6 Things That Make Me Feel Like Aubree

Birthdays always make me a little reflective.

Instead of thinking about where I thought I'd be by now, I've started thinking about the little things that make me... me.

The things that have been part of my life for years. The things that make my family and friends say, "Yep, that's so Aubree."

So, in honor of turning another year older, here are six things that make me feel the most like myself.

My Name

One of my favorite things about me is actually my name.

I was named after the song Aubrey by Bread, and I've always loved that. It feels especially fitting because music has always been such a big part of my life. Whether I'm listening in the car, singing along in the kitchen, or making playlists for every season and mood, there's almost always music playing somewhere around me.

Knowing I was named after a song makes my name feel even more special. It's unique, it's part of my story, and it reminds me of one of my favorite things every time someone says it.

I guess it was meant to be.

My Birthday

I absolutely love my birthday.

July 14 just happens to be Bastille Day, France's Independence Day, and I've always thought that was so fun.

One of my biggest dreams is to celebrate my 40th birthday in Paris. I can already picture wandering the streets with a pastry in one hand and a coffee in the other, spending way too much time in little bookstores, and ending the day watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle.

I've wanted to visit Paris for as long as I can remember, so celebrating a milestone birthday there just feels like the perfect way to do it.

Baking Something Sweet

Baking has always been one of my favorite ways to spend my time, and I think that's because some of my fondest childhood memories were made in the kitchen.

I grew up baking with my mom, my grandma, and my aunts. Whether we were making cookies for the holidays or just whipping up something sweet on an ordinary day, the kitchen always felt warm, welcoming, and full of laughter.

Those afternoons are some of my favorite childhood memories, and I think that's why baking still feels so special to me today.

These days, I'm definitely a creature of habit. Chocolate chip cookies, brownies, and lemon squares are my go-to desserts, and they're the recipes I find myself making again and again.

But lately, I've been itching to branch out and try new desserts. Maybe this is the year I finally stop saving recipes on Pinterest and actually make them.

To me, baking has never just been about dessert. It's about creating memories, showing love, and carrying on a tradition that reminds me of home.

My Niblings

My nieces and nephews are, without question, my favorite humans on earth... aside from Cory, of course. 😊

Some live in Las Vegas, one lives in Texas, and the rest are here in Utah, which means we don't get nearly enough time together.

Being an aunt has become such a big part of who I am. I don't have kids of my own, so getting to be "Aunt Aubree" is one of the greatest joys in my life. I love showing up for birthdays, celebrating their accomplishments, watching them grow into their own little personalities, and making memories with them whenever I can.

One of my biggest dreams is to one day host an annual cousins' retreat where every single one of them can spend a week together making memories.

I picture games, swimming, movie nights, baking, and lots of laughter. More than anything, I hope it's something they look forward to every year and remember long after they're grown up.

I don't know exactly what it will look like yet, but I know it'll happen someday, and I can't wait.

Las Vegas Will Always Feel Like Home

I was born and raised in Las Vegas, and I miss it all the time.

Do I think I'll ever move back? Honestly... probably not. The summers are just too hot, and most of my family doesn't even live there anymore.

But no matter where life takes me, Las Vegas will always have a piece of my heart.

I love the mountains that surround the city, the incredible restaurants, the lights, the energy, and the fact that there's always something to do.

There will always be something special about Las Vegas. It's where I grew up, where so many of my favorite memories were made, and a place I'll always love visiting.

Game Nights

I love games—board games, card games, party games. If there's a game involved, count me in.

Some of my favorite childhood memories are of my siblings and me staying up way past our bedtime, sitting around the kitchen table playing cards with our mom. We'd laugh until our stomachs hurt, beg for "just one more game," and somehow convince her to let us stay up a little later. Those nights are memories I'll always treasure.

Games have always been a big part of my family. We spent countless afternoons and evenings gathered around the table playing Risk together. If you know Risk, you know it can get pretty competitive—and my grandpa definitely didn't believe in letting the little ones win. If you wanted a victory, you had to earn it.

Looking back, I'm actually grateful for that. Those family game nights taught me to think strategically, laugh when things didn't go my way, and maybe embrace my competitive side a little more than I should have.

To this day, I think Risk is still my favorite board game. Give me a deck of cards, a board game, or really any excuse to gather around a table with people I love, and I'm happy.

Honestly, if you invited me over for homemade desserts and a long game night, I'd probably think it was just about the perfect evening.

Building a Life I Love

As I've gotten older, I've realized that who we are isn't defined by the biggest milestones in our lives.

Sometimes it's the little things.

A favorite song.

A dream trip.

A homemade dessert.

A loud game night.

The people we love most.

The place we'll always call home.

Those are the things that make me feel the most like Aubree.

Looking back, I realized all six of these things have something in common. They're all about connection. Connection to the people I love, the places that shaped me, the traditions I grew up with, and the dreams I'm still chasing. I guess that's what makes a life feel like your own—not the biggest moments, but the little things that stay with you year after year.

As I celebrate another birthday, I'm feeling especially grateful for all of them—and excited to see what this next year has in store.

What's one thing that makes you feel the most like you? I'd love for you to share it in the comments. Maybe it's a favorite tradition, a hobby, a place that feels like home, or someone who has shaped who you are. I can't wait to read your answers.

Here's to another trip around the sun, to making more memories, and to continuing to build a life I love.