Turning 30

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• Trains, a cathedral, make-up counters, beer and barbecue ribs with M in Manchester on my birthday-eve 
• Heading to my Mum's and unwrapping five early birthday presents
• Present number 5/30 from my Mum: "Laura loves to... travel", a DVD of our family holiday to California in 1998
• A midnight toast, with happy tears after seeing my Dad's smiling face and hearing his voice for the first time in years
• Serenaded awake at Mum's and opening cards with Stevie Wonder buffering its way out of M's phone
• Taking in the view at Liverpool's Panoramic with a champagne afternoon tea, a birthday treat from M
• Laughter and Thai food at Chaophraya 
• Delivering my first lecture as a 30 year old with a belly full of Tavern breakfast
• Making pin hole cameras to watch the solar eclipse in the alleyway
• Hiking to the top of Moel Famau in the rain, then warming up over a pub lunch 
• Relaxing at Ribby Hall and Spa with three of my favourite people in the world
• Opening present number 30/30 from my Mum before dinner at The Orangery: Tickets to see Fleetwood Mac (YAY!) in Manchester in June
• Heading to Blackpool for fish and chips and penny slots
• Spritzing myself with my new Diptique parfum and slipping on my new heels for a birthday night out 
• Watching a private screening of Pretty Woman at Cafe Tabac's cinema room, mojito in hand, surrounded by amazing friends
• Getting teary-eyed opening a 'Remember When' gift from my girlies
• Tucking into the delicious Hollywood themed birthday cake made by a friend at work
• Couching out with a big jug of water and The Killing the next day
• Seeing Toro y Moi in Manchester
• Catching the Eurostar with three friends for five nights of fun in Paris

I had an absolute blast celebrating my 30th birthday and the celebrations continue with trips away of the next few months and I'm looking forward to all of the lovely experiences I was treated to as gifts!