birthdays

They are the best.  I think everybody has had a few bummer birthdays – expectations set too high, or perhaps there wasn’t enough ice cream cake – but for the most part, they are that one day a year when everything you do or feel should be extra special.

I never work on my birthday.  When I was in school, it was during summer break, and since then I’ve just always made a point of taking the day off work.  This, along with lunch and shopping with my pops, are my lifelong traditions.

This year might be one of my favorites.  Highlights I didn’t capture on “film” include waking up to roses and treats from our local coffee shop (a mocha from Zoka – thank you for the suggestion, Teeny – Joe, you’ve been outed), Sculpt at CorePower to all my favorite Top 40 hits, a mani/pedi, blonder more sun-kissed hair, and a glass of rose with the honey in the yard before dinner.

Given that many in my life have learned to call July my birthday month, or at the least the first week my birthday week, I think I’ve gotten pretty good at this.  So, here are my top seven recs for having a great day:

1. Take some time to wash away any expectations of what will be.

2. Also take some time to decide what you can do for you.

3. Buy yourself something totally cray.  Like, I don’t know, a shimmering gold yoga warm-up jacket.

I don’t usually do true selfies, but the jacket just had to be showcased. 50% off at the studio, say whaaaat? It was meant to be.

4. Be super clear on what you want to do to celebrate.  It was no secret I was dying to check out Westward.

Nautical themed birthday dinner in July.

5. Order something off the menu you wouldn’t normally order.

Cured salmon with berry puree, or something… adventurous for me, alright?

Oysters for J. I wish I liked, I really do.

6. Surround yourself with some crazy fun people.

The crew at La Roux. (did you catch that rhyme?)

7.  Remember, you rule.

One of my favorite birthday gifts. Now that I’m “in my thirties”, I’m going to work on not looking a mess by the end of the day. This little mirror ought to help.