Author: Big Mama

  • A few distractions from the heat

    I know I keep talking about how hot it is but that’s just because it’s so hot. And the fact that I’ve been hot for the last two months didn’t go well for AT&T when I called them today because our modem isn’t working AGAIN. When I hung up the phone, Caroline looked at me and started laughing as she said, “You just told that guy you weren’t interested in resetting our modem for the 64th time and they better get someone out to the house or we’re about to change internet providers. You weren’t playing, Mom.”

    That’s right. Because it’s hot and I need my internet to work. And guess who has AT&T coming out to the house tomorrow?

    Anyway, here are a few things that might prove to be a nice distraction from the fact the sun in angry at the earth right now:

    1. All in All Devotional by Sophie Hudson

    This devotional by Sophie is just so good. I have a copy and Caroline has a copy and I don’t know which of us is enjoying it more. The great thing about Sophie is that she has spent years working with teenage girls so she gets all the ins and outs and struggles that they deal with on a daily basis. And, let’s be honest, we all have some teenage girl left inside of us somewhere so I really think women of all ages would enjoy going through this devotional. It would make a perfect back-to-school gift for the girls in your life.

    2. This dog:

    Caroline showed this to me yesterday while we were at the orthodontist office and I couldn’t quit laughing. I don’t know what that says about me and my current state of mind.

    3. teddie organics rose hip seed oil

    I know that I have touted many a product over the last ten years, but this one is honestly a new favorite. I bought it after seeing all the five star reviews on Amazon and then found out it’s what Kate Middleton uses and it just confirmed my love. I’ve been using it morning or night and I really do think it’s making a difference in both my skin tone and texture.

    That’s it for today.

    Hope you have a wonderful Tuesday.

  • Fashion Friday: Edition I fell into a burning ring of fire

    I was watching the weather last night and the weatherman seriously referred to our forecast over the next few days as a “ring of fire”. And then I lost my will to live. The end.

    It is seriously so hot that it’s hard to even care about shopping right now. And just the fact I typed that sentence makes me wonder who I am and what has happened to my life. Yet I still managed to find a few things that might be of interest and might give you the desire to live another day.

    Here they are:

    1. pleated v-neck tunic tank

    I really love this tunic tank because it would be great on its own or layered under a cute kimono or jacket. It’s on sale for $49.95 and comes in several color options. Plus, Anthropologie is offering free shipping and an extra 40% off all sale with no code needed.

    2. gingham flutter top

    I have loved this gingham flutter top all summer. And now it’s on sale for $29.95 plus and extra 40% off and free shipping.

    3. nike essential sportswear tank

    In case you’re in the market for some good workout wear, I really like this Nike tank. It’s on sale for $26.90 and also comes in black, but I’m kind of liking the red.

    4. kendra scott filigree drop earrings

    These earrings would make a great Christmas present for someone and they’re on sale for $35.90.

    I also love this aimee y choker.

    5. bp stripe faux leather tote

    How cute is this tote? It also comes in a brighter striped pattern which is equally fun. It’s on sale for $35.90 and would make a great fall bag.

    6. androse dress

    I love anything with embroidery and this dress is no exception. It’s just $39 and is great by itself or with a denim jacket over it assuming the weather ever cools off. Which feels doubtful.

    7. geo print kimono

    Okay, this was a find. I was looking at kimonos on Free People and fell in love with one that looked exactly like this but it was $70. And then I found this one for $18. Is it the same quality? I have no idea. But I’m willing to take that gamble to save that much money.

    8. hue ripped denim leggings

    My friend Jamie’s sister Jen had these leggings on when we went to lunch last week and I kept meaning to ask her what jeans she was wearing because they never bagged out at the knees or lost their shape, plus they fit so cute and had a frayed hem. And then she revealed that they were actually these Hue leggings. Pure genius. These also come in black and denim and I don’t know that I’ll ever wear jeans again.

    And here are the essential denim leggings if you want a non-distressed version without the rips or the frayed hem.

    9. stripe tunic dress

    I love nothing more than a good casual dress when the weather is this hot. This one is super cute and can easily take you into fall.

    10. we the free charleston tee

    I ran in Free People last week and immediately bought this. It’s super soft, I love the long length and it’s on sale for just $29.95.

    That’s it for today.

    Have a good Friday.

  • And while I was looking around at Nordstrom

    Well, first of all, thank you for being so excited about the E-book preorder deal yesterday. By the time I looked at Amazon yesterday morning, it was already up to #88 out of all Kindle books. In fact, it was only behind the classic novel, Stud Muffin.

    This really feels like the pinnacle of my writing career.

    Anyway, if you pre-ordered and entered in your information, then you’ll be getting an email in the next week sometime with all the links you need to download all your bonuses. And there are going to be some more fun offers on the horizon so stay tuned for those.

    In the meantime, I spent some time yesterday looking online at the Nordstrom Anniversary sale to see if I’d missed anything and thought I’d share a few miscellaneous items that might be of interest.

    1. MAC look in a box basic brush kit

    Someone told me once that MAC makeup brushes are the best and I now own a few and believe that to be true. This is a great basic brush set and is $162 value for just $49.50 during the sale. This might even be a good Christmas gift for any teenage girls you have in your life because teenage girls are all about the Youtube makeup tutorials and good brushes are essential. They know so much more than I did at that age when I believed my best beauty bet was to match my eyeshadow to my outfits.

    2. jo malone cologne collection

    I gave up perfume years ago. But then I discovered Jo Malone and hopped back on board. The fragrances are subtle, but so appealing. I’ve never tried one that I didn’t love. This collection is on sale for $115 which is pricey, but may be perfect if you’re in the market for a new fragrance. Or five.

    3. slip silk pillowcases

    My Nanny used to sleep on a silk pillowcase every single night and I never really understood why. I just thought she was fancy. But then a makeup artist told me the best thing you can do for your hair and your face is to sleep on a silk pillowcase every night. Then I read all the reviews and I think I’m sold. This is a set of two pillowcases for $109.

    4. anastasia mini lip gloss set

    Speaking of another great gift for a teenage girl. Or yourself. This set is just $28. Last year, Gulley bought a sampler of various mascaras and it was a brilliant purchase. We decided we love a beauty sampler set.

    5. revitalash advanced duo

    I know everyone has gone crazy for Rodan & Fields lash booster, but this is my first lash love. It works like a charm and you can use it on your eyebrows, too. A tube of it lasts me easily six months using it three to four times a week. This is for a set of two tubes which is a $196 value but on sale for $98.

    6. clarisonic mia cleansing system

    A friend texted me today to ask if I really love my Clarisonic because she was trying to decide whether or not to buy one and my answer was YES. I change products like the wind changes directions but I am loyal to my Clarisonic because I think it makes a huge difference. This one is on sale for $86.

    7. lively floral assorted note cards (set of 8)

    I realize this isn’t a beauty product, but I think these floral note cards are so pretty and they’re just $9.60 for a set of 8.

    8. barefoot dreams cozy chic throw blanket

    Oh my word. This throw blanket. I would like to marry it and stay with it forever. It’s on sale for $99 and feels like it’s made of angel wings. Plus, I love a good stripe.

    9. good vibes jogger pants

    These jogger pants are on sale for $29.90 and come in several color options although several are sold out right now. But they are super soft and perfect for lounging around the house and watching Netflix when you’re allegedly writing a book. Ask me how I know.

    10. tory burch cat eye sunglasses

    I’m in dire need of new sunglasses and keep thinking about these by Tory Burch. They are on sale for $143.90 but are normally $215. I love the modified cat eye that is trendy but not crazy. They also come in black if that’s more your style.

    So there are a few things that might interest you that I thought I’d share. I’ll be back tomorrow with Fashion Friday so see you then. Happy Thursday.

  • Church of the Small Things Ebook for only $4.99

    Maybe you’ve heard I have a new book coming out October 3.  And as we were talking about all the things we’d like to do as it goes out into the world, someone said, “What if we give everyone a chance to pre-order the ebook version for only $4.99 for 24 hours?”  

    (I wasn’t that person, but I totally would have been if I had known such a thing was possible.)  

    Here’s the deal.

    You can pre-order the ebook version of Church of the Small Things for only $4.99, Wednesday, July 26th.  It’s 24 hours only and is a one time offer. You can order it now and when it automatically downloads on your Kindle/Nook/iPhone at midnight on October 3, you will be so pleased with how smart you were to pre-order and save yourself money at the same time all the way back in July. In fact, you should probably go buy some new shoes with all the money you’re preemptively saving.

    Best of all, (Do I sound like a T.V. Infomercial now?  “But wait! There’s more!”) we have all manner of pre-order bonuses that you can get when you order any version of Church of The Small Things between now and October 2. And the hard copy version is so gorgeous that you may want to go ahead and order that as well while you’re at it.

    Here are the links to order the e-version for only $4.99 for the next 24 hours:

    Kindle on Amazon
    iBooks
    NOOK on Barnes & Noble

    And when you pre-order any version of the book before October 3, 2017, you receive the following:

    My Favorite Things ebook 
    Church of the Small Things Video Bible Study Session 1
    4 Downloadable Prints from cover artist, Heather Gauthier
    Church of the Small Things lock screen
    The First 3 chapters of Church of the Small Things to get started reading now
    Coupon codes for great discounts on some of my favorite things
    5 family recipes from me

    Click here to find out how to submit your pre-order proof of purchase to make sure you get everything you have coming to you.

    It’s been two years since I’ve had a book go out into the world and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate all the love and support and laughter that you all give me. This 24 hour offer is just a small way to say thanks for everything. We will have more fun offers coming up, so stay tuned for those as well. I hope you are as excited about Church of the Small Things as I am.

  • Big Boo Cast: Episode 71

    Sophie and I are beyond excited to have Coach Jackie Sherrill and his daughter, Bonnie Bishop, as guests on the podcast this week. For those of you who aren’t the college football enthusiasts we are, Coach Sherrill coached at both Texas A&M and Mississippi State and was one of the initial things Sophie and I bonded over when we first met eleven years ago. We also spend the last minutes of the podcast talking about T.V., my new favorite beauty product and dogs with intestinal issues.

    Also, I’ve got another post going up at midnight tonight with a special one day – TWENTY FOUR HOUR ONLY – deal for my new book so make sure you don’t miss it.

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

    You can also listen on Stitcher.

    Or, as always, you can subscribe on iTunes. We’d be honored if you’d leave us a review.

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

    Here’s where you can get more info on the stuff / products / places we mention:

    – Jackie Sherrill

    – Bonnie Bishop

    – Coach Sherrill on Twitter

    – Bonnie on Twitter and Instagram

    – Bonnie’s website

    – Bonnie’s latest album

    – Bonnie’s “Ain’t Who I Was” (there’s a little language 🙂 – but my goodness this is a phenomenal song)


    (And a quick BigBoo PSA: if you’re drawn to the music Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell, etc., then Bonnie Bishop’s music will be right up your alley.)

    – Last Chance U – Season 2

    – Jane the Virgin

    – Pentel Sign Pen (Sophie’s forever favorite)

    – Organic Rose Hip Oil – (By the way, a href=”http://www.southernliving.com/fashion-beauty/skin/pippa-kate-middleton-skin-care” target=”_blank”>this article popped up in my Twitter feed this morning, and it sheds even more light on why Melanie has embraced this product.)

    – Dunkirk

    – Hummingbird Farms Lavender Body Oil No. 6 (this stuff is a WONDER)

    – All in All, Sophie’s new devotional journal for young women

  • Sick dog walking

    I’m sitting here on Sunday night trying to decide if I feel like writing a blog post. And I guess I will because my entire Twitter feed is about nothing but Game of Thrones and I’ll just go ahead and admit something right now.

    Come closer.

    I don’t even know what Game of Thrones is about.

    I know people go crazy for it but I’ve always gotten it confused with The Walking Dead. I don’t even know why. Maybe because they premiered during the same season? I have no idea. And you really shouldn’t pay attention to anything I say about either of these shows considering I had to google The Walking Dead to remember the correct name because I kept wanting to call it Dead Man Walking, which is that movie with Susan Sarandon and Sean Penn where he was a death row inmate. And there were no zombies at all in it.

    I’m also very tired because I was startled awake this morning at 6:00 a.m. to face one of my worst experiences in recent memory.

    Caroline and I stayed up way too late on Saturday night and I ended up going to sleep in her room so I wouldn’t wake Perry up. This happens a lot during the summer because P keeps hours like a farmer and Caroline and I keep hours like a couple of college students. Anyway, I was sound asleep when P woke me up at 6:00 a.m. with these foreboding words, “Mel, I need you to get up and help me clean up. The dog got sick and I need your help.”

    I stumbled out of bed and began to follow him back to our bedroom when he turned to me and said, “You need to prepare yourself for what you’re about to see. You also need to change out of those flowy pants.” And nothing says catastrophe like the need to change out of your flowy pants. By this time I could smell the awfulness emanating throughout the house so I knew this was serious. Let me also say that a week ago, our air-conditioning started leaking through the bathroom ceiling at 3:30 a.m. and I thought that was probably the worst house catastrophe we would deal with this summer. How I wish I could go back to being the sweet, naive girl who believed that to be true.

    Because I’m here to tell you that what I encountered as I walked through our bedroom door was like standing on the threshold of hell. One time when Caroline was about six months old, I was concerned about her lack of bowel movements and made the rookie mistake of feeding her a jar of baby food prunes and then putting her in her Johnny Jump Up about an hour later. That’s when I learned that poop can fly. This was worse than that.

    P pointed me toward the box of latex gloves he’d already gotten from the back house, when he bravely believed the clean up was a one person job, and then handed me my own roll of paper towels and disinfectant. Here’s what you never want to think about at 6:00 a.m. on a Sunday or, well, ever. How does a dog manage to get poop that high up on the wall? You know when people refer to something as a S*&% show? This was a literal s*&% show. I honestly wondered if we could just drag the garden hose through the window and spray everything down. Or if we should just set the house on fire.

    It was on the dust ruffle, it was on the gift wrap storage container that I keep under the bed, it was a trail that led to our shower and throughout our bathroom. Mercifully, she spared our closet. We cleaned and wiped and sprayed and dry-heaved for the next forty-five minutes. Caroline woke up from the smell and began to open up every window in the entire house, light every candle we own, and turn all the fans and vents on high. Meanwhile, Piper stared at us through the back door like “What’s the deal? Where’s my breakfast?” as if she had totally forgotten this was all her fault even though she had basically been like this only an hour earlier.

    via GIPHY

    As we were cleaning up the last of the mess and making sure every last inch of our bedroom and bathroom were scrubbed clean, I finally asked P what exactly happened and when he realized Piper was sick. He said he woke up to something bumping and shaking the bed and that’s when the smell hit him. He found Piper in the bathroom getting sick and got her outside, and then discovered Mabel hiding under the bed. She wanted no part of whatever was going on with her sister and ran for cover. And you know she wrote some haikus about it while she was hiding out.

    Sister got so sick
    Intestinal explosion
    Do not eat dead things

    Hiding from the stench
    Told her she shouldn’t eat that
    Plus, she didn’t share

    I am traumatized
    So much poo all on the walls
    Guess I’m the best dog

    Needless to say, Piper – or really any of us for that matter – didn’t feel much like eating the rest of the day, but she does seem to be doing better. However, I can assure you she’ll be sleeping in her kennel tonight to limit the fallout should another stomach issue arise. That’s the lesson we learned and, also, that there is no such thing as too much bleach.