What a week to live in England! From a heatwave that brought the most glorious sunshine, to seeing the northern lights from my very own back garden (something I don’t think I’ll ever quite get over), I’ve been feeling especially grateful for the beautiful planet that we call home, and the tiny patch of England that I am lucky enough to experience it all from.
I’d been tracking the potential of an aurora for weeks, so when I saw the solar storm flare I was ready and waiting, camera in hand. I was sat out in the garden until the early hours, simply marveling at the sky, as my long exposure photos managed to capture the true majestic colours of the dancing lights. What a way to tick something off my bucket list; all from the comfort of my own back garden!
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 read a fantastic book this week, There Are 3 Women & 4 Men by Jaden Payne, and I simply couldn’t put it down.
Set in an art gallery in the 1970s it is almost Poirot-esque in its exploration of a murder that occurred there ten years prior. All of the suspects are confined within the walls of the gallery until the killer is revealed, and with lots of twists, turns and revelations it truly kept you on the edge of your seat. I’d definitely recommend it to any fan of old-time murder-mystery classics, bonus points if you’re also interested in art as there was plenty of art history woven between the story.
E. EDUCATING
Thanks to the arrival of the northern lights I’ve been learning more about what the aurora borealis is, and why this historical event has occurred, which has allowed them to be seen so far south.
As someone who thoroughly enjoys spending a night staring up at the sky stargazing, this seemed right in my area of interest, so I was captivated by the science that led up to that magical moment.
P. PLAYING
With the sun coming out I was inspired to put on some fun pop tunes that get me hyped up for the summer.
My current rotation includes Honey by Troye Sivan, Nonsense by Sabrina Carpenter, HOT TO GO by Chappell Roan, and Are You With Me by Lost Frequencies. As we move further into summer I usually mix in a blend of Latin or European songs as well, that make me feel like I’m poolside somewhere tropical!
O. OBSESSING OVER
I have spent a lot of this week having a massive clear out, as we tackle the overly cluttered mess that is our conservatory, and I am obsessed with the feeling of shedding unnecessary stuff and tidying everything away.
There’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good session of spring cleaning, and this is just like that but amped up to a hundred! It’s definitely the biggest clear out I’ve ever tackled, but I’m hoping that it’s going to look lovely once it’s all cleared up and organised.
R. RECOMMENDING
This week I was officially old enough, six months before the age of 25 in the UK, to book in for my first smear test.
I know it can seem daunting, but the peace of mind of knowing that you’re all good (which is the most probable outcome!), or that they can spot and treat any abnormalities, is so important. It is always, always, always best to get checked so if you’re of age that is this week’s recommendation: book your smear.
T. TREATING MYSELF TO
Recently I’ve been treating myself to more outings with friends. Money is a concern for anyone in their twenties, especially when you haven’t got a high-flying full-time job, and for so long I let this stop me from going out and socialising.
However, these past few weeks I have been prioritising cheap (or ideally free!) meet-ups with friends. Long walks chattering away round the park, meeting up for a quick drink at a local beer garden (even cheaper for me as I don’t drink alcohol), and other cheap locations, such as Chance & Counters, a board game bar in the centre of town.
Love Chloe x
