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I've grown quite fond of February over the last few years, the sudden appearance of the snowdrops always coincides nicely with the lighter days and before we know it we're all chatting about Spring wardrobes, sunny holiday plans and everything seems far more manageable. It's been a busy month for us and I can't believe how much we've crammed in. Here's what I haven't already shared!
Penshaw Monument
We were quick off the mark with the Calendar Club challenge this month and found ourselves heading out on our adventure the day we turned the calendar over. Our February challenge sent us on a jaunt over the river to Penshaw Monument, somewhere I hadn't visited for many years. Not much had changed other than the beautiful ginger cows sitting at the bottom of the hill and my level of fitness (I do not remember the climb to the top being that hard on my legs). As the Calendar Club Challenge involves sharing a creative photo from the calendar location I spent much of my afternoon leaping about trying to get a jump shot - the outtakes are really something! Don't forget if you want to join in you just need to visit the location pictured in your travel calendar for the month and then share with #calendardclubchallenge for the chance to win a prize. We combined the visit with a sunny stroll round Herrington Country Park (it offers beautiful views of Penshaw Monument so is a must if you're doing the trip) and a visit to the Bakery at Penshaw Farm Shop which deserves an entire paragraph to itself ...
Cakes for Giants!
Where do I even start with the cakes at the Penshaw Bakery? You'll find the adorable little shop just next to the Penshaw Tearoom and its like a real life Aladdin's Cave if you love cakes as much as me. The counter is completely stacked with delicious homemade cakes and if you order a slice they are cut into very generous wedges that will fill you up for the rest of the day. Sitting alongside the sponges you'll find a massive selection of biscuits, cream buns, scones and cupcakes all so huge it's like being in a bakery for giants. Next time you're at Penshaw you really must go!
Afternoon Tea at Jesmond Dene House
We have had the afternoon tea at Jesmond Dene House more than any other in the region but when we heard that it had had a bit of a makeover we couldn't resist booking ourselves a table in the Garden Room for an afternoon of tea and cake. The tea has changed a lot over the years and the recent refurbishment of the restaurant in the hotel has made the experience feel even more beautiful and although the price has leapt up to £29.50 per person it honestly is worth every penny for the impeccable service and beautiful food. Our favourite parts of the new look afternoon tea included an Isle of Mulll Cheese Scone served with Whipped Butter and Red Onion Marmalade and the Granny Smith Apple and Madagascan Vanilla Cheesecake (shaped like an apple!)
Knife Angel Visits Gateshead
The most incredible sculpture arrived in Gateshead this month. The Knife Angel is made from 100,00 knives surrendered to the police across the country and has been created as a thought provoking piece encouraging discussion and education around the topic of knife crime. During its visit Gateshead committed to deputising 10,000 young people in becoming anti-violence champions and educating our youth on the negative impact that aggression and violence has on our community. We popped by to see it during a busy lunchtime and couldn't believe how quiet it was at the feet of the angel despite the visiting crowds.
Sunday Brunch at The Mal
Anyone fancy an epic Sunday Brunch at Malmaison? Served every week, the menu offers all you can eat Appetisers from the Chef's Table followed by a Main Brunch Plate for £19.95 with dessert added for an additional £3.50 and unlimited Prosecco for £15.00. After filling our boots with meats, fish, salad and fresh bread we tucked into Eggs California and a Mal Burger followed by the most incredible Sticky Toffee Pudding we have ever had (ordered by Simon but I definitely enjoyed a fair chunk of it!) Such a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
Model for the Day
I got to play model for the afternoon this month when stylist Helenlee Loves asked me to help out at her talk at the Grammers Event held at Ramside. Demonstrating her inspiring Style Code to a room of fashion loving ladies I got to strut about in the most incredible suit from Baukjen which really made me think I need to give smarter dressing a go. With makeup by Amanda Bell and a beautiful new hair do from the ladies at Reef Salons my taste of the limelight was so much fun, even if a lot of my evening was spent getting changed in a dining room and trying to hide from passing waiters.
The Treehouse Suite at Ramside
Whilst at Ramside I got to enjoy a sneaky look round the brand new treehouse suites which have recently opened. The incredible rooms really are something else and different to anything else we have in the North East. Beautifully luxurious suites in the trees, the rooms have massive beds, outdoor hot tubs and the all important instagrammable copper bath tub. I have obviously been heavily hinting to Simon about booking a stay .... this place screams wedding anniversary treat right?
Dining at Leila Lily's
After declaring Leila Lilys our new favourite bar in Newcastle following our cocktail crawl a few months ago I had been keen to return to try the food. This month I finally made a plan thanks to a too good to ignore 50% off dining deal and popped along one evening after work. I had been a little worried that the flamboyant styling of the restaurant (if you love pink neon lights and eye catching interiors then this is the place for you) would perhaps overshadow the food but was really impressed with their offering and now I'm desperate to return to try out their afternoon tea.
Woods Coffee at Tynemouth
With so many amazing coffee shops along the North Tyneside coast I'm sure you can forgive us for taking so long to get ourselves to Woods Coffee, although now we have made our first visit we will most definitely be returning. What a beautiful place - we loved the industrial vibes, incredible looking cakes (I can't believe we didn't actually try one) and come Summer you will definitely find me lounging about in their courtyard, it's quite a sun trap!
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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