Rachael Thoughts

There’s something lovely about receiving a beauty box at the start of summer, and Glossybox’s June edit, A Breath of Fresh Air, feels perfectly timed. Inspired by lighter routines, refreshing formulas and effortless beauty, this month’s box is all about simplifying your skincare and makeup while still feeling pampered. With longer days and warmer weather finally here, let’s take a look inside and…

We recently enjoyed a pottery painting session at Inspired Pots in Hexham so thought I’d share an honest review. During our recent staycation in Hexham, we decided to embrace the rainy weather rather than let it spoil our plans. After checking the rather gloomy forecast the night before, we booked a family pottery painting session at Inspired Pots — and it turned out to be one of the loveliest…

The May Awakening Glow Glossybox arrived right on time. There’s something about May that always feels like a reset button. The evenings stretch a little longer, skincare routines become lighter, and suddenly I’m reaching for products that make my skin look healthy rather than simply recovered from winter. This month’s Glossybox theme, Awakening Glow, fits perfectly into that seasonal shift. The…

I recently enjoyed a Mini Spa+ at High Hill Farm so thought I’d share an honest review. With a fortnight off stretching ahead, there was only one thing for it: a little bit of solo indulgence. A spa morning felt less like a luxury and more like a necessity. After doing something similar last year, this time it felt right to try somewhere new. High Hill Farm had been firmly placed on the radar…

I was kindly given an advanced electronic copy of Hunter’s Treasure by Olivia Jackson in exchange for an honest review.* Screenshot Hunter’s Treasure book blurb A brand new spicy forced proximity action adventure romcom set on a desert island!Perfect for fans of Christina Lauren, Jo Segura and Meghan Quinn. One treasure map. Two total opposites. A romance they never saw coming… When Sydney…

I recently enjoyed a bliss head spa treatment so thought I’d share a full honest review. Tucked away in the heart of Lanchester, the Japanese Head Spa Durham is exactly what its name promises — pure bliss. And I don’t say that lightly. This isn’t your standard hair appointment. It’s slower, softer, more intentional. The kind of experience that gently forces you to switch off — something that…

My April Spring Edit Glossybox arrived and, honestly, it felt like a little reset for the season. Spring beauty always leans softer—lighter textures, fresher skin, and products that just slot into your routine without too much effort. This month’s edit really captures that. Everything came packaged in a pink mesh bag (which I’ll 100% be using for holidays), and inside were five products worth…

We were kindly invited to watch Little Red Riding Hood Presented by Northern Ballet at Gala Durham in exchange for an honest review*. This was the first ballet we’ve been to and so I thought the relaxed performance might be best. We hopped on the park and ride bus into Durham, which Elsie absolutely loves (any bus journey is a win in her book). Little Red Riding Hood show information A little…

I was kindly given an advanced electronic copy of The Purpose of Getting Lost by Tracy Smith in exchange for an honest review*. The Purpose of Getting Lost book blurb The Purpose of Getting Lost is a reflective memoir about identity, belonging, and the courage to question the life you’ve carefully built. As Tracy Smith enters midlife—navigating the end of a long marriage, children growing up,…

I recently enjoyed a chocolate truffle making workshop at La Choclatrice so thought I’d share an honest review. There’s something undeniably joyful about chocolate. The smell, the taste, the nostalgia — it’s comfort and indulgence all wrapped into one. So when I booked a truffle-making workshop at La Chocolatrice, I knew it would be fun… but I didn’t quite realise just how lovely the whole…

We recently enjoyed Sunday lunch at Sale Pepe in Shotley Bridge so thought I’d share an honest review. When Steve spotted on Facebook that Sunday roasts were back at Sale Pepe, there was really only one option – book a table immediately. I am a big fan of a proper Sunday roast. Crisp roasties, rich gravy, Yorkshire pudding… it’s my love language. Unfortunately, Elsie doesn’t share my enthusiasm,…

I was kindly given an advanced electronic copy of Harriet Hates Lemonade by Kim McCollum in exchange for an honest review.* Harriet Hates Lemonade book blurb Meet Harriet. But don’t be surprised if she isn’t interested in meeting you.  Harriet has life all figured out, and she doesn’t hesitate to inform others of their shortcomings. Though her attempts to become president of the homeowner’s…

I was excited to unbox the March New Season Revival Glossybox after a challenging February. There’s something about March that feels like a quiet reset. The days stretch out a little longer, the air softens, and suddenly the heavy routines of winter start to feel… unnecessary. It’s the month where everything begins to wake up again – including our skin, our hair, and our mood. This month’s…

We recently enjoyed breakfast at Maddison’s in Consett so thought I’d share an honest review. Half term called for a little treat, and with my car tucked up in the garage having new tyres, brake discs and pads fitted, it felt like the perfect excuse to head out for breakfast. While the car was being sorted, we were tucking into something far more enjoyable at Maddison’s in Consett. Elsie and I…

I was kindly given an advanced electronic copy of Tempting Boss by Lilian Monroe in exchange for an honest review*. Tempting Boss book blurb He’s a control freak CEO. She values independence above all else. When he hires her on a six-month contract, they clash … and sparks fly. My overall thoughts on Tempting Boss If you’re looking for emotionally repressed main characters who argue…

We kick-started our half term with a visit back to Ushaw Historic House for Brilliant Bottle Rockets. A couple of years ago we took part in this hands-on session and had such a fantastic time, so I was absolutely delighted to see it return for February half term as part of Space Week. Full disclosure I recently won a competition on social media which gifted us a family annual membership to Ushaw…

We were kindly invited to watch Zog at Gala Durham – and what a lovely, feel-good day it turned out to be.* This was another special girls’ day out for me and Elsie, and we made a whole adventure of it. We hopped on the park and ride bus into Durham, which Elsie absolutely loves (any bus journey is a win in her book). We had a wander around the city, did a little mooch around the shops, and of…