{enjoying this || warm days + new books}
{surprised by this || snow days + mesmerized looks}
{cutting this || six inches! short hair, don’t care}
{singing this || happy birthday to FIL at his surprise 50th + marcus on his golden birthday!}
{celebrating this || a night out with co-workers to squander our bonuses away}
xo xo
Raise your hand if you’ve ever chopped off your hair.
Raise your hand if you were as nervous and stressed out as I was.
Y’all, I was a mess. Why is that? Why was I so wrapped up in myself about my HAIR?? I loved my long hair, and I felt like it was my identity. For the longest time I couldn’t even imagine cutting my hair. It took me so long to get it as long as it was and I felt so beautiful with long hair. I often thought if anyone really wanted to punish me they should cut my hair in my sleep and I would be devastated. I recognize how narcissistic this sounds, and that’s one of the reasons I went through with it.
My worth is not in my hair. It’s not in my clothes. It’s not in the car I drive or the house I live in or the trips I take. Praise the Lord for that, seriously.
When I finally cut it, everyone kept asking, “What does your husband think?” Of course he loved it, but when I told him that, he said, “Why does that matter? If you’re happy, I’m happy.” Awww.
But he’s right. I should be confident in myself and my choices. It doesn’t matter what other people think. I know that’s easier said than done, but I really do think self-confidence is radiant. You can tell when someone loves their body no matter what their size and it’s just so beautiful.
I’ve only had my short hair for two days, but I have been LOVING it. It’s so fresh and easy. I feel more trendy and modern. And I’m so ready for spring. It’s given me the push I needed to transform myself into a healthier version of me – working out, toning my body and loving me for me.
“A woman who cuts her hair is about to change her life.” – Coco Chanel
xo xo
Eleanor & Park: This book was recommended to me on Facebook, and I’m so glad I looked for it on a whim at the library. It’s a simple story with simple characters, but the author makes you fall in love with the simplicity. I think it’s because we can all relate – a young love story that isn’t bound to last, but you put everything into it like it will. The air between the lovebirds was palpable, sitting next to each other on the school bus sharing music and comics and sweaty hands, and made me wish I was there myself.
Grade: A
The Reader: I remember when this movie came out and just from seeing a few salacious lines about the plot, thought who in the world would want to see this?! But let me tell you, I read the book and then watched the movie in two days. The author turns something you don’t think would be interesting into the most fascinating love story I’ve heard in a long time. The writing was just superb and swept me away. One of my top 5 books of 2014.
Grade: A+
Yes Please: I have to say I was a little disappointed in this book. I LOVE Amy Poehler, and this definitely doesn’t change that fact, but I was expecting a laugh-out-loud-till-you-cry book and unfortunately that’s not what I found. I was probably comparing it too much to other similar books that I that I adore – Bossypants by Tina Fey and Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling. It certainly had it’s funny moments, but probably what I loved the most was hearing the behind the scenes of SNL and Parks and Rec.
Grade: A-
Girl on the Train: This book was just as good as everyone said it was. I loved the way the story was told, through 3 different perspectives and in morning/evening narratives. It kept your mind reeling throughout, following different leads of what could have possibly happened to girl who disappears. I can’t say it was quite as good as Gone Girl (of which it has been compared), but it was a terrific way to spend my snowy Saturday morning.
Grade: A
xo xo
[Read all of my book reviews here]
I’ve stated before how much I love Buzzfeed. And when I saw an article “21 Fresh Ideas for Chicken Dinners” and all one-pot meals by the way (winning!), I decided it was going to be the week of chicken.
I bought two bags of frozen chicken breasts and ingredients for 3 chicken meals for the upcoming week. The first was for Honey Mustard Rosemary Chicken. I thought it was good not great, husband thought it was delicious. When he’s happy, I’m happy, and it was very easy, so I consider that a win.
The following night we made chicken lo mein, and THAT I loved. I have a few learnings for next time (add cilantro and limes – duh!) because I will definitely be making it again. After chopping the veggies and cutting up the chicken, it was so easy! You literally just throw it all into a big pot and let it simmer together.
O N E – P O T C H I C K E N L O M E I N
Ingredients
½ lb. boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into small chunks
1 – 13.25 to 16 oz. box of linguini or fettuccini pasta, broken in half
4 medium carrots, peeled and cut in thin 3 inch long strips
1 medium red bell pepper, cut in thin 3 inch long strips
1 bunch green onions, white part sliced and green part cut in 3 inch long strips
¼ cup soy sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon corn starch
1 tablespoon sugar
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
4 cups chicken broth
2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
For garnish: lime wedges, cilantro + more soy sauce
Directions
Tonight we’re making our last chicken meal of the week – Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta. I’m drooling now just thinking about it! Hopefully we’ve saved the best for last, and I’ll share the recipe with you soon!
xo xo
[Get more of my recipes here]
Outside of my #26shadesofgold birthday party and the wedding festivities, here are a few more photos from my life lately.
{celebrating this || southern food + southern art}
{enjoying this || our first snow day}
{dying over this || puppy cuteness}
{excited about this || bentonville film festival coming in may}
{loving this || our valentine’s day celebration with a couples massage}
xo xo
1. Joggers: New obsession of mine and husbands. I’m practically living in them any time I’m at home, and just wish I could live in them any time I’m not home. They’re so comfortable, and come in a million colors. We already have 3 in our household, and know it won’t be long before its more.
2. Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson + Bruno Mars: I’m obsessed with this song! Ask husband, any time it comes on the radio I freak out and turn it up. Even though I’ve heard it probably a million times at this point.
3. Bobbi Brown Lip Balm: This was a Christmas present from sister K and I now can’t go a day without it! It feels so good on, and gives lips the perfect amount of shine.
4. How To Get Away With Murder: This has been one of my favorite shows this season! I look forward to it every week and have been audibly surprised too many times to count. Viola Davis is perfection.
5. Salads in a Jar: I wrote a blog post about make-ahead meals, including salads in a jar. They’re so easy, delicious and versatile!
6. Podcasts: After Serial, our eyes were opened. There are so many amazing stories out there just waiting to be heard! We’ve started listening to This American Life, Invisibilia and The Dinner Party Download. There’s just not enough time in the day!
xo xo
To see some of my previous favorite things: favorites., favorites, round 2., favorites, round 3.
Sometimes all you need is a guilt-free, lazy, hazy weekend.
And that’s exactly what I’ve had.
After the craziness of the last month, husband and I were excited to have a weekend with very minimal plans. (I can’t have no plans, because then that would just stress me out.)
Friday night we went out with friends for dinner and drinks and had so much fun. We talked craft beer + $100 whiskey, laughed about shark bites/tacos and dreamed about a trip to Thailand.
Then it was glorious, wide-open Saturday. Some days I say I want to stay in bed all day, but then I really don’t. I get anxious and think about all I need to do or feel guilty for being such a bum. But that was not the case next weekend. I had no problem at all laying in bed all day (I’m talking literally since wake-up to 4pm) catching up on my current TV shows, watching Gilmore Girls, reading all my magazines and blogging. It was fabulous. We then got a call asking if we wanted to go to dinner and a movie. Since we had literally no food in the house and felt like maybe we should be social, we got out of our pajamas for none other than pizza.
[I call this my, just-rolled-out-of-bed-but-only-for-pizza look]
We decided to continue our laziness, and after dinner didn’t go to the movie, but went home to watch our own movie on the couch (back in our joggers). We finally saw The Theory of Everything and LOVED it.
Sunday has been almost as amazingly lazy as Saturday, but unfortunately I did have to venture out in the cold to go to Walmart.
[I call this my, college-student look – UA baseball cap, fayettechill sweatshirt, uggs]
Don’t you just love these kind of weekends? I certainly love my busy, fun weekends with husband and friends, but I also adore these where you can really experience some relaxation and peace. It was exactly what I needed this weekend. And to top it off, we’ll enjoy a cozy night in with champagne and The Oscars.
xo xo
I LOVE the Oscars. I will be plopped in front of the TV from the second they start the red carpet coverage until the last word of the final speech. And of course, with ballot and champagne in hand. I’ve hosted several Oscar parties in the past [you can see pictures here and here], but after a month of hosting duties, including a Birthday blowout and 50-person wedding brunch, I will be very content in my joggers on my couch.
I was on a mission to watch all of the nominees for Best Picture, but unfortunately have failed. We will, however, make it to 6/8 after watching The Theory of Everything tonight.
Though I haven’t seen all the nominated films, I’ve read voraciously about who will win, who should win, and who will be a surprise. Below are my predictions – put your money on me or not!
B E S T P I C T U R E
[Nominees: Boyhood, American Sniper, The Theory of Everything, The Imitation Game, Selma, Birdman, Whiplash, Grand Budapest Hotel]
I just adored this movie. It was all I wanted and more. I’ve read reviews people didn’t like it because it was boring, or too long, or didn’t have much of a plot. But that’s exactly why I liked it. It didn’t have a plot with a climax and grand finale, because it was just about life. Life doesn’t have a plot. It has it’s ups and downs and in betweens, and this movie captured it so perfectly.
B E S T A C T O R
[Nominees: Michael Keaton – Birdman, Steve Carrell – Foxcatcher, Bradley Cooper – American Sniper, Benedict Cumberbatch – The Imitation Game, Eddie Redmayne – The Theory of Everything]
We saw Birdman and I wasn’t the biggest fan. However, there was no denying the acting was phenomenal. They were nominated in three categories, including Edward Norton and Emma Stone. If it hadn’t been for the acting, I might have walked out of the movie. Michael Keaton was so realistic as this schizo actor, he truly made me believe in what he was seeing.
B E S T A C T R E S S
[Nominees: Julianne Moore – Still Alice, Reese Witherspoon – Wild, Marion Cotillard – Two Days, One Night, Felicity Jones – The Theory of Everything, Rosamund Pike – Gone Girl]
I haven’t seen this movie, though I’m dying to, but I’ve heard just incredible things about Julianne Moore. She seemed born to play this role she does it so well. She’s a very clear win, but I do want to also applaud Reese Witherspoon and Rosamund Pike for their performances. They absolutely deserved their nomination.
B E S T S U P P O R T I N G A C T O R
[Nominees: J.K. Simmons – Whiplash, Robert Duvall – The Judge, Edward Norton – Birdman, Ethan Hawke – Boyhood, Mark Ruffalo – Foxcatcher]
Again, I haven’t seen Whiplash, though again, I’m dying to. Out of what I have seen, I would have picked Edward Norton to win. However, from what I’ve read and heard J.K. Simmons is a pretty clear winner and did an exceptional job.
B E S T S U P P O R T I N G A C T R E S S
[Nominees: Patricia Arquette – Boyhood, Emma Stone – Birdman, Laura Dern – Wild, Keira Knightly – The Imitation Game, Meryl Streep – Into the Woods]
Patricia Arquette was the clear star of Boyhood. Ethan Hawke was pretty good, the main boy Ellar Coltrane was really good, but Patricia was amazingly good. She was a mother – the good, the bad and the ugly, and made me feel for her throughout. My second choice to win this award would have been Laura Dern – surprisingly transcendent in Wild through her minimal scenes.
Will you be watching Sunday night to see who takes home the top honors?
xo xo
You might also enjoy: Oscars 2014: 5 Best + Worst Dressed, 10 Facts You Should Know About The Oscars
Okay, we had our snow day, so now I’m officially ready for spring. Can I get an Amen? At least dream with me for a minute while we discuss the spring fashion trends …
W I D E L E G P A N T S
High waisted and wide leg are the pants for spring. Typically these are not my style. I’m still lovin’ the skinny jeans, but how cute is this outfit?! I’ll definitely be trying this one out.
O V E R S I Z E D F L O R A L
Floral’s been having it’s moment for a minute, but now it’s all about the BIG floral. This totally makes it seem more wearable to me.
F R I N G E
Fringe: jackets, cardigans, dresses, purses, jewelry – it’s all over the place! Isn’t this jacket from Free People TDF??
S H O E S: M U L E S
I don’t know how comfortable these shoes are yet, but they’re certainly stylish. I’ve seen mule heels, platforms and flats, so there’s something for everyone.
C O L O R E D S U E D E
I honestly don’t think I own anything suede. This trend is all about suede in bold colors for the season. You could even mix suede and fringe together – and mules!
S H O U L D E R B E A R I N G
I love this trend. Shoulders can be so sexy, right? Off the shoulder is definitely the easiest way to go, but also cutout shoulders like in this photo.
Which trend are you looking forward to the most?
xo xo
You might also enjoy: 2013: Sunny Style, 2011: Spring [Fashion] Is In The Air, 2010: Fashion Week Designers Reveal Spring Trends
“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
– 1 Corinthians 13:13
Four years ago, my mom was engrossed in my wedding – where should we have the rehearsal dinner? what’s my something blue? how can we get taylor swift to come sing at the wedding?
And four years later, it’s the exact opposite. What an amazing feeling to get to watch a parent get married. I could literally feel the presence of God in the sanctuary and feel the joy radiating from my mom, excited for a new life ahead of her – falling upward.
I’ve shared in a blog previously my path to getting here [the only constant is change]. It hasn’t been easy, and honestly, it’s still not close to being complete. I’m still struggling. I’ve had a roller coaster of emotions the past few weeks you could hardly imagine, with sleepless nights and tearful days.
But let me tell you, He blesses the faithful. He may take away, but He also certainly gives, and what He has given me has been so valuable already – an amazing, loving, beautiful bonus family of sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews and more.
I will never forget my dad and the love he and my mom shared, but I also will not let myself grieve instead of opening up to love. “But the greatest of these is love.”
Enjoy some pictures below from our Valentine Wedding weekend.
S A T U R D A Y N I G H T
“Rehearsal” Dinner
Hosts: Spencer + Kristin, Bret + Erika
[beautiful mama]
[from ohio and okc – what great friends to make the trip!]
[two of the wonderful hosts: kristin + spence]
[surprise acapella group serenaded us all – they were amazing!]
[meanwhile, husband and I are in the pantry pouring whiskey shots for a surprise toast]
S U N D A Y
Wedding: United Lutheran Church, Bella Vista
Post-Wedding Brunch: Alderman Home
Hosts: Kyle + Mille
[congrats to the beautiful bride + groom, mr. and mrs. nelson]
[didn’t get any pictures of the actual wedding, but here is mom + fred giving valentine’s candy to the kids after their song “joy, joy, joy”]
[the boys (my new nephews) – bruce, nelson, henry + jack]
[fred ❤ robin]
[champagne bar was a huge success]
[head over heels for macaroons + the newlyweds]
[my beautiful servers! they were amazing helping prep for the brunch]
[sister, sister!]
[my wedding gift: “a new road together” via etsy]
[love my mother and so overjoyed to be part of this special day!]
And now the newlyweds are off on their honeymoon, two weeks in Hawaii by way of San Francisco – oh how jealous I am as we are having our first snow of the year!
xo xo
m.davis xoxo 