65 Days & only 9 Mondays till Christmas - Time To Grab Your Dream Crates & Gift Boxes

With so little time before the holiday rush starts, now is actually the best time to start exploring wishlists and gift-lists. Whenever I think of gift-giving I think of boxes (or a generously padded envelope.) One of my smaller pet-peeves is actually a gift bag, it's often limited, used for re-gifting and frowned upon when you try to rip it into confetti. 

I've seen that the latest trend is to actually create a subscription "box" service that consists of all sorts of goodies - foodie boxes, beauty product boxes, date night boxes - and now Geek Boxes! (My top pick would be Loot Crate - you can check out their different monthly subscription offerings by clicking here) PLUS! They ship to South Africa!!) Perfect for when you have a BF that fancies himself a sharp shooter (too soon?) or Speed McQueen, or even a Jedi Master... My geek obsessions include anything Direwolf, Dragon or Deadpool related :) 

Also, now that Le Boyfriend and I are feverishly saving every penny for Turkey we've told everyone not to expect anything more than a hug under the tree or mistletoe this year. (& if you didn't know, now you do) But even so, we still like to imagine what would fill our stockings so I've compiled my very own "Dream Crate" - the ultimate mix & match of his & hers - from Loot Crate - mostly cos I can't resist making lists. I think it's a big one; it might even need a DeLorean or two to transport it to my door:

1) Looney Tunes Mug

Being a 90s kid means I'll always have a soft spot for this "chick". And it's the perfect way to brand my crockery at work!

2) Death Star Bottle Stopper

The ultimate way to pause a party! 

3) Avengers Coasters

WHO better to defend surfaces against unwanted rings?

4) Spellbook Wallet

This way I live out ALL my fantasies - being Hermione AND being organised!

5) GOT Dragon egg USBS

Who needs to control all the realms when you control all the documents?

6) GOT Direwolf plush teddies

Ever walked into a meeting or your office and wish you could have a Grey Wind or Ghost by your side? Now you can! (and they might book you off for a mental breakdown too - YAY!)

7) Harley Quinn 2017 Calendar

Instead of only dressing up as Harley for Halloween why not let her inspire your entire year? 

8) Deadpool holiday clothing

So cheesy but oh-so-cute - the perfect way to get  some couple shots to use for future Christmas cards!

9) Joker Poker Set

For those nights when Uno starts to get a little intense, why not mix it up with higher stakes?

10) Star Wars Backpacks

I'd like to see the pick-pocketer brazen enough to take on a Stormtrooper!

'Tis the season - and let's hope that whatever you decide to fill your gift boxes with this year - it doesn't get returned or exchanged in 7 days - Remember that no matter what, time spent & love given are the only gifts of true value <3 Enjoy the way too soon holiday music & tinsel!

7 more lessons from Gran - and she's not 36 #FactNotAStatement

I owe so much to my Grandmother . Not only my love for Manchester United & my ability to get the bed pillows standing just right, but for who I am as well. My love of story telling comes from her epic tales of my grandfather, the whaler seaman, who, when angering her would feel the wrath of her temper by having ornaments flung at his ear.

Besides her quirky sense of humour, which she claims doesn't exist, my gran has a way of making anyone in her company feel at home. Along the years she's tried to instill qualities in me and for the most part I think she got it right. (Except for the sailor's mouth I seem to have acquired - although reserved for when the temper strikes). She's taught me so many things, and some I just can't seem to forget, not for lack of trying!

1) Always wear clean, matching, non-broken underwear when going out.
Because you never know if you're going to be in an accident!

2) Eat all the cake and carbs, cos someone will still call you fat.
Mostly her, herself, as she offers me more.

3) It's more important to be happy than to be rich.
But when you're rich make sure to help others feel happy. Also it teaches you the real value of things, not the price.

4) Traditions are necessary.
Whether it's hanging Christmas cards from bygone years across the lounge on a string, or making individual trifle puddings in fancy glasses rather than a bowl of mush. It's the little things that make the best memories.

5) Always treat people with respect.
You never know what battles they are going through. (Or who they might be one day.)

6) Always return Tupperware with a treat in it.
And most importantly, RETURN the Tupperware!

7) And most of all, she taught me class!
And that is by far the hardest one for me to live... especially when every fibre of my being wants nothing more than to tie your intestines around your neck :)