They say that as you get older, you get wiser. I’m not 100% sure I believe that, I feel like I’m still 18 sometimes; but alas, I’m now 24.
After one of the best years of my life to date, I knew I couldn’t let my birthday go by without a fuss, well, do I ever?
So in true me style, I spent a week celebrating with lots of different activities, of course including lots of food and drinks!
My birthday is August the 5th which fell on a Monday this year but luckily, I had booked the week off work to celebrate and prepare for moving house (more on that to come).
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Wednesday the 31st of July saw me and one of my long time besties, Dan, head to Alton Towers on perhaps the rainiest day all summer; we planned that one well.
But nevertheless, we had a fun day and managed to get on all the rides, including my personal favourite, The Smiler, a handful of times.
Friday the 2nd of August was my last day at work for 11 whole days so we ordered pizza in and the lovely lot decorated my desk like CRAZY.
Next up was my big night out which was with both my family and Bethan, one of my favourite people in the whole wide world.
We ate at Revolucion de Cuba which never disappoints and then headed over to The Orange Tree, which is my favourite little bar in Derby, to have a little dance and drink delish cocktails.
I had the best night singing, laughing and drinking with wonderful company. I also love a good excuse to dress up pretty for once!
I made damn well sure I didn’t get too drunk on the Saturday night because I had a Bottomless Brunch* at Bric the next morning (oh hell).
Bric had kindly invited me along to try their Bottomless Brunch offering, so, of course, I took Jess (An Ounce of Grace) along with me to drink all the Prosecco.
We had the choice of two courses each which we needed to soak up all the fizz! We started off savoury with an Open Croque Monsieur for me and a Smashed Avo & Chilli on Rye Toast for Jess.
The Croque Monsieur was the tastiest concoction of brioche toast, poached eggs, crispy bacon and a heck load of cheese – I was in hangover heaven and fixed me right up!
For our second course we chose sweet options to which I had Maple Waffles with Bacon and Jess had Buttermilk Pancakes with Fruit.
By that point I was struggling to eat much more but the sweetness of the maple syrup and the over so slight crunch from the waffles finished me off.
After a swift 90 minutes of bubbles and brunch, we left stuffed and the teeniest bit tipsy, everything you could want from a Bottomless Brunch, I was thoroughly impressed!
They even wished me a Happy Birthday with a mini gateau and Birthday messaged enscribed in chocolate on a plate which added the perfect touch.
You can find Bric @ The Hilton in Nottingham on Milton Street, right outside TK Maxx.
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We then went on to have a strong Gin in one of the fanciest looking bars, Ginsecco in The Corner House.
The following day was my actual Birthday so I had a nice early night and a pamper the evening before which was very much needed after 3 days of drinking!
Monday rolled around and I had previously planned to get a little bit of Birthday ink with my sister.
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Of course I went to my usual guy and got a Leo Constellation above some mountains on the inside of my ankle. I’m so in love with it and I thought it was only fitting.
Later on I had planned a close family meal at The Farmhouse at Mackworth which was just the tastiest! Their food, decor and drinks selection was just spot on and my GOD we ate!
After a pretty chill Monday, I was excited to have a relaxing evening watching films and preparing for the busiest few days after… But more on that next time.
I had one of the best Birthdays with all of my favourite people and I still have a few things coming up which include still celebrating my Birthday – keep an eye on my Instagram @jayleeallsopp if you want to be nosy!
*This visit was kindly gifted from Bric @ The Hilton in exchange for some coverage on my blog and social media but the opinions and photos are all my own.
Comic Books & Yellow Ducks 