Why I Love Warkworth

I basically love everywhere up North but a sleepy little town in Northumberland truly holds my heart.

I'm not sure when I first went to Warkworth. I suppose it much have been on a school trip to see the magnificent castle or the World War II defences on the beaches.

But I know that I love it.

I try to go as often as I can, despite it being a bit of a trek. I have to first journey into Newcastle before heading back North for an hour on the bus.

But I love it so much that at least once I year I pack my bags and stay for a week or a long weekend, and below are some of my favourite places, both to visit and to stay.

Favourite Places in Warkworth

The Castle

It goes without saying. Even from miles away you can see the tall, proud ruin standing out against the landscape. I loved the tranquillity, the views, the shadows and the surprises. I love how huge it is, a true stronghold.

It's owned now by English Heritage so there is a charge to get in, but there is a free audio-tour (I get it every time even though I know it by heart) and the staff are so amazingly friendly. When the weather is nice they will even lend you a blanket for picnics (and considering the blankets are £60 to buy from the shop this is a massive trust exercise).

Gray's

I make sure to come here every November and do my Christmas shopping. This little gem is the most amazing place. Everything they do is to make you feel special, and for gifts it is amazing.

They box everything in luxe boxes with tissue paper and ribbons and it feels so exclusive. But everything is incredible value for money. Despite coming out with bags full of beautifully boxed jewellery and accessories I have never spent more than £40, and that's gifts for my whole (huge) family.

Hotspur Cottage

This is my absolute favourite place to stay. It's a little bolt hole for two with the comfiest bed, a luxurious welcome basket of local produce, and the cosy feel of home.

Sometimes when you stay away, you can feel exactly like that - Away. But here I always feel welcome and wanted, the atmosphere is incredible. It is probably smaller than your average static caravan, but it is luxurious and filled with every convenience. And it's dog friendly.

The River

Even if it's pouring with rain, sideways from the howling wind (we're on the coast) I love walking by the river.

I have my perfect, one hour route where I slowly walk from the castle to the newer part of town, then down to the hermitage, then along the river and looping around the village until I'm back where I started. I love the wildlife I can see, from salmon to seals  to otters to all manner of birds.

Disease Modifying Drugs (MS Diaries)

Today I am starting treatment for my MS.

I have met with my MS Nurse twice since my diagnosis last month, and after lots of research and reading I was pretty set on which way I'd go when it came to Disease Modifying Drugs (DMDs).

So what are Disease Modifying Drugs?

DMDs work with different parts of the immune system to reduce the inflammation caused by MS to nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. This helps reduce the number and severity of relapses. 
Source: Multiple Sclerosis Trust

Basically - they're a big thing and it's a big decision.

I settled on Tecfidera, as I feel it would suit my lifestyle well. Plus it's a tablet and not a needle, unlike 75% of other Multiple Sclerosis treatments. And if you know anything about me you'll know I don't like needles.

Tecfidera does come with some side effects, and my nurse gave me a "cheat sheet" of tips and tricks to help reduce them, so we will see how that goes.

One thing I will be doing is tracking everything. So I have bitten the bullet and invested in a dotted notebook, and I am starting a bullet journal to track my dose, when I take it, what I take it with, what side effects I have. Everything.

Wish me luck!

A Beautiful Ballet

What
Northern Ballet's The Little Mermaid

Where
Theatre Royal, Newcastle

When
7.30 pm, Tuesday 31st October 2017

Cost
Tickets from £14.50

One Word
Beautiful

Before It Started
I am a wonderful daughter, and I love to treat my mum. This was the third ballet we had been to, and her first with a live orchestra, so we were very excited for a fantastic night. Dinner then the ballet.

Unfortunately traffic was hectic and it took more than twice as long as usual to get in to town, so we didn't have time for dinner. What we did have time for was a quick drink at Lola Jean's down the road. We'd never been in the Newcastle Lola Jean's - only the Tynemouth one which we love - and we were very impressed by the service and the decor.

After our pre-ballet drinks we trotted around to the theatre, and while it was a little busy in the foyer it wasn't too bad and it was easy enough to get through the people.

First Impressions
Straight to the stalls bar to order our interval drinks! With a full bar and only two staff, service was a little slow, but the staff were lovely when they did serve us, and we got a bottle of wine to share at the interval, which would be waiting for us on a

Then to our seats - and boy had I picked some good ones. The only down side was someone who was easily six foot tall sat directly in front of use. We're both short enough to have to shop in the Petite section so it's always a bummer when someone super tall blocks the stage (or screen or view, tall people step back please!).

The Main Event
I was lost for words, completely speechless. It was so amazingly beautiful.

I always expect something wonderful from Northern Ballet, and I try to see them whenever they come far North enough (hint: it's never enough, and I'm still bitter Casanova didn't come up Proper North). And I was in no way disappointed.

From the music to the dance, the whole performance was exquisite. Watching, I was completely lost.

I love how the story flowed, how the narrative behind the dance undulated, changing pace like the sea in which it was set.

The choreography changed throughout, the style changing almost imperceptibly as the story moved from sea to land. The personality of each character shone through.

Overall
It exceeded our expectations, absolutely blew us away. It was a wonderful night and a beautiful performance.