Tuesday, January 26, 2010

I'm a Mac.


I am so excited folks!

Remember that broken ethernet port on my mac that I've mentioned before?  {here and here}  You know, the one that made me forsake my sweet mac for my Dad's pc just so I could get internet access?  {Thanks again Dad! I'm sorry we kidnapped your extra laptop for so long!  we really, really appreciate your generosity!} well,  i fixed it, I Fixed It, I FIXED IT!!!!  Thanks to some helpful shopping by the wonderful husband, I had a new port waiting for me when I got home.  A screw, some gentle nudging and a whole lot of dust later, this is what I saw....



Eureka!!  I have to say that while partaking in my wonderful father's generous loan over the last few months {ahem, way too long!} I did learn not to hate pc's quite as much.  That being said, I am so happy to have my mac back!  I've missed you little buddy!  Everything is prettier on your screen!  :)  I'm definitely still a mac!

Monday, January 25, 2010

I found out long ago it's a long way down the holiday road...



A friend of mine at work told me the other day that he has never seen the National Lampoon's Vacation movies.  I repeat, never seen the National Lampoon's Vacation movies!  I thought they were mandatory viewing for all american kids of my generation.  I had no idea you could make it well into your 30's and not see them.  i mean, Vacation is probably one of the funniest movies of all time.  Am I right?  and Christmas Vacation, just try getting through a holiday season without quoting it...i dare you!  European Vacation is the worst of them all, but still a classic. 

Am I the only one who thinks this is crazy?  Have you all seen the vacation movies?  Do you love them as much as I do?

Sunday, January 24, 2010

housekeeping...

Hey all! 
I'm hoping to do some updates to the blog over time.  My latest update is a "daily reads & inpiring people" section in the right sidebar.  ----------------------->
I've added links to some of my favorite blogs.  {if you think maybe I overlooked you, please let me know!  As you can see there's a lot of them!}
Hope you all had a lovely weekend!  I'm going to go soak up every last minute of it. 


photo from new years eve

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Crown Tattoo...

I just woke up and I was having the strangest dream.  Well, I was up earlier and then went back to sleep, so it was one of those light sleep kind of dreams, but very intricate and strange. 

I was at a hotel somewhere with my mom and we were getting ready to go eat dinner.  As I was getting ready I readjusted the black v-neck t-shirt I was wearing and realized that the very large tatoo that I had on my chest, just below my collar bone, was showing.  {I do not have any tattoos in real life.  I'm not against them, but have never gotten one.} So, I realized that I had this huge, black tattoo of a crown with scrolls and lettering underneath it.  It looked like some kind of label art.  It was burning and red like I had just had it done.  It was as if I got it, then forgot about it for a day or so. 

Then, I was walking around the hotel grounds and was going to meet my mom for dinner when I started panicking.  I was realizing that I wouldn't be able to wear anything without this tattoo being visible.  No pretty dresses, no tank tops, no v-necks {obviously}, nothing that wasn't practically a turtle neck.  And I remember thinking about what I was going to look like as an old woman holding my grandbaby with my giant black crown tattoo emblazened on my chest coming out underneath my nightgown.  {at this point I actually saw myself as an old woman...weird!} 

Then, I was walking down one of the hotel hallways and saw a girl I grew up with and her whole family, and the parents of another girl I went to school with.  I avoided them all and in the process ran smack dab into this older lady in a tank top and shorts who had tattoos all over her body {even her face.} She was completely expressionless and I kept moving.  At this point I called my best friend and told her that I was freaking out.  She told me it was fine and that it couldn't be as bad as I thought.  I saw my mom come out of the building in a short green sundress with some long stemmed gerber daisies.  She ran up some stairs and was gone.  My tattoo was burning badly and then, I woke up. 

Now seriously,  that's gotta mean something crazy, right?  It was so strange. 

According to the Dream Moods Dictionary the elements of my dream have the following meanings:

Tattoo

To dream that you have tattoos, represent individuality and the desire to stand out in a crowd. You want to be unique and different from everybody else, particularly if you do not have any tattoos in real life. Consider also what the tattoo is. Alternatively, to dream that you have a tattoo, suggests that a waking situation or decision is having a much longer lasting effect that you had expected.

Diadem  {I had to look up this word, it's an ornamental  jeweled  headress symbolizing sovereignty}

To see a diadem in your dream, signifies that some honor will soon be bestowed onto you.

Crown
To see a crown in your dream, symbolizes success and prominence.
To dream that you are wearing a crown, suggests that you are in a position of power. Alternatively, you may be basking in your own achievements.

Chest
To see your chest in your dream, signifies confidence, conquest and vitality. Alternatively, it represents feelings of being overwhelmed and being dangerously confronted by something. Consider also if the dream is telling you that there is something that you need to "get off your chest".
It is common for those who experience real life chest pains to have dreams where they are being shot in the chest or feel heavy pressure on their chest.

Mother
To see your mother in your dream, represents the nurturing aspect of your own character. Mothers offer shelter, comfort, life, guidance and protection. Some people may have problems freeing themselves from their mothers and are thus seeking their own individuality and development.

Hotel
To see a hotel in your dream, signifies a new state of mind or a shift in personal identity. You are undergoing some sort of transition and need to move away from your old habits and old way of thinking. You need to temporarily escape from your daily life.  Alternatively, the dream may imply a loss in your personal identity.

Clothing
To dream of your clothes, is symbolic of your public self and how you are perceived. It is indicative of the act you put on in front of others. Clothes are also an indication of your condition and status in life. Thus, if you wear clothes that do not suit you or that you normally would not wear, then it suggests that you are putting up a front and trying to deceive others. The dream may be a pun that something in your life is "unsuitable". It may be a symbol of hypocrisy and being someone that you are not. Alternatively, it could also mean that you are revealing a hidden part of yourself to the world.


Congrats if you're still with us...this is a long one! 

Okay, I'm thinking I must be having some identity issues?  Or that something is changing in my life, and I can feel it.  Maybe I'm wanting to put my greatness out there!  Riiight.  Or maybe I'm about to win a prestiguous award! Hopefully I wasn't having real life chest pains. That wouldn't be good. 

Dream interpretations are always interesting.  This one seems pretty unclear to me.  Sometimes they're pretty freaky. 

Do any of you ever try and interpret your dreams? 

Friday, January 22, 2010

I'm lovin' it...


image from here .


My friend brought me a vanilla iced coffee from McDonald's this morning.  I think they must put crack in these things.  Seriously, I get so excited every time.  Right now, I've almost finished it off and I feel all hyped up on caffeine and crazy.  Love it.  {I really haven't had any caffeine for over a week, so it's hitting me hard!} I love them so much and every time I have one I think, I must have this every morning....but that's just not a good idea.   Have you guys tried them?

Hahaha!  I think the above paragraph makes it pretty apparent how jittery I am.  The crash is going to suck big time.

But for real, if you like iced coffee and haven't tried McD's version....do it.

I'm not going to do my friday to-do this week because really, it's the same as last week and I'm bored with it.  Plus, that's kinda all I've blogged about for a while and let's face it, no one wants to read about that.

Happy Friday to you all!  Have a super fantastic fun weekend!

Saturday, January 16, 2010

I am grateful for....

  • my home and how it sparkles when it's clean  {now I just have to get it back to sparkling!}
  • yogurt oatmeal parfaits ...they're delicious!
  • our awesome new neighborhood friends who we have so much fun hanging out with
  • slow starts to saturday mornings
  • kitties in baskets

Friday, January 15, 2010

Ice lanterns and Friday to-do's:

I think these ice lanterns from Design Sponge are just lovely.  Our snow is melting away more and more everyday, but if {or when} it returns, I'd like to try to make one.

from here .


This weekends to-do's are short as I'm just not feeling all that much pressure this week:

1) Clean my car.  This is so I can continue on week 2 of carpool with my work friend who lives so close. Week 1 was a smashing success and next week it's my turn!
2) Work on a project that has been looming for what seems like forever!

Have a lovely weekend!

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Blog to book...

Just noticed the link on blogger to Blog2Print .  I would love to do this.  Books start at just $14.95.  That doesn't seem too bad really.  Has anyone tried this?  If so, were you happy with it?




I'd rather be working here....

found here .

isn't it lovely?

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Now offering Custom Personalized Piggy Banks!

jdavissquared is proud to announce the addition of Custom Personalized Piggy Banks to our shop!



Completely customizable with any name, design or color scheme, they make great baby shower or baby gifts!


I put myself through college working for KC's best personalized gift shop, and it feels so good to be doing this again!  I really have a blast and love every minute of it!


Please go check it out and spread the word! 

We'll be adding more personalized gifts soon, so check back.  I'll keep you posted here!

Thanks guys!

Gratitude...

As I was waking up this morning I was thinking about a friend.  I realized, as I was coming to, that I was thinking jealous thoughts.  Then all of a sudden, I thought (it was like I heard a voice, but that's creepy) "Why are you thinking that way!?  What's wrong with what you have and what your life is!?"  And then I realized I am right.  Don't get me wrong, I LOVE MY LIFE!  I am so very, very blessed, and I know it.  But, I do find myself thinking, "oh, well she has this", or "If only I looked like that"  or "I wish I was like her".  The fact of the matter is that I have more than one woman could or should ever ask for, and I need to start appreciating it! 

So, I decided in that moment that I was going to start doing a gratitude post on here.  {I've heard that writing down what you're grateful for is hard at first, but if you keep at it, it helps fill your life with happiness}

As soon as I thought that, I knew what I was grateful for this morning:

I am grateful for kitty wiskers tickling my face in the morning, and cold little noses against mine.  Most of all I'm grateful for the sweet little face of my most amazing furry friend, and those pretty eyes looking back at me saying, "get up mama, we're hungry!" 

Friday, January 8, 2010

friday to-do's:

Last night I was feeling sort of down on myself.  I was having a bit of an identity crisis.  Am I living my life the best I can?  Doing the things I really want to do?  I'm still not quite sure what the answer is, but I'm feeling better this morning.  It's probably just that it's Friday...that always helps!

This weekend I would like to accomplish the following:

1.  List new items in the shop !
2.  Make chili...mmmm
3.  Snuggle up and stay warm.  {it's bitterly cold here in KC...today's high is 1 degree!  Yowzer!}
4.  Get in a workout or two.  
5. Send an invoice to a special someone .

That's it!  Sounds totally doable, right!?

Hope you all have a fabulous weekend!  Stay warm, wherever you are!

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

home sweet home...


This wooden Kansas brooch from ME2Designs was made from a 1915 jigsaw puzzle.  Darling, right!?  I am a Kansas girl, through and through.  Although, it seems like it might be a little lame since I still live in Kansas.  I think Meg is right {see below}...it would still be fabulous!  It's just too bad that Kansas isn't as exciting of a shape as Florida! 

Perhaps it would make a good gift for one of my Kansas friends who has moved away...what do you think?

hearts...


I'm loving this sweet heart garland found on Down and Out Chic!  Wouldn't these be lovely for Valentine's Day!?  I never do much decorating for Valentine's, but maybe this years my year!  I'm picturing them in pinks and reds against a snowy February backdrop.  {at the rate we're going, we'll have 3 feet of snow by then!}

Monday, January 4, 2010

dear pumpkin spice syrup,

you made our fall/early winter so tasty with the pumkin lattes that you were a part of.  thanks for the deliciousness.  we'll see you next year! 

love always,
jen & jon

{recipe here, except i didn't use organic ingredients because, well, i'm cheap like that.  it's still delicious}

Sunday, January 3, 2010

Happy Birthday Little Blog!



Day 74: Birthday Cupcake
Originally uploaded by sandra..

That's right, my blog turns one today! I started with this post one year ago today. {nice picture, right?} I had no idea at the time if I would be able to keep it up. I'd say I've done a fair job at least.

Thanks so much to all of you that read jdavissquared! I hope to be sharing many exciting things with you in year two!

This evening is going to consist of relaxing, eating some yummy pasta and wrapping my brain around the fact that my 11 day vacation is over! It was too short, as vacations usually are, but I definitely feel renewed. Jon and I have spent 24 hours a day with eachother since the day before Christmas Eve. I'm going to miss him! I'm also going to miss sleeping til 10 o'clock and staying in my pj's all day. But hey, you can't do that forever. Well, you can, but I'm thinking that would not be a good thing!