We just had an exciting two weeks filled with adventure and family! We saw lots of creatures in the ocean, ate a bunch of local fruit, drove around the island, and finally got my husband to like paddle boarding. Hoping to buy one soon. Anyway, it has been a great couple of weeks and I thought I would share this turtle with you. :)

Hoping your weekend was filled with laughter and fun! Hasta luego! -Lorel

MERCY FOR ANIMALS posted a video the other day that shows the realities of what the average animal goes through to become food.  I know it is hard to know the truth sometimes, but don't you think it is at least worth knowing the process behind what ends up on your plate?  "Free-range" does not mean happy, free-roaming animals in a field, and "grass fed" does not mean they are happy cows with their young eating fresh grass their whole lives in paradise. These labels are strictly used for marketing to make us think that everything is wonderful in the farmed animal industry.  This belief is far from the truth. Please take a moment to watch this video.

Here are some more websites for you to browse through about how animal rights:

<= This was my dog's first reaction when she saw me after her flight.  She was still a little shaken by the whole flying as cargo experience, but she was back to normal by the second day. We have gone on several walks to get her familiar with her new surroundings. I hope that she is not traumatized from her flying experience. Her kennel has always been a safe spot for her, like her little den. She was completely comfortable beforehand, so I hope that in a couple years she will have completely forgotten about the whole flying experience and be really calm the second time around. I still can't believe how much this dog has traveled. She is a trooper. Have any of you flown your dogs around the world? Do you have any tricks or recommendations to help keep them calm the 2nd time around? I am thankful she made it here safely, and she is now happier than ever. But I also want to make sure she is still comfortable with her kennel and the process of traveling in it.  Feel free to comment below with any tips or suggestions. Thanks! -Lorel

In case you are wondering what on Earth this is a picture of.. it is a sea turtle that I saw while kayaking this past weekend! This time I brought my waterproof camera on our weekend adventure, and whenever I saw some amazing underwater spectacle I just dunked the camera underneath the water's surface and hoped for a great shot. Unfortunately, this time I only captured a small portion of his shell and his foot.  Once I build up the courage to go snorkeling, I should be able to capture more underwater footage with my new GoPro! First, I need to figure out how to use that camera, then I will combine it with snorkeling. 

So we rented kayaks and parked near Kailua Beach to set off to sea. I have never kayaked before, so I was really excited about this new adventure. I have been on a canoe before though, so I figured it would be something like that. So we push off the beach and head out on the Pacific Ocean, and not 5 minutes into our journey another sea turtle comes to greet me RIGHT NEXT to my kayak! I could've reached over to pet his shell, but I will never touch a sea creature on purpose. I am starting to think these turtles are trying to tell me something, because with every new adventure they appear right next to me! It's really amazing and intriguing to me. 

The sea life in Hawaii already faces numerous threats including pollution, over-fishing, and disease. Please take 2 seconds to Vote against this resort's expansion, which would cause even more damage to the ecosystem of the seals, turtles and other innocent sea creatures trying to survive in their habitats.  Please help save the Earth, it is the only place we've got. 

VOTE NOW: 
http://www.change.org/petitions/no-turtle-bay-resort-expansion-beyond-the-current-footprint#share_

The World Wildlife Fund is an amazing organization that helps save the Earth by saving it's species.  They work tirelessly to preserve the planet by helping companies reduce their carbon footprint and are aslso involved in many other Earth-saving activities. The World Wildlife Fund not only helps the endangered species of this Earth, but they also work hard to help conserve fresh water for the animals and ourselves. 

If you decide to donate to this wonderful organization, then you can walk around with a  warm feeling in your heart knowing that you are helping innocent animals have a better chance at life.  By making a donation today, you are also helping to keep this planet a little more green, which is always a good thing,. Together we can hopefully making this planet a better place. 

You can also help support the cause by purchasing some of their MERCHANDISE or by symbolically adopting you favorite SPECIES!

If you are looking to help support a warm-hearted rescue organization for donations this year, then the FARM SANCTUARY is the perfect place to invest your dollar. The Farm Sanctuary helps rescue farm animals that have been abused or neglected and they provide them with a safe environment, freedom, and medical attention if needed. 

They have a great donation section of their website that lists many different ways you or your company can help. Ranging from one time donations, monthly donations, annual donations and you can even contact them about Team Fundraising!!  I made a one time donation this month because I am a huge animal rights advocate. It's really a wonderful thing to see some of those mama cows actually get to birth and KEEP their first calf, and the same goes for many other animals. Please help support this amazing organization today!

FARM SANCTUARY