2010 Recap {Part 3: Sept-Dec}

September was hard.  We found out that true friends are harder to find than we thought.  But, we picked ourselves up, and I posted my first {and only as of yet} tutorial!  {Expect more in 2011!} 

In October, I made my yearly pilgrimage to the pumpkin patch with my mom and the girls.  I also tried to keep it real, we sold my car, celebrated Jon's birthday, and I dressed up as Waldo.

In November, I launched my Reviews and Giveaways section.  It has been so much fun sharing these great products with you all, and I expect this aspect of the blog to continue to grow in 2011!  We also experienced our first 3D movie on our super fun 3D date night. 

December was crazy!  Our Etsy store sales picked up dramatically for the holidays and we enjoyed fulfilling orders!  We had a leaning tower of pig boxes and everything!
Our holidays were fantastic, {i still need to share my wrapping with you!}  And, we even got in our first video before the end of the year!

2010 has been great, and we have such exciting things planned for 2011!  I can't wait to see what I'll be recapping come this time next year!  Thanks so much for coming along for the ride!  Happy New Year's Eve!  See you next year!  ;)

E-Mealz Giveaway Winner...

Thank you so much to everyone who participated in this giveaway!  It was our best turn out yet!  {Can't say I'm surprised with such a fantastic prize.} 

Before I announce the winner, I wanted to share the latest promotion from E-Mealz with you: 
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2011 is here! We are all busy people and resolutions can be hard to keep. This year, let E-Mealz help you to get your grocery budget under control, get organized and even lose weight! For family friendly weight management, we offer Low Fat, Low Carb and Points Plans as well as a Vegetarian, Gluten-Free and Regular menu options.

E-Mealz will plan your weekly dinner menus for you, so that you save time and money! Get organized, save money and lose weight— not your mind! Most importantly, E-Mealz can simplify your life so that you are free to enjoy your family around the dinner table..

E-Mealz can help make this a great new year for you!


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With their already great prices, and this new discount, everyone can win, really!

Our lucky winner of a 3 month membership of their choice is #44, none other than...

 Chad (@mistymccaslin)

Hooray!  I'm so excited for you, Misty!  Email me at jennifer.mae.davis@gmail.com so I can get you in touch with E-Mealz to claim your prize!  ;)

So funny, because Misty and I had a conversation on Twitter last night about how badly she wanted to win.  I guess your prayers were answered, my friend!  Congrats! 

Happy New Years to you all! 

2010 Recap {Part 2: May-August}...

May was a month of self discovery.  I had some really deep posts that month!  One about my legacy and the big one about loving myself.  I'm happy to say that I see that experience as a turning point for me.  I'm still far from perfect, but something is definitely different now.  I honestly know it's because I finally let go of the burden I was carrying.  I literally asked God to take it from me, and felt him do so.  I physically felt something heal within me and it's still whole today.

June proved a difficult month as well.  I couldn't quite get into the swing of blogging again.  It was a little on again off again.  It also marked the loss of a dear friend of ours.  Herb, we'll never forget you. 

July, oh July brought with it my 30th birthday!  Still have a hard time wrapping my brain around that.  But, that meant I finally got my bicycle!  Hooray!  Cannot wait til spring when it can come down from it's hook in the garage!

 This is also when I discovered Pinterest, which has opened up a whole new world of photo organizing to me.  So inspiring!



In August, I ran out of gas, posted my first pretty bicycle photo with random thoughts from the week {see others here}, spent a wonderful day antiquing with my mom, and started a facebook fan page.

2010 Recap {Part 1 Jan-April}...

Wow, what a year!  I can hardly believe 2010 is almost over!  So much happened on this little blog over the last 12 months.  It's amazing to see how it has evolved.

I'm going to break the recap into 3 parts this go around.  It's really difficult to pick the highlights from each month, but I'll do my best.

Starting with January-April....

In January we introduced piggy banks to the shop!

I also began a serious addiction to iced coffee.

February, I made this Peach Cobbler Cake from Bakerella...flippin' amazing.  I need to make that again when the sugar high from the holidays wears off.

March, I hosted my first sponsored giveaway here on the blog, and sadly, Miles had his first bout with a blood clot.  

That was so incredibly terrifying, and you all were so awesome!  Thanks again for the support, and prayers.  He's had a few bouts since then, some I haven't even mentioned because they were so mild.  It's an issue we'll continue to battle, but we've figured out how to manage it with aspirin therapy.  

In April, we went on vacation to visit the best of friends in Fort Worth!  We had a blast and were so happy to finally meet Hollis!  While we were there, we celebrated 3 years of marriage, and were introduced to Texas de Brazil.  

I also started sharing old family photos...do you guys miss that, or no?

....To be continued...

We've dug our way out...

So, I don't know if I've ever mentioned what a pigsty our office had become.  I can't believe I'm going to share this but here goes.  

 

I know, I know!  It's reminiscent of my bedroom when I was a teenager. Horrible, awful, disgusting.   

{I'm scared if my mother-in-law sees this she might faint...Wanda, take deep breaths!} 

But look, we picked it all up and put everything where it belongs.

 

It's still not really clean, but at least you can see the tabletops!

This set up is obviously not working for us.  I mean, that big table just becomes a catch all.  So, we've been dreaming up new designs to make this workspace not only organized, but beautiful, and a place we'd both like to hang out more.  {and thus, be able to work more!}  

Does this ever happen to anyone else?  Am I the only pig around?

And, perhaps more importantly....Have any references for super awesome office/work room spaces that you'd like to share?  We'd love some ideas! 

Fantasy World...

via on Pinterest

Before you read any further, go enter the giveaway!  There is a 3 month subscription to E-Mealz up for grabs! 
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I completely missed posting yesterday.  You'll have to forgive me.  I'm living in a fantasy world right now.

I've been sleeping until 9:00, eating fudge for breakfast {well, not really, but sort of} watching at least one movie every day and a whole lot of the Office, staying in my pj's as long as I like, snuggling with my sweetie, and pretending that I get to do this forever.  Oh, how I could get used to not working.  Wouldn't it be marvelous to just get to spend time doing whatever you see fit?  I think so.

I haven't accomplished much of what I wanted to this week, but that's alright.  There's still time.  And besides, the only thing I really wanted to accomplish was getting a break!  It's been a long year!  You know, I was looking back over the year, and we took our vacation to Texas in April, and since then I took one day off, my birthday, to go to a funeral.  That's it.  I really needed some time off.  I'm going to be better about that in 2011.

Speaking of things to do differently in 2011, have you been thinking about your new years resolutions?  I have.  I'll share them with you soon.  {well, most of them.  ;)}  I still have a couple days to get that in order.

There also should be a little re-cap of 2010, like the 2009 one from last year, don't you think?

I hope you all are having a great week.  You've been really quiet lately.  I miss you.

Tell me something.  Anything!  What was your favorite gift on Christmas?  What's the weather like where you are?  Any vacations planned?  What are you resolving this year? 

E-Mealz Giveaway...

 First of all, I hope you all had a wonderful holiday weekend!  I'm off work all week and could not be more excited.  I have a whole list of things I need to get done and another of things I'd like to get done.  Don't worry though, there will be plenty of relaxing going on as well!  If you missed it, I posted my first video made with my new Flip camera of our Christmas!  I think I have a new obsession!

Okay, and now for the real reason you've clicked on this post...IT'S GIVEAWAY TIME!

You all remember a while back I did a review of E-Mealz, right?  If not, you can find it here.

Well, if you're anything like me, this is the time of year you start planning for better eating.  I know some things have to change around here with the new year!  Christmas has not been good on the waistline!

Well, E-Mealz to the rescue!  The lovely ladies over there have offered up a FREE 3 MONTH SUBSCRIPTION to the meal plan of your choice to one lucky jdavissquared reader!  {I seriously wish I could win my own giveaway!}

There is something for everyone, whether you're feeding a family, or just a couple.  Vegetarian, gluten free, points systems, low fat, low carb...they've got you covered! 

The food's delicious, and it will save you so much time and money!  The perfect way to start off the new year, if you ask me!

Okay, let's do this!

Please leave one comment for each of the following that you do {for up to 11 entries!  You can do any or all of them.}:

1. Tell me, how much do you spend on groceries in an average week?  {If this is too personal, you can tell me how many times you find yourself at the store each week.}

2. Follow the jdavissquared blog through google connect, bloglovin, or the rss feed.

3. Follow the E-Mealz blog.

4. "Like" jdavissquared on Facebook.

5. "Like" E-Mealz on Facebook.

6. Follow jdavissquared on Twitter.

7. Follow E-Mealz on Twitter.

8.  Blog about this giveaway.  {and leave me a link}

9.  Tweet the following:  Win a 3 Month Subscription to @EMEALZ: http://tinyurl.com/27ap9x2 via @jdavissquared

10. Tell your Facebook friends about this giveaway.

11.  Subscribe to a meal plan from E-Mealz.

This giveaway will close at 8:00 Friday morning, and will be announced shortly after.  Good luck everyone!  Someone's going to be very happy!  ;)

***Sorry, this giveaway is now closed!  See who the lucky winner was here.  Make sure you follow too, because there are lots of giveaways on the way!***

Christmas 2010...

I got a Flip Video Camera for Christmas!  Wheee!  So, that will mean more videos here on the blog!  To start off, I made a little movie of our Christmas.  It was fantastic!  I hope you enjoyed your day as much as we did.

And now,  hooray for vacations!

Anyone else have the week off?

To you and yours...

via on Pinterest

Merry Christmas, my friends!  I'm hustling about the house this morning doing last minute preparations, but I wanted to take a moment to drop in and say hi. 

I hope each and every one of you has a Merry Christmas! 

I want you all to know how lucky I feel to know you.  Yes, you!  Every single last one of you.  Thank you for enriching my life with your kind comments and friendship.  This little blog has introduced me to so many wonderful people, and I feel so blessed.  Thank you for giving me that gift each and every day! 

I wish you roaring fires and white snowflakes, packages with big colorful ribbons, hot chocolate and candy canes, jingle bells and twinkle lights.  Most of all though, I wish you peace and love and time with those you hold most dear.  May the blessings of Christmas find you, and may you rejoice in the gift of the birth of Jesus. 
Merry Christmas!


with love,
jen

Join me in a toast...

7 years ago today, we got the best Christmas present, in finding out that Jon's leukemia was officially in remission.  We'll be toasting tonight to the occasion. 

I love you Jon.  I'm grateful every single day to have you in my life.  Congratulations, sweetheart. 

Whole lotta bacon {vegetarians turn away}...

 
On Tuesday at approximately 5:00 p.m. the doorbell rang.  Much to our delight it was the UPS man dropping off a couple packages from Jon's mom and stepdad.  Inside was a spiral cut honey glazed ham and four packages of bacon.  Yes, FOUR!  That's a whole lotta bacon, folks!  My mother-in-law sure knows how to make her son happy! 

Jon has already consumed copious amounts of ham. I tasted it last night, and it's definitely a good one!  Melts in your mouth! 


Will you be enjoying a Christmas ham this year? 

Not your ordinary evergreen...

via on Pinterest

via on Pinterest

via on Pinterest

via on Pinterest

Do you know the symbolism behind the wreath?

In ancient Greece, they were made of laurels and worn by gods, royalty, Olympians and artists.

In Christian culture, it has become a symbol of Advent, the preparation for the coming of Christ into the world.  They're traditionally made from evergreens to represent the everlasting life given through Jesus.  The circular shape represents God because it has no beginning and no end.

This classic Christmas decoration can be found in all kinds of colorful forms today.  I happen to have a traditional evergreen wreath on my door with a big red bow, but I absolutely love the bright colors found in these.  I'm thinking I must expand my wreath collection next year! 

Do you have a wreath?  Does it hang on your outside door?  Inside?  What does it look like?

Downloadable gift tag heaven...

Last year I used up the last of the giant roll of gift tags that I've been milking for the last decade.  Don't those things take forever to use up? 

I was determined not to get sucked into the same route again.  They just get so old! 

So, this year I've been on the lookout for some cute, new gift tags that come in a reasonable amount. 
Well, I just stumbled on the motherload!  Cute, manageable, and FREE! 

You guys have to check out this post by Living Life as Art!  She has compiled over 135 sheets of free, printable gift tags.  It's incredible! 

It's difficult to decide which ones to go with, but I think I'll start with the Christmas 2006 tags by Kitty Genius  {pictured above}.  I can see them now adorning some brown paper packages tied up with yarn and pom poms!  Wheee! 


How do you tag your gifts?  Seen any fabulous freebies {gift tags or otherwise} lately?

Christmas is this week!

photo my moi

How was everyone's weekend?  I keep thinking I'll catch up with things, but it's just not happening, or at least not quickly.  I'm much looking forward to having next week off!  Anyone else on vacation between Christmas and New Years? 

Saturday we shipped out the last of our Christmas orders, and discovered a new packaging technique that we're excited to use in 2011.  I worked on my super-secret Christmas gift, and we watched Disney's A Christmas Carol with Jim Carey.  That story never gets old, does it?  

Yesterday, my mom and I got together to do some baking.  We made chocolate covered cherry cookies{partially done in above picure}, snack mix and three batches of fudge {two plain, one with nuts}.  It was just the right amount of baking.  Lots of goodies, but we didn't push ourselves past the point of it being fun.  I finished setting up my gift project late last night and it will be complete before today is over. 

I cannot believe Christmas is this week!  I'm so excited to spend some good, quality time with our family.  I am so very, very blessed! 

Here's to a week full of joy, and getting all those loose ends tied up! 

Are you ready for the holiday, or are you still scrambling to finish things up?

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

via on Pinterest

Isn't it funny how the things you find funny and endearing when you're friends with someone are the very things you find repulsive and ridiculously lame when your friendship ends?

I've started a list of goals for 2011, have you?  I'm really excited for a fresh year, and to make a go at some things I've been wanting to do!

Seat warmers are the best invention ever.  Toasting my buns is one of my favorite things to do.  ;)

Hey Pinterest, you send out way to many emails.  Yes, I know I can adjust the settings, but the thing is, I want to know all those things {like when someone repins me, likes me or follows me} but can't you just send out a daily summary?  I do love you anyway.

I've mentioned my super secret Christmas gift project a few times.  I still haven't made it, and I'm starting to freak out a little.  This weekend is it!  I've gotta focus!

I'm not a fan of those white led Christmas lights.  They have that blue tint to them, and they kinda make me naseous.  Especially when they're twinkly.  I like the warm white ones better. 

Speaking of Christmas lights, some of ours are drooping, and of course it's on the hardest spot to get to!  :( 

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Christmas Eve is one week from today!  It's so exciting!

Tonight I'll be finishing up all orders for my Etsy store.  It's been a great season!  

Tomorrow, I have to work on my Christmas project mentioned above.  Not an option to put it off any longer!  It's the linchpin of my Christmas joy and must come to fruition.  A tad dramatic, perhaps.  But, it's going to be fabulous!

Sunday, my mom and sisters and I are going to bake ourselves silly.  Bring on the fudge, folks!  I'll be sure to take pictures so I can share the madness with you all. 

I also hope to start wrapping some presents.

Whew!  So much to do, so little time! 


What's on your agenda for the last weekend before Christmas? 

That's a Wrap...

Is this week flying by to you?  It is me.  I can't believe it's already Thursday!  One week from tomorrow is Christmas Eve!  Holy smokes!

As we get closer to Christmas, I'm starting to think about wrapping all those wonderful gifts that I have piled in our guest room.  Every year I have aspirations of wrapping the presents all pretty, but usually I just end up using the same old cheesy paper and wrapping them in a frenzied marathon the night before.  I've been collecting inspiration on my Pinterest board, and thought I'd share some of my favorites with you. 

I'm always drawn to brown paper wrapping.  I send out everything from my etsy store wrapped in the stuff.  There's something so warm and cozy about it.

I think embellishing it with sweet little felt and yarn details is wonderful for Christmas. {plus this would allow for some fancy wrapping without having to buy anything else.  I already have it all!}

I just recently learned to make pompoms, and kind of love them.  And seriously, you know I love a bunting.

via on Pinterest

speaking of yarn...

via on Pinterest

oh, even more pompom goodness...

via on Pinterest

Put all this in a basket on a bicycle, and I just might die and go to heaven. 

Do you spend alot of time wrapping your presents, or do you just throw them together?  If you have any inspiration for me, I'd love it if you shared! 

Have you done your wrapping already?  When do you usually start?

Itty Bitty Light Switches...

via on Pinterest

The other day I saw this shop on Etsy.  Their tiny little custom homes got me thinking about my childhood fascination with doll houses.  I still love all the intricacies of them.  The tiny shingles, the wall paper, the itty bitty light switches.

Remember in the Incredible Shrinking Woman when she lived in the dollhouse?  Or was that a Barbie house?  Whatever it was, I thought it was awesome!  {Please tell me you remember that movie!  I'm sure if I watched it now, it would be totally lame, but in my mind, it's one of the greatest movies of all time.}

I've always had a thing for miniature things, and doll houses bring everything miniature you could think of under one roof.  {ha!}  My bestie and I have some dollhouse related memories of a girl we used to play with.  She had the biggest dollhouse I'd ever seen, and got so upset when you'd move things around.  Or, when you'd take the dad doll and put him on the toilet reading a newspaper.  She didn't like that either.

My dad and I started building a dollhouse once, but it was never completed.  My parents split up and it still sits in its box just like we left it.  It's in my basement now, and I think someday, if I ever have a daughter {or maybe even if I don't} I'll put it together.  Maybe my dad can help finish it.  That would make me happy. 

So, tell me, did you have a dollhouse growing up?  If not, did you want one, or was it just me?

Joy...

via on Pinterest

This year, our small group decided to adopt a family for Christmas.  We were given a family of four and each couple took one family member to buy for.  We chose the boy.  He's 8 years old and loves video games and books.

In all actuality it was Jon who chose the boy.  He came down the stairs after reading email and told me that he thought we should pick the boy, and that he already knew exactly what to get.  The excitement in his eyes was almost too much.  I love my husband.  {And yes, I'm tearing up writing this.}

We were given a limit on spending, which was probably a good thing, because I wanted to buy everything for this kid.  I keep picturing him opening his gifts on Christmas morning, and my heart swells.  I wish I could see his face, but I'll just have to imagine it. 

This weekend my pastor talked about joy.  About that feeling you get when you give freely to others.  I'm not sure there's a better feeling in the world.  It truly is better to give than to receive. 

Last night we got together with our small group and shared what we had all purchased for the family.  It was amazing to see what we pulled together.  We wrapped up the gifts for Mom and Dad, so they could be surprised and sent wrapping paper for the kid's presents so their parents could enjoy wrapping them.  We put it all in a big black trash bag and tied it up like Santa's bag to pass off.  It was awesome.

I'd encourage you to do this if you can.  Get together with some friends or co-workers and adopt a family.  It's seriously so fun, and so rewarding, and you'll be able to make someone's Christmas a little brighter! 

You can find family through the Salvation Army.
Or check with your church to see if they have families in need as well.


Have you ever adopted a family for Christmas?  

p.s. the ladies at E-Mealz wanted me to tell you about their promocode.  Enter KITCHENELVES to receive a new subscription or holiday menu discount! 

Just can't get enough...Extended Cut-off dates!

via on Pinterest

It occurred to me this morning that I still have some good painting time left before Christmas, and that perhaps I pulled the plug too soon.  With a little additional shipping charges added, I'm able to take orders through Friday 12/17!  Or until I sell out of goods, whichever comes first.  ;)

And, I'm extending the Sockey sale through Friday too!  Wheee!

I'm excited to be able to play elf a little longer.

How was your weekend?  Mine was good.  Went by in the blink of an eye, cause I was going NON STOP!

Highlights included:

1. First snowfall!  {it involved some hellacious wind and freezing temperatures, but it was pretty!}
2. Pizza for dinner twice.


I'm realizing I didn't do much other than paint.  So, that's it, it snowed and I ate pizza. Riveting. 

p.s. I love that image.  Isn't it bright and cheerful!?

A Sockey Sale and Shop Talk...

Now through Monday, all Sockeys are $5 off in jdavissquared's Etsy store!  That's a savings of up to 25%, and orders placed during sale will be sent out by Wednesday to be guaranteed for Christmas delivery by USPS.  All listings reflect the sale price. 

Personalized gift orders can be place through tomorrow {Sunday 12/12} to be guaranteed for Christmas.  After this date, you can convo me to discuss shipping up charges. 

All in stock items can be purchased through Monday for Christmas delivery as well.  Convo me to see if an item is in stock.  {I do my best to respond quickly to each question.} 

If you are in the Kansas City area, pickup is an option, and allows extended cut-off dates.  Convo me with questions! 

Thanks so much for sticking with me through this busy season!  I'm looking forward to catching up on my blog reading soon!  ;)

The piggy bank sty...

I bet you're expecting some bicycles and random thoughts, right?  Well, here's the thing.  I realized this morning that I haven't documented a single random thought this week.  I'm sure I've had them, but I have been so busy, I haven't written any down!  I know, I know.  Poor planning! 

So, in leiu of the usual, I thought I'd share some pictures of the chaos that is my living room/dining room right now.   It's absolutely awesome.  Loving every second!

If you've ordered something recently, you may even see it in progress!  I'm sorry for the horrible pictures...but it is what it is! 

First of all here's my little work station.  

Positioned perfectly for glancing at the tv and/or Christmas tree while painting. 

 

These were the pigs and plates from last weekend....

 

And pigs started for this week...{I love lining them all up!}

This is the greatest tower of pig boxes ever! I think it's funny. 

 I didn't even take pictures of the bowls and misc. other orders.  

And there you have it.  The piggy bank sty.

I'm looking forward settling in for a painting marathon this evening {and the rest of the weekend}.  The US postal shipping deadline is fast approaching {next Wed. for parcel post} which means I will most likely pull the plug on personalized gifts sometime this weekend.  So, if you've been waiting, you better make your move, friend!  I also will be posting a sale tomorrow on sock monkeys, and maybe even some other things in the store.  I'll do a post letting you know!  

Does your house ever look like this?  Gosh, I sure hope you guys don't think I'm a total slob...it's a working mess, at least!  

What are your plans for the weekend?  Done with your shopping yet?   I'm oh, so close!

E-Mealz Review...

There are some people who plan their meals every week.  They look up what's on sale, and figure out ways to take advantage of those sales, and plan a good wholesome, nutritious meal for every night of the week.  They spend less money and less time cooking, and more time enjoying their family.  They eat healthier than the rest of us too.  I could never be one of these people...or so I thought. 

Turns out, all you need is a little help from E-Mealz!  {If you listen to this guy's radio show, you've no doubt heard the commercials.} For just $1.25 a week, they do the leg work for you.  You can choose from plans designed for your family based on how many people you feed, and where you shop.  They even have specialty menus like vegetarian and low carb or points systems.  Whether you're a couple, or a family of 6, they've got you covered.  All you have to do is go on their website once a week, print out your plan and go to the store!

Jon and I were a little hesitant at first.  We thought, will the food for two really be enough?  {I mean, we do like to eat.}  And will it be any good?  Let me tell you what, not only is it plenty of food {most of the time we have leftovers for lunch the next day} but it is delicious!  It is so fun to see what's on the menu every week, and be able to go to the store with a plan!  We chose the low fat menu for Wal-Mart.  This provides us with 5 dinner plans a week, so we still get to eat out or cook an old favorite twice a week.  We find that we have to buy less food than before, and it has really helped save some cash!  It's also been a tremendous help in this busy season to have meals planned ahead of time.  The recipes are simple and tasty.  I highly recommend!

I think E-Mealz is great for everyone.  Whether you're a seasoned cook, or a beginner, their recipes are easy to follow with simple, nutritious ingredients.  Most of the meals take about 10-15 minutes to prepare.  If you have a busy schedule, {Which let's be honest, who doesn't,?} I guarantee E-Mealz will lessen your load.

I'm not sure I can ever go back to the way I used to shop.  Now that I've lived with a plan, I think it needs to stay that way.  Thanks E-Mealz!


Sign up for E-Mealz today.
Follow their blog.
Follow E-Mealz on Twitter
Like E-Mealz on Facebook

Check out their gift subscriptions.  {Great Christmas gifts!}
And, they even have holiday menus too!

Christmas Tutorials...

I've come across some adorable Christmas tutorials lately, and I thought I'd share.  It's a little late for the advent calendar, but perhaps it could be done for next year!  


Clockwise from top left:  
1. Pom pom tree topper featured on Design Sponge, tutorial on Once Wed.
2. Lolly Chessie's Famous CP Christmas Trees via Crate Paper  
3. Matchbox Advent Calendar via Martha Stewart
4. Newspaper Christmas Tree via Martha Stewart



Have you made anything for Christmas?  Do share!  

p.s. last day to take advantage of the Legxicon special offer.  Enter jdavispromo at checkout to get 40% off your order!  

Let me introduce you to Lolo...

Lolo was the very first Etsy seller I ever bought from.  She's a spunky lady with a zest for life that's contagious.  Her personality really shows through her work, and I LOVE IT! 

I bought a couple of her zipper pouches as gifts, and I recieved one of her hearts as a gift myself.  Lolo's craftmanship is impecable.  The detail in her work makes each piece so special. 

Lolo has two shops. 

The first is Lolos where she sells her accessories.  Necklaces, clutches, and bags.  {right now she's having a Christmas sale!  10% off + Free US and International Shipping!  Just in time for the holidays!}

Her other shop is Chapulin, where she sells her "cute green things".  this is where you'll find her hearts and the cutest little birdies you ever did see along with iPod cases and wallets.  {she's having a 10% off sale here too!}

 All of Lolo's creations would make great Holiday gifts, and many of them would be great stocking stuffers!  I think you'll agree that her prices are unbeatable too.  And, on top of all that, she's one of the sweetest ladies around! 

Check out her shops:  Lolos and Chapulin
Read her blog
Like her on Facebook
Follow her on Twitter
Check out her Flickr photostream

Here we go again...

via on Pinterest

Boy, could I use some soft lighting and a cup of tea by the fire! 

It has been crazy around the Davis house the last week or so.  Don't get me wrong, I'm having a blast! 

I spent the weekend painting orders.  My plan for Christmas movies in the background turned into trashy reality t.v., but whatever.  I have 7 boxes all packed and ready to be wrapped in brown paper and sent on their merry way tomorrow.  I'm expecting a shipment of pigs and bowls tomorrow as well, of which I have another 7 orders sold already.  It's going to be a busy week! 

I promise to talk about more than just my Etsy sales this week.  As a matter of fact, I have another fabulous Etsy seller to introduce you to tomorrow, and a review on Thursday for something I think every busy family could use!  For real, it's made my life so much easier in this busy time! 

While I wasn't painting this weekend, I did manage to see Eclipse...OMG so good!  Yep, that's right, I like Twilight....you?  Team Edward or Team Jacob?  I think I'm team Jacob.  Edward's a little controlling for my taste, but it's a tough call. 

Yesterday we attended church in our pajamas and I went to yoga with a friend.  The weekend slipped by way to fast!  I guess that's what happens following a long weekend last week. 


What's on your agenda this week? 

p.s. I'm featured over on FENNOfashion today.  You should go say hi! 
p.p.s.  Don't forget about the promocode at Legxicon...click on the ad at the top of the right sidebar, and enter jdavispromo to get 40% off your order! 

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

via jennifer davis on Pinterest

It is disturbing to me how few people actually wash their hands after going to the bathroom.  Everyone does know that soap is required, right?  And you have to do more than just a quick splash of water.  I mean, why even bother if that's all you're going to do?  You're just wasting paper towels at that point.

I think the open hearts collection from Kay jewelry would be better named the boobs and butt collection.  Sorry Dr. Quinn, that's what it looks like to me!

So glad I don't have to listen to Brooke Burke ask anyone "How does it feel?" for a while.

Is it weird that during savasana last night at yoga, all I could think about is how hilarious it would be to sit up and scream a horror movie worthy scream, just to watch people jump and scare the crap out of them?   Am I the only one who thinks things like that?

At 4:00 on Wed. I went to the bathroom and saw while washing my hands what appeared to be a large mole peaking out from underneath my v-neck.  Shocked, I investigated, only to discover it was a melted mini chocolate chip from some trail mix that I ate.  As a mid morning snack.  Yes, apparently I had been walking around with chocolate smeared all over myself all day.  No wonder I kept smelling chocolate!

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Oh boy, it's been a crazy, awesome, wonderful, busy week!


My head is spinning a little with the amount of orders that have come in through our Etsy store this week!  Holy cow!  Thank you, thank you, thank you!


I now have 10 gift boxes, 8 piggy banks, 6 santa plates, 3 popcorn bowls, and a partridge in a pear tree to paint this weekend!  I'm still accepting orders too.  Only 3 plates left!  Get 'em while the gettin's good!


Needless to say, I'll be painting most of the weekend.  I plan on having some Christmas movies in the background.  I also still need to order my Christmas cards!  Eeek! 

What are you guys up to this weekend?  Whatever it is, I hope you have a great one!

Oh, and in case you missed it yesterday, make sure you check out my Legxicon review and take advantage of the promo code for 40% off your order with them!  Just enter jdavispromo at checkout!

Have a great weekend! 

Legxicon Review and Special Offer...

I don't know about you guys, but I love me some leggings and cute tights!  I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to review some products from Legxicon.  Their selection is huge, and with all the options, it was difficult to narrow down what to add to my wardrobe!  I eventually came to terms with it, and decided on a pair of leggings and two pairs of tights.
My selection was shipped quickly to me, and I couldn't wait to wear them, especially once I saw how pretty they all were!  I was also impressed immediately at the quality.  I could tell by looking at them that they were made well. 

First off, I broke out the Riyo Leggings.  {Mine are grey, not black.}  I paired them with my trusty basic black skirt, a green shirt, black sweater and my green shoes.  So comfy and cute.  I love the ruching on the side.  It adds just a touch of flair without going overboard.  These are serious keepers.

Next I wore the fun Jungle Patterned Tights with the same black skirt and my ankle boots.  I kept the rest of my outfit pretty bland, since these tights make a big statement!  They are super fun!

Finally, I wore my Lilli Ann Patterned Tights with a pocketed black skirt, black tee and sweater and black heels.  These tights are so pretty!

I'm a pretty conservative dresser, and truthfully, have been trying not to buy clothes for a long time.  I'm always looking for ways to spruce up an old outfit, or add some flair to basics.  Fun tights and leggings are a great way to do that! 

Okay, are you ready for the best part?  For one week, Legxicon is offering you, the readers of my blog, 40% off your entire order!  Seriously ladies, this is a great deal!  If you're a legging or tights girl, you've got to head over and check out their selection!  They also have a great selection of stockings and socks. 

To take advantage of their generous offer of 40% off, just enter jdavispromo at checkout.

This offer will be good for one week from today, so don't procrastinate!

***Also, they've just launched a promotion where you can refer a friend and get a $10 credit when they make a purchase of $20 or more!  {The promo code from my blog is completely separate though, dang it! ;)   But you guys should make sure to refer your friends too, so you can get even more deals!}
Also check out Legxicon on Facebook and Twitter.

Santa's elves are biz-zay!

from the movie Elf...one of my favories!

Hi guys!  How's everyone doing this fine hump day?

If you're visiting from Campfire Chic, Welcome!  So glad you're here!  I hope you'll stick around so we can be bloggy friends.  Leave me a comment so I can come visit you too! {Campfire Chic posted the sweetest write up on me this morning...awe, shucks!  ;)  Thanks Kam!}

I hope you all went to check out FENNOfashion yesterday.  What did you think?  Pretty awesome, right?   If you missed yesterday's post take a moment and go visit...you won't be disappointed! 

I have been thrilled to get a good number of orders lately from my Etsy store, and have been workin' my tail off!  As of right now, I have three four piggy banks, and three santa plates to paint this weekend, and I'm hoping for more.  I've got an email into my piggy bank source to see if I can get more quickly, as my stock is dwindling fast.  November was a record breaking month for jdavissquared, and we couldn't be happier!  Thank you to all of you who have supported us and spread the word about our little shop!  We love you!

If you're thinking of placing an order, don't procrastinate...I have a tentative cutoff date for painted items for Christmas of next Friday the 10th.  I'll have to re-evaluate sometime next week.  {although, I'm always willing to work with people, so convo me if I can help!}

Tomorrow, I have a review scheduled for you, and a GREAT OFFER!  Seriously, you're not gonna want to miss this one!

If you have an Etsy store, how's your season going?   If not, how's your shopping going?  

And, just for fun....what's your favorite holiday movie?

I have three, and I must watch them every year!  Chrismas Vacation, Elf, and A Christmas Story.  ;)
{fun fact: That elf just to the right of Will Ferrell in the photo is Peter Billingsley, a.k.a. Ralphie from a Christmas Story!}