Hi everyone,

Yes, I'm another year older but not necessarily any wiser - I still forget to blog, think instant noodles are an acceptable lunch option and spend too much on anything brightly coloured in Superdrug. I balance this out by paying a mortgage and, you know, working and other grown-up stuff, so I think it's okay! My first birthday gift arrived a few days before my actual birthday in the form of a new job, so that was a wonderful way to start!

This year's big day passed like the last few; after demolishing a breakfast of avocado on toast we headed to East Kent to meet up with my grandad (and a surprise addition in the form of my mum!) for festivities, food, and frappuccinos. I wore my trusty River Island shift dress, with a pleather jacket against the wind and a pink statement Fiorelli necklace to break up some of the black!

First up was the traditional birthday Starbucks in Canterbury - this actually passed for my lunch that day but only because I was saving myself for dinner, a rather highly anticipated affair... although we did make a quick stop at Ramsgate harbour for Kinder Bueno ice cream! I promise I only had one despite holding two in the photo...promise. We then headed back to my grandparents' place for some photos - they live in the grounds of a fabulous old house and it's ever so pretty, I'm so glad Jon and I had a nice coupley photo for once, thanks to Mum!

Finally we reached suppertime and as it was my turn to choose venues I selected my all-time favourite restaurant, Posillippo's. I first dined here seven years ago and just keep coming back as they serve my most-loved meal - Gnocchi Zucca which is butternut squash and king prawns with gnocchi and a brandy sauce. Heaven! I always have to resist licking the plate when eating this!

 I'm told their other meals are brilliant too but I'm yet to be tempted away from my beloved gnocchi. My dad always chooses the Polpetto al Suge meatballs and spaghetti because they remind him of Lady and The Tramp, while Jon chose the calzone this time which did look pretty good! They also do a fabulous calamari starter if you are that way inclined. If you can have enough room after the mains they also do a selection of delicious desserts and it's always worth checking out the specials board.

We visited the Broadstairs restaurant as it is adorably teeny and opens out onto the beach if you dine on their terrace (it was too cold for us!) but they also have locations in Canterbury and Faversham - I chose the Canterbury one for my graduation dinner as it's just behind the cathedral! If you are in East Kent and fancy some authentic Neapolitan Italian food I can assure you cannot go wrong at Posillippo's.

This has turned into a bit of a foodie rave but it is honestly so good, I always find my way back there! I am putting together more posts on some of my gifts as they have all found a way into my daily beauty routine, so keep an eye out for those soon. Among others I finally accumulated some lovely Nars goodies thanks to my sister which I adore... stay tuned!

Love Dani
xoxo