This spring is all about finding the jewelry that works for YOU. Gone are the days of “rules” when it comes to jewelry. Instead, it’s all about expressing your personal style. The trending pieces this season reflect that idea with fun, bold looks that bring out your beauty. Keep reading to learn more about what’s in style in the jewelry world and at Shane Co. this spring. Learn how to make these popular styles work for your wardrobe.

Mix It Up with Mixed Metals

Mixing metals is in this season for a good reason — if you mix metals, you can get away with wearing anything because the look is purposefully eclectic! We love this trend because you don’t have to pick a favorite metal. Maybe you love silver, gold, and rose gold and want to rock them all at the same time. We think you should! It’s about time we break free from the idea that your metals have to match (though we love that look too).

Check out our mixed metal fine jewelry at Shane Co. if you’re looking for a piece that combines two or three metal types. You can also go the route of selecting individual pieces in different metals and mixing and matching them together. This look is great for a cosmopolitan look that screams you’re in the know when it comes to fashion. Try pairing mixed metals with denim and leather for a classic, edgy vibe.

Be Bold in Silver

While you may want to mix your metals, if you’re looking to stick to one we suggest silver. It’s giving a modern look that’s all over the fashion world this spring. Plus, silver tends to be easier on the budget than other metals.

We offer a wide array of silver jewelry options that fit everyone’s style. Explore pendants, earrings, bracelets, and rings that fit your spring look. The good news is that silver goes with everything. Try your silver with florals and light pastels for an unexpected take on soft-meets-bold.

Dazzle with a Tennis Necklace

Tennis bracelets are a traditionally hot commodity. Tennis necklaces are no different. If you’re looking for a statement piece that really showcases that “wow factor,” we recommend a tennis necklace. It’s the perfect way to bring an outfit from blah to bling.

Discover your new tennis necklace at Shane Co. We have plenty of options available in white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold, as well as varying lengths. Wear your tennis necklace for special occasions or any time you want to dress up an otherwise ordinary look. Try it out with a plain white tee for a classic, toned-down aesthetic.

Drop It Like It’s Hot with Drop Earrings

Dangle earrings are everywhere this season! The current wave of fashion is all about personality and expressing yourself, and we think this trend is especially fun. Drop earrings add that touch of pizazz you just need sometimes. They’re both bold and elegant, a hard balance to achieve.

Dangle earrings at Shane Co. come in a range of styles! Whether you’re looking for dangle earrings that feature a colorful gemstone or diamond or a simple metal design, we have plenty of options for you to choose from. Pair your dangle earrings with bold, bright colors for a look that will definitely stand out in the best way.

Go Green This Spring

Keep the green coming, because we are loving it! Colorful gemstones are having their moment, and green in particular is really standing out this season. Green gemstones are the perfect combination of playful and sophisticated, and the color looks good on everyone. We’re especially into green and gold at the moment.

We have several types of green gemstones at Shane Co. Choose according to the shade you want or the meaning behind the gemstone. Tsavorite, for example, is said to help people see the beauty within themselves. We love wearing shades of green with your green gemstones for a monochromatic look, or pairing with other complementary colors.

Stack ’Em Up with Stackable Rings

Stackable rings are a great way to change up your jewelry wardrobe without breaking the bank. Mix and match which rings you wear — try out different combinations, wear them on different fingers, and, as stated above, try pairing various metals together. Stackable rings can be simple or playful depending on your personal style.

Discover stackable rings at Shane Co. and find your style. Stackable rings come in rose gold, white gold, yellow gold, platinum, and silver. You can also select a ring with diamonds or the colorful gemstone(s) of your choice.

At Shane Co., we offer all of the latest styles along with those classic ones you know and love. Whether you’re browsing spring trends or looking for something else, like an engagement ring, we’re here to help. Book an appointment online or in-store to speak with one of our experienced jewelry consultants. And make sure to comment below with your favorite spring styles!

The post Spring into Style with These Must-Have Jewelry Trends appeared first on The Loupe.

Our Minnetonka, Minnesota, Shane Co. jewelry store just got a makeover! We’re loving the new look that embodies everything that makes the Shane Co. experience so special. We wanted to share everything about this location and even asked our Minnetonka jewelry consultants to weigh in on the trends they’re seeing. Keep reading to learn more about the new shopping experience and how you can get the latest looks online or on-site in Minnetonka (or at another store near you).

New Store Highlights

To fully immerse you in a tour of the new store, blogger Emily Oen went to check it out and shared her journey with us on Instagram. Emily went to get her engagement ring cleaned, shop for a wedding band, and check out our fashion jewelry. See her video below for a glimpse at the stunning remodel!

Emily pointed out several of the store’s incredible features in her video. Check out some of our favorite parts about the remodel and Shane Co.’s unique take on shopping below.

Natural Lighting

We want you to be able to see jewelry, especially diamonds, in the same light you’ll see every day. While we have light boxes if you want to see your pieces up close, all of our jewelry on display is seen in natural light. We don’t use showy lights to add sparkle or shine. Instead, you’ll see just how brilliant our diamonds are on their own.

Care & Cleaning

As part of our Free Lifetime Warranty, you get free Care & Cleaning for your pieces. You may choose to clean your engagement ring before the big day, or you might use your hands a lot and want to bring back the sparkle. Either way, we’ve got you covered with our policy. 

Jeweler Workshop

Check out what’s going on in the workshop while you’re visiting the Minnetonka store! Our expert jewelers are working on crafting specialty items and maintenance while shoppers are browsing. This allows you to see the authenticity of our products and how hard our jewelers are working to perfect every piece.

Fine Jewelry

In addition to engagement rings and wedding bands, we also have an endless selection of fine jewelry for you to shop for those traditional and trending items that you love. Check out some of the pieces below that our Minnetonka customers are totally enamored with. 

Minnetonka Jewelry Favorites

Diamond Tennis Necklaces

Diamond tennis necklaces are never going to go out of style. How could they, with their exceptionally sparkly stones? Diamond tennis necklaces add glamor to every outfit, and they pair well with traditional tennis bracelets.

Solitaire Diamond Necklaces

While diamond tennis necklaces consist of many diamonds, another item at the forefront of fashion is a solitaire diamond necklace, which features a single elegant diamond pendant. Yellow gold is an especially popular choice right now for solitaire diamond necklaces. 

Paperclip Chain Necklaces

Paperclip chains are in style in Minnetonka and everywhere else right now! We’re seeing a lot of white gold and yellow gold paperclip chains. Customers are loving these chains because they go with everything.

Men’s Chain Necklaces 

Men’s chains are increasingly popular. A men’s chain is a great way to add a bit of jewelry to their wardrobe with a fresh, fashionable look.

We hope all of our Minnesotan friends will come see us in Minnetonka or at our Woodbury location! If you’re not in the area, find another store near you or shop for all of your favorites online. Our Minnetonka remodel captures the essence of every Shane Co. store. Exceptional service and high-quality products remain our top priority as your friend in the jewelry business.

The post Minnetonka Jewelry Store Remodel: A Tour of the New Look and Top Staff Picks appeared first on The Loupe.

Crystalynn Quintana Operations Manager

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

“Ever since I was a little girl, I have always been drawn to strong women. Some of my favorite historical figures are women who changed the course of history with their courage, tenacity, creativity, innovation, and perseverance. There are a vast number of incredible women today who are changing how we interact with and view the world around us locally and globally. These women have set things in motion that are not only stimulating change for their benefit but for all those that come after them. International Women’s Day is a way to celebrate and acknowledge all of the incredible women of history and today.” 

How does Shane Co. enable people — both men and women — to be the best version of themselves?

“Shane Co. has amazing values that support an environment conducive to growth by providing opportunities to challenge and discover yourself. Shane Co. empowers their people to grow, be creative, innovative, and utilize their unique skills and abilities to not only enhance themselves but others as well. To be the best version of ourselves, we need to know ourselves, and Shane Co. gives people the environment and opportunities to do it.”

Addie Johnson Design Director

What does leadership mean to you?

“Leadership to me means trusting and respecting those with whom you work, inspiring your team members to produce their best, and being a good role model and mentor.”

What is your favorite Shane Co. value?

“Continual Improvement. Every day is an opportunity for growth at Shane Co. I am lucky to be surrounded by the best and the brightest in the industry. The team is always looking for new and better ways to push our creative vision.”

Stacey Vlasicak Human Resources Manager

What advice do you have for other women in your field?

“Human resources can be filled with many regulations, laws, policies, procedures, and processing. It can be easy to get caught up in the red tape and paper pushing. My advice is never lose sight of the people. People are by far the most valuable part of any organization. As a human resource professional, you have to remember that people are the heart of everything you do.”

What is your favorite thing about your role?

“The people. I joined human resources because I believe in helping people. That could be in their development, it could be in a difficult life situation they are dealing with, or it could be in learning to be the best they can be in their role. I get great satisfaction from being able to help folks.”

Maggen Abbott Director of Digital Fulfillment

What advice do you have for other women in your field?

“I think the best advice I can give to other women in my field is to never stop asking questions and learning. Surround yourself with people who you can learn from. This involves being open to coaching and feedback not only from your immediate supervisor but also from others. Ask for it! Feedback is key towards continually improving in your field and growing professionally.”

Jewelry — and fashion in general — is often heavily catered to women. Why do you think expressing oneself through jewelry is so important for women?

“Expressing oneself through jewelry is being able to show and communicate who you are as a person. It’s letting people in on your personality and is a form of self-expression and style. It also can be a powerful mood tonic and boost a woman’s confidence. When you look good, you feel good!”

Haley Boon Jeweler

What is your favorite thing about your role?

“One of my (many) favorite things about being a jeweler would have to be creating beautiful pieces of art and putting them out into the world every day. Also, being a little part of all those love stories is so romantic to me; it’s an honor to create that symbol specific and special to each of them.”

How has being a woman impacted your professional journey?

“The journey has been so fast and incredible; I found a career I excel in and one that I absolutely love! It feels really good to be a woman rewriting the script in a male-dominated industry. But to be totally honest I haven’t felt any kind of scrutiny in that regard at all. I have been taught and guided by so many talented male and female jewelers that recognize the same passion we share and love to see it! These folks remain in my corner helping me learn and grow all the time. It’s a really amazing community here at Shane Co. and I wouldn’t be the jeweler I am today without them.”

This International Women’s Day, we encourage all women to believe in their power, fight for equity, and express themselves. Thank you to all of the wonderful women in the Shane Co. family! Make sure to comment below and tell us what International Women’s Day means to you.

The post Celebrating International Women’s Day appeared first on The Loupe.

Are you planning a trip to Nashville, Tennessee, but feeling overwhelmed with all the choices on what to do and where to go? We’ve got you covered. Introducing our Local’s Guide to Nashville, where we ask real Nashvillians about the best bars, restaurants, and date night spots in Music City. Our guide gives you an insider’s look at how visitors should spend their time, including the most romantic places to go around town. Say goodbye to tourist traps and hello to an authentic Nashville experience!

What Do Locals Do in Nashville, TN?

To answer that question, we went straight to the source and asked Nashville locals ourselves. We got insights into the best date night spots, bars, music venues, and romantic destinations for a visit to Music City.

The Best Date Night Spots

After you touch down in Nashville, you’ll probably want to find a spot to sit down, unwind, and enjoy a nice dinner. If you’re seeking a refined and romantic ambiance for a date night, Nashville locals say you can’t go wrong with Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar. Fleming’s offers a sleek and stylish interior, exceptional customer service, and an extensive menu of mouthwatering steaks and other entrées, making it an ideal choice for impressing your special someone.

• 18% of respondents said Fleming’s is their go-to date night spot.

The Best Live Music Locations

When it comes to concerts in Music City, there is no shortage of fantastic venues to visit. Locals agree that the best place to catch a live show in the city is the Nashville Palace. Located just outside downtown, the Nashville Palace has a long history of hosting some of the biggest names in country music and is revered by locals for its authentic honky-tonk vibe. With a spacious dance floor and live music every night, it’s no surprise locals love it.

• 23% of respondents voted the Nashville Palace as the best place for live music in the city.

The Best Nashville, TN Watering Holes

Fans of a cold brew are in luck, as Nashville has a lot to offer in the way of craft beer and local breweries. Residents agree that Nashville Underground takes the top spot for best brewery in Music City. This multi-level bar is a popular hangout spot with a rooftop patio that provides excellent city views. 

M.L. Rose Craft Beer & Burgers comes in at a close second, offering a rotating selection of local and national craft beers and a menu of delicious handhelds. M.L. Rose is the perfect spot for a low-key date night.

• 14% of respondents voted Nashville Underground as the best bar, while 13% opted for M.L. Rose.

Broadway’s Best

Surprisingly, almost half of the Nashville residents who responded to our survey (49%) believe Broadway is overrated. While Broadway is a popular destination for visitors and is known for its many bars, restaurants, and live music venues, many locals are over the noise, congestion, and lack of parking in Nashville’s main drag.

If you decide to take the bait and fall into the tourist trap, try checking out Honky Tonk Central and Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row on Broadway. According to residents, these two bars stand out as the best places to experience the classic Nashville honky-tonk vibe. 

Honky Tonk Central, located in the heart of downtown, boasts three floors of live music and a rooftop bar with sweeping city views, while Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row offers a slightly more upscale atmosphere with a menu of Southern-inspired cuisine and an extensive selection of whiskey.

• A combined 23% of respondents voted for either Honky Tonk Central (12%) or Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row (11%) as the best bar on Broadway.

The Most Romantic Places in Nashville, TN

If romance is your sole goal on your next trip to Nashville, there are a few places you should check out. According to residents, the most romantic locations in Music City are the Grand Ole Opry, the Opryland Hotel, and Lover’s Lane.

What Does a Night Out in Nashville Cost?

Nashville is an exciting city with a little something for everyone; however, a night on the town can add up quickly. According to locals, the average night out will cost you $318.33. This price tag includes dinner at a nice restaurant, drinks at a popular bar, and tickets to a concert or event. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a night out, be sure to budget accordingly.

Closing Thoughts

We hope our Local’s Guide to Nashville has helped provide you with an inside look into how to spend your time in the famous Music City. With recommendations straight from Nashvillians themselves, you can trust you’ll be experiencing the best breweries, concert halls, and date night spots in town. Forget the tourist traps and experience the heart and soul of the real Nashville!
As you plan your trip to Nashville, don’t forget to add some sparkle to your itinerary with a visit to Shane Co. With a vast selection of stunning engagement rings and fine jewelry, you’re sure to find the perfect ring for your special someone to make your stay in Music City unforgettable. Our expert staff can help you find the best piece to fit your style and budget, ensuring that your proposal is as unique as your love story. So, explore our online selection or visit our Nashville location and start planning your perfect proposal today. Nashville has so much to offer, and with a Shane Co. engagement ring, your memories will last a lifetime.

Methodology

To develop a local’s guide to Nashville, we went straight to the source. We surveyed over 150 Nashville, Tennessee, locals in January 2023 and asked them questions about their favorite date night spots, bars, outdoor activities, and more to get the inside scoop on the best ways to spend some time in Music City. The questions were all multiple choice, with the possible answers coming from Visit Music City’s lists.

We also picked their brains to find out how much you can expect to spend on a night out and if Broadway is really all it’s cracked up to be.

The post A Local’s Guide to Nashville appeared first on The Loupe.

From indulging in Irish coffee to wearing green to ward off leprechauns, there’s no wrong way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Cities all over the nation will soon rejoice with parades featuring Irish step dancing, bagpipe music, and more to pay homage to St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. And while you could pick four-leaf clovers in the comfort of your own backyard, why not broaden your horizons to other lucky cities?

To discover the top U.S. cities to find a pot of gold, we ranked 100 of the most populated cities on various luck-granting factors. Keep reading to see which U.S. city is the most likely to have a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow!

Key Findings

• Albany, New York, is where you’re most likely to find a pot of gold with a total score of 37.7 out of 50.
• McAllen, Texas, is the city where you’re least likely to find one with a score of 12.57 out of 50.
• Albany, New York, is also the city with the highest percentage of residents with Irish ancestry (21.11%). Boston, Massachusetts, is second at 20.51%.
• Rochester, New York, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, are the U.S. cities with the most Irish pubs per capita at 1.84 and 1.59 per 100K people, respectively.

The 10 Best U.S. Cities to Find a Pot of Gold

When it comes to finding a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, certain cities were more generous than others.

Albany, New York, placed first with a city score of 37.70 out of 50. 21.11% of Albany residents have Irish ancestry and Albany also features a high Google search interest (55) for metal detectors — the perfect gadget for detecting gold.

Boston, Massachusetts, placed second with a score of 36.48 out of 50. Boston features a high percentage of residents with Irish DNA (20.51%). Boston also has an average of 200 sunny days and 130 rainy days per year, which is the perfect recipe to see some of the best rainbows after an afternoon shower.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, ranked third with a city score of 34.32 out of 50 and is one of the top cities to find a pot of gold. Philadelphia is home to 1.01 Irish pubs per 100K people and 17.60% of the population has Irish roots.

Visit Moriarty’s Irish Pub and Restaurant in Philadelphia for a taste of Ireland. Try their Irish potato soup, extensive beer menu, and other Irish staples!

Buffalo, New York, placed fourth and Worcester, Massachusetts, placed fifth with a score of 33.62 and 33.11 out of 50, respectively.

Irish Ancestry Hotspots Around the U.S.

Some cities have the luck of the Irish, while others don’t. There are a number of cities with a significant amount of Irish ancestry in their population, including Albany, New York (21.11%), Boston, Massachusetts (20.51%), Syracuse, New York (20.12%), and Scranton, Pennsylvania (20.07%).

Shepherd’s pie, corned beef, and Irish cider are a few staples you’re bound to find at any Irish pub, not to mention friendly patrons and lots of local brews. If you’re looking for authentic Irish bars, then look no further than cities like Rochester, New York, which is home to 1.843 Irish pubs per 100K people.

Cities like Milwaukee, Wisconsin (1.6), Buffalo, New York (1.5), Boston, Massachusetts (1.4), and St. Louis, Missouri (1.2), feature plenty of Irish pubs per capita, ensuring you’ll always have a seat at the table or the bar!

Technically speaking, you can see a rainbow when the sun is behind you and the rain is in front of you — so long as the sun is less than 42 degrees above the horizon. If the sun’s rays hit the raindrops, then you’re bound to see a rainbow. With that in mind, we analyzed which cities averaged the sunniest and rainiest days and found the difference between the two.

Syracuse, New York, is home to some of the best rainbows with a difference of only 2.4 days of overlap between rain and shine. If you’re lucky, you may even see a double rainbow!

Seattle, Washington (3.3), Buffalo, New York (8.9), and Portland, Oregon (11.9), all had a small difference between sunny and rainy days, giving you the perfect excuse to go rainbow-watching (or leprechaun hunting).

More Data to Help You Find a Pot of Gold

Curious if you can find a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow in your city? Review our table to see how your city stacks up against the rest!

Closing Thoughts

From Irish pubs to Irish ancestry, certain cities are luckier than others. The best way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day is with someone you love, whether that means staying in and cooking Irish food or going to the pub and drinking Irish mules.

If you’re lucky enough to have found your special someone, make sure they know how much you treasure them with a personalized engagement ring or piece of fine jewelry from Shane Co.

Methodology

To determine the best U.S. cities to find a pot of gold, we analyzed local data from the 100 largest U.S. cities on six factors that would impact such an excursion. The ranking is based on celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, so we took into account factors like Irish ancestry population, Irish pub locations, and climate data that could impact one’s ability to find a rainbow (and the pot of gold at the end of it).

Once we compiled the data, we analyzed it and ranked the cities from 1 to 100 based on the results. We assigned cities with a score of 0 to 5 for each factor we researched, with a score of 5 representing the most favorable conditions. We then determined each city’s score from the total of its weighted factor scores. These factor scores were then added up to give each city a final score from 0 to 50. Higher scores indicate cities that offer a better chance of finding a pot of gold. Details on our ranking factors can be found below.

The post The Best U.S. Cities to Find a Pot of Gold appeared first on The Loupe.

Have you heard of color analysis and the four main types: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter? These color palettes are designed to help people with ranging hair colors, eye colors, and skin tones determine which color makeup and clothing pairs best with their natural look. 

The same guidelines apply to jewelry, and in this article we’ll show you some of the best colorful gemstones to wear if you consider yourself a Spring. Below, we break down popular Spring tones and which colorful gemstones correspond accordingly.

Peach Tones

One of the main hues that fits best with Spring folks is anything and everything peach. Morganite is an especially great way to add a bit of peach into your wardrobe. Morganite is a pink-orange variety of beryl and an especially hard mineral, meaning it’s great for daily wear.

Peach Morganite and Diamond Earrings

These gorgeous morganite earrings come in rose gold and look great on anyone with rosy cheeks. Pair with matching blush, pulled-back hair, and neutral clothing for a look that’s as pretty as a peach.

Citrus Vibes

A warm orange color is another Spring tone that translates well to colorful gemstones. Citrine is a go-to for all the Springs out there. It’s also November’s birthstone, so it’s perfect for anyone with bright coloring who also happens to be a November baby. Some even say that citrine attracts wealth and success.

Bondi Citrine Pendant

This popular citrine pendant, set in yellow gold, adds a pop of color that perfectly matches the Spring palette. It features a round citrine gemstone. We love it with a contrasting blouse and a bright lipstick.

Light Green

Peridot, a yellowish-green variation of the mineral olivine, is the perfect shade of green for a Spring. It’s said that peridot brings its wearer prosperity and compassion. Plus, it’s the birthstone for August.

Mina Peridot Bracelet

We love adding an elegant dose of peridot with this beautiful bracelet. It features seven round peridot gemstones set in sterling silver. Wear it with colorful gemstone rings for a beautiful, springy rainbow of colors.

Multi-Colored Stones

In addition to these specific shades, Spring fashion is all about blooming color! Multi-colored stones and rainbow jewelry are great ways not only to pull out warm tones in Spring beauties, but also to celebrate the season itself.

Fiesta Rainbow Bar Pendant

This stunning necklace looks amazing on Springs. It features gorgeous sapphires in several shades. Crafted from quality sterling silver or yellow gold, this bar design is perfect for your wardrobe update and goes with anything.

You don’t have to consider yourself a Spring to wear these gemstones! Let them simply serve as a guide for those with vibrant features who want to play up their natural beauty, or for those wanting a springtime jewelry refresh. If you’re ready to amp up your style this season or want to explore other lovely jewelry pieces, shop all colorful gemstones at Shane Co.

The post Gemstone Jewelry Roundup: Spring Edition appeared first on The Loupe.

At Shane Co., we carry gorgeous jewelry that our customers love for its unique yet classic style. Our in-house design team is always creating new, exciting styles to keep our selection varied and fit everybody’s jewelry needs. We can’t wait to show you this season’s featured bracelets, pendants, and rings! Discover some of our brand-new Shane Co. favorites below. Whether you’re looking for gold, silver, or colorful gemstones, we have something for everyone.

Aren Curb Bracelet

This fashionable, beautiful bracelet features a thick curb chain that feels light and comfortable on the wrist. It features vermeil 14k yellow gold for a beautiful, classy finish. Pair this bracelet with a white or black top and matching jewelry, like this necklace, for a lovely, en vogue look. 

Carnival Multi-Colored Sapphire and Tsavorite Pendant

With stunning natural sapphires and tsavorite stones, this gorgeous pendant shines in an array of stunning shades. It’s crafted with 14k yellow gold and features a lobster clasp. You can engrave the back with customized words to make it all the more special. Wow others by pairing this standout pendant with a colorful dress for a bold and bright aesthetic. 

Geometric Diamond Ring

Crafted in 14k yellow gold, this impressive geometric ring is sure to win many compliments. You can even engrave the inside with a personal message. Wear this ring with these earrings and a little black dress for a night out on the town, and you’ll feel like a glamorous starlet. 

Riverside Aquamarine Tennis Bracelet 

This striking tennis bracelet features 56 natural aquamarine gemstones in their signature sky-blue color. They rate an 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning this bracelet is durable enough to be worn daily. It comes in 14k white gold, which is rhodium-plated to make it hypoallergenic. Wear it with pastels for a soft, pretty look.

Breeze Diamond Curb Bracelet in Sterling Silver 

This classy bracelet adds a touch of sophistication to any outfit. With natural diamond accents, this bracelet is the perfect piece of arm candy. The sterling silver material is rhodium-finished to prevent tarnishing. Pair with other silver pieces, like this pendant, for a modern, refreshing update to your jewelry wardrobe. 

Love the pieces you just saw or want to explore everything else we have to offer? With our wide selection and personal touch to each piece of jewelry, you’re sure to find something you love at Shane Co. Plus, with our Free Lifetime Warranty, we’re your partners for life. If you ever need to clean, repair, or replace a piece, we’re here to help. Find a store near you or visit us online to start shopping our new arrivals today.

The post Fresh Finds: The Latest Products You’ll Love at First Sight appeared first on The Loupe.

Bezel-Set Engagement Rings

A bezel-set engagement ring has a modern edge but an ancient history as one of the oldest settings that has circled back into style. The stone is encircled with metal, which slightly overlaps the edge to keep it safe. This is one of, if not the number one, most secure settings for a ring, so it’s a perfect style for people who use their hands a lot. Celebrities like model Poppy Delevingne are known for rocking a bezel-set engagement ring, looking fashionable and glamorous while doing so.

If you’re interested in a bezel-set engagement ring, check out a couple of our favorites below. 

Bezel-Set Diamond Engagement Ring

Available in white gold and yellow gold, this beautiful bezel-set diamond ring is classy and unique. The single, sparkling stone stands out in this twist on a simple diamond ring. 

Meander Vintage Bezel-Set Diamond Engagement Ring

This elegant ring features milgrain detailing around 14 round diamonds. For the center stone, you can choose from a wide variety of gemstone shapes and colors, making it a ring unique to your or your partner’s tastes. 

Toi et Moi Engagement Rings

“Toi et Moi,” sometimes referred to as “Moi et Toi,” means “you and me” in French. These rings feature two stones that represent the love between two people. The style first gained popularity in 1796, when Napoleon Bonaparte gifted his wife, Joséphine de Beauharnais, a Toi et Moi ring featuring a diamond and a sapphire. Today, Toi et Moi rings are popular with celebrities like Megan Fox. Shop a couple of Toi et Moi-style rings at Shane Co. below. 

Pear-Shaped Amethyst and Round Diamond Ring

Two pear-shaped amethysts are surrounded by 10 stunning natural diamonds. 14k rose gold glistens next to the bright purple stones, creating a warm, pretty effect. Get this ring customized with engraving to make it extra special. 

Geometric Engagement Rings

Geometric engagement rings are uniquely shaped, often incorporating symmetrical lines or patterns. A common era of geometric engagement rings was between the 1920s and ’30s, when Art Deco was all the rage. This popular design style featured many geometrical styles in jewelry, art, and architecture. Geometric can be a broad-ranging collection of looks, but we highlight one of our Shane Co. geometric engagement rings below.

Modern Geometric Engagement Ring

With beautiful white gold or yellow gold as the metal of choice, this ring showcases a distinctive geometric design. It’s both engravable and resizable and features a single center stone. 

Solitaire Engagement Rings

The most traditional style on this list, a solitaire engagement ring features a single center stone with a simple band. It’s a classic look, worn by celebrities like Lana Condor from “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before.” A solitaire engagement ring is perfect for anyone who wants an elegant, understated look. Shop a couple of our favorites below!

Luminary Solitaire Engagement Ring

This unpretentious ring comes in yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, or platinum. Choose your favorite center stone and get custom engraving to add a personal touch.

Valley Infinity Swirl Diamond Engagement Ring

A classic ring with a twist, this infinity ring features accenting diamonds and milgrain detailing. It’s available in white gold and rose gold, and you can select the center stone you want to stand out.

Colorful Gemstone Engagement Rings 

Another popular 2022 style is engagement rings with colorful gemstones. People love adding a pop of color to a ring that’s going to be cherished forever. For example, you’ll see Kate Middleton wearing Princess Diana’s stunning 12-carat sapphire ring. At Shane Co., you can choose your gemstone color, shape, and style. You can build your own perfect colorful ring by selecting the center stone of your choice. 

Do you love these styles? If not, create your own trend! We love to see everyone’s favorite styles — make sure to tag us with your ring photos on Instagram. Part of the magic of choosing an engagement ring at Shane Co. is that you can select styles best suited to the needs of you and your partner. Mix and match metal types, styles, and stones until you find the perfect fit. Shop engagement rings now by finding a store near you or visiting us online to View All Engagement Rings at ShaneCo.com. Congratulations on your impending engagement!

The post Trending Engagement Rings: A Look Back at 2022 appeared first on The Loupe.

Are you thinking about taking your relationship to the next level and proposing to your significant other? Choosing the perfect engagement ring that symbolizes a promise, commitment, and devotion is one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make. Below, we’ll walk you through a few tips on things you should consider when buying an engagement ring.

Set Your Budget

The most important factor to take into consideration when picking out an engagement ring is how much you can spend. It’s no secret that the average cost of diamond rings is high, ranging from $3,000 to $7,000 and up. Many people follow the three-month salary rule when figuring out a price range, but it ultimately depends on how much you can afford and what best fits your budget moving into this next phase of life.

If you have other bills to pay, such as student loans, a mortgage, or credit card debt, saving money ahead of time can help you purchase the perfect engagement ring. Start by taking a percentage from every paycheck and putting it into a savings account. If your savings account is combined with your significant other, consider opening a separate account so they can’t see how much you’re putting away. Try to avoid using a credit card if you can. If you’re a homeowner and your partner does not live with you, a safe way to purchase a diamond ring is by utilizing the equity you’ve built up in your home as collateral to borrow money. An equity loan provides borrowers with a lump-sum payment that can be paid back in fixed installments over a predetermined period. This is why setting your budget first is crucial so you know what you can afford and make the best decision for you.

Consider Your Partner’s Lifestyle

Now that you have a set budget in place, it’s time to take a look at your partner’s lifestyle. There’s a lot that goes into selecting the perfect engagement ring. Taste, style, job, and hobbies all play a huge role in the process. If she works in healthcare or a career that requires her to help others all day, you may want to avoid an elevated diamond setting. If she works out or plays sports regularly, consider buying a ring that isn’t as heavy or bold so that she can keep it on while enjoying her physical activity.

While determining what style and color to pick out, don’t be afraid to snoop. Look through her other jewelry to see if she wears more silver or gold. Ask her friends or family for advice (if you can trust them not to tell her) to get a better idea of what she’d like versus going into the jewelry store blindly. You might also want to explore engagement ring ideas on Pinterest for inspiration. Remember, this is something your partner will wear forever so don’t rush the process.

Educate Yourself on Diamonds

After grasping a better understanding of your partner’s lifestyle, you should also take time to learn everything there is to know about diamonds. First, you should know how to judge a diamond. Just because something is shiny and big, that may not mean it’s a quality ring. There are four aspects of diamond quality, also known as the 4Cs, you should look for: cut, color, clarity, and carat. Cut refers to the polish of a diamond coupled with balancing proportions and symmetry to maximize light return. Color is the diamond’s depth of color and how noticeable it is. Clarity refers to the purity of the diamond, and it’s based on the absence or presence of internal characteristics. Lastly, diamonds are sold by carat, which is a unit of weight, not size. The larger the carat, the more expensive the ring is. This will play a significant role in the cost of the ring you pick out!

Along with the 4Cs, you should know that diamonds come in a variety of shapes, including oval, round, emerald, pear, radiant, cushion, marquise, princess, heart, and Asscher. When selecting the shape of the diamond, this is when your partner’s lifestyle can come into play, and a Shane Co. expert jewelry consultant will assist you with finding the perfect center stone for your partner. We only offer the best ethically sourced, conflict-free natural and lab-grown diamonds for you to select from.

Whether you visit us online or find your nearest Shane Co. store, you’ll love the experience of shopping with us.

The post Buying an Engagement Ring: 3 Tips to Consider appeared first on The Loupe.

Pearls are a classic, beautiful accessory that combine a sense of regality with versatility. Though it can perfectly dress up an otherwise ordinary outfit, pearl jewelry isn’t something you need to reserve for fancy occasions alone. 

We love pearls with a black dress (à la Breakfast at Tiffany’s) as much as we love them with a blouse and blue jeans. They also coordinate well with other jewelry and can work with a more subtle style or one with ribbons and lace. Learn more about pearls here, and read below to discover how to style pearls for any occasion. 

Elevated Weekend Wear 

Amp up a comfortable weekend outfit with pearl accents. Pair your pearls with jeans and a sweater for a soft look to grab brunch or run errands. We recommend subtle colors for your clothing, such as light pink or beige, to keep things sweet and simple. Add a bit of beauty with an accessory like this Cultured Freshwater Pearl Bracelet. You can admire the pearl bracelet on your wrist while sipping a steamy cup of coffee or getting a fresh coat of shiny polish on your nails.

Opt for a bohemian blouse and these Baroque Freshwater Pearl Earrings for an artistic, carefree vibe at the farmers market or on a thrift-shopping spree. Pearls may be classic, but they cater just as much to an eccentric style as they do a buttoned-up one. Pearls add a sense of charm to your outfit while showing off an elegant yet creative spirit.

Classic Corporate Chic 

While we advocate for pearls on the weekends, we also recommend wearing them any day of the week! Pearl strands are a great way to pull a corporate ensemble together in a seemingly effortless way. Pair a blazer with jeans or trousers and a simple white tee with a silky strand of pearls. The white-on-white will help avoid overly dramatic contrast, and the pearls will add a touch of elegance that softens the more structured features of business wear. Add heels for a confidence boost and a professional edge.

Another way to elevate a timeless work outfit is to pair a neutral, plain top with black pants and a pearl necklace, like this Cultured Freshwater Pearl Strand. The pearls instantly take minimalism from basic to beautiful. Add black flats and simply styled hair for consistency.

Romantic Date Night

You want to feel your best on date night, whether that means a little black dress or a trendy new outfit. Wear pearls for a tried-and-true method of looking fresh and pretty, but mix in a variety of other metal jewelry to avoid looking too formal. We like a classic, well-fitted dress with these Cultured Freshwater Solitaire Earrings to appear put-together without being over the top.

If your date or night out on the town is more casual, try a skirt, heels, a tee or sweater (depending on the weather), and pearl earrings for a breezy, becoming look. For a vintage flourish, pair pearls with a bold red lipstick.

Elegant Wedding Guest 

You can wear white to a wedding when it comes to pearls! In fact, they are exceptionally exquisite with a velvety winter dress, black-tie attire, or a summer sundress. These Cultured Akoya Pearl and Natural Diamond Earrings pair perfectly with a sleek, earth-toned gown for a stunning, yet subtle, look at a nighttime or formal wedding. If you have long hair, wear it in an updo to show off your pearl earrings.

This Cultured Freshwater Pearl Pendant looks excellent with a deep V-neck or a dress with a simple neckline. It adds a dainty touch that leaves you looking both fashionable and dignified. Complete your look with stud earrings and romantic makeup and you’ll be the best-dressed guest.

Timeless Travel Style 

Stay classic in any city with pearls as your traveling companion! Pearls go with everything, so they’re the perfect accessory to bring on a trip. Plus, they’re often a little bigger than other gemstones and harder to lose, so they make for easy packing. We like this Cultured Pearl Paperclip Necklace for a beautiful, stylish take on pearls that’s a little less formal yet still absolutely gorgeous. For a preppy, traditional style that looks good anywhere, pair pearls with plaids, collared shirts, loafers, and cardigans.

Combine your pearls with leather for an edgier look. A black leather jacket and jeans or leather pants with a feminine blouse and pearls give you a charming blend of daring meets delicate. When you’re traveling, you’re likely to take a lot of photos, so you want to look your best!

It’s easy to pull off pearls no matter where you are or what you’re doing. Pearls go with everything and look good on everybody. To enhance your jewelry wardrobe, shop cultured pearls at Shane Co. We offer gorgeous, elegant styles that add a sophisticated twist to your everyday look.

The post 5 Occasions That Call for Pearls: How to Make Them Work for Your Style appeared first on The Loupe.

From bloopers to unexpected events, live television has the power to create moments that will be ingrained into our collective memory forever. Join us as we look back at some of the most talked-about and iconic live TV moments in history and ask Americans in every state about their favorite famous (or infamous) blunders. So sit back, grab some popcorn, and enjoy revisiting some of the most unfortunate moments in the history of live TV.

Each State’s Favorite Moment

It was the slap heard around the world. March 27, 2022, will live on in our collective minds for many years to come, as Americans in almost every state agree that Will Smith slapping Chris Rock at the Oscars is the most memorable live TV moment. 

The incident was talked about for many months on news outlets and across the internet and even resulted in Will Smith being banned from the Oscars. Though Smith has apologized to Chris Rock for the incident, it has left a lasting imprint on his career.

The Oscars were not the only awards ceremony to suffer a mishap on live television; another live TV blunder still on the forefront of many viewers’ minds is Steve Harvey’s gaffe at the 2015 Miss Universe pageant. A favorite among six states, in places like Connecticut, Georgia, and Oklahoma, this moment will go down in live TV award show history. 

Before realizing his mistake minutes later, Steve Harvey would crown and award Miss Colombia the title of Miss Universe in front of a live audience of roughly six million people worldwide. That didn’t keep the comedian down, though, as he would return five more times to host the pageant before hanging up the mantle in 2021.

Live TV fans in places like Florida and Virginia are still reminiscing about the kiss shared between Madonna, Britney Spears, and Christina Aguilera at the 2003 Video Music Awards. During the trio’s performance of the Queen of Pop’s song “Hollywood,” Madonna puckered up with both singers to create a moment that shocked many at the time. The moment’s lasting impact endures even to this day, as stars like Bad Bunny go out of their way to recreate this shocking live TV moment.

Let’s Not Forget About…

With so many live TV moments to look back on, it’s no surprise that some got snubbed while we were tallying up the votes. These memorable moments were the favorites of many survey respondents but did not quite gain enough momentum to win over any state entirely. Read more about some of these iconic events below.

Live TV moments don’t always have to be embarrassing to be entertaining. Sometimes all it takes to get everyone’s attention is one giant leap for mankind. 

Whether you believe we really put a man on the moon or staged the entire thing, one thing’s for sure: all of America was glued to their television sets that fateful day when Neil Armstrong uttered that legendary phrase to everyone watching at home. The 1969 moon landing was quite possibly the most remarkable moment broadcast on American television, even if it’s overshadowed by celebrity drama.

Over half a century later, we would come full circle and launch America’s favorite fictional astronaut into outer space. In 2022, William Shatner, primarily known for his portrayal as Captain Kirk in the classic science fiction series Star Trek from 1966 to 1969, boarded a spacecraft created by Jeff Bezos’ company Blue Origin and went where no man has gone before.

At this point, award show ceremonies are mostly remembered for their celebrity shenanigans; however, there are some heartwarming moments now and then. 

One heartfelt live TV moment that sticks out to many Americans is Beyoncé’s 2011 MTV Video Music Awards performance and pregnancy announcement. Queen Bey was almost five months along when she announced to the world that she was expecting Blue Ivy.

Runners-Up Americans Still Think About

Before the slap heard around the world, there was the Super Bowl 38 halftime show. Nearly 20 years ago, Janet Jackson had a wardrobe malfunction during her performance with Justin Timberlake, making her the subject of ridicule among many Americans afterward. 

The halftime performance’s ripple effect led to CBS implementing a tape delay system to prevent future mishaps and broke records for being the most searched event in one day on Google and other search engines.

“Taylor, I’mma let you finish but…” is a line that will go down in TV history. You’ve seen it in headlines, memes, and virtually everywhere else. It drove record sales for both Kanye West and Taylor Swift in 2009 and is still talked about today in the 2020s. 

Although the pair’s ongoing feud would only get more complicated as time went on, Kanye interrupting Swift’s acceptance speech at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards was the live TV moment that set everything off. Since then, Kanye West has stayed in the spotlight for making other offhanded remarks and similar antics.

Delaware’s runner-up for the most memorable live TV moment is perhaps the most bizarre (especially when watching the clip taken out of context). On October 31, 2017, Wendy Williams fainted on live TV while dressed up as Lady Liberty. 

During a live broadcast for Halloween, the TV host began slurring her words before collapsing on stage. Williams claimed to have overheated in her costume, which caused her to pass out. Since then, her onstage collapse has been the subject of TikToks and memes all over social media.

Closing Thoughts

Live TV has the unique ability to capture and preserve moments that are at once cringe-inducing, entertaining, and unforgettable. From awkward blunders to surprising twists and turns, television has the power to bring us together through laughter and secondhand embarrassment. Whether they are iconic or infamous, these remarkable moments are a testament to the power of live TV and will hold a place in memories forever.

Where were you when these live TV moments aired? Maybe you were sitting on the couch with your significant other in disbelief as tape delay failed to catch a wardrobe malfunction or an onstage slap. Regardless of what you like to watch on TV, it’s always better with someone you love. Shane Co. has a wide selection of fine jewelry and engagement rings for whenever you’re ready to take your relationship to the next level. We’ll make sure your special moment isn’t a blooper.

Methodology

To find out what America’s favorite live TV moments were, we surveyed over 2,000 Americans in 43 states about which TV moments they found the most memorable. Alaska, Hawaii, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, and Wyoming were omitted from our research due to population limitations. Our survey ran for two weeks in December 2022.

The post America’s Favorite Live TV Moment appeared first on The Loupe.

We’re dumbfounded at the prospect of staying in a terrace apartment in Paris or a beachside bungalow in Tulum, Mexico, for under $100 a night. With Airbnb, budget-conscious newlyweds now have more options for affordable honeymoon accommodations.

In homage to honeymoons that won’t break the bank, Shane Co. explored the average cost of a week-long honeymoon booked on Airbnb in over 80 cities across every continent, based on The Knot’s and Travel & Leisure’s lists of top honeymoon destinations in 2023. In each destination, we tallied up the average costs of airfare, Airbnb stays, Airbnb experiences, food, drink, and more to find the most affordable cities and countries for your dream honeymoon on a budget!

Key Findings

• Based on our study data, the average Airbnb honeymoon cost is $5,255.
• With an average cost of $6,884, Australia is the most expensive continent for an Airbnb honeymoon — 31% more expensive than the average cost.
• Turks & Caicos, Greece, and St. Barts are the most expensive countries for honeymooners staying in an Airbnb — each averages more than $7,000.
• Grace Bay in Turks & Caicos is the most expensive Airbnb honeymoon destination, averaging $9,382 — over 75% more expensive than the average cost.

Bon Voyage: The Average Cost of an Airbnb Honeymoon by Continent

Although airfare can get pricey for those beautiful honeymoon destinations in Asia, Africa, and South America, once you get there, you will be pleased to find that you can save roughly a thousand dollars on average compared to honeymoon destinations in Europe and North America. For example, eating dinner out for six nights in Cartagena, Colombia, will cost a newlywed couple $122.34 on average, while doing the same in Ibiza, Spain, will set you back $509.34.

On the other hand, a honeymoon down under might force you to go a little over budget. An Aussie vacation is costly all around, making it the most expensive continent for a romantic getaway. On Hamilton Island, for instance, the average Airbnb nightly price is $522, while a couple of round-trip tickets for Byron Bay are $3,441. If you have your heart set on the outback, you might want to start planning ahead.

Mapping Out the Cost of an Airbnb Honeymoon by Country

On the interactive map below, hover over each country to see its average Airbnb honeymoon cost and its percentage above or below the average honeymoon cost. Zoom in to get a closer look at costs on each continent!

Turks & Caicos is the most expensive country to honeymoon in by far. The cost of an Airbnb honeymoon in Grace Bay is roughly $9,382, making it over $4,000 more than the average cost. For many travelers, Grace Bay is a bucket list destination for its crystal clear waters and expansive beaches with soft white sand that stretch for miles; however, you might just have to stretch your money if you plan on visiting.

If you were thinking of saving money by honeymooning domestically, think again if your plans include visiting Aspen, Colorado, or Nantucket, Massachusetts. While you might be able to save a few bucks by turning it into a road trip, you will surely make it up once you get there. The cost of an Airbnb honeymoon in either location will cost you just over $8,000, putting it nearly $3,000 over the average. 

With average honeymoon costs over $7,000, Maui (#8), Key West (#9), Big Sur in California (#12), and the Hamptons in New York (#14) are the other U.S. destinations that landed on the list of the top 20 most expensive places for an Airbnb honeymoon.

The Most & Least Expensive Destinations for an Airbnb Honeymoon

If you are looking for cost-efficient honeymoon destinations far from the beaten path, Southeast Asia is home to a hidden treasure trove of things to do and sights to see. Luang Prabang in Laos is the cheapest honeymoon destination on our list ($2,517) and remains relatively untouched by tourism.

Despite being off the radar for many, Luang Prabang has much to offer. The city is home to many beautiful temples, French-villas-turned-boutique-hotels, and gold-leaf Buddhas. Luang Prabang also has many nature trails that go deep into the hills and the mesmerizing Kuang Si waterfall.

Mykonos ($9,208) and Santorini ($8,969) in Greece are the second and third most expensive honeymoon destinations on our list, respectively. The pair of islands in the Aegean Sea are known for their rich histories, remarkable views, and first-class restaurants and wineries.

While Mykonos and Santorini are perfect for honeymooning, they are also busy tourist spots, meaning there aren’t a lot of cost-effective accommodations available if you’re keeping a close eye on your spending.

If you and your fiancé have your hearts set on a European honeymoon but aren’t trying to spend an arm and a leg to make it happen, consider visiting cities like Prague and Budapest, where the average Airbnb honeymoon cost hovers around $3,200. Both locations offer budget-friendly options for lovebirds looking to experience the best of what European cities have to offer.

Prague in the Czech Republic is home to over a thousand years of history and is widely known for its Old Town Square, Gothic churches, and vibrant Baroque architecture. Similarly, Hungary’s capital city is known for its lively culture, underground caves, and local eats. Did we mention Budapest is also the mineral spa capital of the world?

Full Data

Interested in diving deeper into the numbers of the most and least expensive destinations for an Airbnb honeymoon? We’ve compiled our full data study for all 85 honeymoon destinations analyzed into the interactive data table below. Search for the destination you’re most intrigued by or click on the heading of each column to sort by that category!

Closing Thoughts

We were amazed to find that Airbnb has opened up new possibilities for newlyweds looking for an affordable honeymoon. Through our analysis of cities across every continent, based on the top honeymoon destinations for 2022, we discovered a range of options for a cost-effective romantic getaway. We hope our findings help you plan the honeymoon of your dreams and the journey of a lifetime!

If you’re not engaged yet but dreaming of that special moment, let Shane Co. help make your vision a reality. Our collection of engagement rings and wedding bands is full of stunning pieces that will take you from dating to forever. With so much to plan for your future, why not make the transition to engagement just as memorable as your dream honeymoon? Start your journey toward happily ever after with Shane Co.

Methodology

In our quest to uncover the most and least expensive locations for an Airbnb honeymoon across the globe, we analyzed 85 destinations based on the lists of best honeymoon destinations from The Knot and Travel & Leisure for 2022-2023.

To determine the cost of an Airbnb honeymoon, we considered nine cost factors, including airfare, Airbnb accommodations, Airbnb experiences, food, alcohol, and taxi fare for an average honeymoon length of seven days and six nights, as advised by Brides.com. The total cost for each destination was calculated by adding up all nine cost factors. 

In the context of this study, an “Airbnb honeymoon” refers to the cost of accommodations and experiences using Airbnb listings only and does not include the cost of other hotels or resorts not listed on Airbnb’s site. Airbnb experiences vary by destination and can range from snorkeling and horseback riding to cooking classes and wine tours.

Cost factors include:

Average Airbnb Nightly Price (Entire Home)

• Source: Airbnb

Average Airbnb Experience Price (For 2)

• Source: Airbnb Experiences

Average Flight Cost (Round-Trip For 2)

• Source: Champion Traveler & Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS)

Cost of a Three-Course Dinner at a Restaurant (For 2)

• Source: Numbeo

Cost of Breakfast/Lunch Meals (For 2)

• Source: Expatistan

Cost of Beer at a Bar (For 2)

• Source: Expatistan

Cost of Cocktails at a Bar (For 2)

• Source: Expatistan

Cost of Wine at a Market

• Source: Expatistan

Cost of Taxi Rides

• Source: Expatistan

The post The Average Cost of an Airbnb Honeymoon on Every Continent appeared first on The Loupe.

You’ve finally swiped your way to your perfect match, but there’s just one problem — they live across the country. Not to worry, long-distance dating is more doable than ever (thank you, internet). But it’s easier in some U.S. cities than others, and we wanted to know which ones make long-distance dating almost as fun as a night out on the town.

To figure it out, we looked at internet speeds, restaurants available on DoorDash, the cost of a bottle of wine, and more. So put on your fanciest Zoom background and get ready to virtually wine and dine your way through the best long-distance date-night cities in the U.S. Read on to find out which cities made the list!

Key Findings

• Springfield, Massachusetts, is the best city to date long-distance with a city score of 71.78 out of 100. It has above-average internet speeds, low monthly internet costs, and fairly good walkability for virtual date-night strolls.
• Albany, New York, is the second-best city (66.18) for long-distance dating because of the high percentage of adults with a computer and internet subscription, an above-average number of restaurants that deliver per 100K people, and low costs for a bottle of wine.
• Salt Lake City, Utah, takes third place (64.15 out of 100) due to the high search interest for streaming services, low monthly internet costs, and plenty of Wi-Fi hotspots around for virtual dates outside the house.

U.S. Cities That Make Distance Dating a Breeze

Long-distance couples know that keeping the spark alive requires creative planning and a bit of technological know-how. These cities have all the amenities you need for a successful virtual date night!

Springfield, Massachusetts, is the ultimate U.S. city for modern love. With 600 Wi-Fi hotspots per 100K people and an average internet speed faster than Cupid’s arrow (231 MBps), you and your special someone will be able to connect from almost anywhere in the city without worrying about dropping your video call in the middle of dinner. Plus, with over 30 mailboxes per 100K people, you can always surprise your partner with a heartfelt letter or gift.

Salt Lake City, Utah, is another city that stands above the rest when it comes to long-distance dating. With a low average monthly internet cost ($59.22), and a high percentage of adults with a computer and internet subscription (92.21%), you won’t have to worry about breaking the bank to stay connected. And with high search interest for streaming services, you and your partner will have no problem streaming The White Lotus together.

Despite being over 2,000 miles offshore from the rest of the lower 48 states, Honolulu, Hawaii, has some of the best amenities for staying connected long-distance. With over three parks per 10K people, there are plenty of places for virtual walks. And with nearly 21 flower delivery shops per 100K people, you can easily shower your boo with floral love from afar.

The Best Cities for Staying Connected and a Virtual Date Night

What makes a city great for long-distance romantic partners? It’s all about staying connected and having a virtual date night that’s almost as romantic as the real thing. We looked at connectivity details and virtual date options to determine what cities make it easiest for couples to maintain their long-distance relations.

Relationship Connectivity

Shout out to Austin, Texas! Its zippy average internet speed (215 MBps) makes HD video calls smooth as butter, so you’re not looking at a pixelated or frozen partner during dates. Plus, with a vast amount of internet service providers and high search interest in streaming services, a unique virtual watch party for two is only a click of the remote away.

In Boston, Massachusetts, a full 92% of adults have a computer and internet subscription. Even better, an internet connection costs a reasonable $60.66, meaning you’ll still have enough money left over to cover the DoorDash bill.

Virtual Date Night

With a plethora of parks (4.2 per 10K people) to explore, Madison, Wisconsin, offers ample options for you and your loved one to enjoy nature together on a virtual stroll. Add a wide selection of wallet-friendly wines to the mix ($11 on average), and you’ve got the perfect ingredients for a romantic online evening. 

When it comes to DoorDash options, Toledo, Ohio, is the city to beat! With a whopping 56.5 restaurants offering DoorDash delivery per 100K people, you’re sure to find a mouthwatering meal to enjoy with your sweetheart. Looking to surprise your suitor with a special gift? Toledo has you covered with 28.25 mailboxes per 100K people, ensuring your package arrives on time.

Things to Consider When Long-Distance Dating

To read through the full dataset behind the ranking, sort through the table below! Where does your city stack up?

Closing Thoughts

While the data clearly shows that some cities are better than others for a long-distance date night, we hope long-distance couples in every city can find ways to keep the spark alive and make their relationship work no matter the distance. All it takes is a bit of creativity, planning, and understanding.

As Valentine’s Day approaches, you can make the distance between you and your partner feel shorter by picking out the perfect gift from Shane Co. to symbolize your love.

Here’s to all the couples out there making it work. We hope you have a chance to unite in person soon. Until then, happy virtual dating!

Methodology

To determine the best cities for long-distance dating, we began by creating a list of 100 large U.S. cities and researched individual factors on each that would be important for such an event. Once we compiled the data, we analyzed it and ranked the cities from 1 to 100 based on how well they are set up for staying connected and virtual date nights.

We assigned cities a score of 0 to 5 for each factor we researched, with a score of 5 representing the most favorable conditions. We determined each city’s total score from the total of its individual factor scores, which were weighted based on how much they impact a couple dating long-distance. Individual factor scores were then added together to give each city a final score from 0 to 100. Higher scores indicate a city is better for a long-distance date. To provide a little more insight, we broke the factors into two categories, Relationship Connectivity and Virtual Date Night, to show how cities stack up for different parts of a distance relationship.

The post The Best U.S. Cities to Date Long-Distance appeared first on The Loupe.

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, but there’s still plenty of time to get the gift of fine jewelry from Shane Co.! We have a wide selection of heart-shaped jewelry, timeless classics, and stylish new looks. Make the most romantic holiday of the year special and watch their face light up when they pull off that red ribbon and open their brand-new gift. 

Whether you’re shopping for a new valentine or finding that perfect piece for your longtime love, we have plenty of last-minute options for you to choose from. Our team rounded up some of our favorite items this Valentine’s Day that your sweetheart is sure to cherish. 

Amethyst Candy Heart Bracelet

A beautiful heart-shaped purple amethyst gemstone is set in the center of this rose gold bracelet. This piece of arm candy is perfect for your sweet someone. 

Lucile Heart Pendant

This necklace features a heart-shaped red garnet gemstone set in quality sterling silver. It’s also available with an amethyst or a blue topaz.

Coralie Cultured Freshwater Pearl Earrings

Rose gold backs these lovely pearl earrings that go with absolutely everything. These are for the valentine who appreciates the finer things in life.

Marzipan Textured Heart Necklace 

We love this beautifully textured yellow gold necklace that is shaped like a heart. It symbolizes your devotion with an elegant statement.

Toi et Moi Colorful Gemstone and White Sapphire Earrings

Choose blue topaz, garnet, or amethyst for these heart-shaped earrings that pair well with the Lucile Heart Pendant. They feature white sapphires and are set in sterling silver. 

Heart Hoop Earrings in Sterling Silver 

These earrings are perfect for Valentine’s Day. Your valentine will adore these heart-shaped hoops crafted with quality sterling silver.

Yellow Gold Heart Earrings

These classic heart-shaped studs will serve as a daily reminder of your love. Plus, they fit in well with everyone’s style.

Ice Blue Sapphire Heart Ring

Set in rose gold, this gorgeous ring is unique and absolutely mesmerizing. The ice blue sapphire stands out and is sure to impress.

Martine Stackable Ring 

This stackable ring goes perfectly with a number of other rings. Crafted from yellow gold, it’s engravable so you can add your own custom message. 

Order your gifts by noon MST on February 13 to ensure delivery by Valentine’s Day (applies to select last-minute gifts only). Another option is to order by noon local time on February 14 and pick up in a store near you.

If you still need help finding the perfect Valentine’s Day gift, check out our Valentine’s Day Gift Guide. For further assistance, book an appointment online or in-store with one of our trusted jewelry consultants. If your valentine loves their gift, make sure to comment below or tag us on Instagram.

The post Last-Minute Valentine’s Day Gift Guide: Find the Perfect Present appeared first on The Loupe.

Discover Gifts Within Your Budget

Setting a budget is a great starting point when purchasing a gift. This Valentine’s Day, you may be buying a gift for someone you just started dating, you may want to splurge for a special occasion like an anniversary, or you may want to treat yourself to something sweet. Either way, there’s something for every budget at Shane Co.

Gifts Under $250

If you’re looking for something sentimental that won’t break the bank, consider one of these gifts under $250.

Bonnie White Sapphire Heart Necklace

This gorgeous heart-shaped necklace features a stunning white sapphire. It’s crafted with sterling silver and is the perfect way to show someone you love them. 

Vertical Gold Bar Earrings

These lovely gold bar earrings are perfect for a casual, classy gift anyone will love. Get these earrings for anyone with chic style in your life.

Gifts Under $500

If you’re looking at a slightly higher price range, check out a couple of our favorite gifts under $500 below. 

Bondi Morganite and Diamond Pendant

This beautiful morganite pendant features a peach morganite set in stunning rose gold. It’s sure to capture anyone’s attention and win their affection.

Mae Diamond Infinity Ring 

We love the symbolism behind this Mae Diamond Infinity Ring! It features 18 round pavé-set diamonds. It’s crafted with quality sterling silver. 

Gifts Under $1,000

Explore gifts under $1,000 for an elevated expression of love that shows just how much they mean to you. 

Talia Reversible Diamond and Black Sapphire Hoop Earrings

Featuring 22 sparkling diamonds and 22 black sapphires, these hoop earrings are available in 14k yellow or white gold and are a great choice anyone is sure to love.

Monaco Garnet and Diamond Ring

One emerald cut garnet takes center stage in this ring with a baguette garnet on both sides and 18 accenting round diamonds.

Gifts Over $1,000

Want to splurge on a special gift this Valentine’s Day? Look no further than these gifts priced over $1,000. 

Mosaic Pink Sapphire and Diamond Ring

Crafted with rose gold, this Mosaic Pink Sapphire and Diamond Ring showcases a floral design holding 36 round pink sapphires and 15 round diamonds. 

Natural Diamond Tennis Bracelet

This mesmerizing Natural Diamond Tennis Bracelet features a bold design that is sure to stun. It’s available in white gold or yellow gold. 

Explore Gifts by Jewelry Type

Another great way to narrow down your favorites when shopping for a gift is by selecting the type of jewelry you want to buy and going from there. Choose from necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings to browse some amazing Valentine’s Day gifts that will make them blush. 

Necklaces

You can’t go wrong with a beautiful necklace that always stays close to their heart! Here are a couple of our favorite Valentine’s Day selections. 

Bijou Petite Diamond Heart Necklace

Nothing says Valentine’s Day like this heart-shaped necklace! Available in rose gold, yellow gold, and white gold, it features 16 brilliant diamonds that sparkle and shine. 

Infinity Black and White Sapphire Pendant

If your love isn’t into hearts or traditional Valentine’s Day vibes, they may love this black and white sapphire pendant instead. Crafted from sterling silver, this necklace features a pear-shaped black sapphire and three round white sapphires. 

Bracelets

Bracelets are another great way to express your love this Valentine’s Day. We pulled two of our top picks below. 

Horizontal Bar Bracelet

This bracelet, while beautiful on its own, is extra special because you can engrave it with a meaningful message. 

Ambrose Bezel-Set Diamond Bracelet

We also love this Ambrose Bezel-Set Diamond Bracelet that features a modern style with five bezel-set round diamonds. It’s available in yellow gold, rose gold, and white gold. 

Rings

A ring is a classic gift that symbolizes your everlasting love, whether or not it’s intended as a proposal present. Check out a couple of our stylish rings below. 

Annecy Cultured Akoya Pearl and Diamond Ring

This stunning pearl and diamond ring is a piece they’ll love that goes with every outfit. It stands out with akoya pearls and accenting natural diamonds for a bit of glamorous shimmer. 

Toi et Moi London Blue Topaz and White Sapphire Ring

We love this Toi et Moi ring that symbolizes the love the two of you share. With a heart-shaped stone, it’s perfect for Valentine’s Day. For the colorful gemstone, choose between a sapphire, garnet, or amethyst. 

Earrings

Finally, everyone loves earrings. They can serve as a special romantic gift or a more subtle one for a new love. Either way, just like you and your partner, they make the perfect pair!

Ombré Pink Sapphire Earrings

Perfect for Valentine’s Day, these pink sapphire earrings are available in white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold and feature six multi-colored pink sapphires. 

Liri Hoop Earrings

These Liri Hoop Earrings go with everything. They’re available in white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold and offer a polished look. 

Find the Perfect Gift for That Special Someone

You may be looking for a gift for the man in your life, or a more platonic one for a friend or family member. We have plenty of options for everyone to enjoy a beautiful piece of jewelry from someone they love this Valentine’s Day. 

Gifts for Him

Are you looking for something he’ll love and cherish, just like he does with you? Look no more, we have our favorite recommendations listed below!

Sutton Engravable Signet Ring

Say something special with this Sutton Engravable Signet Ring. You can engrave anything on it, from your initials to your first date. It’s crafted with quality 14k gold and made to last a lifetime. 

Men’s Curb Chain

This Men’s Curb Chain offers a bold, fresh look he is sure to love. It’s crafted with vermeil 14k yellow gold and looks great with anything.

Gifts for Your Galentine, Friend, or Family Member

If you’re purchasing a gift for a galentine (AKA a best friend) or someone else this Valentine’s Day, we have a couple of options that are made for that person in your life. 

Aspen Bar Necklace 

This Aspen Bar Necklace is the perfect way to share your love. Engrave it with a custom message that means something to the two of you!

Birthstone Earrings

Birthstone earrings are another way to share a bit of sentimentality. Shop our colorful gemstones to pick out a purposeful gift. 

No matter which style you choose this Valentine’s Day, they’re sure to love the sweet, sentimental gift you pick out just for them! Browse our Valentine’s Day Gift Guide for even more suggestions on how to spread the love this holiday.

The post Top Jewelry Gifts for Valentine’s Day 2023 appeared first on The Loupe.

Online dating is hard work. More often than not, hours of swiping turns into nothing but ghosting or a less-than-mediocre first date. However, for many Americans whose love stories began with a glance at a witty Tinder bio and a swipe right, it is well worth the effort. 

For this study, the team at Shane Co. asked online daters how much time they spend on dating apps, whether they have met a partner from an app, and how long it took them to do so. From there, we crunched the numbers to determine how many swipes it takes to find your special someone. Read more to see what we found and where love might be waiting for you!

Key Insights

• The average American will spend about eight months on dating apps and swipe on just under 4,000 profiles before finding a partner.
• Men spend fewer hours per week but more minutes per profile, leading to a higher success rate when compared with women respondents.
• 40% of Americans dating someone they met on a dating app say they met on Tinder. Tinder is also the most successful matchmaker, with 29.6% of respondents engaged or married to a partner from the app. Bumble and Hinge trail behind at 12.9% and 5%, respectively.
• 67% of Americans say they met their current partner through a dating app.

How Long Until I Find My Love?

The results are in, and if you want to find the love of your life, you’d better get to swiping! On average, it takes 3,960 swipes to get a significant other on a dating app. The average American spends eight months and 11 days online searching for love before finding it; that’s roughly six hours per week.

Gen Zers are the quickest to fall in love, at 3,525 swipes over six months. Baby Boomers, on the other hand, are slow to open their hearts to another person, as they averaged nearly 6,200 swipes over roughly eight months. Millennials and Gen Xers both took their time combing through their prospective partners’ profiles, as they both had fewer swipes than their Boomer counterparts but took more time to find their significant others at nine and 9 1/2 months, respectively.

On average, it takes men longer than women to find a partner through a dating app; however, women typically require more swipes than men to find their Prince Charming. It takes men close to nine months to go steady with someone they met on a dating app, while many women are able to find a partner in just under eight.

To determine how long it takes the average person to match with their partner using a dating app, we surveyed couples in relationships with people they met online. We quizzed them on how many minutes they spent on each profile during their search and created a value for swipes per minute. Next, we took that value and calculated how long each respondent took to find their person based on the number of months they spent on their favorite dating app before meeting their partner.

Americans on Dating Online

Before there was Hinge, there was Match. Having been in business since 1995, Match.com has been in the game of linking up lonely hearts for over 25 years, and its user base reflects that. While younger generations turn to apps like Tinder and Bumble to meet their significant others, the older crowd stays true to the OG dating platform that started it all. Match lives up to its mature reputation, as 50% of Baby Boomers who met their current partner on apps say they met them on the site.

Many Gen Xers and elder millennials who came of age during the MySpace era sought romance through OkCupid. At the time it was founded in 2004, OkCupid doubled as a dating site and a social networking platform, giving users a chance to connect and get to know each other on a deeper level. It was also the first dating platform to launch a mobile app, making it one of the first dating platforms to leverage new technology as it was coming out. For this reason, it makes sense that many Gen Xers and elder millennials would turn to it to find love — and many of them did. Today, 31% of Gen Xers who met their current partner on apps say they met them on OkCupid, a testament to the app’s success.

Dating app users looking for everlasting love would never guess which app gives them the best chance at an engagement or marriage. Although it was primarily known for its role in hook-up culture around the time it came out in 2012, Tinder is actually the place to go if you’re looking to get hitched. According to our survey, 49% of those currently married or engaged to a partner they met on an app met their significant other on Tinder of all places. OkCupid comes in second at 34%, making it the next best app for people trying to swipe their way to eternal love.

Overall, Americans are adapting to the digital age, as many participants say they found their current partner with the help of a dating app. This could spell trouble for the hopeless romantics who are still hoping to run into their lifelong love in a bookstore or on their next coffee run, as 67% of respondents say they met their current significant other through a dating app. If you’re having a hard time feeling like love is in the air whenever you are out for a night on the town, try checking on the web before giving up completely.

Closing Thoughts

Swiping left and right on dating apps for months is a tedious task for many, but for hopeful singles all over the U.S., the grind never stops. The good news is that if you get started now, there’s a good chance you’ll be booed up before the year is over. The better news is that although many people take to Tinder and other dating apps for quick flings, there are more than enough serious suitors out there to find true love with — you just have to give your thumbs a good workout.

If your swiping days are over and you have found the one worth deleting your dating apps for, Shane Co. is here to help you with the next big step. Shop our collection of fine jewelry and engagement rings to find the perfect symbol of your love and commitment. With a wide range of styles, designs, and price points to choose from, we are confident that you will find the perfect ring to suit your style and budget. 

Methodology

To find out how many swipes it takes to find a significant other, we surveyed over 1,000 Americans who met their current partner on dating apps with questions exploring how long they spent on the apps before meeting their partner, what types of apps they used, and more. Through the survey, our team determined the average number of swipes the typical American makes in one minute. Using that metric, we then took the amount of time respondents said they spent on dating apps and calculated the total number of swipes they made during that time, and thus how many swipes were made before finding a significant other. Our survey ran for one week in December 2022.

The post How Many Swipes Does It Take to Find a Significant Other? appeared first on The Loupe.

We’ve all heard the term “Netflix & Chill,” but what about “Hulu & Hot Gossip?” or “Prime & Wine?” Sometimes movie nights are just for the girls, right? Many of us share memories of running down to the local video store with our besties in search of the perfect rom-coms and snacks to get us through the night. Movie nights with the girls are all about gossip, deep life talks, and enjoying some of the classic chick flicks we all know and love.

Thanks to streaming services, the girls’ night in just got a whole lot better. Whether you’re in the mood for a romantic comedy, dramatic tearjerker, or some eye candy, there’s a streaming service that’s got you covered. Here, we’ll take a look at some of the best streaming services for a girls’ night in, including the chick flicks they offer, their prices, and any other perks they may have.

The Best Streaming Services for a Girls’ Night In

The best streaming service for a girls’ night in was Amazon Prime Video. Prime Video is the best value overall when you compare the number of watch options to the monthly cost of the platform. It also has the highest number of top-rated rom-com movies for you and your bestie to choose from. If you’re looking for the cream of the crop when it comes to swoon-worthy romantic movies, then Prime Video should be a no-brainer — especially at only $8.99 per month.

Netflix comes in as a close second and is a good choice for viewers who prefer to binge-watch rom-com TV shows over sitting down with a long tearjerker. The streaming giant offers a wide variety of serialized romantic comedies like Emily in Paris and Never Have I Ever. Netflix’s pricing starts at $6.99 per month and goes up to $19.99 per month for their premium plan. One of the great perks of Netflix is that it allows you to download movies and shows for offline viewing, meaning you and your bestie can enjoy a movie on a flight or in an Airbnb together during your next trip.

More Bang for Your Buck: Watch Options per Dollar Spent

The best part about streaming services is that they eliminate the need for you and your bestie to drive to the video store to hunt for the movie you want to watch. Thanks to platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime there’s no need to waste a trip to the local Blockbuster only to find that they don’t have your favorite movies in stock. However, before you spend any of your hard-earned money, you probably want to know which streaming service has the most bang for your buck, right?

If one of your favorite activities to do with your girlfriends is flip through a bunch of shows and movies before deciding on one to commit to, you’ll need to find a service with a lot of watch options. We found that the best bargain was Amazon Prime Video, with almost 500 girls’-night watch options per dollar spent on the streaming platform. For just under $10 per month, you and your bestie will never have to worry about there not being enough to choose from during your next night in.

On the flip side, AppleTV+ is simultaneously the cheapest and worst option you could choose for your next girls’ night in. While it is only $6.99 per month, it doesn’t have many movies to choose from and lacks even more in the rom-com department. AppleTV+ has just under 10 girls’-night-in watch options per dollar spent, meaning you might be hard-pressed to find something for you and your bestie to put on in the background while gossiping.

The Best Streaming Service per Ranking Factor

The streaming service with the most movies to choose from overall is Amazon Prime Video. Prime Video wins in almost every one of our movie categories for its expansive selection of rom-com movies, including top-rated films. If a movie marathon is in your and your bestie’s future, don’t hesitate to subscribe to Prime Video, grab a box of popcorn, and enjoy romantic classics like There’s Something About Mary and As Good as It Gets.

Reality TV might be a better option for our more cynical sisters who are tired of the fake fairy-tale romances portrayed in many romantic comedies. If you prefer to keep it real with shows like The Real Housewives of New Jersey and Keeping Up with The Kardashians, then you should head on over to Hulu. Hulu wins both reality TV categories with its seemingly never-ending supply of shows to choose from. Hulu is also another solid choice that provides viewers with nearly 100 options for every dollar spent on the monthly subscription cost. 

Sometimes all you need to lift your spirits is a little eye candy. If you’re looking for the Sexiest Man Alive, then you’ll have to go with Disney+ to find him. The current SMA-elect and two previous sexiest men alive have all been Marvel superheroes, with Chris Evans playing two Marvel superheroes to date. This makes Disney+, which owns the rights to Marvel movies, the best streaming service for viewers with a sweet tooth. Disney+ also houses four films that include two of the three most recent sexiest men alive, meaning double the eye candy!

Closing Thoughts

Sometimes a movie night with your bestie is all you need to turn a bad week around. There’s no better time than now to plan the perfect rom-com movie marathon with your best friend, thanks to streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. Whether you’re into romantic comedies, depressing tearjerkers, or simply want to gaze upon the sexiest man alive, there’s a platform that’ll give you the most bang for your buck.

If your real-life romance plays out like the movies and you find the love of your life, we have everything you need for your happily ever after. At Shane Co., we have a wide selection of engagement rings and fine jewelry to choose from. From the meet-cute to the fairy-tale themed wedding and everything else in between, we have what you need to make those special moments shine.

Methodology 

To determine the best streaming options for a girls’ night in, we began by compiling a list of the eight most popular on-demand streaming services in the U.S. We then ranked them based on factors that are relevant to a girls’ night watch party, assigning different weights to each factor depending on its level of importance. Each streaming service was given a score out of 100 based on these factors.

For our cost analysis, we calculated the number of watch options for a girls’ night in per dollar spent for each streaming service. This was done by dividing the total number of romantic comedies and TV shows, as well as the number of reality TV shows, by the monthly rate of each streaming service.

The post The Best Streaming Services for a Girls’ Night In appeared first on The Loupe.

This one’s for the football fans and lovebirds alike. It’s time to gear up, because the Big Game and Valentine’s Day are coming this February! Both are noteworthy events in most American households, and it’s the perfect time for the ultimate date night (or weeklong experience). 

“Nearly half (44%) of males are more excited for Valentine’s Day than the Big Game. But 35% of females are more excited for the game than Valentine’s Day!” (How Every State Takes Their Valentine’s Day)

To make your February even more special, we have a giveaway for all the folks who love Shane Co. and love football. Here’s the deal: visit one of our two stores located in Arizona or our store in Kansas City and enter — OR enter online — for a chance to win a package including:

• A $250 DoorDash gift card for your Big Game tailgate
• A $250 Shane Co. gift card 

It’s perfect, right? You can buy jewelry for your loved one (or yourself) AND enjoy a romantic (or spirited) game-night dinner. Here’s what you need to do to enter for a chance to win:

In-Store Entries

• Visit our store in Chandler, Scottsdale, or Overland Park
• Look for the QR code to enter
• Fill out the entry form by scanning the QR code
• Submit

The contest runs from 2/8/2023 to 2/11/2023. Here’s a bit more info to keep in mind:

• Three winners per store will be chosen 2/12/2023
• No purchase necessary to enter
• You do not have to be present to win

Online Entries

• Fill out our online entry form between 2/8/2023 and 2/11/2023
• No purchase necessary to enter
• One online winner will be chosen 2/12/2023

We’re just as excited as you! If you’re one of our lucky winners and want some thoughts on how to spend your Shane Co. gift card, check out our Valentine’s Day Gift Guide. And if you want any ideas for how to spend your football weekend, check out how every U.S. state celebrates the Big Game.

The post Shane Co. Big Game Tailgate Giveaway appeared first on The Loupe.

You might have noticed that at Shane Co., we’re way into exploring new ideas and studying fascinating relationship-related topics and questions to which a quick Google search just can’t do justice. This time, we wanted to see if there was any correlation between getting married and better athletic performance for pro athletes. We looked at post-marriage year stats for 70 athletes across different professional team sports to see who brought up their averages after taking the plunge.

Okay, so we can’t prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that getting married is the key to athletic success. After all, a lot goes into how an athlete performs, and it would be naïve to think that marriage was the silver bullet behind every win. But that doesn’t make the results of our study any less interesting. Whatever the reason, these athletes definitely killed it in the year following their marriage — let’s take a look!

NBA Players Who Improved the Year Following Their Marriage

From point guards to centers and everyone in between, our data shows plenty of NBA stars who made significant strides in the year after saying “I do.”

From dropping dimes to draining threes, Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic is known for his ability to do a bit of everything on the court. He averaged 6.5 more points per game and won the NBA MVP Award for the 2020–21 season in the year following his marriage.

Eight-time NBA All-Star Anthony Davis capitalized on a post-marriage bump and started cleaning the glass more than ever. The power forward and center for the LA Lakers averaged 2.0 more rebounds per game after tying the knot in 2021. 

New Orleans Pelicans power forward Larry Nance, Jr., son of former NBA star Larry Nance, Sr., started seeing the court better post-marriage, as he added 2.0 more assists per game the year following his nuptials.

New York Knick Julius Randle got hitched in 2017. The following year, he increased his field goal percentage by 7%. Could this increase in accuracy be attributed to easing into married life? We’d like to think so!

NFL Players Who Improved the Year Following Their Marriage

From pass-catching receivers and tight ends to hard-throwing quarterbacks, these NFL players stepped up their game in a big way!

In the year following his 2016 marriage, tight end Kyle Rudolph averaged 3.69 more targets per game and 2.13 more receptions for the Minnesota Vikings. Known for playing over 400 snaps every year of his career, Rudolph is an iron man of sorts and currently plays for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

A wide receiver for the Las Vegas Raiders, Davante Adams increased his average yards per game by 29.19 in the year following his 2018 marriage (when he played for the Green Bay Packers). He has earned a reputation for his strong hands and ability to catch difficult passes and routinely finds himself in the Pro Bowl.

Arizona Cardinals tight end Zach Ertz averaged 0.29 more touchdowns per game (or 4.0 more for the whole season) after he tied the knot in 2017. His wife Julie, a soccer star, also saw a boost that year; read on for the stats!

When it comes to quarterbacks, a few jumped out when it comes to the post-marriage bump. Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins improved his completion rate by 9.5%, his YPG by 254, and his QBR by 15.5 points in the year after his 2019 marriage. Of course, he also saw the field much more that year but maybe his marriage gave him the confidence to make that leap in playing time.

Matthew Stafford, a quarterback for 2022 Super Bowl champions the Los Angeles Rams, achieved 0.63 more touchdowns per game (or 10 more for the whole season) in the year following his 2015 wedding.

MLB Players Who Improved the Year Following Their Marriage

Regarding post-wedding year improvements, Major League Baseball players have their share with pitchers and sluggers taking their games to the next level!

After taking the plunge in 2014, San Diego Padres third baseman and shortstop Manny Machado (who at the time played for the Baltimore Orioles) had a great next season boasting 90 more hits, 23 more home runs, and 54 more RBIs than the prior year. (Machado famously made Major League Baseball history by hitting a home run in each of his first four games with a new team.)

New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge hit 23 more home runs and brought home MVP in 2022 after getting married in 2021. Talk about having a year!

The youngest player in history to be selected as an MLB All-Star (at age 19) and current Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Bryce Harper brought up his batting average by .076 in the year following his 2016 wedding ceremony.

Sluggers didn’t have all the fun, though, as Josh Hader, currently pitching for the San Diego Padres, decreased his ERA by 1.39 during the year after his marriage in 2017 as a part of the Milwaukee Brewers.

Texas Rangers pitcher Jacob deGrom got hitched in 2014 when he played for the New York Mets. During the following year, he walked five fewer batters. Corbin Burnes threw a whopping 146 more strikeouts for the Milwaukee Brewers after getting married in 2020. That year he pitched to an 11-5 record, had an ERA of 2.43, was named an All-Star, and won the NL Cy Young Award.

Female Athletes Who Improved the Year Following Their Marriage

Of course, it’s not only male athletes that benefit from a matrimonial boost. We found that female athletes also saw improvement after tying the knot!

Phoenix Mercury point guard and WNBA star Skylar Diggins-Smith brought up her PPG and APG by 5.4 and 2.4, respectively, in the year following her 2017 wedding.

Well known for her versatility on the court, Candace Parker (now retired) boosted her RBP and FG% by 3.3 and 8.8% following getting hitched in 2019.

NWSL midfielder and Portland Thorns defender Crystal Dunn achieved 0.34 more goals and assists per 90 minutes in the year following her 2018 marriage. Notably, Dunn is also a star for the United States Women’s National Team.

Julie Ertz got married to NFL star Zach Ertz in 2017. The couple met at a college baseball game, and the rest is history! Zach was an All-American at Stanford and Julie was an All-American at Santa Clara University. During the next year playing in the NWSL, Julie scored 4.0 more goals and had 3.0 more assists than the year before as a midfielder for the Chicago Red Stars!

Closing Thoughts

Whether or not you think these stats are directly related to marriage, there’s no doubt that many athletes across the board see an improvement in their careers after tying the knot. We think part of this might have to do with the extra love, support, and motivation these athletes receive from their significant others. Still, it’s important to remember that a lot of hard work and dedication goes into honing pro-level athletic skills.

At Shane Co., we never underestimate the power of love and the incredible (and often unexpected) ways it can affect our lives. If you’re considering tying the knot, Shane Co. has you covered with our extensive collection of engagement rings for any style and budget.

Methodology

To determine professional athletes who had an increase in performance after getting married, we started by compiling a list of the top athletes from team sports in the U.S. using websites like Sports Illustrated, ESPN, and Sporting News. We then found the ones who were married at the time of data collection using public information websites like Wikipedia. Finally, we went to Sports-Reference pages for each athlete and compared their statistics from the year before they got married to the year after they got married.

In all, we compared statistics from one year to the next for 70 athletes across different professional team sports. It’s important to note that if an athlete had an injury that kept them out of many games the year before or after their marriage, we compared the next-closest years. 

The post Athletes Who Performed Better the Year Following Their Marriage appeared first on The Loupe.

Winner Update

We were able to find just the person we were looking for. Congratulations to Jenna for winning the contest and earning a much-deserved day off! Read more about Jenna below!

The Winning Contestant – Jenna Glazier

Jenna Glazier is a 24-year-old college student currently studying business. This year, she made it a goal to finally prioritize herself, learn, grow, and be better than the challenges she’s been put through the last few years. She never could have gotten to this point without the love and support of her family and fiancé, which is why she would love to “take a day off” with them! She believes we should all take initiative to bless the people who were there for us from the beginning.

The Winner’s Submission

Tell us why you deserve a day off.

I think everyone deserves a day off, but if it were me, I’d say a day off would be nice because I have been struggling a bit with balancing school, work, and life in general. I had a few bad years of being depressed and unmotivated after high school until finally, I got the courage to go to college this year for Business. I decided I wanted more for myself, and that it was up to me to go after my goals. In life, people can encourage you but can’t force you to care about your future.  Sometimes I find myself barely being able to make rent, and having to constantly cut costs in certain areas to get by. This isn’t how I want to continue living permanently, so I’m hoping to get this degree and find a job as a marketing manager or something similar. I work full-time at a warehouse, and sometimes it’s just a lot to balance with doing school assignments and still trying to see family and make time for them.

Summary

Could you use some time off? A day to spend doing what you want away from work and responsibility? Of course, you could. Do you want to get paid for it? Of course, you do.

As we take the first few steps into 2023, the team at Shane Co. knows there are some early-year events, like the Super Bowl and Valentine’s Day, you could use a day off from work for. That’s why we’re sponsoring a contest where you could win $1,000 just for playing hooky for a day (that’s $125/hr. for the day if you need some extra convincing).

The day after the Super Bowl, or “Super Sick Monday” as it’s been dubbed, is one of the most called-out days of the year. Unfortunately, most people who call in sick that day probably aren’t getting paid for it. What better way to kick off (pun intended) the new year than getting paid to play some hooky? All you’ll have to do is tell us why you should be selected by filling out our form below and, once you win, take the day off on us!

What We’re Looking For

The ideal candidate for this contest would be someone who needs a day off and could really benefit from playing hooky. Which, honestly, is all of us.

The contest is open to everyone. Those in the workforce, stay-at-home parents, students, it doesn’t matter. If you could benefit from a day of playing hooky, we want to hear from you! While not a requirement to enter, we would prefer to know how you’d spend your day off with your partner. 

Applicants to the contest must be 18 years old or older and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to be eligible. 

How to Enter

To enter the contest, contestants MUST FOLLOW THE LINK BELOW to the entry form, where you’ll be asked why you are the person we should pay to play hooky for a day.

If you’ve been quickly burning through your PTO this year, are already feeling burned out from 2023, or just need to take a day off for yourself, tell us about it! Convince us as to why you’re the right person for this contest. Make sure to completely fill out all the required fields, like your name and email, so that we can notify the winner once one has been selected.

Any contestants who do not complete the entry form by following the below link will not have an official entry into the contest. 

The deadline for contest entries is February 17, 2023. Contestants will need to submit their applications by that date to be considered. After this date, no further entries to the contest will be permitted.

What You’ll Get

The winner will be announced on March 6th, 2023, and will receive a $1,000 payment to enjoy their day off of work! 

Contest Terms and Conditions

The rules of the competition and the prize for the winner are as follows: 

1. The promoter of this competition is Shane Co. whose principal office is located at 2203 Uravan Street, Aurora, CO 80011.
2. Employees of Shane Co., their family members, or anyone else connected in any way with the competition or helping to set up the competition shall not be permitted to enter the competition.
3. Persons must be at least 18 years old, or otherwise have reached the age of majority under the laws of the state where they reside, in order to participate.
4. Only residents of the United States are eligible to participate.
5. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.
6. There is NO ENTRY FEE AND NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER THIS COMPETITION. Any purchase or consideration otherwise given by entrants will not improve one’s chances of winning.
7. The route to entry for the competition and details of how to enter are available via https://www.shaneco.com. Individuals may enter to win by completely filling out the form on Shane Co.’s website. Upon clicking the participation link, entrants will be asked to provide their name and contact information so that Shane Co. can notify the winner of the results.
8. The closing date for entry will be February 17, 2023. After this date, no further entries to the competition will be permitted.
9. Only one winner will be selected from the entire pool of eligible entries. The selection process will be at the discretion of Shane Co. 
10. The winner will be notified by email and/or letter within 15 business days of the closing date. If the winner cannot be contacted or does not claim the prize within 2 days of notification, we reserve the right to withdraw the prize from the winner and pick a replacement winner.
11. Shane Co. will notify the winner when and where the prize can be collected.
12. The winner agrees to the use of his/her name, image, and video in any publicity material. Any personal data relating to the winner or any other entrants will be used solely in accordance with current federal and state data protection legislation and will not be disclosed to a third party without the entrant’s prior consent.
13. The winner’s name will be available 28 days after the closing date by sending a stamped addressed envelope to the following address:
    • 2203 Uravan Street, Aurora, CO 80011
14. Shane Co.’s decision in respect of all matters to do with the competition will be final and no correspondence will be entered into.

The post Get Paid $1,000 to Play Hooky for a Day appeared first on The Loupe.

While your idea of a perfect date night might be inspired by shows like The Bachelor, getting whisked off on a helicopter ride and eating a gourmet meal at the top of a waterfall might not be practical for most people. Still, that doesn’t mean your date night has to be boring! Whether you’re simply looking to put the spark back in your relationship or want to plan an epic blind date for you and your Tinder match, the team here at Shane Co. wanted to be your personal date guru and help analyze the dating scene in Phoenix!

We used Yelp to analyze 100 of the highest-reviewed and most-rated locations around the Phoenix Metropolitan Area so you can ditch the Netflix and chill and opt for something a little more exciting than burgers from your average fast-food joint. Keep reading to discover which streets and regions to hit up for the ultimate Phoenix date night!

Our “Rendezvous” Findings:

• Phoenix has the most 5-star locations (29), while Scottsdale has the most 5-star reviews (3,603 reviews across 22 locations).
• Locations with an even street number are most likely to earn 5-star reviews (57 spots compared to 42 with an odd street number).
• Locations on the streets labeled West are most raved about (3,417 reviews across 31 spots), while those on streets labeled East are close behind (3,100 reviews across 31 spots).
• The medium price range (i.e. $11-$30 per person) is the most popular for 5-star reviews (5,728 reviews across 35 spots).
• Restaurants are the most popular category for 5-star date night spots (9,502 reviews across 64 restaurants). 

Analyzing 5-Star Hotspots Around Phoenix

Considering that the Phoenix Metropolitan Area is home to over 20 cities total, there are plenty of fun date ideas in Phoenix, but how do you choose where to go? Below, we’ve broken down the best zip codes and streets, according to customer reviews!

The 85281 (Tempe, AZ) zip code placed first on our list with seven 5-star locations and 697 Yelp reviews. Bring out your inner lumberjack at Hotshots Axe Throwing, located at 1290 N Scottsdale Rd Ste 102 Tempe, AZ 85281. You can even throw in the dark on one of their special glow-throw nights!

The 85251 (Scottsdale, AZ) zip code ranked second on our list of top regions to visit for a Phoenix date night! With five 5-star locations and a cost of $12.50 on average per activity, this area of Scottsdale is blowing up.

Share a spaghetti kiss at Forno 301, located at 7111 E Thomas Rd Scottsdale, AZ 85251. This Italian eatery features homemade pasta and an extensive drink menu. Glass of Cabernet, anyone?

When it comes to cute date ideas in Arizona, the Scottsdale region continued to dominate the map as the 85257 and 85260 zip codes came in third and fourth place, respectively. But you don’t have to waste time driving from location to location. Instead, if you’re looking for special date ideas in Phoenix, then simply stick to one street!

Start your Phoenix date night adventure by exploring Bell Road, which ranked first on our list of the best streets for a date night and boasts the most 5-star locations (five). Break the ice with some liquid courage by visiting Kitsune Brewing Co., located at 3321 E Bell Rd Suite B-5 Phoenix, AZ 85032. Next on our list is University Drive, which features three 5-star locations with 225 reviews. Keep the mystery alive in your relationship by visiting the Inferno Escape, located at 2155 E University Dr Ste 210 Tempe, AZ 85281.

Make sure to also put Gilbert Road on your itinerary; this street placed third and racked up 196 reviews for three 5-star locations. Book a table at Pita Island, located at 865 N Gilbert Rd Ste 101 D Gilbert, AZ 85234. This Mediterranean-style restaurant features mouthwatering dishes like gyro cheesesteaks and chicken shawarma — yum!

Honorable mentions include Thomas Road and Scottsdale Road, which came in fourth and fifth place on our list, respectively.

Closing Thoughts

Phoenix has plenty of places to visit if you’re looking to spice up your date night. Whether you already call Phoenix your home or want to plan a trip there to get away, there are so many cute date ideas in Arizona to reconnect and have fun! 

Looking to top off your Phoenix date night experience with something extra? Spoil your partner with something sparkly at one of Shane Co.’s Phoenix locations, including jewelry stores in both Chandler and Scottsdale. You can also shop our selection of engagement rings if you’re looking to take things to the next level with your favorite date-night partner!

Methodology

To find the location of the most 5-star date ideas in Phoenix, we turned to customer reviews on Yelp. We analyzed 100 of the highest-reviewed and most-rated locations in the following categories: restaurants, bars, activities (i.e. arcades, escape rooms, axe throwing, music venues, etc.), and parks. We looked at the addresses of each 5-star location and broke down the streets and zip codes that appeared the most frequently, as well as various other characteristics of the restaurants (including the price range, city, and more). 

The post The Best Spots for a Phoenix Date Night That Will Land You a Second Date appeared first on The Loupe.

Nothing is more comforting than a big bowl of soup during the coldest time of the year. Whether you’re a fan of the classic chicken noodle or big on broccoli cheddar, there’s nothing like curling up with your favorite person on the couch and warming up with a bowl of the good stuff. For this study, the soup supporters at Shane Co. analyzed the search volume for each popular type of soup to determine which is each state’s favorite. Curious to learn more about where your home state’s soup loyalties lie? Keep reading to find out!

Get a Bowl of This: Each State’s Most Sought After Soup

It probably goes without saying that chicken noodle soup dominates soup search charts across the country; the classic recipe is the most searched-for soup in 22 states. Chicken noodle is the clear winner here, and rightfully so; the quintessential American staple has been there to comfort us through many sick days and icy winters. Perhaps the more appropriate question is, who in their right mind isn’t searching for a delicious chicken noodle soup recipe on a cold winter day?

In the vast ocean of chicken broth and fresh noodles that swept up most of our nation, there were a few splashes of other unique flavors and ingredients. Take Maine, for example; the Pine Tree State’s favorite soup was lobster bisque. Maine is renowned for its fresh local lobsters and numerous dishes that feature these delicious crustaceans as the star of the show. For those who haven’t tried this regional delicacy, bisque is a type of soup of French origin that pairs seafood, like lobster, with a buttery and savory sauce. It’s a rich and comforting dish, guaranteed to be a treat on a cold day by the pier.

Pennsylvanians’ soup of choice was wedding soup, and even if you aren’t getting married in the near future, this dish is worth a try. Wedding soup is a delicious fusion of yummy ingredients, including meatballs, pasta, broth, leafy greens, and other veggies. If you are trying to avoid going to the grocery store on a snow day, there is a good chance you might be able to whip up whatever leftovers you have in the fridge into this decadent Italian-inspired recipe.

Over in the Pacific Northwest, Washingtonians search for split pea soup recipes more than any other state in the nation. Split pea soup might sound too healthy and unappealing to some, but it has plenty of ingredients to ap-peas even the largest of appetites. Washington’s favorite soup features dried split peas, ham fresh off the bone, and an array of vegetables, spices, and seasonings. After letting the soup simmer and removing the ham bone from the pot, you have a dish that’s hot, hearty, and comforting.

Chicken Noodle Nation: Regional Favorites Across the U.S.

Chicken noodle soup is everyone’s favorite soup across most of the U.S., except in the curious case of the American Northeast. Chicken noodle dominates the palettes of people in the Western, Midwestern, and Southern regions of the U.S. but is nowhere in the three-way tie that has us scratching our heads. Minestrone, lentil soup, and French onion soup are the three contenders that fill the hearts and bowls of people living in states like Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts.

Closing Thoughts

Few things are as satisfying as a big bowl of soup on a cold winter day, and it tastes even better with a loved one to share it with! If your state’s favorite dish to dive into during the chilliest season of the year is chicken noodle soup, don’t worry; you’re in good company. For those that sail soupy seas unknown, we salute you.

Whether warming them up or soothing a sore throat, making a hot bowl of their favorite soup can be the perfect sweet gesture for your partner. Soup is at the top of the list when one thinks of “comfort food,” after all. If you’re looking for your next grand gesture that goes above and beyond cooking your loved one’s favorite dish, check out our selection of fine jewelry — just in time for Valentine’s Day.

Methodology

To find out which type of soup was the coziest for each state to warm up to, we compiled a list of favorite soups across the U.S. and looked at 23 soup-type keywords on Google Trends from December 2017 to 2022.

The post Each U.S. State’s Favorite Type of Soup appeared first on The Loupe.

The most romantic time of the year is just around the corner, and as Valentine’s Day creeps closer, many couples begin looking for ways to spend the holiday with their sweetheart. What Valentine’s Day looks like for you greatly depends on where you are and what’s around you, which is why we wanted to find out what an ideal Valentine’s Day consists of for couples in every state across the country.

At Shane Co., we understand that a lot of planning goes into pulling off a fabulous February 14. Between deciding on what to do, where to eat, and what gift you should buy, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out how to approach the loveliest day of the year. Thankfully, we’re here to save you trouble and have mapped out the perfect Valentine’s Day treats and activities in every state.

How Every State Takes Their Valentine’s Day

Most couples agree that there should be no cooking or cleaning dirty dishes on Valentine’s Day. In fact, every state that made it onto our list agrees that Valentine’s Day dinner should take place at a restaurant or, at the very least, involve grabbing something to go. The majority of the country also agrees that dinner should be done Lady and the Tramp style, as most couples prefer Italian pasta on the most romantic day of the year. Only a handful of states prefer sushi, hibachi, and other Asian cuisines on Valentine’s Day.

Couples across the country also agree that you do not show up empty-handed on Valentine’s Day, as almost every state agrees that gifts are a requirement for this romantic occasion, with Connecticut being the only exception. However, you shouldn’t worry if you forget to grab a box of chocolates or a bouquet of roses on the way to a date; the good news is only 3% of Americans said they would break up with someone if they did not give them a tangible Valentine’s Day gift. See? Americans aren’t completely materialistic after all.

We found that each generation has its own expectations for what is considered appropriate Valentine’s Day conduct. For example, 58% of Gen Zers say they prefer multiple thoughtful yet inexpensive gifts, while 56% of millennials prefer to get a single expensive gift. It would also appear that wine and dining is slowly becoming a thing of the past, as 30% of Gen Zers prefer to go for a tasty cocktail or liquor drink at the dinner table.

While there are many differences in how each generation celebrates Valentine’s Day, there are a few things most people can agree on. More than 70% of couples agree that deciding on what to do that day should be a group discussion, and 65% say they would be upset if their partner forgot to bring it up in the first place. Most Americans also agree that having a first date on Valentine’s Day is bad luck, as 60% would avoid doing so. Finally, the majority of Americans don’t let bad breath get in the way of ordering what they really want for dinner on Valentine’s Day. Over half of the survey respondents say they eat what they want, regardless of the consequences. After all, that’s what mints are for.

Males vs. Females: What to Expect from Your Partner This Valentine’s Day

According to our survey, men care more about having the appearance of a handsome couple than women. When dining at a fancy restaurant, 39% of men said they would forgo eating the messy food they were craving to appear to be the gentlemen they are. On the other hand, 82% of women said they would throw caution to the wind and eat the sloppy dish if they were craving it.

Guys, it’s time to stop buying lingerie for your partner on Valentine’s Day. According to our survey results, over two-thirds of men across the country think that racy sleepwear is an appropriate gift for their significant other. On the other hand, women agree that most men get lingerie as a gift for themselves; 40% of women who responded to our survey say that lingerie is certainly not a good Valentine’s Day gift. Back to the drawing board, guys!

Ladies, maybe it’s time to start treating your man to a nice dinner on Valentine’s Day. Across every state we surveyed, less than 4% of women say they pay for the entire dinner that night, while 61% of men say they pay for the whole meal. Now, there were a handful of couples who said they all pitch in. Two in five of the survey respondents claim both parties contribute to the shared meal. But before you start feeling guilty about not paying for that juicy steak your man deserves, you should know that there is something more important to him than Valentine’s Day happening in February — the Super Bowl.

Over half of the men in our survey say they were more excited about the Super Bowl than Valentine’s Day this year, while 65% of women agree on the opposite. So ladies, while you’re sitting at the dinner table this year gazing into each other’s eyes, refrain from wondering if he’s thinking about buying a ring at that particular moment. Chances are, he’s probably just thinking about which NFL stars took home a ring on Super Bowl Sunday.

Closing Thoughts

As Valentine’s Day approaches, many couples are starting to plan a special date night with their significant others. Between deciding on activities, gifts, and dinner, there’s a lot of stress involved. Hopefully, knowing what other couples around the country are thinking about doing will help give you and your partners some ideas for what to do this year.

We know how exciting football is, but guys, don’t forget to get your lady something nice this year. If, on the off chance that you aren’t daydreaming about what team took home the trophy on Super Bowl Sunday this year, Shane Co. has a variety of high-quality engagement rings for you to choose from for that special day (no, not the Super Bowl).

Methodology

In late 2022, we surveyed 3,238 people from across every state to gather information on their Valentine’s Day preferences regarding dining, timing, and gift-giving. After collecting the data, we analyzed the results to identify regional variations in Valentine’s Day plans and determine the most popular ways to celebrate. It’s worth noting that due to their low population size, we did not receive enough responses from Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming.

The post How Every State Takes Their Valentine’s Day appeared first on The Loupe.

Known for its Southern charm, hospitality, and rich history, the state of Georgia is a unique and exciting place for romance. From the charming cobblestone streets of Savannah to the bustling nightlife of Atlanta, there are countless options for couples looking to spend some quality time together. 

Shane Co. has three locations in the Metro Atlanta area, and we recently surveyed Georgians to learn what makes for an ideal date night, according to residents of the Peach State. So, whether you’re a local looking for love or a visitor hoping to make a connection, here’s what you need to know about dating in Georgia. 

The Best Date Night Spots

Georgia’s residents know a thing or two about romance, and when date night comes around, there’s something for couples of every age and interest. As you can see above, from unforgettable nights out at the best restaurants to breathtaking state park adventures, Georgians definitely know where to go for a perfect date!

Looking for a scenic and serene setting for your romantic outing? Located just outside Atlanta, Sweetwater Creek State Park is the perfect place to connect with nature, and your special someone. Stroll hand-in-hand along the rushing creek, check out the historic ruins, and get your hike on with 15-plus miles of wooded trails covering 2,549 acres.

Perhaps you prefer a night on the town enjoying world-class music in a unique and historic setting? If so, the Georgia Theatre in Athens is the perfect backdrop for your romantic night out. Beautifully restored since a tragic fire in 2009, the spacious indoor concert hall books popular bands and solo acts, and the incredible rooftop bar and restaurant offer breathtaking views and delicious food. 

Fascinated by all things oceanic? The Georgia Aquarium is a fantastic spot for a unique and exciting outing with your date. With over 10 million gallons of water and home to over 100,000 sea creatures, the aquarium is the largest on the planet and a great place to get up close and personal with some of the world’s most fascinating aquatic animals. 

If you and your date want spine-tingling thrills, Six Flags Over Georgia is sure to get your hearts racing. From the Sky Coaster and the Batman Roller Coaster to endless water attractions, Six Flags is a great way to get your adrenaline pumping and enjoy a fantastic day out with your date.

With four locations in the Metro Atlanta area, Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen is a Georgian date night favorite! The restaurant’s extensive menu features a variety of fresh seafood options, plus traditional American and Cajun dishes sure to impress your date and ensure a memorable dining experience. 

Speaking of memorable, the Atlanta Botanical Garden provides ample opportunities for couples to explore and discover new things together. Bask in the lush greenery and colorful flowers surrounding you while learning about fauna, ecology, and natural heritage. The perfect backdrop for photos or even an engagement!  

Tips for Dating in Georgia

If you’re from out of state and looking to date in Georgia, not to worry! Nearly seven in 10 people are willing to date anyone they find interesting, regardless of where they hail from. But what’s genuinely noteworthy about Georgians? Unlike many of us, 66% don’t even bother with dating apps, preferring to rely on the old-fashioned method of actually meeting people in person. If things don’t work out? It seems that ghosting is common, with 51% of women and 42% of men admitting they would do it.

Dealbreakers, According to Georgians

Check out our interactive carousel above, and you’ll see that according to our survey respondents, dating dealbreakers can vary greatly and depend on many factors. One thing is for sure: no one appreciates a date who spends too much time on their phone, and not matching up with your pictures online is another big no-no. For women, bossy and controlling people are a definite red flag, while men don’t appreciate dates they think lack morals or values and have annoying personality traits. 

Closing Thoughts

No matter your interests, if you’re lucky enough to be in the great state of Georgia, you’re sure to find a perfect spot for an ideal date. Just watch out for dealbreakers, or you might get ghosted! But in all seriousness, if you believe in yourself and are respectful and honest with your date, you might just make a connection that could last a lifetime.

If all goes well, you might find yourself engaged before you know it! If that’s the case, make sure to stop by one of our Georgia locations to see our stunning collection of engagement rings. Whether you’re looking for a traditional ring or something more unique, we have the perfect piece to express your love. Happy dating! 

Methodology

To find out what an ideal date looks like in the state, we surveyed 300+ Georgia residents over a period of one week in November. We asked about their dating habits, dealbreakers, and go-to dating spots.

The post The Ideal Date, According to Georgians appeared first on The Loupe.

Are you ready for some football? With Super Bowl LVII just around the corner, it’s time to start planning for the big game. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just in it for the commercials, there’s one thing everyone can agree on: Super Bowl parties are a great way to get together and watch the game! 

At Shane Co., we’re excited about the Super Bowl because it’s the perfect opportunity for couples with different opinions on football to come together and celebrate. Football fans can enjoy the action on the field, and their significant other can appreciate the highly anticipated commercials and halftime show (we can’t wait to see what Rihanna brings to the stage). 

To tackle how game day preferences and traditions vary for Americans across the country, our research team kicked off a study and got some eye-opening results. Hut, hut, hike!

Who Is Your Money On?

Before the players even take to the field, Americans already have billions riding on the Super Bowl. Our survey shows that men are more likely than women to place bets on the Super Sunday outcome, with 37% of men admitting they’re likely to wager compared to 18% of women.

With almost three-quarters of Nevadans living in Clark County (the home of Las Vegas), it’s no surprise that over 40% of Nevadans place Super Bowl Wagers. Meanwhile, states like Nebraska and Arkansas don’t have professional football teams, which might explain the low percentage of betters in those states.

A few states go all in when it comes to high-stakes Super Bowl betting. Residents in New Jersey (22%), Mississippi (20%), and Louisiana (18%) are comfortable with placing more than $50 on the big game. On the other hand, folks in Hawaii (25%), Connecticut (24%), California (18%), and Michigan (18%) prefer to limit their bets to $25 or less.

When Do You Take a Break During the Game?

We all know that the Super Bowl is more than just a football game. Commercials and the halftime show are a huge part of the fun! So we asked Americans state by state to name their favorite part of the Super Bowl. But we didn’t stop there. We kept the questions coming to gauge their game day enthusiasm and habits.

The results are in and the game itself is still the most popular part of the Super Bowl, but as you can see above, it’s not quite a shutout! Some states were split between the game and the commercials, and we can understand the struggle. When are we supposed to take a bathroom break?

Women (44%) are more into the commercials than guys (29%), and when it comes to the halftime show, 37% of women were all about it, while only 12% of men were fans.

While most Americans like to watch the big game with friends and family, residents in Alabama, Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin prefer to keep it in the family. 

America’s Favorite Halftime Artists

When it comes to America’s favorite halftime show performers, the list is long and varied. But Prince, who rocked the stage during Super Bowl XLI in 2007, tops all according to 22% of Americans. Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Eminem (14%), as well as Beyoncé (13%), also ranked as some of the most popular halftime artists in recent years.

As for the artists Americans hope to see grace the halftime stage someday, the list is long, but this year, Rihanna fans will finally have their wish come true! Some of the other artists Americans dream of seeing perform at halftime include Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Doja Cat, Drake, Lizzo, Post Malone, Bon Jovi, Harry Styles, Billie Eilish, and more.

The Best Game Day Foods, According to Americans

On Super Bowl Sunday, the drinks in the cooler and the snacks on the table are almost as divisive as the game itself. Drink-wise, beer (38%) and soda (36%) are the top picks. Additionally, 51% of self-proclaimed extroverts prefer to drink beer and loudly cheer for their team, while 42% of introverts opt to stick to soda and watch the game with more reserved enthusiasm.

Whether you’re glued to the big game or prefer the Puppy Bowl (like 23% of Americans), odds are you’re among the 67% of Americans who agree that nothing beats chips and dip for a Super Bowl Sunday snack. Chicken wings were close behind at 58.8%, and pizza took a solid third at 52.1%. What is your favorite game day food?

Closing Thoughts

Super Bowl Sunday is a day for Americans to come together regardless of who takes home the Lombardi Trophy. So wherever you’ll be come February 12, 2023, the data shows that in the end, it’s all about friends, family, food, and of course, football! 

If there’s one thing Shane Co. and NFL players have in common, it’s our obsession with rings. If you are lucky enough to score tickets to the big game and want a shot at proposing to your partner on the kiss cam, check out our attention-grabbing engagement rings and diamonds that would make any football star jealous!

Whether you’re parking in front of your television or heading to a friend or relative’s house for the game, we hope you consider taking the next day off! After all, one in 10 Americans say they have skipped work the day after the Super Bowl.

Methodology

To get the play-by-play on Super Bowl Sunday habits and preferences, we surveyed 2,600 Americans during a two-week period in November. Examples of questions included which part of the game is their favorite, which foods they say are must-haves, and more. 

The post How Every U.S. State Takes Their Super Bowl appeared first on The Loupe.

For adventurous couples, date nights might look a bit different from the ordinary dinner at the city’s best restaurant. Instead, many couples opt for activities like hiking, kayaking, or gaming at an arcade to keep their dates interesting. But of course, with unique alternatives, you’re limited by your options. For this study, the team at Shane Co. will map out the best neighborhoods around Denver, Colorado, for couples looking for an out-of-the-box date night (with a little help from Yelp).

Key Findings

• Five Points ranks as the best Denver neighborhood for adventure dates with a total score of 66.9 out of 100. It ranks well because it has plenty of parks, arcades, and music venues to choose from.
• CBD finished second with a score of 65.7 out of 100. It has well-reviewed adventure date locations like music venues and escape rooms.
• LoDo receives the bronze medal with a score of 63.5 out of 100. Its location leaves it relatively close to possible adventure date locations like parks and lakes for an outdoorsy date.

The Best Denver Neighborhoods for Adventure Dates

If you and your significant other are trying to find your next big adventure, Denver, Colorado, is the place to be. Denver is known for its beautiful nature parks and exciting activities that range from escape rooms and axe throwing to arcades and sightseeing at the zoo. Neighborhoods that rank high in our shortlist for the best adventure dates had a variety of outside-the-box destinations like parks, escape rooms, music venues, axe throwing spots, and arcades. For outdoorsy folk, neighborhoods closer to a zoo, lake, or similar natural attraction tend to rank higher. See if your favorite Denver neighborhood made the cut below!

Zooming in on Denver’s Top 5 Adventure Date Neighborhoods

When it comes to finding something different to do, no one does it better than Five Points. The title of “best adventure date neighborhood” is an easy win for Five Points because of its high number of arcades, music venues, and parks. If you and your significant other enjoy a bit of friendly competition, Five Points has a total of nine arcades for you to find out who is the best at Pac-Man (or Mrs. Pac-Man). Of course, to make things more interesting, you can raise the stakes; the loser pays for dinner!

For many couples, trying something new can be a bit of a gamble. Sometimes venturing into the unknown and away from your favorite date spots can mean throwing money down the drain and facing disappointment. If you and your partner are the types to read reviews with a fine-tooth comb before committing to anything, then CBD (Central Business District) is the place to be. When it comes to escape rooms and music venues, you can rest assured knowing that you’re likely in for a treat. On average, escape rooms and music venues have a rating of 4.6 and 4.2, respectively — and you know how hard it can be to impress Yelp users!

If axe throwing is your game, Baker has just the place for you. Axe Whooping is perfect for couples looking for something out of the ordinary to do on their next date night. Complete with a rage room, axe throwing league, and a nearly perfect score on Yelp, Axe Whooping is the Mile High City’s premier location for all things axe throwing. Did we mention that Axe Whooping also has a mobile unit? That’s right — they’ll come to you and their list of events includes wedding receptions, bachelorette parties, and birthdays.
Colorado is home to many beautiful views and nature parks. Of course, Denver is no exception. For couples who prefer a trek through the great outdoors, LoDo has more than enough parks to explore and keep you occupied. This Denver neighborhood has 11 parks where you can get your steps in and enjoy a breath of fresh air. LoDo is less than 20 miles away from Bear Creek Park, which allows slacklining and features a fascinating natural aquatic habitat. If you and your partner want to be in the heart of Denver’s natural beauty, Capitol Hill is less than 10 miles away from natural attractions such as Sloan’s Lake, Garfield Lake, and Cheesman Park.

Methodology

To determine Denver’s top adventure date neighborhoods, we began with a list of 24 of the Mile High City’s neighborhoods and researched individual factors on each that would be important for such an active date night. Once we pulled the data, we analyzed it and ranked the neighborhoods from 1 to 24 based on how well they are set up for adventure dates.

We assigned neighborhoods with a score of 0 to 5 for each factor we researched, with a score of 5 representing the most favorable conditions. We determined each neighborhood’s total score from the total of its individual factor scores, which were weighted based on how much they would impact an adventure date. Individual factor scores were then added together to give each neighborhood a final score from 0 to 100. Higher scores indicate a neighborhood is better for an adventure date.

Adventure dates were categorized as date ideas that go above and beyond the generic dinner and a movie. Our data includes the number of locations and star ratings of places like parks, arcades, music venues, escape rooms, and more from Yelp. We also included data points to reflect how close each neighborhood is (in miles) to potential adventure date locations such as the Denver Zoo, Echo Mountain, and the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, among others.

Closing Thoughts

There’s more to dating than just meeting the person you love spending time with — you have to find what to do with that time! For adventurous couples, location is often one of the most challenging limitations. Thankfully, that becomes less of an issue if you are lucky enough to live in one of the most exciting cities in the country: Denver, Colorado. From concerts to arcades to even more exhilarating activities like axe throwing, the Mile High City has a little something for every type of couple.

If you have an exciting spot in mind to pop the question, Shane Co. can help you prepare for the adventure of a lifetime. Before you ask your partner in crime to be your adventure buddy for life, check out our selection of gorgeous engagement rings that will endure the test of time and anything else you throw at it (even axes).

The post The Best Denver, Colorado Neighborhoods for Adventure Dates appeared first on The Loupe.

Everyone dreams of having that special moment when you meet the love of your life in the most unexpected place. In a movie, a meet-cute is a scene where two people who have a romantic future together interact with each other for the first time, usually under quirky or unusual circumstances. For this study, the team at Shane Co. will map out the best cities in the country for the highest chance of beginning your love story like a scene straight out of a fairy tale!

Key Findings

• Akron, Ohio, is the #1 city to have a meet-cute, thanks to its high number of coffee shops, bookstores, music venues, and farmers markets.
• Close behind is the neighboring Ohio city of Dayton. Dayton residents have little search interest in online dating apps, meaning your odds of meeting someone in person are even better.
• Rounding out the top three is Greensboro, North Carolina, which has plenty of parks and trails per capita to fall in love on.
• 3 of the top 5 cities are located in Ohio, making the Buckeye State perfect for a spontaneous love story.

Locating Love: 15 U.S. Cities Where a Meet-Cute Is More Likely

Akron, Ohio, comes in first as the best city to have a meet-cute, thanks to its abundance of coffee shops, bookstores, music venues, and farmers markets. No matter how you like to spend your free time, you have a better chance of finding someone who shares your interests in Akron. Apart from Akron, Dayton and Toledo also made it into our top five cities to run into your true love on accident. With three of the top five cities being in Ohio, it would seem that the Buckeye State truly is for lovers!

If you’re a nature nut or fitness enthusiast looking to bump into your forever lover next time you go on a hike, then run on over to Greensboro, North Carolina. Greensboro rounds out our top three cities for a meet-cute primarily due to its high number of parks and hiking trails to fall in love on. If you’re always looking out for the birds and the bees whenever you’re out sightseeing and birdwatching, then this charming college town in the Tar Heel State may be the perfect place for you.

Going to where there is a high percentage of singles will improve the odds of running into the love of your life at a farmers market or café. If you feel the dating pool is drying up in your hometown, it might be time to consider sailing to a different city. We found that Springfield, Massachusetts, has the highest percentage of singles out of all the cities in our study, at 47.7%. At any given moment, there’s a 50/50 chance that you’ll run into your future fiancé! If you’re single in Springfield, keep your eyes peeled next time you go to the grocery store because you never know.

The perfect meet-cute should be a magical experience that happens naturally, without the help of dating apps like Tinder, Hinge, and Bumble. While those apps are a great way to meet singles, some dates can feel forced or uncomfortable. Those of us looking to begin our relationship without the help of technology might be hard-pressed to find a partner if everyone around us is buried on their phones, swiping through dating apps. Thankfully, there are still some places where apps haven’t completely taken over the dating game. Jackson, Mississippi, has the lowest online search interest in popular dating apps, meaning you might be more likely to find others seeking an organic experience in the heart of the Magnolia State.

Closing Thoughts

The recipe for a perfect meet-cute is primarily luck with a twist of fate. At one point or another, everyone dreams of running into the love of their life in the unlikeliest place. While dating apps are incredibly helpful in finding new singles to talk to, nothing beats bumping into your future partner purely out of dumb, beautiful luck. You should never try to force a meet-cute or a relationship, but if your dating preferences lean toward organic and non-GMO, moving to one of the cities in our top 10 might help your cause.

Maybe you’re one of the growing few who met your partner thanks to a twist of fate without help from the internet, and now you’re looking for ways to take your romance to the next level. If the next item on your to-do list involves planning a fairy-tale wedding that would make Disney jealous, then consider letting Shane Co. help you. We have a wide selection of engagement rings and fine jewelry fit for the big screen for you to choose from. If this list helped you find your one true love, don’t forget to thank us with an invite!

Methodology

In order to identify the best cities in the U.S. for a Hallmark-worthy meet-cute, we started with a list of the 100 most populous cities. We then identified 14 factors relevant to a spontaneous romance, including locations (number of record stores, coffee shops, etc.), interest in dating apps (the more interest, the worse it is for meeting someone in real life), and the percentage of the population that’s single.

We assigned cities with a score of 0 to 5 for each factor, with a score of 5 representing the most favorable conditions for a meet-cute. We determined each city’s total score from the total of its individual factor scores, which were weighted according to their impact on a meet-cute. Individual factor scores were then added together to give each city a final score from 0 to 100. Higher scores indicated cities are better for real-life meet-cutes.

The post The Best U.S. Cities for a Meet-Cute appeared first on The Loupe.

No one can deny that summer has its perks, but winter provides the perfect backdrop for cozying up by the fire at an indoor ski lodge and working up a sweat outdoors on the slopes. Whether you plan to take a romantic trip with your partner or hope to meet someone special on your snowy adventure, a winter wonderland-themed vacation could be just what you need! 

With more than half of Americans planning to travel this winter, we wanted to find out the best mountain towns for the ultimate winter getaway. Keep reading for our list of postcard-worthy mountain places so you can enjoy winter in relaxation and comfort! 

Key Findings

• Park City, Utah, ranked number one for the best U.S. mountain town to take your next winter vacation with a score of 46.19 out of 50. It also came in first place in three out of four categories, including the best mountain town to plan a stay, the best mountain town for winter weather, and the best mountain town for winter activities.
• Looking for the perfect snow-covered winter wonderland? Try visiting Juneau, Alaska, which averages more than 50 inches of snow throughout the winter. 
• If you are gearing up for an active vacation, you may want to consider booking a flight to Big Bear Lake, California, where there are nearly 70 ski and snowboard shops to get gear from. 
• Davis, West Virginia, and Custer, South Dakota, offer the cheapest Airbnb Superhost stays at $186 per night on average, but if you are looking for an extravagant stay check out Mammoth Lakes, California, and Aspen, Colorado, which will cost you about $619 and $555 per night, respectively. 

The 20 Best U.S. Mountain Towns for a Winter Getaway

Coming in first on our list is Park City, Utah, which received a city score of 46.19 out of 50. With over 60 ski resorts and 28 saunas, there’s no better place to retire to for a weekend than this winter wonderland. 

After shivering out on the slopes, riders can warm up at the Spa at Hotel Park City. There, patrons can enjoy a couples massage in a private suite or the Peak Leg Redemption — a type of massage treatment that uses a blend of anti-inflammatory oils and healing salt to restore sore legs. 

Coming in at spot number two on our list is the mountain town of Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, which received a city score of 40.61 out of 50. Located in eastern Pennsylvania, Jim Thorpe received high marks for being home to 18 ski resorts and 15 sledding opportunities. Jim Thorpe even hosts an Annual Winterfest, featuring ice sculptures, train rides, and more! 

Truckee, California, came in third, receiving a city score of 39.35 out of 50. Truckee is home to 680 Airbnbs and 51 ski and snowboard shops. As one of the prettiest mountain towns in the U.S., Truckee offers snowshoeing so you can conquer forest trails in the winter with snowshoes strapped to your feet!

Both Breckenridge, Colorado (36.68 out of 50) and South Lake Tahoe, California (36.22 out of 50) received honorable mentions as some of the best mountain towns, coming in fourth and fifth place, respectively. 

Plan the Trip That’s Right for You!

As not everyone has the same idea of vacationing when thinking about traveling to mountain places for a winter escape, we broke down our results further into four different subcategories.   

We analyzed factors like the number of Superhost Airbnb stays and the number of ski resorts to determine the best mountain town to plan a winter stay. Park City, Utah (9.04 out of 10) and Asheville, North Carolina (8.99 out of 10) both received top marks, coming in first and second place, respectively. 

Feel like you’re starring in your own Hallmark movie with a visit to Mountain View Charming, an Airbnb located in Asheville. Spend time cozying up by the outdoor fire or simply enjoying the stunning mountain scenery. 

We analyzed factors like the average winter snowfall to determine the best mountain places for winter weather. Once again, Park City (9.68) stood out from the pack along with North Conway, New Hampshire (9.57 out of 10). 

The coldest month of the year in North Conway, New Hampshire, is January, with temperatures reaching an average low of 10°F and high of 29°F — making it one of the best mountain towns for magical winter weather. Plus, staying warm is the ultimate excuse for cuddling with your partner!

To discover the best U.S. mountain cities for winter activities, we looked at factors like the number of snowmobiling opportunities and skating rinks. Park City, Utah (10 out of 10) and South Lake Tahoe, California (8.97 out of 10) stole the show! The Heavenly Village Outdoor Ice Skating Rink features nighttime skating and festive lights in South Lake Tahoe.

The top mountain towns for dining and drinks included Asheville, North Carolina (9.03 out of 10), Burlington, Vermont (8.73 out of 10), and Vail, Colorado (8.42 out of 10). 

Restaurants like The 10th in Vail offer a fine dining menu and breathtaking views of the mountains. P.S. — you’ll need to use either a gondola or a lift to gain entry!

Closing Thoughts

From the West Coast to the East Coast, the U.S. offers plenty of mountain places for a romantic winter escape. They’re great for couples who want to unwind, reconnect, and remember why they fell in love in the first place. 

When it comes to finding the perfect proposal or wedding location, mountain towns just can’t be beat! There’s no better place to get down on one knee than the top of a mountain. Looking to propose to the special ski partner in your life? Choose an engagement ring or wedding band from Shane Co. and visit one of the prettiest mountain towns in the U.S. for the perfect proposal location!

Methodology 

To discover the best mountain towns for a cozy winter escape, we gathered a list of 45 U.S. mountain cities using sources like U.S. News and World Report and Travel and Leisure. Next, we analyzed each city based on 14 factors that would contribute to the ultimate winter getaway, such as the number of snowmobiling opportunities and the number of wineries. 

We assigned each city a score of 0 to 5 for each factor, with a score of 5 representing the most favorable conditions. We determined each city’s total score from the total of its individual factor scores, which were weighted according to their impact on a dream winter getaway. Individual factor scores were then added together to give each city a final score from 0 to 50. 

We gathered weather data from December 2021 to March 2022 to determine the winter forecast. Cities with an average temperature closer to 32º ranked higher, as the colder temperatures help to keep snow from melting. For Airbnb stays, we searched for available Superhost listings for a weekend stay between December 2022 and March 2023. Have fun planning your next winter escape in one of our top mountain towns!

Ranking factors template:

Number of Superhost Airbnb Stays

• Weight: 1.25
• Source: Airbnb

Average Cost of Superhost Airbnb Stay

• Weight: 1.25
• Source: Airbnb

Number of Ski Resorts

• Weight: 1.00
• Source: Yelp

Average Winter Temperature (in Fahrenheit)

• Weight: 1.00
• Source: Weather U.S.

Average Winter Snowfall (in inches)

• Weight: 1.00
• Source: Weather U.S.

Number of Ski & Snowboard Shops

• Weight: 0.75
• Source: Yelp

Number of Sledding Opportunities

• Weight: 0.75
• Source: Yelp

Number of Snowmobiling Opportunities

• Weight: 0.75
• Source: Yelp

Number of Skating Rinks

• Weight: 0.75
• Source: Yelp

Number of Saunas

• Weight: 0.50
• Source: Yelp

Number of Restaurants

• Weight: 0.25
• Source: Yellow Pages

Number of Cocktail Bars

• Weight: 0.25
• Source: Yelp

Number of Wineries

• Weight: 0.25
• Source: Yelp

Number of Breweries

• Weight: 0.25
• Source: Yelp

Full Data

That wraps up our city ranking of the Best U.S. Mountain Towns for a Winter Getaway. Interested in diving deeper into the numbers for all of the cities, or wanting to see how your city stacks up if it’s not listed within the above map? 

We’ve compiled our full data study for all 45 U.S. cities analyzed into the interactive data table below. Search for the city you call home or click on the heading of each column to sort by that category!

The post The Best U.S. Mountain Towns for a Winter Getaway appeared first on The Loupe.

As new generational gaps begin to emerge, so do new love languages. Millennials and Gen Z might be closer in age than other generations, but there are still many differences between the two. The way millennials and previous generations approached the dating game is totally different from how the up-and-coming generation does it today.

If you feel like you have a hard time understanding what your Gen Z friends are saying whenever they come to you for relationship advice, chances are you’re not the only one. Thankfully, the hip and happening team at Shane Co. is here to help break things down with the help of a former Valentine’s Day favorite: conversation heart candies.

While “UR CUTE” and “KISS ME” conversation hearts are sweet, they no longer reflect conversations that young couples have these days. To help explain how Gen Zers approach romance, we will take a classic Valentine’s Day candy and modernize it with new quotes. Keep reading to find out what an updated box of conversation hearts might look like!

Methodology

To create modern day conversation hearts, our team meticulously researched the mysterious methods behind Gen Z’s dating rituals. Leaving no stone unturned, we took to the internet and read in-depth studies and articles to learn the lingo and buzzwords that drive today’s dating culture. Finally, we got to work on illustrating unique conversation hearts with the new phrases.

What If Conversation Hearts Were Updated?

If you’re looking at these conversation hearts and scratching your head in confusion (while checking to see if your hair is thinning), don’t worry. Below we’ve taken some of the more confusing Gen Z slang and broken it down in a way that’s easy to understand for elder millennials and younger Gen Xers. In many instances, what’s old is new again; for example, today’s “UR A SNACK” conversation heart is yesterday’s “UR CUTE” heart.

THIRST TRAP: Back in the day, if you posted a somewhat revealing photo online or pulled out all the stops for a picture on the TL, you might have heard whispers behind your back about how you were fishing for compliments. If you have ever posted a risqué photo on your Myspace page for the purpose of receiving compliments from hordes of random admirers on the internet, congratulations! You successfully deployed a thirst trap before they were called thirst traps.

SHEEESH: Many Gen Zers grew up with smartphones and the internet at their fingertips. When your primary forms of communication consist of text messaging or sliding into someone’s DMs on social media, you’ll likely tend to shorten words and abbreviate phrases. For this reason, it’s no surprise that Gen Zers aren’t fans of using many words. To put it plainly, if your crush leaves a comment that says “SHEEESH” on your “THIRST TRAP,” it’s a good thing. The trap worked, and you’re looking like a tall glass of water.

UR A CATFISH: If the apple of your eye hands you this conversation heart, that’s not a good sign. In the world of online dating, appearances are everything. We understand wanting to put your best foot forward, but if you’re heavily doctoring your photos and removing blemishes to the point where you look like a completely different person, you might get called out as a catfish. On the other hand, maybe they’re saying you look better in person, without the Photoshop. One can dream, right?

Closing Thoughts

As new generational gaps appear, so do new buzzwords and slang. The dating game will continue to change with each generation, but love will always remain the same. If you’re having trouble understanding WTF your Gen Zer pals are talking about when they come to you for relationship advice, it doesn’t mean you’re getting old — it just means you need a refresher on today’s lingo.
One thing that is understood across all generations, however, is a high-quality engagement ring. If you’re looking for a ring that spells out “commitment” in any language, consider checking out Shane Co.’s selection of fine jewelry.

The post Modern Day Conversation Hearts appeared first on The Loupe.

What’s your best bet for comfort food when the weather gets chilly? Chili, of course! But wait, do you prefer beans in your chili, or do you take it sans beans? Do you like ground beef, ground turkey, or no meat at all? Is cornbread your ideal side?

Heated questions like these have long stirred division, not just between Americans from state to state, but among couples seeking the warmth and comfort that only a steaming bowl of chili can provide. Because ways to make chili are as plentiful as couples who disagree about the best way to make it, we surveyed 2,000+ Americans across the U.S. to find out how each state cooks its chili and got some fascinating results.

The Ideal Bowl of Chili

No matter how you like your chili, it’s always a satisfying meal, and our survey shows that Americans have diverse preferences for what goes into their chili pot.

Ground beef dominates the popular meat category and is the favorite for two out of three Americans. But did you know 22% of the world population identifies as vegetarian? That’s why it’s no surprise that 8.7% of Americans prefer meat-free chili.

When it comes to the age-old bean debate, the classic black, pinto, and kidney bean combo is the only way to go, according to 37.2% of those we surveyed. Of course, those results might make you cringe if you’re from the Lone Star State — Texas chili is famously bean-free. Still, no-bean chili remains the favorite of many chili fans, accounting for 13.4% of our survey respondents.

Toppings-wise, shredded cheese is the number one essential chili topping Americans reach for, with sour cream and green onions following close behind. If you ask us, you can’t go wrong with generous amounts of all three!

What about sides? Cornbread is the preferred side for most Americans (41.2%), but tortilla chips and crackers are also popular.

Local Chili Favorites

Now that we’ve looked at the overall chili preferences nationwide, let’s focus the lens on individual states to see what makes their bowls of chili unique.

Delaware residents lead the U.S. with a strong preference for vegetarian chili. In fact, about 20% of people in Delaware prefer a meatless chili, compared to only 8% of the general population.

Meanwhile, when it comes to the bean debate, Louisiana residents feel even more strongly than Texans and are most likely to leave beans out of their chili altogether. Over a fourth of Louisiana residents (26%) prefer bean-free chili, compared to just 13% of respondents nationwide.

New Jersey stands out as the only state where more residents opt for tortilla chips (33%) over cornbread (29%) with their chili (just 16% of the nation prefers tortilla chips).

According to our survey, Minnesotans like to spice things up! A whopping 81% of them prefer their chili spicy, while nationwide, only 54% of us are brave enough to handle the heat. 

Lastly, we found that most Americans (nine of every 10) are all about that thick and chunky chili life and that stovetop chili cooking beats out every other method.

The Most Common Chili Recipe in Every State

Want the nitty gritty on your state’s preferred chili combinations? Just hover above the map below for the details!

Closing Thoughts

All in all, the great chili debate is alive and well in the U.S.! No matter how you like your chili, our study shows that Americans have strong preferences for their favorite combinations of ingredients.

The best kind of winter date-night-in is one snuggled on the couch with your soulmate eating warm comfort food! Another way to warm the heart of your significant other is by picking out a special gift for them at Shane Co. Whether you’re looking for something timeless or 100% unique, we have a wide selection of pieces certain to make your loved one’s heart melt. 

Methodology

To find out how Americans prefer their chili, we surveyed 2,070 respondents across multiple demographics and 44 states in December of 2022. Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, and Wyoming are not included in the insights due to a low pool of survey respondents.

The post Here’s How Every U.S. State Prefers Its Chili appeared first on The Loupe.

2023 is here and it’s going to be the boldest, most creative year yet. What better way to signify this moment in history than with a color that’s full of life, red-hot passion, and fun? This year, the Pantone Color Institute chose Viva Magenta to be its annual Color of the Year. 

This color is carefully selected by a team to influence consumer product decisions and client designs around the world. Let’s dive into everything we know about Viva Magenta and what it means for the jewelry and style selections that are going to shape 2023. 

The History of Pantone and Color

The Pantone Color Institute is a Pantone consulting service. Color experts from the Institute explore worldwide influences and trendsetting tones and select the one they feel will define the year in terms of branding, marketing, and creativity.

In 1963, Pantone released the PANTONE MATCHING SYSTEM® that revolutionized the printing industry and created a universal system for color consistency. Decades later, in the year 2000, the company solidified itself as the go-to on color trends with the first Pantone Color of the Year.

Color of the Year 2023: Viva Magenta

A color that falls on the spectrum somewhere between red and pink, light and dark, and intense and dull, Viva Magenta uniquely captures a pleasing hue that offers many qualities. Pantone describes it as “vibrating with vim and vigor,” and it’s said to represent strength, joy, and self-expression. We’re totally on board with those descriptions being our mantra this year!

Viva Magenta is inspired by the red of cochineal, a precious natural dye. It’s meant to remind us of the beauty in nature in an increasingly technological world. With its standout tone and one-of-a-kind origin, Viva Magenta empowers people to write their own narrative this year. 

Viva Magenta Jewelry at Shane Co. 

Ready to showcase your fearless side this year with a pop of Viva Magenta? Tourmaline, one of the beautiful colorful gemstones we offer at Shane Co., is a great way to add the bright hue to your wardrobe as a constant reminder of your internal strength. There are also a couple of other colorful gemstones, mentioned below, that pair well with tourmaline and can help complete the perfect Viva Magenta color scheme look.

Elara Pink Tourmaline and Diamond Ring 

This gorgeous ring is going to stun in 2023 and beyond with its impressive magenta color. Available in white gold or yellow gold, the center stone is surrounded by dazzling accent diamonds. Shop this ring for a bold new look!

Cherry Pink Tourmaline Link Bracelet 

One oval pink tourmaline gemstone takes center stage on this rose gold bracelet. Wear this on your wrist to emanate a pink, passionate vibe while celebrating yourself this year! 

Mosaic Pink Sapphire and Diamond Earrings

These shimmering earrings are another great way to add a whole range of pinks to your Viva Magenta-inspired style. Crafted from rose gold, they feature 100 round pink sapphires and 18 round diamonds. Talk about pretty in pink! 

Thea Ruby, Pink Sapphire, and Diamond Stackable Ring

Rock a monochromatic look with more shades of pink and red that complement tourmaline by wearing this rose gold ring. It features four round rubies, three round pink sapphires, and 10 round diamonds. Plus, the rose gold setting adds a warm touch that further brings out the tones of the stones. 

How to Wear Viva Magenta

In addition to jewelry, there’s more you can add to your wardrobe to amp it up with Viva Magenta. According to Sarah Ryan The Style Coach, Viva Magenta works well with complementary colors on the color wheel, like the lime green shade that sits directly opposite magenta (a cool combination found in this bracelet). She also recommends an analogous look, meaning colors that are beside each other on the wheel, like orange red and a cooler pink. 

We also love the idea of wearing a mostly neutral (especially lighter tones like beige and white) outfit and adding a bold pop of Viva Magenta, whether it’s with jewelry, shoes, a bag, or a top underneath a jacket. This allows the color to really stand out on its own. Oh, and, of course, you can’t go wrong with matching Viva Magenta lipstick! 

This year is all about taking chances and being the boldest, brightest version of yourself. Try incorporating Viva Magenta into your life with jewelry that makes you feel like you can handle anything in 2023. You’ve got this! If you want to keep searching for the perfect Viva Magenta piece, explore all tourmaline jewelry at Shane Co. or visit a store near you today.

The post Make a Statement with Viva Magenta: The Pantone Color of the Year 2023 appeared first on The Loupe.

Winner Update

We’re pleased to announce that Aracely Borja has been named the winner of this contest. Read more about her below: 

Aracely Borja (she/her) is a UC Berkeley alumna with a degree in Media Studies and a minor in Journalism. She currently works in the fashion industry as a visual specialist with hopes to someday create her own brand. In her free time, she loves spending quality time with her friends & family, traveling, binge-watching tv shows, and indulging in art, fashion, and media! 

Here’s her winning submission that won us over: 

You should pick me because I am a gal pal in real life! I strongly believe that my gal pals make up some of, if not the, most valuable relationships in my life. When I can’t go to anyone else about something, I know I can count on my girls to offer an open ear and heart — and they know they can expect the same from me. I love watching gal pal movies because they show these important and essential relationships to the world! There are a few movies on the list that I haven’t seen yet and am excited to add to my watchlist! My ideal Galentine’s Day would be a picnic on the beach with my gals, a few snacks, and some painting supplies! Then grabbing something for dinner and heading back to one of our homes to spend the rest of the night watching movies.

Congratulations, Aracely!

Summary

As soon as February rolls around, it’s hard not to feel all the love in the air, with Valentine’s Day just around the corner. Valentine’s Day is a special day when couples can celebrate their love and be vulnerable with one another, but the first two weeks of February can be challenging to get through because of all the excitement that builds up leading into the big day. Thankfully, Galentine’s Day gives us a way to blow off steam before our chariots arrive and sweep us off our feet on the 14th.

For the uninitiated, Galentine’s Day is the day before Valentine’s Day, when you can laugh, gab, watch your fave chick flicks, and celebrate with the besties who’ve made you who you are. Before your big date on Valentine’s Day, spend time with the ones who lift you up when you are down and celebrate your accomplishments. A lady’s bestie knows them in and out and stands by her side through every milestone of life: engagements, weddings, first baby, and so on — this day is for them.

In this contest, Shane Co. will pay you to watch movies that encompass all things girl besties. If you love movies and strong leading ladies, now’s your chance to earn $1,000 for just watching movies like Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, Clueless, Steel Magnolias, and more!

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for one lucky lady (or lad) to curl up on the couch in their PJs, grab a bag of popcorn, and watch 10 of our all-time favorite gal pal movies. Of course, feel free to grab some of your besties and enjoy gossiping between films together! You can get paid to hang out with your besties and enjoy some great movies. What’s not to love about that?

Our ideal applicant will have:

• Overall enthusiasm for gal pal movies
• Strong attention to detail
• The ability to watch 10 movies within two weeks after selection

Requirements: 

• Applicants must be 18 years or older and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to apply

Disregarding any of these requirements is grounds for immediate disqualification.

The 10 movies they’ll be required to watch are:

1. Sex and the City
2. Thelma and Louise
3. Bride Wars 
4. Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
5. Princess Diaries
6. The First Wives Club
7. A League of Their Own
8. Clueless
9. Baby Mama 
10. Steel Magnolias

What You’ll Get

The winner will be announced on March 1, 2023, and will receive a $1,000 payment. They will also receive a $50 Amazon gift card that can be used to rent the movies on the list. 

Contest Terms and Conditions

The rules of the competition and the prize for the winner are as follows: 

1. The promoter of this competition is Shane Co., whose principal office is located at 9790 E Arapahoe Rd, Greenwood Village, CO 80112.
2. Employees of Shane Co., their family members, or anyone else connected in any way with the competition or helping to set up the competition shall not be permitted to enter the competition.
3. Persons must be at least 18 years old, or otherwise have reached the age of majority under the laws of the state where they reside, in order to participate.
4. Only residents of the United States are eligible to participate.
5. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.
6. There is NO ENTRY FEE AND NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER THIS COMPETITION. Any purchase or consideration otherwise given by entrants will not improve one’s chances of winning.
7. The route to entry for the competition and details of how to enter are available via www.shaneco.com. Individuals may enter to win by filling out the form on Shane Co.’s website. Upon clicking the participation link, entrants will be asked to provide their name and contact information so that Shane Co. can notify the winner of the results.
8. The closing date for entry will be February 15, 2023. After this date, no further entries to the competition will be permitted.
9. Only one winner will be selected from the entire pool of eligible entries. The selection process will be at the discretion of Shane Co. 
10. The winner will be notified by email and/or letter within 15 business days of the closing date. If the winner cannot be contacted or does not claim the prize within 2 days of notification, we reserve the right to withdraw the prize from the winner and pick a replacement winner.
11. We will attempt to reach out to up to 3 winners. If the top 3 winners cannot be contacted, we reserve the right to terminate the contest. 
12. Shane Co. will notify the winner when and where the prize can be collected.
13. The winner agrees to the use of his/her name, image, and video in any publicity material. Any personal data relating to the winner or any other entrants will be used solely in accordance with current federal and state data protection legislation and will not be disclosed to a third party without the entrant’s prior consent.
14. The winner’s name will be available 28 days after the closing date by sending a stamped addressed envelope to the following address:
    • 9790 E Arapahoe Rd, Greenwood Village, CO 80112
15. Shane Co.’s decision in respect of all matters to do with the competition will be final and no correspondence will be entered into.

The post Get $1,000 to Binge-Watch Gal Pal Movies with Your Bestie appeared first on The Loupe.

Winter Wonderland Igloo

Restaurants and bars across the city transform into holiday pop-ups during the early winter months, creating enchanting scenes ideal for a unique Atlanta proposal. One of our favorite experiences is the special igloo reservations we see available at several locations throughout the city. Book your own private igloo for dinner and propose underneath a cozy bubble built just for the two of you. 

We love the Skate the Sky adventure at the rooftop of Ponce City Market that takes place from November through early January. A reservation will get you two hours in a heated, decorated igloo along with skate rentals for the ice rink and access to the games and rides at Skyline Park (when available). Another cool option is the North Pole at Colony Square, a winter wonderland speakeasy in, you guessed it, an igloo. It’s open in November and December on Wednesdays through Saturdays, with a few exceptions. 

The Fox Theatre 

The fabulous Fox Theatre is an Atlanta staple that performance lovers know for its Broadway shows, concerts, comedic acts, and movies. Its architecture and twinkling night “sky” for a ceiling are world-renowned, and, according to their site, Billboard Magazine ranked the Fox Theatre as the “#1 non-residency venue worldwide for the decade (5,000 seats or less).” This popular venue has seen many love stories over the years, and yours could be next!

While the inside of the theater is beautiful, it may be a hectic place to propose depending on the show. We recommend seeing a performance first, followed by a proposal outdoors in front of the stunning marquee. Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet is a recurring show, if you celebrate Christmas and want to celebrate with a holiday proposal night. Keep an eye out for other shows and concerts throughout the season. There’s often a performance on New Year’s Eve, so you can potentially ring in the new year with a kiss and a proposal!

Atlanta Botanical Garden

Observe gorgeous light displays at the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s Garden Lights, Holiday Nights event that runs from November through January. Propose under the dazzling lights for a sparkling start to your lives together. There are several ticket package options available, from a budget-friendly general admission to a premium package with included drinks and flexible dates. 

This is a popular local event, so make sure to plan ahead. We recommend getting tickets online and mapping out parking in advance. The garden’s associated Longleaf Restaurant is open at night as well, so you can enjoy a delicious bite to celebrate your proposal.

Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium is known for its stunning exhibitions and wide variety of wildlife to observe. Through early January, Winter Waterland at the aquarium features a tree, decorations, music, and more. If you’re looking for a festive way to propose, it’s the perfect place.

Another popular location within the aquarium is the Ocean Voyager tunnel. Stand under this mesmerizing tunnel to feel like you’re immersed right there in the tank with whale sharks, stingrays, and more. Get down on one knee with an under-the-sea proposal that is sure to take your partner’s breath away.

High Museum of Art 

The High Museum of Art is another great place to get engaged, especially for all you art lovers out there. Visit the museum, take in the exhibitions and the permanent collection, and make your own history by proposing in front of beautiful works of art. 

If you want to avoid the crowds during the day, consider visiting the museum on the third Friday of every month for Friday Jazz. This ticketed event features charming jazz music and after-hours access to the museum. Propose while sipping on wine with romantic tunes playing in the background and they’re sure to say “yes!” 

The Garden Room

Even if you’re not planning to propose, The Garden Room is an excellent date-night idea as “an immersive garden bar and dining experience.” Located in One Buckhead Plaza, this beautiful restaurant serves New American cuisine and cocktails in a gorgeous room filled with flowers and botanical décor underneath a glass roof. 

Propose in the wonder of nature without feeling freezing this winter at The Garden Room. You won’t be disappointed by its greenhouse feel or delicious food and drinks. Reservations open a month in advance and fill up quickly in this intimate setting, so make sure to set a proposal date in advance!

Historic Decatur Square

The Square in Downtown Decatur centers around the old DeKalb County courthouse, which serves as a picturesque backdrop for engagement photos. This 15-block walkable district gives a small-town-meets-city feel that makes for an adorable date night. If it’s cold out, make sure to bundle up, but keep in mind there are plenty of coveted local shops and restaurants to duck into. 

We recommend eating at The White Bull or Revival after proposing on the quaint streets of Downtown Decatur to enjoy delicious, award-winning food and drinks. Grab a glass of champagne to toast the night! 

Shane Co. Locations Near Atlanta

If you’re proposing in Atlanta, Shane Co. can help you with your engagement ring and wedding band needs. Our expert jewelry consultants are here to help find exactly what you’re looking for or guide you if you’re not yet sure. Plus, our stores are warm, cheerful, and festive during the cozy winter months with hot drinks available! 

We have nearby locations in Duluth, Alpharetta, and Kennesaw and can help you find the perfect ring for the perfect partner. We’re also here to be your partner for life with our Free Lifetime Warranty that includes maintenance, repairs, and more. Visit one of your local stores or begin by browsing ShaneCo.com today. Congratulations on your impending engagement!

The post 7 Best Winter Proposal Ideas in Atlanta, Georgia appeared first on The Loupe.

Winner Update

We are pleased to share that we found the perfect person for the task. Congratulations to Meghan for securing the opportunity! Read more about Meghan and how she won us over below.

Meghan lives in Sacramento, California, with her best friend and their three beautiful cats. She works as a Marketing and Creative Services Coordinator where she brings nutrition education to life through creative design and content curation. Meghan has many passions but she particularly loves music and live shows, film and photography, and skateboarding. She is everyone’s favorite Pisces and can connect with almost anyone she meets, enriching lives one happy hour at a time.

We are excited to share this journey with Meghan and can’t wait to hear all about her dates!

Summary

Preparing for a first date is always an exciting and nerve-racking process. We know it takes a lot of courage to put your heart on the line and take a chance on someone new. On the other hand, it could be the beginning of many beautiful moments to come. Practice makes perfect, especially when it comes to first dates. That’s why we want to give you a helping hand in shaking off those first-date nerves and making more magical moments happen.

Just in time for cuffing season, we want to pay someone $1,500 to go on 15 first dates. The selected winner would be required to find the dates (via a dating app or another avenue) and document their journey, then report back on their experience. Who knows, maybe the winner will find their person throughout their journey and seal the deal with a Shane Co. engagement ring!

What We’re Looking For

The applicants we’re looking for must be single and ready to mingle (that’s right, cheaters never win, and winners never cheat). If you’re selected, you’ll be asked to simply secure 15 dates with 15 different partners over the course of five months. The winner may find potential partners in person, via dating apps, on blind dates, at bullfighting competitions, or any other method of meeting. Dates don’t necessarily have to be strangers, but they must be 15 different people.

First-date locations can include anything from candlelit dinners to a coffee shop rendezvous. All you have to do is document each date by taking a photo during the outing and filling out a brief worksheet about your experience. Don’t worry if you hit it off with one of your dates; second dates are strongly encouraged! They just don’t go toward your final count.

Jokes aside, we encourage the winner to review safety precautions before attending any dates. The safety of all participants is our top priority, so be sure to catch up on best practices before entering our contest. We encourage the winner to plan their dates in public places and enact buddy systems and backup plans so they’re adequately prepared for any situation. 

Requirements: 

• Applicants must be single.
• Winner must be willing and able to secure 15 dates with 15 different partners over the course of five months.
• Your dates do not have to be strangers, but they must be 15 different people. 
• The winner will be required to take a photo to document each of the 15 dates and fill out a brief worksheet outlining their experience.
• Applicants must be 18 years or older and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to apply.

Disregarding any of these requirements is grounds for immediate disqualification.

How to Apply

To apply, you must complete the form below, where you’ll be asked to answer a few brief questions. You must also fill out the required fields, like your name and email, so that we can notify the winner once one has been selected.

Any applicants who do not complete the entry form by following the below link will not have an official entry into the candidate pool. 

The deadline for contest entries is February 10th, 2023 at 11:59 PM EST. Applicants will need to submit their applications by that date to be considered. After this date, no further applications to the job posting will be permitted.

What You’ll Get

The winner will be announced on February 27th, 2023, and will receive a $1,500 payment.

Contest Terms and Conditions

The rules of the competition and the prize for the winner are as follows: 

1. The promoter of this competition is Shane Company whose principal office is located at 9790 E Arapahoe Rd, Centennial, CO 80112.
2. Employees of Shane Company or their family members or anyone else connected in any way with the competition or helping to set up the competition shall not be permitted to enter the competition.
3. Persons must be at least 18 years old, or otherwise have reached the age of majority under the laws of the state where they reside, in order to participate.
4. Only residents of the United States are eligible to participate.
5. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.
6. There is NO ENTRY FEE AND NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER THIS COMPETITION. Any purchase or consideration otherwise given by entrants will not improve one’s chances of winning.
7. The route to entry for the competition and details of how to enter are available via www.shaneco.com. Individuals may enter to win by clicking on the participation link on Shane Company’s website. Upon clicking the participation link, entrants will be asked to provide their name and contact information so that Shane Company can notify the winner of the results.
8. The closing date for entry will be 2/10/23 at 11:59 PM EST. After this date, no further entries to the competition will be permitted.
9. Only one winner will be selected from the entire pool of eligible entries. The selection process will be at the discretion of Shane Company. The winner will be required to complete certain tasks designated by Shane Company. If the winner does not follow through with the tasks required of them, they will not receive the prize of $1,500.
10. The winner will be notified by email and/or letter within 15 business days of the closing date. If the winner cannot be contacted or does not claim the prize within 2 days of notification, we reserve the right to withdraw the prize from the winner and pick a replacement winner.
11. Shane Company will notify the winner when and where the prize can be collected.
12. The winner agrees to the use of his/her name, image, and video in any publicity material. Any personal data relating to the winner or any other entrants will be used solely in accordance with current federal and state data protection legislation and will not be disclosed to a third party without the entrant’s prior consent.
13. The winner’s name will be available 28 days after the closing date by sending a stamped addressed envelope to the following address:
    • 9790 E Arapahoe Rd, Centennial, CO
14. Shane Company’s decision in respect of all matters to do with the competition will be final and no correspondence will be entered into.

The post Win $1,500 to Go on 15 First Dates appeared first on The Loupe.

Appetizers, side dishes, bases of an entire meal. The variety of ways we have discovered to make bread is nothing short of miraculous. From baguettes to ciabatta to hot dog buns, the right type of bread can elevate any meal and leave a satisfied smile on your face.

At Shane Co. we know that just like building a lasting relationship, baking bread takes time and attention. That’s why we decided to pay homage to all the bread types out there by doing some research to determine the most popular types of bread around the U.S. Read on to find out your state’s favorite type of bread!

The Most Popular Type of Bread in Every U.S. State

Once we collected the data and mapped out bread type popularity from sea to shining sea, we noticed some interesting regional trends. For example, tortillas (originally from Mesoamerica) are the most popular type of bread in two states that border the region, Arizona and New Mexico, as well as Wyoming.

Another great example of regional variation in our data is the popularity of cornbread in the Southern U.S. It’s the most popular type of bread in Alabama, Arkansas, and Mississippi. While some like it sweet, and others savory, it is certainly a staple of the region’s cuisine. 

Potato bread, a type of bread that’s especially popular in the mid-Atlantic, is the most popular in both Maryland and Virginia, while pan dulce, a general name for a variety of Mexican pastries translating to “sweet bread” in English, is most popular in California and Texas.

Now that we’ve gotten a better idea of how bread preferences shift regionally across the country, let’s take a closer look at the most popular types of bread overall.

The Most Popular Types of Bread Overall

The most popular type of bread, according to our study, is sprouted bread. It’s the most commonly searched bread type in four states — Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, and Illinois. Sprouted breads are considered a healthier alternative to white flour or whole grain flour breads, and are often chosen by those with mild gluten sensitivities. As Americans become more conscious of their dietary restrictions, it’s no surprise to see sprouted bread at the top of the popularity ranking.

After sprouted bread, there were several bread types that tied for second place in overall popularity, including ciabatta and baguettes. Ciabatta, a white bread created by a baker in Adria, Italy, in 1982, is the most popular type of bread in Maine, Minnesota, and Nebraska. Baguettes, a long, thin type of bread originally from France, is the most popular in Louisiana, Kansas, and Washington, D.C. Perhaps the French connection is what makes it so popular in the Bayou State.

The age-old wheat bread vs. white bread debate rages on across parts of the country, as both are most popular in two states each. Residents in Idaho and Georgia prefer the former, while those in Montana and West Virginia opt for the latter.

Carb Obsession Across the U.S.

To round out our study on bread popularity, we took a final look at the data to determine the most carb-obsessed states overall: those that have been searching for each type of bread in our list the most. We scored each state on their bread searches from 0 to 100, with a score closer to 100 meaning they are more carb-obsessed.

And the results are in. Vermont is the most carb-obsessed state in the U.S., with banana bread coming out on top as their most popular type of bread. Surprisingly, banana bread is the most popular type of bread in only one other state — Colorado.

It isn’t just Vermont that is carb-obsessed. Based on our data, it seems that the entire Northeast is a hotbed for bread searches, with parts of the Pacific Northwest also particularly interested in the topic. Oregon, for example, is the second most carb-obsessed state with a search interest score of 80.76 out of 100. People in Oregon search for croutons above all other types of bread. This could be due to the large vegan population in the area searching for ways to make their salads a little more substantial.

Oregon’s neighbor, Washington, was the third most carb-obsessed state with a search score of 74.23 out of 100. Washingtonians’ favorite bread to search for is naan, a bread commonly found in Asian cuisines. 

Two more Northeastern states round out our top five. Maine came in fourth with a search interest score of 73.83 out of 100, and New York finished fifth with a score of 68.11 out of 100. Maine’s top-searched type of bread is ciabatta while New York’s is bialy, a Polish bread roll.

Methodology

To determine the most popular type of bread in every state, we analyzed Google Trends search data from August 2021 to August 2022 for 45 popular bread types. The search terms list was created using lists of popular types of bread from websites like Parade, Lacademie, and Facts.net. For this study, we used search interest to represent regional bread popularity.

Closing Thoughts

Our results make it clear that regional cuisines are shaped by years of cultural traditions being shared in a given area, and types of bread are big parts of those cuisines. The next time you’re visiting a new place for the first time, make sure to give the local flavors a taste. They won’t disappoint.

Some people may even want to take a shot at making some of these types of bread themselves. Just remember as you begin, baking bread and relationships are very similar. It rises and falls, and takes a great deal of patience, but when treated properly can become a great source of comfort in your life.
When you’ve been through the rises and falls enough to know you’ve met the person you want to spend the rest of your life with, make sure the question is asked the right way and with the right engagement ring. Browse Shane Co.’s selection today to find the perfect one.

The post Every U.S. State’s Favorite Type of Bread appeared first on The Loupe.

No matter who you are, you likely grew up watching Disney Channel. For many of us, it felt like forever waiting for school to let out to catch the premiere of the newest Disney Channel original movie. Flicks like Camp Rock and The Cheetah Girls provided kids all over the country with a spectacular summer soundtrack, while others like Halloweentown and Don’t Look Under the Bed kept us on our toes during the spooky season.

From childhood slumber parties to dorm room binge-watches, Disney Channel Originals are an unmatched movie genre, full of timeless classics that still hold up today. Whether you’re taking a trip down memory lane on your own or sharing certain guilty pleasures with your significant other, there’s a Disney Channel original movie for everyone to enjoy. For this study, we decided to take a look at each state’s most popular Disney Channel movie.

Did your favorite movie make the cut? Keep reading to find out!

The Most Popular Disney Channel Original Movie in Every State

The most popular Disney Channel original movie varied from state to state. States like Alaska, Idaho, and Mississippi were more interested in movie spin-offs of beloved series like Kim Possible, The Suite Life of Zack and Cody, and The Proud Family. Other states like Alabama and Iowa sought deep cuts like Quints and Alley Cats Strike. Here’s a closer look at some of the most popular Disney Channel original movies nationwide.

Fans in Alaska searched for Kim Possible: So the Drama more than any other Disney Channel original movie. The made-for-TV movie was based on the influential Disney Channel series of the same name. Kim Possible ran from 2002 to 2007 and was renowned for its clever dialogue, fluid animation, and strong storytelling. Many argue that the series raised the bar for animated shows in the U.S., and it continues to maintain its popularity and influence today.

Virginia and Utah preferred the musical masterpieces Camp Rock and High School Musical. Both movies set the stage for some of the biggest names we know in the entertainment industry today. Camp Rock introduced a generation of fans to the Jonas Brothers and Demi Lovato and jump-started their careers. Meanwhile, before he was getting shredded for 2017’s remake of Baywatch, Zac Efron was East High School’s teenage heartthrob, Troy Bolton.

Hawaii’s most searched-for Disney Channel original movie was Johnny Tsunami. The 1999 movie follows a young surfer from Hawaii who moves to Vermont with his family and has to adapt to face new challenges. For many children who were struggling with a big move at the time, they found a relatable character in Johnny Kapahala, the film’s protagonist. In 2000, the movie received a nomination for the Humanitas Prize in the Children’s Live-Action Category.

The Most Popular Disney Channel Original Movie Overall

Claiming 11 states, the most searched-for Disney Channel original movie was Zombies. Zombies is a tried-and-true Disney Channel musical comedy about finding love on the other side of the tracks. This movie features the perfect combination of music, laughs, and romance set against the backdrop of idyllic Seabrook High School. This Disney Channel original movie series puts a fun spin on the classic boy (or zombie) meets girl formula, and it’s easy to see why many fans are still buzzing about it. P.S. Don’t forget to check out the latest installment in the series, Zombies 3, which just came out this June!

Second place was a three-way tie between Starstruck, The Swap, and Descendants 3. The third installment in the Descendants series is something both old-school and new Disney fans can enjoy. As the title suggests, the original movie series follows future generations of infamous villains like Maleficent, Jafar, and Cruella de Vil. The movies, based on the novels by Melissa de la Cruz, are fun new stories with nods to the Disney days of yore that the whole family is sure to love.

Other honorable mentions included hits like Get a Clue, Zapped, The Color of Friendship, Halloweentown High, and The Cheetah Girls.

Closing Thoughts

The Swap or Camp Rock? Cadet Kelly or Get a Clue? With so many childhood classics to choose from, the possibilities are endless. Whether you are revisiting these fantastic films on your own or showing your significant other the movies you grew up with, there is a Disney Channel original movie for everyone. It doesn’t matter if your favorite movie made it onto the popular list or if it wound up being one of Disney Channel’s best-kept secrets, as long as it still gives you the same thrill of trying to make it home on time to catch it from the beginning.
Planning to propose to your (Disney) princess on your next romantic movie date? Visit Shane Co. and check out our collection of dazzling engagement rings that are sure to stun and impress.

Methodology

To find out which Disney Channel original movies were on everyone’s mind across the country, we turned to Google Trends to help us collect the data. We gathered 74 search terms from sources like Collider, Cosmopolitan, and D23, and used search term data from 2004 to July of 2022 to determine your state’s all-time favorite Disney Channel original movie. So, exactly what Disney Channel movies are Americans turning to for their nostalgia needs?

The post Each State’s Favorite Disney Channel Original Movie appeared first on The Loupe.

The fight for marriage equality remains an ongoing battle in states across the country, but some cities are quick to embrace progress and help the rest of the country move forward. For this study, the team at Shane Co. will look at 50 of the most populated cities across the U.S. to find the best destinations for LGBTQ+ weddings in the country.

The ranking factors we will use in the study include the percentage of adults who are LGBTQ+ in a city, the number of LGBTQ+-owned wedding vendors per every 200,000 people, state non-discrimination laws, and the percentage of workforce members that identify as LGBTQ+. We will also look into the smaller things every wedding needs to succeed, like the number of sunny days, average rainfall in inches, and airfare costs. Read on to see what we found.

The 15 Best Destinations in the U.S. for LGBTQ+ Weddings

Buffalo, New York, comes in first as the best LGBTQ+ wedding destination in the U.S.! Buffalo earns the title for best LGBTQ+ wedding destination due to its high number of LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations per capita and LGBTQ+-owned wedding vendors per 200,000 people, as well as the amount of freedoms for LGBTQ+ individuals based on the percent of non-discrimination and anti-hate crime laws passed there. When it comes to blazing new paths toward equality, Buffalo has made great strides in becoming a safe and welcoming space for all. Buffalo has many resources available to protect LGBTQ+ persons and help them build a stronger community.

For those looking for a sunny wedding down south as chilly weather rolls in, Orlando, Florida, might be the place for you. Orlando comes in third place on our list because of its high marks across the board. Some of this famed Florida city’s highlights include 233 days a year on average of sunshine and a high number of LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations. Aside from Disney World, Orlando has many notable LGBTQ+-friendly attractions to explore with your loved ones.

Washington, DC, is arguably the best city for LGBTQ+ weddings when it comes to representation. Nearly 10% of the Capitol City’s adult population identifies as LGBTQ+, higher than any other city on our list! This is also reflected in the makeup of Washington’s workforce; a solid 11% of persons employed in DC identify as LGBTQ+.

U.S. Cities with the Most LGBTQ+-Owned Wedding Vendors

Whether you’re an LGTBQ+ individual or looking for businesses to support, we want to shout out the cities with the most LGBTQ+-owned wedding vendors! San Jose, California, comes in first with almost seven vendors per every 200,000 residents. For second place, we shoot to the complete opposite side of the country and land in Raleigh, North Carolina. Raleigh leads the South with 6.49 vendors per every 200,000 residents.

If you’re venturing out to sunny California to tie the knot and need to hire an experienced wedding photographer, Brittani Medeiros may be the right woman for the job. Medeiros captures weddings and intimate moments around San Jose and beyond. Couples looking to create authentic memories through timeless photos should look no further.

Couples looking for a forward-thinking wedding-planning service in the City of Oaks should consider Everything Forward Designs. Everything Forward Designs was founded in 2021 by owner Devon Burnfield in Raleigh, North Carolina. Since then, Devon and his team constantly look for ways to create unique moments for couples that leave a lasting impression for years to come.

Closing Thoughts

The fight for marriage equality is an ongoing cause in different parts of the U.S. There are cities in every corner of the country that are paving the way for future generations to be able to marry whomever they want. If you’re planning a destination wedding or just looking for an LGBTQ+-friendly service that aligns with your values for that special day, we hope this study was able to help you.

At Shane Co., we believe love comes in all shapes and sizes, and everyone should be allowed to marry whomever they fall in love with. We are proud to provide couples of all backgrounds with high-quality engagement rings and wedding bands as symbols of these everlasting commitments.

Methodology 

To find out the best cities for LGBTQ+ weddings, we began with a list of 50 of the largest cities in the U.S. We collected data on 12 factors that pertain to or impact LGBTQ+ weddings and marriages. We assigned cities with a score of 0 to 5 for each factor, with a score of 5 representing the most favorable conditions. We determined each city’s total score from the total of its individual factor scores, which were weighted according to their impact on LGBTQ+ weddings and marriages. Individual factor scores were then added together to give each city a final score from 0 to 100. Higher scores indicated cities that are better for LGBTQ+ weddings. Details on our ranking factors can be found below.

The post The Best U.S. Cities for LGBTQ+ Weddings appeared first on The Loupe.

What would the color palettes look like in some of America’s most striking cities — Charleston, South Carolina; Nashville, Tennessee; or San Diego, California? You’re about to find out! Shane Co. compiled a list of the 50 most Instagrammed cities around the U.S. based on hashtag usage. Then, we ran stock imagery of those 50 cityscapes through Adobe’s color wheel tool to generate a color palette for each city, and ultimately found the most colorful cities around the U.S. Let’s see where your city stacks up!

Methodology

First, we turned to Instagram to generate a list of cities to analyze in this study. Where better to find cities with rich, photo-worthy hues than Instagram? We created a list of the 50 most Instagrammed U.S. cities based on hashtag usage. Using Tripadvisor travel guides and Shutterstock stock imagery, we pulled images representing the most iconic landmarks, sites, and neighborhoods in each of the 50 cities, along with an image of each city’s skyline. We then ran each city’s images through Adobe’s color wheel tool, which extracted a color palette with five hex codes. Based on the saturation and brightness of the hex codes, we generated a color score for each city and ultimately determined the most colorful metros in America.

The Most Colorful Cities, Ranked

With sites like Wynwood Walls, South Beach’s Ocean Drive, and the Bayside marketplace, it’s no surprise that Miami, Florida, tops the list as the number one most colorful city in the U.S. Orange, pink, and green neons are splashed around Miami’s bustling nightlife scene, while the blue hues of Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean surround the city. South Beach’s Art Deco architecture and Miami’s outdoor street art museum, Wynwood Walls, also add to Miami’s colorful nature. 

Austin, Texas, is the runner-up, boasting colorful attractions like the South Congress district (SoCo) and the city’s tallest mural, Tau Ceti — a jaw-dropping color spectrum that spans 103 feet. As one of the sunniest cities in the U.S., Austin sees its fair share of bright blue skies, which only helps its color score! Installations at the Blanton Museum of Art and the saturated hues of Austin’s Spanish & Mediterranean architecture also contribute to its number two rank. 

San Diego, California, takes home the bronze as the third most colorful city in the U.S. Colorful gardens surround some of California’s oldest missions, including the Mission San Diego de Alcala, while Pinterest-worthy art exhibits, like the Murals of La Jolla, have popped up around San Diego’s metro area. Bright green, terracotta, and salmon hues also cover one of San Diego’s most majestic landmarks, Balboa Park. 

Multi-colored flags hanging above the Historic Market Square and the city’s iconic River Walk are just a couple of reasons why San Antonio, Texas, ranks fourth on our list of most colorful cities. Golden sunrises over the Alamo, the Selena mural, the bright pink Liberty Bar, and the Majestic Theater may also have something to do with it. 

When we think about America’s most colorful cities, Charleston, South Carolina, instantly comes to mind (and for good reason). Highly photographed sites like Rainbow Row, The Battery, and King Street feature aquamarine homes, pink churches, and green palm trees around every corner. 

Here’s a brief history lesson: Rainbow Row fell into slum-like conditions after the Civil War, until Dorothy Porcher Legge and her husband purchased this section of homes on East Bay Street. They painted the homes in a Caribbean color scheme in order to beautify the street. Now city ordinances dictate that the pastel colors remain intact. Charleston’s rich history, along with its French Huguenot roots, significantly boost this city’s color score!

Other Colorful Cities Around the U.S.

Scroll through the carousel below to find the remaining cities in the top 15 and their corresponding color palettes. Vibrant cities like Nashville, Tennessee; Las Vegas, Nevada; and New Orleans, Louisiana, naturally landed spots in the top 15 most colorful U.S. cities, as did some cities that are a bit unexpected — Tucson, Arizona; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Cincinnati, Ohio, to name a few. 

On the opposite end of the spectrum, the five cities with the lowest color scores were: 1) Detroit, Michigan; 2) Chicago, Illinois; 3) Los Angeles, California; 4) Dallas, Texas; and 5) St. Louis, Missouri, due to the lower levels of saturation and brightness in each city’s skyline, as well as in their popular sites, landmarks, and neighborhoods.

State-Level Findings

The Golden State of California is home to two of the most colorful cities, according to Adobe’s color wheel — San Diego (#3) and San Francisco (#6) — and two of the least colorful cities — Los Angeles and San Jose. From a color perspective, the Hollywood sign, Griffith Observatory, and other iconic L.A. sites were no match for San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street, and Alamo Square neighborhood, better known as the colorful row of Victorian houses from the opening credits of “Full House.”

Other states with similar trends are Georgia, where Savannah ranks number 12 on the most colorful cities list, and the state’s capital, Atlanta, ranks number 15 on the least colorful cities list. Texas is also a state divided. Austin and San Antonio are the second and fourth most colorful U.S. cities, while Dallas and Houston rank number four and 13, respectively, on the least colorful cities list. The same can be said for certain areas in the Midwest. In Ohio, Cincinnati is the 15th most colorful city, while Columbus is the 12th least colorful city. 

Closing Thoughts

Whether you’re mural hopping in Miami or scootering down San Fran’s windy Lombard Street, there are plenty of ways to take in some of the country’s most colorful sites. Conveniently, America’s most colorful cities can double as the ideal venue for a proposal, engagement photoshoot, or even destination wedding. Hop on one knee with your Shane Co. engagement ring on San Antonio’s romantic River Walk, or say your “I do”s at San Diego’s dreamy Balboa Park — the opportunities are endless!

The post The Most Colorful Cities in America, According to Adobe’s Color Wheel appeared first on The Loupe.

Delightful employees, ideal cheese and wine pairings, and tasty private-label products that Americans are willing to drive miles for are all traits of one of the most recognizable supermarkets on the planet: Trader Joe’s.

The cult-classic grocery store boasts an incredibly loyal following across the country that many would describe as a unique form of love. But which parts of the country have the strongest attachment, and which view Trader Joe’s as just another option?

Interested in love and all the shapes it comes in, the team at Shane Co. began an inquest to determine which states adore Trader Joe’s the most. We surveyed over 1,800 people to find out, asking residents from each state about how often they go to Trader Joe’s, what specific items they’re buying most often, and how far they would be willing to travel to get their favorite Trader Joe’s treats.

The Average Trip to Trader Joe’s

To get a sense of which states like Trader Joe’s the most, we need to first see how Americans view the store as a whole.

The average Trader Joe’s fan makes just over two trips to the store per month. Illinois is the state that goes most often, with an average answer of 2.54 trips per month, while Maine residents go the least at 1.48 times per month. Now when it comes to average spending, Americans are dishing out about $66.00 every time they go to Trader Joe’s. Arkansas residents spend the most at $80.50 per trip, and Utahns spend the least at just over $53.00 per visit.

We know that one of the biggest reasons people flock to Trader Joe’s is their unique products, so we asked people which ones they like the most. 30% of Americans say the Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups are their favorite dessert, 22% think the Mandarin Orange Chicken is the go-to dinner option, and a whopping 54% agree that Everything But the Bagel is the best seasoning you’ll find.

As we said, unique product offerings are a big traffic driver for Trader Joe’s. 81% of our survey respondents said that was among the primary reasons they love the trendy grocery store so much. Other notable reasons include high-quality products (54%), relatively low prices (35%), friendly staff (34%), and just the overall good vibes (27%). 

Trader Joe’s Obsession in the U.S.

Next, we wanted to dig a little deeper into how Americans view Trader Joe’s and what they’re willing to do to still shop at their favorite store.

When given the choice between only shopping at Trader Joe’s for the rest of their lives or never shopping at Trader Joe’s again, over 4 in 10 Americans would choose the former, which is pretty shocking when you consider the dozens of other stores they would be missing out on. People from Arizona are the most likely to agree, with nearly 60% saying they would rather only shop at Trader Joe’s than never shop at one again. Mainers are on the other extreme for this question, as nearly 3 in 4 would rather retain the right to shop where they please even if it meant never stepping foot into another Trader Joe’s.

Survey takers were also asked, “Is Trader Joe’s overrated?” Overall, only 30% of Americans would say that it is overrated. But thoughts on that vary regionally, too. Arizonans go to bat for the grocery store again, this time with 85% saying the grocery store is not overrated. 

The average American would be willing to drive 31 minutes to go to a Trader Joe’s. People from Arkansas would travel the longest with an average answer of 52 minutes, while Californians would be willing to make the trip if it was 22 minutes or under. This stands to reason, as a quick glance at Trader Joe’s locations would tell us that California is home to 139 locations, while Arkansas is home to only one, in Little Rock.

The iconic Trader Joe’s uniform of a floral shirt and khaki pants is quite the sight. We asked people how much money it would take for them to wear it regularly. On average, Americans put that price at just shy of $16,000. This seems unreasonably high until you notice that people in Ohio, specifically, would demand closer to $50,000 to don the Trader Joe’s garb. Oregonians seem to actually like the look, as their average answer was a much more reasonable $90.33.

Mapping Trader Joe’s Obsession in the U.S.

Interact with the map below to see exactly how your state takes a trip to Trader Joe’s. You can see how often people go, how much they typically spend, and what their favorite Trader Joe’s products are. Spoiler alert: Every state surveyed said their favorite seasoning was Everything But the Bagel and all but three states list their favorite dessert as the Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups (Virginia likes the Brookie, Kansas prefers the Speculoos Cookie Butter, and New Mexico goes nuts for a Sublime Ice Cream Sandwich).

Closing Thoughts

Whether it’s the stellar service, the plethora of product options, or the unique uniform, it’s clear that the Trader Joe’s craze isn’t going anywhere, especially in states like Arizona where people say Trader Joe’s is decidedly not overrated, and Arkansas where they drive nearly an hour to get their Everything But the Bagel seasoning fix.

That sort of dedication is typically saved for just one special person in your life. Once you’ve found a partner who looks at you the way people from Arizona look at Trader Joe’s, make sure the relationship is properly symbolized with an engagement ring from Shane Co.

Methodology

To find out just how obsessed people are with Trader Joe’s, we surveyed over 1,800 Americans in the 42 states where Trader Joe’s supermarkets can be found. The survey ran over two weeks in September 2022 and asked questions to get insights into people’s favorite Trader Joe’s products, how often they go to the store, and how much money they typically spend when they are there.

The post The Most Trader Joe’s-Obsessed U.S. States appeared first on The Loupe.

Sweaty palms, racing heartbeat, and breath caught in your throat? Chances are you may be experiencing some first-date nerves. Whether you reach for a glass of champagne, a homemade margarita, or a Bud Light, a little bit of liquid courage can go a long way. As dating app use continues to skyrocket, it got us wondering which states are slinging back shots and sipping on red wines to calm first-date jitters. Keep reading to discover the states that are pregaming the hardest before a first date!

Which States Are Pregaming Most Before a First Date?

Certain states are breaking out the wine (or shot) glasses more than others! First on our list is Missouri, which combats first-date nerves with an average of 3.14 drinks — 58.2% higher than the national average (which sits at 1.99 drinks).

Whether you decide to go on a murder-mystery date or visit The Boom Boom Room, a burlesque dinner theater located in St. Louis, a little bit of liquid courage can open you up to new experiences.

Texas follows closely behind, as respondents guzzle 3.10 drinks on average before their first date, which is 56.2% higher than the national average. 

Those in Hawaii tend not to get nervous before a date, as they only consume 1.57 drinks on average, which is 20.8% below the national average. Since Hawaii is home to some of the most epic first-date places like Lulumahu Falls — a gorgeous 50-foot waterfall located in Honolulu — it’s no wonder residents prefer to date (almost) sober. 

New Hampshire (1.65 drinks), Minnesota (1.70 drinks), and New York (1.71 drinks) follow closely behind as the states that are least likely to pregame before a date. 

Texas (5.06 drinks) and Rhode Island (4.88 drinks) rack up the highest tab, as participants from those states drink the most during the first date. The Lone Star State is home to plenty of vineyards, which is all the more reason to let loose. 

Utah (3.20 drinks), New York (3.29 drinks), and Virginia (3.30 drinks) are most likely to skip a nightcap by forgoing drinking during the first date.

What Are People Drinking Before a First Date?

Putting yourself out there can be difficult! Whether you’re looking to date casually or are searching for your soulmate, alcoholic drinks can help you loosen up and quell first-date nerves. 

Our findings revealed that a majority of people open the liquor cabinet before a first date, including even celebs like Camila Cabello, who admitted to taking shots before her first date with Shawn Mendes. Most respondents reached for beer (28.0%), liquor for cocktails and mixed drinks (24.0%), or a glass of wine (22.3%) to put an end to first-date anxiety. Check out our other boozy stats below:

• 76% of respondents say they typically drink before a first date.
• Dating app users are twice as likely as non-dating app users to drink before a first date, either “always” or “often.”
• 41% of dating app users feel compelled to take shots before a first date. 32% of overall respondents say the same.
• 65% of overall respondents and 70% of dating app users say drinking alcohol before or during a date makes them feel more comfortable meeting someone new.

Closing Thoughts

It’s normal to feel nervous before a date. Thankfully, a Truly Hard Seltzer or an IPA can help put your mind at ease — plus, who knows? Some great love stories start with spirits.

Did drinks at the bar turn into something more? Surprise your special someone with stunning stud earrings or celebrate your partner for a lifetime with an engagement ring — cheers!

Methodology

To discover which states needed some extra sips of alcohol to quell first-date nerves, we surveyed 2,160 Americans who consume alcohol to get the deets on their pre-date drinking habits. Our survey ran from September 12, 2022, to September 19, 2022, and we surveyed an equal number of respondents in each state on how many drinks they typically consume(d) before and during a first date. 

From the survey responses, we calculated the national average number of drinks consumed before and during a first date. Next, we calculated the percentage change between the number of drinks and the national average for each state. We asked questions like “Does drinking alcohol before/during a date make you feel more or less comfortable meeting someone new?” and “Have you ever taken shots before a first date?”

The post The States That Drink the Most Before (And During) a First Date appeared first on The Loupe.

We built this city on rock ’n’ roll! In homage to music lovers across America, the team at Shane Co. ranked over 50 cities in the country based on their local music scenes to determine which ones had the best conditions for concert fans and festival-goers alike. We looked at many factors, including the number of music venues, smaller shows, weather factors, and taxi costs to create this best-of list. Read on to find out if your city will have you singing or if you’ll have to travel to hear some decent tunes.

Key Findings

Out of all cities nationwide, the Big Apple dominates as the best place to be for live music, as New York City has the most music venues and bars with live music. From CBGB to Madison Square Garden, the Empire State is also home to some of the most renowned concert venues in the world. If you have to choose only one city to visit that’s rich in musical history, look no further than New York.

Chicago and Philly came up just behind NYC for the title of music capital of the U.S. Chicago had the second highest number of bars with live music, and Philadelphia tied with New Haven, Connecticut, for the highest number of smaller shows in the country. Philly is home to many great local acts and cover bands, like The B-Street Band, a Bruce Springsteen cover band whose name is a play on Springsteen’s backup group, The E Street Band.

Another Northern state known for its thriving music scene is none other than Connecticut. Bridgeport and New Haven made it onto our top 10 list of best cities for local live music due to the number of smaller shows and relative affordability compared to other places. Both cities have nearly 3,000 small shows per capita, officially making Connecticut the small-show capital of the U.S. For those of you who want to see the next big thing “before they were cool,” consider taking a road trip to Connecticut.

The worst overall city for live music in the U.S. was Jackson, Mississippi. Unfortunately for Mississippi music lovers, there isn’t much to see in Jackson. The state capital only has a total of six major concert venues and just over 200 bars with live music. Additionally, Jackson has a higher chance of rain on any given day, making it less than ideal for outdoor music and other events.

The 20 Best U.S. Cities for Local Live Music

As we compiled our list of best cities for live music in America, we looked at everything from the number of venues and bars that feature live music to the cost of a beer and taxi. For music lovers who prefer to enjoy their live performances outdoors, we even took a look at the weather for you. Here’s a closer look at some of the top 20 cities for local live music across the nation.

While New Yorkers and other Northerners get to have most of the fun, it wouldn’t be fair to leave out our friends on the West Coast. Sunny Los Angeles, California, came in at number five on our list because of its high number of music venues and incredible weather. The City of Angels and its surrounding area are home to many sprawling festivals like Coachella, Stagecoach, and Lightning in a Bottle, probably because it tied with Colorado Springs, Colorado, for least likely to rain.

Any music-related list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Atlanta, Georgia. Atlanta has birthed some of the biggest names in rap, hip-hop, soul, and R&B. The city has also been a popular destination for rock and blues fans since the ’60s. Our beloved ATL receives an honorable mention on this list for being the premier city to visit for Southern music fans, boasting a whopping 62 music venues and over 1,500 bars with live music to enjoy.

Miami, Florida, and Portland, Oregon, tied for 10th place on our list, and you can’t go wrong with either. Miami is home to over 1,000 bars with live music and over 100 breweries to choose from. Portlanders have access to over 200 shows to choose from on any given week and the second highest number of breweries in the country, just behind Chicago.

Closing Thoughts

Whether you’re looking ahead to the next round of big festivals or looking for more intimate shows for your next date night, there’s always a venue around the corner — depending on where you are. If you’re up north, chances are you’ve been to a rowdy concert or two in your day, while folks in the flyover states may have some traveling to do for their audio adventures. Now that you know where these cities stand for local live music, you can plan a trip accordingly.

Concerts make for the perfect date night, and festivals are quickly becoming a must-do for bachelor(ette) parties. Check out Shane Co.’s selection of fine jewelry for pieces that will help you stand out in any concert crowd!

Methodology

We assigned cities with a score of 0 to 5 for each factor, with a score of 5 representing the most favorable conditions. We determined each city’s total score from the total of its individual factor scores, which were weighted according to their impact on the local live music experience. Individual factor scores were then added together to give each city a final score from 0 to 50. Higher scores indicated cities are better for concert goers and lovers of local music. Read on to see what we found.

The post The Best Cities for Live Music in the U.S. appeared first on The Loupe.

When the temperatures change and the seasonal decor hits the retail shelves, many of us crave those tasty seasonal treats that remind us of childhood and the cozy comforts of home. But have you ever wondered what your fellow Americans reach for to satisfy their seasonal sugar cravings? 

Whether it’s the Halloween cult-favorite candy corn, classic Christmas candy canes, or iconic Valentine’s Day chocolate, festive candy choices are never in short supply in the U.S., and each tasty treat has its own unique regional popularity.

We’ve scoured the nation to find out which treats reign supreme in each state, and let’s just say the results are … well, they’re pretty sweet! So grab your favorite seasonal confection, sit back, and let’s dive into the world of regional candy preferences. Who knows, you might even discover a new favorite!

The Most Popular Seasonal Candy in Every U.S. State

Who says candy is just for kids? As you can see, each U.S. state has its own favorite seasonal sweet treat that people of all ages go crazy for!

Overall, while maybe a little controversial, candy corn dominates the nation as the most popular seasonal candy in 13 states. Whether you love it or love to hate it, it’s clear that this trick-or-treating essential is here to stay (at least for the month of October, anyway).

Thanks to the North Chicago Jelly Belly Factory, the Easter Bunny always has a steady supply of jelly beans for the Easter holiday. That’s a good thing because, for Illinoisans, these tasty little morsels are the quintessential seasonal candy. From buttered popcorn to black pepper (from Jelly Belly’s Harry Potter-themed Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans line), there’s a flavor for everyone, so we can see why these classic treats are all the rage in the Land of Lincoln!

But not all states prefer sugary confections associated with Easter. Chocolate roses are a highly regarded Valentine’s Day favorite in New Jersey. Notably, the Garden State is also home to the U.S. headquarters for Cadbury — a leading producer of the tasty treat.

Speaking of classics, New Yorkers favor Valentine’s Day chocolate. We doubt it’s a coincidence that Godiva Gourmet Chocolates is headquartered in New York City. Godiva offers an incredible variety of delicious chocolates, from classic milk chocolate to tangy dark chocolate raspberry, so it’s no surprise that New Yorkers place Valentine’s Day chocolates on a pedestal above all other seasonal treats.

Peep this: Pennsylvanians go crazy for marshmallow Peeps during the Easter season. That might just have something to do with the candy’s origin in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. These cute, sugary little treats come in every color of the rainbow and are an absolute must-have for any Easter basket in the Keystone State.

Did you know Texas is the fourth leading state in pumpkin production nationwide? Maybe that’s why Mellowcreme Pumpkins are so popular with folks in the Lone Star State. The festive marshmallow-flavored pumpkin-shaped treats are a Halloween favorite guaranteed to dominate trick-or-treat bags across Texas every October.

Closing Thoughts

No matter what state you’re from, the data makes one thing clear: when it comes to seasonal sweets, we all have a sweet spot! Whether you’re partial to candy corn, jelly beans, chocolate, or something else entirely, we can all agree that there’s something special about indulging in a seasonal treat.

Come holidays like Christmas and Valentine’s Day, there’s only one gift that tops festive candy. You’ll feel like a kid in a candy store when you shop the stunning jewelry at Shane Co. So add some extra sparkle to your holiday season and celebrate in style. After all, everyone loves a sweet surprise!

Methodology 

In order to uncover the most popular seasonal candy in every U.S. state, we turned to Google Trends search volume over the past 18 years (January 2004 to November 2022). Using sites like Cracked and Epicurious, we compiled a list of 20 iconic seasonal candies that only hit the shelves around their associated holiday. From there, we compared the search interest of each item in every state to determine which treat residents of each state are craving the most. 

The post The Most Popular Seasonal Candies Around the U.S. appeared first on The Loupe.

The Value of Moving Back Home in Cities Across the U.S.

With mortgage rates as they are, moving back in with the parents is becoming an increasingly likely outcome for many young adults. While it may not be the best-case scenario for many young adults and couples, it does have its perks. For this study, the team at Shane Co. will analyze an array of factors, including the percentage of adults currently living with their parents, unemployment rates, and cost of living to identify where residents are most likely to call their parents roomies.

Key Findings

• Young New Englanders who want to experience everything the great Boston has to offer are better off doing so from their parents’ house. Boston, Massachusetts, is tough on the wallet in all categories, making it our top city to move back home to.
• McAllen, Texas, has the highest unemployment rate in the country, making it extremely difficult for young people to move out on their own despite its low average rent and cost of living.
• If you want to live on your own without worrying about the cost of rent, consider making a move to Wichita, Kansas. The largest city in Kansas has the lowest average rent at only $782.00!

Where Moving Out Isn’t the Move: The Cities That Save the Most by Living at Home

The best city to move back home is Boston, Massachusetts. If you’re dreaming of experiencing everything the famed New England city has to offer, you might be better off doing so in your old room at your parents’ house. Boston is tough on the wallet in almost all categories, with an average monthly rent of nearly $3,800, a monthly utility cost of roughly $300, and the sixth-highest average grocery cost in the country. If you intend to leave the nest in Bean Town, be prepared to live off canned beans for the foreseeable future.

Working from home isn’t uncommon in today’s climate, but new hires in Nevada might want to reconsider moving out as soon as they accept that job offer. Las Vegas has the highest average internet cost in the country at about $85 per month, meaning that your cable provider might soak up some of the money you save on your morning commute. So, if you’re starting out, you might want to consider moving back home to borrow your parents’ Wi-Fi for a little longer.

Young adults seeking the nightlife of New York City should think about settling for something a little farther out. If you absolutely have to be within driving distance of NYC, Poughkeepsie is an alternative to consider. Also located in New York, Poughkeepsie is only two hours away from the Big Apple and has the lowest average utility cost in the country at only $60 on average. When you compare that number to New York City’s average utility cost of nearly $284, a couple of hours on the road doesn’t seem so bad. Besides, it beats moving back home, right?

If the cost of rent is what’s holding you back from moving into your own digs, click your heels three times and say, “There’s no place like Wichita.” Wichita, Kansas, has the lowest average rent out of all the cities on our list at only $782.00 per month and relatively low costs across the board. Surprisingly, the largest city in the Sunflower State features plenty of things to do during your downtime. While it may not have the same glitz and glam as NYC, Wichita has plenty of character to keep you entertained — away from Mom and Dad.

The Cities with the Most Adults Living at Home

In every corner of the country, there’s a city that carries the torch for most adults living at home. Bridgeport, Connecticut, has the highest percentage of young adults staying with their parents up North and in the country at 48.9%. Down in the South, 48.3% of the young adult population of McAllen, Texas, stay with their parents despite the city’s relatively low cost of living. Out West, Riverside, California, comes in third place overall, with 46.7% of their young adult population staying at home.

Bridgeport and Riverside make it difficult for young adults to move out due to their expensive average monthly rents and higher-than-average utility costs. In the case of McAllen, Texas, despite its relatively low rent and cost of living, many young adults find it challenging to move out, likely due to the city’s high unemployment rate. McAllen has the highest unemployment rate out of all the cities listed here, making it extremely difficult for fresh college graduates and young couples to go out on their own.

Closing Thoughts

With the housing market and cost of living increasing steadily, moving out isn’t going to get any easier. If you want to enjoy famous cities like New York City, Los Angeles, and Boston, it might be easier to do so from your parents’ pad. However, if you don’t mind moving farther away from your folks, some smaller charming cities are waiting for you to experience them.

For many couples, moving in with your partner is a big step, but before that young people must use extra caution to plan their finances. An effective way to save up for future planning for many is to cut down on rent costs and move back home. Living with the parents can also help you save for an engagement ring and even plan your dream wedding.

Methodology

We assigned the 100 most populous U.S. cities with a score of 0 to 5 for each factor, with a score of 5 representing the most favorable conditions. We determined each city’s total score from the total of its individual factor scores, which were weighted according to their impact on young adults moving into places of their own. Individual factor scores were then added together to give each city a final score from 0 to 50. The cities ranked at the bottom are not the worst to live with your parents, but rather the best cities to move out.

Ranking factors

Full Data

That wraps up our city ranking of The Value of Moving Back Home in the Cities Across the U.S. Interested in diving deeper into the numbers for all of the cities, or wanting to see how your city stacks up if it’s not listed within the above map? 

We’ve compiled our full data study for all 100 U.S. cities analyzed into the interactive data table below. Search for the city you call home or click on the heading of each column to sort by that category!

The post The Value of Moving Back Home in Cities Across the U.S. appeared first on The Loupe.

“Bridgerton” weddings, boho weddings, punk rock weddings — all of the most popular wedding themes come to life on Pinterest boards, where hordes of design lovers and soon-to-be brides scroll, seeking inspiration for their upcoming nuptials. At Shane Co., we love a good party theme; thus, we did a deep dive into the world of Pinterest to uncover which wedding themes are the most popular on the platform.

To find out, we scraped 15,000 Pinterest boards across 45 of the most popular wedding themes, according to the bridal experts at Zola. From farm weddings to Harry Potter-themed weddings, we found the number of pins associated with each style and then ranked the wedding themes from most to least pins. For a local spin, we analyzed Google Trends search volume of each theme over the past 12 months to find the most popular wedding theme in every state.

Read on to see which creative motifs will dominate the wedding season in 2023 and beyond!

Pinterest Weddings: The Most Pinned Themes Overall

Drumroll, please … the most popular wedding themes according to Pinterest data are:

1. Vintage Wedding – 315,235 pins
2. Rustic Wedding – 179,401 pins
3. Boho Wedding – 163,744 pins
4. Beach Wedding – 146,211 pins
5. Disney Wedding – 103,478 pins

With 315,235 total pins, the “vintage” wedding theme is currently blowing all other motifs out of the water! Vintage simply means the style of the wedding is inspired by a bygone era, from the roaring ’20s to the funky ’70s. Gold-horned record players, ’40s-inspired hairstyles, and old black-and-white photos of the bride and groom’s ancestors are calling cards of a vintage wedding.

Rustic weddings, complete with mason jars and wooden accents, land the number two spot with 179,401 pins on Pinterest, while the bronze goes to boho weddings, a pampas grass paradise, with 163,744 pins. Beach weddings and Disney-themed weddings follow with 146,211 and 103,478, respectively — never underestimate the party-planning skills of a Disney adult!

Disney Weddings “Take the Cake”

When we zoom in on themes related to sci-fi, fantasy, and popular films/shows, here are the front-runners:

1. Disney Wedding – 103,478 pins
2. Star Wars Wedding – 51,337 pins
3. Great Gatsby Wedding – 50,728 pins
4. Jane Austen Wedding – 49,291 pins
5. Alice in Wonderland Wedding – 49,001 pins

Cult followers of pop-culture franchises like Star Wars (51,337 pins), “Game of Thrones” (22,816 pins), and Marvel (15,864 pins) would never miss the chance to incorporate their fandom into their wedding theme. Don’t be surprised if you spy some “Iron Man” groomsman socks or a Hogwarts-themed cake at the next wedding you attend.

While some prefer Millennium-Falcon-themed centerpieces and Khaleesi-inspired wedding hair, others opt for a softer approach. Fans of the beloved author of “Emma” and “Pride & Prejudice” would make Jane Austen their ideal wedding theme (49,291 pins), complete with regency attire and decor reminiscent of the English countryside.

The Most Googled Wedding Theme in Every State

According to Google searches over the past year, “vintage” is the queen of wedding themes yet again, most searched in 10 states, including Louisiana, North Carolina, Oregon, and Washington. Star Wars-themed weddings won second place, most searched in seven states, including Colorado, Georgia, Minnesota, and Ohio. Autumnal weddings, “Great Gatsby” weddings, and rustic weddings followed, each most searched in five states. 

Closing Thoughts

Wedding theme trends certainly run the gamut, from Western affairs with the bride in cowboy boots to a ’70s shindig with disco balls galore. While we can’t decide your wedding theme for you, we can help you find the perfect wedding bands and bridesmaid gifts to match whichever motif your heart desires!  

The post The Most Popular Wedding Themes, According to Pinterest Data appeared first on The Loupe.

Which U.S. States Are Addicted to Astrology?

Real astrology enthusiasts know their sun signs, moon signs, rising signs, and everything in between. More and more Americans are turning to astrology, celestial charts, and apps like Co–Star to get relationship advice and answer all of life’s burning questions. For this study, the team at Shane Co. looked at the most searched-for astrology questions and terms throughout the country to find out which U.S. states are the most star-crazed.

Methodology

To find out which U.S. states were the most obsessed with astrology, we turned to online search interest. We began by searching for concepts that align with astrology and reviewed frequently asked questions. We gathered 69 search terms from sources, including Astrology.com, The Astrology Dictionary, and Answer the Public, and used search interest from the past five years to determine which states were seeking signs from the stars the most.

Astrology-Obsessed Americans

Americans residing on the west coast are generally more interested in reading their celestial charts. The Golden State came in first on our list of astrology-obsessed U.S. states, with Nevada and Oregon following closely behind. Astrology has many celebrity endorsements coming out of Hollywood, like Cameron Diaz and Emma Stone.

New York was the most astrology-obsessed state on the east coast. It should come as no surprise, as The Big Apple is one of the most diverse cities in the country and a renowned center for the arts. Regardless of your sign, there’s something written in the stars in The Empire State for everyone. The Four Seasons offers an astrological itinerary for lost lovers in the city who are “looking for a sign” to figure out what sights to see next.

Midwesterners were the least interested in learning about their horoscopes. North and South Dakota came in last on our list of astrology-obsessed Americans. Our guess is that with so many places to stargaze and front-row seats to the Northern Lights, residents of the Dakotas prefer to step outside and see the stars for themselves rather than search for them online. 

The Most Popular Astrological Signs

When it came to seeking advice about select star signs, Taurus was the most searched-for zodiac of them all. According to Cosmopolitan magazine, the Taurus is often misunderstood and perceived by many as lazy and stubborn. Ouch! The enigmatic bull was the most searched-for sign in 15 states across the country, meaning if you have been perplexed by the Taurus in your life, you’re not the only one.

According to Socrates, “to know thyself is the beginning of wisdom.” This quote is likely accurate for our second most searched-for star sign across the country, Virgo. Many of those searches likely came from curious Virgos themselves, as their sign is one of the most logical and systemic in the zodiac. They prefer to face challenges head-on using logic and reasoning and are always hungry to learn more.

Pisces was the third most sought out star sign and the most popular pick among southern states. People of this zodiac sign are known for being emotionally sensitive and idealistic, meaning they look for the best qualities in others. Many consider Pisces dreamers and romantics, which makes southern states like Florida, with its beaches and frequent rain, the perfect destination for daydreaming.

Looking for a Sign: Top Astrological Searches Online

People turn to astrologers for everything from romance to finances and everything in between. We discovered what astrology enthusiasts are seeking to learn from the stars by seeing which questions each state asked the most. Is your state simply curious about what their sign is or are they looking to answer some of life’s deeper questions?

Residents in Hawaii, Nevada, and Rhode Island are among those searching most to learn about Mercury in retrograde. Three to four times a year, Mercury goes through a three-week cycle where the planet appears to move backward. While this creates an interesting optical illusion, it’s also considered to bring about a period of bad luck. We’re certain that many visiting The Sin City are turning to the constellations to find out if they’ll get lucky.

Despite many residents in Arkansas not being interested in astrology, they were one of the states most interested in learning what their signs are. Everyone has to start somewhere, right? Over to the west, Oregonians were the most curious in learning about tarot cards. Portland is home to many card readers who use tarot cards to answer your most pressing questions and predict the future.

Closing Thoughts

While it feels like mercury is perpetually in retrograde these days, Americans are able to turn to astrology to get their most urgent questions answered and address any problems they may have. We found that while some states are simply interested in learning what their star signs are, many more are avid astrology readers who use their horoscopes to help them navigate life’s many challenges. What are some things you turn to the stars for?
Love-seekers around the world turn to astrology to find out which signs they’re most romantically compatible with. Whether your romance is written in the stars or you’re star-crossed lovers defying the odds, Shane Co. has a wide selection of engagement rings and other fine jewelry to help you shine bright as the constellations.

The post Astrological America: Which U.S. States Are Addicted to Astrology? appeared first on The Loupe.

As the holiday season is the perfect time for a proposal, it got us wondering what people prefer when it comes to their ideal engagement ring styles and the overall ring-shopping experience. We asked 1,000 engaged and married women across the U.S. in a survey that ran October 6-8, 2022, to discover if and how engagement ring trends are changing. From vintage to modern settings, lab-grown to natural diamonds, and every other option in between, keep reading to find out what type of rock most women want on their hands!

The Ideal Engagement Ring

As engagement ring trends have changed through the decades, we’re curious about which style of ring women have their eye on nowadays. If they could build one from scratch, we wanted to know what their perfect engagement ring would be! 

As the center stone is the star of any engagement ring, most respondents would opt for a natural diamond, but lab-grown diamonds would be their second choice. Plus, at Shane Co., our lab-grown diamonds allow you to purchase a bigger diamond for your budget — yes, please!

According to those surveyed, the ideal engagement ring also includes:

• A round center stone
• White gold
• A solitaire setting

The largest portion of survey respondents (18.4%) say that cut is the most important feature of an engagement ring. Since you’ll be admiring your diamond for a lifetime, it makes sense that you need to fall in love with its cut first and foremost!

Whether you go shopping for an engagement ring with your partner or let them do all of the guesswork, 35.9% of women revealed that its beauty and style was the most important factor to take into consideration. A popular engagement ring can be mesmerizing due to its beauty!

Other important factors when shopping for an engagement ring include:

• Quality (23.6%)
• Price (19.3%)
• Ethically sourced/conflict-free (8.1%)
• Durability (7.9%)
• Other (3.2%)
• Origin (1.4%)
• Convenience (0.5%)

When you’re shopping for an engagement ring, it’s hard to decide which carat size you should get. Modern engagement rings come with diamonds of all different sizes, so truly it’s left up to personal preference and budget.

While all diamonds sparkle, most Americans’ engagement rings are 0.5 to 1.0 carat (36%). 26% of respondents own an engagement ring with a diamond between 1.1 and 1.5 carats, followed by 21% whose diamond is below 0.5 carat.

The Engagement Ring Purchase

Shopping for an engagement ring is an extremely special moment in your relationship. While there’s no rule book to follow when it comes to paying for the ring, we wanted to find out how most couples went about it. 

Most Americans paid between $2,001 and $5,000 for their engagement ring (41%) while others chose to pay:

• Between $5,001 and $8,000 (27%) 
• $2,000 or less (21%)
• Between $8,001 and 10,000 (6%)
• Between $10,001 and $15,000 (3%)

A credit card is the most common way to pay for your future fiancée’s ring (35.8%). Our Shane Co. Credit Card allows you up to 18 months of special financing, so nothing is standing in the way between you and the engagement ring of your dreams!

Other popular options included point-of-sale financing (8%), which allows you to pay in installments over time through companies like Affirm or Afterpay. Other respondents dipped into their savings to pay with a debit card (29.3%) or with cash (19.4%).

When it comes to engagement rings, most women aren’t taking any risks, as 31% of respondents were with their significant other when they purchased the ring. Surprisingly, 30% say their partner completely surprised them with the ring!

Online vs. In-store Purchase Preferences

Despite being able to purchase virtually everything online nowadays, most respondents would feel more comfortable shopping for an engagement ring in-store (64%). At Shane Co., we offer both in-store and virtual appointments to make the process as smooth as possible! Read on to see how respondents feel about online shopping:

• 44% of respondents would purchase an engagement ring online without seeing it in person first, while 56% would not. 
• The largest portion of respondents (nearly 30%) purchased their engagement ring in-store from an independent or private jeweler, followed by 28% who purchased theirs at a national jeweler, and 14% who purchased their ring online.

From bridesmaid dresses to wedding gowns, there’s nothing you can’t seem to order for weddings online — including an engagement ring. According to those surveyed, their top reasons for ordering an engagement ring online include:

• Competitive prices (32%)
• The convenience of shopping online (22.1%)
• Broader selection (21.5%)
• Easier to comparison shop (10.1%)

There’s nothing quite like trying on rings or seeing diamonds sparkle in person. Visiting a jewelry store and seeing their selection may help you to narrow down your preferred setting style and diamond shape.

Respondents said they’d shop for an engagement ring in-store in order to:

• See, touch, and feel the diamond (61.2%)
• Get in-person customer service and expertise (12.4%)
• Be less likely to get scammed (9.6%)
• Support local businesses (7.6%)

Lab-grown vs. Natural Diamond Preferences

Since lab-grown diamonds are relatively new to the market, we wanted to discover everyone’s preferences. Both lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds are considered real diamonds and are the same, chemically speaking; however, lab-grown diamonds allow you to purchase a bigger diamond for your budget!

We hand-pick the finest lab-grown diamonds, giving you peace of mind that your diamond will be of the highest quality. Available in a range of shapes and carat sizes, you’ll be sure to find the perfect one that suits your tastes! Keep reading to find out how lab-grown diamonds vs. natural diamonds measure up!

• 55% of respondents would prefer to have a 1-carat natural diamond, while 45% of respondents would prefer to have a 2-carat lab-grown diamond.
• 1 in every 10 respondents thinks they could tell the difference between a lab-grown and a natural diamond.
• 1 in every 3 respondents (33%) doesn’t feel one way or the other about the origin of their engagement ring diamond. 
• The majority of respondents (59%) think sustainability and ethical sourcing are important when making an engagement ring purchase.

Diamond Upgrades & Proposal Preferences

Whether you get proposed to on the beach or at a family gathering, sweet proposals mark the next chapter in your relationship. After the excitement dies down, we wanted to find out whether women wished for an upgrade or desired a new engagement ring. Keep reading to see if their partners got their engagement ring styles right!

• The vast majority of respondents (90%) are happy with their current engagement ring.
• 1 in 10 respondents is not happy and wishes to upgrade or trade in their current engagement ring.
• 36% of respondents say they would consider upgrading their diamond’s carat size at some point.
• 89% of respondents would prefer their proposal to be private (i.e., where just the two partners are present). Only 11% of respondents say they would prefer a public proposal.
• The majority of respondents (64%) would feel disappointed if someone posted a video of their proposal on social media. Overall, respondents want to keep proposals between themselves and their partners.

Closing Thoughts

Shopping for an engagement ring is one of the most precious moments of your life. Most likely, you’ll spend hours and hours recounting the event to your family and friends until you’ve reached the wedding day. 

Whether you prefer traditional or more modern engagement rings, we have every type of style to meet your vision. Plus, our selection of popular engagement rings can be set with natural or lab-grown diamonds for a sparkly look. View our selection of engagement rings and learn about the benefits of lab-grown diamonds!

The post The State of Engagement Rings: An Analysis of Preferred Engagement Ring Styles, Trends, and More appeared first on The Loupe.

Following a groundbreaking year for LGBTQ+ representation on television, it’s no surprise that Google searches for LGBTQ+ shows are at an all-time high. In fact, according to GLAAD’s annual “Where We Are on TV” report, there are more LGBTQ+ characters on TV and streaming services than ever before! Viral shows like “Pose,” “Sex Education,” “Batwoman,” and “Euphoria” not only represent the LGBTQ+ community but feature them as main protagonists with diverse, nuanced, and in-depth stories. We sought to find out which LGBTQ+ show is most popular in each state. Read on to see what we found!

Each State’s Most Googled LGBTQ+ Show

If you’ve already seen Javicia Leslie’s incredible performance as the first-ever Black, bisexual “Batwoman,” you won’t be surprised to learn that the show is the most Googled in six states. Leslie worked closely with the show’s creators to develop a character that has gained strength from past traumas (including bullying, homelessness, foster care, and incarceration) to become the powerful hero Gotham needs. 

The new Amazon Prime hit series “A League of Their Own” is also a huge favorite, according to Google searches, taking the top spot in three states. The show features a diverse ensemble cast of brilliant queer actors, including co-creator Abbi Jacobson (Carson) and Chanté Adams (Max). Not only does “A League of Their Own” center around a lesbian love story and shine a light on the experiences of trans and non-binary people, but it also tackles complex topics like sexism, racism, and homophobia in professional sports.

The Most Popular LGBTQ+ TV Shows Overall

• Euphoria – 13 states
• Batwoman – 6 states
• Orange Is the New Black – 5 states
• A League of Their Own – 3 states
• Glee – 3 states

As the most popular LGBTQ+ show in the country, “Euphoria” is the most searched title in a whopping 13 states! The show is often praised for its unflinching portrayal of addiction, mental health, and friendship. Starring Zendaya, an executive producer, “Euphoria” features an unbelievably talented young cast that includes trans actor Hunter Schafer, as well as openly gay actors, including Barbie Ferreira and Coleman Domingo. The first season took home an impressive three Golden Globes (out of six nominations), and after nine Emmys and no less than 25 Emmy nominations, it’s safe to say “Euphoria” is a pop culture hit!

“RuPaul’s Drag Race” is also a clear favorite, taking the top spot in two states. The reality competition show, which features drag queens from all over the country competing for the title of “America’s Next Drag Superstar,” has been a massive hit since it first aired in 2009. Living legend RuPaul Charles is the most awarded Black artist in Emmy history and took home a seventh Emmy in 2022 for Outstanding Host for a Reality or Competition Program. “RuPaul’s Drag Race” is among the most awarded reality shows in history, with a mind-blowing 26 Emmys and 56 nominations.

Closing Thoughts

This study shows the considerable progress made in recent years when it comes to LGBTQ+ representation on TV and streaming services. We’re excited to see how popular these TV shows become nationwide and look forward to seeing even more shows featuring LGBTQ+ protagonists get the green light!

After all, love is love in all forms, and no matter who your partner is, Shane Co.’s engagement rings are the perfect way to seal the deal.

Methodology

Using Google Trends search data over the past year, we analyzed the search volume of 45 of the most popular LGBTQ+ TV shows from sources including Mashable, ET Online, and Rolling Stone to ultimately determine the most popular LGBTQ+ shows in every state and nationwide. 

The post The Most Popular LGBTQ+ TV Show in Every State appeared first on The Loupe.

The Most Popular Y2K Trend in Every U.S. State

Eventually, everything old is new again. Over the years, fashion trends have been a marriage between some things new and some things old. With each iteration of every fad, the new generation has successfully put their spin on things to create something fresh and inspired. Right now, Y2K trends are coming back in full force in the young decade and taking the country by storm. 

For this study, we compiled a list of Y2K fashion trends in stores today and analyzed the search interest for each item to see what was the most popular in each state. Are you curious to see if your favorite trends are making a comeback these days? See what Y2K fashion statement is trending in your hometown below.

The Most Y2K-Obsessed States

Trendsetters and influencers in New York and California are leading the Y2K fashion resurgence. The Empire State and sunny California are neck and neck for the most Y2K-obsessed states in the country. Of course, if it is happening all over America, New York City and Los Angeles were the first to do it. Generally, states with larger metropolitan areas scored higher on our Y2K obsess-o-meter, as they were more likely to follow the big city trends.

When it comes to states that are ignoring trends and marching to the beat of their own drums, Wyoming was the least Y2K-obsessed state in the country. Historically, Wyoming has been a haven for cowboys that prefer to do things their way. Butterfly hair clips, platform boots, and Juicy Couture are probably just too tame for the outlaws and bad boys in one of the toughest states in the country.

Every State’s Favorite Y2K Trend

The most searched-for Y2K trend throughout the United States is the scrunchie. Similar to many trends on our list, scrunchies never really disappeared since making their debut in the ’80s. From Hillary Clinton to Lizzo and Gigi Hadid, scrunchies have adorned the heads of our favorite celebrities and public figures for as long as we can remember. Who doesn’t love a good scrunchie? They are cute, convenient, and there for us on our worst hair days.

New Hampshirites, where’s the flood? High waters are booming in the Granite State in the form of Gauchos. Not to be confused with the South American cowboys, Gauchos are wide-legged pants with a cuff ending around mid-calf. Interestingly, this isn’t the Gauchos’ first rodeo; these cowboy pants were in style for a brief period of time during the early to mid-1970s.

French culture has always had a significant influence on Louisianian traditions. From the French Quarter to Mardi Gras, we can trace a lot of what we know Louisiana for today back to its French roots. So it shouldn’t be a surprise that the most popular trend in the Pelican State is a bit of a French cliché. Berets are the most searched-for Y2K trend in Louisiana and perhaps one of the most enduring statements in the fashion world. In the streets of Paris through the 1920s and onward, writers, poets, and movie stars transformed the beret from an icon of peasantry into a chic metropolitan staple.

Closing Thoughts

When it comes to fashion, everything old is new again at some point. At the moment, Y2K trends are getting another chance to shine, but don’t give up hope for other iconic eras just yet. From bell-bottoms to platform shoes to low-waisted jeans, there’s a chance some of the most prized possessions in your wardrobe will be hip again in the near future.

If you’re looking for something old or something borrowed for your wedding, we recommend looking through wardrobes past to see if there’s anything worth digging up for your big day. For something new, how about a piece of fine jewelry from Shane Co.? Trust us, bling never goes out of style.

Methodology

To learn which states were the most obsessed with fashion trends from the Y2K era, we identified which fads Americans took to most. We used information from sources like Editorialist, The Vou, Who What Wear, and Swift to determine the most enduring trends from that era. From those sources, we ended up with a list of 31 of the most iconic fashion trends during the Y2K era. Finally, we ran our list of beloved Y2K trends through Google Trends to analyze online search interest over the past five years.

The post The Most Popular Y2K Trend in Every U.S. State appeared first on The Loupe.

Amelia, portrayed by Lucy Hale, and Ismay, portrayed by Christina Hendricks, take center stage as two women who play integral roles in A.J.’s life. Amelia is a kind book rep who reminds A.J. what it’s like to be in love after the death of his wife. Ismay is A.J.’s former wife’s sister, a beautiful woman with a troubling secret. Both women have unique styles in the movie that reflect their personalities. See Shane Co.’s two featured rings below that capture the essence of each woman.  

Cultured Akoya Pearl and Diamond Ring

Amelia wears this stunning ring after A.J. proposes to her. It perfectly suits her personal style, which can be described as “coastal chic,” as the movie takes place on the fictional Alice Island in Massachusetts. This pearl ring speaks to the seaside setting and the subtle elegance Amelia carries with her. Pair with pearl studs for a lovely look we think Amelia would appreciate. 

Tahoe London Blue Topaz Ring

Ismay can be seen wearing this ring, which complements her New England English teacher vibe. She is often seen in plaids, camel tones, turtlenecks, and blues that pair well with her red hair. This London blue topaz ring is a perfect standout piece for her classic style and bold beauty. Shop the Tahoe London Blue Topaz Pendant to complete your look. While not featured in the film, we think Ismay would have loved this necklace to pair with her ring.  

We love the cozy charm of this movie, as well as its sense of mystery and fulfilling family scenes. It makes you want to curl up in a beautiful small-town bookstore, take long walks by the ocean, and wear jewelry that reflects the scenery all around it. Shop these two Shane Co. rings to romanticize your own storied life. 

Explore all rings at Shane Co. to create another film-worthy fashion moment. With our Free Lifetime Warranty, we’re your partners for life with free maintenance, repair, cleaning, and more. As a family-owned, renowned business in the industry, we promise to be your trusted jeweler and friend in the jewelry business.

The post The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry: A Heart Too Full appeared first on The Loupe.

We often hear about younger generations marrying later in life, but in some U.S. regions, Gen Z is already starting careers, purchasing homes, and walking down the aisle. In most cities, Gen Zers are more likely to say “I don’t,” but where are young couples saying “I do”? In this study, the team at Shane Co. analyzed U.S. Census marriage data in 100 U.S. cities to determine where the highest percentage of Gen Zers are getting hitched. We also took a closer look at the median age of marriage in every state to determine where the youngest married people are located around the country.

Where Are the Most (and Least) Gen Zers Getting Hitched?

Over one in five Gen Zers in Provo, Utah, are married. One of the reasons Provo has such a high population of married people in their early-to-mid 20s is due to the influence of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Mormons are known for placing a strong emphasis on traditional family values, and roughly 89% of Provo’s population affiliates with the LDS church. 

Three cities in the bottom 10 (Boston, San Francisco, and New Haven, Connecticut) are in areas with highly respected colleges, and students at Harvard, Stanford, and Yale are more likely to follow intellectual pursuits before settling down romantically. Unsurprisingly, residents in the nation’s renowned education hubs are more likely to focus on their careers before finding their life-long loves.

The Average Age of Marriage in Every State

Utah comes in first as the state that gets married at the youngest age, as the average marriage age is just under 26 years old. The Beehive State has the highest proportion of married adults in the U.S., with Idaho and Wyoming following closely behind. Idaho and Wyoming also come in third and fifth place, respectively, on our list of the youngest average marriage ages in the country.

Residents in the District of Columbia are more likely to hold off on tying the knot. On average, most couples wait until they’re around 32 before getting married. With so many big decisions being made on Capitol Hill, we guess that many couples in the District of Columbia perform their own checks and balances before deciding whether they’re ready to get married. 

Californians and New Yorkers are also likely to hit 30 before putting a ring on it. While the Western U.S. has more married Gen Zers at nearly 7%, California stands out for playing the waiting game before walking down the aisle. Couples in California wait until they are just under 31 on average before marrying. Up North, only 2.44% of Gen Zers hear wedding bells in their future. According to the data, New Yorkers have the third-oldest average marrying age in the United States.

Full Data

The table below shows the percentage of the Gen Z population that is married in 100 of America’s largest cities. Search for the city you call home to see if you’ll marry young or hold off a little bit before getting hitched!

Closing Thoughts

Young love has a reputation for being passionate and burning out quickly, but we can see that isn’t the case in every state across the U.S. Chances are, if you live in Utah or somewhere along the West Coast, you got married young or might get married young. Meanwhile, Americans up North are holding off on exchanging their vows until they are well into their 30s. No matter how old you are when you decide to get married, Shane Co. has a wide selection of engagement rings and wedding bands to make your special day even better.

Methodology

Using U.S. Census marriage data from The American Community Survey, we collected the total number of married residents, aged 18 to 24 years old, in 100 of America’s largest cities. We divided that number by the total number of Gen Z residents to find the percentage of Gen Zers that are married in each city. Further, we collected the median age at first marriage in each state, also using Census data.

The post Gen Z Says “I Do”: Cities with the Most Married Gen Zers appeared first on The Loupe.