1. Save the birthday cards you receive, and on the morning of your birthday (preferably before anyone else wakes up), fix your favorite breakfast and open them while you eat. That way, you'll have time to celebrate before the day begins.

2. A few weeks before your birthday, tack a sticky note up on the fridge (or somewhere your husband will see it) reminding him that your birthday is coming up. Include a few gift ideas; sure, it's not romantic, but at least he won't forget!

3. Send your mom a birthday card thanking her for all her hard work on the day she had you! Or, spread the joy around -- give a present to someone who makes you happy, like your child, husband or sister.

4. Act like a kid again! When you were young, your day was all about indulging and pampering yourself. So go ahead -- dig into that cake (without feeling guilty about the calories!), have your friends come over to celebrate or blow up balloons with your kids.