Pier at Huntington Beach....

Photo by Jennifer Davis

A photo I took last spring in Huntington Beach.  Wouldn't it be nice to be there now?  I've been craving some ocean air.

A few fun finds....{doily addition}

Perhaps it was all the antiquing this weekend that put doilies in my brain. There is always an abundance of doilies to be seen while antiquing, no?

I had so much fun browsing through Etsy looking for new twists on this time honored craft.

Aren't these coasters pretty?  They make me want to kick back with a big glass of iced tea.

square doily coasters by uncommon on Etsy

I love this rug!  Now, I just have to learn how to crochet...giant style.

doily rug pdf crochet pattern by ihanitse on Etsy

You all know my penchant for garlands.  I love how dainty this one is, and although it would work in any season, I can't help but picture it with twinkle lights and all things fluffy white for Christmas.

vintage doily paper garland by BrittanyAlbertson{krafty designs} on Etsy 

Do you crochet or knit?  If so, who taught you? 

My grandma tried to teach me to crochet as a child, but I had no interest at the time.  Oh how I kick myself for not letting her pass on that knowledge!  My best friend taught me basic knitting over girl's weekend though...now if I can just remember it!

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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!

2nd Annual Birthday Antiquing...

Saturday, my mama and I went to Greenwood, MO to go antiquing.  Last year, we spent a day treasure hunting for her birthday, and this year we decided to do the same.  It was a beautiful day, and although we didn't find a ton of stuff to bring home, we really enjoyed ourselves!  

 A pretty old bicycle outside one of the shops.

We found a darling little tea room at one of the Antique shops to have lunch.  We enjoyed yummy panini sandwiches and salad with homemade raspberry vinaigrette and the most delicious strawberries.  I think we guzzled about 10 glasses of ice tea each.  {We must have been parched from all the shopping.}  

My pretty mama, the birthday girl.

We shared a piece of Coconut Macaroon pie for dessert...omg....so delicious!  It was warm and buttery, and yes, my mouth is watering just looking at it!

It was such a wonderful day, and I think it needs to happen more than once a year!

The two of us with our bounty.  {recognize this?}

 I love my new old Bingo card.  And yes, I specifically picked this one cause it had a 22 on it.

I also found some letterpress letters.  I got:  O, N, &, E, N, A, I, and S...still need two J's, a D and a V!  If you know where I can find these, let me know!  ;)

Have you been treasure hunting lately?  Find anything awesome?

oh, and p.s.  Don't forget to go vote for my College Fund Piggy Bank...pretty please?

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

                Source: decoratualma.tumblr.com via jennifer on Pinterest

How did people get things out of their eyes before mirrors were readily available?  I guess you needed good friends.

As much as I've tried to deny it for so long, no music touches me like country. I guess it's in my blood.

Purging is the best.  I just moved desks at work, and got rid of TONS of junk I didn't need.  I think it really clears your mind as well as your space.


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I'm home for the afternoon, and I think Jon and I are going to take a walk down to the pool.  Only one more week to enjoy it, and it will be nice and quiet since the kiddos are in school.  Tomorrow, I'm going on the second annual antiquing day with my mom.  Cannot wait!  

My college fund piggy was featured in this blog today.  I'd love it if you all would go vote for me!  Please?  Ballot is in the top of the right collumn.  Thanks! ;)

Oh, and if you haven't chimed in on what I should take to small group for dessert, you should!  Why?  Well, cause it would make me happy!  You guys like it when I'm happy, right?

What are you guys up to?  Any fun plans for the weekend?  Also, what kind of music do you listen to?

What to make?

I've signed up for dessert for our small group meeting on Sunday.  I've been collecting so many yummy looking recipes on Pinterest, so I thought I should try one!  The only problem is deciding...

                                       Source: whatmegansmaking.com via jennifer on Pinterest

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Dip?

                                                 Source: mybakingaddiction.com via jennifer on Pinterest

Key Lime Bars?

                                                        Source: ruhlman.com via jennifer on Pinterest

Chocolate chip cookie bowls with ice cream?

                                                           Source: find.myrecipes.com via jennifer on Pinterest

Lemon Layer Cake?

One of each?  {j/k although, that would be awesome}

Which would you choose?  Or, if you have a must-try dessert recipe for me, do share!

29 Ways to Stay Creative...

29 WAYS TO STAY CREATIVE from TO-FU on Vimeo.

Someone shared this with me last week, and I thought you all might like it.  

I absolutely love that "drink coffee" made the list.  How sweet is that?

I really need to get better about writing things down in my notebook.  I carry one around with me, but rarely use it.  I guess I'm halfway there! 

I feel fortunate to be surrounded with creative people, IRL and online.  You guys constantly inspire me...Thanks for being such rockstars! 

What do you do to stay creative? 

A few fun finds...

Hi friends! How are you!? Did you miss me?
...I'm sure you did.  ;)  I know I missed you all!  I did enjoy reading your comments on my photos last week.  I think I'll start posting more of those glimpses into my everyday.

Anyway, I'm back!  I had a great little break from blogland, and I'm ready to return!  It's Tuesday, and you know what that means:

Chenille Dog Ornaments by OldWorldPrimitives on Etsy
Aren't these adorbs?  I especially like the little guy on the left.  For some reason I picture him doing little pirouettes.  I know, I'm weird.  I think these would be so cute as an add on to a gift.

 Fantastic Little Fox Coat by littlegoodall on Etsy
 I mean, really!  Does it get any cuter than this?!  I need a little fox in my life.

Mini Grey Squirrel by RoyalMint on Etsy
Again, I could just see a stop motion film with this guy.  That little snail would slide in from the left, and the squirrel's little scarf would flutter in the breeze.  He must be having a party, don't you think, with his bunting hung up for his guests.  Maybe it's his birthday.  Awe.  love.

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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!

So, tell me, what did I miss?  Leave me a link to your favorite thing from this week, or just tell me about it...I'm breezy.

Breakfast...

Miles enjoying his breakfast.  I love him.

{I'm taking some time this week.  Some time to soak up the summer before it's all gone.  Some time to refocus my thoughts and prepare for what's ahead. Some time to rekindle my fire.  I'll be posting a photo each day with little to no commentary.  Enjoy!}

Stand for Spencer...

{photo borrowed from the Stand for Spencer Facebook page}

Humbled to have been one of the many who lined the streets of my city to honor our hometown war hero, Spencer Duncan.  I want to extend my utmost gratitude to the Duncan family for their sacrifice, and to Spencer for being a true American hero.  God Bless America.

{I'm taking some time this week.  Some time to soak up the summer before it's all gone.  Some time to refocus my thoughts and prepare for what's ahead. Some time to rekindle my fire.  I'll be posting a photo each day with little to no commentary.  Enjoy!}

Orders in waiting...

all these little guys just waiting for their paint!

{I'm taking some time this week.  Some time to soak up the summer before it's all gone.  Some time to refocus my thoughts and prepare for what's ahead. Some time to rekindle my fire.  I'll be posting a photo each day with little to no commentary.  Enjoy!}

Sunday evening...

perfect weather. beer. book. happy.

{I'm taking some time this week.  Some time to soak up the summer before it's all gone.  Some time to refocus my thoughts and prepare for what's ahead. Some time to rekindle my fire.  I'll be posting a photo each day with little to no commentary.  Enjoy!}

Some time...

                     Source: everythingfab.com via jennifer on Pinterest

I've mentioned a couple times here on the blog lately that my well is running dry.  I'm getting a little crispy around the edges.  My creativity is waning.   think it's time for some time.  Some time to soak up the summer before it's all gone.  Some time to refocus my thoughts and prepare for what's ahead. Some time to rekindle my fire.

That being said, I'm going to take some of that time. While I'd love to spend a week in that little cabin on the sea, it's just not in the cards right now.   I am, however, going to take some time from the blog.  My plan is to post one photo a day with little to no commentary for the next week or so.   I hope you all don't mind, because I really need this.  Will you all still be here when I get back?

Did you take a summer vacation this year?  Where did you go?

No vacation for us.  Our girls/guys weekend was as close as we got.  I can't wait for the day we get to go on family trips every year.

Have a wonderful week, guys!  See you on the flip side.  {hopefully refreshed and brimming with great ideas!}

Wild Horses Can't be Broken...

I came across this image on Pinterest this morning...

           Source: reblololo.tumblr.com via jennifer on Pinterest

Which reminded me of this movie. 

Oh, I loved that movie!  The time period, the horses, the love story!  Oh my.  I honestly don't remember much from the plot, except when the girl dramatically gives herself a bob in the beginning, and that the guy was super cute and I had a major crush on him.  I need to find it and watch it again.

Do you guys remember it?  Did you love it as much as I did?

A few fun finds...

Okay, I know I'm a day late for Sarah's Tickle me Tuesday, but I'm gonna break the rules and join in anyway.  It's one of my favorite posts every week, and I know it's one of your favorites too!

Today's high is 71....71!   Okay, so that clearly says the high is 83...but it's 71 right now.  Do you understand how crazy this is?  Last Tuesday it was 108 degrees.  What a difference a week makes.  {Typical Kansas.}  Anyway, the cooler temps and the fact that the kids are all headed back to school next week {insanity} is making me start considering thinking about fall.  Make no mistake, I am not ready to give up on summer...at all, but there are a few things I might be looking forward to.  That being said, I think the following would make for some cozy fall enjoyment.  You know, weeks and weeks from now when fall is upon us, cause it's not here yet, right?!*

 First up, these a-freakin-dorable mocassins from Target.  I think they might be slippers, but I don't care.  I'd wear them everywhere. 

Skinny jeans.   I just bought my first pair yesterday....on clearance...$5...Target.  {I'm not sure if this is the exact pair, but they're close} I'm still scared I might be making a huge mistake, but I figured they'll be perfect with my tall boots at the very least.  Plus, they were $5, and you can't hardly go wrong with that. 

Okay, without finding random photos to post, I'll just tell you that I'm also looking forward to opening the windows again, football season {not for the games, but for the glorious naptime!},  pumpkin lattes and mums.  All those things will be great when the time comes, but I'm just not finished with summer yet.

Do you wear skinny jeans?  What are you looking forward to this fall?

*You see, I really like fall, but it turns so quickly into winter and I can't even bear to think of winter again already. 

Duct Tape Diapers and Maxi Pads...

I recently discovered this in my news feed on Facebook:  


I put Johnny* in a jerry-rigged diaper (with duct-tape and a maxi-pad) which was a bit hard to frantically rip off when he stepped in a fire-ant hill. Me? Not mom of the year I imagine.


Umm.......sorry, but WTF!?  Is this the kind of stuff you moms do on the regular?...


To see what else I have to say about this, head over to I Love You More Than Carrots.  I'm guest posting today!  And please, make sure you show AP some love while you're there! 

Realigned...

        Source: gelaskins.com via jennifer on Pinterest

        Source: heathceramics.com via jennifer on Pinterest

        Source: etsy.com via jennifer on Pinterest

My goal for the weekend was to come away realigned and back on track. It still remains to be seen if I accomplished this, but it was a great weekend! We spent some fun time with family, checked some things of the to-do list, and even watched a couple of movies.

What did you do this weekend?

Oh, and I adore these patterns. I've always had a thing for pattern...

Envelope, please...

Happy Friday!  I'm excited to announce the winner of this week's giveaway...

The mini personalized piggy bank goes to:

Congratulations, Ashley!  Many smiles indeed!

I'll be contacting you shortly to find out how you'd like your piggy personalized!  

I'll be sure to share the final product with the rest of you too! 

What's everyone doing this weekend?  I'm super excited for a big family dinner tonight!  My dad and his lady have been vacationing for the last few weeks, and they're finally home!  I've missed them, plus they brought some other family home with them, so it will surely be a fun evening.  Can't wait for that.  

Besides tonight, I plan on using my time wisely this weekend, crossing things off the seemingly endless to-do list, and realigning myself.  I feel like I've gotten off track in so many areas of my life lately.  My diet, my exercise habits, cooking, cleaning, even blogging.  {I little cyber-break might be in order soon.}  Oh, and I'll definitely be enjoying some adult beverages...but you probably already guessed that.  

Have a great weekend everyone!   

9th grade English class...

The Scene:  Driving home from Dairy Queen with our BOGO medium Blizzards.

Jen:  This one thing is always never somethingerother.  {I have no recollection of what my statement was, but apparently I was talking some big smack.}

Jon:  We need to get you a costume with a big letter A for Exaggerator.*

image via

{PAUSE}

Jon:  Wait...

Jen:  ???

Bahahahhahahahahahah!

Hilarity ensues, Jon almost runs off the road and Jen almost pees her pants.  Funniest moment in a long time.  Love.

The end.  {Aaaaand, scene!}

What's your favorite Blizzard flavor? 

Sign up to receive BOGO Blizzard offers 6 times a year here.

*I'm guessing my husband didn't do his reading in 9th grade English class. 

Do me a favor, and go enter to win a Personalized mini Piggy Bank....pretty please?  You or someone you love will love it...I promise! 

That's how you end up on Hoarders....

It's been a while since I've posted about collections. I still find them fascinating.

                              Source: thingsorganizedneatly.tumblr.com via jennifer on Pinterest

                  Source: 103bluepoolroad.blogspot.com via jennifer on Pinterest

                       Source: designspongeonline.com via jennifer on Pinterest

These images always make me want to collect something, but what?  There are so many wonderful things, and one can't collect them all. Right? That's how you end up on Hoarders.

 Oh, and for reals, what are you all waiting for?  Hop over and enter to win a mini Piggy Bank personalized by yours truly.  Remember, piggy banks are not just for babies...adults love them too!  Vacation funds, rainy day funds, shoe funds....mani/pedi funds. 

A few fun finds....

 

Shark made of recycled fence wood by JohnBirdsong 

I saw this yesterday on Etsy's front page, and thought it was just too awesome not to share.  If I had a beach house, I'd totally buy one!  

 miniature moveable paper dolls by hollandsworth

I'm in love with these paper dolls!  I want to get one for everyone I know....she even makes custom ones!  Eeek!

 

70's Striped Linen Sun Dress via VINTANTHROMODERN on Etsy

I'm obsessed with stripes lately, and it's so ridiculous hot here...today's high is 108...that's actual temp, not even factoring in the heat index.  This little dress looks like it would be cool, and it's super cute.  Win, win.

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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's the high for today where you are?  Can anyone beat 108 F?

Luckily, I'm nice and cool in the office.  I cannot imagine having to work out in this.

p.s. Don't forget to check out yesterday's post and enter to win one of my brand new mini Piggy Banks, personalized any way you want!   Even if there are no kiddos in your life, maybe you need a shoe fund, rainy day fund, or even just an ice cream fund...yum, ice cream sounds good!

NEW, NEW, NEW....And a Giveaway!

Hi all!  I hope you had a lovely weekend.  I spent a good portion of Saturday adding all sorts of new cuteness to the shop.  {Plus, new designs will be popping up over the next week or two!}

I'm excited to announce the addition of Personalized Growth Charts, Pink and Blue Piggy Banks and two new sizes of our white piggy bank:  JUMBO and mini.  :)

Our growth charts are hand stitched and hand painted.  Of course, I can paint the name in any color you like! I love how cute they are rolled up to give as a gift.  Child's height can be tracked using a sharpie...totally adorable, no?

These Pink and Blue Piggy Banks have stolen my heart!  I cannot wait to paint one.  Aren't they adorable!?

And, now I have a whole family of white Piggy Banks too!  JUMBO, Large {our original}, and mini.

With prices ranging from $16 to $70 painted, there's something for every budget!

Wheeee!  Can you see why I was excited!?

In fact, I'm so excited, that I wanted to share with you, my dear readers.  This week, I'm giving away one of our new mini Piggy Banks!  I'll paint it up with whatever the winner likes, for you or a friend.  How does that sound?

To enter, you must be a follower of this blog and a U.S. resident.  {I so appreciate my international readers, but I have to keep this one domestic.}

Winner will be drawn randomly Thursday evening and announced on Friday 8/5.

Here's how to enter {please leave one comment for each entry}:

1. Be a follower of jdavissquared {mandatory}

2. Follow jdavissquared on twitter.

3. "Like" jdavissquared on Facebook.

4. "Heart" jdavissquared on Etsy.

5. Blog about this giveaway, and leave me a link to your post.

6. Tweet about this giveaway.  make sure to mention @jdavissquared and leave a link to this post.

Good luck everyone!  I can't wait to see who wins!  Hope you all have a wonderful week.  Thanks for being so awesome.

***This giveaway is now closed!  Go here to see who won.***