Walking the Dogs

Christmas was a lovely, relaxed affair, but there comes a point during the Christmas festivities where I really just need to get out of the house. I don’t just mean the daily walk around the block with Thelma, or wandering around shops but a proper blow the cobwebs away and feel the wind on my skin walk out in nature. 

So, Monday, the chap and I decided to venture to Robin Hoods Bay to walk the pups along the beach. We arrived around mid-morning and the weather was grey and murky. It wasn’t enough to put us off though, we were well wrapped up and after grabbing a coffee at the top of the village we started down the hill.

Many of the little gift shops were closed, but we wandered along the alleyways and admired the brightly coloured doors. Robin Hood’s Bay, just like Staithes, is one of those unspoilt fishing villages that I absolutely adore. At one time I dreamed of retiring to one of them (albeit I’ve got a lot of years before retirement) but given that so many of the quaint little cottages are now holiday homes I wonder how the sense of community is bearing up.

Bruno in his Christmas jumper

Nonetheless, both are within easy reach for days out. We reached the bay, and although the tide was starting to retreat, it was still battering the causeway and it would be some time before we could set foot on the beach. We decided to get some lunch in the Bay hotel, as luck would have it we managed to get the last table in the downstairs bar.

We enjoyed a pint and a burger and chips each, enjoying the bustle and olde world feel of the bar while looking out towards the bay to see when we would be able to emerge.

 

Soon enough we were scrambling across rock pools carrying dogs with us (Bruno is still so small and Thelma is afraid of water). I was thanking the heavens that I’d put my rugged hiking boots on, I needed them, but before too long we were on sand and the dogs were having a whale of a time.

The beach was busy, mostly with dog walkers. Lots of pups came over to greet our two, and I didn’t really have much sympathy with the person I over heard complaining that the beach wasn’t dog free given that for most of the summer, certainly in Scarborough, much of the beach is a no go zone with dogs. 

We walked past Boggle Hole, but then we could see our four legged friends were getting tired. We’d been walking for almost an hour, so we turned back to the village. It was starting to rain, so we took shelter in a cafe over hot latte’s, and finally finished up in a dog friendly pub, the Laurels, sipping alcohol free beers. 

By the time we were back at the top of the hill, all four of us were exhausted but happy. Sometimes there’s nothing quite like a long wild walk to wake the senses.

Pure Relaxation at Saltmoore Spa

 The days seem to be passing by in a whirlwind at the moment as we career towards Christmas. Last minute efforts to get my work projects across the line, social engagements and of course, preparing for Christmas itself. Last weekend though it felt like time stood still when me and the chap spent a couple of days at Saltmoore Spa, at Sandsend.

The last time I visited it was for afternoon tea, and it was before the massive refurbishment the hotel has undergone. It was Raithwaite hall and was far more traditional. Post refurb, it’s all very serene and unhurried. I was so happy to finally be getting here. We were shown to our room, a snug room. The name had fooled me that this would be a small space but the room with its beautiful king size bed, underfloor heating and luxury toiletries in the en suite was perfectly proportioned.

The chap had arranged for flowers and prosecco in the room on arrival as a lovely surprise. We sipped prosecco while we got ready to head down to the spa. The spa was reasonably busy, seems a lot of couples had the same idea of escaping the chaos for a weekend and this is definitely the place to do it. There was no concept of the fog and wind outside, or even what the time was. It was just time to relax and unwind. 

We swam, and of course spent lots of time in the sauna. I do love a sauna, ever since I first went in one about 6 years ago when I went to a spa for my friend’s birthday. Ever since it’s been my favourite part of the spa experience. 

The one at Saltmoore has Himalayan salt bricks inlaid in the wall and felt like such a meditative environment. I don’t do the ice water plunge after, usually relying on my shady excuse of not being able to handle the sudden temperature changes due to my underactive thyroid, but the truth is I’d be too coward anyway. The chap did the plunge though, sitting in the cold bath for around two minutes. 

We retreated to our pre booked loungers and the chap went off in search of cocktails. He chose a Daquairi for me. I’ve never had one before but it was quite delicious. We lazed around, getting up every now and again for a swim or the jacuzzi. Before we knew it, the time had arrived to leave the spa and get ready for dinner.

Saltmoore has a couple of eating places but, for the evening it’s the serene and atmospheric Brasserie restaurant. The unspoken dress code was relaxed glamour and I was glad I’d packed my heels. Why wouldn’t I though? I rarely miss an opportunity to don a pretty shoe! Before long the restaurant was as full as the spa had been.

We took a couple of pictures on our phones but you will have to take my word for it when I say the roast beef and all the trimmings was phenomenal, because we stopped short of photographing our dinners, this time. The meat melted in our mouths, the portions were huge and the selection of sides and accompaniments was endless. I couldn’t finish mine, although in part that was because I was leaving space for apple crumble and custard. 

It was relaxed, no rushing, just enjoying the whole experience. Afterwards we retreated to the lounge bar where a roaring wood burning stove and fabulous selection of traditional games welcomed us in. We ordered coffees and found a quiet nook and a deck of cards, and I taught the chap how to play Crazy 8’s. It’s an easy game that me and little miss have been learning and it was a perfect way to while away a cosy and relaxed evening. 

After a brilliant night’s sleep I woke up feeling like I was in a White Company catalogue. Despite being a self proclaimed maximalist I have to admit, there is a certain serenity to this sort of neutral colour scheme. Especially when done with such attention to the luxury details.

Breakfast was in the Brasserie again, although this time we were seated in the light, bright orangerie part. My smoked salmon and poached eggs on crumpet was divine, and the options for breakfast were vast. The chap had a full English, but there were pastries, cereals and fruits. It was a lovely way to start the day. Once again, nothing rushed or hurried. 

Once we were all packed and ready to go, we took a very short drive to the seafront and enjoyed a bracing walk along it. Sandsend is beautiful, and we were blessed with a lovely dry day. It was the perfect end to our relaxing break. Now just to plan our return visit! 

Adventures in York and Leeds

It’s most definitely starting to feel Christmassy. Most of my Christmas shopping is done now, well aside from the food shopping of course, the tree is up and the Elf on the shelf has arrived. 

Last week, I was down in the office for the day and the York Christmas market is in full flow. After last year’s hellish visit on a Saturday, I vowed never to do that again, but this was midweek so, after work, I was happy to meet up with the chap and have a wander around.

It was even busy then, but not as bad as the weekend would be. The chap treated me to a Baileys hot chocolate and a lovely Scandi sausage and chips. 

Baileys Hot Chocolate and sausage and chips from the Scandi sausage stall

We had a look around the stalls, and even if you aren’t intending to buy, it’s still nice to have a wander. Especially while it’s a bit quieter.

Saturday, me, little miss, Mum and Thelma caught a train down to Leeds. The last time we went, during the summer, it was for the museum so we didn’t get much shopping time. This time around Thelma was in her pushchair so that we could take her in all of the shops, and it was full on Christmas shopping.

To be fair, everywhere we went people came over to give love to Thelma and to talk to us all. Leeds is such a friendly city and the thing I really like about it is the amount of space. It was crazy busy, but because it’s big and there’s plenty of space it didn’t feel oppressive. I also love the Victorian arcades juxtaposed with much more modern shopping centres.

How beautiful is the Victoria Arcade?

I fell in love with so many things in River Island, although I was restrained and didn’t buy any. We did all the big shops and little Miss made lots of friends in Lush while I was buying bath bombs. 

Outside my favourite choclate shop, Charbonnel et Walker

We grabbed a snack in Popeye chicken, which I’ve never visited before but was delicious, as well as many coffees and all in all it was a lovely and rather exhausting day.

Krispy Kreme's for the train journey

Sunday was mostly spent getting over Saturday. I did take Thelma for a good long walk, and finished wrapping my Christmas presents. We ate a hearty sausage casserole and had a fairly chilled day.

Despite some pretty sketchy weather it's been an altogether lovely week. It feels like the start of lots of lovely things. 

Snow Day

 It’s hard to believe that only 2 weeks ago I was sat around a fire pit on a warm Bonfire night. By contrast, last week we were well and truly plummeted into winter. I was planning to go to the office on Thursday but the snow and associated chaos it brings made me think better of it. 

School was closed for the day, and the walk to the local shop for a loaf took me twice as long as it usually would. It does make the world look lovely though when it’s covered in a white blanket, even if it does make me retreat to giant boots and fleeces for warmth.

After my Mum encouraged me to watch the 1980 film, Xanadu a couple of weeks ago, me and little miss have become obsessed with the Electric Light Orchestra (all of the music in the film is ELO). I bought a CD to listen to in the car and it’s been on repeat. I’ve really got back into buying records and CDs again because frankly, I find streaming to be a bit shit! Endless adverts and never the song you ACTUALLY want to hear! Saturday afternoon I had a little peruse around the local charity shops and vintage record shop and bought a couple of new LPs too. The Sorcerers Apprentice, much loved by little miss, cost me a mere 50p and how could I possibly leave that cover behind? Bing was from the record shop but was exactly what I was looking for, to listen to over Christmas. Slightly pricier at £5 but still a bargain. Buying and listening to music definitely makes me happy. It did when I was a teenager and it still does!

The rest of Saturday afternoon was a mixture of shopping and relaxation. Grocery shopping, not too exciting. Mum and I did go out o Wilson’s food hall for lunch though, which never fails to brighten up an otherwise standard afternoon.

It’s located in a village just outside of Scarborough, and always has quite a buzz. They have it all done up for Christmas now, and I thought it would be lovely to have a photo in one of the ski chalet set ups. Shame it was sopping wet, and a bigger shame that I discovered that by sitting in it!

The awkward pose of someone who sat on wet blankets

Never mind, it was still lovely. Sunday the weather actually started to brighten, and after having pancakes and playing some pool with little miss, I walked Thelma to the seafront.

I stopped for a cuppa at brewed and enjoyed the scenery, just making it home before the weather turned again.

After a hearty dinner of chicken casserole, we decided to put our tree up. I’ve had to buy a smaller tree this year. Over the course of the year I’ve added more furniture to my home which just makes the giant 6ft tree I’ve had for the past few years unviable.

My old tree

This year’s tree

This cute little white one is adorable though and little Miss loved decorating it! I realise it’s still November and ordinarily I’m a put it up on December 22nd kind of person, but I have a lot planned over coming weekends so it was easier just to do it now. Bing and a Christmas tree, I’m definitely getting in the spirit early this year!