So this is t w e n t y e i g h t 🎉
01/03/1996 💖 Twenty eight years ago today, I came into this world. This year my birthday falls on a Wednesday, which was the same day I was born on. I was actually supposed to be born on Christmas, but I came nine days late. I suppose life had other plans for me. If I had been born on Christmas, supposedly my name would have been Noelle. I don’t see it personally for me, I think Samantha is much more fitting for me. I came into this word at a whopping ten pounds. I know right?! Sorry mom! Growing up, I was always envious of people who had birthdays in other seasons. For a January birthday, It’s always cold in the winter, people are always traveling or gone during this time, and the worst? Getting a “Christmas and birthday” present. I always thought you should get more gifts, but alas you actually get less gifts. Not that it really matters at an adult age, but as a kid I was bummed. Over the years, I’ve learned to just embrace having a winter birthday. I always wondered why I knew so few people with winter birthdays, especially January birthdays and it turns out that one of the more “rare” zodiac signs is Capricorn. So I guess it’s not all bad having a January birthday then? Nonetheless, over the years I’ve been grateful to have some unforgettable birthdays. My fiancé has done a wonderful job at making sure of that whether it’s a nice dinner, traveling outside of the country, going on a cruise — he always makes sure my birthday is what I want. Honestly we’ve been traveling so much that I just wanted to have a chill birthday. So this year, I’m spending my birthday evening with my fiancé and we’re doing something low key. We’re going to this vibey little sushi spot in the Arts District for dinner after work, and then meeting up with some close friends for cocktails at a fun bar. I couldn’t ask for a better birthday to be honest. Cheers to me, and another year around the sun. 🎉🎀 #birthdaygirl #bloggersoflemon8 #blog
It's funny how, over the years, my perspective on having a January birthday has totally shifted. When I was a kid, all I saw were the downsides: the cold, everyone being busy post-holidays, and yes, the combined Christmas-birthday gifts. But as I've gotten older, I've really started to appreciate the unique charm of a winter birthday. There’s something cozy about celebrating when it’s chilly outside. It almost forces you to slow down, to gather with a smaller, more intimate group, and truly connect. Instead of big, outdoor parties, you get warm dinners, board game nights, or even just a quiet evening in with loved ones. It really is a different kind of magic. This year, opting for a 'chill' birthday felt absolutely right. After so much traveling and excitement, the idea of a relaxed evening at a vibey sushi spot, followed by cocktails with close friends, is my perfect kind of celebration. It’s a reminder that birthdays don't always have to be grand gestures; sometimes, the most memorable ones are those filled with simple joys and genuine company. It made me think about how planning an adult birthday can be so much more about what you truly want, not what you feel obligated to do. For anyone else out there planning a low-key celebration, I highly recommend picking your favorite comfort food, a cozy atmosphere, and just enjoying the presence of people who truly matter. Looking back at old photos for my 28th birthday blog, like the nostalgic collage my family put together, really brought back a flood of memories. Seeing myself as a young girl, opening presents, and even that adorable shot with Pluto, reminds me how far I've come. It’s a wonderful way to mark the passage of time – not just with cake and candles, but with a genuine appreciation for all the stages you’ve been through. Those childhood moments, even the ones where I was grumbling about my winter birthday, shaped who I am today. It makes me wonder what memories I'll be looking back on in another 28 years! And about that 'rare' Capricorn zodiac sign? It’s kind of cool, actually. It feels a bit like being part of an exclusive club. While I might not meet tons of other January Capricorns, the ones I do meet often share a certain determination and loyalty that I really resonate with. It adds another layer to what makes a winter birthday special – a connection to a season and a sign that’s a little bit unique. So, if you're a fellow winter baby, especially a January one, embrace it! There's so much beauty in celebrating during this time of year, from the quiet reflections to the warmth of gathering close.
