Post Box | Ponteland | Lunch Review

*This is a collaborative post

Me and Mrs. Cool were in Ponteland this week to have lunch at the Postbox in Ponteland, we were also planning on a trip to Belsay Hall only to find out that it is now closed during the week during the winter months (annoying!). However we still made it to The Postbox, this is a great little cafe with a lot of character, the interior is very homely with paintings of Newcastle landmarks like the Tyne Bridge and St. James Park.

Dining Options at Matfen Hall

*This is a collaborative Post

This November Mrs. Cool and I celebrate our 12th Wedding Anniversary, we decided to mark the occasion with a stay at Matfen Hall in Northumberland. We spent all day and night at the Hotel and Spa so were able to try the menu at all of the Dining Experiences available at Matfen Hall.

Exploring the North Tyneside Coast with Tyne and Wear Metro

*This is a collaborative post

Growing up in Wallsend in North Tyneside, Tyne and Wear metro played a big part in my life. Whether it was going to spend my pocket money in Eldon Square or Monument Mall as a teenager or travelling to Whitley Bay or Newcastle for nights out with my mates in my late teens and early twenties, the Metro was such a convenient mode of transport. Where I live now (in Northumberland) doesn't have a Metro line but does have some great bus links to Metro stations. I was recently asked by Tyne and Wear Metro to visit some of the bars and restaurants in various locations in and around Metro stations and to try out their Pay as You go Pop Card.

Monday Munchies: Pigs in Blankets Mac and Cheese

It is never too early to start thinking about Christmas snacks. I've already had a few mince pies and I'm getting ideas for what to have leading up to the big day. This week I rustled up this little festive corker, this will serve four and maybe my new favourite Yuletide treat.

5 Horror Films to watch with teens this Halloween

Halloween is just around the corner and it's time to decide which scary movie to watch when all the Trick or Treating is finished. I've decided to compile a list of horror films I enjoy that I think would be ok to watch with your teenage kids. I have a love/hate relationship with the horror genre, I really love a good horror film but most of the time I'm disappointed as most horror films (especially more recent ones) are pretty boring and predictable. These choices are films I'm ok with letting my 12 year old son to watch, the list may be controversial as contains a few 15 rated films and one which is rated 18 but I look at the BBFC rating as more of a suggestion than an actual age limit.

Date Day in Craster | Northumberland

It was time for one of mine and Mrs. Cool's regular date days and after mix up with our National Trust cards scuppered our planned visit to Cragside we decided to visit Craster instead. Craster in Northumberland is one of my favourite places on Earth. Dunstanburgh Castle is my favourite Castle in Northumberland (probably my favourite anywhere) and I love the walk along the coast from Craster to Dunstanburgh. We didn't have our walking boots on so we didn't do the mile and bit walk this time so instead we decided to have lunch at the Jolly Fisherman.

La Yuan | Newcastle | Sichuan with Style

I love Chinese food but I'm usually disappointed when we get a Chinese at home. There is never anything exciting, Chicken Curry, Duck in Pancakes, Sweet and Sour Chicken... BORING! Well this little gem of a place is a million miles away from a Chinese take away. La Yuan on Gallowgate in Newcastle is something very special. Bringing dishes from the Sichuan Province of China, La Yuan has some of the best food I have had in Newcastle. The restaurant itself is really slick with a contemporary interior and it has a great location in Newcastle City Centre within a few minutes walk of some really good bars.