I’m off from work for the next ten days starting today! I elected to take vacation days around my April 15th birthday. I was really planning to return to Philadelphia for the day and perhaps have an overnight visit with friends during this time, but, unfortunately, I cannot afford those travels. I would have loved visiting museums in Philadelphia this time. It is important to me to seek out the arts as like-minded Jennifer of The Daily Connoisseur says, but I will just have delay that itinerary until May or the summer. So, instead of going away, I am happily planning my staycation.
I have already spoiled myself. With a generous cash contribution from my parents, I have purchased something that I have always wanted,… a carved wooden screen. After Easter, I ordered the Hemmingway 3-Panel Room Divider (for only $149.99, no tax and free shipping!) from Wayfair and placed it in my living room. I love it. I will share a photo of it in an upcoming home tour post. In addition, my parents bought me a laundry bag that I really needed and a chic notebook from HomeGoods.
I have also purchased a few other things on my own. I will reveal the three tops in my upcoming spring capsule wardrobe post. I also finally ordered a nice set of makeup brushes (thanks to a reader!). The delicious Chocolate Croissants from Williams-Sonoma were recently restocked in my freezer as well. In the morning, I love to savor a pain au chocolat (and reminisce about breakfasts on a bench in the Louvre courtyard)! My inbox is now being flooded with birthday coupons from my favorite stores where I still subscribe to their email list. All of those discounts are tempting, but I am feeling motivated to save some money as well.
With a fantastic $10 off your purchase of $25 coupon, I also delighted in a pizza and wings dinner, delivered from my favorite place last night. (If you live in Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, or New Jersey, then definitely check out Pat’s Select.) I do not often order food delivered, but their “Miss You” email coupon is a truly decent deal. It’s worth waiting for! It was even a nice change to have a bottle of beer rather than my usual glass of red wine. I find when I only experience something occasionally, I appreciate it much more.
During this upcoming week and a half, I plan to celebrate my birthday by doing activities I love. In the comfort of my own home, I plan to: try a new recipe with a friend, entertain a few other friends in some way, read books, catch up on blogging, arrange a vase of fresh flowers, and savor that aforementioned pain au chocolat for a breakfast (or two!). Even at home, I think it’s a good mix of being social and solitary. I still want this vacation to be relaxing too.
I love going out and for the occasion of my birthday, I hope to: spend time in my favorite coffee shop, indulge in a professional mani-pedi, dine with my family (Wednesday evening), shop just a little bit more for my spring capsule wardrobe at the Annapolis mall, buy a bottle from my favorite wine shop in Annapolis, hang out in downtown Annapolis, and wine and dine in a favorite Italian restaurant that I have only patronized once. I may not do or not be able to afford some of these things, but that’s my wish list of birthday festivities so far.
Whatever I do, I think it’ll be a fabulous 32nd birthday…
Sounds wonderful. I love the screen you picked out. Happy Birthday!
It was wonderful! I love that screen and hope to share how it looks in my home in a home tour post to be published sometime during May. Thank you for the birthday wishes!
Sounds like a wonderfully relaxing way to spend your birthday! Enjoy!!
I did relax, but I also had fun. It was a good mix! I hope to write all about it by the end of the month.
Your wish list for your birthday staycation would be things I would also choose to do. I love your screen and look forward to your future post of how you use it in your home as well as you Spring capsule wardrobe 🙂
I'm working on getting my home ready for its close-up! I hope to really work on it next weekend and publish the home tour post sometime during early May.
Alright! You got the brushes! 🙂 Hope you have a happy birthday! Even though you won't be out of town, it's still nice to have time off and relax. Can't wait for your spring capsule post!
They are so nice. Soft. And so different from what I had before that I had to get used to them! I no longer have to blot my blush since the brush deposits the perfect amount on my cheeks. Thank you so much for the recommendation.
I did. It was wonderful. And relaxing!
I still plan to buy a couple more items for my spring capsule wardrobe. Unfortunately, my commission will be winter-kind-of-low this month and next, so I will have to make do and that's why it has been delayed. Accessories may be more exciting than the clothing this season! I think you can expect it during May. Thank you for reading!
Happy birthday Michelle! I'm sure you'll be enjoying your special day. And what a wonderful lists to spend on your birthday. The screen you got is lovely. Cheers!
Thank you, Ping! I did. I love that screen! You can posts on how I celebrated my birthday and a home tour soon. Cin cin! 🙂
Late but birthday wishes as well! Hope your stay-cation is delightful!
Thank you! It was certainly delightful!