Showing posts with label Stockton. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Stockton. Show all posts

Thursday, 31 July 2014

Ropner Park - Stockton-on-Tees

Alone at last

Signs in Ropner Park
I have to admit, sometimes being alone in life is better than being surrounded by a million others. Of course, living in solitude on a day to day basis is not something we should strive for. But having some “me” or “myself” time every so often does in my opinion make life just slightly more colorful and interesting.

At the Lake

And for me, that essentially involves a walk in the local park.

The beauty of mother nature.

Ropner Park isn’t the biggest park I’ve ever been and certainly not the most glamorous (if you’re ever in Hong Kong, do visit the Botanical Gardens; it’s fab!). As a quick summary, it’s essentially made up of a lake, pavilion and playground, with lots of walking paths and greenery in between. What to me makes it utterly perfect for a day out alone is its peacefulness and daintiness. I don’t think that there was a second where I wanted to swap listening to the sounds of children giggling and ducks quacking with my iphone music whilst I was there. I think I managed to spend nearly two hours walking from each location to another.

The Pavillion

And my are there a lot of ducks.






If you’re a keen photographer, then there’s plenty to take. From flowers to trees, and from ducks to sculptures, Ropner Park offers a wealth of picture-perfect moments and locations, perfect for any professional or even the lone amateur like moi. Words essentially fail me when trying to describe just exactly how truly gorgeous this place is. Give it sometime and you’ll definitely be able to see, for yourself, its true beauty.


The Daisy Trio.

What I think tops it off is the little metal information signs that have been strategically positioned in certain significant areas of the park. It’s great that it offers an opportunity to rejuvenate as well as educating oneself about its history and that of the local area.

The lonely but tranquil pathway - my kind of bliss.

P.S. Don’t forget your camera.
x

Monday, 30 June 2014

Le Weekender - Issue 1

Snapshots of my weekend

I won’t say that my typical weekend is usually jam-packed with a diverse range of events – Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th just so happened to be the exceptions.
The Glitter Ball
Heaven's lights
And for me, any weekend, be it exciting or boring, HAS to include good food (see below):

Scrambled eggs in a tea-cup (aka. how a grand day should start); recipe upon request :)
Cheese and mushroom croissant and a grande sized hot chocolate with whipped cream - dieting can wait :)
Fashion in Durham ‘14


Basically summarizes the whole gist of the extravaganza that lasted a whole 5 days. For me, it started off on Friday night with canapés, cocktails and shopkeepers displaying the latest trends in the jewelry industry.
Simply stunning
The tubfa (bath-tub + sofa)
Too cute!! #themugwump
Personally, I thought one of the highlights was the display-windows - each were unique and cleverly decorated with a whole range of trendy pieces from local, Durham boutiques.
Trendin' in Durham

To top it off, the organizers of “the Glitter Ball” had hired a fashion illustrator to produce professional sketches of the guests for free (and upon request/ queuing up of course!).


Obviously I had to get mine done (especially since I was wearing my new maxi dress).

A special someone decided to join in/ invade my professional fashion sketch done by the amazing Melissa Bailey
Sunday was Durham does Thrift accompanied with city-center catwalks – I didn’t take any pictures (the camera decided to, quite inconveniently, die/ run out of battery life just before I left the house). Nevertheless, I felt it was a great way to end fashion week – definitely looking forward to another great one next year!

Fashion in Durham '14
Liverpool – A sneak-peek of Saturday

I shan’t say much more than the above (otherwise it’ll ruin my upcoming blog post!). If you’re ever in Liverpool (and if you’re not planning on visiting, I suggest you change your mind – literally), look out for the Superlambananas (see below); they’re simply ADORABLE.

Superlambanana :D
In a nutshell, you can never get bored in this metropolitan hub.

Tees Barrage – the Sunday Stroll

Was, in truth, a complete accident – I had been heading to the swimming pool…until I realized I left my towel at home. 

I then got changed for the gym but ended up crossing the Infinity Bridge and heading towards TeesBarrage International White Water Centre where young kayakers were eagerly waiting for the signal to head-off on their journey around the course.
Morning stroll down the infinite pathway
It was truly inspirational – I’m definitely going to try white-water rafting one day (when it’s warmer of course!).


And with such a spectacular and natural scene, I think it’s fair to say that I had the best start to a beautiful Sunday and a wonderful ending to another fantastic week.
Natural perfection

Wednesday, 18 September 2013

A very belated morning to everyone - who went out for a morning stroll/ paddle with family or friends today?

More cooking, fashion and travel posts to come soon. PLUS some new themes too (think books and quirky pictures :)

An early day out with family :-)