Mrs Mulled Wine's Christmas Countdown - 2 weeks to go

Eeek! 2 weeks to go. I finally feel on top of my Christmas shopping with a successful trip to intu Metrocentre on Monday and North Shields Christmas Market this weekend. If you've never been to North Shields Christmas Market before, I'd highly recommend checking it out next year. There are over 100 local traders and all the best ones seem to go here. From local ales and distilleries to The Brownie Bar, Geordie Bangers, Homemade Jam and Chutney Stalls, the best pies, homemade wreaths for sale, sweet stalls, Christmas cakes and lots and lots of Christmas treats, it's such a good place to support our local businesses. Entry is free and there's a funfair for kids (£2 per ride), Alpacas to stroke and feed, birds of prey to meet, Elf crafts in the shopping centre and food vans (including churros, hog roast, Hadrian's pizza and a mobile gin bar). It's loosely Victorian themed and a lot of th traders dress up and they're all super friendly,

I love a themed cocktail at this time of year and enjoyed a couple at Hotel du Vin yesterday. My favourite was one called 'fireside' which was a savoury cocktail which kind of reminded me of a Sunday dinner (that would be the rosemary). It sounds gross but was honestly lovely. The bar at Hotel du Vin is beautiful and very festive at this time of year. If you're looking for somewhere to catch up with friends or family this festive season, I'd highly recommend.

We've enjoyed two turkey dinners so far this year - one at Evan's Bistro and one at Artisan. I have to say, I think Evans' pips Artisan to the post. As I discussed with my friend Nyomi, it's all about the gravy! Have you tucked into a Christmas dinner yet?

Turkey dinner at Artisan

Turkey dinner at Evan's Bistro 

I've been a busy bee this week finalising my Christmas posts. I thoroughly enjoyed wreath making at STACK Newcastle last Sunday and was lucky to attend press night at Northern Stage to watch A Christmas Carol which was outstanding and received a standing ovation. I was disappointed with a trip to visit Santa Claus at Alnwick Garden but I'm really happy that they have taken my criticism on board and have made some changes. Fantastic news!  This week is a little quieter and we're mostly focussed on school events with lots of parties, Christmas nativity plays and carol services. I've planned a lot less in the evening this week as everyone is getting tired. We're going to have a Christmas Movie Night at home on Friday - Steve is making Christmas burgers and we're going to snuggle up and watch a movie together. I'm hoping for Home Alone.

Let me know if you have any festive plans this week. 

Christmas Around the Web 

• A Christmas Carol at Northern Stage by North East Family Fun
• Visiting Father Christmas at Alnwick Garden by North East Family Fun
• Goldilocks at Theatre Royal Review by North East Family Fun
• Christmas Wreath Making by Mrs Mulled Wine
• A Christmas Escape Room at The Gate by Here Come the Hoopers 
• Sticky Christmas Pecans Recipe by Casa Costello 
• Magical Middlesbrough Parade by The Southernist 
• 10 Reasons to visit the Elf Adventure at Ice Cream Farm by Mini Travellers 
• Visiting Santa at Whitehouse Farm by Newcastle Family Life 
• Mulled Gin Recipe by Strong Coffee 
• Christmas B Movies by How to Daddoo
• The Best Christmas Films for Families with Young Children by Nomipalony 
• Liverpool Ice Festival by Extraordinary Chaos 
• Vlogmas 2018 by BecxBlogs 

I'll be back with what could be my final post of 2018 next week.