There’s something really satisfying about the 1st of the month being a Monday. When I got in my car yesterday and the temperature said 4 degrees I finally conceded that the seasons really have changed and it’s time to roll out the boots, knitwear and most importantly the winter recipe books for some good hearty dinners. I don’t know about you but I’m now feeling ready for winter.

September got steadily busier for me, which is why it’s been a bit quiet around here towards the end of the month. First of all though I’m going to talk about the event I went to right at the beginning of the month, the relaunch of the Great British Cupcakery. I’ve loved that cafe down on the Newcastle quayside since it opened, but their revamp inside just makes it all the more adorable. Pink flower walls, a pink blossom tree, and even pink latte’s what’s not to love? Take a look at my full review of the GBC here, but please don’t just focus on how it looks – the food is delicious too.

It was the Great North Run early September, and along with a few others I know my sister and her boyfriend both ran it for their charities of choice. I went along with Viv & Nige (parents) to support, and we got a great spot on the Tyne Bridge. As always the GNR brings the North East to life, helped along by Mo Farrah, the Red Arrows and a lot of cheering crowds that line the route. Even if you aren’t a runner yourself you can still enjoy the atmosphere on the day – take a look at my account from a supporters perspective.

It was my birthday in the middle of the month, and to celebrate Kieran and I went to Leeds for a night, a throwback to my old uni days which was a big shock when I woke up and realised it’s been 12 years since I was a fresher there. I had such a good night along Call Lane, and we stayed in the Malmaison which I always love. On the Sunday we went for dinner at Gaucho, somewhere I’ve heard great reports of and it didn’t disappoint. Really want to try their Electric brunch on a Saturday as well on a return visit. Other than a lot of eating and drinking, we spent the afternoon shopping around the gorgeous Leeds arcades.

With my friends we had a day/night out in good old Newcastle, that started with half empty cocktails at Central Shaker. I usually really like it there, but their buy one get one free offer is slightly less than what is promised. When you can top up one cocktail with over half of the other you know you aren’t really getting what you paid for. I don’t often complain on here, but I really felt strongly about this, and how badly the management team dealt with it. Basically they didn’t give a shit, staff were full of attitude and management customer service was horrendous.

It didn’t spoil the day though, we went on to Continental for some gins, amazing food at the new Revolucion de Cuba, Dacantus, and finally the casino for the Anthony Joshua fight. The food at Revolucion de Cuba was so good, and the atmosphere with the live music playing made for a great night, so I’ve booked to go back soon. Thanks to everyone for all the birthday wishes!

Towards the end of the month I got a lot busier with work, so blog posts tailed off a bit, but before that I did manage to get out my 3 day itinerary for visiting Florence. It was a year ago this month that we went, and it was such a good long weekend. It took me a week to write this post, but I really wanted to do the place justice and cover as much as possible. If you’re interested in visiting Italy then I can’t recommend Florence enough as an alternative city to Rome. I had the best pasta I’ve ever tasted, and the wine bars are incredible.

Life got busy last week with a work trip to Amsterdam, Paris and Copenhagen in one go, which was none stop and there was very little time for anything other than journeys to and from the airports. I did manage an evening stroll through Paris down to the river one of the nights, a view that never gets old…

At the weekend it was a family wedding for my lovely cousin Katie – you might remember reading about the hen do at Kendal Calling. The wedding was at Healey Barn in Northumberland, and it was absolutely beautiful. The sun was shining, it was a gorgeous venue, and Katie of course looked stunning. Thanks to both her and her new husband Gaz for such a fun day!

I have a work trip to Hamburg this week, somewhere I wasn’t all that keen on earlier in the year, but we do have a table booked at a bier keller to join in some of the Oktoberfest fun that is happening over there on one of our evenings, so really looking forward to that!

I’m also very excited to have booked for Bongo’s Bingo in Newcastle in December. Tickets are on sale tonight so good luck to everyone trying I know they’re so popular.

Have a great October!