Celebrating my 28th birthday + a few lovely presents

The Virgos in your life have just celebrated another lap around the sun, myself included, rounding me up to a solid 28. Firmly finding myself in the late 20s category, I expected underlying some life crisis panic creeping up on me this birthday, but honestly, I’m at peace with it. 25 was the hurdle - I’ll be good (for a bit).

I took a week out (yes a proper one, barely checked my emails or anything) and spent time nurturing my core needs: good food, time with the girlies and not feeling like I have the pressure of a whole business on me, for more than 48 hours. Needless to say, it was a tonic. I’ve come back feeling refreshed and ready to embrace the end of the year, feeling very full (both with food and love, but mainly food).

Aside from their company, I was also lucky enough to receive beautiful presents from the people I love this birthday, including myself. If you’ve got a bday coming up soon, maybe this will give you some list inspo.

I’ve made my love affair with Deiji Studios no secret, when it comes to linen pieces you’ll be hard-pushed to find better IMO. I’ve wanted one of their bathrobes for a hot minute, and when I saw one come into the Net-A-Porter sale, I jumped on it. My fluffy M&S one has served me well, but she needed to make way for something a little more demure. I can already tell it will be with me for life, the quality is divine, and yes, it has pockets.

As a minimalist to my core, I’m not into loud homeware, but I’ve gotten more into indulging in little trinkets. I think it adds a bit more of my personality to a room and saves swimming in a sea of beige. I discovered this vintage ashtray from Sourced & Found Studio at a recent content shoot and knew it had to be mine. It’s now taking pride of place as my new jewellery tray.

Something very un-sexy but perhaps indicative of the next phase of life I’m entering, is my joy at receiving a clothes steamer. I’ve wanted one for a while, mainly because I’m terrible at ironing, but also because it’s such a swift and travel-friendly way of keeping clothes looking their best. Plus it makes me feel important, like I’m getting ready for a photoshoot or something.

I was also treated to a candle from Homework that’s been on my wishlist forever, a new read (Piglet by Lottie Hazell which everyone seems obsessed with, so I’m excited), a facial voucher (key to my heart) and some peanut butter m&ms (another key to my heart, and criminally still not available in the UK).

I, in turn, treated myself to a few delicious meals out (shoutout Manteca in Shoreditch) and a few self-gifts here and there, including an annual bday massage to work all of the 27-year-old knots out of me. Here’s to 28.