So next Monday, our lives get a little bit busier with the reintroduction of various places reopening in England! Already the emails re swimming lessons and training have started pouring in. But I am sooo looking forward to my children having that normality back. My hair appointment has been booked in for a while and it’ll be shortly followed by as many beauty treatments as possible! A few more social gatherings have been booked into my diary too, a wonder around the shops and pub gardens are a bit more exciting that parks.

However, what I’m really, really excited about is the big social events- the parties and celebrations. We unfortunately had to cancel my youngest’s baptism, it was booked for a week after the first lockdown began and I remember thinking then that I’d be able to rebook it that summer. In fact, I was desperate to rebook it that summer- she had a very special gown to fit into and was already bigger than her sister when she was baptised. I joked that she’d be walking to the font- how little we knew. I would say she’ll be racing to the font, however knowing her temperament she’ll be running away from it and running rings around us all. Must remember to warn the priest.

It’s lovely to see the change in orders too, over the last year it has mostly been spoons, brownies, rainbow t-shirts and basically anything that can be easily posted with a loving message. The last few weeks I’ve noticed some wedding items creeping in! I know gatherings are still quite small but the fact that they can now actually happen is amazing! The teaspoon gift set is definitely the most ordered, it’s the kind of thing that is a beautiful keepsake but also functional.

I must admit I didn’t quite see the novelty of a stamped spoon until my son had one of my rejects in his hot chocolate and he found it fascinating! Next on my to do list is their own individual ones, I think. It is also my gift idea for everything, everyone uses spoons anyway!

Finishing up, we’ve just a few days left before heading back to school after the Easter holidays. Trying to get back into the school/ holiday swing seems really strange and the children are still double checking if they’re ACTUALLY going to school. Mr Delix will also be returning to work so a whole new level of juggling will begin all over again. I’m excited to get back into the home/ work/ school/ sport activities/ days out routine again though and I’m hoping the time and effort I’ve put into the website will help going forward. But for now- bring on the reopening!

Nicole

As Mother's Day approaches, I thought a blog about caring for things, whether that be mum- or the gift you'll be receiving!

As most of you know, I'm blessed with 4 amazing little ones (I can say this as 3 of them have gone back to school and the horrors of homeschooling are forgotten, almost), Mother’s Day in our house is usually a lazy kind of morning with handmade cards and gifts and there's usually some chocolate involved. My children know that food (often Maltesers) make me happy! I love the little handmade gifts that they usually make at school, my 4 year old in particular has gone into great detail already about everything she’s been making... but she whispers it to me so it's ok.

One of the best things about making jewellery is knowing I've been helping to make some mums very happy! At this time of year, the square ring is my best seller. It's a simple stacking ring that can be personalised with loved ones names, usually children. I've done various designs with a quote on the front and name inside or just names on the outside. It's personalised so up to you.

As our rings are made from sterling silver, we also include some care instructions (as we do with all our items) and a small polishing cloth. Sterling silver is actually made from 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% of other metals, its where the 925 silver name comes from. Some people may also confuse this with silver plated items, silver plated usually means a base metal is used then it is coated with a thin layer of silver which is often why some items of costume jewellery will ware away the top coating and then turn your skin crazy colours. You're also more likely to have a reaction to it if you have sensitive skin.

It's no secret that over time sterling silver can and does tarnish. As its exposed to the air a reaction takes place, this can be speeded up by other elements like water, particularly sea water, sweat and the chemical make-up of skin. Simply put, some people's jewellery will tarnish quicker than others. To keep your item looking best you want to keep it dry, avoid wearing it when washing (and sanitising!!!) your hands, while swimming, washing up and working out. Be aware of putting lotions and perfume on while wearing silver jewellery too.

To keep it at its best, try to put it away in its box when you're not wearing it and polish it regularly with the cloth included. I use a protective polishing spray on every order before it is posted out which always helps too. If you've left it off for a while and it's got really bad, and you just don't feel up to the job you can always send it back! I offer a FREE recolour and polish, all you need to do is take care of the postage costs both ways and I'll take care of everything else.

I hope this has helped in some way, if you have any more questions about taking care of your silver jewellery pop a question in the comments below and I'll try my best to help.

Nicole