With Mother Nature dishing out more rain than sunshine lately, it’s easy to catch a case of the “blahs.” But, rain or shine, rich or poor, at PLRG we like to look on the bright side. If you’re reading this, it means you have access to the internet, which means you probably have a roof over your head and enough disposable income that you can afford to spend three minutes of your life listening to me go on and on. That alone makes you, and the team at PLRG, more fortunate than many living in this city of ours (Fortunate for the roof, not for listening to me. Although you should feel pretty good about that too.).

With the promise of summer fun ahead of us, we feel more blessed and more motivated than ever to do our part to give back to those who need support. And, with all the creative and generous people doing charitable work in Chicago, it’s never been easier to find a cause you can get behind and have fun contributing to! Folks like Michael Farrah, founder of ActofGood.org and Lindsay Avner, founder of Bright Pink are changing the way we think about charity and philanthropy and making it more accessible and approachable for young people.

Their work has inspired us to dedicate an entire issue to helping PLRG’s find ways to give back that work for them. Do you have a tough time fitting volunteer work into your busy social schedule? We’ve got the scoop on the fundraising social scene, so you can get your party on for a good cause. Maybe you’re feeling like just one person can’t make that much of a difference. Well, this month you’ll hear about women all over the city, from all different backgrounds who are making a big impact on their communities.

So, keep it locked on PLRG to get your charitable booty in gear. In addition to our features, we’ll be posting our fave picks for charity/fundraising events on the calendar and keeping you updated on what events we’re hitting up and what organizations we’re getting involved in.

Lacey Brenly

Editor in Chief

It may be freezing outside, but for PoorLittleRichGirls living in Chicago, this might be the hottest month of the year! We know it feels like three degrees outside, but with Valentine’s Day, Restaurant Week, Battle of the Boutiques and tons of other deals and events all on the horizon you’ll be dating, dining and dressing in smokin’ hot style.

Let’s start with dating. Everyone knows that no matter how hot you look, it takes a girl with confidence to land the man of her dreams. Check out some Bikram Yoga to get your mind and body ready for the prowl or tone up your confidence (and your ass) with some hot and sexy classes at Flirty  Girl Fitness (small guilt trip-I did swing myself around a stripper pole to bring you this story, so if you do not read it all of my bumping and grinding will have been in vain.) 

Once you’re prepped for your date with Mr. Destiny, you’ll probably need some token, a gift say, to help express your feelings. Check out our Valentine’s Gift Guide for ideas on what to get your honey for V-Day, straight from the horse’s mouth (in this case the horse is more like a local “dude”). 

For all the ladies who are sans-mate this Valentine’s Day, check out the site daily for affordable eats (we mentioned Restaurant week, right?), drinks (new Deals & Discounts), fashion (Battle of the Boutiques and sales galore), culture (Art Institute is free the entire month of February) and all the other fancy stuff you and your gal pals just can’t get enough of. 

So, leave the scarves and mittens at home ladies cuz it’s gonna be a hot one!

Lacey Brenly

Editor in Chief

It has been quite a year for us here at PoorLittleRichGirls.com. We’ve met some wonderful people and had some unforgettable experiences. The best part of our work with the site has been how it has brought us closer, in a way, to the city of Chicago. It can be easy to fall into the routine of eating at the same restaurants, shopping at the same stores and hanging out at the same bars. We didn’t do that this year though. This year, we scoured the city and tried a little bit of everything (barley grass juice, anyone?) to bring you the best of Chicago for less. It was truly a pleasure for us and we thank all of our readers for a great 2008. 

Speaking of the New Year, have you made any plans yet? If not, this week we’ve got some great ideas for a big night out, a quiet night in and everything in between. If you’ve already got your P.O.A. in order, good for you! You can move along and read up on hot party looks or cheap and yummy hangover treats. No matter what the party dilemma, we’ve got you covered. (Your ex showed up to the party? We’ve got that too.)

I heard somewhere that how you spend New Year’s Eve is how you’ll spend the rest of that year. Not literally, but more of a foreshadowing of what the next year has in store for you. So, I say, party your PoorLittleButts off and ring in the new year in affordable style!

Lacey Brenly

Editor in Chief

I will keep this letter short and sweet, as my family (who were crazy enough to leave sunny Arizona and spend Christmas with me here in freezing Chicago) are on their way over to watch the Bears game. My father immediately regretted their decision to travel here the moment he stepped out of the doors at O’hare. He has since not stopped talking about how next year we are all going to Maui (going on two days now). My mother and I, however keep reminding that this is what Christmas is supposed to be like- ice and snow, not sand and palm trees.

And, although it is colder right now than I could have ever imagined, the anticipation of Christmas day, being with my folks and seeing Michigan Avenue all decorated and lit up, makes the air seem just a little warmer. After January 1st I will be cursing out the blizzard like conditions left and right, but for now the snow and ice feel super appropriate and just give me more of a reason to curl up by the fire with people I love.

We’ll have a few special treats for you this week at PLRG, so be sure to stay tuned. In the meantime, I hope you all stay warm and toasty with the people you love and I wish everyone a happy holiday!

Lacey Brenly

Editor in Chief

Our wallets are in some serious pain right about now. The economy being in the crapper was the first hit to our budgets. Then, here comes the holidays-and there’s alot of ‘em- Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Year’s, Valentines Day- with the final knockout punch. Things don’t have to get so ugly though. There are plenty of simple ways to save money on everyday things, so you can splurge a little more on gifts, parties and other seasonal festivities.

The best, no-brainer way to save big is to be a “member.” Just about every place of business nowadays has some type of rewards program or discount card from nail salons to grocery stores. With some rewards clubs it can even literally pay to be a member. That’s why, this week PLRG is reserved for “Members Only” (not actually, but I like saying it).

We’ll be talking all about the different discount programs, clubs and ways to save in Chicagoland. I bet you had no idea what good deals you can score with a Public Library Card, or that being in between jobs-and without health insurance- doesn’t mean you can’t afford your prescriptions. We’ve also got you covered on the fashion front with sales this week at Ideeli.com (which really is members only, but we can get you in. Just use invite code: poorlittlerichgirls). All you have to do is sit back, relax and reap the rewards.

Lacey Brenly

Editor in Chief

My boyfriend and I recently moved into a new apartment together. When it came time to move I took it as an opportunity to edit down my wardrobe, paperwork and basically my whole life. Although the new apartment was larger, it was no longer just mine and the thought of my boyfriend’s face, twisted in shock as I moved in box after box of useless crap, was something I just couldn’t bear.

So, I spent three long days (with the help of Eryn and my parents) sorting through every item I owned. We separated everything, from clothes to silverware, into three piles: to be consigned, to be donated and to keep. It was the longest three days of my life and at some points very tense. But now, when I look at my new, organized closet, with a place for everything and everything in its place, I realize it was well worth it.

The point is, we all live busy and hectic lives. Sure, we manage to keep it together and have a great time in the process, but lately we’ve been thinking it’s time for all of us to eliminate the clutter. Whether it’s purging our closets or clearing our conscience, it always feels good to wipe the slate clean and make a fresh start. Plus, with the holidays in full swing we feel like it’s time to get back to basics. The Detox Issue is just what the doctored ordered. We’ll be taking a look at all the different ways to “cleanse” our minds, bodies and checking accounts of all impurities to create a happier, healthier and richer PoorLittleRichGirls!

Lacey Brenly

Editor in Chief

The Holiday season is once again upon us and with it the anxiety inducing tradition of gift giving. Maybe it’s just me, but I prefer giving gifts that have meaning. So, for a friend maybe it’s something that reminds me of an inside joke we share. Or, for my father a pre-paid Geek Squad plan (never again will he be tempted to take a hammer to his PC). Of course though, when the pressure’s on and there’s four weeks until Christmas, I don’t always have the luxury of taking my time to research and purchase that perfect present.

That’s where the anxiety comes in. Each year, without fail it is December 20 and I am still empty handed, scrambling for original (and affordable) gift ideas to please everyone on my list. I’m fairly sure I am not alone in this dilemma, so this week PLRG has put together a sweet Gift Guide to help you stock up on goodies for all the different people in your life. Taking a cue from our typical categories (Get Hot, Get Rich, etc.), we have the scoop on the best presents at the best prices for all of those hard to shop for peeps.

We’ll be adding a new “personality type” each day this week, so by Black Friday you should be all set to get out there and pillage those deals (don’t forget to check out our list of the best Black Friday sales). We’ll begin today with “The Boss Lady,” where you can find the perfect gift for the uber professional in your life. Then, keep an eye out all week for more gift ideas for “The Beauty Maven,” “The Martha Wannabe,” “The Fashionista” and “The Party Girl.” And, don’t worry, we did not forget about the special men in our lives. For each personality we have also included ideas for the male equivalent (think “GQ Guy” instead of “Fashionista”).

So relax this week and enjoy your Thanksgiving. We’ve got your holiday shopping covered!

Lacey Brenly

Editor in Chief

Did anyone else see it snow this weekend? It was just a few flurries and didn’t last too long, but we for sure saw it. And felt it too- it was f’ing freezing! When it’s 30 degrees outside and our faces are bright red from wind burn we often ask ourselves “Is Al Gore full of it? This sure as hell doesn’t feel like global warming!” But, unfortunately (and maybe even surprisingly?) he is right. Global warming does exist, the cause is humans and yes, it messes with the environment so much that it leads to all sorts of extreme weather. So, not only could it cause outrageously high temps in L.A., it can even lead to more brutally harsh winters for us Chicagoans.

PoorLittleRichGirls- you know what you need to do. It’s time to “go green.” And, whether you’ve started on a path to change your polluting ways or don’t have a clue what a carbon footprint is, this week PLRG will get you up to speed. The site will be jam packed with tips and information for making a positive impact on the environment that fits with your schedule, lifestyle and budget. Our first feature article this week, “Green Your Routine” is a great place to get started with doing your part. Our favorite thing about “going green” is that in many cases it also saves you green. Who knew Mother nature was so budget friendly?

Also, be sure to keep checking in throughout the week for more great features, recipes, your favorite columns and more!

Lacey Brenly

Editor in Chief

It won’t be long (3 weeks to be exact) before you and every other person in the country are fighting traffic and long lines at the airport to get themselves home for the holidays. Last year, 38 million Americans traveled at least 50 miles away from home for the Thanksgiving holiday, according to AAA. Talk about long lines- that’s 76 million shoes to be removed going through airport security. What a nightmare!

This year though, you can get yourself prepared, mentally and physically, with this week’s edition of PLRG. The PLRG Travel Guide has covered everything from packing light so you can avoid extra baggage fees to navigating the airport food courts. We even have some tips for you gals who prefer to stay closer to home with our stories on great downtown hotel deals this winter and “traveling” in Chicago by neighborhood.

We will continue to update daily, so please stop in again this week to check out what’s new on the site. We wish you and yours all the best this Thanksgiving season and, of course, safe travels!

Lacey Brenly

Editor in Chief

The long, sunny days spent sitting on the patio of your favorite Chicago spot are officially over. This summer, my favorite spot was the tiny patio of my apartment. I would make myself a little drink, bring my laptop outside (thank goodness for wireless internet!) and spend hours writing the content for our beloved site. As I write this letter now, I am still outside, sitting on my patio. Only now, my hands and feet are freezing, but I refuse to give in just yet!

This winter, we have resolved to combat as many of the unpleasantries that come with the season as possible. At PoorLittleRichGirls this week we begin our mini protest of mother nature’s harshest season by vowing to stay hydrated, moisturized and all around beautiful this winter. In Saving Your Skin, Stephanie gives us all the essentials for winter skin rescue. If you’ve already loaded up on the products to keep you hot on the outside, check out Kristin’s list of foods that beautify you from the inside. 

I am also proud to present the first week of a new column here on PoorLittlRichGirls.com, Hey Sal. Our PR Siren, Sally Jackson, has been dishing out advice to our team for years now, so we thought it was high time she share her wisdom with the rest of the world. Be sure to read her advice this week, helping spa newbie, Scarlett, with proper spa etiquette. So, if you ever need some smart, sassy advice just shoot Sally an email!

Lacey

Lacey Brenly
Editor in Chief