Happy birthday to me!
I tend to shy away from the center of attention, so I’ve never subscribed to the “everyone bow down to my birthday” philosophy. I’m happy to celebrate others’ that way; I’ve just never done it for myself. So, I have to admit that writing a me-centric post feels a bit awkward.
In some ways, a lot has changed for me in the past year, and in others, everything is the same. I suppose life is always like that?
This year, I’m in the midst of a festive weekend, where last year I didn’t – and didn’t want to – do much celebrating at all. And while as much uncertainty exists as last year, I feel much, much more confident that life is mine for the taking. Every year does make us a bit wiser.
How’s that for ambiguity?
My morning began exactly as I wanted:
Someone needs a new yoga mat. Or cleaner feet.
Last night, my sister took me out for wine and dinner at Counter, a 100% organic and vegetarian wine and martini bar in the East Village.
I’ve been meaning to go to Counter for a long time now, as the restaurant basically sums up my philosophy on life. It has a trendy atmosphere but lets you dine; it has an extensive wine list and creative cocktails; its menu showcases local and organic vegetables, changes seasonally, and is designed for sharing.
Doesn’t this menu just make you so, so happy?
I was presented with champagne immediately after arriving [late, as usual] – my sister knows how to handle special occasions.
Sadly, the lighting was really not conducive to photography, but we did share four delicious small plates, including the likes of broccoli raab, sunchokes, endive, pears, eggplant, pomegranate seeds, sweet potato gnocchi, and chestnuts. [Everything was well-seasoned, flavorful, and delicious, except the gnocchi, which were too dense. Disappointing, as I had not eaten gnocchi in years. Years.]
We also split dessert with a candle:
Please excuse the grainy photo. This was a pear semolina cake with chocolate ganache, oatmeal streusel, and vanilla bean ice cream. All their desserts are vegan, and all the ice creams are nut-based. I love.
I would go back to Counter in a minute. I really, really loved it.
Thanks to each and every one of you for sharing in the end of my 23rd year. I’ve got a weekend of calm festivities planned, exactly as I’d like, and I’ll be back with a recap of it all. Enjoy your weekends!
What is something that has changed in the past year of your life?
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Happy Birthday sweet, precious Leslie! I hope you have the best b-day weekend because you deserve nothing less. And how funny–I think I have the sameeeee mat, and the same (?) dirty feet! So funny :D
Love you and happy birthday, again!
HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!! :-D
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! :) I’m glad you had a great dinner at Counter. I should give that place another chance…I’ve been there for brunch for a blogger meet up and really didn’t like it. The dinner sounds fantastic though!
In the past year, I’ve become single, after an intense 2 year relationship. At first, I thought that sucked. But now I’m realized that it was a good thing. I’ve become so dependent on another person in making me feel “complete” and beautiful and confident that I forgot what it feels like to think those things about myself.
I hope you have a wonderful birthday! It looks like it started off on the right foot (or feet :) )
Happy birthday, Leslie! I hope your day continues to be exactly as you want it to be — an everyday dream but essential on your birthday. :)
One big change I’ve had in the past year was moving out of my “okay” apartment/neighborhood, where I had lived for the past three years, to a setting that is exactly where I would like to be at this point in my life. I added a few minutes to my commute but the decision was 100% worth it.
Happy Birthday! Counter looks amazing. Have a great day today!
Happy Birthday! Glad you’re celebrating exactly the way you want to!
I feel like I’ve been on a constantly changing (and improving) journey this year, more confident, stronger, more growth in general :)
Happy Birthday! What a fantastic-looking dinner. I’ll put that one my list of places to go next time I’m in New York. :)
You’re just a couple of months older than I am. The past year has been the craziest ever — graduating from uni, living in Korea and really discovering myself as cheesy at that sounds. It’s been incredible and unforgettable. Here’s to the future!
happy birthday leslie!!!! enjoy a very you-centered day, you deserve it. :]
happy birthday sweet girl~~~ Enjoy yourself!
happy birthday leslie! we shall have our own belated celebration this week :) counter is a classy place, though i do wish they had more entrée choices on their menu.
in the past year i’ve become more independent, strong-willed and motivated to achieve my goals. it’s been good. :)
i already said it but i’ll say it again HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
xoxo
happy birthday beautiful! glad u had a great time. you deserve everything in this world to make you happy, you are amazing! :)
xoxox
maya
I love that menu, looks sooo good!This year I started blogging and really thinking about what career I want which sadly I didn’t know in college or in the years after. It has taken me awhile :)
Happy birthday Leslie! :)
I wish you and your family good health, days filled with laughter, love, and many more amazing meals.
Sorry to arrive late. Happy Birthday, Leslie!
I wish you another successful and happy year. Thank you for sharing your sweet life with us.