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Prepare for July 4 events in Chicago, beyond

There's no better reason to celebrate than a holiday, and since the Fourth of July is this weekend, there's plenty of cookouts to be had, fireworks to be seen and maxi dresses to be worn.

If you're going out of town, remember a few things:
- Sunscreen! Seriously. It doesn't matter if you tan or burn, premature aging is never in style. Don't leave home without your 'screen!

- Pack it up! You'll pack your clothes, of course, but don't forget to pack some groceries, too. Bring alcohol and pop from home, along with snacks, fruit, veggies, and sandwich and grill items, and you'll be prepared to have fun in the sun without spending extra cash on eating and drinking out. Another option is to buy groceries when you get to the town you're staying in, and then you won't have to drive with extra weight in the car.

- If you're going to a concert, try to follow the same rules: pack a snack and drinks for before and after the event. Water's one item that's good to bring for after the show, as there's a good chance you'll be thirsty after getting your groove on.

If you're staying in our fabulous city this weekend, there's plenty to do:
- Of course, there's the July 3 fireworks. Record numbers usually turn out to watch, so if you're attending, be prepared to fight the crowd. The Petrillo Music Shell is hosting the 85th Army band at 7:30 p.m. July 3, and the fireworks will follow at about 9 p.m. Most spots along the Lake offer a decent view.

- On the Fourth of July, the Grant Park  Orchestra will play its inaugural Independence Day concert at 1:30 p.m. at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, North Michigan Avenue and East Randolph Street. Fourth of July fireworks will start at 10:15 p.m. at Navy Pier. (Don't forget that Navy Pier shoots off fireworks every Wednesday and Saturday through Labor Day weekend, at 9:30 p.m. and 10:15 p.m. respectively. There also will be a show at 9:30 p.m. Sept. 6.)

- Our baseball teams will play on the Fourth (Cubs @ home @ 12:05 p.m. vs. Milwaukee and Sox away at 12:10 vs. Kansas City), so you can always turn on the TV, invite some friends over and grill out. If you don't have a grill and your parents live nearby, invite friends to your parent's house to use their cooking facilities ... and maybe a little of their food. For me, it's my parent's grill or my George Foreman, and as much as I love my George, nothing beats the smell of food roasting on a grill during the summer months!

- If you want to get creative, throw a birthday party for the U.S.A. (Happy 233rd!). Have friends wear red, white or blue, make a birthday cake and offer some appetizers. No need to plan a drink deal for this birthday party!

Enjoy your Fourth!
xoxo,
Lisa Marie

Photo courtesy of http://hastings.house.gov

I'm not afraid to admit ...

... I'm a Cubs' fan! Yes, my boys lost. Yes, I'll hear about it from Sox fans. But I'm a Cubs' fan and win or lose, I love my boys the same. I'm a hopeless Cub-mantic and like all things I love, I love them passionately. As you can tell, Kate and I are crosstown rivals and I had to make sure our Cubbies' fans had a voice! Chins up, everyone, Cubbies' fans unique spirit make us one-of-a-kind.

xoxo,
Lisa Marie 

P.S. An unrelated reminder: don't forget to apply sunscreen liberally this summer! I trusted in my olive-colored skin to tan as it usually does, but this weekend, I turned red as a tomato. Don't make the same painful mistake I did. Put sunscreen in your purse so it can travel along with you during your summer journeys! And now, I'm going to bathe in aloe vera. Have a good night!

I'm not afraid to admit ...

....That I eat, sleep and breathe the Chicago White Sox. October 26, 2005 was one of the greatest days of my life (It was the day the Sox won the World Series), I refuse to date Cubs fans for the sole reason that I feel it would be disloyal, and I want to name my first son Rowand (after my favorite White Sox player of all time, Aaron Rowand). The love is deep and pure and I'm proud to be a White Sox fan...especially during the Crosstown Classic!

Where do your allegiances lie this weekend?

Kate

Happy Pride Parade weekend!

It's a weekend when the city is abound with equality, amazing costumes and entertainment. If you, like me, are a Grace looking for your Will, or if you just want to support the community and its people, join in on the fun!

Festivities start today at 3 p.m. for the Chicago Pride Fest on Halsted St. and Waveland Ave. Performers are set up on two stages with acts starting at 4 p.m. and ending at 8 p.m. On Saturday, festivities begin at 11 a.m. and PETCO's Pride Parade invites Chicagoans to bring their pets at 12:30 p.m. to the stage area. From there, participants will go on a short parade route and return to the Pride Fest grounds where jurors will pick the best participants, who get prizes! The fest ends at 10 p.m. both days. In addition to two stages full of performances, there will be food, arts and crafts at the fest.

Then, get a good night's sleep and get ready for the Pride Parade! It starts at noon on the corner of Halsted and Belmont streets. From there, it proceeds north on Halsted St. to Broadway St., south on Broadway St. to Diversey Parkway and east on Diversey Parkway to Cannon Drive.

Get all dolled up and stake a spot on the street with friends. I always have a great time when I go! The energy's amazing and everyone's out to have a great time and support equality. There are floats decorated to the nines, fabulous costumes and giveaways. Try to stay at the front of the crowd so you can get some goodies. In years' past, I've got lip gloss, chips and free Chipotle!

There are 250 floats, vehicles and groups in the parade - so bring some water and settle in for a good time!

Share your favorite costume - send pictures if you can - and show your support!

xoxo,
Lisa Marie

I'm not afraid to admit ...

... I want to move to Belmont Harbor. No, not in a high-rise along Lake Shore Drive or in a boat. I would be content in a tent along the lake. I just got back from a long walk with a good friend, and the temperature at the harbor is at least 15 degrees cooler. Plus, there's sail boats to gaze at, open land and the sky seems more vibrant. Nevermind that I haven't figured out what I'll do in the winter months. For now, a tent along Belmont Harbor sounds perfect. I guess I know where I'll live if I become homeless.

xoxo,
Lisa Marie

Catch a glimpse of Broadway in Chicago for free!

All you Broadway lovers are in luck!

The organization Broadway in Chicago and the city of Chicago have come together to put on Broadway in Chicago Concert in the Park.

The free event stars at 6 p.m. Monday at the Petrillo Music Shell in Grant Park as part of the Taste of Chicago.

If you haven't had the dough to see some of the musicals the city has had to offer recently, now's your chance to catch a glimpse of Chicago's recent musical performances for free!

If you make it over the Grant Park in time you'll be able to see the full cast of Jersey Boys, and the original stars from Mary Poppins just to name a few! For more information you can head here!

So get your "Jazz hands" ready!

Kate

Summer brings free movies, music in parks

Watching the big screen under the summer sky is a nice way to spend a night in the city, and thanks to the Chicago Park District, there are Movies in the Park from now through September.

There are more than 170 current and classic movies that will be shown throughout the city's parks, according to the CPD, and you can click here to get details on dates, locations and titles. All Movies in the Park are free and you can pack snacks and a blanket to make your viewing comfortable!

If music's more your thing, the Grant Park Music Festival has kicked off to showcase classical music for the 75th season. Concerts are free and held on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at Jay Pritzker Pavilion, 201 E. Randolph St., through Aug. 15.

Summertime in the city is here, so pencil in some time to enjoy free entertainment and nice weather!

xoxo,
Lisa Marie

Happy Father's Day! To our dads, with love

One of my favorite moments with my dad was when I was in seventh grade and had just joined the basketball team to keep in shape for volleyball and softball. I was having a hard time because I wasn't getting a lot of playing time and I wanted to quit the team. I remember our conversation so vividly, my dad knew I was upset and came into my room before school to wake me up. He sat on my bed and said "Katie bug, I know you're having a hard time but you can't quit because you have the Kerr determination in you." My dad went on to tell me how important it was for me to not give up and how it wasn't in our blood. He told me how everyone in our family has had hard times but they've worked hard and gotten through them. His talk helped me learn one of the most important lessons in life. Nothing good comes easy and you have to work hard to get what you want. Whenever I face a tough challenge today I remember that I'm Kate Kerr and I have the "Kerr determination" to work until I get what I want.

So thanks Dad, for raising me to be the woman I am today. I love you!

Kate

It's not often that I'm short on words, but when it comes to writing about my dad, I have a hard time putting my feelings into letter form. How do I describe my relationship with the man I think is the best in the whole world? Then, when I was shopping for a Father's Day card, I found a card that described my emotions perfectly: Somewhere between kid and adult, I realized you weren't just my dad ... you were also one of the greatest guys I would ever know. When I read it, my eyes teared up thinking of my dad, the impact he's had on my life and how incredibly lucky I am to have him.

My dad's been there every step of the way. From comforting me when I was a baby and timing how fast I could down a can of baby food (I was a little bit of a heifer), to coaching me in sports and in life, he's helped shape my foundation while giving me room to mold my own.

When I was little, I thought my dad owned the key to the world. He can fix anything and everything that needs mending - an appliance, a broken toy or my heart - he's easygoing and makes friends easily, he's steadfast in his beliefs, he's a good businessman and he loves his children and my mom with all his heart. As I've grown older, I've realized that what I once thought as a little girl is absolutely true - my dad owns the key to life. He's my hero and he proves it time and time again in his actions and words.

Thank you, dad, for making me who I am today while giving me room to make my life my own. You've impacted me beyond words and as I write this, I have tears streaming down my face because I can't talk about you without feeling incredibly grateful and blessed to get love, friendship and advice from the best man in the whole world.

I love you.
xoxo,
Your Lisa Marie

P.S. I should explain our picture. My dad and I went to a Cubs' game last weekend with my beau and his dad. We went out afterward and while we were talking about our boys' win, the man behind us drew us in caricature form. This captures my dad in one of his best states: he's watching his Cubbies, enjoying conversation and loving life. Here's to you, dad, thank you for all you do.

Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there!

Celebrate the first day of summer with Dad

Looking for something to do for Father's Day?

Check out the Adler Planetarium's new exhibit that opens at 1 p.m. Sunday June 21. The Sunfest exhibit features activities such as, solar telescope observing, reasons for the seasons, space visualization laboratory, all which celebrate the summer solstice (summer officially is here at 12:46 a.m.).

What better way to see a 3-D image of the sun for free! Actually, all the activities are free Sunday with paid admission!

So try something new this Father's Day and show dad a good time!

Kate

(Slowly) learning to accept life's storms

I was sans umbrella in Monday's storm. I managed to forget my jacket at home, too, and walked down the puddled city streets in sandals with a slip-and-slide-like surface. I had mascara running down my face, dripping wet hair and my outfit was clinging to my body. I failed to listen to my Andy Avalos and look what happened! I did learn a few things:

1. Know when to fold your cards. I called a truce with Mother Nature and even though she didn't listen, I decided I wouldn't let a little rain spoil my night. The evening didn't go as I planned, but it was refreshing to roll with it. I still ran my errands, even though I looked less than attractive and had to wear squishy shoes. Accepting the day's flaws and "unpleasant" surprise changed my outlook, helping me see the beauty in my adventure ... And in my mascara-ridden face.

2. Just keep swimming. Sometimes I want life to be flawless. The perfect job, more money in the bank, less-frizzy hair and a more-toned body. This quote reminds me it's OK, and admirable, to be imperfect:
"Human error is something we all succumb to occasionally. May we have the grace to laugh at ourselves when it’s our turn."

3. Try to see the beauty in life's storms. I'm reading A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith (if you haven't read it, go pick it up today. To put it simply, it's amazing. A woman on the bus even stopped me to talk about the book's greatness!). Here's a quote from the book that puts things into perspective: "There had to be the dark and muddy waters so that the sun could have something to background its flashing glory."

Bring on the rain!
xoxo,
Lisa Marie

Photo courtesy of laffy4k