(Almost) 30. The party. Some thoughts. Much ♥

I am clinging onto the last days of my twenties. On Thursday I won't be a '20something just telling it how it is'. I'll be older. More responsible. Wiser. 30. Still telling it how it is, probably.

Last night I had my 30th birthday party at a fantastic restaurant called Queen Street Rescue. Today, in a sign of getting older, my almost 30 year old body feels weary and I have a headache from too many Moscatos and lemon-vanilla-vodka cocktails. Though my weariness could also be from the shop-til-I-dropped day yesterday. Or from seeing the Foo Fighters on Friday night and not getting home until 1 am. Or dinner out with Stella Young the night before that. Or the channel 31 Christmas party on Wednesday night. Too much action to be had this week. It is indeed the Festival of Carly.

The party was fantastic. It was very me - an elegant dinner and drinks with my parents and good friends. I received some beautiful presents including funds for my New York trip, travel books, a vintage bag, jewellery, a gourmet food hamper, jewellery and gift vouchers (and more!). I got a stunning box of macarons from La Belle Miette...

And a mix tape from an old friend who was one of the first to introduce me to music - I laughed so hard at the cover - Savage Sons!!!

My gifts were gorgeous and I cannot thank my parents and friends enough for them. They are very generous. (There's a few gifts on my kitchen table from friends who couldn't make it - the three year old in me is saving these until my actual birthday.) And the messages that were written in my cards are so kind and heartfelt.

But above the gifts was how loved my parents and friends made me feel. Just by being present at my party. People traveled from far away to celebrate with me. A friend from uni - I carried his beer up the hill at O-Week, and he can't believe how extroverted and drinky and sweary I am since the uni days! A friend from school who I am so glad I recently reconnected with - my new shopping partner. A friend I worked with at the department store. Blogger friends Cheryl (a slave to the party hat) and Heidi. The girls I met at high tea. My babysitter and her (hot new) husband. The friends who I'd come down to stay with in Melbourne - when they were 30 and I was 17 - and they'd take me shopping and to bands (they made me the mixtape!). Friends from No Limits. Friends I work with. And my wonderful, kind, patient, generous (and sometimes strict) parents - the best parents anyone could wish for.

My Dad wrote some powerful words in the card. They made me cry.

Dear Carly. You've made it - 30 at last. How can we ever forget the day when we returned from the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne without you. We didn't think you would make it, and neither did they. Thank God for the doctors. Love you heaps - Dad.

Wow.

I think about how lucky I am. How sick I was. How difficult things have been sometimes. And how far I've come. I am so thankful for every day, every opportunity, the fantastic times I have had, and all the friends and family I have who have supported, encouraged and believed in me. So much love. Thank you everyone for making me feel very special, and celebrating with me. I love you all.

My fabulous friend and social media manager extraordinaire Jess and her husband.

 Cheryl - slave to the party hat

 Heidi and I

 Ben (uni friend) and I - I'm so very quiet and reserved.

 The boys from No Limits.

 Heidi and Ben

 Steph - looking beautiful

 Probably not my best face. But no wrinkles!

 Upside down, upside down. Hurry upppppp.

 Some serious No Limits reporter faces.

 Country girls.

 Simona and I

Vintage

I've been at my parents' place going through old memories. Nanny's jewellery, my grandparents' plates, and photos. I have to provide some responses to a journalist, and I was asking my Mum when I first knew I was different to everyone else. I can't remember feeling or looking different, until I got to school. Not so many photos taken in my school years. I just wasn't confident. How things have changed!

And my skin has improved no end. I've gone from sorbolene to vaseline. My face was very dry and sore back then. And I had sparse hair.

I love these photos. I was a happy kid. My parents look so trendy! These photos make me smile. And I still look the same.

My birthday. 8 December 1981.

Camping at Porpunkah, 1982.

 Bright Rodeo, 1982. How cool were my parents?!

Christmas day 1983.

Pie making with Mum. 1984.

Baby. 1984.

Preschool, 1985. The pussy bow blouse and cord pinafore! Fashionable back then.

I've got heaps more to share, so keep an eye out for them :)

Happy 30th Anniversary!

Today is my parents' 30th wedding anniversary. 30 years of happy marriage. 30 years of a free life together.

My parents met in the 1970s in South Africa. My Dad was there from England, working as an engineer. My Mum, a coloured South African, lived in Cape Town. They met at a party and for the four years they courted, they took a big risk. Apartheid ruled South Africa. If my parents had been caught or dobbed in to authorities, my Mum may have been sent to gaol.

It's kind of the INXS song, Original Sin.

So in order to legally be together, they moved to Australia in January 1981. I am so proud of what they did for love. Moving countries. Leaving their families, friends and jobs. They had to get married within a month of arrival or Mum would have had to return to South Africa.

They married in Centennial Park in Sydney on 28 February 1981. The wedding was incredibly inexpensive - this makes me even more proud - a wedding on a shoestring that has lasted for 30 years. Less than $100, would you believe?!

Moving to Australia didn't absolve my parents of challenges. Things became difficult when I was born. They had me, a severely unwell baby, with no family support, and new to a small town. I was in hospital for months at a time, 300 km away from home. It was tough for my parents, financially and emotionally, but they made it through. We survived it as a family.

It is nice to see them together - they make each other laugh. And when they're apart, they talk each other up. They moved to Australia for a better life, and I think they've made a pretty damn good life for themselves. They live on an idyllic piece of land, travel on holidays regularly, have lots of friends and eat well.

I always say, if Mum and Dad could make a good life for themselves, anyone can.

Happy Anniversary, Mum and Dad. You're awesome, I love you both.

Presents!

Yesterday when I went to visit my friend and her son at the hospital, she gave me a large bag filled with presents from my parents! Yay!

My parents were recently holidaying in Tasmania (again!). They bought me some hand made goodies as well as some cute and functional towels (I don't think I've ever bought a towel - they all get given to me!).

My parents know my tastes very well. Thank you Mum and Dad!

This is what I received.

Two cute guide dog towels and a plain towel.

We used to buy a lot from the Guide Dog Association when I was a kid, but I don't think they have an extensive range anymore. I love these towels.

A hand spun hat from Spindle Tree at Salamanca Place, Hobart. These colours will certainly brighten a winter's day!

A hand crafted leather belt, made in Tasmania. I don't have many belts, so this is very useful!

And the cutest chicken felted brooch from Spindle Tree!

So adorable!

Tasmania is such a creative place. I miss it and want to visit again soon.

Thank you so much for these presents - I feel very special and spoilt! I love you Mum and Dad :)

(PS: Don't forget to enter my giveaway!)