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...