0 In life

older, wiser perhaps…

I have teamed up with Wells Fargo. Thank you for supporting the companies that make LoveRavayna possible.

Looking through the lens of my 34th birthday, I definitely got introspective. I don’t think it’s so much the number that’s impactful, but I think I was really reflecting in the crazy of the last couple of years. I organized my thoughts into things I’ve learned and things I’ve earned- because who doesn’t like a little birthday shopping?!

Something major I’ve learned and embraced is to take control of my own birthday expectations and or happiness. In past years, myself and friends have had disappointing birthdays, Mother’s Days, etc, and I’ve come to realize that as a grown woman, I’m in control of my own destiny and my birthday celebration. So I requested my usual farmers market morning, brunch and a little birthday shopping, a birthday nap, a yummy dinner and a gorgeous abstract cake. And by deciding and specifying, I got the perfect leisurely birthday sans the birthday planning drama. That said- this is my ideal currently, for this season of my life. If you want a party or love surprises or want a birthday pie this year- you do you! Just speak it into being and make it easy on everyone.

Another personal one, but I’ve learned that I’m a person who tends to cherish experience gifts over wrappable ones. This might tie into love languages, but the nitty gritty here is to find what you enjoy or treasure, what makes you feel celebrated, and acknowledge and embrace that facet of your personality.

Similarly, I’ve worked hard to be be discerning about the material items I value, and to curate a spend vs save mentality. I love pretty things, but want to be mindful of materialism and the environmental effects of consumerism, specifically by prioritizing purchasing the things I truly want and need, not whatever catches my eye.

Birthdays make me sentimental, and I find myself reminiscing about birthdays past, and those I shared it with. I have some childhood friends that I’m still impressively close with, but others who have become acquaintances over the years. I’ve come to recognize that sometimes friendships fade and it’s okay to be grateful for what you’ve shared, move on with grace, and remember with fondness.

And I’m definitely still learning on this one, but it’s that time is money, and as a full time work-from-home mama I need to keep that in mind as I prioritize my time and organize my responsibilities. I can be a little bit of a control freak and want to do everything my own self, but that’s neither rational or feasible. So my work in progress is delegation in a way that allows me to be the best and most present mom and businesswoman I can be.

Growth is hard work, and achievement deserves celebration. So let’s talk gifts!

I think a trip or an adventure is a gold star gift- I’m always here for a getaway! This year, I desperately wanted a trip home to New Orleans to introduce Asher to all our friends and family, so we made that happen. I love a birthday trip because I’ve got an insatiable case of wanderlust, but I can’t complain about the rewards I receive as a result of using my WellsFargo Propel® credit card. With 3x points earned on flights, hotels and home stays, car rentals and gas, eating out and ordering in, the rewards points really accumulate quickly.

And if time or budget doesn’t allow for a full fledged getaway, I love a quick hotel staycation too. We tend to choose hotels in different LA neighborhoods for immersive experiences, but let’s not discount the magic of a restorative single night stay- check in to hit the spa or order room service, have a luxurious bath, and a dreamy nights sleep- sounds like heaven.

I also love an elevated basic- bring some indulgence to your everyday! At this point in life, we know what we love, and what we use day in and day out. It’s a nice gift to upgrade that. An accessory to treasure is a fabulous gift, and a versatile one, as options span the price spectrum.

Something already beloved, supersized or amplified, is also a fab gift. A favorite rosé? Go for a case! Upgrade to the huge candle or oversized bottle of a perfume. I also love a gift that keeps on giving here- like a hair salon membership for the blowout lover, or a meditation app subscription for someone in pursuit of more everyday zen.