Papamacs Gourmet Kitchen

So here I am again guys, posting on a Monday! Hope you are proud of me, but to be honest, I hope you are actually enjoying the content I'm putting out there! I still need to kick my bum into gear about planning & scheduling more. But, I have faith I will get there in the end. So as I mentioned last week in this post, I was starting a new series on the blog. Which is great because it means at least twice a month I'll have something to share with you guys and its keeping in with the lifestyle direction I'm really keen to go with. Plus, it means I'll definitely have those posts planned every month, which will really help with having content every month. Anyways, I don't want to dribble on too much so I'll get onto talking about another amazing local spot!

Today I am sharing another amazing little place, which is also about a 15-minute drive from our flat. It's somewhere I have also been to, many, many times already... I still find it crazy where this place is located. But, being the family restaurant that it is, it doesn't surprise me that they have chosen somewhere local and stayed where they are. Papamacs, is a place you would expect up in the west end of Glasgow. Not Johnstone. Not that there's anything wrong with the town, there are no restaurants here except the traditional Scottish cafes, the chippies and the odd takeaway. Plus, the town square is tiny! As you can tell, there are "food places", but not gourmet food. But don't let those fancy words scare you. I actually went for a "test shift" here when I was younger (I didn't get the job, I was quite a nervous teen...), so I know a little history about the place. Such as the name and how truly family born and bred they are. Which again, pays homage to my "keeping it local".

I remember learning that the chef and his partner had named the restaurant after one of their Grandads (can't remember whose exactly), which is so heartwarming and lovely. It's also even more amazing that they now have a son, whose photo hangs on the wall, showing how much family really means to this place. The whole place just feels very personal. There are many portraits of what seems to be, their nearest and dearest hanging on the walls. The interior overall has a rustic feel to it. They have exposed brick walls as well as hardy wooden floorboards. The tables and chairs are also wooden, with a simplicity to them. But it all works together, the overall simple theme works really well because the menu sure makes up in whatever character the decor is missing. Which, to be honest, isn't a lot. It's a really quirky & cool bistro.

Chef Scott Keenan who is the chef & owner, was trained in Paris, as well as working in some great Scottish kitchens. You definitely sense the Parisian training with the techniques and gorgeous presentation of the food. That's one of the things that's great about here, they still manage to make really slightly boring traditional dishes, different and more special! What's also great is, Papamacs uses and sources local produce. I love knowing that the food I am eating, is from where I live. I love the idea of helping other businesses, just by going to that place. It's almost as if everyone is giving back and sharing. As well as preparing and cooking all the meals, the desserts and cakes are also made in their kitchen.

They also have their specialised & themed menus. Obviously, with the month of love fast approaching, they have their valentines menu. As well as their most recent, Annual Burns Night Special which of course,  has that fine dining feel to it! And on every last Thursday of the month, they have a steak night. So whether you just want to go for a catch up with a great friend or that special someone, it would be perfect for both. They also have their Sunday market meal, which to keep fun and interesting they change every week! Chris & I also keep trying to remember to do this, as well as try ALL their other menus and sample something from their all day/brunch selection... Although, from their Instagram, I really do feel we are missing out on those Sunday market menus!

I have been able to witness it grow over the years, which is amazing because its turned into a brilliant place! It always had that extra something anyway, so to see it grow even more is fantastic. I feel so lucky to have it only down the road. So if you happen to be in the area, or you are even sick of the hustle & bustle of the city. I would get yourselves down soon, if I can't tempt you then follow their Instagram, you will not be disappointed!

Papamacs Gourmet Kitchen
Johnstone, Scotland

Easy Like A Sunday Morning

Bernie's Cafe Deli

Heya guys, how has your Monday been? I hope it wasn't too much of a crappy start to your week! I just had a short shift today, so I decided to get some new work uniform. Best to just get it done as soon as so it's sorted, also means when it starts to get busier again I can just get straight home when I finish. I have a bit of distance to travel to & from work you see, hence why I prefer to just get to the car as quick as I can! So today's post is the start of, a sort of new series on the blog... It's a nice fun one and there's no pressure of me having to keep up with a schedule. Once in a while, I want Chris & I to go for some brunch/lunch at some new place or a cute little place hidden down some random street we stumble across.  Or even somewhere that I've managed to find online. This is to sort of help with pushing me to try and discover new places. There's also so many great local places that I've been too, there has to be more. I feel everywhere has some hidden gems.

Now, I know I started this post by saying I was going to be trying new places and pushing myself, blah, blah, blah... Well, I'm actually going to be kicking this off with a place I've already been too many many times. One of the reasons I want to to do this and share it on the blog is because I really feel supporting local business is important and plus, I want to show off the local Scottish talent. So if you ever get the chance to visit you can maybe go. I would also love to hear suggestions from you about where you live, so If I ever get the chance to go I can! If you are a follower of my Instagram, if you aren't then why don't you hope over quickly and click the follow button? Then you will have probably of glimpsed at some pretty spectacular looking sandwiches. BLTs' (without the T), more specifically. And the odd occasional bowl of soup. What can I say? I'm a creature of habit.

Bernies is the local Deli Cafe and is a little gem just about 10 minutes drives from our flat. Yes, I'm sure we could walk, but we live in Rain All The Time Scotland. Hidden away in Bridge of Weir on their main road. The place has a relaxed, warm & comforting feel to it. Whatever you are feeling, there are many options for seating. From the cute little snug spots in the corner against the window to the big soft cuddling sofas and even the 6ft runner table in the middle if you have a lot of company. It's a big open space with high ceilings, the aesthetic, it's kinda quirky and cool. With also keeping to the "supporting local", they too, support locally. They use local food sources for their menu, as close as a few metres down the road at the village butchers. All the cakes that are on display are made in house by their own baker, and for years I've sworn that their victoria sponge cake is my FAVOURITE victoria sponge cake ever.

 Choice of Daily Homemade Soup

They also have different menus depending on the time of day. As well as specialised menus like their Valentines Menu, which is being held on the 11th of February. For £19.99 a three-course meal, as well as, a glass of something fizzy is included. Whether you are wanting to share this with a special someone, or even close family & friends, Im sure whoever you chose to share it with would be a great evening. They also have Slouch & Bistro evenings. Of course, both of these evenings are completely different from each other and have their own type of menu. The slouch evenings have more of a relaxed and chilled feel to them. You are more likely to come with a decent book & blanket. While you maybe enjoy a glass or two of wine, with a side of locally curated meats. Whereas their Bistro nights have a more uptown feel to them. A slightly more put together menu, again sticking to the keeping it local theme, using well-sourced ingredients to create something new. If you do fancy going to one of these evenings, I'd be quick! Spaces don't last long... Chris & I have still to check these out. So when we do Ill let you know all about it.

Choice of Ice Cream & Cakes

  Macaroni & Garlic Bread

BLT, coleslaw & wedges

(Without the T)

As well as the special evenings and menus that they do, they are also available for hire. Which is great because it has an amazing open space.  So whether you need it for a birthday or a private event for a club you are a part of, its perfect. But again, be quick! I tried to book here a few birthdays ago, but due to leaving it late someone else snapped it up! They also like to hold fun nights for the community (or anyone willing to travel). Something a little bit different than a local karaoke session...They have had drama sessions, poetry reading and even a barbershop singing group, The B Naturals. Its great to have somewhere that also believes in the local community and actively tries to get involved as much as they can. I have to say, there is a very big fanbase for this amazing local hotspot. People all the way from Port Glasgow come for a quick bite, as well as many cyclists due to being just off a cycle track. So if you are ever in the area, I highly suggest you have a little visit.

Bernies Cafe Deli

Bridge of Weir, Scotland

What's your favourite local hotspot? Do you have any Sunday/weekend traditions? Do you even like to leave the house on a Sunday? Any brunch/lunch recommendations welcome below! I look forward to reading & replying to your comments.

How To Celebrate A Fantastic Halloween In Glasgow This Year

So here we are in spooky October! And a lot of people are working hard in the blog & youtube world. We have people doing vlogtober & blogtober, as well as make-up & costumes ideas galore. Take your pick you will find what you are looking for somewhere on the internet... I also want to point out, and have a little jokey moan, that Christmas stuff has already been out for a month. A month. We only just got Halloween items at the beginning of this month! Anyway, I promise that's the last time I'm mentioning the "C" word, for now... I think a lot of us are now in love with Halloween & October because it signifies the beginning of Autumn. Time for layers, good smells, great food, and cherished memories with your close friends & loved ones. So since it is the month of Halloween, I thought I could find out what spooky & Halloween inspired events are happening in Glasgow. Sorry to be just sticking to local things near me, I'm sure if you live elsewhere in the world, there will be something going on! So just try searching on google or even facebook. If you are brave enough, set something up yourself for your own community! I live in a sleepy Scotish village & one of the pubs is having a costume themed night.

Photo by Sara Bonisteel

Pumpkin Carving & Craft Beer Tasting

(Alcohol License is pending, you will have two options if they don't get it 1) Full refund, 2) 10% refund with pumpkin carving only)

If you are wanting to test your pumpkin carving skills this October, then head on down to Little Botanica, who were originally just florists (still are) & have now added a bistro cafe to their name. They also created the flowers for our wedding, so I have a slight softspot for this event... You also won't have to go through the mess of traditional pumpkin carving, they will have already done this for you! While you are letting your creative juices flow, you can also let the craft beer juices, from  flow into you. So if you fancy a relaxed, fun & creative evening, then I would book soon before they run out of spaces!

Saturday, 29th October 7-9pm £25

Little Botanica, Glasgow, G5 8JN

Day of the Dead Glesga

Bringing the spirit of Mexicos most famous festival, Dia de los Muertos (day of the dead), held in Saint Luke's Music & Art Venue, celebrate your Halloween with a latin twist. There will be Mexican food, live music from bands as well as DJS, performances, rituals and even sugar skull face painting! More acts are still to be confirmed as well. So if you happen to be too old for trick or treating now and live music's your thing, then why not give this a go?

Saturday, 29th October 7.30pm-1am £10

Saint Luke's, 17 Bain Square, G40 2JZ 

Source- Here

Halloween Dance Party

If you love partying to old school tunes and still want to have fun with dressing up, this is an event you will not want to miss. Make sure you tell your friends and make sure you dress up. You'll also need to be mentally and physically prepared, it will be a 6-hour danceathon... If you think you have the dedication & determination to make it! I'm a bit of a wimp, I don't know if I would make it.

Friday, 28th October 9pm-3am £19.50/£24
O2 Acadamy Glasgow, G5 9NT

Hedkandi Halloween Party

After having three sold out events in Scotland, they are back for a Halloween special one night only. So if you don't want to miss out & with this sort of popularity I would hurry! There's currently only just under 100 tickets left... If you aren't into the stereotypical dressing up but are finding yourself still wanting to party, then this one may be for you. With DJs occupying two rooms, I'm sure you will find something to suit your taste.

Saturday, 29th October 10pm-4am

Kavalii Nightclub, Bell Street, G1 1NX

Tickets Here

Hello Again

Hiya guys, this post is a little overdue now! I did want to do this post sooner and before I started posting my usual stuff but, I got back into the swing of dressing up and blogging a lot sooner than I thought I would! But, as they say, better late than never! & lets be honest, thats the motto and story of my life... Im sure you'll understand the huge disappearance act I performed right before my big day, by that I mean my wedding! Which was, in case any of you didn't realise but, the 27th September 2014. I had plenty of things to keep me occupied and stressed that I just didn't have the same enthusiasm as I usually do for blogging.

I am however, very eager to get back into the swing of things! However, right now due to my current situation its going to be very hard to get back to the way I want things to go. Now I don't remember if I mentioned in my last post or not, but I handed out some c.vs and was really hoping to hear back from somewhere. Well, turns out 2 weeks later I landed myself a job in Next at Silverburn Shopping Centre. So that is one of the main reasons i'm not going to get back in outfit posting like I would like too. Although, I am really wanting to go ahead with that whole blog relaunch that I never actually managed to do... So I think Im going to at least try and plan for other posts and grab outfit photos when I can! But try really really hard to grab photos, even if that means getting ready two/three hours before I'm going out so I can get some posts together.

As I really am dying to start blogging again, I also want to start creating Youtube videos more and taking it alot more seriously like my blog because, for some reason, I REALLY LOVE editing videos! Which is strange, because I LOVE photography yet quite dislike the editing side of it... Weird. I've also got some pretty cool ideas for some video series that I could do. I'm thinking of starting off with a video a week then go on to two depending on everything.

I'm also writing this post to tell you all, that all my social media names will be changing. Since getting married, I chose to take on Chris surname which is Lowe, so I will now be known as Hayley Lowe. I'm also seriously considering changing my whole online persona "Addictions to Shopping" I'm just not quite sure that I want to carry that with me forever online... I don't feel it suits me either. So until I can think about what to do about the whole usernames/social media situation, nothing will be changing, but it will very very soon! So keep an eye out.

Well, thats me for now but I will be back with some posts this week so this ISN'T the last you are hearing from me. This is just me getting started.

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

GLASGOW WEDDING SHOW 2013

Today was really good fun! We just heard about this on the radio in the last week and we were just going for inspiration more than anything really because we arent getting married for about 2 years. I found things exactly for the kind of theme i want! I want a kind of Alice in Wonderland feel too it, like vintage inspired touches such as old china tea cups and tea. So i found the flowers, the invitations, the cake and the plates and things that i wanted! I didnt even know what i was looking but when i seen each of these things i knew they were exactly what i wanted for my wedding :) 

Im going to be creating like a wedding mood board or development book or something soon so i can keep on top of things such as prices, ideas and web address. Because the chances are i will probably have to go round a few business to get different quotes. But there were things that i see today that i wanted and i know i am probably going to have to go to those exact companies to get what i want because they were different, with different ideas. Even at one of the photographer booths today someone said to me, you like different things dont you? Because you are different you have a cool style! I was pretty happy when they said that, i like that my style stands out a little and its a big compliment for me and its nice to hear it off someone you dont even know. 

I didnt get as many pictures as i anticipated, plus i havent got pics of any of the stuff i want in my wedding! lol We kept getting told of, one of the woman at an invatations stand said it was because people take photos then go home and copy. Which i understand, i thought we would have trouble going in to be honest, we are always having to watch where ever we go when photographing. Anyway i will keep you all up too date with the wedding stuff! I think we re going to go back to the wedding show when its on the year we re getting married because there was money off and percentages off today. The really annoying thing about today is i didnt even realise it but the dress im getting was in the fashion show! We didnt go to it because we didnt know the times and prices. 

Some of the cakes are just amazing!

AMAZING

Love this photography! Really want things done like this for my wedding :) 

Pretty Dress! 

Chris will be wearing traditional scottish attire ;)

So happy to have Chris there aswell, someone did say i was a lucky one because he was taking interest!  Alot of womans other halfs were not interested at all! lol 

Chris will kill me for this photo but had to pop it in even when its crap! 

We got told off by thig guy for taking photos!

BOTANIC GARDENS

Today me and my boyfriend went to Botanic Gardens in Glasgow. It is right next to the River Kelvin and has massive green houses with beautiful brightly coloured flowers. Firstly, we took a nice stroll along side the river. It really felt like Autumn, it was warm yet a little chilly and the leaves were starting to become yellows and browns. I like Autumn, the colours interest me.

I really loved this leaf, as soon as i saw it it inspired me to photograph it. I love the way the brown leaf contrasts agains the dark grey stones. I would say these were my favourite photos of the day just because of the way the colours contrast.