8 THE QUEENS COURIER • BRIDAL • JANUARY 19, 2017 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM bridal Looking for a bridal party gift? How about smart jewelry? Jewelry has signifi ed the bonds between people since the ancient Egyptians created the wedding band. But the digital revolution is quickly converting jewelry from a symbol of connection to wireless ways to stay connected. Rings, watches, pendants - even cuffl inks - have been transformed into miniature electronic devices that keep us in touch with people, including ourselves. Th is merger of fashion and function is catching on fast with consumers. According to Gartner Inc., an information technology and research advisory fi rm, purchases of wearable smart devices will increase 16 percent in 2016, with smartwatch sales alone predicted to rise a whopping 66 percent. Th e wearable device trend took off a decade ago, primarily for fi tness. Th e Nike+iPod fi tness tracker was the forerunner for a fl ood of new products embedded with tiny sensors that report the wearer’s workout progress. Functions, aesthetics determine price Today, nearly all the major tech companies compete in the smartwatch market, including Apple, Google, Microsoft , Motorola and Samsung. Meanwhile, some traditional watchmakers - such as Tag Heuer - have developed their own high-tech timepieces. Top designers are also collaborating with high-tech developers to create smart rings, bracelets, necklaces and other fi ne and fashion jewelry. FitBit, for instance, off ers a line of fi tness trackers conceived by Tory Burch, a well-known women’s wear designer. Th e technology is embedded in embossed metallic pendants and bracelets. Protect smart investments Since smart jewelry could be a major jewelry investment - second only, perhaps, to an engagement ring - it’s important to adequately protect it with insurance. Most homeowners insurance policies cover jewelry to some extent. In many cases, however, your coverage may be limited. Plus, a jewelry claim could aff ect the status of your entire policy. Th at’s why it’s important to evaluate your insurance options. Typical warranties and protection plans won’t reimburse you if your smart jewelry disappears under mysterious circumstances - meaning you’re not sure whether it was lost or stolen. Th e best jewelry insurers, such as Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company, a leader in jewelry insurance since 1913, will cover loss in such circumstances. Th ey will also repair or replace the item through the jeweler or manufacturer of your choice and a loss. If you’re someone who appreciates socially responsible companies, there’s another reason to look up Jewelers Mutual. Th is summer, the company is making news by off ering $2 million in donations to nonprofi ts that fi ght hunger, provide aff ordable housing and deliver medical research and exceptional care to kids battling cancer and other life-threatening diseases. As part of its “Band Together” campaign, Jewelers Mutual is inviting consumers to select which cause receives the largest share of its unprecedented philanthropic gift . For everyone who casts votes at JewelersMutual. com/BandTogether from July 11-31, this campaign off ers more than the chance to help their favorite nonprofi ts. Every individual who answers the call to “Band Together” online will be eligible to win a set of three stacking bands from Stacked New York. Th ree exquisite sets will be given away during the campaign. While, the bands are not the kind equipped with smart technology, they are a smart fashion choice and symbolize the timeless bonds that connect people to something bigger than themselves. Courtesy BPT Have a rough and tumble honeymoon in the Wild West Th e big skies and open spaces of the American West have captured the imagination for hundreds of years. Whether it’s the beauty of a desert sunset or the cold majesty of snow-capped mountains, there’s something about the landscape and the clean air that reinvigorates the spirit. Seeking relief from the hustle and bustle of modern life, people from all over stay at one of many dude ranches across the country. Here, an intimate blend of adventure and comfort allows visitors to experience the majesty of the west in style and unmatched luxury. Since 1926, members of Th e Dude Ranchers Association have served as stewards of both the land and the traditions of the American West. Always eager to share their way of life with guests from the big city or just down the road, they have transformed the rancher’s way of life into one of the most incredible vacation opportunities around. For a taste of the variety off ered, here are fi ve reasons all kinds of people return to dude ranches across the country. 1. Roughing it has never been so luxurious. Simply put, it’s hard to fi nd a more relaxing experience. With many ranches off ering morning yoga to limber you up before you get in the saddle along with spa services to induce a state of complete relaxation, you’ll think those cowboys had it easy on their cattle drives! 2. An educational adventure for the whole family. Many dude ranches have an array of kid-friendly activities. Children of all ages can ride horses, play, learn about animals and the wonders of the great outdoors. Parents treasure this direct, hands-on learning, and kids, well, they hardly know that what they’re doing is educational. 3. A perfect getaway for animal lovers. Th ere is no shortage of people who visit a dude ranch in order to live their childhood dream of having a horse or a pony. Horses are an integral part of the dude ranch experience, and whether you ride them through the mountainside meadows or learn some grooming techniques, working with these animals is a magical experience. 4. Indulge in a meal like none other. Aft er a day luxuriating in the crisp western air, nothing is better than sitting down with your family for a gourmet meal paired with the perfect wine. Yes, the food is a world-class combination of classic favorites and new fl avors, but it’s also a chance to share stories with your loved ones, hear about the things your kids discovered and create lasting memories. 5. Discover something about yourself. Each year, there is no shortage of people who come to relax and let the stress of daily life melt away. While doing this, they also manage to participate in things they never imagined. Whether it is zooming down a zip line, going whitewater raft - ing or mountain biking, many people discover new experiences that give them a new perspective on life. Founded in 1926, Th e Dude Ranchers’ Association was founded to preserve, protect and promote this unique vacation experience. Since then, the core principles of dude ranching remain the same: horses, hats, hospitality, heritage, honesty and heart. With more than 100 accredited members, all of which are required to uphold the highest quality and standards within the dude ranching industry, Th e Dude Ranchers’ Association can help you fi nd your next dream vacation. Courtesy BPT
QC01192017
To see the actual publication please follow the link above