I am leaving the usual Reading Roundup post until tomorrow so that I can write about my birthday – 61 today! Eek!

As my lads had to go to work, they, plus Lovely Husband, gathered in my bedroom quite early to give me my pressies and cards. I also had a pot of tea plus my breakfast brought up. I had a great time opening my gifts (even though I already knew what they were), then they gave me my most favourite presents of all: big hugs 🤗 💕💕🤗.

LH had decided that we would wait and see if I felt well enough to go out for lunch. By about 11.00 I was almost certain that I would be fine, so I dressed up a bit and made up my face for the second time in two days. My hair looked OK, although it had flattened down a bit overnight, but I didn’t want to wash it this morning. Anyway, this was today’s outfit:

• Navy fine knit merino dress – Lands’ End.
• Navy cotton leggings – Sainsbury’s.
• Tan leather ankle boots – Duo Boots.
• Blue resin, leather and gold bangle – Grand Tour Collection. See more below.
• Crystal and gold tone feather brooch. This belonged to my Mum and I wore it pinned to the collar of my dress as you can see in the photo below.
• Diamond stud earrings – Blue Nile. A present from LH for my 60th last year.

Birthday outfit 08/11/17

As the dress is in such a lovely soft merino yarn, it feels lovely against the skin and was ideal to wear out for a meal as it is so figure-skimming. We went to one of our favourite places and I ate quite a lot more than usual! A gorgeous steak, crispy chips and salad was followed by a chocolate fondant with vanilla ice cream. I have to restrict myself to tea as I cannot manage alcohol any more, but that is no hardship as I am a confessed tea addict.

After the meal, we had a chat to the owner and then came home. I then came up to bed and will now stay here for the rest of the day. If I am very lucky, Elder Son will make me his fabulous boiled eggs and soldiers for my supper with another pot of tea. All in all a wonderful birthday 😍😍😍.

So, here are my fantastic presents:

First one is from Elder Son. Readers may remember a dilemma I had a while ago in deciding between some cream and gold Halcyon Days earrings and a bangle in eau de nil: the earrings won!

Cream enamel, crystal and gold Agama earrings – Halcyon Days

Second present is from Younger Son. I was very lucky to win the eBay auction for this gorgeous Halcyon Days bangle in cobalt and gold, getting it for less than 25% of the full price! I think that this will be the last of these bangles, unless Halcyon Days come out with something amazing, as I now have so many of them in a huge range of colours, sizes and patterns.

Cobalt enamel and gold Curb Chain bangle – Halcyon Days

Third present is from Lovely Husband. I had been looking at the Grand Tour Collection website for ages, lusting after this wonderful jewellery that fits so well with my love of the Ancient World. They do a range of earrings, rings, bracelets and necklaces with facsimiles of ancient sculptures set in gold plated bronze. I chose this bracelet, which is absolutely stunning. The central sky blue plaque is a copy of a sculpture of Cupid and Psyche set in gold plated bronze. The leather straps are in shades of blue with white, and the bracelet fits the wrist with a hook and chain.

Blue resin, leather and gold bracelet – Grand Tour Collection

I am sure that this will not be the only item of jewellery that I buy from the Grand Tour Collection website. I have my eye on a pair of matching earrings. If only the £ could fare better against the € !

I am a very fortunate person that my family can afford to treat me in this way, I realise that very clearly.

Anyway, I will now relax and enjoy the rest of my day. The next Reading Roundup will be posted tomorrow, all being well.

Best wishes,

💝💖💝💖💝💖