All in all my week was pretty bland and boring until towards the end of the week so it’s a short one today. I think everyone’s felt a bit crappy with all the rain, local restrictions in the North East, and no real good news anywhere. I hate that I cant meet up with people anymore, and it’s made harder being stuck in with the bad weather. I’m finding it harder to stay positive this week but things started to get a bit better by Thursday night.

Firstly Kieran and I went to the pub, and a boring week automatically gets more fun when you have a pink grapefruit G&T. I dont really mind the 10pm pub curfew as I am a much bigger fan of day drinking, but it was noticeably quieter than it has been. Still, a few drinks out after being stuck in the house made me feel a bit better.

This week I hit 12k on Instagram, and have to say for a travel account and blog I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how much I’ve still done on it this year. As I said on a post I shared I am really grateful to everyone who follows, reads, shares and all that good stuff. Thank you!

On Wednesday I got a lovely present from some friends, it’s a print of the Strawberry Pub in Newcastle which is now hanging very proudly above our bar. I’ve been meaning to get a new one for our bedroom as we did have a photograph of Tyneside Cinema, but since the allegations towards staff there I’ve not really wanted it up. So I’ve moved a Paris one we had above the bar into the bedroom and put the Strawberry where that one was. I love it, such a thoughtful gift.

Friday the sun came out, and although it was bloody freezing it just felt like a better day for it. I took Kieran up to Close House early in the morning, and on the way back found myself shopping for a bedroom makeover.

I think the new print in there sparked it, but I like a change of bedding and decor with the seasons so I went for brown and burnt orange cushions and throws. I’m very pleased with it would definitely recommend even a few new cushions, but the Dunelm throws are so cosy.

Yesterday we went for a walk along the quayside, and went back to our favourite pub for the first time since lockdown. The Broad Chare like everywhere have reduced their tables but do accept walk ins as well as reserved tables. We had a cider and enjoyed being back after a cold walk along the bridges.

I finally invested in the Pretty City New York book I’ve been meaning to get for months, and it’s bittersweet flicking through at all the gorgeous photos. We were going to book New York again, but at this point I can’t see us going for another couple of years with how bad Corona is over there. I love the book, but it has really made me miss booking city breaks and having them to look forward to. Autumn/Winter is one of my favourite times to explore somewhere new.

Which leads me on to where I’m going today. I have a press trip up to the Scottish Borders, to explore what’s on offer up there and to stay in a couple of their unique hotels. I’m no stranger to solo travel and I’m excited to see somewhere new. I’ll be sharing mainly on instagram while I’m there so make sure you’re following.

Have a great week!