Lifestyle

Keeping your Relationship Fresh As COVID-19 Lingers On

Published

4 years ago

March 26, 2021

If you’ve been living with your significant other during the COVID-19 pandemic, it probably hasn’t been easy. It has nothing to do with your love for one another, it’s been tough for everyone. When you are both seeing friends and family less, cooped up in the house, it changes the dynamic of the relationship.

To keep everything right between the two people in the relationship, it is imperative to keep it fresh. It can be difficult when date nights are kept indoors and the atmosphere is confined to your home. Still there are ways to keep long-term relationships fresh and make sure that your love stays alive during this difficult time.

Plan Activities

One of the most important things to do for your relationship is to plan activities together. While you might have a lot of free time, you should utilize it and make plans to do things in the evenings and on the weekends. Of course there are less things to do, but if you take a hike, have a picnic, play a game, or do something else, you’ll have new things to talk about. Not only does planning activities spark conversation, it will keep the flame alive.

Spend Some Time Apart

Spending time doing activities is crucial, but so is spending time apart. Create your own space where you can go to be alone if your partner is home, but you should also plan to go out alone. All the activities you can do together you can do apart as well. You can take walks alone. You can see friends for physically distanced visits. You can take a drive. Sometimes it doesn’t matter what you’re doing but that you’re doing it. Stay appreciative of each other by spending some much-needed time apart.

Make Staying Home Special

Even when you’re simply staying home together, you should do your best to make it special. Have a movie night. Dress up for dinner. Splurge and order take out that you love. Share a bottle of wine. There are so many ways to make each night special, even if you’re staying in. It may seem silly to get dressed up to stay home, but if you create a mood with nice clothes, candles, and special meals, you’ll feel like you did something different. Take up baking! Teach each other something! It isn’t hard if you try to make every day and night a little different.

Shake it Up in the Bedroom

Of course another way to keep your relationship new is to keep the bedroom fresh. Talk about trying new things and giving them a shot. Try role playing if you don’t feel too silly. Get intimate at new times and in new ways. You can even take a look at sex toys and accessories. When you take the time to buy a vibrator sex toy or something else, you will shake up your sex life and keep the relationship vibrant.

Talk About the Future

Finally, another way to keep the relationship new is to talk about the future. Life has felt like it’s on hold since the COVID-19 pandemic began, but that’s not true. Life will go on no matter what until we die. Not only can you make COVID-safe plans for the near-future, you can talk about the future after the virus is under control. Of course the “when this is over” mindset isn’t a good way to go about this, talking about ideas for your future together will give you some hope and will brighten up the relationship.

It hasn’t been easy over the last year. Living with a partner can be difficult when you can’t do things in public and don’t see as many people as you used to. Still, you’d probably be with the person you love the most than alone during this anxious and stressful time. Dedicate yourself to keeping your relationship alive and injecting it with passion and romance. These are just a few ideas to do that, but you can also come up with your own. Putting in the effort is the key. If both of you are trying to make sure that you are happy and in love, you will be okay. You will get through this together.

Lifestyle

Kristien Surya Jewelry: A New Standard in Affordable Luxury Jewelry

Published

20 hours ago

December 19, 2024

Michelle Langton

Photo credit: Kristien Surya Jewelry

Byline: Sarah Kingston-Powell

Kristien Surya Jewelry combines cultural heritage with contemporary design from its Newport Beach headquarters. Launched in November 2023, the brand draws from Western, Indian, Chinese, and Islamic design elements. The signature pieces include the Hamsa hands collection with natural gemstones and the organically shaped Sunyata series, both crafted in sterling silver, solid 14K, and 18K gold.

“Each piece tells a story of cultural connection through carefully selected materials and meaningful symbolism,” says founder Kristien, who bootstrapped the company as its sole angel investor.

Social Impact Through Accessible Pricing

Despite its recent launch, the brand experienced significant early success, reflecting strong consumer interest. With global shipping and plans to expand its reach, Kristien Surya Jewelry is poised to attract an international audience that values culturally meaningful and socially responsible luxury.

While fine jewelry typically commands premium prices, Kristien Surya offers installment payment options and competitive pricing without compromising materials or craftsmanship.

A portion of sales supports the National Pediatric Cancer Association’s Sunshine Project, which develops non-toxic cancer treatments for children. Proceeds also help fund education and fair wage initiatives for women and children facing economic hardships.

Sustainability and Customization Focus

The brand’s ECO-LOVE Program incorporates lab-grown gems alongside natural stones, addressing growing consumer interest in sustainable luxury goods. Market research from McKinsey indicates that 73% of millennials are willing to spend more on sustainable brands.

“We select natural gemstones and crystals not just for aesthetics, but for their unique properties that promote emotional and spiritual well-being,” Sun explains. Customers can personalize their amulets by choosing specific gemstones, creating individual meaning for each piece.

Market Strategy and Growth

Currently serving North America through its e-commerce platform, Kristien Surya plans to expand to additional online marketplaces. “Our goal is more than about selling jewelry—we’re building a brand that celebrates diverse cultural heritage while making fine jewelry accessible to more people,” says Kristien. The company maintains a strong social media presence on Instagram and Facebook to engage with customers and showcase its cultural influences.

Kristien Surya Jewelry sets itself apart with its focus on cultural inspiration, sustainability, and social impact. Leveraging digital platforms like Instagram and Facebook, the brand aims to foster a vibrant online community. Special promotions, such as Blind Box Gifts for early followers, enhance its engagement strategy.

Design Philosophy and Production

Each collection draws inspiration from specific cultural elements: Western philosophical traditions, Indian spirituality, Chinese harmony concepts, and Islamic artistic patterns. The manufacturing process combines traditional craftsmanship with modern production techniques to maintain quality while achieving competitive pricing.

The Hamsa hands collection features double gemstone settings—an innovation within its price category. Production standards match luxury specifications: all pieces undergo multiple quality control checks and come with authentication certificates.

Future Developments

Kristien Surya plans to introduce new collections quarterly while maintaining its core design philosophy. The company’s near-term objectives include expanding its online presence and developing additional customization options for customers.

The brand recently began developing partnerships with retail locations in major U.S. cities, though specific details remain private. Current data suggests strong market potential for culturally-inspired fine jewelry at accessible price points, particularly among millennial and Gen Z consumers who prioritize meaning and value in their purchases.