There is a tradition at Sabon in SoHo that the first time a new customer walks into the store, they must wash their hands. That’s right. They’ll greet customers at the door with smiles on their faces and then escort them right over to the sink. Once they’ve got them, that’s when they rub it in — all of their luscious hand soaps, silky lotions and smooth body oils.

Picking a place to celebrate your birthday can become an event within itself. There are a number of different factors to be considered, none of which present us with easy decisions to make. Dynamics such as guest list, location, style and level of intended birthday narcissism all require equal consideration. Throughout the many birthday celebrations I’ve been a part of, I’ve found that there are two types of people: those who excessively love their birthday and those who timidly hate it; to find someone who falls in between is a rare commodity. Whether you are the love or hate type, birthday festivities are always in order and are usually hard to avoid.

Love at first sight does exist. When I laid eyes on the new Charles Albert statement rings worn by some of my favorite celebrities, I knew I had to have one. And, now that they are coming to Sucre in the heart of the West Village starting today, I know for sure that I can get one…or two…or three.

Beauty & Essex is already one of the hottest spots in Manhattan after just a few months of being open. Last night, it got a little hotter with some L.A. sunshine. First lady of the Lakers Jeanie Buss rolled through to talk about her new book “Laker Girl.” The beautiful Buss is, of course, top executive for the NBA champion Lakers. The new book focuses on her life as the daughter of high-profile Lakers owner Jerry Buss… and as everyone knows, her life as the girlfriend of Lakers coach Phil Jackson.

Coffee shop by day, wine bar by night, Cocoa Bar (19 Clinton St.) is the best of both worlds. My first visit was at night. The velvet drapes and simple furniture were a cozy backdrop to a friend’s small birthday get together. We chose to sit at the café bar where reds, whites and a variety of beer are served alongside coffee, espresso drinks and lattes. Some nights, live music sets the tone as patrons mingle, relax and enjoy the company of those around them.

Raised in New York City’s garment district, it is no surprise that Franceska Earl is the founder of Augden, an intricate line of handcrafted sweaters. Augden’s contemporary knitwear design is fashion forward combined with ancient roots. Constructed from the world’s finest natural yarns derived from the native peaks of the Andes Mountains, the collection celebrates luxury through its refined yet comfortable and chic style.

No matter what, I am always in the mood for Mexican. Always. So you can imagine my delight when I heard that a new Mexican restaurant — TEQA Taqueria/Tequileria — with an A-List chef line-up is coming to town.

My dad always said, “Give a man a fish, he’ll eat for a day. Teach a man to fish, he’ll eat for a lifetime.” When I think of Butter Lane’s cupcake classes, that adage comes to mind. Why just buy great cupcakes when you can learn how to make them on your own instead?