xoxo, lm

Hurry, go to Vickie's!

If you have some time this weekend, run out to Victoria's Secret and get a free 1 ounce energizing lotion.

Go here and print out the coupon, but hurry, the offer is only good until March 2.

They are trying to showcase their new line of organic lotion, which is good for those of us who have sensitive skin - YAY for no chemicals!

I haven't tried any of the Victoria's Secret scents recently - any of you laid-off ladies have a favorite I should keep in mind when I get my free lotion?

Let me know by commenting or by e-mail at askthegirls@laidoffladies.com

Happy shopping!

Kate

OK, brace yourselves texting fans ...

ATTENTION LAID-OFF LADIES: Thanks to one of our No. 1 fans, Maribeth (OK, it's my mom), I have some VERY exciting news for everyone.

I'm in heaven. Go here and you will be too.

It's called Shoptext.com and it's the newest way to shop - or my favorite - get free stuff!

All you have to do is register by typing in your cell phone number. Then you will receive a text with your registration code. Type in the code and you're ready to get free products! You'll have to fill in your address so you can receive the freebies and they will ask you for your credit card information but you don't have to fill it out (unless you will be using the site to actually purchase items).

Once you're registered, all you do is keep your eyes open!

You'll start noticing magazines have ShopText-enabled ads and you'll even see them on billboards! When you come across an ad with a code, text it to 467467. They may text you back with an easy question (standard text messaging rates apply), but once you respond, your free product is on its way!

Sound too good to be true? TRY IT NOW!

Text DISSOLVE to 467467 and get your own free sample of Clean and Clear Makeup Wipes.

Whenever you come across a code for a free product, e-mail us at askthegirls@laidoffladies.com and I'll be sure to post it right away!

Keep your eyes peeled, I know I will!

Kate

Donate tweet, raise cash for CARE

Earlier this week, I mentioned A Powerful Noise's March 5 event at select theaters. Coinciding with the International Women's Day viewing is a Tweet-A-Thon to raise proceeds for global poverty through CARE.

If you want to join the cause, donate your tweet March 2-5 and NCM Fathom will donate 10 cents (for up to 50,000 tweets) to CARE, in honor of A Powerful Noise.

It's simple and making a "donation" is as easy as 1-2-3. 1. Log in to your Twitter account from March 2-5. 2. Include #apowerfulnoise in your tweet. 3. You've donated 10 cents! You also can visit A Powerful Noise to see the Tweet-A-Thon's impact.

Spread the word!

xoxo,
Lisa Marie

Tired of the same old packed lunch?

Well here's an idea to help brighten your week!

I've noticed that with everyone's budgets shrinking, eating out for lunch has been one of the first things to go. And packing the same 'ol lunch everyday can get pretty boring, but here's a plan for you and all of your coworkers to come together and have something to look forward to once a week (or more if you're a fan!).

How to make a "Coworker Salad" in three easy steps:
1. You get a group of coworkers together who, just like you, are tired of having the same boring lunch everyday and pick a day of the week you know will fit best with everyone's schedule.
2. Once the day is planned, have everyone sign up to bring in a favorite salad topping (don't forget to assign the lettuce and dressing to someone).
3. Then set all the toppings out buffet style and poof! You have a make-your-own salad with all the toppings you could dream of - all for the price of the one item you purchased!

Just be sure that no two people supply the same topping. After all, if two people bring the bleu cheese, who's going to bring the garlic croutons?

Have any other ideas to spice up the weekly lunch schedule? Send them to askthegirls@laidoffladies.com

Can't wait to hear your ideas!

Kate

Help make A Powerful Noise

International Women's Day will be celebrated March 5 and to commemorate the event, the documentary A Powerful Noise is set to play at 6:30 p.m. at three theaters in the city and many sprinkled throughout the suburbs.

The viewing will be featured at 450 movie theaters total, and the event will be followed by a live panel discussion broadcast from New York City to each theater. Panelists include Madeleine Albright, Natalie Portman, Nicholas Kristof, Christy Turlington Burns and Dr. Helene Gayle. You can submit questions to the panelists online.

The film chronicles the journeys of three women in Vietnam, Bosnia and Mali. Each women is overcoming adversity and gender barriers. Separately the women work to fight AIDS, rebuild a community and educate girls, but together they spread the message of hope to women across the world. The documentary hopes to illustrate the personal issues of these women while outlining larger issues that affect millions of women.

One description of the movie contains a message I wholeheartedly believe: "A Powerful Noise is a meditation on the inherent potential of women to change the world."

Tickets cost $15 and can be purchased online. If you can't make it to the event but want to show your support and make noise for women across the globe, join the movement here.

xoxo,
Lisa Marie

Relax, network at Red Door Spas

If you need a little rejuvenation after a tiring day, Elizabeth Arden's Red Door Spa is inviting you to energize and network.

Make your way to the salon and spa from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays at 919 N. Michigan Ave. Red Door is inviting business professionals to make ties while getting pampered. For $25, you can enjoy appetizers, wine and champagne and one of the following spa treatments: express facial or massage, warm cream manicure, express pedicure, makeup refresher or blowdry and style. Since services are limited and based on availability, RSVP to 312-988-1879 or jlieber@rdspas.com.

Go ahead, pamper yourself - you deserve it (and you'll be networking,too!).

xoxo,
Lisa Marie

Support equal rights by tying the knot

I believe every Laid-off Lady should be armed with a gay husband (especially while shopping) and if you believe the same, it's time to show your support for marriage equality.

Reader Maura passed on this organization to me and I couldn't agree with its message more. Founder Frank Voci started White Knot for Equality in November '08 after Proposition 8 passed in California.

The group's main goal is to educate and inform and in doing so, they're using two symbols of marriage - the color white and tying the knot - to start conversation.

To join the movement, you can send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to White Knot or if you have white ribbon and a pin, you can start a mini-movement on your own. It's time to rock the ribbon and show that you believe in basic human rights!

xoxo,
Lisa Marie

Join the swap-a-book club

Who doesn't love to curl up in bed with a good book?

Well now, with the help of three book swapping Web sites, you can do it for only the price of shipping!

Paperbackswap.com, bookins.com, and bookmooch.com are all the new rage!

All three sites have the same basic formula:

1. You sign up and suggest 10 or so books you've finished reading and would like to clear off your bookshelf.

2. Someone requests to read one of the books on your list.

3. You mail your book to the club member (you pay the price of shipping, but in return any book you request will have it's shipping paid for, as well).

4. Once the member receives your book, you receive credits.

5. Your turn! You get to surf the site and pick a book (or books, depending on how many credits you have) you'd like to check out and have it sent to you!

And repeat! It's as easy as that!

Roll out the red carpet, Oscars-style

Some people love The Oscars for the awards and others for the fashion, but we love it because it's a great reason to have a get-together. Gather friends, make fake ballots and break out a few appetizers - you still have time to send out a quick message to friends and tidy your apartment - the show starts at 7 p.m. CT on ABC.

If you have a Trader Joe's near by, pick up some two-buck Chuck, bake cookies or brownies and have everyone bring an appetizer. Wear a dazzling piece of jewelry, do your hair in an up-do or make your guests feel fancy by giving them a champagne toast or making them strike a pose when they walk in (caution: some people may object)!

You also can buy a cheap, red tablecloth at a party goods' store and cut it to fit the entrance of your living room. Guests can cast a ballot for best and worst dressed and best actor and actress in a leading role. You even can give the winners a special prize (or a big hug if a prize isn't in your budget).

If you don't have a party, tune into the show with a glass of wine and throw on a pair of stilettos with those sweats - we won't tell!

xoxo,
Lisa Marie

I'm not afraid to admit ...

... that I check myself out in most things that reflect. Windows, friends' sunglasses, computer screens and of course, mirrors - I like to make sure my hair's tamed and my skirt's not tucked into my tights. Plus, sometimes I just like to work it.

xoxo,
Lisa Marie