Review – Page 2 – PixiePlanner

Ad – A Dining Delight At The Albyn

Ad/Pr – As always, all views and opinions are my own.

The Albyn Bar and Restaurant kindly invited Kevin and I last night to eat from their new dinner menu.

In the heart of Aberdeen City’s West End, the reimagined restaurant is modern and elegant. The new menu launched just last month and I couldn’t wait to try it after already having the pleasure of sampling from the delicious brunch menu.

Immediately upon entering the restaurant, we were seated at a lovely table right at the centre of the restaurant. Our server introduced herself, brought us some water for the table and took our drinks order. Now for the hard part, choosing what to eat!

I went for the Katsu Buttermilk Chicken Tenders. Served crispy, just how I like them with a definite hint of katsu, but not too overpowering. They served the chicken with Asian slaw and katsu mayonnaise, which was a perfect accompaniment.

Kevin chose the Haggis Bon Bons, which were accompanied by a whisky sauce. The presentation looked very good and he said they were tasty.

I knew exactly what I was having for my main course before I even arrived at the restaurant! Macaroni and cheese is my favourite and the Return of the Mac sounded insanely good – applewood smoked, mature Scottish cheddar and Parmesan macaroni, herb crumb and garlic sourdough. Mac and cheese is my favourite, and this was honestly up there with the best. It was out of this world!

I had to try a side of Truffle Parmesan fries as they sounded delicious. They did not disappoint, crispy and beautiful!

Kevin ordered Battered Top of the North Haddock, which came with hand cut chips, crushed peas and tartare sauce. He loved the batter and the haddock was soft and flakey. The accompanying chips were exactly how they should be, thick and crispy.

After letting our stomachs settle a little, we couldn’t resist ordering some desserts.

I chose The Albyn Sticky Toffee Pudding with Simpson’s of Buckie Vanilla Ice Cream. It was so delicious; the sauce was a dream!

Kevin went for Highland Mess – strawberry and vanilla ice cream, smashed strawberries, crushed meringue, whisky cream and pressed berry coulis. Served in a mason jar, it looked delightful! Kevin said it tasted amazing, one of the best desserts he has had in a long time!

Although we never sampled anything from it, a comprehensive vegan and vegetarian menu is also available.

Overall we had a fantastic meal with great quality food and we will definitely be returning soon!

Alannah x

Ad Thank You For The Music -Mamma Mia!

AD/PR EVENT-As always, all views and opinions are my own.

Last night I had the pleasure of being invited along by Aberdeen Performing Arts to the press evening of the smash hit musical Mamma Mia!

The second performance of a fourteen show, nine-night stint at His Majesty’s Theatre was the perfect mid-week pick me up as the near capacity audience danced and sang along to the full catalogue of Abba classics.

Set on a Greek island paradise, Mamma Mia tells the story of 20-year-old Sophie’s quest to find the father she’s never known; however, this unfortunately brings her mother Donna face to face with three men from her distant past. All of this is on the eve of a wedding any of the guests are likely to ever forget.

Incredibly Mamma Mia first appeared on stage over 20 years ago. Since then the show has entertained audiences of over 70 million throughout the world and on last night’s showing its easy to see why. With a simple set this show is all about the performance of the cast, as with the hit movie there are plenty of humorous moments along the way – especially between Pepper (The resort barman) and Tanya (The posh friend of Donna’s).

There were many colourful and cheery scenes along the way (we are warned pre-show of lots of lycra and bright colours!) but the Donna and the Dynamo reunion performance was a hit with the entire audience as was Jena Pandya’s (Sophie’s) moving rendition of I had a dream.

As the evening drew to a close, we were treated to a mini-Abba concert. Everyone was on their feet as a melody of the Swedish super groups classic hits which are familiar to all generations filled the air and sent the audience off home singing and humming along to Abba tunes way into the night – well it certainly did for me!

I would recommend that you catch Mamma Mia! while you can – It’s in town until 26 March and tickets can be purchased here.

Alannah x

Ad Get Ready To Rock With Andrew Lloyd Webber’s, School of Rock!

AD/PR EVENT-As always, all views and opinions are my own.

Last night I had the pleasure of being invited along to the press evening of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s West End and Broadway hit musical, School of Rock by Aberdeen Performing Arts.

The first of seven dates at His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen, School of Rock The Musical is currently touring the UK and Ireland after its three and a half year stint at the Gillian Lynne Theatre in London’s West End.

The hit musical version of the cult movie starring Jack Black is based around wannabe rock star Dewey Finn. He teaches a class of elite prep-school kids, transforming them into a pint-sized rock band, competing for the grand prize in the battle of the bands!

Dewey Finn played by Jake Sharpe executed rock perfectly, along with a band of kids that lit up the stage with their talents. The kids play live every show, which is phenomenal and even have incredible vocals along with the acting skills to match. The closing scenes at the “Battle of the Bands” final transports the audience straight to the front rows of a live rock concert and had the entire house on their feet. The musical features some wonderful numbers but “stick it the man” was still stuck in our heads long after the show had finished.

I would highly recommend School of Rock for the perfect half term treat. The entire production will blow you away!

Here at His Majesty’s until this Saturday February 19th, you can purchase your tickets through Aberdeen Performing Arts at the Box Office.

Alannah x

Ad – New at shopDisney This Week

AD–There are affiliate links in this post. I receive a small commission if you purchase from my links. As always, all views and opinions are my own.

With so many new collections available online, I thought I’d share some of the fantastic products shopDisney have to offer this week.

Alice in Wonderland by Disney Legend Mary Blair

Much loved legend Mary Blair’s designs adapted from inspirational art for Alice in Wonderland are a treasure! The collection takes you down the rabbit hole and into a beautiful tea party of delightful pastel blues.

Receive a free Mary Blair shopper when you spend £30 or more.

Disney Artist Series

Disney artists have designed this cute and quirky collection of clothing and accessories.

Advent Calendars

With the festive countdown now on, it’s time to shop for those Advent Calendars! I ordered the Lego Star Wars 2021 Calendar Set for Quinn this year!

Christmas Jumpers

It wouldn’t be Christmas without feeling festive and fancy! shopDisney’s Christmas clothing collection is here!

My favourite is the Disney Store Mickey and Friends Festive Hooded Sweatshirt For Adults. At £35, it just looks so cosy and comfy. It’s made my wishlist for sure!

NEW Loungefly Backpacks

You can never have too many, right? The new collection is available from Tuesday 19th October on shopDisney.

NEW Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Collection

It’s time for another release of must have collectibles, fashion, accessories and more from The World’s Most Magical Celebration! Available from Wednesday 20th October, I can hardly contain my excitement!

Will you be adding anything from the range to your collection?

Alannah x

AD-Minnie Mouse – The Main Attraction Complete Collection

AD–There are some affiliate links in this post. I receive a small commission if you purchase from my links. As always, all views and opinions are my own.

shopDisneys Minnie Mouse – The Main Attraction Collection really was the ultimate collection series for Disney collectors worldwide. It has been my favourite collection to date and is very close to my heart, due to the fact that we, and so many others, could not travel to Disney and experience the magic and these attractions in so long.

November – Series 11, The Jungle Cruise

In my last post, you may remember that I was awaiting the release of the Jungle Cruise series on November 2021. I ordered the Jungle Cruise Minnie Plush, and she is beautiful! Her outfit is perfectly themed, as always, so much so that I would love to wear it to the parks. Minnie always has the cutest style!

December- Series 12, Castle Fireworks Finale

December saw the release of the ending series, Castle Fireworks Finale. I got my hands on the Minnie Plush and she is absolutely gorgeous! The firework design on Minnies dress is so sparkly and elegant, just exquisite!

The Main Attraction Collection was such a highlight of my year and I really was sad to see it end. Seeing all the Minnie plushes together made my heart soar and I’m very thankful to Disney for treating us to such a fabulous collection!

I get asked quite a lot which Minnie plush is my favourite. Although it’s very hard to choose a favourite, I’m sure it comes as no surprise that June’s Peter Pans Flight Minnie Plush is indeed my favourite! Peter Pan really is everything to Quinn and I and we will treasure her for a very long time!

Did you collect anything from the Minnie Mouse – The Main Attraction collection? I would love to hear your favourites!

Alannah x

Ad-Cars Anniversary Key and Whats New at shopdisney

AD–There are some affiliate links in this post. I receive a small commission if you purchase from my links. As always, all views and opinions are my own.

In Celebration of 15 years of Lightning McQueen, the Cars Anniversary Key is available online at shopDisney today!

The Cars Key will be available online only from 8am, when you spend £20 or more on qualifying products. The key will automatically be added to your basket at checkout and will be available for 24 hours only or until sold out. This will be a popular key design for sure and I’m sure it will sell out in no time!

With so many new collections available online, I thought I’d share some of the fantastic products shopDisney have to offer.

I really could go Wilde with the new Zootropolis clothing and stationary range! My favourite piece from the collection is the Zootropolis Ladies Lounge Shirt. I love the large design on the back with one of my all-time favourite Disney quotes, “You can be anything”.

The Zootropolis Hooded Sweatshirt For Adults looks so cosy and the Flash the Sloth notebook is irresistibly cute!

Luca is available to stream on Disney+ next week and the most adorable products are available on shopDisney right now.

Quinn has always been such a big fan of playsets and this Luca Deluxe Figurine Playset looks so fun!

This Macchiavelli Small Soft Toy is so cuddly. I can’t wait to learn and discover each character from the movie!

The Raya Costume Set for kids is perfect for your little ones inspired by Raya and the Last Dragon.

I love how colourful and vibrant this Raya and the Last Dragon Backpack is.

From now until Sunday, there is 25% off Pixar including the shopDisney Pizza Planet Space Crane from Toy Story, a much loved toy in our home!

You can take 20% off pets until Sunday too, including this adorable shopDisney Disney Dogs Mug.

If it’s holiday accessories you at looking for, then look no further than the shopDisney Summer Shop. With 30% off selected lines, you can travel in style with this Mickey Mouse Rolling Luggage, or the Disney Animators Collection Rolling Luggage.

Mickey Mouse Rolling Luggage, now £25.16.

Disney Animators Collection Rolling Luggage, now £32.16.

Let me know if I have included any of your favourites?

Alannah x

AD-New Look Bon Accord Reopening Event

AD/PR EVENT-As always, all views and opinions are my own.

⁣⁣⁣This morning New Look Bon Accord kindly invited me to open the doors of my favourite fashion store. I’m so excited to welcome them back!

⁣Non essential shops in Scotland have been closed due to COVID since last December and today they have reopened along with gyms, pools, pubs and restaurants. It felt so wonderful to spend the morning browsing new collections and just feeling that bit normal again!

⁣⁣⁣To welcome everyone back, New Look is currently offering 25% off throughout the store until Wednesday 28th April. This applies to all products, including sales items, but excludes third party brands.

The store is looking fabulous, with so many exciting new products from dresses and tops, to the most impressive denim collection! What I love most about the Bon Accord store is it’s diversity. From petite, to maternity and from curves to 915, there really is something for everyone!

I couldn’t wait to do some shopping and picked up this beautiful Ditsy Floral Frill Smock Dress for only £10.

These beautiful Ruffle and Collar Tees were £6 and £5 and all with a further 25% off!

I also chose the Blue Denim Smock Dress and Gold Heart and Silver Star Necklaces, which I’m wearing. These were PR products.

I really enjoyed my experience at New Look Bon Accord today! I truly felt safe and very welcomed by the lovely team who followed and encouraged the current government guidelines.

Have you been shopping since the stores reopened in the UK? Stay safe friends!⁣⁣⁣

Alannah x

shopDisney’s New Studios Key Box set

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shopDisney’s set of keys celebrating the Walt Disney Studios is now available online! Inspired by the Opening Ceremony keys available in Disney Stores, this new collectible set celebrates Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars. Each key is inspired by a different studio, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Marvel and Lucasfilm Ltd. The set is exclusive to shopDisney and a must for all key fans!

Walt Disney Animation Studios

The Walt Disney Animation Studios key design is simple, yet perfect! The classic castle feature is what I love to see in a shopDisney key. This one is definitely my favourite out of the four.

Pixar Animation Studios

The Pixar Animation Studios key is vibrant in colour and features it’s signature Luxo Jr lamp and Luxo ball. Such a fun key!

Marvel

Marvel Superheroes is the focus of the Marvel key design, featuring a cool clear blue design which I love.

Lucasfilm Ltd

The Lucasfilm Ltd key features a fabulous design of Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker, Empire vs Rebels. A firm favourite of Quinn’s!

The Studios Key Box Set of four keys is available to purchase here for £35 and limited to one per person, two per household.

Will you be adding this set of four keys to your Disney key collection?

Alannah x

shopDisney Pluto 90th Anniversary Key Release

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This Friday, shopDisney will release their latest Opening Ceremony key. Pluto recently celebrated his 90th anniversary and to celebrate, this gorgeous new key design will feature Pluto! The key is bright and colourful and features Pluto in black and white and in full colour and also includes some adorable paw prints!

The Pluto Opening Ceremony key will be available on Friday 11th September from 8am online at shopDisney. There will be 22,000 keys available for 24 hours, or until they sell out. To qualify for the free key, you must spend £20 or more on qualifying products and enter the code PLUTO90 at checkout.

A Pluto pin will also be available to purchase on Friday for £10. There is a limit of one per person, and two per household.

Quinn and I have been collecting shopDisney keys for almost two years now, and we are both super excited for Friday’s release! Are you a key collector? If so, let me know your favourite so far in the comments!

Alannah x

New shopDisney Cloth Face Coverings

AD–There are some affiliate links in this post. I receive a small commission if you purchase from my links. As always, all views and opinions are my own.

Disney’s cloth face coverings are available to pre-order now over on shopDisney! The family friendly reusable cloth coverings are available online only and come in a variety of fun designs. They come in a pack of 4, with sizes ranging from small to extra large. shopDisney recommend that you check the Disney Store European product sizing guide, to help find the correct size for you. It’s important to do so, as there are no refunds, exchanges or returns unless the item is faulty.

Here is a selection of cloth face coverings available on shopDisney. Each set includes four unique designs. I love the Mickey and Minnie and the Disney Princess designs!

Mickey and Minnie

Designs include-Mickey icon print, Mickey character print, Minnie character print and Minnie with polka dots character print.

Classic Disney

Designs include-Mickey Mouse, Winnie the Pooh, Stitch and Marie.

Star Wars

Designs include-The Child, R2-D2, Star Wars symbols and Star Wars characters.

Disney Princess

Designs include-The Little Mermaid, Frozen, Disney Princess names and all over character print.

Marvel

Designs include-Marvel logo, Black Panther symbols, Marvel characters and symbols and Hulk.

Disney Pixar

Designs include-Mike Wazowski, Forky, Disney Pixar characters on blue background and Disney Pixar characters on white background.

What’s best about the shopDisney cloth face coverings, is that Disney will donate 100% of the proceeds from the sales of the face coverings, up to £500,000, to the Red Cross organisations across Europe to support people in crisis. In addition, Disney is donating 100,000 of the cloth face coverings to vulnerable children and families in local communities through their long-standing charity partnerships, who provide comfort and inspiration to children facing serious illness, trauma and isolation.

Have you ordered any of the designs? I would love to hear your favourites!

Alannah x