Let me introduce you to Megan of FENNOfashion...

Megan Fenno, Owner/Designer of FENNOfashion, is no fly-by-night accessory maker.  This talented lady has credentials to back it up!

Megan studied fashion design at the Savannah College of Art and Design, and later started her business in Austin Texas, where she was nominated for Best Accessory Designer in Austin's very first Fashion Week.  After she moved her business back to her hometown, she was named Fashion Woman of the Year for 2009 in Cincinnati.

There's no question as to why she's been a success.  Megan offers a wide selection in her online boutique of quality accessories at great prices.  Her jewelry is unique, and doesn't have that same old look you see everywhere else.  {you can tell she's a true designer!}

She also has a line of U.R.E.C. handbags.  That stands for Up-cycled, Recycled, and Eco-Conscious.  Megan hand crafts each and every one of these amazing handbags herself using parts and pieces from vintage handbags.  She crafts them into new, fashionable and functional bags for today.

Still looking for great gifts for the ladies in your life?  Definitely check out the selection at FENNOfashion.   

You can connect with her by:

Visiting her online boutique at www.FENNOfashion.com
"Like" her on Facebook.
Tweet with her.
Follow her blog.





p.s. Megan is expecting her first child in January, and we're so happy for her and her husband.  Congrats guys!  ;)

Smile because it happened...

via jennifer davis on Pinterest

I just found this image on Pinterest, and it was exactly what I needed to see this morning.  I've been fighting back the blues that the long weekend is over, and I'm determined to repeat this quote to myself until I believe it. 

How was everyone's Thanksgiving?  Mine was fantastic!  We had what was quite possible the most delicious Thanksgiving meal of all time at my mom's house.  It was spectacular!  Then we headed out to the farm for gimlets and pie.  A wonderful day with some of the people we love most.  We are truly blessed. 

The rest of the weekend was surprisingly productive!  I usually end up laying around relaxing when I get a break, but this time I got right on some projects.  We decorated the inside of the house for Chrismas on Friday, and put lights on the outside on Saturday.  {We had one neighbor call us the Griswolds...I'm not sure if that's a good thing!}  I also narrowed down my Christmas cards from Shutterfly, stocked the store for Christmas {including this new Personalized Cookies for Santa plate}, started my super-secret Christmas gift project, wrote some upcoming posts, and made some mini sock monkeys to sell in an art show this week.  {whatever doesn't sell will be available in the shop soon.}

All in all it was a great break.  I wouldn't hate having a few more days, but it was great to have what I did! 


What about you?  How was your holiday?  What did you do with the long weekend?

We're restocking our shelves...

It's that time of year again.  {The most wonderful season of all!}  We're stocking our virtual shelves with all kinds of Christmassy goodness.  {plus some everyday goodness as well.} We'll be adding stuff often over the next couple of weeks, so check back!

Just a little teaser...

I am most thankful for...

via jennifer davis on Pinterest

by Rachel Denbow of Smile and Wave

I thought it would be nice to take a minute and reflect over the things I'm most thankful for this year.

1. My relationship with God.  My faith has grown so much this last year, and I've experienced a closeness with God that I'd forgotten I could have.  {or maybe never even really knew}

2. My amazing husband.  Jon, you are my rock and I am so blessed to call you my husband.

3. My family.  I have the best.  It's far from perfect, but I'd be lost without them.    Also, over this last year, it's really sunk in that I have a whole new family in my in-laws as well.  I'm so, so lucky to have such great in-laws who have accepted me so wholly as their own.

4. My kitties. I love them so much.  Miles has really given us some scares this last year, and I'll never take him for granted again.

5. My home.  I have more than I could ever dream of.

I could go on, and on about all the little things I'm thankful for, like pumpkin cupcakes, my bicycle, my cozy bed, twinkle lights, blogs and pomegranate seeds.  But really, without the first 4 things listed above, all of that would just be stuff.   And, number 5 encompasses all the little things anyway.

Thank you all for being a part of my everyday.  I'm truley blessed to know each and every one of you, and I wish you the happiest of Thanksgivings!  {If you're not in the states, then I wish you the very best of weekends, and time with those you love!}

Do tell, what are you most thankful for this year?  What are your plans for the holiday?

Shutterfly Holiday Cards Giveaway Winner...

The winner of this week's fabulous giveaway is...

none other than...


amandanbo!!!

{I swear it wasn't rigged!  The random generator chose lucky #12.  I tried to take a picture of it for you, but I'm working on a pc, and I don't know how!  Why does everything on a pc have to be so complicated?}

Congrats Amanda!  We'll be in touch! 

Let me introduce you to Campfire Kam...

I don't remember how I first came across the blog Campfire Chic, but I do know that clicked on that little follow button pretty much immediately!  Campfire Kam {the blog's writer} is all about the outdoors.  She is into camping, hiking and all the beauty and free spirited goodness that goes with it.  She is also incredibly knowledgeable of all the ins and outs of the internet.  {something that I have the hardest time wrapping my brain around.}  Seriously, she has taught me so much!  {well, I'm still learning, but there is hope thanks to Kam!}  She's done a whole series on how to optimize your online presence with SEO.  {if you're thinking, "say what!?"  like I was...go have a read, she explains it in easy to understand terms.  She also has great tutorials on things like creating and posting your blog button, how to know if twitter is working for you,  and so much more.  If you have questions about that kind of stuff, she's your girl! 

Not only is Kam brilliant with the inner workings of the web, she's also a talented Etsy seller.  Kam makes the cutest notebooks and cross stiches and embroideries the sweetest heart warming designs.  She also sells patterns, if you'd rather bust out the needle and thread yourself.  So much of her store would make a great gift for the outdoorsman on your list or any lovebirds too.  ;)

And, to make shopping even sweeter, Kam will be running different sales starting Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday! 

If you haven't clicked over to one of Kam's pages yet, what are you waiting for?

go follow her blog
shop in her store
follow her on twitter
like her on facebook. 

You'll be glad you know this lady, I know I am! 

Three Day Week...

via jennifer davis on Pinterest

Who else is pumped that this is a three day week?  {well, here in the states at least.}  I'm fighting off the "vacation mode" so as to get some stuff done this week, but I'm so ready!

This weekend was fantastic, and productive!  I got my shopping done for everyone but a couple people on my list, so I'm feeling great!  My mom and I had a marathon shopping session on Saturday.  My back was killing me, and I was exhausted by the end of it, but it was well worth it.  {and fun!}

Yesterday I started painting some piggies.  {all for girls!}  We also wrapped our trees in lights.  It was too windy to put the lights on the house, but at least we got a start.  I went to yoga, and had the best session I've had at this new place I'm going to, and came home to some delicious pulled pork that had been slow cooking all day in my new crock pot.  It was a good day.


How was your weekend? 

That's all I have for today.  I have lots to get done over the next three days.  I just have to keep my eyes on the prize!  ;)


p.s. don't forget to enter this week's giveaway!  Time is running out!

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

via jennifer davis on Pinterest

Before I get going with the randomness...If you haven't entered the giveaway from yesterday, hop to it.  20 free, custom holiday cards!  Are you kidding me!?  Don't forget about all the bonus entries too!

***************************************************************************
I hate it when the lunchroom at work smells like hospital.  It takes me back to a place I don't like to go.

I wish I looked as pretty in yellow as Naomi.  Yellow washes me out and makes me look sick.  :(

Did you know that there's an easy button for Craigslist, so you don't have to click on every listing to see the pictures!?  BRILLIANT!

I was sitting at a stop light this morning and there was a Nissan Maxima in front of me.  I started thinking about how Nissan Maximas looked when I was a teenager.  That got me thinking about how much they've changed and how weird it is.  It's like cars grow and change too.  Man, this is a lame thought, but there you have it.

Why is it that people feel the need to speed up and get by you  when the lanes are merging, just to stop to have to turn left in front of you 10 seconds later?

I've never seen so many people take themselves so seriously as I did last night at yoga.  For reals.

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


What's up this weekend, my friends? 

Tonight we're off to cheer on the Jayhawks at Allen Field House.  Wheeeeee!  I'm so excited!  Some dear friends of ours gave us thier tickets so they could stay home with their newborn baby.  We were more than happy to help them out!  {thanks guys!}  I have only been to one game at Allen Field House ever, and it was before I really fell in love with college hoops, and it was an exhibition game.  Needless to say, I'm pumped!

Tomorrow, my mom and I are venturing out on a quest to finish our Christmas shopping {or at least come close!}  Wish us luck!

I'll also be working on making a special Chirstmas gift, painting a bunch of piggy banks, and preparing for a pumpkin cake baking extravaganza next week!

Happy Friday!

Shutterfly Holiday Cards Giveaway...

Well, we're all in agreement that Thanksgiving is just around the corner.  That means, if I'm actually going to get Christmas cards sent out this year, I better get on it!  {you too!}

Every year I have the best intentions of sending out cards, but rarely does it actually happen.  Part of the problem is that I'm too picky.  Being a graphic designer by trade means that I hold myself to a pretty high standard when it comes to paper goods.  I usually feel as though I must design things myself and this leads, more often than not, to me not doing it at all.  I just run out of time. 

That leads me to Shutterfly.  Have you seen their holiday photo cards!?  These are the answer to my dilemma!  Their designs are unique and classy.  {not cutesy}  All you have to do is pick a design {this is probably the hardest part}, upload a photo {or photos}, enter your info and order!  They even have an option to have them sent directly to the people on your list if you like!

They also have great party invitations and  photo thank you cards.  Their prices are unbeatable too.

I'd like to use a photo, or maybe multiple photos from our shoot with Wanted Photography from earlier this year.  I'd really like to play off of some of the bright colors in our shoot.

Some of the card designs I'm considering:

Oh, I can't wait to send off my cards!  {I just have to pick one first!}

******This giveaway is closed.******

You want some too, don't you?  Well, you're in luck, because one of you lucky readers is going to get 20 free cards from Shutterfly! Hooray! 

To enter answer the following question:

Do you send out holiday cards every year?  

For bonus entries you can do any or all of the following.  Leave a separate comment for each one that you complete.
1. Follow this blog. {links are in right sidebar for Google Friend Connect, Bloglovin' and RSS feed}
2. Follow @jdavissquared on twitter.
3. "Like" jdavissquared on facebook.
4. Follow Shutterfly's blog.
5. Follow @shutterfly on twitter.
6. "Like" Shutterfly on facebook.
7. Blog, Tweet or Facebook about this giveaway.  {leave a separate comment for each}

Contest will end at 5:00 pm Central time next Tuesday, 11/23.  Open to U.S. residents only. I'll post the winner on Wednesday 11/24.  Wouldn't that be a great way to head into the holiday weekend!?

p.s. in case you missed it, I announced the Flip and Tumble Giveaway winner this morning.

Flip and Tumble Giveaway Winner....

And now for the moment you've all been waiting for....


The winner of a 24-7 bag courtesy Flip and Tumble is....


wait for it....


***Absolutely Small!*** 


Hooray!  Yippee!  Congrats!

Please email me:

jennifer.mae.davis@gmail.com

with your address so Flip and Tumble can mail you your prize!

**I'll be back in a bit with another fabulous giveaway...be sure to check back!**

Delilah Pig...

Remember the give away that I sponsored on Real Moms Real Views?  Well, I wanted to share with you the piggy that I painted for the winner...

Didn't it turn out cute!? 

And, it's now available as a design option in the shop. 

It's almost Thanksgiving...

via jennifer davis on Pinterest

I've been daydreaming about Thanksgiving this morning.  I can hardly wait!  Every year it seems that Thanksgiving sneaks up on us, and this year is no exception.  {I mean seriously, how is it November 16th already!?}  Regardless, I'm looking forward to the murmur of a house full of family, and the smell of a turkey roasting.

I have a tradition of baking pumpkin cakes for each of our families.  This year, I'm determined to plan ahead, take my time and enjoy it.  It's no easy task, but they've become legendary. 

For those of you here in the states, what are your plans for Thanksgiving?   
What's your favorite dessert to serve on the great day of thanks? 
What are you daydreaming about this morning?

Let me introduce you to Angela...

This is Angela, from Pickles on Pizza.

I've talked about her before, but I wanted to formally introduce you.  You know how there are just some bloggers that you click with and you just know that if you met each other  in "real life" you'd be friends?  Well, that's how I feel about Angela.  She's fun, creative, and loves treasure hunting.  I think we'd have a good time together! 

Angela recently quit her day job and is working on her two Etsy stores full time.  {Who's jealous?...I am!}

First, you really have to check out Angela's personalized ornaments in her Cut N Glue shop.  Her ornaments were one of Etsy's top selling in 2009, and I'm not surprised one bit.  She hand paints each one, boxes them individually and ties each one with a bow.  Perfect gifts to commemorate Christmas 2010!  She gives discounts starting when you order 10, so the more the merrier!
{She also makes some really cute drink cozies and collages.}

Next, if you or someone you love has a taste for vintage, you MUST check out Angela's vintage store, Ginger's Girl.  She's been featured in "Crate and Barrel", on "The Kitchn", "Apartment Therapy - Chicago" and "Apartment Therapy - Los Angeles".
I've been drooling over many a piece as I'm putting together this post.
Angela has such a flair for cool, kitschy items.  She scours Mississippi going to estate sales and junk stores looking for items for her shop. She's even picked where the pros pick!  {She chronicles all her adventures on her blog.}

I'm so glad to know such a talented lady.  Thanks, Angela for being so kind, and for sharing your passion with the rest of us!

Make sure you check out:

Pickles on Pizza {Angela's Blog}
Cut N Glue {for personalized ornaments and collages}
Ginger's Girl {for the best vintage around}

Follow her, favorite her...you won't regret it, I promise.

Tell me, what's your favorite item from either of Angela's shops?  

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

via jennifer davis on Pinterest

I love my friends.  It's so great to know that people care.

S'mores made with Reese's?  Brilliant!

Find great advice on happy marriage here.  I think we'll be buying another comforter...why didn't I think of that?

It never ceases to amaze me the way God finds ways to humble me.  He is so awesome.

Grace and mercy are the way to go.  No doubt about it.

I'm getting so excited for the holidays, and can't wait to relax with family.

Jon hung up our bicycles yesterday...makes me sad.  :(  Can't wait til next spring when we can get them down again!  

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

What do you all have going on this weekend?

My dad is coming home from a long trip, and I can't wait to see him.  We're going to get to spend some time with some very special people this weekend, and are so excited!
I'm also hoping to catch a zumba class and a yoga class at some point, return some emails, fulfil some etsy orders, and catch up on some blog reading.  It's sure to be a busy, and wonderful weekend!

**If you haven't already, don't forget to enter to win this week's giveaway here.** 

Happy Friday everyone!  Enjoy your weekend!

Flip and Tumble Review and Giveaway...

I was recently given the pleasure of reviewing some products from Flip and Tumble.  They sent me a 24-7 bag in pea green/sky and a set of produce bags.  I have to tell you guys, these are the best quality reusable bags I've come across!  The 24-7 bag rolls up into the cutest little ball that you can throw in your purse so you have it for unexpected stops at the store.  I've had a similar bag before, but it had a separate little bag to hold it in, and had to be folded just right to fit.  Flip and Tumble's version is self contained and can be compacted or expanded quickly and easily.  {not to mention, they come in the brightest fun colors!}
I was so glad I had this one stashed in my purse at the craft show I went to on Saturday.  It was perfect for toting around our goods.

I was extra excited to try out the produce bags.  This is one area that we've been unable to go plastic free.  It was so nice to get to the store, and be able to pull out these cute little bags instead!

I even got a compliment from one cashier!  The only downside I saw was that sometimes it's difficult for the cashiers to read the produce number through the mesh, but meh, that's really no big deal.  {Now, I want to get the carry pouch to keep them all in for easy shopping!}

Flip and Tumble also has printed 24-7 bags, shopper bags and their newly released 24-7 minis {that look perfect for lunches}.  I think all their bags would make great holiday gifts.  You could stick an individual bag in a stocking, or give a whole set.  Their prices are so reasonable, and the more you buy the cheaper they get!

And, guess what!?

Flip and Tumble has generously gifted me a 24-7 bag to give away!  Seriously guys, this bag is AWESOME.  You're gonna want to win this one!

There are eight ways to win...EIGHT!  {Please leave a separate comment telling me each one you complete}:

1. Be a follower of jdavissquared.  {this one is mandatory...and let me know how you follow!  google friend connect?  rss?}  Leave a comment.  If you follow this blog, great.  If not, that's fine too!  I want to open this up to everyone!
2. Follow Flip and Tumble on Twitter.
3. Follow me on Twitter.
4. Like Flip and Tumble on Facebook.
5. Like this blog on Facebook.  {you do like me, right?}
6. Tweet about this giveaway {make sure you mention @flipandtumble and @jdavissquared}
7. Facebook about this giveaway.
8. Blog about this giveaway.

Open to US residents only.  You have until 6:00 Central time on Wednesday 11/17 to enter.  I will announce the winner on Thursday 11/18.  Good luck everyone, and make sure you visit Flip and Tumble for your reusable bags!

Words to live by...

via jennifer davis on Pinterest

I've been dealing with some unexpected mishaps.

Be back tomorrow with a new series that you're going to love!  {this may or may not involve a giveaway...hint: it does!}

Until then, may you stear clear of the bastards.  But if you can't, don't let them grind you down.

The End.

wait, not the end...if you're one of those cool kids with an iPhone, you can download this and lots of other cool wallpapers at poolga.com, but you probably already knew that. 

The End.  For real this time.

Really.

The End.

One stop shop...

via jennifer davis on Pinterest

Has anyone else been thinking about Christmas shopping as much as I have?  It's like I've suddenly become obsessed with figuring this out!  I'd love to get my shopping done early this year so that I can sit back and really enjoy the holidays.  I'm sure you guys are in the same boat as me, where you have a very diverse group to buy for.  I always say, wouldn't it be nice to just do all my shopping from my pajamas?  But, searching the web looking for this and that seems like too much work.  I'd rather go out and scour the stores looking for just the right gift.  {in cases you missed it, that was sarcasm.}

Until this year.  Perhaps there is a  place online to find something for everyone...

A place where you can find everything from extra tall bar stools to world globes?  TV stands to curio cabinets?  Strollers to fire pits?  Seriously folks, I don't think there's a thing in the world that you can't find on one of CSN's  200+ online stores.  With the holiday shopping season fast approaching, this is a great place to do all your online shopping in one place.  There truly is something for everyone! 

I'd like to note that I love and completely support buying handmade when possible, but let's face it, you can't buy a handmade blender!  ;)

Do you do any holiday shopping online?  What are your favorite stores?  Ever bought anything from CSN?

*I'm receiving a gift of nominal value from CSN Stores for the writing of this post.  Look for a review in the near future! 

3D Date Night...

Saturday night Jon and I went to the movies.  Now, you probably don't understand what a big deal this is.  See, we've literally been to three movies together before this one...in eleven years!  We're just a movies at home couple, what can I say. 

Anyway, we ventured out on Saturday night to the theater for Saw 3D: The Final Chapter.  I'm not usually into blood and guts, but years ago, Jon and I made a deal and my end was that I have to watch all the Saw movies that ever come out.  Turns out, I kinda liked the storyline too. 

This was my first 3D movie experience, and it was really cool!  It took a little getting used to, but it did add a whole new level of surprise, expecially with a horror movie. 

It didn't take long for us to remember why we enjoy watching at home.  Just before the house lights went down this group of three teenage girls walks up and this girl plops down right next to Jon saying something like "don't worry, I don't bite".  I mean, if the theater was full, then fine, but there were literally 20 people in there.  And, there was room for them to sit on that row and be over one more seat.  It was rediculous.  She also checked her phone about ten times during the movie. 

Afterwards we were talking about what Jon should have done when she walked up.  He should have said in a gravelly voice, "oh, that's okay.  I'm just getting out of the house.  I've had the swine flu, but it's cool, doctor says I'm not contagious anymore"  and then started coughing uncontrollably in her direction. 

Too much?  We thought it was genious. 


Have you ever been to a 3D movie?  How often do you go?  Have any good stories about annying people at the movies?

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

via jennifer davis on Pinterest

I can't  stand having lotion on my hands, so when my hands get dry, I apply only to the back sides, avoiding my palms.

Pomegranates are back, and I'm so excited!

I'm cooking up one of the most special Christmas present ever.  It's one of those that I can't hardly wait to make and give!  Wheeeee!

I need to surround myself with more positive people.

Sometimes it feels so hard to get in time with girlfriends, but I always come way feeling happier and more motivated to be the best me I can be.  I know some incredible ladies, and I'm so thankful for them.

Lately, I've been craving beer all the time.  I've always been a beer on occasion girl, but I seriously could drink one every night lately.  I think this was sparked by the Pyramid Apricot Ale I had at Jack Stack on Jon's birthday- so good!  oh no!  I just used the "find our beer" application on their website and it says there's no vendor for their beer within 100 miles of me!  That's as far as it searches.  Just my luck.  :( There are a ton in Pueblo, CO.  {that's a hint, Dad.  just kidding...but not really.}  ;)

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

It's Friday!  This week went fast, but it's been a busy one, and I'm so ready for the weekend!

I have 3 piggies to paint this weekend.  I may or may not be going to a craft show, and possibly a movie date with the hubs too.

What do you have going on this weekend?  

Also, I was thinking this morning about all of you and how you're from all over the world.  I'm curious, so if you would, leave me a quick comment saying where you're from!  It'll be fun! 

Happy Friday!

For your morning...

via jennifer davis on Pinterest

Some beautiful fall foliage.

That is all for now.

Be back soon.

Arrowhead collection...

I’m very excited to share this collection with you today.  You know how I love collections, and this one’s extra special because it belongs to us! 

My mother-in-law grew up on a farm in southern Illinois.  Her brother still owns the property and has been farming it his entire life.  Every year when he plows the fields he turns up a ton of Indian arrowheads.  He literally has a collection of hundreds and hundreds of them.  We think the land had to have been either a hunting ground or battleground at one point. 

This summer, my mother-in-law brought us back a whole box full of these beautiful artifacts.  Saturday, we finally figured out a way to display them all.  I was saving this shadow box for a special project,  but I really love the way this turned out, so I’ll just have to find another one! 

Aren’t they incredible?  I love holding them in my hand and imagining the energy that went into making each and every one of them.  I wonder how old they are, and how they were used.  Wouldn’t I love to hear the story of what each of them has seen.

Do you own any “found” collections?

Doodle wall...

via jennifer davis on Pinterest

Wouldn't it be fun to have doodle on your walls like this?  Talk about a conversation piece! 

I'm a little too conservative to ever actually pull this off, but it's fun to dream! 

What about you, would you consider doing something like this in your home, or is it too out there?

*Also, If anyone knows where this picture is from, please let me know so I can give it proper credit.

Terrariams in Covet Garden...

via jennifer davis on Pinterest

I've always had a thing for terrariums.  There's something so incredible about a tiny little ecosystem, isn't there?

The newest issue of Covet Garden has step by step instructions on how to make your own. {page 20-21} Unique Christmas gifts?  Perhaps...

Who could resist a tiny little garden?  With a deer, even!


Have you ever had a terrarium? 

Halloween 2010...

I couldn’t resist sharing this house down the street from us with you.  I love the way they’ve built this façade around their existing porch.  It’s even cooler at night with a strobe light and all the little eyes peeking out from between the slats light up to be extra creepy.  Love it.

How was your Halloween?  We had so much fun seeing all the neighborhood kids dressed up.  We had one little girl, who was probably about 18 months old, dressed like a clown, who didn’t want to leave our house!  She stood on our front walkway and waved to us, and even blew us a kiss.  It was adorable! 

I think we did get fewer trick or treaters than last year, with it being on a Sunday, and it was much cooler than last year, but there were still a ton.  We bought 6 bags of candy and have some left over.  Last year we ran out, so I'd say that's pretty good. 

Some of our favorite costumes:  Artist, Flower, Parole Officer {this is one Jon claims to have seen, however there’s some debate as to whether it really said “police officer” on his jacket},   Mr. Peanut and some teen who just had a towel around his waist {not sure what he thought he was, but he looked cold!}  The cutest little Batman and Spider Man you ever did see, and a girl dressed as a boy {totally fooled me!}.

Another successful Halloween.  This marks the beginning of the holiday season, and I’m so excited! Let the Christmas shopping begin!

Are you looking forward to the holidays?  When will you start your shopping, or have you already?