My New Home

A year ago today I reached my weight loss target and I’m absolutely amazed that I’ve managed to keep off every lb of the almost 9 stone that I lost.   They say that the first year is the hardest so hopefully I’ve now proved to myself that my new lifestyle change is here to stay.

Today I thought I’d give you a very small glimpse at my new home.  When I first met Simon I couldn’t imagine ever wanting to leave London.   But then I made my first visit to Newcastle last Summer and it was love at first sight.  There is so much to see and do and the city is so beautiful, I could spend hours just wandering up and down the Quayside admiring the bridges.

Here’s just a small collection of my favourite pictures I took from my visits to the North East before I moved.  I have SO many other places I'm looking forward to exploring.

Monday Smiles

I'm not sure any of us need a reason to smile this Monday as it's Bank Holiday which has meant no work!  Yay!

Saying that, it's all over now!

Here's a few things that have made me smile this week.

A Country Retreat

My move to Newcastle timed perfectly with my first anniversary of being with Simon and to celebrate I booked a surprise overnight stay at Jesmond Dene House for us both.

Jesmond Dene House has recently been ranked number one hotel in Newcastle by Trip Advisor, as well as getting into the top 25 Travellers Choice 2013, and it’s recognition that is certainly deserved.

It is an idyllic getaway, so peaceful that it’s hard to believe you are just a few minutes away from the centre of Newcastle.

Our visit started with Afternoon Tea in the Cocktail Lounge.  At only £18.50 per person, the well presented delicious food is worth every penny.   The tea includes four finger sandwiches, fruit, plain and cheese scones and then my favourite part of any afternoon tea, the cakes - Chocolate Orange Truffle, Red Velvet Cake, Lemon Meringue Pie and Strawberry Cheesecake.  Washed down with a bottomless pot of tea which we enjoyed at our leisure whilst sat in the most beautiful surroundings.

When we couldn't eat any more we headed upstairs to our room.  We were very lucky as the hotel had upgraded us to the Noble Suite - a large open plan room with a King size bed, comfy seating area, private roof terrace and a huge bathroom with under floor heating, walk-in shower and bath.

  

Anyone wanting the perfect weekend break please head to:

http://www.jesmonddenehouse.co.uk/

 We booked our stay as part of the “Weekender Bed and Breakfast” offer but the hotel does a variety of deals.

Monday Smiles

My first week living in Newcastle is over and it’s flown.  I still pinch myself every day as I can’t quite believe this is now my home.  I am so happy!  The weather (aside from Wednesday when very heavy rain almost made me miss getting the tube) has been gorgeous.  I am working on the Quayside and leaving the office at lunchtime every day has made me so happy to be here, it’s been beautiful.  I’ve seen lots of people outside eating their lunch at various pavement cafes and I’m looking forward to giving some of them a go myself.

This weekend was the first year anniversary of Simon and I becoming an official couple. A year ago I never could imagine that I would be sharing a flat with him in the North East.   We celebrated  by heading to Jesmond Dene House for afternoon tea and an overnight stay which I’m looking forward to telling you all about later.

In the meantime, here’s my very first Monday Smiles ... reasons to smile on a Monday.  Enjoy!