<br /> <br /> <span style='display:none' class='DO NOT REMOVE - THIS CATEGORY CODE WILL BE HIDDEN - IT IS NEEDED TO BE FOUND BY CATEGORY AND ONE-CLICK SEARCH'>Category: Photography - in Blogs</span>

(NewsUSA) - The upcoming school year will be like nothing teachers, students, and families have ever experienced, as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic steers school systems to embrace online learning and incorporate it in new ways.<br /> <br /> However, school systems across the country are rising to the challenge and staying connected to their students with dynamic digital resources, such as those from Discovery Education.<br /> <br /> Since the beginning of the pandemic, school systems across the country have invested in digital services like Discovery Education Experience because they support students' education at home, in the classroom or wherever learning is taking place.<br /> <br /> Experience - Discovery Education's flexible K-12 learning platform - connects educators to a vast collection of compelling high-quality, standards-aligned content, ready-to-use digital lessons, and professional learning resources. Together, these resources give educators everything they need to facilitate instruction in any learning environment and create lasting educational impact.<br /> <br /> "Discovery Education is committed to keeping students and teachers connected to learning at home or in school," says Scott Kinney, Discovery Education's president of K-12 Education.<br /> <br /> "To accomplish that, we partner with school systems to provide students and teachers the digital resources - such as Discovery Education Experienc - they need for success during this school year and beyond."<br /> <br /> In addition, to providing school systems digital resources Discovery Education provides teachers the professional development they need to use new technologies and maximize their school district's technology investment.<br /> <br /> Discovery Education has a long history as a global leader in digital curricula that align with the current standards for K-12 education, and their products include digital textbooks, multimedia resources, and professional learning for educators.<br /> <br /> Visit discoveryeducation.com for more information about the company's resources, and visit <a target='_blank' href="https://www.discoveryeducation.com/district-partners">https://www.discoveryeducation.com/district-partners</a> to determine whether your local school district is making Discovery Education materials available to their students for the upcoming school year.<br /> <br /> Ref: Colleges - in Blogs

I’m doing it. I am finally calling out something that bothers the **** out of me in country music, and that is Dump Truck Country Marketing. Why is it that one of the best songwriters in modern country music, Miss Lainey Wilson, has to market on the strength and size of her ample posterior instead of just getting credit for the music that she makes? Why is it Priscilla Block had to immediately be the first to pick on herself through songs like “Thick Thighs Save Lives” in order to be taken seriously on any stage? <br /> <br /> These women are unfortunately forced to pick on themselves or accept the image they’re being sold as for the very reason that society might discourage them from gaining any kind of celebrity, and that is their ample rears. Their voluminous posteriors seem to be the focus of all their press releases, of all their news coverage, and quite honestly, I’m sick of it. Now, I’m a fan of a nice, round rear, but I don’t understand what that has to do with the music you make other than if you fall on your ***, it might not hurt as much. When are we going to stop marketing bodies and start marketing music again? I’m all for body positivity, but this is a pain in MY ***. <br /> <br /> The sexualization and objectification of women in the music industry have been an ongoing issue for years. Despite the industry’s progress towards body positivity and female empowerment, there are still remnants of antiquated marketing tactics that prioritize the physical appearance of female artists over their musical abilities. <br /> Read the rest at <a onclick="$('#phonebook-category-no-city').val($(this).text());" class="btn-scroll hashword" href="https://countrymusicnewsblog.com/dump-truck-country-and-other-bullshi/">CountryMusicNewsBlog</a><br /> <span style='display:none' class='DO NOT REMOVE - THIS CATEGORY CODE WILL BE HIDDEN - IT IS NEEDED TO BE FOUND BY CATEGORY AND ONE-CLICK SEARCH'>Category: Music Country - in Blogs</span>

*I Will Keep Pushing Until I Push Through*<br /> <br /> I'll keep pushing, until I push through. Though the storms are fierce and roughly threatening, I will keep pushing. Though I might be uncertain in the journey and don't know how far I've gone and how much distance is left for me, I'll keep pushing. Though there's no one there to lean on and no support to beckon, I'll keep pushing. Though my strength is becoming weaker, and I cannot find the courage to continue, yet I'll keep pushing. Though the walls seem to be cracking and are about to collapse on me, with so much unseen danger, I'll keep pushing. Though I feel deserted, and find no one to believe in my dreams or help build with me, I'll keep pushing. Though the challenges may overwhelm me, and a whisper to quit surges its way to my heart, I'll keep pushing. <br /> <br /> <br /> Though the darkness tries to consume me, and the light seems too far away, I'll keep pushing. Though every step feels like a struggle, and every breath is a battle, I'll keep pushing. Though the weight of my doubts and fears threatens to crush me, I'll keep pushing. Though the path ahead is shrouded in uncertainty, and the future seems unclear, I'll keep pushing. Though I'm tired, worn out, and exhausted, I'll keep pushing. Though the voices of negativity echo in my mind, telling me I'm not good enough, I'll keep pushing.<br /> <br /> For every step forward, I'll take two more. For every obstacle, I'll find a way around it. For every setback, I'll learn and grow stronger. I'll keep pushing, not because I'm fearless, but because I'm brave. Not because I'm perfect, but because I'm persistent. Not because I have all the answers, but because I'm willing to learn.<br /> <br /> I'll keep pushing, until I reach the other side. Until I emerge stronger, wiser, and more resilient. Until I've achieved my dreams, and fulfilled my purpose. I'll keep pushing, until I've pushed through.<br /> <br /> So, I'll take a deep breath, square my shoulders, and keep moving forward. I'll face my fears, and overcome my doubts. I'll push through the pain, and rise above the struggles. I'll keep pushing, until I've reached the pinnacle of success. And when I finally emerge victorious, I'll look back on the journey, and smile. I'll smile at the struggles, and the setbacks. I'll smile at the doubts, and the fears. For I will have pushed through, and come out stronger on the other side.<br /> <br /> I keep pushing, for necessity is laid on me to push until I push through for the millions of lives that are connected to my breakthrough.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <span style='display:none' class='DO NOT REMOVE - THIS CATEGORY CODE WILL BE HIDDEN - IT IS NEEDED TO BE FOUND BY CATEGORY AND ONE-CLICK SEARCH'>Category: Motivation - in Blogs</span>

<br /> <br /> <span style='display:none' class='DO NOT REMOVE - THIS CATEGORY CODE WILL BE HIDDEN - IT IS NEEDED TO BE FOUND BY CATEGORY AND ONE-CLICK SEARCH'>Category: Photography - in Blogs</span>

Just me writing my little story! It's a coming of age story about a girl graduating from high school and not being sure where to go from there. Her family and friends help her out with a little bit of chaos and a lot of luck!<br /><br />There are too many people here. It’s a boarding school, and yet, there are so many people and no places to sit. Hailey flutters past with Mouse hot on her heels, as they usually were, and I reach out to grab Hailey’s arm, causing her to do a funny little twirl thing and for Mouse to bump into her. <br />“Sorry!” Mouse squeaked and jumped back a step, their sneakers making a funny noise on the floor. <br />“Not your fault… Are you coming to the soccer party?”<br />“Nah, I’m gonna stay here. Hails and I are breaking up when you two leave this party so I figure I can’t really show up on her arm.” Hailey rolled her eyes as Mouse spoke, and I once again wondered how the two of them had managed to put an end date on their relationship and actually have it work out. They had sort of always known that they wouldn’t last outside of high school, so after the party they would just go back to being friends. It didn’t make sense to me, but whatever, I wasn’t either of them. <br />“Alrighty… I was actually about to ask Hailey when we were going to leave, but um, if you two want to stay? I don’t wanna rush out, but the band kids aren’t really my crowd…” Hailey grinned at me and blew a kiss as she grabbed Mouse’s hand. <br />“We can leave as soon as I say bye to everyone! Thank you for coming!” I rolled my eyes as they disappeared in the sea of people and I shrunk back to the corner and pulled out my phone. It wasn’t that I disliked the band kids, they were all pretty cool, I just didn’t know them well enough to party. <br />I had a text from Leo, Hailey’s older brother, a few from Evelyn and a good night text from Cardan, that simultaneously requested that I tell the theater kids he was sorry he couldn’t make it. More than likely, if I looked at their group chat, he had already sent twenty apology texts and there was no reason for me to do that. I shot Evelyn a quick text that said I would be leaving as soon as Hailey was ready, which we both knew meant I would not be leaving for at least a half an hour, then I settled against the wall to text Leo. <br />Leo has been best friends with my older brother Zebediah since he started going to school here, they even opened a cafe together. Plus, he and Hailey get along super duper well, so I’ve become friends with him. His current text was just reminding me to not stay out too late so I wouldn’t be exhausted and sleep through my alarms tomorrow. <br />T: I don’t sleep through alarms with Evelyn around haha. That girl would wake up to a pin drop :p <br />L: Valid. Have you made it to the soccer party yet, or is Hails still procrastinating her doomed relationship ending?<br />T: I wouldn’t call it procrastinating…. More like socializing so people don’t realize they broke up haha<br />L: I don’t think I will ever understand those two<br />T: You just have to remember Yolanda, and it all makes sense again<br />L: Tia, nobody remembers Yolanda like I do lmao<br />L: I lived with Hails that summer, remember?<br />T: Hahaha you live with her every summer goofus<br />L: I could be living with you every summer though ;)<br />I rolled my eyes and left him on read, sliding my phone back into my pocket so I could find Hailey and pretend that her brother didn’t just flirt with me. She knew he did though, and it wasn’t like I didn’t flirt back, we just didn’t actually like each other. It was still her brother though, so I was never allowed to mention it. <br />Pushing off the wall, I went to find her, sliding past kids I had known my whole life and trying to ignore the nagging feeling of doom about the fact that I would never again see all of us in one room. We would never be the same kids again, and we were all about to go live real lives, not closed up in a boarding school. <br />Hailey was in the middle of the dance floor when I found her, with Mouse wrapped around her, and they looked deep in conversation, so I backed away, but Hailey spotted me and held up a finger, so I didn’t wander far, just turned to say hi to Mae, a violinist in the band. <br />“You ready to be out?” She called over the music. I laughed and nodded, and she patted my arm. <br />“Tell your girls I said good job last week, and good luck in college! I like you all, but I am not about to go to a jock event with no alcohol!” She lifted her Solo cup with a salute-like gesture and then pointed over my shoulder before waving and walking away. If I hadn’t known the universal signal for “Hailey is coming, gotta go”, I probably would have questioned the quick exit. Some people just knew that she talked a lot and did not have the time. <br />“Ready, Freddy?” Hailey asked, slinging an arm around my waist, as though it was my shoulder. I looked down at her, and she grinned up at me, so I nodded. The breakup must have gone to plan if she wasn’t upset. She skipped out of the room, somehow dragging me along, despite me being almost over a half a foot taller than her tiny 4’ 10” person. <br />Once we were outside of the dorm collection that was hosting the band event, Hailey did a little twirl and grinned at me, stopping me where I stood. <br />“Are you ready for the best night of your high school life? Ready to say goodbye to all of your teammates and start your fabulous life as a rockstar?” A snort escaped me and I patted Hails on the head before tugging her down the hallway. <br />“I guarantee that I will not become a rockstar if I become anything. Not a rockstar, not a professional athlete, and definitely not an actress.” Hailey had started throwing random jobs at me this past week, trying to find one that clicked. Of course, she never threw out valid options, just ridiculous ones that I would never actually become. <br />A shriek and then my name being yelled alerted me to the presence of Evelyn about five seconds before she launched herself into my arms. <br />“Oh my god, you won’t believe what is happening in there! Gina is WASTED!” <br />“I thought real athletes didn’t drink?” Hailey cried as she shoved past the two of us to get to the dorm cluster that was hosting the “jock people”, which really just meant the kids who played sports, but we weren’t all serious jocks. <br />“Gina isn’t going pro, so she decided that she wanted to get wasted with us once before we all head our separate ways. Katrina, Lucy and Cam are a little tipsy, but most of us are sober.” Evelyn punched my arm on “us” like she was implying that I was part of the “real athletes” squad. I didn’t drink because I wanted to be in good shape for the sports and because I liked runner’s high, not because I was going pro like a lot of my teammates. <br />“And the guys…” I trailed off as Evelyn and I finally followed Hailey into the party and I found a horrifying scene in front of me. If Katrina, Lucy and Cam were tipsy, I did not want to see Gina. The three girls were standing on a table, doing the macarena and singing Sweet Caroline as the welcome committee and just behind them, I could see Parker, Isaac, Dominic and Justin lining up shots, all four of them shirtless and screaming. <br />“Welcome to Hell!” Evelyn cried as she pulled me past the alcoholics and into the main room. Gina was laying in the middle of the floor, but everyone else was mostly just mingling and hugging, a couple people were crying, and I relaxed at that. I did not want to drink and I was worried my friends had lost their minds for a second. We just weren’t those people usually. I normally felt okay about not drinking at parties with them. <br />“T! Come over here!” Veronica, our goalie, waved me and Evelyn over to a group of girls who were sitting on a couple couches and chatting. I headed over, glancing around for Hailey, but I wasn’t worried when I didn’t find her. She was probably halfway done with her rounds or caught up talking to someone. <br />I joined the girls on the couches and Bea Olsen pulled a bag of pretzels out from behind a pillow and offered me one. <br />“Gina tried to run off with them earlier,” she explained as Bea Klutz offered me a carrot from next to Bea Olsen. <br />“She did not try to steal the carrots though,” I laughed and relaxed into the couch, content to talk to my teammates for one more night.<br />A little while later, Evelyn tapped my arm and I nodded, grabbing one more carrot before standing up. The Beas simultaneously cried no and jumped up to hug us. <br />“Don’t go yet! You only have to be up in…” Glancing at her watch, Bea Olsen cringed, “four hours… Oopsie!” I laughed and hugged her back, biting my lip so I wouldn’t cry as a whole line of teammates that I had known my whole life and worked with, slept with, breathed with and basically lived in each other’s back pockets during soccer season hugged me and said goodbye. We would all see each other on the train tomorrow, but it just wasn’t the same. This was our last soccer night. This was the last time I would see the Beas, or Veronica for a very long while, since they had all been recruited to play soccer in America. A few others had made soccer teams, but more local, or just at a college, but I still wouldn’t see them as much. <br />“Hey, keep in contact, yeah?” Veronica asked as she hugged me, squeezing tight. I hugged her as tightly as I could, nodding even though she couldn’t see me. We held on for a little longer than the others had, and I buried my face in her neck before pulling back and letting her hug Evelyn as I pulled myself together. Evelyn grabbed my hand as we left the party, neither of us looking back. <br />The walk back to our room was pretty quiet, and when we got there, Evelyn squeezed my hand before heading to her dresser to grab pajamas. <br />“5 am, right?” There was a crack in Evelyn’s voice as she asked, but I replied just like I had everyday since seventh grade. <br />“Always,” I whispered as I grabbed my own pajamas and headed to change my clothes.<br /><br />The next morning, when my alarm went off and I looked at Evelyn sitting up, I bit my lip to hold off the tears as we changed into our running clothes and headed out. Evelyn offered me her earbud and I dug my nails into my palm so I didn’t cry. When Don’t Stop Believin’ played, I pulled my hair a little harder than usual into a ponytail so I would have an excuse for the tears welling. If we ran a little slower than usual, it was because we were tired, not because our lungs burned with the urge to sob. When the final notes of the playlist rang out through the earbuds and we just stood, staring at the doors to the school, it was because we were tired, not to remember every day that we had run that same path, chattering and getting to know one another, and giggling as we tried to keep quiet as we reentered and didn’t want to wake the people who put off getting up until the last second. If my hand shook as I handed her the earbud, it was from the lack of food before the run, not because I would never listen to that playlist with Evelyn on school grounds again. If my face was a little wet in the shower, it was from the water, not tears falling down my face. When I got out and pulled my pajamas back on, I curled into a ball because it was a good way to sleep, not because I was hiding tears. Evelyn didn’t go back to bed, she never had. I closed my eyes and pretended to sleep, but I listened to her going through her morning routine. The one I knew she went through every single morning in the same order because she hated change. This morning, if she paused and took a rattled breath every once in a while, I tried to not flinch because she was just yawning. When Hailey’s alarm went off, Evelyn was gone, down at breakfast like usual, and Hailey walked over to shake me, but instead she pulled me into a hug, and for once, didn’t say anything. <br /><br />Breakfast was a weird affair. They had a line up of grab and go foods as everyone carried their luggage to the train. Underclassmen chattered about summer plans and who was rooming with who the next year and the usual end of year conversations, but I didn’t say anything as Hailey chattered about the parties she had gone to after I went to sleep. She hadn’t gotten to bed until 4 am the night before, and I wasn’t sure how she was functioning. Cardan was standing against a wall with an apple in his hand, his tall frame standing out, even if his blonde hair wouldn’t have defined him instantly. After I grabbed a muffin and a banana, I headed over to him, Hailey trailing behind as she spoke.<br />“Good morning, sunshine!” She greeted Cardan, wrapping him in a hug, which he quickly returned. “Ready to go home?” Cardan glanced at me as Hails asked the question and I giggled a little, knowing that in his head he was quoting Harry Potter at Hailey, who would never understand the reference no matter how many times the two of us had forced her into marathons. Plus, Hailey liked being home, unlike Cardan. <br />“Ready for you to visit.” He booped Hailey on the nose and I reached up to ruffle his hair. <br />“Smile, pretty boy. It’s two weeks. You’ve got this. I’ll call you everyday, and I might even be able to bully my brothers into calling you.” Cardan nodded stiffly at me as I spoke, and Hailey peeled herself off to munch on her own muffin. <br />“Hey, I’ll be there in one week, and if T isn’t hogging all of his time, I can get Leo to text you daily too,” Hailey said softly, offering Cardan a smile. He nodded again, but his hand was tapping away at his leg and he was chewing his lip already. <br />“One week,” he mumbled to himself before grabbing his bags and leading us all to the train. We didn’t talk much on the walk there, and I fell asleep with my head in Cardan’s lap on the ride, his fingers brushing my hair and Hailey chattering away, just like old times. The only difference was that when I woke up and got off the train, I knew I wouldn’t be getting on it again in a few months. <br />

(NewsUSA) - They may not make those "Agony of Defeat" sports reels, but amateur athletes get injured all the time. Maybe it's from an awkward golf swing. Or maybe it's from not warming up or stretching before an event.<br /> <br /> Whatever the cause, though, there's one scary thing they have in common with the pros.<br /> <br /> "The reality is that all athletes are one fall, twist, or tweak away from landing their own opioid prescription," Outside magazine warned.<br /> <br /> The warning couldn't be better timed. It's not just that the country is in the midst of an opioid crisis that's claimed the lives of thousands of prescription painkiller abusers and left countless more addicted to the likes of OxyContin. It's also that -- as the magazine also noted -- physicians seem to be starting to heed last year's urging by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to dramatically curtail prescribing the drugs.<br /> <br /> According to a survey conducted for the Boston Globe by the SERMO physicians social network, more than half of doctors across America are doing exactly that, and nearly one in 10 have completely stopped prescribing them.<br /> <br /> So what's an amateur athlete suffering from pain supposed to do? One especially popular alternative is drug-free chiropractic care.<br /> <br /> Whereas opioids (and Ibuprofen forms of over-the-counter drugs) only "mask" the pain, doctors of chiropractic approach the problem highly educated and trained in the structure and function of the human body.<br /> <br /> And they use hands-on techniques to help enhance flexibility, muscle strength, and range of motion -; the very things all athletes need addressing. And yes, as the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress' Dr. Sherry McAllister says, chiropractic is covered by most insurance and health plans.<br /> <br /> To locate a nearby doctor of chiropractic,visit f4cp.com/findadoctor.<br /> <br /> Ref: Cool - in Blogs

The Importance of Breakfast<br /> <br /> In today's fast-paced world, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can often feel like a daunting task. However, one of the simplest yet most impactful habits you can adopt is starting your day with a nutritious breakfast. This small act not only sets a positive tone for the rest of your day but also provides numerous health benefits that contribute to your overall well-being.<br /> <br /> Why Breakfast Matters<br /> Breakfast is rightly hailed as the most important meal of the day for several reasons. After a night of fasting, your body needs essential nutrients to replenish its energy reserves and kick-start your metabolism. A balanced breakfast fuels your body and mind, improving concentration, mood, and productivity throughout the day. Research consistently shows that people who eat breakfast are more likely to maintain a healthy weight and make better food choices later in the day.<br /> <br /> Components of a Healthy Breakfast<br /> A healthy breakfast should include a variety of nutrients to ensure optimal functioning:<br /> <br /> Complex Carbohydrates: Whole grains like oats, whole wheat bread, or quinoa provide sustained energy and fiber, which aids digestion.<br /> <br /> Protein: Eggs, yogurt, nuts, or lean meats offer essential amino acids that help repair and build tissues, support immune function, and keep you feeling full longer.<br /> <br /> Healthy Fats: Avocado, nuts, seeds, and olive oil provide essential fatty acids that support brain function and heart health.<br /> <br /> Fruits and Vegetables: These are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants crucial for overall health and disease prevention.<br /> <br /> Tips for a Balanced Breakfast<br /> Plan Ahead: Prepare breakfast items the night before to save time in the morning.<br /> <br /> Avoid Sugary Foods: Opt for whole fruits instead of fruit juices or sugary cereals to avoid spikes in blood sugar levels.<br /> <br /> Hydrate: Start your day with a glass of water to hydrate your body after hours of sleep.<br /> <br /> Listen to Your Body: Eat when you feel hungry, and pay attention to portion sizes to avoid overeating.<br /> <br /> Incorporating Breakfast into Your Routine<br /> If you find it challenging to eat breakfast due to time constraints or lack of appetite in the morning, start with small, manageable portions. Smoothies packed with fruits, vegetables, and protein are convenient options for those on the go. Alternatively, try incorporating breakfast foods into your mid-morning snack, such as yogurt with granola or a piece of whole fruit.<br /> <br /> Conclusion<br /> By making breakfast a priority in your daily routine, you not only enhance your physical health but also boost your mental and emotional well-being. Remember, a healthy lifestyle is built on consistent habits, and breakfast is a cornerstone that sets the tone for the rest of your day. Embrace this simple yet powerful practice, and watch as it transforms your energy levels, focus, and overall quality of life. <span style='display:none' class='DO NOT REMOVE - THIS CATEGORY CODE WILL BE HIDDEN - IT IS NEEDED TO BE FOUND BY CATEGORY AND ONE-CLICK SEARCH'>Category: Health - in Blogs</span>

(NewsUSA) - Preparing to pop the question this Valentine's Day, but unsure how to choose the right engagement ring? Read on for all the tools you need to make the perfect pick!<br /> <br /> While choosing an engagement ring can be exciting, the variety of settings, precious metals, and diamonds can be overwhelming. However, the following tips will help you in finding the ideal diamond engagement ring. <br /> <br /> Set your price limit.<br /> <br /> Before you start shopping, know how much you want to spend. There is no right or wrong amount to put toward a ring, and many beautiful stones and styles are available to suit any budget. It's important to note that lab-grown diamonds can be up to 40 percent less expensive than mined stones. <br /> <br /> Learn the "4 C's" of diamonds.<br /> <br /> These are: cut, color, clarity, and carat. Here's the translation: <br /> <br /> Cut: The cut of a diamond is the most important factor in determining its fire, brilliance, and sparkle.<br /> <br /> Color: Not all diamonds are clear; some have varying tints of yellow.<br /> <br /> Clarity: A measure of the number of flaws or inclusions in the stone.<br /> <br /> Carat: A measure of the weight of the diamond. However, more weight also indicates a bigger size. <br /> <br /> Consider shape.<br /> <br /> The common diamond shapes used in engagement rings are round, cushion, pear, oval, princess, radiant, and emerald.<br /> <br /> Each of these shapes has its fans and distinctive features. For example, a round diamond is the classic engagement ring style, but the larger facets of a cushion style can enhance brilliance, and the elongated emerald cut presents a bold look that can make a diamond appear larger than its carat weight. <br /> <br /> Choose a setting.<br /> <br /> Deciding the right setting or diamond shape for your stone is a personal decision. Some people have specific ideas for a setting, and take more time on the stone, or vice versa.<br /> <br /> However, not all settings accommodate all shapes so it's important to prioritize one or the other if you are set on a particular shape or setting.<br /> <br /> Typical engagement ring styles include the solitaire, a simple band that showcases any diamond shape; halo, in which a central stone is surrounded by smaller diamonds; classic, which features a row of accent diamonds along the ring band; and vintage, which replicates design styles from different time periods. <br /> <br /> Contemplate your center stone.<br /> <br /> When it comes to your center stone, there are a few different options to choose from. Although diamonds are the most popular, birthstones, moissanite, and cubic zirconia are also great budget-friendly options.<br /> <br /> In regards to diamonds, there are two types to choose from: mined diamonds and lab-created diamonds.<br /> <br /> While mined diamonds are extracted from the earth, lab-grown stones are guaranteed to be ethically sourced and, as mentioned above, up to 40 percent less expensive.<br /> <br /> Both types are identical in terms of chemistry and physical appearance. However, interest in lab-created diamonds has surged in recent years as more couples are concerned with sustainability, as well as beauty and romance.<br /> <br /> Ref: Dating - in Blogs