[ . . 30 before 30 . . ] 18. Have a French manicure

I used to bite my nails until there was no nail left. Then I used to pick the skin around them. Needless to say my nails have never been a strong point.

However, in recent years they have improved. As I have become less stressed and anxious the picking has stopped. In fact they are now pretty good nails.

I always admire painted nails but I have never been able to do them myself. Not being a girly girl this isn't surprising. Therefore it felt like a real treat to have them painted. I have only had them done professionally once before, the night before my wedding. Not too risky I thought, loads of people have their nails done. But no, they were such a state I had to take all the polish off when I got home.

This is why I added it to my 30 before 30 list and with fingers crossed (no pun intended!) I booked an appointment to have a manicure as part of a spa day package. It has been good timing as I was able to use a voucher I got for Christmas, it has fallen just as I needed a day to myself and in time for my friends wedding on Saturday.

So what do you think? I'm pretty pleased.

But, actually the most important part of it is that I was able to spend some quality time with myself. It was heaven. I really do enjoy my own company.

I now just need to not chip them too much before Saturday!