One year ago today I entered into the blogging world and published my first post on Leslie Reese. I had been looking for a way to share the things I love to do and blogging seemed like the perfect way to do that. I enlisted the help of a graphic designer and while she was busy designing the layout of my blog, I was figuring out how to work with WordPress, and on May 24th the blog was launched. It has been a journey and the past year has been quite a learning experience. I have really enjoyed taking photos, trying new recipes and visiting fun places. I love blogging and one hundred posts later, I can say it’s been an awesome year! Since today is Friday, I thought it would be fun to share my favorite posts from the past year. I’ve chosen one from each month since the blog was launched. I hope you enjoy looking back with me. Happy Friday!
2012
May - Sea Glass
June - Fresh Cut Flowers
July - Roasted Rosemary Cashews
August - Sangria
September - A Trip to Terrain at Styer’s
October - Homemade Pasta
November - Pecans and Pretty Boxes
December - Gingerbread Church
2013
January - Favorite Things ~ Accessories
February - Bridal Shower Love
March - Lemon Cheese Bars
April – Favorite Things ~ Simple Cheese Board
May - Favorite Things ~ Cocktails and Cake Decorating
I appreciate each one of you for stopping by, following along and giving me your feedback. I have truly enjoyed writing about some of my favorite things and it’s been fun sharing those adventures and stories with you. From recipes to baby showers you have joined in the fun and stayed in touch. I am grateful for the support. If there is one thing I hope to do with this blog, it’s to inspire you to celebrate the little things in life. So often they are the things that matter most and while so many people are busy worrying about things that won’t be important a year from now, those little things you do will be remembered for years to come. So live your life, have fun and find something to celebrate every day! I’ll be here doing the same!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Leslie xo















I sprayed the top of the tiles with Acrylic Coating (again, in a well ventilated area). I waited for it to dry and repeated the process numerous times until the labels were well coated and the tiles had a nice shiny surface.
After the tiles were completely (and I mean completely) dry, I flipped them over and attached four felt pads to the bottom of each one.
I now have a set of coasters that are not only fun to use but make great conversation pieces. Each one tells a different story or has a special memory and for that reason, I loved creating them.














This is my maternal grandmother. She was an amazing woman. She loved unconditionally, had tremendous faith and a compassionate heart. She touched everyone’s life in a positive way and treated every person she met with love and respect. She was full of wisdom and an absolute joy to be around. She was an amazing role model.


This is my daughter Lauren with her son Braden. I will never forget the day he was born. It was one of the happiest days of my life. You can’t imagine a joy greater than your own child until you have a grandchild. The past two years have been some of the best in my life.





Sparkling wine in a can? This
Executive Chef 

















In my family, spring is the season for birthdays. We have so many to celebrate and it seems like every few days we are singing to someone. By now you know I love a party, so having so many opportunities to make people feel special is something I look forward to. Some of the people I love are close by and some of them are far away. All of their birthdays are special to me. So for the ones that are close by, I might make cupcakes or buy balloons. For the ones that are far away, a card, small package or a simple phone call might do. The point is to celebrate! This week I thought I would share a few of my favorite birthday photos. Happy Friday!
Bake Cupcakes!
Throw Confetti!
Send Cards ~ these cards came from all over for my son’s recent birthday. Family rocks!
Blow Up Balloons!
Light Candles and Sing!
A couple of weeks ago I shared a
I went to Home Depot and picked up a 12 x 12 piece of white marble tile in the flooring department for $3.99. I cleaned both sides of the tile with a product I use on my granite kitchen counters. You can use soap and water or anything that is safe for marble. The point is to get all of the powder and dirt off of the tile before you use it.








