I’m counting down the weeks until my trip to New York in September, but with a big trip on the horizon I’ve been having some quieter, more laid-back plans. On Saturday evening my friends and I had a cosy night round at Sophia’s, making use of her new fire pit. With plenty of delicious food (including a new discovery from M&S – their scrumptious dips), followed by wonderfully gooey s’mores around the campfire.
I spent the rest of the weekend at home, where my family was joined by my boyfriend Ben, for a lazy Sunday. Board games, nights spent laughing and listening to music, and a walk in the park, made for a perfect relaxing weekend.
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
I’ve finally finished Still Life by Sarah Winman, and my final verdict is that it was wonderfully human. With characters that felt so real and fleshed out, and a storyline that followed the ups and downs of their shared existence, you felt so immersed in their world it felt hard to leave as the book came to a close.
I absolutely adored this book and applaud Winman’s ability to capture the love that is sewn into everyday life.
E. EDUCATING
I’ve been re-reading the August issue of People over Product, the magazine I write for, and I’ve been loving Frida’s article on five change-makers within the sustainable fashion space.
I love how the magazine introduces me to new names within the ethical fashion space, and since reading the article I’ve really got into the work of Aditi Mayer.
She is a sustainable fashion activist working to fight for decolonisation within the fashion industry, something I’ve found incredibly interesting, and harrowing, to learn about. It’s definitely something I’ll be researching further.
P. PLAYING
I would say that I use my Switch rather seasonally, it’s definitely something that I reach for a lot more as the days get colder and the nights get cosier.
That being said, Ben and I have been playing on his Switch this past week and it’s reignited my love for it – even though it’s still only August and we’ve got a wee bit of time until the cosy seasons start!
We have started a Stardew Valley farm together, a game I’ve never played before, and I’m absolutely loving it so far. It’s so relaxing running around our little farm, planting seeds, exploring the town and planning it all out together.
O. OBSESSING OVER
As I mentioned above I had a quiet weekend at home spent with my family and boyfriend, which was incredibly wholesome.
We spent a lazy afternoon playing Scrabble and it honestly made me feel so nostalgic. There’s something so lovely about chilling and playing board games, getting away from screens for a little bit and spending time with loved ones (even if I truly am shocking at Scrabble).
R. RECOMMENDING
Sophia introduced me to M&S’s New York Deli Pastrami Dip, a flavoursome dip topped with pastrami, gherkins and cheese.
We dipped pretzels and crackers in it; I couldn’t get enough!
T. TREATING MYSELF TO
One of my favourite treats this week had to be s’mores around the fire pit.
They always remind me of nostalgic days spent at Guides camp, singing songs around the campfire, and, later, in teenage years, spending evenings with friends making s’mores over candles – a favourite past time of our teenage years!
Reliving those memories as friends in our twenties felt so precious.
Love Chloe x
