Another year older. Is it really 12 months since I wrote this list of 20 Things I Learnt in my 20s? Apparently so. The first year of my 30s has been fabulous. Terrifying, exhausting, and challenging too, but fabulous nonetheless.

Although I entertained the idea of hosting a BBQ in our recently renovated yarden, in the end it was a quiet day with my family that appealed most. Like all the best celebrations, food was the main focus. Lots and lots of food. Oh, and cocktails! Don’t forget the cocktails.

After a three course breakfast {yes, really}, I pulled on my favourite dress and we headed into Bristol. Meandering slowly up Park Street in the sunshine, Mr. LA and the children were very patient as I browsed Blackwells, Cath Kidston and a few of the vintage shops. My birthday money may have been burning a hole in my pocket, but I was very restrained.

As midday approached, we headed to Jamie’s Italian for lunch. This was my third visit to the Bristol branch and they’ve impressed me every time. Great food and great service in a stylish, but child-friendly, setting.

After sharing a generous platter of antipasti, I tucked into Penne Carbonara and a simple green salad. Izzy and I have been dreaming about the lemony yoghurt and herby dressing that accompanies this side for months. I finally remembered to quiz the waiter about its composition and he was kind enough to jot down the recipe for me before we left. Mr. LA enjoyed his meatballs and the children both cleared their plates too, the definitive sign of a successful meal.

While Izzy and Jesse slurped cloudy apple juice through their straws, we grownups decided to sample the delights of the cocktail menu. I love that ‘Why the hell not?’ feeling you get when it’s your birthday, although I did reassure the waiter that we didn’t make a habit of drinking hard liquor at lunchtime, just in case he was about to label us irresponsible parents. I kicked off proceedings with a Florence Fizz {Limoncello, pomegranate juice, elderflower cordial & Prosecco}, but one sip of Mr. LA’s Vanilla and Lemon Martini and I knew it was all I wanted to drink for the rest of the afternoon.

While we were far too full for dessert, the children fell upon their portions of ice-cream with gusto. I swear they have hollow legs.

After lunch, we wandered up towards Clifton Triangle before finally heading home for birthday cake, cups of tea and a family viewing of Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

Once the children lay drowsily in their beds, Mr. LA cooked another 3 course meal, dishing up more antipasti {it’s my favourite}, steak served with pesto and warm ciabatta, and finally a little pot of Gü heaven. We ended the night on the sofa, sipping wine and watching Only Lovers Left Alive, which I can highly recommend.

All in all, a very happy birthday indeed!

Love Audrey xxx