Holiday Gift Guide 2015: Steals For Sisters

A motivation pen set, so she always knows that you believe in her, $14.95

Bob Dylan All The Songs: The Story Behind Every Track, even though you’ve never quite understood her obsession with the harmonica man, $27.78

A super-insulated water bottle since she’s always on the go, $35

A comfy, cozy pair of slippers because you have a tradition of getting her a new pair every year, $29.99

This tube-wringer because it’s cool and, well, OBVIOUSLY, $24.95

Personalized moon phase charm necklace because you love her to the moon and back (times infinity!), $41.75

A cheeky iPhone case to match her equally cheeky personality, $40

Cookie of the Month Club subscription from New York’s Mah ze Dahr Bakery because, c’mon, everyone looooves sweets, $50

Seinfeld enamel pins in honor of all the hours you spent together watching the show about nothing, $8

A special blend from The Bathory, which lets you create your own soothing bath mix that’s delivered right to your door, $30. Sunday nights just got a whole lot better!

Dear Janelle: On Your 30th Birthday!

Dear Janelle:

I know you get “embarrassed” when I blog about you, but since I’m your older sister, it’s sort of my responsibility to toot my own horn about you on your birthday. I’m just doing my job. I can’t help it that you make the bragging part so easy!

But, as birthday gift to you, I will make this short and sweet. It’s your 30th birthday, a milestone in which you instinctively want to look to the past. At all the mistakes you thought you made. At all the times you didn’t feel like you quite measured up. At all the things you wish you could do over.

Well, as your big sis (I’ve got four extra years of life knowledge, remember, so I know what I’m talking about!), I’m here to tell you this simple truth: None of it matters. I don’t want you to look back today because where you are right now? My gosh, you’ve come so far. I just want you to see that and to see yourself for who you really are — one heck of an amazing woman!

And, really, if I’m being honest, I should be the one who looks up to you. I just want to bottle up your grace and wisdom and spirit because that is what life is all about. So please love yourself — today and always. You know I’ll always love you and will be here for you always. I love you, Sister Bear… xoxo

P.S. More Janelle love: Her 24th, 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th and 29th birthdays.

Wise Words From Readers: On sibling memories…

With Janelle’s birthday last week, I really got to thinking more about the power of our siblings. We’ve talked lots of times about siblings before, but if you think about it, a brother or sister can be many things: A best friend, an enemy, a co-conspirator, a confidant. And most importantly, when you’re young, a sibling is usually that person you go on tons of adventures with, and it’s these adventures that give us lasting memories come adulthood. A few of you had some awesome stories of your own…

*Disney World as kids! One of my brothers is a fireman, and I could not be more proud of him following in our Grandpa’s footsteps. I admire his caring spirit and love for his community (my hometown). My other brother is the light-hearted, comic of the family! His sense of humor is epic. He is the baby of the family and truly completes our family.

*My favorite memory with my sister was staying up all night playing gin and eating mac and cheese while Jewel played on repeat in the background.

Ahhh!! So many wonderful memories! For me, the one that sticks out in my mind is when Janelle and I took the same Spanish class in college. It was fun and pretty hilarious to be in the same class. And of course, there was some friendly competition going on because, really, who isn’t at least a little competitive with their siblings? We both ended up with an “A” in the class, but Janelle got a higher “A.” She always has been the smarter sibling. Anyway, here’s next week’s question…

What do you love about Halloween? What was your favorite costume growing up and why?



Visit So About What I Said on Facebook and Twitter to share your smarts — and don’t forget to use hashtag #WiseWordsFromReaders. See you there, friends! 🙂

[Photos via We Heart It]

Happy Birthday, Janelle: 3 lessons you’ve taught me…

Dear Janelle:

I know, I know. You said you didn’t want me to post about your birthday, but you should know me better than that by now. After all, I write about my life, and suffice it to say, you’re a pretty huge part of it, so here we are.

First, a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! You’re the big 29 today, and that fact alone baffles me. How can that be? It seems like it was just yesterday when we were in the living room making elaborate ramps for our Matchbox cars. Or putting on glamorous fashion shows for our Barbies. But, obviously, we’re not children anymore. We’re adults. Where some sisters drift apart as time marches forward, I like to think you and I have only grown closer. I’ll be the first to admit that our life has had its share of ups and downs, but I can’t imagine anyone else I’d rather share this roller coaster ride with. We’ve been through a lot, and I’m proud to say that we’ve been through it together. Partners in crime, even. I may be the older sister, but I wouldn’t be the person I am today with you. I’ve learned so much about love and life from you. Don’t believe me? Here are three lessons that top my list…

1. A kind heart goes a long way: You were voted Most Kind-Hearted in elementary school. Do you remember that? You’re always kind to everyone you meet, and I’ve long admired that quality. Not everyone has that sort of kindness in their hearts, so it’s something that should most definitely be treasured when you do find it. After all, the world could use all the kindness it can get. Thank you for being a friend.

2. Giving up is not an option: When you were little, you once stayed outside all day until you’d mastered learning to ride a bike. We were all in awe of your sheer willpower. Over the years — from things like college to exercising — you’ve taught me that persistence really does pay off. Even after Father died, you never gave up. Even through your own struggles, you never gave up. And for that, I am forever inspired. Thank you for being a friend.

3. Be who you are: I absolutely love your quirky self, so please never lose that side of yourself. It’s a beautiful side. You’ve taught me to be unapologetic in who I am and to not care so much about what people think. It’s amazing how freeing it is, don’t you think? And did I mention how utterly real you are? You’re probably the only person in the whole world who I can count on for an honest opinion. About anything and everything. As we say, you always “tell it like it is,” and I’m a better person because of that. Thank you for being a friend.

Happy birthday, sister! You may be my sister, but even more important, you’re my BEST FRIEND in the whole wide world. I couldn’t ask for a better, funnier, cuter, more honest friend. Thank you for always being there and for all the good times. Here’s to many more years of good times — and millions of smiles. I love you more than you’ll ever know, Sister Bear!! xoxo

Wise Words From Readers: On sibling advice…

Oh, siblings! What an interesting role they play in our lives. No matter your place in your family, what your childhood vacations were like, who’s smarter or more sensitive, there’s no denying the stamp your siblings leave on you. You might fight, say some not-so-nice words or even vow that you’re never, ever going to speak to them ever again, but deep down, you know that vow of silence won’t last long. And it doesn’t. Because even when we don’t want to admit it, we know we need our siblings close by. They’re always primed and ready with a good dose of advice, too, as you all shared this week…

*The BEST advice I ever got from a sibling is “always be yourself” — so simple, but so important to remember in life — not only when you are young, but through the decades.

*Sell the big house. It will become an albatross.

*Advice on the best stereo components under $200 in 1979.

*Your life mate should be someone you can imagine yourself sitting on a front porch with when you are 85 years old.

*Go tell Mom…she’s calling you!

What wonderful advice! Even though Janelle is the younger sister, I’ve always felt like she was the older one in a lot of ways. She’s so much smarter than I could ever hope to be, and she’s taught me so much about being a compassionate person — especially during all my childhood surgeries. It’s most definitely safe to say that I wouldn’t be the person I am today if it wasn’t for her shining example in my life. I hope she knows what a positive impact she’s had on me. Anyway, here’s next week’s question…

Do you have a pet? What’s your favorite memory with them?

Visit So About What I Said on Facebook and Twitter to share your smarts — and don’t forget to use hashtag #WiseWordsFromReaders. See you there, friends! 🙂

[Photos via We Heart It]