Birthdays have always been a  big deal in my family. Sure, the presents were certainly a nice perk, but it was more than that. Something about having the whole day all about YOU. Special breakfasts, unexpected lunch surprises (like stickers and notes on my napkin – thanks mom ) and of course, knowing dinner would be followed by one of your favorite sweet treats.

Even getting dressed in the morning was extra special — I remember picking each item for my outfit very carefully, wanting to assemble the perfect, festive birthday outfit — because who doesn’t want to feel pretty on their birthday? And of course if I wore my cutest outfit the boy I was crushing on was sure to  pay special attention to me! Because that’s totally the way it works in real life…not.

Of course in my younger years I also wanted to make sure I had an awesome school snack to share with everyone else. Pre-packaged cookies wouldn’t cut it — so my mom and I would stay up late to whip up homemade rice krispie treats or funfetti cupcakes. And now I hear kids have to bring in dried fruit or celery stalks. And while I’m all for being healthy, that’s simply ridiculous. Cuz every kid deserves frosting on their birthday.

But birthdays were always a big deal for me growing up and somehow I’ve manged not to get all cynical with the rest of them — I still LOVE my birthday. The simple fact is, all you nay-sayers, it’s not just another day. Sure, in the grand scheme of things, it’s just another day on the calendar. But for me it’s a day to reflect and celebrate another year! I love re-living all my favorite memories from the past year. I wrap them up with gold ribbon and colored polka dots, packing them away in my mind for future smiles and laughter. And naturally there are bad times, but I can be thankful for the opportunity to grow from them and look back fondly as I realize how they’ve helped me become the woman I am at this very moment.

I get it — this all seems extremely silly to some of you — you know who you are. And it’s OK. If you want to think I’m immature or acting like a child I say, THANK YOU! Because our birthdays should be a celebration. Our birthdays should make us act silly and eat too much sugar. So my birthday wish for all of you is to celebrate! Don’t dread your birthdays and don’t try and play them off like they don’t matter. Embrace them and be thankful for another year on this incredible earth

For those of you who would like a nudge in the right direction, I have a foolproof plan for a stellar birthday. Surround yourself with good people, good food and the opportunity for laughter and conversation.

Luckily, I had some pretty incredible people to celebrate with this year. My mom’s birthday is actually the day before mine so I spent Saturday hanging out with her (preceded by a lovely double-birthday breakfast with my mother in law), walking, shopping, lunching – the usual. The Mister and my Dad then met up with us for a great dinner at Gavi’s (owned by Sara’s). After dinner we headed to the movies and FINALLY saw the social network. Great movie — go see it.

When I woke up yesterday morning I knew that the Mister had something up his sleeve, because he was already downstairs and dressed by the time I stumbled out of bed. I want to take this moment to thank the Mister for indulging my childish love for my Birthday — he truly did everything he could think of to make the day special.

We started off with breakfast at one of my favorite spots, The Original Pancake House. I enjoyed pumpkin pancakes with fresh whipped cream.

Be jealous.

We then headed to the park for a two hour walk. It was a BEAUTIFUL day. A bit chilly, but beautiful skies, crisp air and lovely fall colors. I tried to soak in as much as I could — they are predicting SNOW later this week.

After our walk we grabbed a quick lunch at The Mustard Seed (which is very similar to Whole Foods) and then headed to a movie. We knew we’d have a bit of downtime in the afternoon and figured a relaxing movie was just the way to spend it. We saw Easy A – it was pretty cute!

After the movie we ran a few errands and then headed to the most anticipated part of the day — dinner (of course). I had given the Mister a few options to consider when making dinner reservations and he settled on The Flying Fig.

We started with a flat bread, which was topped with pork confit, thinly sliced potatoes, caramelized onions and Parmesan cheese.

Of course house bread and olive oil were also thoroughly enjoyed

For my entree, I selected on of the evening’s features — Wild Sea Bass with fingerling potatoes and lemon parsley butter.

When I wasn’t moaning with delight, I managed to tell the Mister that this was the best fish I’ve ever had (this year, at least).

And because it was my birthday, I enjoyed my very own dessert. Warm ginger cake with pumpkin ice cream, garnished with pumpkin seed brittle.

And that, my friends, is how it’s done.

Aside from the incredible food and beautiful atmosphere, I most enjoyed the Mister’s company. Without getting all incredibly sappy on you, I couldn’t be more thrilled to celebrate another year of my life with the Mister by my side. My best friend, my partner in crime, my husband and father to the Little — the Mister is one of the main reasons why I get so excited every year. Because he gives me so much to celebrate and so much to look forward to.

To everyone who sent texts, messages, etc, thank you so much. I’m so lucky to have such incredible friends and family who stop at nothing to make me feel special

And now, with my Birthday music exhausted and my belly full of frosting I must return to the real world. 364 days to go — I’m already looking forward to it.

Do you celebrate your birthday with vigor?! What would make the perfect birthday for YOU?