Tomorrow my darling friend Tara turns another year older. I remember our first sleepover, helping her campaign for class secretary (I have to point out she’s Canadian and though she can’t vote, this girl loves a political debate) and video taping her “reporting” as Barbra Walters after a couple of wine coolers (she does work in news now!). Most Tara memories include a good giggle–what I love most! She’s a keeper. Happy birthday friendface!

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April 25, 2011

Tara,

Fairytale birthday wishes for my favorite girl! I hope your twenty-eighth year is full of cheer, good health and lots of cupcakes. And while we’re on it… I think this should also be the year you step up the quarterly visits to monthly jaunts–New York (+ me + Ashton) misses you! Wishing you nothing but happiness, today and always! Happy Birthday lovely!

Lo xxo

Kate and Birdie

Dara and I went to college together. She works in magazines and wears red lipstick better than anyone I know. Her laugh is completely contagious and she has the best jewelry (including a drool-inducing engagement ring).

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April 11, 2011

Darling Dara,

Wishing you a very happy birthday, your last as a single (albeit engaged) woman! I hope today is a splendid kick off to a year of celebrations starring you—I couldn’t think of anyone more deserving! Wishing you health, happiness, and lots of chocolate cake—today and always!

Love,

Lauren

Hello Lucky

My friend Sarah and I have seen each other through boyfriends, planned a sorority formal in another country and taken turns eschewing meat. We always pick up where we left off, and even though we couldn’t be more different I happen to think we go together like spaghetti and meatballs (if you’re eating them, of course).

Happy Birthday love! I hope today is fabulous, just like you. And I hope this year is filled with all good stuff—a new house sounds like the best present ever! We must properly celebrate, and soon. Think we can talk Jon into cooking for us?  Lots of love + hugs.

xo Lo

Bella Ink (graciously donated–thank you!)

Megan is the real wife of my former office-husband Tom. When we were all up in each other’s business, I would initiate birthday present talk weeks in advance. I’d like to think I trained Tom well, because this year he shopped early, wink. If anyone deserves a good birthday, its this loving wife and Mom.

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March 31, 2011

Megan,

Wishing you a very Happy Birthday! I hope there’s a big robot cake, a fabulous present from the mister and lots of smiles and cuddles from the ever-charming Rian. You deserve it all! Best wishes for a wonderful year of health and happiness.

Love,

Lauren

P.S. I hope to see you all soon (I’m dying to check out the new haircut—and am desperate for one of my own!). xx

Hello Lucky

My  friend Carlo wears a mustache (and a gold Timex) better than anyone I know. He is whip-smart and hilariously funny, as evidenced here. I’ve known him thirteen-plus years and he only gets better with age.

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March 23, 2011

Carlo,

You! Happy Birthday handsome! I hope you have a stach-tacular day. Shall we celebrate with some cake? I’ll make the trek to Brooklyn if you promise to be my compass. I’d really rather not wait until Thanksgiving if you know what I mean.

I hope your twenty-seventh year (you big baby) is full of glam and glory. And may today be most wonderful—if only I could persuade Scarlett or Christina to seductively sing you the birthday tune…

Big Hugs,

Lauren

eggpress

Teresa is the mother of my faux-niece McKayla (I’m an only child and will only ever have a niece or nephew by marriage, so I claimed this kiddo the second she was born) and the big sister of my childhood best friend. I remember riding in the backseat of her green Honda Accord and thinking how cool she was to be driving and kissing boys. Many years later, I still admire her, but for different reasons. She’s raising a charming, well-mannered little girl and teaching droves of apathetic high school kids classic literature. And just for today, she gets all the cake she wants—three cheers!

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March 16, 2011

Teresa,

A big birthday wish for a reformed party animal! I hope you have a delightful day with Publix cake and presents you didn’t even know you needed—like a trip to New York City. I’ve got my fingers crossed (and an elaborate plan for tea at the American Girl Cafe).

May the year ahead be filled with all good things—reaching your triathlon goals, respectful students, some time by the sea and maybe even a winning lottery ticket, just for good measure…

YOU DESERVE IT ALL!

Happy, Happy Birthday love!

Love,

Lauren xxo

Tokyomilk