#wedding rings latest designs

[diamondsluvore]

This article provides useful tips on how to choose the best diamond jewellery, including Diamond Wedding Rings for women and couples, and gold wedding rings for men. Learn about determining your budget, choosing the right diamond shape and setting, selecting the right metal, and buying from a reputable dealer.

[decorisdiamonds]

As many trends come and go, the diamond solitaire engagement band is that timeless classic everyone secretly covets.

[celenawrites]

Mothie, I love you. I love your fics even more. But why are you hellbent upon wringing me dry from all the years my eyes can possibly carry for your story and for Canary????? Why must you hurt me so?????

anyway it's late-ish and 100 bandaids by faouzia is making me think of price and how he feels watching canary try to heal all alone and isolating herself from everyone while he's trying to deal with the guilt of hurting her and he's just so desperate for her to reach out to him. it doesn't matter how, if she wants to talk or scream or yell or hit him, he'll happily take her anger and hatred over this empty shell of a person he's helped turn her into.

[kaiserthread]

shopping spree pt.2

clothes/accessories the bllk boys buy you! characters: nagi, oliver, rin content: pro players, established relationship, f!reader, slight implied nsfw in olivers part (nothing graphic but just in case) part 1 here! tysmmmmmm for the love on part 1!!!!! this one was so much fun to write

NAGI SEISHIRO - couples pajama sets 

loves sitting around the house with you on his off days

values every minute he can get with you 

buys it with the express purpose of seeing you wearing one of his shirts

gives you the shirt from his set and lazes around shirtless

seishiro’s free time has always been very precious to him, even more so now that his schedule is jam-packed with matches, press appearances, traveling, so much practice, and most importantly, you. he’s perfectly content with spending all his off days with his lover. which is exactly why he couldn’t resist buying the cute couple pajamas when he was supposed to be buying groceries. you can’t even find it in yourself to scold him for forgetting the frozen blueberries when he pulls the pajamas out of their bag and presents them to you with a small smile on his face. “i’m letting you off easy this time, sei. only because you’ve been gone for a while.” you say, reaching up to pinch his cheek. “mkay, i’ll remember next time, promise. but only if you match with me tonight.” he says as he leans down to press a soft kiss to your lips. “alright fine, since you asked so nicely.” you huff, grabbing the pajamas and making your way towards your bathroom to shower. seishiro is lounging around in his new pajama pants when you step out of the bathroom. “sei, what happened to matching?” he turns his attention away from his phone, passes you his pajama shirt and says, “you always look better in mine, sweetheart.”

OLIVER AIKU - bikini

he likes looking at women in swimsuits, trust he’s gonna know the latest and most flattering styles

he just wants you to look your best when y’all go on vacay together!

reminds him of how you two met

“oliver! come tie the strings on this for me.” your voice rings out and oliver comes running to help. he takes the strings and gently ties them into a neat knot. “you look so pretty, baby.” he murmurs, pressing a kiss to the nape of your neck before wrapping his arms around your waist and admiring you in the mirror in front of him. “doesn’t this remind you of how we met?” you giggle, turning in his arms to rest your forehead against his. “how could i ever forget?” he questions, thinking back to that incredible summer several years ago. high off his first big win in the pro leagues he’d found himself on vacation at the beach. you were there for a friend's wedding, fresh off a disastrous breakup with your ex. he’d charmed you with compliments and the two of you stumbled into bed together on several occasions before parting ways, but not before swapping numbers and promises to keep in touch. the two of you made things official the following summer and ever since then going to the beach every summer has become a tradition. “meeting my summer fairy was the best thing to ever happen to me.” he says before pressing a searing kiss to your lips.

ITOSHI RIN - evening gown

you're his princess ofc he's gonna buy you a dress to fit that title

studies your wardrobe for a while to make sure he’s getting one with a good color and a fabric that doesn’t bother you 

he browses for so long that he just says fuck it and goes to a designer to have one custom made

rin honestly can’t believe this, isn’t paris supposed to be known as a fashion powerhouse? the fact that he can’t find something perfect for his princess is beyond ridiculous. he gives up after weeks of browsing and calls in a favor from a manager at the club who has connections to a renowned designer who’s willing to make him exactly what he’s looking for. a few weeks later he’s handing you an extravagantly wrapped box, “an early christmas present.” he explains. you open it and pull out a beautiful floor length gown. “rin it’s stunning!” you throw your arms around his neck before rushing away to try it on. “come zip me up?” you ask, and rin complies, walking over to you and zipping the dress up. “it fits perfect rin, did you get this tailored?” you question. “i had it made just for you, the stores didn’t have anything nice.” rin responds, sweeping you off your feet. “only the best for my princess.”

[cowgurrrl]

Going to The Chapel

Pairing: Joel Miller x fem!reader (plus platonic Ellie Williams x fem!reader)

Author’s note: the wedding day fic is coming but this was the first idea that presented herself so enjoy

Summary: “Where did love begin? What human looked at another and saw in their face the forests and the sea? Was there a day, exhausted and weary, dragging home food, arms cut and scarred, that you saw yellow flowers and, not knowing what you did, picked them because I loved you?” — Jeanette Winterson, Lighthousekeeping [2.2k]

Warnings: quick canonical type of violence, grief, idiots in love, domestic Joel and Ellie

Let the record reflect that despite twenty years of an apocalypse and an insane amount of loss, Joel Miller is still a romantic. It just took him a little longer to find that part of himself again. 

The first time he thinks about it, you're sitting on the floor with Ellie, helping to adjust her hold on her guitar. "It's not going anywhere. You can relax," you tell her. You gently move her hands and ensure she has a pillow under her so she can be comfortable while you teach her chords. The sun slips behind the mountains and makes the light hit your eyes as you watch her gain confidence in her strumming. Ellie looks to you for guidance when she gets stuck or needs reassurance, and you never flinch. By the end of the night, Ellie's fingers are raw, and you tell her how proud you are of her. "You'll be playing circles around us in no time." You say, and Ellie's smile makes you light up. Maybe, he thinks. Maybe here. Maybe now.

It's not that he had never thought about marrying you. He dreamt about it all the time but figured that's all it could be; a dream. He made excuses for why he never proposed. He was too old, too broken, and too scared. The world had already taken so much from both of you that it seemed cruel to even think about creating a family like that. And then Ellie happened. Suddenly, you had this little girl you loved and cared for more than anyone else, and you found a safe home thousands of miles away from Boston. Everything had changed. Why couldn't this change too?

The next time the thought crosses his mind, you're holding Tommy and Maria's daughter. Camille Sarah Miller came into the world and immediately captured both your hearts, but you aren't focused on Camille when he thinks about it. Sure, she's sleeping in your arms, but you're looking at Maria and asking how she's feeling, how much she's sleeping, and what she's been eating. When someone has a new baby, it's easy to get caught up in the latest family addition but not you. You care about Tommy and Maria's well-being as much as Camille's, and tell them never to hesitate to ask you for help. That night, you go home and make two freezer meals for the new parents. That's the night Joel asks Ellie what she would think if he asked you to marry him. Her answer encaptured everyone else's feelings: "Fucking finally."

He asks Tommy where he got Maria's ring the next day. Tommy smiles and claps his big brother on the shoulder before directing him to the local blacksmith. He usually only works with artillery, but he makes special exceptions for things like this. Joel designs the ring himself with some help from Ellie—a simple gold band with wildflowers etched into the sides. They look exactly like the ones you and Ellie would pick while on the way across the country. Joel used to complain about wasting time and asked you about it one night after Ellie had gone to bed. "Ellie's fourteen years old, and the closest thing she's seen to a flower is probably a Cordyceps," you said. "Just… let her be a kid, okay?" He could tell you were waiting for a fight, but he just nodded. That was the first time he realized you were starting to love Ellie too.

"What's this?" Ellie asks, pointing to the year etched on the inner part of the ring. 

"It's the year we met," He says. Ellie smiles and mumbles something that sounds like "you fucking sap" as she hands him the ring back. "So, d'you think she'll like it?"

"I think she'll love it." She says. It's all the confirmation Joel needs. 

He had something planned, he really did, but in true Miller fashion, it didn't work out that way. He planned on taking you to the meadow where you've gone on a few family picnics together, delivering a long, emotional speech where he'd probably cry and then pull out the ring. What actually ended up happening was much less wholesome. You two were out on patrol when a group of raiders attacked you. You managed to take them all down, but not before Joel got shot in the shoulder. You were frantically trying to slow the bleeding enough to get him back on a horse when he asked. "Can we talk about it when you're not bleeding out?" You yelled as you pulled him off the ground.

So, that's why you're holding his hand in the hospital as his drugs slowly start to wear off. You tell him everything the doctors did and that you can take him home in the morning. Ellie gets to sleepover at the Other Miller's (as Ellie affectionately calls them) house and is relieved that he caught a bullet in the shoulder, not somewhere more severe. "And I won't hold you to the bleeding-out proposal, so we're good." You laugh, but he looks serious.

"Check the front pocket of my backpack," He says. You furrow your brows but open the pocket to find the gold ring at the bottom. Your hand flies to cover your mouth as tears fill your eyes, and you look at him. "I was goin' to propose in the meadow. I planned a whole thing, but somehow this feels more like us." He smiles and reaches for you. You let him hold your hand as you stand beside his hospital bed, tears streaming down your face. 

"Does Ellie know?" You ask, and he laughs. 

"She helped pick the ring out." 

"Oh, my god." You cry. He squeezes your hand and takes the ring from you. Tears fill his eyes as he stares at you like you hung the stars.

"Will you marry me?" He finally asks, and you nod. 

"Of course I will." 

"You sure? 'Cause, there's no backin' out after this."

"Yes, I'm sure," You laugh as you bend down and kiss him. Joel's arm isn't strong enough to hold you, and you can't stop crying, but it's perfect. You break the kiss with giddy laughter, still incapable of wrapping your mind around the fact that Joel just proposed to you in a hospital room. "How long have you been planning this?"

"I mean, the gettin' shot part wasn't the original plan." 

"No, I meant, how long have you been planning to propose?"

"Baby, I always thought about marrying you," The gentleness of his voice is enough to make you tear up again. He grabs your left hand and carefully slides the ring on your finger. It's the tiniest bit too big, and you can't help but laugh as he groans defeatedly. "This was supposed to go so much better!" He says. You kiss him again and feel him smile against your lips.

"It's perfect. Thank you." 

You climb into the hospital bed with him, avoiding his injured shoulder, and listen as he points out all the details. He tells you about the engraving on the inside of the year you met and the flowers that were copied exactly from a drawing. He explains the original plan further and then apologizes for getting shot. "As long as you don't get hurt every time we try to make a life-altering change, I think we'll be fine." You say, and he laughs. You stay up talking for a long time even though the nurses urged Joel to get some rest. 

You wonder aloud what Sarah would think about her dad getting married, what all your dead loved ones would think about this. Your parents would've loved Joel, but they would've loved Ellie more. They'd probably listen to her tell shitty jokes all day if they could. You miss them, especially now. You laugh, trying to imagine Tess throwing you a bachelorette party that would inevitably be insane. You talk about what Bill and Frank would say and decide that Frank would definitely cry while Bill would insist on cooking on the wedding day. You'd have Henry stand at the front and sign the entire ceremony to Sam. Eventually, you end up falling asleep listening to Joel's heartbeat, and for the first time in a long, long time, you don't have a nightmare. Instead, you dream of a wedding day full of all your favorite people. 

You were never one to believe in signs from beyond, but you take the peaceful dream as one big group hug from those you've lost.

You're exhausted when you leave the hospital in the morning, but you still make the walk to the Other Miller's house. You can hear Ellie talking to Tommy about her favorite comic book when you walk through the door, not even bothering to knock. "Hello?" You call as you walk into the kitchen with Joel close behind you. Ellie and Maria have a stack of pancakes in front of them as Tommy mans the stove with a sleeping Camille strapped to his chest. 

"Hey! How are you feeling?" Maria asks. You walk over to Ellie and smooth her hair back before kissing her forehead. She scrunches her nose at you but doesn't protest when you wrap your arms around her. You're sure Joel is answering Maria's question, but Ellie catches the glint of your ring before he can finish his sentence.

"Holy shit! He actually did it?" She asks loudly, and you shoot Joel a look. He shrugs, a smile pulling at his lips, as Maria and Tommy give each other confused looks. Ellie grabs your left hand to look at the ring, and it finally connects in Maria's head.

"Holy shit!" She yells, shooting out of her chair and covering her open mouth with her hands. You laugh as she leans over to look at your ring, a happy noise leaving her.

"It only took him getting shot, but he proposed." You say, and the room erupts into cheers. Tommy turns off the stove before walking over to Joel and wrapping him in as big of a hug as he can give him with Camille in the sling. Maria hugs you and rocks you back and forth, practically screeching about how excited she is. When she's done congratulating you, the couple switch, and Tommy hugs you tightly.

"Welcome to the family, officially." He says as he kisses your temple. Your chest could burst from all the love filling the room, and you feel your eyes getting wet again.

"Thank you, Tommy," You say. Tommy declares to make more celebratory pancakes, this time in the shape of a ring, but he barely gets a response as Maria asks Joel for all the details about the proposal. You look down to see Ellie staring at you with a big smile. You crouch down to look her in the eyes and put a hand on her knee. "What do you think about all this, kiddo?" 

"I'm just glad he finally got the balls to ask you. I thought it'd be forever before you guys made it official," she jokes. You smile but stay silent, waiting for her honest answer. She takes a deep breath, glancing between you and Joel before landing on you again. You squeeze her knee to encourage her to talk and see tears brimming in her big, brown eyes. "I'm really, really happy you guys are getting married." 

"You're sure? 'Cause I'll give this ring right back to him if you say the word."

"Hey! I worked hard on that ring!"

"I heard," you say, holding your left hand up to spin the band. "They're the wildflowers we used to pick, right?"

"It was Joel's idea. I just drew it." She says, and your heart skips a beat. You look at your ring again and notice the tiny pencil markings on the petals. A tear falls from your eye as you look at her again, grabbing her hand.

"Your drawings are on my ring?" 

"Do you like them?" She asks nervously, and you pull her into a tight hug. 

"Oh, baby girl," you whisper. "They're perfect." Joel doesn't miss your interaction with Ellie, there's rarely a time when he isn't watching his girls, and he smiles. Maria runs into the other room and comes back with a Polaroid camera in her hands.

"Okay, okay, you love birds! Let's get a picture!" She says, waving her hands for Joel to stand with you. Joel pretends to be annoyed, but you catch the sparkle in his eyes as he walks over to you and Ellie. He wraps an arm around your waist, and you put a hand on Ellie's shoulder to keep her from trying to escape the picture as the camera flashes. You eat pancakes and laugh with your family as the picture develops safely on the counter. Before you can leave, now with Ellie in tow, Maria hands you the picture with her handwriting under it. The Millers, she wrote, even though you haven't decided on whether you want to change your name and Ellie will forever have her mother's surname. 

Names don't mean anything when it comes to family, and you've always been family. You and Ellie have always been Millers, even if you didn't know it.

🍓

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Tag list: @evyiione

[adelheidvonschicksal]

Sanguine

Summary:

The wedding ring was a sweet lie that Polendina desperately clung to in order to placate the painful beating of his mechanical heart. After all, no one has ever heard of a puppet loving a human. He knows this. However, he still decided to validate these illogical emotions through the young man and his lies.

Yet when Polendina sees his fellow puppet and the young miss together, he starts to think that the ring wasn't one of Pinocchio's sweet lies after all.

Pairing: Pinocchio x Fem!reader, implied!Polendina x Antonia

tags: light angst, 3rd POV, no y/n, fluff, 2500 words

•---------•

Carried by the quiet of the night, the gramophone highlights the foyer in a gentle tune. It’s a soft instrumental that keeps Polendina and the few survivors still awake at this hour company, drowning out the ticking of the clock above the check-in desk steadily traveling closer to midnight, the many occupied sounds of pen scripting against paper, and the tinkering of designs and weapons from the far corner of the room. The voiceless melody of the instruments is accompanied by rhythmic humming replacing the missing lyrics. The voice is peaceful, only loud enough that Polendina can barely parse the highs and lows of the pitch mimicking the song from his place behind the counter. It’s an angelic sound, at least if you ask Polendina, who turns an inquisitive eye to the record player.

In the empty space between the gramophone and decorative plants, Geppetto’s puppet and the young miss are resting on the floor. It’s a tight fit but neither seems to mind when their shoulders press together. The young miss sits partially on her right hip with her legs curved to the side towards the puppet while he draws his knees up, neatly positioning himself to allow one foot to sit just in front of her ankles and the other to taper off to the side. It doesn’t seem like the most comfortable position Polendina can imagine but it’s the one the two have taken up since they first started up the turntable.

It seems the young miss is starting to feel the effects because as soon as the thought crosses his mind she shuffles, and it’s an easy adjustment to switch the sides of her position and lean more into the boy instead. As Polendina watches her, he can’t help but notice how at ease she looks.

It’s been a habit to keep an eye on her since she first moved into the hotel as nothing more than a rambunctious orphan child taken under Lady Antonia’s wing and raised in her unbridled kindness, aging into someone somewhat recognizable as a proper lady. In her childhood, his watch would be careful and purposeful, mostly to make sure nothing in the hotel would be accidentally broken. Now, it’s mostly out of concern for Lady Antonia’s daughter. One that, by extension, he almost can call his own.

As much as him, the disease that has beset the proprietor of Hotel Krat has been a source of stress for the heiress. It’s been weeks since he’s seen a modicum of consternation disappear in her practiced expressions and taut speech, and it’s only when the boy angles his head to rest on top of hers that there’s a smile. It looks like Polendina’s watch is no longer required for the time being.

However, he doesn’t turn his sight. 

•---------•

Polendina has seen many things in this world. From the first time he opened his eyes as a newly manufactured puppet fresh off the lines of the Venigni Works' assembly plant, he was privy to the many emotions of humans. Polendina has witnessed pride. It showed in the wide grin of satisfaction, a twinkle in the eye of his creator when he’s stamped with the approved insignia of the company and imprinted with the Grand Covenant, a sign that he would never stray from his duties.

A new model. The latest and greatest assistant from the Venigni line of puppetry.

It’s only by chance that he’s assigned to be the assistant serving Lady Antonia, which meant he was to work at the haunted Hotel Krat until his bolts rusted, joints creaked, and he could no longer function as well as whatever new models were to follow after him. Because of this, many would assume he doesn’t know much about the world. But Polendina can see so many things from here.

Polendina has seen the love between newlyweds. The hotel serviced many a blushing bride and a lucky gentleman. It’s his first introduction to love, an emotion he never thought would ever be the energy that keeps his heart beating and gives meaning to his life.

Polendina has seen the beauty of ball gowns across a crystal floor. He’s heard more stories whispered in between dances and music than most have probably heard their entire lives. Thus, he has also heard the stories of heartbreak. He’s seen the sullen tears draining in black down the face of a discarded lover. Polendina pondered once if oil would seep down his face in the same manner should he be discarded (a fear that he had no need for after so many years by Antonia's side), and he listened to the wails and screams of betrayed souls.

This world was harsh, it seems. But he was lucky enough to have witnessed the true beauty of it in the image of a young woman with dark blonde hair braided in bands and falling over the ear. A beautiful long pearl necklace complementing an elegantly strong neck and pale shoulders. A dress falling over a sturdy yet feminine frame in lovely layers and adorned with white bows as a feathered hat sat atop her head. The elegant gown hid what was underneath, which was an intelligent and ferocious young woman, who could play the part of a perfect lady and a bold lioness all at once. Something the portait of her hanging in the library captured and portrayed better than any clothing.

Polendina never met that young woman but he did meet her as a strong and independent matriarch, and it made it easy to fill in the blanks when his mind would drift to how it would have been to seen her then. Would she have captured his heart as easily as she did now? He'd like to think so as his love for Antonia deepened every year he spent serving at her side.

Unfortunately, Polendina never expected time to happen so fast and so severely.

It’s not age that caused her beauty to wilt but illness. It took pieces of his heart with each second his mistress had to battle this blasphemous disease. It’s a losing battle, he can tell, even though he wished to deny it.

This sense of dread was a new emotion, different from the one that would grip him with every letter of marriage that would eventually wind up at the estate even though he was aware that Lady Antonia never entertained suitors, or perhaps never found one that interested her enough. This emotion was festering, picking at whatever “soul” he possessed and its pitibiable yearning for an affection that was never meant for him to give nor to have.

Because of all the things Polendina has seen, he’s never seen another puppet that loved a human. For what puppet could ever have the capacity for genuine love, and what human – aside from that eccentric who was so thoroughly mocked – would ever entertain a relationship with a puppet, who wasn’t supposed to have illogical emotions like love in the first place?

If Lady Antonia was the exception, he’d never find out. He’d never dare tell her in the first place. It isn’t a burden he wants to place on her fragile heart.

Still, his own mechanical heart burned to tell someone, to have this desperate feeling held close and nurtured tenderly, and to have himself forgiven for this adoration for his human mistress. So, in an act of desperation, he drafted the letter. He placed it at the front desk and signed for Geppetto’s puppet.

Then, he waited.

Polendina could sense his heart beating faster when he heard the heavy steps of his friend stop in front of him. Pinocchio watched him patiently, still holding out the letter. With fear in his heart, Polendina braved to explain his situation. He explained his love for his human master and his fear of her impending death. When all that needed to be said was said, Polendina dared to ask Pinocchio, with all his knowledge of things puppet and human, “Can a puppet and human fall in love? Have you ever met a puppet who loves a human?”

The other puppet tensed, leaving an impregnable silence, which Pinocchio hardly ever spoke out loud to anyone aside from his father, Sophia, and occasionally Gemini unless absolutely necessary. So, this expected silence shouldn’t bother Polendina. But, it does. When Pinocchio finally showed a little insight into his thoughts by tilting his head and averting his gaze to his feet, Polendina knew the truth the young man wanted to say – the truth Polendina knew all along.

Pinocchio has never seen a puppet who loves a human.

Then, Pinocchio’s arm twitched, not one of his sporadic twitchy tweaks, but a hesitant one before he reached into his pocket. The boy opened a tightly clenched hand, presenting a ring delicately crafted with precious metals and with the words “forever yours” scripted into the band.

Polendina has seen a great many wedding rings during the hotel’s heyday, all excitedly shown to Lady Antonia by the many love-soaked honeymooners that would stay at the hotel and the ones gifted to Lady Antonia herself to convince her to accept a stray proposal.

Pinocchio showing him this now must mean that he’s seen it. Somehow. Somewhere. He’s seen a puppet and a human in love, and this ring was the symbol of that love. Polendina would never tell Lady Antonia his adoration for her, but it’s comforting enough to know his emotions were real and another puppet somewhere in the world experienced them as well.

Or most likely, it’s one of the boy’s sweet white lies and these feelings were the daydreams of a fool.

In the end, it’s a lie Polendina chose to believe and savor every fateful day despite never seeing the proof himself.

•---------•

As the gramophone rips and begins to play another song, the smooth humming is replaced by beautiful singing from the record. It’s a cozy and homey song; best shared by the fireplace. Feel, if he remembers the lyrics correctly. It always seems to be a favorite of the boy.

As it plays, the two in the corner look lost in their own little world. For the better part of it, at this time of night, with most retiring to sleep and Polendina himself quiet, this might as well be a world only for them. It didn’t used to be this way. The young miss would usually be held up in her room this time of night, studying the many books on medical remedies, searching failingly for a cure, and the boy hovering at his father’s side as he slept like a faithful hound.

Polendina should have picked up on this change when Pinocchio started to follow her around more often, seeking her out during the hours in between his missions. Quietly studying her humanity, like the others. Polendina is also well aware the boy can speak. Through his time here, the list of those he shared words with has grown exponentially but none more so than with the young miss.

However, that does not stop his hand from resting on the soft junction opposite her elbow. He slowly drags it up her skin, scribbling soft writings into her wrist. Polendina is unaware of what he spells, but the motions are slow and delicate, opposite the aura Pinocchio would have when he’d arrive at the hotel after a mission, tracking black oil, red blood, and blue—whatever—through the entrance, much to everyone’s dismay.

The quiet laughter from her and the small blur of confusion in Pinocchio’s expression explain all Polendina needs to know. Whatever was said was unknowingly innocent, and she traces an affectionate reply back into his palm. The necessity of this line of communication between them melted long ago and instead became a secret language that is only meant for the two of them; a convenient excuse to touch. Soothing messages dance across one another’s hands, the warm smile of a woman in love and the careful touches of a boy who hasn’t yet realized what it means to be in love.

The music plays on late into the night, far beyond the time for the hotel to retire. Polendina goes about his nightly rounds. The guests are relatively clean but there are always one or two things out of place.

When he finishes, the only people remaining in the foyer are himself and the young mistress whose head rests against the shoulder of a puppet undoubtedly adored. Pinocchio’s eyes are shut, and he lies motionless next to her but he’s surely still awake – not needing sleep as a puppet. However, he hasn’t dared to move from the spot since she fell asleep (thirty minutes judging by how many times the same song replayed).

For some reason, Polendina feels guilty for disturbing the pair.

“Pardon me,” he begins. In an instant, Pinocchio opens his eyes, but he still refuses to move, not even to lift his head to look at Polendina, but the attendant can tell the young man is alert and listening. “I hate to interrupt but it would be best if the young miss retired to her room for the evening. I’m afraid Lady Antonia would not be lenient with either of us if she were to catch a cold on our watch.”

Understanding, Pinocchio nods.

Polendina expects him to wake you up to go to your room; but instead, Pinocchio carefully shifts and slides his humanoid arm behind your knees and the other across your back. He cradles your body in his arms, adjusting only to encourage your head to fall against his chest before he lifts you off the floor. He nods at Polendina again, this time as a bid good night. As Pinocchio walks towards the main staircase, Polendina can swear even his steps sound purposely lighter.

It's an act Polendina has not seen the boy perform before. It’s not a base function for him, Polendina believes, but he carries you up the first step anyway. Polendina can sense his heart squeezing, the ergo inside him humming with memories of a ball. Memories of a beautiful young lady in a white dress. Memories of a sweet smile and a rejected proposal:

“What need is there for me to marry at this age anyway? My dear Polendina has always been plenty.”

There’s a forgotten happiness drumming inside him. Happily, he submits without fight and allows this passionate fervor to blanket him wholeheartedly. This time there’s no regret or guilt as he watches Pinocchio turn up the stairs and disappear to the upper floor. At this moment, he thinks maybe Pinocchio didn’t tell a sweet lie after all.

For Polendina has seen many things.

He’s seen the joy of marriage and family.

He’s seen the tears of heartbreak and love lost.

He’s seen the beauty and harshness of this world.

And now, he too, has seen a puppet in love with a human.

[theroyalsims]

ROYAL WEDDING: WHICH TIARA WILL ANYA WEAR?

Aside from guessing which designer has been tapped to make Anya's dress, people are also taking bets on which tiara she'll wear on her big day!

The recent banquet only intensified people's curiosity over which tiara Anya will be wearing for her wedding. That's not exactly an easy decision to make, considering HRH has quite a lot of tiaras at her disposal. So here's a quick look at some of the sparklers that we *might* see atop HRH's head come her much-awaited wedding day. We split the tiaras under four categories: The Favourites, The Diamonds, The Necklaces, and The Emeralds, plus a bonus category!

THE FAVOURITES

The Brindleton Foliage Tiara

The diamond and ruby piece was given a rebirth by Queen Emilia when she dusted it off and had it repaired and slightly altered. The tiara, considered a blood princess tiara, can only be worn by blood princesses. It's been a hot minute since Her Majesty has worn the piece, and it's now perhaps more associated with The Crown Princess.

The Stafford Tiara

The impressive tiara, which features a graduating scroll motif, is an 18th birthday present by the Stafford Royal Family to the Crown Princess. Personally dubbed as "her favourite," HRH has worn it through the years, and she even wore it for her official portrait a few years ago. We won't be surprised if HRH picks this stunner for her royal wedding!

THE DIAMONDS

The Brindleton Comb Tiara

The Brindleton Comb Tiara is one of the most unique and versatile pieces in the royal collection. The all-diamond diadem is composed of three individual combs. Each can be worn individually, or they can be locked into place to form the tiara. HRH has worn it a couple of times, and she seems to prefer to wear all three combs in one go, making it seem like she has a halo of diamonds that goes all around her head.

Brindleton-Rennaux Tiara

Speaking of versatile, the latest tiara to join HRH's collection is also quite customisable, thanks to its removable central diamond, which can be replaced with accompanying "extra" stones. The piece has garnered the nickname "Brindleton-Rennaux Tiara." It was commissioned by Prince Jacques for Anya's thirtieth birthday. The diamonds used for the piece were derived from the private collection of Prince Jacques' mother, the late Queen Theodora of Rennaux.

THE NECKLACES

The Queen Astrid Necklace Tiara

This all-diamond tiara was an anniversary present to Queen Astrid (Anya's maternal great-grandmother) from her husband, King Frederik. It was originally meant to be a necklace, however, the late Queen commissioned the royal jewellers to transform it in such a way that it could be worn as a headpiece, too. The Crown Princess has worn the tiara twice - at Princess Katrine of Arendahl's wedding, and more recently during last week's Selvadoradan Banquet.

The Debonne Tiara

Another necklace-cum-tiara Anya seems to love is the Debonne Tiara. The piece was a present from Lady Amarie Debonne to the late Queen Astrid. It features a dainty floral motif, which includes diamonds and pearls. The headpiece is set in yellow gold and it matches Anya's engagement ring perfectly! HRH has also worn this tiara twice - first during her state visit to Tartosa, and she also wore it for her engagement photoshoot.

THE EMERALDS

Queen Ophelia’s Birthday Tiara 

This now-iconic tiara was a birthday present from King Leopold to his wife, Queen Ophelia. The piece is also very flexible, and can be worn with emerald pendants, pearl pendants, worn with just the diamond hoops. The Crown Princess has donned it a handful of times, and should she wear it for her wedding, it would be a wonderful way to honour her grandmother.

Brindleton Lace Tiara

According to Brindleton customs, brides are encouraged to wear emeralds on her wedding day for good luck, so The Brindleton Lace Tiara definitely fits the bill! It forms part of the Brindleton Emerald Parure, and most people probably remember it as the tiara that Anya "stole" from her sister Eleanore during the latter's wedding a couple of years ago. Whether or not Anya will be petty enough to wear it to her own wedding, guess we're going to have to wait and see!

Queen Emilia's Birthday Tiara

This meaningful diadem that features a large central emerald was an 18th birthday present from King Leopold to his daughter, then Crown Princess Emilia. Through the years, many royal heads have worn the tiara including Crown Princes Anya herself. There's a chance Anya might choose this as her wedding tiara given its relevance and history, and of course, as a way to honour her mum.

BONUS CATEGORY: THE HONOURABLE MENTIONS

While some say that brides should not wear pearls because their tear-shaped appearance symbolises tears to be shed due to a sad marriage, others claim that pearls are good luck and signify a fruitful and successful union. Some pearl tiaras that could be worn by Anya include The Queen Astrid Diamond and Pearl Tiara (L), which she wore to her visit to Selvadorada; The Brindleton Bow Pearl and Diamond Tiara (C) which features an array of suspended teardrop pearls; and the Brindleton Clam Tiara (R), which HRH once wore in an official portrait.

Of course, Anya could surprise us all and pull out a long-unseen tiara from deep within the royal vaults, or even a newly-commissioned piece for her wedding day! Either way, we're quite certain it'll be a stunner, just like all the other tiaras HRH has worn in the past.

One thing's certain, though. All this tiara talk has us desperate for more royal wedding updates!

[thesimline]

It’s a dark and stormy October weekend, and the top crust of 1930s high society have gathered at the country manor of King Candy, a lauded and savvy business magnate. Alas, the high spirits of the weekend have been dashed - murder most foul, and this time it isn’t the butler who’s done it! In fact, he’s the unfortunate soul at the end of a gleaming gold dagger. Each suspect has their own clandestine motives, but which of their secrets was the sorry servant about to expose? The story continues under the cut…

URSULA

Once a highly regarded starlet of the theatrical stage, she longs for those bygone days of youth, beauty and fame. What depths would she be willing to plum in order to return to her glory?

Skin | Turban | Earrings (TSR) | Necklace | Dress | Robe | Gloves (Vampires) | Right Ring (TSR) | Right Bracelets (Fashion Street) | Left Ring (TSR) | Left Bracelets (My Wedding Stories) | Stockings (TSR) | Shoes

GASTON

As a professional trophy hunter this playboy has the wealth, looks and notoriety that makes the ladies swoon. Even more so once they hear his seductive french accent. But will his bad boy image transform into a more beastly reputation once his violent past is exposed?

Hat | Hair (TSR) | Outfit | Socks (Base Game) | Shoes

JAFAR

With the latest fad for exotic home decor all the rage, his dealing in antiquities has created quite a kingdom of wealth. It’s even whispered among social circles that he promises to bring your dreams to life, but is he really just a snake in gentleman’s clothing?

Turban | Moustache (Base Game) | Outfit | Ring (TSR) | Socks (Base Game) | Shoes (My Wedding Stories)

MALEFICENT

With her snooty attitude and thorny personality, this old money socialite puts most people at ill ease, but will the 16 year long grudge against her nemesis be her ultimate downfall?

Skin | Hat | Hair | Earrings (TSR) | Necklace | Top & Pants | Ring (TSR) | Shoes

KING CANDY

Purveyor of fine confections and even sweeter business alliances, he has all his fingers in the preverbal pie. His eye is forever looking over his shoulder wondering which will catch up with him first - his passion for racing automobiles or his turbulent, mysterious past.

Hair | Glasses (TSR) | Moustache (Base Game) | Top | Right Rings (TSR) | Left Ring (TSR) | Pants (retired) | Shoes (Get Famous)

CRUELLA DE VIL

Rumours abound that her materials may come from nefarious sources, although that doesn’t stop the lauded designer’s fashions from flying off the racks. But is there a scandal just around the corner that threatens to dog her reputation?

Skin | Hat | Hair (TSR) | Necklace | Outfit | Gloves (Curseforge) | Ring (TSR) | Cigarette Holder | Stockings | Shoes (TSR)

With thanks to some amazing creators: @lamatisse @sentate @its-adrienpastel @jius-sims @hezzasims @softerhaze @serenity-cc @nucrests @qicc @candysims4 @delis-sims @madlensims

[diamondsluvore]

Buying Diamond Jewellery is a personal decision and can depend on various factors such as personal preference, budget, and intended use. Diamonds are considered a luxury item and can be quite expensive, but they can also be a long-term investment.

[imaginedreamwrite]

“I do have a ring, and we will get married.”

First Father’s Day for actor Ransom and his mommy-to-be preparing for a baby (and a wedding) please

The books opened before you were laid out with all measures of decorations and decor that ranged from high end minimalism to bougie and high class. You hadn’t inherently found much that you really liked despite Ransom’s own demands, and preferred to have something much more simple in elegance and design.

“Planning a wedding and having a baby is stressful. A wedding planner will help.”

Ransom meant well but you couldn’t be bothered with the wedding planner who insisted she knew better than you. And your pregnancy hormones weren’t allowing you to remain ignorant to the planners folly.

Instead of looking at the elegant and over the top designs, you focused on Father’s Day. Ransom wasn’t expecting anything, he had almost entirely forbidden you from doing anything because the day held no special meaning however you didn’t listen. Instead of doing what he wanted and ignoring the day, you had been busy creating a momento for him.

You took the latest sonogram taken of your baby and cropped it to fit a hand carved picture frame with Ransom’s name etched into the wood. It was matched with a burnt first fathers day into the side, a remembrance for him.

Your disinterest in someone who didn’t want to hear what you had to say was inevitably noticed by Ransom, when he returned from an afternoon out with some friends. His return was first announced by the clatter of his bag on the floor, and then it quickly became tumultuous when he saw the look on your face.

“I can’t work with someone who doesn’t give a shit about what I have to say-” he cut you off by tapping on his phone, sending a message to whoever, and then returned his attention to you.

“-and I refuse to cow down. So…” you slipped the frame our behind your back and handed it to him. “Happy Father’s Day Ransom.”

“Told you I didn’t need anything—” he fell silent when he grabbed the frame, his eyes poignantly staring at the image trapped behind glass.

He was silent and thoughtful, his eyebrows furrowed and his lips forming what looked like a scowl.

“If you don’t like it, give it back-“

“No.” He pulled it away and tucked it under his arm, his expression still contrived and controlled. “It’s mine.”

As he turned away you caught the briefest glimpse of a smile building on his face, and his eyes cast down onto the sonogram.

[mostlysignssomeportents]

Bruce Schneier's "A Hacker's Mind"

A Hacker’s Mind is security expert Bruce Schneier’s latest book, released today. For long-time readers of Schneier, the subject matter will be familiar, but this iteration of Schneier’s core security literacy curriculum has an important new gloss: power.

https://wwnorton.com/books/9780393866667

If you’d like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here’s a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/02/07/trickster-makes-the-world/#power-play

Schneier started out as a cryptographer, author of 1994’s Applied Cryptography, one of the standard texts on the subject. He created and co-created several important ciphers, and started two successful security startups that were sold onto larger firms. Many readers outside of cryptography circles became familiar with Schneier through his contribution to Neal Stephenson’s Cryptonomicon, and he is well-known in science fiction circles (he even received a Hugo nomination for editing the restaurant guide for MiniCon 34 in 1999).

https://www.schneier.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/restaurants-san-jose.pdf

But Schneier’s biggest claim in fame is as a science communicator, specifically in the domain of security. In the wake of the 9/11 bombings and the creation of a suite of hasty, ill-considered “security” measures, Schneier coined the term “security theater” to describe a certain kind of wasteful, harmful, pointless exercise, like forcing travelers to take off their shoes to board an airplane.

Schneier led the charge for a kind of sensible, reasonable thinking about security, using a mix of tactics to shift the discourse on the subject: debating TSA boss Kip Hawley, traveling with reporters through airport checkpoints while narrating countermeasures to defeat every single post-9/11 measure, and holding annual “movie-plot threat” competitions:

https://www.schneier.com/tag/movie-plot-threat-contests/

Most importantly, though, Schneier wrote long-form books that set out the case for sound security reasoning, railing against security theater and calling for policies that would actually make our physical and digital world more secure — abolishing DRM, clearing legal barriers to vulnerability research and disclosure, and debunking security snake-oil, from “unbreakable proprietary ciphers” to “behavioral detection training” for TSA officers.

Schneier inspired much of my own interest in cryptography, and he went on to design my wedding rings, which are cipher wheels:

https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2008/09/contest_cory_do.html

And then he judged a public cipher-design contest, which Chris Smith won with “The Fidget Protocol”:

http://craphound.com/FidgetProtocol.zip

Schneier’s books — starting with 2000’s Secrets and Lies — follow a familiar, winning formula. Each one advances a long-form argument for better security reasoning, leavened with a series of utterly delightful examples of successful and hacks and counterhacks, in which clever people engage in duels of wits over the best way to protect some precious resource — or bypass that protection. There is an endless supply of these, and they are addictive, impossible to read without laughing and sharing them on. There’s something innately satisfying about reading about hacks and counterhacks — as authors have understood since Poe wrote “The Purloined Letter” in 1844.

A Hacker’s Mind picks up on this familiar formula, with a fresh set of winning security anaecdotes, both new and historical, and restates Schneier’s hypothesis about how we should think about security — but, as noted, Hacker’s Mind brings a new twist to the subject: power.

In this book, Schneier broadens his frame to consider all of society’s rules — its norms, laws and regulations — as a security system, and then considers all the efforts to change those rules through a security lens, framing everything from street protests to tax-cheating as “hacks.”

This is a great analytical tool, one that evolved out of Schneier’s work on security policy at the Harvard Kennedy School. By thinking of (say) tax law as a security system, we can analyze its vulnerabilities just as we would analyze the risks to, say, your Gmail account. The tax system can be hacked by lobbying for tax-code loopholes, or by discovering and exploiting accidental loopholes. It can be hacked by suborning IRS inspectors, or by suborning Congress to cut the budget for IRS inspectors. It can be hacked by winning court cases defending exotic interpretations of the tax code, or by lobbying Congress to retroactively legalize those interpretations before a judge can toss them out.

This analysis has a problem, though: the hacker in popular imagination is a trickster figure, an analog for Coyote or Anansi, outsmarting the powerful with wits and stealth and bravado. The delight we take in these stories comes from the way that hacking can upend power differentials, hoisting elites on their own petard. An Anansi story in which a billionaire hires a trickster god to evade consequences for maiming workers in his factory is a hell of a lot less satisfying than the traditional canon.

Schneier resolves this conundrum by parsing hacking through another dimension: power. A hack by the powerful against society — tax evasion, regulatory arbitrage, fraud, political corruption — is a hack, sure, but it’s a different kind of hack from the hacks we’ve delighted in since “The Purloined Letter.”

This leaves us with two categories: hacks by the powerful to increase their power; and hacks by everyone else to take power away from the powerful. These two categories have become modern motifs in other domains — think of comedians’ talk of “punching up vs punching down” or the critique of the idea of “anti-white racism.”

But while this tool is familiar, it takes on a new utility when used to understand the security dimensions of policy, law and norms. Schneier uses it to propose several concrete proposals for making our policy “more secure” — that is, less vulnerable to corruption that further entrenches the powerful.

That said, the book does more to explain the source of problems than to lay out a program for addressing them — a common problem with analytical books. That’s okay, of course — we can’t begin to improve our society until we agree on what’s wrong with it — but there is definitely more work to be done in converting these systemic analyses into systemic policies.

Next week (Feb 8-17), I'll be in Australia, touring my book Chokepoint Capitalism with my co-author, Rebecca Giblin. We'll be in Brisbane on Feb 8, and then we're doing a remote event for NZ on Feb 9. Next are Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra. I hope to see you!

https://chokepointcapitalism.com/

[Image ID: The WW Norton cover for Bruce Schneier's 'A Hacker's Mind.']

[purestarjewelry]

Discover the Beauty of the Emerald Cut Lab Grown Women's Ring: The Perfect Bridal Wedding Ring with Accent Diamond Rings 💍

At Pure star jewellery, we're passionate about creating jewelry that is not only stunning but also ethical and sustainable. Our latest addition, the Emerald Cut Lab Grown Women's Ring, is a testament to these values. Whether you're seeking the perfect engagement ring, bridal wedding ring, or a unique handmade gift, this ring is an ideal choice.

What Makes Lab Grown Diamonds Special?

Lab grown diamonds have revolutionized the jewelry industry, offering a sustainable and ethical alternative to mined diamonds. Here’s why they are an excellent choice:

Ethical Sourcing: No need to worry about conflict diamonds. Lab grown diamonds are produced in controlled environments, ensuring fair labor practices.

Sustainability: The process of creating diamonds in labs significantly reduces environmental impact compared to traditional mining.

Affordability: Lab grown diamonds typically cost less, allowing you to choose a larger or higher quality stone within your budget.

The Timeless Elegance of the Emerald Cut

The emerald cut is celebrated for its classic and sophisticated style. Its rectangular shape and step-cut facets create a dazzling effect that is both elegant and timeless. This cut is perfect for those who appreciate understated luxury.

Features of Our Emerald Cut Lab Grown Women's Ring

Bridal Wedding Ring: Designed to be a symbol of love and commitment, this ring is perfect for your wedding day.

Accent Diamond Rings: The main emerald cut diamond is enhanced by smaller accent diamonds, adding brilliance and sparkle.

Handmade Craftsmanship: Each ring is handcrafted by skilled artisans, ensuring exceptional quality and attention to detail.

Elegant Engagement Ring: A sophisticated and stylish choice for a modern bride, combining classic beauty with contemporary elegance.

Why Choose an Emerald Cut Lab Grown Ring?

Timeless Beauty: The emerald cut is a design that never goes out of style. Its clean lines and reflective facets exude elegance and sophistication.

Unique and Personal: Each emerald cut lab grown diamond is unique, making your ring truly one-of-a-kind.

Eco-Friendly: By choosing a lab grown diamond, you're making a sustainable choice that helps protect our planet.

Affordable Luxury: Enjoy the ring of your dreams without breaking the bank, thanks to the cost-effective nature of lab grown diamonds.

A Handmade Gift of Love

When you choose our Emerald Cut Lab Grown Women's Ring, you're not just buying jewelry; you're investing in a handmade piece that tells a story. Each ring is crafted with care and precision, making it a meaningful symbol of your love and commitment.

Perfect for Every Occasion

Whether you're looking for an engagement ring, a bridal wedding ring, or a special gift, our Emerald Cut Lab Grown Women's Ring is the perfect choice. Its timeless design and ethical origins make it a piece any woman would be proud to wear.

Conclusion

Celebrate your love with a ring that reflects your values and style. The Emerald Cut Lab Grown Women's Ring is more than just a piece of jewelry; it's a statement of elegance, ethics, and enduring love.

[diya953]

Lab-Grown Diamond Rings: Trends and Designs for Every Occasion

The allure of diamonds has captivated hearts for centuries, symbolizing love, commitment, and timeless elegance. With the rise of lab-grown diamonds, these precious gems are now more accessible and sustainable than ever. From engagement rings to wedding bands and anniversary or fashion rings, lab-grown diamonds are transforming the jewelry landscape. Let's explore the latest trends and designs in lab-grown diamond rings.

Engagement Rings: Designs and Trends

1. Vintage-Inspired Settings: Vintage-inspired engagement rings are making a significant comeback, blending the charm of bygone eras with the brilliance of lab-grown diamonds. Intricate details like milgrain edges, filigree work, and halo settings evoke a sense of romance and timelessness. Popular cuts for these designs include cushion, oval, and emerald, which enhance the vintage appeal.

2. Modern Minimalism: For those who prefer sleek and contemporary designs, modern minimalism is a key trend. Simple solitaire settings with thin bands, bezel settings, and geometric shapes are in vogue. These designs emphasize the diamond's beauty without excessive ornamentation, perfect for a chic and understated look.

3. Colored Lab-Grown Diamonds: Colored diamonds are gaining popularity, with shades like blue, pink, and yellow adding a unique twist to traditional engagement rings. Lab-grown diamonds offer a more affordable way to access these rare and beautiful colors. Combining colored diamonds with white diamonds or using them as a center stone in a halo setting creates a stunning visual effect.

4. Eco-Friendly and Ethical Choices: More couples are choosing lab-grown diamonds for their ethical and eco-friendly benefits. These diamonds are created in controlled environments, reducing the environmental impact and ensuring conflict-free sourcing. This trend reflects a growing awareness and commitment to sustainability in all aspects of life, including engagements and weddings.

Wedding Bands with Lab-Grown Diamonds

1. Eternity Bands: Eternity bands, featuring a continuous line of diamonds around the band, symbolize eternal love and commitment. Lab-grown diamonds make this luxurious style more accessible. These bands can be worn alone or paired with an engagement ring for added sparkle.

2. Stackable Rings: Stackable wedding bands allow for personalization and versatility. Couples can mix and match different styles, metals, and diamond shapes to create a unique look. This trend encourages creativity and can evolve over time, with new rings added for anniversaries or significant milestones.

3. Mixed Metals: Combining different metals, such as rose gold, white gold, and platinum, is a popular trend for wedding bands. Lab-grown diamonds look stunning in any metal, and mixing metals adds a contemporary and personalized touch. This style allows couples to blend their individual tastes into a cohesive and elegant design.

4. Custom Engravings: Personalized engravings inside the band add a sentimental touch to wedding rings. Messages, initials, or significant dates make the rings uniquely meaningful. With lab-grown diamonds, couples can invest in these custom details without compromising on the quality or size of the diamonds.

Anniversary and Fashion Rings

1. Three-Stone Rings: Three-stone rings, representing the past, present, and future, are a popular choice for anniversaries. Lab-grown diamonds offer a cost-effective way to feature larger stones in this meaningful design. The combination of different diamond shapes and sizes can create a unique and eye-catching ring.

2. Cocktail Rings: Bold and glamorous, cocktail rings are perfect for making a fashion statement. These rings often feature a large center stone surrounded by smaller diamonds or colored gemstones. Lab-grown diamonds provide an ethical and affordable option for these stunning pieces, making high-end fashion more accessible.

3. Birthstone Accents: Incorporating birthstones into anniversary rings adds a personal and colorful touch. Lab-grown diamonds can be paired with lab-grown sapphires, emeralds, or other gemstones to create a custom and meaningful design. This trend allows for endless possibilities and combinations, making each ring truly one-of-a-kind.

4. Modern Art Deco: The Art Deco style, with its bold geometric shapes and intricate designs, continues to inspire modern jewelry. Lab-grown diamonds enhance these intricate patterns, offering a blend of vintage charm and contemporary sophistication. This trend is perfect for those who appreciate detailed craftsmanship and unique designs.

Conclusion

Lab-grown diamonds are revolutionizing the jewelry industry, offering sustainable, ethical, and affordable alternatives to traditional diamonds. From engagement rings to wedding bands and fashion rings, these gems provide endless possibilities for unique and personalized designs. Whether you prefer vintage elegance, modern minimalism, or bold fashion statements, lab-grown diamonds are the perfect choice for celebrating love and life’s special moments. Ready to find the perfect lab-grown diamond ring? Explore our stunning collection of engagement rings, wedding bands, and fashion rings today. Visit NINETYNINE SHINE