Style Guru Diary: BIRTHDAY MONTH!!!

Most people know I’m REALLY into birthdays – OK, obsessed is probably more accurate. They are actually my favorite thing in life. Whether it’s a close friend/ family member/ colleague, or my own – there’s nothing I love more than to get really into the whole celebration. As I’m maturing I definitely prefer other people’s special day to mine – I love making a r eally big deal out of it and making people feel incredibly special. After all, it’s the one day a year th at’s all about YOU. In fairness, I don’t celebrate my birthday solely on August 22^nd.

Growing up spending summers in Muskoka and having a late summer birthday meant we’d celebrate in July with my Dad, at the cottage in

August, and again in September with my Toronto friends. At age 8, I started spending my special day at camp – this was a really big deal – I was changing camps and the only 2-week session offered was during the last two weeks of August, meaning I’d be away from home on my biggest day of the year. It turned out to be fantastic because I’d now celebrate at the cottage before leaving, at camp (skipping around the dining hall and wearing a “Birthday Hat” all day) and then again several times after returning home. So for as long as I can remember, my birthday festivities have started in July and lasted well into the fall. I usually start counting down one month before from July 22nd… but once it’s August 1^st it’s officially Birthday Month. Followed of course by Birthday Week, Birthday Eve, my actual BIRTHDAY – and any celebrations trailing which are essentially Birthday Boxing Day.

I start every day reading my horoscope in what used to be The Globe, and now online – being a Leo/Virgo cusp I read both and pick whichever is better. I have strong characteristics of both signs, but I’d say overall I’m a Leo true and true (I have the Tiffany’s astrological pendant to prove it). I love when retailers ask for your birthday – this happened to me at Michael Stars in The Grove a few weeks ago, and imagine my delight when I received a card in the mail last week with a big “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” and saying I’m entitled to 15% off any purchase for all of August. Birthday month is officially here - my Muskoka birthday flowers from last weekend are below to prove it - from my mom who says every day's my birthday - uh OK!!