June is my birthday month , I am not a person who makes a big fuss about my birthday but I do like to have the day off work. Unfortunately, this year, my colleague was away on holiday (what a cheek) so I found myself working, from home as always. Fortunately it was quiet for once and I did pop out for lunch with my husband, we went to a pub called The Plough in a beautiful Kent village called Ivy Hatch. Eating out has become so expensive now, we both had a small glass of wine and a burger & chips and the bill was almost eighty pounds.

The Saturday before I had met a friend and we had afternoon tea at The Wolseley in Piccadilly. I hadn’t been to The Wolseley before and I probably wouldn’t go again simply because it was so packed and noisy I could hardly hear my friend. The tables are set very close together in order to fit in as many customers as possible I expect. Afternoon tea was about £50 and was pretty average but also half the price of many of the posh London hotels. I popped into Fortnum and Mason, which is just a few doors along, on my way home and was staggered at how much everything cost yet there were long queues of tourists at every till. It reminded me a little of the gift shops you have to walk through when exiting anything at Disney. I resisted the overpriced tea towels and mugs. I enjoyed people watching during my walk back to Charing Cross station in the afternoon sunshine and that was free.

I also went out for a pizza with another friend and have another pub lunch arranged for this week so perhaps I make more of a fuss about my birthday than I am keen to admit. I chose my own gifts from my family, all from John Lewis just because it is easier, some Clarins Serum, eyeshadow from Nars and earrings from a brand called Ottoman Hands in a gold hoop style set with a little green crystal. My daughter sent me a lovely personalised card from Moonpig decorated with photos of the two of us together over the years. A friend in Australia sent me some plum soap which smells delicious and some cute little flower earrings. All lovely gifts which I will use and appreciate.

On the evening of my birthday I visited my parents. My dad always chooses the prettiest birthday cards, I always keep cards from my parents and children. Mum, of course, had no idea that is was any sort of occasion and just told me to Bugger Off which is her unfortunate new catchphrase. Not everyone in their fifties, or at any age, has their parents still around so I try to look on the bright side.

So another year older, a few more wrinkles despite the various lotions and potions I apply twice a day. I am still resisting the Botox! All in all I am very lucky, not everyone is fortunate enough to reach their mid (not quite late – yet) fifties or to spend their birthday with friends and famiy.

Thank you for reading

Samantha