In My Haven: January 2022
Note: I am going to try publishing a journal post on the first of every month. Each post will be centered around a particular theme that will guide my work and my communications throughout that month.
This January in my haven my thoughts are centered around birthdays! My birthday is in January, but that's not the only reason this topic is on my mind. It's a new year, which means that all of us can start looking forward to our next birthday. There is so much to love about birthdays, whether you prefer a simple celebration or an elaborate affair. In this journal entry, I have several great birthday-themed ideas to share with you, from birthday gift ideas to delicious birthday cake recipe suggestions. I hope you find something you like!
My Thoughts: How to make anyone feel special on their birthday
In the Haven Handmade Shop: Personalized birthday gift ideas
Make it Yourself: Reusable birthday decoration tutorials
In the Kitchen: Birthday cake recipes from simple to grand
To Read: Birthday-themed books
How to Make Anyone Feel Special on their Birthday
I think that the key to making anyone feel special on their birthday is to show them that the celebration is really about them. This may sound obvious, but since each of us is a unique individual, our ideal birthday celebrations are going to be just as one-of-a-kind as we are. There is a great episode of Parks and Recreation (Eagleton, Season 3, Episode 12) that illustrates this idea perfectly. Leslie Knope planned a big, high energy surprise party for her best friend Ann Perkins, while she planned a solitary steak dinner for Ron Swanson. These two celebrations could not have been more different, but each friend ends up feeling special on their birthday. For me, what makes me feel most special on my birthday is when the day feels different from a regular day. Having a meal cooked especially for me, being able to choose what activities I do either with others or on my own, and getting to feel a little bit pampered by my family all make me feel extra special on my birthday. What about you?
Birthday Gift Ideas from Haven Handmade
Personalized gifts are Haven Handmade's specialty, which makes them perfect for birthdays. Everything in my shop is "made to order" so I can customize anything to reflect the interests and style of your gift recipient. You won't find a more thoughtful gift anywhere! Below are three of my favorite gift suggestions.
Personalized Travel Drawing Sets
Travel drawing sets are a great gift for all ages. Children can take them along anywhere so that they have an easy way to stay busy and happy wherever you may be going. They also make a wonderful gift for teens and adults because they can be used as a journal (gratitude, bullet, prayer, etc.), sketchbook, or planner.
Huggables
Huggables are always a great gift for the little ones celebrating their special day. Choose from a variety of animal designs or have a look-alike Huggable made just for them. No matter what you pick, their Huggable will be a gift they cherish.
Personalized Banner
These personalized banners are my newest product and I think they would make an especially great birthday gift. This sample was made to reflect my daughter's style and personality. I chose her favorite colors so that it would look perfect hanging on her bedroom door. I can't wait to make a design that is just right for you!
Reusable Birthday Decoration Tutorials
I really don't like buying birthday decorations that are going to get used once and then tossed in the trash. I'd rather be able to reuse them celebration after celebration. My two main reasons for this preference—first, it saves money and, second, the decorations accumulate significance. The first reason is pretty self-explanatory, but what do I mean by “accumulating significance”? Let's say you have a felt garland that you hang up for every birthday celebration. Each time you put up that garland, it's going to remind you of the previous birthdays you've celebrated. All the memories you made become linked to that felt garland, giving it special meaning.
Speaking of garlands, here are a few tutorials I found that will help you get started making your own special birthday decoration that can be hung up year after year, growing in meaningfulness.
My sister made me one that is very similar to this colorful felt garland!
I really like this garland too because you can cut the felt into any shapes you like.
If you're looking for a garland style that is a little more unique, but still pretty easy to make, then I think this twisted garland would do the trick.
Birthday Cake Recipes from Simple to Grand
Do you prefer to have a homemade birthday cake or one bought from a bakery? I bet you already know my answer! I'm having trouble deciding how decadent I want my birthday cake to be this year since I'll just be celebrating with Peter and Joanna, but I think I've narrowed it down to one of these three recipes. (Unless I change my mind at the last minute!)
If I decide to keep it simple, these chocolate cupcakes would do the trick. They are incredibly easy to make, but you won't be disappointed by the flavor or texture. (Bonus: They are dairy-, nut-, and egg-free.)
It would be hard to go wrong with a classic yellow cake with chocolate frosting, wouldn't it?
When I want a more decadent birthday cake, I usually opt for this double chocolate delight. It is almost always the one Peter asks me to make for him, but I might make it for myself this year.
To Read: Birthday-themed Books
I have two reading recommendations on the topic of birthdays, one for kids and one for adults. For the kids, One Word from Sophia is a sweet book that Joanna has enjoyed reading time and time again. In it the young protagonist is trying to persuade her family to get her an unusual birthday gift. It's a really cute story and I also really love the illustration style. It turns out grown-up storied about birthdays are a little harder to come by. I really had to rack my brain to think of one, but it turns out I read one this past year that I'm excited to recommend. It's called Oona Out of Order and it is the story of a young woman who experiences her life out of chronological order. It's a unique story premise and I was really intrigued by how Oona builds relationships with others throughout her life. Do you have any birthday-themed books to recommend?
I'm looking forward to celebrating my birthday this month and hope you found a little birthday inspiration in this post too! I'd love to hear your thoughts about birthdays. Is it a day you look forward to? Do you have any special traditions or unique customs? No matter whether your birthday is coming up soon or months away still, I hope it's a very happy one for you!
From my haven to yours,
Beth
Disclosure: The links in this post are not affiliate links. I do not receive any compensation for the recommendations I make in my journal. It's just a place where I can write about what I like and think you might too.
