Lifestyle Monthly Round Ups

Things I’m Loving This Week 21st – 27th February

I’m going to be honest and say most of this week has been a massive stress, and I had a couple of really fed up days so this post may be shorter than normal. Although of course we got some positive news on Monday with the roadmap out of lockdown, and it’s so good to know there is light at the end of the tunnel eventually. But all that is still four – five weeks away and lockdown is still hard. So it was just one of those weeks. That aside, here’s what I’ve been loving this week.

The French Quarter, Newcastle

Monday definitely brought some positivity, however it also brought a lot of planning and rearranging. Now we have a clearer idea of what we can do and when for the rest of this year all being well, a few events and plans needed to be changed. I didnt realise how many until we were suddenly doing them.

Firstly my cousins hen do, huge pat on the back for Jet 2 who had cancelled and refunded our flights within 5 days. The travel industry has been hit unbelievably hard this year and as someone who works in it I know how difficult it has been. To have my money back by Friday after the announcement on Monday I think is pretty impressive.

So we’ve been rearranging and planning the new hen do which I love doing. It’s so nice to be able to plan something that might actually happen now, so with the bride and her other bridesmaids I’ve loved getting back involved with getting that sorted.

Kieran and I did have a trip to Paris planned at the end of April, which was always a long shot but it was his 30th birthday present from me last year. I’ve spent a lot of time on the phone to Air France to get our flights swapped about, and rebooking our hotel and all the other reservations I’ve made. I’ve planned that trip to the letter so there was a lot to go through. I got there in the end and hopefully we will get there in the summer now instead.

Eiffel Tower through the streets
Praying Paris happens this year

I’m really enjoying seeing all the bars and restaurants announce their reopening dates, and planning some much needed drinks and meals out with people I haven’t seen in far too long. My diary is filling up very fast once summer hits I don’t think I have many spare weekends. Just how I like it I can not wait.

One positive always comes when I cant sleep properly and wake up really early, I usually manage to get a blog post or two written. Last year I wrote ‘things that will happen in Newcastle when lockdown ends’ (quite appropriate again really), and this week I put together a unique gift guide for Mother’s Day. I’ve tried to feature independent or small businesses but the gifts in there are all lovely so have a read – it’s two weeks today!

Things I’m Loving February

Friday was definitely the turning point for me and my bad mood, the sun was shining and a few life admin things got sorted out so I finally relaxed again.

I enjoyed my first ever Fat Hippo burger on Friday night – which might be a shock given how popular they are but in the past I’ve not really been a burger person. If anything has changed about me through all these lockdowns is I am now much more of a fan. Lola Jeans, Brinkburn St Brewery and now Fat Hippo have changed the game as I’ve really enjoyed them. Fat Hippo had a pop up van in the estate so Kieran’s mam treat us and they were so good with a side of dirty fries.

Things I’m Loving February

Yesterday Kieran and I went for a walk in Tynemouth, stopping by the Cook & Baker to grab some fresh bread, sausage rolls and cheese for lunch. We still have some of the French Quarter products from last week to go with it too. I enjoyed everything from the French Quarter so much I wrote a full blog post on it here if you’re interested in their pre made hampers or want to build your own.

Right now I’m enjoying a coffee and some eggs watching match of the day – as I drank so much wine yesterday afternoon I fell asleep smack in the middle of the Newcastle match. Then it’s a food shop, a walk and an afternoon of sport.

Have a great week!

Other posts you might like:

Bars and Pubs in Newcastle with outdoor terraces

Where to enjoy bottomless brunch in Newcastle

The cutest cafes in Newcastle

New to Newcastle and the North East for 2021