Yesterday was my 25 birthday, and we spent much of the weekend prior celebrating a quarter century of my life. Aside from all the jokes about how I’m really old now, it was a lot of fun and I’m grateful to the friends and family who make every day of life special, not just my birthday.
On Friday evening, Brett and I braved the heat on the city sidewalks to get to the beginning of birthday weekend, which was a cheeseburger for me, of course. Nothing like a birthday burger! After dinner, I was surprised when the waiter brought out a pink and green funfetti cake. Before work one morning last week, he bought some gluten free cake mix and sprinkles in my favorite colors to make the cake for me, which I loved.
Back at home, I got my birthday gifts. Back when we were in Maine in May and I was shaming him by being able to eat more ice cream after a big dinner, he let slip that he was planning to buy me an ice cream maker for my birthday. I assumed that wouldn’t end up happening at least until next year because we both live in tiny New York City apartments with nowhere to put an ice cream maker. Still, when I saw the big box, and unwrapped a little set of ice cream tubs, I had a feeling I knew what was inside…and it was a pink Cuisinart ice cream maker. The perfect present for someone who eats as much ice cream as me š
Saturday was a little break from celebrating, since we went to visit my grandfather in the hospital where he’s been as he hasn’t been feeling well. I enjoyed being able to share the cake, carefully brought on ice from the city due to the triple-digit heat dome covering the Northeast, with our family when we were there. On Sunday, we went to dinner at Bailey’s Backyard in Ridgefield and for ice cream afterwards at Deborah Ann’s. Roasted John Dory fish and crispy brussels sprouts followed by a heaping cup of soft serve with sprinkles. Same places as last year when I turned 24, but different food and definitely a different overall feeling.
I also enjoyed spending part of Sunday picking the wild raspberries that grow near our house in Connecticut. It’s the little things that make you smile in summer. In fact, picking some more raspberries en route to an easy 5 mile run on Tuesday morning was the first thing I did on my 25th birthday. After breakfast, we headed over to Swoon Bakery for a gluten free funfetti cupcake for me and cookies n’ cream for Brett.
Finally, for dinner on Tuesday, we made homemade turkey and feta burgers and grilled them with french fries and veggies. More ice cream to follow, for the perfect end to celebrating a quarter century of my life. Now it’s on to the next chapter.
How do you like celebrating your birthday?
What’s your favorite birthday treat?
Do you prefer to make birthday cake or buy it at a bakery?
Ā© 2016 Renaissance Runner Girl. All rights reserved.
Happy Birthday!
LikeLike
Happy 25th, Alyssa! The ice cream maker sounds like such a fun present and the pink is just perfect. Sounds like a perfect weekend with tons of delicious food- the perfect way to celebrate a birthday š
LikeLike
Happy Birthday! All birthday’s need cake, ice cream, and cupcakes oh and sprinkles, lots of sprinkles š
LikeLike
HAPPY Birthday Alyssa! It looks like you had such a blessed birthday. That was really sweet of Brett to make that cake for you. š You are a really special girl. I love celebrating birthdays by just a simple day with my family. Eating a grilled meal is always fun too.
LikeLike
Happy belated birthday! I love getting cakes from the bakery, but can always appreciate a cook homemade cake too š
Blessings,
Edye | http://gracefulcoffee.wordpress.com
LikeLike
Happy birthday! That was so sweet of Brett to make you that cake and get such a nice gift! Cake is always a must on birthdays, especially if it’s homemade.
LikeLike
Happy belated birthday! Oh man, what I wouldn’t give to have a birthday in the middle of summer. As it stands, I’m right after the new year, which always ends up being the coldest day of winter š That being said, it means I can go up to the mountains to snowboard, which is something I always appreciate.
LikeLike
Pingback: July Monthly Recap | Renaissance Runner Girl
Happy belated birthday! For a few years in a row I requested turkey burgers (homemade) on my birthday. Makes more sense for a July birthday than a December one (like me) haha. Here’s to a great year!
LikeLike
Happy 25th! Isn’t it a weird feeling? Weren’t we just kids the other day? That is so sweet how the waiter brought you out a cake–just to clarify, had Bret made it and then brought it to the restaurant secretly?
LikeLike