FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.qns.com THE COURIER SUN • JANUARY 19, 2017 49 Spring Bridal Looking for a bridal party gift? How about smart jewelry? Jewelry has signified the bonds between Have a rough and tumble honeymoon in the Wild West The 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 The 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 offered, here are five 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 find a more relaxing experience. With many ranches offering 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, handson learning, and kids, well, they hardly know that what they’re doing is educational. 3. A perfect getaway for animal lovers. There 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. After 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 flavors, 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 rafting or mountain biking, many people discover new experiences that give them a new perspective on life. Founded in 1926, The 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, The Dude Ranchers’ Association can help you find your next dream vacation. Courtesy BPT 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 cufflinks – have been transformed into miniature electronic devices that keep us in touch with people, including ourselves. This merger of fashion and function is catching on fast with consumers. According to Gartner Inc., an information technology and research advisory firm, purchases of wearable smart devices will increase 16 percent in 2016, with smartwatch sales alone predicted to rise a whopping 66 percent. The wearable device trend took off a decade ago, primarily for fitness. The Nike+iPod fitness tracker was the forerunner for a flood 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 fine and fashion jewelry. FitBit, for instance, offers a line of fitness trackers conceived by Tory Burch, a well-known women’s wear designer. The 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 affect the status of your entire policy. That’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. The best jewelry insurers, such as Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company, a leader in jewelry insurance since 1913, will cover loss in such circumstances. They 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. This summer, the company is making news by offering $2 million in donations to nonprofits that fight hunger, provide affordable 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 offers more than the chance to help their favorite nonprofits. 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. Three 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
SC01192017
To see the actual publication please follow the link above