Author: Big Mama

Before I say anything, I just want to encourage everyone to say a prayer for the people who have been affected and will be affected by Hurricane Matthew. When I begin to hear of ways to help, I will post about them next week.

Okay, so if my shopping math is correct today, everything I’m featuring has some kind of discount that goes along with it. I didn’t plan it that way, but sometimes life just works out and we can all shop and feel great about how much money we are saving. These things are practically paying for themselves.

First, I want to talk about FASHIONABLE. I’ve featured them before because I believe so much in what they are doing by giving women in poverty a way to make a sustainable living. In their words, “What we seek to “give” to those living in poverty is opportunity by purchasing goods from them, and helping those businesses grow and employ more.”

From today through Sunday, FASHIONABLE is offering 15% off any purchase of $40 or more. Just use the code BIGMAMA15 at checkout to get your 15% discount. (This offer can’t be combined with any other offers.)

Here are some of my favorites:

tirhas saddlebag

tadesse bucket bag

zemen leather tote

harmony necklace

phrase necklace

druzy petite layering necklace

The 15% off code is good through Sunday and also might come in handy if you need to do some early Christmas shopping.

Here are some other things I found this week:

1. uptown pullover

This looks super comfortable and also comes in gray. It’s on sale for $69.95 plus an additional 40% off. The discount is automatically taken at checkout.

2. wanderer cargoes

I’ve had my eye on these cargoes and even tried them on but didn’t want to pay full price. I will say I thought they ran a little small so you may want to order a size up if you’re on the fence. They are on sale for $49.95 plus an additional 40% off at checkout.

They also come in blue, taupe and yellow.

3. goldie blouse

I wish they didn’t show this blouse tucked in because my life goal is to never tuck in a shirt again. But I do love the color and it’s a good length if you want to wear it out or do the dreaded tuck in.

It’s $49.95 plus an extra 40% off at checkout.

4. amy foldover leopard clutch

This cute leopard clutch is just $40, plus you can get 20% off your first order with Gray Monroe if you sign up on their email list and they have tons of other cute things.

If you’re thinking it looks familiar, it’s because it’s very similar to this Clare V leopard clutch that you see paired with about every outfit on Pinterest that sells for $275.

I mean. They aren’t identical, but I’m all for paying $235 less for a similar look.

5. beach cocoon cowl neck pullover

I nearly bought this last year, but they seemed to be a little on the short side. However, when I saw them in person this year at Nordstrom, they are definitely longer and that makes me a fan.

It’s super soft, perfect to throw on with jeans and a cute pair of sneakers for a Saturday morning soccer game and on sale for $51. It also comes in light blue, charcoal and terra-cotta.

6. free people not your brother’s utility jacket

I’ve had my eye on this utility jacket but was hoping it would go on sale because I’m not entirely sure I need another utility type jacket. But this one is perfection. Just look at all the five star reviews. And it really is a timeless piece you can have in your closet forever.

It’s on sale for $111 and also comes in a wine color. Hello, Aggie sisters. One of these days it will cool off and you will need this for a football game.

7. superga cotu sneaker

If you followed along with William and Kate’s Canadian tour, then you may have noticed that she wore these sneakers one day. And I’ve always said if it’s good enough for Duchess Kate then it’s good enough for me. Not to mention that they are super cute and on sale for $48.71.

They come in white, black, navy and gray. And, personally, I think these shoes with that Free People cocoon pullover up there is a perfect outfit.

8. free people magic mystery tunic top

I’ve featured this before but I still love it and it’s on sale for $81.

9. j.crew factory flannel shirt

J.Crew Factory is having a big sale and this cute flannel shirt is just $29.95.

But I also adore this plaid tunic for $37.

10. ikat elephant marta embroidered tunic top

How great is this? You know I love an embroidered top and this is no exception. It’s $48 plus free shipping and comes in S, M, L, and 1XL, 2XL, 3XL.

Also, my favorite terry runaround tunic is back in stock and I honestly don’t know what I used to wear before I owned one or five of these.

That’s it for today.

Have a good Friday.

And BTHOTennessee!

I mean.

I am so glad it’s Thursday but I’m not sure how this week has gone by so fast. Caroline started feeling bad late Sunday night and ended up coming home from school early on Monday, going to school late on Tuesday and missing school altogether on Wednesday. I finally took her to the doctor on Wednesday afternoon because I became convinced she had strep since her complaints were a sore throat, stomachache, and a headache. However, the strep test came back negative. Although the pediatrician said we were his tenth patient of the day with strep-like symptoms that weren’t strep. And so it’s the dreaded virus that has to run its course.

So I guess the virus has taken up a good chunk of my week in between not watching the Vice-Presidential debate because I can’t even with all the yelling and interrupting. I’ve also spent some time wondering about our current national obsession with clowns. I feel like I missed a piece of this puzzle somewhere. I’ve always found clowns to be a little creepy but it’s become an epidemic. Meanwhile, we have an insane Presidential election going on and a hurricane about to hit but THE CLOWNS.

Oh. And also Kim Kardashian getting robbed in her hotel room and Angelina Jolie and her kids in therapy over her divorce from Brad Pitt. These are the news headlines.

But, most importantly, several of you asked to see Caroline’s periodic table shirt and so here it is.

She wore it to school on Tuesday and said it was okay but some people had tie-dyed shirts. However, I think in today’s social climate tie-dye could be a risky choice because what if someone sees all those bright colors and mistakes you for a clown?

Today also happens to be P’s 46th birthday. I reminded Caroline yesterday that it was almost his birthday and she said, “Wow, you and Dad are really getting old”. I wanted to correct her, but then I remembered that P has an appointment with both the dentist and the podiatrist on his birthday and, well, if you’re spending any part of your birthday at the podiatrist then that’s a low.

However, I am so thankful for him and for his 46 years. Even if his teeth and feet aren’t as good as they once were. Happy Birthday, P! We love you!

In what may be one of the nerdier sentences I’ve ever typed here, I spent a good part of Sunday helping Caroline make a t-shirt featuring a word made up of five elements from the periodic table. Does anyone remember that neon is an element? Because it totally is.

Anyway, my brain reached maximum capacity with all the Science-ing that happened here and I ended up having to pick her up from school early on Monday because she isn’t feeling well, so here is just a list of things I thought I’d share that you might want to know about.

1. Texas A&M football

That’s right. This weekend is going to be the biggest game that’s happened at Kyle Field in a long time. And you know where I’ll be? Watching Caroline play soccer. But I have big plans to record it and avoid all social media and watch it from the beginning like it’s happening in real time.

Have I ever mentioned that this is how my dad watches all Aggie games? I text him after the game is over to tell him if the Aggies won or lost. If they win, he’ll watch the game. If they lost, he just deletes it off the DVR.

What I’m telling you is that I have inherited a generational football sickness.

2. Junk Gypsy: Designing a Life at the Crossroads of Wonder & Wander by Jolie & Amie Sikes

I’m so excited for the release of Jolie and Amie’s new book and today is the day! It’s as fun and inspiring and breathtaking as everything they do and I know you will absolutely love it.

3. Mix and Match Mama Eats Cookbook by Shay Shull

Shay has a great new cookbook out that has recipes organized by the month. I like that system because the recipes all go with the weather and the season and it makes it easy. And the nice thing is that all of Shay’s recipes are super simple and don’t require anything you can’t find at the regular grocery store. It’s real food for real families.

4. Flash the Donkey Makes New Friends by Rachel Ridge

This is the cutest children’s book by Rachel Ridge. If you have little ones that still let you read to them at bedtime, they will love this book. I offered to read it to Caroline while she sat on my lap and she turned me down.

5. Rodan & Fields Reverse Regimen

So I mentioned on the podcast last week that I am finally drinking the Rodan & Fields cool-aid. I’m not linking to their site because I’m assuming that if you are breathing then you have an aunt or a second cousin or a best friend’s sister’s sorority sister’s grandmother who sells Rodan & Fields and you have a way to buy it. If not, you can probably just stand on a street corner and say, “Hey! Does anyone know where I can buy some Rodan & Fields?” and you will have seventeen people approach you.

Anyway, I’ve only been using it for a week so I can’t tell if it’s making any sort of difference. Everyone raves about it but the regimen requires that you use all the products twice a day and the skeptic in me wonders if doing anything to your face twice a day would help matters significantly. But the hopeful optimist in me would really love it if this turns out to be the proverbial fountain of youth and less sun spots.

I’ll keep you posted if I begin to see a real difference in my skin. In the words of the Monkees, “then I saw her face, now I’m a believer.”

6. The Lake House by Kate Morton

This is what I’m currently reading and I really like it. It started off a little slow, but it’s a mystery and I like that it keeps me guessing about what will happen next. And it helps that the mystery is about a wealthy British family in the 1930s. I’m a sucker for the British and the 1930s.

7. Revitalash Advanced

Now this is a product I swear by. It has made the biggest difference in my eyelashes. I had to have a cavity filled last week and the dental hygienist and the dentist both commented on my eyelashes and asked if I had extensions. And while it’s a little pricey, I’ve been using the same tube for over six months which equals just pennies a day.

(I don’t know if it’s really pennies a day, but whatever. I don’t do math except to know I’m practically making money at this point because of how long my Revitalash has lasted. It’s shopping math.)

8. Akola Project jewelry

Have you seen these Akola necklaces yet? I’m in love. They come in a million different colors and are such a great accessory that supports a great cause. My biggest issue is trying to decide on a color.

9. Uncle Wayne’s White chicken chili

Last night I pretended it was actually cold outside and made this white chicken chili recipe that I got years ago from Beth Moore’s blog. It is delicious and would be even better if it wasn’t 90 degrees outside.

And while I was googling to find the original recipe, I came across a whole pdf file full of recipes from Beth’s new novel, The Undoing of Saint Silvanus, that have made me incredibly hungry. I have a feeling there’s a crawfish pie in my future.

Oh, and speaking of great cold weather things, I also love this Good Earth sweet and spicy tea when the weather cools off. It’s caffeine free so perfect for nighttime.

10. Barefoot dreams cozy chic robe

This robe. I ordered it for myself during the Nordstrom anniversary sale and I can’t even tell you how much I love it. It’s so soft and warm, but doesn’t feel too heavy and it comes in several different colors. It’s perfection.

That’s all I have for today unless you want to know more about the periodic table and I’m going to assume that’s a no.

Have a good Tuesday.

It finally cooled off a little bit here this week and by “a little bit”, I mean that it was in the 80s instead of the 90s. But I wore boots to celebrate and am even contemplating buying mums for my outside pots and perhaps investing in some pumpkins. After all, this weekend marks the beginning of October which is astounding.

All that to say, I’m ready for sweaters and boots and not sticking to the seat in my car. Here are a few things I found this week:

1. sun & shadow bell sleeve tunic

I love the bell sleeves on this and the wee little pockets. And the v-neck. It’s $65 and comes in black, brown and burgundy. I really think the burgundy would look pretty with white jeans and boots for an unexpected twist.

2. double hoop drop earrings

These double hoop earrings are so pretty and just $15.

3. leith off the shoulder sweater

Remember how REO Speedwagon couldn’t fight this feeling anymore? That’s how I feel about all the off the shoulder sweaters. I realize they require a strapless bra, but I think they might be worth it. This one also comes in a slate gray color.

4. gap sherpa collar sweater vest

I love that this a vest. And I love that it has a sherpa collar.

5. telluride cardigan

I continue to love almost everything at this cute online store, but this sweater caught my eye. It looks like perfection.

6. asos chunky jumper

I went to the Asos website with the intent to look at sweaters and couldn’t find sweaters and then remembered that it’s a European site and a sweater is a jumper. I learned this when I read Bridget Jones’ Diary but it had slipped my mind. This cozy sweater is $40.

7. crochet eyelet poncho

I’ll be honest. This may be my personal favorite of all the things I’ve featured this week. I’ve wanted a poncho like this forever and I happen to have camo skinny jeans like the model has on and, well, I’ve already ordered this poncho to replicate this outfit.

8. once upon a thyme coat

How cute is this coat? I blame Princess Kate’s Canadian tour for my current coat obsession. The only issue with this coat may be choosing a color because it also comes in green.

9. homestead off the shoulder top

I know. Another off the shoulder top. It’s like I don’t even know who I am. But it’s plaid! And I can’t resist a good plaid. Especially when I think about how great this would look with jeans and boots.

10. junk gypsy spitfire fringe booties

I was texting with a friend yesterday about booties. We discussed various bootie options and I kept thinking about these darling fringed booties from Junk Gypsy.

I mean. I love them. And they come in hot pink, red, turquoise, black and pale pink.

11. forever 21 poncho

If you’re looking for a cute poncho at a great price point, then look no further than Forever 21. I love the whole 70s vibe of this orange striped one, but realize it may not be for everyone.

I also love this turtleneck sweater poncho and it also comes in navy.

12. white turquoise slab pendant

I’ve bought most of my accessories lately from Accessory Concierge and I really love this white turquoise pendant. It’s a great pop of white with the dark colors we wear in the winter months.

That’s it for today.

Have a good Friday.

Here are some things I wanted to share today. I was actually going to share them yesterday and then I almost fell asleep in front of the T.V. So I went to bed and ended up lying there wide awake until 3 a.m. because your mid-forties are a conundrum when it comes to sleep. I don’t even understand.

Anyway, here you go:

1. pickwick leather, tobacco and woods candle

This is my new favorite candle. It’s an unexpected combination of scents and maybe it just confirms that I’m like Ron Burgundy and like my office to smell like leather and mahogany.

The reality is I was tired of candles that smell like sugar cookies or flowers or Anthropologie and this has been a nice change. It’s very fall-like. I had a hard time finding them online, but San Antonio friends can find them at Sunset Ridge Hardware. They are a little pricey, but last forever and burn all the way down to the last bit of wax.

2. cookie stuffed brownie cupcakes

A friend brought these over to our house the other night and I mistakenly thought they were just brownies. Then I bit into one and I heard angels sing and was all WHAT IS THIS WONDERFULNESS? What could possibly be wrong about a chocolate chip cookie with an Oreo wrapped up in a brownie? NOT ONE THING.

3. Ladies Worship Night

This is actually tonight (Wednesday, September 28th). Everyone is welcome if you happen to be in the area.

4. Dee Gordon’s tribute to Jose Fernandez

You know I love all the sports and this video is just one reason why. I don’t really follow professional baseball closely, but this video left me in tears.

5. Forever Country

Have you seen this? I love it so much.

6. T.V. shows on my list

Hooray for fall T.V. and things on my DVR. Here are a few that I think might be the best bet.

The Crown – an original Netflix series about the life of Queen Elizabeth II. It debuts on November 4th.

This Is Us – I’m in love. This show has a ton of potential and the twist at the end of the first episode totally hooked me.

Designated Survivor – I’ll never quit thinking of Kiefer Sutherland as Jack Bauer, but this may fill a void known as shows P and I will actually both watch.

The Good Place – I’ve only watched the first fifteen minutes but this has promise. And I adore Kristen Bell so that’s a plus.

7. Three Fictional Characters

Have you seen this on social media? I have found it to be a nice break from all the political opinions. Basically you just choose three fictional characters that describe you best. I texted Gulley yesterday and asked her who her three characters would be and she replied, “Claire Dunphy (Modern Family) and Monica Gellar (Friends) and I don’t know who else!” I would have totally said those same two for her and knew the third should be Leslie Knope from Parks and Recreation.

Then she asked my three and I came up with four because I’m an overachiever and, also, indecisive.

Rachel Green from Friends (She was my original spirit animal.)

Ann Perkins from Parks and Recreation (Gulley and I agree Ann and Leslie’s friendship is a lot like ours in many ways. So if she is Leslie Knope, it makes sense that I am Ann Perkins.)

Jo March from Little Women (I relate to Jo for both her love of the written word and impulsive nature.)

Tami Taylor from Friday Night Lights (Obviously. Football, Texas, mother and wife. And my hair hero.)

So who would your three (or four) be?

8. Make America Great Again

Look who decided to run for office.

Here’s their platform:
– All dogs should be able to sleep on the couch
– Piper believes all dogs should have access to dental care as it pertains to an underbite
– Mabel wants to bring haikus back into the mainstream
– Unlimited chew sticks for all.

Hope you have a great Wednesday.

So this weekend was just about a perfect weekend. In an unusual twist, we had no soccer, no plans and it rained most of the day on Sunday. I don’t really know what else a girl could want.

Oh. Yes. AND THE AGGIES BEAT ARKANSAS.

I flew to Guntersville, Alabama last Wednesday, met Sophie for dinner and then spoke at a luncheon for Marshall Medical Center on Thursday. The only downside to any of this was that on my flight into Huntsville, I had the great misfortune of being seated across the aisle from someone who either had a terrible stomach virus or a bad case of motion sickness. And while all this was happening, someone on the plane was eating buffalo wings. This isn’t a desirable combination in any life scenario, but certainly was at peak horrendousness considering we were in a small metal tube flying through the air. Also, the flight attendant informed this woman that she needed to keep her bags of throw up under her seat for the duration of the flight and dispose of them herself once she got off the plane. That can’t possibly be right, can it?

I am a person who has a limited ability to mind over matter anything. I can just think about a stomach bug and become nauseated. And so this plane scenario was basically a culmination of all my greatest phobias and fears. In fact, I need to quit talking about it now.

Needless to say, I got off that flight and immediately located all the hand sanitizer in the world and practically bathed in it.

After I spoke on Thursday, I knew I’d cut it close with my departing flight and so I just barely made it back to the Huntsville airport in time. By the time I got to Dallas I realized I hadn’t eaten anything since 8:00 a.m. that morning and so I bought some chicken strips from Popeye’s because it was right across from my departing gate and I’m never one to turn down Popeye’s, especially when it’s in close proximity and I’m starving. My flight was boarding in about three minutes and I ate that chicken like it was the only meal I’d had in a week. I was worried the people around me felt that maybe my Popeye’s chicken and I needed to get a room. Basically, what I’m saying is that business travel is super glamorous.

Friday afternoon P and Caroline headed down south to go dove hunting. And since Mimi is out of town, Bops and I went out for Mexican food. Basically, we each had father/daughter outings doing what we love…P and C hunted, Bops and I drank margaritas.

We woke up Saturday morning and watched SEC Nation and College Gameday. There was a story about an LSU family who lost their six month old baby boy and donated his heart to an Auburn family whose baby boy was going to die without a new heart and the families meet up every year now at the LSU vs Auburn game. It was enough to make me almost have to go get back in the bed.

Basically most of Saturday was just spent doing laundry, running a few errands, cleaning the house a little bit and just biding my time until the 8:00 p.m. kickoff for the Aggies. And, true to form, the game just about did me in during the first half.

Oh wait. Let’s take a quick look at a video of me when Christian Kirk fumbled that first punt.

But here’s something different about our team this year. I never quit believing that we were going to win and that kind of optimism is very unlike me. This Aggie team has a lot of grit (Our defense held them at the two yard line about sixty-four times and didn’t give up a point) and I’m a fan of that. They adjusted at halftime and I was able to breathe easy by the middle of the fourth quarter which isn’t something that has happened during any game against Arkansas that I can remember.

On Sunday we went to church and then came home. I immediately put my pajamas back on and took what can only be described as an epic nap. When I woke up, it was raining outside so I pulled up the radar on my phone to see what was happening and then checked Twitter to discover that LSU had fired Les Miles. I believe I have made my feelings about Les Miles known. As much as playing against him was like playing Lord Voldemort in a purple windbreaker, I couldn’t help but love him because of his great interviews and enlightening speeches about things like Columbus Day.

Mabel took the news especially hard. She wrapped up in a blanket and wrote a haiku about it.

Farewell, Madhatter
I, too, have eaten the grass
And it was bitter