Romance, like tequila, often brings out the stupid in us. We become impulsive, idealistic, and short-sighted under its intoxicating spell. So if you want to avoid the painful hangover reality often brings and enjoy the warm buzz of romance for years to come, keep the following five things in mind. 

1   Know the difference between love and infatuation. Love feels safe, peaceful, and kind. Infatuation feels like insecurity, obsession, and a panic attack at 35,000 feet.

2  Handle your own finances. Never give that power to your partner. If you are a stay-at-home parent and don’t earn an income make sure you have access to the accounts and understand what’s coming and going at all times. If not you will feel vulnerable, resentful, and inferior. Is accounting fun? No. It’s worse than a pap smear. But imagine where you’d be without pap smears. Not in a healthy romantic relationship, that’s for sure.

3 If you are considering marriage ask yourself this: Do I see myself growing old with this person? Like really old. Like walkers and oatmeal-on-the-lips old? When I experience a debilitating loss will they comfort me or shut me out? And say I poop my adult diapers. Will they be laughing or shaming? If you don’t see patience, kindness, and laughter in these scenarios you’re making a terrible mistake.

4  When your Valentine is bummed don’t ask if you can do anything to help. Just show up. Sometimes a hug is enough.

5 If you want to be loved, be loveable.

Happy Valentine’s Day, today and every day after.

xoxo Lisi

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“There’s a lid for every pot out there.”

“It happens when you’re least expecting it.”

“It’s when you’re not looking that you’ll find him.”

“Your Prince Charming will come.” 

Single ladies across the Internet are outraged over a twitter exchange between Taylor Swift and newly engaged Lady Gaga. Here’s what went down:

   Some are saying how sweet Lady Gaga was, but most think that if her words were boots they’d be SMUGG BOOTS. (Forgive me, Father. It’s been hours since my last pun.) Personally, I think…actually I don’t think that much about it at all. And I don’t think Lady did either. My guess is that she expressed her appreciation in 140 characters then moved on to the ten billion other things on her I Do List. But the debate does bring up a good point. The idea that a girl’s life is not complete until she meets her Prince Charming is a royal bunch of b.s. After years of marriage most of them end up looking like frogs.  

Wanting to become someone’s other half, simply for the sake of it is insane. It’s also frighteningly accurate because many women complain about “losing themselves” over the course of their relationships. If you ask me, the single ones–the girls who are holding onto themselves instead of holding out for someone else–should be dolling out advice to those coupling up. “Hang in there. You won’t always have to compromise. He’ll go out of town eventually. You can make your own choices then.” Or “Girls Night Out will be more meaningful when it happens once a month as opposed to every weekend.” And “There’s nothing like sharing a bed with a snorer to remind you you’re not alone.”  

Old school Bynes never lets me down.

TTYW,

Lisi                        

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I’ve just returned from an adventure in Mexico City.  It is THE coolest place. Safer than Los Angeles with cafes and restaurants everywhere. I didn’t even have to forego my Starbucks addiction to visit.

Starbucks in Mexico City! Cafe olé! Although, my dreams of being a Mexican mannequin have been flattened. Literally. See below.

I have no jokes for this picture because it’s not funny. But you had to see.

Fried crickets…

Ant eggs. Oh yes I dzid.

Oatmeal.

sorry not sorry.

Goatmeal.

Of course there were plenty of mariachi bands… And one particularly popular photo bomber. Check him out below.

Then there was this little guy crashing all of our meals.

I should mention there’s a place in my heart (and head) for garlands. Admittedly. Since I’m no longer 18 I will only wear them on vacation. Lucky Mexico.

Mexico City did my brain wonders, although I didn’t leave The Dirty Book Club back in the states. I had all the characters next to me poolside as I retooled plot lines and reworked pages. I’ll be updating the DBC character boards on Pinterest next week. Be sure to check them out so you can follow their development as I go, and don’t forget about my Facebook. Friday I’ll be posting videos of my favorite friend made in Mexico City.

TTYW,

Lisi

The post ¡Viva Mexico City! appeared first on Lisi Harrison.

In no specific order…

1) DIY your Valentine’s card by cutting out a heart from a map of the city where you met your boyfriend/girlfriend. *Star* the exact spot you two first crossed paths.

2) Have some self love while giving it to others this year. They’ll respect you more if you do.

3) Or lay it out on the line and let them know they’re all you’ve got. It works.

click through image to find where you can nab this card

4) Be up front with what matters most and why they make the cut.

5) Test their observational skills with this fake-out Valentine. 6) Or keep it simple, keep it real.

7) Give this one to your parents. They’ll love it.

8) Or if you don’t want your Valentine to get a big head, this will send the right message.

click through image to get this card

9) For the undying love(r):

10) And for anyone else I’ve missed, this ought to cover it. Check off the pet name you see fit. How many of you marked Cover Stealer?

click through image to get this card

Next week I’ll let you know what’s in the cards for me. [HINT: I’ll hopefully be seeing some of your lovely faces in person very soon].

TTYW,

Lisi

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Too much champagne.

Okay, okay, one is a dear old friend.

And one of them is a lie.

Photos aren’t enough proof I can party with the best of them? Here’s some video evidence I’ve still got it, at least over the holiday season.

[wpvideo 3lJCj8eY]

No Belly is cuter than this Belly.

I’ve read through some of the messages and comments you left while I was away and one got my attention that I’ll be addressing on the blah-g. Juliet asked, what are the best ways to network? Heck if I know but I’ll think about it and get back to you next week.

TTYW,

Lisi

The post Party Animals appeared first on Lisi Harrison.

Okay, maybe 2014 came with a couple of glitches, but there is truly so much to be grateful for this year. I’ve got plenty of blessings to count and I’m making sure to focus on those as the year closes so I can start off strong in 2015. I invite you to count yours as well. Happy Holidays to all of my ah-mazing readers. You make each day worth it. See you in the new year!

xoxo

TTY(next)W,

Lisi

The post Happy Holidays! appeared first on Lisi Harrison.

What are you thankful for?

xo

TTYW,

Lisi

The post Feeling Thankful appeared first on Lisi Harrison.

Here are some of my ideas:

TOP TEN LIST

Write a list of the top ten coolest things mom did for you this year. Remember, think like that booger-loving index finger. Don’t rattle off the obvious things like, you cook great meals or you drive me to soccer practice.  Try: You drew a happy face on an orange when I had a fever. You watched my soccer practice on that rainy afternoon even though you just got a fab blowout. Think like a writer and capture the details.

REWRITE THE RULES

I’m going to tell you something real. It might hurt but you need to know. You know what mom really wants? A day to herself. No curfew. No responsibility. No kids! So surprise her by catering to her every need on Saturday and cut her loose on Sunday. Trust me on this. She’ll love it.

BE THE TICKETMASTER

Get her tickets to a play or concert you know she’ll love. Give her the tix on Mother’s Day even though the event isn’t taking place that day. It will give her something to look forward to and will remind her that you want to celebrate her every day. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.

FROM PAMPERS TO PAMPERING

She kept your skin supple while you were a wee thing. So pay it forward without the pesky paying part and DIY her a spa day. (Then see the part where I tell you she wants to be alone and scram so she can enjoy it.)

DIY a yoga eye pillow filled with lavender or chamomile for her and give her silence for the day. 
* Homemade flavored lip gloss tutorial
* Homemade fizzy bath salts tutorial
* Homemade lavender bath salts tutorial
* Homemade hand and foot cream ingredients

TOTAL ANNIHILATION THEATER

Mom wouldn’t be a mom if she wasn’t nagging you to get rid of something she doesn’t approve of. A crusty old pair of jeans, that orange eyeshadow, a way too mini miniskirt… Sit her down on the couch, give her a bowl of popcorn, dim the lights, and cue her favorite song. Then destroy that thing she hates in front of her very eyes. Unless it’s your boyfriend. Destroy him in private then show her the video.

No matter what you choose, show mom you care by NOT buying her flowers and taking her to a prix fix brunch. It’s the least you can do.

TTYW,

Lisi

The post ANOTHER HELLMARK HOLIDAY appeared first on Lisi Harrison.

TTYT,

Lisi

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“Lisi, did u have a sweet 16 party? Are they all they are cracked up to be. Cuz this girl (mean girl) in my spanish class is all like “I’ve driven before, I’m having a sweet 16 party and…..”
Me: (mentally) no one cares. But honestly I do care, I mean people are having the time of there lives and I’m not there! So what do I do throw a party of my own or what? I mean you are kinda an expert in this area. My ideal bday is Sixbucks and shopping with my mom, but the girls at my school don’t care about that. The bigger and flashier the party, the better.”

Madi, I did not have a Sweet 16. It wasn’t really my thing (Read: my parents thought it was unnecessary). But I will say there is no gaping hole in my life as a result of that. I do understand the pressure you are feeling to fit in and keep up so I will present you with three options. Each one is designed to honor your TRUE wish (shopping and Sixbucks with your mom–LOVE IT!) while helping you find a way to make it your own.

PACKAGE #1

“Hyatt Resorts Launches ‘HyaTTeen Suite 16’ Luxury Slumber Party – from Limo Rides to Lounging Pool-Side, Teens Celebrate In Style” – Apparently this is a real thing!

S&S with your mom. Get a hotel room and invite your closest friends to sleep over and hang with you. Put a sign on the door that says SUITE 16 and live it up. Swim in the pool, get room service, use a new towel every time you wash. Have a blast with the girls you love instead of trying to throw a party for a bunch of people who don’t matter.

PACKAGE #2

The Color Run! Known as the happiest 5k on the planet

Runners from last year’s Color Run.

S&S with your mom. Is there a charity you love or a cool trip you want to raise money for? What about a car? Start training to run, ride, walk, hop, roll… sixteen miles. Have your friends meet you at the finish line and have a party outside. Instead of gifts ask for donations to your cause. It would be fun to team up with a friend for this one.

PACKAGE #3

S&S with your mom. That’s it. It’s all you want. OWN IT! (Ask her if you can buy an extra outfit if you don’t have a party. Think of the money she’ll be saving. She can’t say no to that.) Then wear that outfit to someone else’s Sweet 16 and BREAK HEARTS!!!

Let me know what you decide.

TTYW,

Lisi

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