Pie for Breakfast, or, Spending Time and Money with Intention

As some of you know, I celebrated a birthday last month.

*Thirty-third, but who’s counting….

I’d like to tell you how I spent my birthday, because it was one of the most enjoyable and meaningful days I’ve had in a long time. 

June 11th, 2026

8:30 AM. Wake up, no alarm. Make coffee

9:00 AM. Pie for breakfast. And coffee, of course

9:30 AM. Walk to Pike Place Market

10:00 AM. Buy myself a big ol’ bouquet from one of the flower stands

10:30 AM. Walk home along the waterfront

11:00 AM. More coffee, at Bake Shop with my mom. Talk about what I’m excited about in the year ahead

12:00 PM. Visit my friend and her new baby in the hospital. Bring pizza. Multiple strangers joke “you brought me pizza, how nice!” on the way in

2:30 PM. Long walk home from the hospital, totally dazzled and worn out by the concept of new life

3:30 PM. Nap

5:00 PM. Read The Keeper by Tana French and knit (WIP is an eyelet lace cardigan)

6:00 PM. Get ready for dinner

6:30 PM. Dinner on the patio at Mezzanotte with my family

9:00 PM. Catch sunset on the roof of my apartment building. Feel lucky to be alive.

Customizing your perfect day

So now you know a little more about me and what my perfect day looks like. You might be thinking “Wow, that sounds amazing,” or “Boring! Where’s the EDM show?” That contrast is one reason my day went so well - it was unique to my joys and preferences. I love spending time with people I’m close to, having time for myself, and feeling rested. If you’re more of a “talk to 45 new people and dance yourself clean” person, that might be part of your perfect day. Or you might want to hike 12 miles up the side of a mountain. It’s up to you!

How I spent (and didn't) to create joy

I also spent both time and money with intention and zero guilt. A lot of days, I worry about if I’m doing enough, saving enough, or spending my time the “right” way. But on June 11th, my mission was making myself happy. I bought my flowers and brought my friend pizza without a second thought. I also decided against a high-ticket shopping trip or an Amazon spree, not because they cost too much, but because they wouldn’t have brought more meaning to my day. 

Learning how to spend meaningfully

If you have the flexibility and the means, I encourage you to give this a go. Take a day, birthday or no birthday, and make it all about you. To determine what to do with your day, try asking:

• If "shoulds" didn't exist, what would I do today?

• What did I last buy that brought me joy?

• What activities leave me feeling energized?

  
  

If a full day isn’t possible, a half day or a few hours absolutely counts. Not only will you have an awesome, memorable experience, you could learn a lot about what you value for your money and your time. You might find that the best days aren’t the most expensive ones - they’re the most aligned.

Interested in aligning your money with your values? Find a time to chat with me here.