I Hope You All Have Days Like Today...

Days when even though your to do list is a mile long, you still feel like everything is perfectly achievable.

Days when that extra push at the gym is nothing, it's not just a good burn, it's a great one.

Days when you just know that what's in the past is in the past, and what's in the future is something great, waiting just around the corner.

Days when you can't help but smile to yourself, just cause.

Days when you want to stay up forever, because you never want to let go of that feeling of invincibility.

Days when you have patience for everything and everyone.

Days when the radio and iTunes seem to read your mind and every song speaks to your soul.

Days when life just makes sense.

x's & o's,

Leslie

Currently Listening:

Life's not what you take, it's not about the promises you make. It's not about the friends you might of made or the love that is gone. Life is what you give, it's not about the stupid things you did. It's not about the way things could have been, it's about moving on. It's all about you. So every morning when you wake, before the first step that you take, just think it's all what you make it, and you'll make it through. Life is all about, the things you'll never figure out. It's all about the people you love, and memories you keep.

All About U - Classified ft. Chad Hatcher

Good Karma...

Fave!

A new post, from Gloss Blog, late last night reminded me of my desire to increase my efforts to give back (which should not be one of those to do's that slips back in priority as our lists doubles, triples and sometimes even quadruples!). I think, that especially as the holiday season draws near, we should all step back to take the time to truly think about how fortunate we are... and where we can give back.

There are some big issues out there!

The Inactivity Crisis:

...more than half of Canadians are considered inactive. In the past 25 years, obesity rates have more than doubled!

...only 13% of Canadian children and youth (aged 5-19) meet the recommended physical activity guidelines!

...physical activity appears to reduce the risk of over 25 chronic conditions. If the entire Canadian population followed current physical activity guidelines, approximately 33% of deaths related to coronary heart disease, 25% related to stroke andosteoporosis, 20% related to colon cancer, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes, and 14% related to breast cancer could be prevented!

The Fight for Air:

...six million Canadians - one out of every five - suffer from asthma, COPD, lung cancer and other forms of lung disease!

...tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of lung disease in Canada, yet, each year, 37,000 Canadians die as a result of tobacco related diseases!

...in 2008, the cost of air pollution in Canada is estimated to be $10 billion and will lead to approximately 21, 000 premature deaths!

And that my friends, is just the tip of the iceberg... (And where 'a little' of my client bias towards giving to these organizations can be found! See sidebar...)

But, it's not just a cliché that one person CAN make a difference! It's time to pick YOUR cause. Whether it is a donation of time, or a donation or money... Make today your day to get out there and Just Do It!

x's & o's,

Leslie

Copy...Paste...Blog!

...Fave!

Because it was one of the best things I've read all day! (via Women's Health).

Wise Words

Free Your Life From All Obstacles.

Quit calling your desk "organized chaos" and start calling it what it is: a mess. Set aside a day each week to get things in order and watch your sanity - and productivity - thrive.

Status: Clean as a whistle... & timesheets, expenses, etc. Done Done Done!

Wise Words

Do One Thing Today That Scares You.

Initiate a conversation with the cute guy standing next to you at the bank. Ask to work on that new project at the office. You don't have to jump out of a plane to face your fears: Push yourself out of your comfort zone in small ways for a major boost in confidence.

Status: Um... check out the picture, it's not every day I post, tag, and don't hate a bikini shot (though sorry to those who are or aren't ready for this hurdle*)! Done!

Wise Words

Remove Pain, Sorrow & Shortcomings.

Bad things happen. Dwelling on it isn't going to change a thing. The conscious brain can focus on only one thought at a time - might as well make it something good.

Status: Wait for it... Wait for it... DONE!

Wise Words

Follow The Truth.

Take a break from The Hills. Reality shows distract you from the reality of your own life. Dive into the majog issues you've been ignoring and deal with them.

Status: Well we can't do everything, or what would we look forward to... Other than The Hills! ;)

Very impressed with the magazine output across the board for November 2009 (Shape, Women's Health, Fashion, Vogue...). And you can trust me, I read A LOT of magazines!

x's & o's,

Leslie

*Also posted due to the hilarious caption it comes with "I cannot put into words the hilarity that is this picture. Beautiful and tanned meets pasty ginger." Though NOT TRUE! All Love! =)

Currently Listening:

Absolutely nothing! It's time for some Hills and then some Zzz's...

Two Truths and a Lie...

Fave!

Because all I want to do today is play games!

...I believe that as long as your vices aren't hard drugs, anything goes! ;)

...I currently have a huge, secret crush and would just DIE if anyone found out! =o

...I have never been more happy that I am currently and feel that I am exactly where I should be, and want to be in life! =)

And that's one secret I'll never tell!

x's & o's,

Leslie

Currently Listening & Loving (the song and the man!):

I'm not surprised. Not everything lasts. I've broken my heart so many times. I stop keeping track. Talk myself in. I talk myself out. I get all worked up. And then I let myself down. I tried so very hard not to lose it. I came up with a million excuses. I thought I thought of every possibility. And now I know someday that it'll all turn out. You'll make me work so we can work to work it out. And I promise you, kid, that I'll give so much more than I get. I just haven't met you yet! ;)

Haven't Met You Yet - Michael Buble

The 'Un' Real World...

Absolute Fave!

Lately, I have had a new life philosophy. When we're not in the Real World... (almost) anything goes!

"I can dance with you... we're not in the Real World!"

"Sure we can go for 3 am pizza (even though my two previous meals also consisted of pizza)... this isn't the Real World!"

"Why not walk down the street wearing glow sticks like headbands?... not the Real World!"

"Is it actually 5:30 AM on a school night? Doesn't matter, this isn't the Real World!"

"Of course I know exactly what happened last night... but THIS ISN'T THE REAL WORLD!"

Now stop judging for a second, and just think about it. We talk about work/life balance, we talk about working hard, playing harder. I think that all of us twenty somethings... and even those thirty somethings... hell even those forty - fifty - sixty - seventy - eighty - ninety - a hundred somethings... just need to live MORE life!

Do what makes you happy, break off more than you can chew, put yourself in a position that maybe makes you feel a little unbalanced. Because that's where all the fun is. And there is potentially even some learning to be had!

Ladies + gentlemen, let's do it up... Because we only get to do this one!

Side note - Make sure you sleep off the Un-Real World before running back into the Real World full force! Trust me... Necessary!

x's & o's,

Leslie

Currently Listening (over and over and over again!)

But wait, now how long could this take? It's hard to find a man, When you're gone before he wakes. They say it's hard to achieve. But can't a girl believe? Is there somebody who still believes in love? I know you're out there. There's got to be somebody. I search around the world. But I can't seem to find. Somebody to love.

Somebody to Love - Leighton Meester ft. Robin Thicke

Babe, pick a night. To come out and play. If it's alright. What do you say? Merrier the more. Triple fun that way. Twister on the floor. What do you say? Are - you in. Livin' in sin is the new thing. Are - you in. I am countin'! Three is a charm. Two is not the same. I don't see the harm, So are you game?

3 - Britney Spears

Bras & Ranties...

...Fave!

More specifically, the newest blog on my morning "to read" list!

So here I go, sharing again (more specifically known as copy paste blogging because I could not find better words!)... a little excerpt from today's post.

Be inspired!

Life doesn't have to be the way it is. it doesn't have to look the way it looks. you don't have to do what you are doing. you don't have to wake up tomorrow beside the one you woke up beside today. you are not xyz and you are not abc; you have the entire alphabet at your disposal. ask yourself the tough questions; no one else will. design the life you wish to lead; or someone will design it for you. experiment. create. follow your whims. express yourself. love yourself. this is your life. are you really living it?

And, for you reading enjoyment...A couple of other faves!

Dating Myself

The Best Life Ever

Gloss

x's & o's,

Leslie

Dress Codes...

Fave!

Yes. Surprisingly, a fave! At the T1 offices, we are currently formalizing our "Dress Code" in our "PlayBook." And, I personally think, it's a great idea! I do believe that we need to set some parameters within the four walls of 'ze office on appropriate (and not appropriate!) attire.

That being said, until the DC is officially formal to the ized, here is my current "dress code" barometer:

While walking my extra subway stop (my morning ParticipACTION) to work I ask myself...

What is the ratio of men to women who have done a once over of my outfit.

If the women are leading... I take it to mean that I am fashionable, well put together, and having an all around great clothing choice day!

But if the men are leading in eyeballs... Chances are that somewhere along the line I slipped up in the hemline or the neckline department that morning!

(And if no one is looking - epic fail on both ends of the spectrum!)

I warn you, use this theory wisely! It has been tested by no one but myself!

x's & o's,

Leslie

Currently Listening:

Let's hear it for taking it back in the day...

"Mama said there'll be days like this, There'll be days like this Mama said. Mama said there'll be days like this, There'll be days like this my Mama said. I went walking the other day, Everything was going fine. I met a little boy named Billy Joe, And then I almost lost my mind. Mama said there'll be days like this, There'll be days like this Mama said."

Mama Said - The Shirelles

Leggings...

A Fave!

I love leggings so much. I may even love them more than half my friends, three fifths of my current crushes, one third of my co-workers, two percent of my immediate family members and all of my ex-boyfriends. Kidding! But seriously. In 2015, I am totally going to be one of those out-of-style mama's still living in 2009 wearing leggings and tunics while my kids, my friends and my hubby make fun of my out-of-date but completely comfy and flattering wardrobe!

And that, my friends, is back to classic Houndstooth 'n Argyle style blogging. All love for the simple things in life!

x's & o's,

Leslie

For the Love of Coffee!

Just wanted to share my favourite "The Way I See It"...

"Failure's hard, but success is far more dangerous. If you're successful at the wrong thing, the mix of praise and money and opportunity can lock you in forever."

...said on the back of a grande americano with soy at the bar (my personal 7:30 AM drink if anyone wanted to know!)

x's & o's,

Leslie

Currently Listening: It's an all John Legend kind of day! ;)

Stolen Words

...by request, we are in need of inspiration.

But, while I have thought about it all week - can't find any (original material that is!).

So, in the meantime, here are some words that once inspired me - pay them forward...

More later, I promise. Until then, take care of each other. Maybe make someone laugh. It could make today the best day of your life, and theirs. You never know. That's the beauty of life. We're standing on top of a train with blinders on. You change what you've passed. You can't look around. You can't pause. Sometimes it makes your eyes water. Sometimes you get way too excited. Sometimes people join you for the ride. That's what it's all about. Take care of those people.

x's & o's,

Leslie

Currently Listening:

Breathe in for luck, breathe in so deep, this air is blessed, you share with me. This night is wild, so calm and dull, these hearts they race, from self control. Your legs are smooth, as they graze mine, we're doing fine, we're doing nothing at all."

Hands Down - Dashboard Confessional

For the love of coffee!! (Part II)

Dear Coffee,

Some point between last night and this morning, I crossed the line between really liking you, (I think it may have even been love) to being absolutely addicted. You are no longer a choice. You are a need.

That first sip every morning... Actually, rewind. That first smell in the morning is like heaven in a cup. Ah. That first sip, is like some delicious secret that I want to share with the whole world. But at the same time I want to keep it all for myself!

Oh coffee. Some mornings it is scary how much I need you. Sometimes, I can't even crack my sleep deprived eyes open, without propping them up with an eyelash curler ,before that first sweet, sweet sip. And that, my love, is when I realize I have a problem.

So it's off to detox for me. I am staying far far away until I can learn to use you responsibly.

But, instead of some huge, messy, let's-not-speak-for-months-on-end break up, let's take this slowly.

Step 1. One more week of coffee for me (because it's be seriously, I'm off to Vancouver - how could I give coffee up right when I'm headed for the good stuff).

Step 2. Maybe a couple weeks of good old "coffee substitute" (Jumpy Monkey - David's Tea... Tea made out of coffee! Genius! No matter what you co-workers say, I think this is a GOOD step!)

... and finally,

Step 3. Approximately a month from now, I promise to be coffee-free.

For at least a week or two.

x's & o's,

Leslie

...and in the post-script:

"Jumpy Monkey?" you say?

Protect the rainforest. This brew uses ingredients from the Rain Forrest Alliance to give you a tasty boost. It combines freshly roasted peaberry coffee beans with Argentine maté, and laces them with almonds, white chocolate and other roasted barks and roots. The result is deliciously satisfying. And by buying this rainforest product, you'll be fighting global warming and helping the monkeys. No wonder they say maté makes you efficient?

Good karma and a good morning jump start? Yes please!