Cake, Cake and more Cake 🎂

You may be wondering why there’s a random image of me with a hoover. Controversial opinion: I love a good Hoover, it’s a happy place for me, as is writing these catch-up emails, in the stress of running CO’s.  I like to hoover. So much so,  Jamie actually called his dad to ask for advice, whether a Dyson would be a good present.
Keith (Jamie’s dad) said that could land one of two ways. Note: I would absolutely love a Dyson hoover 😂 Amidst all the rain and birthday cake, February has given me time to spend with family, something I promised myself I’d do more of this year. Not because I feel obligated, but because hanging out with my family gives me so much joy. It’s far too easy to take those relationships for granted when you’re knee-deep in chocolate puddles.

We also had Pancake Day (an excuse to meet up with loved ones and share some burnt pancake, some may ask how you mess up a pancake; I don’t know, ask Jamie).

It’s a lovely time of year, and it’s also a tricky one, especially for my Mum and Auntie. On the day I was born, they lost their dad (my granddad). I can’t even fathom the mix of emotions during that time, which is why putting extra time aside at the end of February and early March is so important to me.

This weekend, we had the whole gang round. We ate cake, made very DIY photo frames that look like an eight-year-old put them together, my auntie shared a lovely poem, and we just hung out. Nothing over the top, but a day I’ll remember.

This week brings more arts and crafts as we celebrate my mum’s birthday. I hope and plan for more wetting ourselves laughing, cake, and, of course, I’ll be supplying the chocolate.

On the topic of chocolate and loved ones… you may have seen our Little Love Box launch…our first Valentine’s chocolate special.

Little Love Box launched so well, despite the panic and rushedness of it all.

The idea came after aimlessly scrolling through Tiffany’s website, admiring the bold colour and glorious feel. That led to a chat in one of our Catherine’s Originals WhatsApp groups, to quickly drawing up a prototype on Canva the very next day.

We rolled with a very, very quick idea: a little treat of luxury.

I wanted it to feel timeless, classic, and scream “I am luxurious and I am a real treat” but still something everyone can afford and enjoy. They’ve been so loved, and thanks to many lovely emails from you, we’re keeping them for Mother’s Day, which is just around the corner (in case you forgot or need to get your order in!😉).

My mum and I also took part in a spontaneous willow weaving class and we loved it. Not only the act of creating a tall, woven… thing (which I still don’t know what I’m going to do with), but taking three hours to sit aside, chat, catch up, sip coffee, eat some chocs, and just make something in a really calm environment.

So much so, that I’ve been in touch with the organiser to book a private session for the CO’s team, to say thank you, prioritise that necessary bonding time, and just relax and get to know each other on a non work, non chocolate level.

So how about this as a suggestion: with your mum, someone you care for (or who cares for you), a loved one, or even your best pal, willow weaving, a Little Love Box, and a cappuccino?

The great thing about willow weaving is that it doesn’t break the bank. Heck, you might even find some willow in a field near where you live. Then all you need is a great YouTube video.

I also saw my dad after his six-week sail to the Antarctic. Yes, you heard that right. That’s another story entirely. But I was very relieved once he’d passed the Drake Passage and was back on land.

I call my dad NED (Non-Executive Dad). He acts as my personal sounding board and unofficial-official Catherine’s Originals board member. So we had a lot of catching up to do on his return: three new product launches updates, a new office team member joining (yes, that’s next week’s intro email!), cash-flow analysis, Easter plans, and taste testing of course!

Welcome back, Dad.

Take this email as your sign to message that person or family member you’ve been meaning to reach out to and just haven’t. Then book in a “you day” (whatever that means to you). Arts, a hike, a museum day out. You could even get them a little treat, a Little Love Box for your day together.

Stay Sweet, Stay Updated,

Catherine x