What is that, velvet?...

I came across these pictures in my iPhoto, and thought I would share.  

This album came over from Germany sometime in the 1800's.  The lovely people in the photos are my family, the Damm's.  My mom somehow got lucky enough to be the keeper of this beautiful album, and I've been fascinated with it my entire life.  A couple of years ago she asked me to scan the photos and put them on cd so that she could share with the rest of the extended family.  I was all too happy to help out.  I carefully removed each photo from the pages, with tweezers so as not to tear the delicate paper.  Most of the pictures had captions written on the back, and I copied each of those as I went along as well.

There is something so beautiful about these old pictures to me.  The hairstyles, the dresses, the way the children seem so poised, everything just draws me in!  Not to mention the beautiful album.  Crushed velvet and that heavy brass clasp....love!

If you all would be interested, I'd love to share.


Are you interested in seeing the photos from this album?  {I'll see what kind of response I get, because I'm not sure if the allure is due to the fact that it's a family heirloom of my own, or if it's something worth sharing.  I wouldn't want to bore you after-all!}

lunch shopping...

just got back from a little old navy shopping excursion with a friend over lunch.  

bought this

found here .

and an adorable yellow tote with tulips and a wine bottle printed on it that I cannot seem to find online!  I will have to take a picture of it to share, because it it too cute, and it was only $2.50!

we had lunch at noodles and company .  it was so yummy!  i had the whole grain tuscan linguini with parmesan chicken and a green salad.  I'm sort of looking forward to going again!

the weather is beautiful!  did not want to go back to the office!

***just a little note, in case you were wondering:  

Miles is doing very well!  He had some blood work done yesterday and everything came back normal. 

 He still needs to submit a urine sample. {yay for me getting to be the lucky collector of that!  sorry....is that TMI?} He still has no pulse in his back legs, but obviously his body is working around the clot, because he is getting blood to them or he wouldn't have feeling or be able to walk.  We are very, very grateful.

Hope it's beautiful where you are!

notion love...

Does anyone else have boxes and drawers of supplies and are you constantly forgetting what you have on hand and buying more?  Design Sponge shared the cutest solution to this problem:  sewing notion display art.  And, even better, they shared the templates!  You can download them here.  I love the idea of using your materials as decor in your studio.  {i'm also loving that bunting...surprise, surprise!} My problem would be never wanting to change the display!  They're just too pretty!

found here.

butterflies and birdies...

I love what Caroline Armelle has done with her studio.  Those turquoise stained floors,  {they're concrete, wouldn't that be nice for a studio!?} and that wallpaper accent wall!  How fun is that!?  I just love all the colorful butterflies and birdies.

Someday I'm going to re-do my studio/office.  Everything just kind of landed where it did when we moved in.  I would love to turn it into an inspiring space such as this.

image borrowed from Caroline's blog.  If it's not on your reading list, it should be!

Do you have a beautiful room that's all your own?

Offer from KnotWork Shop...

Hey everyone!  In case you missed it, Diane left a comment on my last post:

you should definitely take her up on that!  she has so many great products! 

thanks diane!

visit KnotWork Shop here.

May I have the envelope please...

The winner of this fabulous apple cozy courtesy the KnotWork Shop is....

drumroll please...

lucky number 23!

that's audreyscountrycrafts!

Congratulations, I'll be contacting you for your mailing address!  

Thank you all for playing!  I hope to do more give aways in the future!  

And a huge thank you to Diane for offering up one of her fabulous pieces for the give away!  Make sure you go visit her shop!

{if you have a business you'd like to promote, and would like to sponsor a give away here on jdavissquared, 

please email me, I'd love to chat!}

i am grateful...

for this little guy.

Mr. Miles is feeling better all the time.  He is now walking around a bit and on both of his back feet!  He even took a sniff of his food this morning.  He's talking to us again {he's a very vocal cat} and sounding more chipper.  Still a little wobbly on his feet, but he's getting there.  I hope this weekend can bring even more progress, and hopefully a lot of rest for all of us!  He still has a way to go, but I feel he is definitely on his way to recovery.

The past few days have been so scary at times.  I was terrified I might lose him.  I'm so, so grateful that he appears to be on the mend.  

I am also so grateful for you.  My readers.  Thank you for all your prayers and well wishes.  It meant so much to me to know that people all over the world were thinking of Miles and wishing him well.  

I am not going to do a friday to-do list this week, because all I'm worried about is helping Miles continue his recovery, and getting some rest!  If I can do those two things, I'll be happy!

what are your weekend plans?

*****oh, and don't forget, the give away ends today!  go enter before it's too late!*****

Miles Update...

Hi all.  First and foremost I want to thank all of you for your sweet comments and good thoughts and prayers for our beloved kitty.

The good news is, he seems to be showing improvement.  We started him on aspirin yesterday morning, gave fluids yesterday afternoon, and by last night he was up and about a little.  He still is by no means in the clear, but we are so very grateful for these baby steps.  He has function of one of his back legs, but is still having issues with the foot on his other leg.  He also seems to be much more content and aware this morning.  I'm praying for a good day and continued recovery.

Jon stayed with him until 10 this morning and I came home from work at noon, so he wouldn't have to be alone too long.  {thankfully, I have a very understanding boss!}

I'm sorry for not having any "regular" posts, and hope to resume them soon!

Thank you all for your prayers and good wishes.  Please keep it up!

Much love,
jen

p.s.  If you haven't yet entered the giveaway, go here and do so!  Make sure you also check out KnotWork Shop on Etsy!

p.p.s. Welcome to all the new followers!  I'm so happy to have you.  I promise this will not turn into a blog about my cat.  He's just where my heart is right now!  ;)

Call for prayers...

Hi everyone.  I need your prayers big and bad.  My darling Miles kitty is very, very sick.  He has a blood clot preventing circulation to his back legs.  This is very serious, and the outcome is uncertain at this time.  He still is getting some blood flow to his legs, because he can still move them a little.  We have started him on aspirin and are praying for a miracle.

I can barely see the screen through my tears, but I felt that I had to get some people praying for this little guy.  I know not everyone understands a love for animals, but I'm certain that most of you probably do.  You're just good peeps.  

Miles is only 8 years old.  For a cat, that's still very young.  He is my snuggle buddy, laid back, the nicest cat you've ever met.  I'm not just saying that cause I'm his mom either.  Everyone who meets him falls in love.  Even people who swear they don't like cats.  Point being, he deserves more time.  

He has been Jon's buddy always as well.  He was my husbands company during the days of those long months that he was confined to our home.  {my husband is a leukemia survivor, and was home bound during his treatments due to his low immune system resulting from his illness.}  Miles was always by his side, and I know he played a huge role in helping Jon beat cancer.  

Miles was a part of our family before we were a family.  

Please pray for a miracle.  I know they can happen.  I've seen them happen, and I believe he can get better.  

Thank you all, and I will try to keep you updated, but if I'm not around for a couple of days, you know why.  

Thank you,  

jen

seriously, peeps...

Go enter the give away!  Don't you want to experience owning an apple cozy?  You'll be the coolest kid in school!  Just think of the conversations that will be sparked!  Go here to enter or click on the link over there------------------------------->

What's in my purse...

{First of all, make sure you enter this week's give away here.}

I was tagged by Angela from Pickles on Pizza, and asked to share what is in my purse.  This is almost embarrassing, as I haven't cleaned out my purse in quite some time!  Let's just get to it...I'm sure you're all fascinated.

This is my purse.  As you can see it is so full that it cannot even be zipped.  It is a very nice purse, a gift from my mother.  {thanks mom!}  It's quite disgraceful that I run about with it in this state.

We have:

1. Calendar
2. Sketchbook 
3. iPod
4. Pack of Gum
5. Flash Drive
6. Locket  {also a gift from my mother}
7. Plastic fork
8. ID badge for my day job
9. Portable Reusable Bag {this is quite possibly the handiest thing ever!  If you don't have one, I highly recommend you purchase one immediately!}
10. Glasses.  {Yes, I have granny glasses.  That's what happens when you stare at a computer screen in low light all day.}
11. Bunch of random make-up.  Mascara {which I've been meaning to put in the bathroom for ages, because it's in my purse and I forget to put it on and look like a bum all day}, Concealer {same deal as mascara}, 3 tubes of lipstick {which is interesting, because I never wear lipstick},  2 lip glosses.
12. Eye drops
13. 2 tampons and a panty liner.  {hey, I'm keepin' it real folks.}
14. Bandaid
15. Customs form from USPS
16. 2 zinc lozenges and 1 dose of Dayquil  {from my cold in November...I told you I haven't cleaned out the purse in a while!} 
17. $4.04
18. Gold envelope from a valentine I received.  No valentine, just the envelope.  {?}
19. 2 paper clips
20. Outlining pen
21. Wallet  {again, a gift from my mother.  she's looking real good right about now!}
22. Trash consisting of 1 receipt, 3 lists, a gum wrapper and a straw wrapper.

Noticeably absent are my phone, keys and the food log that I always carry.  They weren't in there when I grabbed the purse, but usually are.  

Seriously, this is way too much stuff for one gal to be lugging around!  I will have you know that I've narrowed it down to only the necessities,  which is way less stuff.  Like probably only 18 things instead of 24!  ha!  

Do you lug a bunch of stuff around with you?  

I just can't help it.  I use almost all of that, and really the calendar and sketchbook are only in there on days I go to work.  I'm a packrat, what can I say?  

Give Away from KnotWork Shop...

Good morning everyone!  Have I got something to brighten up your Monday morning!

Remember this post?  Well, Diane of KnotWork Shop {she made the darling iPod case} has offered up a  giveaway to jdavissquared readers!

Diane started KnotWork Shop as a creative outlet and a place where she can fully express herself, and be her own boss.  She has a collection of bright and colorful accessories, jewelry and housewares.  {some of them are quite sarcastic!}  In October 2009, Diane quit her day job and is now focussing on her family and her shop full time.  {congrats Diane!} To read more about Diane, go here.

Up for grabs is this bright and colorful apple cozy!  

from KnotWork Shop.

Now, I don't know about you all, but I've seen these little numbers around, and I've always been intrigued.  I mean, besides the obvious fun of dressing your afternoon snack in a cute little sweater, what's up with these things, right?  Well, here's the scoop:  Apple cozies actually protect your apple when you throw it in your bag or purse.  It'll keep it from bruising, from being pierced and best of all it will keep it clean, so that it's ready for munching any time!

One lucky reader will win!  This is open to everyone, international readers included!  

You have 3 chances to win:

1. leave a comment below.
2. become a follower of jdavissquared and tell me you did so {or already do} in a separate comment.
3. blog/tweet/facebook about this give away and leave a link!

{Make sure I have a way to contact you if you win!}  

Make sure you visit KnotWork Shop to check out all of Diane's wonderful goods!  I love this mug cozy, these wascloths, and this hat!

Winner will be announced sometime this Friday 3/26.  Good luck everyone, and have a great Monday!

Spring indeed....for now!

by ethermoon via flickr 

Hooray!  It's Friday!  I hope you all are as excited for the weekend as I am.  It is a beeeeeeautiful spring day here in Kansas City.  We're talking a high of 61 with sunny skies!  

{I'm choosing not to think about tomorrow's forecast:  36 degrees and 3-6 inches of snow.  boo!  
That's Kansas for you.  As we always say, if you don't like the weather, wait 5 minutes, it'll change!}

Today, it is spring indeed!

This weekends plans include:

• attending a baby shower for one of the sweetest people I know.
• making final plans for our road trip!
• cleaning the house.  {I know this is on the list every weekend, but never has it been so necessary as this week.  The mess is driving. me. mad.}
• preparing something exciting for the blog next week!  {stay tuned}
• march madness!!  it's the best time of year!

what's on your list for this weekend?

whatever it is, I hope it's glorious!

little jars of cupcakes...

Have you seen the beautiful garden bridal shower that Ruby over at Cakies threw for her friend?  It looks positively magical.  Everything is so sunny and wonderful!  She made a beautiful pinata out of a vintage book and these absolutely adorable cupcakes in a jar!

from here.


I cannot get over how amazing these are!  I mean, red velvet,  those jars, the blue bakers twine, and the wooden spoons!  Oh, they just make me giddy!  It makes me want to throw a party just as an excuse to make them.
What's your favorite kind of cupcake?

I think mine would have to be chocolate with buttercream frosting, but that red velvet sure looks yummy!  

green goodness...

I've never been a huge fan of St. Patrick's Day, but green is one of my favorite colors!  In honor of the Irish holiday, I picked out some green goodness from etsy that I wouldn't mind having all year round!

1. Recycled GROLSCH large drinking glass tumblers made from reclaimed beer bottles--by bottlehood
2. Ipod Case Cozy Green Crochet--by knotworkshop
3. The Felt Foliage Pillow-Leafy Moss Green--by VSquaredV2
4. Piccolito Mini Purse hand stitched leather Feral Empire--by feralgirl
5. Jadite Square Salt and Pepper Shakers--by jaditekate 6. Wire Wrapped Swarovski Crystal Briolette Earrings. Avacado.--by almostsunday 

Do you have big plans to celebrate St. Patty's?  

I think mine will consist of a good workout, a little bracket filling-in, and watching last night's episode of Lost!  I might even get crazy and make a green monster!  {this is my plan as of now, but it is possible we could be swayed into having a beer at our neighborhood pub with our friends, we'll see.}

pretty wheels...

The blogosphere has been a buzz with news of the Liberty of London for Target release.  But, did you know they made cruisers!?  You know how I love me some cruisers as evidenced here and here.  So, is it any surprise that I'm smitten with this?

from here.

they appear to be sold out everywhere.   not surprising.

{as if I'd rush right out and buy one.  but hey, a girl can dream, no?}

Monday Funday...

Good morning!  How was crawling out of bed for everyone else this morning?  That time change is a doozy!  Nothing that a homemade iced coffee won't cure!

Now, I'm sure you all know the very talented and very sweet Lesley Graham of Homemade Grits , right?  {Well, if not, you really need to check out her blog and her shop.}  

I decided to sponsor her blog this month, so head on over and check it out.  She'll be hosting some incredible give aways coming up, including one from yours truly!  Lesley is also a contributing writer for the brand new Southern Flourish Magazine , which was just released today.  It looks positively inspiring and I can't wait to read through the whole thing!  

I didn't accomplish everything on my list this weekend, but I did get some new items added to the shop!  I'll just share a few...

this pretty little brooch...

buy it here.

the brand-spankin' new Elvis Silhouette Chalkboard...

but it here.

and a fun graphic print...

buy it here.

These are just a few of the new listings in the shop , so definitely go check it out!

What a fun Monday, right!?  

i am grateful...

for you!  

found here.

just wanted to take a moment to thank you all for taking this journey with me.  i love having each and every one of you along,  and am so glad that we've met through this crazy little place called blogland!  you guys are the best, and i honestly get giddy every time i get a new comment to read!  thank you, thank you, thank you!

have a beautiful sunday!  

p.s. welcome to our new readers too!  i can't wait to get to know you better!  :)

ahhh, friday...

it's friday at last!  i'm ready for a weekend full of relaxation and productivity...is that even possible? 

i sure hope so!  

found here .

it's a cold and dreary friday, and i'd like nothing more than to be curled up at home with a cup of tea.  

soon enough.

this weekend i will be:

• working on some new items for the shop 
• cleaning house {this is always on the list isn't it!?}
• finishing and shipping some custom orders.
• deciding on dates for an upcoming road trip to visit some special people!  {yipee!}
• watching the Big 12 championship game with our good neighbor friends.  {Rock Chalk!}
• snuggling with my husband 
• watching some movies.  hopefully this one will be in the mix!

what are your plans for the weekend?

happy friday!

Etsy love...

I recently came across Miss Betty Lou on etsy.  I was instantly smitten with her quirky jewelry and statement pieces.  {I was extra excited to see she's a Kanas City girl too!}  If you haven't seen her goods, you really must check  out her store . 

I'm especially taken by this necklace,

found here

these earrings,

found here .

and this fun ring.

found here .

Wouldn't that ring be great for St. Patty's day!?  

I love...

these bookends make me swoon.  I have a pair of Abraham Lincoln's in brass that might just get a coat of spray paint if their not careful...we'll see.

and this table makes me want to host a brunch and give out initials as favors!  aren't they divine!?

found here .

Happy Feet...

My friend and I went errand running over lunch today.  It's a beautiful 62 degrees outside, and it felt so good to get out of the office and into some wonderful spring-like weather!

Remember these?  

Well, I now have them in my hot little hands on my hot little feet!  Well, not literally, cause I bought these today too!

find them here .

They were on sale for $13.48 at my Target, and the hubby and I just had a talk last night about how I still have Christmas money to spend, so I couldn't resist.  It's a little early to bust out the sandals, but these are just perfect for brisk spring days! {and i am wearing a green shirt today, so it was fate} I wore these bad boys back into the office, oh yeah!

p.s. I lost a blog follower today.  :(
Do you guys take it personally when someone un-follows your blog?  I can't help but get sad when I lose somebody!  Have I ever told you all how grateful I am to have you as readers?  Well, I am!  Thanks everyone!

Shop Update...

I'm pleased to announce:  New in the shop today, Custom prints!   

floral wedding print...buy here.

all star baby print...buy here.

announcing the princess...buy here.

Big favor...

Hi everyone!  Remember my bestie's little darling, Ava?  

Well, she's in a modeling competition duking it out for a spot in a local boutique catalog.  She wants to be a Glam R Baby, and she needs some votes!   

I'm hoping you guys will help make me the coolest auntie ever and wrangle up some votes for her.  All you have to do is become a fan of Glam R Baby on Facebook and then go to Ava's picture and click "like".  That's it!  

Please?  I mean, how can you resist those eyes!?

{The contest ends at 10:00 p.m. central time on 3/10, so hop on over there!}

Thanks guys!  You're the best, and Happy Weekend!

Poor little Sophie kitty....

Much to my horror, yesterday we discovered an abscess on Sophie's side.  It appears that she has been bitten and that it has become infected.  I'm quite certain that this is Chloe's doing. {You can check out the little suspect in the left sidebar if you're so inclined.}  Chloe loves to torment Sophie, and up until now, my attitude has been to just let them work it out.  However, this is not going to fly.  Poor Sophie has been sent to the vet {my stepfather} to have her wounds cleaned and attended to.  She will be on antibiotics to clear up the infection, and will probably have at least one shaved spot on her fur.  I'm hoping they don't find more bites.  I feel like a horrible mama.  I'm just so glad we discovered it when we did.  This little fur ball has really stolen a piece of my heart lately.  

In other news, I sold three chalkboards in the last two days on etsy!  Hooray!

This weekend, I have an out of control to-do list.  From what I can remember it goes something like this:

• gather info for the accountant to finish up our taxes
• balance the checkbook
• fix break lights on my car
• list items on etsy
• make chalkboards

I know there is more.  I made a list last night, but it's at home on the kitchen counter....

Hope you all have a lovely weekend!  What are your plans?

Rock Chalk!!!

Here in just a few hours our beloved Jayhawks take on the nasty old Wildcats of K-State!  We have an evening of rivalry planned with our good neighbor friends.  They'll be wearing purple, but we like 'em anyway!  It should be a great game.  Senior night, Sunflower Showdown, it doesn't get much better than that!  And, March Madness is so close you can almost taste it!  Oh, I'm getting so excited....it's the best time of the year!

found here .

Are you guys college hoops fans?  If so, who's your team?

flickr newbie...

Of course I've been on flickr . And yes, I've posted some pics courtesy it's pages.  But it has always been confusing and intimidating to me.  Today, I decided to change that.  I'm constantly in awe of the gorgeous photographs that can be found on there.  I want to learn how to utilize it for inspiration.  I definitely don't have it all figured out, but I want to learn!
Here are a couple of my favorites from today...

from dottie angel here .

from Smile and Wave here .


Are you on flickr?  If so, do you have any pointers?

{I would also be extremely grateful for any suggestions on photostreams to check out!}  

jacket for two...

Happy Monday guys!

We went to the Overland Park Homes Show with my dad on Saturday.  It was the usual Homes Show, nothing too exciting, except for the booth selling these:

from jacketfortwo.com 

Yes, you are seeing that right.  Those are not siamese twins, those are just couples...wearing jackets...made to hold two people.

I'm not sure what else to say about this, except it kinda makes me think of this.  

these are made right here in KC.

I don't know what I'll do if I ever see a couple actually wearing this.  That would make my day.

How was your weekend?