It's my Birthday and I'll shop if I want to

I turned 27 yesterday and was thoroughly spoilt by everyone, even though I went to work I had a really lovely day!
I decided to wear a home made outfit and so pulled out my bow blouse with my Simplicity 3688 skirt (I must make some more separates!) and threw a Marks and Spencer cardigan on. Pretty and comfy. I'm really pleased to be getting a range of handmade clothes into my wardrobe.

I'm so pleased to be going to work on my Birthday!

Since it was my Birthday I thought I'd relax my shopping fast slightly and get some more setting lotion. Yeah, I'm a rebel!

I saw my parents and grandparents at the weekend and had a really lovely family meal on Sunday. Everyone has given me lovely gifts too.
From my parents I got some Freddies 1940s workpants, Erin's book 'The Secret Lives of Dresses', 'Air Raids and Rationbooks' - a book on life on the homefront and 'Went the Day Well?' That's enough to keep me busy for a while!

My brother and his girlfriend gave me this great tea-towel and matching mug from Past Times. Aren't they cute?

My Grandparents gave me some money since they don't get out very much any more, and I'm torn over what to do with it...do I use it to treat myself to some nice new clothes, or put it towards my debts? Maybe half and half? I've been looking at not only summer shoes, but also sunglasses, having broken my last pair at the end of the summer...No lack of things to spend the money on, but I think I'd feel bad frittering it away when I have a huge overdraft!
My work colleagues gave me some gardening vouchers, a book on growing vegetables and some brussel sprout and beetroot seedlings. I think I'm going to be hard at work for the next few weeks getting everything in the ground!

And finally, this was Tom's gift

The Janome DM234 overlocker. Isn't she a beauty? It doesn't look as though it's ever been out of the box, although it was advertised as an ex-display model.
I'm really excited about getting to grips with using this and I'm hoping it's going to help me make my creations that little bit more professional. Tom bought it from Sewing Machines Direct. Terrible website, great service. It came with 4 free cotton spools in black, white a cream, a set of scissors and some sewing basics like an unpicker and tape measure. And a free carry case for the overlocker. Pretty good if you ask me!

I spent the evening at a local pub with some friends. Nothing flashy but it was lovely to have everyone together and just chat away for several hours.

Happy Birthday to me!

Watch this space for the winners of my giveaway and a review of my night out in Shoreditch on Saturday!