14 Things You Need to Know to Do Adulting Right

It's a new year so why not try to start the year off in the right direction. These are just a few simple ways of knowing some important information. The information is important, but trust me many times adulting is no fun.

However, you can make it fun!
1. Being a Pro at Laundry - The basic plan: Sort it by color and also by fabric (keep delicates away from denim). Make sure to read all the instructions, from the detergent bottle (using too much can trap dirt in your stuff) to the tags on your clothes (some items need to be washed on a certain cycle). A hack to wash away your rookie status: Pull everything out of the dryer 10 minutes before it's Done and you won't have to iron!

How to fight stains!

Ink - Rub with rubbing alcohol, hand sanitizer, or hairspray, then rinse with cold water.
Chocolate - Scrape off excess then put a drop of clear dish soap on it.
Makeup - Rinse away any pigment without rubbing then treat with stain remover. (Also using bar soap will help some too.)
Food Grease - Treat the area with stain remover.
Tomato - Apply stain remover, then dab on white vinegar and gently rub with a toothbrush.
Gum - Put the item in the freezer till the gum is hard, then peel off.
Blood - Dab the area with hydrogen peroxide.

2. Get ready in FIVE minutes

Each number is a minute...

To prevent a meltdown in your closet, go for your favorite clothes. It will make you feel happy and confident. To make it easier the next time you are rushed: Buy clothes in your favorite colors. Or if you love the feel of a certain piece buy it in a lot of colors! You'll have endless combo options.
Twist your hair into a messy topknot- bedhead texture actually makes it look cooler.
Skip the crazy long skin routine. Instead, use a BB cream, that will double as moisturizer and foundation. I love products that do double, sometimes triple, the work of other products.
Keep your makeup simple. Use the same color on cheeks and lips. Neutral eyes are the best!
Reach for an accessory to bump up your style like a scarf, piece of jewelry. Also, don't forget perfume. No one will know it only took you a few minutes to get ready!

3. Job search ready: I found out a few years ago that people who were/are in their middle twenties didn't know how to write a resume. I was appalled. How can you be almost 30 and not know how to do that? Here a simple link to get you started: How to Write a Resume LIKE A BOSS. And these same people had no clue what a cover letter was... So here you go How to Write a Cover Letter Someone Will Actually Read. The job you are looking at requires recommendations. Recommendations? The panic slips in. I highly advise you to not use family... How to Ask for a Recommendation Letter.

So the resume helped what about questions during an interview? So I have a job interview today and just wondering what are some good questions to ask? Or are you having a phone interview? Here are some great tips for a phone interview: How to Handle a Phone Interview Without Effin Up. Also here is a guide to asking a good question: HOW DO WE ASK A GOOD QUESTION?

4. There are a lot of harsh truths in life that you will discover: Harsh Truths

5. Take Care of Yourself When You're Sick

Fever - Apply a cold compress and take Ibuprofen. If your temp lasts more than 48 hours, it's time for the doctor. Or if it goes 102.0 or higher go to the doctor.
Got a Cold - Chicken soup really works! It contains anti-inflammatory properties that help clear up nasal passageways so you can breathe. I have also found that hot and sour soup works well also for a cold.
Upset Stomach - Reach for the rice - the starch found in it can help coat the stomach which has a soothing effect. Herbal teas, like chamomile or ginger, can help calm your tummy too. (Which is why these are great for pregnant women!) But stay away from peppermint it can cause heartburn and make you feel worse!
Flue - Even though you probably have no desire to eat or sip anything, keep a sports drink with electrolytes by your bed. It will keep your body hydrated and help refuel your energy.
Worn Down by Stress - Rest up near a sunny window. The sunlight can help your body produce serotonin and vitamin D which will help you feel invigorated. Plus I highly recommended taking vitamin D every day!

6. Important Documents - In the case of an emergency (natural or not) you need to know where documents are and are able to get to them fast. What documents are important? Here is a list over at Emergency Dude: Protecting Your Documents. Wanting to know how to get your birth certificate? CDC is your answer.

7. Love Your Body - I'm serious. Adult life is so much easier if you don't carry over your high school self-esteem issues. One of the ways I learned to love my body is a quote I hold dear; "Find three hobbies you love; One to make you money, One to keep you in shape, and one to be creative." That has helped me the most. I'm helping the materialistic side of me which a lot of people forget that it's okay to have a few things to like. However, having a hobby that makes you money also helps with the other hobbies. So feel free to lapse those hobbies!

8. Master a Fun Fact (or several) About Yourself - You are out with friends or starting a new job and people want to get to know you. Trust me, I have had bosses in the past that want you to introduce yourself and give a fun fact. It's boring when you hear the same things over and over. Who isn't addicted to Starbucks, and that's great that you are a mom. So come up with something fun. I prefer to have 6 fun facts that I can share with people.

I love Disney beyond the movies. I love the parks, the park music, the rides' music, and the parks trivia.
I have set a goal of reading ____ books this year. (For the record this year's is 75.)
My favorite breakfast food is chicken biscuits with strawberry jelly.
I like to draw characters, Nintendo, Disney, etc.
I prefer winter over any other season.
I love to live seasonally and celebrate as many holidays as I can.

9. Keep a Secret - I know, I know. It's so easy to gossip. But I have a way to make things easier on you. Write it down in a safe place. Keep this book at home. Keeping secrets is proven to make you feel lonely and sad. And when you feel tempted to tell write it down again.

10. Eat Healthier - Do I always eat healthy? No. But there are times when I know that giving in isn't the best idea. So on those days here go:

Eating out - Eat some fruit before going out to eat or eat a side salad first. It will help ease unhealthy cravings. Also, go for grilled food over anything fried or breaded. And find options besides fries.
Sandwich for lunch - Do not use mayo. Served with a salad? Go to the oil-based dressings over creamy ones.
Snacking - Crunch? Vegetables. Sweet? Smoothie. Salty - Pretzels.

11. Have Manners (including Thank You notes) - There are situations with require your full attention, so pt the phone away. Don't just turn off the screen where notifications can still be seen, put it physically away out of sight. Being on time never goes out of style. We having a saying at my job early is on time, being on time is late, and late is not happening. Hostess gifts should never go out of style. If someone asks you to tag along somewhere bring something for them and don't complain about whatever it is.

The dying art that just astounds me is people not writing Thank you notes. My children have written their Christmas present thank yous. Yep, they sit down with a stack of thank you cards that reflect each of their personalities or monogrammed and they write to the person that gave them the gifts.

Gift: Keep it short and to the point. If the present was money don't mention the amount. And always say what you plan to do with the gift regardless of what it is.

For a job interview: Thank the person for their time, ending with "Sincerely [your name]." Send within 48 hours of the interview.

For a general thanks: Be specific about what the person did and how much it meant to you.

12. Learn How to Have a Difference of Opinion -

Don't debate serious topics over social media. You won't be changing anyone's opinion here. Instead, you'll be emotional and you'll probably make the other person emotional. The tone is key when discussing big issues. So it is best to have those sort of discussions face to face.
Don't go into a discussion thinking you will change someone's mind. You have no idea the convictions they had to face to get the point where they are. Just as you have as well. Sure have a discussion, but don't think of it is as swaying someone.
Do speak up for yourself. You won't always agree with everyone that's totally okay. Just remember if you say something negative about what someone else believes they make stick up for themselves as well. To own you tack to talking to someone, stick to facts, be willing to admit when you aren't sure about something, and give the other person a chance to chime in.

13. Budget Your Money - The first real sign of being an adult is using your own money well. Want something simple as a side job? Offer to run a local business social media sites. Also, check out some personal finance, and here are some great reviews on some of the best software; The Best Personal Finance Software Mo' money, fewer problems. Here are books and worksheets that I like:

Dave Ramsey
Crown Spending Plan - This is the budget I still go by!

14. Do Not Rely on Pinterest for Help (or your mother) - While Pinterest might answer a good bit of questions or give you an idea of what to wear, have some luck with tried and true knowledge of making your house a home. Have a book handy that can help explain things. These are a few I keep in my arsenal for life. All of these books also have a rating of 4 stars or higher. By no means am I saying you have to have all of these. I am a sort of a homemaking information quest finder so I love these types of books.