Random Rambling-Thoughts on Aging

It has been a while since I have done a random rambling. That doesn’t mean I haven’t had some rambling thoughts though. There seems to be plenty of things to ponder on all the time. I just haven’t made the time to put the thoughts on here. Lately I have been thinking a lot about aging. 46 is doing some things to my brain. 45 didn’t seem so old, but suddenly 46 feels dangerously close to 50. I am surrounded by so many young people that I tend to feel young. Life more or less keeps me feeling young until…

I realize I need more sleep than I used to. 

I look at my hands and realize I really am aging. 

I have to buy good shoes and think about arch supports and shoe inserts. 

I find myself talking about perimenopause and hormones

I suddenly can’t see things up close like I used to be able to

I think it is time for

The list goes on. I am in fact getting older. 

Sometimes I get a little sad about getting older. Life seems to be flying by so quickly. I don’t want to miss it. I don’t want to waste it. I want to continue to feel young enough to enjoy life. When I really stop and think about it, the alternative to aging is not great. I have lost so many people in my life mostly due to cancer and way too young. Even when I lose someone that is older, it still makes me stop and think. The only way not to age is to not be here any longer. That is a sobering thought. It reminds me to have gratitude for the ability to age. It really is a gift and rather than being sad about getting older I really want to focus on the gift of being able to age. Maybe I will need more supportive shoes or ankle braces or reading glasses or all of the above, but that means I get to be around to see myself through those stages.

So the question becomes, besides saying gratitude, what can I really do to enjoy the process of aging?

I have made major improvements to my sleep over the last handful of years. 

It is time (or past time) to use sunscreen and serums on my hands. 

I started buying better shoes years ago and plan to continue that forever. 

I am doing all I can to learn about hormones and how to not spend these years suffering because “that is what happens to women”

It’s time for reading glasses. 

All those things are helping. I also want to continue to journal and connect with friends and family and stay active and enjoy all that life has to offer.  

*collaborative post 

How to Choose the Perfect Oval Engagement Ring

Picking out the perfect oval engagement ring is a challenge for any bride because it’s one that is very popular and therefore heavily available in all different shapes and sizes.

In order to choose the perfect oval engagement ring, there are a number of factors to consider, from diamond quality to the band style. With that being said, if you’re a fan of the oval engagement ring and want to figure out which option is best for you, then read on for a bride’s guide to oval engagement rings.

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Diamond quality

In order to pick the right oval size and type, the main focus should be on diamond quality. The four C’s are likely something you’ve heard about before. These are cut, clarity, color, and carat. Let’s break these down when it comes to choosing an oval engagement ring

1. Cut

When looking for the cut of a diamond, always look for excellent symmetry and polish within the diamond. Ratios of around 1.30-1.45 offer balance, while higher ratios are likely to be longer and slimmer.

2. Clarity

When it comes to clarity, aim for VS2-Sl1 with natural diamonds or VVS1-VS1 for lab-grown. These offer the best value for your money when it comes to oval engagement rings.

3. Color

Color is important, too, when it comes to choosing the right oval engagement ring. Look for colors between D-F for platinum and white gold. For yellow and rose gold, G-H are ones to look out for to save some money.

4. Carat

Finally, carat is the weight of the diamond, and ovals are often known for giving great size in their carat, making them budget-friendly for visual presence.

Style and setting

The style and setting of a ring are important regardless of the style and type of diamond you choose. There are plenty of considerations to make when it comes to the style and setting of the perfect oval engagement ring. These include:

Band style

A thin band makes the stone look a lot bigger, while a wider band will offer a bolder and more modern look. Of course, whichever you choose is down to personal preference of appearance.

Metal

Platinum/white gold is great for a modern and cool brilliance look. Yellow gold is ideal for adding some vintage warmth, and rose gold adds that romanticism to the ring.

Settings

When it comes to settings, it’s useful to consider hidden halos for that secret sparkle or a solitaire for classic focus on the ring itself.

Key considerations for Ovals 

Further key considerations to make when it comes to oval rings are whether you go for a traditionally mined diamond or an Oval lab grown engagement ring. These are so similar nowadays, with really the only difference being that mined diamonds tend to hold their value more.

Bow-ties are normal, but a well-cut oval minimizes this, so be aware of the cut when looking at rings. Consider your fingers and hands in general. A longer ratio, for example, will elongate the fingers, and a shorter ratio will look softer and rounder.

The perfect ratio or look is, again, down to a personal preference, so trust your gut and choose what you love.