LISA ASBELL

For years now I have been going to New York City a few weeks before Christmas to enjoy an early Christmas. It's become a tradition I enjoy very much. I invite friends that have never been or haven't been to NYC during Christmas. Each year, I plan several new things to do with no pressure on myself or my traveling partners. It's a relaxing time even in the hustle and bustle of the Big APPLE. This year was no exception. I got to connect with a friend I hadn't seen in a long time as well as spend time with one of my best friends who lives in another state.  There were a couple of highlights of the trip one was the Louis Vuitton exhibit downtown. I started collecting LV over the past few years and I thought it would be cool to attend the exhibit and learn about the history of Louis Vuitton. It was a free exhibit and did not disappoint! My good friend Allyson who fell in love with LV at this exhibit!  The LV gowns worn by stars were quite amazing.   For those

Hello December!  Glad you are here! This is absolutely my favorite time of year! While it's hard in Florida to get into in the Christmas spirit.  I pretend it's 40 outside, turn the AC on 65 and put of Pandora Christmas music.  Since, I travel every week, I do get to experience Christmas other places too.  These keys represent a big part of my life. I stay between 100-150 nights a year at Marriott properties. I also take about 150-160 flights a year. Almost ALWAYS on DELTA! I love travel and It's great that I have built a career that I could travel! Believe me, it wasn't accidental. I did it on purpose. I have known for years that I wanted to travel the world! Most of my travel is in the US but that's okay too. I will travel internationally. It's just not time yet!  People often ask me about travel.  Here are the most common questions I get asked!  Does your company pay for your travel? Yes, my company pays 100% of my travel. Nothing is out of my

This was really day two of Rural Illinois. What a day driving it was.  I always look for a few things that are the highlight of my day. Today there were several highlights and one defining moment. Highlight #1  The barns and silos were so beautiful and peaceful, I just couldn't get enough. As the sun was setting across a freshly harvested field the sunlight reflecting on the side of this barn was breathtaking.  I used my IPhone and I did not use a filter. Highlight #2   Driving from Rural Olney, Illinois ( truly the middle of nowhere) to St. Louis I came to the  intersection of highway and interstates 57 and 70. I was in AWE of this cross against the dusky sky.  Turns out it's the Largest Cross in the US and it's located in Effingham, IL   Great Surprise!  Defining Moment. Today's highlights are really standouts because of the defining moment that happened before I saw the cross and before I took the picture of the barn at sunset.  I was reminded o

Today my travels took me on a road trip from downtown Chicago to the corn laden fields of rural Freeport, Illinois.  It's a town that only a few years ago was a bustling place to be but today it's a shell of a town but the people still have the amazing American spirit and the work ethic to rebuild. I love rural drives, although this NOW city girl ain't gonna live rural.  :) I have always been in awe of barns and silos. I have no idea why they have always spoken to me... Well, on this fine fall day (sunny and 55 and the weather girl in Chicago said... "The high is 55! It's Spring Ya'll")....  This little red barn spoke loud and clear. For those who have never been to rural Illinois it's miles and miles of barns and silos... and some glorifying God too! I then drove south toward Normal, Illinois. Like I often do, I went to Trip Advisor from some advise about where to eat and Destihl seemed to be the place to go! It's a local brewery and gastrop

I haven't really written about travel before, I don't know why, I just haven't. I guess it's partly because when I travel it's mostly for work and I am in and out in less than 24 hours. But I decided that most people don't get to travel for work, only about 12% of all air travel is business travelers and only about 1% of the workforce travel every week by plane for work. I feel blessed! So here I sit in downtown Chicago on a chilly morning having my left over Chicken Piccata from last night. I am thinking... Boy I am lucky and I want to share it! I think an even bigger reason to write and share is for my own personal journey. What better way to remember where you have been and all the experiences than to record it? Right? So... Traffic was heavy coming in from the airport. I was surprised by that. I flew in on Sunday for that reason. To avoid heavy traffic. Overall, it was about 40 minutes from Chicago Midway airport to downtown.  I chose a Residence Inn in

I live in the perfect location in St. Petersburg, Florida. One the top places to live in the US and the cost of living is pretty low considering everything that surrounds me within three miles. The best beaches, the best downtown ever, great food and great nightlife! Culture abounds and museums galore. Life is great in sunny Florida but the best part..... After 51 years, I am finally reaching House Peace! That's right! You read it here first! House Peace...  We have been in a total remodel of our 1900 square foot ranch style home since August! It's taken 4 months and nearly $70,000 but we have an entirely new home. It's everything I ever wanted really. There is landscaping were for years only dirt grew. There is a spa type bathroom that any one would kill for. I know what you are thinking. What about the closet? Well, that is still coming in the future but I have about 4 that I claim and and one is very large! So, I am pretty darn happy. Today I struck out to find our f

You know I have discovered that the journey we are all really on is the journey to wholeness. We started at whole as babies, we got broken somewhere along the way and our journey is to get back to wholeness. I guess everyone gets there their own way. When I say wholeness, I mean being totally content with your life. Living your best life. It's you waking up knowing WOW. I am really doing the best I can in every area. I am balanced! I think that self examination or introspection is one way to do it but I also think you can spend too much time on all of that. We are who we are from the experiences we have had and the people we have met. Perhaps, the key is just waking up one day and saying yesterday and all the days before don't matter.   The WAY to WHOLENESS is Living with Intention From this day forward, I will be the best I can be. I will examine every area of my life and do exactly what needs to be done TODAY , to be the person I want to be tomorrow.  I think eve

It all begins April 1st but this is no April Fools joke. I am going to LA for the whole month of April to work with casting agents and producers for Reality TV. Yep, I had a idea for a show (based on my real life)  years ago and it has finally grown some legs. I have meetings lined up. I have classes lined up and of course I will be working my full time job from there as well. Some of you may or may not know I love turning hobbies into money and I have for many years as well as helping other people do the same. I guess that's why I am called a serial entrepreneur. I have had many careers and always enjoyed each one.   I have said for many years that one day acting, TV and Reality TV will either be a hobby or a career for me. This is my chance! I was talking to a casting agent this week and he said, "I can't believe that will up and move to LA for even a month." I said, "Yep." He said, "Brave, it's one thing to do it at 20 but a whole other