By Tilly Smith Dix
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, with the kids jingle belling, and everyone telling you, be of good cheer, it’s the most wonderful time of the year…
Thank you, late great Andy Williams, for one of my favourite Christmas songs. And yes, it’s certainly beginning to look a lot like Christmas, ever so jolly, the decorations, the shopping, the excitement, children trying to be good but usually failing until the eleventh hour, when Santa’s on his way, hie!
I hear my circle of lovely souls talking about their Festive Holiday plans, presents, the gifts they hope to receive and plan to give, family, friends, travels, and even what their darling pets will be getting for Christmas. A truly magical time of year.
I vowed to never lose my inner child during this time of year, and whilst my expectations are no longer on the larger scale of that effervescent filly, I still dream big. Putting up the jolly holly decorations certainly elevated my mood further.
For those of us with beloved friends and family to spend this magical time with, we need to appreciate our circle of love. Okay, some of us don’t always have the option of only being with the ones we adore, chuckles… there’s always that relative or duty friend we need to include during this time of celebration.
Well, I decided years ago not to spend the Holidays with people I did not embrace in my space, so, when I was facing that situation, at some point, I realised I did not have to endure bitchy Aunt Mildred or lascivious Uncle Jack as I had choices! That, I think, was the day I became as grownup as I could ever be. I was about 48, ha! (Real names have been changed to protect the offspring of these awful relatives no longer with us, hie.)
So, what did I do? I planned my travels to visit special friends and family abroad as my parents were no longer around. Just planning those holidays, from the UK to the USA, with stops in Europe to truly celebrate the chill and beauty of the Season, got my mojo spinning with anticipation.
When life took me in a different direction, again, new traditions were set in motion. I still would not spend this special time with anyone I don’t feel comfortable with.
When you’ve become your own new best friend, it’s no problem spending time alone – perhaps with a good book, a movie, cooking a delicious meal, playing with the cat, communing with nature, on a beach walk, or simply embracing time in the garden.
My point? This is a time to choose happy. Most of us have found this year fast and at times seemingly spinning out of our control, barely holding on to our hairy hats. However, we did it, so, we deserve to be a little selfish about whom we choose to spend our time with when we are unwinding from life’s hurdles, work, deadlines, stress, and disengaging from any toxicity that may have filtered into our lives.
This is also the time when too many people are lonely and struggling. Circumstances change, people move on, partners pass away, people lose their jobs, and some have simply lost the struggle with illness.
We don’t all have the emotional strength to comfort those strangers and that’s a human failing, but if it’s within our power to donate to worthwhile charities to improve the lives of people, children, and animals, this is the time to spare them a dime, and if possible, give them the time…
So, my message to those of you facing a challenging time, please know your worth, take one day at a time as a win, and know you will get through this difficult time. Loving ourselves is also the greatest love of all, a cliché, but true – I see that as the perfect perfumed kiss from a rose.
Being alone beats being with anyone who does not respect and love you as you deserve to be adored. Remaining sanguine during a beleaguered time is not for the fainthearted. Please reach out to organisations which are there to assist if loved ones are not around. You are worth it.
For those who are feeling content, our gratitude for the wonderful things and people in our lives should be eternal and tangible. Show the love.
Dining out in Mornington
Wildgrain
This classy eatery has featured before, and it will feature again. Classic, attentive service by experienced staff, an ever-changing menu, and an ambience that whispers “classy conviviality.”
The Bass Strait scallop ravioli, O’Connor’s slow cooked beef short rib with Hawkes potato pave, vintage cheddar custard tart, and roasted yeast crumble, with a side of golden chat potatoes roasted with greens, proved sensational.
Pictured above: top left to right, Wildgrain is next level refined dining; The Rocks never disappoints, and the view of the marina is always panoramic; Bistro One has that relaxed, yet sophisticated seaside vibe, offering delicious sharing options too.
The Rocks
One of my happy places, where the menu changes according to fresh produce of the season. The spaghetti lobster comprised a large half lobster, and the lobster bisque spaghetti was a hedonistically delicious indulgence for two to share. The fresh green salad made for the perfect side.
Bistro One
This was my first visit, and it won’t be the last. The lamb shank with mash potatoes was succulent and memorable. The spaghetti marinara came complete with crab in the shell, making for an impressive introduction to this new eatery overlooking the vibey esplanade. We were pleased we only had the scrumptious dolmades to share as a starter as the main courses were generous.
Pictured above, the vista from the Rocks never disappoints.
Goodreads
My incredible friend and brilliant writer, Caroline Hurry, shares some of her gems for the Holidays.
Curves and Twists: A Dozen Short Stories – by Ray Gregory
Sharp, twisted and brilliantly unpredictable, is Caroline’s description of this masterful collection of 12 short stories. Delving into the complexities of the male/female dynamic with wit and a touch of the surreal makes Curves and Twists even more relatable. The humour and characters are wrapped in dark, laconic humour, whilst compelling. See more at: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7059539227?rto=friend_update_weekly_row&ref_=pe_42146500_1162831870_review
Sofa spud
Netflix
The Fall Guy, released 2024, starring Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt. Fun and adorable, with plenty action.
What’s Love Got to Do With It, released in 2022, starring Emma Thompson and Lily James. Delightful British storyline.
Made in Italy, released in 2022, starring Liam Neeson, Lindsay Duncan, Valeria Bilello, Michael Richardson (Liam’s son) – delicious Tuscan charm.
The Diplomat, Season 2, starring Keri Russell and Rufus Sewell – edgy and exciting. Looking forward to Season 3.
Martha, released in 2024 is the story of Martha Stewart. A relentless perfectionist, probably the first influencer and certainly a contradiction in so many ways. Complicated.
Will, released in 2024. The story about two police officers in Nazi-occupied Antwerp during WWII. Award-winning and touching.
A Man on the Inside, limited series released in 2024, starring Ted Danson – spy fun in aged care.
Black Doves, released 2024, limited series starring Keira Knightly, a superb spy thriller. She is sweet, until she’s not…
Prime
The Great Escaper, released 2023, starring Michael Caine and Glenda Jackson (she passed away not long after the movie was released). Heartfelt.
The Silent Hour, released 2024, starring Joel Kinnaman and Mark Strong. A superb action thriller.
Jerry Maguire, released in 1996, starring Tom Cruise, Renee Zellweger and Cuba Gooding Jnr – still a delight to watch.
Christmas movie favourites
A Castle for Christmas, starring Brooke Shields and Cary Elwes (Netflix); The Holiday, starring Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, Kate Winslet, Jack Black (Prime); Love Actually, starring Hugh Grant, Bill Nighy, Emma Thompson, Liam Neason (Prime).
Travel
A luxe Valentines’ safari is the stuff romantic dreams are made of and planning in advance is always wise. Celebrating love in five-star style at Tau Game Lodge has often resulted in happy couples returning to Tau from across the planet, not only to embrace love under the summer sun but also to celebrate and revitalize romance in established relationships…
Indulge in a romantic breakfast overlooking the waterhole at the lodge after an early morning Big Five safari, sip cocktails in the bush, and dine under the stars. Then relax in the privacy of one’s room overlooking the natural waterhole, where the endless parade of game, and prolific birdlife, has enthralled lovers for almost 30 years.
Fancy a swim in one of the two pools, one being an infinity pool, both overlooking the waterhole?
Add a romantic spa treatment for two overlooking the verdant bush, and the mood is set for relaxation and eternal romance.
Pictured above: A romantic getaway to Tau Game Lodge is the ultimate commitment to love.
The Tau live webcam will keep you mesmerized on: http://taugamelodge.co.za/main-lodge/live-webcam/
Tau Game Lodge opened its 5-star safari doors in 1995 and offers 30 rooms, including family suites in this malaria-free haven just over an easy four-hour drive from Pretoria and Johannesburg – www.taugamelodge.co.za
Styling it happy
Dressing for the Holidays is easier than we think. Not always in the zone for bright colours in abundance? Start with basic monochrome shades, then add spice to the outfit if you’re in the mood.
Kaleidoscopic colours are huge again, and it reminds me of the early Nineties, when we were breaking away from black and tan. Adding some good cheer to a simple outfit has a rejuvenating effect on our mood.
Animal prints remain a thing, and it could be worn in a neutral, understated style, or we could easily up the sophistication levels by adding a pop of bright colour to elevate the look – or simply add gold for the wow factor.
Apply the Midas style touch with synchronicity by listening, hearing, feeling, seeing, and envisaging our sartorial expression. Never be afraid to be unique. The trick is to feel comfortable in our choices, from sporty, to casual, to Festive shimmer.
Not keen on any fuss with a penchant for denim and white shirts or T-shirts? Accessorising that ageless basic look never fails to create an effortlessly cool style vibe.
Pictured above, from top left to right: A strapless floral maxi dress, featured here before, this time styled with an aqua jacket and hat for a Mediterranean summer holiday vibe; a leopard print dress accessorised with neutral shades – it would also work with a bright colour of your choice, from pink to green to red accessories; shimmer black pants, featured before, styled with a red draped cotton top and red jacket in celebration of Christmas; the same shimmer pants styled with a black top; island green top and shrug styled with white pants; neutral white works with touches of animal print as well as bright colours and it’s always a safe choice when in doubt; going candy pink in linen from head to toe, featured before, always a mood enhancer; for cooler days, white wide-leg jeans with black and white stripes – adding colour, such as tangerine, elevates the look; mixing shades of pink creates nonchalant feminine vibes; an old striped dress in black and white, add panache with the aqua jacket; the relaxed boho look is here to stay for some time and this set from last year is working its magic during the Holidays – the top also matches the old boho tangerine skirt, styled with a silk floral top here; the tangerine linen wide-leg pants set is a current favourite, and could also be paired with the tangerine and yellow boho items; the fuchsia linen pants have also featured here before, this time I’ve styled it with a soft floral shirt for a strong, yet feminine look; elevate a simple white T-shirt and denim with a feminine touch by adding a retro cardigan on cooler days for comfy chic; this old silk floral shirt gives nuance to the soft yellow linen pants; black is never out of style – just add gold and a pop of boho colour to this old linen top and skirt.
Items featured from my wardrobe are mainly from: @fellahamilton @witcheryfasion @seedheritage @minnieandmaxxie @showpo @countryroad – and between 10 and 1 year old.
For daily style updates, visit Instagram @Tilly_thegoodlife_Style
Cheers to the good life, wishing you everything you deserve for the Holidays, with the proverbial cherry on top of the fruity pavlova, which is the love of life. Cheers to that, the true kiss from a rose…
