And just like that, I’m back featuring another fabulous lady over 50. You met many of them here on The Age of Grace Women of Grace series. I admire these beauties with a certain je nais sais quoi. In September, you met the newly published author, Dr. Robyn Joppy; earlier this year, Silver Sneaker Fitness Guru Sheila; singer-actress Lesley, a few years back; and my bestie, Cynthia.
Today, the latest Women of Grace: Meet O Magazine Insider, Elaine Davis.
My name is Elaine Davis. I’ve always wished I had a middle name, and I almost legally gave myself one as an adult. I’m 55 years old and was born and raised in New York City. I currently reside there. I have two adult children: a 32-year-old son and a 24-year-old daughter. I’m a senior court associate in the New York State Unified Court System.
Square Pearls, the name of your blog, is not a common term when one thinks of pearls. What was your inspiration for this title?
I thought for quite some time about a suitable name for my blog. I wanted a catchy name, but not one that had no meaning. I wanted a name that would stick in a person’s mind. I’ve always loved pearls. I think they’re classy and beautiful. They speak to my feminine side. However, I love ripped jeans and sneakers.
I thought Square Pearls was the perfect way to describe myself and women like me—women of a certain age who are timeless like pearls yet unapologetically edgy and cool.
I see on your Instagram profile that you are an O Magazine Insider. First of all, congratulations! Tell us about the experience and how long it lasts.
My Oprah Magazine Ambassadorship is one of the most exciting opportunities ever. Meeting and interacting with other women and men who love all things Oprah has been fantastic. The ambassadorship is for a one-year term, after which I’m required to apply again for consideration next year.
I love reading and passed that love on to my children. I have a ton of books. My twenty-four-year-old daughter has one whole bookshelf that holds all her childhood books. She has everything from her first pillow-soft infant book to her preteen bible. There are so many books that I’m nuts about reading. If I had to name a couple, I would say The Color Purple and The Alchemist.
The About page on your blog, Square Pearls, says staying fit is a priority in this phase of your life. What’s your approach to staying healthy?
Now that I’m over fifty, staying physically fit has become essential to my journey. My goal is to approach it holistically. I always try to eat healthy, exercise, and practice good spiritual and mental hygiene.
What is your best healthy habit?
My best healthy habit is drinking plenty of water. I start every morning with a glass of warm lemon water. When we’re sleeping, we’re fasting, and it’s the perfect way to break one’s fast.
I would be lying if I said I liked working out. I’ve grown to tolerate it because I know it’s necessary to maintain a healthy body and mind.
My daughter, Channing, met you recently at an NYC blogger event. She mentioned how gorgeous you are and your glowing skin. Can you share your beauty routine and your preferred products?
Thank you; I appreciate the compliment. I firmly believe that topical gels and portions can only do so much. Don’t get me wrong; some excellent skin care products are on the market, like the ISDIN brand of Vitamin C serums, which I love. I also use a superb tretinoin-based product most days. I advise every woman over forty to find yourself a great aesthetician and have a chemical peel. It’s life-changing.
Tell us about your recent travels to Europe and South Africa.
When I stepped foot on South African soil, I was blown away. I felt a spiritual shift like I’ve never felt before. It was such a beautiful place, and I met some wonderful local people.
I look forward to the day I can return and explore other African countries. My recent travels to Europe were brief, and I didn’t do as much venturing in Paris and England as I would’ve liked. I plan on returning in 2020.
How would you describe your style?
I would describe my style as multifaceted. I love to wear everything from ripped jeans to sequin maxi skirts. I don’t have a set look, but I like wearing sneakers with dresses. I’ve been wearing them for years, and I’m happy that the rest of the fashion world has caught on.
The Women of Grace all represent ladies with great faith. How has your faith helped you through any difficult times?
My faith is the cornerstone of my existence. Prayer and my faith in God have helped me through the roughest point in my life. Between 2003 and 2008, I lost my mom, my father, and my sister, and got divorced. It was only through his grace that I made it through. I don’t know what I would do without it.
And there you go, another très chic beauty being unapologetically fierce. Perhaps you can follow Elaine’s Square Pearls blog or maybe on Instagram. Elaine covers all social media platforms. Don’t forget Pinterest and Facebook; She’s a must-follow.
Elaine, thank you for allowing me to get up close and personal as a Woman of Grace. Know others will find inspiration in your journey as a woman of a certain age, a style maven, a Mom, and an O Magazine Insider.
I’d love to hear from you about O Magazine Insider Elaine! You can comment on the Facebook post or here using the Disqus blogger comment app.
As always, beauties, thank you for reading. Have a fabulous next few weeks. I will be on holiday, so stay tuned to my Instagram Stories.
