35: how did THAT happen?

35 makes it all official. I'm in my mid-30s. GULP. It also means I've moved to the next age bracket in surveys, which may be the hardest part of the deal. Age 25-34 box, I really, truly loved you. 35-48 bracket, you are far, FAR less appealing.

Instead of a pity party, however, I celebrated with a fun "me" day. Because nothing says celebrate your declining age by eating your way through your birthday! I started off at brunch with a dear friend at Via Quadronno. Do you know it? Steps away from the Met, the small cafe has a very authentic, rich Italian atmosphere, and I loved nearly fighting my way through the crowd huddled around the bar sipping on cappucinos. Down a narrow hallway, the space opens up to a quaint room filled with small cafe tables. We lunched on paninis and coffee (I recommend the asparagus open-faced panini- delicious). Perfect way to start out the day!

Next, my friend and I stopped for macarons a few blocks away at Laduree. While some say macarons are the new cupcakes, I prefer not to discriminate. What Laduree embodies, however, is pure elegance. The shop is practically perfect in every way, and you might think you'd wandered into Coco Chanel's dressing room -- pastel colors everywhere, gilded fixtures, wait staff in appropriately-dressed black ties and crisp white shirts. Except for the long line (macarons have become the "it" dessert), it was a simply lovely experience, and the macarons themselves were light, fluffy and delicious.

Continuing the "me-ness" of the day (only a mother would feel guilty about this, but I managed to forge on...), I stopped off for a hair cut with Mark on Madison. I'm in the process of growing my hair out, but there's no question I needed a trim to shape things up. Mark, who began his career with an apprenticeship at The John Barrett Salon at Bergdorf Goodman, gave me some great tips on styling my hair on the go (namely to concentrate on the front part of your hair -- blow dry your bangs and the front pieces on each side of your face -- let the back air dry naturally!) and I love the way the cut turned out. With a few snips I was back in ship shape again, and Mark was a doll. Keep him in mind the next time you need a professional to whip your tresses back into shape -- he's worked with such celebrities as Christina Applegate and Angelica Houston, and fab bloggers like Ellen Schmidt (HA!).

Here's where I made a wrong turn-- for some ungodly reason I decided it might be fun to try on some new clothes at Bloomingdales (note to self: unless you're a size 4, do NOT enter a dressing room on your birthday). Needless to say, I made a hasty exit.

Luckily, I redeemed myself later over a cocktail (or three?) with friends at the restaurant bar within The Nomad Hotel. Sufficed to say, Mama doesn't get out much, and it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that I thoroughly enjoyed myself. It should also be noted that I have amazing friends, which is just one of the reasons I'm a pretty lucky girl. Can 35 year olds still call themselves girls? 

YES.

Bring it, 35!

Disclaimer: My Mark on Madison haircut was complimentary. All opinions expressed herein are my own.