A Lock Down Birthday

I turned 45 yesterday and as predicted was swamped with school work (and sunshine which makes studying indoors even harder!) thankfully we decided to celebrate on Saturday with a whole 24 hours dedicated to me being a lady of leisure... The girls and Husband had it all planned out like utter pros.

Step one: I got woken up with homemade cards and presents from my two lovely daughters. Lots of cuddles and Amaia wrote a poem that bought tears to my eyes!

Step two: I headed down to a prepared breakfast in my new super deluxe Olivia Von Halle dressing gown that made me feel AMAZING!

Step three: I enjoyed a delicious pastry breakfast  (sugar at last!) with a latte made by Husband. Heavenly.

Step four: I retired to the bedroom, rested and read at leisure. Eventually I headed to the bathroom for an ESPA experience, detox seaweed bath with lashing of body oil to follow. I read my book, listened to music and lay in  peace hoping the detox would work its magic against a day of indulgences!

Step five: Headed to the Amaleia Spa on the sofa where the girls had prepared an extra soft massage bed for a neck and shoulder massage, hand, head and leg massage. Water and nibbles were provided on a side table.

Step six: A simple alfresco lunch in the sun prepared by the girls and Husband.

Step seven: A mid afternoon celebration! Birthday chocolate cake and champagne. All my favourites!! Thank you Husband for a delicious cake!

Step eight: Lounged around, watched some trashy TV and then played football with the family. We've had those goal posts for two years and finally they are being used!!

Step nine: The girls insisted that we dress for dinner and by that I mean very, very smart dress!! Leia even wore a dress!! That is a BIG deal in our household. Luckily I got tired of having a ball gown skirt taking up space in Monaco and brought it to the house. I've had the skirt for a few years and never had an occasion to wear it until then!! White shirt, statement necklace and a make over and we are all good to go!

Step ten: Birthday dinner with my amazing family, alfresco drinks, salmon teryaki and more chocolate cake!! That night I went to bed very happy and very grateful.

This year's birthday was different. I didn't celebrate with family or with friends. We didn't go out. I didn't receive many cards or presents. I was stuck at home for the 20th day and yet it was enough. It makes me realise how the other "stuff" really isn't necessary and it pains me to say (as a serial online browser and shopper) that everything I want and need is already in my cosy, little home.