Happy Monday, Ambitious Fam! Over the weekend I did my final round of birthday celebration. If it seems like I have been celebrating my birthday for a while…well it’s because I have been. Birthdays are very special to me, and while I get a thrill out of celebrating my own, I get just excited to celebrate those of my friends and loved ones as well. This year I kicked off the celebration with a family dinner. I also did a THOUSAND “birthday burpees” at an Insanity class with my gym friends. In addition, I went on a Sibling Birthday date with my little brother (we share a birthday) to play Topgolf (more on that here). The celebration continued into this past weekend when I got together with a few of my fave blogger friends for bottomless Mexican brunch and by buying my 27th birthday gift–a custom pair of Kendra Scott drop earrings. While these celebrations encompassed the last two weeks of February, I wanted to share how I celebrated my actual day of birth. Also, keep reading for an update on my 30 before 30 Bucket List progress!

Here is how I celebrated my (actual) 27th birthday:

Boxing and Burgers

If you would’ve asked me a few years ago if I planned on exercising on my birthday, I would have laughed. However, in the last couple of years, I have really enjoyed incorporating some kind of workout class into the day and enlisting friends to join me. I decided to treat myself to a BASH boxing class, which I had only attended once prior but loved. I was thrilled when my bestie, Kimmy, agreed to drive up to try out the class with me! I was equally as excited when Megan, who had attended my birthday spin class with me last year, was also down to attend.

The class was just as great as I remembered. There is something about getting to let out all of your emotions on a punching bag. It not only feels cathartic, but it’s a great workout as well. The next morning I was definitely sore from working muscles that I don’t typically use. At the end of the class, the instructor called me up (to my surprise) and awarded me the Birthday Championship belt. Such a cool little touch to make completing a boxing class on your birthday feel extra special!

After boxing, Megan, Kimmy, and I went to refuel at Holy Cow aka my FAVORITE burger place in the area. I usually go with the build-your-own burger option and sweet potato fries (with the marshmallow dipping sauce!) but honestly, you can go wrong with any of the fry options. As an added bonus, I was gifted a salted caramel birthday shake! We sat in the restaurant for hours and just chatted about life. It was so heart-warming to see two of my favorite people getting along so well. Eventually, we were able to peel ourselves from the table to shower and get on with the rest of our nights. 

{SURPRISE} Party

After I showered, I headed down to Fredericksburg for what I thought was going to be a lowkey night with my bestie and her family. Turns out, she coordinated a surprise party for me with friends! I was so surprised to see everyone’s faces (even Emily’s who drove up from Richmond!). Honestly, I was close to crying–I had never had a surprise party before and I was touched that they were able to throw something together on such short notice (I had only decided to go down there the day before). They all coordinate a Chipotle-esque spread, games, and cake. It was the perfect way to end my birthday. 

30 Before 30 Update

As you can see, I did not get very far on my 30 Before 30 Bucket List last year. This year, I plan to complete at least 5 items on the list so that I can get closer to my goal before my 30th birthday!

Thank you so much to everyone that took time out of their lives to make me feel loved. I appreciate every single one of you! As for my 27th year, I am looking forward to having more firsts, more adventures, and continue to grow into the best version of myself.

Stay tuned for my upcoming vlog that shares special moments from my birthday celebrations!