Introducing: Sarah Busch from Modern Core.

We're down to the last couple of days before Christmas! I hope you all have enjoyed the giveaways as much as I have. Thanks for showing jreevesart some love yesterday! The winner of the original painting is TIFFANY WRIGHT!!! CONGRATS! Please email me and we'll get the details squared away.

Today I want to share with you another great designer and small business owner, Sarah Busch from Modern Core! Sarah started Modern Core to help others learn how to effectively organize and design their spaces. She also has an Etsy Shop!

Les: Hey Sarah! I know you're a newlywed, tell me a little bit about you and your family.


Sarah: In May of this year I married my high school sweetheart, Trey Busch. We love being newlyweds and doing so many of the 1st's that come along with it! We are glad the planning of the wedding is over, but I will say that it was amazing being able to plan and organize such a big event in our lives. We live in Jackson in a little log home [decorated like we live in the 1960s] and our newest addition to our family is a motorcycle, which Trey traded his 4-wheeler for on Craigslist! He is a big fan of that Craigslist and loves finding new things for us. We are excited to see what the future holds!



Sarah and her husband, Trey.

 Les: I know you have a personal organizing business, can you tell me a little bit about that and what it entails?


Sarah: I started Modern Core because I love organizing and have always wanted my own business. My love for organizing makes me want to help everyone else be as organized as me. I offer organization services as well as interior design. I will help organize just about anything, anywhere. More details on pricing and everything else can be found on my website. Check it out!

Picture frame hanging "before."

Picture frames after Sarah worked her magic!

Les: You're crafty too! What's your favorite thing about DIY projects and where does your inspiration come from for what you create?


Sarah: I love crafting for sure! Most of my Christmas gifts this year were handmade by me. I love doing anything that is DIY because I know that I did it and that makes me feel good. It's just something about doing things yourself. I get my inspiration from things that are mass produced [things that I look at and say "I could do that"], Trey is a big help with ideas too...and lets not forget Pinterest. I am currently thinking of ideas for things to make for my Etsy Shop... suggestions are welcome!


Les: The purpose of the 12 Days of Christmas Giveaways is to share love with local artists and businesses. Tell me, where are some of your favorite local places to shop?

Sarah: Shopping local is definitely amazing in my opinion! I actually frequent a couple shops that you featured earlier in your 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway - Bloom and High Street Station. It just happens that my products are at both of these stores. I love little boutiques and these are 2 of the best in the area. I also love all the antique store downtown, I go into them often! I love to just browse for hours and get lost in all the amazing things they have. I could name all of the local shops that I love but that would take all day...so I will just stop now!

*******************************************************************

Sarah and I went to high school together, but I definitely have gotten to know her better over the last few days and through her work at Modern Core. Sarah is kind enough to be offering one of her original pieces from her etsy shop to Life Told By Leslie Readers!

This Chartreuse Wooden Tree doubles as unique and modern Christmas decor and a necklace tree!

To win this handmade tree, head over and "LIKE" MODERN CORE ON FACEBOOK and tell Sarah that Life Told By Leslie sent you! I'll announce the winner tomorrow, good luck! Let's show Sarah's local business some love.

An Artist Story + A Giveaway.

Happy Thursday friends! I'm at home today with a sick little guy who told me his "neck hurt" this morning so uh oh.....we're watching Toy Story and decorating Christmas cookies. Sometimes being a Mom is rough ;)

Thank you to everyone who entered yesterday's giveaway from Dr. Julia Kinder! CONGRATS TO KATIE ROTH! You are the winner of the Bib Flashcard Set! CONGRATS TO MANDIE FOLTZ! You are the winner of the Exercise Flashcards! Ladies, please email me your addresses so I can mail your prizes!


I am blessed and honored to bring you today's giveaway. A sensational local artist and friend has created an ORIGINAL PAINTING that he has graciously offered to giveaway to ONE LUCKY LTBL READER! I loved getting to know Josh Reeves, owner of jreevesart a little better through this interview, and I know you will too.


Les: Hi Josh! Tell us a little bit about you and your family.



Amanda and Josh Reeves.

Josh: Well, I just got married last March to my beautiful wife Amanda. She is awesome and fuels a lot of the drive I have for my work. We have two very enthusiastic Border Collies, Heidi and Kai. Everyone asks so I figure I'll tell you, we named her Kai after a favorite sushi restaurant in Springfield, MO. Hahaha we love our sushi. I graduated from SEMO in December of 2010. I worked at Starbucks right out of school to have a steady paycheck while I tried to land a salary job as a graphic artist. After looking for six months, I realized that in this economy not many businesses were hiring entry level positions in graphic design, or any art forms for that matter. It was tough because I knew that I needed to be doing something within the field I see myself pursuing for the rest of my life. I then decided to take the big leap. In August of this year I decided to quit my job and move into working as a freelance artist full time. I had been doing freelance projects here and there since I was in high school, so I had enough experience to feel comfortable with the task at hand. Currently I'm creating commission projects in both painting and graphic design. Readers can find my work at my website, or check out my facebook page.


Les: I think it's awesome that you are pursuing your dream. Where does your inspiration come from to create your art?



One of Josh's paintings entitled "What They've Always Told You."


Josh: Oh, I'm glad you asked this one. I love music. No, seriously. I looove music. I would say that the art of music single handily influences my work more than any other factor. I love the emotion music can evoke out of not only lyrics but through instrumentation. Directly, many of my fans can see musical influence in my work by the titles I come up with. If a painting of mine has a musical title it's usually because some part of that song has a similar deep underlying meaning that my painting holds as well. This is also a great question because being an "abstract" artist many people wonder what my work is about. Outside of the philosophy and/or story that every single one of my paintings has, I love aesthetics. Sorry to nerd out on you for a bit, but I love how aesthetics are scientifically defined as "the study of sensory or sensori-emotional values, sometimes called judgments of sentiment and taste". In abstract art I am challenged and obsessed with creating marks that relay a meaning emotionally, which is not an easy task. Many people read into styles differently which is what makes the beauty of art.




Original piece by Josh Reeves entitled "Armistice."



Les:Why do you think it is important for folks to support local artists in their community?




Josh: I think it is vital for people to support their local community and arts. To me it's more of an awakening. You can find many much more creative things around local talent than in chains. The best part is, when customers support local arts, they are getting something original. Originality is at an all-time high in demand right now and in my opinion will only increase. When I look to buy music, decor, food, etc. I want something different and original. I want it to be unique to me. I think something is more valuable when you know someone is creating and working hard for their piece of art. I hope that more people in our community can find what the gifts of the local arts in their community can bring to life.

 

Les:The purpose of the 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway is to support local businesses and artists. Just for fun, where is your favorite local place to shop?

Josh: I can't just pick one place! That's crazy. So here's a list of some local arts you need to check out if you haven't already. I love this because now I feel like Anthony Bourdain from the Travel Channel. He's my hero by the way...

Reruns (my wife finds hidden treasures there)

The Tarnished Buckle (she likes this place too)

Pilot House (please get the sandwich called, The Tank)

Cup n' Cork (gotta have coffee and wine)

James Thurman (my favorite local artist: http://www.facebook.com/jamesethurman)

Mollie's (grab a cocktail at happy hour)

Billiards (I love playing pool)

Oh and I forgot. I am a chicken wing enthusiast! When you are at Pilot House getting that sandwich order their wings. Best in town and best I have had anywhere.

****************************************************************************

It was so great catching up with Josh, and I'm excited to announce that he is giving away a diptych (two canvases). Each canvas is 16x20, and when you put the two pieces together the way Josh painted them, that's 40(width) x 16(height)!! Wowza!

To win this amazing giveaway, simply head over and "LIKE" jreevesart on Facebook and tell Josh that Life Told By Leslie sent you! If you already "LIKE" jreevesart on Facebook, don't forget to write on the wall letting me know you're entered to win! You'll have 24 hours on this one folks, so good luck! And thanks for showing a local artist some love!

Local Woman on a Mission: Dr. Julia Kinder + a Giveaway

Thanks to everyone who entered the Leighana Paige Boutique giveaway yesterday! CONGRATS TO JESSICA LIVINGSTON!!!!! You are the winner of a custom initial tee or number tee from Leighana Paige Boutique! Please email me so we can talk details.


The giveaways are seriously blessing my heart, ya'll. I'm so touched that we are able to show local businesses and artists some love this Christmas. Little ol' me didn't realize how large the impact would be when I dreamed up the 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway! Through LTBL I have met some amazing women in our community, and today I'm honored to introduce you to one of them, Dr. Julia Kinder!


Julia and her daughter, Ella.

 Dr. Julia A. Pewitt Kinder is mom to six-year-old Ella and 15-month-old twins Dexter and Paxton. Julia is Board Certified in Family Practice and Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment through the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians. Working directly with healthcare organizations and private physician practices, Julia provides valuable insight into early childhood development skills for children with Down Syndrome. She works closely with labor and delivery teams, obstetricians and pediatricians to educate these medical professionals on how to communicate with the family of a child who has special needs. Julia and her husband Mitch live in Cape Girardeau, and she has an office in Jackson.


Julia and her family! So beautiful!

After talking with Julia, I knew that her story and passion needed to be shared! She truly is an inspiration to moms everywhere!

Julia has created some special tools for busy moms on the go and their families to help make time for learning and exercise. Julia is kind enough to be giving away TWO of her unique gifts to LTBL readers!

The first is a set of Fitness Flashcards. Dr. Kinder designed the exercise cards with her busy patients in mind;easy exercises that persons of any age or fitness level can incorporate into their daily routine. Simply select 3 exercises each morning and place them at home or at work to remind you to exercise. Over 30 exercises included, with photo demonstration and directions. This gift is valued at $25!!



Got time to brush your teeth in the morning? Then you have time to exercise!

The next gift is for busy moms and babies. Julia developed a flashcard and bib set to remind busy Mom's to use mealtime as a fun educational time! Info cards describe games to easily teach baby without adding extra time into your day!


95% of a child's brain develops between birth & age 5; take advantage of baby's ability and desire to learn!



This would make a perfect gift for a new Mom!

 Julia's bib and flashcard set is valued at $30. Thank you Julia for being willing to give these two amazing gifts to LTBL readers!
 
We will draw TWO winners for this giveaway! All you need to do is "LIKE" Dr. Julia Kinder on Facebook and tell her Life Told By Leslie sent you! If you already "LIKE" Dr. Julia on FB, please show some love on her wall so I know to enter you in the giveaway!
 
I asked Dr. Julia if she had any advice for new Mom's, this is what she had to say:
 
"Don't forget what is most important to you. We get caught up in the day to day lessons, sports practices and activities and we forget to set aside time for ourselves. Make a list of simple things YOU love, whether that be painting your nails, lighting a candle, reading a magazine, etc. Do one of those things per day. Take time for yourself." --Dr. Julia Kinder.
 
Solid advice from a remarkable woman! I hope you'll visit Dr. Julia's Facebook Page and also take time to check out her personal website to read more about her family and see more of her fun products.

Repeat Outfit Offender and a Handmade Giveaway

Lately all I can bring myself to put on is a comfy, oversized sweater and corduroys. And actually, I've been wearing the same thing for about ooh...three days now. Do you ever do that? Find an outfit that's perfectly cozy and reach for it the next day? Please tell me I'm not the only one who relies on dryer sheets and perfume as a clothes refresher....if so kill me now because all my secrets have just been revealed.

For the record, I wore this outfit to lunch with the family on Saturday, then again on Sunday evening to drive around and look at Christmas lights, and finally I wore it all day to work on Monday. Don't worry, I had my husband do a smell check before I left the house Monday morning.



Sweater: AE. Belt: Target. Cords: Kohls. Purse: Vintage Dooney and Bourke via Annie Laurie's Antiques. Boots: Old Navy.

 I'm oh so excited to announce the winner of yesterday's LeBounce giveaway.....CONGRATS TO STEVIE LONGWITH!!! Please email me and we'll get the details squared away! Thanks for showing LeBounce some love!

Today I'm featuring a handmade designer that I adore, Leighana Paige Boutique!

My sweet friend Laura is the brains behind the unique and high quality creations she features at Leighana Paige Boutique. Each piece is handcrafted and made to order----and being a mother of four, I know she's busy! Laura excels at everything she sets her mind to, and knows that she creates not out of her own ability, but from Christ. He has given her a gift that's for sure!

Laura is kind enough to be giving away a custom, made to order,  FREE "INITIAL" OR "AGE" TEE to one lucky reader!




A sample "initial" tee.

 Laura can make the tee with a variety of colors and fabrics, made to order for that special little guy or gal in your life. To win, simply "LIKE" LEIGHANA PAIGE BOUTIQUE ON FACEBOOK and tell Laura that Life Told By Leslie sent ya! If you're already Facebook friends with Leighana Paige, share some love on their Facebook wall so I know you're entered to win! Good luck friends!

7 Days until Christmas and a LEBOUNCE GIVEAWAY!

Happy Monday Everyone! Where did the weekend go? Good news is that I got most of my Christmas shopping finished, whew finally! How are you guys surviving?

Over the weekend I gave away a lovely car fragrance kit from High Street Station of Jackson! HSS is new to Facebook so I'm glad to see that they got a few new "Likes" out of the giveaway. Remember, High Street Station is still offering 15% off for new Facebook friends! Head over there if you haven't already!

The winner of the lovely car fragrance kit is JESSICA AUBUCHON!! Thanks for entering the giveaway Jessica and for showing High Street Station some love! Please email me your address and I'll get your prezzie in the mail right away!

As you know, I'm trying to give local busninesses some love this Christmas by giving away items from their shop that I think you guys would love. Today I'm partnering with a local business to give the gift of family fun!

Lebounce of Cape Girardeau is giving away 7 FREE PASSES to Life Told By Leslie readers! The value of all 7 passes is $56 ($8 each pass) and is good for 7 FUN DAYS OF PLAY at LeBounce! Here's a little info about LeBounce from BOLD Marketing Account Manager Erica Wheeler:

"LeBounce Play Centre is a family-focused, indoor play centre for children of all ages. LeBounce is a sophisticated play centre that is not only clean and safe, but fun for the entire family. Offering over 6,000 square feet of fun, adult lounge and private party rooms, LeBounce is a climate-controlled play space designed to promote fun physical fitness for children of all ages. It offers an interactive family experience through inflatable's, arcade and Bazooka Ball. LeBounce offers birthday party, private party and entire facility rental."

To other Mom's out there who haven't been to LeBounce before, now's your chance to try them out! Wear your work out gear because LeBounce is action packed for both you and your little one. John and I tried out LeBounce and his response was "Wow, Mom." My man of little words had a blast climbing, jumping and crawling through the giant inflatable mazes and slides.

LeBounce is now offereing Bazooka Ball for kids ages 8 and up. Bazooka Balls are safe, foam balls that shoot up to 100 feet! If your child is old enough for Bazooka Ball, try it out and let me know how it goes! It sounds awesome!

I feel so blessed that LeBounce is offereing these 7 FREE PASSES to Life Told By Leslie readers. Keep a few passes for your family, then invite some friends because there's enough of today's giveaway to go around!

To win these passes, simply "LIKE" LeBounce on Facebook and tell them Life Told By Leslie sent ya! If you're already a friend of LeBounce on Facebook you still need to write on their wall in order to be entered to win the passes. Good luck everyone!!

Small Business Spotlight: High Street Station of Jackson

Happy Saturday everyone! Thank you to everyone who has been entering the giveaways so far. It's been so much fun for me to meet new people and to see your comments! You can be proud that you are showing local businesses some love and support this holiday season! The winner of yesterday's print from S. Gregg Gallery is: LAURIE EVERETT!!!! YAY! Congrats Laurie! email me and we can make arrangements to get you your Alice print OR I can bring it by the shop next week, just let me know!

We have fun family activities going on today so I'm going to keep this brief, but I want to bring spotlight to a unique boutique in historic Jackson, MO : High Street Station!




High Street Station's Storefront in Jackson, MO.

 Nestled in Historic Uptown Jackson, High Street Station features "casually elegant gifts" for the home and beyond!! One of my personal favorite things about High Street Station is that they carry Vera Bradley Bags, which is my personal choice when looking for a durable, washable diaper bag. The ladies behind the counter are just as elegant and lovely as the gifts they feature. 

Today I'm giving away a new found treasure from High Street Station, this amazing portable car fragrance and a refill kit!

The scent, from the elite Tyler Candle Company, is called "Icon." It's my personal favorite and the same scent I have in my Subaru! Icon is an earthy fragrance that fills my car with notes of musk and eucalyptus. LOVE it! Simply clip the cartridge to your vent and go! This gift is valued at $15.00, and all you have to do to win is "LIKE" HIGH STREET STATION ON FACEBOOK and tell them Life Told By Leslie sent you! High Street Station is relatively new to Facebook and could use a few more likes, so show this local boutique some love! BONUS: High Street Station is offering 15% off a purchase for new Facebook followers! That's a great deal folks!

If you currently "Like" High Street Station on Facebook, you can still comment on their Facebook page and show them some love!

Hey, Hipster! There's 10 days until Christmas.

Sorry for the late post today! I actually ran a red light this morning and screamed "Aye Chi Wah Wah" on the way to the office, so needless to say I've been a little busy/distracted/going totally insane the past few days. Lots of new exciting things happening here on LTBL, including some new sponsorship opportunities starting next week! Over the weekend I still have some great giveaways planned for you guys, so stay tuned!

The winner of yesterday's necklace set and clutch is......

CONGRATS TO LAUREN WILLIAMS!! please email me and we'll chat. We can meet up for a coffee and I'll give you your prize, or I can give it to ya at church Sunday! So exciting!!!


Something that I honestly haven't thought about before is the gift of art. There are some seriously talented folks out there that deserve some love! If you can, pick up a piece of art from one of your local galleries this Christmas and share it with a loved one---like I am with you today! Remember, all hipsters love art!

Today's find is your choice of two lovely prints from S. Gregg Gallery here in Cape Girardeau. Unfortunately, S. Gregg Gallery is closing at the end of this month. This, in my opinion, is a huge loss for the City of Cape Girardeau! If you can, please stop by and give S. Gregg Gallery some love before they close. Also check out some of their frame work and remaining prints that are all marked down 40%.

There are two pieces to choose from, one is this print of the downtown area in Cape Girardeau in 1871. LOVE this print. It symbolizes the beginnings of our humble town--a time that needs to be remembered. I actually picked up an extra one of these for our home. I plan to hang it in a hallway or in the front entryway.



Here's a little close up of the print.

The other is this HUGE Alice and Wonderland poster promoting the author, Lewis Carrol's centennial anniversary of the book. This mystical print came out in 1990, so it's getting pretty old! I personally think this would look lovely framed in either a walk in closet or a guest bathroom. If I had a daughter I think it would make great nursery room art too!

I thought that local friends would probably love the Cape Girardeau print, and friends from far away might get a kick out of Alice, but it's your choice which you would prefer! Each print is worth $20 each! To win, simply comment below which print you would like! Contest closes at midnight and I'll announce the winner tomorrow.

Today's look is for all you hipsters out there. When I think hipster, I think laid back, free spirited college kid.



Fur Vest: AE. Striped Hoodie: Target. Navy Tee: Gap. Straight Leg Jeans: Big Star via The Buckle. Mocs: Old, bought in Colorado.

 I'm comfy today and ready for a busy weekend!

This is my last weekend to shop before Christmas....eeeeek I'm so behind! We have a fancy dinner party this Saturday night and I'm teaching in the two year old class Sunday morning at Church....phew busy weekend! I still have more giveaways in store so stay tuned!

11 Days until Christmas and a lot of bling, baby.{closed}

Hello friends! First off, I guess we should announce the winner from yesterday's Bloom giveaway....

CONGRATS TO STEPHANIE WILLIAMS!! please email me (or call me, you've got my digits) and I can either deliver your gift to you or mail it, your choice. Yay Steph!!!!!


I also want to add a little not about the giveaways, just so we're clear on something.....

I want the 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway to be about supporting local businesses in my area. By giving away fun and unique gifts from shops I love, my goal is just to show you some of the amazing things these stores carry and to show you exactly where I like to shop.

If you like and "follow" my blog, then that's great! Just remember that the real reason I'm doing this giveaway is for you guys :) awwww! (Que Barry Manilow or some other sappy love music)

Does this sound ok to ya'll? Have any questions just email me.

Now, onward and upward to today's lovely gift!

Today's gift comes from a magical place, Annie Laurie's Antiques.



Laurie Everett, owner of Annie Laurie's Antiques sitting outside her shop.

 This is not your grandmother's antique store, (although, my Nana loves Annie Lauries because she's super hip!) Annie Laurie's Antiques is full of unique, one of a kind vintage treasures that shoppers of all ages can love and appreciate. Every time I step into the store I'm greeted with a smile, a warm cup of coffee and sincere happiness. I know this might sound sappy (I'm in a sappy mood people, bare with me!) but when I shop, I want to feel that warm fuzzy feeling that I've found something amazing. I kid you not, every time I leave this store I bring home something special that I treasure. From vintage Dooney and Bourke purses to quirky wall art, Annie Laurie's Antiques has something for everyone. I know not all of you can make it to Cape G and visit Laurie, but just know she is one of the most honest and caring business professionals I have ever met. Laurie and her entire staff sincerely care about me, not how much I buy or if I buy anything at all. That, my friends, is why Annie Laurie's Antiques is my favorite place to shop. Of all time. Mark that on the record books, please.

Today's giveaway is this gorgeous set of three quirky, fun necklaces and an intricately beaded vintage clutch.

Mr. Mummy Head is solid, my friends. He's heavy so easy on the head bangin' while you're wearing him.

My favorite piece is probably the little square locket. Perfectly simple, great for little pictures! I love the floral statement necklace paired with it.



Jacket: Macy's, last year. Sparkly Tee: Talbots. Black Jeggings: JCP. Booties: Old Navy.

 This is my actual outfit for today. I'm wearing all three of the necklaces before I give to you hehe! John is having his Christmas party at school, so I thought I should bust out the sparkly top. Bamsies!


I tried this outfit with a belt first, but just wasn't feeling it. I had to show you the picture though, because my little pup poked her head through the fence :) such a sweetie!

To win today's necklace's and clutch, head on over to Annie Laurie's Facebook Page and "Like" them if you haven't already. Write on their wall and tell them Life Told By Leslie sent you! I'll announce the winner tomorrow! Good luck ladies, happy Thursday! xoxo

I feel a draft, and a GIVEAWAY! [closed]

We argue about the temperature quite often in our house. I am always a tad too cold, and the hubs is, well, always blazin' hot (ow ow!). Since the addition of our wood burning stove, however, I've been feeling warmer and thus happier. A warm wife is a happy wife. While I'm still wearing sweaters and leggings at night, hubs strips down to his skivvies to sleep (too much information? sorry bout that.). For now we seemed to have reached a compromise with the temperature which is fantastic....but then why am I still chilly?? I just cannot put my finger on why I'm still cold. I wear wool sweaters to bed for crying out loud! Do you think I'm getting sick? Quick, someone put their lips on my forehead!



Sweater: Macy's, last year. Pants: Target. Boots: JCPenney. Purse: Vintage Dooney and Bourke, Annie Laurie's Antiques. Necklace: The Buckle, over 7 years old.



Then, I had an epiphany (yes, I wiki'd that.)





I never wear socks.

Maybe it's the rebellious teenager in me who says "No, Mom! I can wear flip flops in the snow!" Or maybe I just don't have any of those fancy little short socks that don't show in your booties. Either way, I'm just glad I'm not running a fever after all.


Now, for the moment you've all been waiting for....it's GIVEAWAY TIME!
Christmas is exactly 12 days away! Today's gift is brought to you by the adorable Bloom Studio and Gifts!

This lovely Voluspa candle smells delish, and comes with an adorable box of matches that would look chic left out on a fireplace mantle. This prize would make a great stocking stuffer, and don't forget about those lovely ladies in your life that deserve a special treat---teachers, stylists, babysitters and dog walkers!

The ladies at Bloom are very dear to my heart. Michaelyn's shop is filled with unique treasures, and tons of handmade finds! Shop local this Christmas with Bloom Studio and Gifts!

All you have to do to win is "LIKE" BLOOM ON FACEBOOK and write on their wall and tell them Life Told By Leslie sent ya! If you already "LIKE" Bloom, just comment here on the blog why you like them so much! Giveaway ends at midnight and I'll announce the winner tomorrow. Good luck!

*** The only way I'll be able to tell you've entered the giveaway is if you comment on BLOOM's FACEBOOK wall, or if you already "Like" Bloom and prefer to just comment here I'll accept that too. Just show Bloom some love! Merry Christmas!

12 Days of Christmas GIVEAWAYS!

Hello lovely readers! I'm so excited because starting Wednesday there will only be 12 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!! This is my first Christmas as a blogger so I want to do something special for all of you!

Starting on Wednesday, December 14th I will be giving away BRAND NEW FABULOUS GIFTS to lucky readers! All you need to do is comment on the daily post that features a gift to be entered to win, and follow Life Told By Leslie on the right hand side of the blog if you haven't already done so. I'll show you the gift in the post, so comment for a chance to win if it's something that suits your fancy. The prizes will be new and unique gifts selected just for Life Told By Leslie readers---so they'll be items that I know you'll love! Share the blog with your friends so they can try to win too--or don't if you want to win all the gifts for yourself haha!

I'll announce each winner the following day on the post, so you'll have to check back to see if you've won! All winners must email me so that I have your address and can ship the gifts. I'll be shipping the gifts daily, so hopefully my friends at the Post Office are ready to see a lot of me!

Ok, does that all sound simple enough? :) Got any questions?

Here's a sneak peak at the first gift for Wednesday, I'm so bad at keeping secrets.

Can you tell what this is?? Look for gifts courtesy of some lovely local shops and sponsors. This is going to be so fun ya'll :) Remember, it all starts this Wednesday, December 14th!!

Three Jars and a Baby Story.

I am giving away jars of homemade detergent to a few wonderful ladies who commented on last week's giveaway, but I actually have three more jars of detergent ready to go! If you'd like a jar just comment below and I'll get one to ya!



I tied the recipe to each jar so you'll have it!





I also wanted to share just a little bit of my day yesterday. It was my first day of school, and I'm in my first 500 level course of my college career. In case you're not familiar with that a 500 level course is as hard as they get, folks. My professor even said that his class is considered as hard as some graduate level classes. Needless to say I was nervous and when I got home from class my head was still spinning with all the information I'd absorbed from just the first meeting alone. When I got home it was after 5pm, and I needed to start dinner, do some laundry, and get John a bath. I was rushing around trying to put things away and clean, and John was playing by himself like a big boy in his room. Then, this happened:

In the midst of all of my busy-ness, John carefully unfolded the clean dish towels that I had just finished folding and laid them on the (somewhat) dirty kitchen floor. This picture doesn't show them all, there were about 20 clean towels now dirty again spread out all over the floor. I turned around, ready to scold him and have him put them all in the dirty clothes pile to be washed again; but then I stopped. Here was this creative, inventive little man finding joy in something so simple. And there I was; rushing around trying to keep working and stressing myself out over what? Nothing. Nothing should be more important at the end of my day than spending time with This Guy.

What I learned my first day back at college: Don't stress out, don't take myself too seriously, and don't get too busy to spend time with my little dude.

To all my fellow Mommy's out there in school, I encourage you to do the same, and I'll be praying for you this semester!

Have a good wednesday, friends!

Homemade Laundry Detergent UPDATE and GIVE-A-WAY!

A few weeks ago I shared with you my homemade laundry detergent recipe, and I wanted to give you an update on just how much I love it since I've been using it. Here's some pics of the process. Also a chance to win some to try out for yourself! Read below:

Instead of using Ivory soap, I used this Fels-Naptha brand bar soap I found in the laundry isle at Wal-Mart. I used a cheese grater to shave down the entire bar and then added it to the two quarts boiling water.

Here's the soap shavings added to the boiling water. Mix until it's all blended together.

After the soap is blended, pour it into your CLEAN 5-gallon bucket. Add two cups each of Borax and Washing Soda.

Blend together the melted bar soap, Borax, and washing soda with 2 Gallons of water in the 5-gallon bucket. The result is a frozen margarita. Just kidding, but that's what it looks like! A couple tips when using this detergent:

1. Use 1/4 of a cup for each medium load of laundry. Make sure and add the detergent to the water BEFORE you add your clothes.

2. You won't see the detergent make any "suds" in the water, which makes it seem like it's not cleaning your clothes....but don't worry! That's normal and it is in fact doing its job.

3. You will need to stir the detergent each time before using.

I've been washing my clothes with this detergent for a few weeks now and I think it works great! My clothes smell good too--and I didn't even add the essential oils!

If you're like me, and HATE spending money for things you know you can make yourself--this recipe is for you.

I bottled several jars full of the detergent and want to give them to.....YOU! Simply comment below or on my facebook wall with a DIY project that you enjoy doing. Whether it be gardening, sewing, even a favorite recipe of yours; something that you take pride in completing---all by yourself! You Go Girl! I'll pick three winners from a hat on Friday, 8/19 at noon. Good luck!!

and the WINNER IS.......

First off, I just want to thank everyone for participating in my Summer Blog Contest. I feel that I've gotten to know you all a little better by finding out what you enjoy doing in your free time. I love doing giveaways, so this will definitely not be your last chance to win. I think I might even do another contest around my birthday, which is coming up on July 21st. So keep checking back for that!

Around 25 people participated in the contest--which is awesome! I put everybody's name into a bowl and drew one. John couldn't help me this time because he's already asleep, so my hubby had to be my official "witness" haha.

In case you can't tell from the photo.....the winner is........Christine Maire!!!! CONGRATS CHRISTINE! I can't wait to give you all your goodies, and go shopping with you at Target :)

Again, thanks so much to everyone who participated. Another contest coming soon! I hope everyone has a great 4th of July weekend!

A Website is featuring my blog contest!

Hey guys! Friday check out this website Giveaways Are Sexy and see my Summer Blog Contest being promoted! Pretty exciting huh?!?! My friend and fellow blogger Emmy told me about Giveaways Are Sexy and it's such a neat-o site. Basically every week they are giving something away....For FREE! Who doesn't love free stuff, right? You can also Like them on Facebook to keep updated on their weekly prizes. I'll post a link to Facebook Friday so you can remember to check it out!

SUMMER BLOG CONTEST!!

Hey friends! The Spring Blog Contest I did back in April went over so well and was so much fun, I want to do another one! Before, I wanted to know what you (my readers) enjoyed about my blog the most, or a favorite blog post of mine. Now I want to know.......What is your favorite hobby or "down-time" activity?? Basically, when you have an hour of free time with just YOU, what activity do you jump at doing? Examples could be exercising, baking, reading, gardening, you name it! If you're like me, you have an entire list of hobbies and activities that you wish you had more time to work on.

Here's my list of my favorite "Mommy Time" activities:

• Spending time with my Savior
• Working with my Sewing Machine
• Working in my garden
• Researching Organizing Tips
• Picking Wildflowers
• Listening to Ray Lamontagne and painting my nails on the back porch.

I could go on and on, but these are my current favorite "me" things to do. Some of these things I do daily, while others I indulge in only every month or so.

I just want to get to know you a little better! Respond to this post or to my facebook wall with your answer and your name will be entered in to win! Last time I let John draw the winner's name from a hat to be fair :)

HERE'S WHAT THE LUCKY WINNER WILL RECEIVE!!

• 1 Copy of the Book Crazy Love by Francis Chan

The BEST book I've read this summer! Get ready to change your entire perspective on your own personal Salvation....

• A Watch and Bangle Set similar to mine!

Hope you like it!

• A Homemade Throw Pillow sewn by yours truly :)

Photo From Apartment Therapy

• A Personal Shopping Trip to Target with ME! We'll meet at Target and style together an outfit of your choice, and I'll pay for $30.00 worth of that outfit!! WOW!! If you live out of town, I'll mail you the rest of your winnings and a $30.00 Target Gift Card.

You will have until this Saturday, July 2nd to enter to win. Remember, simply respond to this blog post or to my facebook page to enter. GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!!!! I hope you're as excited as I am!!

AND THE WINNER IS.......

I put everyones name in a hat and had John draw the winner of my BLOG CONTEST this morning!

The FABULOUS prize :)

Picking a winner!!!



and the winner is....

NIKKI RANDOL!!!!

CONGRATS NIKKI AND THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR PARTICIPATING!!

I hope you're as excited as we are!!!!!!!!