My 21st Birthday

It seems like only yesterday I was a fresh-faced seventeen year old anxiously awaiting my eighteenth birthday. Fast forward a few years (very quickly, I might add) and I've just turned twenty one. Oh my gosh, you guys do not even know how fast the time has gone, it is actually truly frightening. In recent years, I haven't really enjoyed my birthdays much, Don't get me wrong, I've loved spending time with my friends and family and I've been incredibly grateful for my gifts and money, it's just the thought of growing up was a pretty scary concept to come to grips with. Now I'm graduating from university, the reality that I'm no longer a girl but a woman is dawning on me. But this time, I felt positive from the start of the day until the end and can say without a doubt, my 21st was one of the best birthdays I've had. It may not be the typical wild night you'd expect from a twenty one year old, but it was perfect for me. Lets jump in!

Derren Brown

For the first part of my birthday treat, I went to see Derren Brown's latest show, Infamous. You guys know I'm the biggest fangirl of this guy you'll ever meet, and just like Svengali, the show did not disappoint. We're sworn to secrecy so as not to spoil the show, but I will say both Jack and his friend participated in some way - and it was truly the most bizarre thing I'd ever seen in my life, and made the night even better! You need to see this show, as always, this man continues to blow my mind with his brilliant brain. A serious hero of mine, I'm giving good old Derren a huge thumbs up!

The Big Day
On the 9th May (the big day itself), I had a lovely relaxing day which consisted of playing with my puppy and cats, visiting my Grandma and enjoying the company of family members who came to wish me a happy birthday. Later, we ate dinner at one of my favourite restaurants, The Spode Cottage. I ordered a Vegas Spicy Bean burger (which is topped with cheese, pineapple and sweet chilli sauce), my favourite!

Spicy bean burger topped with cheese, sweet chilli sauce & pineapple with salad, coleslaw & chips - delicious!

My 'blowing out candles' face 

Jack & I 

My brothers & sister; William, Edward, Rosie and I

I've received so many lovely things, including a beautiful gold bangle from my parents, Pandora charms, an Instax Polaroid camera, a Pandora ring and a golden chain belonging to my Grandma. Here's some pictures of a few of my presents.

Today, I finished university. I handed in my last assignment at nine o'clock, grabbed a bus home, took a shower and fell straight to sleep. It's been a bit of a rollercoaster, but surprisingly, the third year has been the calmest for me. Was it a good experience? Hmm, it was mixed. I've met some wonderful people and worked pretty hard but of course, the end of my studies have left me questioning my future. Next week I have work experience at a prestigious paper and I'm hoping it will help put all the little thoughts whizzing round my head into some order.

Here's to the next step.

♣

Twas the night before Christmas...

Twinkle twinkle!

December has flown by and it's now Christmas Eve! I'm pleased to say all Christmas shopping is completed and presents are neatly adequately wrapped up underneath the tree. We've always had a real Christmas tree and I suppose we always will. When it comes to Christmas, my family has quite a lot of traditions; emptying our stockings on our parents bed before opening our presents, each of us taking a turn to stir the Christmas cake and of course a helluva lot of baking! I attempted red velvet cupcakes and they're gorgeous, mind you, I did cheat and use a cake mix this year. Do you have any Yuletide traditions?

I hope you have a lovely Christmas Eve and Christmas Day!

♣   ❄

Gifts for Him

Keyring ♦ Chocolate road signs ♦ Watch ♦ Rockers ♦ Hip flask
Photo credit: Notonthehighstreet.com Karmaloop.com Iwantoneofthose.com Drinkstuff.com

Guys are awkward to buy for. Whether it's your dad, your brother or your boyfriend, you might struggle to find a suitable pressie, so I've picked out a few stocking fillers for the guy or guys in your life. 

I know it's a little cheesy, but I think this keyring is such a cute idea! Definitely a daddy or a boyfriend present, you can choose a significant date and caption it underneath the calendar. This would make a sweet stocking filler for a long term boyfriend.

Everyone loves chocolate, so these novelty choccies would be the perfect present for the guy in your life who loves his cars. What's nifty about this gift is that after you eaten all the treats you can use to bucket style container as storage for all your bits and bobs, it would actually look pretty cool in a garage. I'd get this for either of my two brothers or my dad.

This wicked watch is the perfect pressie for a younger bro or a style conscious boyfriend. It's not too pricey either which is a bonus. I'd actually wear this watch myself - it could even make a unisex present for a girl who likes bold accessories.

All men like a drop of whiskey, so these rockers would suit any of the boys in your life (as long as they're of age!). I think these look so fun and they are practically unspillable, which is great for a clumsy dad. Apparently, these wobbly glasses were designed for use on ships to combat the motion of the waves! 

Another booze related pressie! The flask comes in a padded wooden display case, so you can either store it away safely when finished with it or keep it in pristine condition and display it as a piece of memorabilia. But let's face it, it's more fun to drink from then to look at!

Hope you found my stocking filler ideas somewhat inspiring, good luck buying for the guys! 

♣