InTheFrow X Edge of Ember Cosmos Collection Ring Unboxing

 I know this collection was In The Frow’s first with Edge of Ember way back in 2020 but as the rings were £135 each I didn’t even look at them! Every year, however, Edge of Ember run an online sample sale where 10% of profits go to Solace, a UK charity which supports women and children at risk of abuse and violence.  Two of the rings, Orion and Nebula were on sale at £35 each. I didn’t purchase them to support Victoria Magrath but because I do like the style of ring and I was also supporting charity.

The Cosmos Collection focused on the constellation of the stars so the rings are aptly named Orion and Nebula. The Orion rings are made from recycled sterling silver and ethically sourced white topaz and moonstones, the gold version is sterling silver and 18k gold plate. The Nebula ring is Madge recycled silver with a pearl and again ethically sourced white topaz and 

I find the Orion rings very comfortable to wear despite the fact they are quite big, substantial,  chunky rings,  they look quite elegant and minimalist when worn, although I wouldn’t want to wear any other rings at the same time as they would over power them. I thought I would prefer the gold version but the silver gleams in the sunlight and even though the stones are tiny they almost look alive as they sparkle in different lights. 

I find the Nebula ring very uncomfortable to wear. I love the concept of the star shooting across the ring but it is just too bulky, wide and feels like it is cutting into the sides of my finger.  I also have a fear of pearls scratching my glasses’ lens and this one protrudes quite a bit! 

The rings came beautifully packaged in Edge of Ember packaging. I did purchase the Orion ear cuff when the collection was originally released, but never even opened it due to a family death,  so I will review it soon. 

I purchased these items myself and the views expressed in this blog are my own. 

XissJewellery Rose Quartz Ring Holder Trio

I reviewed the single XissJewellery rose quartz crystal wand ring holder in the previous blog post. I also purchased the trio (£30). 

 The details/ measurements are exactly the same. The only difference is they are more of a traditional rose quartz pink colour. They almost glow in the sun! Rose quartz is the stone of love and is supposed to help release anxiety and reduce stress. I certainly feel happier looking at my rings beautifully presented on my bedside table! 

The customer service is great. My ring holders came package carefully in bubble wrap and a little cotton bag. I always treat these items with care as I broke one years ago by dropping it onto a pillow on its tip! 

I purchased these items myself and the views expressed in this blog are my own. 

XissJewellery Single Rose Quartz Ring Holder

 I first reviewed a XissJewellery item way back in 2019 when I purchased the Flat rose quartz ring holder. I still use it but after seeing the wand/ tower version for £11 plus postage for one I decided to buy one to use as a blog prop. To recap XissJewellery is a Demi fine, contemporary everyday jewellery company. Their Jewellery  items are representative of the quiet luxury trend and fit between fine and fashion jewellery. They can be found on their own website, Not on the High Street and, of course, Etsy. The rose quartz ring holders mirror this quiet luxury trend as they are minimalist, useful and a work of art. 

 All the ring holders are slightly different as they are a natural material. They measure between 50-60mm in height and fit rings that are L-P, but if you contact the seller she may be able to find one that fits a different ring size. The first one I purchased was almost clear, with a pink hue and swirls of white at the bottom. The paler the rose quartz the more expensive, rarer the piece, which I didn’t know. I have compared it with one of the trio I also purchased to show the difference in colour. 

I like that the holder is almost see though as when I am photographing rings I sometimes want to show the inside of the band. I will use the ring holder as both a decorative ornament and as prop and I would recommend the seller as the item was reasonably priced, safely packed and arrived quickly. 

I purchased this item myself and the views expressed in this blog are my own.

Review: ShopHonu Enamel Shell Anklet

 

I purchased the Honu Enamel Shell Anklet (24.99) earlier but due to inclement weather haven’t got around, until now, to actually wearing it. The anklet is rhodium plated with little white enamel shells. The chain including the extender is 10”. There is also an extender chain. The little disc on the end of the chain has a tiny turtle engraved on it.  

The anklet is cute and comfortable. I would prefer it if there were a few jump rings in the chain as I can’t look down when fastening it so I have to feel for the chain and hope for the best and that the clasp will connect with it. There’s nothing else that I have a problem with. It could also be worn as a bracelet. The anklet is quite a pretty, delicate, summery piece which also supports sea life charities and as I am changing the way I shop I prefer to support companies that support ethical endeavours and have a clear philanthropical aim. 

 The bracelet comes in plastic free packaging and a cute little jute gift bag. The customer service is excellent and I wouldn’t hesitate to shop here again. 

Review: Carrie Elizabeth Jewellery Sterling Silver Moonstone Deco Ring

I recently purchased a ring in the Carrie Elizabeth sample sale. Unfortunately they sent the wrong size, then when I put another order in it was out of stock. I was offered a selection of rings that were double the price of the one I had originally chosen, or I could have a refund. I chose the  Moonstone Deco Ring  (£85).

The ring is an Art Deco inspired ring. The central rainbow moonstone is an emerald cut 7x5mm stone. The surrounding rainbow moonstones are baguette cut stones. The width of the sterling silver band is 1.2mm. The ring came in a little pouch, gift box and letterbox sized out packaging so need to wait in to sign for it!

The ring is very ornate and beautiful. The moonstones flash and almost look alive in the sun! It isn’t a ring I would wear every day as I have itchy eyes and wear glasses and I have already scratched a very expensive lens with a ring! A very expensive lesson was learnt that day. I would class it as a going out /occasion ring. 

I really like my replacement ring. I love moonstones and this is the largest semi precious stone ring I own. I’m still disappointed about my original ring but mistakes happen and it’s how their customer service address the issue that’s important. I am willing to give Carrie Elizabeth Jewellery another chance in the future, if I see a piece I like, as their customer service admitted their mistake, apologised and offered a more expensive replacement. 

Review: One Click Plants, Forsythia x intermedia 'Mikador‘.

Sadly due to all the rain the UK have had over the past few weeks plus the fact that my plants were quite old, my Forsythia x Intermedia died. As my smaller birds, especially the robins and blue tits liked to sit in the branches whilst waiting for their food, I immediately started searching for replacements. One Click plants were the firm that could deliver the same plants in the quickest time, 3 days. So I purchased 3 plants from them. I bought the 5l version which is £24.99 per plant.

The plants arrived safely, packaged securely. They all look, according to my gardener, to be in great health. He has planted them (I can’t due to my disabilities) and at the moment they are settling in well. 

I shall update this post in 6 months time when the plants have had time to get settled in and grow. I would definitely recommend One Click Plants. 

Review: Pisamonas UK Wedge Espadrilles with Buckles

 

As mentioned in my previous Pisamonas big post, I have tiny feet and don’t want to inflict my toes on anyone. The Valencian wedge espadrilles with a buckle are available in sizes 28-35 (£36.95) and don’t look childish. 

The shoes come in 6 colours, I chose grey. I think they look like a bluish grey in real life and they will look great in the summer months. The toe area and strap are made from the same soft canvas material and the buckle is easy to fasten, even though I can’t look down to fasten it. The sole is a non sip material so I feel safe walking around. The heel is a low wedge which is really comfortable. 

I enjoy wearing these shoes. I actually prefer them to the suede ones. They add a little height, are stylish and feel secure on my feet. 

I would recommend Pisamonas as a website and brand. The customer service is excellent. Their shoes are well made and reasonably priced. There are regular sales and discounts at the end of season. I would, however, be careful with returns as post Brexit they can be expensive! 

Review: Pisamonas UK Closed Toe Suede Sandals in Tan & Pink

As I only have size 2 feet I have great difficulty finding shoes, especially sandals that don’t look childish. I was looking online last summer and found Pisamonas UK, which is a Spanish brand that makes and sells shoes in a variety of styles which cross over in terms of adult/ child sizing and don’t look twee. As my toes aren’t fit to be seen in public I chose the closed toe suede sandal in both tan (35) and pink (34) as I was unsure which would fit me. I received them in a timely manner but as Summer in the North West UK was a wash out I never got to try them out. Even though this summer has also been WET, today was sunnier than it had been in ages  so I got try my new sandals out. 

The sandals have a non slip sole and are made from suede leather. There is an elastic back strap which is supposed to keep your foot secure. The tan pair, as they are half a size larger,  are more comfortable around the suede toe area. The back elastic needs to be taken in by my local cobbler and then they will fit perfectly. This pair allows room for my feet to swell in the heat. The pink pair are half a size smaller and are more snug. The elastic at the back needs to be taken in a tiny amount and then they will fit me perfectly. An adjustable back strap would have made these sandals perfect. There isn’t any arch support so I wouldn’t be able to walk as far as I can in say Birkenstocks but they are comfortable and I am pleased I purchased them. They are versatile shoes that can be worn at the beach or with a smart dress or cargo pants. 

I have made other purchases from Pisamonas but I would advise caution if you want to return them. Post Brexit returns are not cheap! They also have 3 for 2 offers every so often which are very good value. 

I purchased these items myself and the views expressed in this blog are my own. 

Book Review: Her Greek Billionaire by Lucy Monroe

Rowan Johnson’s divorce was finalised 2 weeks ago, so she goes in search of her ex-husband’s half brother, Lysander Baros, to have a steamy one night stand to show Cyrus and her manipulative family that she is well and truly over him and will not be a pawn in her family’s empire building anymore.

Rowan and Lysander had one highly charged dance 10 years ago when she was married to Cyrus and he has been protecting her ever since then, quashing unfavourable press for example. It’s no surprise that although the pair have declared that this is just an affair and neither want marriage, the one night stand immediately morphs into a live in relationship. 

The fledgling romance, however, is threatened by Adele, his ex, their families and their own pasts. Will they get their HEA or will their families’ machinations ultimately break them up.

I always enjoy Lucy’s books, but this was one of the most enjoyable I have read for a long time. The characters are likeable and fun. There is chemistry and humour between Lysander, Rowan and the security goons. This book is published by Lucy not Mills & Boon and this has breathed life into plot lines and characters. The reader can tell that she enjoyed writing this book and had fun constructing the characters dialogue and the characters themselves. 

Would recommend. 

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.