101 things I want my daughter to know as she grows...
- When it comes to wearing make-up, there’s a general rule of thumb that applies – Less is more.
- Nothing you tell me will ever make me want to stop hearing from you.
- No prayer request is ever too small, too silly or too embarrassing to share.
- Do what makes you happy.
- Bread, garlic and tomatoes are an Italian household staple.
- Home is not where we live but who we love.
- Good girls aren't boring.
- When wearing a dress or skirt, the hem should fall below the tips of your fingers when your arms hang straight at your sides.
- God says He has made all things beautiful - that includes you, my love - no matter how you feel about your body.
- Be the friend you wish you had.
- Love waits. (see #12)
- Your body is not yours. Its a gift for your husband. I promise its worth waiting to "upwrap" together.
- I will always be your shopping, crafting, baking, or movie watching companion for life.
- Don't be afraid of a broken heart.
- You can't control what others think about you. Let it go.
- Don't keep "friends" with those who bring you down.
- Take time to pause and reflect.
- A good friend loves at all times. Period.
- The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.
- Bad haircuts grow out eventually - but as long as your Aunt CeeCee cuts your hair you won't have to worry about a bad haircut.
- Don't smoke, its just plain nasty.
- I'm never tired of being your mother.
- Don't ever give up. Always be persistant - there are no quitters in our family.
- Smile. When you do so, you look radiant!
- When life pushes you over - push back harder.
- Leave petty arguments alone - and never bring up past arguments.
- Don't be afraid to color outside the lines.
- Remember to count your blessings.
- You are not the mistakes you have made.
- Whistle while you work.
- Read the fine print. Read the document in its entirety, make sure you understand it, and negotiate changes before you sign anything.
- Saying sorry first is a sign of strength, not a weakness.
- I'm on your side; especially on the days when it doesn't feel like it.
- The movies lie. Passion isn't a contorted exercise on a marble staircase, its doing the dishes together and lying with your feet touching in the bed at the end of a long day.
- Challenge yourself.
- Don't hold in your emotions - a good cry is great therapy.
- Husbands need a wife. Not another mom.
- Patience is never wasted.
- Dad will be the one helping you with your math homework.
- Laundry requires time - dont just throw all your clothes and other household linens into one load, toss in the dryer and call it a day - the proper way (the way Nonna taught me) is to do separate loads and use a drying rack - helps extend the life of clothes and linens.
- Love happens when you least expect it.
- I will be your best friend, but I will be your mother more.
- Go big even if it means failing big.
- Marriage is an act of courage, commitment and sacrifice; its also the most fun you'll ever have with your best friend.
- Don't ever wear something that has writing across your buttocks...
- Listen well, both for what’s being said, and for what’s being omitted.
- Trust your instincts. If it feels wrong, it probably is. Listen to that voice, and don’t silence it.
- Laughter can diffuse many a challenging situation. Especially when you can laugh at yourself.
- Act like a lady, get treated like a lady.
- Be serious about your money. Take care of your credit and learn how to budget what income you have. It’ll save you the stress of living beyond your means, which is a major pain the back pockets.
- Tea parties are not old fashioned, in fact, they are a timeless treat to enjoy the company of other ladies, old and young!
- Disney World really is the most magical place in the whole world.
- Sing. Sing a Song. Sing out Loud. Sing out Strong!
- Name calling hurts, don't do it - and if it is done to you just ignore it.
- Gossip is dangerous; avoid it at all costs.
- Have one good karaoke song in your back pocket.
- Photography is a wonderful art. Learn how to use a camera and capture as much of life as you can so that you can forever cherish those memories. A picture IS worth a thousand words.
- Stick around at the dinner table with family after a meal is over. Don't rush off - some of the best stories are told at this time.
- Pray, God is ALWAYS listening.
- Wear sunscreen... even on cloudy days.
- Giving is way better than receiving.
- Shop around for the better deal... 9 times out of 10 you'll find a better price and feel so great about the money you saved!
- Don't ever starve yourself. EVER. Its not worth the destruction it does to your body.
- If you love someone, tell them. And tell them often. It's a wonderful feeling to be reminded that you are loved.
- Eat your veggies.
- Give it a try; whether its a new food, sport, or venturing to a new place. You won't know how you feel about it until you give it a shot.
- Travel.
- A bowl of popcorn and an episode or two of FRIENDS can turn any bad day into a good one!
- You don't have to stick to a recipe - unless its baking, then always stick to the recipe.
- When you are asked to go on a date, it is usually understood that the invitee will foot the bill - but always offer to contribute.
- If you create a nickname for someone, use it as a term for endearment, not embarrassment.
- Make yourself useful. Get off your bum and help out. Be constructive.
- Leave a decent tip. An adequate job requires a standard tip, and outstanding service is rewarded with a bigger one.
- Return your shopping cart. Leaving your cart of to the side of your parking spot or in the middle of the lot is just plain rude.
- Take only what you need. When things are free it is easy to overindulge.
- Wear your seatbelt.
- Introduce yourself to your neighbors as soon as you move to someplace new...trust me.
- Mind your manners and be courteous to others.
- When you drop someone off at home wait until he or she gets inside before driving away.
- Keep your grandmother's sauce recipe alive - You may no longer carry your Italian heritage with your last name, but you can certainly carry on its legacy through your cooking. I will teach you.
- If you haven't worn it in a year, give it away.
- Wear a bra. And make sure it fits properly. If it rides up in the back, it's too big. If it cuts into your chest in the front, it's too small.
- Wash your hair every other day. Try not to wash it every day; you can dry it out that way.
- Seasonal veggies and fruits are tasty.
- Learn another language.
- Call if you are going to be late.
- Offer your seat to elderly and pregnant people.
- A dog is a loyal friend from whom you will learn the nature of love and devotion.
- Always send a thank you note. This has served your mother and grandmothers well for generations.
- People can change, but you can't change them.
- Never get your eyebrows waxed by a woman who draws hers on!
- Look people in the eye... I'm working on this one as - it can be tough.
- Nothing can ruin your life like drugs. You can’t know how your body will react drugs unless you try them, but the catch is that if you’re part of the majority who can’t control their usage, trying drugs will send you down a spiral from which it will be all but impossible to recover.
- Avoid being photographed doing anything you wouldn’t want your father to see... photos can go viral and inadvertently cause much pain and embarrassment.
- You can become good at anything you practice.
- Always let your conscious be your guide.
- When in dating doubt, always err on the side of making things harder for the guy. He needs to convince you that he’s worthy of being in your life, not the other way around.
- Ask your dad how to change a flat tire.
- Enjoy the innocence of your childhood. There is a constant pressure for you to grow up way too fast. When did 5 become the new 10, anyway? Grow slowly.
- A strong hand shake leaves a lasting impression.
- Wherever you are in life, you can come home. I will be here – always.
