A month in the life of our editor – Chapter 1/12: January 2024

My word of the year, go-to monthly beauty treatments and exploring being a digital nomad.

What a start to the year.

I’m one of those people who has always had about 50 New Year’s Resolutions – and they were all to the most extreme level.

Stop drinking entirely, get up at 5am and work out for 3 hours, do an eight-step Korean skincare routine twice a day for the rest of my life – you get the picture.

This year Beth told me about something she does, which is to ditch specific resolutions and choose a word for the year instead. For example ‘wellness’ – her word of last year – meant sticking to regular dentist appointments, being mindful of what meals they plan, try to walk more. I loved the idea.

So this year my word is confidence. For me, this means confidence to set boundaries, confidence to say no to things I don’t want to do, invest in beauty treatments that make me feel confident. So far, I’m really enjoying it and most importantly, I’m not ending the month feeling the heaviness of breaking all my resolutions… instead it feels positive and I can’t wait to see what the rest of the year brings.

WORKING FROM PORTUGAL

I’m currently writing this from Lisbon as I continue to explore opportunities to travel whilst working anywhere in the world. We’re staying in an AirBnB on a beautiful street in the Sant Ana area – working until around 3pm then heading out to explore. Having the sun on my face again has already made such a difference to my mood and productivity. And I don’t know how I’m going to survive not starting every morning with a pastéis de nata (Pink Lane, I’m coming for you).

MANTRA THAI

I went for a delicious meal at Mantra Thai with friends in early January. We had planned to try their new tasting menu but it’s not actually launching until next week so we opted for a set-menu instead. The service is top class (don’t forget to mention High Life North for a free drink) but it’s the Massaman Curry that’s currently living in my head rent-free. Best in Newcastle IMO.

CACAO MEDITATION & WOMEN’S CIRCLE WITH FRIENDS

I’ve spoken before about how YogaTherapies has helped me through some difficult times in recent years, and now I’m out of the other side of it, I’m really enjoying attending classes and events with a positive and calm mindset. This month I went to the Ceremonial Cacao Meditation and it was SO fun. I thought I’d be self-conscious dancing and moving in that setting but as usual, the group was perfectly non-judgemental, and we all just embraced and enjoyed the process.

My friend also ran a women’s circle for a small group of close friends to set out intentions for the year. It was so wholesome and the thing I loved most about it was the deeper conversations it prompted about our hopes, dreams and how we can help eachother to achieve being as happy as possible.

SEAHAM HALL

Just 35 minutes from Newcastle, Seaham Hall is one of my favourite spas to head to for ultimate relaxation. I booked a Midweek Twilight Spa which includes access to the spa between 5.00 – 10.00pm, a 60 minute top to toe treatment which includes a massage and a facial, plus a two-course dinner in the restaurant for £95.

Don’t forget we’ve currently got a competition running to win a spa day for two, and a special discount code for High Life North readers for a Heart of the Hebrides full day escape spa package.

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