I remember writing my February monthly round up last year, having only spent 2 days out of the whole month at home. This February I’m glad to say it wasn’t quite as hectic, and I’ve had chance to actually relax which has been so nice. Here’s what I’ve got up to, where I’ve been and what’s coming next in March.

With January out the way we began the month with a much anticipated meal out at Miller & Carter, armed with a voucher my parents gave us so we went all out. Fillet steaks, bottle of red, lobster mac and cheese, it was literally amazing.

The Gosforth branch in my opinion is much nicer than the one in town in terms of atmosphere and the bar area, but it’s obviously not as good a location. We got a taxi and thoroughly enjoyed toasting to the end of January.

Like so many others I know, we literally fought in the aisles of M&S to get a dine in for two meal for Valentine’s Day, which is such good value for money. I also wrote this blog post on all the Valentine’s treats you could get in Newcastle, and it’s worth noting that even though a lot of these are no longer available, all of these places are amazing and will have delicious alternatives or versions of all the things that were on offer.

Our weekend at The Morpeth Apartment was probably the highlight of my month, as it was just so nice to get away with pretty much nothing to do.

I really enjoyed pottering around Morpeth on the Saturday afternoon, and the apartment is so beautiful. Take a look at why it made us seriously consider using Air Bnb a lot more for getaways. Huge thanks again to Deb for letting us stay.

I only had one work trip in February, and it was to somewhere new. I went to Dieppe in Normandy, and after flying to Paris I had to get the train via Rouen. I had about an hour and a half in Rouen before my connection, and the station is very central so I went for a wander around this old medieval looking French city.

I’d seen the very typical photos of Rouen plenty of times, including the grand old ornate clock, and the huge cathedral, both of which were so much more impressive in real life. As well as these sights, I actually found the quaint little side streets and bakeries so unbelievable charming.

The colourful half timbered buildings and little mopeds sitting outside were like another world compared to Paris. If you’re ever passing through Northern France I would really recommend putting Rouen on your list as I loved it. I picked up a croissant from the little stand inside the train station entrance and it was the best one I’ve ever tasted.

From Rouen I went on to Dieppe, which was another French city that totally surprised me. This harbour town was a lot bigger than I imagined it to be, but it was very nice and my colleague there took me to some amazing places for lunch. Bakeries just don’t cut it in England compared to France.

On my return journey I got the train back to Paris, and again had about an hour to pass before heading to the airport. I was starrrrving and went to Le Village Royale where I had coffee and yet another croissant, under the colourful umbrellas that make up the Umbrella Sky project until the end of April.

As I was walking back to the station to pick up a taxi I also passes the original Chanel on Rue Cambon, where there were flowers and garlands in tribute to the late Karl Lagerfeld.

Even just an hour in Paris has me itching to go back for a weekend, it’s just my absolute favourite place in the world and I love it in Spring especially.

After being away for most of the week I was really happy to be spending the weekend after in Newcastle, by going to the match. I always say there is nothing like the toon on match day and after spending most of my childhood Saturdays doing just that it was like a trip down memory lane.

I was invited to the reopening night for Cafe Royal last week, somewhere I used to always go with my mum for coffee and breakfast on a Saturday morning. It’s been done out lovely, and the menu is better than what I remember so will definitely be paying them a proper visit soon. How amazing do the scones look?

On the subject of food I finally got myself to Pizza Punks on Grey Street last week as part of a work night out, and thought it was pretty good. I like how it’s a set price of £10 regardless of what you get on your pizza, with the option to build your own or choose one of their pre made ones. I went for a Messy Mexican which came with nachos on top, literally my dream pizza.

When it comes to the blog I think I’ve almost finished what I had in mind for New York, and across February I shared two posts that focus on specific areas of the city – exploring the Upper East Side, and my personal favourite the West Village. I also did a hotel review of The Time Hotel.

I do have a five day itinerary breaking down how to plan your full trip coming soon so hopefully that will be at some point in March.

My most recent post, was a look at all my favourite sweet treats across Europe, which came from a serious craving one week – the week that ended in a box of six Proven donuts – and with this in mind I’m very much looking forward to Pancake Day tomorrow!

March for me is hectic. It’s my sisters 30th birthday, my mums birthday, Mother’s Day, two of my friends birthdays, I have a baby shower to attend and an exciting wedding related morning for my cousin. As well as that I’m away on two four day work trips, and have a day out to York planned too.

I’m going to need a serious holiday at the end of it. Hope you all have a great month! Spring is on it’s way…