tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76087268979348648982024-03-04T21:07:45.628-08:00yeslesley ♡ a lifestyle blogLesley Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15010126416499305866noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608726897934864898.post-28196469701043521562014-10-25T21:15:00.001-07:002014-10-27T10:37:10.844-07:00the most autumnal breakfast there ever was: "pumpkin spice" porridge<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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Today I thought I'd try something a little different and dip my toe into the world of recipe posts!<br />
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I <b>love</b> food and clean eating, and with all of my food intolerances (lactose, gluten, fructose, etc) and IBS, I spend a lot of time finding ways to take delicious "normal" meals and tailor them to my dietary needs.</div>
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Enter, steel-cut oats! <3<br />
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Now I grew up eating oatmeal/porridge, and seriously love it but I had never attempted to make my own from scratch. I enjoy my oatmeal very <b>dry</b>, and so those handy Quaker oatmeal packets with a dab of water from the kettle always suited me just fine. I always imagined that homemade oats - the ones you cook on a stove top - would be wet/soggy/runny so the thought of them was always insta-gag for me.</div>
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My mum recently joined the clean eating family, and she is the one that actually suggested I try adding steel-cut oats to my diet, assuring me that they can be as dry as I like. It's definitely a plus that homemade oats contain less sugar and no dried fruits or dairy.</div>
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After one batch of oatmeal, I completely fell in love, and steel cut oats are now my breakfast staple. H<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">omemade oats offer so much more freedom when it comes to consistency, flavour, toppings, etc. I've tried a few different combinations, but this one is by far my favourite - and the most autumnal. Think of it as a coffee-free version of a pumpkin spice latte! As you'll see, T</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">he cinnamon adds a flavourful kick, the seeds a salty crunch, and the chocolate chips a chocolatey goodness that feels almost like dessert for breakfast!</span></div>
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That's enough of a ramble - now onto the good stuff!</div>
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<b>What you'll need:</b></div>
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A tiny saucepan</div>
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1/2 cup water</div>
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1/4 cup steel-cut oats</div>
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1tbsp pumpkin seed</div>
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1tsp vegan chocolate chips</div>
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1tsp - 1tbsp cinnamon </div>
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Any other topping you may like (fruits - especially berries - would be a good choice here!)</div>
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<b>Here's all you need to do:</b></div>
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1) In a tiny saucepan, bring 1/2 cup of water to a boil. </div>
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2) Once the water starts to boil, add your 1/4 cup of oats and lower the heat to low-medium.</div>
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3) Here's where you'll need to be vigilant - keep stirring your oats around until they reach the consistency you want (for me, this is about 6 to 7 minutes)</div>
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4) Once your oats are done, put them in a bowl and stir in some cinnamon</div>
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5) Add the pumpkin seeds and chocolate chips, and stir these in too </div>
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6) Add anything else you might like, and enjoy! (I cheated on my low fructose diet and added a few raspberries because they just looked <b>too good</b>!)</div>
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Let me know if you try this recipe, and what else you may like to add to your porridge! :)</div>
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Lesley Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15010126416499305866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608726897934864898.post-18717917434197532052014-08-13T08:19:00.001-07:002014-10-27T10:38:20.362-07:00WHAT I'M LOVING | Current skincare faves<div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">It's summer here, and with the (mostly) sunny weather comes sunburns, skin irritations, and dryness. Summer also means humidity, A.K.A sweat, which ends in breakouts and those under the skin blemishes that hurt <i>like a mother</i> for days. </span><br />
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I've been struggling with my skin lately as it is a combination of very red and dry cheeks (thanks, rosacea) and an oily and blemish-prone T-zone. It's difficult figuring out how to cleanse and moisturize my face efficiently, and it usually means that I have to use a few different products - with different purposes and for different skin types - to get what I need out of my skincare routine. After experimenting with different products, I think I've finally found what works for me right now - a combination of targeted rosacea treatment and targeted acne treatment. </span><br />
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<b>Bioderma's Sensibio H20 Micellar Solution</b> is a product that is definitely worth the hype. I've used it for ages now, but had forgotten about it for a while. It now has pride of place on my bathroom counter now, though, as it is the perfect light and refreshing makeup remover for the summer months - and any months, really! It removes even waterproof makeup with little effort, and it's incredibly gentle on my sensitive and reactive skin. I put this on a cotton pad and hold it over my eyes for several seconds, then gently wipe away my mascara and other eye makeup ~ if I'm wearing any, because it's summer and let's be really, who can be bothered really! I use another cotton pad soaked in this to do a once-over of my face, and then carry on with the rest of my skin care routine. Amazing!</span><br />
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The <b>La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo [+] </b>is another product that gets rave reviews in the beauty community. After trying it on and off over the past couple of years, I'm totally back on the bandwagon! This targeted treatment works wonders when applied directly to any spots and blemishes. It is drying, which is why I would say it should only be used on spots and not as a full face moisturizer - well that, and it would run out way too quickly if used that way! It smells great, just like the other Effaclar products, and it really does clear up spots in no time - a win in my books!</span><br />
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<b>La Roche Posay's Rosaliac AR Intense </b>is really something that I would only recommend to someone with rosacea. If you have it, you know all of the symptoms - redness, small bumps, skin that feels tight and uncomfortable - and this serum works to treat all of that! It is a bit sticky, and almost caramel-like in both smell and texture. However, after using it for a while now, I really have noticed a difference. When my skin is feeling really tight, this serum instantly relieves it with a cooling sensation and long-lasting moisture. </span><br />
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<b>Number 7's Beautiful Skin Cleansing Balm</b> is my last 'current skincare fave' of the past month or so. I've only recently purchased it, so I haven't had the chance to test it out too many times, but so far I like what I see (and feel, and smell!). I have always been hesitant to try cleansing oils and balms and the like because I worry that they will irritate my skin, but this cleansing balm is just perfect. It's thick and feels really nourishing when on the skin. It lathers up (I use it with water, although I don't know if it should be massaged in as is) and rinses off easily, leaving skin feeling super hydrated, soft, and smooth. If all cleansing balms are like this one, I may be converted!</span><br />
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Just a few of the skincare bits of been using and loving (or re-loving, as the case may be with a few of them) in the past few months. What products are you absolutely loving in your skincare routine lately? xx</span><br />
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Lesley Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15010126416499305866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608726897934864898.post-45610913794292247592013-05-29T08:30:00.000-07:002013-05-29T08:33:42.741-07:00BEDROOM SNIPPET<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I quick little post to say that I caved and finally bought the bedding I had been eyeing at Ikea for the past few weeks! I absolutely love it and have been uncharacteristically sleepy this week and I think it's because I just want to stay snug under these covers. It's extra gloomy outside today which doesn't help! Spending the day listening to Zac Brown Band, applying for various uni related things and then going to buy some shorts and socks as my first (soccer/football) game of the season is tonight! My coach gave me a size large uniform and I am a small at best, so now I have to go purchase my own uniform so I'm not swimming in my clothes out on the field. I'm playing against two friends and our guy friends have decided to attend and have place bets on which of our teams will win - yikes. Hoping it will all be good fun but I'm still having pre-game jitters!<br />
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Lesley Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15010126416499305866noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608726897934864898.post-61804326611495438552013-05-28T14:06:00.000-07:002013-05-29T08:35:19.166-07:00DO ONE THING EVERY DAY THAT SCARES YOU<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I tend to be a nervous person. Family and close friends know this about me, and it is something that I acknowledge and am quite open about. Still, it's not something that everyone understands and so it can sometimes be difficult to explain to somebody. For as long as I can remember I have suffered from anxiety and generally just extreme amounts of stress or nerves about upcoming things. I say "suffered" here because at some points the stress and anxiety that I was feeling interrupted my daily life (I wouldn't usually say that I am suffering because I am anxious though). At one time I was so stressed out by life that it was making me physically ill. Eventually, I snapped out of it somehow on my own and life carried on happily. But, of course, there are still certain things that really get me going.<br />
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I'm thinking about this lately because I have recently begun a completely new phase of life. Everything is very new and exciting and - more than anything - scary! I am happy to say that many of my old anxieties no longer exist. But at the same time, new ones have popped up and certain old ones have stuck around. Because I am starting a new program at school, I have been having to make phone calls, send emails, and - OMG! - attend group workshops. Last week I attended my first workshop series about how to use online search databases. Simple and straightforward, right? Well, not for me. All morning I kept thinking ridiculous things. What if I'm late? What if I can't find the room? What if I walk in and I trip? What if they ask me to introduce myself? Or to explain my thesis? Where will the bathroom be in relation to the room if I need to run out? What if, what if, what if? I had almost talked myself out of it but decided to force myself to do it anyway.<br />
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On the first day, I was 25 minutes late leaving. And when I got to the room I saw that it had been switched to another room all the way across campus. And when I walked in I was the only (vibrantly dressed) girl there. And I was in the workshop for another faculty as mine had already passed while I was on holiday. I arrived and was clammy with panic. All of these things happened and guess what? No one yelled at me or told me I was dumb or laughed at me or asked me to leave. In fact, no one called on me at all and I sat there quietly doing my own thing. It was fine, and more than that, I learned a lot and everyone was incredibly friendly and helpful!<br />
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<i>Now on to some advice: </i><br />
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As I write this I am sat at Starbucks and Queen's 'Under Pressure' just came on - how a propos! Really though, I know that I naturally put too much pressure on myself to achieve and to succeed and I have trouble convincing myself that other people really don't care what I do! If you are struggling with anxiety this is something to remember. NO ONE CARES. What would have been the worst that could have happened if I tripped when I walked in? I would have stood up and that would have been it. If I was late? I would have walked in a few minutes after the workshop began and quietly sat down. That's all. The world continues spinning even if our own little world seems totally out of control.<br />
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If people tell you to calm down, or to stop worrying, or something along those lines - which is totally unhelpful and if you do this, stop it now - just simply tune it out. If someone doesn't understand, then that is not your problem. What you are feeling is real and even if your worries seem completely insane, they are yours and they are valid. People sometimes wonder how I'm anxious because I'm so talkative and outgoing, and because I enjoy meeting new people and even being the centre of attention. I may talk a lot, but that does not mean that I'm not actually an introvert or shy in my own way or that I don't have weird social anxieties or that I'm not terrified of the things that worry me. We all have our own messed up things going on inside even if they aren't apparent to other people, and that doesn't make them any less valid. If there is someone you feel comfortable talking to about your nerves, then do, and if you are comfortable seeing a therapist, I wholeheartedly suggest it.<br />
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Learn to laugh at yourself. My neuroses are so much easier for me to deal with because I have trained myself to laugh at me! Being humorously self-depracating means that some people might join in and take the teasing too far, and that isn't cool. It happens and you have to brush that off too. But mostly it means that you can laugh at yourself and not take yourself or a situation too seriously, which helps loads. If you can fake finding a situation funny, pretty soon you will find it funny, and it won't be so scary anymore.<br />
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Lastly, I really suggest pushing yourself to do things when you are ready. And if you feel like you will never be ready, do them now. Really, go out and do things. Now is the time! If you are worried, accept the stress for what it is and just do it anyway. Things may turn out horribly, but chances are they won't. Each time you push yourself to do something, it gets easier and easier and soon you will be doing more than you thought possible. If you have an opportunity to go to a party, take a trip, accept a new job, go to a new school, ask someone out - DO IT! If you feel an overwhelming sense of dread and your gut is telling you not to, then listen to it. But if it is the same old 'what if I spill something on myself and everyone laughs' kind of situation, drown out that little voice and do it! That quote about wonderful things happening outside of your comfort zone is completely true. Last week I went to the gym at night for the first time and the weight room was packed full of bulky men. I thought about turning around and leaving because I only ever work out in the morning when the gym is empty, but I didn't. Instead I walked right into the room and started working out. Did people stare at me? Yes. Did my glasses fall off of my face and onto the floor? Yes. Was my face twitching while I lifted? Yes and lolz. Did I speed through my workout so I could get home to the familiar surroundings of my bedroom? Yes yes yes. But I did it just the same and it wasn't completely horrible. Seriously, if you're on the fence about something you'd like to do but you're nervous - JUST DO IT.<br />
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I have just gone for it so many times this year- getting on planes, going to the top of the Eiffel Tower or the London Eye, riding on roller coasters, exploring new cities, meeting new people, joining sports teams and starting new experiences, and it was all amazing. I didn't crumble into nothing, and even though I was scared, it was all worth it afterward.<br />
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This has been a really long post and if you have read it, I know I rambled a lot but I hope it has helped in some way. It helped me to just write it down so there's always that! Embrace being neurotic and worrying about little things and enjoying all the strange things you enjoy. What makes you different is what makes you one-of-a-kind (cliche but true) and I have only really embraced that in the past few years. I love myself and I know that I am a weirdo, but I would rather be the way I am than hate myself for trying to hide my own shortcomings and pretending to be a perfect copy of someone else who appears to have everything together (but is probably just as much of a wreck because they can't embrace their own weird traits).<br />
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<i>Tl;dr:</i><br />
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<i>Anxiety is normal, you are capable of more than you think so challenge yourself, embrace your quirks and love all of the strange things that make you who you are.</i><br />
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<br />Lesley Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15010126416499305866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608726897934864898.post-55169838912994224732013-05-17T09:12:00.000-07:002013-05-17T09:15:18.962-07:00WHAT I'M LOVING | can I just own everything in ikea?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a name='more'></a>This week my sister and I finally made a long-awaited trip to Ikea for a few bits and bobs for our apartment. The store really isn't far from where we're living but an Ikea trip always seems like a momentous event so it was being put off for quite a while. I went in looking for a tray for my perfumes and thinking we'd be really quick but the Ikea-powers-that-be had other plans for us.<br />
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The store is under construction so we ended up entering through the exit, figuring that we would just do the opposite of what all of the EXIT signs were telling us and then we'd end up at the beginning. Except we forgot about that halfway through and then we ended up lost in Ikea for two hours. I'm not kidding. We walked past the same 'cameo of a pregnant woman' painting a good six times and spent most of that time laughing until we cried. We finally found the market area/exit which was downstairs the whole time, and all I got was a small set of tins while Kelly got some straws and a couple of glass cups - one of which I've already broken, whoops!<br />
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However, I have compiled a list of items that I think would be lovely in my apartment and that I hope to gradually accumulate as the summer continues. I obviously only need one bedspread but I'm hopeless at making a decision as to which kind to get.<br />
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It's sunny here today so I'm hopefully going to get some work done in a cafe by a window or maybe even in the park if it's not too chilly! I've got emails on emails on emails to send and a date with Raymond Williams that I've been putting off for weeks now.<br />
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Do you like Ikea? Would you recommend any items?<br />
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<br />Lesley Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15010126416499305866noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608726897934864898.post-30909972361529484462013-05-16T12:48:00.002-07:002013-05-16T12:49:56.315-07:00HOLIDAY | knee deep in the water somewhere<br />
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Just some snaps from my family vacation to Florida. We got back 10 days ago now and I have been having a difficult time getting back to real life! </div>
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We spent most of our time lazing about the beach or by the pool, but also went to Universal Studios (hello Harry Potter!) and rented bikes to ride around the neighbourhood and did little resort activities like paint coconut cups. I was actually far too sick from the first two HP rides at Universal so that day was kind of a bust for me, but other than that the trip was glorious and a much needed break. </div>
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Ever since I can remember my head has always been filled with a thousand different thoughts about what I have to do and where my life is headed and just general neuroses, but for the first time in what feels like forever I was able to actually just enjoy where I was and what I was doing and not <i>think</i> so much, and for that I am very grateful. </div>
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As I said now I'm back to the real world and have to think about thesis proposals and research workshops and selling my writing so I'm kind of out of sorts. Looking at these pictures brought a little sunshine into my otherwise gloomy day though and I hope they do the same for you!</div>
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Lesley Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15010126416499305866noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608726897934864898.post-8813568243829781962013-05-13T12:04:00.000-07:002013-05-16T12:50:58.008-07:00LIEBSTER AWARD<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I've been away from technology lately because I was away on holiday but when I returned I saw that I had been nominated for the Liebster Award by the lovely Helena over at <a href="http://seasidebeauty.blogspot.ca/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Seaside Beauty</span></a> - thanks darling! Basically I've got answer a bunch of questions about myself and then make up questions for other bloggers to answer. I love doing fun little things like this and so I'm finally sitting down to do it! </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>Here are the rules:</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">1. Each blogger should answer the questions the tagger has set for you.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">2. Choose 11 new bloggers to pass the award onto and link them in your post.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">3. Create 11 new questions for the chosen bloggers.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">4. Go back to their page and tell them about the award.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">5. Each blogger should post 11 random facts about themselves.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">6. No tag backs!</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>I've decided to nominate: </b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Lesley from</span> <a href="http://www.ramblingrapscallion.blogspot.ca/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Rambling Rapscallion</span></a><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Sasha from</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> <a href="http://www.beyondmymakeup.com/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Beyond Makeup</span></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Gabriella from</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> <a href="http://nowwheredowegofromhere.blogspot.ca/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">With Eyes Like Diamonds.</span></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Natalie from</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> <a href="http://theblondeethos.blogspot.ca/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Blonde Ethos</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Danyele from</span> <a href="http://itssuteki.blogspot.ca/"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">It's Suteki</span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Amy from</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> <a href="http://allthelittlethings3.blogspot.ca/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">All The Little Things</span></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Chloe from</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> <a href="http://chloemariesworld.blogspot.ca/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Chloe Marie's World</span></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Tori from</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> <a href="http://originaltorii.blogspot.ca/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Original Torii</span></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Sophie from</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> <a href="http://filthypaws-and-silkydrawers.blogspot.ca/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Filthy Paws & Silky Drawers</span></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Sara from</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> <a href="http://studs-on-saturday.blogspot.ca/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Studs on Saturday.</span></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Emma from</span> <a href="http://erraticglamour.blogspot.ca/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Erratic Glamour</span></a> </div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>11 Facts about me:</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">1. My middle name is Ann, and I’m kind of disappointed that my parents only ever called me Lesley and not my full name because I think Lesley Ann sounds so folky and cute.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">2. My sister is two years younger than me but most people think she is the older one because I’m so little.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">3. I am incredibly indecisive to the point that having to make choices sometimes makes me so anxious that I have to leave and not choose anything at all!</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">4. I am SUCH a klutz and am constantly hurting (read embarrassing) myself one way or another. Yesterday I tried to smell a mixing bowl (don't ask) and ended up smacking myself in the face with it.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">5. I moved away from home when I was 17 years old.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">6. I am from a small town in the country that has a county fair every summer. I couldn't wait to get out when I was younger because most people are pretty narrow-minded, but now I love the fact that I'm from a place with dirt roads and cow farms, and I am currently crushing on redneck men even though we disagree on most fundamental things.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">7. When I travel I collect cups and bracelets.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">8. The only drink I get at Starbucks is an unsweetened iced passion tea with light ice - and I could drink several a day!</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">9. I feel at home when I'm at the beach.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">10. I met my BFF Shannon when we sat beside each other in our first class on our first day of college - and we have been best friends ever since. My other BFF is Robin and she is more like a sister than a friend.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">11. I have probably been to at least 50 concerts since I was 17. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>My answers to Helena's questions: </b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>1. What inspired you to start your blog and how did you come up with your name? </b></span>I was studying Journalism at the time I started up this blog. I had to create a blog for one of my classes but it was filled with some pretty heavy stuff, and I thought it would be nice to have an outlet to write about some of the lighter things that I enjoy - mainly style/beauty. My sister came up with the blog name, actually, because I asked her to help me brainstorm words that sounded nice with my name.</div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>2. If you could do anything, what would be your dream job? </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;">I think I kind of am living my dream job, in a way! I’m a freelance writer, so I work from home and get paid to write - I don't think I could ask for more! I’m pursuing a graduate degree so I will be able to teach at the university level which is something I’d love to do and my schedule would be so flexible! I’d like to teach and work as a personal trainer, once I’m finished school. If I wasn't pursuing writing and academia, I would be studying dietetics and physiotherapy.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>3. What one thing can you not help but splurge on? </b></span>I definitely splurge on moisturizers and cleansers.</div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span><b>4. What makeup brand is your guilty pleasure? </b><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Guerlain<b> </b></span><b>♡</b></div>
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<b>5. </b><b>Are you more of a lipstick or eyeshadow girl? </b><b></b><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">I'm neither, really. I have many lipsticks but don’t like the feel of stuff on my mouth, and I have plenty of eyeshadow palettes but feel like a zombie when I wear them. I’m definitely a bronzer and mascara kind of gal.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>6. What one beauty item can you not leave your house without?</b> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><b></b></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I don’t really bring beauty items with me, except some chapstick and bronzer, depending on the day.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>7. What is your go to outfit and makeup look? </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><b></b></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Right now it’s summer and very hot so my go-to outfit has been some faded jean shorts with a loose t-shirt tucked in, tons of bracelets from my trips and an old pair of shoes. Super simple and easy! I'm pretty tanned right now, so the only products I’m using these days are bronzer and mascara, and I'm filling in my eyebrows. My style changes a lot from the warm to cold months but right now it’s hot so that means very bohemian/beachy.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>8. What are you most proud of about your blog? </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><b></b></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I’m proud that I can remain somewhat consistent with my posts, which used to be a major struggle.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>9. How old were you when you first started wearing makeup? What was it and what made you want to use it? </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><b></b></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I think I played with a little makeup kit when I was quite young, but I didn’t wear real makeup until I was older (except for a horrible pale sparkly blue eyeshadow stick in 5th grade). I really never put a “face” on until I started going out at night in college.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>10. What's your holy grail product at the moment? </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><b></b></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I can’t get enough of Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess which I was so lucky to snag while I was in America.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>11. Do you spend more on beauty or fashion when shopping? </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><b></b></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">That's tough! I go shopping for clothes more often, but I usually buy smaller items whereas I shop for beauty/skincare less but spend much more on specific items. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>My questions for you:</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">1. Describe what a perfect day would be like for you.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">2. What is your most prized possession?</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">3. Do you have a favourite perfume? If so, what is it?</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">4. What is your favourite place to travel or what is your dream travel destination?</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">5. Describe your style in three words.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">6. What is your favourite quote or song lyrics?</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">7. If you could have grown up in any era, which would you have chosen?</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">8. Are you a heels, flats, or trainers kind of lady?</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">9. Do you still read magazines (the actual paper copies, not just online)? What are your favourite?</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">10. If you could live in one climate all year round, what would it be?</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">11. You have one day to spend an unlimited amount of money on treating yourself to things you normally wouldn't spend money on - what do you do? (Extra points to anyone who watches Parks and Recreation and is now singing Treat Yo'Self 2011!)</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Hope this wasn't a total bore to read but it was fun to fill out! Check out the lovely ladies I've tagged and give their blogs a peek! xx</span><br />
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Lesley Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15010126416499305866noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608726897934864898.post-23120111359589127092013-04-18T12:23:00.001-07:002013-04-18T12:30:59.917-07:00SPREAD A LITTLE KINDNESS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today's post is going to be slightly more personal than usual and definitely more rant-like. I just had a very unpleasant phone conversation with someone I was hoping to interview and it left me feeling quite upset. Basically, the man I spoke with was very unhelpful and short with me, and made me feel like a big dink for having *disturbed* him with my phone call.<br />
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People are rude to me all the time, and I'm sure that most people are rude/have to deal with rudeness on a daily basis, whether it be at work or at school or even among friends and family. I realized how sad it is, though, that I'm actually so shocked when someone is genuinely nice to me. It's as if friendliness and politeness are so rare that they feel like a gift that I'm not deserving of, if that makes any sense.<br />
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Traveling this winter helped to put a lot of things in perspective for me. Some people were rude to us, sure, but I was blown away by how genuinely caring people were to me, a stranger. People opened their homes to me, cooked for me, and went out of their way to make me feel comfortable - and they didn't know me at all! Their actions are more than I can say for some people, including some of my friends.<br />
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So traveling helped me realize that there are some genuinely nice people in the world, but that doesn't change the fact that a lot of people are serious d-bags. Sometimes life sucks, for whatever personal reasons, and people are lonely, and dealing with their own problems and trying to solve them. Nobody needs to have a big dose of mean piled onto all of that.<br />
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If you're a person who is being rude, maybe you need to think about why it is you are being impatient with people or purposefully mean. Does acting that way make you feel good about yourself, or bad? I know that I went through a period where I was short with everyone around me, and I was really unpleasant to be around. But looking back now, the reasons are obvious. I was in a bad situation and my life was consumed by it - any other interactions were simply over what I could process and I immediately resorted to impatience because I just couldn't deal. But that was a huge sign, that I didn't see at the time but that I am able to realize now. If something in your life is making you feel so negatively that you are taking it out on other people - GET RID OF IT. Whether it is your job, or that you're studying something you don't like, or whether your friends or significant other are the problem (as they were in my case) - just purge the negativity from your life. You will feel significantly better because whatever was bothering you won't be bothering you anymore, and because you will have the capacity to genuinely interact with other people in a positive way.<br />
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If someone is being rude to you - GET RID OF THEM. You don't need someone who is going to treat you like dump. If someone is going to put you down, they obviously don't care about you, no matter what they might say. If a stranger is mean to you, don't let it get to you. Today, I wanted to tell the man I spoke to that he was a real so-and-so, but I thanked him for his 10 seconds of time and hung up the phone and carried on with my day. He could benefit from evaluating what is making him so grumpy, but in the mean time, I'm not going to let his problems influence how I'm feeling about myself today.<br />
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"You attract what you put out there" is such a spot-on quote and this photo has been the background on my laptop for a while. It is so incredibly true. If you're going to be rude to people, you're inviting people to be rude to you in return. If you think very little of yourself, you are inviting someone into your life who will probably treat you like you are worth very little. If you walk down the street with a smile, maybe someone will smile back at you. Maybe you'll make someone's day. Or maybe you'll make people wonder what has you so happy, and make them think about their own life. You may as well be positive and hope it rubs off on someone else. You might even meet someone who falls in love with you because of that genuine smile, but I can almost guarantee that you're not going to meet the love of your life if you're frowning up the place. If you don't meet the love of your life, at least you'll be treating yourself well and making yourself happy in the process.<br />
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<br />I guess my point is this: it's normal to feel down sometimes, and it is normal to be a grouch sometimes if something is bothering you. But you just never know what your actions will cause another person to feel or do, so be kind. Don't be unnecessarily rude and don't take other people for granted. Get rid of the people that bring you down (don't literally "get rid" of them but don't make them your priority) and focus on the people who treat you with understanding, respect, and compassion. If your actions don't rub off on someone else, at least you'll be living a life of positivity and that is the best thing you can do for for yourself.<br />
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Lesley Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15010126416499305866noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608726897934864898.post-85312250604833471052013-04-16T08:16:00.002-07:002013-04-16T08:18:55.849-07:00WHAT I'M USING | latest skincare routine<br />
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It's been a rough few months for my skin. With cold winter temperatures and too many plan trips and public transportation rides, my skin is really dry but also oily and prone to bad breakouts. I have rosacea (localized on my cheeks) and it is a difficult problem to deal with, especially when the rest of my face being the opposite and quite oily. Cleansers and hot water make my skin feel dry and tight, so I have to strategically cleanse and moisturize my cheeks differently than the rest of my face. I also workout -(ie get sweaty) a lot and am just awful at showering immediately afterward, so that doesn't help in the breakout department!</div>
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I've been a fan of the Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel for a couple of years now. It leaves my skin feeling super clean without feeling too dry and it smells almost like lilacs. I decided to add some more Effaclar products to my routine because lately the cleanser alone doesn't seem to be doing the trick and I seem to be breaking out worse than usual. I use La Roche-Posay Rosaliac AR and a prescription cream on my cheeks but I've started using the Effaclar Mat on the rest of my face and the Effaclar Duo on specific spots. I'm really loving both at the moment, as the moisturizer really is mattifying and the treatment is great at clearing up breakouts. And both of these products smell like lilacs too - swoon! </div>
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I've only been using the products for a few weeks but I haven't had an issue yet, like I have with other products *ahem Origins Checks and Balances* and have been seeing results. Obviously these products may not work for other people, but they're working for me right now! I think I might do a kind of 'favourites' post/video about my most loved skincare/beauty products, and I'm definitely going to include the cleansing gel as one of my all-time favourites. </div>
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I've also been meaning to sit down and film a proper Europe (but more like London) haul with the souvenirs, beauty products, and clothes that I bought while traveling - I guess I should get on that sooner rather than later but work has me swamped at the moment so it will have to wait. I kind of feel uneasy making haul videos too as I don't want to come off like a braggart or sound *superficial* or something like that. I do genuinely enjoy watching them but I feel strange making them - does anyone else feel this way?</div>
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Lesley Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15010126416499305866noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608726897934864898.post-57413140266790367232013-04-08T18:53:00.004-07:002013-04-08T18:57:04.898-07:00WHAT I BOUGHT | sick day<br />
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I'm quite under the weather again and am going to the doctor on Thursday to hopefully be given some powerful antibiotics to knock this bug out of my system for good! Seeing as I was feeling down, I decided to treat myself to a few things that would make me feel a bit better. Actually, that is misleading, because my parents treated me the magazines - Vogue, Vanity Fair, and InStyle - and the mason jar mug (how cute is that?!) and I bought the journal later in the day after meeting with a couple of my freelance 'bosses' and being stood up for an interview that I had to walk 13 stories to get to (how rude is that?!). I love notebooks so much but always seem to be losing them, a bit like what seems to happen with all of my bobby pins and hair elastics. So strange! This one was half-off and the bright fuchsia with gold trim is so luxe! I also picked up some super yum hazelnut and coffee macarons at a little shop on my way home, and they completely made my day. Now I'm sat in bed with a cup of tea and am about to hit the hay. I've got lots to do tomorrow so I'm hoping to wake up early and get my writing finished up and attempt to be a productive member of society despite my body aches and phlegmy hack!<br />
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What makes you feel better on sick days?<br />
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Lesley Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15010126416499305866noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608726897934864898.post-52183416988629595482013-04-05T13:06:00.002-07:002013-04-05T13:16:04.010-07:00WHAT I'M LOVING | chapters<br />
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So Chapters is one of my favourite places to go on a shopping day. It's a Canadian bookstore chain that also carries accessories, homeware pieces, stationary, and gift cards. I walked in yesterday and fell in love with the colourful wallets, jewelry and scarves on display. Talk about perfect for spring! They also had a bunch of other *spring* things, like these chevron pillows, and the cutest TEA tea cups. I love tea and have a weird affinity for different fonts, so I think I'll have to get myself one of these! They also even have children's clothing and I just had to snap a pic of a little rain coat with pirate-dogs, treasure chests, and anchors on it. If they had had it in my size, I would have bought it right up! </div>
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And of course no trip to Chapters is complete without <s>a look through the book aisle</s>s a passion tea lemonade. Yesterday Kelly and I went to Starbucks so I could work on some stories that I am writing on a tight deadline. She didn't have any work to do so she got to spend the time poke-battling and reading The Walking Dead Compendium One. Kind of jealous, I won't lie. </div>
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Speaking of The Walking Dead, my mum just informed me that there are novels about the governor and Woodbury, which I have to read now that I know they exist. My obsession with The Walking Dead is a bit extreme now as the third season was insane! I had a knot in my stomach during every episode and I am really excited to see how the fourth season pans out.</div>
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Lesley Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15010126416499305866noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608726897934864898.post-8969869352561864082013-04-03T11:47:00.001-07:002013-04-05T13:11:46.733-07:00WHAT I'M LOVING | barry m nail paint<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have a confession to make. Ok. Here goes ... I'm addicted to nail polishes.<br />
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My love of nail polishes started when I was about 8 or 9 and got my first *grown up* nail polish - a clear formula with little metallic red glittery heart shapes inside. It was from Gap and it was my favourite thing for the longest time. I may even still have it somewhere, even though it is long expired, and I wish I could find something like it today!<br />
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For the past couple of years (after quite a love affair with black nails) I have been utterly obsessed with any type of pastel/bright/dare-I-say-milky nail polish formula that I can find. I have a selection of just about every shade of blue known to mankind, and I still seem to be able to pop a new nail polish or two into my basket on most shopping trips.<br />
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These two polishes are my absolute favourites right now. I don't even have words for how much I love them. Cute colours, super pigmented, quick drying AND they last for longer than a week without chipping. Really, what other nail polish can boast all of that?! Overall, Barry M nail paints are just the best that I've tried. <a href="http://www.barrym.com/products/nails/paint/all-nail-paints.html" target="_blank">Blue Moon</a>, <a href="http://www.barrym.com/products/nails/paint/all-nail-paints.html" target="_blank">Mint Green</a> and <a href="http://www.barrym.com/products/nails/paint/all-nail-paints.html" target="_blank">Baby Pink</a> are all on my summer nail colour wishlist!<br />
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What are your favourite nail polish brands and shades?<br />
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Lesley Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15010126416499305866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608726897934864898.post-79678866158969172572013-04-02T10:27:00.002-07:002013-04-02T17:56:18.734-07:00EASTER | treats and traditions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I spent the long weekend with my family, doing our usual "hot and cold" Easter egg hunt and feasting on turkey dinner. My sister Kelly made some lovely vanilla cupcakes and we decorated them with pastel icing and mini eggs. So. Many. Noms. I don't usually eat treats like these but I had to indulge this time. From the moment we arrived until the time we left, we played with my cousins (5 year old twins and a 7 year old), drawing, dancing, running around and reading. I don't see them very often but every time I do I am reminded of how very much I love those kids! </div>
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During dinner we had some lovely woodland visitors! Apparently these deer are always walking around their property, munching on twigs and things. They weren't even spooked by us moving around not even feet away from them! I absolutely love nature and am so grateful that I am from the country and got to grow up around trees and deer and not city buses and sidewalks.</div>
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Off to spend the rest of my day writing emails upon emails and hopefully taking a long walk, although it's pretty chilly out there today and jammies and a hot cup of tea and some soaps might win in the end ;)</div>
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Lesley Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15010126416499305866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608726897934864898.post-44204486417179642562013-03-27T08:40:00.002-07:002013-04-02T17:53:02.412-07:00BEACH DREAMS <div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
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I'm going on holiday with the family in less than a month and I'm obviously way too excited! Our last trip to Florida was in 2010 but it feels like it has been AGES. We're going to be spending just over two weeks at the beach and I'm already daydreaming about the sun and sand and sea! Here's an inspiration board of some items that I think are vacation necessities. Some of the items I own, and some are things I'd like to pick up before leaving (ahem tropical H&M dress). I also think that one should wear as many nautical things as possible when near the ocean - and any day, really - so I'm also on the lookout for anything with stripes and anchors on it! What are your holiday essentials?</div>
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Lesley Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15010126416499305866noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608726897934864898.post-33693341462575682122013-03-26T10:51:00.003-07:002013-04-08T19:05:16.847-07:00WHAT I'M LISTENING TO | 2 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I thought I'd start a regular "What I'm listening to" post as I want to write about the music I'm listening to everyday but I think that would be a tad much! So I'm going to keep it to probably one post a week about a new song or an old song or a favourite song that I'm listening to on repeat that day or week. Music is a major part of my life and I can get quite *personal* when I talk about songs that really move me, so be warned! </div>
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<a name='more'></a>I have been listening to the new The Wonder Years song "<a href="https://soundcloud.com/absolutepunknet/passing-through-a-screen-door" target="_blank">Passing Through A Screen Door</a>" non-stop since I saw it was posted yesterday by <a href="http://absolutepunk.net/" target="_blank">Absolute Punk</a>. I've been a huge fan of TWY for a while now as I have quite a deep admiration for the honesty of their lyrics. I know that may sound cheesy but this song especially is very raw and emotional and I find that very few bands have the ability to convey so much through their lyrics/songs. I can relate also to a lot of stuff that these guys seem to be dealing with - actually, all of the things they seem to be dealing with, both internally/emotionally and generally in life.<br />
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The last bit of this song brought tears to my eyes, if that is any indication of how it made me feel! It's sort of strange for me to think that at 23, many of the people I went to high school with now have children, are married, own their own houses, and have stable jobs. Even people years younger than me! I'm nowhere near being at that point in my life and the thought kind of terrifies me, to be honest. Even people closer to me are now starting to think seriously about finding someone to date/marry and are starting to plan out their futures, while I still have a tendency to run in the opposite direction of anything that seems to be getting serious or too good. I really can't even understand the concept of two people liking each other enough to commit to each other so seriously, or one person staying around for however long until the other is ready. Not to say that one day I won't be ready for all of that, because I would really like having a family one day. The key words there are "one day" because at this point in my life, I just can't imagine how or when. Or imagine someone staying around waiting for me to figure myself out. And we're all just too young, honestly! Anyway, all of these rambles to say that the song, for me, is very powerful and relatable, as I'm sure it might be for many others. Whether you're a fan or not you should give it a listen!<br />
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Here's a sample of some lyrics I love:<br />
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"I was born to run away from anything good - an escape artist's son with sun-drenched pavement in my blood. The first thing that I do when I walk in is plan a way out for when shit gets bad."<br />
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And of course at the end when Soupy sings "I was kind of hoping you'd stay." <3<br />
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What are you listening today?<br />
<br />Lesley Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15010126416499305866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608726897934864898.post-84595765086119397682013-03-25T06:00:00.000-07:002013-04-02T17:53:23.277-07:00FEELING BLOUSEY <div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Everyone knows that I LOVE my blouses. There's still tons of snow here but the temperature seems to be warming up, and that means soon it will be time to wear sleeveless blouses all I want! I love the styles on my "blouse inspiration board" because they are all quite cute and because they have some kind of special detail - whether it be an intricate pattern, some lace paneling or a big bow! The other thing I love about sleeveless blouses is that they are appropriate for work as well ~ at least my work anyway ~ and are comfortable enough to wear to run errands while still looking pulled together. I'm heading to do some returns later today and am going to be on the lookout for some pretty blouses with feminine details that I can pair with some skinny trousers and flats or wear tucked into a skater skirt this spring. What's on your spring wishlist? </span></span></div>
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Lesley Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15010126416499305866noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608726897934864898.post-82010176276187844562013-03-22T18:46:00.000-07:002013-04-08T19:05:51.417-07:00WHAT I DID | one of those daysToday I had brunch with two of my lovely friends from the Journalism program from which I graduated a few months ago. It's quite a strange thing, going from seeing some people on a daily basis to not seeing them for months at a time. It was good to catch up and have some real *girl talk* with them. We are all sort of at the same stage in our lives now, having just graduated and trying to sort ourselves out, so it was especially nice to chat with them as we're all in the same boat!<br />
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We ate at a restaurant called L'avenue and I had just about the best food I've eaten in a while - fresh strawberry and banana juice, and then plain yogurt with muesli and strawberries and bananas - so many noms. Felt very tropical too!<br />
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This is the washroom in the restaurant - kind of spooky! It had black light lighting so it was very dark but everything was glowing. I'm curious who decorated it or if anyone can grab a sharpie and contribute their own drawing to the mix. Frightening but pretty cool nonetheless.<br />
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I went to a showcase this afternoon for work (I've got to write a story about it) and then I lazed at home in the evening, eating and playing some Halo 4 with my sister. I've been under the weather for the past month, and I finally went to my doctor about it this week and have been given all sorts of things to make me better. I'm to take inhalers regularly and have been given a god awful nasal spray that burns like a mother, but it will apparently make me well again so I guess I've got to trust him! Plans for the weekend include transcribing hours of quotes, writing, editing, and a bit of shopping as I'm hoping to snatch up <a href="http://www.zara.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product/ca/en/zara-nam-S2013/358019/1098567/OFFICE%20CITY%20BAG" target="_blank">this</a> bag before they've run out. Wish me luck!</div>
Lesley Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15010126416499305866noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608726897934864898.post-68961777259469833172013-03-20T19:09:00.000-07:002013-04-08T19:05:26.808-07:00WHAT I'M LISTENING TO | 1 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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These boys are probably my favourite band right now and have been for a while. They're coming to town in just over three weeks and I am so excited to see them live for the first time!Lesley Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15010126416499305866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608726897934864898.post-64600771328311649382013-03-15T18:39:00.002-07:002013-04-08T19:06:18.200-07:00WHAT I DID | typical fridayNow that I've graduated from uni and am working as a freelance writer, my days pretty much go as follows: I wake early, hit the gym, then spend the rest of my day doing errands or writing stories I've been assigned, with multiple foods and tea breaks and maybe one or two sneaky Starbucks runs thrown in there. Scintillating stuff, I know! But I'm the type of person that needs a self-imposed routine to function well, so I quite like having a schedule and keeping an agenda even if I don't have anywhere particular to be.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>I had an appointment in the morning and interviewed someone for a story in the afternoon, so between the two I stopped in at the newest Starbucks location near mine, and sat doing some research about the piece I'm working on and drafting questions for the girl I had to speak to. Anyone else addicted to the Cool Lime Refresha? I was beginning to think I was developing quite a problem with them but this one left me queasy so here's hoping I'm turned off of them now!<br />
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I have to admit I've been neglecting my skincare routine lately, especially since I was traveling around for the month of February with very few products at my disposal. Today I decided I would try out the Soap&Glory "The Scrub Of Your Life" as I am in dire need of a new body scrub and this one smelled quite nice compared to the others I was considering. I also thought I'd try the L'Occitane Shower Gel with Almond Oil after <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TusEk5KUTA" target="_blank">Zoella</a> mentioned it in a video recently. Winter has got the best of my skin and it's been quite dry so I'm quite looking forward to trying these out tonight. The woman at L'Occitane gave me a couple of handfuls of their new almond products that are launching next week, and my pharmacist gave me a bunch of small La Roche Posay serums - who doesn't love free goodies?! </div>
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Lesley Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15010126416499305866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608726897934864898.post-12717480878933465132013-03-15T17:27:00.000-07:002013-04-02T09:12:10.111-07:00PROPER INTRODUCTIONS<b>Well hello!</b><br />
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My name is Lesley and I'm 23 years young. I've recently graduated from university with a Journalism degree and right now I'm working as a freelance writer.<br />
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I originally started this blog in early 2011 and mostly wrote OOTD and wishlist posts. I haven't blogged for about a year and I decided it was time to start back up again! But I realized that so much has changed in my life and that I'm in such a different place now compared to two years ago - so I deleted my old posts, revamped my page and am starting fresh! :)<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: cyan;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">I plan to blog about my life and the things I love</span></span> - style, music, fitness, food, academics, and general ramblings- which means plenty of outfit photos, product reviews, 'what I'm listening to' type posts, shots of what I'm eating (sorry I'm not sorry!), workout routines, philosophical rants and stories about personal experiences. I've just returned from a month-long trip around Europe, which helped me to figure out lots about myself, where I see my life heading, and what is important to me. It also means I have thousands of pictures and handfuls of stories and need a place to put them, so where better than here?<br />
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I realize that blogs can be seen by some as *narcissistic* or *self-involved* but I don't always think that is the case. If I learned anything from my studies, it is that times they are a-changin' and that, as much as many of us may moan about it (myself included), most things are no longer private or unplugged. Blogs are often fun to browse and do not necessarily reflect the only things that are going on in the blogger's life or that the blogger cares about. I think that blogs are lovely to look to for inspiration, advice, or just for a few lolz really - and I hope that is how my blog will be seen, if anyone chooses to take a peek.<br />
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So all that being said, welcome back old followers, hello to any new ones who might stumble by, and please do leave me a comment or question if you feel like chatting - I promise I don't bite. xx<br />
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<br />Lesley Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15010126416499305866noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608726897934864898.post-31988957476629534682012-01-21T17:12:00.001-08:002014-10-27T10:06:10.635-07:00new sweater, two ways<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><div style="height: 400px; position: relative; width: 400px;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/one_sweater_two_ways/set?.embedder=2418447&.svc=blogger&id=42597221"><img alt="one sweater two ways" border="0" force="1" height="400" src="http://embed.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/cid/42597221/id/blm1r24NQUSrEJmErywoXA/size/e.jpg" style="cursor: move;" title="one sweater two ways" width="400"></a></div><br>
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</span></span></div><small><div style="padding-top: 16px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 8px;"><br style="display: none;"></div></div></small></div>Lesley Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15010126416499305866noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608726897934864898.post-71375083244958818422011-12-12T11:03:00.000-08:002014-10-27T10:05:52.941-07:00'tis the season<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-joOYyUTYeqI/TuZNey5Qx9I/AAAAAAAAAw0/No5DkhBA7oI/s1600/1165904835_1_1_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-joOYyUTYeqI/TuZNey5Qx9I/AAAAAAAAAw0/No5DkhBA7oI/s640/1165904835_1_1_1.jpg" width="498"></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lQEg3R1K5cA/TuZNRYfhI9I/AAAAAAAAAws/WKdfwX_se7s/s1600/1165904529_2_1_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lQEg3R1K5cA/TuZNRYfhI9I/AAAAAAAAAws/WKdfwX_se7s/s640/1165904529_2_1_1.jpg" width="498"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">dress- zara</td></tr>
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The semester is finally over! I handed in my last project on Friday and now I'm off until the first week of January, which will be lovely. I'm really looking forward to the holidays; spending time with my family and going to parties! <br>
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A friend from college is having a cocktail party for her birthday next week and <a href="http://www.zara.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product/es/en/zara-I2011/118162/519010/BROCADE%2BDRESS">this</a> is the dress I picked out to wear. I really wanted the green one but it seemed to be a bit defective so I went with black. I love how it's so classic in the front and a little frisky in the back. I'll pair it with some opaque tights and some platforms - can't wait! I also got a little velvet dress and massive sparkly platforms for New Years, although I have yet to finalize any plans for the night! <br>
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What are you going to be wearing to your holiday parties? :)<br>
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yeslesley.Lesley Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15010126416499305866noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608726897934864898.post-23832075014168688972011-12-01T14:24:00.000-08:002014-10-27T10:05:20.552-07:00please take me by the hand, it's so cold out tonight<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheVLSC0lhqmy2iDlcPB4RGxQY5jQ-El-vS4d1MswCdh56ReAMxkgMVCHEyiJauzrqHGhs-U8fiynXK7-usuXhuivLpOE4s8J4l2EFqEusGkTXqoNZSeOsy8MpE3gLuYtaDuNCZcxq_30Z2/s1600/Photo+on+2011-11-22+at+12.32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheVLSC0lhqmy2iDlcPB4RGxQY5jQ-El-vS4d1MswCdh56ReAMxkgMVCHEyiJauzrqHGhs-U8fiynXK7-usuXhuivLpOE4s8J4l2EFqEusGkTXqoNZSeOsy8MpE3gLuYtaDuNCZcxq_30Z2/s640/Photo+on+2011-11-22+at+12.32.jpg" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">blouse - h&m<br>
jumper - h&m<br>
necklace - urban outfitters</td></tr>
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First off I want to say welcome to my new followers! I was so shocked when I logged in today and saw that I had nearly 60! I know some blogs have thousands of followers, but 60 is huge to me as I didn't think that anyone would want to read my blog when I started it. Also thanks to all the lovelies who have commented on my posts - if I could reply back to each of your comments I would. Does anyone know how to do this? Is it possible? Sigh, so technologically challenged.<br>
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This is not exactly an outfit post but thought I would share a photo of something I wore a few days ago that I absolutely loved. I paired these tops with leggings and heeled booties and it was all very comfortable and snuggly but I still looked fairly put together which is important! <br>
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I was MIA for most of November - it was a month of many changes, all good. It's kind of lovely how going through hard times actually makes you realize the good things more and makes them that much more special! I've made a resolution to start spending more time with the people in my life who make me truly happy, and as a result I'm really feeling very grateful for a lot in my life today. <br>
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I've been doing well at school - all A's which I'm so pleased about because I have really been working hard. All of my group projects are nearly over (thank god!) so now I just have a final quiz tomorrow and a long feature due on Monday and then I'm done for the semester! My teacher is bringing us all out to a pub on Monday for food and drinks, which should be interesting if I choose to attend!<br>
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I ran in an election for the position of Vice President of Internal Affairs for the Journalism Students' Association at my university and I won! We had our first event - a brunch - on Tuesday and the turnout was much better than I expected. Hoping to plan many more exciting events for the coming term. I haven't been involved in much since high school, where I was literally involved in everything, so this is really great.<br>
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December is off to a good start as I got into a conversation with one of my professors today and he offered me an internship at his newspaper next year! This came as a total surprise to me and he had to ask me twice for me to understand what he was doing! My fingers are crossed that this works out and that my journalism dreams will be coming true shortly. <br>
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And I have a new hair cut which I'm absolutely in love with - I haven't been able to take a proper photo of it yet though, but I brought my hairdresser a photo of Zooey Deschanel, so it's similar to hers!<br>
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Well now that I've written this diary entry (haha!) I think I'll get back to procrastinating by looking at <a href="http://knowyourmeme.com/memes/dating-site-murderer-good-intentions-axe-murderer/photos">memes</a>, playing guitar, and anything else I can think of to pass time that should be spent doing something productive.<br>
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Hope everyone is well :)<br>
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yeslesley.Lesley Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15010126416499305866noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608726897934864898.post-16017178194999561092011-11-11T17:10:00.000-08:002014-10-27T10:04:34.779-07:00it's your song they've been singing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yoZ2zu07_xs/Tr3Cfujy6FI/AAAAAAAAAv8/H9WKd2x_TN8/s1600/P8220012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="594" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yoZ2zu07_xs/Tr3Cfujy6FI/AAAAAAAAAv8/H9WKd2x_TN8/s640/P8220012.JPG" width="640"></a></div><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWmKs2oSGmYkh1YdJKQiQLGx-VfsmRkWQAtv4tfgGzBBH7pMcwhnOZ1xwPxaOnKOrpOzdqV3QRmIjq4-Lol2Wkb-Y-TPUSmMWPSmOs8R-mW-hpPZJZY9r11IZmF9bBgIlrrA32QtAQklV3/s1600/P8220011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWmKs2oSGmYkh1YdJKQiQLGx-VfsmRkWQAtv4tfgGzBBH7pMcwhnOZ1xwPxaOnKOrpOzdqV3QRmIjq4-Lol2Wkb-Y-TPUSmMWPSmOs8R-mW-hpPZJZY9r11IZmF9bBgIlrrA32QtAQklV3/s640/P8220011.JPG" width="640"></a></div><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-goQsh_NAK4E/Tr3Dzw7DONI/AAAAAAAAAwM/cxVjughDz6o/s1600/P8220013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-goQsh_NAK4E/Tr3Dzw7DONI/AAAAAAAAAwM/cxVjughDz6o/s640/P8220013.JPG" width="640"></a></div><br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VcppTsHFgjI/Tr3EPQ5BbfI/AAAAAAAAAwU/x5wX3AWCDzw/s1600/P8220015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="610" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VcppTsHFgjI/Tr3EPQ5BbfI/AAAAAAAAAwU/x5wX3AWCDzw/s640/P8220015.JPG" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">scarf - forever 21<br>
grey top - h&m<br>
shorts - american eagle outfitters<br>
belt - h&m</td></tr>
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I'm looking and feeling pretty grungy today. I started out wearing a skirt to class instead of the shorts, but it was very windy today and after a little wardrobe malfunction while talking to my teacher outside, I decided to run home and change into something a little more practical! I threw on some knee socks too because it was a bit chilly today.<br>
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Have you ever had one of those days (or weeks) where you are annoyed by everything and just want to be completely alone and silent for a good while? That's how I've been feeling for the past few days! I don't even feel like writing or talking, which is very rare for me. Really want nothing more than to go to the gym and then come home, have a tea, read some magazines and sleep.<br>
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Doing a TV package about the Twilight premiere and have an interview booked for tomorrow with a mother who is obsessed with the books/films - should be interesting!<br>
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yeslesley.Lesley Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15010126416499305866noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608726897934864898.post-50651002452389097732011-11-05T18:09:00.000-07:002014-10-27T10:04:22.304-07:00satchel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAT7lHNAlbU0HyFo9Y4v29EKlghw8HsgnPiyZqZmlmPgJA5ICK3Rr59OZnPjgK23cQTqhVTRyDvyUmwS52EM4Yz2a8x0CRKefRNWinm6bQsNInfs61BRycr41Hn0unZ1zcyZOX3FcnXvbn/s1600/P8150016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAT7lHNAlbU0HyFo9Y4v29EKlghw8HsgnPiyZqZmlmPgJA5ICK3Rr59OZnPjgK23cQTqhVTRyDvyUmwS52EM4Yz2a8x0CRKefRNWinm6bQsNInfs61BRycr41Hn0unZ1zcyZOX3FcnXvbn/s640/P8150016.JPG" width="640"></a></div><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQo3vD_I-ZJ4qpKTxs2qReOgM8N8-RjMC-HWlxeSDPUKruZfWW5q_Zux37lw76RV7rCKb4A1g6uML5WGHMsebta-J4HXXgDk1hUsggvd_vpTg9SntfVH6xZGVV5UVQlK3To6Qd2-zWDmmu/s1600/P8150015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQo3vD_I-ZJ4qpKTxs2qReOgM8N8-RjMC-HWlxeSDPUKruZfWW5q_Zux37lw76RV7rCKb4A1g6uML5WGHMsebta-J4HXXgDk1hUsggvd_vpTg9SntfVH6xZGVV5UVQlK3To6Qd2-zWDmmu/s640/P8150015.JPG" width="640"></a></div><br>
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After a few months of hunting, I stumbled upon the perfect satchel this week at Aldo. I was looking for new booties but then the boy helping me told me about the huge sale they were having on bags. Now normally I ignore sales pitches like this as he was just trying to get more commission I'm sure, but I went to look at the bags anyway and found this beauty. The leopard lining definitely sold me!<br>
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I'm supposed to be writing a long article right now for my Monday class but instead I'm watching a movie with my mum and sister and looking at <a href="http://www.ragestache.com/view/comic/5586">memes</a>. Saturday night - sigh. Back to work!<br>
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yeslesley.Lesley Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15010126416499305866noreply@blogger.com3