Swine, wine, and 32 candles...
Good god. The countdown to my 32nd birthday has begun! Actually, it's less than a week away. On freaking Monday, of course. The worst possible/buzz kill/work-day of the week. So, because of that tragic detail, I decided to start the birthday festivities early. As in a week early. It just wouldn't be "me" if a 7-day-long celebration did not ensue...
After having fallen in love with my initial experience, I decided to throw myself a birthday party aboard last night's Swine & Sparkling Wine-themed cruise. What better way to kick off the week-long celebration, right? With coordination assistance from Emily K., Benchmarc Events' Director of Communications, I arranged for about 40-50 friends to join me for all-things-pig and bubbly (...I know, I'm such a good Jew!).
Since the ship wasn't scheduled to set sail until 8pm, some friends and I met up beforehand at PJ Clarke's on the Hudson (located very close to the cruise dock) for a couple of rounds.
Once aboard the ship, we clinked our glasses of sparkling wine and noshed on a bountiful pork buffet. All the while taking in breathtaking views of lower Manhattan, a handful of Brooklyn bridges, and Lady Liberty. Just about an hour before we docked, I was led to the top deck where my friends gathered to present me with sparklers and an assortment of cupcakes. The group serenaded me with a jovial "happy birthday to you," before I blew out a candle and made a couple of wishes for my upcoming year.
From the weather, the food and drink, and all of the surprises - to being surrounded by so many of my dear friends, last night was one of the greatest birthday celebrations of my entire life. A big 'thank you' to Emily M., who orchestrated dessert, and to the fabulous team at Benchmarc Events, for being so generous, enthusiastic, and helpful. I am, truly, the luckiest girl in the world.
...
So, what's on deck for the rest of my 'celebratory week,' you ask? Take a peak...
8/1 Dinner with Devon, my friend in town from San Diego, at La Promenade des Anglais
8/2 Dinner/drinks with Tammi, one of my readers, who I've become good friends with!
8/3 Chillaxing at home with my puppy, Lucy (Yes, I've decided to keep her!) - giving myself a pedicure - and packing for the Hamptons
8/4 Hamptons
8/5 Hamptons
8/6 *Birthday* Massage at Exhale, followed by dinner at Mexico Lindo (though the venue may change, as it's not my favorite)
Sounds like a pretty damn good week, doesn't it? Cheers!
~~~
Until we eat again,
The Lunch Belle