Turning 25 felt like the perfect mix of sweet, chaotic and low-key, which is basically everything I could’ve hoped for in a birthday weekend. I kicked things off on Saturday with a little trip into Philly to pick up a cake slice sample box from The Sugary. I’ve been eyeing the cakes for months, so finally getting my hands on a box full of their slices felt like a treat in itself. I somehow managed to pace myself and save lots of leftovers for later, even with flavors like chocolate peanut butter caramel and coconut key lime staring back at me.

After that, my mom and I headed to La Mademoiselle Macaron for tea, which felt like the most wholesome way to ease into the day. We split the chicken salad sandwich and the baked brie, both of which somehow managed to be light but still totally satisfying. We couldn’t resist ordering the famous Dessert Tea, a tower of scones and tiny desserts complete with unlimited tea refills, so you can switch up your flavor as much as you want. Between pastries, tea and catching up, it was the perfect little birthday indulgence.

Later that night I swapped the tea for something a little more chaotic and headed to Atlantic City to see Jake Shane and Connor Wood. The show was hilarious and exactly the type of unfiltered, ridiculous energy I needed to properly celebrate turning 25. I’ve followed them on social media forever, so seeing them live, honestly, felt surreal. Plus, nothing bonds you with strangers faster than collectively losing it over a story about unhinged dating apps and chaotic life advice.

To round out the weekend, Sunday was spent at a trivia championship game at Ott’s Sewell — the perfect low-key reset after the AC chaos. Our team, The Screws, didn’t place; but just hanging out, sipping drinks and battling it out with teams like Solid Chicken made it worth it. Between the jokes, questionable guesses and that one round we almost crushed, it was the kind of simple, fun ending that made me extra grateful for good friends and small moments. Here’s to 25! Sweet, slightly chaotic and off to a good start.

— Fiona Stewart, account executive