Thursday, September 30, 2010

Fall Bunting Tutorial...

I am so excited to share with you all today the very first tutorial here on jdavissquared!

I have been in love with buntings for a long, long time, and finally decided it was time to make one.  This is so simple you guys!  All it takes is a little time and minimal sewing skills to produce a super cute decoration that you'll be able to use for years to come.

The one I created is for fall, but you could easily use any color combo you like for holidays, birthdays, or just to add some spunk to a room.

You will need:
  • at least 2 pieces of 8 1/2 x 11 inch felt in any colors you like
  • ribbon of your choosing {approximately 7 feet long}
  • straight pens
  • scissors
  • a ruler
  • thread to match/contrast
  • sewing machine {or the patience to sew by hand}

{I forgot to picture the ribbon and thread!}

1.  Fold your felt in half longways.  I used 4 colors in mine, and this yielded enough to make two full buntings {*plus a bonus one, that I'll show you later}.  If you want to only cut for one, you can cut them in half longways, or only use two colors.

2. Mark the corners of your triangles with the straight pens. Download a template here.
3. Once you've marked your corners, cut your triangles. You'll want to use good sewing scissors so you get a clean cut.   If you've folded your felt in half, you will have to separate some of them down the seam by cutting like this:
4. Leave about 8 inches of ribbon on the end, and then start pinning your flags onto the back side of the ribbon.  You'll want the flags to touch at the corners.  Place your 24 flags all in a row and leave another 8 inches on the other end.  {You can easily make your strand longer or shorter to your liking by adding or subtracting flags.}


5. Once you've pinned all your flags, sew them with your machine.  {Or, if you're like me, and the machine hates you, you can ask your sweet husband if he'll pause the football game and come help you.  Yes, I'm that lucky!}   I used a zig zag stitch on mine in contrasting thread to give a little extra detail.

6.  Remove your pins.
7. Wha-lah!  Cute bunting!

I hung mine across our mantle using a little masking tape in a hidden spot to secure.  {You could also tie the ends to something.}  And look, down in the bottom right corner, even Chloe likes it!







*bonus...the extra end pieces of your felt, can be made into a mini-bunting!  I used the extra ribbon and these extra pieces to create a little something for the pantry door.  Who says you can't decorate the kitchen for fall too!?





I hope you all enjoy this inaugural tutorial!  If you decide to make one, I'd love, love, love to see pictures!

Thanks everyone! 


Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Verde...





Green has always been one of my favorite colors.  I love how it can seem vibrant, and soft all at the same time.  These photos are no exception.  Looking at them now, I'm wondering if I'm feeling a longing for the good old days of school....nah, that can't be it!

What's your favorite color?

Thank you for your kind words yesterday.  It really means alot to me.  I don't know if I gave my sweet husband enough credit yesterday, as it really was he who was attacked.  I lost friends too, but only because if you mess with my man, you mess with me!  Anyway, thank you for caring about us!  It means alot.

And....guess what I have for tomorrow!?  A tutorial, just for you!  I'm really excited to share this simple project with you.  It's super easy and will definitely add some cheer to your home {or office!}
I hope you'll come back tomorrow and join in the fun!

Have a great humpday...oh geez, it's only Wednesday!? 

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

True friendship really is hard to find...



Yesterday was a really bad, horrible, awful day. 

Well, let me clarify.  It wasn't the worst day I've had, but it was bad.  I won't go into details, cause I'm better than that, but let's just say that true friends are hard to find, and that we got stabbed in the back, punched in the face and spit on.  The craziest thing, is that it came from two completely unrelated directions, on the same day, to converge in the perfect storm of ego busting, friendship destruction.

My heart is broken.  I feel used, and abused and I'm angry with myself for not guarding my feelings more closely.

I am so very thankful for the friends that I do have.  For the ones who have stuck by me through thick and thin.  And, for my husband.  He is an amazing man. 

We've taken some steps recently to try and guard ourselves.  Even before this all happened, we committed ourselves to a Facebook fast.  We were talking Friday evening about the compulsion we both feel to check it every day.  We don't like feeling enslaved to a social network, and feel it doesn't add much to our lives.  If anything, it takes away.  We're stepping way for one month, and then we'll re-evaluate. 

I would like to point out, that while I do check my blog multiple times a day, it's completely different.  You all lift me up, and I am so grateful.  You inspire me, and make me feel like what I have to say matters.  Thank you.  I'm convinced that somehow the nicest people from all over the world find there way here, and that makes me so happy.  You guys give me hope. 

So, here's to a better day today! 

Monday, September 27, 2010

Pumpkin Spice Syrup...

I've been anticipating fall for a while, but couldn't really get my heart into it until this weekend.  Wow, was it gorgeous!   There was that distinct chill in the air, football on the tv and pumpkin spice lattes in our hands.  I also put out some fall decorations, and I'm dying to go to the pumpkin patch!  It's scheduled for the 9th, but I can't wait! 

{the inaugural pumpkin spice latte of 2010}
 I crossed the first thing of my Autumn List and made pumpkin spice syrup.  Oh man, this stuff is so good you guys! 

Some of you asked for the recipe, so I'm going to share my adaptation of this recipe.  It's essentially the same, but with a couple tweaks to the directions, and I just use regular old ingredients instead of organic.

Pumpkin Spice Syrup

ingredients:

1 1/4 cup water
3 cups sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cloves
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/4 cup molasses
1 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 cup canned pumpkin
2 cups whipping cream

directions:
  • Simmer water and sugar in large saucepan (I think I used the 3 quart) until sugar has completely dissolved.
  • While sugar is dissolving, prepare all other ingredients so they can be easily added.
  • Add in molasses, sweetened condensed milk, whipping cream and pumpkin
  • Bring to a boil and simmer, constantly whisking, until temperature reaches 230 degrees F.  {I've found this takes about 25 minutes...It helps to have a husband to help stir, but I would not recommend help from children, as it is very hot!}
  • Add in spices, and continue whisking and simmering until mixture reaches 235 degrees F.  {This shouldn't take long}
  • Let cool and pour into a wide mouth jar.  Store in refrigerator.
Making a pumpkin spice latte with your syrup:
  • put 1-2 tablespoons syrup in the bottom of your mug. {if it's straight from the fridge, you may want to microwave for 10-20 seconds, just to take the chill out so it doesn't cool down your coffee}
  • pour 2 shots espresso over syrup and stir.
  • froth 1/2 cup milk and pour over coffee
  • stir and top with whipped cream, nutmeg or sugar
Seriously, just as good if not better than Starbucks, and way more budget friendly!  I would imagine this syrup would be great in drip coffee as well.  I really don't think you can  go wrong!

Let me know if you try it, how you like it! 

How was your weekend?  Does it feel like fall where you are?

Friday, September 24, 2010

A pretty bicycle picture and random thoughts from the week....




Really nice complements from strangers are the best. 

How come I never want to work on the project or task that I need to be working on now?   I always want to be doing something else.

Why is there a handicap symbol next to the word verification in blogger comments?



Your reaction isnt to ppl or circumstances but their effect ON YOU! How you react is who you are, not who they are. -The Daily Love on Twitter

Facebook, I'm kinda over you.  I think we need some time apart.

Why is it that the people who say "everyone is entitled to thier opinion" always seem to be the same people who are hellbent on belittling people who disagree with them?

Listening for God's direction, and then following it, despite the fact that it's not what you want to do, is a powerful thing.  Not to mention, freeing, rewarding and full of peace.  I'm grateful for the people put in my life to smooth my rough edges.

***********************************************************************


What are your plans for the weekend?  

I have some projects to work on, and I'm determined to make pumpkin spice syrup...it is time!  After getting through yesterday, I feel so much better, and am ready to relax and enjoy some down time.  I hope you all get to do the same. 

Happy Friday!

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Ugh...


I'm feeling a little overwhelmed.

I've been really, really bad at managing my time this week,and I'm paying for it today.

But, it's almost Friday, and all in all, my life is pretty great. 

{see what I did there? I started complaining and was feeling sorry for myself, and then I reminded myself of what I do have.}

Now, off to wade through my to-do list!

Have a great day, and I'll see you tomorrow with some random thoughts!

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

222...



I just reached 222 followers.  Made me smile...

See, here's the deal, 22 has special meaning in my family.  It was my grandpa's number.  I guess it seemed as though every time he was assigned a number, it involved a series of 2's, or so I'm told.  It's one of those old family stories that gets passed down.  I'm sure, more often than not it's pure cooincidence, but our family seems to notice mulitple 2's alot.

My aunt was once driving along, missing her dad {my grandpa} and looked up, only to see the car in front of her had a license plate that read KBS 222.  My grandapa's initials were KBS.

My sister claims to wake up in the middle of the night at precisely 2:22 am on a regular basis.

My dad topped off the gas tank before our road trip last year and it registered exactly $22.22. {I think, or it may have been $20.22, or 22 gallons....point being, it was full of 2's}

I almost always notice the time at 2:22 in the afternoon, and check my watch at 22:22 into my run.

My phone number ends in 22.

I was born on the 2nd, my husband was born on the 22nd. 

Even Jon has started noticing them.  He points them out to me all the time.


I know it's more often than not coincidental, but it always makes me happy when I notice them.  Almost like hearing from my grandpa again.

I was expecting to see the followers reach it sometime, but I got an extra chuckle when I realized today's date.  Fitting that I'd hit the 222 mark on the 22nd.

Does anyone else have a family number?  If so, what is it?  Do share!


{image by Leo Reynolds}

+

I've always loved jars and boxes full of random trinkets and things.  {no doubt part of my collection obsession}  I'm a sucker for grab bags.  You just never know what kind of treasure you might find!

I recently came across the little box of positivity in All the Luck in the World's etsy shop.  Seriously!  For just $8.00 + shipping you can have tiny treasures sent to you all the way from the Netherlands.  How cool is that!? 

via

The artist behind this darling little shop is Jane Schouten and she has a beautiful website and blog.  I highly recommend you check them out as well as her store.  Who couldn't use a little positivity these days?

Hope you're all enjoying a great hump day! 

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Keepin' it real...


So, I'm going to share something that I find kinda silly about myself.

You see, I write this blog, and I love that for some reason you all come here to read it. I get even more excited when you actually take the time to comment on what I've posted. It makes my day, really, every single time.

But, I seem to have this disconnect. I forget that people I know in real life read this. {hi guys!} When they say something about the blog, I feel this twinge of embarrassment. Not in what I've said, or what I've posted, but it's like they've peeked into my soul. Gosh, that sounds lame. Now I'm getting nervous, cause I know they're reading this. {hi again} It's really hard to explain, because it's not at all that I don't want them reading, and I love to hear that they are! I recently learned that Jon even reads {hi honey} and that even makes me feel all silly.

I'm not sure what that says about me.

Maybe it's because very rarely do I get a comment from a real life friend. I guess I just forget they're reading. 

Do they think this is some kind of exclusive thing, and like they're not welcome to comment?  That is so not true!  Comment away real life friends!

Maybe it's cause it's kinda like finding out that my friends and family have been reading my diary...but then again I post said diary right here on the internet for all to see...I want people to read it! 

I'm sure this is all rooted in some deep desire for acceptance, and a little self doubt.  So be it.  Just trying to keep it real, folks!

So, does anyone else experience this? Is it just me? 

I appreciate all of you, whether I know you in real life or not! 

Monday, September 20, 2010

Half full...



Happy Monday to you all!

How was your weekend?

Mine was alright. Some good, some not so good. But all seems to be good in the end....let me explain.

good...we went for a bike ride on Saturday. Ended up going about 10 miles on the trail near our house! So much fun!

not so good...when we returned, Mr. Miles was showing signs of his issue. :( We cancelled our plans for the evening, and stayed put with him.

good...I can honestly say that he never acted like he was in pain, and never got to the point that he was dragging his legs. Just walking on his haunches. And, he never lost his appetite! That's good!

good...I made some pesto! Man, that takes alot of basil! Good thing I have a forest of it in my backyard.

good...I have all the ingredients to make pumpkin syrup this week! Cannot wait!

really, really good...this morning Miles is back on his feet! He's a little wobbly still, but I can tell he's getting better. Hopefully his dose of medicine this morning will help him improve even more. We love our Miles Kitty so much!

So really, that's only one not so good thing this weekend, and it seems much better on this Monday morning!

So tell me, how was your weekend? Do anything fun?

Friday, September 17, 2010

A bicycle photo and random thoughts from the week...


There are some shady people out there selling/trading email lists.  Sometimes they're not that smart, and actually copy you {one of the emails on "the list"} telling the recipient of said list that they need not disclose where they got the addresses from....BUSTED!

Seeing someone you love fall in love is nothing short of magical.

Honey crisp apples are an apple festival in your mouth.  Best ever.

I want to make a quilt.  I have no idea how to do this, and it's making me tear up wishing my grandma was here to teach me.

Trader Joe's is coming to Kansas City!  Hooray!

Emails that tell me if I don't forward them to 10 people, then I'm denying Christ make me sad.  I'd say that's the ultimate in chain mail guilt.  I've received two this week.

The older I get, the more apparent it becomes that true friends are hard to come by.  I'm so grateful for the ones I have!

There are only 99 days til Christmas!

I think I might bust out some closed toed shoes next week.  I thought about it this week, but I just hate sending my toes into hibernation!

**********************************************************

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!  We don't have much planned, but I have a few projects to get done, and some to plan.  I would like to try my hand at making pesto, and perhaps make the pumpkin syrup that I made last year.  Gotta start marking things off that list!

Tell me, what are you up to this weekend? 

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Bottle Collections...




I've always loved glass bottles, and after finding these collections, I think I love them more!  Though, they would be such a pain to dust!  I think it'd be worth it though.  That butterfly wallpaper is pretty amazing too.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Autumn List...



Okay, so I've come to terms with the fact that summer is headed out the door, and fall is on it's way in. I'm really going to miss summer, but fall's not so bad himself. I've been thinking recently about what sort of things are must-do's for this season. I want to make sure that I experience fall and all it's glory, so I thought I'd make an Autumn List so I don't miss out on one tiny bit!

  • Make this pumpkin spice syrup and enjoy in my morning coffee.
  • Go to the pumpkin patch.
  • Come up with a better halloween costume.  {perhaps a more flattering one!  eek!}
  • Go horseback riding at the farm.
  • Enjoy a bonfire.
  • Crunch through some fallen leaves.
  • Carve a pumpkin. {I always intend to, but never quite accomplish this one.}
  • Bake pumpkin cakes!
  • ???
What am I forgetting?  What's on your must-do list for fall?  

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Rolling thunder...





I woke up at 4:30 this morning to the sound of thunder.  Is there anything better than:  1) waking up and realizing you still have 2 hours to sleep before you have to get up, and 2) getting to drift off to a thunderstorm?  I think not.  Absolute bliss! 

The dark and stormy morning had me wishing that I could snooze the day away, though.  No such luck. 

Wouldn't you just love to curl up in one of those beds?  The first one would be especially nice during a thunderstorm with all those windows, don't you think? 

Monday, September 13, 2010

Happy heart....



My heart is full of happiness this Monday morning.

I've been struggling a bit as of late, with feelings of frustration, bordering on self pity.  I've been fighting it off best I can, but it creeps in.  I'm ashamed to admit that, because with a clear head and enough sleep, I know I have more than I could ever ask for, and I'm so thankful.

Let me tell you, this weekend did me good.

It started off on an emotional note,  but I saw more love and family, more excitement and pure happiness this weekend then I've seen in a while.  I'm not sure I can even express any more than that on this blog today.

I hope all of you were refilled and refreshed this weekend, as I was!

To those of you, my family and friends, who let me experience your joy this weekend, {you know who you are}  I thank you.  From the bottom of my heart. 

Saturday, September 11, 2010

9/11



We crawled out of bed a few minutes ago to give Miles his medicine.  We have the whole production down to a science now, and can have it done in 2 minutes flat.  When we finished up, I went to write down the date/time as I always do.  {When you're on an every three day schedule it can get confusing!}

9/11 8:00 am.

And then, it hit me.  The tears came.  Now, I don't recall the exact, exact time, but I know it was very close to 8:00 am here in the midwest, cause I had an 8:00 class and didn't hear about it til after that.  Yes, I could look it up to see the exact time, but I don't need to. 

I know you all are remembering today too.  The one thing I keep thinking this morning, is how much smaller I view the world today than back then.  I mean, even then it was terrifying, and heart-breaking, and beyond words.  But today?  NYC, Pennsylvania and Washington D.C. don't feel so far removed from my little bubble here in Kansas.  I think that's partly because of the blogging community.  I've made friends around the country and around the world.  I see now how interconnected we all are.  I love you guys!

I'm headed out to hang up my flag.  I'd encourage you to do the same if you're an American, and have one. {I know 9/11 effected people across the world.  Do you guys have any special ways to remember on 9/11?}


May God bless America.

We will never forget.

Friday, September 10, 2010

A bicycle photo and random thoughts from the week...

This weekend is going to be chock full of fun. We're bowling with some friends tomorrow, and then Sunday I get to go to a baby shower for one of my closest friends!


What are you up to this weekend?

And now for a bike and some randomness from the mind of Jen...


Clicky pens should be outlawed in the office.

Perhaps I need to think more about where my re purposing materials are coming from.  Please, everybody read this.

I need more fun clothes.

Nothing makes me want to clean my house like A&E's Hoarders.  Who's with me?

Life really is too short, and you really don't know if you or anyone else will be here tomorrow.

Milano cookies are addictive....I need to start counting calories. {already did, actually}

I bought a farmer's almanac last week.  I'm not sure why, but I wanted it.  Did you know that there are recommended days for cutting your hair for growth?

Why is it so funny to watch people fall down?  I think it's because we've all had that moment where we knew we were gonna bite it, and we know the thoughts that go through your head in that moment.  Slippery sound effects help too.

I'm sad to say, I may or may not be getting sucked in to Twitter.  It's my new goal to get an actual tweet response from Lance Armstrong, but I don't know how to woo him.  Suggestions?   {if you're on Twitter, let's tweet!}

Have teenage boys always been this dirty?

When someone has a lazy eye, I don't know which one to look at, and it makes me feel bad.

Last night I had a dream that a giant butterfly was attacking me.  Perhaps too many butterflies yesterday?

The end.  Happy Friday, friends.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

flutter by's...

I've noticed alot of butterflies floating around the backyard lately.  One was even savoring our marinated veggies before they went on the grill the other night.  I've been collecting some butterflies who have been floating around the web recently too.  I hope you enjoy!








p.s. give away still going on...here!

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Photos by Wanted Photography...

I realized just recently that I never shared the pictures from our photo shoot with Wanted Photography!  {a.k.a. my bestie, Amanda.}  I know I've told you about her before, but I cannot stress enough how talented this lady is!  Not to mention that she's a complete doll and so lovable.  If you live in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area or nearby, you should really, really check her out!  She has some great pricing and is a dream to work with.

When we were in Texas over our anniversary, Amanda was kind enough to do a shoot with us.  The only professional pictures we have of the two of us are from our wedding, as we didn't do engagement photos, so these were really special!  I love the moments that Amanda was able to capture between the two of us. 

Without further ado, here are my favs!

Thanks again for the beautiful pictures, Amanda!  This reminds me, I need to frame some.  Going on the list.

p.s. The give away is still going on over at Real Moms Real Views.  If you haven't entered to win one of my personalized piggy banks, hop to it!  {and please spread the word, friends!}

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Goodbye summer!



I'd say this weekend was a perfect in to a wonderful summer. 

The whole weekend consisted of windows flung wide open to let the late summer breeze in.  I watched way too many episodes of America's Next top Model and Hoarders, got some self serve fro-yo, spent some time with my girls {where I made a fab headband that I'll share this week}, feasted on a perfectly grilled dinner and did a little decorating with the hubs.  I think every weekend should be 3 days long.  It only seems fair. 

I've been in denial that summer is on it's way out, but I have to say after the absolutely phenomenal weather we've had the last few days, I'm welcoming fall with open arms! 

I'm finding myself more and more excited about pumpkin patches, crunchy leaves, football games naps while Jon watches football, and of course pumpkin spice lattes! 

What did you do this weekend?  Are you ready for the seasons to change?

Friday, September 3, 2010

Win a personalized piggy bank!




The big day is here!  Visit Real Moms Real Views for your chance to win one of my personalized piggy banks!

{If you're a new reader from Real Moms...Welcome!  I hope you'll stick around a while so we can get to know one another!}

First of all, I'm so blessed to have such a wonderful best friend. Let me back up....My best friend, Amanda, you know, the one I'm always talking about....Well, she works with Real Moms Real Views doing all kinds of wonderful product reviews and giveaways galore.  She did the absolute sweetest write up for this give away, and I just love her!   Not just cause she did a sweet write up, I love her anyway, but it was really sweet!  Than

If you've never checked out Real Moms Real View's blog, you're in for a treat!  They give away awesome prizes almost every day and dish out great advice on everything under the sun.  {You don't have to be a mom to appreciate it either.}

So, have a kiddo?  Having a kiddo soon?  Know someone who does/is?  I bet they need a place to save their change!  Head on over and enter to win!

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

I enjoy being a girl...

When I was a little girl, I was all about pink.  The frillier and girlier it was, the more I liked it.  I wanted my entire wardrobe to consist of dresses that went "round and round".  {Meaning that I could spin around in them.}  Over the years, I've lost some of that girliness.  I no longer wear much pink, and I stear clear of frills for the most part.  Deep down though, I still hold a great love for ruffles and lace and big flowers. 
Perhaps I should indulge myself in utter femininity from time to time.  I don't know when the last time I took a dress for a spin...







What about you, are you a girlie-girl at heart?

{I'm assuming not many fellows read this blog other than my dad.}