Franchesca Leigh: comedian. singer. designer. questions, comments, feedback or stalking requests? email me chescaleigh@gmail.com My calendar new TWTR.Widget({ profile: true, id: 'twtr-profile-widget', loop: false, width: 200, height: 200, theme: { shell: { background: '#e930a5', color: '#ffffff' }, tweets: { background: '#ffffff', color: '#444444', links: '#ff8c00' } } }).render().setProfile('chescaleigh').start(); Tumblr (3.0; @chescaleigh)http://blog.franchesca.net/<img src="http://28.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kz4mwiEfOZ1qz887do1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>Pieces from Sika’s Spring 2010 collection <a href="http://www.sikadesigns.co.uk/" target="_blank">www.sikadesigns.co.uk/</a></p> <p>One of my readers pointed out how many lines are unfairly generalizing African prints this Spring. Well, she’ll be happy to know that Sika’s fabrics hail from and are inspired by Ghana West Africa. According to The Sika press page, “All pieces are hand-made by local seamstresses in Ghana using traditional techniques such as tie-dye and batik and the income received from their sale goes back into the local community.”</p> <p>Not only are these pieces gorgeous, but the image graphics are wonderful as well! I also like that the line gives back to the West African community. Thanks to reader Selo for encouraging me to learn more about where these beautiful fabrics come from, along with Camille for sharing the link.</p>http://blog.franchesca.net/post/441439725http://blog.franchesca.net/post/441439725Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:51:00 -0500<a href="http://www.identitymagazine.net/Accept/Foam-Breasts.html">"That’s right, I stuffed one bra cup all through my freshman year of high school"</a>: <p>I recently had the pleasure of writing a piece for Identity Magazine on self acceptance and my journey towards embracing and accepting my flaws. Hope you enjoy it!</p>http://blog.franchesca.net/post/441321365http://blog.franchesca.net/post/441321365Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:26:12 -0500<img src="http://28.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kz00ujAgS31qz887do1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><i>Spotted in the April 2010 issue of Essence magazine</i><p> It’s all about Turbans and African prints people!!!!</p>http://blog.franchesca.net/post/436200768http://blog.franchesca.net/post/436200768Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:06:00 -0500new job = new schedule, new temptations and new challenges. <p> so last week was pretty much a joke. i worked out ONE DAY. and i’m feeling pretty crappy about it. but, my new job is mostly to blame. and in the big scheme of things, a new job is just as important as my fitness regimen. so it’s not all bad. first off, how do I manage to work out with my new schedule? I’m working from 9:30 - 5:30 which isn’t bad at all, except I now have to wake up a lot earlier to make it on time, and the rush hour commute to and from work is no fun. not only that, but my new job is sooo demanding that by the time I get home I’m EXHAUSTED. I’m literally running around ALL DAY. and the last thing I want to do is come home at 7pm and workout for an hour and a half! also, my office has a ridiculous cafeteria filled with affordable delicious food and there are always meetings going on with tables full of free endless sweet treats. so you’d better believe i indulged last week. I was like, “woo hoo! new job and yummy free food! yaaay!” It’s easy to stay on your diet when you don’t have money to eat out and you’re stuck at home all day with a fridge full of healthy food…. </p> <p> <i>(Click the link below to continue reading)</i> <!-- more --> so, because last week was my first week at the new job and I completely failed at my diet, I decided I would take the week off and redo week 7 starting today. so far, I’m not off to a great start. I had an audition today after work and didn’t end up getting home until 10:30. there’s no way I can work out at 10 o’clock at night! but at least I ate well today… </p> <p> I’ve thought about trying to work out in the morning, but I’d have to get up around 5 to give myself time to shower, walk the dogs, eat breakfast and get ready for work. I’m just not sure I can swing that. I’m hoping I can make time to work out tomorrow night but I have plans to meet up with a friend after work and I doubt I’ll get home at a reasonable hour. This is so frustrating! i really want to get back on track, but I’m not sure how to do it and manage my job, auditions, freelance, videos and a social life. Maybe I just have to decide that I can’t go out during the week if I’m going to stick to my workouts? Or start going to bed super early so I can workout in the morning? I don’t know…I really don’t want to give up. But right now I have so much on my plate (pun?) that I’m not sure how to juggle it all…</p> <p> <b>EDITED TO ADD:</b> a HUGE thank you to my internet big sis Suzanne (<a href="http://suzanneinthecity.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">suzanneinthecity.blogspot.com</a>) for suggesting that I put my workouts on my iPhone so I can take them to the gym with me after work! genius! thank goodness I haven’t canceled my Bally’s membership yet AND there’s one right next to my office. SCORE! <!-- more --> </p>http://blog.franchesca.net/post/436160669http://blog.franchesca.net/post/436160669Mon, 08 Mar 2010 23:46:00 -0500p90xexcercisefoodworkingoutdieting<a href="http://missneela.tumblr.com/post/316179760/how-to-create-a-wardrobe-you-love">beautiful maroon kisses.: How to Create a Wardrobe You Love</a>: <p><a href="http://blackfashion.tumblr.com/post/432753436/beautiful-maroon-kisses-how-to-create-a-wardrobe-you" class="tumblr_blog" target="_blank">blackfashion</a>:</p> <blockquote><blockquote> <p><b>1. Take stock of your closet</b></p> <p>Imagine, a wardrobe filled with only your favorite pieces that fit well and look great on you! Most of us have a closet overflowing with long forgotten items we never wear, which makes getting dressed each day a chore. It’s time to take stock of your wardrobe and…</p> </blockquote></blockquote> My goal for spring is to clean out my closet and completely redo my wardrobe. get ready.http://blog.franchesca.net/post/432791667http://blog.franchesca.net/post/432791667Sun, 07 Mar 2010 13:40:24 -0500<img src="http://29.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kyt98oQ0LN1qz887do1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><a href="http://bglhonline.com/2010/03/franchesca-tutorial/" target="_blank"><b>Black Girl Long Hair Style Icon - Franchesca Ramsey</b></a><p> This week I had the honor of being featured on one of my favorite blogs, <a href="http://bglhonline.com" target="_blank">Black Girl Long Hair</a>. </p>http://blog.franchesca.net/post/428250088http://blog.franchesca.net/post/428250088Fri, 05 Mar 2010 08:24:24 -0500dreadlockslocshairthe parts that are thinning, are those locs that you’ve colored? if so, that’s most likely the problem. it’s extremely hard to successfully color locs because of the way they hold moisture. often times there is dye left inside long after they’ve been washed and over time that will cause the loc to thin and break. that’s why my locs are so many different lengths and why i caution people against coloring their locs themselves. i’ve lost the ends of quite a few of my highlighted locs, but thankfully my hair is long enough that it isn’t noticeable. <p> off the top of my head, i don’t know what can be done to fix it but you might want to consider going to a loctician, as i know many of them offer loc repair services. i doubt it’ll be cheap, but it’s certainly worth looking into. </p>http://blog.franchesca.net/post/426173356http://blog.franchesca.net/post/426173356Thu, 04 Mar 2010 07:56:22 -0500<img src="http://28.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kylz51nmea1qz887do1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><b>My favorite pieces from the <a href="http://www.asos.com/Women/Features/Asos-Africa/Cat/pgecategory.aspx?cid=10178&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=20&sort=-1" target="_blank">ASOS Africa collection</a></b><p> I told you African prints were in for spring!! Love Love Love all of these! I haven’t had much success with ASOS in the past though. European sizes are weird…</p> <p> <i>Thanks to <a href="http://kavbojkaklub.blogspot.com" target="_blank">Camille</a> for the link :)</i> </p>http://blog.franchesca.net/post/419958292http://blog.franchesca.net/post/419958292Mon, 01 Mar 2010 10:03:01 -0500<p>so today’s my first day at my new job. kinda nervous, but mostly excited. wish me luck!</p>http://blog.franchesca.net/post/419939013http://blog.franchesca.net/post/419939013Mon, 01 Mar 2010 09:47:48 -0500<object width="400" height="336"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/FpCku1dnDpo&rel=0&egm=0&showinfo=0&fs=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/FpCku1dnDpo&rel=0&egm=0&showinfo=0&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400" height="336" allowFullScreen="true" wmode="transparent"></embed></object><br/><br/><b> Janelle Monáe - Tightrope (Ft. Big Boi)</b><p> I. FREAKING. LOVE. HER. </p>http://blog.franchesca.net/post/418112215http://blog.franchesca.net/post/418112215Sun, 28 Feb 2010 14:46:40 -0500<img src="http://29.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kyivglq0Ug1qz887do1_400.png"/><br/><br/><a href="http://www.zazzle.com/guilded_lilly_shoes-167700793921025178" target="_blank"><i>Guilded Lilly Shoes $65 via Funkydada.com </i></a><p> So It’s not even spring yet, and I’m already planning an African/floral revamp of my wardrobe. I’m in love with all of these shoes! </p>http://blog.franchesca.net/post/416210515http://blog.franchesca.net/post/416210515Sat, 27 Feb 2010 17:50:45 -0500<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kyg9z9mcI61qz887do1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/>http://blog.franchesca.net/post/413221732http://blog.franchesca.net/post/413221732Fri, 26 Feb 2010 08:11:33 -0500<object width="400" height="336"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/1z6nTQcIupU&rel=0&egm=0&showinfo=0&fs=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/1z6nTQcIupU&rel=0&egm=0&showinfo=0&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400" height="336" allowFullScreen="true" wmode="transparent"></embed></object><br/><br/><a href="http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=A399EA02C4F7C366&search_query=dreamworlds+3" target="_blank"><b>Dreamworlds 3</b> via youtube</a> <p> <i> <blockquote>Dreamworlds 3, the highly anticipated update of Sut Jhally’s groundbreaking Dreamworlds 2 (1995) examines the stories contemporary music videos tell about girls and women, and encourages viewers to consider how these narratives shape individual and cultural attitudes about sexuality. <p> Illustrated with hundreds of up-to-date images, Dreamworlds 3 offers a unique and powerful tool for understanding both the continuing influence of music videos and how pop culture more generally filters the identities of young men and women through a dangerously narrow set of myths about sexuality and gender. In doing so, it inspires viewers to reflect critically on images that they might otherwise take for granted. </p> </blockquote></i> </p> <p> <font size="5"><b>WATCH THIS</b></font> </p>http://blog.franchesca.net/post/410978260http://blog.franchesca.net/post/410978260Thu, 25 Feb 2010 06:09:00 -0500<img src="http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kycwjxslfW1qz887do1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><i>via <a href="http://www.shujen.com" target="_blank">shujen.com</a></i><p> One of my YouTube subscribers, Sophia, posted this beautiful photo from a recent photoshoot she did in which she used my <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpZjyCUMAds" target="_blank">bun hawk hair tutorial</a>! So cool! </p>http://blog.franchesca.net/post/409342594http://blog.franchesca.net/post/409342594Wed, 24 Feb 2010 12:28:44 -0500dreadlockslocsWow! I can’t believe it’s been 6 weeks already! But I will say, week 6 was my hardest week yet. Last week was the first time that I actually skipped a workout. Argh. I skipped Yoga X, which is my least favorite workout. I also changed my rest day from Sunday to Tuesday, but I don’t think that’s such a big deal. I think this past week was tough because I’m really stressed about my job situation (or lack there of) and it’s made it harder for me to push myself to workout every day. Also, Patrick has been really busy with school so he hasn’t been working out with me and has been bringing fast food home after school. It’s been really tough to stay motivated to workout by myself and also resist the urge to eat Chinese food and pizza as Pat is chowing down on. <p> So I was definitely bad last week. In addition to skipping Yoga X, I ate Chinese, had a few glasses of wine with dinner and had a red velvet cupcake for dessert after dinner at a friend’s. I felt horrible afterward, but I didn’t let it throw me off the program entirely. So now I’m back on track and this week I’m trying to be especially good about my diet. I can’t believe there are only 6 weeks left of the program! I’ve already decided to do a second round, because I think I’m going to need it. I can feel that a six pack is around the corner, but I don’t think it’s going to happen in the next 6 weeks. We’ll see…</p> <p> <b>hardest workout:</b> Yoga X, only because I didn’t do it<br/><b>favorite workout:</b> Kempo X<br/><b>week 6 milestone:</b> I’ve lost 6.5 inches overall!<br/><b>week 7 goals:</b> workout all 6 days, stay on track with my diet and track my daily calories. (in the past i’ve had trouble eating ENOUGH calories per day) </p>http://blog.franchesca.net/post/409222332http://blog.franchesca.net/post/409222332Wed, 24 Feb 2010 10:53:00 -0500p90xfitness<img src="http://29.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kycqiwpAM21qz887do1_500.gif"/><br/><br/><b><a href="http://noteatingoutinny.com/" target="_blank">noteatingoutinny.com</a></b><p> My new favorite cooking site. I’ve been cooking at home for about 6 weeks now because of P90X, but this site has really inspired me to become more creative in the kitchen. </p>http://blog.franchesca.net/post/409179540http://blog.franchesca.net/post/409179540Wed, 24 Feb 2010 10:18:00 -0500<img src="http://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kyad0fkoTQ1qz887do1_500.png"/><br/><br/><b>via <a href="http://boxingkitten.com" target="_blank">boxingkitten.com</a></b> <p> yes please. thank you. </p> <p> ps.<br/> did i also mention that the boxing kitten site graphics are WONDERFUL? well, they are. </p>http://blog.franchesca.net/post/406674823http://blog.franchesca.net/post/406674823Tue, 23 Feb 2010 03:31:00 -0500<img src="http://27.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kyacvb5N9k1qz887do1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><b>via <a href="http://www.boxingkitten.com/" target="_blank">boxingkitten.com</a></b> <p>le sigh…i want EVERY PIECE from this collection. Spring can’t get here soon enough. I’m all about these bright colors, and vibrant African fabrics. </p>http://blog.franchesca.net/post/406671968http://blog.franchesca.net/post/406671968Tue, 23 Feb 2010 03:28:00 -0500<img src="http://27.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ky9jozGv9Z1qzzpi4o1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p><a href="http://mattchew03.tumblr.com/post/405557430/man-creates-portrait-of-lady-gaga-by-painting-dots" class="tumblr_blog" target="_blank">mattchew03</a>:</p> <blockquote> <p>Man Creates Portrait of Lady Gaga by Painting Dots onto a Black Surface</p> <p>[<a href="http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2010/047/f/5/Lady_Gaga_by_BenHeine.jpg" target="_blank">Huge Version</a>]</p> <p>[<a href="http://animalnewyork.com/2010/02/circling-lady-gaga/" target="_blank">Animal</a>]</p> <p>AMAZING.</p> </blockquote>http://blog.franchesca.net/post/405768608http://blog.franchesca.net/post/405768608Mon, 22 Feb 2010 18:54:01 -0500<object width="400" height="336"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/YU1SamPZ_aE&rel=0&egm=0&showinfo=0&fs=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/YU1SamPZ_aE&rel=0&egm=0&showinfo=0&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400" height="336" allowFullScreen="true" wmode="transparent"></embed></object><br/><br/><b>fraNYC episode 5 - hide n seek</b><p> sometimes, you just have to play by yourself </p>http://blog.franchesca.net/post/405400391http://blog.franchesca.net/post/405400391Mon, 22 Feb 2010 15:19:12 -0500