I visited another National Trust location this week, you can read about my previous visit to Biddulph Grange in this post, and this time we decided to check out Quarry Bank Mill. It is a mill that was established in the Georgian times, where hundreds of workers weaved Britain’s finest cotton fabrics; in fact, there is still fabric woven there to this day – thankfully under far better working conditions!
Aside from going to Quarry Bank and having a wonderful couple of days with Ben and his family, this week also brought with it quite a lot of stress. From stress about travel planning to tackling heavy topics coming up in therapy I did reach the end of the week feeling a little like I’d been hit by a bus, but as I talk about later in the post it’s important to take a step back at times like that and assess what you yourself can do to try and get yourself back on track, and acknowledging that being able to recognise yourself slipping is a massive accomplishment in itself.
WHAT’S INSPIRED ME THIS WEEK
As a fashion designer, and general creative type, I am constantly seeking inspiration wherever I am, and these posts are a way to document what has ignited something within me this past week. Whether its artwork I’ve seen online, photography that moved me, or a collection of colour in nature that kick-started a creative idea in my head, I’ll be sharing four ideas that have brought me joy in the past seven days.
R. READING
It’s very unlike me but I am actually still making my way through Still Life by Sarah Winman.
I’m still absolutely loving it but, as I discuss later in the post, I’ve really got out of the habit of reading, so it’s taking me substantially longer to read than I would have expected.
E. EDUCATING
Ben and I visited Quarry Bank Mill, a National Trust property, this week, and learnt so much about the history of the mill, and the lives of the people who lived there.
As harrowing as it was to learn about the horrific working conditions these people faced were it was incredibly informative. Plus, as someone who is incredibly passionate about reforming the fashion industry into a more ethical and safe space, it really brought it home that whilst, yes, child labour and unsafe working conditions may have been abolished here in the UK these conditions are commonplace in other parts of the world, which is simply devastating to think about. It just spurs me on to make more positive change in the work that I do.
P. PLAYING
I’ve been obsessed with Love is Blind for quite some time now; it’s truly the only reality TV I watch anymore as I find the psychology of it all just simply fascinating. Watching couples overcome problems and build bonds is so interesting to me.
So, you can imagine my excitement when Love is Blind UK was announced. I’ve watched the whole first set of episodes and I’m anxiously awaiting the next set to be released this coming week.
O. OBSESSING OVER
On Thursday I went out for dinner and a catch up with one of my oldest friends in the world: Becca. Over dinner we caught each other up on what we’d been up to since we last saw each other; she’s just got back from backpacking Canada, I’m incredibly jealous!
We went for dinner at Renato Lounge, one of the ever so lovely chain of Lounge restaurants. With its gallery walls of portraits, eclectic wallpaper and yummy food I’m always going to be a fan of the Lounges.
R. RECOMMENDING
As I mentioned at the start of the post I’d been feeling a little down and out of sorts this week, for a myriad of reasons.
One thing I notice about myself in these times is that I often neglect my favourite things, the little moments that bring my heart joy and my soul peace the moment my mood dips, which isn’t very helpful because that’s exactly when you need them the most.
So, with that in mind, I focused on doing mindful, joyful activities this week, including waking up early to read and practice yoga, and spending my evenings scrapbooking my trip with Taylor earlier this year.
T. TREATING MYSELF TO
I treated myself to something quite huge this week: a trip to New York!
As I mentioned in this post I have some very exciting plans for September, which involve a little trip to New York!
This week I booked the flights and a little AirBnB just across the border in New Jersey, with an easy commute into the city. Now the countdown is on!
Love Chloe x
