Do Something!

Dear Claire,

One thing people love to do is complain about the state of the world. 

Lord knows why, but people love to sit around, talking about how awful young people these days are (guess what people - your grandparents said the same about you!), how violence is out of control, and everywhere you turn people are out of work, living in poverty, or struggling with addiction.

It's like a constant moan of doomsday.

Well, in your mother's humble opinion, it is okay to complain about the world...but only if you're willing to do something to help make it better!

That's right, if you're upset about poverty, than you need to be volunteering at a shelter or collecting donations for the local food bank.

If you're worried about people dying from curable diseases in third world countries, than find an organization that offers free immunizations and donate money to them right now.

If you think young people are going down the drain than become a "Big Sister" and make a difference.

It's really important to volunteer and there's always a need for more, so I really encourage you to find a cause that you're passionate for and help out in any way you can.

It doesn't matter if you can't donate thousands of dollars, if you can collect ten pairs of mittens and donate them to a local school or homeless shelter, than you've made a difference in the lives of those ten people. 

Love you so much when I see you helping someone else,
Mom

To my lovely readers...what causes are you passionate about?  Do you volunteer or donate to a favourite charity?

Timeless Tuesday - Houndstooth

Dear Claire,

What is it about this pattern of black and white repeating itself that is just so wonderfully endearing?

I can't explain it - it must be the eighth wonder of the world.  All I know is, it's not going anywhere.  So buy a houndstooth scarf, pencil skirt, or purse, and you'll get years of use out of it.

Love ya when you're wearing black and white!

Mom

Pants That Fit

Dear Claire,

Please, buy pants that fit.

I know that you're going to go through some phases where you wear clothes because they're trendy and all of your friends are wearing them.  These clothes aren't always going to be very flattering and will often make you look awkward.  I get it.  This is part of growing up.

But, if you could just buy pants that fit, I promise it will make you cringe a lot less when you look back at pictures one day.

If your pants are too small, they won't look right.  If your pants are too big, they won't look right.  If they're too short or too long, they won't look right.

Flare.  Skinny.  Ripped.  Dyed. Bell-Bottoms.  Harem.   Even Acid-Washed.  

I'm cool with all of the above; just buy the right size.

Love you Girl,
Mom. 

Bite Your Tongue - And Hard Too!

Dear Claire,

Because you have a pulse this is going to happen to you at some point...listen carefully.

One day, a boy is going to break-up with one of your good friends.

Some boy, who is kinda useless, often annoying, and definitely not reliable is going to end a relationship with your amazing, wonderful friend.

You are going to want to shout "horray" from the rooftops!  Don't.  When your friend tells you what has happened, do not say that you never really liked the boy, that she could do a lot better, and do not list all his terrible qualities.

You will be sooo tempted to do this, but trust me, it's a bad idea.

Why?

Because there's about a 75% chance that they're going to get back together and if they do, your friend is going to know how you really feel about the guy.  Talk about putting strain on a friendship.

Honesty is not always the best policy, especially during a break-up.

So, what should you say to your upset friend?

Just tell her that you love her, that you understand, and that you're here to listen.  Eat ice cream with her, go shopping, listen to her complain about the guy, just be there for her.  Don't worry about him; worry about supporting your friend.

But seriously, don't bash him, because they'll probably be kissing in the school hallway again by the end of the week.

Love you when you're there for a friend,
Mom

Poor Sienna....Jude slept with the Nanny and they still got back together?!?

Everyone is glad these two got back together...I mean who else can you picture Pink with?

This is youth-in-so-called-love-train-wreck at it's best.  It won't last, but I'm not going to be the one to tell Robbie.

Claire - hopefully you have zero idea of who these people are.  If so, the world has been re-stored to it's rightful order.  (But it was really fun while it lasted!)

Even my favourite couple once broke up!  But we all know that was Kate showing him that he needed to hurry up and make her a princess.

The 2012 Olympic Closing Ceremonies proved that, yes, anyone, can get back together. (Especially for the right amount of money)

Just Do It

Dear Claire,

Boys.  Boys are going to consume your thoughts for at least a good ten years straight.  Something tells me that through much of high school you're going to be talking and thinking about boys a lot.

Here's my advice...stop talking about boys and start talking to boys.

That's right.  If you see a guy who you think you would like to get to know better - then go and talk to him.  Don't just stand there and hope he talks to you; make the first move.

Seriously, I wouldn't just let the salesgirl pick out my clothes for me!  I want to take a look around the store and choose what I like too!  The same goes for boys.

Besides, most guys are beyond thrilled if any girl approaches them, so just realize that you're doing the guy a huge favor just by saying "hello".

Here's the trick though...
You have to let the guy think they're making the first real move.  I don't know why, but as we all learned from watching 'The Flinstones', men like to think everything is their own idea.

So...approach the guy, say "hello" and introduce yourself, but then let him make the next move.  Let him offter the drink, let him ask for your phone number, let him suggest a date.

If he doesn't ask you out, no biggie, you only have to find one guy, everyone else is just practice.

Love you brave girl,
Mom


p.s. - I used a special technique with Daddy - talked to his friend first to see if he'd join into the conversation (lol - it worked!)

Timless Tuesdays - Burberry

Dear Claire,

What is it about those three, somewhat bland colours, that when put together in such an organized fashion they just look classic?

All hail the Queen! Gotta love Burberry, and trust me, it's definitely timeless.

Don't Date a Doormat

Dear Claire,

At some point in your life, you may get the idea in your head that the perfect boyfriend is one that will do anything and everything for you.

He will buy you exactly what you want.

He will always let you pick the movie to see and the restaurant to eat at.

He will say, exactly what you want to hear, whenever you're upset.

In theory this sounds wonderful; in practice, it's a disaster.

You can't be in a successful relationship with someone who gives into your every whim. 

You will not grow as a couple if you get to win every arguement and things always end in your favor.  And, after some time, you will lose respect for this boyfriend because he has discouraged you from maturing and becomming half of a true partnership.

What you need is someone who will challenge you to become a better person.  Someone who will stand up to your faults and support you in improving them.  Someone who insists that he gets to pick the movie and the restaurant sometimes.

In other words...you need to date someone who has a backbone that is equally strong as your own.

Love you when you're with your equal,
Mom