13 Things Every Fearless Southern Girl Should Know

In honor of the month of Halloween, I've developed a list of 13 things every fearless southern girl should know about herself. Don't worry, though, this is a lucky list, one that will free you from ghouls and gobblins of worry and despair.

Every Fearless Southern Girl Should Know . . .

1. A chili recipe that warms the heart and the tongue. Making comfort foods for the ones we love is how we show we care. Being able to whip up comfort foods quickly in a pinch is how we love ourselves.
2. A go-to Halloween costume. It's great to get creative, but this year Halloween arrives on a Monday. Be like a Boy Scout and be prepared.
3. A charity of her choosing. Give generously to a cause or two that reflects your priorities and passions, instead of handing out dimes to every charity that solicits you.
4. When to end . . . a project, an adventure, a chore. My personal rule of thumb to stop when my interest/enthusiasm/excitement peaks, before I'm on the downhill slide to exhaustion or misery. What's your rule of thumb?
5. What's really worth a splurge. Do you feel like impulse buying is taking over your shopping trips? Decide right now what is worth a splurge - a fabulous pair of shoes, a spontaneous adventure, a gourmet meal - and then you'll also know what isn't.
6. The three things she can't live without in her kitchen, in her closet and in her man.
7. How many licks it takes to get to the center of a Tootsie Roll Pop.
8. The words to Seven Bridges Road.
9. The phone number of a woman who will encourage her, inspire her and keep her moving forward. We all need mentors.
10. The phone number of a woman who will indulge her, sip wine with her, complain with her and offer a shoulder and a tissue when tears get involved. We all need a best friend.
11. A local grocer that carries Palmetto jalapeno pimiento spread. Don't go to a party without it (but put it in your own pretty dish, of course).
12. Her heritage. Who her people are. Where she came from. Her roots.
13. How to exclaim, "Why, I look afright," at the moment in which it will make the most impact.

Know these 13 things about YOU and you will never question yourself.