5 Reasons to Get Married in a Vineyard

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By: Roxana Oliver

It’s always very difficult to find the perfect wedding location. It’s not difficult per se, but it seems that we have so many options and it’s very challenging to pick just one. Bear in mind, though, that a good wedding location can either make or break your final result, and this is why this is the first step that needs to be agreed upon. One amazing wedding location is a vineyard, and more and more people opt to say their wedding vows next to old barrels of wine while still overlooking beautiful scenery. What are all the reasons for you to get married in a vineyard?

The bar will be amazing

Suffice it to say that the bar will definitely be amazing, and you won’t be making any mistakes in this department. Marrying at a vineyard means that your guests will have the chance to try out wines from an impressive wine list for dinner. If you want to be super authentic, you can also include wine tasting, which could be interesting for many of your guests. Californians have some of the most amazing wines, and vineyards in Napa Valley are more than prepared to host fabulous weddings! It’s a great wedding activity, and a great way to get your guests just a bit tipsy before the actual party starts.

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You can take amazing photographs

It really is unbelievable how a good location can enhance your wedding photographs. And since you want picture perfect memories from your wedding day, this is yet another reason why you should choose a vineyard as your next location. The Château Pape Clément vineyard in France, is, for example, a marvelous option if you are from this part of Europe. Not only does it offer extremely high-quality wines, but it’s also placed in such a beautifully rustic environment (dating from 1252) whose every single corner is photogenic. However, this is the case with any single vineyard – the nature surrounding it is most usually very breathtaking, which makes it a perfect location for your wedding.

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There is an indoor and outdoor option

What if you’re not sure about the weather? There’s always that issue when it comes to choosing a wedding location, what if it’s going to be very hot for the guests to constantly be inside, or cold if the venue is an outdoor one? Opting for a vineyard means opting for both options. Most vineyards have amazing restaurants indoors, such as the beautiful Olivigna winery in Australia. The Olivigna restaurant is definitely one-of-a-kind, as it’s nicely tucked in a small yet beautiful garden. Letting your guests wine and dine in the interior of such a beautiful restaurant and allowing them to take a walk through the vineyard and experience this lifestyle is an excellent idea that you should definitely have in mind.

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It’s relaxed and elegant

A great reason to choose a vineyard is that it can be both quite relaxed and elegant at the same time. Rustic weddings have never gotten out of fashion, but it’s up to you if you want to make it a relaxed one or a high-end one. Vineyards are very diverse, so you can do whatever you want with them. Your wedding could be, at the same time, a great hipster wedding where everyone is extremely relaxed, or a black tie event that will resemble an Oscar ceremony, but on a budget of course.

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It’s kinda a destination wedding

Destination weddings are always pricey, but simply know that opting for a vineyard is very similar to opting for a destination wedding. The only thing that’s different is that your guests are not required to have their passports. Simply try to find the best vineyard in your vicinity, and try to book the place. It’s an amazing option and your guests will have plenty to do, see and drink during your weekend. Another way you could play this is booking rooms if the vineyard in question offers that option. Spending two days in a vineyard with your closest relatives and friends can really make your wedding feel like something out of a fairytale.

If you’re looking for a wedding destination, you should definitely opt for a vineyard. It’s beautiful, it’s different, it’s authentic, it’s memorable, it’s magical. Is there any other reason that you need?

About the author:

Roxana is a travel enthusiast and lifestyle consultant from Sydney and she loves to write about her adventures. She is all about the healthy lifestyle, loves to run with her husband and dogs and has fun cooking exotic meals for her family. Being a typical Aussie, she often hits the waves and loves beaches and sunshine! You can find out more about her writing following her on twitter and facebook. She is also one of the editors at Higstylife Magazine.

By: Roxana Oliver

Why It’s Never Too Late to Start Dancing

“Am I too old for this?” is the question dancing instructors most frequently hear. When does a person reach that threshold, when they can no longer engage in as much fun as they want to have? Isn’t it a little inappropriate for anyone who isn’t a young person to dance and fool around like that? No! Absolutely not. Dancing is for everyone, and what’s more, you can reap some great benefits if you start taking classes. Still not sure whether this is something you should do? Let us present a few points.

It keeps you healthy

Physical exercise important regardless of your age. There’s simply no point in one’s life where staying active won’t benefit the mind and the body, and dancing is one of the easiest ways to do that. Going to the gym consistently is tough if you’re not generally used to it, but dancing classes inspire you to keep coming back. If you love to shimmy and twist, then you’ll be a lot more eager to stick to it. If you keep up with it, you can look forward to things like lowered blood pressure, a healthier heart, lowered risk for diseases, and a better immune system. It’s also a good way to slim down if you’re struggling with your weight, or to simply tone your body to perfection.

Age really doesn’t matter

It’s understandable that you’re worried about being too old, but there’s really no reason to think that. Even seniors can benefit from dance classes, and there’s no one there to stop you from having fun. In fact, there are a lot of places that hold classes specifically intended for the older crowd, so you don’t even have to worry about being the only one there. You’ll have plenty of company from people who are just looking to enjoy themselves and learn a few cool moves. There should be no fear of judgement because what you’re trying to do is commendable. Besides, you’re doing this for yourself and no one else.

Success comes to all who try hard

If you’re willing to put in time and effort, you’ll go far. That’s really the only thing a person needs to get good – willpower. And, of course, some nice dancing shoes. Arm yourself with a smile, stick to your idea, and don’t miss a single class if you can help it. You can get all the dancing equipment you need in stores like Anything Dance, and after that, the rest is entirely up to you. Whether you just want some casual fun in a friendly environment, or you aim to become really good, it’s all possible as long as you persist.

You should never give up on your dreams

If you ever look at commercials, it seems that only skinny people ever do sports. But sports, and dancing, is for literally everyone. Tall, short, slim, chubby, male, female, old, and young. No one can stop you from doing what you want, and your dreams are not to be thrown away so easily. You deserve a chance to do something you always wanted to do, especially because this will help you meet a bunch of new people. Create a social circle of positivity, push each other to succeed, and don’t forget to have fun.

Starting something new always takes bravery. You’re never sure what you’re getting into, but dancing is so fun and relaxing that it’s hard to go wrong. Latin dances, hip-hop, traditional foxtrot, jazz ballet, or something else entirely – it’s up to you. Get rid of stress, learn some sexy moves, and have a truckload of fun.

About the author:

Roxana is a travel enthusiast and lifestyle consultant from Sydney and she loves to write about her adventures. She is all about the healthy lifestyle, loves to run with her husband and dogs and has fun cooking exotic meals for her family. Being a typical Aussie, she often hits the waves and loves beaches and sunshine! You can find out more about her writing following her on twitter and facebook. She is also one of the editors at Higstylife Magazine.

By: Roxana Oliver

How to Throw a Chic Company Gathering for Less

Everybody wants their company parties to be fabulous. However, throwing a fabulous company party requires plenty of planning. You might even put too much effort and money into a party that ends up feeling forced and unnatural. If you wish to have a successful company gathering that everyone will enjoy, you need to learn how to go with the flow. What is more, you can organize a party without spending a fortune, and here’s how I’ve managed to do it.

Use what you already have

Office parties are usually set at different locations such as bars, restaurants or outdoors. However, if your company is trying to lower the expenses, the parties will have to stay within a certain budget. In such cases, you can use the space you already have and throw a cheap and chic office party. Look around your building and use the game room, foyers, conference rooms and other spaces that could accommodate a party and start setting up decorations.

Organize some games

A party is not complete without some fun games. Whether you’re celebrating at your office, somewhere in the nature or any other venue, make sure everyone has a fun way to spend their time at the party. If it’s a blogger event - even better. Bloggers make money by being creative so this is bound to be fun. If it’s a holiday party, you can easily organize some competitive games to lift the holiday spirit, such as ugly sweater contest, cookie decorating and similar. If you’re somewhere outside, you can play football, toss Frisbee or engage in some couples’ games to improve teamwork. Also, if you’re having a party at a restaurant or a pub, you can easily divide in teams and engage in some fun trivia quizzes and encourage some healthy competition among your employees.

Schedule during work time

Your employees will understand why the party is on the budget, but they might not like the idea of staying after work for not-so-mandatory office party. In order to make things easier for everyone and motivate your employees further to just kick back and relax, you should plan the party during office hours. Set the date and time for the company gathering on Friday afternoon, for example, and let your employees unwind. Since they will have half a day off, they will appreciate you and the company more, everyone will be happy and you won’t lose huge amounts of money on the party.

Get the food

No matter where you’re having your company gathering, snacks are mandatory. You can opt for a lush lunch for everyone at a restaurant if you choose such a venue. Also, if you’re going somewhere in nature or you’re staying at the office, you can rely on skillful catering staff to provide you with the most delicious food without spending a fortune. Wicked foods corporate catering was my favorite when I was throwing a party with my fellow bloggers at High Style Life. What is more, many catering services similar to this one, offer different food packages, so everyone can enjoy their meals.

Decorations

Decorations as well as accessories are there to get us all in the festive mood, but they don’t have to be something huge. Stick to the simplest decorations and pay attention to details. You can easily find inexpensive decorations at the local supermarket or pound shop, or have your employees work together to craft some decorations themselves.

Everyone loves office parties and their unique spirit. However, you don’t have to go over the top and spend a fortune; with these simple tips you can create a fun company gathering and still stay within a budget.

About the author:

Roxana is a travel enthusiast and lifestyle consultant from Sydney and she loves to write about her adventures. She is all about the healthy lifestyle, loves to run with her husband and dogs and has fun cooking exotic meals for her family. Being a typical Aussie, she often hits the waves and loves beaches and sunshine! You can find out more about her writing following her on twitter and facebook. She is also one of the editors at Higstylife Magazine.

By: Roxana Oliver

If you’re not a conventional type and want something different for your special day, there are plenty of unusual yet amazing wedding venues that can enable you to have your dream wedding. From historic libraries to romantic orchards, here are the top places to tie the knot, for those who want a unique start to their life together.

A literary wedding

If you’re picturing a sophisticated celebration of your love, then a historic library might be the ideal venue for your wedding. Libraries are quite spacious and characterized by amazing architecture and historic and antique details. If you’re an avid reader and enjoy literature, then getting married among some of the greatest literary romantics of all time is the perfect way to start out your own love story. Dive into your favorite novels once again to find inspiration on how to plan your wedding. The lavish parties portrayed in the Great Gatsby might serve as a great idea for your art-deco wedding.

In nature

If you’ve always wanted to get married surrounded by nature and beautiful flowers, then consider saying your vows in a botanical garden. These gardens contain an array of the most gorgeous blooms, delightful fountains, winding paths surrounded by trees, interesting sculptures or a greenhouse, where both the ceremony and the reception can take place. You won’t have to worry a lot about how to decorate the interior, as everything is pretty much already set up – loads of greenery and glass ceilings. What more could a bride want?

On the stage

If you love a Shakespearean vibe, then getting married in a theatre might be the ideal backdrop to your cultural wedding. You won’t have to worry about how to incorporate drinks, as most theatres already offer refreshments (including alcoholic beverages) during breaks between plays, so you may even be able to set up a bar. Another option is to get married in an amphitheatre, where you can enjoy the fresh air and have a romantic setup for the most important event of your life.

A sporty vibe with a magnificent view 

If you’re looking for a fancy venue with a stunning view, or a chance to get married among the green fields, consider tying the knot at one of the amazing golf club wedding venues. You can host an indoor or a terrace celebration and treat your guests with the finest menu and service. The best part is the breathtaking view of nature and its surroundings.

A rustic orchard

You can hardly find a more romantic atmosphere than the one of an apple orchard in autumn. The golden rays of the sun mixed with the fiery colors of leaves and the soothing sounds of nature are the perfect way to proclaim your eternal love for each other. What is more, orchards already have a long history of being a wedding a venue, so many of them offer accommodation and some wedding-related activities. Also, you can have a romantic carriage ride with your spouse and indulge in that rustic feel. 

Photo credit: Smart

Under the sea

This is quite an extravagant wedding venue option, intended for deep sea diving enthusiasts and ocean lovers. If you and your partner share a boundless love of water, getting married in an aquarium can be a way to have your own enchantment under the sea. Some aquariums provide the option to hold your ceremony inside a fish tank for a true underwater feel. If you plan to invite a large number of guests, you can communicate through the tank’s window via written signs to let them know how the ceremony is going and what’s coming next.

Take inspiration from these ideas and start your “happily ever after” in your own, unique way. 

About the author:

Roxana is a travel enthusiast and lifestyle consultant from Sydney and she loves to write about her adventures. She is all about the healthy lifestyle, loves to run with her husband and dogs and has fun cooking exotic meals for her family. Being a typical Aussie, she often hits the waves and loves beaches and sunshine! You can find out more about her writing following her on twitter and facebook. She is also one of the editors at Higstylife Magazine.

Pets and a Balanced Life

By: Roxana Oliver

Usually, we decorate our home in a way that will help us achieve balance in our lives. We paint our walls in bright colors, we fill our corners with houseplants, we pick prints that are pleasant to our eyes and pay extra attention at the overall décor.

However, we often tend to forget that the biggest part of a warm, homey feeling is in liveliness, which only a pet can provide. You know what they say: getting a pet is the only way of getting love for money. Your home is going to be filled with unconditional loyalty, companionship and love.

This article is going to show you all the benefits of having a pet, and also give you some tricks on best ways to share your home space with them to make your life easier and healthier.

First things first

Before deciding to get yourself a new friend, there are some things you need to think about. It is a serious investment, so you need to have all the information.

Are you responsible enough?

Are you aware of the fact that you are going to need to take care of this little creature for the rest of its life? The average lifespan of dogs and cats is approximately 12 years – which is definitely a long-term commitment. Sure, taking care of a cute puppy is a piece of cake, but taking care of an adult dog is a little bit more serious.

Can you afford it?

Having a pet has its costs. You will need to cover their vaccinations, de-sexing and micro chipping. And that’s without factoring in food, worming, health checks, vet bills, boarding, all kinds of pet accessories, toys etc. Also, you always need to be sure that you can pay for any emergency and treatment.

Of course, pet costs depend on the type of animal you choose, but all in all, having a pet is not a cheap addition to the family.

Do you know how to take care for it?

Your responsibility as a pet owner is to do a thorough research about the specific needs of your future pet. Gather all the information you can about your chosen breed. If you are adopting, make sure you visit a relevant adopting organization and talk to someone who has all of the information. This includes the breeders as well.

Do you have time?

You will need to make a considerable amount of time each day to give your pet the right care, especially when they’re little. There are things such as exercise, grooming, socialization, feeding, training, playtime etc.

Benefits of having pets

Now, the thing why we’re here for. First of all, pets provide us with the luxury of their companionship. The presence of a pet in our home can immediately boost your mood. There is nothing that brings a smile on one’s face like a happy dog, who is anxious for your affection and waiting for you after a long and stressful day at work. Besides this, pets are amazing for our mental health. People get unconditional love and affection, which is a great confidence booster.

Another great thing about pets is that they can help you teach your children responsibility. Daily responsibilities like feeding, exercising and overall looking after the animal, as well as illnesses and losses, are going to provide your children with valuable experiences that will help them in their future life.

And this is still not the end. Pets can also provide us with certain health benefits such as:

Fighting allergies

Contrary to the old belief that, if you live in an allergy-prone family, you should avoid having pets; countless studies showed that kids who grow up in homes with furred animals have less risk of getting allergies, asthma and eczema. Instead, the immune system chemicals values in their bodies get higher. After all, we are all familiar with the fact that babies who have bigger exposure to dirty objects and allergens will have a much stronger immune system than those who aren’t exposed to the dirt at all. 

Good for the heart

People with heart diseases who have pets survive much longer than those who don’t. Apparently, they have lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels.

Mind and soul

Playing with a pet increases dopamine and serotonin levels – nerve transmitters that affect our mood and keep us calm. Basically, pets are healthy substitutions for drugs.

Dogs for the elderly

Many studies have shown that Alzheimer’s patients with pets have far less anxious outbursts than those without pets. Also, their caregivers are less burdened when there is an animal, especially a cat which requires minimal care. Walking a pet can provide elderly people with exercise they need, as well as companionship.

Having a pet is not an easy task, but it will all be worth it once you realize that this creature loves you more than you love yourself.

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Want to check out our puurfect gifts for your cat lover? Check out our pawsome faves!

About the author:

Roxana is a travel enthusiast and lifestyle consultant from Sydney and she loves to write about her adventures. She is all about the healthy lifestyle, loves to run with her husband and dogs and has fun cooking exotic meals for her family. Being a typical Aussie, she often hits the waves and loves beaches and sunshine! You can find out more about her writing following her on twitter and facebook. She is also one of the editors at Higstylife Magazine.

Starting to feel butterflies in your stomach because the guy you’ve had a crush on has finally asked you out? So, what are you going to wear? Heels or flats? Should you get a haircut? And what in the world are you going to talk about? Millions of questions in your head, and no right answers on the horizon.

Our advice? First, don’t stress as much – if he’s asked you out, you must have done something right. But to take your dating game to a higher level, go back to a few basics:

Casually Flirty

First things first, chill – the first date won’t really differ that much from any other conversation you two might have had. Still, keep in mind that this casual chit-chat can be the beginning of a serious relationship.

Are you known for being a nervous talker? Although there are guys who think of babbling as a rather adorable quality, you never know how he’s going to react. This doesn’t mean you should be quiet the entire time, but make sure you don’t get carried away. At times, he might ask a couple of questions like how are things at work, just to keep the conversation going, but that doesn’t mean you should go into too many details about the things he knows nothing about, and people he has never met. 

Dress for the Occasion

In most cases, girls are unsure of how formal the date is going to be and end up shopping for countless outfits, just in case. Guess what – you can always ask him to give you a hint! But if want it to be a surprise, then try to find a golden middle. Nothing to short or too tight is a rule that has to be stressed each time (leave something to his imagination), but eventually, it’s crucial that you feel comfortable. Flats or not? If you expect a lot of walking, certainly, but if you’re looking forward to a dinner date, then elegant white heels are a must!

Mild Scent

We understand you have probably already chosen the ideal perfume for the night, but one thing has to be emphasized –  don’t drench yourself in it! Just imagine how it must be for him, sitting by your side (maybe even leaning forward to whisper sweet nothings) only to get intoxicated. For this reason, the scent should be placed strategically on your pulse points – the neck, palms, cleavage, and the back of the neck. By the end of the night, all he’ll do is hold you close and sink into your sweet-scented aura.

A Good Night Kiss?

You think it all went well? Do you want to know how he feels? Then bite your tongue before you pop the when am I seeing you again question, put him in an awkward position and risk sounding too desperate. If it all went well, he’s bound to call!

So what’s the right way to say goodbye at the end of the night? Leave him wanting more – slowly step away before the kiss, but remember to turn around one last time, glance at him coyly and walk away. After this, he’ll forget all about the three-day rule!

About the author:

Roxana is a travel enthusiast and lifestyle consultant from Sydney and she loves to write about her adventures. She is all about the healthy lifestyle, loves to run with her husband and dogs and has fun cooking exotic meals for her family. Being a typical Aussie, she often hits the waves and loves beaches and sunshine! You can find out more about her writing following her on twitter and facebook. She is also one of the editors at Higstylife Magazine.

Small but Thoughtful Valentine’s Day Gifts That Won't Burn The Pocket

There’s nothing more fulfilling than surprising your significant other with a thoughtful gift on the most romantic holiday of the year. While you probably want to give the world to your loved ones, sometimes it’s not even possible to go with presents that are just a tad more luxurious. That is no reason to worry, though. There are plenty of options out there that can prove to be very unique and meaningful as gifts but also very affordable. Remember, it is always a thought that counts, not the price tag. If you lack some ideas on affordable yet thoughtful Valentine’s Day gifts, check out the following ones for inspiration.

Jewelry/accessories

Really cute jewelry is something that will always work as a thoughtful yet pretty affordable gift. And around Valentine’s Day, there are so many lovely choices when it comes to jewelry. If you want something more creative or quirky, online stores can provide you with various frugal options. Kitty ears headbands, lacy or fuzzy gloves, scarves and even personalized clothing hangers can turn into very unique and personal gifts that will be scream romance regardless of their price.

Lovely mug for coffee/tea lovers

Some would say that there are two types of people in this world – tea drinkers and coffee drinkers. But a thing they all have in common is the undeniable appreciation for interesting mugs. Luckily, there are various types of mugs on the market and these definitely won’t burn your pocket with their price. Also, there are various possibilities to customize these mugs. You can jazz them up yourself or ask a special service to do it for you.

Yummy Treats

So I guess we all know how the way to everyone’s heart is through their tummy, right? This Valentine’s Day is no exception. Chocolates are always, and I mean - always a good idea. They are said to be a substitute for love itself, and although we wouldn’t go that far, they certainly can give you a rush of warmness once you’ve eaten them. A classic, but nonetheless powerful, yummy Valentine chocolate gifts are on the top of my personal list!

A piece of inspirational art

There are many affordable ways in which you can express your gratitude, love and respect towards another person. Using a specific gift that can hold that important message or maybe even a quote will definitely prove to be one of the coolest Valentine’s gifts ever. A piece of inspirational art that can properly convey your feelings is always a good choice. So why not look into some really nice frames that come with most adorable quotes and messages for your significant other?

Write a poem

Not all people have the talent to put their feelings into words, but if you actually do then why not write a poem for your important someone this Valentine’s Day? There’s plenty of inspiration online, you can use really intricate cursive handwriting style, roll the paper up and tie it with a nice bow. There are also many additional details you could add, such as drawings, other types of cute packaging, etc. The power of the gift and the meaning behind it will surely reach the other person through your heartfelt verses.

Really thoughtful and meaningful gifts are enriched with feelings and personal effort put into them, not the amount of cash you spend. Therefore, don’t feel reluctant to give it your absolute creative best to show just how much you care for someone on this special day that celebrates love.

About the author:

Roxana is a travel enthusiast and lifestyle consultant from Sydney and she loves to write about her adventures. She is all about the healthy lifestyle, loves to run with her husband and dogs and has fun cooking exotic meals for her family. Being a typical Aussie, she often hits the waves and loves beaches and sunshine! You can find out more about her writing following her on twitter and facebook. She is also one of the editors at Higstylife Magazine.