m.davis xoxo

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“I hope this song starts a craze”

Lately, Husband and I have been reminiscing a lot about favorite bands, nostalgic bands (often one in the same) and concerts we’ve attended together.

It started a few months back when Husband created a “High School Jamz” playlist. It was such a throwback and we have had so much fun listening to it and singing to it – even as often as last night, belting out our favorite Brand New songs after our Valentine’s Day dinner at home.

Every time we go to a concert, I always think how fun it is and how we need to go to concerts more often. Who doesn’t love live music?? We are so lucky to have an amazing outdoor venue less than 2 miles from our house, and this year they’re bringing several of our favorite nostalgic artists.

We’ve purchased tickets to 3 concerts so far this year – Blink 182 in April and Third Eye Blind with Silversun Pickups in July, and the one we’re most excited about – Radiohead in Kansas City in April. This will be a huge concert to check off the bucket list.

While I’ve been excitedly planning for the upcoming concerts, I’ve also been reminiscing about our early concert days –

Our first concert together was Taking Back Sunday and Jimmy Eat World in Ft. Smith. My parents drove me, Husband (then boyfriend) and friend Nicole down. Sadly these were the pre-smartphone days so I have no photos to speak of, but the three of us still talk about how much fun we had.

[Dashboard Confessional and Brand New, Conway 2006]
With Dashboard lead singer Chris Carrabba + us outside of Brand New’s tour bus

P.S. it was FREEZING and we waited out back for hoursssssss to meet them #WorthIt

[Foo Fighters, University of Arkansas 2007]

This photo was actually taken while waiting outside for the tickets a few months before the show. Somehow I cannot find a single photo of the actual concert even though it was one of the best shows we’ve ever been to. We went with two of our favorite people and stood feet from Dave Grohl as he played for hours and hours and had so so much fun.

[Brand New, Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa 2007]

I don’t remember much about this concert … but glad I found this one picture of the guitarist hanging upside down, ha!

[Dear and the Headlights, Jimmy Eat World and Paramore, Springfield 2008]
With lead singer of Dear and the Headlights

[Vans Warped Tour: Blink 182, Weezer, Taking Back Sunday, Kansas City, 2009]

Of course, I would also be remiss if I didn’t mention our two stops to Red Rocks in Denver to see our new favorite band The National –

[Frightened Rabbit, Local Natives and The National, 2013]

[The National, 2016]

Excited to make more concert memories with Husband this summer and in the years to come!

xo xo

Posted by milledavis | February 19, 2017 | Categories: College, Music, Pop Culture | Tags: concert, memories, music, nostalgia | Leave a comment

Here’s the thing about Seinfeld …

It’s funny. It’s relatable. It’s pop culture.

Growing up, of course I’d seen Seinfeld reruns on TV, but I never watched many of them. I knew the characters. I knew the soup nazi and festivus, but other than that it was just another TV show.

When Hulu added the entire series, Husband and I decided we had to start from the beginning and see what the heck this show was really about. Of course, now we know, it’s really about nothing. Literally, the show about nothing. We are 5 and a half seasons in (out of 9) and here’s what I’ve realized …

It’s funny.

I mean, I always thought it was funny when I would see reruns on TV, but it is fuuuunnnnnny. Husband and I struggle to find comedies to watch these days that make us laugh out loud consistently, but this one never fails us. I’ve talked to several people who asked, “does it really still hold up?” “is it really funny even to millennials?” YES. YES. YES. It’s easy, clean, good humor. And every episode we talk about how they bring it full circle in the most perfect way.

It’s relatable.

Okay, so we know it’s the show about nothing, but the funny thing is, since we’ve been watching the show we’ve had strange instances where we will personally experience things that we just saw in an episode. For example, we watched an entire episode about saving seats in the movie theater. Two days later, we went to see Star Wars Rogue One and I swear it was like we were playing out that episode. Another example, we watched an episode about getting lost in a parking garage (still one of my favorite eps) and a few weeks later we could not find our way out of a parking garage!

That’s why this show is so funny in such a unique way – you can relate to every episode because it’s the mundane things that happen to everyone. You laugh because you totally get it.

We just watched an episode where the person in the stall next to Elaine wouldn’t give her any toilet paper “I can’t spare a square” – I just know that will happen to me soon, and I will lose my sh*t.

It’s pop culture.

How can I, a lover of all things pop-culture, not watch Seinfeld?? Seinfeld is one of those shows that everyone knows and everyone quotes and if you don’t know it, you feel so left out. Even 20 years later! At a work Christmas party someone brought a mug that said, “The jerk store called …” with George’s face on it. We clearly hadn’t gotten to that episode so I had no clue what it meant, but everyone else did. So we sped ahead and watched it and it was hilarious. Literally ONE WEEK LATER, we were in a museum in Washington D.C. and I overheard someone saying, “The jerk store called …” HA! I understood the reference! It was a proud, personal Seinfeld moment.

What are your favorite Seinfeld episodes or favorite quotes?

xo xo

Posted by milledavis | February 12, 2017 | Categories: Pop Culture, Television | Tags: binge watching, pop culture, seinfeld, TV shows | Leave a comment

life lately

{loving this || BEST TRIP EVER to Vegas with an amazing group of people #WhatHappensInVegasStaysInVegas}

{learning this || nude figure drawing class with mom… let’s just say I decided I’d rather be the model, ha!}

{celebrating this || my birthday in style! thanks, work family!}

{planning this || summer trip to Italy!}

{enjoying this || lady gaga concert aka super bowl 51}

xo xo

Posted by milledavis | February 8, 2017 | Categories: Family & Friends, Life | Tags: life, life lately | Leave a comment

favorites, round 6.

Things I love and want to share with you, so you can love them too.

LULULEMON: Guys, I never thought I’d be that girl. I tried to fight it for so long. They always said, once you go Lulu you don’t go back, and now I completely understand. Thanks to my sister-in-law over Christmas, Husband and I got our first Lulu gear and instantly became hooked. I can’t even explain it to you, but it just feels amazing. I now have a shirt, sweater, leggings and a scarf and I love them all so much. Yes, it’s definitely expensive, but now I can’t go back.

STILA HUGE EXTREME LASH MASCARA: Thanks to Birchbox for sending me this one because I am now officially obsessed! I try new mascaras regularly, but this one has been my go-to for a while. It gives you volume and length, and it comes in a pretty gold tube. I do supplement with cheaper mascara so I don’t use this up too quickly. I purchase either online or at Ulta.

BENEFIT GIMME BROW: Thanks to Birchbox for sending me this one because I am now officially obsessed! (wait, am I having deja vu??) But for real, this is another one from the subscription service that I now cannot live without. It’s different than other eyebrow fillers because it goes on like mascara, which is kind of strange, but once you see the difference it makes you won’t believe your eyes. I use shade 3, and again purchase online or Ulta.

WOODWICK CANDLES: As of late, I love love candles. And I especially love woodwick candles. I received one as a gift a couple of years ago, and now I buy new ones every season. They make the perfect crackling sound when they’re lit, and it lasts the entire candle. It seems like the noise might be annoying, but it is surprisingly very relaxing. Even husband was skeptical at first and now loves them. You can find good deals at Home Goods and sometimes on sale at Target.

HILLSHIRE SNACKING SMALL PLATES: This one seems kind of random, but I had to share this with you if you haven’t seen these before. I love cheese and crackers, but can easily eat an entire block of cheese when I shouldn’t. This is perfect – it’s the perfect amount for a snack or even for lunch if you add in some fruit or carrots, and it’s delicious! This is great to keep in the fridge just in case. Buy at Walmart!

LAST WEEK TONIGHT WITH JOHN OLIVER: Husband and I are hooked on John Oliver – a weekly 30-minute show on HBO. It’s more than just a John Stewart/Stephen Colbert type show because I truly learn a lot about the week’s headlines and he goes deep into a topic each week that’s fascinating. While he delivers the news very seriously, he also adds in witty commentary. We are aligned to his political beliefs and are often cheering at the TV for saying all the things we want to say.

xo xo

See more of my favorites here: favorites, round 5., favorites, round 4.

Posted by milledavis | February 5, 2017 | Categories: Beauty, Life | Tags: benefit, favorite things, favorites, last week tonight with john oliver, lululemon, stila, woodwick | Leave a comment

birthday week reflection

What a week it’s been.

[a Vegas recovery week. a birthday week. a tough work week. a tough political week. an emotional week. a party week.]

How has it been all those things in just a simple week? As I type this, the ability to describe this week is honestly beyond my words. The rollercoaster of coming off of a Vegas high, down with layoffs at work, back up to an amazing birthday high and down and around again as our new President continues to shock us all.

This world and these lives of ours are very volatile. We have no idea what tomorrow brings. It is even more important now than ever to be thankful for today and all that we have.

As I was driving to work Wednesday morning, head still spinning from the day before, I turned off the radio and started listing all the things I was thankful for right now.

Just to name a few –

A roof over my head. Food on the table. Clean water to drink. A husband who loves and cares for me. A family who is always there for me. Friends who make me laugh and are there when I cry. And an incredible job that does more than just pay the bills.

What an incredible 28 years I’ve had thus far.

It’s as simple as that. If I have those things, I’d say I’m pretty lucky. I gained some needed perspective just by taking those 10 minutes to think about everything God has graciously given me.

The world is not okay, and there are a lot of horrible things happening right now. I have a lot, and I never want to take that for granted, but I also need to work harder for those who don’t have these same freedoms and luxuries as I do.

All of you reading this are amazing people and I love you and I’m so thankful to have you in my life. My hope is you will do the same – take a few minutes before you go to bed tonight or on your way to work in the morning and truly think about what you have and how you can give back to others.

“It is not happy people who are thankful, it is thankful people who are happy.”

xo xo

Posted by milledavis | January 29, 2017 | Categories: Life | Tags: life, thankful | Leave a comment

life lately

{celebrating this || new year’s eve with these fun people}

{getting excited for this || VEGAS and BRITNEY this weekend. pssst – look closely at this picture}

{loving this || a lot of reading and snuggling with my boys}

{enjoying this || dinner and a show (and love and murder) in fayetteville}

{cheering at this || razorback basketball game … and we won!}

xo xo

Posted by milledavis | January 18, 2017 | Categories: Life | Tags: life, life lately, new year's eve, razorback basketball, winter | Leave a comment

Book Reviews: Mermaids, Macarons + TV Moms

Mermaids in Paradise – Lydia Millet: This book is funny and spunky and totally surprised me with how enjoyable it was. I’ve always loved anything mermaids so when I heard about this one (a couple honeymooning in the Caribbean stumbles upon mermaids) it sounded right up my alley. It’s a little weird/sci-fi-ish, but still a fun, easy read. Warning: the ending is extremely weird. And if you read it, we must talk about it.
Grade: A

Talking as Fast as I Can – Lauren Graham: What a perfect stocking stuffer from Husband! I adore Lauren Graham and this book was no exception. She is so personable and quirky, and you can literally hear her voice reading the book to you. The best parts of the book were when she talked behind the scenes of Gilmore Girls and gave you juicy info like you’re an insider. However, if you haven’t watched GG or Parenthood, you might feel a little alienated reading the book.
Grade: A-

Paris My Sweet – Amy Thomas: Another great surprise Christmas gift from Mom! This book follows an advertising copywriter as she moves from NYC to Paris, and eats her way through the City of Light and all the sweets it has to offer. I love both cities and love desserts, so this book sounded perfect for me, as Mom said. (And it was!) It reads like fiction, but is actually non-fiction so the book also gives you loads of places to actually visit in NYC or Paris for the best macaron or cupcake or chocolate chip cookie or anything your heart so desires.
Grade: A-

Executive Presence – Sylvia Ann Hewlett: It’s often difficult to force myself to read these types of books instead of getting lost in a fictitious world, but I’m always glad when I do. This was a very practical book for anyone in the business world. The author shares the qualities of Executive Presence (EP), why they’re important, studies and stories to go with each, then tips for how to get better at each. I thought it dragged on just a touch, but overall I gained some good personal knowledge for my own EP.
Grade: B+

You can read all of my book reviews here.

xo xo

Posted by milledavis | January 15, 2017 | Categories: Books, Reviews | Tags: book reviews, books, executive presence, lauren graham, mermaids in paradise, paris my sweet | Leave a comment

Discover NWA: MOD, Modern Ozark Dining

At the prompting of Husband, I’m starting a new blog series for the new year.

Since my Discover Arkansas series was such a success, I’ve decided to narrow the focus a little bit and do Discover Northwest Arkansas/NWA. I’ve lived in this wonderful area of the state almost my entire life and want to share all of my favorite places with you.

I plan to do restaurant reviews, share itinerary ideas for out of town guests, explore events in the area and at some point make another Arkansas bucket list. If there’s something you’d like to hear about, let me know!

***

For my inaugural post, I want to share my review of a new restaurant in downtown Bentonville – MOD, Modern Ozark Dining.

Via their website – “MOD treats guests to a modern interpretation of the quality and simplicity of Ozark’s seasonal pantry. We enhance nature’s local bounty with our progressive approach to global foods and preparation techniques.”

Here’s the deal – it’s a prix fixe menu with fresh ingredients in a modern space. I’ve been dying to check it out ever since it opened. Lucky for me, I actually won a dinner for 2 (and Razorback basketball tickets, woohoo!) on Facebook so no harm, no fowl. We had heard it was “an experience”, but we weren’t sure if it would be pretentious, not enough food, etc.

Here’s my review via photos –
(Spoiler: we loved it!!)

[Not a big wine selection, but a good mix of cocktails. Next time we will try the signature G&T]

F I R S T C O U R S E
3 appetizers to share

Hot Coal Roasted Onion Ravioli – I can’t entirely remember what this is except that it had cheese in the middle and toasted breadcrumb like things on top. I do remember the waiter said it’s not actually pasta, but the flavors and the different textures were perfect together.

Corn Hushpuppies – I loooove me some hushpuppies, and to be honest, you can get better ones next door at Pressroom, but these were still pretty tasty albeit a little fancy for a hushpuppy.

Brandade – Again, not entirely sure what this is, but this was the best appetizer of the three. First of all, the sourdough bread from Little Bread Co. in Fayetteville was a DREAM. Seriously, I’ve been thinking about it all week. I could eat just the bread, but husband loved the sauce you dipped it in as well – it was cheesy/potatoey/oily and delicious.

S E C O N D C O U R S E

I’m not sure how this happened, but this was our favorite course of the night and I didn’t get any pictures! Shame on me. But it was just that.stinking.good. This course was a departure from the prix fixe. In addition to the set menu, you can add on additional sides. We added two things –

Breadbasket – Two types of bread from Little Bread Co. that were simply divine, and a housemade spiced butter that melted in our mouths.

King Crab Wontons – This. This is what we will remember from MOD. These wontons were simply incredible. They had a housemade sweet and sour sauce drizzled on top that enhanced all the flavors and had you licking the bowl for more. If you go, and these are on the menu, pay the extra money and add them!

T H I R D C O U R S E

Dry Aged Sirloin – We both chose the sirloin for our entree (because when are you ever going to turn down free steak?!) However, there were 3 options to choose from: 1 meat, 1 seafood and 1 vegetarian. I’d say we chose wisely. The steak was cooked perfectly and the surrounding veggies (celeriac, truffled potato pave and grilled romaine) were delicious, even down to the dried cherries on top. If we had only had this to eat, we still would have been extremely happy.

F O U R T H C O U R S E

The dessert was probably my least favorite of it all, but it was honestly exactly what I needed. I didn’t need anything heavy and this little bite of lemon sorbet on a gingersnap cookie (or so I think it was) was so refreshing.

Overall, we decided together this was the best meal we’ve had in Bentonville hands down. The service was impeccable. The atmosphere was clean and modern. And most importantly, we loved every single thing we ate.

I honestly can’t wait to go back and try a new menu. They switch it out about 4 times a quarter, with the 4th being the “best of” the previous 3 menus.

Of course, as long as they don’t get rid of the King Crab Wontons, we will be back.

xo xo

Posted by milledavis | January 11, 2017 | Categories: Discover Arkansas, Reviews | Tags: arkansas, dining, Discover NWA, downtown bentonville, MOD, Modern Ozark Dining, northwest arkansas, nwa, restaurant review | 1 Comment

2016: My Top 5 TV Shows + Books

T V S H O W S

5. Gilmore Girls: A Year In The Life – Netflix: I have been on pins and needles waiting for this show for a year. Well, actually more than that since I’ve wanted more ever since it ended!! I was so concerned it wouldn’t live up to my high expectations, and while it clearly wasn’t my number 1 for the year, it definitely makes the top 5. There were a few quirks about it I didn’t love, but overall I felt like I was chatting with my old friends again, going to my old haunts and swooning over my old boyfriends (#TeamJess). I binged this all day with a friend and it just made me so, so happy. Full blog post to come soon.

4. The Crown – Netflix: This show is absolutely fascinating. If you have any interest in the Royal family or British history, then this should be a must on your list to get an inside look at the rise of Queen Elizabeth II at 25 years old (crazy!!). The acting is absolutely phenomenal and the show is extremely well made. I can’t wait for more seasons as they introduce Prince Charles and Princess Diana.

3. Younger – TV Land: I love this show!!! This is the show I’m dying to watch every single week and indulge myself in without husband. The characters are so fun and relatable, and makes me wish I was in the publishing industry in NYC. This season they introduced a love triangle that pulls at all the heartstrings. (#TeamJosh) It just ended and I’m already dying for more!

2. Westworld – HBO: I was super skeptical about watching this. All of our friends claimed they stopped watching The Walking Dead and started watching this instead. So while it took me a minute to give it a chance, I was hooked from the very first episode. It is sooooo creepy and will have you seriously concerned about the future of AI, but you won’t be able to tear yourself away.

1. Stranger Things – Netflix: It can’t be a surprise to anyone that this was my number 1 show of the year. We dressed up as the kids for Halloween, and we found and stood in line for a Stranger Things bar over Christmas. If you love 80s nostalgia, being a little bit scared and rooting for a group of adorable kids then put this first on your list.

Way to go, Netflix! Seriously, they are stepping up their game in the original TV show department – 3/5 on my list! Sadly, there were a few shows this year that have been on my list in previous years, but are slowly declining … namely, The Walking Dead.

B O O K S

5. Bread & Wine – Shauna Niequist: I.am.obsessed.with.this.book. I seriously could read it all over again right now. The author shares life stories and intermingles them with her favorite recipes. I felt like I was in her kitchen, living life with her, breaking bread and drinking wine. She is so honest and transparent, and shares her faith in such an amazing way.

4. Along the Infinite Sea – Beatriz Williams: This book captured me from the first chapter. It tells the story of two very different women, one growing up in WWII and one in 1960s America, and how their lives intertwine. This is a dazzling love story that will sweep you off your feet, thanks to the incredible writing. By the end I was bawling and dying for more.

3. The Nightingale – Kristin Hannah: I adored this book! Set in France in WWII following two stories, it was reminiscent of All The Light We Cannot See (my #1 book of 2015). The character development was phenomenal and the writer painted the scenes so well. At one point I was crying so hard because I felt like I was in an internment camp and told husband through bleary eyes how I just couldn’t get over the fact that this happened in real life. Yes, there are some sad parts, but I promise you will not regret reading it.

2. Me Before You – Jojo Moyes: This book surprised me so much by how much I enjoyed it. It had been on my reading list for a couple of years now, and I finally decided to give it a shot when I saw it at the library. It is such a beautiful tragic love story that makes you fall in love with the characters and then cry your eyes out at the end.

1. Brain on Fire – Susannah Cahalan: This is one of those books (like I’ve said before in my reviews) you just HAVE to read! Seriously, go buy it right now. It’s a true story about a 24-year-old journalist who gets very sick, very fast, and no one can figure out what is wrong. You will be fascinated by the medical and biological side of the story, as much as you will the personal and relational side. It’s non-fiction, but totally reads like fiction.

[You can read all of my book reviews here.]

So, in years past I’ve shared my top tv shows, books AND movies of the year. However, as I started thinking about this post, I couldn’t even think of 5 movies we’d seen this year! They say we are in the golden era of TV, and I completely agree. It was a lot harder to come up with my top 5 TV shows because we’ve watched a lot of incredible TV this year.

Of course there are a lot of buzzworthy Oscar movies out right now that I’m dying to see, and I’m literally going to see La La Land in an hour. I’ll go ahead and say my favorite movie of 2016 was La La Land.

xo xo

[Catalog – 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012]

Posted by milledavis | January 7, 2017 | Categories: Books, Pop Culture, Television | Tags: books, favorites, stranger things, top list of 2016, TV shows | 3 Comments

2016: my year in pictures

J A N U A R Y
bought a new car + celebrated my birthday at downstream casino #BettingOnAMILLEon

F E B R U A R Y
first of (several) work trips to NYC + got pulled on stage during spamalot on our valentine’s day date at the rogers little theatre