What makes a birthday special?

Loved ones make it special.

I like very relaxed birthdays, the kind where there's not a lot of fuss and you don't have to spend the day going to and fro or being rushed. My loved ones know that and they made sure Saturday was laid back and totally chilled out - well, as chilled out as you can be during high summer in the tropics!

Mr E and I met the sunrise with a coffee by the beach before he headed out to work, and then I spent the next six hours in my office with Elefantz correspondence.

Early evening and we caught up with dear Blossom and her beau for a cafe dinner before heading home to watch a movie. It was a very special day and I knew beyond doubt how much they love me.

Mr E bought me a beautiful bouquet of Australian natives, and a new handbag. Sweet Blossom blessed me with a matching wallet...

A day earlier on my birthday eve the love flowed from my small circle of kind and precious local friends -

Wendy, Heather & Barb.

Wendy drove up from Ayr earlier than usual so we scurried out to The Cat's Meow for breakfast after she gave me a bundle of delights - a sweet heart inspired topper, a pretty-as-a-picture mini birdhouse, and a plaque of inspiration....

Then off we went to Heather's where the most delicious cherry cheesecake was served for morning tea, with a huge bowl of refreshing punch...

Heather gifted me with handmade soap, the cutest little elephant pouch, and an adorable jewellery tree that has a tiny little birdie perched high...

Dear Barb was there too, and I was so touched that she allowed me to wear her new apron for the day...

...UNTIL she dropped the news that 'her' new apron wasn't really for her.

It was made for ME!

Isn't it gorgeous!? 

I may have 'screamed' when I was given the news it was really all mine...I might have. 

When I arrived back home the postie had been for a visit and once again my jaw dropped and my heart beat faster, because lovely Shez had made me the prettiest of all needle-books,  and with it was a paper-cut card.

I'm going to frame the card, it's far too pretty to leave in a drawer don't you think?

Family, friends...blessed.

Thank you to everyone who has left birthday greetings and love here on the blog, on the Elefantz Facebook page, on Instagram, via e-cards and emails.

I truly felt the love.

So I'm going to gift all of YOU with a free design  later this week.

Little peek so far...

hugs