#birthday-bash

#birthday-bash

My dad is in good health, and I thought he could make it, which he did. Indeed, on Rush's 80th birthday, Feb. 23, he walked into Wintzell's Oyster House with his father, Jim Rush, to claim their free oysters. Jim Rush is 99.

Christopher T. Hewitt, a lifelong Staten Islander who fed, cared for, and quietly held up his community through decades in the food business, died suddenly at his home in Sunnyside. He was 50. Hewitt's path into food began in the produce department of the old A&P in New Dorp, where he worked as a teenager. He went on to spend years on the East Shore at Delfini's and Top Tomato, gaining the hands-on experience that shaped his career, particularly at Delfini's. In the early 2000s, he owned The Misty Lounge, a Grant City neighborhood bar he ran with friends.

The worst offenders, though, are the goody bags. This year, my kids received them at Valentine's Day, Ramadan, Easter, Halloween, and many birthday parties. Every time they bring one home, they dump its contents on the living-room floor and pick through their treasures with glee. But soon enough, the tiny fire truck has lost its wheels and a fight has broken out over whose Care Bears keychain is cooler, though neither of my children has ever owned a key.

Gifting is a science, some might even call it an art. Knowing the receiver of your affection is the first step to successful gifting, and knowing what you'd like to say with your gift adds yet another layer of complexity. Keep the process simple with these ten design-forward picks from us at Design Milk, perfect for that special someone - romantic or otherwise.

My father has always been a sociable person who loves nothing better than chatting with relatives, friends, and ex-colleagues. So it seemed like a fun idea to throw him a surprise party for his milestone 90th birthday at a cricket club in the English town where I grew up. Our intention was "go big or go home," and my sister, Alison, and I asked dozens of people to join the celebration.

Illustoria is a print magazine for creative kids and their grownups. The magazine celebrates visual storytelling, makers, and DIY culture through stories, art, comics, interviews, crafts, and activities. This high-quality triannual publication is geared toward readers ages 6-12 and the young at heart. Illustoria is the official publication of the International Alliance of Youth Writing Centers, publishing writing and art by young people alongside accomplished professionals.

Rankin was not wrong. Officially known as the restaurant's "family dinner," though it will always be a party to me, Carousel's group menu is what I default to time after time when I have people of varying dietary predilections come through my home at varying times for varying lengths. As a banker's box of kebabs, salads, and sides, it requires minimal prep on the part of the host and promises maximum returns:

A Melissa & Doug ice cream counter for fueling their sessions of make-believe with tons of sweet, stackable flavors, a menu, and - yes - even fake money, because even pretend ice cream comes at a price they simply loovveee charging you. The wooden ice cream counter comes with eight ice cream scoops, six toppings, two cones, a cup, a scooper, tongs, a wooden spoon, a reusable menu card, and six pretend dollar bills.

In May 2026 my father will be turning 95 years old! We, his three children, wish to throw him a party for about 12 people. Some guests will be elderly with walkers and canes. We would love to host this on a budget and preferably either in the San Fernando Valley or on the Westside. If it really fits the bill, we would consider other parts of Los Angeles as well. Maybe a lovely patio or some sort of charming restaurant that harks back to another time that my father would enjoy.

Letting our dogs lick the dishes before we put them in the dishwasher!

It's a very easy date to miss altogether in the shadow of December and New Year's celebrations. Growing up, I often received combo holiday and birthday presents. I was taught to thank relatives and friends and not complain that it wasn't fair. Nowadays, an e-card can be scheduled for auto-delivery to someone's inbox months in advance, so it's not even necessary to remember someone's birthday.

You didn't just lose a husband-you also folded yourself into his family's grief and stood beside them through their darkest moments. Those ties don't simply disappear because life moves forward. Knowing that firsthand, I want to acknowledge the very human dilemma you are facing. You're balancing loyalty to someone who has been family for a long time with the commitment you are now making to a new partner. These are not simple emotional shifts. They require courage, clarity, empathy, and a whole lot of heart.

We gravitated towards the Blue Ball as teenagers, not because they served underage drinkers. They didn't. And we could only afford to drink lime and soda anyway. No, we loved this place because it had (drumroll) two bars. So we were not only cool enough to go down the pub (never to the pub, strictly down the pub or, better still, down the Blue), but we even had our own bar.

There is no greater feeling than seeing a child open their birthday gift from you and knowing you TOTALLY nailed it.

Layered with 47 different artisanal treats, from miniature cakes and truffles to macarons and maple smoked chili caramels, this gift is a nuclear bomb to the waistline, but most of the items on it last up to 30 days in the fridge, so the recipient will be reminded of your generosity all month long. Does it live up to the hype? I put on my fat pants in the name of journalism and requested one to try out.