Bio: Tatum is a freelance writer and public relations professional from Orange County, Calif. She is head over heels in love with her new family of three and enjoys taking traveling adventures (most recently Italy), ordering dessert, petting kittens, shopping at farmers markets and being an all around girly-girl. Her favorite book is Tess of the D'Ubervilles. Her favorite food is a slightly burnt BBQ drumstick. And her favorite color is orange.
Posts by Tatum:
“What’s Your Secret?”
October 29th, 2011
As women, we naturally tend to unite and bond with one another. It’s one of our special qualities. Sometimes, though, we let petty things like whether the potential gal pal we met at that dinner party last weekend is a mom or not come between us actually getting to know each other better. I used to do that all the time, which I’m not proud to admit. I look back and think, “Why in the world did I deny myself friends?” My excuse was that I felt there was little in common to talk about, and there was no way I wanted to listen to them blab on and on about their kids. How ignorant of me to assume a mom had nothing else better to talk about.
Keep in mind that there is at least one commonality between you and another woman you may think is too different from you. It’s quite basic, actually (and, no, it has nothing to do with men): We all worry about being presentable, or more specifically, having a nice, clean and comfortable living space. And we’re deeply ashamed if we don’t. What is it about us women and yearning for tidiness and order? Even if we aren’t tidy people to begin with, we still want our homes to be — desperately!
Take a look at this recent study by Working Mother Media which Forbes Woman reports that both working moms and stay-at-home moms consider “How clean my house is” in their top three things they feel most judged about. Single women were not included in this study, but I think they feel the same way, to an extent. It comes down to that overall desire to appear “put-together.”
The next time you have an opportunity to bond with someone new, whether she’s a mom, a working mom, a career woman, married, or even an elderly woman, try asking her, “So tell me, how do you do it?” and take pleasure in watching her shyly accept your subtle compliment, and before you know it, you two will be having a heart-to-heart conversation as you commiserate and compare notes. It’s a valid question because it’s on every woman’s mind: What tricks are up this intriguing woman’s sleeve that make her appear so grounded, happy and confident? And I wonder, no, really, I’m dying to know, what in the world does the inside of her home look like?
Beyond Sugar and Spice
October 6th, 2011
I recently had the pleasure of sitting next to the prettiest lil’ thing on the plane. She wore purple glasses that were infused with glitter. On her adorable dangling feet were a pair of trendy red Toms. She had polka dot leggings. And her front teeth were ever so slightly too large for her delicate, angelic face.
Of course, I wanted to talk to her. So I leaned over and told her how much I liked her glasses. She smiled back shyly. I may have mentioned more than once over the duration of the flight that she was “just so cute!”
Now, did I do anything wrong here? You bet I did. And it wasn’t until I read this article, “How to Talk to Little Girls” by Lisa Bloom weeks later that I realized what I had done and, oh, how I wish I could turn back time and have said something different to this little girl. I could have in some small way encouraged her. Said something smarter. Given her a feeling of self-worth about her thoughts, not her appearance.
I would have much rather remembered a pleasant conversation with a budding young person than be able to describe her clothes and accessories. But that’s all I have.
Bloom’s article was such an eye-opener for me, especially now that I have a daughter of my own. It made me think of when I was little. Did anyone ever ask me what I thought about books or what were things that bothered me? I can’t pinpoint any particular moment, sadly.
How do you talk to little girls?
Photo by Tracy Rasinski, Hair/Makeup/Styling Suzy Martin, Model Brooke Dean with Agency AZ
Chicago
May 2nd, 2011
A glittering metropolis nestled in the heart of the Midwest—and yes, glittering literally from the reflection off of the neighboring waves of Lake Michigan—Chicago is one of the most beautiful cities in America and probably tied for first as the happiest place on Earth (along with Disneyland, of course). Come with me as I take you on a virtual trip through the Windy City; I can’t wait to show you all my favorite spots!
Let’s begin just north of downtown Chicago in the charming city of Evanston, home to Northwestern University. Ah, what a great college town. After a delicious brunch at the “post-hippie” Lucky Platter Restaurant on Main Street (I get the crab cake eggs Benedict; you get the cinnamon-raisin French toast), we head a few blocks east toward the lakefront, walking along tree-lined streets and trying very hard not to get distracted by all the boutique shopping.
Pretty soon we’ve walked our way into a gorgeous vintage neighborhood, with rows and rows of meticulously restored homes from the early 1900s. It’s green and lush in every direction. Check out the houses that Frank Lloyd Wright built. Looking ahead, we can see Lake Michigan. After crossing Sheridan Road (similar to California’s coast-hugging Pacific Coast Highway), we walk across a city park, dodge a few runners on the lakefront trail, and here we are. Taking our shoes off as we walk to the sandy shore, we feel like we’re at the ocean. If you look to the right you can make out the Chicago skyscrapers in the distance. If you squint real hard and crane your neck a little, you can even see the Sears Tower, both Chicago’s landmark superstructure and the world’s fourth-tallest building.
Want to go see downtown in person? Easy; let’s catch a train. We have two train options, both walking distance away: the historic “L” train, one of the most recognizable features of Chicago; and the much newer Metra: sleeker, faster, and a double-decker. (My vote is the comfier Metra.)
After the twenty-five minute train ride into downtown , we still haven’t decided what to do first. How about exploring the top of the Sears Tower? Or, be transported through time (using our wild imaginations) as our eyes get all googly from the mirror-like stainless steel “Bean” structure at Millennium Park? Perhaps we should ride the Ferris wheel on Navy Pier? We could always just shop ’til we drop along Michigan Avenue. Or we could surround ourselves with fine art and culture at the world-renowned Art Institute of Chicago. Would you rather play with sharks and dolphins at The Shedd Aquarium? How about we enjoy the dessert-only second story of Chicago’s iconic Rock’n’Roll McDonald’s?
Later we could catch a Broadway show at the Chicago Theater. Or, if you’re feeling a little more casual, we could go laugh our butts off at The Second City, the sketch comedy kings whose alumni include Tina Fey, Steve Carrell, and Mike Myers. And since it’s such a nice day outside, let’s take advantage of it and hop on an architectural boat tour of the city on the Chicago River. Or maybe we can catch a Cubs game at Wrigley Stadium? And one more thing: We can’t forget our stomachs, so we’re having Chicago deep-dish pizza at Giordano’s (or Gino’s, which specializes in a cornbread-like crust) for dinner.
So much to do and see, and so little time. . . .
We decide to do it all.
We’ll need a hotel for at least a few days. While it would have been marvelous to stay in one of Chicago’s oldest luxury hotels, like The Drake, where Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland were once notable guests, we decide to stay at the equally comfortable (and much more affordable) Renaissance Chicago Hotel. With amazing views of the Chicago River and the incredibly unique “corn-cob” condominiums, we relish every minute we have to enjoy, live, and experience Chicago, the “town that won’t let you down.”
We hope this tour gives you a colorful picture of what Chicago has to offer. It’s the perfect vacation destination to go to with your hubby, a significant other, or a very best friend. Safe travels!
ELIZA Shopping Picks
Hejfina
great dresses
1529 N. Milwaukee Ave
Hejfina.com
2 Sisters
great prices
1167 W. Madison
shop2sisters.com
Willow
home accessories
908 N. Damen Ave.
shopwillow.net
Art Effect
the modern-day general store
934 W. Armitage
arteffectchicago.com
Le Dress
great brands
1741 W. Division St.
ledresschicago.com
Photography by Becky Hill