tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21417848281046766222024-02-18T20:54:32.963-05:00falafel for the soul. s p r e a d i n g . f r e e . e n c o u r a g e m e n t .lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12742452512426073290noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141784828104676622.post-73788816823465704012010-07-13T11:52:00.004-04:002010-07-13T11:56:36.739-04:00let's think of something beautiful.<object width="450" height="278"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/rF0LZWWxSH0&hl=en_US&fs=1?rel=0&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/rF0LZWWxSH0&hl=en_US&fs=1?rel=0&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="450" height="278"></embed></object><br /><div><div><br /></div><div>xoxo,</div><div>lesley</div></div>lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12742452512426073290noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141784828104676622.post-4510672732501213392010-05-24T10:16:00.001-04:002010-05-24T10:16:00.497-04:00falafel updatedear readers,<div><br /></div><div>i know i've been neglecting this blog, but i just looked back and realized that i haven't posted in over six weeks! where does the time go...? life can take unexpected twists and turns, and lately stuff has been going on in my life that has caused me to focus my attention outside of the blogosphere.</div><div><br /></div><div>i still plan on posting to falafel for the soul, it just might not be as regular as it once was. and even though i'm not blogging as frequently, i'm still out there in the world trying to spread positivity, and i encourage you to keep doing the same!</div><div><br /></div><div>xoxo,</div><div>lesley</div>lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12742452512426073290noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141784828104676622.post-2261270753761876312010-04-08T12:37:00.001-04:002010-04-08T12:40:17.897-04:00another reason to stay positive...new research shows that <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36038732/ns/health-behavior/">optimism can boost your immune system</a>!<div><br /></div><div>xoxo,</div><div>lesley</div>lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12742452512426073290noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141784828104676622.post-29720163656387783752010-04-06T13:43:00.003-04:002010-04-06T13:46:38.990-04:00TOMS one day without shoes<object width="400" height="300"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/6qhINzKmVa0&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/6qhINzKmVa0&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="300"></embed></object><br /><div><br /></div><div>i'll be taking off my shoes on april 8th... will you join me?</div><div><br /></div>xoxo,<div>lesley</div>lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12742452512426073290noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141784828104676622.post-49479388406207567512010-03-18T15:08:00.002-04:002010-03-18T15:10:46.978-04:00found encouragement... everyone should try<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFBi4YqAKXgQ0oa3_hgWU-TmSVPS-UhVs7efVNA6PpmxTdkJi7XDMea5QUfNcbU4OahCOB9_vTIa9rA9I1reiCSMHxhA0VyDVhDoiW5FVTm8PvYADmbVegRJYZ9kWv77aVfBp4Cq9IFw0/s1600-h/difference.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFBi4YqAKXgQ0oa3_hgWU-TmSVPS-UhVs7efVNA6PpmxTdkJi7XDMea5QUfNcbU4OahCOB9_vTIa9rA9I1reiCSMHxhA0VyDVhDoiW5FVTm8PvYADmbVegRJYZ9kWv77aVfBp4Cq9IFw0/s400/difference.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450053110747130402" /></a><br />spotted in the window of a local shop while enjoying a walk in this glorious spring weather :)<div><br /></div><div>xoxo,</div><div>lesley</div>lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12742452512426073290noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141784828104676622.post-69272387865458405692010-03-11T12:59:00.000-05:002010-03-11T12:59:00.384-05:00thank you.<img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHJER81narmqAr7p15bGB9STbwuf8gSWvvZaIgOdDNVlMvSVbo37QmEj3-ynHk6iGYfUR0xEyBiDefyfJiYQsj3lwSIs_4jiFtcKO6kdd7L2z4fPWSAI7WN8aidrv3XeAvnz7gcg2yEC4/s400/thankyou2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446700195184376690" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwZ4qVMgJTLjnoFG543_Fqfbx74XRfXwCz0IJu7mbHn55StCnNo-3ylClM_bXQxoNhXLTuCrLVnocNqZT4rUMGy37JicsV0QStHMeGlcYKD-zJrQpcGUOUpy6ZVg1ct_D5OVSqdQnnq0Y/s400/thankyou.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446700203663139202" /></div><div><br /></div>it seems like people spend a lot of time focusing on their flaws and things they want to change about themselves... i know i do from time to time. <div><br /></div><div>but guess what? you are amazing. so today i want to thank you for being you... uniquely, perfectly, wonderfully <i>you</i>! no one does it better.<div><br /></div><div>xoxo,</div><div>lesley</div></div>lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12742452512426073290noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141784828104676622.post-85226010937572723582010-03-09T13:19:00.003-05:002010-03-09T13:22:51.966-05:00life can start again.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLGjym5Lbs2Oc9QMEbQxRuMGAwZi0NBF1LsT11L7Yve1vQm54XMv1RxotOJ8-qPJHHhfW0YV-vSfAdZDV95OvCjGSfhSkR1sREnIOxd-B-D-5vZDEVIeO7REp5z-lZGVeosHGcycgmKH4/s1600-h/startagain2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLGjym5Lbs2Oc9QMEbQxRuMGAwZi0NBF1LsT11L7Yve1vQm54XMv1RxotOJ8-qPJHHhfW0YV-vSfAdZDV95OvCjGSfhSkR1sREnIOxd-B-D-5vZDEVIeO7REp5z-lZGVeosHGcycgmKH4/s400/startagain2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446700932609492034" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifhuC-sFfgjeP8s7YECtsrdCARuhGgNxXP3vo1yXwxfieTkjWEIL6bUuFFQ_sPftnpsZu-6ahC-sm6SZIFcfw5l7DC-p7HuyszkIEj8mHnHa_hCp6qjYYcCTDeV17n2Omgu9QpVIL3jo4/s1600-h/startagain.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifhuC-sFfgjeP8s7YECtsrdCARuhGgNxXP3vo1yXwxfieTkjWEIL6bUuFFQ_sPftnpsZu-6ahC-sm6SZIFcfw5l7DC-p7HuyszkIEj8mHnHa_hCp6qjYYcCTDeV17n2Omgu9QpVIL3jo4/s400/startagain.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446700923403947186" /></a><br />this weekend, a shift began to occur... we are on the cusp of spring. the air seems to be buzzing with energy and potential, and soon everything around us will be bursting into life.<div><br /></div><div>i can't think of a better time for a fresh start. every day life <i>can</i> start again... think of the possibilities!</div><div><br /></div><div>xoxo,</div><div>lesley</div>lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12742452512426073290noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141784828104676622.post-58467817549476615312010-03-02T14:22:00.002-05:002010-03-02T14:24:17.868-05:00love yourself<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5W3VeC7oQN0hNAuzNIO5IPGh8GTzYVMefqsJNdGrLKL4ZidYxvHEg7FdxMzCfVN_Y4sCLPckylDqx8LUTmj-uOLV4NCtkxuHRrwS2F6n0Pf7QdxZ44-MJpD44FVRbR8LXd4ukGrjxaak/s1600-h/loveyourself.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 360px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5W3VeC7oQN0hNAuzNIO5IPGh8GTzYVMefqsJNdGrLKL4ZidYxvHEg7FdxMzCfVN_Y4sCLPckylDqx8LUTmj-uOLV4NCtkxuHRrwS2F6n0Pf7QdxZ44-MJpD44FVRbR8LXd4ukGrjxaak/s400/loveyourself.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444119387296129586" /></a><br />my friend jess spotted this awesome graffiti wall in florida... it reads, "love yourself like no other."<div><br /></div><div>xoxo,</div><div>lesley</div>lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12742452512426073290noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141784828104676622.post-17564895038792255082010-02-18T15:33:00.005-05:002010-02-18T16:21:34.257-05:00the buried lifeinspiring, touching, uplifting... not necessarily the words that come to mind when you think of the lineup of shows on mtv. but the buried life is all those things and more. <div><br /></div><div>the show follows a group of four guy friends on their journey to cross items off a list of 100 things they want to do before they die... from attending a party at the playboy mansion to helping deliver a baby. there's also a twist: for every item they cross off their list, they help a stranger accomplish something on theirs.<div><br /></div><div>when i first started seeing ads for the buried life, i was interested, but i thought to myself <i>c'mon, it's mtv... how good could it be?</i> i decided to tune in anyway, and i'm so glad i did! the guys are relatable, hilarious, creative, and fearless. the ways in which they are able to help other people are amazing and totally inspiring. i look forward to watching their adventure unfold every week.<br /><div><br /></div><div>take a few minutes to watch the promo video below and check your local listings for air times :)</div><div><br /><object width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/iRexWE9yBVA&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/iRexWE9yBVA&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>xoxo,</div><div>lesley</div></div></div>lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12742452512426073290noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141784828104676622.post-16524519130100419382010-02-15T11:29:00.004-05:002010-02-15T11:49:40.408-05:00snow days<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj75c8esAaPE9bZyynVZ8hRVQJCGp3j3fc_6ycVGcs6MuUTiWt7EBBgiFL58P8_D2exWT1hY_FEXXz08SO8kn40rVNr6JV14c1g4BkbFN6zJFWmXAk43uXuD_BXhNieR9znSwPEElI4nFs/s1600-h/ilysnow.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj75c8esAaPE9bZyynVZ8hRVQJCGp3j3fc_6ycVGcs6MuUTiWt7EBBgiFL58P8_D2exWT1hY_FEXXz08SO8kn40rVNr6JV14c1g4BkbFN6zJFWmXAk43uXuD_BXhNieR9znSwPEElI4nFs/s400/ilysnow.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438513309404684690" /></a><br />i adore snow days. <div><br /></div><div>as a kid, i remember the excitement of rushing to the window the morning after the weather man called for snow to check and see just how much had fallen (and the disappointment i felt if there was none!). when i was a freshman at the university of maryland, we had three snow days in a row (they aren't very good at dealing with snow down there), and it's still one of my favorite memories of college. now, as an adult, the idea of being "snowed in" is still thrilling... a day where we are encouraged, <i>expected</i> to stay inside with our loved ones, not worrying about our day-to-day responsibilities.<div><br /></div><div>this past week, we had two major snowstorms. the snow just kept coming... so much that my husband's company actually shut down for a day. a true snow day! it was fantastic, and we took full advantage... just like we would have when we were kids. we curled up on the couch in our snuggies, watched movies, ate chicken noodle soup, drank hot chocolate with marshmallows, and even ventured out to make snow angels. </div><div><br /></div><div>i think everyone should have a snow day every now and then... even if you live in a place where it never snows! take a day off and spend some quality time exploring the great indoors with the one you love :)</div><div><br /></div><div>xoxo,</div><div>lesley</div></div>lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12742452512426073290noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141784828104676622.post-79649988662287859232010-02-04T14:31:00.005-05:002010-02-04T14:40:08.298-05:00another note from my hubby...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI941q65nWvfZQI7XgTMV3XZSaWwNrisgu5TvtCmmY2dH2AH4YPshHzDBkXVYehVJpy2i0jRq6OKIZoOr1lIjccv35RwNI-rr6PsE80-59HgZjkx081ZgwSS0fcC835qGFtjMuNXQL1PQ/s1600-h/applenote.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 360px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI941q65nWvfZQI7XgTMV3XZSaWwNrisgu5TvtCmmY2dH2AH4YPshHzDBkXVYehVJpy2i0jRq6OKIZoOr1lIjccv35RwNI-rr6PsE80-59HgZjkx081ZgwSS0fcC835qGFtjMuNXQL1PQ/s400/applenote.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434474806345158562" /></a><br />my husband has always liked leaving sweet notes for me to find around the house. since i started falafel for the soul, he's taken to writing his mini love notes on post-its. <div><br /></div><div>this one stands out among the sea of yellow and pink sticky notes littering my desk... it is so nice to look down from whatever i'm working on and be reminded every day that i am loved :)</div><div><br /></div><div>valentine's day is almost here... and even if you aren't a fan of the holiday, it's the perfect time to tell someone you love them. try leaving a little note like this for someone you care about, just to remind them why they are so special to you. your significant other, your best friend, your kids, your crush, your teacher, your mailman... they all need love, and finding a note like this just might make their day!<br /><div><br /></div><div>xoxo,</div><div>lesley</div></div>lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12742452512426073290noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141784828104676622.post-7348555320835680352010-02-02T21:54:00.006-05:002010-02-02T22:03:04.191-05:00you are beautiful part 2<div style="text-align: left;">i was so very inspired by the <a href="http://falafelforthesoul.blogspot.com/2009/12/you-are-beautiful.html">you are beautiful project</a> that i decided to contribute to it in my own way. this sign has been hanging in my window (facing out, of course) for the past few weeks...</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmwSD2r3SeNccT7zG43uEFzNZuGSXa_mdD_Jm_ithKYbCial8XQHY8wQ_xb2zm9fUpPHyQDfY25jJa0a8Yovk0Z6fwpBqtK8tJURof8hhgiZLqyLSf_7oIh8kIvck9Akn3dbtvC_GbeE/s320/beautiful1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433846168522251458" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">see it? move in a little closer...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5qa4QCV-9J2bEKLrKHFOzNgKXLY1tPS55bnmRBnumu4SBxAPhj-535Fba4nWW4fXZJ15xzRiow_Xp1XowM8gT0eW_lsw70lZ3u5Kda4n2k4GaoHMchjmixMDpXqtJ7rs3Ik2jMUv0cmI/s320/beautiful2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433846170462669938" /></div><div><br /></div><div>my husband and i live in a second floor apartment overlooking a busy intersection. lots of people walk by every day, but i have no way of knowing if anyone has noticed it. i do know that it always makes me smile when it catches my eye as i'm walking home.</div><div><br /></div><div>i added the smaller pink sign below it as an extra piece of encouragement... it reads, "keep your heart open."</div><div><br /></div><div>xoxo,</div><div>lesley</div>lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12742452512426073290noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141784828104676622.post-21533446118306599872010-01-26T13:06:00.003-05:002010-01-26T13:11:06.981-05:00roses are red...<div style="text-align: left;">the other day i walked past this car and saw that someone had left a single rose on the windshield. i have no idea who put it there or who it was intended for, but i thought an i love you card would compliment this sweet gesture perfectly...</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwDEuUvqGAuDPN81rGaLQzBUbxi8FS6LFtMrT3TqIrIUtYFPAIlU6PGg9eCNW8RzDZJuTL5ogjFcYmvXCvdYncntsGZW19OrG03AtdHsRRRVX54wVDgshjNWAS3uT3eZTrwwSeJyiPdoc/s400/rose.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431112391127541858" /></div><div><br /></div><div>xoxo,</div><div>lesley</div>lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12742452512426073290noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141784828104676622.post-77189033471983644392010-01-25T15:04:00.002-05:002010-01-25T15:07:58.127-05:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvfSaPD_tWH9bw6s8JtLx0bxREzeQzjFBLeLiB07QS95GMklblJAOsZ5Q-I2Jv2V-Ggk1VqjpdOCIWBvvoJSH5tQWhyXDp7aa4JzoeCPIcqMxe85YX76FTq6BZFJkdXmSdMzMmP-O2jIM/s1600-h/michelle_collage.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvfSaPD_tWH9bw6s8JtLx0bxREzeQzjFBLeLiB07QS95GMklblJAOsZ5Q-I2Jv2V-Ggk1VqjpdOCIWBvvoJSH5tQWhyXDp7aa4JzoeCPIcqMxe85YX76FTq6BZFJkdXmSdMzMmP-O2jIM/s400/michelle_collage.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430771626318157330" /></a><br />these have to be some of the most adorable post-its i've ever seen. <a href="http://michellelocke.wordpress.com/2010/01/22/post-it-inspiration/">click here</a> to read how michelle of <a href="http://michellelocke.wordpress.com/">locked out</a> blog is using them to motivate herself to meet her 2010 resolutions!<div><br /></div><div>xoxo,</div><div>lesley</div>lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12742452512426073290noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141784828104676622.post-17326126631770999412010-01-21T11:10:00.000-05:002010-01-21T11:14:27.095-05:00news flash<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtbMEXgtpWoYgnmKk8sVwYPkd2SSFyEFBwvxE2F7GmUPBgSdMWjQBK56ghP1LF5i05CWCkWw485GA20gq42H7VdPjjy7ZtYzCATOnDAndAxvsUpcf4ochhQtSnR57V20fwrxfu0ndf9MY/s1600-h/newsflash1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtbMEXgtpWoYgnmKk8sVwYPkd2SSFyEFBwvxE2F7GmUPBgSdMWjQBK56ghP1LF5i05CWCkWw485GA20gq42H7VdPjjy7ZtYzCATOnDAndAxvsUpcf4ochhQtSnR57V20fwrxfu0ndf9MY/s400/newsflash1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429226720750687202" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh1wVr5OQGsQbtR9HsW4OPNoUjDF_0HU43XeFVuqp6StTdGkcAN8AvBtLj6C6TkGGeBi3RmZF7f7US7Ho2EZsgaC-faujZlS7dyjHAueeQhLjULJqvQHWglKKj6HKxFduDH2KNbxbs4OY/s1600-h/newsflash2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh1wVr5OQGsQbtR9HsW4OPNoUjDF_0HU43XeFVuqp6StTdGkcAN8AvBtLj6C6TkGGeBi3RmZF7f7US7Ho2EZsgaC-faujZlS7dyjHAueeQhLjULJqvQHWglKKj6HKxFduDH2KNbxbs4OY/s400/newsflash2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429226714191879170" /></a><br />this newspaper vending box caught my eye while walking around in philadelphia... it seemed like a popular place for posting stickers and little bits of inspiration, so i thought i'd add a bit of my own :)<div><br /></div><div>xoxo,</div><div>lesley</div>lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12742452512426073290noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141784828104676622.post-90239430412218740342010-01-20T12:11:00.000-05:002010-01-20T12:11:00.245-05:00found encouragement... let go.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg108ZLsxkmO9DrtkysNhyphenhyphenbCwuaLl2_Lj2nEIuOwWT8_JIFwd0LKWOLypf5lgsWzAJ1FHpbwDE3jel6d8G8VSkq1ACivPTcpRcDDzl73_YvZljoYLq1leL2mhlMusktG-bgOxSD6gOTFBA/s1600-h/letgo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg108ZLsxkmO9DrtkysNhyphenhyphenbCwuaLl2_Lj2nEIuOwWT8_JIFwd0LKWOLypf5lgsWzAJ1FHpbwDE3jel6d8G8VSkq1ACivPTcpRcDDzl73_YvZljoYLq1leL2mhlMusktG-bgOxSD6gOTFBA/s400/letgo.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428530952630841922" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">{photo by </span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tiina/4082401663/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">tiina treasure</span></a>}</div><div><br /></div><div>xoxo,</div><div>lesley</div>lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12742452512426073290noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141784828104676622.post-58137771876093398552010-01-19T12:48:00.005-05:002010-01-19T13:50:09.426-05:00craft hope.<div style="text-align: left;">this is just a beautiful thing...</div><div><br /></div><div>after hearing about the disaster in haiti, the ladies of <a href="http://crafthope.com/about/">craft hope</a> decided to take action. they opened up an <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/crafthope?page=1">etsy shop</a> and sent out an appeal to crafters and artists to donate whatever items they could, with all proceeds benefiting <a href="http://doctorswithoutborders.org/">doctors without borders</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>the ladies wanted to help out however they could, and had modest expectations for the shop. but in the past few days, the shop has sold 700 items and made over $10,000 for haiti relief... and the numbers continue to grow. i donated two prints from my etsy shop, and they sold before i could even spread the word! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>if you're still looking for a way to get involved and help out those in need in haiti, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/crafthope">this is it</a>. there's still tons of great stuff up for grabs in the craft hope etsy shop... you can get a wonderful handmade craft and help raise money for doctors without borders at the same time. it's a total win-win.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>and if you're not convinced yet, here is a selection of some of the lovely handmade items that have been donated to craft hope to tempt you...</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYIQQY1DTrHj90PQKp2js6x7S5hpEZ6-Um0-AiM84FdSPm6e3b3kAO9I4LM7bLmiMphQvu9wZEXU3TnPI6W9A93D3WYG1PFg58bWxIMC-nbldviXt0vI7e8iFH3oXkRIXI2auxHVdKHmM/s400/crafthope.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428524390869030738" /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/crafthope">click here to shop craft hope for haiti</a>!</div><div><br /></div><div>xoxo,</div><div>lesley</div>lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12742452512426073290noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141784828104676622.post-75892368167650329972010-01-16T13:37:00.003-05:002010-01-16T13:41:13.706-05:00help haiti<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0K-Qr8ttY9l-lQWBuNaYPTIqux_79AoUgfnhUP9FjsztZprh03XdRLJg45x-vkKwEIKBuhrzY1sgDyaMrFPyOPHGZy5xSmKEzTIJMmHexv4xW1p21NH0rVS8jmVFQ_Gw6Ni9_3yMNS-k/s1600-h/helphaiti.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0K-Qr8ttY9l-lQWBuNaYPTIqux_79AoUgfnhUP9FjsztZprh03XdRLJg45x-vkKwEIKBuhrzY1sgDyaMrFPyOPHGZy5xSmKEzTIJMmHexv4xW1p21NH0rVS8jmVFQ_Gw6Ni9_3yMNS-k/s400/helphaiti.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427409521225473410" /></a><br />we have all heard about the devastating earthquake in haiti and seen images of its people's suffering... the best thing you can do to help right now is to make a donation to help support relief efforts.<div><br /></div><div>any amount you can give is appreciated. according to unicef, just $1 can provide a child safe drinking water for 40 days and a generous gift of $50 can provide 40 packets of high energy protein biscuits.</div><div><br /></div><div>the unicef u.s. fund is absorbing all administrative costs so that 100% of every dollar donated goes straight toward helping people in haiti.</div><div><br /></div><div>thank you so much for supporting my fundraising efforts... <a href="http://inside.unicefusa.org/goto/315thomas">click here to donate.</a></div><div><br /></div><div>xoxo,</div><div>lesley</div>lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12742452512426073290noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141784828104676622.post-77152403707717732232010-01-14T14:08:00.002-05:002010-01-14T14:08:00.698-05:00senseless beauty<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKCkGDbobiKzlZLxHcl3tAd6CTfzUDLZ-cwwjmhWUy-YQuee7ldzFj6SjhrGraprXqHvZnGE6RtoZgH77xAS3sh-OKa1mA0-oWKqgnYMPx2apH8eF5TDtP7MfnkY4scqNSjFZ3z20O5ZY/s1600-h/senselessbeauty.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKCkGDbobiKzlZLxHcl3tAd6CTfzUDLZ-cwwjmhWUy-YQuee7ldzFj6SjhrGraprXqHvZnGE6RtoZgH77xAS3sh-OKa1mA0-oWKqgnYMPx2apH8eF5TDtP7MfnkY4scqNSjFZ3z20O5ZY/s400/senselessbeauty.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426308989830034818" /></a><br />i spotted this bumper sticker on my walk home from the train station yesterday, and it totally made my afternoon. it seems so rare these days to see a bumper sticker that's not political or sarcastic, and this one had such a lovely message. <div><br /></div><div>the world could always use more beauty and kindness... so randomly, senselessly put some out there today :)<div><br /></div><div>xoxo,</div><div>lesley</div></div>lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12742452512426073290noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141784828104676622.post-53635625071967321302010-01-13T13:04:00.001-05:002010-01-13T13:04:00.105-05:00found encouragement... love signs<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9sw-kSZaOcemyHeMp2FP6SgEli9blRSgcYGUxQgVd2-untpJkmrIgrWMptm7WZZ03YstpdIp5r_uiBArYE6_iJ8yALIok-DwA47qeP833KdzdOlreTQmehZH7jdHefOn1rQE6TqDvXj0/s1600-h/soulmate.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9sw-kSZaOcemyHeMp2FP6SgEli9blRSgcYGUxQgVd2-untpJkmrIgrWMptm7WZZ03YstpdIp5r_uiBArYE6_iJ8yALIok-DwA47qeP833KdzdOlreTQmehZH7jdHefOn1rQE6TqDvXj0/s400/soulmate.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425917730262680418" /></a><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS1LdPJeBoGpELhA5kfIodirBKYNDTC8Cc8eZz8QqUmtEe5qPZ9MnNN8ji0WsNV4V4x_DDUnfpPZOU4iR5CQcbF_r9PotiGY_of2pEfxQ1lxn0U5UL1T9vKnhGzWOa3ZKmzEOQfmHzfxs/s400/loveperfect1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425917722899763954" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLmxAH-raMuKEdZ9Qclx76Sh4PSIYogu6JSWsc26QjXdtU4FruMyqxHtjwrAYhuwsZcHbnrr7Ur9JpByrCvFG0greMkrB8m8ZYJLvxIkcYOSxRI6QakfFO1cYabrdE1U9D-vvQACh5o2s/s400/truelove1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425917726269378322" /></div><div><br /></div>i recently came across these beautiful and touching photos on diana's charming blog, <a href="http://pleasesirblog.blogspot.com/2009/08/found-love.html">please sir</a>. here is diana's story about the photos:<div><br /></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">during my morning ride to work i discovered these adorable signs posted on the side of the road. a combination of driving, looking, swerving, scouting... and one by one the signs became more sweet and sincere. i have no idea who or what they were intended for, but they touched my heart and brought a little happiness to my day.</span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">what a lovely, romantic story. to the mysterious stranger who posted these signs, thank you for sharing your love with the world!</span></div><div><br /></div><div>xoxo,</div><div>lesley</div>lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12742452512426073290noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141784828104676622.post-37699700580542734102010-01-12T12:57:00.004-05:002010-01-12T13:02:21.884-05:00pocket love<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsBloMGcCA52qKec4_t0z_1DWN5yj54ROA-bgixWbOhTuPECV2pWD_fuInHHjtYz3huOvbHaYUQWMun80IE2jpXSYe22FqLD91sO_q25Txyey00aXy55xlTjryLy31Lj-PeB6iD8YUeCA/s1600-h/thriftstore.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsBloMGcCA52qKec4_t0z_1DWN5yj54ROA-bgixWbOhTuPECV2pWD_fuInHHjtYz3huOvbHaYUQWMun80IE2jpXSYe22FqLD91sO_q25Txyey00aXy55xlTjryLy31Lj-PeB6iD8YUeCA/s400/thriftstore.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425914688447228658" /></a><br /><div>i'm having so much fun with my i love you cards... i left this one in the back pocket of some jeans at our local thrift store.</div><div><br /></div><div>xoxo,</div><div>lesley</div>lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12742452512426073290noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141784828104676622.post-58321389789288388682010-01-11T14:19:00.004-05:002010-01-11T14:24:51.180-05:00you are the coolest kid in school.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2q-L8LtkwYsMVkDhI7Y9y3wF1l3uR1F0VYSkcgn3zYEBCbh3VjYphVIZ_1sBYzTVXzat5-Jbp0o9iP5xsA9OabhWTi4_ligce9cqUm7OMfm17BfI-PQSbWOu4KECYrRR2_L3ddg182L0/s1600-h/coolestkid.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2q-L8LtkwYsMVkDhI7Y9y3wF1l3uR1F0VYSkcgn3zYEBCbh3VjYphVIZ_1sBYzTVXzat5-Jbp0o9iP5xsA9OabhWTi4_ligce9cqUm7OMfm17BfI-PQSbWOu4KECYrRR2_L3ddg182L0/s400/coolestkid.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425564996766594210" /></a><br /><div>posted at the mall in a teen clothing store. </div><div><br /></div><div>i might be all grown up now, but i still remember what it's like to be an awkward kid trying to fit in... sometimes it just feels good to know that *someone* out there thinks you're cool.</div><div><br /></div><div>xoxo,</div><div>lesley</div><div><br /></div>p.s. i'm so glad to be back, more posts to come this week... :)<div><br /></div>lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12742452512426073290noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141784828104676622.post-8805878422617971662010-01-08T11:44:00.000-05:002010-01-08T11:45:34.730-05:00new year, fresh start.hello lovelies!<div><br /></div><div>i wanted to apologize for being m.i.a. this week... with the new year here, i decided to take some time to reassess my situation and reorganize my home so i can have a totally fresh start. i'll be back next week with plenty of new posts... so stay tuned :)</div><div><br /></div><div>xoxo,</div><div>lesley</div>lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12742452512426073290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141784828104676622.post-32362541560176143082009-12-25T10:00:00.003-05:002009-12-25T10:00:04.826-05:00it's a wonderful life.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixYKQbGYu5GfWJ9KBRIBzV6Wmud7fzaq1XvNGLue5FUZr3EsRQHPUVD-X1vJb-GAVpYSuG9z7fThL8Hzu_neLasjSBPBMbeq7pS6omDCOeEQqtvbhgnUyxh2tqB9-JopW_Mk9-jh0PLRg/s1600-h/Its-a-Wonderful-Life-fb.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 325px; height: 325px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixYKQbGYu5GfWJ9KBRIBzV6Wmud7fzaq1XvNGLue5FUZr3EsRQHPUVD-X1vJb-GAVpYSuG9z7fThL8Hzu_neLasjSBPBMbeq7pS6omDCOeEQqtvbhgnUyxh2tqB9-JopW_Mk9-jh0PLRg/s400/Its-a-Wonderful-Life-fb.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418138668147237314" /></a><br />merry christmas everyone!<div><br /></div><div>if you get a chance today, sit down and watch it's a wonderful life. regardless of your beliefs, it should help remind you what the holidays are all about... spending time with the people you love the most, taking a step back and being grateful for everything you have.</div><div><br /></div><div>i hope you all have a truly wonderful holiday. i'll be spending christmas with my amazing husband and family at my parents' home... then we'll all be flying off to sunny puerto rico for some more quality time :)</div><div><br /></div><div>see you in the new year!</div><div><br /></div><div>xoxo,</div><div>lesley</div>lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12742452512426073290noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141784828104676622.post-70860819784543931782009-12-21T14:23:00.004-05:002009-12-21T14:38:20.830-05:00you are beautiful.<div style="text-align: left;">if you haven't yet seen the <a href="http://www.you-are-beautiful.com/">you are beautiful</a> project, please, please go visit the site today. i promise it will make your day better.</div><div><br /></div><div>here are some words from the project's statement:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">the intention behind this project is to reach beyond ourselves as individuals to make a difference by creating moments of positive self realization. we're just attempting to make the world a little better.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">intention is the most important aspect of the you are beautiful project in its idea of purity. nothing is sacred. everything that has a perceived value becomes commodified. we work extremely hard that this message is received as a simple act of kindness, and nothing more.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>basically, the idea behind the project is a group of anonymous people who go around putting up installations with the message "you are beautiful" in public places. and i have to say, this is one of the most beautiful things i've seen in a long time. here are some of my favorite images of the you are beautiful project in action...</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6o8nHSjSgbfLqYHJHHLZQ_fx9gP30_uPXVT__ArNA1HpICjQ6rG_FaMa1KSPTbz6vzR8ZuWrJqa07MfDhk5mw9QqACj2eBeo54iIg57CdUZsIqxwHnQOL3c0RfdOYFSDkZYC_PFDYZHY/s400/DSC00198.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417773838661574338" /></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyjguoMZDgfzUZrXGBNuB6A26WcX6faqsDeW7glhw8SUOiMgYhf1GrcgySrDOz4Q9TDkpcxp9C4wnsZudJxVrDNazhmpJarWF6rxo9GIKMRUFqfNddhG2jU5JpvBkjQKYkalM1dH-JeNk/s400/StateCenter.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417773846734925394" /></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiBfIVv8_cSTWL8vYTZFVrFLIt2AXjyLlTxaUgyvckUYqm6gUWjf8rZpmQoMTA4iL6yKPFtH7CJ1bB8tpfoUpEFEdGLmuh6SKK1zzMnjYo1DDs4lNA9CffsHzktMqLK5qhe9qM8egMR_k/s400/IMG_1483.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417773855243204418" /></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnDLif41S_O0-_cZq-Gt2sCyqqU3zhpCXcI9jScsfO53Yq3LsrwJhcfDR6LLsRXXKpWmFQuNgcqepfLSHwFnH8oEJJ_iBO4WjJoTDNgw3tUovCU66DCcXX_zfrd-_wcodWqfxSbuD0cHM/s400/IMG_1778.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417773853981933282" /></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM-4HuvIq3NYiUPDVbDM04Q9CeD1EpSZO4udbQEkNh3LV18VEaMb99WdwpauM2P8NFHQJrSvsSY6d7b_CD94TquZRKe2wYr89ZRqrae0Mww7hnNL6oXmkYxYDNGLXjX8fVdQtBBMDvUvs/s400/IMG_3896.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417773857448304770" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.you-are-beautiful.com/INSTALLATIONS.htm">click here</a> to see more beautiful photos.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">xoxo,</div><div style="text-align: left;">lesley</div>lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12742452512426073290noreply@blogger.com4