Labrador T-shirt

After lunch with my Dad today, I was wandering through Fenwick and spotted this cute t-shirt. It was designed by Barbour for Newcastle Fashion Week, and all the profits go to this great cause. It's perfect for me - I'm not exactly a very 'fashion' person, so something comfortable rates really highly in my shopping ideals, and at £15 I couldn't resist. I think it's unisex as the sizes are on the large side.

On another very exciting note, Liz Earle have released their makeup range today and you can browse and buy it online. While I was in town, I went by their concession in John Lewis but they didn't have anything on the shop floor yet. I'm really interested in the Cream Blush and the Loose Powder; both of which I've already read glowing reviews.

Finally, I got a new candle from Wax Lyrical called Day At The Spa, which despite the cringey name, smells absolutely divine. I thought I'd treat myself as I'll be spending many an hour revising in my room over the coming weeks. 

Sophie x

Arlo Jesmond

I first started going to this café in Jesmond when I was at school, and my love for it has never faltered.  Back then it was under different management and had a different name, and even though it has gone through a few changes, the basic premise has remained the same; tasty, simple food in a lovely atmosphere.

It is now called Arlo, named after the owner's son and can be visited every day from half eight to seven on some nights, nine on others and five on Sundays.  Lucas, the owner, has introduced an evening menu and lunch now has a bit more substance as opposed to the cakes and sandwiches you were limited to before.

I visited with my Dad this past week and had the absolutely delicious crispy fish fingers with chips, salad and home made Tartar sauce. My Dad had the Otis burger, which also looked incredible. 

During the Easter holidays I sat outside in the sun with one of my friends home from University and got more than a little tipsy with a bottle of wine between us and balsamic roasted vegetables.  

(A complimentary bowl of crisps was also in order when Lucas realised that persuading two students to indulge in a lunchtime rosé on such little sustenance was probably not a brilliant idea!)

Another all-time favourite that gets us out of bed on a hungover morning is the mouth-watering waffles with dry cured bacon and maple syrup.  

Sitting with pots of tea and magazines, this is my favourite spot to people watch the best suburb of Newcastle. All in all, Arlo has something for everyone; friendly staff, a relaxed atmosphere and great interior design.  You can follow them on Twitter, like them on Facebook or visit their website.

Enjoy! 

Sophie x