Lifestyle

My birthday party is a good example. I threw it for myself at Sandplunch, they brought out trays of sandwiches piled high, I ordered ten perfect cakes from Ninetynine, and we played competitive bingo that got way more intense than anyone expected. My friend Mikelle Kelly managed the whole thing and even arranged a surprise drag performance. Houses and Parties sent a vintage taxicab to pick me up. I almost didn't do it, there are always plenty of reasons not to make a big deal out of your own birthday, but I'm always glad when I push past that and celebrate with the people I love.

Then there's the stuff that pushes me out of my comfort zone. I spoke on a panel at Terrain's Halloween styling event at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and I'll be honest, the nerves were real. It had been a while since I'd spoken in public. But once we got started, the conversation flowed naturally and the flowers and decor were unbelievable, which honestly shouldn't surprise anyone since it's Terrain we're talking about. They even had a terrarium making station that gave everyone something beautiful to take home.

Seasonal stuff runs through all of it too. First fires of fall, spring photo diaries, pumpkin cookie baking sessions with the kids, and rescuing sunflowers from rainstorms just because they're too beautiful to lose. Whether you're here for birthday party inspiration, fall traditions, creative events in New York, or just a reminder to slow down and actually enjoy the small stuff, these posts capture all of it.