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.'

clean eating: ham & green onion quiche

because i'm going to be beach bound to jamaica in about a week, i was trying to find some clean recipes to eat until then and when i ran across this recipe, i knew it was something i would like.  i have always liked quiches and this one looked pretty simple and healthy.  i ate this for both supper and breakfast because it fits both meals and was extra tasty.  i have to say that the 'crust' is something i will have to get used to though since it's not a traditional quiche crust, but all-in-all i really liked it. 

ingredients:

2 slices whole-grain bread, roughly chopped

1 large egg plus 5 egg whites 

1 1/2 cups 2% milk

3/4 cup ham chunks

2 slices swiss cheese, cut into cubes 

1 bunch green onion, sliced

1/2 cup mushrooms 

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

2 tsp dried sage

directions:

preheat oven to 375. chop bread in a food processor and press firmly into bottom of a greased 9" pie plate.  bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown.  meanwhile, whisk eggs and milk in a bowl and then mix in all other ingredients until well combined.  

pour mixture over crust and bake for one hour and five minutes or until top is puffed up and a knife inserted into middle comes out clean.  remove from oven and let sit for 10 minutes before cutting into slices. 

adapted from clean eating magazine

tie dye love!

one of my new favorite hobbies is making tie dye.  i hadn't done it since i was little and decided to make a couple things one day and here is what was created:

aren't they fabulous?  i love the way they turned out and it was so much fun to do.  i have worn tie dye things since i was about 16 and unfortunately i have seen that it's become pretty mainstream, but i still like it.  i feel that with what it represents and the colors, it is a part of my personality.  in fact, when i went to the beach in june we used an old, super faded and rather vintage sheet and it was so classic. 

i will be taking orders for custom designs in the future so definitely let me know if you would like one.
next on my agenda is a pillowcase, jacket, and something to frame.  groovy!

peace • patience

yesterday was a pretty good day.  really all weekend was, even if i did have to work 13 hours on saturday.

i was able to spend a couple hours laying by the pool, my skin tingling from the sun's heat, new music flowing into my ears, and lots of time to think.  what's new though, my mind is a constant obsessing/worrying machine, but i was surprisingly at ease in these moments.

peace and patience are two things i really thought about, for a long time.  lots of you know that my body has been having ridiculous issues {mentally & physically} for the last few months and it's really, really getting to me.  i don't have a lot of patience to begin with, so when something like this lingers on, surgery did not solve any issues, and things continues to be a burden, well, i am losing patience with my body.  frustrations and anger grow each day.

on the other hand, i feel like maybe all of this is a test.  a test to see how patient i can be and to help me grow better as a person.  sometimes i feel my lack of patience makes me impulsive, bitter, immature, and hateful, and i need to stop this.

i am the kind that knows everything happens for a reason.  i don't believe in luck, i believe in signs, there are no coincidences, and things are already planned for me.  i will find peace with myself and other things through these struggles i am facing.  i hope to see the world and my life in a softer, clearer, and happier way soon, or when i do find peace with everything.  when this will be, i'm not sure, but i know it will happen.  it has to.

happy and at peace is where i really want to be.  in fact, besides my health, those are the things i want most in life.  

clothes for sale (:

help a girl out!  

i'm getting rid of some of my clothes.  this is round one.  i have a lot more stuff.  you pay shipping and i'll discount it if you buy multiple items.  all in great condition.

thedreamtreeblog at yahoo.com  if you want anything or have questions

i'm from st louis if anyone wants to pick up as well.

thanks, girls (:

 

 coral peasant top with flowy sleeves. just not long enough for me. looks better on

than in this picture, but i'm too tall for it.

from tj maxx $6

 large but fits like medium

from old navy $3

 from maurices $4 crinkle tank

medium from ae $3

small - new

from maurices $5
sold

medium worn twice

charlotte russe $5

medium worn once sparkles on hem

from jcpenney $5

medium new with tags same as above

from jcpenney $5 

medium lace & sequins on top/bottom

express $5

 medium with flowy sleeves and sparkles

cato $5

brand new from h&m bought 2 weeks ago

flowy sleeves $8

medium

medium cute dress never worn

jcpenney $7

medium 

charlotte russe $5

divas don't do nose jobs, but . . .

they get their nose pierced, perhaps.

anyone that knows me is aware that i have a very strong love/hate relationship with my nose.  for as long as i can remember my nose has been the least favorite feature of my face, however i have been convinced that it's what makes my beauty. i know that if i got it changed i definitely would not look the same, in fact, i may look less pretty.  you know how that works. like jennifer gray.  i don't think she is pretty at all before her nose job, but i think she's even less pretty afterwards because her nose is what gave her her look.  same with me. 

anyhow, i am happy with my decision to get this piercing.  i love tattoos & piercings, have already had negative comments, but it's my body and i have the right.  as long as it doesn't get infected, i'll be golden (:

disclaimer: i really don't consider myself a diva although my family calls me one and i even have a shot named diva after me. vodka, sprite, and cranberry juice - delish. oh, and i saw this title somewhere once and it has always stuck with me since i have always dreamed of a nose job.

my age has gone up by one.

whew!  i didn't realize that the last couple of weeks had been so busy and that i have hardly posted.  makes me sad because i hate not having time for my sweet blog.  anyhow, since i posted last, i celebrated a birthday on friday.  i can't believe how old i am.  i seriously feel like i'm about 26 or so.

it was a fun birthday.  the nite before i had gone to my cousin's for a wine nite, where i was presented with the most amazing chocolate cupcake.  i slept over at my sister's with my younger cousin.  is it weird that my sis and i sleep in the same bed?  i think not.  it's just such a comforting feeling since we grew up doing it.  anyway, the next morning i got up and had birthday pancakes at my grandma & grandpa's, visited with my parents, and brought my cousin home with me.  she and i shopped and made jewelry until SH got home so we could go eat.

my favorite restaurant in the world {ok, maybe not in the world} is cracker barrel, so that's where i wanted to go.  i could eat there many times a week and live off their blueberry pancakes, macaroni and cheese, fried chicken breast, and chocolate cake.  oh, and the biscuits.  it really was a super fun day.  since i had to work the next morning, it was early to bed for me.  additional celebrating may take place in a few weeks, or so i hope (:

i know it's so cliche to say how life goes so fast, but it really does.  i am two years past thirty, i have been married for five years, out of high school for almost fifteen, and my next big bday is going to be forty.  holy hell!  another birthday celebrated and another age past. although i am a negative worrier, i am also all about living life to the fullest and more so the older i get.  you only have one life to live; might as well enjoy it!

review || wet 'n' wild megashield lip color

a couple of months ago as i was leaving the drugstore, i saw a whole row of colored tubes that drew me in, plus they were on sale for around two bucks.  turns out it was perfect for what i was looking for.  a sheer lip color with spf 15.

however, this swatch clearly shows that the color is not sheer but highly pigmented!  i think this is meant to be a kind of like a colored lip balm, although i wear this more as a lipstick because of how rich the color is.  this color is called salsa lessons.

the consistency is very creamy and goes on super smooth while covering extra well.  i don't typically wear a lot of red, but i got this thinking it would be a slight red color with more of a moisturizing appeal.  it's both really, but overall this is pretty great stuff.  sometimes i even just dab it on a couple of times for a light tint.

these pictures show how it looks on and i think i probably only swiped one time to achieve this.  i will definitely be trying more of these because there were several other colors i almost picked up when i bought this one.  it's a great tube of color for the quality that comes with such a cheap price.  pretty amazing stuff!

no worries on this saturday.

too much good & fun happening today to have my usual worries.