Tights!

What are your legs wearing?  Are you in black, navy or neutral?  20, 30, or jet black at 100?  

I'm talking tights, here.

For years and years tights have covered the legs of women old and young, glamorous and ordinary, fat and thin.  It may seem insignificant to some, but tights matter.  And ladies, we all love a pair of really good tights.  So whether you're wanting a pair of tights just to wear to the office, or something a little sexier for an evening out or you're sick of stretched, holey, ladder-ridden tights, here is your official tights guide. 

Want to save?  Then head straight to Primark or any supermarket's own and basic brand.  These tights are cheap - great for quick fixes - but be warned, they are not good quality.  The last time I wore Primark tights, it rained and the black dye ran onto my legs.  Stay away from nails, park benches or the edge of the bed.  You've been warned - don't come crying to me when you're painting your legs with black nail varnish to hide the rips.

If you want good quality, inexpensive tights then department stores such as John Lewis, Debenhams and Marks and Spencer are your best bet.  I've clad my legs in M&S tights since primary school days and I don't plan on stopping.  Packs of three cost around £15, and will stay in good quality for about 15 washes before they start to fade and stretch.   Stick with 40 - 60 denier during winter for that not-too-thick-but-not-too-thin feeling.  Other brands like Pretty Polly and Aristoc make good quality tights and are found in most department stores, costing around £10 for a pair. 

And if you're really splurging with tights (you can do this), then Wolford Tights are the ones you want.  I can't give you a price for a 'standard' pair of tights from Wolford because there are SO many different styles, colours and fabrics (that's right - cashmere tights at over £100), but if you're looking for one pair of black 50 denier tights, then expect to pay around £25.  These tights will not rip unless you want them to and their 100 deniers will make your legs look as black as black can be.  Nip into the Wolford stores in London, or any high-end department store and you'll find them there. 

Spring/Summer 2013 may be a few months away yet, but we all know it'll come creeping up on us.  Whether you go with bare legs or neutral tights is your call.  If you're sticking with tights, the same rules apply: you get what you pay for.  

So I'll leave you thinking about how you dress your legs and where you buy your tights.  In closing, here are five basic rules that apply:

1. Wear patterned/coloured tights (that aren't navy or brown) at your own risk.  Just make sure there isn't a five year old around.
2. You should NEVER, EVER have leg hair poking through your tights. 
3. If you're going neutral, avoid gloss tights (no-one wants shiny legs), and make sure they don't wrinkle by your ankles.  Neutral tights are meant to give the illusion of bare skin, and if you've got wrinkly skin by your ankles then girl, you've got problems.
4. Wash tights in a delicates bag.  This will stop them from getting caught up and stretched in your clothes or being ripped by your washing machine.
5. Carry around a bottle of clear nail varnish and a black felt-tip for ripped-tights DIY jobs. 

Pasta Plus

This is the Italian that you've all driven past on Rosemount, noticed, thought the outside looked dingy and then gone on your way.

Retrace your steps! Pasta Plus (or Francesco's, if you're there often enough) is WONDERFUL.  Owned by Francesco and his son Christopher, it is a deli by day and a restaurant by night, and caters for even the most tried-and-tested Italian connoisseur.  The restaurant is tiny and packets of authentic Italian pasta, Italian wine and other Italian food...risotto?...line the shelves, but it's cosy and secluded and intimate? Perfect for an 'I'd-like-to-take-you-to-dinner-and-I-don't-want-anyone-to-interrupt-us' kind of date, or book it out for a relaxed gathering of friends. (And my favourite bit? There's a bell above the door so it rings when it opens. Delightful.)

The food itself is not fancy nor is it presented beautifully, but it tastes like real Italian food, not our British pasta-and-sauce nonsense. Francesco is Italian through-and-through, knows his dishes back-to-front and will cook them up for you as fast as lightening. Well not that fast, but you get the image. No problemo if you're not staying - Francesco can make dishes to take away. And if you're feeling like Nigella Lawson and want to buy proper Italian ingredients instead of Sainsbury's own brand, then Francesco has every sort of pasta, rice, olive oil and tomato sauce Italy has to offer. Turn around from the shelves and feast your eyes on the meat, fresh bread (get there fast) and the CANNOLI. (Cannoli is in capitals because Francesco's is WONDERFUL). You will probably look at it and think, no way will I ever eat all of that. And then you'll have half..and a little bit more...and a little bit more and then.... Trust me, it happens. 

Francesco will always remember you (or maybe I'm just there a lot), he'll always ask if you're having a nice day and he will never mock you for your less-than-average Italian .At least not to your face.

The paint job on Pasta Plus may look a little dated, the windows a little grubby, and quite frankly Pasta Plus is a terrible name, but what did your mother always say? Never judge a book by it's cover. 

Pasta Plus

119 Rosemount Place

Aberdeen

Parx Cafe

Here's one for all you coffee lovers who plan on hiding throughout the winter...

Parx Cafe is the essence of 'tucked away'.  It's hidden among terraced town-houses, down some stone steps and is, therefore, underground.  You'd miss your stop if it wasn't for the sandwich board which sits outside come rain or shine.  For being underground, Parx is neither dark, dingy or damp. (Drab, dreary, (d)air-less...).  Oh no, Parx is white.  Very white.  But matched beautifully with slate floors, long wooden tables and lovely little window panes.  

Because it's in the hub of the Aberdeen business area, Parx is mostly visited by rich men in suits (they're all here!!!), ladies with lovely high heels and a lot of yups - that's young urban professionals.  Peak times are lunchtime when people escape from the office and morning coffee time.  And when the weather brightens (sorry, if the weather brightens), Rubislaw Terrace Gardens are conveniently opposite for al fresco dining.  Just get there before the school children do. 

I assume that peak time is morning coffee time because, quite frankly, the scones here are the biggest I have ever seen.  Whoever makes these has got some skillz.  I don't know if the rest of the baking is bought or made, but it sure looks good, and if you test mint-chocolate shortbread by the colour of the mint, then think BRIGHT.  And to drink?  Their hot chocolate is very good and almost every flavour of Teapigs tea is served here.  There's heart-warming soups and sandwiches and paninis and salads galore.    AND, sushi days.  Oh, and may I also recommend the soap in the bathroom?  Not to eat, silly.  Wash your hands with it!  It smells gooooooood and will have you rushing down to l'Occitaine before you can say sweet almond.  

Decoration in Parx is a little sparse and the music is almost too loud for its quiet times, but other than that, it's a winner for quick lunches (stay or take), lingering coffees and out-of-office meetings.  Oh, and there's parking right outside. 

Parx Cafe

19a Rubislaw Terrace

Aberdeen

Annie Mo's...and a Christmas Shop!

You may not like it, but Christmas is here.  And so is November.  Tomorrow, our favourite Gingerbread Lattes will reappear, carols will start playing in shops and schools will start rehearsing their Christmas nativities.  So it is only right that I mention the Christmas word.  CHRISTMAS!! 

Annie Mo's is not exactly a Christmas shop.  It's an all-year-round shop, but it excels itself at Christmas-time when a large proportion of floorspace is given over to some of the most beautiful decorations I have ever seen.  Look past the distressed leather sofas and oak dining furniture (although come back to them later) and head straight to the numerous tables adorned with picture-perfect baubles, candles (choose the Mulled Pear and Orange whatever you do), door hangings, teddy bears, advent calendars, and stockings. I don't know what your dream Christmas is like, but if it involves a roaring fire, endless warm drinks or some candlelight, then the items here will certainly help you create that Christmassy, homely feel.  And if you're odd and don't want a lovely homely Christmas house, then at least buy gifts (and the wrapping) here for your friends who do.  Because what's not to love about hanging hearts, glistening star decorations, seriously bushy holly wreaths, jolly snowmen and wooden nativity sets?  And you know how Christmas has a smell?  This shop has that smell.

My favourite wall hanging - are we talking multiple Santas or generous gentlemen?

Prices are reasonable for tasteful decorations like these, although Annie Mo's is kindly doing a 3 for 2 offer on Christmas decorations during November.  Hear that??  And don't think that Annie Mo's is just in Aberdeen, cos it's not.  You lucky lucky people in Edinburgh and Glasgow have your own stores too.

Aberdonians, head to the top end of Union Street - unfortunately it's the grotty end, but you wouldn't think that once you're inside - or the top of Holburn Street.  For those in Edinburgh there's a choice between two stores: Angle Park Terrace or Great Junction Street.  And in Glasgow, 212 Great Western Road is your stop.

Take a trip to Annie Mo's and have a beautiful Christmas.

Annie Mo's: http://www.anniemos.com/

Peapod Vintage Shop

This post will start with a confession, and an ugly confession at that.  For about three weeks now, I've been keeping a secret from you - from almost everyone - about a new shop in Aberdeen.  I know, it's awful for me to do that. It's selfish and certainly doesn't fulfil a guidebook's purpose.  But this shop is just. that. good.  So good, you won't want to share it with anyone! 

Which is precisely why I've overcome being possessive and I'm going to tell you all about Peapod.

Peapod is an all-year Santa's grotto. But the toys are not bright; they're not garish, and they certainly don't come with the batteries. Yes my friends, Aberdeen is embracing sophisticated, as-rare-as-it-comes vintage. Step inside Peapod and you'll be MESMERISED (that's right) by the most exquisite items from yesteryears. And the items are not trashy, or tacky, or chipped and falling apart. Oh no siree. We're talking rare - and real - Chanel bags and jackets. We're also talking complete tea-sets, typewriters, antiquarian books and hand-crafted mirrors. And those are just the accessories.  Three of Peapod's four founders specialise in recreating furniture and all things haberdashery. Whether it's a footstool or cushions or a dining cabinet, these four ladies have mixed and matched fabrics, re-varnished wood and created beautiful and bespoke furniture all for you. Yes, you. 

Prices in this shop are what you'd expect for vintage designer items and practically hand-crafted furniture. The shop (an old butcher) is small and a bit higglty-piggilty but this makes the store more treasure trove-esque.

If your home and wardrobe is decorated and coordinated down to the last coaster, I'd say avoid this shop. It might make you a little loopy. However, if you like to adorn yourself and your walls with things that have their own story, if you love casually flinging the "oh this? It's vintage" phrase, and if you like things to be a little mismatched, then this is YOUR STORE. Oh, and another reason to visit Peapod? I'll let you guess it from a conversation:

Me: "Is this real Chanel? Where did you find it?"

Peapod Lady: "Oh that was found in Italy. A customer was looking for something, and we found this while we were looking for it."

Me: "You mean you can source something I'm looking for?"

Peapod Lady: "That's right, we'll find you whatever you need."

Get that?

www.peapodaberdeen.co.uk

London Calling

The Bluebird, Chelsea

Hello readers,

I may have become a dim and distant memory over the past two months, but I can make up for it with a week in London, and  lots of places for you to try on your next visit to the big bad city. Here's four foody places to tickle your tastebuds.

The English Tea Room - Brown's Hotel

Brown's is onto a winner with its afternoon tea. The food is excellent: a large choice of sandwiches (the egg mayo deserves a shout out), the scones are warm and comforting, the 'fine pieces' are light and delicious (two words: LEMON MACAROON) and the fruit cake is fruit cake at its best. The staff are so attentive that they notice you're running out of food before you do. And I say 'running out of food' - you simply don't. Afternoon tea here is enough to cover dinner, supper, midnight feasts and breakfast the next morning. The traditional earl grey tea suits perfectly, but try white tea if you're feeling a little 'out there'. The hotel itself is beautiful and has everything you could want: emerald cut glass windows, a piano player, comfy seats and a LOVELY bathroom. When we were there, two members of the royal family came in for tea, so lets face it, Brown's is pretty good. 

http://www.brownshotel.com/dining/

The Bluebird

The Bluebird is in Chelsea, so take the District and Circle line (the yellow and green one) to Sloane Square and either splash out on a taxi to the restaurant or walk for twenty minutes. Your choice. The Bluebird has a number of arms and legs to it: a gorgeous little boutique, a bakery, an alfresco dining area, a sexy bar and a fantabulous restaurant. We ate at the restaurant, but agreed that we could - and would - spend the day as Bluebirds flitting from branch to branch. Again, service is excellent (is this a London thing?) and menus, food and bills are provided at the snap of your little fingers. We ate sea bass in a zesty orange sauce, huge chicken and mushroom pies, pineapple carpaccio and elderflower jellies. And it was sublime. The restaurant is dark and sultry (an old station, apparently), and serves food right into the night. Which is just as well, because the food here is so good that you'll want to stay all night. 

http://www.bluebird-restaurant.co.uk/

The Ivy

The Ivy! The Ivy! This was the planned highlight of the trip - I say planned, because the next hot spot was a highlight which we merely stumbled upon... The Ivy is all 1920s art-deco jazz and pizzaz down right wonderful. It's small and the tables are very close together, but The Ivy isn't a top-rated London restaurant for nothing. Sorry, I need to say it again: The Ivy! Here, we ate the renowned Ivy hamburger (not renowned for nothing), minted chicken paillard and Shepherd's Pie. If you're puzzled over what to choose the staff are extremely knowledgeable and very very helpful. And the puddings - the puddings! Well, there was a chocolate macaroon dessert, so naturally there was no question there. But we also ate a gorgeously warm and comforting Plum Charlotte and a Bramley apple and damsel crumble. OR, you could make a night of it and order the tasting plate. You will not regret it. I repeat, will not. And because you're at The Ivy - The Ivy! - you'll need a cocktail; not because you've had a long hard day in London town, but because they're famous and fabulous. Stick with the capital theme and go for a Manhattan. It's also 'very Ivy'. The food at The Ivy is good. Like, really good. But what's better is the atmosphere: the life, energy and brilliance that is somehow contained within the four walls. Sorry, I need to say this again: The Ivy!!!

http://www.the-ivy.co.uk/

Bond and Brook at Fenwick's Department Store

Move over Selfridges, you have a new contender in my heart. And it's Fenwick's! (And fyi, it's pronounced Fennick's. Just thought I'd save you some embarrassment.) Department store cafes have just reached a new high. Sitting on the second floor of this Bond Street beauty, the cafe is glistening with simplicity, glamour, elegance and peacefulness. In fact, it's more than peacefulness: it's a downright haven. Books line the walls - did I see a line of Vogue magazines? - and the large windows let the Bond Street sunlight stream through. Try the tomatoes and smoked bacon on toast or the Eggs Benedict for a late lunch snack. And as a treat, the English strawberries with mint and ice-cream are refreshing and sublime and don't make you feel you've broken your Bond Street diet. But you might break your Bond Street budget - just warning you. Afternoon tea is available as are larger meals. And, as a little bonus, you get Smarties with your bill. Perhaps to soften the blow. But myohmy is this place a find. Please go and love it.  

https://www.fenwick.co.uk/bond-street/restaurants-bond-street/bond-brook

The Conservatory at the Marcliffe

Readers, 

Remember me? That's right, it's the Yellow Dress talking. 

Sincere apologies for vanishing into thin air lately; 4th year signifies total hibernation in the library, only stepping out of campus to go to Starbucks (to work, not for the sake of it.) But 4th year is OVER which means it's time to eat, drink and be very merry. So here's how we celebrated.

The Conservatory at the Marcliffe Hotel and Spa 

Nestled ten minutes to the west of Aberdeen lies the Marcliffe Hotel and Spa. Although you're only ten minutes down the road from the hustle and bustle of the Granite City, you could easily be light-years away: the Marcliffe is wrapped up in the ravishing views of  Royal Deeside and serene grounds. This establishment shines during the summer when the gardens are green, the meals turn al fresco and the sun pours in through the Conservatory windows. And the Conservatory, by the way, works. Look at the picture and feast your eyes on one stylish restaurant. Bet you wish you had that in your house. Although I've never been during the winter, I can imaging the real log fires, muted colour schemes and sumptuous furnishings work too. The Marcliffe is owned by super-experienced Stewart Spence, who manages the most impeccably behaved and beautifully mannered staff team. These people look like they've never even thought to complain about work. Ever. 

At the helm of the kitchen is Gilbert Brock, who's locally-sourced-and-Scottish-themed dishes (can't avoid a cliché) sound mouth-watering and look like they belong in an art gallery. But they belong on your plate, then in your stomach. Eat crispy duck dumplings and thank your lucky stars you'll experience heaven before a heart-attack, choose the best steak this side of Argentina, wash it all down with a glass (or two) of Cape Mentelle and finish with salted caramel ice-cream. Those are your instructions, now go. 

We went to the Conservatory for my graduation lunch and having been to weddings and afternoon teas here, I can promise you it's a cut above the rest. Oh and for all you geeks out there, Mikael Gorbachev opened the Hotel in 1993. They didn't give me a history degree for nothing. 

The Marcliffe Hotel and Spa,

 North Deeside Road, 

Pitfodels, 

Aberdeen,

 AB15 9YA, 

(01224) 861000

http://www.marcliffe.com/index.htm

Mal Maison Brasserie

One step into the Brasserie at Mal Maison and I genuinely thanked my sister for having a birthday. 

The sheer sophistication and excellence of this restaurant is felt right from the moment you walk through the door, where you're instantly hit by the smell of a log fire and BBQ grilled meat. Combine this with slate floors, dark walls, purple tartan chairs and Scottish artwork and we've got one plush, cosy, thoroughly Scottish restaurant. Staff are impeccably behaved ("did you enjoy your ravioli ma'am?" Well YES I DID.): they don't annoy you by constantly checking to see if you're alive, but they're on-hand to answer any questions, fetch the wine list and bring the bill. Our table was part-booth, part-chairs, hidden round the corner from the rest of the restaurant. We barely heard a thing. We thought the restaurant was deserted but it was, in fact, packed. Mal Maison also boasts a very glam private room: 'The Boudoir' comes with a private balcony and can seat twelve. If you have a soft spot for sweaty, hot tempered chefs and enjoy the clammer and clatter of a restaurant kitchen, enjoy the Chef's Table and eat "dinner with a difference": you're eating in the viewing gallery of the kitchen. For those of you who choose to slum it, (you can't slum it at Mal Maison, but work with me here), there are enough seats for one hundred people in the main area. 

Before you know it, you'll be making up reasons to eat here. The Mal Maison steaks are definitely worth the pennies: they come from well fed, well reared cattle (but not from the cattle which are pictured on the walls), and look like they could feed a small country. But instead, be greedy, and let it just feed you. The Sole Goujons act as middle class fish&chips; the Mal Burger is delicious and is complete with home-made tomato relish. (As a side note, the burger bread, relish and fries make an EXCELLENT chip sandwich). The scallops with pumpkin purée is technically a starter, but if you're a sucker for scallops like I am, it can be stretched to a main course. They are, by way of mentioning, absolutely to die for and are so soft, they slide right off your fork and into your mouth. Gone. Yum. For deserts, Mal Maison has a selection of sexy sundaes (salted caramel & pecan, or bitter chocolate and hazelnut), and home comforts like bread and butter pudding, restaurant-staple chocolate brownie pudding and cherry frangipane tart. Oh and did I mention the vast selection of after-dinner drinks? Again, enough to water a small country. 

A trip to the Brasserie at Mal Maison may have you parting with some hard-earned cash, but I can tell you, it's worth it. Ideal for family or friend get-togethers, celebratory meals or business-trip dinners. It's too intense and intimate for a first, second or third date, but IDEAL for your first anniversary. 

My advice? It's a special place, keep it for a special occasion. 

Mal Maison Brasserie,

49 - 53 Queens Road,

Aberdeen,

AB15 4YP

(01224 327370)

http://www.malmaison.com/hotels/aberdeen/brasserie.aspx

Chesters by the River

Chesters by the River is a brilliant little establishment nestled just beyond the village of Ambleside in the centre of the Lake District, England. Chesters has been a favourite with our family for years on end, and will most likely be a favourite with others. Take a visit and it will be a favourite with yours. Go to both the cafe and the shop. Then back to the cafe. 

First things first: the shop...

Chester's shop has grown remarkably in recent years. Ten years ago, all it stocked was slate interiors. Now, it successfully stocks vintage and quirky home pieces, classic and original toiletries, pretty cards and wrapping and beautiful hand-crafted furniture items. Chesters boasts a huge children's section, with gorgeous baby clothes and accessories, classic wooden toys (the ones you used to play with) and yummy-mummy changing bags. As for you adults, here are three things you have to look at when you go, (because you will go, won't you...): the stylish, suave men's corner where men can be kitted out with toiletries, ties, tote bags and...toe nail clippers? You get the idea. Then, check out the interior design books which cover all things French, Italian, Irish, recycled, home-made. Third, take home some of the bespoke Chesters home accessories - tea towels, aprons, mugs and more! Buy something from Chesters and I can guarantee it'll be stylish, sophisticated, original and you will be hooked for evermore. Grab your wallet/purse (or grab a credit card and buy a wallet/purse when you're there) and GO shopping. There's your command. Now get to it! 

Secondly, but by no means least: the cafe...

Words can't justify how delicious this cafe is, but that would be lousy journalism, so here goes. You want to eat here. Want to; need to. We had afternoon tea here today and I ate the mother of all macaroons. My brother ate the baboon of all Battenburgs. My father ate the fathers of all flapjacks. That's right, the cakes are enormous. And so tasty. As for lunches, the sandwiches are overflowing with hams, cheeses, pickles, chutneys, salads - anything else? There's a full selection of teas, coffees and cold drinks to accompany your calorie-fest. And if you want to take Chesters home with you, you can: the shop sells Chester's own condiments and sweet treats. The cafe seats 90 and has decking outside overlooking the River Brathay and Loughrigg Fells. Inside is all wooden floors, whitewashed walls and big windows. Grab a big table, a comfy iron cast (but cushioned) sofa or a newly fitted breakfast bar. It's quite pricey here but you honestly pay for what you get. Staff are friendly but make sure you grab a table before you order or they'll roll their eyes at you.

Should you ever take a trip down to the beautiful Lake District, make sure you leave at least two hours for Chesters, (parking is free). Go once, and you'll go again. And again. There's not a place like it. 

http://www.chestersbytheriver.co.uk/
Chesters By the River,
Skelwith Bridge,
Nr Ambleside,
Cumbria,
LA22 9NJ

St Swithin Street Secrets

What are the chances of finding three delightful treats within one square mile in the streets of Aberdeen? Quite high, actually.

And what are these treats? The first is Aberdeen's finest coffee-shop: Rock, Salt and Snails, (dubbed the "little Chelsea of Aberdeen"!) Just opposite is The Gift Room Too: an exquisite gift shop, bursting at the seams with beautiful trinkets and treats. Just round the corner is The Blackbird Bakery: an "oasis of wall-to-wall scrumptiousness"; i.e., the most amazing sugary-sweet cupcake shop in the city.

Rock, Salt and Snails

Rock, Salt and Snails is a must for anyone in need of good coffee, home-made food and a relaxed atmosphere. Amidst the bright interior, smooth wooden tables and cushioned window seats, you can find food and drink of the highest quality, suiting every taste. Morning coffee is easily accounted for with excellent Ipanema espresso, Suki tea and home-made croissants and scones. Try the chocolate filled croissants for melt-in-the-mouth deliciousness. For lunch, choose from soup, paninis, sandwiches (I'd recommend the pear and smoked ham) or deli platters. And for something sweet afterwards (because, lets face it, everyone craves something sweet after lunch), RS&S boasts a delight of of bakes and cakes which are either home-made or locally sourced. Choose to relax at one of the long tables, breakfast at the breakfast bar, linger over a coffee in a window seat or - when it's super sunny - soak in some rays with the outside seating. Who goes here? Everyone who has good taste. And why? Because it's wonderful. And that's that. 

Rock, Salt and Snails

40 St Swithin Street

Aberdeen

AB10 6XJ

http://www.rocksaltandsnails.co.uk

The Gift Room Too

Right opposite RS&S (it's visible from the HUGE windows) is The Gift Room Too (which suggests there's a Gift Room One out there...). This is the ultimate gift shop - a grown-up Santa's Grotto. Beautiful cards for every occasion, unique hand-crafted jewellery, Yankee Candles galore and ornate ornaments adorn the shelves in this fantastically stocked shop. The staff are friendly and the prices are reasonable. At Christmas and Valentines Day, this shop is  bursting with wrapping paper, unique cards, HUGE red roses (guys, get down here now), and gifts that will make your dreams come true. So if you're bored of high-street shops and are looking for something different and extra special, head down to The Gift Room Too to find something truly exceptional. 

The Gift Room Too

39 St Swithin Street

Aberdeen

AB10 6XL

The Blackbird Bakery

If you need a sugar rush, go here. If you need something pretty and sweet, go here. If you have spare time on your hands, go here. The Blackbird Bakery has thrived on Britain's recent cupcake craze and prides itself in being, quite frankly, the best cupcake shop this side of the borders. All of the cupcakes are handmade and are in every flavour and colour you could ever imagine. They don't just stop at vanilla, chocolate and red velvet. Oh no. There's blueberry swirl (my all time favourite), After Eight (complete with bright green icing), marshmallow (super sweet and sticky), Turkish Delight (for those who have that odd acquired taste), Mars Bar, Malteser, Strawberry Shortcake (with real strawberries) and Banoffee Pie. And yes, I've tried all of these. Each of these cupcakes has a surprise filling (a good surprise, that is), and taste as good as they look. For those of you with smaller stomachs, the Blackbird Bakery do mini cupcakes, and for those of you with bottomless stomachs (like my own), you can buy GIANT cupcakes, which suffice perfectly for a birthday cake or a really bad day. There's nowhere to sit in at the Blackbird Bakery so you have to take them away with you - but one for home, and one for the road, right?! Orders can be placed in advance for special occasions and the staff are really friendly and helpful. Go in and feast your eyes on the delights of the Blackbird Bakery. Calories do not count when they taste so good. 

The Blackbird Bakery

246 Union Grove (right round the corner from The Gift Room Too)

Aberdeen 

http://www.wix.com/blackbirdcupcakes/blackbird-bakery#!

notonthehighstreet.com

Last night was bi-annual clock change and my Blackberry seems to have a mind of its own so I have a spare hour on my hands. I considered going back to bed, tidying my room or going for a run (who am I kidding?!) but I've found myself blogging...again..

This week saw the discovery of notonthehighstreet.com (that's 'not on the high street'). In a nutshell, a shopping site where you find (and subsequently buy) things that you can't find on the high street. Yay! And what's even better is that this site incorporates hundreds of little designers and stores. Double yay! On this site one can buy the likes of Gorgeous Graffiti, Lilac Coast and Retrophenia. Triple yay!

notonthehighstreet prides itself in selling unique and personal gifts. It sure does, and at totally reasonable prices. All your gift problems will flutter away like a butterfly. Or like the personalised butterfly bracelet. Or the butterfly wall stickers. Back to the point. This site sells everything from quirky wall-art to children's bedroom furniture (if this doesn't bring out your broody side, I don't know what will), from garden dining sets to stylish luggage. Oh and jewellery boxes, vases, teacups, cake stands, mirrors, pretty linen sets, wooden furniture - is it possible to live in a virtual site? Gifts for her, gifts for him (stay away from the men-necklaces), gifts for boys, gifts for girls, gifts for the dog, the grandmother, the next door neighbour, the newly weds, the new parents and the one you really really love ARE ALL ON ONE WEBSITE. 

As for unique, I'm not talking about plastering your name on a hair-band and calling it your own (although you can do that, too!). This is ultimate personalisation. I'm talking about wall-art with your favourite places, clocks with memorable dates, aprons with favourite recipes and personalised port. Personalised port. That's right, guys. Just tell them what you want and they'll do it for you. It's like having a personal designer at your finger tips. It's like a dream come true. 

notonthehighstreet's range of products is huge, but the site is well organised and the filters are excellent. Although, even with the most limited filters, you'll still be shopping for hours because there's just so much to choose from. And while you're there, take advantage of the personal wrapping service where the clever little notonthehighstreet people will wrap gifts in colours and patters you couldn't even dream of (in a good way). And within two days - two days - what you ordered will be at your front door. Win. 

Drop what you're doing - everything else can wait - and nip onto notonthehighstreet.com to solve all your gift problems. Or just go on and buy yourself nice things. Go on....

http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/ 

La Gourmandise Patisserie

Okay, shut your eyes and pretend you're in France. The sun is shining, the waves are rolling and people around you are in navy and white stripes. You can smell freshly baked bread, croissants, coffee and macaroons.

Now, open your eyes and face reality. You're in Aberdeen. You're on Thistle Street, to be more precise. The sun might be shining, the waves are rolling (but you can't see/hear them), people may be wearing navy and white stripes. But that freshly baked smell is still there! And it's coming from Aberdeen's one and only French patisserie, La Gourmandise, run by a lovely little French man - in navy and white stripes!

La Gourmandise is everything an authentic French patisserie should be. It's small, a bit faded, and has vintage pictures on the walls. The shop isn't sparkling clean and the paninis are already made up, but that's okay, cos it's a rustic French patisserie and that's how rustic French patisseries work. La Gourmandise's croissants are perfection - small, buttery and LOADED with calories. And the almond croissants and pain au chocolat are the real thing. And the macaroons - the macaroons! You're talking to the girl who spent her entire summer trying to master the little blighters but these ones are OH SO perfect and delicate and flavour-filled. A box of these and I'm yours. Stop in for a filled baguette for lunch, or head in at 7:30am when the bread is fresh and the coffee is hot. (It's hot all the time but you know what I mean.) 

There's nowhere to sit in and peruse French art or fashion books, but Union Terrace is a hop, skip and a jump away so you can stretch out in the sun and pretend you're actually in France. And with treats from La Gourmandise, you'll be booking your next holiday to France the minute you step out of the stop. Bon appetite!

La Gourmandise

63 Thistle Street

Aberdeen

http://lagourmandise.co.uk/ 

Starting Point

A suggestion was made to me that I create my own yellow pages directory...I've taken it literally and created the Yellow Dress Directory: a guide on where to eat, where to shop and where to stay. Watch this space for restaurant reviews, hotel help and shopping suggestions...