Archives February 2022

What is a bridal shower? Bridal showers are typically given by friends or family members before a wedding. Sometimes the bride may also host a bridal shower for herself and her attendants, though an even better alternative is to have each attendant give one for herself.

Bridal showers may be hosted close to the engagement period or shortly before the wedding day. A well-known saying among brides is that they should expect two bashes: one from their future spouse’s relatives and another from those on their side of the aisle.

When it comes to etiquette, there aren’t many rules as to who can hold a bridal shower or how you can throw one—aside from inviting only those people you’d want to celebrate with you. The main guideline is just not to offend the bride’s mother.

The term bridal shower likely arose from an American tradition of celebrating a bride-to-be with a luncheon that was originally hosted by her mother and then later, in our modern era, taken over by friends and family members. The idea is to celebrate the many gifts and blessings you’ll receive in the future months leading up to your marriage.

However, this practice doesn’t have to be limited to just women: couples may host bridal showers together although it’s more common for females within the couple (i.e., two girlfriends) to do so separately for one another.

Individuals such as mothers of either side do not typically host or participate in these celebrations; instead, they are given their bridal showers.

While this article will discuss how to find the right date, location and guest list for a bridal shower celebration, it’s important to keep in mind that mother of the bride or groom parties are more common than one might think.

Bridal Shower Location

Deciding upon where to host your bridal shower can be tricky enough with just you and your fiancee trying to figure out what works best without having to consider anyone else’s schedule, preferences and interests. 

Here are some things you want to take into consideration while planning: 

-Think about who is hosting (i.e., where do they live?) 

-What days of the week work best for everyone? -Who all is invited (keeping in mind some guests will be out of state)? 

-Are you & your fiancee having an engagement party (which can shorten the guestlist for the bridal shower)?

-What time is best?                     

Bridal Shower Invitations

Once you’ve nailed down a date, it’s time to send out invitations. The traditional way is to invite your guests by mail; however, with advancements in technology, this isn’t always necessary especially when all of your friends and family are within immediate contact given today’s social media culture.

You could even consider sending text messages or emails as long as they act as formal invitations. Keep in mind that email invitations are acceptable only if you receive express written consent from all invited parties.   

The following rules apply to either online or offline invitations:

-Give sufficient notice (at least 8 to 10 weeks is standard but you should never be put in the position where you need to ask for RSVPs). -Keep your guest list small (ideally, between 10 and 15 people). -Never include the names of guests who are not invited.

-Stick with neutral colours like white, grey or ecru (avoid pastels since they’re not as formal), say no to logos and stick with traditional fonts like Times New Roman. Here’s a great article by The Knot on choosing wedding invitations.

If you want to go for something slightly less formal than paper invites there are plenty of other options depending on how much time and money you can spare. For example, some brides may prefer to print invitations on matching paper, collect RSVPs via an online form and send their guests updates with links to more information about the celebration.

If you’re having a smaller event with only close friends or family members then consider using something like Evite or Paperless Post. You can even look into Potluck apps where everyone contributes food recipes with RSVPs coming in by way of names listed next to dishes they are bringing.

Bridal Shower Etiquette

There are certain etiquette rules that almost every bridal shower abides by including but not limited to:

-The couple should never be tasked with hosting the event themselves (i.e., it’s always better when another relative, friend or partner hosts the party). 

-The couple should personally send out invitations (or at least, RSVPs) to every guest. 

-Guests are expected to give gifts (i.e., cash or check wrapped in white tissue paper placed inside an envelope; no gift cards).

-Everyone is encouraged to bring a small token of appreciation for the bride-to-be (i.e., decorating theme candles, soaps, spa baskets or wine).

How To Choose The Perfect Bridal Shower Theme

As far as selecting a bridal shower theme it’s important not to go too overboard which can easily be done given today’s consumerist culture where even one single purchase may meet the requirement of being considered “a gift.” Stick with something classy and timeless to avoid coming off as tacky or unoriginal.

Your theme can be anything you choose it just needs to hold a special significance that both you and your fiancee agree upon. 

Here are some common bridal shower themes:

-Something bridal (i.e., white decor, wedding gowns, etc.). 

-Something bookish (i.e., tea parties with trivia about the couple’s favourite novels).

-A travel-themed party where guests bring maps of their hometowns or countries they’ve travelled to for inspiration for future trips they may take together as a couple. 

-All things Parisian since most people enjoy French culture whether it be art, wine, food or fashion; here’s another great article on Parisian themed bridal showers by The Knot. 

-Something musical (i.e., a karaoke machine, sheet music, etc.).

-A spa party with free massages and facial treatments for the bride to be.

Many of the most successful coffee shops have a café fit-out that makes them stand out from other cafes. For instance, many have exposed brick on the walls and high ceilings, which is a popular trend in cafés across Australia at the moment.

Some industries surveyed café trends around Australia, and found that there are several common characteristics that cafés strive for:

• An impressive front-of-house design with stylish décor to draw customers inside, including new signage
• Excellent street presence – an inviting exterior will make customers more inclined to come inside
• A wide range of seating options for different occasions – some areas for groups of people, other areas for couples and some chairs to be shared
• The use of different furniture types including high chairs, bar stools, booths and even chaise lounges will help create an interesting interior
• Build-out elements that are distinctive – exposed brickwork or timber studs can create a unique café environment

Food Options

A wide range of food options to suit everyone’s tastes, including breakfast, lunch and cakes. Cafés also provide outdoor seating options where possible so patrons can enjoy the sun on warmer days. The idea is to keep things fresh by offering new menus every month or so.

The menu should include something for everybody including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options   Also popular are coffee shops that take inspiration from the local area and use it to produce a unique fit-out.

The café is the heart of any modern urban living. Almost everyone likes to start their day with a cup of coffee and some toast or a pastry. This simple joy brings people together, and the café is the perfect place for that social interaction to take place.

Decor

A decor that highlights natural light and open space will give you an inviting and pleasant atmosphere where your customers will feel comfortable and relaxed. But how can you achieve this?

Well, if we think outside the box we can see there’s no need to change anything in your interior design because it already has all of this! Your windows let in plenty of natural light during the day when they are open, giving your patrons a sense of open space.

At night when they are closed the café will still be filled with soft ambient light coming through the glass, giving it a relaxed feel.

Make sure to use window coverings that can easily open and close depending on whether you want natural or ambient light. On the outside of your windows, make sure you highlight any signage so people know what’s inside.

There are plenty of modern materials like steel mesh (which is strong but also lets in plenty of sunshine), leather and wood that add a sense of style without overcomplicating things.

Using different sized tiles adds depth and texture to the flooring helping with sightlines when people are sitting around tables near each other, instead of using carpets that tend to absorb sound. Many cafés opt for a minimalist design with no wall coverings at all, therefore highlighting the stunning view outside.

Furniture

When it comes to furniture, there are so many options available these days, but it is best to keep everything light and airy to avoid overcrowding your space. Also, make sure the tables are not too close together as this will limit people’s freedom of movement and can give off a suffocating vibe.

Your chairs should be comfortable because you want your guests to stay for hours! You should also remember that tables near windows tend to be popular so you need more seating around them.

Finally, don’t forget about creating an inviting place setting with fresh flowers on each table making people feel welcome first thing in the morning before they even order their coffee. And since we’re on the topic of coffee, congratulations! You’ve made it this far and now you have a café that’s designed to attract more customers.

These tips are just a start – have you created your dream café? What would yours look like? More on cafe fit-out ideas. 

Sometimes, somebody dies. And you have to be at a funeral to say goodbye. That’s pretty much the only reason why people go to funerals – well, that and because dying is a thing that happens.

But what do you do when somebody dies? What is the right way to behave in this kind of situation? What are the rules about attending funerals and saying your goodbyes? 

A grave mistake could make things harder for those left behind, or worse yet… damage your reputation as a good sim! It would be such an embarrassment if everyone found out you were kicked out of a funeral for bad behaviour! Or even worse: if other sims hear you talking smack about the corpse at their wake! 

As a young adult, attending someone’s funeral can be scary. You don’t know what to say or do. You might feel uncomfortable. Funerals are generally more emotionally demanding on the attendees than on the dead person, who has already done their grieving process and can no longer feel any pain (hopefully).

Helpful tips on what to do at a funeral:

First, you must go to the location of the wake or funeral. You should dress appropriately if you are attending – not in your everyday clothes! If you are confused about what is considered “appropriate” attire, think of occasions where you would wear your Sunday best… like weddings and Easter services.

A black-tie may be too formal, but if you can slip into your most expensive jacket, do it!

Black with some gold trim was the style. It’s classy without being flashy. You don’t want to come across as a show-off by dressing like the prince of Monaco at every funeral! Plus you should wear pants and shoes. Dresses are also suitable but try to avoid strapless gowns unless you’re attending an actual wedding (and even then… not really).

And for guys: wear long sleeves or tuck in your polo shirt so that no skin is showing below the neckline. Oh, and please keep your legs covered up – no open-toed shoes.

Keeping composure at a funeral is important because you’re representing the person who has passed away, their friends and family members, and even yourself! As people are arriving, greet them with a handshake or hug depending on whether or not they are okay being touched.

If someone starts crying, give them your undivided attention for as long as they need it. People who are grieving might say some unusual things so don’t take everything too seriously – if someone says that the presence of your loved ones can still be felt then let them believe that! You don’t want to disrespect anyone’s beliefs after all.

Remember that funerals often have some form of religious context (Christianity would be most common), but no one will judge you if you don’t know what to do.  Usually, just try and follow wherever the people in front of you are going.

You may feel overwhelmed but don’t let that get in the way of paying respect to someone who passed away. Carry yourself with confidence because you deserve respect too! While everyone might be grieving, they will still notice how composed you remain throughout such an emotionally exhausting process; it can help calm them down.

Just remember that funerals aren’t only about the dead person, they’re about saying goodbye while celebrating the best parts of the deceased’s life.

Perhaps one can “turn off” their emotions once they leave the funeral services, but the most appropriate way to act in this situation is by remaining calm and distant from any emotional outbursts. At least for now, think before you speak – even if something feels right, keep it hidden for later when you have had some time to process what has happened.

While people are understanding of the grieving process, it is important to keep in mind that people attending funerals are still likely to think less of you if you cannot manage your emotions.

If you choose not to attend the funeral or memorial service for any reason, it becomes even more important to act appropriately; do research on how others handle death emotionally before attending any services – this leaves no room for mistakes.

There are many reasons why someone may choose to maintain composure at funerals, so it is important to understand the value of doing so.

Some people feel guilty for being upset over a loved one’s passing since others are displaying strength – this does not mean they do not love or care about the deceased, but rather that they are in disbelief over what has happened.

Others may feel awkward around those who are grieving, making them uncomfortable enough to keep their distance from any emotional outbursts.

Want to know more related articles, click here: how to maintain composure. 

Procedures like fillers and laser resurfacing work to pass energy through the skin. Microblading is a manual method that uses tiny needles to create very fine incisions that resemble individual hairs.

A skilled practitioner with good technique will provide natural-looking brows, but an inexperienced one could leave you with undesirable results such as scarring or unevenness.

The main purpose of microblading your eyebrows is so they look more defined – especially for those who have over-plucked theirs, haven’t been blessed with great brow genetics or have sparse areas left after regrowth from tweezing.

The idea behind it is to mimic the look of a hairdresser’s eyebrow embroidery without the permanency of tattooing. Here’s what you need to know about getting them done at home or elsewhere.

What is eyebrow microblading?

Microblading is a form of semi-permanent makeup that involves using tiny needles to make extremely fine, hair-like strokes on the skin. This technique differs from regular tattooing because it uses hand tools instead of a machine, which allows for more customised results and no harsh lines.

A mixture of cosmetic pigments is used to create depth and fill in sparse areas so your brows can mimic your natural hairs as closely as possible. The result looks like delicate ‘hair strokes’ and creates a natural-looking brow that will last up to two years.

What happens during eyebrow microblading?

The technician first marks your face using tiny dots, which makes it easier for her to see where she needs to place the strokes. She then performs the tattooing sessions, which involve repeatedly dipping the tiny needles into pigment before tapping them gently onto your skin.

The sensation is similar to getting a flu shot or blood drawn – except no anesthesia is involved. As you sit there with needles in your face, the technician uses an ultrafine blade at the beginning of each stroke to create space between your skin and dermis so pigment can be deposited beneath it.

For best results, most technicians will recommend microblading touchups every six months to a year.

If you have dark skin or light hair, the technician will use pigment that’s one shade lighter than your natural hue. On the other hand, if you’re fair-skinned with red hair, she’ll use one that’s two shades darker.

The result should mimic real brow hairs as closely as possible. Another important factor to consider is skin tone – since light skin shows up pigmentation more easily, technicians often avoid using very warm colours (reds and oranges) on this type of complexion.

What are the types of microblading?

Technicians can use either numbing cream or an injection to numb your brow area before performing eyebrow microblading procedures. Although both methods produce similar results, it’s always best to ask your technician what she uses so you know how much discomfort you’ll experience during the treatment.

What are the pros and cons of eyebrow microblading?

The primary benefit is that eyebrows look fuller after just one session because the pigment creates a shadow effect that makes them look more defined. It also doesn’t hurt that results usually last up to 24 months, making this semi-permanent makeup an affordable option for those who want their face to stand out without having to draw on them twice a day.

A major downside you should know about is that the treatment requires a fair amount of skill and expertise. Since technicians use tiny needles, they need to ensure they create solid and sharp hair strokes for optimal results. Another drawback is post-treatment healing time; it can take up to two weeks before you see your final results.  

How much does eyebrow microblading cost?

Prices vary from one clinic to another, but you should expect to pay roughly $500-$650 per session – plus ongoing touchups every six months or so. This isn’t cheap by any means, but it’s still cheaper than getting regular tattooing sessions that require more maintenance.

In addition, many states don’t regulate this type of procedure so costs could be even higher compared with those in other countries. Costs in the United States and Canada tend to be cheaper than those in Europe and Australia because technicians in these places charge higher fees for their services.

Microblading can produce beautiful, natural-looking results that last up to two years if performed correctly. What’s more, it requires minimal recovery time and costs less than regular tattooing sessions.

Of course, there are certain risks involved such as scarring and infection, which is why you should always do thorough research before having this treatment done at a clinic near you. So don’t wait any longer! Visit your local microblading clinics today and take advantage of their free consultation offers.

To know more about eyebrow microblading in Melbourne, just click it.