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Audrey Hepburn’s Beauty Tips

This is a poem Audrey Hepburn wrote when asked about her beauty tips. It was read years later at her funeral.

For attractive lips, speak words of kindness. For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people. For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry. For beautiful hair, let a child run his/her fingers through it once a day. For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone. People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone. Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you will find one at the end of each of your arms. As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands; one for helping yourself, and the other for helping others.

Thank you mom for sharing this poem with me, but I already knew all of these tips because you have taught them to me over the years. You are the most beautiful person I know inside and out and inspire me to live this way, remembering that beauty comes from within.

XOXO

Posted by milledavis | March 7, 2011 | Categories: Beauty, Inspiration, Pop Culture | 3 Comments

Oh March, How I Love Thee

I hope everyone is enjoying this BEAUTIFUL warm weather.

Everyone is happier than normal.

Everyone is skipping class more than normal.

Everyone seems to think that’s okay.

Everything is more fun, i.e. a lunch date on the patio.

Everything seems easier, namely running, procrastinating and eating healthy.

Everyone finds something exciting to look forward to.

Everyone is talking about Spring Break.

Everyone smiles.

Enjoy the weather. Enjoy the people around you. Enjoy life.

(We do only have one to live you know.)

XOXO

Posted by milledavis | March 3, 2011 | Categories: Spring | 1 Comment

Spring [Fashion] is in the Air

As a tribute to March and a prayer for warm weather (and no more snow, tornadoes, earthquakes, etc.) I’ve decided to start my spring fashion list of hot trends and must-haves. And what better way to begin than by my favorite Oscar 2011 fashion look, Mila Kunis.

This look exemplifies everything I want for spring: sexy, lacy, bold, confident, unique.

To be honest I wasn’t sure what I thought about this dress at first glance, and then it just hit me. I think it’s reminiscent of love at first sight — I was unaware of it at first, because I’m not sure if I believe in that sentiment, and then I just realized, this is the one.

For those of you non-fashion lovers out there this probably sounds very cheesy, but for those of you like me, you know exactly what I mean.

Anyway, this Elie Saab dress is stunning in so many ways and will provide the basis of my spring look book.

Lace

Though I’ve never been much of a lacy fan, I’m reconsidering it for spring. My problem with lace has always been one of too much femininity. It’s romantic, delicate, girly, sweet — none of which I’ve never used to describe my personal style. But this trend saw a lot of diversity at the spring fashion shows and is bringing a new generation of lace that I can definitely get behind — sexy and glamorous.

Bold colors

Let’s turn to another example from the Oscars to prove the power of bold.

This was the first dress I saw on the red carpet and it nearly took my breath away. I didn’t even know who this woman was. Now I know. Twenty-year-old Jennifer Lawrence from Winter’s Bone. 20 years old! Can you believe that? Studies have shown that red is the sexiest color for girls and guys to wear. And doesn’t she look sexy AND confident?

Bold colors should be worn head held high. They make a person stand out in a sea of safe LBDs. And though I am often guilty of choosing the safe black route, which will always be a classic, if you want to turn heads this spring stick with my mantra: Go for the bold!

Michael Kors

Accessories: Gold & Lucite

Gold has always been a favorite of mine and seems to be a hot accessory for winter and spring. Gold accessories come in such a wide range they can make a simple outfit more elegant or a party dress more funky. The gold metallic perfectly complements the spring break tan and bold colors, showing off the body’s natural shimmer.

Though lucite was really a big trend last spring, it’s still hot for 2011. Lucite is a solid, transparent plastic, seen everywhere from necklaces to earrings to bangles to high heels. The fun look is a mix of sophistication and innocence. (Aren’t these similar to the plastic bangles I wore growing up?)

Add the two hot accessory trends of gold and lucite together, and you get some amazing modern jewelry.

Posted by milledavis | February 28, 2011 | Categories: Fashion, Glamorous, Pop Culture, Spring | Tags: fashion, Oscars, spring trends | 1 Comment

Food Porn

Warning: This may induce drooling and an over-indulgence in baked goods.

Funfetti Pancakes via How Sweet It Is

Pull Apart Lemon Coffee Cake via Clockwork Lemon

Chewy Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies via The Knead for Speed

Oreo Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies via Lovin’ From the Oven

Banana Cinnamon Bread Pudding via Kitchen Confidante

Oreo Brownies with Buttercream Frosting via Love from the Oven

Caramel Delight Ice Cream via Triple Scoop Desserts

Posted by milledavis | February 26, 2011 | Categories: Recipes | Leave a comment

Monday Morning, I’m Ready for You.

Posted by milledavis | February 20, 2011 | Categories: Inspiration | 1 Comment

Altruistic journalism calls girls like you.

We often forget what we have. How blessed we are with the many people and things in our life. Sickness followed me into the week and took more out of me than I would have hoped, namely the reminder of all the beautiful things in my life. My week was full of wonderful people and experiences and I choose now to reflect on these moments that slipped by so easily.

Wicked Awesome Wednesdays (WAW) that included sushi and hours upon hours of gabbing with my girls that was simply refreshing

“I can tap-dance. You wanna see me tap-dance?”

a surprise guest with surprise flowers

sunshine studying

finishing a book that taught me a simple lesson of love

an unexpected Valentine that reminded me of the value of friendship

surprising fun under a tent with pizza, newspapers and travelers

a truthful, bonding dinner

and a few pictures of some beautiful things in my life right now:

{a new end table from Riffraff}

{a new outfit for an exciting winter wedding this weekend}

{the perfect, unexpected Valentine’s gift- my great grandmother’s notebook, unbeknown to any of us that she was a journalist. a treasure i will always keep}

Posted by milledavis | February 18, 2011 | Categories: Family & Friends, Inspiration, Journalism | 2 Comments

[Slowly, but Surely] Answering the Call

Last week my beautiful friend Erin called some fellow bloggers to answer a few questions about “Who are you, really?” Though the “deadline” was supposedly Wednesday night {eek} I have been without internet in my new apartment and am just now getting around to it. However, it must have been fate because I didn’t know the answer to one of them until Thursday as I was unpacking. So here are my answers to Erin’s questions and a few added by my new wonderful neighbor Nicky as she blogged her answers.

1. What is your most dear object – the first thing you would grab to save in the instance of a fire?

This was the question I didn’t know the answer to until the other day. When I first read this my first instinct was my phone or computer, but then I thought, No I do not want to be that person, and what is really of importance on either of those things anyway? I’m assuming I would have time to grab four things: 1. Lambchops- this beloved stuffed animal that I still sleep with just gives me that feeling of home and belonging. I plan to keep her and give her to my first born. 2. A birthday book my mom gave me for my 21st birthday that she cut out pictures of me and her and pasted inside that makes me cry every time I read it. 3. Similar to that, a scrapbook I just found again from Pops (my grandpa) that he made and gave to me my for my 16th birthday. It holds pictures from when I was younger that are nowhere else to be found and memories of me and him. This also makes me cry every time I look at it. 4. Along the same line, a picture I had framed of me when I was about seven on Easter sitting between Pops and Marnan.

2. What is your favorite dessert?

I’m going to have to follow along the same lines as Nicky and Erin, because who can choose just one!? Short answer: anything chocolate. Long answer: ice cream, perfectly made brownies, tollhouse cookies, tiramisu, creme brulee, cupcakes from Sprinkles, german chocolate cake, red velvet cake, chocolate from Switzerland…. If you can’t tell, desserts in general are my favorite.

3. What do you do when you’ve had a really no-good, rotten, bad day?

I call my mom. I vent and cry and vent and cry. I call Kyle and ask him to come over with dessert in hand (typically ice cream). I crawl in bed and watch the O.C.

4. If you could be doing anything right now – time, money, or resources be damned – what would you do?

Nicky and Erin took this as a very serious question and their answers were beautiful, but mine isn’t quite the same. If I could be doing anything right this second it would be laying on a HOT HOT HOT private beach somewhere with beautiful, crystal blue waters with Kyle and drinking endless frozen drinks. (Thank you snowmaggedon for this vision)

5. What kind of person do you aspire to be?

I want to be selfless. I want to be full of compassion toward every person I come in contact with. I want to live my life with the greater purpose of following God than simply living for my own reasons. I want to be passionate about whatever I’m doing, even if it’s not exactly what I thought it would be at that moment. I want to be forgiving. I want to be a giver.

6. What is your most valued characteristic in humans?

Trustworthy. Compassionate. Humorous. Joyful. (to name a few, because boy that’s a difficult question)

7. What is your favorite place to be?

Anywhere with Kyle- the one person that can make me laugh no matter what the situation.

8. What would you prepare for your ideal meal? [any time of day – breakfast, lunch, or dinner]

This special chicken my mom makes, fresh delicious veggies, including asparagus, Sister Schubert rolls and a warm, gooey, chocolatey dessert.

9. What do you consider to be among your most important decisions ever made?

Asking for Kyle’s AIM chat name from a mutual friend after he and I met for the first time (centuries ago). Choosing the UA. Going to LA for the IT project.

10. What is your favorite/best/most liked time of the day? Of the week? – and why?

Every Sunday morning going to church with Kyle. It’s so rejuvenating for the rest of the week and getting to spend it and share about it with the one I love is simply perfect.

11. What things/people/situations make you feel joyful?

Seeing friends I haven’t seen in a long time. Doing things that make me feel like a child (i.e. going to the premiere of High School Musical) Doing something/going somewhere solely because it means so much to the other person. Coffee dates. Spending time with people that aren’t afraid to laugh and do it often. Lots of sunshine. The last night of a vacation (though no one wants to leave, its often the best night) Babies.

I would love to hear all of my reader’s answers, but I know that probably won’t happen. So please, please comment with your answer to at least one question.

Posted by milledavis | February 12, 2011 | Categories: Family & Friends, Recipes | 2 Comments

An Unsuspecting Lesson From Benjamin Franklin

As I’m reading Benjamin Franklin’s autobiography (for class, not pleasure) I’ve been surprised at how much I’ve actually been enjoying it. At first I was merely skimming the book, highlighting phrases I knew I would need to write the essay, but then I caught myself slowing down and actually absorbing Franklin’s words. When I came upon this list, I knew I had to share and I knew I could learn a lot from this historical and intriguing man that made his way from a newspaper editor and printer to a Founding Father of the United States.

Benjamin Franklin’s 13 Virtues

Temperance

Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation

Silence

Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifiling conversation

Order

Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have it’s time

Resolution

Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve

Frugality

Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; i.e. waste nothing

Industry

Lose no time. Be always employed in something useful. Cut off all unnecessary actions.

Sincerity

Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly

Justice

Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty

Moderation

Avoid extremes; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve

Cleanliness

Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, clothes, or habitation

Tranquility

Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable

Chastity

Rarely use venery but for health and offspring, never to dullness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another’s peace or reputation

Humility

Imitate Jesus or Socrates

Franklin composed these virtues at age 20 (in 1746) after studying different religions and philosophers and being bogged down by all the ways he was supposed to live his life. He took all he had learned and combined them into what he thought was the proper way to live and cultivate his character. He focused on a virtue a week and tried his hardest to work on that virtue, letting all other virtues happen that week by “ordinary chance”, and wrote down every day his transgressions against his weekly virtue. Keeping all of these records in a pocketbook kept on him at all times, he hoped to see on paper how his life was improving. He claimed living this way, consciously by his virtues, he lived a happier and more successful life.

Posted by milledavis | February 6, 2011 | Categories: College | 1 Comment

{glamorous}

Posted by milledavis | February 3, 2011 | Categories: Glamorous | Leave a comment

What I’ve Learned in College, Snow Days Edition

Snow days have quite possibly been some of the highlights of my college career, starting with Ice Storm ’09 which was the week of my birthday and resulted in about 10 people staying in our 2 bedroom apartment for 5 days. Best. Week. Ever.

Then there was Snow Storm ’10 which was, again, the week of my birthday, and this time there were again about 10 people under one roof, though we had upgraded to a 5 person house.

And now, #nwasnow11 with me tucked away inside a 2 bedroom apartment with 3 guys for 3 days. (That could very well be a blog post all on its own)

So here’s what I’ve learned in my three years of college snow days…