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The Queen lets Duchess Kate borrow valued possession during Balmoral Castle visit

<p>The Duchess of Cambridge made a rare sighting on the weekend, appearing in public during her maternity leave to attend church in Balmoral with her royal family.</p> <p>Duchess Kate was seen travelling to Crathie Kirk parish in Scotland, sitting next to the Queen in the car and behind her husband Prince William, who was in the front passenger seat.</p> <p>Kate showcased her classy style while wearing a Catherine Walker coatdress and hat, but it was her jewellery which sent royal fans into a frenzy.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img style="width: 500px; height: 416.48590021691973px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7820515/1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/40c2e519b0d7485890a247bc6f69e333" /></p> <p>The mother-of-three was seen wearing a pair of pearl earrings that were borrowed from Her Majesty’s very own jewellery box.</p> <p>The Bahrain pearl and diamond drop earrings are very special to the Queen as the pearls were gifted to the monarch on her wedding day.</p> <p>According to <a href="http://queensjewelvault.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-bahrain-pearl-drop-earrings.html"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Her Majesty’s Jewel Vault</strong></em></span></a>, the earrings were made from two of the seven pearls that were given to the Queen and Prince Philip for their 1947 wedding from the ruler of Bahrain at the time.</p> <p>The earrings also made an appearance in the Buckingham Palace summer exhibit that marked the royal couple’s 60th wedding anniversary.</p> <p>William and Kate have joined the Queen and Prince Philip on their annual summer holiday trip to Balmoral Castle.</p> <p>As the royals made the trip to the local church on the cool 14-degree day, Kate was seen with a cosy blue blanket draped across her knees for the duration of the drive.</p> <p>The Queen also looked elegant in a blue ensemble, while also wearing a pair of pearl earrings.</p> <p>Kate is not the only in-law who has had the privilege of borrowing a piece of jewellery from the Queen’s personal collection, with Duchess Meghan also previously wearing jewels belonging to Queen Elizabeth II.</p> <p>At her wedding to Prince Harry, Meghan wore the Queen Mary Diamond Bandeau tiara from the Queen’s jewellery vault, which was previously owned by the monarch’s grandmother, Queen Mary.</p> <p>It is also believed that when Meghan was invited for the first time to accompany the Queen on a public engagement, Her Majesty gifted the newlywed a pair of pearl and diamond drop earrings similar to her own version.</p> <p>Meghan wore the special present during their trip to Cheshire, where the duo were photographed giggling with each other throughout the day.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BkAZm5Wgu9S/?utm_source=ig_embed" data-instgrm-version="9"> <div style="padding: 8px;"> <div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 58.79629629629629% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;"> <div style="background: url(data:image/png; base64,ivborw0kggoaaaansuheugaaacwaaaascamaaaapwqozaaaabgdbtueaalgpc/xhbqaaaafzukdcak7ohokaaaamuexurczmzpf399fx1+bm5mzy9amaaadisurbvdjlvzxbesmgces5/p8/t9furvcrmu73jwlzosgsiizurcjo/ad+eqjjb4hv8bft+idpqocx1wjosbfhh2xssxeiyn3uli/6mnree07uiwjev8ueowds88ly97kqytlijkktuybbruayvh5wohixmpi5we58ek028czwyuqdlkpg1bkb4nnm+veanfhqn1k4+gpt6ugqcvu2h2ovuif/gwufyy8owepdyzsa3avcqpvovvzzz2vtnn2wu8qzvjddeto90gsy9mvlqtgysy231mxry6i2ggqjrty0l8fxcxfcbbhwrsyyaaaaaelftksuqmcc); display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;"></div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BkAZm5Wgu9S/?utm_source=ig_embed" target="_blank">A post shared by Kensington Palace (@kensingtonroyal)</a> on Jun 14, 2018 at 6:10am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote>

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4 things you should borrow instead of buy

<p>In today’s disposable world, it’s easy to get bogged down in a lot of ‘stuff’ in your home. When things are cheap (but not made to last) we think nothing of throwing things out instead of repairing them, or buying things instead of borrowing them.</p> <p>But if you want to save some money as well as avoid adding to landfill, there are many ways that you can borrow what you need instead of buying it. Some have a small fee, while others are completely free.</p> <p><strong>1. Books, CDs and magazines</strong></p> <p>OK, OK you already know about libraries for borrowing books. But did you ever think about borrowing your favourite magazines instead of buying them? Or listening to a CD before you commit to buying it by borrowing from the library music collection? You can also sign up to online eBook borrowing services at many libraries – they have the latest titles that you can download to your Kindle or smartphone to read at your leisure. Then you just click a button to return them. Easy.</p> <p><strong>2. Cars</strong></p> <p>Need to deliver something, pick up a friend at the airport, or get to an out of the way meeting? You can ‘borrow’ a car if you don’t have one using car share programs such as GoGet. For a fee you’ll be given a smartcard to access cars parked all over major cities. Book in online, use your card to open the car and the keys are inside waiting for you. Enjoy all the benefits of a car without the insurance, petrol and maintenance costs.</p> <p><strong>3. Toys</strong></p> <p>Think about the types of toys your kids or grandkids like at age one, two and three. All pretty different, right? Instead of cluttering your home with plastic toys that kids grow out of so quickly, why not borrow what you need instead? Many libraries offer toy libraries, normally for an annual fee. It’s also a great way to see what items your kids love before you choose something for them for their birthday or Christmas.</p> <p><strong>4. Tools</strong></p> <p>How many times per year do you actually use your drop saw or hedge trimmers? Did you know that many areas have tool libraries where you can borrow what you need? Contact your local council to inquire if there is one in your area. Or speak to your local Men’s Shed who may have some insight.</p> <p>Have you ever thought about starting a borrowing scheme in your local area? Perhaps it could be a fashion swap or book swap. We would love to hear your ideas in the comments.</p>

Books

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5 style tips to borrow from the Queen

<p>She’s one of the most recognisable and powerful women in the world, but the Queen’s influence reaches far beyond public engagements, charity work and national affairs. She’s proven herself to be a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and even great-grandmother, and Her Majesty has asserted herself as something of a fashion icon, too.</p> <p>Today, as we celebrate her 91st birthday, we take a look at some of her best style secrets, and how you can add a hint of royalty to your own look, without the accompanying price tag.</p> <p><strong>1. Be bold</strong></p> <p><img width="498" height="245" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/35600/image-1_498x245.jpg" alt="Image 1 (10)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p>There seems to be a misconception that older women avoid wearing bright colours, but the Queen is proof that there’s no better age to take fashion risks and go bold. Her energetic, vibrant colour choices always make her stand out in a crowd and she always makes sure to show off her personality through her outfits.</p> <p><strong>2. Don’t be afraid to be too “matchy”</strong></p> <p><img width="500" height="333" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/35601/image-2_500x333.jpg" alt="Image 1 (11)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p>Throw the rulebook out the window! Clashing prints may be in and matching your shoes to your bag might no longer be a necessity, but that doesn’t mean a classic two- or even three-piece outfit (or even one item with a matching accessory) can’t look fantastic. Her Majesty never shies away from a nice coordinated outfit, and always pulls it off with style.</p> <p><strong>3. Add some bling</strong></p> <p><img width="500" height="314" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/35602/image-3_500x314.jpg" alt="Image 3 (8)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p>There’s no easier way to jazz up a casual outfit than to add a bit of glitz. The Queen is particularly partial to gem-encrusted brooches, but you can achieve the same beautifully-adorned look with blingy jewellery or a sparkly hair clip. Best of all? These days, costume jewellery and brooches look almost as good as the real thing.</p> <p><strong>4. Dress suitably</strong></p> <p><img width="500" height="424" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/35603/image-4_500x424.jpg" alt="Image 4 (3)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p>Her Majesty always looks dressier than most, but she knows when to tone it down. No matter if she’s attending a formal dinner or going for a horse ride, the Queen always dresses perfectly for the occasion and isn’t afraid to don some wellies if need be!</p> <p><strong>5. Embrace hats</strong></p> <p><img width="498" height="245" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/35604/image-5_498x245.jpg" alt="Image 5 (2)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p>There’s many people out there who adamantly deny they can pull of a hat, but the secret is finding the right style. Her Majesty is a huge fan of dramatic, whimsical hats, but also has smaller, more casual hats for less formal occasions.</p>

Beauty & Style

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Golden rules for lending money to friends and family

<p><em><strong>Greer McDonald explains why caution must be displayed when borrowing money from and lending money to friends.</strong></em></p> <p>For the most part though, my friends have been the ones who have really come through over the years.</p> <p>When my laptop (read: my sidekick in life) died last year, one of my good mates came to the rescue.</p> <p>My credit was shot to pieces years ago (that story is for another blog post) and he offered to get my new baby on interest free HP under his name.</p> <p>Now don't get me wrong, that is a huge thing to do for someone.</p> <p>Even though our friendship is more like a brother-sister relationship, I was hesitant about getting into this situation.</p> <p>There are unwritten rules about lending mates money and we broke all of them.</p> <p>But around $1800 later I have my new pal and only two more payments left on it (which is going to free up some extra money to put on my larger loans once it's paid off in June - whipee!)</p> <p>It's strange because in a roundabout way it's like I became more responsible with payments because I knew it would be my mate's neck on the line if I got behind.</p> <p>How's that for a warped sense of obligation?</p> <p>I set up the fortnightly payment to come out the day after I been paid and I've just forgotten about it.</p> <p>It was an interest free deal so to me it all worked out well.</p> <p>Other mates and family members have helped out in such amazing ways. To them - "is there anything I can do to help you?" is a real and true statement.</p> <p>So far, there hasn't been a bust up over money - but I know it can be a deal breaker in marriages - but it's still never sat well with me. I absolutely hate being in this position. Hate.</p> <p>Every time I've asked for help, I can literally hear the words of warning running through their heads.</p> <p>I know those words because when I've lent money, I've heard those same words too.</p> <p>I think it's pretty normal for warning bells to ring in these situations.</p> <p>Because I value my friendships and I don't want it to ever be a problem - either with me lending or being lent to - I did a little bit of research.</p> <p><strong>Some of the rules or suggestions about lending money to friends I've found are:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Never lending more than you can afford to lose.</li> <li>It can be a risk, so why not get it in writing.</li> <li>You could offer alternatives to giving cash such as going guarantor on a loan.</li> </ul> <p>Have you ever lent money to a friend? How did it turn out? Let us know in the comments below.</p> <p><em>Written by Greer McDonald. First appeared on <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Stuff.co.nz</span></strong></a>. </em></p>

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Is Kate about to borrow Diana’s tiara?

<p>Next week the Duchess of Cambridge is set to don a crown for the third time in her life. So one question remains, will she wear the beautiful Spencer Tiara?&nbsp;</p><p>On October 20 Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, will attend her first Buckingham Palace state banquet. Protocol will see the Duchess wear a tiara for the event.</p><p>While there are several pieces for Kate to choose from, rumours, or rather questions, have been flying around as to whether or not she will choose the beautiful Spencer Tiara. This is the heirloom piece that Kate’s late mother-in-law, Princess Diana, wore on her wedding day – and several times following. It is said to be the frontrunner for crown contenders.&nbsp;</p><p>Other options include the Cambridge Lover’s Knot Tiara, given to Diana by the Queen as a wedding gift in 1981 and now back in the royal collection. Or there’s the Cartier Halo Tiara that Kate wore on her wedding day and Princess Margaret’s Papyrus Tiara which Kate opted for when see attended a diplomatic reception at Buckingham Palace in 2013.</p><p>But if pattern repeats itself – Kate’s engagement ring and outfits that she’s worn that pay homage to Diana – then we think it just might be the Spencer Tiara.</p><p><strong>Related links:</strong></p><p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/lifestyle/family/2015/09/funny-twin-photos/">Hilarious twin photos in matching outfits</a></em></strong></span></p><p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/lifestyle/family/2015/06/secrets-of-happy-families/">8 things happy families have in common</a></em></strong></span></p><p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/lifestyle/family/2015/06/raise-happy-granddaughters/">How to raise happy healthy granddaughters</a></em></strong></span></p>

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