In the past week I caught up with a very close friend, who I hadn’t seen since January, and got to hear all about her recent trip to Sri Lanka. I love that a lot of my friends prioritise travelling, which mean I get to live vicariously through them as they explore the world! Sri Lanka has now definitely been added to my bucket list; even after spending three months travelling last autumn there is still so much of Asia left to explore, and I’d love to get back out there in the next few years.
On Friday I went out on a lovely date, and visited quite a few spots I’d never been to before. For pizza my usual go to is Baked in Brick, an independent pizzeria in Digbeth, but for this date I tried Rudy’s, at their Brindleyplace location. The warm overhead lighting made for a romantic setting, and their pizzas didn’t disappoint; I went for the Portobello and my date went for the Capricciosa, both of which were delicious.
We then made our way to Mooncat, situated near the entrance to the NIA, which was incredibly fun with live musicians taking requests, and lots of fun singing, dancing and drinks. This definitely made for a great date spot!
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
My sister read, and immediately forced me to read, The Engagement Party by Darby Kane this week, and I finished it in just two days.
Although parts of it were a little unbelievable I was, quite clearly, hooked, and couldn’t put this down. A group of friends are trapped on an island and forced to reminisce on a murder that occurred two decades prior, in an effort to work out who was guilty, and I was unsure of the outcome right until the last page.
E. EDUCATING
I’ve just started earning my Advertising Essentials badge from Pinterest Academy. I’ve always loved Pinterest, I’m quite literally on there everyday, so it’s fascinating to me to understand how it works behind the scenes.
Plus, as someone who works as a sustainable creative, it may prove useful to understand advertising, and how to best promote brands on social media.
P. PLAYING
I’ve had Rush and One of Your Girls by Troye Sivan on since they came out, but only listened to the rest of his album, Something to Give Each Other, this week, and I am obsessed.
My two favourites probably have to be Honey and What’s The Time Where You Are?, both of which I have been bopping along to all week.
O. OBSESSING OVER
Visiting my friend last week meant that I got the joy of eating her infamous prawn and chorizo risotto. I have dreamed about this risotto since I first tasted it in 2021 (thank you Lauren) so I jumped at the chance to be invited round for dinner.
Spicy chorizo, juicy prawns and rich risotto made for a perfect winter meal, one that truly makes you feel warm inside; though, if I’m honest, I’ll eat this meal at any time of year!
R. RECOMMENDING
As I mentioned at the start of this post I visited Mooncat, a live music bar in Birmingham, near Brindleyplace. As a lover of a sing-song I loved the live music, and it made for great background music for a date; meaning you could intersperse conversation with sing-a-longs. Each of the musicians and vocalists were incredibly talented, and I’d love to visit again.
T. TREATING MYSELF TO
I have found stickers relaxing since childhood, and, although it may seem quite childlike, I got an adult sticker book for Christmas.
I spent yesterday afternoon decorating a sticker garden full of flowers and garden furniture, which was incredibly relaxing, and I loved the chance to make something beautiful and get to be creative.
Love Chloe x
