Monday, January 31, 2011

There's a storm brewing....

                            Source: designcrushblog.com via jennifer on Pinterest


Hi all!  I hope you had a great weekend, my friends!  I know I did.  I told Jon last night, I really don't feel like I accomplished anything this weekend.  However, it was still great. 

We kept things pretty simple.  Saturday we went grocery shopping and watched our Jayhawks whomp the Wildcats.  Yesterday I got in a 6 mile run {holla!}, went to church, did some laundry and watched Shrek Ever After.  We did have to take a quick break and google Rumplestiltskin cause neither of us could remember who he was.  Oh, and I think we decided our new Sunday tradition {at least for the rest of winter} is soup in the crock pot and pancakes for dessert.  You've heard of breakfast for dinner, why not breakfast for dessert?  ;)

There is a huge storm brewing here in the midwest and they're calling for ice today and 10-13 inches of snow tomorrow!  {holy smokes!}  I'm thinking it might be a great day to take a snow day of my own!  We'll see.

What's going on in your neck of the woods?   Watch any good movies this weekend?  


Ever had breakfast for dessert?   Have any amazing crock pot soup recipes that we should try?

Friday, January 28, 2011

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

Is it bad that I'm kind of dreading the onslaught of Valentines posts that's sure to hit blogdom any day now?

Sorry, but if 9 of the 13 tweets visible in my feed window are you, I'm gonna have to unfollow.

This is the coolest thing I've seen this week.  Angela posted it on her blog, and I wanted to help spread the word!  I sure hope he finds the owners, and that we can see what happens.


I have a sudden urge to collect nesting dolls. I had a set as a kid...I wonder what ever happened to them?

I'm so jealous that my Dad and his sweetie are going to the Magic Kingdom today, but so excited for them!  I told them they have to get some Mickey Mouse ears and take pictures!  ;)  If they send me some, I might just have to share.

I have a large amount of caffeine coursing through my veins at this exact moment....ugh.  It not really a good feeling, but it was fun trying a Keurig for the first time! 

Sometimes a little confidence goes a long way. 

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Can you believe it's Friday already!?  This week has flown by!  I'm looking forward to the balmy temps.  {we're supposed to get up to 45 today!}  And, I'm hoping Jon's successful at getting the Christmas lights off the house today.  {carefully, of course.}

This weekend, I'm planning on organizing my new office.  {pictures to come next week!}
I also think the hubs and I may need a date night.  Oh, and our house needs a cleaning....bad. {don't I say that every week?}

What's on your agenda this weekend?  


And...what's your opinion on Valentine's Day?  I think it's overrated.  I mean, of course I love celebrating love, but I think people put too much pressure on it as a holiday.  Don't hate me, just my opinion. 

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Mineral Hygienics Review...

                         before.....&.....after

Let me start by saying, I've never been the kind of girl who spends much money on makeup.  Partly because in my younger years, I honestly didn't need much makeup to feel like I looked good.  {As I've gotten a little older, I've decided I can use any help I can get!}  

Let me tell you, after trying the Mineral Makeup by Mineral Hygienics, I'll never go back to the drugstore for my makeup!  Now, I've tried minerals before, but holy cow!  I knew from the first time I tried Mineral Hygienics that this was the real deal!  I seriously never knew makeup could be this good.  {thus the overabundance of exclamation points in this post...can you tell I'm excited!?}

I was set up with a starter kit which consisted of Sheer Foundation in Light and Fairly Light, Cool Kiss Mineral Enhancer, Sheer Perfection Silk Translucent Finishing Powder, and a Full Coverage Kabuki Brush.  

I followed the step by step instructions that were sent with the kit, and the results were amazing!  It's one of those, "so amazing, no one will ever know" things.  I mean, you're makeup isn't something you want people noticing.  I honestly think my complexion has become more clear using this product too, which is a nice little bonus! 

At first I thought the Light was a perfect match.  Then I tried the Fairly Light.  They both work so well, but I think right now in the dead of January, I'm a Fairly Light girl.  Maybe this summer when I get all that sun, I'll bump up to Light.  ;)  The Cool Kiss Enhancer is amazing!  It gives the perfect sun kissed glow, and helps add a little color to my paleness.  Finally, the Silk Translucent Finishing Powder is my absolute favorite part!  It actually feels like silk going on, and gives the perfect finishing touch.  I feel like I'm airbrushing myself every time I use it.  

This product delivered on all promises:
  • Super Lightweight-  Absolutely!  Cannot even tell it's on.
  • 100% Pure Minerals-  I'm thinking this is why my skin loves it so!
  • Lasting SPF Protection-  Sweet bonus!
  • Water & Sweat Resistant-  I've taken a liking to running again, and can honestly say my makeup still looks great after a sweaty run, which is sayin' somethin'!
  • Longest Lasting, Better Coverage-  Seriously looks great all day, no touchups needed.  And, no afternoon shine!  
I'm really looking forward to trying more Mineral Hygienics products.  I can only image they're all fantastic.



The fine print:  In the interest of transparency, I think it's important for you to know that I received the product described above in return for a review.  However, my opinions are my own.  Also, in the case of this product, I liked it so much, that I've signed up as an affiliate. This means that I will receive commission on any product sold through advertising/links on this blog.  I hope you'll understand that this is because I truly love this product and believe you will too!

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Stories...

A dear friend of mine sent me this, and I just wanted to share it with you all. {If you know who to credit for this image, let me know so I can!}  I'm told it's from the wonderful Etsy shop Studio Mela{It would make sense to ask the friend who send it to me, huh?  Duh!  Thanks, Amber!} 

Thanks for all your sweet comments on yesterday's tutorial post!  You guys are the best!  

Today's going to be a busy day for me, and I can't wait to get home and try these.  Yum!  I've been waiting all week for this dinner!  I'll have to let you know how they are.  


That's all for today...short and sweet!


Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Repurposed Frame Necklace Holder Tutorial...

Hey, remember in my New Year's post how I said I'd bring you a tutorial once a month? Well, here I am, being true to my word! {Hooray for goals!}

My first tutorial for 2011 is this super simple Repurposed Frame Necklace Holder that I've been wanting to make for a long time!  One snowy afternoon, I decided to make it happen, and it was really so simple!  We're talking a 10-15 minute project once you have all your supplies ready.  If you're anything like me, you'll spend more time arranging your necklaces than making the frame!   I really love the way it turned out, too.  It gives the perfect funky vibe to my side of the bathroom, and it's great to finally be able to see all my options at a glance.

My inspiration came from this image I had pinned on Pinterest, originally from here.

Okay, here we go...

All you need is an old frame,a couple of branches, some hand snips and a hot glue gun.  {And possibly some paint if you so wish.}


I picked this frame up about a year and half ago at Goodwill for a couple of bucks.  My original thought was to make it into a chalkboard, but then I lost interest.  It's been hanging out in the coat closet ever since.


1. You'll need to paint your frame prior to starting this project.  Mine was already painted, so I skipped this step.

2. Lay your branches out and decide how you want them to fit.  Keep in mind that your necklaces will hang down from your branches, so you'll need to space them accordingly.


3. Snip each branch to a length that will allow for a very snug fit with your frame.  {like, I'm talking having to bend the branch just a smidgen to slide it in there.}


4. Squeeze some hot glue onto the frame, and then Place branch over the glue.  Squeeze more glue on top of the branch to hold it in place.  {Repeat for each branch.}


6. Allow to dry.


7. Hang in your bathroom, closet or bedroom, and arrange your necklace collection into your very own work of art!


8. Enjoy!  {Mine makes me happy every day!}

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If you decide to make one for yourself, I'd love to see pictures!  I might even post them here on the blog! 

And, as always, let me know if you have any questions!

Monday, January 24, 2011

Cha-cha-changes...

via on Pinterest

As you can probably see, the blog got a bit of a makeover this weekend!  I started playing around Saturday morning, and decided it was time to de-clutter.  I've always really liked the three column layout, but it just seems like too much lately.  And, now I can post larger pictures!

I'm still getting used to it.  See, I'm not very good with change.  {as shown here}  It takes me a while to get used to things.  That being said, I'm really excited about my new navigation bar at the top, complete with an "about me" page, a "shop" page, and the "connect" page has a whole list of all the places we can become pals!  I hope you'll check 'em out and let me know what you think!

I have to be honest, I'm already dreaming up a whole new theme/layout, but it will be a while before it's up and running.

The rest of my weekend was fab!  It was the perfect mix of productive and relaxing.

That extra half day on Friday made all the difference in the world!  I got to chat with my bestie, and get the grocery shopping done before I would usually even be off work.  It was great!  We made Amanda's taco soup for dinner, and it hit the spot!  So delicious! 

We had a wonderful dinner with family on Saturday night, complete with a good old fashioned Catch Phrase showdown.  {The girls won something like 6 to 2}  We will long remember my brother-in-law yelling "bad dog!" and my dad's hand gestures for "swan song".  It's definitely one of those "had to be there" things, but trust me it was hilarious!

I got in a 4 mile run yesterday.  {on the treadmill...it's way to cold outside!}

We spent some time with our small group last night, and got to oh and ah over the babies.  I love those peeps.

We finished the weekend by falling asleep on the couch to Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

It doesn't get much better than that, folks.  Oh, and we did have plenty of hot chocolate too!  {oh, and Jon spent lots of time on the office...it's getting close!}

How was your weekend?  What's your favorite kind of soup?

Friday, January 21, 2011

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

via on Pinterest


I love it when you see a stranger doing something they think no one sees.  Like today, I saw a man dancing in the grocery store.  It made me smile!

Does anyone use Disqus?  Like it?  Hate it?  I'm toying with the idea of using it, as it's supposed to be easier to respond to comments, but I hate to switch if it's gonna make people not comment.  Thoughts?

As of Tuesday at 3:15 p.m. I have 92 emails from Pinterest in my inbox {now we're up to 116}.  Seriously people, there must be a better way!

I swear, every time I'm in the shower, I see something out of the corner of my eye and think it's a person.  I'm sure it's just a reflection, and it usually doesn't scare me.  But, what if it's a ghost!?  Like a peeping Tom ghost!  ;)

Sometimes I wish things were really the size of the "elarged to show texture" picture.  That seems like it'd be awesome.

I honestly do not understand people's obsession with celebrity news.  I just don't care.

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Happy Friday, friends!  I'm working a half day today, as I have a doctor's appointment this afternoon.  I'm hoping to get a jump start on some cleaning and laundry when I get home.  Our house is a disaster, and I've had it!

We have a family dinner planned tomorrow night, and small group on Sunday.  Looking forward to the good company this weekend.  I'm sure there will also be alot of hot chocolate consumed at the Davis house in the next 48 hours.  We're kind of addicted.

What are your plans for the weekend?  I'd love to hear. 

See you Monday!

Thursday, January 20, 2011

I should have been a teacher...

via on Pinterest

We got about 6-8 inches of snow yesterday.  It's absolutely gorgeous, a perfect white blanket!  I have to say, some pretty snow sure helps get me through those January blues. 

Unfortunately, I'm about to venture out into that perfect blanket to go to work.  Boo.  I should have been a teacher so I could still enjoy snow days.  Except then I'd have to actually teach on the non-snow days, which I'd be horrible at.

Anyway, the original plan was to have a review for you today, but I guess with all the excitement of the snow, and with being so behind,  I forgot to write it last night, and now I don't have enough time!  So, I'll have to postpone for next week.

Now, I'm gonna go steal some snuggles from the hubs before I head out into the winter wonderland.

Does it snow where you live?  Do you like it?  Love it?  Hate it's very existence?  

I LOVE IT!  ;)

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Behind...

via on Pinterest

I'm behind.  On lots of things.

I'm behind on projects...

I'm behind on emails....

I'm behind on getting together with friends...

I'm really behind on housework.

I'm behind on logging my running.  {at least I am running, right?}

I'm terribly, horribly behind on blog reading.  I miss you guys!  

I'm probably behind on some other things too, but I'm behind on keeping track of things.

You're probably wondering what this image has to do with being behind?  Nothing.  Not a thing.  It's just pretty, and I like it.


How's your week going?  Keeping up?

The good news is, I have a fun review coming up....and a tutorial for next week! 

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

A wish...

via on Pinterest

I pinned this necklace a long time ago.  It's a custom wish necklace by Marzipan on Etsy.  {it's sold, and isn't re-listed.}  I fell in love with the idea of encapsulating a wish to carry close to your heart wherever you go.  I think it's a lovely idea.  Only problem is deciding which wish is important enough to carry with you forever.  Is it just me, or is that alot of pressure to put on a wish?  {This line of thinking is probably exactly why I don't have any tattoos.}

My first instinct is to wish for health and happiness for those I love, but that seems like more of a prayer.

Although, a wish is defined as:  a desire or hope for something to happen

My initial thought certainly falls into that definition.

Perhaps it doesn't have to be the wish to end all wishes.  {I've been learning lately that I put way to much pressure on things in general.}  Maybe I should just wish for incredible riches, flawless skin, and a lightning fast metabolism. 


If you could be granted one wish, what would it be?  

p.s.  the paint color is starting to grow on me...hooray!  {Plus, Jon promised to help me re-paint later if I don't end up liking it.  I love my husband!}

Monday, January 17, 2011

Help me bloggy-blog readers, you're my only hope....

Happy Monday!
I can't say that I'm necessarily excited for a new work week, but I am ready for a fresh start.  Last week was not a good one.   I mean, I've had worse, but it wasn't very good.  I was dealing with some family drama, and going round and round with a vendor.  Let's just say I had my fair share of breakdowns last week.  Ugh.  No more!  I just want to start fresh this week with a better attitude and a clean slate.

So, here goes...

We painted our office on Saturday.  I'm still trying to decide if I like it.  I want to like it, but I'm just not sure.  Maybe you guys can help. 

We chose Sherwin William's Rainwashed.  {only we had it mixed in Behr paint at Home Depot...cheaters}  I decided to go with your suggestions of picking a neutral, but I thought I'd kick it up just a notch and pick a fun neutral {turquoise can be neutral, right?}.  So many of my pins had turquoise walls, so I decided on this, what I thought to be a toned down, dirty turquoise.
 I had a hard time getting a good photo of the room, in fact my pictures totally bite, so I found some online.  Both these claim to use the same color paint we used. 
via on Pinterest

via on Pinterest

Obviously, my office is not a beautiful bedroom, but at least you get the idea.

My concern is, it looks so blue to me!  And, I am not at all a fan of powder blue.  It's really making me nervous.  Jon says it looks turquoise to him.

These rooms both look turquoise, but ours looks powder blue, I swear!  Do you think it's cause my room is empty?  Perhaps the light reflecting off the snow is casting a blue tint?  I just see more blue than green in mine. 

Do you think I should make my poor husband re-paint, or do you think once I get the furniture in and the shelving that it will be okay?   I need to decide soon.  Poor Jon.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Choffy Giveaway Winner...

We have a winner for our Choffy giveaway!  The Random Number Generator from Random.org said...
 Which was Christy! 
Congratulations Christy!  Email me with your shipping information, and I'll get your prize shipped out to you!  

Thank you everyone for playing!  And thanks again to Jeremy for sponsoring this giveaway!  

For those poor souls who didn't win, head over to Jeremy's Choffy site to order a bag!

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Collections...

This quite possibly is old news to some of you, since it was a 2010 project. Have you seen Lisa Congdon's blog, A Collection a Day, 2010?  I'm so sad that I just discovered it!  It would have been so fun to follow along with.

She photographed/drew/painted one collection from her home over the course of last year.  Absolutely amazing!  And, there's even a book coming out.  You can preorder it here.


via on Pinterest

via on Pinterest

For some reason I was especially drawn to these two collections. A little odd, but a whole lot awesome.

I love seeing people set out on a yearly goal and actually accomplish it, and this is an excellent example of that.

How are your New Years resolutions/goals coming along?  Still holding steady?  Fallen off the wagon?  

I'm doing alright with mine.  Some better than others!  For instance, I've been reading my Bible everyday, and I think it's officially a habit.  But, running, I'm still working on that one!  I wouldn't say I've fallen off any wagons, but I might be starting to slip a little.  Time to pull myself back up!

p.s. if you haven't entered to win a bag of Choffy, hop to it!  Winner will be announced tomorrow!

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Yep...

via on Pinterest

That's all for today.  Anyone else feeling uninspired?

Stupid January.

p.s. any links to inspiring/funny/cool/beautiful things welcome.

Monday, January 10, 2011

It's snowy around these parts!

via on Pinterest

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. Ours went by in a flash!

Our Christmas decorations are officially packed away. {except the outside lights, they'll come down when the blizzard stops}

We watched the Chiefs break the record for most consecutive playoff losses. {Is it bad that I'm secretly happy that football season is over?}

And, we spent some time with some of our favorite folks last night!

It all went way too fast, and today it's super snowy around these parts. If only we could stay home, watch movies and drink hot cocoa. No such luck!

What did you do this weekend? Are you a football fan? Any snow where you are?

Oh,  and if you haven't yet, make sure you go enter the giveaway!  Free bag of Choffy up for grabs!

Friday, January 7, 2011

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

via on Pinterest

I refused to take down my Christmas decorations last weekend.  I just couldn't bring myself to use up the last precious hours of freedom with that task.  I'll probably regret it this weekend, but, oh well!

If the Biggest Loser hides the new trainers' faces for the next four weeks, I might have to stop watching.  I don't get it.  How is this suspenseful?  I'm pretty sure they're not household names.

I was all sleepy and ready for bed the other night when Extreme Couponing came on.  It got me all excited.  $638.64 worth of groceries for $6.32?  Holy moly!  However, I think we might see these same people on Hoarders in a couple years.

I cleaned my wedding ring last night, and I can't stop looking at it.   It's so sparkly!  I guess I didn't realize how dirty it was...perhaps I should clean it more often!

I can't believe there aren't silver livestrong bracelets out there!  I've been wearing my yellow one for 8 years, and was hoping to move on to something a little more sophisticated.  The only option is this one that was $10,000!  Yikes!  {if anyone knows of a reasonable option, let me know!}

I bet if my cats went outside {ever} that their little paws would get sore.  You know, from the concrete and stuff.  I mean, the roughest thing they've ever walked on is tile.

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Happy Friday, my friends!  We made it!  {it was a struggle around Tuesdayish!}

This weekend I'll be putting away those Christmas decorations mentioned above and working on some orders. 

What's on your agenda for the weekend?  

Oh, and don't forget to go read my review and enter for a chance to win a bag of Choffy.  It's the newest, hippest drink around.  Brewed cocoa beans...delish! 

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Choffy Review and Giveaway...

A while back I came across Choffy online, and knew instantly that I had to try it!  I contacted Choffy Executive Distributor, Jeremy Ogden, and he graciously agreed to sponsor a review/giveaway for us!

Now, you're probably thinking, what the heck is Choffy?  Basically, it's ground cocoa beans that you brew just like coffee.  Yeah, you read that right...chocolate, that you brew like coffee.  Intrigued yet?  I bet you are!

Choffy is all natural, organic, and loaded with healthy antioxidants!  We've all heard how good dark chocolate is for you, well this is dark chocolate in liquid form.  This stuff won't blow your New Years diet either...it's really good for you!  {see more about the nutritional values here.}

So, now for the real test.  Does it taste as good as it sounds?   


Upon opening the bag of Choffy I was amazed at the decadent smell of the grounds.  Holy cow, this stuff smells like the best, sweetest chocolate you've ever had.  {It smelled so good that I had to taste the grounds.  I know!  I couldn't help myself, because it literally looks like ground chocolate.  They weren't bad, but you should probably brew it.}

I brewed mine in my brand new french press.  Jeremy suggested this method as the best way to enjoy Choffy, so I gave it a whirl.

Two level tablespoons per 6 oz of water, pour in the hot water, steep for 4 minutes, press, and enjoy.

I wasn't quite sure what to expect.  Would it taste like hot chocolate?  Chocolate flavored coffee?  Well, the answer is that it tastes like neither.  The best way I can describe it is that it tastes like a rich, dark chocolate in liquid form.  It has a bit of a bite to it, like a good dark chocolate would.  It's a very unique taste, like nothing else I've experienced.  Definitely worth trying!  You could drink it straight, or I added a little french vanilla creamer into mine, and it was perfect! 

To order some for yourself, visit Jeremy's Choffey site

One lucky reader is going to win a bag for themselves! 

You must be a follower of jdavissquared to be eligible to win.  Please leave one separate comment for each of the following that you do {for up to 11 comments/entries!  You can do any or all of them.}:

1. Tell me how you follow jdavissquared.  {google, rss, bloglovin}

2. "Like" jdavissquared on Facebook.

3. Follow jdavissquared on Twitter.

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

5.  Tweet the following:  Have you tried Choffy?  Organic, delicious, and healthy.  Win a bag via http://ow.ly/3zE2m @jdavissquared

6. Tell your Facebook friends about this giveaway.

7.  Make a purchase from Jeremy's Choffy Site.

This giveaway will close at 6:00 p.m. Central time next  Wednesday 1/12, and will be announced shortly after.  Good luck everyone!  Someone's going to be very happy!  ;)

.

Fake it til you make it...

via on Pinterest


My bestie and I were having an email conversation this morning.  We were reminiscing about how imaginative we were as kids.  We had one game that seriously went on for years.  We picked out some "husbands" from the land of Hollywood {I won't tell you who they were, cause it's kinda embarrassing} and then we chose some "kids" from pictures and magazines.  We would play this strange version of "house' for days on end, rarely breaking character.  We knew what our husbands and all our kids {I think we each had 3 or 4}were doing, what they were wearing, and how they were interacting with each other at all times.  Looking back, I have no idea how we orchestrated all of that and had any idea what the heck was going on! 

We had some vivid imaginations, I can tell you that! 

But, it got me thinking about the saying "fake it til you make it".  Perhaps I need to resurrect that imagination.  What if I just started pretending to have things together?  {like, pretend that I'm the woman who works full time, runs a successful etsy store, eats well, exercises and still manages to keep her house clean.} 

Do you think that would eventually make it so? 

What about you, were you a pretender as a child?  Have you been able to use your imagination to help you in your adult life?

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Office Makeover 2011: Choosing Paint...

via on Pinterest

via on Pinterest

via on Pinterest

via on Pinterest<
via on Pinterest

Ever since the big dig of 2010, we've been scheming our next big project.  Office Makeover 2011!  I've been gathering inspiration for a long time, and am oh so excited!  We're going to incorporate a tall craft table and lots of shelving for organization.

I keep trying to decide what color to paint.  On one hand, I want something bright and cheerful, but I seem to be drawn to spaces with white {or neutral} walls  where the materials and decor's colors can make the statement.  I'm not sure which I'll find more inspiring.

In fact, as I go through my pinboard, more often than not I've pinned pretty neutral spaces.  This would definitely flow with the rest of our house, but is it too boring?  I'm scared bright colors might feel dated sooner than I'll want to repaint too.  But, the whole purpose of this space is to inspire me and make me want to spend time in it creating things.  Oh, what to do!?

What do you think?  Should I go bright and colorful, or neutral with pops of color? 

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Jon got hair for Christmas...


Jon got some hair for Christmas.  It's soft and luxurious and came complete with a visor to keep the sun out of his eyes.  George {Jon's Dad, aka the Cheese Man} is sporting the older, more distiguished version. 

These boys, I swear.  Love them.

Monday, January 3, 2011

Paper Lanterns....

via on Pinterest

I was just browsing through some blogs...still catching up from December...and came across this image by Eugeni Pons over on Slow LaneSWOON! 

We have a ton of paper lanterns left over from our wedding.  Wouldn't it be magical to do this in a room?  Perhaps our office?  Although, I'm not sure the ceilings are tall enough.  boo.  Maybe if I let it simmer I'll come up with something!  

Postively Effort-ful....

via on Pinterest

Well, vacation is over, it's back to the grind.  I'm trying to stay positive.  {Even though I feel like 10 days off went by way too fast and now it's January, and January and February are the most excrutiating months of the year, cause now it's just cold and dark and there aren't any Christmas lights to distract you.}  Hey, I said I'm trying.

I got up early this morning to give myself ample time to get ready, eat breakfast, and read today's reading from the 365 day Bible that my friend loaned me, and still make it to work on time.  Well, I did all that except I still need about 10 minutes more.  Ugh{I'm sure it has nothing to do with my having to say goodbye to my cats and check the stove.  No, not at all.}    

Things are looking up, though.  I just found the most magical bicycle photo for this Friday's post.  

I suppose my grind isn't all that bad.  I mean, you can't live in your pajama's forever, right?  

In an effort to be positive, what is your favorite month of the year?  

I think mine is May.  Summer is just beginning, flowers are blooming, but it's not too hot yet.  There's the whole promise of long, lazy days and everything just seems happy.  


p.s. Today is my blog-birthday!  jdavissquared has been kickin' it for 2 years!  Who knew that New Years resolution would stick!?  Gives me hope for some other ones!  ;)

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Happy New Year!

via on Pinterest

Happy New Year!  I hope you rang it in just the way you wanted. 

We had a quiet evening at home with some Jason's Deli take out and Eat Pray Love.  I read the book a couple years ago, and now I can't wait to read it again.  Jon was a little hesitant, with it being a "chick flick" and all, but I think he enjoyed it.  I know I did.  Absolutely perfect movie for New Years Eve!  I was already feeling the excitement of a new year, a fresh beginning, the promise of tomorrow, but it just ramped it up another notch. 

I woke up this morning ready to challenge my comfort zone.  Bring it 2011.  Let's dance.

We sat down yesterday and wrote out our goals for this year.  I'm always careful to make my goals realistic, but I think it's important to make them a challenge as well.  They're in the notebook now, in ink, so there's no turning back.  We have big plans for this year, both personally and professionally.  I can't wait to watch this year unfold.

I'm not going to share all my goals here in this place, but I will let you in on a couple of blog related ones.

1. I'd like to continue to bring you reviews and giveaways of products I think you'd like.  
{If you own a business, big or small, and would like to sponsor a review and/or giveaway here on jdavissquared, shoot me an email at jennifer(dot)mae(dot)davis(at)gmail(dot)com, I'd love to discuss it with you!} 

2. Once a month, I'd like to share a DIY project or tutorial with you. 
{This will double to help me find a creative outlet for myself that's not based on Etsy sales.  If one of them evolves into something, great, if not, I'll just have fun!}

3. I'd like to cultivate my relationship with you all!  I've been blessed with such amazing readers, and I want to get to know you!  Let's connect! {This is social media, after all.}  It's my hope that none of you would ever feel shy about commenting here on this blog.  Other ways we can connect:  Facebook, Twitter, Formspring, Pinterest.  Let's get to know each other this year!  ;)

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Have you written out your goals for 2011?  If so, I'd love to hear what some of them are!