My birthday is just a little over a week away and I am pretty excited. I have a birthday curse that makes not-so-great things happen on my birthday, but I am determined to squash it this year. If your birthday has not come around yet this year, check out this list...

1. Take the day off work. I am 100% against working on your birthday. It is a day to celebrate you and your life; your life is not (and should not) be about your work. Instead, celebrate with your hobbies, the ones you love, your bucket list...anything except for work. Work should not define you.

2. Splurge. Go out and buy that something you have had your eye on for a while now. Try that new restaurant you have been wanting. Get your hair, nails & makeup done. I am not saying go overboard because at the end of the day you still need to live within your means, but that does not mean that you cannot live a little.

3. Plan a trip. We all have a list of place we want to go. Pick one, and plan it out. Seriously, plan the whole weekend. Pick a weekend (or a week if you can), arrange for your transportation, hotel, sights you want to see, the whole nine yards. I am not saying you have to follow through, but you should.

4. Do something memorable. Break out that bucket list folks! There is no day like the present to cross another item off.

5. Throw a party. I am not saying to run out and throw your own birthday party, but why not? If you don't want a birthday party, then just have a party. A winter white party, a pool party, a luau...whatever strikes your fancy. It's your day so pick a theme you like and run with it.

Bottom line: it is YOUR day, do what YOU want. Throw caution to the wind. Do something spontaneous. Step out of your comfort zone. And invite those you love to do it with you!

Happy celebrating :)