Things I’m Loving This week 16th – 22nd August
I’ve had a busier week than normal this week, mainly because this weekend we are at Kieran’s mums caravan, so I had loads to do before we came away. I’m writing this with a coffee overlooking the Northumberland hills and Arthur is snoring next to me, and have to say it’s so nice just being away from home after so long.
Starting with last Sunday though, it was the launch weekend of the new Salt Market Social on the North Shields fish quay. I was invited along so took my sister for lunch and a couple of drinks. If you’ve read my blog post on it, you’ll know how much I loved it. It’s just a bit different and another good addition to the increasing number of bars and restaurants along there.
We food from some of the pop up vendors, tried the craft beer from local breweries and enjoyed a very good atmosphere. Read my full blog post on the Salt Market Social and find details of when the next one will be, including how to book.
After our table time slot was up we walked along the fish quay and met our parents at the Ship’s Cat. Another good spot along there and I had a very nice gin cocktail.
On both Monday and Tuesday we tried to get in a few places for the Eat Out to Help out offer, but obviously as we hadn’t booked anything we couldn’t get in anywhere. I was raging at myself. I have never in my life seen the queue for Francesca’s like that, it was down the street and round the corner. I was fully huffed by this so booked a couple for this coming week. Aveika have extended the offer into September so I hope a few other places do too.
On Wednesday evening we were invited up to Seaham Hall for a Twilight spa experience, which included full access to the spa facilities and a few new areas that were put in while they were closed, and a two course meal. I shared my thoughts of the experience and details of the Twilight package yesterday in this blog post, which also includes a little offer if you’d like to book it yourself.
I thoroughly enjoyed it especially the outdoor infinity pool and the indoor hydropool. It’s been so long since I had any sort of spa day and it was very much needed.
Like many others we have binge watched Selling Sunset this week and I’m obsessed. We finished season 3 yesterday and I’m gutted, hurry up season 4. I find it fascinating and it’s baffling how the other half live, the houses are just incredible. I can’t cope with Davina one bit.
It’s brought back a lot of memories on the three days I spent in LA a couple of years ago, we did a hike through the Hollywood Hills to spot the celeb houses, which was a fail as it was so bloody hot but we did end up sitting next to Kris Jenner for lunch. So if you haven’t watched Selling Sunset yet then you need to, and I need something new to watch on Netflix now – I’m thinking the Fall?
Thursday I ran around like a blue arsed fly getting ready for the caravan. I was up in town early trying to find some gym leggings that fit short legged people like myself – still haven’t found any that actually fit and don’t wrinkle at the knee. I hate legging shopping.
I got a new waterproof jacket from North Face which I’m very impressed with – by the way the shop on Blackett Street is a lot cheaper than online. I’m not sure if they have a sale on but I thought I’d be spending over £200 on a decent one and got one for £150. And finally doing a food shop, trip to Pets at Home and packing our life up for four days away.
Before all this I felt like I pretty much lived out of a carry on and packing was second nature with all the travel I was doing for work. It felt very strange but quite exciting to be pulling it back out and remembering everything I needed. I even referred back to my own packing list for a UK break. I bought a new travel backpack last month and it’s so useful, it has sections and pockets for everything so I’ll probably do a review on it after we’ve been to the Lake District too.
On Friday we went to Warkworth for a walk around in the sunshine, and picked up some chips from the Harbour chippy in Amble. Remember I mentioned them in my locals guide to Amble & Warkworth? Well I can confirm they are as good as all my friends in Amble say. Another great food spot up here is Mulan’s Chinese restaurant in Morpeth. We had one on Friday night and it was excellent.
Like I said before waking up somewhere different with a fabulous view has been so lovely the past few mornings. We’ve pottered around, Kieran’s played golf, we’ve walked Arthur and enjoyed wine on the caravan terrace. A huge thanks to Kieran’s mum for letting us have it, and it’s got me really excited to go away again for our next trip to the Lake District in a couple of weeks time.
Hope you’re enjoying your weekend and have a great week.
Other posts you might like:
The Ultimate Packing List for a UK break
A Twilight Spa experience at Seaham Hall Serenity Spa
A Locals Guide to Amble & Warkworth