Remember the days when we looked forward to growing up and being on our own? No curfew, decorating your own apartment, and buying your own groceries sounded so fun. Well now here we are, and surprise! Adulting is expensive. As if you’re already not stressed enough.
Like most 20-year-olds, I’m still trying to land on my feet. I’m balancing school with a part-time job, and my schedule is the definition of hectic. They were right when they said your twenties are crazy. They’re crazy hard, crazy exhausting, crazy expensive, but still crazy fun.
I know that money is a fickle subject. Sometimes you feel rich, and sometimes you’re trying to make $10 last till Friday. There are some things though, that you really just need to get by in life. I assessed my life and looked at what I’ve put my money into to create this list of things that I feel are beneficial to young women like me.
Here are the top 20 items every 20-something girl should be investing in:
1. Bedding
Let's throw it out there. Bedding is EXPENSIVE, but it's worth the splurge. If you sleep eight hours a night, you're spending one third of your time in bed. Why get a good night's sleep when you can get a great night's sleep? Bedding is not a luxury. It's a basic human right, and remember that there is no such thing as too many pillows.
2. A go-to professional outfit
You never know when life is going to throw you that surprise job offer.When it does, be ready. Your outfit does matter. When you look good you feel good, and that confidence is going to help you crush your interview.
3. Magic Bullet
I used to watch the Magic Bullet infomercials like it was my job. I was obsessed. My mom surprised me with one last Christmas, and needless to say, I was ecstatic. I use it almost every day making smoothies, salsa, dicing vegetables, grinding coffee, etc. It's the perfect, versatile kitchen appliance for your tiny apartment.
4. Your teeth
INVEST IN YOUR TEETH. I cannot stress how important this it! Your oral hygiene effects the health of the rest of your body, not just your mouth. Develop a daily routine to baby those suckers. Brush them at least twice a day. Get a good mouthwash that kills germs and strengthens your enamel because once your enamel is gone, you can't get it back. Don't forget to floss. It really does help. Your teeth will look and feel so much better.
5. Perfume
First of all, perfume is different from that body spray you got from Bath & Body Works. Perfume will stay on for days. I'm a cheapskate. I think $70 for perfume is outrageous, but there are websites where you can purchase it for a third of that. Smelling better will make you a more likeable person, and people will actually be more comfortable around you.
6. A nice pair of everyday earrings
I never change my earrings. I wear the same pearls everyday because they're simple and they compliment everything. Splurge on a halfway decent pair. Your everyday earrings should not be turning your ears green and gritty.
7. Towels
Nice towels are just one of those little things that make me really happy. I probably appreciate fluffy towels so much because for years I used the thin, cheap ones. Seriously, buy the $7 towel instead of the $4 towel at Target. Your life will be changed.
8. An agenda
Agendas are not just for students! Write down your assignments, projects you want to get done, errands you need to run, your work schedule, etc. Having all your obligations documented in one place will give you a piece of mind and make you much more productive.
9. That little black dress
Every girl needs a simple LBD to get her through her 20's. It's the decade of sorority formals, company dinners, weddings, weddings, and more weddings. That LBD will be by your side through it all.
10. Aromatherapy
We all get stressed, and as finals week approaches, us college students are approaching the border of insanity. A little aromatherapy goes a long way. My go-to scent is lavender because it's very calming. Candles and plug-ins will help you feel more at ease when you come home.
11. Heat protection for your hair
Hot water, hair dryers, flat irons, and curling irons really beat up your hair. Yes, we're not supposed to do it everyday, but for people like myself, that's not realistic. Don't spend years growing your hair out just for it to be dried and brittle. Be responsible, and use protection.
12. Learning to cook
You may not be the best cook, and you may not even like to cook. That's okay; however, every girl should have at least one go-to recipe memorized and up her sleeve. I guarantee there will be a time where it will come in handy.
13. Your skin
We're just a few weeks shy of 2016, and to be honest I don't know why tanning beds still exist. I hate myself for ever using one. Self-tanner is a way cheaper and much healthier alternative. You don't see celebrities frying themselves in tanning beds. Besides the fact that they increase your risk of getting cancer, they also cause premature aging. Save yourself the wrinkles, and just buy the $10 self-tanner.
14. Homey decorations
Make sure the place you're living is your home away from home. Get some pillows for the futon, and make it cozy.
15. A nice pair of boots
I destroyed too many shoes walking through puddles before I finally bought a pair of rain boots. They also don't have to be rain boots. You can go the UGG, riding boot, combat boot, or even Timberland path Boots are empowering, so you might as well just buy them all.
16. Pepper spray
Don't take this advice lightly. If you don't have pepper spray yet, get it, or put it on your Christmas list. As scary as it is, you never know when you might need it.
17. A watch
A watch can pull your entire outfit together, and there are literally millions of different styles to choose from. This item doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg either. A Target watch tells you the same time as a Micheal Kors watch. Find one that represents you.
18. Books
Reading benefits you so much more than you know. The book is never too expensive. Always invest in the book.
19. A sewing kit
A sewing kit is a must-have. It's the life saver that's there to revive all your holey leggings. I guarantee there will come a time when you will need one.
20. A cozy sweater
The purpose is in the name. It's cozy. Every girl needs a go-to comforting sweater she can rely on. Put in on in the morning when it's cold. Throw it on over leggings when you go out, or just bundle up on the couch and watch Netflix.
