Undecided.

Life in your 20s: a transitional period

  Some things I've learned:

* Sometimes enjoying the ride is more important than planning for it.

*Having a job and working toward your dream job is better than having no job. Is there a dream job anyways?

*It's still possible to throw tantrums (this is best done in the privacy of your home).

*Yes, family can get on your nerves but every creature has a pack. Don't lose yours.

* It's stupid to talk when you're angry. It is very likely that you'll say something you don't mean.

*It's still hard to share.

* I cannot go out with the same vigor I had when I was in college. Repeat: I will not go out and get "college weird." This leads to massive headaches and the inability to move for 24 hours.

* Turns out you won't make a $mil$ for your hard work. $20K? I'll take it! Being "poor" is a rite of passage. Living thrifty and realizing money is just, well, money is well worth it.

*Girl time and retail therapy are the best cure-alls. Combine the two and you'll feel better instantly.

* Relationships really haven't evolved since grade school. But maybe that's a good thing?

*It's important to color outside the lines. Take this statement as literally or as metaphorically as you wish.

Your turn.
xoxo,
Lisa Marie

Photo courtesy of john faherty

Get by with a little help from our friends

When I'm having a rough day, there's always a friend or family member that can pick up my spirits. They're always there to lend me a voice, a shoulder or a hug, whether they realize it or not.

This week, with the horrific earthquake in Haiti, people need our help - bad. I could barely stomach watching NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams, as it was difficult to watch without crying for the people and their losses.

So today, do what you're able to help the people of Haiti. Say a prayer and wish for a quick recovery, and if you can, give. The American Red Cross has a $10 text message donation, and all you have to do is text Haiti to 90999. You don't have to enter your credit card or any other information, but a $10 donation will appear on your next phone bill. You can also donate on its Web site.

Bill Clinton had some notable quotes on Haiti during his Nightly News interview and in a Washington Post op-ed. He said, "In the coming days, stories of loss and the triumph of the human spirit will be told. They will call us to help -- not just to restore Haiti but to assist it in becoming the strong, secure nation its people have always desired and deserved."

Let's hope the Haitian people can find hope and in time, peace, strength and security in themselves and their country.

xoxo,
Lisa Marie

Here's to a year of ...

... your biggest dreams.

One of my most memorable birthday greetings this year came from a former co-worker, who said, "I hope all those dreams you harvested as a child come true all at once."

I have a good feeling about 2010. I know there's more eloquent ways to verbalize my feelings for the new year, but that thought is exactly what came to my mind as the clock struck midnight. The pit in the bottom of my stomach filled with 2009's worries and fears started to dissolve as the year's restart button was hit, and I felt hopeful.

In the spirit of the new year, I will make my resolutions as little Lisa would. After all, what am I if I'm not still a child at heart?

- I didn't know of diseases or sickness, and truly thought I would some day get a pill that would let me live forever. With that said, wellness is top on my list for 2010. Eating whole foods, cutting out processed foods by 80 percent, completely giving up pop, doing cardio 3 times a week and potentially going gluten-free is on my list for 2010.

- My dreams never consisted of fame or wealth, and I plan to keep that mindset. I wanted to be a writer (some things never change) and I remember always feeling content, happy and excited for adventures. A Christmas letter from a family friend, who used to dress up as Santa for our family's gathering, said, "You looked up at me and said you would leave your grandpa's house and go with me on my rounds. You were not even a bit afraid - quite the contrary. Some kids cry at the sight of Santa, not Lisa. You wanted to help me out the rest of Christmas Eve. I had to turn you down ... broke my heart." I hope to let that sense of adventure fill my heart and forget about the worries and fears that can make the journey daunting. Yes, just like anyone else I could face obstacles that set me off-track but I'm not letting fear of the unknown ruin my journey. Making a plan of action for life's unexpected road bumps eases my mind, but other than that, I will enjoy the ride. Whether Santa lets me on his sleigh or not.

- I wanted to live in the city. While I've fulfilled that goal, I'm going to increase my entertainment expenses by 5 percent so I can really live in the city. I learned the importance of money in 2009 and started to live as my parents always told me to: within my means. I still intend to continue my savings plan for 2010 and hope to spend less and save more (as much as I love my apartment, I don't want to live in it for the rest of forever.) While money is definitely not everything, I've found that managing it makes me appreciate its value, understand its role in my life and spend it wisely. To be honest, I haven't yet delved into my spending plan for 2010 - it's slated for tomorrow - but I do know spending time with family and friends, whether it costs money or not, is good for my soul. And I want to make sure I've alloted extra resources to go to catch up with friends and enjoy the culture of our great city.

What were your biggest dreams and how would the younger version of yourself handle 2010? I hope you and yours have a year that makes "all those dreams you harvested as a child come true all at once."

xoxo,
Lisa Marie

Get ready for a holly, jolly holiday

Ah! Six days 'til Christmas is here. It's cold but bearable outside, lights are decorating trees throughout the city and I get to eat my mom's Christmas crepes soon.

For some reason, it just doesn't feel like the holidays are here. My cards are written, my decorations have been up for almost a month and my presents are purchased, but I'm going to cram extra holiday joy into the next few days since it feels like Christmas is sneaking up on me.

Here's some things we can do to savor holiday spirit while trying to forget about the cold weather:

- Send your cards! If you haven't already, you better get on it, sister! It's a great way to connect and it'll make someone's day. With the convenience of e-cards, I like that snail mail still reigns for holiday cards. After mailing your cards, do something else "old school." Put cookies out for Santa, send a letter with your Christmas hopes and dreams to the North Pole, make a gingerbread house ... and shut off your cell phone and refrain from using the computer from Christmas Eve 'til Dec. 26.

- Make something. Potica with grandma, cookies with mom, dinner with dad or candles with sister - bond a little and refine a skill.

- Play in the snow.I would advise against making snow angels outside now, but if we get a few inches on the ground, throw on those snowboots and head outside! Just remember to ask mom to make hot cocoa when you come in.

- Lounge. Spend one entire night under a blanket with a candle lit and hot cocoa in your hand watching holiday classics. And you're also allowed to down cookies - it's the holidays.

- Enjoy the city. Most neighborhoods are decked out for the holidays but downtown dazzles. Go to the Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza, drink some spiced wine and then try to ice skate at Millennium Park (but maybe not in that order). Don't forget to check out the window displays - I took pictures of my favorites today. Below is Burberry's window, which is festive and classy.

- Look at lights. Go via car, bus or if you're really brave, foot. But don't forget holiday music! And a friend. It's not as fun to "gasp!" and "boo!" without someone to share your opinions.

- Give. No matter how big or small, we all have something to contribute. It will make your day brighter if you help someone else. I promise.

- Reminisce. Watch videos of Christmases' past from old video cameras or look at pictures from years' past. Old memories are always highly entertaining. And so are the bad clothes and hair styles most of us rocked in the 80s.

Ease your mind. Would 10-year-old you care about what's in store for the new year and resolutions you should be making? I think not. Ease your mind and enjoy the holidays. Let your grown-up worries go to the wayside for the holidays. They'll reappear sooner or later, so why not enjoy a few days without them? After all, I agree with Ralph Waldo Emerson's quote, "what you are comes to you."

- Believe. Thanks to a girl named Molly I learned the truth about Santa in the second grade, but I do believe in a lot of other things ... like 2010 being one of the most fabulous years ever.

What are you doing to prepare for the holidays?
xoxo,
Lisa Marie

P.S. If you want to see the rest of the holiday spirit I captured downtown, visit my Examiner site, where I posted a slideshow!

I wish I may, I wish I might

I'm not feeling overly inspired today, with the wind howling outside of my window and my candle flickering next to the remainder of the dinner I consumed (a bowl of Life cereal - after the potato incident, I took the night off).

But a burst of 6:30 p.m. energy sent me out the door again, into the chilly air of the City of Dreams (quoting the mural on Broadway Street and Diversey Parkway). The street's lamp posts were glistening with holiday decorations that rejuvenated me. I got home, popped in The Devil Wears Prada and then decided to research its author, Lauren Weisberger.

Miss Weisberger's book was published by the time she was 26 and from what I read, her movie deal was inked at that age, too. I turn 26 in a few weeks. And surprisingly, I'm not as horrified at the idea of entering my late 20s as I thought I would be.

But a number can be a daunting thing and I decided to draw out a goal sheet. And what better way to stick to it then do it here with my ladies. Of course, if you read it, you must also add some goals of your own. Personal, professional, luxurious or thrifty - you deserve the best, so make sure you get it.

For now, my goals are vague and that's the way I like them. Career-wise, I always knew exactly what I wanted to do. And that didn't turn out quite as I hoped, which leads to a little disappointment. Of course, you aren't supposed to hold your wildest dreams until you're sitting in your rocker, Manolos on, reading the latest Vogue, so for now a little innovation and a lot of creativity go a long way (and a little denial: "Of course I wouldn't rather be working at Glamour").

Here are my goals - what are yours?

- Buy local whenever possible. Or American at the very least. My dad's a small business owner and I believe in him and small businesses, so why not put my money where my economy is?

- Get creative. I can't draw or paint but I have a creative fire in me. It's time to release it. Paint even though I'm no good at it and draw just because. Take some photos and mess around in Photoshop. It'll be completely, unabashedly for me.

- Do for others. It makes me really, really happy and fulfilled to do good with or for others. So it's really time to buckle down and do it. Join clubs, join efforts, become an advocate, let my passion soar.

- Spend time with the people who make me me. I do that now, but there's always room for more of it. Dinner with seester, stealing hugs from brother, watching Oprah (before she goes off the air!) with ma, cooking with dad, lounging with the beau, giggles with my girls, filling the kitchen at family parties and visits - there is nothing better. Nothing. 

- Become less of a consumer and more of a ... me. Stop buying what's cool and start buying what I need. Think less about labels and more about the product. Make things - maybe learn to sew (but I shouldn't get too ambitious). I love the hippie/environmentalist mentality and now I really want to fill my life with it.

- Don't get too down during the blah! times and don't get too happy during the best times, just enjoy it all. A perfect life isn't perfect, but I will find the crazy, unique, flawless definition of perfection that fits me.

- And I want a pet pig.

Take that, Weisberger :)

xoxo,
Lisa Marie

P.S. No cheating! You really do have to share your goal(s).

(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

If I could do anything I would do this ...

I came across a video this week which you may or may not have seen before. If you haven't seen it WATCH IT NOW, and if you have seen it, WATCH IT AGAIN!

The dancing man in the video is pure inspiration to me. As I've read at wherethehellismatt.com, the man dancing in the video, Matt, saved up some money and then quit his job because he wanted to see what he was missing out on in the world. He used the money he saved to travel all around the world and see what it has to offer. I'm so jealous!

He just started doing a goofy dance in front of one of his destination cities and it stuck! He came back and was lucky enough to have Stride, the gum company, sponsor him for a second trip (you can watch his second video here, although I love the first video a little more).

I dream of one day doing this. I would love to drop everything I'm doing and travel and see the world. If I could go anywhere tomorrow it would be Egypt. Ever since I was little I've always been interested in Egyptian history and I've always wanted to see it up close.

Where would you go if you could go anywhere in the world right now? What would you do there?

I love that Matt (yes, we're on a first-name basis now) has me day dreaming and hopeful of a future without computers, ringing phones and stale office air surrounding me. Talk about your everyday inspiration!

Hope I was able to pass along a little inspiration!

Kate

Happy Mother's Day!

We're celebrating our moms today and we hope you are, too! They've been there every step of the way, guiding us as we've grown from little ones to women.

Thank you, mom.
All our love,
Your Ladies

Baby Kate & Mom

 
Baby Lisa Marie & Mom (and sister, Michelle)

Kate & Mom (and family)

 
Lisa Marie & Mom

To our moms, with love

To: Mom 
Love: Kate

I'm so thankful for my mom this Mother's Day and everyday of my life. If I had to pick what I love most about my mom it would be her strength.

My mom has survived several hardships in her life and her resilience is inspiring. No matter what happens, my mom is able to use her faith and positive attitude to bounce back and be ready for what life is going to throw at her next. She has taught my siblings and I to live life to the fullest even if we hit a couple of bumps in the road. I aspire to have her strength every day of my life.

So Mom, since I know you're reading this (after all, you are my No. 1 fan) thank you for being an inspiration, and for always being there for me. You always have the best advice and know how to cheer me up. Even if it's a silly card to get me though the day (thanks for that by the way!).

I love you Mom, and Happy Mother's Day!

Love,
Kate

                                   

To: Mom
Love: Lisa Marie

I inherited my mom's curly hair - which I appreciate on all days that are not humid - her olive complexion and her big, twinkling brown eyes. Instead of snarling, I now enjoy being told I look like her - I find pride in mirroring such a determined, independent woman - and when my actions mimic hers, I'm grateful because I know I'm headed down the right path.

I've inherited many favorable genes from my mom, including her chic style, but I'm most grateful for the morals, courage and family values she's instilled in me and my siblings. She's taught us to believe in ourselves, follow our dreams and cherish friends and family - principles that pave a path for an amazing life.

This weekend I'm at home with my ma. It's my favorite destination. There's nothing better than being at home with the people I love the most - it's good for the soul. Whether I'm playing Tetris with my mom, watching Oprah with her or sitting around the table eating a family dinner, I'm happy to celebrate her this weekend.

Thank you for making home a destination I cherish and for the amazing impact you've had on my life ... and for teaching me how to live frugally and fabulously. I love you, mom!

Infinite Xs and Os,
Your Lisa Marie

Time to celebrate Mom!

Mother's Day is coming up, and Lisa Marie and I want to hear all about your moms!

What do you love most about her?

What do you admire most about her?

What trait or characteristic of hers are you thrilled you inherited?

What's your favorite story about your mom?

You can comment here or e-mail what you want to share about your mom and even include a picture and send it to askthegirls@laidoffladies.com.

We'll post your stories and comments and you can even use it as a great gift idea! Imagine showing your mom you wrote how much you love her and it was posted on a Website!

It's time to celebrate our moms, so let's hear it ladies!

Kate