Simon and I are attempting to take a sensible approach to our New Years Resolutions and pick things that are achievable. That said the inevitable decision to be healthier and exercise more has crept into the list. Predictable?
We are hoping that this is the year that we finally purchase a house to call our very own, so the year will be full of making sensible money decisions and saving hard. We are also desperate to clear our little rented flat of unwanted junk.
So far we have made a good start - I ran my first ever 5k this morning (I usually make it to around 3k or 4k and then quit) and we spent our Christmas break getting rid of bags of rubbish and clearing out cupboards and paperwork which feels amazing.
I haven't made too many Resolutions when it comes to my little blog - just to continue urging you all to visit the North East and for those of you already here, to leave your houses and explore the gorgeous region that we live in. You may have noticed that the blog has had a little makeover and so I'm hoping to improve my photography and writing over the year to provide you with better quality content.
Before we launch into a brand new year here at New Girl in Toon, I thought I would just have one last look back to 2014 with my Top 10 most read blog posts of the year. Click on the title to read each post and enjoy!
1. I Used to Be Fat: How I lost 9 Stone - 29 May 2014
I share my story of how I tackled my obesity and lost just under 9 stone.
This is a story so close to my heart and a huge part of the reason why I relocated to the North East so it makes me so happy that it has come out as my most read blog post of the year.
2. Primark Haul - 4 March 2014
Who doesn't love a good old rummage round Primark for some bargains? Just like you I am HOOKED on seeing what people have discovered in the nation's best loved cheap store.
3. The Oak Café - 29 October 2014
A spontaneous cake date with Simon has proven so popular it's my top foodie post of the year. I just hope I haven't given away my favourite little cake secret to too many people - make sure there's a chair left for my next visit!
4. Coffee with a View - 3 April 2014
I share one of my favourite spots for coffee with amazing views across the famous Quayside.
5. Middlesbrough: My Home - 19 September 2014
When I went to Center Parcs on holiday this year I handed the reigns over to some fellow North East bloggers and one of these posts is my 5th most read of the year! Danni shares why she loves her little corner of the North East and why everyone should pop by for a visit.
6. Restaurant Week: Bonbar - 6 August 2014
Restaurant Week runs twice a year in the North East and has lead me to discover some new favourites. We went to Bonbar on a whim and loved it so much I made it my Restaurant of the Year.
7. Miller and Carter: For the Love of Steak - 29 September 2014
Whenever a new restaurant arrives in Town we all get a little excited and Miller and Carter was no exception. I went "behind the scenes" to cook some steaks.
8. Geordie Bangers - 4 May 2014
Cooking up some good local produce in your kitchen is always a bit of a joy and Geordie Bangers are one of our favourite discoveries.
9. Burgers, Beers, Beats: Burgerstop - 8 May 2014
Another new restaurant that arrived in Newcastle in 2014 ... we're all going a bit mad for burgers in the North East!
10. The Brownie Bar - 25 April 2014
I tell you all about the only place in Newcastle to get amazingly gooey brownies.
Ah I love your weight loss post, I've just read it again and it is really inspiring. Loved your Oak cafe post too although I still haven't managed to pay them a visit!
ReplyDeleteThank you :) Poor Simon is dying to go back to the Oak but I'm forever saying "the list, the list!" .. I'm always too busy trying out new places to go back to favourites!
DeleteI think you may well of convinced us all that its an amazing place to live an visit too! Helen xx
ReplyDeleteThat makes me so happy :)
Deletewow that story about your weightloss is totally amazing! You did so well thats so much to lose. I have gone from a size 14 to a 10 and that is amazing for me so I cannot even begin to know how you must feel to lose that much! x
ReplyDeleteThank you :) Well done on your achievement too! x
DeleteI can't wait to catch up and read all of these posts. - and see more in 2015!
ReplyDeleteThank you :) Looking forward to having you x
DeleteI loved post #1 - so honest and inspiring.
ReplyDeleteLizzie Dripping
Thank you, I'm not sure I'll ever write a blog post that I'm as proud about as that one .. I've peaked early ;)
Deletei enjoyed reading every single one of these - no wonder they were the most popular! x
ReplyDeleteToo kind! Thank you x
DeleteYou have had quite the year. I love your weight loss story because it shows that if you put your mind to it you can do anything. Wishing you a wonderful 2015 Lucy x
ReplyDeleteThank you :) I'm living proof you can lose weight, keep it off and still food blog ;)
DeleteI've just read your weight loss story and it made me cry, in a good way.
ReplyDeleteYou look so much younger now and your face just glows, it must be the happiness within that you have achieved something and met the love of your life through it.
Such an inspirin story :)
Gems x
Fashion, Well Done
Sorry I made you cry, and thank you so much for your lovely words :) x
DeleteI am so inspired by your weight loss post! The other posts featured have lovely stories too, but wow. You are so strong and amazing to overcome something like that. I admire you so much for that, thank you for sharing it!
ReplyDeleteWish me luck on my journey to being fit and losing some weight. I don't call myself "fat", but I do have fat I need to lose. And now, after reading your story, I am more than motivated. Xxx
Stay beautiful
http://thoughtsintiffanyblue.blogspot.com/
I love these sorts of posts as especially if I'm a relatively new reader, it means that I can go be nosy at the best of the blog back catalogue. This is my next hour or so sorted anyway!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year :-)
Rachel x
The Inelegant Wench
I've read your weight loss post three times now and still find it fascinating! I love your foodie posts and often wonder how you manage to stay so trim and enjoy the lovely afternoon teas you have. Very inspirational!
ReplyDeleteSimone | Simone | Thirty Something OAP