25 By 25 part 1

In honor of my 25th birthday last month I made a list of 25 things that a woman should know or do by her quarter century of life.

Cook a signature dish. We’re at the age where we are invited to dinner parties and have potlucks at work and church. Have a dish that you know is amazing and comes out great every time.

Know how to apply your own makeup and style your hair. You don’t want to be caught out looking crazy because you couldn’t make an appt. YouTube and the artists at the MAC counter are your friends.

Travel outside of the US. See how people live in other parts of the world. It’s also great to be able to share your travel stories in social settings.

Get tested. Know your status. Enough said.

Go to your OBGYN. The health of your “kitty cat” is super important. Early detection for breast and cervical cancers etc is key.

Take yourself on a solo date. Don’t depend on others to have a good time. This way you can do exactly what you want and it gives you a chance to practice your hair and makeup skills.

Have a plan for school (if you’re not already finished) Education is key in today’s world. Figure out how to do what you love that also pays the bills. You are worth the investment.

Give back. Volunteer. Help Somebody. (word to Maxwell)

Love at least 1 part of your body and play it up. Perfect your mascara if your eyes are your strongest feature or wear v-neck shirts and dresses if you have great cleavage.

Know you size and wear it. Looking good in your clothes will make you feel good. No one else will know what the tag in your clothes says, however they will know that you look crazy in a size 12 when you’re really a 16.

Spend time with family. You never know how much time you have with them.

Read often. Classics and news, not just Zane and Dickey. Not being up on current events is not cute.

Work out. Your body is a temple and you only get once treat it as such. What good is money, a fab house and car if your health is poor? You can’t enjoy it.