I have wanted one of these Kånken backpacks from Fjällräven for so long. Think I remember having a green or red one of these as a kid, most children growing up in Sweden in the 80s probably did, but I have no idea where it went.

And, after a few no-so-subtle hints, my love got me one for my birthday. I absolutely love it.

I like wearing it with more dressed-up looks, to give a bit of an edge. That said, it’ll probably come with me out into the woods a few times too. To me, that’s the point of a modern wardrobe — basic pieces that are able to transition seamlessly between all aspects of life.

Getting a year older feels less bad when you’re company of loved ones… and wine.

My man had chosen Public as the site of my birthday celebrations.

It’s a great little place on Elizabeth Street in Soho. The decor is inspired by municipal buildings from the 1930s and they have a Michelin Star.

My aunt and uncle are here from Sweden and were nice enough to treat me to this gorgeous dinner. Lucky birthday girl…

There was kangaroo on the menu, but we did not have that. Instead, I had amazing scallops and a beet gnudi (pronounced “nudie” — which seemed very funny at the time) pasta.

Delicious fried oysters, which I did not order either but snuck a taste of. It also just happened to be the most photogenic dish.

We had bubbly, white and red — all my favorite kinds of wines.

At the end of the meal I got this cute little box of chocolates — nice birthday perk.

What do you do when your birthday is on a Monday? Go to the Monday Room! Which happens to be in the same space as Public.

It’s cozy and they have scotch and menus made from cow skins — which was kind of sad — I couldn’t stop petting ours.

There is also a nice wine tasting menu, but we opted instead for a glass each before we hopped in a cab back home, across the Williamsburg Bridge.

Public is on 210 Elizabeth Street.

/// dress & coat, H&M / cardi, Indiska / scarf, BF’s, bought in Germany last week / bracelet, Fallon / stockings, Betsey Johnson / necklace, boots & belt, vintage ///

More birthday-photos soon…

This pic from last year, when my man took me to Candle 79 for yummy vegan dinner, and then to see the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall (which was good tacky fun). I like to let him pick the place — it’s more fun that way. So… let’s see where I end up celebrating tonight.

It’s been a very nice day so far: breakfast in bed, Mexican lunch with my aunt and uncle, cupcake celebration at work, lots of phone calls (singing ones too) and 100-some FB birthday wishes. Love Y’all. xoxo