Last week Peeper received a package from her Aunt Bootsie, and the book inside was one of the most touching gifts she’s ever gotten. Each page contained one piece of advice for my daughter, and as you can see, Peeper—and anyone else lucky enough to read it—will definitely be the wiser from it.
Each page contains a snippet of wise (and sometimes wise ass but true) advice from her sage aunt. In fact, the pearls are timeless enough that I found myself nodding along. (Was some of the advice secretly for me, too?)
My sister’s advice through the years
Some of my sister’s sayings felt familiar. For example, the one about justifying expensive shoes helped me years ago. I was feeling guilty about splurging on the perfect heels for my wedding dress when I earned a measly $25,000 a year—peanuts when you’re living in New York—when she laid this one on me. (I still have those shoes. I still love them. I never regretted buying them!)
Beth didn’t often dish out advice, but she definitely helped raise me. Both my parents worked full time, and the four of us kids entertained ourselves most days after school.
Beyond that, she was a role model. I looked up to her, so of course I noticed (and still notice) how she manages disappointments like being laid off or douchey boys who break up with you via text message.
I also watch how she prioritizes travel (I can hardly keep track of what continent she’s on) and is unabashedly awesome in her career. She has never shown any embarrassment for being smart, and that is precisely what I needed when I was growing up: a demonstration that being strong and intelligent was an asset, even for a young woman struggling through puberty.
I find myself thumbing through this book of advice for my daughter every so often. It never fails to make me smile, and I know my girls will love it as they grow older. Peeper is definitely too little for recommendations of hangover cures, and it’ll be a while until she can fully appreciate the book, but this treasure is one we’ll cherish forever.
What advice do you have for the little ones in your life?
this is beautiful! what a wise lady!
http://www.ladiesinnavy.com
This is spectacularly amazing. What a treasure.
Agreed. I want to show it off to everyone! And it was hard not including every single page.
I want to read every page! Wise woman, your sister.
Okay, first of all, your family’s names (or nicknames?), Peeper and Bootsie?? SO ADORABLE! Secondly, this book is literally the greatest gift idea and I am going to share this post on my facebook because it is so beautiful and thoughtful. LOVE that you had such a great relationship with your sister. My sister and I did not get along at all growing up (she is 3 years older than me), but now she is one of my best friends and we talk all the time. Thanks for the heart-warming post this rainy Tuesday morning. Cheers, friend!
Haha, our family does have a lot of nicknames! And thanks so much for reposting! I just had to share all the advice—couldn’t keep it to myself.
I am so in love with all of her advice! True about cotton candy. And shoes.
I know, cotton candy is gross. I seriously don’t get it.
Love these words! Great advice 🙂
I thought so too. 🙂 Thanks!
What a sweet and meaningful gift – I do love “never fly into Newark…” Super sweet – thank you for sharing.
That one definitely needs saying. Newark may be tempting when you’re traveling to New York, but it’s SO not worth it!
Your sister sounds like an amazing woman. How thoughtful of her to create the book! And how great of you to share her wisdom with us!
What an awesome gift!! That will be something she can look back on forever 🙂