Author: Big Mama

  • Fashion Friday: Edition pick your own Mother’s Day present

    Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there.

    And, just remember, you can buy yourself a Mother’s Day present even if you aren’t a mom. My motto is to do what Tom Haverford and Donna Meagle would do and TREAT YO’SELF.

    via GIPHY

    As for me, I’ll be spending my Mother’s Day doing what I do almost every day of my life, watching Caroline play soccer. On Sunday we get to drive to Houston and back, which what better way to spend that day than on I-10? With any luck, I’ll at least get a DQ Blizzard out of it.

    Here are some cute things I found this week:

    1. loft chevron flounce maxi dress

    I think this is just darling. I love the yellow and white and I love the stripes. Perfect summer dress. It’s $129 but Loft is offering 40% off everything with the code LOVEMOM at checkout.

    2. custom Vans

    I have a custom pair of Vans that I ordered about five years ago and I love them so much. The best part is it’s not that much more expensive to make a pair exactly the way you want them to look and there are tons of colors and patterns to choose from. I designed these today since we are all about the palm leaves at our house right now. I’m tempted to order them but I’m trying to show some self-control and restraint.

    3. verdusa v-neck side pockets maxi dress

    This is such a comfortable maxi dress and it has pockets. You can just wear it around the house or out to dinner with some cute accessories. It’s around $15 and comes in a ton of color options.

    4. veronica clog sandals

    I love a sandal with a wooden heel. The leopard print is even better. These are $80 and also come in cognac or white. It’s also nice that they just have a 2 1/2 inch heel which is a good height for all day wear.

    5. high waist linen blend shorts

    I think these shorts have real potential. I love the cut and the color. They are $45 and also come in plus sizes and an olive or mustard color.

    6. j.crew tie front tank top

    These tie front tanks are on sale for $16.50 and are perfect on their own or as a layering piece under a kimono or jacket. They also come in black or white.

    7. back from bali long mexican embroidered dress

    I featured this dress about a month ago and couldn’t quit thinking about it, so I finally ordered it and love it. It’s so comfortable and has all the perks of a Mexican embroidered dress but is made out of a soft rayon type fabric so much softer and drapes better.

    Here I am wearing it. Please excuse the horrible photography, lighting and unmade bed. For size reference, I’m wearing a small and it’s the perfect fit. I’m usually a 4-6 in dresses.

    It’s $69.95 and it also comes in navy.

    8. loft dotted ruffle tie neck blouse

    This is the prettiest blouse that would work for both casual wear and the office and it has great reviews. It’s $59.50 but Loft has 40% off with the code LOVEMOM at checkout.

    9. brielle embroidered peasant blouse

    I featured this top a few weeks ago but now it’s on sale for $89.95 plus and extra 25% off all sale at Anthropologie with no code needed at checkout. It’s so much cuter and brighter in person.

    10. milk and honey sunshine state of mind tee

    I love Milk and Honey tees because they are so soft and the perfect match for shorts or cute casual skirts in the summer. I plan to live in the Sunshine State of Mind shirt. It’s $30 and they also have tank tops available in some of the designs.

    That’s it for today.

    Have a good Friday.

  • Fashion Friday: Edition it’s May!

    This is where I will resist the urge to post a picture of Justin Timberlake, but sufficed to say it is now May. It is also almost Cinco de Mayo so this is me wishing you all a happy Cinco de Mayo.

    Here are some cute things I found this week:

    1. relipop sheer chiffon kimono

    So there was this darling sheer kimono on the Nordstrom website earlier this week and I was so excited to feature it, but it is completely sold out. That’s how cute it was.

    But then in that weird way that Instagram ads know what you’re thinking, this one popped up in my Instagram feed. I think it may even be cuter than the one at Nordstrom. It comes in several patterns and color combinations, but this one is the one I like. It’s $17.99.

    2. sigma espadrille knotted bow sandals

    I am a little bit in love with these espadrille slides. They are $24.99 and also come in orange.

    3. old navy mid-rise linen blend shorts

    I believe that shorts are just a necessity when you live in the south during the summer. There are just times that nothing else will do. I bought a version of these drawstring linen shorts this week and they are so cool and comfortable because they don’t cling or stick to your legs.

    These from Old Navy are $12-$20 depending on the color you choose and they have a 4-inch inseam which means they aren’t too short and you can always size up and wear them lower on your hips.

    4. old navy ruffle trim swing dress

    Several of you asked about the dress I wore for Easter. Well, this is it.

    It is so comfortable and the color is prettier in person. The key is to leave that top button unbuttoned unless you like that higher neckline/keyhole thing.

    It’s $39.99 but 20% off with code SWEET at checkout.

    And the necklaces I have on are the charmed medallion necklaces from Noonday Collection. You can find them here. I wear them almost everyday.

    5. greta tiered ruffle mock neck maxi dress

    I think this is so summery and pretty. It’s $79.99 but there is currently 30% off dresses and rompers at Urban Outfitters with no code needed at checkout.

    6. tucson dress

    Several of you asked about a dress I wore to the polo match we went to a few weeks ago. I bought it last year and couldn’t find it anywhere. But I did find this cute dress for $64 at the same online boutique where I bought that dress so I guess that’s something.

    7. valeria top

    I love a bright, colorful embroidered top for spring and summer. This one is $44 and comes in off white or navy.

    8. there you go again embroidered top

    See what I mean? I love the crispness of this white with royal blue embroidery. It’s $48.

    9. spring up white beaded floral earrings

    I think these earrings are so darling. They are $20 and they also come in orange.

    10. free people gotta have you tunic top

    I saw this tunic top in Nordstrom and it is so cute in person. I didn’t buy it because I’m not allowing myself anymore tunics at this current moment. But it’s on sale for $68.60 and it also comes in two other colorways.

    11. universal thread sleeveless v-neck tank dress

    I ran in Target the other day and saw this dress. It’s the perfect summer dress because it’s lightweight and so soft. And it’s just $19.99

    This is me in the dressing room. I ended up buying the medium because it was just a little longer and I liked it not being quite as short.

    It also comes in camo here but it’s pretty much sold out online. However, they may still have it in your Target store.

    That’s it for today.

    Have a good Friday.

  • Thursday Things: Edition 9

    Just a few quick things to share today:

    1. Quick review of all the Marvel movies

    This is exactly what I needed to get up to speed on the Marvel movies. I am the person who can’t figure out which characters are Marvel and which are DC Comics. My family mocked me after we saw the Avengers movie last summer and I asked why Wonder Woman wasn’t in it.

    I’m sorry. I don’t know all the superhero lineage. I’m busy living my life.

    2. house of wonderful electric sweater shaver fuzz remover

    I recently went through all my sweaters as I put them up until next year and realized I was in dire need of a sweater de-piller. This one is the best one I’ve found and works like a charm. I even used it on some sheets that had gotten a little pilled in a few places and they are as good as new. It’s $33.99 which is less than the cost of replacing one sweater.

    3. dermstore beauty fix box

    There was the best deal on Dermstore earlier this week that I stumbled upon as I reordered my beloved Elta MD sunscreen. And I was so excited to share it with you and then it sold out and, well, SAD TIMES.

    However, I didn’t realize Dermstore offers a monthly beauty fix box filled with all manner of great products. You can click over and look at what’s offered in May’s box along with what has been featured in past month’s boxes.

    It’s $24.95 if you subscribe, plus it’s free shipping and you can cancel at any time. This is a great way to try out higher end products to see if they are worth buying in a full size.

    4. 10 Things to Tell You podcast with Jamie Golden about skincare and makeup favorites

    Speaking of skincare, Jamie Golden is one of my best resources for all things skincare and makeup related. You can follow her on Instagram here and watch her past stories about her favorites and her skincare regimen. And this podcast she recorded with Laura Tremaine about skincare and makeup contains a wealth of information to help us all not look like the crypt keeper.

    Happy Thursday!

  • Big Boo Cast: Episode 139

    I’m so excited about this podcast because we have my dear friend, Lincee Ray, as our special guest. Her new book It’s A Love Story is officially out today and you have to read it. It’s so funny and so sweet, all at the same time.

    We also discuss my current throw pillow situation and various other things of interest.

    You can click here to listen. Or here. You can even listen right here on the blog.

    And if you’re on the Facebook, well, we are, too.

    We’d love for you to subscribe on iTunes, and we’d be honored if you’d leave us a review.

    Show Notes:

    Opalhouse quilted velvet oversize pillow

    The Inventor

    The Dropout

    All American

    Homecoming

    Someone Great

    – Lincee’s blog I Hate Green Beans

    Lincee’s podcast

    It’s A Love Story on Amazon

    It’s A Love Story on Barnes & Noble

    Sponsors:

    FabFitFun (promo code BIGBOO for 20% off your first subscription box)

  • Fashion Friday: Edition it’s Fiesta time in San Antonio

    So we have another three day weekend this weekend because it’s Fiesta in San Antonio. This means there are a lot of parties and parades and all manner of other festivities. I basically participate in zero of these things because I like being home and away from crowds. However, I do enjoy the three day weekend and I will celebrate with a lot of Netflix and sleeping in. That’s really my ideal fiesta.

    Here are a few cute things I found this week:

    1. nia tunic

    I love this tunic because it obviously functions great as a tunic, but could also be worn open as a sleeveless kimono type thing over jeans and a tank top. It’s $80 and also comes in plus sizes and other color options.

    Which, I had to show you this other color option because it’s so pretty and I can’t decide if this or the first one is my favorite.

    2. aerie beach fleece

    I know I featured this last week but I can’t explain how much I love it. If you’ve seen me this week then you probably know because I’ve had it on constantly. It is so soft and so comfortable and the perfect spring weight for a sweatshirt.

    It comes in several color options and is on sale for $26.97.

    3. universal thread hobo bag

    I ran in Target this week and saw this handbag. It’s so cute in person and the perfect size. I’m still carrying a huge tote and, while I love it, I think my neck and shoulders wish I’d carry something smaller. It’s $34.99.

    It also comes in a cognac color but I couldn’t find that version online.

    4. bohemian beaded drop earrings

    Maybe it’s because it’s Fiesta and everyone around me is wearing such fun, bright earrings, but I really like these for a pop of color to any outfit. They are just $13.79 and come in a ton of color options

    5. universal thread makena gladiator sandals

    I’ve been looking for a pair of gladiator sandals for three summers and have never found a pair that were comfortable and felt like I could actually walk in them. Then I found these at Target for $24.99. They are super soft and the leather and/or pleather isn’t stiff. Plus I like that they don’t come up too high on my leg. They also come in black, gray and gold.

    And if that feels like too many straps and too much of a commitment, these maritza multi strap toe slide sandals are also really cute.

    They are $15.99 and come in black, white and gray here

    6. carolina textured duster kimono

    I really love this because it’s a good seasonless accessory. You can wear it over all white now for a summer look or wear it over a light sweater with jeans and boots during the fall. It’s $98.

    7. brielle embroidered peasant top

    I was in Anthropologie this week and saw this top in person and it’s so pretty. Much better than it even appears in the photos online. In fact, I didn’t allow myself to try it on because I knew I’d want to buy it and I don’t need it. It’s $140.

    8. gold “mama” necklace

    If you’re looking for a sweet Mother’s Day gift, I really like this “Mama” necklace for $34.

    And I also love this rainbow stone necklace. It’s $38.

    9. kut from the kloth catherine boyfriend short

    I’m always on the lookout for a good pair of denim shorts that are a length you can wear if you aren’t at Coachella. These are $69 and have a 7 inch inseam.

    I also like these gidget cut off short with a four inch inseam if you want something a little shorter.

    They are $69 and also come in white here.

    10. able rachel wristlet

    I love this wristlet because you can keep your phone, credit cards and money in it and stash it in your larger purse or just carry this by itself. This is the kind of simplicity I am looking for in my life. It’s $78 and comes in several color options but ABLE is offering 15% off everything on their site through Monday, April 29th with the code MAMA15 at checkout.

    That’s it for today.

    Have a good Friday.

    And Viva Fiesta. Or “watch next episode on Netflix”. Whichever you prefer.

  • Thursday Things: Edition 8

    Thursday totally snuck up on me this week. And, what’s even better, we have Friday off school so this is technically like our Friday. I wish all weekends could be three day weekends. It seems like a much more civilized way to live.

    Here are a few things I thought I’d share this week:

    1. tan luxe gradual illuminating gradual tan lotion

    I saw someone mention this on Instagram and decided to give it a try. I was skeptical because I’ve always loved my Jergens Natural Glow but, let me tell you, this is amazing. It gives the best color, doesn’t smell like self-tanner and just gives you a gradual, natural tan. It’s $29 but the bottle is fairly large and I’ve already learned that a little goes a long way.

    This will be my friend all summer long. It’s seriously the best of the self-tanners that I’ve tried and since it’s gradual, you don’t have to worry about streaks or missing a spot.

    2. pioneer woman molten chocolate cake

    I used to make these on a regular basis, but then forgot about them. I was cooking dinner last night and felt like we needed something for dessert because sometimes you just need chocolate. That made me think of these little lava cakes and how easy they are to make. I almost guarantee you have all the ingredients needed in your pantry. They are delicious and I’m so glad they are back in my life.

    3. the ikat elephant 25% off flash sale

    I love all the cute finds at Ikat Elephant. She always has some great basics along with original pieces for each season and you can also find her here on Instagram.

    From now through Sunday, you can get 25% off everything with the code FLASH25 at checkout. I happen to love those slub tanks in the picture above for the perfect summer basic.

    4. I Hate Green Beans Podcast by Lincee Ray

    I was a guest on my friend Lincee’s podcast this week and we discussed one of my favorite romantic comedies of all time, Crazy, Stupid Love. Lincee is hilarious and we had the best time talking about love and attraction and chemistry.

    You should also pre-order her new book, It’s A Love Story, for just $10.39 on Amazon. It comes out next Tuesday, April 30th and it’s the perfect book to kick off your summer reading.

    5. Girls Night Out at First Baptist Navasota

    If you happen to be in the Brazos Valley, Bryan/College Station, Navasota area next Friday night, May 3rd, I’m going to be the speaker at First Baptist Navasota’s girls night out. There are still tickets available and you can find out more by clicking the link above. It should be so fun and Ashley Rush is leading worship.

    That’s it for this Thursday.

    Have a good one.