Blog Posts

Soweto Academy

Written By Garrett Gerona

Posted on November 18, 2021February 1, 2023

Categories: Blog Posts, Community, UWF Student Authors

Where would you be without an education? Could you imagine your life without schooling? Without the opportunities your education provides? The struggles you’d face? The limitations?

Soweto Academy asks this question because education is vital to success and fulfillment, and some children find themselves unable to receive theirs. Circumstances limit funds. Limited funds mean limited services. Limited services mean children with zero control over their birthplace never have the opportunity to learn and grow.

Soweto Academy, an education nonprofit based in Nairobi, works to bring education and opportunities to children who would otherwise be forced to live without them.

Many Kenyan children grow up in slums without access to basic utilities, much less education. Soweto Academy has worked for thirty years to mend these issues. Chris Okumu, the director of Soweto Academy, established this nonprofit to bring children opportunities as well as help them become independent and self-sustaining members of society.

Soweto Academy teaches children about mathematics, science, and reading, but it also teaches valuable real-life skills its graduates can use to support themselves—and their communities—in the future. These skills include gardening and animal husbandry. Soweto Academy’s students learn to feed and sustain themselves while working to support others.

Soweto Academy’s support for these children goes beyond education, too. Students are fed. They’re clothed. They’re protected and nurtured. Kenya’s slums contain struggles that the rest of the world may never learn of or experience for themselves. Sewage and trash present health risks. Dense populations mean food can be scarce—before Soweto Academy, many children were forced to pick through trash just to scrape together enough nutrition to survive. Many children still do. Soweto Academy works to shield children from these harsh circumstances while teaching them how to overcome them.

Soweto Academy works to sustain itself by following the same values and skills it teaches its students. Operating an independent water-bottling facility, Soweto Academy uses its own well to supply water and its employees bottle and label that water for sale. Funds secured from this practice go toward feeding and clothing the children it protects as well as supporting the teachers who dedicate their lives to educating students.

Soweto Academy’s farms function similarly. These farms grow a variety of crops, and agricultural instructors teach students how to plant and sustain these crops to maturity. Students learn to farm, and Soweto Academy uses proceeds gained from these farms to support its students further beyond.

COVID-19 presented an intense and unique struggle for Soweto Academy and everyone living in Nairobi. Because Kenya’s slums are so densely packed, the coronavirus could spread like wildfire through the population. Limited utilities and funds meant healthcare and health-safety materials available to the rest of the world weren’t available to Kenyans.

Soweto Academy stood in the face of COVID-19 and protected its community with all its might. Their water-bottling facility provided clean and fresh water to countless lives. When trade shut down, Soweto Academy was there to feed everyone it could with its crops. Soweto Academy’s employees and students became some of Nairobi’s greatest shields and most stalwart frontline workers.

Without Soweto Academy’s help, there’s no telling how many in Nairobi may have suffered more than they already did. When the world shut down, Soweto Academy stood up. This defense of Nairobi would seem obvious to anyone familiar with the nonprofit’s practices and mission statement, but it demonstrates the resolve of Soweto Academy to support its community and raise everyone up together.

Soweto Academy has garnered attention from philanthropists the world over thanks to its mission and dedication to helping its students escape the limitations of their circumstances.

Partnering with BLU University and renowned speaker and philanthropist Dan Vega, Soweto Academy now spreads the message of unity and education online and across the world. Soweto Academy’s students and others now have the opportunity to access higher education courses, and these students and supporters are taking learning to the next level. They’re learning about economics, politics, business, international negotiations, and more! These courses teach students skills that allow them to succeed as well as bring their communities success on the world stage.

The director of Soweto Academy, Chris Okumu, intends to lead his students into even greater success in the future. He works tirelessly to support anyone and everyone in need of aid, and he has the progressive and pragmatic mindset required to accomplish these goals.

Soweto Academy alone can reach only so far, however. The nonprofit’s resources have been stretched thin. COVID-19 traumatized the world, and it stretched Soweto Academy’s resources particularly thin.

Soweto Academy Needs Your Help

Nothing is free, unfortunately, and Soweto Academy finds itself struggling to keep its doors open, to keep the children fed and clothed, to keep its teachers paid, and even to keep its back taxes settled.

Projects as ambitious as Soweto Academy incur deep expenses in the Kenyan economy. Thankfully, there is an answer—international support. Donations from everyday patrons like you can keep children fed and educated.

Fifteen thousand dollars is steep, but imagine how steep that cost is in the Kenyan economy. If fifteen hundred individuals donated just ten dollars, Soweto Academy could feed, clothe, and educate the children it protects for over a month. A little goes a long way, and many hands make light work.

Soweto Academy values independence and self-sufficiency—this nonprofit has sustained itself for over thirty years through dedication and hard work alone. COVID-19 put an unexpected and heavy strain on Soweto Academy, but it refuses to give up. Supporting Soweto Academy supports Kenya’s children, and these children will grow to support their communities, their country, and even the world.

Soweto Academy has helped children in need for years. Now, those children need you. Your support could mean the difference between generations of struggle and stagnation or education and accomplishment.

Where would you be without an education? Without clothes? Without food? Without hope?

Make a difference today. Visit Soweto Academy’s website and donate. Save a life. Support a community. Become the pillar Kenya’s children need.

Judging Functions: Part Two

Written By Garrett Gerona

Posted on November 18, 2021November 18, 2021

Categories: Blog Posts, UWF Student Authors

You’ve been studying Jung’s cognitive functions, and you’re getting a better handle on MBTI. You’ve learned about extraverted judging functions, but you’re an INTP, ISTP, INFP, or INFP—your dominant function is Ti or Fi. What are those? How do they work? If they’re introverted, operating internally, are they still judging functions?

Fi And Ti Are Introverted Judging Functions

Where extraverted judging functions focus on external emotions or results, introverted judging functions focus on each individual’s logical or emotional/moral processes. Fi, introverted feeling, governs one’s emotions independent of others’. Ti, introverted thinking, governs one’s analytical structures independent of what seems apparent.

How Does Fi Work?

Introverted feeling is often mistaken for “overly emotional” in the same way extraverted feeling, Fe, is often mistaken for “nice.” Introverted feeling is responsible for one’s personal evaluations of morals.

Fi-users spend much time reflecting on what’s right or wrong, and their morals stand apart from—and sometimes above—society’s. Fi-users see the way the world should be according to their own moral compass, and they use Te, extraverted thinking, to bring that world about.

Fe might be called sympathy, but Fi is empathy. Rather than noticing and adapting to another’s external emotional state, Fi-users relate with others by putting themselves in another’s shoes. Fi-users can accidentally come off as cold when the Fi-user doesn’t agree with one’s emotional state, but the degree of warmth they can share when they do is unparalleled.

Fi-users won’t readily repress their emotions to align with someone else’s mood.

How Does Ti Work?

Introverted thinking is responsible for creating webs of if/then statements linking everything together the way the Ti-user sees the world. Unlike Te, Ti is more interested in learning why things work rather than how to make those things work for you; unlike Fi, Ti evaluates concepts according to if-this-then-that thinking rather than moral evaluation.

Ti bases its ideas in what theoretically should be, not what evidence suggests is. Albert Einstein, INTP and dominant Ti-user, developed his theory of relativity according to ideas which hadn’t been proven with evidence but were probably true according to his own personal, internal calculations and suspicions. Ti-users are more likely to disagree with what seems obvious when they sense more is at play.

Because their calculations are based on their own hunches and anecdotal evidence, Ti-users often struggle explaining their conclusions in ways others can understand and follow.

How To Shop For Diamonds

Written By Irene Regaspi

Posted on November 18, 2021February 1, 2023

Categories: Blog Posts, UWF Student Authors

Perhaps it’s the first time you’re seriously looking at diamonds. You’re shopping for an engagement ring or wanting to redesign a treasured piece of jewelry handed down from you grandmother. Something’s coming and you just want to be prepared.

You’ve asked yourself, “What do I look for? Where do the best diamonds come from? How do I know I’m getting a quality diamond?” Cummings Jewelry Designs will answer those questions, so you’ll feel confident in what you’re looking for. Let’s first start with the basics.

The Basics

We know that choosing a diamond is forever. The four characteristics, aka the 4C’s, are the starting point: carat, cut, clarity, and color. Carat is the weight: the larger the diamond, the more expensive. Diamonds can appear larger based on the shape or cut. Buyers can choose a traditional round shape or choose fancy cuts like princess or pear. The cut will be the most important decision in choosing a diamond and refers to the style of actual cuts of the individual facets. How do the cuts make the diamond sparkle? Will it bounce the light coming in creating brilliance? Color is graded on a scale from D to Z, with D being the whitest and most valuable. Clarity refers to the absence of blemishes and inclusions. These flaws are expected – after all, a diamond’s natural setting is embedded, deep in the earth. Like color, clarity is also graded from flawless (no blemishes or inclusions) to included (inclusions may affect transparency and brilliance).

Where Do I Start?

Cut. Color. Clarity. Carat. In that order.

What Am I Looking For?

Choose the right cut for shimmering, dazzling diamonds. This is the reason you’re buying a diamond, right? As light enters the diamond, the light reflects and refracts from the cuts within. A perfectly cut diamond – not too shallow and not too deep – will refract light from every angle making the entire stone truly shine. Perfectly cut means that each individual aspect of the diamond is symmetrically even. GIA cut scale ratings are excellent, very good, good, fair, and poor.

Checking for color. Jewelers will place diamonds on a tray to compare color differences. We mentioned that D is the whitest – colorless – rarest, and therefore, most valuable; Z is a lower quality diamond with yellow tones; some jewelers find lower quality grades unacceptable to sell. Color is a preference; generally, diamonds that are graded near colorless (G-J) and those with faint colors (K) are popular.

Clarity. Remember, flaws are natural and while they are too tiny to be noticeable, will impact brilliance. Engagement rings are expected to be flawless and colorless, so think of their clarity as the highest standard. Lower clarity grades may cause the diamond to appear cloudy. (You may need to look at the diamond from 6-8 inches away.) Clarity is the category you might want to bargain a little. Would you opt for lower clarity for a larger carat?

Putting It All Together

Still not sure what all this means? Here’s the fun part. Do a little research by shopping. Walk into a jewelry store. See what catches your eye and note what you think the cut, color, and clarity grades are. Are you thinking it’s an Excellent/Ideal Cut, F color, and VVS2 Clarity because it’s sparkling brilliantly? You might be surprised. Ask the sales attendant for the specifications and see how you did. Then, start comparing other diamonds at various price points.

Where Do The Best Diamonds Come From?

Honestly, “best” is a subjective term. Diamonds are mined from African countries, Canada, Russian, and Australia. While Africa is the major producer of diamonds, high-grade diamonds are also found in Canada and Russia; yet, if you’re looking for a pink diamond, you’ll find those in Australia. Today, diamonds are produced in a lab with the same characteristics as those mined.

How do you know you’re getting a quality diamond? If the diamond is dazzlingly bright, the color is not noticeable, the diamond doesn’t look cloudy, plus the carat’s weight is correct and the diamond matches the GIA grading you expected, you are getting a high-quality diamond.

Open Bridges. Open Opportunities: Now Hiring in Pensacola

Written By Irene Regaspi

Posted on November 18, 2021November 4, 2022

Categories: Blog Posts, Pensacola, UWF Student Authors

Now that the Pensacola Bay bridge is open and locals and tourists head to Pensacola Beach, life seems to be getting back to normal. The nation is slowly recovering from the COVID pandemic and so is Pensacola. The landscape has changed – literally and economically. The changes may have forced you to adapt to a new way of living and may have forced you to learn skills you didn’t know you were capable of. That’s a good thing. Why? Pensacola is hiring.

Pensacola’s primary industries are in the medical, food service, and retail professions. The transportation industry, which includes Uber and Lyft, is also growing. The nation has been challenged with putting people back to work, especially in the hospitality and retail industries. Due to COVID, employees were laid off or they stayed home to protect their health. Today, jobs need to be filled. You just need to decide what you want today to get you where you need to be tomorrow. Are you needing fast cash? Need to find a job quickly and easily? Are you needing to be strategic and just need a stepping stone to the next position? Did you take courses through the quarantine and are ready to commit to a long-term career – with benefits? Maybe you are just ready for a change in careers. Once you’ve done your research – on yourself and your needs – put your best foot forward, be prepared, smile, and apply.

Pensacola has listings on staffing agency websites, hospital employment pages, and job boards such as Simply Hired, Indeed and Zip Recruiter. Staffing agencies post an array of job openings and are good resources for administrative, technical, and labor type positions. Job boards list everything about the job; it also gives you an idea of the industry that is actively looking to fill positions. Here’s a quick rundown of who’s hiring.

Medical

Look on hospital websites to find out where to apply. Job positions are also listed on job boards. Pensacola has ample medical facilities, so if hospitals might seem a little overwhelming, apply for positions in smaller medical offices. Many medical offices are affiliated with the hospitals, so job openings may be listed there.

Baptist Hospital – nursing, radiology, food service, facility/environmental health
West Florida Hospital – nursing, clinical techs, radiographers
Ascension Sacred Heart – nursing staff including CNA, medical assistants, medical office assistants, medical technicians

Restaurants

Below are a few listings from Simply Hired. If there’s another restaurant you have in mind and you’re already dining in, it never hurts to ask the staff or manager if the restaurant is hiring! Otherwise, drop in mid-afternoon or other non-peak times and ask to speak to the manager about open positions.

McGuire’s – Kitchen Staff
Sonny’s BBQ -Hostess
Ruby Slipper Restaurant Group
Flora Bama Mgt. LLC – Line Cooks
Flounders Chowder House – Food Runner

Customer Service (Retail)

Retail and restaurants are sometimes similar in that you will get a quick response if you ask a manager about open positions. They’ll either enthusiastically tell you, “yes, we’re hiring – go to the website and apply,” or they will tell you “no, and please continue to be patron.”

Big Box Retail (TJMaxx, Marshalls. Sam’s)
CarMax
Circle K
David’s Bridal
FedEX
Habitat for Humanity
Home Depot
Lowes
Spikes Printing
Walgreens

Customer Service Representative Positions (Technical)

Navy Federal Credit Union
Conduent
Southeastern Freight Lines
Advance America
Lee Heating and Cooling

Free Family Activities In Pensacola

Written By Irene Regaspi

Posted on November 18, 2021February 1, 2023

Categories: Blog Posts, UWF Student Authors

We get it. You need free activities, and your time span might be between meals and nap time. You’re wondering, “How can I squeeze in an activity or two and maybe a reward for just having a great day?”

We’ve put together five popular spots in Pensacola for you and your young people to explore. Choose between sightseeing or hands-on activities. Regardless, your kiddos will have a blast!

Here’s what your day might look like:

Bay Bluffs Park aka “Let’s go Bluffin!” The drive to Bay Bluffs is scenic itself as it’s located off of Scenic Highway which teases beautiful views of Escambia Bay. Once you get to the nature preserve, you’ll take the long wooden stairway down to the beach, cross railroad tracks, and let the kid’s imagination take off! Beautiful trees line the sometimes steep boardwalk. Perhaps an adventure to Neverland? Nonetheless, a treat at the Dairy Queen at the foot of the Escambia Bay Bridge and Scenic Highway is an awesome way to treat yourself to making the eighth-of-a-mile hike!

Bayview Park is located in East Hill right on the bayou. It’s just a large park to play in and includes a dog park! Tennis courts, a fitness pad, children’s playgrounds, a community center, and many walking trails give you options to choose from. Trees provide shade and park benches and picnic areas provide a place to rest. When you’re done, you can drive by the Graffiti Bridge on 17th Avenue, then stop by Krispy Kreme on 9th Avenue and Cervantes for donuts – it’s always fun to watch these being made.

Naval Aviation Museum. Make it a Blues day by visiting the Naval Aviation Museum which includes a play area for children five and under. There are many activities to do as you walk through the history of aviation. Plan to get to the museum early on Tuesdays and catch a Blue Angels practice. When you’re done, take a drive to Barrancas National Cemetery. It’s an awesome sight, especially during the holidays or Memorial Day when headstones are lined with wreaths.

Plaza De Luna. Make it a De Luna, Pier, and Pelican day! Historical markers will tell the story of Spanish Conquistador, Don Tristan De Luna and about the African Presence in Colonial Pensacola. The park is downtown at the south end of Palafox Pier. Here, you’ll watch pelicans dive for fish, see all sizes of boats and ships – including tugboats, yachts, and cargo ships, and finally, play around in the splash pad. Parking is available and the pier is within walking distance of historic downtown Pensacola where you can visit shops, galleries, and parks. Restroom facilities are next to the ice cream shop located where you exit the plaza. To add a little fun, go on a hunt for Pensacola’s Pelicans in Paradise. The fiberglass pelicans are a project by Pensacola News Journal featuring local artists. The birds stand about 5 feet tall – so they’re easy to spot! Begin your hunt on Palafox & Garden as you head south towards the pier.

Beach Day!

It’s true if you live in Pensacola, EVERY DAY is a beach day! Building sandcastles, riding the waves, looking for shells – a child’s imagination is all you need. Looking for a little something different? Here’s a beach day option.

Shell hunting down by the bay. Headed towards Ft. Pickens, park in the last parking lot(s) before the entrance. You’ll park on the sound side where you’ll look for shells. When you hit the beach, start walking towards Ft. Pickens and look for shells within five feet of shore. You may spot a King Crown, Banded Tulip, or Moon Snail. Be sure the shells are uninhabited. If a hermit crab occupies the beautiful shell, return it unless you have another “home” for it to move into.
When you’re finished shell hunting, cross over to the Gulf side and have a picnic. The pavilion provides plenty of tables, shade, and bathrooms.
Bird watching. Look for more than just seagulls. You’ll spot pelicans, and cranes, and because you’re close to Ft. Pickens, you might see some ospreys hunting for lunch

A stop for slushies at the convenience store at Quietwater Boardwalk is an inexpensive treat to end the day. If you still have a bit more energy, you can explore the shops.

Discover Why A Continental Fare Restaurants Are So Special

Written By Jack Hindle

Posted on November 18, 2021February 1, 2023

Categories: Blog Posts, Pensacola, UWF Student Authors

Having a specialized menu that covers all sorts of cuisine is a fantastic experience.

O’Brien’s Bistro is always cultivating and creating new recipes, flavors, and experiences. Having chiefs that have worked in London for years, they have perfected their talents and have learned how to make food worldwide. From their new bar to their expert wine list, O’Brien’s has been hard at work to bring something special to the table. This energy takes their menu to all sorts of tasty and thrilling places. This exceptional taste is why they are excited to highlight their continental menu. They are ready to show you how their food dazzles.

What Is A Continental Menu?

A continental menu is when the food served on the menu is from different continents on the planet. One or two dishes from each continent, handcrafted to express different delicious dishes to dazzle the taste buds. There are dishes from America, Asia, Europe, etc. It also can be country-specific, with dishes showcasing specifically French, Chinese, and Italian cuisine. This gives the menu the ability to curate a better, more cosmopolitan menu. The goal is to bring more options for the customers to be able to consume staple dishes from around the globe.

What Does O’Brien’s Bistro Bring To The Table?

O’Brien’s has a great tapestry of options to pick from. If you start your day with brunch, there are the iconic Belgian Waffles that bring the senses to the streets of Belgium. If you want some really tasty appetizers, to begin with, the Pesto Escargot is inspired by France, and the Yellow Fin Tuna Roll coming from Japan are wonderful starting dishes. Both offer a way to bring customers across the world. For Lunch, there is the scrumptious Mediterranean Chicken Sandwich, which has vibrant Greek flavors. There is also the Chicken Piccata deriving its brilliance from Italy but served in Pensacola, Florida. And finally, for dinner, there is Caribbean Jerked Mahi Mahi and, both bringing joy from the Islands and the Southern US, respectively.

Why Is This So Special?

This is so wonderful because these foods bring different cultures and traditions to your taste buds and your soul. If you cannot afford to travel to Italy but want to have a taste of it, then try the Gnocchi Mac – Mushroom Sherry so that your soul and travel, even if it is just for a moment. O’Brien’s Bistro wants to bring the world to your table. They do this so that some part of you can experience the world, even if you cannot physically move across the oceans.

Why Getting Pest Control In The Winter Is Critical For 5 Reasons

Written By Jack Hindle

Posted on November 18, 2021February 1, 2023

Categories: Blog Posts, UWF Student Authors

Despite popular logic, colder weather doesn’t magically remove all pests.

Jack-o-lanterns and redding leaves remind us that autumn is here, and soon lights in trees and jolly music will be all around us. The weather gets colder, and the public goes from embracing the scary to the merry, yet something else could be creeping around the corner. From spiders to rodents, many pests can cause problems if they are not cared for properly. Here are five reasons why getting pest control in the winter is very important.

Rodents

The cold weather brings all sorts of things inside. Yet, one that can get overlooked is that of rodents. Rodents will grow into a bigger and bigger problem when not dealt with, for they usually are not alone, and they grow in numbers quickly. If you do see a rodent, there are probably others nearby. Rodents also carry diseases that, combined with the cold weather, can be a real issue. Using pest control in the winter is a great way to solve this problem.

Bugs Living Inside And In The Walls

When the cool air comes, pests like to find that nice warm spot, and your home is often just the place they were looking for. The temperature outside does not affect them nearly as much if they live inside walls or behind cabinets and shelves. Unfortunately, this can grow into an infestation, which is a costly endeavor to deal with properly.

Attics Are Perfect For Wasps And Spiders

Attics are the perfect place for wasps and spiders to wait out the chilly air. Unfortunately, the atmosphere and lack of circulation let spiders and wasps go unnoticed and continue to grow. The growth can be a big problem when spring comes, and the weather is much more welcoming for the bugs to move around.

A Great Way To Check Your Home For Spring

Having a pest control specialist check your home in the winter is a fantastic way to make sure your house is pest-proof. This is because there are entry points all over the house for pests to come in. It can be through doors, windows, and weep holes where they can get into the house undetected.

Removing Eggs And Nests Help Prevent A Reemergence

Another great reason to get pest control in the winter is that any eggs and nests will be removed. These can grow into a more significant issue when they no longer stay dormant in the springtime. Having a proactive stance on treating your home will save you more in the long run and give you an easier time sleeping at night.

For this Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, treat your home and property right with proper pest control at Advanced Pest Control so that you can sleep easy at night.

Domestic Violence Restraining Orders In Florida And What You Need To Know

Written By Jack Hindle

Posted on November 18, 2021February 1, 2023

Categories: Blog Posts, Pensacola, UWF Student Authors

It is always good to know and review your rights when you may need help

Domestic Violence Explained

Domestic violence in Florida is defined as assault or battery including ones that are aggravated and sexaul in nature, stalking, aggravated stalking, kidnapping, false imprisonment, or any criminal offense resulting in physical injury or death, committed by a family or household member against another family or household member.

“Family or household member” refers to any of the following persons:

current or former spouses
persons related by blood or marriage
persons currently or formerly residing together as if a family, or
parents who have a child in common, regardless of whether they were at any time married.

With the exception of parents who have a child in common, the persons must currently or previously have resided together in the same single dwelling unit in order to be considered a family or household member under Florida law. (Fla. Stat. § 741.28).

What Is A Domestic Violence Restraining Order?

A Domestic Abuse Restraining Order is a form of restraining order or order of protection used under domestic abuse laws.

How To File An Order

Even if you have not been physically battered, you can still qualify for an injunction if the judge believes you are in immediate danger of becoming a victim of domestic violence. When deciding this, the judge will look at the following factors:

The history between you and the respondent, including threats, harassment, stalking, and physical abuse;
If the respondent has attempted to harm you or family members or individuals closely associated with you;
If the respondent has threatened to conceal, kidnap, or harm your child;
If the respondent has intentionally injured or killed a family pet;
If the respondent has used or has threatened to use, any weapons such as guns or knives against you;
If the respondent has physically restrained you from leaving the home or calling law enforcement;
If the respondent has a criminal history involving violence or the threat of violence;
If there was a prior order of protection issued against the respondent;
If the respondent has destroyed personal property of yours (e.g., telephone, clothing, or other items belonging to you);
Whether the respondent has behaved in any other way leads you to reasonably believe that you are in immediate danger of becoming a victim of domestic violence.

Why It Is Good To Know

Filling a restraining order is an excellent way to build up protection from an attacker. Tim Fleming Law Center wants to make sure all Florida residents know their rights so that if they know of an incident that occurred or was the victim of a crime, they can know what the law can do to protect them.

Solving That 24/7 Ring Problem

Written By Jack Hindle

Posted on November 18, 2021February 1, 2023

Categories: Blog Posts, UWF Student Authors

Rings can be so special and personal… but it can be so easy to forget to take care of them. Life just simply gets in the way. The solution that so many people fall back on is that they just keep their ring on their finger 24/7, and while that seems like a good way to make sure you don’t lose that special part of you, it is a really bad idea.

Countless things you do during the day can cause undue wear and stress on your ring. It can be the sweat that builds up when going out for a nice morning run or the heat and movement that happens when you are cooking your favorite pasta recipe. That stress multiplied day after day can cause real problems. Without realizing it, a prong can crack or pull away from the stone, resulting in a loss of a precious stone. The back of a ring can get cracked and without taking it off to look you will never know it’s there until it is too late. A ring can also get worn down by all the chemicals that get stuck between your ring and your finger from all the essential hand sanitizer and hand washing we are doing. Stones can chip, and the back of the ring band can crack without you even noticing.

A lot of these problems can be avoided by following some helpful hints.

Remove The Ring At The Same Time Each Day

This will get you in the habit of taking off your ring so that it becomes easier not to forget about it. Getting into this habit is a great first step into giving your ring a longer life.

Place The Ring In The Same (safe) Place Each Day

Make sure your close family member knows where you place it. This way, you can have peace of mind that you will always know where your ring is when it is not on your finger. It’s also good to tell people you trust where it is so they know not to change its location or don’t accidentally move the box in which the ring is located.

Remove Your Ring When Wearing Gloves Or Exercising

Make sure you remove your ring when wearing cleaning gloves and definitely when exercising with weights. All that friction, sweat, and movement will make the ring break down faster. The same idea goes for when you wash your hands or deal with chemicals in any form. Keeping your ring away from such things is incredibly important.

Have The Ring Checked Twice Annually

This is usually done as a courtesy by your local independent jeweler. Upon inspection, your jeweler will be able to detect any problem. It is also good to know that not all rings are cleaned the same way.

These are some great tips to get started on properly taking care of your ring. That does not mean that it wouldn’t be hard, life just gets in the way sometimes and it is just easy to forget. Yet, by working at establishing a system of cleaning your ring, you will get to keep that ring so much longer so that your special gift can stay with you longer and shine brighter.

Giving Inherited Jewelry A 2023 Shine!

Written By Jack Hindle

Posted on November 18, 2021February 1, 2023

Categories: Blog Posts, UWF Student Authors

Change is constant. Culture and art are always shifting and design is never static. This is why Cummings Jewelry Design has constantly been trying new ideas and new concepts throughout our years of business. We never want to stop moving forward with programs, designs, and the process that makes great pieces great. As a result, we are constantly trying to tap into ways to bring new and unique products to our customers while still including them in the process and keeping it personal to them. The best jewelry is the one with sentimental love and value.

So, over this past year, Cummings has been trying something new. We have been providing a new service for our customers. We use outdated, overused, and broken jewelry from our clients to create brand-new, stylish, and creative products that our customers can wear in today’s world. Let’s face it; sometimes, we have the challenging dilemma of giving or receiving a ring, a bracelet, or a necklace that is either falling apart or is simply too out of date. It still has that sentimental value. It’s that particular stone or engraving that means a lot to a family. To a loved one. People will continue to pass it down until it gets lost or completely broken. However, is that the best way to keep the memory and feelings alive? We do not think so. We believe that giving that piece a new life is a better and more sustainable way to keep the memories and feelings flowing for more generations.

This is why we want to work with you, to take that diamond watch that is no longer running, with a face much too small, and make gorgeous diamond bracelets! We can take that ring with that huge gemstone and create a one-of-a-kind, eye-catching pendant. There are endless possibilities to what we can do to make your jewelry shine like it once did in the past. We want to recreate that glow that a pair of earrings that become charms on a bracelet can give.

We can create multiple pieces for different family members so that everyone has a piece of family history. This can help families from having to pick a family member over another family member for inheritance. Everyone can get a piece of familiar spirit. Using this program is also great for the environment, for it lessens the waste that can build up from jewelry and keep the longevity going longer. We are reinventing the structure of your past while keeping the essence alive.

If you are unsure of just what to get, yet still want to carry the spirit of that unique piece, then there are no worries. We are idea people, and we know how to help! This is what makes this process so great! We get to work together to create the very best creation for you. We have been working in this field for 43 years, and we have the know-how and experience you are looking for. We are excited to work with you!

For more information about Cummings Jewelry Design, visit their website at https://www.cummingsjewelrydesign.com/