Skip links

lesleymurphy

Rose Gold Summer Favorites: Accessories, Home & More

by Leave a Comment

Daniel Wellington Rose Gold Watch // Leatherology Rose Addison Cross Body // Kate Spade Camera Necklace // Anthropologie High-Rise Embroidered Shorts

Mix Up Your Metals with these Rose Gold Favorites

I’m all about rose gold accessorizing right now. But, I’m also a big fan of mixing metals when I buy jewelry, decorate the home, set the table, you name it. Don’t be afraid of throwing in yellow gold and silver to keep things interesting.

1.Leatherology Valet Tray 2. Leatherology Luggage Tag 3. Steve Madden Platform Sandals 4. gorjana Small Bar Necklace 5. West Elm Rose Gold Flatware 6. Shashi Bar Earrings 7. Rebecca Minkoff Glow Selfie Phone Case 8. Ray-Ban Rose Gold Aviator Sunglasses 9. Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC Cross Body Bag 10. Jonathan Adler Pop Champagne Candle 11. Frends Layla Headphones

What trend are you looking forward to this summer? Obsessed with rose gold? Don’t mind me. I’ll be seeing summer through rose-colored glasses all summer long 😉

Epic Mother’s Day Gifts For Your Mama

by 2 Comments

Athletic Moms On the GO

If your mom is anything like mine, she is literally always headed out the door, usually in work out gear. I know if I give my mom anything athleisure-related, it will never go to waste…but if it does, I will definitely be stealing it. I am my mother’s daughter and live in leggings.

 

Shop Gifts for the Social Mom

For the social butterfly, these gift options are sure to please. Think notecards, table top accessories, stationery – anything to please those constant house guests. Bell’INVITO Feel Stationery is designed to inspire loved ones to check themselves regularly with proceeds benefitting the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. See the amazingly designed cards above and below 😉

 

Mother’s Day Gifts for the Beauty Addicts

What do you buy the mom who never leaves the house without a full face a makeup? More beauty gifts of course! If your mom is a frequent flyer, check out my top travel go-to’s here.

 

Diamonds are a Mom’s Best Friend

Moms love jewelry. Personalized jewelry, fine jewelry, costume jewelry. It’s hard to disappoint when purchasing something gold and shiny for a woman.

 

Gift Mom a New Handbag!

Have you guys been seeing all of these new summer bags in stores? There are some CUTE options. I could probably do an entire Mother’s Day Gift Guide on bags alone. I think my mom needs a new beach tote for our upcoming trips together. She may be the best travel buddy out there.

7 Trips for the Adrenaline Junkie

by 4 Comments

I often find myself looking back at my past travels, and I catch my breath. How on earth did I do that? Is that really me inside the photo? And all of a sudden, I’m overwhelmed with what I’ve been able to see and do in just 29 short years. Thankfully, I’m still here after partaking in some questionable activities.

If you don’t shy away from being thousands of feet up in the air or flying down cliffs at high speeds, here are some crazy adrenaline-filled trips right up your alley. As we all know: Even for the most intrepid thrill-seekers, ain’t no mountain high enough.

1. Spend the night in the Skylodge Adventure Suites, a capsule on the side of a mountain in Peru

 

Yep, that’s what I call a breakfast of champions right there. Coffee, toasted bread, fruit, ham & cheese, and SCRAMBLED EGGS…on the side of a mountain. This is my kind of luxury adventure. Welcome to the only Million Star hotel in the world where viewpoints take center stage above the Sacred Valley in Peru. Tourism company Natura Vive has bolted three pods into the side of a cliff offering guests a night they’ll never forget. After a 1,200 ft climb and a $300/night bill, you too can call this place home for an evening. Read the full story on my Skylodge Adventure night here.

2. Sandboard in the driest place on earth, the Atacama Desert in Northern Chile

Ouuuuuch. That’s what my calves were saying to me as I tried to run back up the sand dune in the driest place on earth. What a workout and what can I say? The sandboarding mecca of San Pedro de Atacama enticed me to climb up its massive dunes, strap my feet into a sand board, stand up, lean back and fly forward. Easy enough, right? Not entirely. It’s as if snowboarding and surfing had a baby, but without snow or salt water in sight. Question of the day: Why isn’t there such thing as a sand-lift? More from my extreme sandboarding adventure here.

3. Ultralight flight over Costa Rica

As the pilot began barreling down the “runway” which was, in reality, a field, I began questioning my decision. It was if I had just opened my eyes for the first time and realized I was inside a contraption with just a few parts stuck together. No walls, no door, no nothin’. Powered by an engine, these two-seater aircrafts are not enclosed, allowing passengers like moi to touch the clouds, smell the fresh air and take in all the surroundings. Welcome to sensory overload at its finest, a la Hacienda AltaGracia Resort in the southern region of Costa Rica. Get my full ultralight aviation experience here.

4. Swing at the end of the World in Baños, Ecuador

Allowing my inner 7-year-old to come out at the Swing at the End of the World (aka ‘La Casa del Arbol’) was one of my best adventures to-date. I was visiting Quito after sailing through the Galapagos Islands and knew this little beauty was only a 3ish hour drive away. I was so close, and I wasn’t about to let it pass me by. As a brave participant, I swung over the cliff below, observing Mt. Tungurahua, the nearby active volcano. An adventurers’ playground, Baños incorporates many outdoor activities such as waterfall hikes, ziplining, bungee jumping, white water rafting, paragliding and biking. With so much awesomeness, this destination deserves some quality time. If you’re vacation deprived, try exotic Ecuador.

5. Bike the World’s Most Dangerous Road in La Paz, Bolivia

Okay, so maybe this isn’t my best look, but I’m going functional over fashionable any day when biking the world’s most dangerous road. An hour outside of La Paz, Bolivia, exists a road so treacherous that it’s aptly named The World’s Most Dangerous Road…and thousands of people pay to bike it yearly. Tour Company Gravity takes daredevils like myself to La Cumbre (4,760 m) where they start downhill on bikes equipped with double suspension and hydraulic disk brakes. Around 300 people die each year while on death road. Don’t make it 301, but do read my Death Road post. I almost died.

6. Bungee Jump off the World’s Highest Bungee Jump in Macau, China

Many, many expletives were running through my head and finding their way out my mouth as my GoPro caught this image. Why live on the edge when you can jump off? He, he. That’s my nervous laugh in text. Why I decided to make my way over to Macau from Hong Kong via ferry BY MYSELF, I’ll never know…but I’m damn sure glad I did. The World’s Highest Bungee Jump comes in at 764 ft., and the AJ Hackett Hackett Macau Tower sees over 100 jumpers per day (plus tons of adrenaline!) Many visitors to Hong Kong make the hour-long ferry ride over to the Macau free fall (with passports in order to gain entry!). Word to the worried: AJ Hackett has never seen an accident. They even offer night jumps – do you dare? Read my full bungee story here.

7. Skydive over Wanaka, New Zealand

Skydiving was never on my list, but something that gets your blood pumping is probably something worth doing. We went up, up and up some more until we were high above Mt. Cook in our bright orange Cessna Caravan. It was all fun and games until about 600 ft. from the bottom when we hit turbulence and my canopy decided to collapse. HELLOOO free falling, again, except this time it was much closer to the ground…and turbulence close to the ground is the skydiver’s enemy. Luckily, the stars aligned and my canopy decided to inflate again before we hit the ground, and my tandem pilot and I lived to see another day. Thanks, New Zealand.

Diving Into Summer with My Favorite New Swimwear

by Leave a Comment

One Piece Swimsuits on Deck

Pictured: L*Space Ricki One Piece

One piece, multiple ways to wear! Though one piece swimsuits are sometimes the ugly stepsister of the swimwear world, I live for a good one piece moment. Wear it to swim, wear it with shorts as a top, wear it hiking – the opportunities are endless! Word of advice: Invest in a great one piece for a better fit and longer lasting style.

High Waisted Goodness

Pictured: Cremieux Flower Power Top & Bottom

I’m into anything high waisted these days: bikini bottoms, jeans, shorts, skirts EVERYTHING. It’s flattering on everyone, a bit retro and let’s be honest – if you wanna have a marg (or 5) on the beach, these bottoms hide those calories pretty darn well.

Bikinis All Day Every Day

Pictured: Bowie Wrap Swim Top & Redondo Bottoms


Pictured: Seafolly Modern Tribe High Neck Top and bottoms

It’s no big secret that I’m all about a summer bikini moment, and this year I have seen SO many gorgeous options all over my feed. How can you choose just one? Answer: you can’t. Pro tip – the more often you switch up bikini styles, the less permanent tan lines you get. So mix it up, party people!

Cover Ups – Easy & Breezy

Pictured: Mi Golondrina Guatemala Collection (the perfect Mother’s Day gift, hint hint)

God bless the cover up. Tunics, sarongs, rompers, maxi dresses? I’ll take them all!

Don’t Forget Protection

As much as I don’t want to look like Casper the Friendly Ghost, I also don’t want to look like an overcooked tomato. SPF is uber important – I want a wrinkle as much as I wanted my recent surgery. UGH. See my favorite sunscreens in various forms below!

Drunk in Love: Cinco de Mayo Margs Galore

by 1 Comment

I’m a firm believer that there’s a margarita out there for everyone – a marg soulmate if you will. Keep reading for a few of my go-to recipes and raise a glass to our southerly neighbors!

Courtesy of Method to My Meals

Mango Jalapeno Margarita

For the adventurous soul, this mango jalapeño margarita recipe from Method to My Meals‘ Lauren Snyder is the perfect blend of sweet, salty, and a touch of heat. Feel free to throw in more jalapeño seeds if you’re feeling brave, but I prefer to leave them out for a more subtle heat level.

Ingredients

  • 1 Mango, peeled
  • 1 Jalapeno, sliced thin
  • 1 Cup Mango Juice
  • 1/4 Cup Tequila (my personal fave, Casa Dragones)
  • 2 Tablespoons Lime Juice
  • 2 Tablespoons Sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons Triple Sec

In a food processor, add mango, jalapeño, mango juice, sugar, lime juice, and blend to form a puree. Transfer to pitcher, and add triple sec and tequila, and stir well. Rim glassware with lime and salt or tajin seasoning. Add ice and pour margarita in the glass. Garnish with sliced jalapeño.

Courtesy of Method to My Meals

Skinny Margarita

It’s no secret that I’m not exactly hitting the gym hard these days (which is why this post is not about my favorite queso recipes…), so this Skinny Margarita is a great healthier option for those wanting to celebrate semi-responsibly. It’s from one of my favorite humans, Gaby Dalkin of What’s Gaby Cooking.

Ingredients

  • 5 Ounces Citrus Juice (Orange, tangerine, blood orange)
  • 3 Ounces Lime Juice
  • 5 Ounces Tequila
  • 2 Tablespoons Agave
  • Splash of Sparkling Water

Add all ingredients (except the sparkling water) together in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake for 30 seconds until chilled. Rim glassware with lime and salt, and add ice. Strain margaritas into glasses and splash with sparkling water. Serve immediately.

Courtesy of What’s Gaby Cooking

Surf Lodge’s Casa Paloma

This Casa Dragones cocktail from the renowned Hamptons hideaway Surf Lodge combines two of my favorites: Margaritas & Seabreezes. I’m all about a grapefruit cocktail and this one does not disappoint. Caution: You won’t be able to stop at one.

Ingredients

  • 1 Ounce Grapefruit Juice
  • 3/4 Ounce Lime Juice
  • 1/2 Ounce Agave
  • 2 Ounces Tequila Blanco

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until chilled. Serve immediately over ice.

Courtesy of Casa Dragones

Happy Cinco de Mayo celebrating, amigos! And remember, drink responsibly.

My Double Mastectomy Surgery in 24 Photos

by 51 Comments

Check-in time, 6am, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), 4/11/17 Me and mom pre-surgery 🙂 Trying to be oh so fashionable while also trying to forget the nerves. I reallyyy disliked these compression socks! My mom was making fun of the hat. It wasn’t my best look… Dr. Denham is the Fellow of my breast surgeon, Dr. Ochoa. She is truly AMAZING. Probably about to upload a selfie to snapchat. Guilty. It was all fun and games until… One of my wonderful nurses brought out a giant needle. My face says it all… And then I was all smiles again. These women are fantastic! I’m pictured here about to take my Marinol (medicinal marijuana). So incredibly thankful for these two. My mom and dad are my best friends, and I could not have walked this journey without them. Dr. Ochoa, my breast surgeon, came in during pre-op to discuss any last minute concerns. She is a total rockstar. I’m probably asking her when I can practice yoga again ha! She said it would be a few months… waawaaa. My incredible plastic surgeon, Dr. Wright, came in during his clinic hours to put my mind at ease. He explained that he would come into the O.R. after Dr. Ochoa had completed her portion of the surgery in order to place expanders in my chest. These would prepare me for future reconstructive surgery. The expanders can expand all the way to a D-cup (which is in no way foreshadowing of what’s to come ha!). And then it was off to the O.R. Shit was about to get real… I said goodbye to mom and dad, a very very fuzzy memory for me thanks to the drugs already in place. Scrub attire required beyond these doors. No turning back now! I have no recollection of this photo, but I love it to pieces. All smiles with my doctors as the drugs took away any memory of this moment. Who knows what we were laughing about…perhaps the fact that I was strapped to an OR table? Maybe it was our fashionable blue hats again… Goodbye, world! *Disclaimer* The remaining photos are graphic and even though I left out the more visual photos to spare all gag reflexes, the following images may still cause queasiness. Dr. Ochoa is removing all breast tissue in the right breast. Dr. Wright is pictured placing the expander (with blue dye) inside my chest. Those will gradually get filled with more saline as I go in for “fills” once a week. Dr. Wright is closing me up! His work here is done. Phew. Rest and recovery. AKA anesthesia hangover. Ouuucchhh! I want to say a massive thank you to all of my amazing nurses, geneticists, oncologists and doctors at UAMS. I could not have had a better experience throughout this whole process. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being so thorough, honest and really, really great at your jobs. I’m so grateful for everyone I came in contact with since my very first appointment in early March. Thanks for creating such a special place in Little Rock, Arkansas. My entire journey will also be aired this week on Inside Edition so stay tuned for that!

Further reading:

13 Things to Know Before Undergoing a Double Mastectomy
Lifting up the Ladies: Breast Implants After My Double Mastectomy
The Best Double Mastectomy Bras to Wear After Surgery
Mastectomy Care Package Ideas
Gift Ideas for Breast Cancer Patients, Previvors and Breasties
Healing from Surgery with Embrace Scar Therapy
The September Issue: Saying Hell Yes to Genetic Testing & Hell No to Cancer
Breaking Up with My Breasties: The Naked Truth
How to Throw a Ta-Ta to the Tatas Party
Living My Breast Life: Boob FAQ’s
Happy Birthday Foobs! Life A Year Later

Crop Image