12 Days of Birthday Celebrations to cure the Birthday Blues
My upcoming birthday got me thinking about birthdays in general. Mention the word birthdays to an adult and you usually get a sigh and “uggh”. Mention it to a child and you get a cheer and “yay!” Why do so many adults dread birthdays? Why the Birthday Blues? My guess is most people don’t look forward to getting older in this world where the media tells you that young equals good and old equals bad. Yet, I don’t understand that. Pause for a moment and just think of the alternative. The way I see it, every day we are alive is a gift and your birthday is the best gift of all.
Your Birthday is the anniversary of your arrival at this party we call “Life”
When was the last time someone cheered when you arrived at a party? Your birthday is a day when you get to celebrate YOU. The world would not be the same if you had not been born because only you can be you. As Marie Forleo, well-known business coach and all around fabulous woman, so perfectly says:
No other person has, or ever will have, the unique blend of talents, strengths & perspective that you have. The world needs that gift that only you have”
This is why I’m excited about my birthday. It’s a day where you can be the center of attention and not feel guilty about it. I will admit, although I am not always comfortable with the attention, I am so very grateful for it. My family and friends’ warm wishes always remind me how very lucky and blessed I am.
So the question is “How can we cure the birthday blues and make your birthday a day to look forward to?”
Do you remember as a kid you couldn’t wait for your birthday to arrive? That’s because it was a fun day with some sort of celebration with your friends, whether big or small, that was all about you. As adults, we need the same, except since the “getting old” birthday blues are so powerful, we need to really pull out the big guns to conquer them. Make it as exciting as possible and celebrate your birthday for as long as you can by planning fun things to do (and to look forward to) over several days. Who says you can only celebrate your birthday one day a year? There is no birthday police around. Celebrate all week or even all month if you want to. In my case, I have planned “12 days of Birthday Celebrations”. As an event planner, it’s no surprise I love planning birthday parties, including my own! I have been doing it for as long as I can remember. As a kid I took charge of my own party plans. Nowadays it is no different but my celebrations have changed a bit – think more wine and less fruit punch. Planning days of special birthday celebrations puts you in charge of how you will spend your time leading up to, during and after your birthday. Don’t get me wrong, having family and friends plan a party for you is awesome but that doesn’t mean you can’t plan the pre and post birthday celebrations. It is the best way I know to help you look forward to your birthday and cure the birthday blues for good.
I’m sharing with you my game plan below for what I have planned for the next 12 days of Birthday Celebrations, not to boast or show off but to hopefully inspire you to stop dreading your birthday, get over the birthday blues and do the same when your birthday comes around. Some activities are pricey and some are free. The point is to choose the things that you enjoy most and do something to celebrate YOU. It can be as big or as small as you wish.
If you’re in Orlando, please join me at some of these events and let’s celebrate! My 12 Days of Birthday Celebrations are The Cure to The Birthday Blues.
Cure the Birthday Blues with My 12 Days of Birthday Celebrations
Day 1: Oblivion Tap Room Cider & Cheese Tasting
I’m singing this to the tune of The 12 Days of Christmas… “On the first day of birthday celebrations, my Lady Crafter friends gave to me…a taste of cider and cheese”
This event on Thursday April 17,2014 is for ladies that love beer, or in my case a lady that wants to learn about beer. The lovely Lady Crafters group in Orlando have offered to take me under their wing and teach me all about this crafty beverage so I can find one to love. They are easing me into it with a Cider and Cheese tasting at Oblivion Tap Room, the place of their first meeting two years ago. For more info and if you want to join in on the fun, click here. Oblivion Tap Room is located at 5101 E Colonial Drive, Orlando FL.
Read all about “A Discovery of Cider & Cheese in an Unexpected Location”
Day 2: AMC Fork & Screen
I’m singing again, you can sing along too. You know you want to… “On the second day of birthday celebrations, my true love gave to me…Captain America action at Fork & Screen”
I love movies and I love food. AMC has combined the two at Fork & Screen in Downtown Disney, where you don’t have to sacrifice food quality and variety to watch the latest flicks. I’ve been dying to see Captain America The Winter Soldier and here I get to see him in all his glory, while having a nice glass of wine and dinner from a menu that is not your typical movie-fare. My favorites are their Veggie Triple Feature appetizer loaded with veggies and hummus, the Truffle Parmesan Fries, Thai Coconut Chicken Tenders and Bistro Chicken Mac & Cheese. So many good choices! Plus, save room for popcorn because you can’t watch a movie without popcorn, right? Click here to see the menu. AMC Fork & Screen is located at 1500 Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista FL
Read all about “A Foodie Dinner & Movie Experience Worth Celebrating”
Day 3: Go Epicurista Ultimate Progressive Dinner
My singing is getting better (in my mind)… “On the third day of birthday celebrations, my best friends gave to me…a progressive dinner on Park Ave”
There is nothing better than getting your best friends together for a nice dinner to celebrate your birthday. I selected Park Avenue in Winter Park as there are so many great restaurants to choose from. But, what’s a foodie to do when she can’t decide on one place for an epic birthday celebration? Pick four and host a progressive dinner instead! Who says you only have to go to one restaurant per evening? During my “Go Epicurista Ultimate Progressive Dinner”, we will visit a different hot spot for each course to sample the chef’s specialties paired with a wine or cocktail. It’s a great way to sample different cuisines and work off the calories as you walk from one restaurant to the next. Our first stop is The Wine Room on Park Avenue to start the evening with their amazing cheese selection and a wine tasting from the various Enomatic machines. Where we go from there is a secret. My guests don’t know yet so I can’t tell you, but I promise to share all the details on the blog soon. Follow along on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter and share in on the fun! If you need help planning your own progressive culinary feast, let me know and I will come to your rescue. Remember, I love to plan events! The Wine Room is located at 270 Park Ave South, Winter Park FL. Click here for more info.
Read all about “Winter Park Ultimate Progressive Dinner Experience”
Day 4: Easter Brunch
On this, my actual birthday, I will be singing a bit louder… “On the fourth day of birthday celebrations, my best friends gave to me…an Easter Brunch and lots of festivities”
This year, I am blessed my birthday on April 20th also falls on Easter Sunday. It is a day of rebirth and renewal and I think that could not be more awesome or appropriate. There are fabulous Easter brunches to choose from in Orlando. Check out my Top 9 List and make a reservation. My friends are surprising me on this day so I don’t know where we are going. I do love surprises! But whether we are staying at home or eating out, I do know it’s going to be great spending the day with loved ones.
Read all about “An Easter Celebration with a Sweet Surprise”
Day 5: Christner’s Prime Steak & Lobster
Sing with me…“On the fifth day of birthday celebrations, my true love gave to me… a romantic dinner at Christner’s”
I have wanted to go to this Central Florida institution for years but never found the time. As part of my #MakeSomedayHappen mission we are finally going to Christner’s, previously known as Del Friscos, one of the oldest steakhouses in Orlando. I can’t wait to devour one of their fabulous prime aged steaks. Plus, their wine cellar boasts over 5,500 bottles of wine and I hear they have a new cocktails list featuring inventive “Scotchtails”. The Peach Scotch Smash sounds refreshing with J&B Scotch, Yellow Peach, Cointreau, Lemon and Mint. My BF will probably have his usual Rusty Nail with Johnny Walker Black and Drambuie or he may try one of the many other options on the menu. I know the BF is excited about that! Christner’s is located at 729 Lee Road, Orlando FL. Click here for more info.
Read all about “A Celebration Dinner at Christner’s Orlando”
Day 6: Cask & Larder Happy Hour
The celebration continues… “On the sixth day of birthday celebrations, my dear friends gave to me… a happy hour at Cask & Larder”
I can’t wait to sample the adult concoctions that Mike Bass, award-winning bartender extraordinaire, has to offer at Cask & Larder. In honor of Earth Day, on April 22, 2014 I selected a location that takes sourcing fresh ingredients from local farmers as seriously as they take their food and drinks. Mike’s “Majority Rules” cocktail has received International attention and he is headed to the United States Bartenders Guild World Class Competition in May. The Happy Hour features include $6 cocktails and wine, $3 house-brewed beer, $1 oysters and $2 ham biscuits. It sounds like a winner to me! For more info click here. Cask & Larder is located at 1234 North Orange Ave, Winter Park FL
Read all about “How Cask & Larder Happy Hour Saved My Life”
Day 7: K Restaurant & The Rusty Spoon “Chef Mash-Up” Dinner
Still singing… “On the seventh day of birthday celebrations, my true love gave to me…a Mash-Up Dinner with two amazing chefs!”
James Beard Award nominated Chef Kevin Fonzo of K Restaurant and Kathleen Blake of The Rusty Spoon are teaming up for one night to bring us their Mash-Up Dinner Event on Wednesday April 23, 2014. This five course dinner will be paired with wines from Stonestreet Winery of Sonoma and Freemark Abbey Winery of Napa. It promises “One Night, Two Chefs, Food & Wine Awesomeness!” If this doesn’t cure the Birthday Blues I don’t know what will! Space is limited so call to make your reservation and join me! For more event info click here. K Restaurant Wine Bar is located at 1710 Edgewater Drive, Orlando FL.
Day 8:Tony Roma’s Fire Grill & Lounge
Let’s sing again… “On the eight day of birthday celebrations, my friends gave to me…Fireball Cocktails for free!”
The Tony Roma’s location on Lee Vista has impressed me with their new look, new menu and craft cocktails. This is not the Tony Roma’s I remembered from my college days. It’s much more inviting with a menu of house-made dishes and beverages using local ingredients. On Thursday April 24, 2014, Tony Roma’s and Fireball Whiskey are sponsoring a cocktail hour for the Lady Crafters of Orlando with complimentary Fireball Cocktails, bar snacks and live music. You must join the group to attend but it promises to be a great evening! Click here for event info. Tony Roma’s Fire Grill & Lounge is located at 7015 S Semoran Blvd Orlando FL.
Day 9: Everglades Vine & Dine
The singing continues…“On the ninth day of birthday celebrations, my true love gave to me…A Wine Dinner from Coast to Coast”
The first Vine & Dine Wine Pairing dinner of the 2014 series promises to be an unforgettable culinary journey from coast to coast. I can’t wait to taste what creative treats my friend Chef Fred Vlachos has come up with. He never disappoints. Dinner starts with Stone Crab Claws with a spicy key lime aioli paired with King Estate Pinot Gris from Oregon, one of my favorites, and ends with Red Wine Poached Apples & Pears with a Dark Chocolate Mascarpone Mousse paired with Fonseca Tawny 10 year port. The word I’m thinking of is Yum! Click here to see the full menu and call to make reservations if you want to join me as space is very limited. Rosen Centre Hotel Everglades Restaurant is located at 9840 International Drive, Orlando FL
Read all about Traveling through Food with Everglades Vine & Dine
Day 10: The Great American Pie Festival
Sing along… “On the tenth day of birthday celebrations, my true love gave to me…a never-ending pie buffet!”
I’m headed to the Pie capital of the world, the Town of Celebration in Central Florida, on Saturday April 26, 2014 to indulge in what I’ve been promised is a never-ending pie buffet featuring award-winning pies, ice cream, and toppings! Tickets are only $10 for adults ($5 for seniors and children) and that is such a deal! I may even try my hand at making my own pie at the Comstock Creation Station. There are lots of activities, entertainment, and demos throughout the day and it continues on Sunday 4/27. This is the event for pie-lovers like me! Click here for more info. The Great American Pie Festival is taking place at 631 Sycamore Street, Celebration FL
Read all about “National Pie Day and The Never-Ending Pie Buffet Celebration”
Day 11: Universal Orlando
Let me clear my throat… “On the eleventh day of birthday celebrations, my true love gave to me…Harry Potter, Butter Beer and Thrilling Rides”
Living in Orlando FL has many benefits. One of them is I get to visit the theme parks without having to buy airfare! Universal Studios Orlando is in the middle of their Mardi Gras Celebrations so I will be headed there for Spicy Jambalaya and Beignets. Islands of Adventure’s Harry Potter is one of my favorite spots to visit. This is the only place you can get authentic butter beer. If you’ve never tried it, you are missing out! I hear that I can get a Birthday Button at Guest Services for special attention throughout the day. Who doesn’t like special attention?
Day 12: Cold Stone Creamery
My voice is getting a bit tired but I’m going to finish strong… “On the twelfth day of birthday celebrations, my true love gave to me… an ice cream creation from Cold Stone Creamery”
If you know me, you know how much I love ice cream. I’m on the Ultimate Ice Cream Hunt after all! I’m ending my 12 Days of Birthday Celebrations with a cherry on top of my favorite creation from Cold Stone Creamery. Should I go with the Birthday Cake Remix, since it is my birthday? Or, how about my all-time favorite, Peanut Butter Cup Perfection? The best part is when you sign up for the “Cold Stone Club” you get a free ice cream creation with the purchase of another. I love freebies on my birthday! This will be the perfect way to end my 12 Days of Birthday Celebrations! For more info on Cold Stone Creamery E-Club click here.
Hundreds of merchants offer deals and freebies on your birthday. There are enough choices on this awesome site for you to create your own 12 days of Birthday Celebrations without spending a lot.
I think these 12 days of Birthday Celebration will definitely cure the birthday blues, don’t you? I hope it inspires you to make your own plans so you can look forward to your birthday and never have the Birthday Blues again!
If you’re in Orlando I hope you will join me at one of these fun events. I would love to celebrate my birthday with you. If you are not in Orlando, then I hope you will follow me on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter and share the celebrations with me.
Please share this post with your friends using the social links below and let’s banish the birthday blues forever!
Cheers!
GO Epicurista
YES, Someday is always waiting to happen. I love the idea! I’d like to make a vegan version of this post (hehe), and I’d love to join you as well as I’m in Orlando ! Enjoy the festivities!
Carolina, yes let’s do a vegan version! there are great restaurants in Orlando that are doing some fun things. I would love to explore that option! Thanks for stopping by and joining in on the fun!
This post made me hungry! And jealous that you can just go have a Butter Beer … I haven’t been to Universal yet. Great ideas … I will have to keep this in mind for next year.
Beth, thanks for stopping by! Yes, butter beer is so totally worth the trip to Universal! There are many that have tried to imitate the recipe but there is nothing like the original. The marshmallow foam they put on top is amazing!
What a fresh perspective! After recently experiencing some birthday “blues” myself, your appreciation and gratitude was refreshing. I’m sitting here celebrating you and your thoughts from a distance, wishing you another year of being fully, authentically you and embracing all that you can celebrate each and every day…
Stacey,Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing your feedback and being so encouraging. I have not always had such a cheerful perspective but I consider myself very blessed to have learned this lesson even if it was the hard way. I hope to inspire others to do the same. Cheers to you!
Wow! What fun days! Definitely time to embrace ourselves and ENJOY life!!! Thanks for the fun post 🙂 Happy Birthday to us!!!
Thanks so much Sarah! Let’s keep celebrating! I’m so happy you liked my 12 Days of Birthdays. I would love to see more people doing this. Imagine how happy the world would be? Cheers to you!