Or more accurately, since I really hate London, "Harry Potter, baby!"

I've been meaning to post this for a while and since I have plans for posts for every day up to July, I thought I'd better do this one before I got side-tracked yet again.

It was my sister's 30th birthday on the 7th and we celebrated first by going to Rockcliffe Hall Spa, where we had a very relaxing day of mud baths, cake and wine. I had an Indian Head massage and then fun exploring the spa while my sister and her BFF finished up with their treatments. I haven't had a really good massage in years (with ditchwitchbitch in Oklahoma), but this one was lovely and she managed to do my whole back as well as my head so I certainly got my money's worth.

( Photos )

On Tuesday we went down to London and were lucky with the weather, because it was the one gorgeous day in a week of rain. We walked from our hotel to Buckingham Palace and then did some shopping, before heading out to dinner and Les Miserables. I'd never seen it before and only knew the barest outline of the plot, so I was pleasantly surprised. It's a fantastic musical. I cried my eyes out and I loved every minute of it.

( Photos )

On Wednesday we went to the Harry Potter Studio Tour, which was the thing I've been looking forward to for months. If you're a fan of Harry Potter and ever get the chance to go, do. It was absolutely incredible and they go out of their way to make the whole experience magical for you.

I won't give away too much in case anyone is going, but there are a few photos under the cut.

( Photos )

Dear 2010

Thank you for...

- my rabbits, Gus and Shawn, I love them more than anything
- my 30th birthday with my darling sister and darling ditchwitchbitch at Harry Potter World in Florida
- Psych, how do I love thee? let me count the ways. Carlton Lassiter ♥ Juliet O'Hara ♥ Shawn Spencer ♥ Burton Guster ♥ Henry Spencer ♥ Chief Vick ♥ ♥♥♥
- my new house, it's so quiet and lovely and perfect
- my California Adventure: Santa Barbara, Monterey, THE COMMUNITY SET!!!
- my Floridian Adventure; driving all over the state with my sister
- Weight Watchers and losing 22lbs (8 to go!)
- Sherlock; Steven Moffat I will never stop loving you (nor you and your gorgeous voice Benedict Cumberbatch)
- Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows; everything about it.
- my new job; I'm so much happier now, I feel like I have friends and purpose.

Please make 2011 a wonderful year for everyone I love.

xxx

I had a wonderful weekend in London. I met my mum and sister on the train and my mum gave me a couple of presents, including ( this gorgeous bag. )

We walked around Covent Garden and then down to Trafalgar Square. ( Photos ) Then we went on a bus tour of the city. The weather was lovely, so it was nice to sit out in the open and see everything. Usually I find London far too busy and rushed, but we had a lovely day, so maybe it's just the "getting to the airport via London" part I hate.

On Satuday night we went to see Wicked. I think it's the best thing I've ever seen on stage. Ashleigh Gray and Dianne Pilkington were amazing. I wanted to go straight back and see it again. The seats were perfect. It was the best birthday present. ( Photos )

Yesterday we went for a walk through ( Hyde Park ) and saw the statue of ( Peter Pan. ) We went to Harrods, (now that place I do hate - one member of staff was so rude I wanted to punch her in the face,) and Hamleys, where my sister bought me a beautiful ( Slytherin pen. )

It was a fabulous birthday and weekend. I enjoyed every minute. Thank you to everyone who sent me a birthday message. You're all wonderful. ♥

On the 19th it's mine and hils birthdays. This year she turns 30, and as a present (and because she won't actually be in the country on the day), last Saturday night I threw her a surprise birthday party.

I'm pleased to say she seemed to enjoy it... ( photos )

Happy Birthday Laura!

I hope you have a wonderful day, despite being in class. Love and hugs and kisses as always. ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥