Rachael's Thoughts

Rachael's Thoughts

Lifestyle blog featuring the fabulous North East and beyond

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A Brilliant Day Out at Hopetown Darlington – review

Days out North East Parenting Recommendations review Travel
A Brilliant Day Out at Hopetown Darlington – review

My five-year-old daughter Elsie and I recently enjoyed a fantastic day out at Hopetown Darlington so I thought I’d share an honest review.

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By Rachael Stray 28th September 2025 0
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To Hell With It – review (AD)

Book review Reading Recommendations review
To Hell With It – review (AD)

I was kindly given an advanced electronic copy of To Hell With It by Claire Frances in exchange for an honest review.*

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By Rachael Stray 21st September 2025 0
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Unboxing September Secrets Glossybox

Beauty review Self-care
Unboxing September Secrets Glossybox

My September Secrets Glossybox arrived right at the start of September and I couldn’t wait to get stuck in.

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By Rachael Stray 14th September 2025 0
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A Family Day Out at Bamburgh Walled Garden – review

Days out Family Food and drink North East Relationships review
A Family Day Out at Bamburgh Walled Garden – review

During our recent week away exploring the gorgeous Northumberland coast, we carved out half a day to visit Bamburgh Walled Garden.

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By Rachael Stray 7th September 2025 0
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An open letter to my daughter on her first day of school (Year 2)

Parenting
An open letter to my daughter on her first day of school (Year 2)

This is an open letter to my daughter Elsie, on her first day of school (Year 2).

Last year I shared my open letter for your first day of Year 1, and before that your first day of reception, so it feels really special to keep this tradition going.

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By Rachael Stray 3rd September 2025 0
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Unboxing August Beach Dreams Glossybox

Beauty Recommendations review Self-care Self-care
Unboxing August Beach Dreams Glossybox

It’s time for another Glossybox unboxing, and this month’s theme is Beach Dreams – perfect for squeezing out the very last of summer!

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By Rachael Stray 31st August 2025 0
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Sarah’s Ice Cream Parlour – review

Days out Family Food and drink North East Recommendations review Travel
Sarah’s Ice Cream Parlour – review

During our recent trip along the beautiful Northumberland coast we finally made it to Sarah’s Ice Cream Parlour, after my friend Kellie recommended it – her family are big fans and now we can see why!

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By Rachael Stray 24th August 2025 0
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Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Mousse – review

Beauty Recommendations review Self-care Self-care
Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Mousse – review

I’ve been using the Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Mousse for a while now so thought I’d share an honest review.

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By Rachael Stray 17th August 2025 0
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Cirque Du Hilarious – review

Days out Family North East Recommendations review
Cirque Du Hilarious – review

For the second year running, Elsie and I made our way to Wallsend Rugby Club to see Cirque Du Hilarious – and once again, it didn’t disappoint.

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By Rachael Stray 10th August 2025 0
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The Retirement Plan – review (AD)

Book review Reading Recommendations review
The Retirement Plan – review (AD)

I was kindly given an advanced electronic copy of The Retirement Plan by Sue Hincenbergs in exchange for an honest review.*

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By Rachael Stray 3rd August 2025 0
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Hello!

Welcome to my blog I’m Rachael a proud Geordie and lover of all things North East and chocolate. You can find out more about me here.

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