I feel like I’ve spent all of November wrapped up in the chaos of moving house, it’s certainly took over a big chunk of my time, but looking back there’s been plenty more happening. I’m not quite sure how we fit it all in, but we have and it’s ended up being a month that’s created some of the best memories. Here’s my November…

A trip to London that was half work and half play was first up. We got an early train down on the Saturday morning, and were out having brunch at Roka, Canary Wharf by early afternoon. I’d been with the girls last year and knew Kieran would love it – mainly for the bottomless wine. It was just as good as last time, the food there is incredible especially the wagu steak.

We spent a few hours there before going on to a few bars near where we were staying. A brief drink in Tonight Josephine and then a few more in Old Street Records before we were passed out early. 

Feeling rather fragile the next day we went for a walk through St James’ Park to clear our heads, caught the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace, before making our way to Covent Garden for some lunch.

Kieran left on the Sunday night and I stayed on to attend World Travel Market trade show and conference. I go every year and sat through some really good talks on travel social media and influencer marketing for 2020. It always gives me a kick up the arse because to be honest by now I’m just ready to finish for Christmas. Not only that but it makes me want to quit my job and travel the world. I have a vague idea of my 2020 travel plans but there are just so many places I want to go.

Moving day came next, and it was a total stress on the day as we got the keys four hours later than we should have done, and it was the same day as the talk talk business internet black out which just caused carnage. 

But we got in eventually even though it meant we had to move in the dark and pouring down rain. Since we moved in we’ve been doing the place up and I’ve spent a bloody fortune in places like White Company, Asda, Next Home and Ikea. 

It’s been so much fun though after the initial stress, and a huge thank you to so many people who have sent messages, come to visit, bought us moving in cards and presents and helped through the whole process. I’m so glad we are in for Christmas. 

I got into the festive spirit quite early this year, starting with the annual early morning trip to town to see Fenwicks windows. It’s not my favourite one ever but I still love seeing them, I wrote about it and shared more photos in this years Fenwick’s window blog here.

A wine tasting at the Royal Station Hotel that turned very messy (and expensive), set us up very nicely for Liam Gallagher at the arena a couple of Sunday’s ago. I had the best time the whole day was so much fun and LG was tremendous as always. I paid for it the whole week though and won’t be drinking on any school nights for the entire Christmas period.

 A work trip to Paris meant I got to see it in all it’s Christmas lights again, and visit the Christmas market in it’s new location in the Tuileries Gardens. Paris at Christmas is just so beautiful, you can see my thoughts on the Christmas market here.

I also happened to catch the Christmas tree lights being switched on at Galeries Lafayette, just by chance. I’d wanted to see it for years and it is pretty impressive.

I think that got me well into the festive spirit, as the following weekend we went into Newcastle for some drinks and to see the Christmas market. I’m a big fan of the new All Bar One that used to be Brown’s, and their Christmas cocktail menu is really good. Their seasonal take on Espresso and Pornstar martini’s were my favourite so give them a try if you’re in town. We had some of the tapas dishes as well and the food was good so I’ve booked to go back with the girls over Christmas.

I’m not a huge fan of the market this year, I think Northumberland Street is a total mess, but I do like the Apres Ski Bar around Monument. That’s pretty festive, although £10 for two tiny mulled ciders is ridiculous, and best of luck getting a seat. If I were you after a once round the stalls I’d head to the bars instead.

Getting totally swept up in the Black Friday sales isn’t something I usually do, but as I was browsing online for both Christmas and home stuff I actually thought some of the deals were pretty good. I also shared a blog post on my Thanksgiving trip to Philadelphia a couple of years ago – it’s a great city that’s easily got to from New York. I’m so gutted I’m not taking advantage of the direct Jet 2 Flights to NYC this year, but so many people have messaged me to say they are – this post should help!

If you’re trying to shop more local this year, then I’d really suggest giving the Tynemouth market a visit, there’s some great Christmas stalls for decorations, cards etc, and the food is really good too. We bought some amazing photos of Newcastle from there by a local photographer, that are now pride of place in our living room.

Finally, November was rounded up with the messiest of nights on Friday up in Warkworth. Christmas lights, too much wine and laughing so hard your face hurts is my favourite thing ever, so here’s to much more of that in December.

Have a great festive December x