one love. jamaica.

jamaica.

that's the little island of warmth, sunshine, rasta, and love that i visited a couple of weeks ago and why i've been so absent from the blog world.  i just did not have time to schedule posts before i left and was too busy when i got home.  here is a little snippet of the trip along with some pics.  i know i'll be looking back at these throughout the next several months when we're all stoved up inside this winter. 

at the beginning of september SH, myself, my two sisters, and the boyfriend took a getaway to mobay.  we have been a few times before and since we're all in love with the island, we decided it was a perfect end of summer destination. originally it was for our 5th anniversary, but then it turned into a trip for the sisters and men.

it was simply fabulous.  our resort was excellent.  liquor dispenser in the room along with a fridge that's restocked every other day, all the food one can scarf down, and all the drinks a person can consume make for a pretty sweet getaway, not to mention it was very budget friendly.

the cuture is fascinating, reggae is addicting, and the blue waters are inviting.

each day we basically got up, ate breakfast at the buffet, while drinking delicious blue mountain coffee, and spent the day at the beach soaking up the sun with drinks in our hands.  honestly most of the time it was water because it was so hot, but we had an occasional ocean dream or daquiri (or five) each beach day.

when it rained most afternoons, we headed to our rooms to nap, hang out together, or head to lobby to people watch.  each nite was pretty relaxed and revolved around more food and nitely entertainment.

seven nites just isn't long enough for me.  the resort has lots and lots of europeans and did you know they get at least, at least, 8 weeks of vacation a year.  most of them are at resorts for two to three weeks.  there was definitely a bit of envy and jealousy coming from our group.

it was definitely a much needed vacation that was a trip one has to take to understand.  jamaica is like no other place i have been and i have been ready to head back as soon as i shut the door to our room for the last time.

until next time, ja. . . 

 

 

 

 

fall essentials || my soul is the sky

i am thrilled to have a guest post from the lovely, melissa.  she's definitely one of my fav bloggers and i look forward to her posts everyday!  she's trying to get me and everyone else a bit more inspired for fall and here she shows some fun pieces that complete a fall look.

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Hi everyone! I'm Melissa from My Soul is the Sky and I'm delighted to be sharing my Fall Essentials today. There are so many great pieces on trend for the colder months and I've chosen a few of my favorites to feature so I hope you enjoy! 

The trends for this upcoming Fall season are already spreading across blogs like wildfire. I am so excited to be shopping for these comfy and cute items and wanted to share which ones I've got my eye on!

I know many trends rotate through but I've never seen thesweatshirt cropping up before. I am especially glad about that one and am anxious to sweep the racks for the coziest version and maybe score a few in a larger size for extra comfort.

Leopard prints have always been a favorite of mine and think they add that extra pop of interest to an outfit concealed in neutrals. These flats are so perfect for a day out shopping and would work well with white skinny jeans and chambray top. Of course, a leopard print scarf, cute navy dress and brown leather boots would look fabulous too. 

This red hat, this comfy sweatshirt, and this berry color lipstick are all a must and will be great staples when the cold months settle in. Not to mention this moto jacket which would take any outfit from simple to chic.

I hope this list has gotten you a little more excited for Autumn and that you are able to find a few great pieces to wear as well!

dog breed shirts @kickstarter

have you ever heard of the site, kickstarter?  i hadn't until sh got me a pair of vegan shoes from there and i fell in love with the site.  i have spent countless hours perusing all the products and things that people are trying to get funded.  basically the site is a way to get projects funded by people pledging & backing what they like.  there are different levels of pledging, therefore the more you pledge, the more stuff you get.  

most of you know that i'm all about dogs, so one of my favorites that i have found is this dog breed t-shirt  one.  they need your help, though.  there are about 20 days left and as you can see, they are in need of more funding.  go check out their page with all the different breeds & shirt colors. 

i'm really, really hoping that they meet their goal because i am obsessed with the lab shirts.  i also like the great dane, boston terrier, and chihuahua. so cute!

let me know what you think and if you back them!

dutch and i thank you in advance (:

i was not compensated for this post in any way. i did this because i really want one of these cute shirts!

'just a dog'

i had seen this poem floating around on facebook for a while and loved what it stood for.  dogs are one of my biggest passions in life - they have been around me my whole life, i can't imagine life without one, and i think they are one of life's greatest blessings.  if you are a dog lover like me, then you know what i'm talking about.  it's ok if you don't, but i have to say you are missing out!

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from time to time people tell me, 'it's just a dog,' or 'that's a lot of money for just a dog.'  they don't understand the distance traveled, time spent, or costs involved for 'just a dog.' some of my proudest moments have come about from 'just a dog.'  many hours have passed with my only company being 'just a dog' and not once have i felt slighted.  some of my saddest moments have been brought about by 'just a dog.'  in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of 'just a dog' provided comfort and purpose to overcome the day.

if you too think it's 'just a dog,' you will probably understand phrases like 'just a friend,' 'just a sunrise,' or 'just a promise.'  'just a dog' brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy, the compassion, and patience that makes me a better person.  because of 'just a dog,' i will rise early, take long walks, and look longingly into the future.

for me and folks like me, it's not 'just a dog.'  it's an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment.  'just a dog' brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day.  

i hope that someday people can understand that it's not 'just a dog.'  it's the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being 'just a man or a woman.'  

so the next time you hear, 'just a dog,' smile, because they 'just don't understand.'