We’re already one week into 2024, and I’ve used the past seven days to set goals and visualise what I want the year ahead to look like; as someone who thoroughly enjoys planning and goal setting this is one of my favourite times of year. The feeling of a brand new slate, so full of possibility and the opportunity for so much joy, fills me with happiness, and I love that the new year provides some much-needed optimism in the dreary winter months. This Friday’s post will cover what I’m prioritising, regarding goal setting and visualisation, for the year ahead in more detail, so hang tight for that.
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’m currently reading 28 Questions by Indyana Schneider, and it may just make it on to my list of favourite books of all time. A sapphic romance set at Oxford University it handles the concepts of first love, sexuality and the female existence in your early twenties, so delicately, and the writing is beautiful. I absolutely love Schneider’s writing style, it’s unlike anything I’ve come across before, and the whole book seems so fresh, yet so timeless. I can’t wait to finish it!
E. EATING
My mom makes the most delicious turkey burgers, so they were definitely the culinary highlight of the week! It’s one of those dinners that everyone looks forward to when they see it on the menu for the week, and it made for a perfect Saturday night dinner.
P. PLAYING
I’ve never really been a podcast girlie, but I’ve been dipping my toe in the past week. The only one I’ve ever listened to religiously is Margot Lee’s ‘Working Title’, which I loved her new year’s episode of. However, I’ve been trying to step outside of my comfort zone, and also work on some self-improvement, so the past week I’ve been listening to ones focused on improving your fashion business skills and achieving your goals. One I’d recommend is For You From Eve’s episode ‘Leaving the Corporate World to Financial Freedom, Running Your Own Business and Dealing with Grief with Marley Harris’; I had this on on a train journey and kept taking my phone out of my bag to take notes!
O. OBSESSING OVER
I spent Saturday afternoon creating collage art with my closest friends, and it was so therapeutic. Despite being such a creative, crafty person myself, who often uses art as a way to decompress and de-stress, it had been a long, long time since I’d met up with friends purely to do something creative. The three of us sat around chatting, cutting and sticking for four hours, and it felt wonderful. The end results included vision boards, wall art and scrapbook pages; it was so much fun! It’s reminded me that I need to schedule more arty days with friends into the diary because it brought my heart so much joy.
R. RECOMMENDING
Getting outside! I’m doing my own version of the 1000 Hours Outside challenge (I’m aiming for 750) this year, and I can already feel the benefits. I did the challenge last year, but didn’t make as much of a conscious effort in the winter to put in the hours, and instead relied on summer and my time spent in Asia to level the field. This year however I really want to see if getting more sunshine in the gloomier winter months will affect my mood, and so far, it has! This past week I’ve met up with a friend for a walk along the canal and done a lovely, long walk in the park. Getting outside and making the most of the short-lived winter sunshine makes me feel like I’m really making the most of my day, and is certain to brighten my mood.
T. TREATING MYSELF TO
I’m far closer to the ‘lazy girl’ end of the spectrum when it comes to skincare, honestly the fewer the steps the better in my eyes, but this week I’ve been taking time each evening to apply a night cream, and my dry skin is definitely thanking me. The British winter can be so harsh on sensitive skin, so taking time to treat myself to a bit of pampering and re-hydration is definitely needed.
Love Chloe x
