Lessons My Gran Insists On Putting In Greeting Cards

My grandmother has an odd way of telling you things. In some cases, regardless of how long you know her or your relation to her, she'll tell you exactly what she thinks at any given moment: "You've gotten fatter since the last time I saw you!" I've become so accustomed to her blatant honesty that it no longer shocks me. I'm often puzzled by others' raised eyebrows and nervous laughter when she makes statements such as "These shoes are rubbish," while the poor salesperson has to think of an excuse as to why the shoes are not up to her standards. The nice thing is, she means well, she isn't an evil, miserable old lady at all. She will often put my friends needs above my own, Tavia can vouch for this, Ma will often scream "Wait! Let me get you a clean towel for your hands" (this is not because all our other towels are dirty, just that they are not up to "guest" standards.)

I admire my grandmother for many reasons, raising 4 children by herself often with little help from others; remaining strong through so many trials and tribulations; being able to bake the best chocolate cakes and lemon meringues; always giving so much of herself and never expecting anything in return (unless you're on your way back from England - then she would like a Man Utd Jersey) But most of all I admire the fact that she hasn't let a single birthday of mine pass without a birthday card containing advice only she can give. Yesterday I was "Christmas cleaning" (Another thing Ma has instilled in me) and happened to find a collection of cards, here are some of my favourite messages from them:

Age 2: Stop fighting with the boys, you need to act like a lady

Age 3: No more sucking thumb and drinking bottle, you're a big girl now

Age 7: Learn to relax, and play nicely with your brother

Age 11: Stop stressing!

Age 12: Congratulations on your good marks, keep it up!

Age 14: [Some quote about love that my mind has blocked out]

Age 19: I'm proud of you

Age 21: Enjoy your life!

I'm looking forward to this year's message, you never know what Ma might say! These are the little quips that I'll treasure for the rest of my days. Although my Grandmother won't be immortalized through monuments and memorials one day, I'll never forget some of the things she has taught me and one day I'll tell my grandchildren about her. But for now I'll just enjoy the amazing Christmas pudding she is bound to prepare and pretend she isn't going to pipe up  with a "Geez, Tarryn, are you SURE you should have another?"

Here's to Me, Here's to You, To the Future *Cheers*

As the New Year approaches we begin to plan how to make next year a better year. Some of us make resolutions we stick to, for exactly 8 days. Some of us make actual major life-changing decisions. Some of us take for granted that tomorrow will be another day and don't bother to do anything. Most importantly though we evaluate the year that has passed...

For me, I feel I'm finally discovering exactly what I want from life, where I want to go and who I want to be. It's been a challenging and rewarding year, a lot has been gained and a lot has been lost. But no matter what has transpired I know that 2013 will be... well, whatever it will be :)

Some cool ways to review the year globally:

1:  Google Zeitgeist 2012 Year in Review

2: Pop Danthology 2012 Compilation by Daniel Kim

3: Check your bank statements for the year :-p

All I want For Christmas...

It's just over 2 weeks to go till Christmas. I really love this time of year, celebrating the true meaning of Christmas (religious affiliations aside) is a joyous thing! Quality time spent with family and friends, reflecting on the year that has passed and preparing for the new, bringing joy to others that are less fortunate than you are and all round festivity. December is also my birthday month which means double the presents...which for those that know me well, can prove rather daunting... Kidding! (I'm lying)

I've decided to do a little Wish List to help those who struggle with gift buying, bear in mind that it is very biased (and female orientated) Happy Shopping!

If you know the person really well...
1.
My absolute favourite gift to get is a good bottle of perfume. At the moment I'm the biggest Marc Jacobs fan, and would love to add his newest edition to my collection:

DOT - "Dot carries a lush, effervescent floral scent perfect for every eclectic, spontaneous female. Features top notes of red berries, mid notes of jasmine and base notes of driftwood for a bold, feminine scent."

2.
Bieber Tickets (Because you love me and don't judge me)

3.
Clothes. Only if you are 300% sure of the person's size and more importantly, taste & style.
My summer love is the scarf prints for dresses, etc in silk or polyester.

Scarf Prints by Bubbleroom and D&G

If you know the person well enough...
1.
Accessories - you can never go wrong with a stunning pair of earrings or three!

2.
Nerd stationery things for OCD types at Typo. The over-organiser and list-maker in me is singing sweet songs! This shop is awesome for all the nik-naks and trinkets I'd actually put in my house. Book stands, diaries, bits and bobs.

3.
Personalised music mixes, actual real CDs, DVDs, games, and other gadget stuff.
Taylor Swift's always good and I'm really enjoying indie-rock band FUN, perfect for Summer poolside parties!

If you know them enough to like them enough to give them a gift...
1.
My partner-in-crime Angie is one of the few people I've come across that loves getting lotions and potions as gifts... If you are going to opt for this option make sure it's something neutral without being boring (boys please note: NOT vanilla or coconut, ask the pretty sales girl to help you out) And add some candles to really set the mood!

2.
Cupcakes & biscuits - it isn't a large investment and they're free to do with it as they please. It is a time consuming gift if you do it properly though! Shop bought cake as a gift is a no-no!

Then there's the things you can't pay for that would make awesome gifts!
1. The ability to do my hair (And posses the wardrobe) of the character Spencer Hastings in Pretty Little Liars

2. A relationship with as much passion as Elena & Damon in Vampire Diaries

3. The life of the characters on New Girl

4. A anti-series drug

Have a safe festive season, Eat, Drink and Be Merry :)

Never has a man spoken more truth than Michael McIntyre in this video! Enjoy!