Electric Daffodil: Let Them Eat Cake...

Spa treatments, Disney princesses and a Victorian tea party. Today, good people, I had the pleasure of attending a hen do ^_^

The 'hen', otherwise known as Cinderella (or Amy in her non-Disney guise) is one of my oldest friends. It's so strange to think that the girl I used to play swingball, muck about in Spanish class and microwave random (and often disgusting) food items with is soon to be a married woman! *sheds a tear*

Cinders was completely unawares as to the plan of the day, from the pre-noms pampering sesh to the Disney-dress up Victorian tea. She didn't have a clue.

We began our day in the Wye Valley Spa. An array of treatments and facilities were available; massages, manicures, pedicures, facials, jacuzzis, steam room/sauna. Everything a lady needs for a bit of rejuvenation. I received a glorious head and neck massage and, I must say, there is something very pleasurable about a massage with hot stones, which I had on my legs and feet and would gladly have again... And again.

Aside from a spurt of temporary excitement due to the discovery of some bongos...

Relaxation swept over me and I could have quite easily curled up into the deepest of sleeps. However, the fun had only just begun. Us ladies were marvin and ladies what lunch, do so in style. After changing into slightly more formal attire, we rode in carriages of steel to our next destination: Aunt Martha's Tea Rooms.

Upon our arrival at the quirky-but-quaint Victorian venue, I noticed a gramophone in the corner of the tea room. Though happy at the mere sight of it, I sadly did not acquire it... One day *sighs*

Aunt Martha's obliging staff ensured that we were all well fed, watered and entertained. The food was traditional, tasty and as quaint as the crockery upon which it was served.

Gluten and dairy free options were available and I took pleasure in being the most awkward person when it comes to food. I feel I am due an award for years of consistency in this area. Cinders and I nibbled on GFDF scones and sandwiches, of which I ate a beef and a tuna and gave the ham and the egg mayo (I'm a food fuss pants) to a very happy Minnie Mouse sat next to me (don't tell Aunt Martha!)

Whilst the food was lovely, nothing could prepare me for the generous portion of pudding. It was death by cake. Imagine that memorable 'Bruce Bogtrotter scene' from the movie adaptation of Matilda (minus the mess, of course... Perhaps, I'm exaggerating on the size but I'm only ickle. It was... big). I should have taken a picture but the sheer size of it would have taken a few gigabytes in storage.

This particular cake was gluten and dairy free and scrumptiously moist (and was most definitely not stolen from Miss Trunchbull). I ate my fill and took the rest home to Ma.

As the events of the day drew to a close, something rather magical happened. A special, albeit rather early (by eight weeks) visitor came bearing gifts for our soon-to-be Queen...

Today, I went to the hen do of one of my oldest friends. Today, I was reminded that despite our journey through adulthood, our rites of passage, our responsibilities and our life challenges; through all the changes, some things remain eternal and precious:

Magic, innocence and friendship...