Last week, in preparation for the hair show at school, I got an airbrush tan.  I went to the tanning place right after school, and I didn’t want to toss my engagement ring in my purse while I was sprayed down, so I left it at home for the day.

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Needless to say, I was having mini-panic attacks all day!!  I didn’t realize just how much I play with my ring, and every time my fingers noticed its absence I would freak out!

When I got home after my tan, I put my ring on right away.  But it got me thinking about how terrible it’s going to be when I have to live without my ring for a few weeks before the wedding.  (I’m getting my engagement ring attached to my wedding band, and I don’t want to wear the band until we’re actually married.  So I can’t wear either ring until we’ve actually tied the knot!)

Fortunately, my super-awesome fiance had an easy solution.  He told me I should just buy another ring to wear on that finger for the days that I won’t be able to wear the real thing.  I don’t plan on getting anything fancy, but just having a ring on that finger will make me feel 100% better than I did last week!

Plus, it’ll be perfect to wear even after we’re married when I’m painting or doing other un-diamond-worthy tasks.

Married/engaged gals: do you feel weird on days when you can’t wear your ring?  Do you suck it up, or do you have an alternate ring to put on?  Non-married gals: Do you like Travis’ idea, or should I just go ringless before the wedding?  Tell me about it in the comments!

Happy Monday, sweet readers!  I hope you all had a lovely Easter!  Let’s get back into the swing of things with a fun game… what would you do if you had $100 that you had to spend on something fun?  I would…

…buy myself this Tiffany necklace!  I’ve never owned a piece from Tiffany, and it’s so simple and classic.

I have a hard time spending money on frivolous things, but sometimes it’s fun to set aside a chunk of change to spend freely!  I asked Travis what he’d do with the money, and he says he would spend it on a camping trip (fun!!)

What would you do with 100 extra bucks?  Would you enjoy an experience (like a camping trip) or buy yourself an item you’ve been eyeing (like the necklace)?  Or would you spend it on someone else?  Tell me all about it in the comments!

Ever since Prince William & Kate Middleton got engaged, I’ve seen a burst in non-traditional engagement rings, and I want to know what you think!

Here are a bunch of  engagement rings that feature stones other than diamonds:

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Granted, some of these rings have diamonds in them, but having an alternate stone as the main feature really changes things up!  I think these rings are beautiful, but I’m happy having a plain diamond.  My birthstone is sapphire, so I’ve had lots of sapphire rings and necklaces over the years, which makes my diamond feel a little more special.

But I like that women are being a little more original with their ring choices!  My favorite is the last ring, which is aquamarine.

What do you think of them?

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Which of these rings do you like best?  Would you (or do you) wear a non-diamond engagement ring?  Which type of stone would you choose?  Tell me what you think in the comments!

I’ve been a big fan of maxi dresses for years, so when I came across this laid-back look, I just had to share!

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It’s just so effortless and put together.  (I’m not hating those bangs, either!)

Like this look as much as I do?  Get the same feel with the pieces below:

1) Maxi-mum Impact Dress, $87.99

2) Festival Fringe Bag, $62.76

3) Braided Chain Belt, $6.80

4) Cracked Pebble Ring, $3.80

5) Born Jewell Wedge, $140.00

It’s worth noting: I would definitely classify this look as “girl pretty” and not “guy pretty”.  (Travis thought I was joking when I showed him the inspiration photo.)  So, if you’re into this look, maybe wear it to a lunch with your friends and not a hot date…

Are you a fan of the maxi dress as much as I am?  Have you rocked this look, or are you still on the fence?  Do you dress differently for your friends than you do for your significant other?  Tell me about it in the comments!

The weekend is just about here, lovely readers!  I am looking very forward to going out to dinner tonight with my honey, but first let’s enjoy some fun posts from around the web…

These engagement rings are both unique and eco-friendly!  Thumbs up!!

5 tricks to getting a natural, flushed face (perfect for spring!)

An easy and affordable way to hang art.

Petra’s secret to shiny hair.

The sweetest portraits!

Simply scandinavian… I want those bowls!

Want to dress like Gwen Stefani on the cheap?

What are your plans for this weekend?  Going out and about, or getting cozy and staying in?  Has anyone started their Spring Cleaning yet?!  Tell me what you’re up to in the comments!

And stay tuned for Monday’s VIDEO POST!!