Princess Lilue

1. One old love she can imagine going back to and one who reminds her how far she has come.

2. Enough money within her control to move out and rent a place of her own, even if she never wants to or needs to.

3. Something perfect to wear if the employer or date of her dreams should want to see her in an hour.

4. A youth she is content to leave behind, and a past juicy enough for her to look forward to retelling in her old age.

5. A set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra.

6. One friend who always makes her laugh...and one who lets her cry.

7. A good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family.

8. Eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems and a recipe for a meal that will make her guests feel honoured.
9. And a feeling of control over her destiny.


Every woman should know...

1. How to fall in love without losing herself, how to quit a job or break up with a lover, and how to confront a friend without ruining the friendship.

2. When to try harder and when to walk away.

3. That she cannot change the length of her calves, the width of her hips or the nature of her parents.

4. That her childhood may not have been perfect, but it's over.

5. What she will or will not do for love, or more.

6. How to live alone, even if she doesn't like it.

7. Whom she can trust, whom she cannot, and why she shouldn't take some things personally.

8. Where to go...be it to her best friend's kitchen table or a charming motel in the countryside when her soul needs soothing.

9. And what she can or cannot accomplish in a day, a month and a year.