30 Things for Every Woman

I recently stumbled across an article that talks about woman turning 30, of course this immediately had my attention, since this is the year I will turn the big 30. I'm still not sure when I got 'so old' although it doesn't feel like it at all. I can remember thinking getting to 18, and 21 as such big milestones. I also remember watching shows like Friends growing up and when the show started they were all 26 and they seemed so old and adult, now I'm older than them and about to hit this big milestone. I know age is just a number and it doesn't define ud. I certainly do not look 30 by any means, I still get mistaken for being 18 sometimes, no one ever guesses my age right if they don't know me.

Anyway back to the article I saw, it was based on an old glamor magazine article (actually dating back to 1997) on a list that an editor had put together entitled "30 Things Every Woman Should Have and Should Known by the Time She's 30." So in honor of my personal milestone birthday this year I am reposting the article:

30 Things Every Woman Should Have and Should Know by the Time She's 30
Source: Glamor Magazine Written By: Pamela Redmond Satran


"In May of 1997, I wrote this list. I had passed my thirtieth birthday and wanted to tell younger women about the things I really wished I’d had and known by that important milestone. I guess people agreed with what I had to say, because a few years later the list showed up in my e-mail inbox; a friend had forwarded it to me for my reading pleasure, completely unaware that I was the author. After that, every month or two someone would send it to me and I’d immediately hit “reply all” and type, “Hey, that was me! I wrote that for Glamour.” (After a while, I don’t think anyone believed me.) The list became a phenomenon; posted on hundreds of websites, it was attributed to everyone from Jesse Jackson to Maya Angelou to Hillary Clinton. Someone even published it as an anonymously written book. As I read over these lines now, so many of them still seem worth having and knowing—whether you’re 30 or 22 or 75. Being a little older and a little wiser, I’ve plugged in a few new “shoulds.” By all means, add some of your own."


By 30, You Should Have:

1. One old boyfriend you can imagine going back to and one who reminds you of how far you’ve come.
2. A decent piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in your family.
3. Something perfect to wear if the employer or man of your dreams wants to see you in an hour.
4. A purse, a suitcase and an umbrella you’re not ashamed to be seen carrying.
5. A youth you’re content to move beyond.
6. A past juicy enough that you’re looking forward to retelling it in your old age.
7. The realization that you are actually going to have an old age—and some money set aside to help fund it.
8. An e-mail address, a voice mailbox and a bank account—all of which nobody has access to but you.
9. A résumé that is not even the slightest bit padded.
10. One friend who always makes you laugh and one who lets you cry.
11. A set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill and a black lace bra.
12. Something ridiculously expensive that you bought for yourself, just because you deserve it.
13. The belief that you deserve it.
14. A skin-care regimen, an exercise routine and a plan for dealing with those few other facets of life that don’t get better after 30.
15. A solid start on a satisfying career, a satisfying relationship and all those other facets of life that do get better.

By 30, You Should Know:

1. How to fall in love without losing yourself.
2. How you feel about having kids.
3. How to quit a job, break up with a man and confront a friend without ruining the friendship.
4. When to try harder and when to walk away.
5. How to kiss in a way that communicates perfectly what you would and wouldn’t like to happen next.
6. The names of: the secretary of state, your great-grandmother and the best tailor in town.
7. How to live alone, even if you don’t like to.
8. How to take control of your own birthday.
9. That you can’t change the length of your calves, the width of your hips or the nature of your parents.
10. That your childhood may not have been perfect, but it’s over.
11. What you would and wouldn’t do for money or love.
12. That nobody gets away with smoking, drinking, doing drugs or not flossing for very long.
13. Who you can trust, who you can’t and why you shouldn’t take it personally.
14. Not to apologize for something that isn’t your fault.
15. Why they say life begins at 30.

Although this part is technically from a different article, it was still on the same subject, and is actually the original article I read on the subject so I thought I would include this list as well since it's based off the above article.

By 30 You Should Have
Source: Today Show Written By: Anne Crhistensen

"Something perfect to wear if the employer or man of your dreams wants to see you in an hour. 

Of all the items on this list, this has always been my very favorite. Possibly because it’s one I know I’ve got down! And you should, too, because life is a lot easier when you’re not dashing around in a panic over what you’re going to wear to some hugely important thing that’s happening seven and a half minutes from now. Allow me to give you my list of twelve wardrobe staples every woman should own. It’s like CliffsNotes for your closet!"

1. Skinny black jeans. You need a pair. Dress them up for the office or down for day.
2. A crisp, white button-down shirt. It suggests clean, cool confidence in the workplace, but unbutton two buttons and it’s the ultimate in sex appeal for night.
3. A go-to dress. It doesn’t have to be a little black dress. It’s even better sometimes if it’s not, because color makes a bolder statement. But it should fit perfectly and make you feel beautiful.
4. A classic black pump. It has to have at least a four-inch heel to boost your height and confidence. (Okay, fine. A three-inch heel if you must.)
5. A bright mini. My own favorite is red with a flared hem. It’s great to have one that’s a really bright color because it makes you stand out in a crowd. You can wear it for day—just pair it with an oversize men’s white sweater—or nighttime, with a silk camisole.
6. A bold piece of jewelry. Think: necklace, bangle, large ring, large earrings. I have a big necklace that I keep in my drawer at work, and it dresses up any outfit. A statement piece allows your personal style to shine, especially if the rest of your outfit is conservative.
7. A fitted blazer. A great-fitting blazer is a girl’s most invaluable staple. Pop the collar, roll the sleeves, or add a cool brooch to make it your own.
8. A colorful clutch. This one’s especially crucial if you have a closet full of blacks or neutrals. A splash of color will liven up the simplest outfit—not to mention your mood.
9. Black opaque tights. They’re so warm and practical, and they instantly make a dress look professional.
10. A lace tank. Wear it underneath your V-neck during the day or peeking out from under a jacket in the evening.
11. Ballet flats. They’re feminine and comfortable, and you can wear them anywhere and always look pulled together. I personally love a blue ballet flat.
12. A soft, luxurious white T-shirt. It has to be a great-quality one that feels good on your skin. You can wear it with everything else in your wardrobe. And if you find one you really love, buy three