Holburn Revitalised

I've noticed more derelict shops on holburn street are finally getting a new lease of life.

First there was a new shop in under skene house (holburn). Then the Chinese medicine shop shut and is now a hair salon and the old news agent has been cleaned up but is empty (last time I checked).

What was Haddows in now perfect collections (they have a bridal wear shop over the road). Hass's refurbishment seems to be going well, if taking longer than expected. And the empty shop next to it is going to be a tescos apparently.

Have to admit with no hass's we have used the ashvale's chipper and although the queue was long, the food wasn't bad and neither was the price.

Curry in a Hurry?

Well there are a few places I've mentioned before.

Manzil's has been a favourite since we moved up here. Good food, friendly staff and buffet as well as A-la-cart restaurant. Always like buffets cos I struggle to choose sometimes. Been in on quiet mid-weeks (when its cheaper) and in when its packed over the weekend (including a stag do one night)...

It's never quite going to match New Shim-la in Dumbarton...we where pretty pampered there (free drinks on the odd late night, doggy bags with extra naans etc)

We keep meaning to go to Blue Moon (it does cheaper lunches and its just down the road)...

The other Indian restaurant we have been too a few times is the Bollywood Tandoori. The first time it was busy and I was unimpressed at the service. We sat for about half an hour before we got our main ordered. The second time we where down (which was a week or so back), it was much earlier in the evening and quieter than the last time. The staff where friendly, we where served quickly and our only waiting time was whilst our meals where cooked. Oddly enough we think we ordered the same think both times and it was equally as good this time round. Bit pricey in my view, but a really good treat.

Plan 9 - Comics GALORE

I had time to kill before attending a course on Saturday so had a look around Rosemount viaduct/Skene street area. Intially I was looking for Yatai just so I could check where it was for next time one of our friends is up.

But as I wandered I noticed a bright yellow frontage in amongst the charity shops...Plan 9. So on Sunday I dragged my fiancée out for a rummage.

So many comics and graphic novels to catch up on! Fables, Jack of Fables, Sandman, New covers for Transmetropolitan, Lucifer, Gears of War.....just to name a few. I need to have a hunt in storage for what I've got so far in Fables and Sandman...But there are SO many that I want to get into....ARGH!

In other news my fiancée's health is still an issue however he's started product reviews on his own blog (I even do some too - for the "girly products" as he puts them) Which you can read here! Check out the reviews and the products all come from the website shown below.



Eco yourself clean!

Hair Cut...

Okay I actually hate having my hair cut. Mainly because I only get to a salon once and a while and don't usually get what I ask for...or actually get listened to. So I had to get my hair cut - had a quick look at some online reviews and Hatstand Nelly kept coming up.

So I booked an appointment - phone Monday, appointment Thursday with the Junior Stylist Dean. Now if there is one thing I know from past experiences a good salon looks after you. When I have splashed the cash in Glasgow it's been the rainbow rooms or the one at the top of byres road (first hair cut at uni that I got a compliment for!), Elgin it was Bliss...I've had hair I was happy with.

So I did the best thing. I went in a bit early and looked at the magazines to get an idea what I wanted. Had a good chat with my stylist who took on board what I wanted made some suggestions and wait for it LISTENED. I had a great and relaxing hair wash, conversation was minimal but sometimes you don't feel too chatty - especially on your first visit. I know as a kid I went to the same hairdresser's until I was in my teens.

Now a good hair cut makes you feel good. The atmosphere is good, staff are friendly and outgoing. So advantage on 'junior' stylist is it is cheaper but Dean has a good few years experience so I think its a just a term these days as your not letting some new start attack your hair with gusto. I also found from going to the rainbow room academy that hairdressers are really well trained from day one.

So happy me = tip!

Changes

You know I've just about got used to Aberdeen. To think I might have to move away to somewhere new again kinda suck. And all because my employer would rather unsettle their workforce to different locations within the city, and cos my contract is expiring. Yes I'm dispensable according to higher up, others may disagree.

So back on the job hunt for me. Would stay in Aberdeen too. Bit cold but nice. People say its a grey city but that's not the case in my view. Duthie Park, Union Terrace Gardens, International Market, and the Farmer Market. The Mall - now the trinity centre again I noticed.

September was a really quiet month. It just disappeared with nothing major happening. Went for a few walks. Treated ourselves to a trip to Glasgow to see friends, and a meal out when I got my tax money back.

The Foundry

So I've been quiet of late. Tight budgets tend to cut down the trips out for meals and shopping. Have to admit I have missed a drink at a pub. We had a friend up from Glasgow and a pint (of good cider) and a bite to eat made sense.

Always like the foundry, its not usually to busy. Quite happy that sport is on but is never over powering. Watched an Andy Murray Wimbledon Game over a few drinks earlier this year. Don't usually go in when it looks really busy, especially if I'm hungry!

The Foundry has its own websiteand facebook.

Been Busy

So I've had a trip down to Glasgow again recently. And went back to OKO with my mum and dad (as well as my fiancee). My mum and dad have now tried japanese food...

A few days later our friend (and future best man) joined us in Aberdeen for the weekend. We didn't get to Yatai (its moving) and CJ's is shut on a Sunday... So off to china town for us. Normally I just have rice but the noodles are fab.

We also ended up in the Union Square Pizza Hut and it was good, food wise. The booths are cool...

A month on

So i've been a bit quite of late.

Last few weeks of term and first few weeks of the school holidays...

But I have been busy that for sure.

Been for more an explore down at duthie park inlcuding the gardens. Last time we where down it was for a wedding so we didn't get any time to explore. So the canoes (kiyacks) are back. Wish I'd grabbed the camera!

The International Market was back and we probably spent a small fortune on salami and chirizzo and bought presents etc.

Otherwise have been chilling out and taking a few walks in and around town. Union Terrace Gardens have looked amazing this time of year and its been nice to see it from somewhere other than the train.

Been a while

So whilst I've been working like a mad thing recently I've had very little energy to do much else but sleep, eat and work.

So one of my BIG thing finished last Sunday with racing up at Alford. The Greenpower Project is run by myself and another teaher in the school and we worked really hard getting the car ready.

Now thats out the way I can have a chill out in the last few weeks of term and actually start living again.

We've had a few takeaway of late and finally got out to manzils for a meal - which was okay cos the place was so busy! We trailed round a few side streets that night looking for somewhere to go but they are about a tenner for a main so we plumed for a favourite.

We did go into the union bridge pizza hut and discover that they have actually updated the decor - finally. Gone are the big mdf circles on the wall = replaced with a nice coat of paint and some pretty modern pictures.

Geek alert

Finally I found it - ASYLUM!

I discovered Forbidden Planet a while back - but it has a Huge to let sign above the door....

However I've never found my replacement for Static/A1 Comics in Glasgow, until yesterday.

Was away down Union Street to get my fiancee a bus ticket. Stopped outside to sort out his sunglasses and noticed a sign (seen it before never paid much attenetion to it).

So anyway down adelphi there isn't just some nice pubs, clubs and resturants but a comic book store....YAY!

Went in and there was a signing going on - some young up and coming artist. Stuff was nice but he's went from doing spiderman to dr who.....

Anyway once more moneys coming in I can get caught up with graphic novels etc.

Sad news and a long walk

Monday before last my mum called to tell me my great gran had died. She was 103 and had been in in a care home from at least the last 10 years. So I told very few people, just my fiancee and my close workmates.

On Tuesday night we went for a long walk. We were out about 2 and a half hours. Must have walked a good 4 or 5 miles. We walked out to the Grammar School rugby grounds, past several posh restaurants (Malmasion), hotels (Simpson's) and then turned up onto Anderson Drive, until we got toKings Way. We went all the way down to the BBC buildings, once we got to Rosemount Place we were on familiar streets and headed home.

Anyway it helped and have new areas that we need to explore properly. With camera and my wits about me.

International Market

I haven't posted for a while. Work has been busy, and I've been a little under the weather of late.

Any way went for a wander today and stumbled upon an international market on Union Terrace.

It was getting quiet as it was about half four but we had a good wander and bought some bits and pieces from the vendors.

Picked up some lovely fennel and tomatoes for a fiver and also some posh french sausage - can't remember the term but we picked up some chirzo and some garlic ones. Very Strong but nice.

Luck of the Draw

Yay!

I won some Sainsbury's vouchers - dead chuffed...

So it's not a big deal but the HUGE sainsbury's in next to the HUGE asda at Garthdee.

Looks like a few luxury items - i.e. chocolate and wine!

All the stress at work means I've not been doing much exploring at the weekends...

Now the deadlines have passed and all is in order then I guess I'll be away up to the beach soon...

Fast Food

So I've been using Trusted Places for a while now, adding in my own personal reviews as and when I get round to it.

So far I can list a few handy place round our neck of the woods and a few further out.

Hass's Fish & Chip Shop -
Our local chippy. I LOVE this place for a treat (mainly cos there is a co-op next door for the wine and choccies). Had Rock Turbot (some type of catfish) and it was lovely - an not much dearer than a normal cod or haddock and chips and I had two huge pieces.

The Ashvale -
Again another chippy but this one has a sit in restaurant bit. Lovely food, reasonable choice but no way near the choice at the Elgin Ashvale. Have to admit was a little annoyed at the slow service the night we where in, but that could be down to the fact it was getting late, was still quite busy and probably just didn't have enough staff.

Pizza Hut: Union (Bridge) Street -
I've seen comments about dated decor and the like, and to be honest the toilets are in much need of an update (and double glazing). However we generally have had no problems with the restaurant. I think it been too busy once when we've went in. However they are really stingy on their offer timing. If your in the door even a minute before the offer starts then don't expect to get the offers unless it's busy.

Subway -
We be a stones throw away from one subway. Been in once, just like almost every other subway shop. Reasonable grub, good price and you can be as good (or bad) as you want when it comes to fillings.

MacDonalds -
As much as I hate to admit it I DO get the urge to have a big mac or a chicken salsa thing.... As normal about 1000 of these (including one in the big Garthdee Asda). Very Modern deco in the Union Street one and the one in the big asda just feels shoehorned in.

Burger King: Union Street (again) -
Far to handy for the eager shopper. However it has huge downstairs for those who wish to eat and not people watch. Generally busy so you can wait a while.

Starbucks Union Square -
Okay strictly not fast food but I haven't really bothered with coffee shops in a while (generally too expensive). However this place is tucked away of the 'food' floor as I call it. You can people watch, find out whats happening 'around' Aberdeen.

Here we go again...

I lived in Glasgow for about 7 years and then moved to Elgin for work. I've just recently moved again - to Aberdeen....

So after nearly 10 years of wandering Scotland have I found somewhere to settle down? No idea but I love exploring and need somewhere to put stories and photos.