Fly away with me...

             Source: flickr.com via jennifer on Pinterest

                                        Source: prettystuff.tumblr.com via jennifer on Pinterest

         Source: None via jennifer on Pinterest

Lately I've been daydreaming of hot air balloons.

I have this sudden fascination, and desire to go up in one. It seems both exhilarating and terrifying all at once. I'm not exactly a fan of heights, and the thought of dangling in a basket that far off the ground sort of gives me the willies. That being said, there's this part of me that still wants the experience. I bet it's beautiful up there, and it seems novel and exciting, not to mention crazy romantic.

Maybe someday.

Yes, someday. Officially added to my bucket list.

Have you ever been in a hot air balloon? Do you have any desire to? 

p.s. Make sure you stop back by yesterday's post and check out all the lovely shops posted!  {And make sure you've added yours if you haven't already!} You all are talented!

Dear Jon...

                           via jennifer on Pinterest

Happy anniversary, my love.

I cannot believe it's been 4 years since we became husband and wife.  In many ways, it seems like yesterday.  Well, maybe not yesterday.  It also feels like we've always been together.  I mean, we have been together for almost 11 years...that's a long time.  But, the marriage part has most definitely been the best part.

I cannot imagine my life without you.  Thank you for being my other half and for loving me so well.  You are absolutely my best friend, and I'm so lucky to get to spend my life with you.

Thank you for making me laugh.  I so enjoy the silliness.  You are the absolute best at quoting things, or just making up the lamest, most hilarious phrases I've ever heard.  {Sugar Ray Yo Mama.  Seriously, I'm cracking up just thinking about it!} 

Thank you for loving me, despite the crazy, deranged child that takes me over sometimes.  You most certainly have seen my worst side, and still haven't ran for the hills.  You must really, really love me. 

Most of all, thank you for taking a leap of faith with me four years ago today.  It's the best thing I've ever done.  I've grown to love you more every day since.

I cannot wait to see what our 5th year brings with it....it's bound to be our best year yet.

I love you.  Love, love, love, love, love.

Jen

A few fun finds...

Once again linking up to Tickle Me Tuesdays....

 The Bravissimo Line by Making Memories {available at Michaels}

Seriously...what don't I love about these? Be still my heart...

p.s. Michaels has these on sale for 25% off this week!

Hand carved couple portrait stamp by Kozue on Etsy

How fun is this!?  I seriously think Jon and I need one.  Don't you?

Midwest Produce Calendar by krankpress on Etsy
This calendar tells you what to plant and when, and what's in season each month.  Available for various US regions.

Hope you all have a happy Tuesday!  Thanks to all of you for celebrating with me yesterday.  {And for not making fun of my swollen face.  My fingers were like sausages too!} You guys are awesome.  Also, just a little update, Mr. Miles is doing quite well!  He's still working on getting completely back on his feet {literally} but he's compensating and is running around the house and eating every meal again.  He's back to feeling like himself complete with whisker tickling and loving head buts.  Thanks for your prayers and well wishes!

A few fun finds...

                                                

Heart Shoe clips by Ban.do.  

{25% of heart sales goes to relief in Japan through today 4/5}

Red Bicycle Cake Topper via HeyYoYo on Etsy

Seriously...My next birthday cake needs this topper, don't you think?!

Spring Fling- An Instant Collection of Tin Saucers via SushiPotParts on Etsy

{These could help get you this look that I was admiring last week.}

I'm linking up to Sarah's linky party over at Yes Teacher for Tickle me Tuesday.  Check it out for more fun finds from others!

p.s. If you haven't entered this weeks giveaway, make sure you go enter for your chance to win a box of Helliemae's Salt Caramels!  

I love this...

Source: becausewecandoit.tumblr.com via jennifer on Pinterest

Are you a runner?  I'm trying to be. 

If this image doesn't rip your heart out...

I don't know what will.

                                         Source: imgfave.com via jennifer on Pinterest

Thank you to all the service men and women fighting for freedom in our world.  You're amazing.

Pretty, pretty weather...

I've been meaning to share this website by Kurt Riedi with you all.  I was introduced to it by Galit from Slow Noodle.  {She always finds the most amazing things.}  

The above is our local weather for today and tomorrow.  The rain is quite exactly how it looks today.  It's cold and drizzly.  I'm hoping that snow forcast for tomorrow is off.  The image sure is pretty though!  Helps soften the blow a little, I suppose.  Much better than the computer icons you normally see, don't you think?

Get yours here.

What are you most looking forward to this Spring?  {or Fall if you're in the Southern Hemisphere}

Oh, and don't forget to enter the giveaway!  It runs through tomorrow night at Midnight Central time.

Daily Essentials...

Last week, the lovely Galit tagged me to share my daily essentials.  I always love seeing what other people choose as their favorites, so I was excited to do my own.  I tried to approach this as what do I use every single day, or nearly every day?  I narrowed it down to: 

1. Hersheys Lip Balm. {this could really be any lip balm, but my latest one is Hersheys, given to my by my mama for Valentine's Day.}

2. Goody Hair Bands.  You'll rarely see me without one around my wrist for easy taming of the hair when necessary.

3. Mineral Hygenics Makeup.  Since doing my review, it has become a must have in my daily routine.  Love this stuff.

4. Yogi Chai Rooibus Tea.  I try to drink a cup every day this time of year.  Rooibus is excellent for your immune system, and this flavor is delicious!  {I like to adda  little cream to mine.}

5.Ugg slippers.  My mom gave me these for Christmas 2009, and they've been daily essentials ever since!  {in the coldet months at least.}


What are your daily essentials?

I tag Amanda, Angela, and Julie!  {if you girls have time and would like to participate!}

Prize ribbons...

I was recently browsing on Pinterest and came across these images of ribbons...

                                  Source: stylemepretty.com via jennifer on Pinterest

                                  Source: flickr.com via jennifer on Pinterest

They reminded me of my mother-in-law's amazing collection of ribbons. This isn't the best picture, but you get the idea. {she sent it to me to show the dogs and cats keeping warm in the lounge in the barn.}  She has hundreds of them.  They actually go all the way to the ceiling, so there's about three times what you see in the picture.  And every last one, she won herself!  Pretty impressive, huh?  I love the way she's displayed them on the wall.  

I think ribbons might now be up there with buntings and bicycles...love them!

What's your current obsession?

I do love love...

                     Source: maryruffle.tumblr.com via jennifer on Pinterest

I've been feeling a bit guilty about dogging on Valentine's Day. {here}  See, it's not that I hate Valentine's Day itself.  I just hate how much pressure is associated with it.  I mean, it's a day all about love, what's not to um...love?  I just think alot of people, especially women get too wrapped up in it being perfect.   Or maybe it's that inevitably you feel inadequate because of the hype.

                        Source: imgspark.com via jennifer on Pinterest

Anyway, I do appreciate Valentine's Day, and I can prove it.  I have a whole board dedicated to it on Pinterest. {speaking of, if you're on Pinterest, let's stalk each other on there too!}

                   Source: flickr.com via jennifer on Pinterest

Just wanted to set the record straight!

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!}

Itty Bitty Light Switches...

via on Pinterest

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

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

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

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

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

Flip and Tumble Review and Giveaway...

I was recently given the pleasure of reviewing some products from Flip and Tumble.  They sent me a 24-7 bag in pea green/sky and a set of produce bags.  I have to tell you guys, these are the best quality reusable bags I've come across!  The 24-7 bag rolls up into the cutest little ball that you can throw in your purse so you have it for unexpected stops at the store.  I've had a similar bag before, but it had a separate little bag to hold it in, and had to be folded just right to fit.  Flip and Tumble's version is self contained and can be compacted or expanded quickly and easily.  {not to mention, they come in the brightest fun colors!}
I was so glad I had this one stashed in my purse at the craft show I went to on Saturday.  It was perfect for toting around our goods.

I was extra excited to try out the produce bags.  This is one area that we've been unable to go plastic free.  It was so nice to get to the store, and be able to pull out these cute little bags instead!

I even got a compliment from one cashier!  The only downside I saw was that sometimes it's difficult for the cashiers to read the produce number through the mesh, but meh, that's really no big deal.  {Now, I want to get the carry pouch to keep them all in for easy shopping!}

Flip and Tumble also has printed 24-7 bags, shopper bags and their newly released 24-7 minis {that look perfect for lunches}.  I think all their bags would make great holiday gifts.  You could stick an individual bag in a stocking, or give a whole set.  Their prices are so reasonable, and the more you buy the cheaper they get!

And, guess what!?

Flip and Tumble has generously gifted me a 24-7 bag to give away!  Seriously guys, this bag is AWESOME.  You're gonna want to win this one!

There are eight ways to win...EIGHT!  {Please leave a separate comment telling me each one you complete}:

1. Be a follower of jdavissquared.  {this one is mandatory...and let me know how you follow!  google friend connect?  rss?}  Leave a comment.  If you follow this blog, great.  If not, that's fine too!  I want to open this up to everyone!
2. Follow Flip and Tumble on Twitter.
3. Follow me on Twitter.
4. Like Flip and Tumble on Facebook.
5. Like this blog on Facebook.  {you do like me, right?}
6. Tweet about this giveaway {make sure you mention @flipandtumble and @jdavissquared}
7. Facebook about this giveaway.
8. Blog about this giveaway.

Open to US residents only.  You have until 6:00 Central time on Wednesday 11/17 to enter.  I will announce the winner on Thursday 11/18.  Good luck everyone, and make sure you visit Flip and Tumble for your reusable bags!

Gotta get away...

via jennifer davis on Pinterest

I've been having daydreams lately of just packing up with my sweetie, and getting away. I want to go somewhere far away, and just close ourselves off from the world. Spend some time just us, without all the stresses and strains of our everyday life. No housework, no projects, no jobs. Just rest and relaxation.

Oh, I wish this was possible right now. But it's not. I have deadlines looming, and Jon is busy, busy. The holidays are approaching. {My airway tightens up a little when I recognize that. They are always so fun, but the hustle and bustle seems a little overwhelming right now.}

Since there are no romantic get aways in the near future, I'll just have to dream.


If you could get away, where would you go? 

p.s.  Our weekend was good...I could use some more time {see above}, but good.

+

I've always loved jars and boxes full of random trinkets and things.  {no doubt part of my collection obsession}  I'm a sucker for grab bags.  You just never know what kind of treasure you might find!

I recently came across the little box of positivity in All the Luck in the World's etsy shop.  Seriously!  For just $8.00 + shipping you can have tiny treasures sent to you all the way from the Netherlands.  How cool is that!? 

via

The artist behind this darling little shop is Jane Schouten and she has a beautiful website and blog.  I highly recommend you check them out as well as her store.  Who couldn't use a little positivity these days?

Hope you're all enjoying a great hump day! 

Lonny faves...

After swooning over the John Derian collection yesterday, I thought I'd share my other favorites from Lonny Magazine's latest issue.  

Apparently I'm drawn to collections of things.  

{that last image of the collection of mirrors reflecting the collection of pictures...swoon!} 

I guess I already knew that.  I have small collections of things around my own home, but I'm thinking I need to start working on incorporating this aesthetic on a larger scale.

Do you collect anything?  If so, what? 

**some people were having trouble with the poll I had set up telling them they had to be signed in.  I have embedded a new one.  {I accidently signed up for an account in french and am working to get it resolved, but it's still pretty self explanitory  I mean, isn't it chic how it's in french? haha}

John Derian for Target...

Have you seen the sneak peak for the John Derian collection for Target in Lonny Magazine?  

O.M.G.  

I'm thinking some of these beauties may have to work themselves into my home, and quite possibly into my holiday gift giving!  

John Derian is a New York based artist who has designed a collection for Target encompassing about 100 home and office accessories with a nature and vintage-inspired theme.  He says he wants people to think of his items as keepsakes.  I know I would!  

Hooray for another exclusive collection from Target to pine over!  

The John Derian collection hits stores September 5th.  

I think I need some of those trays!  The human head one is awesome!

p.s. Please take a moment and fill out the poll underneath the followers box in the right sidebar...it would make me tremendously happy!

{All images in this post via Lonny Magazine}

Watermelon...

Saturday I was chopping up watermelon and my husband and I had this conversation:

Me:  Gosh, watermelon is so watery.

Jon:  I think that's where it gets its name.

Me:  Yeah, I guess.  Isn't it so pretty though?  Don't you think it has a great color combo?

Jon:  It's like Christmas in July!*

I laughed hysterically at that.  Yeah, that.  I must have been under some kind of spell.  I'm telling you, he's one lucky guy that his cheesy one liners amuse me so.  

I love him. 

*I'm not sure he knows it's August, but whatev.

{photo credit:  elaaaine nguyen}

Let's party...

I want to have a party and hang one of these from my ceiling!  Heck, we don't even need a party, I'll hang it anyway!  

These fabulous tassel garlands are made by Confetti System, and I was introduced to them through Mixed Plate.

famille summerbelle...

You undoubtedly saw the new world map by Famille Summerbelle on Design Sponge today {and the inspiring video}, but have you checked out their site?  I was smitten by all the loveliness over there!  

I've always found paper cutting so fascinating, and I'm a sucker for intricately patterned objects, so you can imagine how much I adore their work.  It has me day-dreaming of trying my own hand at paper cutting....we'll see.

A few of my favorites all found here.

Oh, and Happy Hump Day!  How's your week going?