sweater weather.

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not sure about where you all live, but here in the midwest, the weather is ridiculous.  well, i guess i should say the temperature really is, the weather has not been too bad really.  i don't think i have ever disliked the cold as much as i have right now.  

it is definitely sweater weather, but i pretty much refuse to wear anything but tanks and cardigans or jackets, or something of the like.  i just don't like things touching my arms really, especially heavy, scratchy material like wool.  sure a cozy fleece or sweater is nice every now and again, but i get so tired of getting bundled up and having to drag a heavy winter coat with me everywhere i go.  not saying i always dress this way, but i just hate dressing too warm.

who else is with me on this.

i know a lot of bloggers live around arizona and out west where it is still warm enough to wear summer clothes and i am so envious.  the only downfall to that is that i cannot imagine having the winter holidays in that type of environment because it would seem so strange to me, but i am not used to that. 

we were hoping to live in florida this time next year so this was going to be my last cold fall/winter around these parts, but not sure if those plans are still going as planned, so we will see.  all i know is, i better just get used to it because i still have about 4 more months of this!  for some reason i can tolerate the cold temps if there is snow on the ground, but we don't get as much as we used to . . .

anyway, i'm actually planning on wearing a purple long sleeved cardigan on thanksgiving and if not an orange 3/4 length sheer type shirt, with an infinity scarf, maybe - highs are around 35....blech.  food will make that all seem better though (:

     


   

back to the original plan.

back when i started my blog a couple years ago i originally called it, my lively mind, as some of you may remember, because my mind was flooded with way too many thoughts, emotions, and nonsense.  like most bloggers, it was a place i would use for an outlet for all of those things consuming my brain, but rarely did i use it to express those personal feelings.  instead it became a place to document recipes, beauty and hair obsessions, and other lifestyle stuff, which is fine, but not really what i had intended.

i think i'm going to change things up a bit on the ol blog.  i want to use it as way to vent and get those things off my chest when i have something bothering me, need advice, or a thought on my mind.  there are a couple things in mind already, but it's finding time between work and everything else that is going on.  excuses, excuses, i know.

therefore i am holding myself accountable because i have really been slacking on my blog over the last few months and have missed it.  it makes me feel better mentally when i keep up with it and also knowing that people miss the posts and pictures that are published.

happy tuesday and happy week.

late to the game of instagram.

why didn't someone tell me how addicting instagram would be?!  my old phone couldn't get instagram so when i upgraded to the new iphone, you had better bet that was the first app i downloaded.

of course it's just like facebook used to be, checking it every ten minutes to see who has a new picture up, what kind of adventure one may be on, what the latest selfie looks like, or if i have any recent likes or comments.

i love it though, but it really is another social media addiction that i did not need in my life.  i know i'm just like everyone else and get too consumed in everything and i hate that, but i love having a peek into people's lives.

it just amazes me where technology is and i do not even want to imagine where we will be in even five years, wondering what our smartphones will be capable of.  

my profile, if you want a deeper peek into my life, and i'd love to see into yours (:
 lesleydreamer

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weekend inspiration: believe in yourself

a couple of days ago i saw this cute magnet at cracker barrel with a sweet inspirational message on it.  i'm always looking for uplifting messages that speak to me and i liked this one.  here's what it said:

believe in yourself and all you want to be. 

don't let what other people say or do make you frown.  

laugh as much as possible.  

let in the good times and get through the bad.

the longer you practice the habit of working toward your dreams,the easier the journey will become.  

you were meant for great things.  

always follow your dreams. 

memory lane.

last summer i moved away from home (a whopping 45 minutes) and that was a pretty big deal for my family (right, dad?!).  we are super, super close and most people think we're nuts and probably abnormal for how close we really are, but for unmentionable and mentionable reasons, i just had to get away.  i still see everyone all the time so it's like i am not really even gone, however sometimes it feels like i'm a million miles away. 

i moved to a city that has more than quadruple the people as my hometown, so it's a huge change, although where i live now is where i have spent my whole life shopping, eating, and hanging out, as i was growing up

last week while my parents were on vacation, i went back home and went on a ride with my grandma & grandpa.  a ride consists of getting in their truck, driving through mcdonald's to get coffee, and driving through the countryside for an hour looking at wildlife, new happenings, what's going on in the county, and whatnot. 

this particular outing i got really homesick.  i am sure part of it was the fact my parents were gone, but i just missed living so close to my family and everything back home.  below is a list of a few things i jotted down that i missed.  i know there are probably a ton of others, but these came to mind.

i'm sure i'll never move back, but the 30 years i lived there were pretty great.

being around my parents, sisters, and grandparents mostly.

just two minutes from the only grocery store in town.

the local farmers market.

my old walking route.

a hometown pharmacy.

seeing my old house.

knowing my dogs are buried there.

all the old memories.

the special deals you get from people knowing who you are.

five minute drive time to anywhere in town.

our prison looking like a mall.

the twin towers.

just driving around town.

7000 people.

2 stoplights.

seeing people you know, as annoying as it is at the same time.

hair & skin savers from caribbean sunshine

so only one more post on summer, and then i promise i'll move on to the next season.  i'm still not ready to give up my beloved summer and adjust to the chilly temps.  sure, bonfires, boots, scarves, and hoodies are nice, but so is warmth, tanks, and sunshine!

since my hair is so blonde, it's super susceptible to damage from summer and my light skin, as well.  i took some new products on my trip that seriously saved my skin and hair from the summer elements - sunshine, salt water, and paradise.  my hair is used to being washed every few days, but i had to wash it every single day and was a bit worried on how it would work out . . . perfect, really.  i also slather myself with lotion daily, but i knew i was going to have to kick it up a notch.  i never really did get a burn the whole 8 days.

below is a pic of me about halfway through the trip, sunkissed, but hair and skin are still protected and healthy.

this is a rather new line of hair products from arbonne.  since i am a consultant, i am a bit biased, but i fell in love with these.  i was saving them for my trip so hadn't used the product line yet.  they were magnificent.  the shampoo and conditioner left my hair silky soft, the masque was great for when my hair felt like straw, and the mousse gave it bounce for the evening.

these two products were amazing as well.  the first is a prep and protect spray that i had received in one of my beauty boxes a couple of months back.  i took it because it was a small bottle, but i also knew i needed everything i could to help my hair.  i applied after washing and even when i was on the beach.

the paul mitchell after-sun masque has to be one of my new favorite products, ever.  the smell is amazing, like a fresh summery smell, but my hair felt so good after i used it.  luckily i still have some left, so i can use it throughout winter for when my locks get dried out.

this lotion was a godsend.  i saved this for my trip as well and i was so impressed with it.  i just coated my body in it after i came in from the sun and it prevented my skin from drying out while soothing the small amount of redness i got.  i never did get burned on the trip because i applied sunscreen, then reapplied, and reapplied some more throughout the day.

i know summer is virtually over, but these are fantastic products.  if you go on a trip this winter or even want to use some of these during the cold months ahead, i guarantee you will be happy with them.  all are probably still available, however the paul mitchell sun line may not be.

let me know if you've tried any of these and what you thought of them!

goodbye, summer

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!