jdavissquared

Fair Ivy Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (jdavissquared) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

I recently came across this company, and I knew I had to share it with you guys. You're gonna LOVE this!

Fair Ivy is all about surprises. Who doesn't like surprises? I mean, I've heard of people not liking them, but that's just silly. Especially when they come in pretty little boxes!

Originally, the founder, Lucy Fairweather, intended it to function as a way for people to buy themselves surprise gifts. {love that!} But, of course it's great for buying surprise gifts for others too. They have packages for girls, ladies, and guys in your life, and even your pets! You can sign up for 1-4 months and can choose from mini or regular. {Super for Valentines Day, yes?} Each package is full of handmade gifts made by small businesses and individuals. Nothing mass produced here. I think this is such a cute idea. Don't you guys think this is awesome?

Well, to make it even better, Fair Ivy has offered up a one month mini surprise package to one of you! {Um, totally jealous!} I'm trying out rafflecopter for the first time with this giveaway. I'd love to see how you all like it. I've heard mixed reviews, but it seems like it could be super efficient and easy for all of us. If you have any issues with the form, please let me know! Winner will be drawn on 2/14. That's right. It'll be my Valentines Day gift to you. Cause I la-la-la-love you guys! Good Luck!

You'll notice on the form, this giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents only.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

all photos courtesy Fair Ivy.
**I am not being compensated for this giveaway. Just thought it would be fun for you, my readers!

A Few Fun Finds...

noreply@blogger.com (jdavissquared) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:34:00 +0000

So happy to be back to posting this week, so that I can share these fun finds with you all!

Love this cute little knit bag! Doesn't it look cozy?

Knitted Bag by NzLbags on Etsy

This bolster is too dreamy! The texture just kills me!

Retro Kiwi Green Dupion Silk Bolster Neck Pillow by MillsDesignCo. on Etsy

And this last little guy? Sigh. How cute is that? {The hat's adorable too.} ;)

Bear Hat with Earflaps by knitsbyknittinmama on Etsy

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I am linking up to Yes, Teacher's Tickle me Tuesday post. Hop over and check out the other great finds!

Introducing Boo Boo Kitty....

noreply@blogger.com (jdavissquared) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

So, I've been promising you guys this post for a long time. Sorry about that. My blogging schedule has been a little sporadic as of late, and for that I apologize. But as you know, it happens.

Anyhoo. It's high time I introduce you all to the newest member of our family. Meet Boo Boo.

You all know how hard it was when we lost Miles. It's still hard. Even just typing that made me choke up a bit. I miss him so much. Every. Single. Day. Nothing and no one will ever take Miles' place. We all know that.

That being said, we weren't really in the market for another cat. But.....with my step-dad being a veterinarian, we're always well informed of orphaned animals who are looking for homes. So as it was, at the beginning of December, my mama called me with news of "Budah" who was looking for a home. She described him as sweet and so very pretty.

Honestly, I was hesitant. Really hesitant. My heart was still breaking badly over the loss of Miles. I wasn't sure that I was even capable of loving another yet. But, I also had a huge hole. I love our girls. I really do, but they just aren't the kind who are gonna let me pet them regularly, let alone snuggle with me. That's just who they are, and I know that. So, being starved for some furry lovins, I decided to give it a go. We went to meet him and of course, came home with him that day.

By that night, he was in the bed with me. He's not Miles, but he's a sweetheart, and he's warm, and fuzzy and I'm really enjoying getting to know his personality. And, gosh darn he's pretty, don't you think?

Anyway, he came with the name "Budah", but we just couldn't do that one, so we changed it to Boo Boo. He's my Boo Boo Kitty. He needed someone to love him, and so did I.

Everyone always wants to know how the girls get along with him. Alright, I guess. Chloe has her power struggle just like she always has with Sophie. She is the tiniest thing, but thinks she's big and bad when it comes to ruling the roost. Whatev. However, there are glimpses of hope, as they were sleeping on the bed near one another on Saturday. I think with time they just might like eachother!

So, now you know who Boo Boo is! I'm sure you'll hear lots more about him around here.

Tell me about your pets! Do you have cats? Dogs? How many, and what are their names?

Random

noreply@blogger.com (jdavissquared) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:37:00 +0000

Source: blog.publicbikes.com via jennifer on Pinterest

I like to think of marshmallows as hot cocoa insulation.

We finally took down our Christmas decorations last weekend. I was starting to feel pretty awkward about it.

{This ones weird....reallly weird!} What happens to people's limbs when they have to be amputated? I mean, what do they do with them? Can people have them cremated so that they can then later be buried with them? {Told you, that was totally weird.....and please, no one actually answer this question....I don't think I really want to know.}

Houses are weird. At the risk of sounding like George Carlin, they really are just big boxes that we keep our stuff in.

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It's Friday! This week actually went pretty fast. Maybe cause I took today off work...hooray! Yay for days off. One of my goals this year is to take more time for myself, so I decided to go for it. There's something extra relaxing about being home when everyone else is working. hehe.

On a down note, I weighed in this morning and for the second week in a row, the scale has not budged! What gives? I'm not giving up though. I already ran this morning, and it feels great to have my workout in for the day. I think I'm going to try to get my lazy butt out of bed in the morning this week. Maybe that will get my metabolism rolling again. Plus, I'll be able to accomplish so much more in my evenings. Workouts do seem to suck up the entire evening.

Anyway, happy Friday!

What do you guys have going on this weekend? We're just hanging out and then hosting small group on Sunday.

Glimpses....

noreply@blogger.com (jdavissquared) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 17:10:00 +0000

"Uncle" Jon....he's gonna be such a good dad someday.

His and Hers feast. Five guys for him, Noodles and Co. for her.

Blanket and Basketball. Rock Chalk!

Chloe and Boo Boo workin' it out.

{And yes, I know I still need to properly introduce you all to Boo Boo!}

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What was the best little something that happened to you this week?

A Few Fun Finds...

noreply@blogger.com (jdavissquared) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 15:36:00 +0000

It's Tickle me ~~Tues~~Wednesday! Yep, I missed out on yesterday's link up, but figured I'd post my finds for the week anyway. Looks like I can still link up, so I figured, why not?

First up, I've had a hankering for some cowboy boots! I like these, but I'm not sure they're quite the perfect pair. The search continues....

Rust Brown Cowboy boots via SouthwestVintage on Etsy

Dress shopping this weekend has me daydreaming about all sorts of pretty dresses. Love this simple one from ModCloth.

Peppermint Tea Time dress by ModCloth

And, I'm eyeing these cute iPhone cases I found on Etsy!

iPhone Case by NapPage on Etsy

Do you own a pair of Cowboy Boots?

What about iPhone cases? If you have one, where'd you get it?

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I am linking up to Yes, Teacher's Tickle me Tuesday post. Hop over and check out the other great finds!

Crazy Monkey....

noreply@blogger.com (jdavissquared) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 14:42:00 +0000

What a weekend!

It was girls weekend around these parts, all because of a little something that's in the works.

MY DAD & LINDA ARE GETTING MARRIED!

The whole family is thrilled. One of these days, I'll have to share their story with you guys. It's pretty incredible. But for now, I'll just tell you about this. We {Linda, my sister Brenda, my soon-to-be stepsister Jane, my Aunt Alice and myself} pretty much planned an entire wedding this weekend. 98% of it was done on Saturday too! Can you believe that? Granted, it is going to be a very simple, intimate wedding with just family. I'm so excited though. It's going to be quite spectacular!

The date is set for March 17, so you'll have to wait til then for more details. I don't want to spoil it for anyone.

We kicked off the weekend with dinner at my favorite Japanese Steakhouse. We shared some sushi, and OMG, it was so good, I can't stop thinking about it!

The beautiful bride. Doesn't she just radiate joy? I love her.

Crazy Monkey Roll. My favorite!

Oh, we also had a possible paranormal experience on Friday night. It was weird, and all four of us present saw it. Not sure if I can articulate it well enough to type up the story, but I'll give it a go later in the week.

Also, I know I missed posting the randomness last week. Time got away from me and it just wasn't happening.

Have you ever planned a wedding in a weekend?

Glimpses...

noreply@blogger.com (jdavissquared) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 15:17:00 +0000

One of my goals this year is to share more of my own photos here on the blog. Now that I have an iPhone, that's easier than ever. If you follow me on Instagram or Twitter, you may have already seen these this week, but I hope you'll forgive me and follow along anyway.

These are the little things that made my life special this week:

Using my itty bitty french press for the first time. It's so cute! French press coffee is so much better than drip coffee. If you haven't tried it, you should!

California Rolls make a fantastic treat after successful weigh ins. :)

Crashing out on the couch after long, tiring, but wonderful days.

Boo Boo laid on my lap for the first time on Sunday! Such a sweetie. I'm hoping for many more lap naps in the future.

This seasons first snow called for hot cocoa and gingerbread flavored {and gingerman shaped} marshmallows. So yummy!

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Would you all like to share glimpses too? If I set up a linky next week, would anyone participate? I'd love, love, love to see what's going on in your world! Let me know if you're game!

And, tomorrow's Friday, so you know what that means. I've got Randomness coming your way. Let me tell you, I've got some doozies for you!

Locket full of love...

noreply@blogger.com (jdavissquared) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:29:00 +0000

In the very tippy toe of my stocking this year was the most special little gift from my husband. (ahem, from Santa.).

It's no secret that I've had a hard time since we lost Miles. It has gotten easier, but I most definitely was in a funk for the last couple months. My husband, remembering this post, ordered one of Khara's lockets for me! I cannot tell you how perfect it is. It looks just like him.

An absolute treasure, and instant favorite!

If you're not familiar with Khara's work, check out her Etsy shop here, and her website here.

Did you get anything that made you cry this year?

A few fun finds...

noreply@blogger.com (jdavissquared) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:37:00 +0000

Feeling a little tribal today I suppose.

Smitten by these sweet earrings....

Crimson Pueblo Post Earrings by DittyDrops on Etsy

I love the style of RiverLuna. These feathers are particularly captivating....

Lhasa Feather Painting Archival Print by RiverLuna on Etsy

And, how fun are these? A little wild and crazy, but certainly unique!

Aztec Inspired Nails by KawaiiFactory on Etsy

What about you? Are you into the whole tribal/aztec trend?

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I am linking up to Yes, Teacher's Tickle me Tuesday post. Hop over and check out the other great finds!

Random!

noreply@blogger.com (jdavissquared) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 05:01:00 +0000

Source: google.com via jennifer on Pinterest

I'm sort of sad that there are no more Christmas songs playing. Also, that I have to take down my decorations this weekend. It's always depressing to me. Does this happen to anyone else?

Also, while everyone else is excited about the 60 degree days in January, I can help but feel a little disappointed. I would quite like some snowy days. What? I like the seasons, and this girl needs to see some snow. {and stay at home and drink hot cocoa and watch movies while it falls peacefully outside.}

Sometimes I just don't buy the "casual" pictures by some bloggers. No way that your life is that perfect. I mean, really?

The disgusting state of the work restroom never ceases to amaze me. Nuf said.

Boo Boo {who I just realized I never properly introduced you to....next week, I promise!} all of a sudden has a fascination with Q-tips and thus, digging through the trash. No bueno. I'm gonna have to break him of that fast.

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I'm so glad Friday is here. For a short week, this one sure has been long!

My diet/exercise plan is going well. I think the initial shock has worn off and I'm finally not starving. Yesterday, I didn't even eat all my calories...yeah, it was weird. Today was weigh in Friday, and I'm down 7.8 pounds! I'm sure a good portion of that is water weight, but hey, I'll take it! :)

I've really been quite amazed at how smoothly it's gone. I think there's something about all the graphs and logging that keeps me motivated. Love Lose It.

This weekend I'll be taking down aforementioned Christmas decorations, planning meals and then resting on Sunday. I cannot wait.

What's on your agenda? Did things slow down after the holidays, or is your social calendar still booked?

Four for '12...

noreply@blogger.com (jdavissquared) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Pomegranate by jdavissquared {see #3 below}

The interweb seems to be all a flutter with goals and resolutions as of late. I guess that can be expected.

This year, I set alot of goals. I'm expecting 2012 to be a pretty epic year! I won't bore you with them all, but I thought I'd share four with you here.

1. Lose some weight {I know, original, right?} It's no secret that I've been struggling with about 20-30 pounds for quite some time. I am determined to see it go. I had my fun with Christmas goodies and now it's time to talk business. I downloaded the Lose It app and absolutely love it! {If you're on Lose It too and want to be friends, let me know!} I've had luck with counting calories in the past, and this just makes it 1000 times easier than my old notebook log.

2. Record my debit card receipts once a week. I always stick my receipts in my wallet and end up holding onto them for a month. This means I have ALOT to record at once and it always takes forever and makes me crabby. Plus, I'm pretty sure if I could see how much I'm spending, I'd probably make better choices.

3. Take one Instagram photo per day. {Which I still haven't done today....whoops!} You can find me on Instagram as, you guessed it, jdavissquared. Let's photo stalk each other, what do you say?

4. Observe the Sabbath. One thing that became incredibly clear to me over my break is my need for down time. Besides, who do I think I am? If God himself needed a day of rest, why shouldn't I? I want Sundays to be days of relaxation and family time. I'm gonna make that happen this year.

What's on your list? Do you make lots of goals/resolutions, or do you stick to one?

A few fun finds...

noreply@blogger.com (jdavissquared) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 23:27:00 +0000

The first fun finds of 2012! So excited to be back with this feature. I look forward to it every week, and I know you do too. So, without further ado....

Love this dainty ring...


Tiny Bow Ring by muyinmolly on Etsy

This scarf looks so cozy, and I'm sort of in love with the styling with the burnout tee...

Camel Scarf by aykelila on Etsy

And how could the first few finds of the year not include a calendar? This one is pretty sweet!

Petite Nautical 2012 Calendar by AfricanGrey on Etsy

Hope your year is off to a fab start! I'm back to work today. I could do all sorts of complaining about that, but I wont.

Do you have a fun calendar, or do you just use your phone or computer?

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I am linking up to Yes, Teacher's Tickle me Tuesday post. Hop over and check out the other great finds!

Looking back...

noreply@blogger.com (jdavissquared) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Hello Friends! Happy New Year to you all!

I've spent the last couple days reading my blog posts from the last year. It was really quite wonderful to look back, especially over the early part of last year. So many little things that I'd long forgotten. I laughed alot. Mostly at the funny things Jon said. {like here} Also, now, re-reading it, I can see even more clearly how much I sort of spiraled into a stress filled crazy lady over the last few months. Um, sorry about that! Ha! Life got a little insane. I'm really, really hopeful that the new year will bring a new energy. I can't say I've had enough of vacation, but not sure I ever would. I do feel more rested and absolutely am ready to make some things happen.

I've been documenting my goals for this next year. I honestly feel that 2012 is going to be an absolutely amazing year!

What did you do for New Years Eve?
Jon and I stayed in and watched movies. It was perfect.

Have you set any New Years resolutions?
I like everyone else, would like to shed a few pounds, and I'm also determined to record my debit card receipts once a week instead of once a month. I've set alot of other goals too, but those two seem more like resolutions.

Here's to 2012! May it be full of happiness, health and wonderful things for all!

Bathroom Makeover

noreply@blogger.com (jdavissquared) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 17:02:00 +0000

Since we have the week off, Jon and I decided to tackle a little home project. Our half bath off the kitchen was in desperate need of a little help. Well....maybe not quite desperate, but it had been on my list for a long time!

A little paint makes such a huge difference. We went with a slightly green grey. I have to say, I really like it. I can't get over how much cleaner it looks/feels.

Now I can't wait to paint the rest of the house!

What's the last home project you did?

A Holiday in Photos...

noreply@blogger.com (jdavissquared) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 17:49:00 +0000

Our Christmas was wonderful. I hope yours was too!
I'm enjoying relaxing and doing nothing much but dinners with friends and playing on my phone. We hope to repaint the powder room off the kitchen this week, and I'm planning to make this soup today. Cannot wait!
Are you off work for the week? Or is it back to the old grind for you?

p.s. I'm on Instagram! If you are too, come follow me, and I'd love to follow you back! {I'm jdavissquared, of course.}

Merry Christmas!

noreply@blogger.com (jdavissquared) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 13:56:00 +0000

I made it! I made it to Christmas break...alive and in (reasonably sound) good mental state!

Oh friends, I'm not gonna lie, it's been rough. (i feel like I've started many a post this way as of late...bear with me) The last few months have been hard for a lot of reasons. My 9 to 5 has been relentless, our etsy store did amazing this year (which is absolutely a blessing, but one that comes with lots of hard work!), we lost Miles, my little sister had heart surgery, and on top of it all we've been working through the pains of infertility and treatment.

Yeah, that last one....that was hard to type. Not cause I haven't come to terms with it, but because I've been hesitant to share it, not just here on the blog, but with everyone outside of our close circle of friends and family. But, I've decided that I'm no longer gonna hide. There are too many couples out there dealing with this for anyone to feel alone. I'm not promising you details on the blog. This is private stuff! But, if you too are struggling through it, I'd love to help support you. Email me!

Whew! Elephant in the room exposed!

The one thing I'd request is please don't ask if I'm preggers. When I am, you'll know when I want you to. This is sort of a good rule in general...NEVER ask a woman if she's pregnant!

Okay, now that you know all the things that have been weighing me down, let me tell you why things are wonderful today:

Yesterday was Jon's 8 year remission anniversary! The craziest part was that it took us til 3:00 in the afternoon to remember. I'd say that's a good thing. It's nice to know that our life has moved far enough past the leukemia that we are able to forget!

Um, today is Christmas Eve...duh! Which means family, food, and Candlelight Christmas Eve at church. I've always loved Christmas Eve just as much as Christmas day.

I'm off work til jan 3rd. You have no idea how badly I need this break. This girl was seriously about to lose it.

What are you guys doing for Christmas? Please share! Or tell me what you've been up to all this time. I've seriously missed you guys.

I'm anxious to get back to blogging and refocussing. But until then, MERRY CHRISTMAS!

We have joined the club...

noreply@blogger.com (jdavissquared) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 05:49:00 +0000

and i finally have an iPhone in my hot little hand. (thanks to a very generous mother-in-law and an early Xmas present) I'm not sure I'm gonna get much sleep tonight. I went with white, jon with black,in case you're wondering. So, do share. What are your favorite apps? I want to know all the secrets!

Also, meet Boo Boo. I'll tell you more about him soon. Promise. :)

Randomness...

noreply@blogger.com (jdavissquared) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 13:22:00 +0000

Source: flickr.com via jennifer on Pinterest

I cannot believe it's Friday already! Man, this week has flown by.

As I type this I have 20 piggy banks, 7 ornaments, 4 popcorn bowls, 2 Santa Plates and an Audrey Hepburn Silhouette Chalkboard to get done before Christmas......I think I might have to stop taking orders! {If you have your heart set on something for the holidays, you better order it ASAP!}

I watched a woman come out of a bathroom stall and wash her hand. No, that's not a typo. She had a stack of paperwork in one hand, and turned on the faucet and washed her other hand. Ewwwww. I feel sorry for whoever was on the receiving end of those documents. Ick.

Gotta keep this one short and sweet. Need to be out the door to work in 3 minutes and I haven't made my coffee yet!

I will, obviously, be painting like a madwoman this weekend....what are you up to?

p.s. pretty bicycles above...I'm bringing back the bicycle posts! ;)

Just keep swimming....

noreply@blogger.com (jdavissquared) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 16:50:00 +0000

Source: flickr.com via jennifer on Pinterest

Remember how I said I'd be back to blogging after Thanksgiving? Well, I'm trying. I just can't seem to keep up lately! Between my "real job" and my Etsy store, I'm working pretty much non-stop these days. Plus, I have all kinds of things happening in my personal life. {I'll share eventually, don't you worry.} It's just a crazy season of life right now. I hope you all know that it's not that I've forgotten you. In fact, I miss you guys! I even have some great giveaways lined up for you. But, they'll have to wait a bit. Perhaps I'll just save them for after the new year. I mean, January is always so cold and sad, maybe we'll all be glad to have some great giveaways to brighten our days.

Anyway, things may be a little scarce around here for a while. I hate to do it, but I have to set some priorities. Let's face it, hours must be worked, orders must be filled, husbands must be fed {who am I kidding, Jon feeds me most of the time!}, and a girl's gotta sleep too!

I miss you guys, and I hope you're all doing well! I'm sure you all are experiencing the crazy that is the holidays...hang in there! We can do this! Don't give up! Aaaaaahhhhhh! {too many exclamation points!!!!!!}

Anyone else feeling the crunch? What's your coping mechanism?

Back at it...

noreply@blogger.com (jdavissquared) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 02:38:00 +0000

I ate it all, in case you were wondering. :)

So, did everyone have a nice, relaxing weekend? Mine was great! I'd be lying if I said it was enough, though. The thought of going back to work tomorrow ~~sort of~~ makes me want to cry. For reals. Only 20 working days til Christmas break. Yes, I will be counting down. That will be a glorious 9 days off, for sure.

Thanksgiving was great. Delish food, and wonderful family time. We even got in some laying on the couch...bonus!

Our Christmas tree is up, and prettier than ever! I love it. I could sit and stare at it for hours. Our lights are up outside too. None on the house this year, but the bushes and trees look festive! And, I put out the vintage plastic snowman that we found....I seriously love him. The best part? We have a remote control on the lights so we can stand in the window and turn them on and off. For some reason that is really exciting to me!

Oh, and I got some Christmas shopping done too! I need to write everything down and assess where we are. I'd guess we're about half way there. Jon and I decided that we're just doing stockings for each other this year, and then going shopping after Christmas. Less stress before, and we get to take advantage of all the sales after!

Our church worshiped in the school for the last time this morning. We move into our brand new building next weekend! It's so exciting!

...Okay, it's time to grab some last minute relaxing before I head to bed. Wish me luck in surviving tomorrow without crying.

Giving Thanks...

noreply@blogger.com (jdavissquared) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 02:07:00 +0000

Source: kerryskronicles.blogspot.com via jennifer on Pinterest

Remember about a month ago when I was so overwhelmed with how blessed we are? Well, it's not that I don't think I'm blessed now, but let's just say it's been a rough few weeks. Don't get me wrong, I know that we haven't much to want for. We are very blessed.

Maybe I've just had a rough day, but things just seem hard right now. {insert Debbie Downer noise here}

Is it bad that the thing I'm feeling most thankful for at the moment is the fact that there's a four day weekend in my immediate future? For the realization that I can, for a brief period of time, have control over my own schedule, if only for a few days.

I'm feeling mighty crispy, folks. Like the turkey on the Griswold's Christmas table. {Oh yes, we will be watching that this weekend, I'm sure.}

So, with that being said, perhaps it's the perfect time to make a little listy list of ~~all the~~ some things that I'm grateful for:

My relationship with God. I haven't always had the friendship I feel now. That's cool.
My husband. For reals. I got a good one!
Our family. It's a little bit wonky, but isn't everyone's? I mean, we both come from "broken" homes, but I'd say they've healed in a most wonderful sort of way.
Our friends. I haven't always felt like we had friends. Today, I know we do. We have great friends. Real friends.
Miles. I miss him so much, you guys. So, so much. I'm so grateful for having had him.
Our other kitties. They're not Miles, but this house would be unbearably quiet without them. They are sweethearts. Not to each other, but each in their own.
Financial peace. I haven't talked about this much on the blog, but we're big fans of this guy, and I'm so thankful for his wisdom.
The hope of tomorrow. Of things yet to come.
For the success of the shop. I've already tripled what I did last year, and we're not even through the holiday rush yet!
And, of course you all, my blog readers. Thanks for making me feel like I have something to say, even when I really don't.
For the fact that I have a warm house, and food to eat.
And, for the promise of a 4 day weekend if I can just make it through work tomorrow! :) {still sounding pretty amazing right now!}

Thanksgiving for us will be unprecedented this year. We have one place to go. ONE. For two kids of divorced parents, this is a big deal. My dad is off to Colorado with his sweetie, we'll get together with Jon's mom as we always do later in the weekend, and we've combined my mom and his dad into one big family dinner.

I'm just gonna state right now: I will not be back on here until next week. There. See what I did? I just gave myself a little vacay. Whoot, whoot!

What are your Thanksgiving plans? And, pretend we're at the table and tell me what you're most thankful for.

I hope you all have a wonderful, safe holiday!

A Few Fun Finds...

noreply@blogger.com (jdavissquared) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 02:54:00 +0000

Isn't this necklace bananas?

Erin Necklace by kristinbartlett on Etsy

I sort of wish I owned this to wear on Thursday...

Fall Poncho via bysweetmom on Etsy

I sort of love these boots too...


via Old Navy

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I am linking up to Yes, Teacher's Tickle me Tuesday post . Hop over and check out the other great finds!

The First Ever Ladies Who Craft NIght...

noreply@blogger.com (jdavissquared) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 14:00:00 +0000

A few weeks ago, I had an idea. See, I have this long list of things I'd like to make. {Most of them can be found on my Pinterest board of the same name.} I got to thinking, the biggest problem is just finding the time to make them. Then I realized that I probably have a lot of friends with the same issue. What if we all got together with the purpose of making stuff? We could chat, and have a few cocktails. It'd be a girls night....with crafts!

I bounced the idea around with one of my best girlfriends, and she was excited too, so I sent out an invite and the First Ever Ladies Who Craft Night was Saturday night! It turned out that there were lots of schedule conflicts within the group, but we ended up with 5 ladies. Not bad! We drank Framboise and ate some snacks while we chatted and worked on our projects. Between us all we had photo books, scrapbook pages, headbands and ornaments. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. I know I did! I'm hoping to do it again in January when things calm down after the holidays.

You're probably wondering what I ended up making. I did punch holes in my Christmas cards from last year, but I didn't have any rings to bind them with, so ribbons will do for now.

I also made some ornaments. {Yeah, ended up going a completely different direction!} I made them with polymer clay and stamped names into them. They'll be just a little something for some neighbors and friends. {Hopefully this post doesn't ruin it for too many people.} I thought they were so cute, so I decided to add them to the shop as well. You can find them here and here.

Ladies Who Craft Night was so great. I'd highly recommend having one if you have friends who'd be interested. Invite everyone, you might be surprised who'd be into it!

Are you making any gifts this year?

Randomness...

noreply@blogger.com (jdavissquared) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 15:43:00 +0000

Source: busybeelauren.com via jennifer on Pinterest

Do they air How I Met Your Mother in Canada? If so, do Canadians think we're total jerks? I mean, Robin's character is hilarious, but I can only imagine what Canadians must think of her.

Have you seen that commercial with the unicorn that has 3 horns? I've only seen it in fast forward on the DVR, but it's weird. What would that be, a tricorn?

I really dislike it when people waste my time.

I've been watching 16 and Pregnant every night while I fall asleep in bed. Why is that show so addicting?

Our neighborhood is having a holiday decorating contest. First prize is $100. I think if they really wanted to see some decorating, they should bump that up to at least $500.

You know when they do those segments where a reporter goes into public and asks people about current events or history and the people all come off as idiots? I love those. Makes me feel smart.

*******

It's Friiiiiiiiiday!
Thank. Goodness.

Next week is a short week, and I cannot wait for the long weekend! But, in the meantime, I'm having my girls over tomorrow night for some crafting fun. {I'm still deciding on what to make exactly. I may or may not have come up with some other stuff.}

I'm hoping to get lots of painting done this weekend too. This is my world right now.

What are you up to this weekend?