Last year I was faced with the challenge of becoming Auntie Hayley to a gaggle of gorgeous babies as four of my friends gave birth.

This year's challenge is a bit closer to home - no I'm not about to become a Mum - I'm turning 30.

I have had a fab time as a 20-something - left university, made some life-long friends and forged a career so there is a big part of me that just doesn't want to move on.

I keep hearing that 30 will be a whole new adventure - but it just sounds too grown up for my liking.

I would hate to become one of those women dressed in leopard skin print dresses you see in nightclubs on a Saturday night desperately hanging onto their youth - but then again there are so many things I will find hard to let go.

Last weekend I was in the changing rooms of a High Street shop when I looked in the mirror and caught my breath.

In my head I was obviously still 19 but at that moment I realised I have reached an age when I can't wear whatever I want.

Short skirts are fine but not micro minis that barely hide your blushes.

T-shirts with designs are the big look this year but Disney characters and cheeky slogans just look sad when you are past 25.

I'm kicking myself (with my sensible shoes) that I didn't appreciate those days when I could run wild in the aisles with price being my only restraint!

Now I can afford all that mad clubbing gear I can't wear it - maybe that explains my new love of anything pink. I am regressing and trying to recapture my life as a little girl?

And I'm not alone in thinking turning 30 is something of a watershed.

A recent article in a national newspaper refered to a Gwyneth Paltrow as a 'mature mum' after she gave birth at 31!

Is it any wonder that I am checking the mirror for wrinkles and counting how many years of fertility I might have left.

When I was a kid I always imagined I'd be married with children by the time I hit the grand old age of 30 so it's a bit unsettling to realise I'm still facing the world on my own.

But there is one good thing about the big 3-0.

As many of my friends are also reaching the milestone this year I have a host of extravagant parties to attend.

All that money we couldn't afford to splurge on our 21st celebrations is going into creating some wonderful and wacky parites across the country.

For my part there is a 70s disco to organise which has not only taken my mind of the impending birthday but has given me something to look forward to.

With glitter balls, flares and flashing lights to sort out I haven't got time to think too deeply about becoming a 30-somthing! In fact I'm counting down the days to the party of the year!