Locket full of love...

In the very tippy toe of my stocking this year was the most special little gift from my husband. (ahem, from Santa.).

It's no secret that I've had a hard time since we lost Miles.  It has gotten easier, but I most definitely was in a funk for the last couple months.  My husband, remembering this post, ordered one of Khara's lockets for me!  I cannot tell you how perfect it is.  It looks just like him.

An absolute treasure, and instant favorite!

If you're not familiar with Khara's work, check out her Etsy shop here, and her website here.

Did you get anything that made you cry this year?

A Holiday in Photos...

Our Christmas was wonderful.  I hope yours was too! 
I'm enjoying relaxing and doing nothing much but dinners with friends and playing on my phone.  We hope to repaint the powder room off the kitchen this week, and I'm planning to make this soup today.  Cannot wait! 
Are you off work for the week?  Or is it back to the old grind for you?

p.s. I'm on Instagram!  If you are too, come follow me, and I'd love to follow you back!  {I'm jdavissquared, of course.}

Merry Christmas!

I made it! I made it to Christmas break...alive and in (reasonably sound) good mental state!

Oh friends, I'm not gonna lie, it's been rough. (i feel like I've started many a post this way as of late...bear with me) The last few months have been hard for a lot of reasons. My 9 to 5 has been relentless, our etsy store did amazing this year (which is absolutely a blessing, but one that comes with lots of hard work!), we lost Miles, my little sister had heart surgery, and on top of it all we've been working through the pains of infertility and treatment.

Yeah, that last one....that was hard to type. Not cause I haven't come to terms with it, but because I've been hesitant to share it, not just here on the blog, but with everyone outside of our close circle of friends and family. But, I've decided that I'm no longer gonna hide. There are too many couples out there dealing with this for anyone to feel alone. I'm not promising you details on the blog. This is private stuff! But, if you too are struggling through it, I'd love to help support you. Email me!

Whew! Elephant in the room exposed!

The one thing I'd request is please don't ask if I'm preggers. When I am, you'll know when I want you to. This is sort of a good rule in general...NEVER ask a woman if she's pregnant!

Okay, now that you know all the things that have been weighing me down, let me tell you why things are wonderful today:

Yesterday was Jon's 8 year remission anniversary! The craziest part was that it took us til 3:00 in the afternoon to remember. I'd say that's a good thing. It's nice to know that our life has moved far enough past the leukemia that we are able to forget!

Um, today is Christmas Eve...duh! Which means family, food, and Candlelight Christmas Eve at church. I've always loved Christmas Eve just as much as Christmas day.

I'm off work til jan 3rd. You have no idea how badly I need this break. This girl was seriously about to lose it.

What are you guys doing for Christmas? Please share! Or tell me what you've been up to all this time. I've seriously missed you guys.

I'm anxious to get back to blogging and refocussing. But until then, MERRY CHRISTMAS!

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

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?

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!  :( 

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

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?

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! 

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!  

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!}

We're restocking our shelves...

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

Just a little teaser...

Shutterfly Holiday Cards Giveaway...

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

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

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

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

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

Some of the card designs I'm considering:

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

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

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

To enter answer the following question:

Do you send out holiday cards every year?  

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

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

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