My Birthday Dinner And Artist-Designed Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

Sorry, I disappeared for a couple of days. Luckily, I had a lot of fun things going on for my birthday, and I literally didn’t have time.

Bar25 Newburyport MA

Jeff and I went to a new to us restaurant in seaside Newburyport MA called Bar25. The restaurant offered drinks, of course, since it’s called Bar25. And they specialized in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food. I skipped the cocktails and ordered a glass of Malbec, but Jeff had a perfectly prepared, very smooth Old-Fashioned. We ordered Fried Artichoke Hearts with Meyer Lemon Aioli. It was yummy. For dinner, I ordered lamb kabobs with sour cherry basmati rice. Jeff ordered turmeric grilled chicken with saffron basmati rice. Both entrees were deeeeelicious!

The atmosphere of the restaurant was a unique melange of things. First, the building was an old Newburyport red brick. The interior walls were brick, and the ceiling was exposed beams.

They had lots and lots of old books from the 1930-60s maybe (?) on shelves, in display cases, on the check-in desk. There were different types of chandeliers in the two dining rooms. The chairs in the upstairs dining room where we ate were to die for, raspberry pink velvet fabric, and so comfy!

There were private tables as well as some tables for groups or communal tables. The large tables were made from live edge wood and were gorgeous!

We skipped dessert because Jeff brought me a beautiful birthday cake from my favorite bakery at Henry’s, Beverly MA. My cake was decorated with a combo of cherry blossoms and polka dots. Love it <3

My Outfit

It was a warm, sunny spring day with temperatures reaching the high 60s. Finally, some true spring weather!

I wore something that was kind of spring-y but still warm enough since I knew the temperature was going to sink back to the 40s at night.

Wrap Blazer

I chose a top that I bought two years ago but hadn’t had an opportunity to wear. The top was based on a painting by artist Constance Festo Lafond whose studio is located in Beverly MA, the next town to where I live. Jeff and I met Connie several years ago during the Open Studios in her building. In fact, I have written about other pieces of apparel and home decor that I’ve bought in the past (here). Connie works with two design and manufacturing companies: La Galeriste, Contrado and Society6. The top below is manufactured by Contrado. Here’s Connie’s apparel label:

If I remember correctly, the top I bought was based on a portion of Connie’s painting called Autumn Beauty. (I know it may sound strange for me to choose to wear Autumn Beauty on a spring night!) My top is called Wrap Blazer Autumn, and it is “made to order”. Connie’s painting is printed on fabric and made into the item of choice. It can be made in one of two fabrics:

• Crushed Velour, 98% polyester, 2% elastane (5.31oz.)
• Velvet Fever Poly Satin (3.24 oz.)

This may sound silly, but I can’t remember for sure which fabric I chose. I believe I chose Velvet Fever Poly Satin because it is so lightweight and so soft.

The Wrap Blazer Autumn has a shawl collar, somewhat wide sleeves that are similar to “bell” sleeves, and it closes with two sets of metal-tipped strings. The fit is loose, though it appears semi-fitted with a bit of a waistline. I wear it as a top, though if you wanted, you could wear it over a tank top.

The Wrap Blazer comes in a variety of sizes from XXS – 3XL. My top in the photo is a Medium.

Connie also sells Wrap Blazer via Contrado in other painting motifs, and she sells other apparel styles.

My Pants

I shopped my closet, and I decided to wear medium brown jeans-style pants. The Slim Ankle Jeans from Talbots in their Petite size fit me perfectly. The length is just right without me needing to hem them or fold them over or under. I love them. In fact, I bought them in almost every color they make them in. Plus, Talbots has frequent sales (like every week) and a generous loyalty program.

My Boots

In September, I bought a pair of gorgeous boots from Nisolo, a B Corporation that uses a climate neutral process, and pays workers a living wage. Plus, the boots are incredibly well-made.

My boots are the Mia Everyday Ankle Bootie in the shade, Almond (Mia comes in a variety of colors). The boots have a comfortable insole and a 2 inch block heel. Because I have narrow heels, I wear my Mia boots with a semi-thick sock. Like Western-style boots, they still slip a little bit in the heel on me. But my regular size, 6.5, fits me very well. In fact, there was no break-in period. And the leather is beautiful.

Nisolo shoes are sold at Nisolo retailers and on the Nisolo.com website where there are usually sales (though not right now on Mia), as well as at Nordstrom and Zappos.com where Mia is on sale right now.

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas??

Though I don’t know your taste, but the made to order Wrap Blazer based on the motif that suits you or your giftee may be something to consider. And definitely, take a look at Nisolo boots, sandals and shoes. Just a thought!