This week brought mine and Ben’s first Valentine’s Day, and another two days of sessions for my Climate Literacy course at Birmingham City University, which included a very exciting trip to the mac in Birmingham, to see their Waste Age exhibition. Then, on Sunday, I went out for lunch with Ben’s family for his Granny’s birthday, to a delicious Lebanese restaurant in Altrincham.
This week, although it felt very jam-packed, was crammed full of joy; from a very special celebration for Valentine’s Day to time spent with Ben’s family (and even meeting a few new members!). It was also so lovely getting to chat to like-minded people at the BCU course, as we had fun designing our ideal sustainable city, and coming up with a waste-free food packaging brand.
Plus, Spring seems to be slowly showing itself, and it’s finally light after 5pm, which has made me incredibly happy. We’ve made it through the darkest part of the year, it’s only up from here!
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 another Olga Tokarczuk novel, The Empusium – A Health Resort Horror Story.
I’m finding it a little harder to get into than Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead, but I’m definitely intrigued. Tokarczuk has such a unique writing style, especially with how she portrays characters, I’d definitely be up for reading more of her work.
E. EDUCATING
On Friday I had a session of my Climate Literacy course with Birmingham City University, but this week we were off-site at the mac – Midlands Art Centre.
They’re currently showing an exhibition on waste – highlighting the troubling statistics on global waste systems, as well as showing how artists have upcycled, recycled, and reused waste to create fashion, interiors, furniture, and architecture. It was absolutely fascinating!
P. PLAYING
I absolutely loved the latest episode of Wardrobe Crisis, Clare Press’ podcast, where she spoke to designer Essie Kramer.
Essie spoke through her process of upcycling ecclesiastical clothing into high fashion pieces, and it was absolutely fascinating.
As an upcycling designer myself I loved how she chose to work with materials that most people would overlook or disregard, and how she has the courage to experiment with such materials in such a unique way.
O. OBSESSING OVER
I am absolutely in love with the little Jellycat love bug – Loulou – that Ben got me for Valentine’s Day – she’s just the cutest, so she has definitely taken the top spot for obsessions this week.
This past week also meant that Sweet Magnolias – one of my favourite Netflix shows – is back on our screens, and, as per usual, I’ve been absolutely obsessed.
Although I didn’t enjoy this series quite as much as the others it still gave that much-needed hit of Southern sweetness.
R. RECOMMENDING
Ben and I went to a favourite of ours for our Valentine’s Day dinner: Rico Libre. We were expecting our usual paella but the restaurant had put on a special Valentine’s set menu and, although it was unexpected, it was heavenly! We had the lobster rice, chorizo croquettes, patatas bravas, and pan tomaquet. My favourite had to be the lobster rice (which satisfied the paella craving!) but the croquettes were surprisingly good.
This week also brings another restaurant recommendation as on Sunday Ben’s family met up to celebrate his Granny’s birthday at a Lebanese restaurant called Yara in Altrincham.
Ben and I both opted for the Damas Chicken, which turned out to be the ‘damas’sive chicken – it was absolutely huge! It was as tasty as it was ginormous, and Ben practically licked the plate clean. If you’re ever up that way I’d definitely recommend.
T. TREATING MYSELF TO
It’s no secret that I am a massive fan of Sutton Park. Having grown up so close to it it has always had a special place in my heart.
At this time of year, when it’s quieter and the trees are stripped bare, I find a new found appreciation for it as a place of contemplation and peace. With days that can feel quite dark and gloomy I’ve been loving sneaking in a 30-40 minute walk in the park each afternoon to break up my day.
Love Chloe x
