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The Ultimate Engagement Guide

March 9, 2016 by Natasha Filed Under: Uncategorized Leave a Comment

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It’s finally ready! After many weeks of hard work, the Ultimate Engagement Guide is live and ready for purchase at only $4.99! It has 250 proposal ideas – over half of which you won’t find anywhere on the site.

With over 85 pages, I discuss everything from marriage proposal etiquette to how to pick the perfect ring. This very detailed book is the ultimate wingman but, if that’s not enough, I’m also throwing in my personal help to anyone who purchases the book. I can’t wait to hear the engagement stories that come out of this beauty.

The Ultimate Engagement Guide

The Ultimate Scuba Diving Marriage Proposal

March 7, 2016 by Natasha Filed Under: Uncategorized Leave a Comment

In May 2015 I received the loveliest request from Christian to help him plan an underwater proposal in Roatan, Honduras. Having been a scuba diving instructor there previously, I could not have been more excited to get involved with this scuba diving proposal.

There are a few things you need to get in order to have a perfect scuba diving proposal. The first is a dive shop that’s willing to help. In this case, both Coconut Tree Divers (my home shop) in West End and Infinity Divers in West Bay stepped up to the plate! The sign was made in Tegucigulpa but, to be honest, you could have your instructor write it on a underwater board for you and present that instead (although that sign is freakin’ amazing).

(If you are brand new divers, please discuss those limitations with your instructor. The excitement of a proposal coupled with the average diving risks mean you’ll need to be just a little bit more careful)

In any case, just over a year later and these two lovebirds are already hitched!

Here’s their love story as told by Christian himself…

“Love at first sight” –it’s probably the most over used phrase couples jokingly use to describe their first encounter. I am a very lucky man to be able to say those words and truly mean them.

When I saw my wife for the first time it was when I was serving as a missionary volunteer in the largest public hospital in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. She was a final year pediatric resident making round in the neonatal intensive care unit where I was filming footage for a documentary.

While filming I noticed her through my camera lens. I was fascinated with the passion she displayed for each one of the newborns in her care. She lit up as she attended to each and every one of the babies fighting for survival. She had a glow about her – maybe intensified by the fact that I thought she was the most beautiful woman I had ever laid eyes on! She had a bubbly personality, long dark hair, a knock-out smile and Angelina Jolie lips.

I was so intimidated by her beauty that I didn’t even speak to her the first, second, third or even fourth time I saw her. But every time I would travel back to Honduras to serve in the hospital, I would go hoping to see her again. It wasn’t until my fifth trip to Honduras in September of 2014 that a mutual friend of ours arranged a blind date.

Now, I want to make it clear that I had never been a believer in blind dates and had never previously agreed to go on one but this was an extraordinary exception that I willingly agreed to. I was finally going to get to meet the girl who had brought joy into my life without either of us ever even uttering a word to each other.

scuba proposal 4 final frame Our first date was in a coffee house restaurant in Tegucigalpa. Although I only knew very limited Spanish and my wife spoke only basic English (at best) and we could only communicate through hand gestures and Google translations – it was a magical night.

In spite of the fact that I was scheduled to return to the United States the very next day, we decided to keep in touch. “Keeping in touch” turned out to be constant communication, (via Skype, Facebook messenger, WhatsApp, and Viber) and multiple visits back and forth between Honduras and the United States for both us. We were crazy about each other.

In 2015, I moved to Honduras to volunteer full time for the not-for-profit organization I co- founded in 2013. During this time I lived a majority of the time at m ring face 3 y (now) mother-in-law’s home. I was totally immersed into the Honduran culture and was embracing the time I was able to spend with my (now) wife.

In April of 2015 we planned a trip to Roatan (Bay Island), Honduras to enjoy a weekend together. By this time, I knew she was the one I wanted to spend my life with. I began trying to think of a magical, unique, and exciting way to propose.

After communicating with her family, I decided to surprise her with a private scuba diving expedition in the magnificent coral reefs of Roatan and propose while under water in the mysterious ocean waters. When discussing the scuba diving proposal idea with close friends and family, there was some legitimate concern about how she would answer since she wouldn’t be able to talk underwater. However, my desire to propose in s scuba ring final uch a way that would show my love was as deep and beautiful as the ocean waters outweighed any concerns.

The scuba diving proposal was nothing short of perfect. Many thanks
to the private dive team that assisted in the proposal and helped choreograph the dive. We designed a route that would start in waist deep water by the shore and slowly continue to submerge deeper until we were diving through the amazing coral reef.

The instructors stopped at an open area where the rays of sunlight filtering down showcased the white ocean floor. As the underwater photographer distracted my wife with photos, the other members of the dive team unraveled a ten foot sign that read, “will you marry me?”

I was simultaneously reaching for the ring that was securely placed in one of the pockets in my diving jacket. At just the right moment, she turned around, and saw me and the sign! After hugging and kissing under water, we made our way back to shore to celebrate. scuba I do frame

Months later we celebrated our wedding with friends and family in a religious ceremony in California. Now we reflect on how crazy our story is. Our paths crossed in a totally random way and against all odds, we found a love to last through the ages. Love is magical……..it is like a magnet, pulling two people toward each other, through any obstacles they are faced with, just to be together. I am very blessed to be able to call the love of my life, my wife.

ChristianBertha

Thank you so much to you both for letting me be involved in this awesome proposal.

I wish you so many years of happiness :) xo Nat

Slammin’ Valentine’s Day Gifts Under $75

February 1, 2016 by Natasha Filed Under: Uncategorized Leave a Comment

gifts under $75 for women If you’re saving for a ring (or you just bought one!), you won’t exactly have ample cash floating around the house. With Valentine’s Day approaching, you only have a few options.

You can tell her you’re saving and spoil the surprise, tell her you’re literally spent after forking out for her ring (a little mean) or just give her something that is so beautiful and high-quality she’ll just assume you splurged.

My fave option is the third one, but I admit it can be hard to find goods that fit the bill. Luckily my fave jewelry site, BlueNile always hits the nail on the head when it comes to gifts.

In fact, this past Christmas I gave my future sister-in-law (to be) a silver bracelet from their collection and she LOVED it. I was really impressed with the weight and sheen of the piece. Check it out here! – It’s 50% off right now!)

Now that gift definitely wasn’t under $75 at the time but there are plenty of options that are. These are your best bets (in my opinion) for getting cupid’s arrow right where it belongs…

My number one pick this Valentine’s Day is the Open Double Heart Pendant for only $60 I actually ordered this as a gift and, I have to say, this is my fave Blue Nile product yet! I am SO impressed with the quality and the gift box. It looks WAY more expensive than $60. The shiny and matte parts of the heart really catch the eye and give it a very unique sheen.

One of the things I love most is the adjustable chain. This adds so much versatility to the piece. Don’t take my word for it…check this out! I’m actually considering not giving it away. Would that be awful? Shhhh….

Other boss options include:

Matte Slice Gold Stud Earrings for $55

I love the elegant look of gold coupled with the raw modern look of a matte finish. Plus, the square design is unusual when you compare it to the usual studs. This is a statement piece for sure.

(NEW) Long Disc Woven Pendant $60

This is brand new and I can’t wait to get my hands on it. The long chain is where it’s at and the woven disc is very eye-catching. I haven’t seen it in person just yet but, knowing BN as I do, it’s going to be stunning. That is definitely on the “gift for myself because I deserve it” list this Valentine’s Day!

Waves Cuff for $76

I had to throw in my fave silver cuff IN THE WORLD because it’s on sale for $76! Yes, I know, it’s a dollar over but it’s a steal of a deal. It’s delicate without being flimsy and the waves are a detailed look that’s interesting without being overpowering. It’s definitely something any woman will love.

So those are my top four Valentine’s Day gifts under $75. Totally in-love with all of them! Go out there and get some (I’m using my deepest and most encouraging football coach voice here)!

Comic Book Marriage Proposals – When Superheroes Meet Their Ultimate Sidekicks

January 29, 2016 by Natasha Filed Under: Uncategorized Leave a Comment

I’ve seen a lot of unique proposal ideas in my time but, when Russel Geyushev of Your Comic Story popped up in my inbox asking if I’d ever seen a comic book marriage proposal, I was stunned! What a strange and wonderful idea. After looking at his creations, I knew these beautiful stories wouldn’t just appeal to comic book geeks so I spent some time with Russell to figure out just how these gorgeous books come to be.

I’m doing this post in a question and answer format and, alongside the answers, check out the inside of the comic book marriage proposal, “The Origins of Captain Kribble.”

Russell says, “The client told us how his partner is a huge comic fan. He’s especially fond of Captain America. The story is based around the fact that his partner got a great bicycle for his birthday and was thrilled about it.

But in less than 48 hours somebody stole the tires. In the comic book, the great team consisting of the client, his boyfriend, their two cats and a giant teddy bear toy goes on an adventure to find the stolen tires but the story takes unexpected turn…”

1. Where are you from and where do you live now?

Originally I am from Russia, but have been living in the U.S. in New York, ever since I was 19.

2. What is the process if someone wants to propose with a comic book?

Once the client gives the go-ahead, we send him (or her) a questionnaire. Based on the completed questionnaire, our writer creates a script for the comic book. Once it’s approved, the illustrator creates a black and white sketch of the future story. After that’s approved we create a full color version and if client likes everything, we print and ship the comic book marriage proposal.

3. Where do you get your inspiration from?

Our clients help us with that. We always ask them about commonly used phrases, inside jokes, personality and interests of the person who will receive the comic book gift. Based on these little but important details we build a story that is truly one-of-a-kind.

4. How did you get involved with comics and drawing?

Hmmm… thanks to my mom :)

I was looking for a great idea to start my own business, to build something creative and cool. She knew that and kept coming up with suggestions and ideas from time to time. Once she told me about students who create custom fairy tales for kids in their free time. I liked the idea, but I wanted to make it even more unique and original.

And then – boom, like you can see in the comic books – huge boom actually, because I decided that a comic book would be perfect for telling a story. I am really amazed by how talented people who work in the comic book industry are. They create real masterpieces on a weekly basis. If Shakespeare and Michelangelo lived at the same time and knew each other – I am sure they’d collaborate on some kick-ass comic books.

5. How many people are involved in making these comic books?

On each comic book there is a dedicated scriptwriter, artist, project coordinator, and our good friends at printing company handle printing and shipping.

6. Have you been told about the reactions of the ladies after they’ve read their comic book proposal?

Ladies (and men!) are always surprised and amazed. And you can understand why – you can find online, many ideas of how to propose but a lot of them have either become cliched or run the risk of being ruined because of the complicated setup. A comic book is always unexpected, unusual (she or he will be the only one from their friends who had this kind of a proposal), and very beautiful. It’s an art after all. And those little details and elements of bio that we use in our stories make it really special. It shows that you remember them, that you care.

7. What do you think is the most important part of a proposal?

To make the person fall in love with you all over again. To show them that you are together, not just because of a habit or a comfort. You are together because there is something so special between you, there is just no other option – you being together for the rest of you life is just a way to keep the universe in balance :)

8. Are you married/engaged and, if so, how did you propose?

Actually I’ve never proposed myself. But I can say that since I started this business my faith in humanity has been restored, I have again started believing that being romantic is okay and that true love exists. When I read how people describe their partners, little funny moments in life, favourite songs and favourite movies, favourite jokes and silly habits and do it with such love and caring – I believe that we all have a chance to find a soulmate and have it all too.

Thank you Russell for being such a sweetie pie and for showing me this incredible engagement proposal idea! If you’d like to find out more about Russel’s comic books, drop in to visit him here.

Valentine’s Day Proposals with Rings Under $1,500

January 22, 2016 by Natasha Filed Under: Uncategorized Leave a Comment

RINGS UNDER $1500 Valentine’s Day is the second most popular day for marriage proposals (behind St. Nick and that whole Christmas brigade). While I am personally a fan of more obscure days (like proposing to her on YOUR birthday which most women would never expect), Valentine’s Day is, for some women, the Holy Grail of proposals. If this is your case, embrace it with gusto and indulge her with this one teensy weensy romantic ideal…

Keeping your ring to under $1,500 doesn’t have to be tough. Look, that’s a totally respectable budget. If you’re a regular bloke with a regular job, you don’t have $10,000 to burn on a ring, albeit a gorgeous one that can be passed on for generations to come ;)

The best way to keep it under $1,500 is to go for a bit more of a unique ring and to get it from Blue Nile. If you read this blog, you know that I am an avid BN supporter. My jewelry box looks like a BN showcase…that said, it’s because they rock and they get slammin’ products for boss prices. This week is even better because it’s The Annual Wedding Ring Event. That means an extra 15% off select diamond rings. Boom! (This all ends by Jan. 27th though so move your butt).

Keep in mind that you can get a conventional engagement ring at BN for under $1,500 by choosing your diamond and setting yourself. Since I will not know specifically which diamonds are available when you read this post (hey, you could be visiting me from the future after all), I’ll let you figure that out with a quick visit to their website. As for pre-designed, ready to rock rings under $1,500 waiting for a quick click order, these are my top choices…

sapp (NEW) Halo Sapphire and Diamond Ring only $1,377 with the discount!

This ring is gorgeous. I love the look of white gold with sapphires. Add in a few diamonds and you’ve got that wow factor! The fact that it’s a band is quite unusual but it definitely works! Oh, there are limited supplies on this particular ring so snap it up now if this is what you want! aqua

Aquamarine and Halo Diamond ring $1,260

I’ve been saying it for years – gemstone rings are the future. This beauty drives the point home. Delicate, stunning and a feast for the eyes, she won’t be able to say no (unless you never do the dishes!).

Morgan morg ite and Diamond Halo Cushion Ring $980
WOW! Every single thing about this ring is stunning. The morganite and diamonds coupled with rose gold is too romantic for words! It’s so pretty I can hardly stand it and, let’s face it, the price is mind-bogglingly low! It’s the perfect steal.

There are tons of other options. Check it out for yourself and let me know how your proposal goes down!

Considering a winter wonderland proposal? Think Canada!

January 18, 2016 by Natasha Filed Under: Uncategorized Leave a Comment

Winter wonderland

Yeah, I know…the title threw you off! Being a Canadian girl now (since I moved here from South Africa at seven) I’ve always been a bit blind to the beauty of the Canadian winter. I say blind but I icicle think “freezing my ass off so badly I can’t think straight enough to enjoy the snow” is a better description of the past 23 or so years (give or take a few ;) I’m being serious – check out the photo of the giant-ass icicle outside my front door —>

In any case, when my future sister-in-law-to-be came to Canada from England I decided to show her Alberta, Canada in all its splendour. Her name’s Courtney in case you were curious.

I didn’t realize that I’d be stumbling across one of THE best settings for a glorious winter wonderland proposal. Seriously, if your chick is into snow and ice, bring her to Alberta!

If you think giant frozen waterfalls glistening amongst massive glittering icicles isn’t romantic, then I’m not sure what is! Sure, my hair froze (yes, hair can actually FREEZE) and my ass actually went numb (no, this isn’t even a little bit of an exaggeration) but what I saw BLEW MY MIND.

Frozen waterfalls are impressive!

Here’s the scoop. There’s a place called Maligne Canyon in Jasper, Alberta and you can do its ice walk in winter. You can either do a tour through a group or try to figure it out yourself. While doing it yourself isn’t that hard if you are a Canadian with Canadian gear, if you’re an LA person or someone from any kind of warm climate, hiring a guide is best. I hit up TripAdvisor and picked Joy from Sundog Tours.

They were rad but I’m sure most operators out there are a hit. Just make sure they give you those ice climbing things for your boots so you don’t slip! You’ll literally be gliding on frozen streams! It’s unreal. Check out this scene with Ryan and his sis…

If I were proposing, I would take a private tour and propose under the icy waterfall at the bottom. Ideally, you’d have the spot set up with candles in advance…don’t do it at night…she might literally die of the cold.

After the canyons stop echoing her screams of joy at your proposal, head down the Icefields Parkway (also known as Highway 93) between Jasper and Banff. (Fill up on gas and snacks first though. No drive-thrus in national parks). It’ll take you about four to six hours depending on how many times you stop for pics. HOLY SHIT. This is drive just beyond beautiful. It has everything from mountains to glaciers…

Then, once you hit Banff, you can spend a night in the ultra-luxurious Banff Springs Hotel. It’s a Fairmont property though so you’d better pack your credit card. It’s between $400 and $500 a night…yup…a night. I say splurge if you can, if not, use Expedia to get a cheaper room elsewhere. You can still do a day visit to see all of this….

Banff springs

banff springs ram

ice sculpture

There you go, everything you need for a winter wonderland proposal. Oh, but wait, no snow/ice/winter post would be complete without a bit of playing around in the snow! We did that too…

What Grown-ups Give the Bride-to-Be (it’s time to class it up!)

October 14, 2015 by Natasha Filed Under: Uncategorized Leave a Comment

Gone are the days when you could only offer tea towels or something naughty to the bride-to-be at her bridal shower. I’ve had to fill in many an uncomfortable silence after a guest unwittingly handed the bride a wedding night present in
front of her ultra conservative mother-in-law.

And by guest, I mean me. Oops!

These days it’s safe to say that I’ve cleaned up my act and now appreciate the art of a timeless gift that can be enjoyed for years to come. Give up the bath bombs and silly lingerie no one actually ever wears. Bring on the jewellery!

“But my budget!” I hear you cry. “I have to pay for a new outfit, a hotel room for the wedding weekend, a million other presents for this pre-wedding party or that pre-wedding party…and now I have to buy the bride jewellery?!”

It’s not nearly as expensive…or complicated as it seems thanks to my fave shop Blue Nile As I always say, steer clear of giving a bride diamonds and/or a ring (her fiance most likely had that covered) and invest in beautiful pieces that she can wear every day.

That’s why I’m extra excited about Blue Nile’s “The It List – Fall Jewellery under $200”…launching now! It features five gorgeous sterling silver bracelets perfect for any woman whether her style is all about bold statements or whether she prefers more understated elegance.

Check out these beauties…

However, I have to say that the fifth one is my very favourite (and it was a tough choice, guys!). I absolutely love the textured cable bracelet for $145. Not only is it perfect to wear every day, but it’s really comfortable! I know that sounds strange to say about a bracelet but it just rolls along my wrist very nicely. The quality is, as usual, astounding and the intricate detailing along the links really showcases the shine of the silver. I’ve had many compliments on this bracelet and most people assume it costs at least $300. Hehehe…perfect for that really hard-to-please bride.

If these five featured bracelets aren’t enough to float your boat, there are tons of other necklaces, bracelets and earrings to choose from. In fact, we gave a beautiful set of earrings below away just a few weeks ago (thanks BN!).

Big props to BlueNile for continually bringing the most gorgeous pieces to us at the most affordable prices! Now you can afford that lime green bridesmaid dress after all (yay ;) )

Thank You to Blue Nile for Helping Me Launch the New Site with a Give-away!

September 4, 2015 by Natasha Filed Under: Uncategorized Leave a Comment

Celebrate Her Engagement & Take Your Chance to Win!

Every woman is different. We are all different sizes. We all have different dreams and different goals. None of us are the same…until we get that ring! Getting engaged puts us in a special club and injects a new sense of wonder and magic into everything around us. Love changes us in magnificent ways and, knowing that love will last, transforms every aspect of who we are and what we will become.

Whether she’s bound to drive you nuts by becoming a blatant bridezilla or whether she’s anticipating an elopement to Las Vegas, when a woman gets engaged it’s time to celebrate her for all that she has been and for all that she will become. There is no better way to do that than with a touching bridal shower or engagement gift she can treasure for years to come!

Everyone knows that I’m a massive fan of Blue Nile for their incredible collections at astoundingly affordable prices (check out my favourite engagement ring – the London Blue Topaz and Diamond Halo Cushion Cut Ring). It’s no wonder that they are my first choice for snapping up delicious deals that will make the bride-to-be in your life feel like the superstar she is.

Let’s face it, weddings might be getting more and more expensive to throw every single year – but so is the cost we all put out to attend them! Travel, outfits and presents for multiple weddings each summer can put a serious kink in any budget. That’s why Blue Nile is my top choice for finding gorgeous pieces under $100 that really hit the mark.

Now, because your bride will most likely already own a diamond engagement ring of some kind, I suggest staying away from both diamonds and rings for your present. You don’t want to be adding too much competition to the major bling, bling! Bracelets, earrings and necklaces are all great choices.

My favourites include the sterling silver Waves Cuff for $95 and the Infinity Love Knot Pendant for $65. BUT, obsessed as I am with London Blue Topaz, my top choice is definitely the London Blue Topaz Rope Stud Earrings for $95. They are elegant, eye-catching and absolutely gorgeous.

They are so gorgeous, in fact, that I’ve decided to give a pair away to a lucky reader to celebrate the site’s make-over! So just how do you win? Head over to Facebook to like and share my page. Everyone who does is automatically entered to win :) If you can’t wait, head over to Blue Nile and snap up your very own pair right now!

Take a Peek Inside

The Ultimate Engagement Guide

The Ultimate Scuba Diving Marriage Proposal

Slammin’ Valentine’s Day Gifts Under $75

Comic Book Marriage Proposals – When Superheroes Meet Their Ultimate Sidekicks

Valentine’s Day Proposals with Rings Under $1,500

Considering a winter wonderland proposal? Think Canada!

What Grown-ups Give the Bride-to-Be (it’s time to class it up!)

Thank You to Blue Nile for Helping Me Launch the New Site with a Give-away!

Hi! I’m Natasha…

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Take a Peek Inside

Hi! I’m Natasha…