it's my 30th birthday I can cry if I want to... {+ my birthday gift to you!}

Just kidding.

I don't feel like crying at all. ;)

But my 60s dress & hair-do made me think of that 60s song
 "It's my Party" & I couldn't help but giggle.


 

Everyone keeps telling me that turning 30 isn't bad at all.

In fact, they enjoyed their 30s so much more than their 20s,

but they'd probably be the type to tell you that colonoscopies aren't all that bad either,

so I'm not sure if I'm gonna fully take their word for it. ;P

 

But this I do know:

Hitherto my Lord has helped me
& I know He will still for as many days as He gives me.

I'm not fretting about getting older.

Every day I learn more about Jesus,
& it's one day closer to heaven,

and hopefully with every day & every year I become more like my Savior.
What more could anyone want than that?

 

{Plus my niece insists that I'm only 21 *wink*}

 

 

Now as to this dress.
 

Vintage 1961 McCall's Pattern #6120.

Vintage rose bed sheet for the fabric.

{Picked up at my favorite thrift store a few years back.}

Vintage notions: old metal zipper from a bag of goodies
my friend Ang gave me,

and thread that came with an old treadle sewing machine my Uncle Bill salvaged for me out of an old house slated for demolition.
{His only price was one of my apple pies. What a guy!}



 It was my first time making this pattern & it was about a size too big.

I made some adjustments after cutting it out that I should've done before cutting it out.

I skipped the sleeves because they looked wonky because of the adjustments.

(I now know what I'd do differently if I make this pattern again, which I plan to do.)

I love the pleats of the skirt. They make it lay so nicely.

I think my favorite detail is the matching bow belt.

I had never really cared much for the styles of the 1960s until just recently.

{And I still don't care for all of it, mind you, this is what I consider to be good 60s.}

I felt very Call the Midwife or Andy Griffith Show in this sweet frock.

 Mom did my bouffant for me.
She can recall watching her mom do a similar pouf to her own hair.
 



 

I recently brought my sewing machine & dress form {Donna Sue} upstairs to my room.

I'm so enjoying having them up here & not down in the icky basement.

It's such a cozy little corner of my room now.

 





 {Who wore it better: me or Donna Sue?} ;)
 

As a special treat for you dear friends I'd like to offer you a coupon code for 30% off in my etsy shop.
(Get it?! Get it?! 30%)

It's good all day today {August 15th, 2016}.

Just in case there's something in there you've had your eye on.

The code is: ADELIGHTFUL30TH

 

This week's post is a day early so that I could offer you all this deal.

{And maybe to make up for last week's being a bit late.} ;P

 

My family had a party for me yesterday afternoon & it was such a wonderful time.

 

 Momma & Dad

 

 My sisters

 

This is probably my favorite pic & my favorite part -

surrounded by my six wee leetle rabbits. <3
{Though if you'd been there your ears would most likely still be ringing from the deafening shout of "cheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeese" that came forth from these wee ones.} ^_~

 

Today I'll be out shopping anywhere my heart desires.

{Mostly craft stores & thrift shops.}

 

I am so blessed.

 

Much love,

Miss Michelle ^_^

{the old fart}

Photos by Momma, Dad, Aims & Me.



The Great British Birthday Party

This post is a little later than normal, but still on Tuesday...

so it totally counts for keeping to my blogging schedule.

Well, yesterday morning I awoke without a clue as to what I was even going to write about for this week's post. I normally have a few ideas to choose from, and have already started on it by that point.

So, I just went about my business of the day hoping something would come to mind.

I did my laundry.

{Not too blog worthy. I've already shared my love for line dried sheets & wicker laundry baskets several times here.}

I had a dentist appointment for an impression for my permanent crown for the tooth which had to have the implant done.

{Definitely NOT blog worthy.}

My sister Aimee went with me since we had made plans to go to our friend Taylor's house for a cup of coffee and a nice visit after my appointment.

We ended up having a little extra time before we were expected there so we grabbed a bite to eat at DQ & stopped by HomeGoods to see if there was anything we just had to have.

Didn't end up buying anything. Which is just fine. Plus we'll be going back next Monday since it's my {30th!} birthday.

So, we arrived at Taylor's house & through the big window next to her front door I spied some Union Jack bunting hanging in her dining room.

My first thought was "Aww, that sweetie must've decorated for us coming to visit."

When we stepped inside we were greeted by shouts of "SURPRISE!" & out popped not only Taylor, but her sister Gus and my other sisters Beth & Kelsey! (As well as baby Joel!)

Needless to say I was surprised. ;)



These gals sure know how to put together a theme.
They did The Great British Bake Off.
A mutual favorite of ours.
Plus they know how much of an anglophile I am. ^_^
 



 

If you've even seen the show you will immediately recognize the red gingham tablecloth.

Our place cards were our photos just like the contestants on the show have behind their bakes.



There were beautiful cottage garden flowers.

{I'm guessing from Gus' garden.}

Beth made yummy cucumber sandwiches.



 

Tay & Gus even made a Prinsesstårta {Swedish Princess Cake}

Oh. my. word. It was good.

 

 

Beth, me, & Aims enjoying Taylor's wonderful coffee.

I wish we would've got pics of all of us together, but oh well.

We'll always have the memories. ^_^



 

Aimee remembered that I once mentioned that I've always wanted to try this striped peanut butter & jelly ever since the first time I saw it on the movie Matilda when I was a little girl. Wasn't it just so thoughtful of her to remember? Now all I need is Miss Honey's cottage & my life will be complete. ;)



 

Beth got me very English gifts as well!

A cast iron scottie dog, yummy buscuits in a cute tin, & wonderful "Cups of Tea" scented lotion.



 

How cute is this children's book Kelsey gave me.

{I love cute kids' books!}

It's about a little girl who knits sweaters for all and sundry.

Very appropriate, no? ;)

 

 

It was such a wonderful party!

I feel so very blessed to have such dear & thoughtful friends & sisters in Christ.

Thanks again girls for all that you did.

Probably my favorite part of the party was after we had all eaten our fill...

(Well, eaten our "stuffed like a sausage about to burst" may be more appropriate.) ;)

we retired to the living room & had a delightful chat.

There's never a lull in the conversation with these dear ones,

and it always ends up centering around the Lord.

 

~*~

 

Have you ever seen The Great British Bake Off?

 

{If you have}

Do you have a favorite judge?

 

What dessert would you most like to try from the show?

 

Much love,

Miss Michelle ^_^

{Photos with the Delightful Handwork watermark by me. Others by Gus.}