xoxo, lm

Wear that pretty smile! What makes you happy?

En route home today, I put down my phone, closed my book and took time to relax. Instead of answering e-mails, drafting stories, texting friends or reading a book, I did nothing. I started to think of all the things that make me happy, which led to ...

Things I love:

- This city. Every city has its sour spots but our city pulses through my veins. Towering buildings, lively citizens, beautification projects, art events, city-installed flowers in the warm months and sparkling lights in the winter, and free events (the Chicago Park District is hosting Jazz City: Eric Schneider's Tribute to Benny Goodman from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Friday (May 1) at Warren Park, 6601 N. Western Ave.). It's my kind of town, too.

- Chasing dreams. Of course, it's fun to go after your own goals, but I find it equally empowering to see others chase their dreams. My ma graduating college, my dad taking over a small business, my sister's graduate degree, my brother becoming a police cadet and countless friends receiving promotions, becoming engaged and now, getting pregnant (!) - their actions give me the extra fighting power to go after my own dreams.

- Being a woman. Really, there's nothing better. Make-up and fun shoes and nail polish and curves? Plus, personal and professional bonding and a community-like network (have you heard of The Chicago Network? It's a premier organization for leading women, and everything about it inspires me.) We also have health events devoted to us, cute handbags, fierce personalities and we can justify eating chocolate (at least) once a month. I love womenhood.

- A lil' failure. Yeah, it stinks, but what's life without a few roller-coaster rides? Or at least a few adventures. I'm (slowly but surely) learning to cast a positive light on my obstacles. I always learn something I can tuck away and use down the road, and it gives me a new perspective. Like the recession, for instance. I've learned that money comes and goes but the most important things stick around.

- The little things. Hugs. My grandma's smile. Crying happy tears. Fuzzy blankets. Staying at my parent's house. Saying I love you. Gathering with friends. Lake water. A phone call. Long walks. Day dreaming ...

... and knowing that no matter what happens with jobs, the economy and other issues, we'll be OK and come out stronger. Because we have each other. 

What do you love? Comment below or e-mail askthegirls@laidoffladies.com.

xoxo,
Lisa Marie

*photo courtesy of kevin eldon

I'm not afraid to admit ...

... that I almost broke down and cried at work today. Twice. Ever have one of those days where EVERYTHING goes wrong? Well today was that day for me. But thank God for friends! Lisa Marie listened and calmed me down once I got home and I feel much better. So now I'm taking her advice and calling today a "do-over" and going to bed early. I'm just going to pretend like today didn't happen.

What helps you get through a tough day? I could use the advice!

Here's to waking up on the right side of the bed tomorrow!

Kate

Obama: Don't panic over swine flu

The news is everywhere and I'm sure you've heard it: swine flu is spreading across the United States and beyond. Live as I type, Obama's speaking at a news conference and discussing topics of concern and importance to our nation.

One of the top subjects on his list is the outbreak. Just as news of the swine flu was starting to unnerve me, Obama said words that put me at ease:

"This is cause for deep concern but not panic."

Of course, you still have to take precautions. The president, who's been in the seat for 100 days, reminds citizens to wash their hands and cover their mouths. If you're sick, he says, stay home from work and school and if you're experiencing flu-like symptoms, stay away from planes and public transportation.

"I know it sounds trivial but it makes a huge difference," he says. "Those are the steps we need to take right now - but understand - because this is a new strain, we have to be cautious."

For up-to-date information on the swine flu, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's swine flu site.

Be sure to take care of yourselves - we want our ladies (and men!) to be healthy!

xoxo,
Lisa Marie

 

City's free flower shows flourish

My green thumb isn't quite developed and even though I have plans to put a flower box on my balcony, it's time to be honest with myself and admit that this year, I probably won't get around to making my balcony a flower haven.

Until next year, I'll have to rely on the city of Chicago to fill my flower void and luckily, the city's displays and shows are in full bloom.

Right in time for May Day, here's some flower shows to excite your senses:

Spring 2009 Flower Show at Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central Park Ave - Located in the show house through May 10, the free exhibit showcases annuals, perennials, colorful bulbs and flowering shrubs. There's hydrangea, daffodils and more than 800 azaleas. The conservatory is open from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Wednesdays and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. all other days.

Lincoln Park Conservatory's Spring Flower Show, 2391 N. Stockton Drive - Visit the conservatory through May 10 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays through Sundays to see the free show that features azaleas, blooming plants, annuals and perennials.

City Beautiful: Tulips on The Magnificent Mile will be in place through May 31. Walk down the popular shopping stretch and enjoy the vibrant rows of tulips - just be wise and prepare your inner shopaholic for the temptation that will surround you!

Are you a more prepared flower gardener than I? Share your secrets! Comment below or e-mail us at askthegirls@laidoffladies.com.

xoxo,
Lisa Marie

*photo courtesy of Kenner

Beauty secrets that can change your life

Have you ever heard or read about a beauty tip that changed your life?

Recently I let some of my friends in on a tip I had learned about years ago and they were so thankful, I knew I had to share!

The problem: You're getting ready, you put on your carefully selected outfit and go to the full-length mirror for one final check when you realize you somehow got deodorant marks on your shirt.
For me, this used to mean finding a new shirt, or trying to wash it off and making a bigger mess than before.

Until I heard this solution that I swear by: Take a pair of tights, nylons or trouser socks and lightly rub them against the marks on you shirt. It's like magic! The marks disappear and you can't even tell they were there!
If you don't believe me, try it - It'll change your life! I sometimes keep a trouser sock in my purse when I'm wearing a sleeveless shirt for emergencies. It's saved me on more than one occasion.

What beauty tips do you swear by? PLEASE SHARE! After all, we're in this together and us women have to stick together!

Can't wait to read your posted tips!

Kate

I'm not afraid to admit ...

... that I choose wine based on how cute the bottle is. Today, I bought a bottle of Cortenova from Kafka Wine Co., 3325 N. Halsted (stop by - they have an amazing selection and 90 percent are under $15), and I couldn't wait to drink a glass and then leave it out as a decoration!

Now if only I could figure out how to uncork a bottle ...

xoxo,
Lisa Marie

It's up to you to keep Earth Week going

Earth Week has come to a close, but we're counting on you to keep in mind the green tips you learned here at LaidoffLadies.com and put them to good use throughout the rest of the year.

Couldn't get enough "Go Green" tips this week? Here's a few final tips to help you make your impact on saving the planet - they may seem tedious, but every little bit helps:

~ Keep your car tires full of air. Make sure to keep your tires inflated, that way your car will run more miles on less gas.

~ Turn off the water. Try sticking to showers and skipping the baths (this is going to be a challenge for me, but I'm looking for a new way to unwind) and keep the water off when brushing your teeth.

~ Put an end to paper bills. Cancel your mail statements and pay your bills online. Just think of the trees we can save!

~ Think before you toss anything. Make a conscious effort to think about what you're throwing out before you pitch it. Can someone else use it? Can it be used for a different purpose? Can it be recycled? Putting yourself in the habit of thinking twice will be a great service for our planet!

~ If you're not using it, turn it off. Turning off electronics, or simply unplugging them from the outlet can help cut down on your energy output. Even though your curling iron is turned off, if it's plugged in, it's still using energy and costing you money. Don't forget to turn off the lights when you leave a room, too.

~ Use reusable grocery bags. Help keep plastic bags out of landfills by bringing your own bags with you. You can also save money because some grocery stores take money off your bill if you bring your own bags.

The list goes on, but we'll check in from time to time to make sure you're staying green!

Did you learn a new tip this week? Did you come across a new favorite trick you've been putting to good use? We want to hear all about it! E-mail us at askthegirls@laidoffladies.com.

Stay green!

Kate

Laid-off fashion writer chronicles journey in Vogue

My eyes lit up when I saw this month's Vogue. I quickly opened the cover, moved past the Balenciaga ad and the pages of dead-on fashion 'til I found my destination: a story titled "You're Fired!: Surviving and Thriving after the Pink Slip."

I read the story page-to-page in a few minutes (sorry, it's not posted on the magazine's site) and learned about veteran fashion writer and critic Lynn Yaeger, who was laid off from The Village Voice on Dec. 30.

Yaeger's idea of surviving during tough times isn't exactly the same as my kind of frugality (she returned recent, un-necessary purchases, like a sapphire-and-diamond snake ring that she re-bought after landing a story at Vogue) but the overall message was a good one.

After throwing a pity party, the writer bucked up and put herself back into the game. She reinvented herself a little by becoming more open to Internet writing and she didn't give up - she knew she had the talent, she just had to find the work.

Moreover, she didn't let the situation define her. She's a fashion icon and talented writer who wasn't going to let one obstacle set her miles off track. Now, Yaeger has been in talks with a book editor and has had various freelance writing gigs.

Yaeger also was interviewed by The New York Observer and she had an interesting, fabulous statement:

"It's sort of an exciting world out there despite the hideous economic situation," she said.

Agreed.

xoxo,
Lisa Marie

P.S. For a limited time, Vogue is offering subscriptions for $12 ($1 an issue!). There is a catch, however. You also have to purchase a $12 Vanity Fair subscription, but it's a definite steal if you're a fashion magazine junkie (I'm guilty). If you're a Vanity Fair girl, you can subscribe to only VF for $1 an issue, but you have to pay $3 shipping. Happy reading!

*photo courtesy of amylynne

Green-over your diet

Happy Arbor Day!

Earth Week is coming to a close, but we're not out of tips yet!

You don't usually think of your food when you think of going green, but the truth is there are a couple things you can alter about your grocery list and diet that can help our environment.

1) Buy organic. You need to be careful because buying organic can be a little pricey, but if you catch organic produce when it's on sale it's a win for your body and the planet! You'll be helping keep fewer toxins in the earth and in your body.

2) Buy local produce. It makes a lot of sense when you think about it - the less time your fruits and veggies are on the road the better. Energy and gas will be conserved in the transportation (the ozone thanks you!) and the longer the food will stay fresh in your kitchen!

3) Go vegetarian one day a week. I know it might sound like a big commitment but hear me out. If you can just cut out meat for one day (or one meal) a week it'll save you some dough on your grocery bill and can help cut down the methane emissions from livestock which hurt our atmosphere.

See - that wasn't so bad!

Have any other ideas about going green with your food? E-mail us at askthegirls@laidoffladies.com with your tips - we're all ears!

Don't listen to Kermit - it's easy being green!

Kate

*Photo courtesy of One Healthy Life

Get out this weekend, tourist-style

Warm weather is finally here and this weekend, you should fully enjoy it. In my daily routine, I sometimes forget to appreciate our city. Between sprinting to the bus and walking to my apartment, I don't take in all that's around me.

How about we become tourists this weekend? It's a great way to explore the city (for free!) and there's a bit of time before the main attractions get clogged with Chicago's fans. Revisit places you've been or stop somewhere new, just make sure you're looking through tourist's eyes. Forget the traffic and the cabbie that took the long route - just enjoy the city. Let's go!

Say hi to the animals at Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark St. I went in September and again for the holiday lights show, but both days were a little chilly and most of the animals were tucked away. Hopefully the sassy lion and playful polar bears will be out to entertain you. Warning: there probably will be tons of kids.

Walk along the Lake. You and every other person who enjoys the outdoors will be doing it, but that's part of the thrill. I love to see the city alive again. Bring a friend and gab or walk by yourself and take in the views - it's breathtaking no matter how you do it.

Check out Millennium Park, which is bordered by Michigan Avenue, Columbus Drive, Randolph Street and Monroe Street. I expect to see all of you darting through the park's fountains. It always amazes me when the adults stand to the side while the kids run through the fountains without abandon. If that's not your style, the park's Boeing Gallery is showing A Conversation with Chicago: Contemporary Sculpture from China.

Pack a picnic for Grant Park, 337 E. Randolph St. Bring a blanket and a gingham tablecloth and you're set! There's a path to walk, a tennis court and baseball facilities, and it's dog-friendly. Bring sandwiches and good company and don't forget to pack something to play with after your food digests!

Go to the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St. Whether it's a tourist hotspot or not, I'm a huge fan of the center. With free art exhibitions, concerts and other activities, it's always on my itinerary. This month, the exhibition schedule includes Articles of Faith: Photographs by Dave Jordano. The center also is hosting free concerts Saturday and Monday. Scottish folk singer Julie Fowlis will perform at 7 p.m. Saturday in the Claudia Cassidy Theater (located on the second floor), and Afro-European jazz artist Carmen Souza will sing at 7 p.m. Monday at Preston Bradley Hall (on the third floor). Don't forget to check out the Tiffany dome - it's gorgeous.

Put on your most comfortable shoes and tour our city! Is there anything else on your tourist to-do list? Whatever you do this weekend, enjoy the sunshine!

xoxo,
Lisa Marie

*photos courtesy of swanksalot and wsilver