The 31 Best Things We Learned This Decade

1. For starters, we learned how to wear high-waisted pants regardless of how long or short your torso is. May they never go out of style.

2. And how to eat a cupcake—because there is definitely a wrong way.

3. We learned that reusable straws are far superior to plastic.

4. And how to break in a fabulous new pair of heels, because blisters and strappy sandals just don’t mix.

5. We learned there’s actually a correct order for skin care products. (Who knew?)

6. And you can, in fact, unshrink a sweater.

7. We learned how to be the parent who builds the ultimate pillow fort.

8. But raise our children to be unspoiled too.

9. And that you have to wash your makeup sponges or things get gross fast. (Sorry.)

10. We now know you can use a banana for buffing a scuff out of leather (or faux-leather) shoes.

11. Or to whiten your teeth.

12. We learned how to ripen an avocado in a hurry. (Hint: You need a paper bag.)

13. How to stop getting junk mail for good.

14. And how to work out while pregnant—if that’s your thing.

15. We learned how to tidy by category, not location. (Thanks, Marie Kondo!)

16. And how to cut cheese of any shape or size. Think about it: how would you go at a wheel of Brie?

17. We got the skinny on how to clean a bathtub with a grapefruit, because things get grimy in there.

18. And how to get your kids to finally stop hitting each other.

19. We got the scoop on getting rid of strawberry legs (and learned what they are).

20. We mastered the art of shutting down a toxic relationship simply by pretending to be boring.

21. We learned the right way to leave a job.

22. And the right height for hanging art. (Eye level, people!)

23. We now have the vocabulary to say no to being a bridesmaid.

24. And how to save major money when you can’t get out of it.

25. We learned how to get a wax without the (embarrassing) breakouts.