On Sunday I went to Living North Live at Newcastle Racecourse for their spring fair and a bit of a browse. It's a yearly event that they do. It showcases lots of different things such as food and crafts and well designed bits and pieces among other things. Its a chance for locals to show off their products and for the keen shopper to find treats they never knew existed on their own doorstep. I went last year and after loving it so much I just knew that I had to drag my mam along for round two this year.

They had a lot more things outside on the concourse this time. There were plenty gardening stalls. One in particular I loved was Urban Herbs. They specialise in unusual culinary herbs. (Strawberry mint anyone?) Since we're doing the garden we couldn't leave without buying a couple.

There was also a lovely hidden away tent that had been set up so you could have a rest stop and a little drink. I loved the bunting and the deck chairs. I was also super pleased no one was sitting in there yet so I could take a couple of photos. Later on when we came back out there was some live music too. I could just imagine sitting on a comfy deckchair and having a little listen.

Inside the food halls there were so many amazing things. It's hard to take it all in at first. I love how everyone is so nice and friendly and offering samples left, right and center. it's a good way to see if you'll actually like what they're selling, and to satisfy your taste buds too. 

I'm a sucker for a pretty stand and as soon as I saw Stateside Treat Emporium  I made a beeline for it. I love the idea of having American inspired flavours in a chocolate bar. They had loads of other concoctions such as red velvet and maple bacon pancake. The woman that was selling it was so nice, she offered us samples and let me take lots of photos. They make their chocolate in Durham and most of it is vegetarian too.

I love the big rustic bread displays from More? The Artisan Bakery. We left empty handed, but I still had a little try of what was on offer. 

One of the highlights was listening to a talk by Sean Murray of Garden Narratives Garden Design. He talked about his time being an amateur gardener and winning a competition that allowed him to design a garden for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show last year. 

It was very interesting and both myself and my mam walked away feeling very inspired.

I was getting major sign envy from looking at the wares from Words that Talk. As you can imagine it was very popular and trying to nab a quick photo with nobody in it was challenging. (Blogger problems eh?)

 Ibbi won the award for best shopping stand 2016. I can see why. It was truly enchanting. Lots of Moroccan and Indian inspired homeware. The patterns were to die for and they had the most amazing wooden hand painted elephants.

We ended our little shopping spree with a trip to Rosie Mai's Wax Melts. I have a burner at home and I love using Yankee melts. When I saw these ones all lined up and smelling oh so amazing I knew I just had to try them. The marshmallow one is gorgeous. At only 80p a cube I couldn't say no really. It's run by two lovely women from their homes in Durham. They were nice and chatty and let me take pictures of their beautiful products.

Living North Live is always a good day out. I will say that it gets pretty busy. With it getting more popular year after year it will probably only get worse. It's best to go earlier in the day. If you don't mind the crowds then not to worry. We only managed a couple of hours before it got too much though.

There are so many wonderful stands full of fashion, art work, homemade gifts and everything else in between. You're bound to find something you'll love. I know we did, and I'm curious as to what will be in store when I no doubt return next year...

Did any of you go to Living North Live?