Self Gifting

Does everyone give themselves birthday gifts? I hope so. I think it's important to treat yo'self and  that means different things to everyone. To some people it means actual gifts, and to other people it means time off or experiences. I am fiercely protective of my time and try to keep on top of my experiences too, which usually leaves me with material gifts during birthday month.

Some years are lean and I end up with nail polish as my gift to myself. Other years I save or save gift cards and go nuts. This year I'm turning 40. Spoiler alert: it's a go nuts year. But even in the years when I don't have any money to spare, I know I am worthy of gifts not only during my birthday month, but all year long, gifts like

extra time to do what I want or nothing at all
more walks outside
breathing my way to a quieter mind
more time spent in the company of people who make me laugh...and my dogs
loosening up my schedule so I have more time to recharge
additional books requested from the library
some time spent researching free events in my area I'd like to take advantage of
20 minutes to spare on a Sunday to apply a face mask
Putting off chores to get more sleep

Because the best things in life ARE free. And we all deserve these things. As for the not-free stuff of this particular birthday month...

First Aid Beauty Hello FAB Caffeine Matcha Wake Up Wipes, Urban Decay Eyeshadow in ABC Gum (thanks Amy!), Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen for face, and my free birthday gift - Tarte lip and cheek set and a deluxe sample of Jack Black mint & shea butter lip balm with SPF 25.

Lou & Grey Poplin shorts for bumming around on sale for $26. And I used my $15 off LOFT birthday coupon. Oh, and the day I ordered these they were $44. The next day they were 40% off. You better believe I called and retracted my birthday coupon and ordered them again at the sale price. Honestly I hate shorts but they're a must at the shore.

Not really birthday related, but I did buy this stuff in March and nothing says adult birthday like furniture, right? We're redoing the downstairs porch at the shore this year. We bought two chairs last year and used two chairs from home that were on their way out along with a table that's seen better days. The salt air is a real bitch when it comes to longevity of things. I'm replacing the chairs and table that were from home with this set from Target. On sale, holller. I hope they're comfortable or that will be a real pain in the ass for MFD to assemble them then un-assemble them so I can return them. I've also ordered these cushions and pillows to replace the drab ones that came with it - I won't know if they'll work until I get them, so stay tuned.

In the spirit of spreading the self love throughout the month, I'm waiting on the arrival of a Dakine backpack that I got half off at eBags to give my aging back a break (thanks Lisa for the rec). And not yet purchased, but I'm filling my Nordstrom cart with some things from my wishlist so I can take advantage of triple points later this month.

How do you treat yo'self for free, and if you're spending cash, what is your favorite thing to buy yourself?