Just Add Hat......

Bbbbrrrrr. Well December has definitely brought  cold weather to the West Pennines.
No matter what the weather Mr.L and I always have to walk Olly, no excuses. We need good cold weather wear to keep cosy warm whilst battling the elements.

On a recent trip to Leicester we came across down filled jackets in the sale at Blacks. I've always been interested to try out down filled jackets, having heard how warm they are without the bulk. I have to say they really impressed me! Really cosy with 80% down and 20% feather and fits into a tiny bag about the size of my hand!! In fact we were so impressed Mr.L & I got matching ones ;-) They are last year's Lowe Alpine.

Whilst we were buying new jackets we decided we needed new wellies too. I've always bought traditional Hunter wellies, having had a pair that lasted ten years and I had to throw as the heel was so worn down!! Such a shame the quality has dropped over recent years and my last two pairs split within a year - I needed something sturdier. We found  Muckboots perusing the web and decided to give them a try. 

They are so warm & sturdy - it's like walking in slippers (very supportive slippers!!!) I love the styling and the colourways - brighten you up on a cold winters day :-)

Olly getting in on the action!

So, all I need now is a hat. Here's my favourite....

Barts Fur Cable Knit

But any of these would cut it...

Boden - add a bit of colour to the grey! :-)

Mint Velvet

UGG - for 'hotheads'

White Company

Are you ready for whatever Winter throws at us?
Which hat would you choose?
XX

Newcastle - City Of Light

I was away with work last week in Newcastle. I have never visited before but if I were to describe it in three words it would be 'City of Light'.

The skyline is amazing, so many eras of architecture. The riverside is beautiful - I didn't get to see it properly in the day, but at night it was just magical, so many lights reflecting on the water, changing colour. The City felt safe and the people were really friendly!

Here are some of the images I took - pretty yes?

I will definitely visit again!
Who else has visited? Any tips?
XX

Around Here Lately

Gosh, where on earth has the time gone? I'm missing this little space. I may not be as articulate in my writing as some bloggers out there, but I love this small space. Sometimes life runs away and you have to play catch up constantly - that's me at the moment. So, thank you so much for coming back if you've dropped by before or 'hello' if you are a first timer! I'm hoping to be back to share more real soooooon!!

Life has changed dramatically, since the birth of Sebastian, days off spent with my Daughter, helping her with her breastfeeding, making sure she eats and rests & Christmas shopping together of course ;-)

I had a quick trip to Newcastle for a work conference. 

If I had to describe Newcastle in three words it would be 'City of light'. 

I have enjoyed one Christmas dinner so far on an extended family night out - only another ten to go!! I wore a new bright pink top from Boden that just screams Christmas plus a nice chilled throw on after work look! ;-) The blouse did tend to crease a bit, but things like that don't bother me, especially when I have a glass of wine in hand. 

Currently 40% off - other colours available.

Elephant in the room - new oven. VERY slowly getting to grips with it, so hard after cooking on my AGA for 14 years, which I just used to throw the food in and the Aga, being so kind would then just churn out succulent tasty food....even if I forgot about it. 

Sadly this oven is not so kind :-( 

Drinking my favourite tea - caffeine free lemon, ginger & ginseng from M&S. In my favourite new mug. With a stag on it. Of course!!

I am completely overhauling our diets. I lost over a stone in weight doing the 7lb in 7 Days Juicy Detox (& following up with a healthy lunch and daily juice for breakfast after). I feel so much better and more energised. Below is Jack Monroes Peach & Chickpea Curry, tasty & wholesome - just yum - I love her recipes! More on my new healthy eating soon!

Christmas isn't Christmas without at least one visit to a Christmas market is it? We visited Manchester last week - not many pics to share - too bloomin' cold :-) I'm going again tomorrow from work - yay for Gluhwein with Amaretto!

 & so, Christmas is slowly putting in an appearance. Ornaments old and new nestling together. A new baby and new memories to make with my beautiful family.

I'm off to check on the casserole in the oven and wait for my Daughter to arrive with that special little bundle, aaaaahhhhh!

I am having problems with Google Chrome on my tablet. It hasn't been allowing me to leave comments on the lovely blogs I follow, so I shall be sorting that out tonight - I do love this little community.

Ok, no more of my ramblings.....
wishing you all a lovely week ahead!
XX