FRIDAY FAVES!!

That escalated quickly!

The snowpocolpyse this week was awesome.  And apparently we have more to follow. 

In case you live under a rock, Kansas City was slammed with substantial snow this week.  The road crews worked their tails off to make certain we didn't follow in other (embarrassing) cities quakes (ahem.. Atlanta).  The men and women that clear our streets did an amazing job!  Schools closed, government offices tapered to essential staff only and most employers did their best to give their employees leeway to get to work safely.

I'm so grateful to have that employer.  They closed our office down early the day it started and gave everyone a few extra hours to get in the next day.  It truly made all the difference in the world (plus helped us avoid the hectic "rush hour" traffic).

It's nice to know people care.

Amidst all the shoveling, cleaning and organizing I have done this week, I have somehow managed to pull together some faves to share.  Hope you enjoy!

FAVE KICKS

Ah.... love!  Must have!!  Steve Madden, you are my hero. :)

 

 

 

 

FAVE INVENTION

 

Genius.  Absolutely genius.  Especially this time of year when I feel like my entire body skin is flaking off or itchy to death.  I don't mind our weather getting colder or even the snowy precip but I absolutely hate how dry it is.  This is perfect!

 

 

 

 

 

FAVE PIT

 

Our west coast kids have furniture similar to this and I love it.  So comfy! Our new family room space requires something like this.

 

 

 

 

FAVE WINE LOVE

 

To be honest, I'm actually considering just buying red wine by the barrel for the winter.  What a great use after it's empty!  I love this mirror - so creative.  Gotta have it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

FAVE YUMMO

 

We love chicken burgers in my house.  Well, any kind of burger really.  Hubs and I cannot get enough avocados of late - we are eating them practically every week.  So why not just marry the two?  Click here for these fab chicken avocado burgers ---- > Chicken Avocado Burgers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FAVE FUR FRIEND

 

Yes!  MOO COW!  I love him (or her).  Don't judge.

 

 

 

 

 

FAVE GUIDANCE

 

In the season of sickness, sometimes I need reminders on this kind of information!  Here's a cool chart to help you know when to freak out on your kiddo's fever.

 

 

 

 

 

FAVE REMINDER

 

I often forget this mantra, but it is a nice reminder.  As a coincidence, most 1/2 and full marathon training is 12 weeks!

 

 

 

 

 

 

FAVE NAPS

 

Can I just say that I absolutely LOVE built ins?  Of any type, really.  But these cute bunks just scream "build me!!"  Love.

 

 

 

 

 FAVE BLING

 

Love the simplicity of these gems.  Absolutely love them.

 

 

 

 

 

Have a safe (and warm) weekend, friends!

 

 

Jen

 



FRIDAY FAVES!!

Good morning, friends!  How are those NY resolutions coming along?  I am happy to say I am on track with two of them still, which is amazing for me.  I made a few super obtainable ones that will roll along slowly with just a few great big decisions that will roll in shortly.  I'm still super psyched and excited about all of them though, even though my 14 minute attention span challenges them every day.

For now, I'm optimistic.  We can check back in next month on it.

Meanwhile, basketball is gearing up for tournament seasons.  We have two out of town trips in February which no doubt will be the highlight of our winter, not to mention knock down two states for little guy's "Visit 50 states in 6 years" dream.  Maybe if we are creative and drive loopy we can slide through the corner of other states and call it good.

Hmmm.  Will need to Atlas that.  Yes, I still use an Atlas.  Bite me.... I'm old.

Below are my faves this week.  It's a miracle I even found them since I do love paper so much.  So much for the green movement in my house.

Enjoy!

FAVE MEMORIES

This caught my eye immediately.  I absolutely love taking pictures.  When I look back at my pictures as a child it's virtually the only way my memories stay intact after layering in years of useless information into my brain.  I think this is fantastic.

FAVE JAM

Love them.  My man jam.  Highly encouraged.

FAVE FLASHBACK

Amidst our ever changing polar vortex crap, I can't help but dream of the beach.  Or the pool.  Or with this beautiful concoction... both.  I see myself on the chaise on the left.  Bring it on.

FAVE FUR KID

Ah.... love.  German short haired pointer.  Perfection.

FAVE REMINDER

 I'm so lucky little guy loves to read.  He informed me last weekend that he needed quite a bit of time to chill because he was reading 7 books.  Yes, 7.  AT ONCE.  I have no idea how he does that.  I can barely stay focused enough to read ONE book at once!

FAVE PLUGS

These are awesome!  I am so tired of all of our electronics scattered around, cords everywhere.  Drives me absolutely NUTS.  I think I need a few of these!

FAVE FASHION

This was defined as business casual.  Wait, what is that again?  So many employers define it differently.  This is my dream biz cas.  Nice jeans, nice jacket.  Looks good to me!

FAVE SNACK

YUMMO!  I love pb after a run.  Almost crave it.  This looks fantastic and includes my fave - chocolate!

FAVE SPACE

I love my bedroom.  I love my bed.  Really, truly love it.  We bought it (along with the bedding) five years ago when we finished our build.  I want something new.  This might work?

FAVE TICKER

I have a thousand watches.  None of them have a battery.  Well, one that is working.  I tend to just buy a new watch every time my battery dies, mostly because I buy fun trendy watches that don't cost a fortune.

I love this one.  Maybe it's time I stepped it up a bit.

Have a great weekend, friends!

Jen

FRIDAY FAVES!!

Ah, Friday.  How I love thee.  There is something about these little endings and the openness of a weekend.  I wonder if my friends that work different shifts feel this way about their Tuesday? 

Every Friday Facebook, twitter and instagram are flooded with posters, comments and general happiness.  Likewise, they are also flooded with a lot of negative comments come Sunday night / Monday morning.

Are people generally unhappy about the new beginning? Do their lives magically erase the prior weekend's happiness when they start anew?  Are they sad to be forced to complete the fun and relaxation they enjoyed over their mini-break?

I challenge you to reconsider.  Remove the negative thoughts you have about starting the new week.  Allow yourselves to live in the moment of the weekend and carry that renewal into your week on Monday. 

Embrace the new.... don't dread it.

Below are a few of my faves from around the interweb this week.  Enjoy!

FAVE SHORTCUT

Those that know me well know that I absolutely HATE home viewing stations.  In particular, there is no universal system.  My BFF can attest that I absolutely cringe when I house sit for her and want to watch her television.  I have absolutely NO idea what I'm doing with her 16 remote controls.

I love this.  I need this.  Embarrassingly this is a suggestion for our grandparents.... good thing I am a grandparent.

FAVE WINE STORAGE

I love the rustic feel of these shelves. I currently have all my wine and glasses in a glass cabinet and I wish I could actually see them better.  This is a great way to display the faves!  I wonder if Hubs could crank this out for me this weekend?

FAVE PIGGY WARMTH

Who doesn't love a warm, soft pair of socks?  I absolutely covet them.  These slips are adorable, especially with our holiday of love right around the corner.

So cute!

FAVE TRUTH

Ah, Roosevelt.  So smart, so true.  LOVE this.

FAVE SNUGGLE

I absolutely love this style of sweatshirt.  Tall neck, long torso.  Perfection.

FAVE HOME REMEDY

For those of you with babes, I love this idea.  No, I would never have thought of it when my little guy was born.  Of course that was 12 years ago, before the invent of social media.  Boo.  I will admit though that every time I crack open a box of baby wipes that alcohol smell is always the first thing to draft out.  That can't be good.

FAVE FUNNY

This is so true for many of my life connections and particularly funny right at this moment in my life!

FAVE BREAKFAST

My fam loves some homemade French toast.  We make it a lot on the weekends, typically with a hint of cinnamon and orange.  Check out this chai ft recipe!  Looks absolutely amazing to me.  Click here for the recipe ----->  Baked Chai Spiced French Toast

FAVE FURNITURE

Okay - I love doors.  I really, really love doors.  I love using doors in decorating as well.  My only hiccup with this love is the knob.  How does that work?  Hmmmm.  Otherwise, it's one of my faves!

FAVE FASHION

Love the sweater.  Love the hat.  Love the jeans.  Love the boots.

Yep, love the simplicity of it all.  Maybe THIS is why we love the weekends... we can be comfy!

Have a fantastic weekend, friends!

Jen

FRIDAY FAVES!!

Morning, friends!  I'm happy to announce that I completed the first full week of 2014 unscathed.

Well, partially.  It was book club last night.

With the football season coming to an end, basketball has taken its position in my house as the official spokesperson.  We are eating and breathing basketball 24 hours a day.  Please try to contain your jealousy... envy is a bad color for everyone.

Little guy is becoming much more comfortable in his post position this year.  He is working hard to gather rebounds and pushing back up when it seems a zillion arms and hands are slapping him.  He says that it's fun.... but I don't see that.  I see his blood pressure spiking every 15 seconds for 40 minutes.  But hey, we all define fun a little differently.

Like jumping into a freezing cold lake for charity.  Yep, I'll be doing that later this month.

I was able to scrounge up a few faves over the course of the week so dig in!

FAVE DESTINATION

Ah.... Ireland.  Still up at the top of my list of future travels.  With the stupid polar tundra crap we have endured lately I would love to transport here and take a nice long run.

Someday.

 

FAVE NEW ADDICTION

Nope, not meth.  The SHOW, accusers!  I love, love, love me some Walter White and Jesse Pinkman.  Hubs needs this shirt.  He loves chemistry (why wouldn't he....).  Me?  I doubt I could make it through the first two classes quite honestly.

FAVE RELAXATION

Yes friends, I realize that this won't fit into my tiny house.  But a girl can dream, can't she?  I can just imagine all of those cold winter nights, curled up in the midst of all that softness and watching Netflix reading a book. 

FAVE REMINDER

Oooh, I think Nugget needs this sign!  He is absolutely the best big brother in the world.  I can already see it in his eyes - nobody will ever hurt his little sister!

FAVE NOURISHMENT

Mmmmm.  Seriously, who couldn't love a sammy AND French toast at the same time?  This Monte Cristo just looks Divine.  I think it has to hit the Davis menu. Click here for the recipe ------->  Monte Cristo Sandwiches

FAVE WINE LOVE

Okay - I must have this.  Even if I have to figure out how to make it myself.  I have more corks than anyone can imagine (okay, maybe you can imagine).  This is an awesome way to hang onto them!

FAVE COCKTAIL

Hubs and I went to Maui in 2004 and during our visit we became intimately acquainted with a lovely little adult swim up bar that served a similar concoction.  Although this isn't exact, it's pretty darn close (and I'm assuming a heck of a lot healthier!)  Our beloved version had ICE CREAM in every drink! 

Lava Flow Cocktail: 1 oz. light rum, 1 oz. Malibu® coconut rum, 2 oz. fresh or frozen strawberries, 1 small banana, 2 oz. unsweetened pineapple juice, 2 oz. coconut cream.

FAVE NERD FUNNY

I happen to LOVE math, especially algebra.  Hubs could drop kick it to the curb (even though he uses it every day).

To each his own.



FAVE HAIR CONTROL

EEEE!  I absolutely love headbands.  Lots of moms put giant bows on their baby girls and until our little sweetest one came along I saw it more of a hassle.  Now that she is here, I can't stop fantasizing over the cuteness she can wear!  This style is so super cute to me.  I'll have to see if Nana can come upon a few...

FAVE YUMMO

With V day just a few weeks away, these little gems are perfect.  I love halving the strawberry as I always find it awkward to eat a whole strawberry that's been dipped.  I think this is a great way to display them as well as eat them!



Have a great weekend, friends!

 Jen



END OF THE YEAR FAVES!

Woo hoo!  Final Friday of 2013!

I love endings.  I really, truly do. They culminate a zillion emotions, spark remembrance of joyful moments and give closure to items that may require it. 

Yep, the perfect ending.

My ending couldn't be any better, friends.  The west coast kids are coming home which means I get to snuggle my little lentil, chase my nugget around the house and squeeze my daughter and son until they are blue in the face.  Oh...and some vino may be in there as well, particularly now that Hubs has ensured I will have to find meetings in 2014 with the Wine every Quarter club from my fave winery in the country!

I'm have a feeling I'm gonna need it.

Much like when the kids go back to school, the new year brings in new calendars, new pens, new goals and new plans. I'm not sure what it completely holds for our fam but I do know this:  we will stick together, whatever it may be.  That's what Davis' do.  Thick and thin and stuff (for the record.... my father in law conveniently left out the ".... and Obey" part from our vows specifically for me.  Yep, I was snarky even back then.)

Below are my final faves of the year.  I don't know how many of you like this format of sharing but it has been quite fun for me (and given Hubs GREAT gift ideas!)

FAVE VACAY

I love this picture the most because we have actually been here!  The Grand Wailea in Maui is one of the grandest destinations a person could visit.  It's brilliantly beautiful and the picture looks EXACTLY like it does in true life.  Davis and I spent 5 days in this gorgeous place in 2004, a trip that I will never, ever forget.

 

FAVE FUNNY

 

 

I don't know about you, friends... but I'm tired of being politically correct.  I can believe whatever I want.  It doesn't make me "judgemental" to have my own beliefs that may or may not be popular opinion.  It doesn't make me "hateful" if I don't agree with every single word another person says.  And it doesn't make me a "bigot" if I decide I want to live a different way than others.

 

There.  I said it.  And I'm not taking it back.  The peeps that think I'm NOT PC can go right on ahead and judge ME (because we all know you will)....

 

 

 

FAVE TEE

 

OH MY!  Yes, yes, yes!!  I'm screaming this as I'm typing away.  I love this tee and absolutely must find it.  MUST.  Now if I could just get the institution fixed of all its flaws we would all be happy campers.

 

 

 

 

FAVE WARMTH

 

I've never been a huge fan of chevron but I know it's totally popular right now.  I do, however, love this quilt!  I'm thinking the black needs to be a warm chocolate brown and the edging needs to be a crisp soft blue and then it would completely match my bedroom.  Just saying.  Crafty friends.... take note.

 

 

 

 

FAVE MORNING YUMMO

 

Okay, we have eaten so much breakfast in my fam over the last week I could almost yell STOP!  Almost.  This little gem looks ah-mazing!  I'm so in love with pomegranate it's almost a sin.  Put some white chocolate with it and I'm completely sold.

 

Click here for the recipe to this delight!  ------->  Pomegranate white chocolate scones

 

 

 

 

 

FAVE LITERARY

 

 

I'm in love with the English language.  I'm particularly excited when people use complex words to describe something.  It makes me all giddy inside... even when I don't know what it means.  Excuse to use the dictionary!

 

So here you go friends... work this into your vocab today.  Pick 5 and give it a shot.  Use your brains.  I love this!

 

 

 

 

 

FAVE KITCHEN HELP

 

I love this.  Simple.  Not to fancy.  Totally functional.  Will match my kitchen.  Done!

 

 

 

 

 

FAVE GIFT FOR MY DAUGHTER

 

She loves to read. She loves Batman.  I think this may be a perfect combo!  She is secretly a badass so its a 50/50 guess as to if she truly knows the big guy.  I'd bet on her any day.

 

 

 

 

 

FAVE NEW (TO ME) FLICK

 

I totally blame Jaxx Teller. I mean seriously.... if the Sons weren't on hiatus this would have never happened to me.  Well, it may have.

 

Hubs grabbed the controller and fired up Netflix.  Next thing I know, I'm addicted to a show about a guy with terminal cancer making meth to save money for his family after his death.

 

Uplifting, right?

 

Each episode leaves me a tiny bit more depressed than the previous one.  There is one shining beacon in my opinion:  Jesse.  I absolutely, completely and totally love the guy that plays the character Jesse. 

 

Yep, love him.

 

Go ahead friends.... you know you want to!  Breaking Bad, in case you didn't know.

 

 

 

 

FAVE FASHION

 

Okay, I know I couldn't really pull these off.  But a girl can love, right?  And Nordstrom says that they are flattering on all body types.

 

See, a girl can dream!  These shiny pups would look AMAZING twinkling on New Years Eve!  I won't... but just know that I want to!

 

 

 

Have a FANTASTIC final Friday, friends! Thanks for all your support in 2013.  I love that so many of you read my blogs.  Hopefully you find my humor and sass uplifting.

 

Cheers!

 

Jen