Lifestyle Archives - Page 5 of 6

Categories: Lifestyle, North East, Uncategorized

Newcastle in the Sky Dine by Flight Experience

Remember Dine by the Tyne – the death defying restaurant experience that saw diners suspended 100ft above the ground to enjoy cocktails and dinner prepared by some of the regions best chefs? Ok well maybe it wasn’t quite as dramatic as that, the point is, it’s back with a new name and some awesome new restaurants on board.

Returning for 2017 as Newcastle in the Sky, this ‘dine by flight’ experience will return to its previous location at The Sage, overlooking the Newcastle Quayside, due to delays at the intended Stephenson Quarter site.

With just five months to go until Newcastle in the Sky hits the North East and tickets already flying (see what I did there?) The event looks set to sell out all over again. August 24th -29th is the period you’ll be able to take flight and enjoy culinary delights served up by chefs and mixologists from Browns, SIX, Aveika, Hawthorns, Chaophraya, Artisan, La Yuan, The Vermont Hotel, Livello and The Gin Bar. Once you’re over the whole height thing, the only problem you’ll have is which one to choose.

To give you a helping hand, you’ll be able to choose from breakfast, lunch, dinner or cocktail flights (Livello and The Gin Bar will be supplying the drinks flights, while breakfast will be served by Brown’s. Lunch and evening dinner will be provided by SIX, Artisan, Aveika, Chaophraya, Hawthorns and La Yuan.)

“We are happy to return to Performance Square, the views of the river and bridges are spectacular. With our Title sponsor DS Automobiles and other exciting changes, the team are more determined than ever to deliver another outstanding event in the heart of the north east.” Jacqui McKirdy, Event Director, Newcastle in the Sky.

If you missed out on this experience last year, or you managed to get tickets but want to try a breakfast, or cocktails, then you’d better be quick! I was way too soft last year, I bottled it at the last minute but I’ve been told to man up and get on board this year and I’ve promised I’ll do it (although I can’t promise there’ll be no tears or tantrums). For tickets, visit Events in the Sky or call 07808 527 039 for corporate bookings.

See you in the sky!

Pixie xo

Categories: Lifestyle

Another Day in Sparadise

Tucked away in the basement of the busy Crowne Plaza Hotel in Newcastle, you’ll find the Mineral House. An inner city sanctuary I’ve come to know and love over the past six months, the Mineral House is a world away from the hustle and bustle of Newcastle. With its basement corridor bathed in flickering candlelight and the scent of lemongrass, it really is a treat for the senses.

In a nutshell the Mineral House comprises a gym, pool and treatment spa. As far as hotel facilities go, this is pretty damn good. The gym is larger than the average hotel gym and it has everything you’d expect from an unmanned facility. Sure you won’t find a huge selection of free weights and Olympic bars, but let’s not forget, this is a fitness suite largely populated by hotel guests who use it with the sole purpose of preventing stagnation during their stay. It’s very well equipped (for what it is) and has a good balance of cardio machines, cable machines, kettlebells and dumbbells – and if my numerous requests for a punchbag are noted then who knows, we may even see that as an addition for 2017. The Mineral House offers personal training to clients on request and recently extended its hours to offer 24 hour access so now there’s no excuse not to train.

The pool area is gorgeous, accented with soft purple light; the swimming pool is accompanied by a large whirlpool spa and steam room, perfect for unwinding after a workout and there are several loungers poolside for those who just want to chill and be immersed in the cool ambience.

The Mineral House treatment spa is manned by the best Therapists in the business, during the build the recruitment drive was fierce and only the creme de la creme were selected (a massage from Roberta is otherworldly, I can vouch). The treatment menu is huge, offering a range of spa treatments with a focus on eastern aromatic spices and warm pindas to encourage deep relaxation within the muscles. Locker room chat is always about how awesome the deep tissue massage is.

As such, the team is a tight knit band of industry pros always willing to help out, I’m often offered a person to work with me on boxing pad work in the gym with me when it’s quiet.

In it’s entirety, the Mineral House is a place I’ve come to rely on to escape real world shiz, it’s where I go to get my head in gear and when I’m lacking motivation I can rely on staff there to gee me up with some inspiring words. I primarily use the Mineral House for the gym, it’s somewhere you can get your head down and get a serious workout in without judgement, or people staring. With the influx of no frills gyms in the city, the Mineral House offers a refreshing change from the stereotypical functional gym goer.

My favourite thing about the Mineral House is the convenience. The location is easy, it’s easy to get in and out of Newcastle from the Crowne Plaza, the parking is free and you’re given towels on arrival. Seriously Voyeurs, it’s the little details that make the biggest differences: think hot showers with shampoo and shower gel provided, large lockers, separate restrooms and TVs with subtitles so you have someone to watch whilst you train. Yes, it’s small, we’ve established that, but it’s perfectly formed.

Fancy trying it out for yourself? Get in touch, they’re a friendly bunch and offer a free trial so you can get to grips with everything on offer and decide whether it’s for you. With a range of memberships to suit different needs, there’s bound to be something you can work with. Don’t fancy a long term commitment? The Mineral House offers two hours exclusive use of incorporated facilities with every treatment booked, spa day sessions are also available.

For a hotel facility I’m really impressed with the Mineral House, whether it’s the cool, calming environment, or the uber friendly staff, it’s a place you’ll feel welcome in from your first visit. I’m a member and I’ve got to say Voyeurs, I’m hooked, in fact, I’m heading there right now to get my workout on. If you’re thinking about joining, or checking the place out for a free trial, be sure to tell them Pixie sent you and maybe I’ll see you there some time.

Pixie xo

Categories: Lifestyle, North East, Uncategorized

Christmas Night Market at the Grainger Market

Last night I headed over to the Grainger Market in Newcastle for a very special Christmas Night Market. If you’re not from the North East then let me fill you in…

The Grainger Market is something of a local treasure in Newcastle, housed in a square block between Clayton Street and Grainger Street, it’s been a part of the city since 1835. With over a hundred shops and stalls under the steel and glass roof, it really has to be visited to give life to the description. It’s the home of a collective of vibrant, small local businesses and some awesome creatives who thrive on their solidarity as a unit and if you visit the market, you’ll see that in spades.

It’s quirky, it’s cute and ultimately it’s well planned out. From the original aisles which made up the ‘flesh market’ which now houses local food produce, through to the Grainger Arcade which is the younger, funkier end. Everything in the Grainger Market has a place that has been carefully considered and every Geordie you meet, will have a favourite unit housed within it.

This year, for the first time ever, the Grainger Market played host to a Christmas Night Market with the promise of mulled wine, local food samples and a VIP tour of that famous hidden air raid shelter. To be honest Voyeurs, I heard “Air raid shelter” and was there like a shot.

When I arrived, the place was buzzing with life, a choir was singing with an audience of smiling faces and Christmas jumpers as lights projected out across the glass ceiling, transforming the Grainger Market into a Winter Wonderland. I registered for my VIP wristband and map, and headed straight to Pet Lamb patisserie to stock up on festive treats made with a local touch.

One of my all time favourite stores is in the Grainger Market; Ellen’s Cosmetics is a secret staple for many a Beauty Blogger, known for sourcing hard to find items and products, and stocking brands that you just can’t find anywhere else. It’s my go to for hair toners. Yup, that’s right Voyeurs, when you see me with my many shades of pastel hair, this is my supplier and I picked up some new ones last night taking advantage of their 20% off offer exclusively for the Night Market. ??

I also managed to get a tour of one of the two hidden air raid shelters under the Grainger Market, something I’ve wanted to do since I heard about it in The Chronicle earlier this year and it didn’t disappoint. I headed into the dark tunnel with fellow Bloggers Rachel Kershaw & Ami Littlefair and we were given the lowdown on how it would have been used by the most adorably City Tour Guide.

From the surface, it’s pretty easy to, it’s the entrance despite being wide open & surrounded by metal barriers, it’s hidden in plain sight. The steps lead down to a chamber which eerily splits off into two narrow corridors, it almost feels like picking your fate….

Filled with vintage props, the shelter has been preserved and still has original drawings on the walls. Not my usual post but I’m actually super interested in this kind of thing so next on my list is The Victoria Tunnel tour. I also kind of have to take some responsibility for Rachel bumping her head on a steel joist on the way out, soz dude.

After a good stroll around the market and it’s various entertainment spots, cue buskers, Newcastle Roller Girls Head Coach Kalamity James (and my awesome mate) whizzing around on quads, I headed home feeling slightly less grinchy and munching on a bag of sweet treats.

If you’re the kind of person who seeks to support local business over larger chain stores and you’re in the North East then give the Grainger Market a look. There are quirky independent stores hidden within those old walls and some great places for food that still remain a bit of a Geordie secret. Also, it’s looking super Christmassy in there right now, which is always a winner in my book!

Pixie xo

Categories: Beauty, Fashion, Lifestyle, North East, Pixie, Uncategorized

Catch Up on the The Tyne & Wear Lifestyle Awards 2016

Missed the Tyne & Wear Lifestyle Awards on TV? How could you Voyeurs?!

You’ll know by now that the Newcastle Discovery Museum played host to the inaugural Lifestyle Awards Ceremony recently which produced an honours list for North East business. The best of the best, as shortlisted and voted for by you, the North East public.

Made TV broadcast the entire event live with a live edition of The Lowdown as a prelude to the big event itself, looking at red carpet dressing, fashion trends and prepping for the awards.

Why should you watch it? One word: ME! No seriously, you should watch it because the Lifestyle Awards is your essential guide to what’s hot in the North East in 2016/17. You’ll discover the hottest nightspots, the best places to eat and maybe even a hidden gem or two that you weren’t already aware of. What’s really awesome about these awards is that they don’t just focus on Newcastle – an undeniably awesome city – but there is so much more to Tyne & Wear than just our Geordie Hub.

So, this of this as your second chance, your saving grace….. I’m giving you the power to watch the entire show at your leisure, as many times as you like using the following links. Although I will say this, you might want to just skip ahead to part two, that’s the best bit, I’m told it’s because I’m in it but I can neither confirm nor deny that*…… (*It’s absolutely true Voyeurs)

So here you go, knock yourself out Voyeurs…..

Tyne & Wear Lifestyle Awards 2016 – Part 1

Tyne & Wear Lifestyle Awards 2016 – Part 2

Tyne & Wear Lifestyle Awards 2016 – Part 3

Tyne & Wear Lifestyle Awards 2016 – Part 4

Tyne & Wear Lifestyle Awards 2016 – Part 5

Categories: Fashion, Lifestyle

The Tyne & Wear Lifestyle Awards 2016

Last week businesses and fashionistas from all over the North East gathered at the Discovery Museum in Newcastle to celebrate the inaugural Tyne & Wear Lifestyle Awards, broadcast live on Made in Tyne & Wear.

With twelve categories, the ceremony toasted a whole range of businesses, ultimately compiling a guide to everything that’s awesome about the North East in one handy list. I swept up the train of my Claire Pettibone Romantique dress and sped over to the Discovery Museum to bring you the lowdown….

Our venue for the evening, The Discovery Museum is an imposing, red brick building which houses treasures from all over the region and as an event venue it’s pretty special. As we make our way up to the Grand Hall hidden away in the roof space, the internal metal structure exposed, this truly is the jewel in the museum’s crown and the perfect place for a Geordie knees up.

I bumped into fellow Blogger Anth May wearing a fitted TopMan suit and he instantly became my designated date for the evening. After being interviewed for a live edition of The Lowdown about red carpet fashion and new season trends (Did you catch it Voyeurs?) we were seated for a three course dinner inspired by North East delicacies including pease pudding and even a stottie. (High five whoever shoehorned that on to the menu). We shared a table with North East favourites Donna Petch from North East Hub and Joe Sexton from cookery show Fit in the Kitchen.

Pre-show entertainment came in the form of a comedy-fest from Britain’s Got Talent favourites The Mimic Men and as the entire night’s proceedings were broadcast live on TV, the audience were given a jovial reminder on etiquette for fucks, buggers and See You Next Tuesdays before the show got underway.

Our hosts for the evening were trio Peter, Mel and Hazel – you’ll recognise them from The Lowdown, who provided the links, glamour and humour between awards, all whilst looking more dapper than ever. The girls wore aqua blue embellished evening dresses and Peter looked uber handsome in a black dinner suit, (you’ve set the bar high guys, remember, you’ve got to better this next year!)

Guest presenters from all over the region and further afield dished out awards to the best North East businesses, as voted for by the public. I was asked to present the award for Best Fashion Retailer which went to Gosforth boutique Have To Love and owner Kate Walton told me she was ecstatic to have won.

At the end of the evening, a special Tyne & Wear Legend Award was given to Colin Burgin-Plews, otherwise known as Big Pink dress, for selflessly dedicating his time to innovative ways of raising funds for Cancer Awareness charities. Kudos Colin, I think you’re pretty damn awesome.

Once the awards were concluded there was just one thing left to do, party the night away.

For one night only, the best of the best in the North East assembled under one roof, just like the Avengers did – although they did it on a plane – and danced the night away. And if there’s one thing we don’t need an award for in Tyne & Wear it’s partying, we’ve got that one covered….

Pixie xo