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

                   Source: ohhellofriendblog.com via jennifer on Pinterest

I used the grill all by myself for the first time in my life on Monday.  {I am fully aware how lame it is that I've never done this before.}  My husband ALWAYS does the grilling, but he wasn't home.    I felt so accomplished! 

How do people stand wearing jingly jewelry?

Do you think anyone is named Bobert?

Jon woke me up this morning at 5:00 kicking his legs like crazy...I'm still not sure what that was all about.  Boy does strange things in his sleep.

My neighbor wrote this on my Facebook wall this week:  "Remember, there are no lifeguards in the gene pool."  I thought that was pretty funny.  She also said that she's learned that in life you have friends you wish were family and family you wish were strangers.  

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

This has probably been one of the craziest weeks I've had in a long time.  We've been working on a huge project at work for what seems like forever, and we're finally wrapping it up.  My creativity is zapped and I'm really hoping to replenish it soon.  Some down time will be nice....and some beers.  ;)  Also, I'd really like to soak up some of this crazy hot summer.  It seems to be passing by much too quickly.  I'm not ready to give up on it yet.  Still so much to enjoy!

I'm so excited about some things that are in the works right now.  Some big, some huge, but all exciting.  Can't wait to share everything with you all.

I'm hoping it might rain today.  It's been so dry here!  There was a thunderstorm last night, but it went right around us.  We got all the dark skies and thunder and lightning, but not a drop of rain.  :(

I hope you have a splendid weekend!

Are you ready for fall, or do you still have things you want to enjoy this summer?

Giggles, Boos and Yeahs....

Some photos making me giggle on Pinterest lately...

                              Source: stumbleupon.com via jennifer on Pinterest

                    Source: nerdapproved.com via jennifer on Pinterest

                                                 Source: haha.nu via jennifer on Pinterest

Hope you enjoy!

Boo's: 
I'm still feeling a little crispy, and I'm so ready for the weekend!  We're almost there! 
I keep thinking it's Friday today, but it's so not.
I have this song stuck in my head, and I'm not even a fan.

Yeah's:
I'm super excited about some new stuff I have coming to the shop....soon!
I'm so completely overwhelmed with how much I love my husband....he's pretty amazing.

What are your Boos and Yeahs today?  Any giggles to share?


Is that lame?  Boos and Yeahs?  I'm to crispy to tell.


The end.

Fried Brains...

                                                         Source: graphicsfairy.blogspot.com via jennifer on Pinterest

I think my brain is fried. 
...Has anyone ever eaten fried brains?  My great aunt made some once while we were staying with her.  {I'm guessing they were cow brains...not human, for sure.}  She said, "I think I'll fry up some brains.  Anyone else want some?"  And then she did...and we didn't.  It sort of blew my 9 year old mind.

Anyway, I cannot for the life of me come up with a cohesive post today.  I keep thinking of possible topics, but nothing seems right. 

• Life list- I do want to do this, but I'm thinking it needs some thought, no?
• Trusting in God, and not worrying.  Very important to me, but I don't seem to be able to articulate it very well.
• Shoes- Yeah, that idea didn't last long.  
• Getting to know you-  But I haven't even answered the questions from the last one.  {I want to, and intend to, but they're gonna take some planning.}
• I could tell you guys about how I had sushi for the first time on Saturday, and liked it!  I prefer the cooked ones.  I didn't find that the raw stuff tasted any better {probably texture} and it felt like I was eating raw just to be eating raw.  I only had one piece that I had to really, really concentrate on swallowing.  Anyway, I could do a post about my experience, except, I took no pictures, so that's about all I have.
• I could tell you about my aunt who just joined Facebook, sent me a friend request, then revoked it, then blocked me.  But, that would involve a whole lot of explaining, and in the process I'd probably end up putting something out there that shouldn't be put out there.  Plus, that's not a happy post, and I like to keep things relatively upbeat and not whiny around here.
• I could tell you about some new things in the works, but I think I'll save that for later.

So, there you have it.  A post about things I could post about, but am not.  Oh, and fried brains.  

What do you do to rejuvenate your creative juices?  

Oh, and I just browsed through Pinterest looking at brain pictures, and now I'm a little nauseous.

A few fun finds...

Hey all! Sorry for my cryptic message yesterday...I seriously was going non-stop from sun up to sun down. It was crazy!
I hope you all are off to a great week! I just discovered the "suggested shops" under my favorites tab on Etsy, and holy cow, I've found so many amazing shops this morning! Just a few of my new favorite items:

 

Ode to Julia Child and her favorite ingredient butter ... screenprinted kitchen towel by elloh 

A couple months ago I finally watched Julie and Julia, and absolutely loved it!  I don't know why I waited so long!  For some reason, I thought it would be boring, but it was anything but.  Since then, I've sort of had a love for Julia, even though, if I remember right she ended up being kinda mean to Julie....boo.  Anyhow, this tea towel is sah-weet!

Tattooed Lady with Ukulele by Mimi Kirchner

I had the hardest time picking which of Mimi's doll to feature here.  They are all incredible!  {The man-dolls completely crack me up...you should go check them out.}

  Unity- Limited Edition Print by retrowhale

For some reason this print made me giggle.  These fellows just look so somber, yet they must be rockin' out to something!  The're also wearing some pretty awesome leg warmers, and that's cool.

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I am linking up to Yes, Teacher's Tickle me Tuesday post. Hop over and check out the other great finds!

Do you eat butter, or margarine, or neither?

We're a real butter household.  This is not the way I grew up, but Jon insisted that butter was the way to go, so that's how we've done it.  I honestly don't use much butter, so I figure it's definitely in monderation, so you might as well go with the real thing.

Please forgive me....

           Source: designlovefest.com via jennifer on Pinterest

There is probably more scheduled for today {IRL}  than one should attempt, but I'm gonna give it a go.  I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!  Mine was fabulous, frustrating, emotional, disappointing, fun, and inspiring all in one.  All in all, it was a great weekend with some of my favorite people.  I am so very blessed.

Now, to get to work on that list! 

Have a great day, my friends.

What's the one adjective you'd use to describe your weekend?

Thank God for A/C...

         Source: kissrichmond.com via jennifer on Pinterest

I hope you're all having a great day! I'm so happy that it's Friday afternoon...it's been a long week, my friends.

I'm going to spend the afternoon relaxing with my man. Maybe I can talk him into going for some ice cream? We'll have to eat it fast, in this heat. Is it as hot were you are as it is here? Holy cow. Temps in the upper 90's and heat indexes in the 100's with no end in site. Thank God for A/C, am I right?

We don't have many plans for the weekend, and I'm so thankful for that.  I need some down time.  I'll happily work on some things around the house and maybe even watch some movies.  Sounds nice.

Anyway, I'm not feeling overly clever today, so that's all I have for you. Have a wonderful, wonderful weekend!

Do you like ice cream, frozen custard, or frozen yogurt best? Or none of the above {gasp!}?

I'm not picky at all, I'm perfectly happy with them all. Although, I feel like frozen custard is the most decadent and fro-yo seems lighter, healthier even.

The man of the house for sure had a mustache....

On Sunday, Jon showed me a listing for an old victorian home in town that's for sale as a fixer-upper.  {One of his favorite things to do is remodel homes and resell them.}  We couldn't picture the area it was in, and sort of thought it might be a big old home in a neighborhood full of teeny houses.  So, we decided to go check it out. 

The listing says it was built in 1870.  {which is super old for this area.}  It definitely needs some work, but boy it must have been beautiful in it's day!  I, of course, couldn't help but wonder if it's haunted.  I mean, look at it....it's straight out of a movie. 

You know the one...  Jon and I would buy it, and move into the apartment above the garage {Which there actually is, by the way.}  It would start out all happy and hopeful.  We'd start removing all the debris, and find some old box full of pictures.  We'd store it somewhere safe.  As we went along remodeling, strange things would start happening.  {Probably to me, cause the weird stuff always happens to the chick.}  I'd ask Jon vague questions, never really letting on that I was scared, until something really crazy happened.  Then he'd tell me I was imagining things, and we'd have a big fight.  It wouldn't be until Jon found me possessed in the widow's watch that he'd fully understand the complexities of the situation.  Then he'd go find that box and realize I look just like the lady in mourning.  Then there'd be some closure that this crazy, mourning ghost would need and we'd help set her free.   It would end up all peaceful, with us and our family....and that widow's picture framed on the wall.  Am I right!?

Anyway, I couldn't help but try to imagine what it must have looked like {perhaps sort of like this?}, and the people that must have lived there.  I pictured ladies in long dresses and kids running around in white linen.  The man of the house for sure had a mustache.  Oh, and for the record, there are quite a few old homes in the area.  A fun little pocket that we never knew existed!  {For those of you in the KC area, it's just west of the Johnson County courthouse.}

Are there lots of old homes where you live?  How old is the place where you live?  
There are old houses around us, but it seems like most are closer to downtown, with the exception of old farmhouses.  {Jon's parent's house was built in 1910.}  Our house is only 5 years old. 

Night at the K...

Last night, we went to a Royals game with our small group.  We were missing one of our ladies {sad face} but we had a great time!  It was HOT, and the sweat was rolling, let me tell you.  Honestly, I didn't really watch any of the game...I know!  I'm horrible!  I just have more fun people watching and chatting with my friends, what can I say?

It was the first time Jon and I have been out to the stadium since it was re-done.  I love the new design!  So much cooler than it used to be.

Oh, and I love these people.  I'm truley blessed to call them friends.

Are you a baseball fan?  I just can't get into it.  I'm the same way with football.  Basketball is another story...I LOVE basketball!

A few fun finds....

Some recent favorites from Etsy...

This dress looks so breezy and pretty.  I love how it's feminine without going overboard.  It's listed as a bridesmaid dress, but I'd wear it all summer long! 

Bridesmaid Chiffon Cotton Voile Butterfly Ruffle Button Up Dress - Royal Blue by IslaNewYork on Etsy

I love these watches!  I'm not sure how coordinated you have to be to tie it on, but I'd certainly practice if need be.  Super cool.

  Black Suede Bracelet Watch with Black Lizard Skin Interchangeable Face by meggieslove on Etsy

And these, well they're just fun, if you ask me.   Paired with a skirt for the office or even with jeans.  I like them.

Elise shoes by TheGlassFinch on Etsy

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I am linking up to Yes, Teacher's Tickle me Tuesday post. Hop over and check out the other great finds!

Do you wear a watch?  

I used to wear one every day, but have completely gotten out of the habit.  These days, it's just as easy to check my cell phone for the time. 

Words to live by...

                                         Source: positivelypresent.tumblr.com via jennifer on Pinterest

                   Source: triciawilson.tumblr.com via jennifer on Pinterest

                               Source: etsy.com via jennifer on Pinterest

I've been blessed with some wonderful people in my life. People who encourage me, and help me learn about myself.  I'm also convinced that I have the best husband on the planet.   I had a chance to talk through some things on Friday, and all weekend I pondered what I learned. Then, yesterday at church, my pastor preached this sermon, and it was like a continuation of the conversation from Friday.  I love it when that happens.  {And honestly, it happens alot.} 

I'm learning that I beat myself up alot.  I worry about what people think, and I lose out on a whole lot of wonderful because I don't trust myself.  I'm also learning that I don't have to do that.  There is a difference between perceived danger and actual danger, and I have to learn to recognize the difference. 

I am loved.  I have a wonderful, supportive family, the best husband, and great friends.  To top it all off, I have a God who wants nothing but the best for me, and that's pretty awesome.

I want to work past my fears, and answer the call to bless others.   I want to go to the deep waters.  I want to experience life outside my comfort zone, because the few times I've ventured there have been some of the best times of my life.

Wishing you all a week full of blessings.  I hope you all know how awesome you are.

 

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

                                    Source: designismine.blogspot.com via jennifer on Pinterest

Reece's Pieces are probably the most addicting substance of all time.

Since when is Facebook simply a venue to complain about every. single. thing?  Oh, who am I kidding, it's always been that way.  {Yes, it's hot, we're all hot.  It's JULY.;  When you're 9 months preggers, people are gonna make small talk about it.  Get over it, and be happy you're being blessed with a child!  If no one was asking about it, you'd probably be upset about that.;  Oh, you're having a bad day?  Thanks for spewing your negativity into the world!} ....Well, that was upbeat.  ;)

Sometimes, when Jon and I are cuddling, I lay my head on his chest and just listen to his heart beating.  I did this Wed. night and was overwhelmed with how blessed I am to have him.  I was thinking about all the chemo that was pumped through that heart, and what a warrior my man is.  He's pretty special.

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Happy Friday, everyone!  I'm so looking forward to this weekend.  Not much planned, but lots to do.  I have a whole list of things to work on, and I'm kindof excited to tackle it.  All are fun, if-I-could-do-anything-I-wanted-I'd-be-doing-this kinds of things.

Thanks for your encouragement this week, and for being so good to me!  I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

What's your favorite candy? 

Moments....

A few moments from Girl's Weekend, captured by Amanda on her iPhone.  {Which I'm totally jealous of.  I may or may not have played with it some alot, and totally fell in love.  Someday.}

Do you own a smart phone? If so, what kind?
 My phone is about as dumb as they come.  We don't even have a texting plan.  We're old school like that. 

Is it just me....

or are these the most ridiculous handlebars of all time?

{As seen on my lunch break.} 

I always think Harley handlebars look super high, but these took it to a whole new level...pun intended!

How do his arms not fall asleep?

Mermaid Hair...

When I was a little girl, I used to dream of being a mermaid.  This was no doubt fueled by a heavy  Splash obsession.  {Remember how she named herself Madison, and that was such a weird, nonsense name at the time?  Or maybe I just thought it was.}  Anyway, Amanda and I would spend hours in the pool pretending we had pretty mermaid tails and dreaming up all sorts of exciting adventures.  We certainly had a healthy imagination, I can tell you that!

Shortly after arriving on Wednesday, Amanda showed me an image that she Pinned.  I agreed that it was pretty fantastic, but didn't think much more about it at the time.  Funny thing though, that image kept coming into conversation as the days went by.  We became increasingly more obsessed with the "mermaid hair".  But, we couldn't pull it off....or could we?  {I definitely took some convincing.  I've NEVER dyed my hair, and was I really gonna start with pink, purple and blue!?}  Along with my much cooler, and much younger sisters, we decided to go for it.  We all split the cost of supplies and Amanda and I went to work.  {Later, we passed off the goods to the sisters....whose hair I still haven't seen!}

 

my "colorist".  {That's what we were calling each other.}

 

Waiting for the magic to happen...

Amanda's sultry mermaid locks...

 

And, mine.  {You can tell who the photographer is.   All the good ones were taken by her.}

It's been fun to get reactions from people who notice.  It does add a nice little bit of sass for summer.  I sort of love it, especially the pink.  {There really is blue in there too, it just didn't show up that well.}  

So, that's the Mermaid Hair!  It's all mine for 5-40 washes. :)

Oh, and for those of you who are wondering, Jon's reaction was positive.  He said he was happy that I did something kinda wild and out of the ordinary.

Have you ever dyed your hair?  What's the craziest color you've ever done? 

p.s. I learned that my hair forms the same curls every time.  Each lock that is colored has come together each day.  I figured they just randomly formed.  Interesting, no?

A few fun finds...{Pool Edition}

Girl's Weekend sparked my love of the pool again. I can't stop daydreaming about lazy poolside afternoons.

Merona® Women's Badeau Shirred 1-Piece in Purple

Love this suit!  The suit I have now is alright, but I'm always feeling like the girls might pop out.  I love how retro this one looks, and it seems like it would be pretty flattering!

Merona® Wide Brimmed Floppy Hat

My floppy hat {a gift from Jon for my birthday} as seen in yesterday's photo.  I love, love, love it!  It flops just right and is perfect for days in the sun.  You know, now that I'm 31, I have to think about protecting my face from those harmful rays! 

 

 Martha's Pomegranate Punch

Found via I Love You More Than Carrots.  She tweaked it, and then I tweaked it.  We sipped guzzled this deliciousness on our Girls weekend, and it's def making another appearance at the Davis house.

My version:

2 cups pomegranate juice

1/4 cup Triple Sec

12 oz can Guava Nectar

1 bottle Prosecco

Combine pom. juice, triple sec and guava nectar, then slowly pour in wine.  Serve over ice.

omg.

so good.

{I used the guava nectar instead of pear because I couldn't find pear, and triple sec cause I already had it.  I feel like this is one of those recipes where you really can't go wrong.}

 The Help by Kathryn Stockett

I've been thinking I should pick up this book ever since I saw the movie trailer.  {Of course, I need to finish the two books I'm reading first.}

 

Banana Boat Aloe After Sun Lotion

I freakin' love this stuff.  It's perfect after some pool time, and especially if you accidently get a little too much sun.  The best part, it smells like a day at the beach!

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I am linking up to Yes, Teacher's Tickle me Tuesday post. Hop over and check out the other great finds!

What are you reading right now?  Any books you'd recommend?

Right now, I'm trying to finish Breaking Dawn.  That's right, the last Twilight book.  As AP would say, no judgies!  I'm also reading Quitter by Jon Acuff.  See, I do read "grown up" books too.

I'm baaaaaaaack!

Girls Weekend was a smashing success!  I cannot believe it's already over, but boy, did we have fun.  I'm so grateful to have had the time with my best girl, and I'm feeling so lucky, so young, and so ready to take on the world this morning.  There's just something about Amanda that brings out the best in me.  I love that girl.

Jon had an equally good time on his float trip.  We had a very sweet reunion yesterday.  We were both so refreshed, and giddy to see each other.  It was nice!  We really need to do this more often. 

I have so much to tell you/show you, but starting off this week, I just want to get some notable moments documented here.

• gimlets with my oldest and newest friends.
• early morning walks and really getting rolling on the talks, which continued non-stop all weekend long.
• getting a much needed pedicure, even though my guy was grumpy.
• seeing Amanda meet my Dad's sweetheart, and having her take some GORGEOUS pictures of them.  {Also, when we left Amanda noted, "This may sound weird, but I feel like I've always known Linda."  I knew precisely what she meant, cause Jon and I had the exact same conversation when we met her.  She's pretty incredible like that.}
• Margaritas and Mexican food.  {And, them carding me, but not Amanda.  I mean, she is a day older, but c'mon people.}
• Sitting by the pool on the perfect day, even if we did get sunburned.  It was totally worth it.
• Going shopping, and buying the same things.  Hey, we live 500 miles apart, no one will ever know!
• Hanging with my mom and sisters, and plotting some craziness.
• Finally seeing Bridesmaids, and it living up to all the hype.  Seriously, the best movie!  Maybe ever!  Instant classic, I tell you.  I for real want to go see it again, and I'm still laughing at certain parts.  Totally freaking awesome.
• Giving ourselves mermaid hair.  {Oh, this one will be an upcoming post, you can bet on it!}
• A fab photo sesh in the field by my house.  I felt like a model.  {Well, except for the profuse sweating and massive amout of bugs.}  Amanda is an amazing photographer, and I cannot wait to see the results.
• THE BEST Pomegranate Punch of all time!  {Well, the only pom. punch I've had, but it was so incredibly delicious.}
• Amanda teaching me to knit.  {and actually remembering it the next day!}
• Planning blog makeovers.  
• Deciding that Girl's Weekend must be at least a yearly event.

I only cried for a couple minutes when she left.  I made myself get busy with watering plants and going to church.  It never gets easier watching her drive away.  

Amanda, 
Thanks for coming up, and thanks for making me feel young and beautiful again.  You and I, we're the same.  I love that we're still discovering things that we have in common, after all these years.  I love that we can talk for 3 days straight and never get sick of it.  I love that when I'm with you, I'm 100% genuine Jen.  I love that we could spend a month together and still not get everything done that we'd like to do.  I love you, girlie.  You're the absolute best, and I'm so lucky to have you as my bestie.  
Jen


p.s. Thank you to my wonderful guest posters last week!  You ladies are awesome.

A Guest Post by AP from I Love You More Than Carrots....

Well, hello there! I’m AP, the voice behind the self-proclaimed sassy and snarky “Mom” blog, I Love You More Than Carrots. I’m absolutely honored, albeit a tad green with envy, to be guest posting for Jen while she enjoys a fabulous Girl’s Weekend Away. Just the sound of that makes me salivate and go weak in the knees for something bubbly and preferably alcoholic.
For those of you who don’t know, I’m the proud Mama of a beautiful 11 month old boy and 103lb. Old English Sheepdog. Throw Husband into the mix and needless to say, there is never a dull moment in our house!
See? Here’s The M Family, minus “Sheepie.”

 

I really admire J for completing her 31 before 31 challenge and it got me thinking. Sure, I have a few years before I turn 30 but I’m terrible at staying ahead of the game, so it doesn’t really make sense for me to make a list now. Chances are I’d start out strong and likely lose the list before too long. That’s pretty much the story of my life.
So after a bit of thought, I figured, “heck, how about a write a list of all the things I’d like to accomplish before the end of the week?” Clearly this is more my speed.
Without further a ‘do, here they are in no particular order:

1. Try at all costs not to lose my s@#$t. Well, I knew it wouldn’t be long before I cursed on J’s blog. {Sorry, Jen!} If you know me at all, s@#t-losing is an all-too-common occurrence. Here you can read all about what constitutes the losing of one’s well, you get it.
2. Try not to lose my child. Sure, you laugh now, but let me just tell you. This is highly possible and/or likely to happen. With a mobile babe running  amuck through the house and plenty of nooks and crannies just desperate for little bodies to sneak into, I may or may not have “lost” C behind the couch a time or two.
3. Cook something for dinner that doesn’t involve the Crock Pot. It’s a shame , really, that someone already beat me to the punch and created a 365 Days of Crock Pot Meals cookbook. They totally stole my thunder.
4. Try and wait until 5:00pm every day for that much coveted, much warranted and most delicious glass of wine. Okay, fine. Try and wait until at least after 2pm.
5. Steer clear of Etsy at all costs. With C’s First Birthday less than three weeks away, Etsy has been my best friend and enabler when it comes to party décor. For those of you wondering, C’s party theme is Vintage Carnival with a dash of Circus thrown in.
6. Make a valid attempt at changing out of my standard Daily Mom-iform. This typically consists of black yoga pants of the cropped variety and a solid color tank. On a special day, one of Husband’s old fraternity T’s may make an appearance. If this is not an ascertainable goal, at the very least, put on a clean pair of yoga pants.
7. Fold a load of laundry fresh out of the dryer. Not one that’s been cycled roughly 14 times.
8. And because I couldn’t just leave on an odd number, after letting Sheepie outside to do his business, remember to let him in. In a timely fashion.  

There you have it. Just a small list, right? For those of you who aren’t laughing, I’m only mildly serious.
A big thanks to Jen for letting me corrupt just a small slice of her beautiful blog with my senseless meanderings! Wish me luck as I tackle that list this weekend. We hope you had a fabulous time and can’t wait to hear all about it!

Dreams Versus Goals - How Their Differences Make Them Similar {A Guest Post by Ashley from After Nine to Five}

For a long time I considered myself goal-oriented. I thought I had enough goals that would get me through the end of time. Things like wanting to move someplace warm, working for myself, or finish college with at least a Bachelor's Degree to my name were my long-term goals that always stuck with me. But after a while, I realized my so-called "goals" were nothing more than dreams.

Some would say they are interchangeable - that they are both an objective that you hope to reach at some point in time. But over time, I realized there was a fine line for me. Goals had action plans attached to them. I had a clearly defined path of achieving it and steps to ensure I stayed on track to the best of my ability. My dreams were just that - thoughts of things I hoped to some day do, but had no idea of when or where. They brought me away from reality when I needed a break, but never did much more.

As soon as I realized the difference, I made a lot of my dreams into my goals. I plotted out my journey to move to someplace with a warmer climate and the courses I needed to take to obtain that degree. I marked milestones that I reached along the way to remind myself of the end goal and that it was no longer something I just dreamt about. And while these two goals have yet to be marked as complete, I did something monumental for myself. I made the dream of working for myself become a goal with a clearly lit path, just waiting for me to find the open door. I found it when I was ready with the help of many small goals along the way and can proudly say that I did it: I made a dream into my reality.

For me, my dreams will never be accomplished unless they turn into a goal. Unless they become that well-defined, thought out objective that I intend to follow from start to finish to see it through. So I'm sure to keep plenty of both goals and dreams - short-term and long-term. The goals keep me busy, leaving something to strive for and something I'm yearned to complete. But the dreams leave me wanting more from a world that I can't seem to get enough of.

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Jen here...I just wanted to say, that I love this way of looking at things!  Really, the only way to make your dreams a reality is to turn them into goals....totally makes sense!

Ashley and I stumbled on each other through the blogging network, and became fast friends.  I'm so lucky to call this lovely lady my friend.  Thanks so much, Ashley!

And readers, please go show Ashley some love:
Read her amazing blog.
Browse through her adorable shop.  {I dare you not to find something you want!}
Follow her on twitter.

Party like it's 1999...

                                      Source: poppiesandsunshine.blogspot.com via jennifer on Pinterest

So, I'm a little frantic today.  Somehow, I think I've only managed to hint at the fabulous weekend that awaits me....

I'm having a Girl's Weekend with my best girlfriend in the whole world!  No husbands, no kiddos.  We're gonna party like it's 1999!  {Which, insidently is approximately the last time we had a visit just the two of us.  Crazy, right?!}

My Amanda is headed this way as we speak I type, and I feel like it's Christmas Eve! 

Jon will be headed out in the morning for his "No Hoe Float".  {Note:  He did not name said event, and I almost forbade him from going based on the name alone.  That was, until it occurred to me that if he was on a guy's trip, that meant I could have a girl's weekend with my girl!  Holla!}

It will be a glorious four day weekend full of poolside chats, pedicures, movies, shopping, talking, adult beverages, talking, long walks, and some more talking.  You know, girl stuff.  :)

I'll be taking a little vacay from the blog the next couple days.  I must spend every possible moment soaking in everything girl.  Don't worry though, I'm leaving you in able hands.  Yep, that's right, Guest Bloggers are coming to jdavissquared!  Can you believe it?  Not just any guests either.  We're talking some incredibly kind, talented, whitty and all around amazing chicas.  I can't wait for you all to meet them, and I know you'll give them a warm welcome.

So, until Monday, friends!

When was the last time you had a weekend with your best girlfriend?  Suggestions on what we should do?  Recipes we should try?  {Drinks or otherwise.} 

31 before 31...

                    Source: fitandhungry.com via jennifer on Pinterest

I want to tell you more about the 31 before 31 Challenge that I completed on Friday.

In case you're new, or if you missed it, I set out on June 1st to work out ever day for 31 days before my 31st birthday.  I went to Boot Camp on Tues and Thurs mornings, and ran a minimum of 2 miles every other day.  {This was inspired by Jodi Kendall's 30 day Bikram Yoga Challenge.}

The following is a list of things I learned about myself.  I am not an expert, and I'm sure it's different for everybody.  I'd encourage you to experiment with different motivators and find what works for you.


What I learned {or re-learned} from working out 31 days straight:

1. I am capable of much more than I give myself credit for most of the time.


2. It was so much easier having decided how and when I was working out.  The decision was already made, so I couldn't talk myself out of it.  I'm going to implement this tactic going forward.


3. Getting up early and getting my exercise in first thing is so worth it.   I get really grouchy when I know I have to come home and do it.  This only happened once or twice, and then I caught on.


4. Having someone holding you accountable really does help.  There were mornings that I thought about sleeping in, but knowing that I'd have to fess up to you guys got me up and going.


5. No matter how bad a workout sucks {and by sucks I mean, hurts, isn't what I had planned, and generally makes me feel like I'm gonna cry} I never regret doing it.  Not once. 


6.  Rest days are important. I definitely feel stronger, but I also felt tired!  My body was so ready for a rest, and rest I did!  {I took the last three days off.}


7. I'm all about short term goals.  Having something to work toward keeps me motivated.


I'll be up and running again bright and early tomorrow morning!  My plan for July is to start incorporating weights into my routine.  2 days weights, 2 days boot camp, and 2 days running with one rest day.  I'm stoked to see what adding the weights will do, and I'm so excited to have a rest day!

All in all I'm really glad I did this challenge.  I'm headed into my 31st year with a solid habit of working out every morning, and that is really what I wanted to establish.  :)  Yay, exercise!


Do you work out?  What's your favorite activity?  Morning or evening?

***Update-  Just calculated that I ran 47 miles throughout the challenge.  That's pretty rad.  ;)

Birthday/Fourth of July Recap...

                            Source: jordanferney.blogspot.com via jennifer on Pinterest

How was everyone's weekend?  Good, I hope.  Mine was fantastic!

We had a wonderful {albeit HOT} day at the lake on Friday with my fam.  They are so, so good to me.  You all are not gonna believe what I got for my birthday.  I'll have to post pics.

Bridesmaids fell through on Saturday, but we've rescheduled for this coming Friday.  {And we'll have my bridesmaid in tow!}  Jon took me to see Pirates of the Caribbean instead.  Maybe not as good as the others, but I still loved it!  There were, of course more wonderful presents this day as well.  Seriously, folks.  I'm so spoiled.  Oh, and I have the best neighbors of all time.  They got me a cake....a cake from my neighbors.  Who does that!?  My neighbors do, apparently.  We're never moving.

Sunday we slept til 11!  I'm pretty sure I haven't done that in at least a decade.  We went to an amazing Fourth of July party that night.  We have a friend whose parents live across a pond {small lake/large pond} from this guy who puts on a professional fireworks display every year and trows a huuuge party.  He flew in a band from Nashville!  We didn't go to the party, but our friends parents throw a pretty fantastic party to watch the other party.  It was totally awesome and probably the best fireworks display I've ever seen....ever!

By yesterday, we were completely exhausted.  We spent the day lounging around the house, napping and doing some cleaning, because my bestie is coming tomorrow!  Yipeeeee!  Girl's weekend, here we come!

In typical Jen fashion, I don't think I took a single picture all weekend.  Boo.


Tell me, how was your Independence Day?  Did you watch fireworks?  Set any off?  
I try not to get too close to them, myself.  Got shot in the arm with a bottle rocket as a kid, and it scared the bejesus out of me.  I LOVE watching them though!

p.s. Thank you so much for all the birthday wishes.  You guys are truley amazing, and I'm so blessed to call you my friends.  

A pretty bicycle picture and some thoughts...

                                       Source: marthastewart.com via jennifer on Pinterest

No random thoughts this week, but I do have some a lot of things to tell you guys.

* Today is Amanda's birthday!  Amanda has been my friend for 25 years, and this girl is amazing.  She's stuck by me through thick and thin, and I love her so much.  Happy Birthday, girlfriend!  Hope you do something fab to celebrate!

* This morning, I completed my 31 before 31 challenge!  31 straight days of working out.  I sort of can't believe I actually made it through, and it was so much easier than I thought it would be!  I'll do a post about it early next week to tell you more.

* We're getting ready to head out to the lake to hang out with my family.  I'm hoping we don't roast....the heat index is supposed to be something crazy like 117.  Whoa.

* Jon gave me the sweetest early birthday present last night....a photo shoot is in order.  I'll show you  more next week.

* Tomorrow I turn 31 years old.  In so many ways that seems crazy, but I'm so happy to say that I'm 100% comfortable with it.  30 was good, really good, and I just know that 31 is gonna be even better!

*  I'm going to go see Bridesmaids with my sisters and my Mom tomorrow..can't wait!

*  I'm looking forward to fireworks on Monday.  I heart the Fourth.

*  Next week is going to be so. much. fun.  I'll tell you about that next week too.  ;)

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend full of family,  fun, good food, and lots of summer.

Thanks for being so good to me.  You guys are the best!