Perfect Jewelry Pieces to Gift to Your Life Partner

If you have a special someone in your life, it's time to spoil them with the perfect gift. Whether you're shopping for an anniversary, birthday, or Christmas present, you can choose from plenty of beautiful pieces. Maybe they want a ring to celebrate their love? Perhaps they want something more subtle, like a bracelet or necklace? Whatever their preference, there are many different jewelry options for any style and price range.

A Teardrop-Shaped Earring Studded With Swarovski Crystals 

Earrings are an excellent gift for women. They come in different colors and materials, so you can find something that suits your taste and budget. Teardrop-shaped earrings are classic, but there are other shapes to choose from if you want something more original. The most important thing is that the earrings must be delicate enough to fit the person's style, but at the same time, they should have some weight to them too.

Go ahead if your heart is set on teardrop-shaped earrings studded with Swarovski crystals! Having such a piece will make any woman feel like a princess – not only because of its beautiful design but also because of how much time you spent choosing it for her! Swarovski crystals have gone on to become a huge name in jewelry. There are many instances where celebrities have worn their crystals. For example, The 2020 Oscar performer Janelle Monae wore an outfit with Swarovski crystals. Moreover, Jennifer Lopez wore a dress studded with Swarovski crystals during the after-party on her wedding day.

A Diamond Solitaire Ring 

A diamond solitaire ring is one of the most classic and timeless gifts you can give your partner. Known as a diamond engagement ring, this piece symbolizes love and commitment. In addition, diamonds are the hardest gemstone on Earth and have many symbolic meanings. A diamond solitaire ring will surely be appreciated by your partner whenever they see it or wear it because of its beautiful appearance and symbolism. So if you want to make an impression with a gift that will last forever, go for a diamond solitaire ring! Diamond solitaire rings are trendy among fashion enthusiasts, especially celebrities. You can see Millie Bobby Brown, the Stranger Things actress, wearing them all the time. This ring is so associated with love and marriage that when Millie wore it, people started spreading rumors that she was going to get married to her boyfriend.

A Silver and Pearl Charm Bracelet 

The silver and pearl charm bracelet is a perfect jewelry piece to gift your life partner. The most important reason is that it symbolizes love and commitment. It shows how much you care for the person you give it to and how much they mean to you. Another reason why this type of jewelry is the best choice is that it can be worn on any occasion, whether it's an important business meeting or an intimate dinner date with just the two of you. It also allows you to show off your creativity by creating a personalized design for each necklace that will represent something unique about your relationship. You can also choose from different styles, from simple ones with just one diamond at the end of the chain to more elaborate designs with multiple charms hanging down from each link in the chain.

A Sapphire Ring for the Apple of Your Eye 

If you are looking for a ring that will show your partner how much you care, look no further. Depending on the color of the sapphire stone and its size, you can also get matching earrings or pendants for your partner. The most important thing is that it has to be real and not fake. The ring's setting should be such that it makes her feel special when she wears it on her finger. If you don't want to go with the white diamonds, you can show your love even in blue with sapphire stones. Sapphires are September birthstones, but you can gift them to your partner regardless of his or her birth month.

The blue hue of sapphire stones makes them memorable. You would know the most famous sapphire ring of Princess Diana, which was then passed on to Kate Middleton when Prince William proposed to her. However, if you want to go with the birth month, rings are available with gemstones for each month.

Gemstone rings are trending, with many celebrities using them as engagement rings. From Megan Fox to Jennifer Lopez, many celebrities have ditched the traditional white diamond rings and started their marriage journey with an alternative stone.

A Statement Necklace 

Statement necklaces are a great gift to give your partner because they're not just jewelry but symbols of your love. This is because statement necklaces are usually made of gold or silver, which means they're precious metals that have been used as currency for thousands of years. They can be picked up at most jewelry stores, but the best ones come from fine jewelers who specialize in crafting these types of custom pieces.

Giving your life partner a piece like this means you want them to know how much they mean to you. When they wear their necklace every day, it's like constantly reminding them what you mean to them, which will make you feel better about yourselves and your relationship as time goes on.

While statement necklaces became less popular for a few years, they are now back. A HuffPost article highlights how bold accessories are coming back, and statement necklaces are no exception.

A Heart Pendant

A heart pendant is a classic gift for any occasion. It's simple and elegant, and you can get one made in gold or silver. You can also have it engraved with a special message. This is an excellent option if you want to give your partner something they can wear as an everyday reminder of how much you love them—it doesn't have to be expensive, just meaningful!

Conclusion 

If you're looking to spoil your partner with some beautiful jewelry, these ideas are sure to do it. They're all unique and thoughtful, so even if your life partner has everything in the world already, they might still appreciate a piece of fine jewelry as a gift from their loved ones.

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Valentine's Day Gift Guide for Her

Looking for gifts for her? Or yourself? 

Look no further, these are all products that I love, own and have gifted to my loved ones. Bonus, I have discount codes for you too and all should arrive before the big day. 

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas 

GELIN Fine Jewelry - Evil Eye Collection 

She'll love these travel-inspired, good luck charms from GELIN fine jewelry online. I personally have their Diamond Sapphire Open Evil Eye Necklace in 14k Solid White Gold and Red Heart Evil Eye. 

Each beautifully designed piece is available in 14K rose, yellow and white gold options to compliment her taste too. 

Save 30% with my code TARAMETBLOG. You're welcome :)  

Cozy Earth Bamboo Waffle Robe & Bath Sheets

What do Oprah and I have in common? Besides being rich and famous, obviously. Seriously though, Cozy Earth's new waffle bamboo bath sheets are among our favorite things. I've already been addicted to their bamboo pajamas and luxurious sheets. I especially love how soft the bamboo fabric is and it's cooling abilities. It makes it hard to get out of bed. 

This is actually the 5th year in a row that Cozy Earth’s products have made her coveted list including their bamboo sheets, socks, joggers, pjs and more. Trust me and Ophra, she'll love the pajama set or waffle robe below. 

Save 40% with code CETARA on all their products!

Champagne Cream-Filled Chocolate Beavers

Yes, you read that right. You can never go wrong with chocolate, but why not chocolates that are also funny, playful and mouth-watering from Liquor Whaaat?!' These creamy beavers are filled with champagne and rum (lol). The name alone will bring a smile to anyone's face, but they'll love the rich, decadent milk and dark chocolate flavors of these creamy beavers too, promise! Price: $17.69 per box 

Wine Condoms

Both funny and useful, Wine Condoms protect your Pinot! Packaged and applied like a condom, this spill-proof solution to storing an opened bottle of wine is the safest and most effective product for preventing unplanned spillage. Unlike corks or decorative stoppers, Wine Condoms seal flush with the rim for easier fridge shelf storage. They are made from 100% food-grade latex rubber and can be used more than once. Plus, takes up less space than a traditional heavy stopper. $14.97 for a set of 6 but obviously pair these with her favorite bottle of wine or one to pop open together. 

More Lovely & Approved Ideas for Her:

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What to pack for a trip to Iceland

Whether you are coming from the hot or cold, Iceland averages around 33-35 F (1-2 C) in wintertime and about 54 F (12 C) in summer, so come prepared! 

Also, the island country feels like you're on a different planet and you'll soon see why, but don't worry it's a good thing! 

Travel Packing Tips for Visiting Iceland

Electric Hand Warmer

Obviously, you'll want gloves too, but this handy rechargeable pocket Electric Hand Warmer can take the bite out of the cold air when you're out exploring the amazing natural sights. It also acts as a flashlight too, which can be great in the winter since the sun is only up for four to five hours. I loved having this little gadget and plan to use it for skiing too. 

Moisturizing Tissues

Two out of the three 5-star hotels that we stayed at didn't have any tissues in our room, so we had to use toilet paper. This would normally be fine, but with how much my nose was running from the cold I wished I had some tissues with lotion. Even though the fancy Retreat at the Blue Lagoon provided tissues, they were rough and aggravated my skin too 

Fair Isle Sweaters

While you'll likely buy one of Iceland's famous handmade wool sweaters, socks, or hats during your stay, it's much cheaper if you come already dressed in Islandic threads. I found these two affordable options on Amazon and loved having them on in my photos :) 

Saline or Vicks

At night, the heat in your accommodations can really dry your skin and nose. I went to bed most evenings with a very stuffy nose and wishing I had backed a saline spray or jar of Vicks. 

Heattech Pants 

UNIQLO has a HEATTECH line of clothing meant to capture your heat better so you can stay warm in the cold better. I bought their jean leggings and they did the trick.

Also,  Costco sells a similar warm pant option from 32 Degrees. 

Wool Socks

I soon found out that regular socks wouldn't do, not even thick ones. I had to buy wool socks at the recommendation of a local who assured me he wears the same. I gave it a shot and purchased them and they made a big difference. So, don't be like me, come prepared and get yours ahead of time.

Water Bottle

Icelanders drink straight from the tap, and often from springs and streams in nature since Icelandic water is among the cleanest and healthiest in the world. Icelandic tap water is not treated with chlorine or any other chemicals. It's simply not necessary. This is why residents will look at Americans and tourists like they are crazy buying one-use water bottles. 

Iceland is also considered one of the greenest countries due to their use of renewable energy and eco-friendly consciousness, so don't piss locals off with disposable bottles. Instead, look like a pro by traveling and refilling your own bottle. I usually always travel with a water bottle, but I didn't on this trip and regret it. 

A Good Camera / Latest Phone to see the Northern Lights

So, this came as a shock to me. The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) are viewed and seen better through a camera lens or phone screen. To the naked eye it looked more like a dusting of clouds at night, but then when you hold up a camera then you'll really see what is right there in the night sky. Having the newest camera phone will help. For example, my iPhone 12 captures were nothing compared to my husband's iPhone 13 Pro. 

If visiting the Blue Lagoon:

Flip-flops 

If you have the space in your luggage, slip in some dollar-store cheap flip-flops as many guests prefer to wear them while walking in and around the water. If you would like to wear flip-flops, you may bring them with you or purchase them at the Blue Lagoon reception desk. Water shoes are allowed too, but they don't offer them for sale.

Conditioner & Hair tie 

Although this geothermal spa is rich in microalgae, silica, and minerals, it will turn your hair to straw unless you put it up and add a lot of conditioner to it before going in. I'd recommend not submerging your hair and piling it up high on top of your head. It can be especially drying for lighter hair types. It took three showers and several hair masks for mine to recover, so I wish I'd done a better job of taking care before dipping into this beautiful oasis. 

A full-piece bathing suit

While a bikini might look sexy, you might want to opt for more coverage. Also, don't back your favorite suit either unless you want it covered in Silica salt. Even once I washed it in the shower and dried it, there was still traces of white salt. Here is a list of Fashionable One-Piece Bathing Suits Under $30 available on Amazon. 

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4 Of the Best Weekend Getaways Within Six Hours of NYC

It’s not challenging to see why New York City is one of the most desirable getaways for tourists all around the globe, with its bright lights, never-ending entertainment, dazzling shopping experiences, iconic tourist traps, drool-worthy All-American cuisine, and much more. Yet, when you’re lucky enough to call one of the most prominent bucket-list vacation destinations home, where do you go to escape? With three international airports nearby, the options are endless.

Fortunately, whether you’re a beach-lover or a city-lover through and through, The Big Apple is close to various travel destinations for New Yorkers to choose between. All within six hours of the city, prospective holiday-goers can treat themselves to a shopping spree in Washington DC by catching an NYC to DC train in less than three hours or exploring a Mayan ruin in Tulum, Mexico, by hopping on a four-hour flight.

Yet, if you’re not a born and bred New Yorker, you might wonder which weekend getaways are the most popular for inspiring relaxation, comfort, and family time. Therefore, we’ve created this blog post outlining several of the best holiday destinations for New Yorkers without having to stray too far from The Big Apple itself. Covering The Bahamas to Iceland, keep reading to find out the top destinations on our list.

Rainbow Street in Reykjavik

Reykjavik, Iceland 

So long as you book far in advance, you can find direct flights to Reykjavik, which can get you out of the city in less than five and a half hours. Although Iceland might not be top of everyone's holiday bucket list, it is one of the most unique destinations you could ever hope to visit, so long as you’re willing to trade the New York weather for even unrulier weather!

If you’re looking at getting down on one knee or want to get out of the city for a while, Iceland is an excellent getaway experience for New Yorkers since you can explore just about a little bit of everything. Whether you’d like to visit one of the many Game of Thrones filming locations or take in some of the natural wonders of the world, like the Northern Lights or the Blue Lagoon hot spring – there is something for all kinds of travelers in Iceland.

A five-and-a-half-hour flight will feel like nothing when the natural beauty surrounds you that Iceland calls home. And it will undoubtedly give you a much-deserved break from the heavily populated New York streets! Come to the end of your trip; you will be dragging your feet as you board your return flight or sitting in a local beer house toasting ‘skål’’ because you’ve extended your trip!

Washington DC, United States

If you’re a city-lover through and through, you need not look very far from The Big Apple itself – only three hours by an NYC to DC train to be exact! Just three hours from NYC lies Washington DC, another of America’s most recognized cities.

Much more than a political powerhouse, Washington, DC, is a city vibrant enough to (almost?) rival NYC with its jaw-dropping history, fascinating culture, mouth-watering food scene, splendid arts scene, iconic attractions, and much more.

Whether you’re drawn to Washington DC for its vibrant brewing scene and would like to tour one of the many distilleries, or if you’d like to gawk at some of the state’s top-rated tourist attractions like the Lincoln Memorial or the Washington Monument – there is no shortage of things to do in this city.

Another benefit of having a weekend getaway in Washington, DC, is that if you’re from New York, all travel will be inter-state, and you can choose from various transport options from bus, plane, or train to get there. To keep costs down, you could pass on the plane tickets and consider catching an Acela train from NYC to DC using travel metasearch engines like Wanderu. With tickets starting at as little as $22, catching an NYC to DC train can take much stress off your journey since it offers more flexibility (and cost-effectiveness!) than plane rides.

The Bahamas 

If you’re a beach-lover and want your next weekend getaway to be a tropical paradise, the next time you want a break from New York, consider heading to one of the seven-hundred islands in The Bahamas. For many potential tourists, the Tiffany-blue waters and golden sandy beaches are enough reason to head to one of the many isles and crays of The Bahamas. But don’t let its stunning appearance fool you! The Bahamas has much more to offer than it looks, with loads of walking trails, national parks, swimming pigs and some of the best diving spots in the entire world.

Whether you’d like to soak away the stresses of day-to-day life while lying on one of the many beaches that The Bahamas calls home, or if you’re a foodie and are dying to get your hands (and mouth!) on some of the country’s delicious Bahamian food – you can find many activities to do.

Fortunately, in just a short three-hour plane ride from New York to Nassau, you could be doing one of the many activities that The Bahamas offers, and with flights starting at $103 for a one-way trip, you’d be wishing that you’d realized how close the sandy beaches of The Bahamas was from New York City ages ago! If you do go, here are Six Things To Do In Exuma. 

Tulum, Mexico 

Keeping with our last weekend getaway suggestion (because who doesn’t love tropical getaways?) and featuring Tulum, Mexico, on our list. When you think of Mexico, you instantly think of white-sand beaches, fascinating Mayan ruins, exotic wildlife encounters, gorgeous climates, cenote caves, and much more.

Cenote Diving in Tulum, Quintana Roo

Like The Bahamas, Mexico offers much more than just aesthetics, whether you’re always thirsting for your next adventure and would like to spend a couple of days exploring the most-popular Mayan ruins in Tulum or are more laidback and would like to spend your time (quite literally!) laid back on the beach – we guarantee that Tulum has something for everyone to enjoy.

And with it being only a four-hour flight from New York to Cancun, then a one-hour drive down south to Tulum, it isn’t far from New York. So, you needn’t have to worry about being too far from home, and instead enjoy your weekend getaway knowing that it won’t take ages to get back home when your time to return comes!

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5 Tips for Planting Flowers in the Fall

If you want a vibrant spring garden, planting flower bulbs in the fall is a great idea. However, there are certain things you should keep in mind before you get started. If you put these strategies to use in the fall, you should be rewarded with an abundance of gorgeous blossoms in the spring.

1. Planting Fall Bulbs Properly 

There are several things to keep in mind when you plant bulbs, regardless of whether they are tulip bulbs or daffodils. To begin with, choose a location that gets at least six hours of sunlight daily. When planting spring bulbs like tulips, choose a site that will get light even before the trees' leaves have expanded. Early-flowering bulbs should be done blooming for the year by the time trees begin casting shade on your bulb garden. Well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter (compost) is ideal for bulbs. They'll decay in soggy soil or if you water them too much. Finally, when you're ready to plant, remember that bulbs should be set into the ground at a depth equal to three times their height, with their pointed ends facing upward.

2. Get the Bulb Bed Ready 

You can't just make a hole and drop the bulb in there. Preparing a bed before planting is essential for optimal growth. This necessitates the prior steps of weeding and aerating the soil. Before you plant, amend the soil with compost for nourishment and sand for aeration.

3. Buy the Right Bulbs at the Right Time

This is tricky as most retailers now offer fall bulbs, especially tulip bulbs for sale, in either July or August to clear out their garden section in time to put up their Christmas decorations. To get fresh, healthy flower bulbs at planting time, you'll either need to properly store them for a month or two or purchase them online or by mail. If you have to purchase your bulbs in advance, inspect them carefully for signs of mold or decay, and look for ones that are firm and plump.

4. Make Sure You're Planting the Right Flower Bulbs

Bulbs are not always grown in the fall season. For example, gladiolus and dahlias must be planted in springtime, whereas tulips and daffodils thrive when grown in late summertime or early fall. As a rule of thumb, plant spring-flowering bulbs in the fall.

5. Fertilize When the Spring Comes

Planting bulbs in the fall means you can forget about nurturing them until spring. The roots aren't ready for nutrition until you see the early buds of spring, so be patient. Also, avoid fertilizing your bulbs after they've started to bloom because doing so can hinder their growth. You should try planting some flower bulbs like tulips in your garden if you haven't already. Early spring color from daffodils, tulips, hyacinths, and other bulbs can brighten your garden before anything else grows.

Final Words 

A colorful garden is guaranteed if you plant bulbs, such as tulips, crocus, daffodils, or hyacinths. Make absolutely sure you succeed by following the above tips.

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New Cookbook: Best of Kosher

The world’s top Kosher cookbook authors have come together to create the greatest collection of Kosher recipes in one book, Best of Kosher (Nov. 15, 2022)  From finding the perfect recipe for a Shabbat dinner to holiday celebrations, Best of Kosher provides recipes for any occasion or holiday. No matter whether you cook Kosher or not, their unique spin on traditional recipes will delight any foodie. 

This new cookbook features some of the most popular kosher recipes from over 15 of your favorite kosher cookbook authors including: Chanie Apfelbaum, Between Carpools, Miriam (Pascal) Cohen, Victoria Dwek, Susie Fishbein, Rivky Kleiman, Sina Mizrahi, Renee Muller, Naomi Nachman, Danielle Renov, Daniella Silver, Leah Schapira, and Rorie Weisberg. The book also provides background on the authors, their behind-the-scenes stories, and fun facts you didn’t know about them.  

The hardcover book itself is gorgeous too with a linen textured binding and beautiful photographs, making it a wonderful holiday present or housewarming gift for just $39.99.

Best of Kosher features 130 recipes, including 45 brand-new ones, each beautifully photographed in this 320-page collection. Among the recipes are:

• Honey-Lime Nut Salad by Rivky Kleiman
• Crock-Pot Onion and Flanken Soup by Naomi Nachman
• Yemenite Beef Soup by Susie Fishbein
• Crispy Salmon Poppers by Danielle Renov
• Sea Bass with Corn Cream by Victoria Dwek
• Everything Bagel Tuna Patties by Chanie Apfelbaum
• Crock-Pot Brown Sugar Beer Chicken by Miriam Pascal Cohen
• Sweet Chili Chicken Sandwiches by Leah Schapira
• Smoked Short Rib Tacos by Leah Schapira and Victoria Dwek
• Skirt Steak with Tahini Herb Sauce by Daniella Silver
• Maple Bourbon Brisket by Sina Mizrahi
• One Pot No-Cream Fettuccine Alfredo by Between Carpools
• Babka Straws by Chanie Apfelbaum
• Irresistible Chocolate Pecan Bars by Renee Muller
• Decadent Choco-Superfood Squares by Rorie Weisberg

This fall, try this easy and delicious recipe.

Bakery-Style Chocolate Muffins

by Miriam (Pascal) Cohen

If you’ve been following me for a while, you might know that I bake … a lot. There aren’t many baked goods that I’ll see in a bakery that I’ll want to buy vs. make myself. But for some reason (I don’t really know why!), bakery muffins, with their high domed tops, have always tempted me. Ironically, muffins are among the easiest baked goods to make, so I was determined to make a version at home that is as tempting as the ones you’ll find at a bakery.

Ingredients

         3     eggs

        ¾ cup    oil

    1½ cups    sugar

          1 tsp    vanilla extract

          1 tsp    baking powder

          1 tsp    baking soda

         ½ tsp    sea salt

      2⁄3 cup    cocoa powder

       2 cups    flour

         1 cup    buttermilk or 1 cup non-dairy buttermilk substitute (see Tip!) 

            9 oz     chocolate chunks or chips

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line muffin pans with paper liners; set aside.

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, oil, sugar, vanilla, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until combined.

Add cocoa powder, flour, and buttermilk. Stir until combined.

Add most of the chocolate chunks to the batter, stirring to combine.

Fill muffin pans until almost full. Sprinkle reserved chocolate chunks over the top.

Bake for about 20 minutes, until the top feels set.

Tip: In place of chocolate chips or chunks, chop up a bar of your favorite high-quality chocolate to enhance the flavors in this muffin.

Yield 18 muffins    

Thank you Mesorah Publications Ltd. for letting me share the following recipes from Best of Kosher here. Photographs by Esti Waldman.

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