WEEKEND IN NEWCASTLE

DAY 1

Good morning Newcastle!

I woke up to a seal, bear and tiger staring at me - guess I'm not the only one into soft toys at this age!

After many attempts I finally managed to drag Sarah out of bed - and we had pancakes for breakfast!

Wonky-shaped pancakes, but made with love nonetheless!

Sarah in her element!

Matching ribbon dresses with contrasting colours!

Me and Sarah spent the day at Tynemouth, first visiting the market which had an array of antique (and not-so antique) items on display for sale - from old coins and jewellery to larger pieces of old furniture.

There were also some cute looking cupcakes/muffins on sale - each for only a pound! Who could resist.  We each had a raspberry and white chocolate muffin, couldn't really taste any white chocolate and there was only a measly raspberry in mine - then again it was only a pound so can't complain.

We then went on to have some fish & chips at Marshall's, apparently one of the best in the area - there was a queue for both takeaway and sit-in when we arrived so it must be pretty good. The inside looked like any other average local diner but then again I suppose it's the food that matters most. I don't think we realized just how big the portion sizes were - the guys who stared at our food when it arrived must have thought we were both gluttons! As expected neither of us even finished half of our plates - well at least I finished the fish, Sarah only finished half of it, such a lightweight! ;) 

We should have had what the senior citizens beside us had - theirs was half the size of ours. 

As usual I get this sickly feeling after having fish & chips, probably from all the unhealthy oil and fat - then again it never stops me from doing it all over again!

Headed back into town and to do some shopping at Eldon Square - quite a disappointing shopping day but managed to bag myself a tan-coloured dress from Republic for only 10 pounds! I have a bit of an obsession with browns as boring as they can be, my wardrobe is in serious need of a seasonal makeover.

I had dinner with some friends back from university days at St. Sushi where we ordered a huge platter of sushi to share. The wait was a bit longer than expected, I believe it took almost AN HOUR for it to arrive by when we were all starving and probably finished within 10 minutes when they finally served it. I have previously reviewed this place on Tripadvisor - had a mix of experiences in the past with regard to the service and food. It's an alright place to visit, but if given the choice of other options this would definitely not be at the top of my list (probably a bit more biased because my brother also experienced some rubbish service here). I also think the waitresses need to smile more hehe.

Japanese fried ice-cream

When we had almost finished dinner, Chloe and Sarah made a surprise pop-in entrance with a birthday cake for me! The initial 'plan' was for Jeannie to keep me away in the toilets (???) so they would have time to light it up and surprise me when I came out. But it sort of failed hehe - I still LOVE you guys so much though for making the effort!

I also received more birthday cards and gifts! A lovely Anna Sui perfume from Chloe and Sarah, and a spa weekend voucher from Jeannie, Nicholas and Cathy! Thanks you guys, I LOVE them!

Gift from Chloe & Sarah

Cards from Chloe & Sarah 

Spa Weekend! - Thank you Jean, Nic & Cathy

DAY 2

Had our usual visit to Starbucks (Sarah will not be pleased with this photo hehe) and then had lunch at good ol' Jasmine. Wan Tan Mee - yum.

Sarah has also introduced me to the wonderful world of 'Bakery Story' which I have become a bit obsessed with! For those of you who haven't played it before it looks a bit like this

My business is slowly growing!

Looks like I'm going to become more glued to my Iphone more than ever before - I blame Sarah!


It's been a good weekend on the whole, celebrating my belated birthday and just spending quality time with friends. 


And a final surprise before the weekend ends - my birthday card from Mum and Dad all the way from Malaysia - LOVE you both lots!

Back to work again on Monday after a whole week off! 
Hope everyone else had a good weekend!

BIRTHDAY HAIRCUT & OFF TO NEWCASTLE FOR THE WEEKEND

As part of my own little birthday treat to myself I went to have a cut & finish at Renegade Hair Studio. I usually get my hair done when I go home to Malaysia (like ONCE a year) - for the obvious reasons price-wise, but my tresses needed some reshaping and what better excuse than my birthday.
 It was initially supposed to be done by Pete, the guy who did my hair last time but when I got there he had apparently lost his keys and couldn't make it. So I was told to go back at 12noon when someone else was available - during which I went to have a wander round town. Ended up buying a cute vintage-looking denim skirt - UNINTENTIONAL - I blame the hair people. Then again it was only 9.99 pounds - bargain.

My hair was done by Lauren, one of the younger stylists - really sweet girl, very nice and chatty. I loved her blonde curls - it always amazes me how people can actually style their own hair so nicely while I struggle just to blow-dry mine. I did buy a cheap curling tong from Argos intending to make use of it - have not touched it since taking it out of its packaging, so glad I didn't splurge too much on it, only 3.99 pounds - ha! I sort of saw this coming.
Today's haircut cost me 34 pounds (or 37 pounds with a senior stylist) - not too bad compared to other stylists in town that cost over 40 pounds - yes the bargain girl did her homework ;)

Me and Lauren, my stylist

When I got home I got a little surprise in the post - a birthday card from my best friend in the whole wide world Harpreeto! Okay so it's a day late, I know how much she really tries to send my cards in time - believe me this is counted as early by her standards! I just love her to bits, she's one of the rare people that actually fills my cards with lots of meaningful sweetness (apart from mum and dad). I've known her since primary school and meeting her has been one of the best things that have happened in my life. Come to think of it I might even do a blog about our friendship one day - the gears are really turning now!

My birthday card form Harpreet all the way from Canada *hearts*

I can't believe how long it takes me to find something to wear these days - I have SO MUCH clothes in (and outside) my wardrobe but I can't seem to give them up even though most of them I haven't worn in absolute ages! I might even consider having a Carrie Bradshaw moment and ask some friends over to help me clear my wardrobe out someday. As there was not much time left to pack (I actually had the whole week before but I seem to leave packing to the last minute these days) I just grabbed some clothes to last me the weekend - with some space left for shopping of course. 

The train was jam-packed - I thought getting an early train before peak hours was a good idea, but I guess other people had the same idea (why aren't you people at work?!). At least I managed to squeeze myself into a seat - Cross Country train seats are so rubbish and cramped up with extremely tight overhead luggage space. 

While waiting for Chloe & Sarah to finish work I chilled out at the usual Starbucks opposite the station - my usual cappuccino and blueberry muffin (the muffin as a takeaway because I'm too tight to spend a few more cents just for it to be served on a plate! a paperbag will do thank you). Starbucks have apparently started this new trend of writing your name down for each order to make things more personal - she called out latte - I ordered a cappuccino - TWO fails! 

Blogging away

My surprise dinner meal was at Loch Fyne in Jesmond with Chloe, Sarah and Adrian. Had a bit of trouble finding parking but we got there in the end! The four of us shared the Deluxe Platter which was an assortment of seafood, as well as a bowl of french fries and salad on the side. Didn't really fill us up so we ordered some fish and chips. Finished off with some creme brulee and a chocolate tart. Overall a satisfying meal, and a saving of 25%! Don't you just love discount vouchers ;)

As a reviewer I'd give the place 8/10 - good atmosphere, good service, good food. Worth visiting again in future - I absolutely love the twice-cooked chips!

Sebastian!...or rather his sister before Chloe mutilated her

That's pretty much all for today, time to re-energize for the weekend - out and about with the girls tomorrow! x