How to Birthday — Rachel Nevergall

I consider myself a bit of a birthday expert. I have perfected my skills over the years. And sometimes I worry we forget how to celebrate ourselves. So here are a few tips I have gathered that regardless of your situation, allow your birthday to Shine.

Step 1: Do all your chores the day before. Clean your house. Do the Laundry. Run the errands. Try your very best to save that day for only the bare minimum of work. Unless you like to clean. And in that case, go right ahead. And come over to my house while you are at it. Also you are crazy.

Step 2: Start the morning off with a little exercise. Nothing crazy, I mean this IS your day off. But a run, a yoga class, even a walk around the neighborhood, preferably alone with nothing but your headphones keeping you company. Not that you need any excuse to indulge but it sure does make that extra piece of cake taste especially delicious. Also, exercise creates endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. And you should be happy on your birthday. Who you calling old? Fist bump. Go You.

Step 3: It is ok to plan something fun for you. I have been known to plan and cater and decorate my own birthday party. Not because I figured no one else would do it but because if you want your day to feel special, you have to treat yourself that way too. Go to a coffee shop and get a full fat latte. Get lost in a book store. Buy that candle you have been eyeing. Especially if you have a birthday coupon from Anthropologie. (I’m headed there later today.) Read a book during your lunch hour instead of checking work email. Invite your friends to meet you for happy hour at that cocktail bar you have been wanting to try. Just for a day do something that is just for you and feel zero percents of guilt.

Step 4: Learn how to just say Yes and Thank You. If someone wants to surprise you with fun. If they want to shower you with gifts. If they want to watch your children or clean your car or pick up the bill. If they want to treat you in anyway don’t be shy, don’t say “you don’t need to do that.” It can be so hard to let other people take care of you, especially as adults. I am as guilty as anyone. Remember, I’m the one who plans her own birthday party. But whatever you do just let other people love on you because, no, they don’t have to but they want to. So open up your heart, say Yes and say Thank You.

Step 5: In case it is not the day you had hoped. In case the kids are bugging you or someone forgets or the boss doesn’t care or nothing goes the way you had planned. In case of emergency, just reschedule. You can celebrate you any day of the week, month or year. It is never too late.

Step 6: Don’t forget to drink something really really fun. I am enjoying a Negroni float. Because Gin and Ice cream. Who can be mad at that?

Negroni Float - Serves 1

1 oz. Gin

1 oz Campari

1 oz Sweet Vermouth

3 oz Blood Orange Soda

1 scoop vanilla ice cream

Add liquors and soda to a glass filled with ice. Top with ice cream. Garnish with lemon and orange rind.

Raise that glass. Toast to the years before and the years ahead and be thankful you have been given another chance to Raise and Shine today and every day.

And as luck would have it, just before this post went live, my sister surprised me with my birthday present. Great blogging minds think alike. Check out her version of a Negroni. We like them around here.

Happy Birthday to You and Happy Birthday to Me!