Life In Geordieland

Rachel's Guide to Newcastle and Beyond!

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Looking Back on 2018

December 23, 2018 in Uncategorized 4


As 2018 draws to a close I can’t help but reminisce on what a crazy yearĀ it’s been. Among the fun family days out, date nights, theatre trips and festivals, there have been plenty of challenging personal moments too!

The Tyne Bridge featured heavily on my on Instagram account this year!

I really hoped that this would be the year I finally conquered the whole work life balance thing, but despite going part-time in my day job back in February, I have been busier than ever. I’m certainly not complaining, it’s been exciting and rewarding to explore more freelance opportunities. The biggest of which was probably when I was asked to be a blogger for The Great Exhibition of the North.

Great Exhibition of the North made it a summer to remember

Summer 2018 was certainly one to remember and I loved exploring all the unique events and exhibitions across Newcastle and Gateshead that celebrated northern art, design and innovation – then writing articles about them for the Get NorthĀ website. Did you experience Great Exhibition of the North? I’d love to hear your highlights.

I didn’t attend as many blogging events and parties this year compared to previous years.Ā Don’tĀ get me wrong,Ā IĀ appreciate being on a guest list as much as the next girl butĀ I’ve tried to focus on bringing you more useful content that represents my passion for the North East… such as my guide to local theatres, how to spend 24 hours in Newcastle, where to eat in North Tyneside and ideas for romantic nights out. I hope you’ve enjoyed them becauseĀ I’ve got LOTS more up more like that up sleeve for 2019.

If you follow me on Instagram you’d be forgiven for thinking that I’d gone in to hibernation this winter. There’s been several reasons why I’ve been a little bit quieter than usual… I spentĀ a few weeks inĀ November on holiday…

Visiting Melbourne was a dream come true!

Our trip to Australia was one I’d beenĀ planning for many years and when I finally landed down under it felt like a dream come true! I visited Melbourne and Sydney, both of which had aspects that reminded me of Geordieland – and not just the Harbour Bridge. The people were super friendly, just like here, and the combination of city, coast and country that we experienced reminded me just how lucky we are to have easy access to all three in the North East.

Back in Newcastle in time for Christmas

I’m very much looking forward to Christmas and have enjoyed getting in to the festive spirit thanks to the Newcastle Christmas markets (which were better than ever this year) and a visit to Tyne Theatre and Opera House to see their brilliant panto (highly recommended).

However, we’ll have one empty seat round the table this year due to a sudden bereavement in our family. I won’t go in to the details but needless to sayĀ it’s another reason I haven’t been blogging as much as usual.

The loss of my dear sister-in-law has been a powerful reminder of how important it is to live the lifeĀ you love and to start everyday with a grateful heart. I have definitely been guilty in the past of giving myself too much of a hard time over unfinished to-do lists and letting best laid plans go astray but I’m learning to be kinder to myself and not sweat the small stuff.

2019 is going to be an interesting year, something tells me it could be even more unpredictable than this one but that won’t stop me making plans.

Meet Lizzie!

I can’t wait get out and about across the region in my new car (she’s called Lizzie and I might even create an Insta account for her, what do you reckon?) and I’ll beĀ embracing some HUGE changes in my life (I’ll reveal more when I can). And of course, I’ll continue to share the highlights of my life in Geordieland right here on this little ol’ blog so if there’s anything in particular you want me to write about, just let me know!

Right… well, that turned in to a bit of a ramble didn’t it? (I blame the Baileys!) Thanks for reading, I genuinely appreciate each and every one of youĀ that takes the time to check out my blog and follow me online, you’re all stars! So, merry Christmas andĀ happy new year, I hopeĀ it’s everything you hope for and more!

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Chloe - New Girl in Toon

I have absolutely loved sharing all of your adventures this year Rachel, you continue to be such a huge inspiration – your passion for the North East is contagious!

I know Christmas will be really tough for you all this year but I hope you manage to enjoy the time you spend together and that the kids create some lovely new memories!

Wishing you a very happy Christmas and sending loads of love x

luo.la
5 years ago

Ye ! This Is A Good Blog!

Stephanie Fox
5 years ago

I love following your blog and canā€™t wait to see more of what you have in store in 2019! Definitely make an insta for Lizzie!

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