2013 was a fabulous year, full of firsts, adventures and amazing experiences. Here's a round up of some of my favourite moments from the past twelve months.
2013: Spring
To me, the new year always means days out and nights in as the weather is so cold. The Boy and I spent a white weekend in snowy London town, an evening at the theatre (seeing Wicked, finally) and Zsa stayed over for food, films and a bit of a gossip.
In March we headed to New York as a family and, although it was absolutely freezing we had a marvelous time exploring the city. I took Mum to a spa, The Boy and I tried out an amazing restaurant and we all got to walk the High Line. It was the trip of a lifetime and one we'll never forget.
I particularly loved the graffti that had sprung up on the storm damaged Brooklyn Bridge.
2013: Summer
We spent a week in the Summer visiting various friends all over the country - and I spent a week cooing over a selection of babies and children. Even The Boy came away feeling broody.
On returning to London we whiled away the Summer months doing what we do best: eating and exploring the city. We had my good friend Kat and her son Leo to stay which allowed The Boy to revert back to his childhood, and spend some sunny days playing in the garden with lego and various Poundland remote controlled aircraft. Which was perfect as it meant Kat and I could spend some time laying in the sun.
We checked out Feast with Zsa Zsa and Ben which, although it was delicious, was far too hot for me.
I took Mum to Fortnum and Mason for Afternoon Tea one day in the summer which was amazing and a real treat.
In August Kimmy and I went to Secret Cinema's screening of Dirty Dancing and it was amazing. A great afternoon/evening with great company in the sunshine, you really can't beat it.
2013: AutumnWith Autumn came my thirtieth birthday and with it many a celebration. It all kicked off with birthday drinks in Hammersmith but also included a weekend break to Paris and a trip to Derbyshire with Ma and Pa. It was a wonderful few weeks spend with my absolute favourite people.
In October I ran my second half marathon, the Royal Parks Half in London. It was more of a struggle than last year as it was so hot but I still loved every minute and am considering running it again next year. 
2013: Winter
The colder months brought with them lots of gatherings and festivities with friends and family as Christmas got ever closer.
We spent a weekend in Manchester with Sarah and Ryan exploring the Christmas Markets (and basically eating as much as we could), had a big family dinner at Duncans, and Christmas party season kicked off with a bang, it was a great final few weeks of 2013.
And of course the year ended with a proposal, but there will be more on that later.
I love spending time with my Mum and Dad, as my many, many trips home each year prove, but this last Thursday I decided that with Dad and The Boy at the Great British Beer Festival it was time for some quality mother-daughter bonding.
Finishing work at one, I rushed down to Piccadilly where I scooped up a rather bewildered looking Mother from in amongst the tourists and headed straight for Fortnum and Mason ready to enjoy a spot of afternoon tea.
Having been to afternoon tea in London before with my best friend last year, I knew what to expect and was sure it was an experience Mum would love, and I wasn't disappointed.
Afternoon tea at Fortnum and Mason is nothing but class, all duck egg china and grandeur, not what we're used to at all but a lovely change all the same.
With 85 different teas to choose from, Mum and I spent a while deliberating, but I decided to start with the Wedding Breakfast Blend - made to celebrate William and Kate's wedding. How very regal.
We went for the traditional Afternoon Tea, which includes five different types of sandwich, fruit and plain scones, jam, clotted cream, and assorted cream cakes and pastries. Basically a dieters nightmare but we all deserve a treat from time to time.
Everything seemed so small and delicate but each item was delicious and filling, so maybe the second plate of sandwiches we ordered was something of a mistake!
I went for this raspberry topped beauty from the cake trolley - but took it home to enjoy later, as I was feeling well and truly stuffed. Mum took a slice of the Battenberg for Dad to enjoy on the train home.
The special touches, like this art deco tea strainer, really added to the glamour of the whole experience, especially when drinking my Black Tea with Apple which included chunks of real apple.
Our table over looked the Royal Academy and was perfect for people watch, both inside and outside the tea salon.
The Tea Salon was really a beautiful place to while away a few hours - I'll definitely be back.
We left full and happy, took a stroll around the shop and admired things we could never dream of affording, before ambling across to the Royal Academy for Mum to see the amazing textile adorning the front of the building as part of their Summer exhibition.
I must confess these pictures were taken on a different day - as the London weather decided it was time to pour down just as we headed outside, but you get the idea.
It was a lovely afternoon of nattering, delicious food and exploration in London town. We met the boys at Kensington Olympia at 6pm, having walked the whole way from Piccadilly, through Knightsbridge and along High St Kensington, for a brief catch up before Mum and Dad headed off to catch their train home.
The only downside was that the whole day felt like a Friday, which was a shock when I woke up the following morning and realised there was still one more day until the weekend. Damn it.
