Top U.S. retailers report that engagement ring and wedding dress sales have not rebounded since the pandemic. The beginning of the lockdowns in the early spring of 2020 led to an “engagement gap,” according to Signet Jewelers, the largest jewelry company in the United States. Signet reports that engagement ring sales were down in 2023 and are projected to remain low in 2024. As another indication of lower engagement and marriage rates, David’s Bridal, the largest wedding dress retailer, recently declared bankruptcy.
According to president and chief consumer officer of Signet, Jamie Singleton, the average couple in the United States dates for 3.25 years before getting engaged. Thus, the company needs the number of engagements to grow by 25% by the year 2026 in order to return to pre-Covid sales.
Here’s an interesting idea that a number of airlines are proposing. You can now opt to skip receiving your meal while on your next flight. Airlines such as Delta and Japan Airline are using an option to allow passengers to opt out before they even fly. Why would people choose to do so?
At the moment, the idea is serving as a test case for what airlines can do to reduce fuel, costs and waste on board flights. Of course, critics argue that the airlines are trying to make themselves look green – but that they are actually just trying to cut corners.
Of course, passengers who have chosen this option far before their flights are often worried about what will happen if they change their mind. They won’t be able to get a full meal, but there are always snacks on flights that passengers can find. And they can try to remember to bring their own goodies with them as well.
One other added benefit of forgoing the food is the chance to set your body onto the correct time zone. Eating at unusual times during a flight can definitely make it difficult for your body to adjust to the time change.
It will be interesting to see if this is something that takes off – or just a passing phase.
Now that the skies have reopened and being are enjoying travel, it may be the perfect time to check out Hotel Arbez Franco-Suisse – which is also referred to as L’Arbézie. This hotel has the cool distinction of straddling an international border between France and Switzerland.
And that means that, when you check in, you don’t exactly know which country you’ll be sleeping in that night. Because of a trade agreement (explained in this article), about half of the hotel is in France while the other half sits in Switzerland. The international border actually runs right through the restaurant and a few of the guest rooms.
This sounds like it could just be a fun and silly place to be – but the implications of having a hotel in two countries are real. Switzerland and France have different electricity standards, and the rooms all include both types of sockets; there are certain unpasteurized cheeses allowed in Switzerland which can’t be brought over to France and this happens with some French specialties as well.
The new year is often accompanied by health-related resolutions. When it comes to your health goals, whatever they may be, professional trainers encourage consistency.
Ben Smith, winner of the Fittest Man on Earth title in 2015, advocates for consistency as a mainstay of physical health: “Consistency is the most important thing. It’s hard because you don’t see the results of that consistency right away. If you can consistently do something for even 15 minutes in the morning, it can add up over time.”
Smith also sings the praises of CrossFit, which is predicted to see a resurgence in the coming year of 2023. Their website explains that CrossFit is, “constantly varied functional movement at high intensity,” or, in broader terms, a high intensity workout using cardio, weight training and mobility work. CrossFit affiliates claim that their workouts, coupled with a healthy diet, can stave off the global rise of chronic disease, such as Type 2 diabetes.
More women are opting for CrossFit as their workout plan, as it promises both effective strength-building and, as 94% of 500 surveyed women report, a boost in confidence and empowerment. Building muscle does not only yield aesthetically-pleasing results, such as a “toned look,” but it also improves both cardiac and bone health. Women are four times more likely to develop osteoporosis than men, and strength training is proven to both slow bone loss and significantly increase bone density and strength.
Even if you have not yet started on your health plan for 2023, it is not too late. While it is clear that strength training yields optimal results, the best workout plan is the one that you will do consistently.
If you love to hike, now is the time to get ready for the beautiful of Fall. The weather is starting to cool and the leaves will soon change in many places. And while the summer months were crazy at airports, things should be calming down a bit more now as children go back to school.
This list offers choices around the world. The two in the United States featured here include the Appalachian Trail and the Tahoe Rim Trail.
The Appalachian Trail runs all the way from Georgia to Maine and includes 2200 miles of footpath trails. Some of the most beautiful areas of the trail are in Virginia as part of the Shenandoah National Park. The trail is marked well enough and has enough campsites that it can be navigated by individuals seeking long-term adventure. There are companies that can also help people to pre-book accommodations and to navigate the trail.
The Tahoe Rim Trail is a 165 mile loop around the Lake Tahoe Rim Basin. The trail was started in 1981 and offers absolutely breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada and Carson ranges while it passes through six counties and four national forests.
Of course, for those looking to leave the United States on a grand adventure, the list also includes offerings such as the Basho Wayfarer in Japan, the Refugio Frey and Cerro Catedral in Argentina, and Mount Toubkal in Morocco.
The sun is shining, the kids are frolicking in the playground, and the ice cream truck jingles are playing in the streets. Getting outside is attractive in the summer months, and doing so is beneficial to your health, mind, and overall wellbeing. While outdoors, there are many meditations that can be practiced to further benefit the body and soul. Whether you are prepping for a demanding day ahead at the office or unwinding after a tiresome outing with the family, these meditations can help you pause, reframe, and focus in a myriad of ways.
Exercising Gratitude
A gratitude meditation can be done in any setting, even while you are in active motion. Focus on things in your life for you which are grateful, and actively think about the feeling of thanks. If you’re exercising and running laps, think about one item or person you appreciate during the first round, and shift to another thing you are grateful for during the next one.
Using Your Imagination
Visualizationis a meditation where you use your imagination to transport yourself to a different environment. If you’re taking a walk in the city, while you turn the block with cars honking and lights flashing, visualize a scene that you associate with relaxation and calm. If your tranquility zone is a secluded forest, listen to the birds in the trees and feel the breeze in your hair. As you continue walking, be sure to concentrate on feeling at peace while honing in on the physical effects that has on your body.
Activating the Sense of Smell
We are surrounded by nature’s perfumes. Seat yourself in a grassy park or flowery garden to perform this smelling meditation. Inhale through your nose, taking in those surrounding scents, then hold your breath for a couple seconds and exhale. For the next breath, inhale while counting to four, hold your breath and count to two, then exhale as you count to four. Repeat as desired.
Utilizing Your Words
This breathing meditation can be practiced while in motion, making it very practical. As you inhale through your nose, concentrate on one word that positively describes your feeling at the moment. For example, “content” or “rejuvenated.” During the exhale, focus on pushing out any feelings that may be detrimental to the positive one. For example, feelings of disappointment or stress. Repeat as many times as you’d like.
Keeping these meditation tools in mind as we drift through summer can help keep things feeling more manageable. As with most new endeavors, it’s simply a matter of getting into the grind and using the methods at your disposal. Once you do, you are sure to enjoy the new sense of calm and focus.
