ago like a wounded soldier because his cramps prevented him from being able to walk. Muscle cramps usually happen because of three reasons: The person is dehydrated, the muscle has been overused, or you have been holding a certain pose too long. More often than not, it has to do with dehydration and a depletion of the minerals your body needs to function properly. Cramps used to be a major problem for me as well. I’d make the trek to the gym only to have my workout cut in half because the tightness and soreness prevented me from going another step on the treadmill or even attempting another strength training set. But after a bit of research, I realized an ounce of prevention can keep the cramps from ever showing up in the first place. Drink Plenty of Liquid Coaches always tell athletes to drink water before they are thirsty to stay properly hydrated. Now that I am older and want to avoid cramping up, I fully agree with them! Pick liquids that have plenty of electrolytes such as coconut water and some of the healthier sports drinks if you find you are already cramping up. Eat Certain Foods Bananas are really one of the best gifts nature has ever given us! They contain potassium, magnesium, and calcium (all three nutrients relieve muscle cramps). Avocados, watermelon, and Greek yogurt are also good choices. If I am heading out on a run, I will usually have one of these before I venture out and then another one after I finish. Massage Around my area, it costs about a dollar a minute for a good massage. This can get expensive rather quickly. But if you want to treat yourself now and then and relieve muscle soreness and cramping at the same time, there is nothing like a massage for those tight and strained muscles. Take a Hot Shower A hot and steamy shower can relieve even the most painful cramps. The hot water will feel so good that you won’t want to get out of the shower! Hopefully, you have a tankless water heater that can supply you with an endless amount of hot water without running out. And if you really want to spoil yourself, look for a good shower bench you can sit on while letting the steaming water soothe your cramping muscles. Stay Flexible [...]

2021-06-08T01:10:28-07:00By Tracey Edmonds|

6 Great Tips on Buying Your First Home

Buying a home for the first time is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have. You’ve saved up money, found a place you see yourself living in for years to come, and you’ve made an important investment and commitment to your future. However, buying a home can be a stressful experience – there is so much paperwork, so many things to consider, and, to make a return on your investment, you must commit to living in a single location for a long time. Even in these uncertain times, homeownership is still steady, and if you have the credit and resources to do so, now is a great time to purchase your new home. We want to share 6 tips to make buying your first home as easy as possible. Know How Much You Need Up Front Your price range will affect your down payment and loan from the lender (like a bank). You may be looking for a “starter home” for something more affordable and to build up a great line of credit, or you may be looking for a “forever home” that you’ll want to stay at for as long as you can. Knowing what you want out of the house will help you determine how much you’re willing to pay for a home. A down payment is how much money you pay upfront for your house. You can put down as much as you want, but loans will usually require a certain % (based on the price of the house) to be paid as part of the loan. If you have great credit, you may only have to put down 3 – 5% on a home. For example… The house you want is $190,000 3% of $190,000 = $5,7000 You’ll also need closing costs – fees that cover all the paperwork and administration needed to finalize your purchase. These costs are usually around 4% of the loan. Know Your Options for Assistance It helps a community when homeownership is increasing, so there are financial assistance programs at the city, state, and national levels to help first-time home buyers. Tax credits and low/no-interest rates are available, so find out what’s available to you. Stick to the Plan Before you start working with lenders on applying for loans, you need to understand your budget (which should have been done in #1 above). Once you start working with banks, you may find out that you’re able to afford more than you thought (or be loaned a larger amount). While tempting, this should not change your budget. Remember, you aren’t just buying a house – you are buying a “home.” A “home” includes furniture, paint, and the other little things that turn a shell of a house into a place you are proud to live in. Don’t get greedy and get a larger loan [...]

2021-05-24T13:50:30-07:00By Tracey Edmonds|

How to Buy a Beautiful Engagement Ring When You’re on a Budget

Popping the question is nerve-wracking and super exciting at the same time. It’s all about love and commitment, but many think that sealing the deal means mega-watt sparkle. The “bling” is always the focus of Instagram pics, and friends and family can’t wait to see the “rock” radiating from that ring finger. But what if you don’t have tons of dough to get a ring that’s remarkable? The good news is you can buy a beautiful engagement ring without breaking the bank. After all, you’re about to get married, so you can’t start off “forever after” drowning in debt. If you’re watching your wallet and need to be conservative when it comes to choosing a ring, here are some tips to consider before shopping for your special someone. The ring will be gorgeous, you’ll still have money to spare, and your intended recipient will be wowed by your good taste in both jewelry and a mate! Size Doesn’t Matter We see celebs flashing their ginormous engagement rings on social media, and while some of them are amazing, others are rather ridiculous. Not only is a giant diamond uncomfortable and unrealistic for most, but it’s difficult to do basic things when the ring gets in the way of everyday tasks. Plus, just because a ring is huge doesn’t mean it’s special necessarily. The gem could be cloudy, and it may go out of style. A better idea is to find something more suitable for your special someone. Splurge on the clarity and cut of the diamond rather than the size. A bright and dazzling diamond – even a small one – is more impressive than a gaudy gem that’s pretentious. With a smaller ring, there’s room to grow. You can add bands for special anniversaries, as stacking is always in style. When you have more money, you can reset the diamond or go up a few carats. Not to mention, smaller rings show class and character. It’s not about the size, but the sentiment. When your proposal is on point, a blinding diamond isn’t even an afterthought. Think Outside The (Ring) Box You can do your own thing when it comes to choosing an engagement ring. The typical look is timeless, but your special someone is unique, and their ring should be too. Think about their taste in jewelry and overall appeal. You may not want to take the traditional route, and that means opening doors to finding a ring that’s less expensive, but even more meaningful. While “a diamond is forever,” other glam gems are wonderful alternatives, often far less expensive, but just as breathtaking. Consider an engagement ring featuring your partner’s birthstone or choose one that’s their favorite hue. Emeralds, sapphires, and rubies are rich and vibrant, and their ring will become a focal point on their finger. You may not even want a gem at all. A stylish band [...]

2021-05-24T20:27:19-07:00By Tracey Edmonds|

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