You’d think by now I would’ve developed a little more “cool,” if not downright mystery about my birthdays, but I still get as excited about them as a three -year-old would. My parents are driving in from Palm Springs today to spoil me all weekend, so this birthday will have a a “back to where it all started” vibe along with a few art shows, and dinner at my favorite restaurant.

In the beginning…

I come from a long line of people who milk birthdays for all they’re worth – here’s my Grandma Ellie introducing me to chocolate cake (my first love until red velvet came along a few years later), and you only have to click here to see how dad made his 80th birthday last for six months (and TWO family trips).

Grandma Ellie and getting into chocolate cake

So, I thought I’d take this opportunity to reminisce about some of my own favorite birthday memories. Of course I had the obligatory clowns and pony rides that were all the rage back in the day, but my parents also transformed our living room into a home theater one year (long before they were in vogue)  with all my favorite cartoons.

My 5th birthday in Des Moines

Another year they hired a coach (and the store) to take my entire class to Baskin Robbins where we ate as much ice cream and ice cream cake as our little hearts desired. When I met Nick, the birthday baton was passed onto him, and I have to say – he did NOT disappoint – year after year he outdid himself.

Nick did know how to throw a great birthday party

Each one was spectacular in it’s own way, even the quiet ones like the romantic dinner at Cafe Royal for my 24th, or the dinner with Simon and Yasmin LeBon, David Bowie and Coco Schwab at the Ivy in LA for my 28th. The one that stands out most has to be the party he threw (with the help of Andy Warhol’s address book) for my 25th at Limelight in New York. Janice Dickenson let me raid her closet for the event. I chose a stunning midnight blue leather Versace ensemble that accentuated the sapphire ring and earrings that Nick had given me for my birthday perfectly. I then spent the entire evening quite literally speechless as my idol, Carly Simon tried to make conversation with me – it was beyond surreal to have her singing happy birthday to me!

My 30th with Keith Haring in Paris …

Nick took over Dave’s restaurant in Paris for my 30th birthday in Paris, and filled it with dear friends (it helps that my birthday falls close, if not bang on, fashion week).

Daughter knows best

Of course, the absolute best celebrations didn’t begin until Tatjana came along, and she’s still the best at picking out birthday cards and great pressies. A big thank you shout out to her boyfriend Aaron, too – he started this birthday off with a surprise gift last week!

Quite a few killer parties organized by friends

As soon as Nick and I split, my friends Jeanette Calliva and Steve Strange made sure my birthdays were still duly celebrated. Beginning with  a fabulous party of dinner and dancing at Limelight in London, with many more to follow (I do have the kindest, most thoughtful, FUN friends anyone could ask for).

More recent birthdays

A tradition my fiends in LA have carried on – including the exquisite 50th birthday party Normandie Keith threw for me!

Celebrating the half century with my LA girls

I do feel so very loved, and want to thank all of you for making me feel special year after year. Now, I’d hate to think any of you feel left out of the celebrations, so here’s my Auntie Vera’s chocolate fudge cake recipe to feast on….

Auntie Vera’s Chocolate Fudge Cake

Serve with ice cream of your choice – I like coffee ice cream with mine, but almost all flavors of ice cream go well with chocolate fudge cake. I originally published this cake for Halloween celebrations, so just ignore the decoration note for birthdays.