Easter Weekend

 When I logged off last Wednesday it was in the knowledge that I wouldn’t be back online (for work purposes at least) for well over a week. As much as I enjoy my job, there’s nothing quite like a week of freedom! I met the chap after work, and we went for a pizza and beer to celebrate. 

On Thursday, we were unexpectedly graced by the sunshine, which was welcome since we had appointments in town. An eye test for little Miss and nails for me. Although the sun didn’t bring much warmth, it was perfect for wearing these Joe Browns boots Mum bought for me a few Christmases back. I love them but only cool dry days work for them.

Boots - Joe Browns, Dress - River Island.

Thankfully, little Misses eye test came back perfect. After a spot of shopping, including getting some gifts for little Misses birthday later this month, and raiding the Claire’s accessories clearance sale for bag charms, it was time to get my nails done. I plumped for a beautiful iridescent pink for my nails, and then it was a relaxing evening ahead.

YSL Cabas tote and Claire’s accessories bag charms!

Good Friday was very relaxed. I spent the morning reading in bed. That’s a rare luxury because I always feel like I ‘should’ be up and doing stuff, so I rarely allow myself the luxury of staying in bed to read. Later in the afternoon we went to mass, stopping off afterwards for a coffee. Later in the evening me and little Miss made some collage bookmarks before settling down to watch Zootropolis 2. 

Easter Saturday arrived and with it the first blusterings of storm Dave. It wasn’t too terrible though, so we took a trip to one of our favourite failsafe destinations, Helmsley. I took the opportunity to wear my new Fairfax and Favor boots for the first time, and was surprised at how comfortable they were for a full afternoon spent perusing the boutiques. 

Boots - Fairfax and Favor, dress - Jolie Moi, awkward facial expression models own

The lady in the Fairfax and Favor shop complimented how good they looked when we went in there for a browse. I was also overjoyed to find some vintage long faux pearls in a little vintage market in the town hall. These replace some I broke I while back. I know faux pearls are ten a penny, but modern ones are always too lightweight and white in comparison. I like them to look old!

Making the most of so much free time, on Sunday me and the chap took a trip to Saltwick Bay near Whitby to hunt for the shipwrecks on the beach. Ever since the chap told me about this place I’d been eager to visit with my camera. It did not disappoint but I won’t share too much until I get my images back from the film lab. Sufficed to say, after walking 8 miles we were very grateful of our fish and chips in Whitby.

This week has already started off strong, but I’ll save that for my next post. 

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.

Shopping, Watching, Walking

 Here we are, Bank Holiday Monday here in the UK, and the final day of my week off work. A week that I have absolutely crammed with activities, so I’m grateful today to just potter and do some laundry. 

Wednesday we took a trip down to York. The weather was grim, to say the least. Next week is little Miss’ birthday, and since she’ll be back at school I thought it would be easier to take her shopping for some birthday presents this week.

She had some birthday money from grandma and the chap, so a mini spree in Smyths toys was the order of the day.

After that was drove around to the outlet for a wander.

Thursday, we had plans to meet a couple of her classmates to go and see the Minecraft movie. What a bonkers film!! The kids enjoyed it, and to be fair I think us grown ups did to, but I’m still not sure what it was all about.

Friday was Good Friday. Other than going to church and walking Thelma, we just had a quiet day. As a Christian, Good Friday has always been something of a reflective day rather than one for actually doing things. We did rent Wicked Friday evening though. I had intended to see it at the cinema when it was out, but never got to it. It’s a long film, but it was good!

Fabulous tea shed at the family fun day

Saturday morning we were off to meet more of Little Miss’ friends, including one of her friends who has moved away, but was back up to visit. I swear, this girl has a better social life than most grown ups.

We went to a nearby bistro which was having an Easter fun day in their grounds. Complete with bouncy castle, craft stalls and BBQ, it was fun and lively.

The kids had a great time, and I always enjoy catching up with the parents too.

Pretty inside Le Jardin

Afterwards we popped to town as we had a few things to pick up. Then, for lunch we thought we’d try somewhere different, Le Jardin.

Tasty lunch

It was lovely and great value for money, I think we’ll be back. I remember we used to go before, but it went downhill so nice to see it’s good again.

We wandered past some of the scooters that have been in Scarborough for the scooter rally over the weekend, and down to the arcades for some more time on those 2p drop machines. Always a fun way to end the day.

Saturday night I didn’t sleep so well, so I woke up feeling groggy Sunday. Not great since I was off to meet the chap and go on a hike. I didn’t let it stop me, but I did need some Lucozade to get me going.

We drove up to Goathland, and started the trail to Mallyan Spout waterfall. We do love a waterfall walk.

Heading down wasn’t too bad. As often is the case there was a fair bit of scrambling over rocks to get close to the falls, but since we’ve had quite a run of dry weather, there wasn’t too massive a volume of water falling.

It was quite magical. Once we’d explored the area we retraced our steps and the  followed the other path to Beck Hole.

I’ve heard of this place many times, even the coffee I buy from a local roastery is called Beck Hole, but I’ve never visited. Once we got to the end of the path we found a beautiful village and, more importantly, a lovely pub! 

We were so glad to get those Beck Hole Ales and stand outside in the sunshine to watch the world go by. 

The walk back was uphill, and harsh. I was so hot and my legs were hurting. We’d spent 3 hours walking and it was showing. I was so grateful when we got back to the top. No more hills.

The pub at Goathland had stopped serving food, so we drove back to Pickering for fish and chips. Well earned Fish and chips I might add, and they did taste good.

It was a perfect end to an amazing day. Me and the chap love our little adventures, especially when they involve a waterfall, beer and fish and chips. I’m definitely in recovery mode today, and looking forward to a week of sitting down at my desk.