Heartbroken { #rememberingleslie }

A beautiful life was lost this week and my heart hurts. My dear friend Jess notified me yesterday that sweet Leslie of a Blonde Ambition had gone to be with Jesus and I couldn't help but cry at work. Leslie was a jewel of a person and such a beautiful woman, inside and out. I remember when I first found her blog and was drawn in by her with and charisma. Her eye for fashion was astounding and I tried a few fashion piece outside my comfort zone because of her. She was fun, sassy and her Confession Fridays linkup was one of my favorites in my early stages of blogging. I learned a lot about hair from her [ these two videos are my favorites], used her make up routine to tweak my own and found her thoughts on self confidence empowering.

She was one of the few bloggers I read who waited a year or so before having kids and it made me feel less of a random. It was fun following her through pregnancy and then through motherhood, she always kept it real which was the best thing about her blog. Her two princesses were always dressed to the nines and she was such a stylish pregnant mama. I was blessed to have her guest post during my wedding week and Leslie was incredibly kind enough to share her lovely wedding pictures. She and I exchanged emails a few times and she was always so kind in every correspondence.

I am stunned and shocked and down right mad.  My heart breaks for her husband and two beautiful girls, life just seems so unfair right now. Leslie has shared vague news about her heart the past few months, but I don't think anyone really knew the gravity of her situation. She spoke often of her faith and I take heart in knowing she is at peace with our Heavenly Father. I know her daughters have the best dressed guardian angel and pray for her whole family as they grieve.

Kelly of Kelly's Korner shared the tragic news on her Instagram, which I have below.

• "mrskellystampsLeslie And Stephen were one of the first couples to meet on my singles day. They are a wonderful couple and parents to two precious baby girls. 

  Leslie went to be with Jesus yesterday. My heart is so heavy for her family. Her babies are both under two. I had the privilege of meeting her several times. She was extraordinarily beautiful inside and out. 
  Will you please pray for her family?

  @ablondeambition (her blog is blondeambitionblog.com)"

  

  [source]

Leslie was such a bright light in the blogging community and the Internet is a bit dimmer now that she is gone.  Jessica, Lynn and I wanted to try and let her family and friends know how loved she was by this community and we encourage you to use the hashtag #rememberingleslie and #beblessedlovelies [her blog signature] on social media in her honor. In lieu of flowers, the family is requested a donation for her two beautiful daughters, Caroline and Ainsley and here is *the link if you wish to donate*. 

Sweet Leslie, your smile, wit and charm will be so missed. Thank you for sharing your talents with the blogging community. Our hair poofs are higher, our make up is more polished and our outfits are more on point thanks to you. Your beautiful family is in my prayers. #beblessedlovelies #rememberingleslie < 3

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