My January Days

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We are finally here.  The last day of January! This month has definitely felt at least 75 days long and the wait for pay day has been pretty painful but we have made it and with February just round the corner I am living for the arrival of Spring. Whilst it may still feel a way off yet I have already spotted some greenery poking up from the ground and it wont be long until the flowers are in full bloom.

Here's what didn't make the blog this month.

Winter Walking at Hadrian's Wall

If you truly want to blow away the cobwebs in the Winter months may I recommend a visit to Hadrian's Wall, perhaps the coldest part of Northumberland but I promise you won't even care once you see the incredible views. We ventured to Walltown Crags where, despite the sunshine, it was so cold we had tears rolling down our cheeks.  This section of Hadrian's Wall is really well preserved and with dramatic scenery as far as the eye can see, some say it is the most spectacular part of the Wall.  I think I'd have to agree.

Breakfast at Cake Stories

Who knew Cake Stories do more than cakes? This month was the first time I'd ever been and not just automatically gone straight to the cake counter. Who can blame me when the cakes looks so good but next time you visit make sure you take a glance at their breakfast menu - it is definitely worth a look.  I went for the "Posh Beans on Toast" covered in cheese - talk about the ultimate Winter comfort food.

The Calendar Club Challenge 

We've kicked off our year by taking on a new challenge.  This year I'm collaborating with Calendar Club on their Calendar Club Challenge and I'd love if you all joined me.  I will be visiting the location pictured in my travel calendar each month and I'm so excited to embrace the challenge and hopefully discover some new places in the region. Our calendar is the North East Calendar (you can buy it here for £3.59 if you fancy visiting the same places) and the January challenge started with a visit to Prudhoe Castle, somewhere we'd never been before. Unfortunately it was closed for Winter but we can't wait to return when it reopens in a few months time. Calendar Club are offering a prize every month to the person with the most creative photo taken at their calendar location so if you want to join in make sure you share your photo on Instagram or Facebook and use the hashtag #calendarclubchallenge.

Seaside Favourites at Fisherman's Bay

This month I finally tried Whitley Bay's newest "chippy". You'll find Fisherman's Bay on East Parade overlooking the sea and with takeout at the front and a lovely little restaurant at the back it's a great spot to indulge in a seaside favourite.  You'll find all of the classics on the menu as well as flame grilled burgers and a "little fishermen" kids menu. I tucked into some damn good cod and chips (with bread and butter of course) and can't wait to go back and try more soon.  We really are spoilt for choice at the coast now.

My Micro Lottie

I am more than a little obsessed with Aspinal of London and had my eyes on this beauty for quite a while. I knew the Micro Lottie in Mustard Quilted Velvet would be the perfect addition to my wardrobe so as soon as I spotted it had gone down in the January sales by almost £200.00 I couldn't resist. I got to take it out on its first outing within days as it perfectly matched my jumpsuit for a family wedding. I love when patience pays off.

Lunch at The Sill

After months and months of talking about it we finally visited The Sill on Hadrian's Wall. The National Landscape Discovery Centre features exhibits about the Northumberland National Park and Hadrian's Wall, has a shop specialising in local crafts and produce and offers probably the best cafe views you will find in Northumberland.  Maybe I'm biased but lunch is so much better Northumbrian style.  We enjoyed these massive Northumberland Cheese Focaccias with views of Hadrian's Wall at Once Brewed, the cafe at the Sill and it was the loveliest experience. Once we'd finished we headed off on a walk, assisted by the lovely people at The Sill who gave us loads of advice and maps to point us in the direction of the type of walk we were after. If you're new to walking the Wall I highly recommend popping in to The Sill before your walk for some advice on the best spots to go, they really were so helpful.

For more adventures from New Girl in Toon make sure you follow me on Instagram. I post a new photo every day and you will find vlogs from my favourite northern adventures on my highlights.

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monthly, north east