The Geordie Tourist.

 On Sunday I went to Living North Live at Newcastle Racecourse for their spring fair and a bit of a browse. It's a yearly event that they do. It showcases lots of different things such as food and crafts and well designed bits and pieces among other things. Its a chance for locals to show off their products and for the keen shopper to find treats they never knew existed on their own doorstep. I went last year and after loving it so much I just knew that I had to drag my mam along for round two this year.

They had a lot more things outside on the concourse this time. There were plenty gardening stalls. One in particular I loved was Urban Herbs. They specialise in unusual culinary herbs. (Strawberry mint anyone?) Since we're doing the garden we couldn't leave without buying a couple.

There was also a lovely hidden away tent that had been set up so you could have a rest stop and a little drink. I loved the bunting and the deck chairs. I was also super pleased no one was sitting in there yet so I could take a couple of photos. Later on when we came back out there was some live music too. I could just imagine sitting on a comfy deckchair and having a little listen.

Inside the food halls there were so many amazing things. It's hard to take it all in at first. I love how everyone is so nice and friendly and offering samples left, right and center. it's a good way to see if you'll actually like what they're selling, and to satisfy your taste buds too. 

I'm a sucker for a pretty stand and as soon as I saw Stateside Treat Emporium  I made a beeline for it. I love the idea of having American inspired flavours in a chocolate bar. They had loads of other concoctions such as red velvet and maple bacon pancake. The woman that was selling it was so nice, she offered us samples and let me take lots of photos. They make their chocolate in Durham and most of it is vegetarian too.

I love the big rustic bread displays from More? The Artisan Bakery. We left empty handed, but I still had a little try of what was on offer. 

One of the highlights was listening to a talk by Sean Murray of Garden Narratives Garden Design. He talked about his time being an amateur gardener and winning a competition that allowed him to design a garden for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show last year. 

It was very interesting and both myself and my mam walked away feeling very inspired.

I was getting major sign envy from looking at the wares from Words that Talk. As you can imagine it was very popular and trying to nab a quick photo with nobody in it was challenging. (Blogger problems eh?)

 Ibbi won the award for best shopping stand 2016. I can see why. It was truly enchanting. Lots of Moroccan and Indian inspired homeware. The patterns were to die for and they had the most amazing wooden hand painted elephants.

We ended our little shopping spree with a trip to Rosie Mai's Wax Melts. I have a burner at home and I love using Yankee melts. When I saw these ones all lined up and smelling oh so amazing I knew I just had to try them. The marshmallow one is gorgeous. At only 80p a cube I couldn't say no really. It's run by two lovely women from their homes in Durham. They were nice and chatty and let me take pictures of their beautiful products.

Living North Live is always a good day out. I will say that it gets pretty busy. With it getting more popular year after year it will probably only get worse. It's best to go earlier in the day. If you don't mind the crowds then not to worry. We only managed a couple of hours before it got too much though.

There are so many wonderful stands full of fashion, art work, homemade gifts and everything else in between. You're bound to find something you'll love. I know we did, and I'm curious as to what will be in store when I no doubt return next year...

Did any of you go to Living North Live?

At the weekend, the Sage Gateshead held its legendary International Jazz Festival (15-17 April) As someone who knows nothing about jazz I had no idea what to expect. My friend Nic is a massive music geek and a huge jazz fan though. So when she asked me to go with her on Saturday, I thought I'd see what all of the fuss was about.

The program boasted there would be jazz of all kinds, some funk, soul and blues, a mixture of UK, European and International Jazz icons. Something for the hardcore fans, people who like a little listen now and again, and then people like me who only thought there was one type of jazz out there. It seems I had a lot to learn.

The weather wasn't too bad, so before we went into the Sage, we stopped to have a little look on the Quayside. The Sage is in a prime location and it would be rude not to have a little peek. As we were walking down I spotted some graffiti in some of the archways. There was an amazing one of Bowie and Mozart (I think.) I love looking at graffiti, especially works of art and quirky writing.

The festival went on throughout the day. We started off standing right near the stage, but later went up the stairs, pulled up a seat and watched from the balcony. Jazz is all about feeling the music, swaying in your seat and listening to the tempo. (See I'm learning already.)

The Jazz Line-up stage (where we were) was part of BBC Radio 3 and was being recorded for a future show. It featured artists such as Northern Monkey Brass Band and Jazz vocalist Ian Shaw. It was free to watch and enjoy. There were other artists and performances that you could buy tickets for and watch, but I'm guessing a lot of those were already fully booked. As a first time listener I think just sampling a few different people and bands was good. Hearing the saxophones and the piano going was amazing.

In between sets, Nic and I chatted and had a little catch up. She told me all about the different kinds of jazz. Who knew there were so many. We rifled through leaflets and found other similar events we could plan to go to. I wandered around and took pictures of Newcastle from inside. I love how you can see the industrial lines of the window frames in the photos.

By now, you should know that when it comes to Beamish Museum, I'm a bit of a fan. This week/end (Thu 7th - Sun 10th) they had a special event on called 'The Great War Steam Fair' which is their annual and famous fair.  It's basically a lot of vehicles such as steam trains and various bikes/cars parading about and lots of keen people going to have a good old gander.

It's also a chance to focus on the First World War, the transports used, and mining life at the time. I went on Sunday with my mother and the pooch for a quick look around.

I thought it was great if I'm honest. I've been to Beamish a fair few times in my life and never have I seen it so busy. We went at ten in the morning and it was already rammed with people, the car parks pretty full. By the time we left a hour and a bit later the queues were out of the door. It was mental. (I guess I didn't really know how popular the event would be.)

I loved looking at all of the different vehicles and things. Seeing all of the staff in proper costumes and going about their work. It felt like a real place if that makes sense and not just a really good replica. Everyone was really getting into the spirit of things.

The main town area was really busy. There were loads of vehicles parked up by the side of the road. Think war trucks, vans advertising sugar and rations and even posh looking classic cars not too differnet from the one in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. There was even a couple of guards dotted about.

Someone was getting a picture of this lady and I quickly jumped beside them and took my own little one. I think she makes a great suffragette. 

It was weird just walking about and then all of a sudden an old fashioned car would go past with a family inside or a elegantly dressed couple. Everyone would wave as they went by too which was nice.

At every little section there was something new to look at. There were more vehicles at the railway and of course lots of trains and steam engines. There were lots of enthusiasts about with their big cameras taking it all in. I wasn't the only one taking photos for once.

We didn't have a lot of time to look around so we had to give Home Farm and the 1900's Pit Village a miss. I did notice some bright white tents as we went past though.

This was my favourite photo of the day, this couple. They just looked so cool, such an integral part of the scenery and just effortless. The dog totally set the look off too.

All in all it was a great day (hour and a bit). I've never really looked into the different events that Beamish do. (apart from Halloween and Chrstmas) I know they must have them on all of the time. It's a great way to get a new experience from a well loved place. I'll definitely be looking out for other things in the future. 

There's also the £17m expansion to look forward to. I read there's going to be a cinema house among other things. (too excited)

Did any of you check out the steam fair?

If you've been anywhere near Intu Metrocentre recently you'll know that lots of new foodie places and restaurants are opening. Last Saturday just before the grand opening of the new Bella Italia, I got a chance to go and try out breakfast for free. I guess a lot of places do that these days to give the staff a chance to get a bit of extra training and to make sure everything runs smoothly for opening.

I told the family about it and they jumped at the chance to go for some grub. I go out a fair amount I'd say these days, but I never really go out for breakfast. I was definitely excited to see what they had on offer. 

It was great being in a nice, new, shiny restaurant. The decor is lovely. I love how its all inspired by Italy. The paintings on the walls depicting landmarks and the frames hanging from the ceiling in the colours of the Italian flag. 

I particularly loved the Bella Italia sign all lit up and just how the different colours and fabrics come together to create a unique looking place. There was even a funky dessert cart and herbs growing in a border at the front of the restaurant. 

There was cute little pots of jam waiting for us on the table which was a nice touch.

The boys went for the Gigante Breakfast. My mam had a Veggie Breakfast which came with avocado. I went for the Fruity Pancake Stack.

The plates were cool and modern, the bread looked like nice homemade bread, or a posh loaf, not just your average already sliced stuff. It's the little touches that make it special.

I had already decided I wanted pancakes before we had even got to the restaurant. I was just hoping and wishing that they were on the menu. 

They were nice enough, just a little bit cold.

Afterwards we had to fill in some feedback cards. We all agreed it was a positive experience. The staff were lovely and the food was tasty, like I said before, just a little bit cold.

We had to pay for our drinks which was all good (the money was going to charity) It came to £16. The whole thing altogether would have came in at around about £44. I've had better breakfasts for a cheaper price so I don't know if I'd return.

My friend tried out the dinner tasting session where she got a free starter and a main. She said the food was delicious. So maybe I'd like to try some pizza or pasta instead. I mean I don't think I can give it a fair trial without tasting one of their specialties.

Have any of you been to the new foodie places at Intu Metrocentre?

On a Sunday, sometimes there's no place you'd rather be then having a little nosey at what you can find at a car boot sale. I have been to this one in Hexham on a couple of occasions. Once to sell, which resulted in me sitting in the car, for most of the time as I was too cold. (You know how it goes.) 

It is set in the Hexham Auction Mart Building. There are various parts to it including the exhibition hall and the pens, where the animals would be kept. It's strange when you go for the first time and you're walking through the stalls. I kept expecting a pig to pop out from somewhere.

My mam is in the process of doing out the garden, so thought she could pick up a couple of bargains.

Some of the things you can find wouldn't be out of place at a vintage fair. There was a seller with lots of jewellery. It reminds me of my nanna's things which makes me smile. 

I just took a few photos as I didn't want to feel like I was intruding, plus it's peoples' personal stuff, so I didn't want to seem rude.

We bought this crate to grow some herbs in or to house a couple of smaller plants. It cost £4 for two which is such a good price compared to what you'd pay in store.

There was glassware on most stalls. I loved this arrangement of fancy plates. I like finding cute little crockery sets and cups and plates that match. It makes me want to host quirky little afternoon tea parties.

We paid a lot of attention to the various stools and chairs that we could find. We were after something to sit on in the garden. I could just see myself sipping some homemade lemonade and reading a book on one of these gorgeous green chairs. 

Unfortunately we didn't get them. If we went back and they were still there, I'm sure they'd make it back home with us though. 

If I was any good at DIY I'd have snapped this right up. Just a nice sturdy bit of wood to join it together and hey presto a little seat.

Altogether we got the wicker table and chair, tin kettle and two garden crates. The real bargain for my mam though was a massive artificial bamboo plant. ( We had to do two trips just to get it back home.) It cost her £25. She saw a much smaller one in a shop a couple of days ago for £200. A definite bargain indeed. 

The Hexham boot sale is on every Sunday until December (unless otherwise stated on their website) 

It opens at 12pm for buyers and costs £1 per person for entry.

Have any of you found any great bargains at car boot sales?