Twenty One...with a years experience

You know your getting old when you start coming out with all of your fathers classic catchphrases. My Dad has been claiming he's 21 with experience for as long as I can remember, and now it seems as though i have reached that stage as well. God help me. It is certainly true though that you can never have too much experience or too many memories,  so last night it was time to make some more. For me no birthday is complete without some serious dancing, so yesterday evening all of the girls got together for round 2 of birthday celebrations.

Being the 'hostess with the mostess' is completely my thing, and I always jump at any opportunity to get my hosting shoes on. I love getting everything together, from canapes to cocktails, and its always fun to try out new recipes and experiment with different concoctions. I spent the vast majoirty of Thursday evening and Friday prepping. I put together a hearty spread, and with every single scrap demolished, I think I can decipher that my efforts were a success.

 

I love making cupcakes so this was a great excuse to get my bake on. After all, what's a birthday party without cake!? I went in search of a new topping to mix things up from my usual Oreo and chocolate numbers. (But ofcourse I had too make a few of them too.)

Whenever i am looking for a little inspiration i head straight for Pinterest.  This little gem can only be described as a goldmine of ideas. When I first discovered Pinterest I just couldnt believe I hadn't found it sooner! It has everything on it that you could ever be looking for, and after searching 'cupcake', a little popcorn number appeared, and just like that, I had my new topping.

I had raided the likes of Primark and Pound Land during the week in search of cheap and cheerful party pieces, of which there were plenty! I always think its best to go cheap when buying this type of thing, as at the end of the day what is the point in splashing out on bits and pieces that are most likely going to end up in the bin.

 

 

 

Primark had the best array of silly glasses, so i scooped up as many as my little hands could carry! Plenty of hilarity and mischief was had with these bad boys!

The evening was meant to be a strict boy free zone filled with dancing and girly chit chat. It was all going swimmingly until these gate crashers turned up... My younger brother and his partners in crime.

Seeing as Owen had missed out on the celebrations earlier in the week they were granted as an exception to the rule and were allowed to stay and mingle.

Ofcourse, no birthday is complete until there is a little bit of bubbly involved.

After plenty of laughing, chatting and a collection of photographs that could rival Kate Moss, it was time to hit the town. As we were leaving there was the most beautiful sunset filling the sky. The perfect 'Little Thing'! It was the perfect touch to the most fabulous evening, and I couldnt have wished for anything more. 

Heres to many more years of being 21 with experience!

Feeling Twenty Two

Birthdays for me are for spending time with all the people who mean the most to you, and last night that was exactly what I did. In the words of Taylor Swift, I’m feeeeeling twenty twooooo, but I’m not too sure how I feel about it at all. The big birthdays of 18 and 21 have been and gone, and I cant help but find it daunting that the next 'big birthday' is the mighty 30th... However, after sharing this sentiment with my dad, he came up with some wise wise words. You may be older than you’ve ever been before, but you’re also younger than you’ll ever be again. I liked this a lot. Well done Dad!

Dad, Catherine and I started the evening in The Dome, which in my opinion is Edinburgh’s nicest bar. It’s perfect for a special occasion, with its grand entrance, beautiful architecture and stunning interior. It really is one of Edinburghs treasures.

At Christmas time they pop the most beautiful tree on top of the bar and wrap the pillars outside in Christmas cheer. However, obviously it’s not Christmas, and thankfully there wasn’t a tree in sight. Instead they had the most incredible lilies on each side of the bar, and after asking the waitress about them, I couldn't believe that they weren’t real!

You may have noticed a difference in my photos. The birthday elf was very nice to me this year! Say hello to my new baby!

 

We then headed for dinner at The Honours which is Martin Wisharts latest venture. His restaurant in Leith gave Edinburgh its first Michelin star, and since then his collection of eateries have gone from strength to strength. The Honours really is something special and I would definitely recommend it. The staff are lovely, the interior is chic and the food is to die for!

The interior was not at all what I had expected. From outside I had always thought it looked pretty dark, but it was full of light and very welcoming.  

I went for the duck and pork rillettes to start. I would describe this dish as a sort of Pate. Very, very yummy pate! Nothing but full marks for this creation.

For the main course I went for the Veal Sweetbreads. They were tender, juicy and cooked to utter perfection. The sauce was delicious, and it was certainly something I would have again. I ordered a cheeky side of fries as well. After all, it was my birthday, and you’re allowed to be a bit naughty.

My sister went for the Scallop and truffle tagliatelle. I had a taste and thought it was heavenly but very rich. She shared this opinion, and though it was scrumptious, she found that it became quite sickly.

Too full for dessert, we just sat and enjoyed the rest of our wine. The waitress had obviously over heard us chatting and picked up that it was my birthday. Big brownie points for her. A bowl of homemade toffees arrived with Happy Birthday written on the plate. They didnt last long.

Feeling fully satisfied, it was time to continue the celebrations with three of my best friends at Tiger Lily. Meet Bex, Emilie and Frankie: my soul sisters, sisters from other misters, partners in crime! Arent they just gorgeoooous!

 

Dad seemed to be enjoying himself!

A cute wee family snap minus the little brother (who isnt so little at all)! He's currently sunning himself in Cyprus with a group of friends, so his absence was allowed. 

There was plenty of bubbly,laughing and sillyness, and after a few drinks my sister had to shoot off back to Glasgow. 

My dad decided it was time for him to call it a day as well. Judging by this picture I think he made the right decision...Still just a big kid at heart.

For us four the night was still young, so we stayed on chatting, reminiscing and gossiping about everything and anything.

 The beautiful little Rebecca.

Time flies when your having fun, and it wasnt until we realised we were the only people left that we decided to call it a night. We all hopped into a cab and carried on giggling the whole way home. The perfect end to a perfect birthday.