Welcome (or welcome back) to my 25th birthday vlog—these are genuinely some of my favorite videos to look back on because it’s basically a little time capsule of who I was each year. This one starts with some weekend fun: I went to a brand new indie bookstore opening with my best friends Olivia and Kristen (we’ve been friends for eight years, but we don’t live super close, so it’s extra special when we get to do days like this). We did a cute little haul, browsed all the bookish merch and locally made bookmarks, and then did a TJ Maxx stop for cozy finds like candles and an oversized sweater. On my actual birthday (a Monday), Luke planned a little day for me—breakfast with his parents (sunflowers + a handmade card, which was so sweet), some shopping, and we went to see Hamnet in theaters. I talk through my feelings on it because I left a little unsatisfied at first, but the more I thought about it, the more I agreed it’s really a slice-of-life look at grief and a love story. I also got my nails done with Olivia (purple cat eye—obsessed), ate my favorite Olive Garden dessert cake, and finished The Good Part by Sophie Cousens. That book honestly made me reflect on aging, gratitude, and how every season of life has both hard and beautiful parts—and I ended the vlog feeling really thankful for the people in my life, even when friendships in your 20s can be complicated.