133. 98 at 30

10th May 2014, 98 Bar And Lounge, Shoreditch, London

And one by one, I am losing my friends to the cruel state of Thirty-Something.

This time around it is my fabulous Nail Guru's turn to stare that scary number right in the face and leap into it head first, praying for a minimum amount of wrinklage in this next decade to come.

Considering the upcoming celebratory holidays in Dubai and Las Vegas I suspect the Nail Guru thought she'd be able to dodge any celebrations on her home turf. Unlucky, or maybe lucky, for her the fiancé was not having any of that and threw on a surprise party in Shoreditch with all her friends and family. And me!

I was very excited to see that the party venue of his choice was on The List which earned me some much needed rest from ticking boxes this Saturday. All I really had to do was sit back, drink Bellinis and watch the box tick itself.

Whilst awaiting the arrival of the birthday girl I scoped the place out. Now, imagine that you have a crazy, unconventional aunt that firmly insists that the last days of decadence are yet to pass and has decorated her home accordingly. Then imagine hanging in her living room, sipping colourful cocktails under the chandelier and having a nap at the purple velvet sofa when the absinth has gone to your head. That is basically the interior design motivation for 98 Bar & Lounge. Only that my imaginary, yet extraordinary aunt would have employed cuter waiters with less of a negative attitude.

Knowing how much Nail Guru hates surprises, I should really be a better friend and not take pleasure in watching her shocked face as she enters the bar only to find 40 people hiding in the back room. I'm going to say her facial expression was a good 70 % genuine happiness and only 30 % awkwardness over the surprise though - so maybe deep down she actually is taking a liking to surprises.

A good night followed, although I was too slow to get my hands on some cake. I compensated this with additional Bellinis and my aim to leave at 10.30 pm in order to get up early the next morning failed somewhat. Instead I hung out until the bar closed and my 9 am gym session was never to be. I did walk home in heels though, that has got to count for something?

Finally, a very happy big fat 3-0 to birthday girl of the week!

Me and birthday girl!

See this pose? This is what us still-20-somethings like to call denial.