My November Days

Anyone else stupidly excited that we're almost in December? After desperately trying not to get too carried away with festive feelings in November I'm more than ready to cover my face in chocolate and throw myself head first into a box of tinsel.  Here's what we got up to in November that didn't make the blog!

These Boots Are Made For Walking

I have been wanting some over the knee boots for years!  Every time Autumn rolls round I spend hours researching them before talking myself out of getting any.  I have always been worried about finding a pair to fit over my legs and thought that I wouldn't have the confidence to wear them. I am so glad I pushed myself out of my comfort zone this month and bought these beauties from New Look, I am obsessed!  Never hold yourself back out of fear, if you want something just go and get it!

Paddington arrives at Fenwick

The highlight of any Geordie's festive calendar is always the great unveiling of the Fenwick's Christmas window.  People queue for hours, we all lose our minds trying to guess the theme and you can guarantee that every conversation you have in the following days will start with "have you seen the window yet?"  This year's window is celebrating the wonderful world of Paddington Bear and with the adorable Paddington themed Christmas department and pop up Marmalade Jar cafe to match it's safe to say we're all a little Paddington obsessed in Newcastle this Christmas.

Ladies Brunch at Hinnies

Is there anything more indulgent that a lazy Sunday brunch? This month I enjoyed a return to the delicious Hinnies on the Whitley Bay seafront with some of my favourite ladies. We gossiped and giggled and shared stories that should probably never leave the privacy of our table. I indulged in a perfect pile of salmon and avocado sitting on top of toasted muffins and finished off with some perfect runny eggs.  If you've not visited yet you need to make a plan!

The Battle of the Festive Drinks

The battle of the Festive drinks has well and truly began in our house. With all of the coffee chains beginning their Christmas campaigns we've found ourselves overwhelmed by festive treats and decorative cups, I think we'd be pigging out every day to get through all the menus! Our current favourite?  The Billionaires Latte at Costa - layers of chocolate, caramel sauce, milky coffee and lashings of cream, it's your entire calorie allowance for the day but wow is it good!  It takes a complete pro to enjoy it properly, something we were only to happy to share on Instagram stories.

Discovering Wynyard Hall 

I have a new North East obsession and I will not rest until I've truly indulged! I had a brief taster of Wynyard Hall this month when I popped along to their Festive Fayre. I found it hard to concentrate on the Christmas displays and stalls as I was completely distracted by the stunning Wynyard Hall. I couldn't resist picking up a brochure and I'm now desperate to enjoy a luxury staycation, enjoy some spa time and feast on one of their afternoon teas. Has anyone been?  I need to hear all about it!

Christmas at Pet Lamb

Is it a monthly roundup on New Girl in Toon without a little Pet Lamb update? I feel like it's my duty to report on what those clever lasses have been up to in their adorable kitchen and things are beginning to get very festive in their Grainger Market shop. Simon surprised me by bringing me home this adorable gingerbread man cupcake, and once I'd got over my initial anger that he'd gone into the store without me, I thoroughly enjoyed my festive treat.

One Present For You, Two for Me

I realise this makes me sound pretty terrible but I've really struggled with Christmas shopping this month because I keep buying things for myself (oh the shame!) Please tell me I'm not the only person that does this? My favourite discovery? This gorgeous Accessorize necklace (which goes perfectly with my new Primark jumper I think you'll agree?) - in my defence I was going to ask Santa for it but it wasn't available online and I didn't think Santa would fancy struggling his way through Eldon Square!

Newcastle Christmas Market 

You know it's Christmas time when the International Market arrives in Newcastle! I love to wander the aisles breathing in the delicious smells of festive treats and although we haven't visited yet I've had a stroll by most days to plan what I will be indulging in when we do finally get there.  A date is in the diaries for the weekend and I can't wait to eat all of the festive things! The Christmas Market is looking particularly special this year with the addition of some rather lovely light displays that are popping up all over Instagram!

Instagram MADE ME Buy It!

Being on Instagram is a little like going shopping with an army of friends who follow you around encouraging you to buy something that you'd talked yourself out of getting. I tried on this gorgeous red velvet wrap dress in New Look and although I did love it I managed to convince myself that I really didn't need it.  Then I shared a photograph and everyone immediately demanded that I went back to buy it and we all know you should never ignore your Instagram followers!  So I rushed back a few days later to purchase and I think it might be the Christmas dress of my dreams, I'm obsessed with velvet this year and this is going to look so lovely on Christmas Day

Hiking Hadrian's Wall 

Another thing ticked off my 40 Before 40 List, we finally made it to Hadrian's Wall this month!  It was only a short way to visit Sycamore Gap (although the steep climb made it feel like miles) but I'm so glad we've finally done it.  We took loads of beautiful photographs so I will be sharing our day with you but as it probably won't be until after Christmas I couldn't resist showing you this one from instagram.

For more adventures from New Girl in Toon make sure you follow me on Instagram, I post a new photo every day.