The past year and a half has involved a lot of self-reflection. I’m learning more about myself, what I’m made of and what it means to be me. I’m a 40 year old British Indian woman, I’ve spent my whole life in Newcastle – shout out to my brief French episodes… Aix en Provence 2000…
Things I’ve learnt during lockdown
It’s been a while. Hello 🙂 I really hope everyone is keeping well and staying safe – sorry for starting this with something you’ve probably read a bazillion times recently. I’d be lying if I didn’t admit straightaway that I am terrified of Covid-19 and distraught by how many lives have been lost. Those early days…
Teething
Since becoming a mum, my life has turned into some kind of giant guessing game. As soon as I think we’re getting into some kind of routine, things change. The biggest change I noticed was when Anushka started teething. The dreaded T word that causes parents the world over, to shudder. There again, everyone goes…
Anushka’s Birth Story
It feels weird to be sat here thinking back to Saturday 10th June. I was 38 weeks pregnant and had finished work a few weeks earlier due to my blood pressure. I remember that Saturday pretty well, Ankush went off to work early that morning and I decided to tidy the house a little bit…
It’s Been a While…
First and foremost, hello! It’s been an awfully long time, I’ve missed writing up blog posts  but as some of you may know, my life has changed a little bit since my last update. If you follow me on Instagram (where I am still very active!) you’ll see that my feed has been taken over…
The Cherry Tree, Jesmond
The Cherry Tree in Jesmond is a restaurant I’ve dined at a few times over the years, most recently was last April for a friend’s hen-weekend meal. I was invited along to sample the menu and was informed that there had been a lot of changes, including a new chef, a new menu and a bit of…
Jord Wood Watches
Wooden watches are the in thing. I saw some in a display in a local art gallery shop, but the collection at Jord Wood Watches is just something else. Jord approached me and asked me to collaborate and do an honest review on one of their Fall Collection Wooden Watches. I took one look and knew they…
Starks Kitchen – Heaton
You can’t miss Starks Kitchen if you’re driving down Chillingham Road in Heaton. The bright white signage and (stark) white interior really stands out from the rest of the shop fronts.  Starks Kitchen has opened up where Cal’s Own used to be (the best pizza in the toon has moved to Jesmond). It’s a family-run venture, with husband and wife…
The Rosebery Hotel – Jesmond
Nestled in the heart of Jesmond is The Rosebery Hotel, it’s almost hidden away behind gorgeous greenery on the corner of Rosebery Crescent. I was recently invited to  review this charming boutique hotel and decided on a mid-week stay. The hotel is just off the Coast Road, around the corner from Dene’s Deli (best sandwiches in the toon, people!)…
Tango Durham
Who doesn’t love a burger?! When I was invited to review the food at Tango Durham, I spent a little while beforehand perusing the menu, like I usually do. There are lots of options to choose from and I’d already pretty much decided on what I was going to order before we’d even set off for…
Flat White Kitchen – Durham
I’ve wanted to visit Flat White Kitchen since it opened back in October last year. Located on Saddler Street, next door to Bill’s and pretty close to Flat White cafe, this place looks impressive from the outset.  Flat White cafe has been my number one place to get coffee in Durham, because they serve my favourite OCC coffee,…
The View – Tynemouth Longsands
Two years in the making, The View at Tynemouth Longsands, is now open for business! Owned by the Wilson family, who also own Crusoe’s, The View really lives up to its name… with huge ceiling to floor windows, there are panoramic views of the beach from every seat in the restaurant. The seaside theme is…
Violets Cafe – Newcastle Quayside
Violets Cafe opened on the Quayside at the beginning of June this year. Located right next to The Side Gallery, this cute little cafe is owned by Abbie Atkinson, wife of NE chef Kenny Atkinson. I’ve followed Abbie on Instagram for a while and she often posts pictures of delicious-looking home baked treats. A few months…
Bircher Muesli Recipe
I decided to give this recipe a try after watching Vivianna Does Makeup’s video. I changed it up a bit and use some mashed berries. I’ve since made it with mashed banana and topped with chopped pistachios which was delicious! Also totally yummy with just oats, seeds, nuts and milk. This has fast become my favourite weekday…
Benefit’s New Brow Collection
Benefit have been into eyebrows since the brand was founded, in 1976. I was invited to the Benefit Brow Bar in Debenhams, Eldon Square to learn about the new brow collection, which is available as of right now! From Friday 24th June, there will be 9 eyebrow products available, compared to the 3 they had…
Branches Ponteland – Review
Branches Restaurant opened in Ponteland at the beginning of April, I spotted it on a random trip to Waitrose mid-April. The restaurant is on Brewery Lane, right next to the entrance to the Waitrose car park where Indian restaurant Sampan (RIP) used to be. This new venture is owned by businesswoman Aysha Pervez, with Chris Finnigan as Head…
NYX Counter Opens in Newcastle
Much to the delight of beauty junkies across the toon, NYX Cosmetics counters opened in Boots Eldon Square and Boots Metrocentre last month. You’ve probably heard about it already. I think I’ve done pretty well to hold out until now if I’m honest. I was in town for The Botanist event last week and got there early so I…
The Biscuit Factory – Summer Launch
When I got an invitation for the Summer launch at The Biscuit Factory, I couldn’t wait to go. It’s been years since I last visited and this gave me the perfect opportunity to pop down. When we arrived, it was already really busy with people of all ages milling about. The first thing I noticed…
Desserts & Decadence at The Botanist
The Botanist opened in Newcastle at the end of 2014, and no matter what time of day I’ve been in or walked past, it’s ALWAYS been busy… there’s sometimes even a queue to get in – the people of the Toon clearly love it. The Botanist have very recently launched their new food menu, I was invited…
Fenwick Beauty Week – Newcastle
Those of you who know me, know of my intense love for all things beauty. I’ve been meaning to start the Beauty section on my blog for ages… so here goes! I received an invite to the blogger preview for Fenwick Beauty Week which runs from Saturday 7th May – Sunday 15th May, this was pretty exciting to…
Cloud in a Teacup 