Author: Big Mama

I really had every intention of writing a whole post about our weekend on Sunday night, but then I saw Jane Fonda wearing a green pantsuit at the Grammy’s and that was pretty much all I could think about.

On the one hand, all those aerobics in the 80’s appear to have paid off in spades. But on the other hand, Jane has a lot of look going on with that.

So I ended up being sucked into the Grammy awards which let me feeling more than a little confused about life and fashion and society in general and, by the time I remembered that Downton Abbey was on, I was too tired to stay up to watch it. Further confirming that I am really keeping the excitement turned up a notch here.

And, honestly, our whole weekend pretty much involved this.

On Friday night P was at the ranch so Caroline and I went out for a girls’ dinner and then we all went to bed pretty early because we had to be at the soccer fields fairly early. I’m trying not to think about the fact I can’t remember the last time I got to sleep in until I woke up of my own free will because I’ll get too depressed. I’m really hoping this coming weekend will be the charm.

We left the house on Saturday morning and I sorely underestimated how cool it was going to feel at the soccer fields. I had on a fleece and a puffer vest, but the wind was howling and I was in need of a parka. Instead I just used P as a windstop and watched the entire game standing behind him with only my eyes peeking over his shoulders to watch Caroline while my teeth chattered. Which is why it’s embarrassing to tell you that when we got back in the car to head home between games, the temperature on my car thermometer read 55 degrees.

What can I say? I am a girl who will request a light jacket when it’s 80 degrees outside.

After the game we picked up breakfast tacos and rested for about ten and a half minutes before we drove back for her second game of the day and then we stayed to watch one of her friend’s play and by the time we got home it was basically dinner time and we ate leftovers and went to bed.

I wish I could at least tell you I wore a green jumpsuit like Jane Fonda as I did all this, but that would be a lie.

Sunday we had more soccer and I nearly froze once again even though I did in fact wear my heaviest coat to ward off the frigid fifty degree temps. In my defense I bet the wind chill was every bit of forty-nine degrees. But then by the time Caroline had some friends over later that afternoon they were all in shorts and t-shirts and it was 80 degrees outside.

Have I just written an entire blog post about the weather conditions in Texas? I can’t apologize enough.

I wish I could tell you that Monday was more interesting and it totally was if you consider the fact that HEB was completely sold out of mint M&M’s to qualify. Wait until I tell you I had to go to Target to find them and ended up leaving there with not only the mint M&M’s but a new throw blanket that was on clearance for $9.99, some new socks, and a pair of leggings for Caroline.

I know. It’s almost too much.

I mean it’s no green pantsuit, but it’ll suffice.

The other day I was thinking about the jeans I used to wear when I was a kid. I’m not sure what led me down this random path, but it caused me to look for Luv-It jeans on Ebay. And this led to a rabbit trail where I searched the internet furiously for photos of Luv-It jeans and couldn’t find what I was looking for. Which what is the point of the internet if I can’t find a photo of some jeans from the 1970’s with ice cream cones or roller skates on the back? Thanks for nothing, Al Gore.

So I remembered that when I was seven years old I was jumping off the swings in my backyard – as you do when you’re seven and unaware of things like DANGER and BROKEN ARMS – when the back pocket of my jeans got caught on the dangerous metal chain of the swing and ripped. As luck would have it, I was wearing my very favorite pair of jeans. What made them my favorite? I have no idea because when you’re seven all jeans look good on you.

But they were my favorite. And the back pocket was ripped. Fortunately, my grandparents owned a dry-cleaning business and my Pa-Pa told me that if I could find a patch then he could fix my jeans. So I found the patch I wanted.

I think we can all agree that is totally appropriate for a seven year old girl.

Needless to say, my patched jeans were the envy of every girl in the second grade because FOXY. I wore them with my rabbit fur coat and I don’t know if I’ve ever been as proud of an outfit to this very day.

On an equally foxy note, I mentioned a few weeks ago that Barrington Gifts sent me the most gorgeous leather tote bag. It’s the St. Anne Tote in Florentine leather and my love for it has only grown over the last month.

And I wanted you to show you a couple of these cute bags they have in summer colors because summer will be here before we know it. It’s true. I promise.

I love the Savannah Zippered Tote in poppy

And the Sonoma Zippered tote in navy

Best of all, you can mix and match colors and patterns to your heart’s content. It’s kind of become my new hobby when I’m not watching The Good Wife or looking for Luv-It jeans on Ebay.

Anyway, here are a few cute things I’ve found this week:

1. cozy crafting top

Perfect top to wear with jeans. So cute with cuffed jeans and some Converse tennis shoes.

2. verda maxi dress

I love the cut of this dress and I happen to really like this pattern. But it also comes in black if you’re just looking for a simple black dress.

3. free falling v-neck tee

I’m not sure if this is the new version of my favorite t-shirt from Free People or just another version. Either way, LOVE.

4. ikat print reversible tote

How cute is this patterned tote? Plus, it’s reversible.

5. callisto in the bag wedge platform sandal

I think these are perfect for spring and summer. I looked for something like this all last year and never found it and now here it is. It’s like the sandal people heard my plea.

6. lush kendal surplice faux wrap dress

Love this color and think this would look great over skinny jeans or leggings. Or by itself if you’re still in that demographic.

7. leather bracelet

I believe I’ve mentioned how much I like Joanna Gaines from Fixer Upper, specifically her style. Although I’m sure I would really like her if we ever met in person because she seems really likable.

The point is I always like to see what she’s wearing and specifically notice her jewelry. The good news is they sell several of her signature pieces on their online store, including this bracelet.

8. festive the best top

I just thought this was really pretty. Love the colors. It would be great on its own for summer or layered under a jacket in spring.

9. chevron striped skirt

This caught my eye at Anthropologie the other day. I have no idea if it’s as cute in person but it has potential.

10. 1969 girlfriend jeans

Yesterday I ran in Gap all in the name of trying on a couple of new styles of jeans. Here’s what I’ll tell you…the new high rise skinny jeans? 1992 called and said please don’t bring these back.

But these girlfriend jeans are really great on. They didn’t have a denim wash in the store that I loved, but I really liked the white for summer. They’re similar to boyfriend jeans but a little more fitted. I’m a fan.

And right now you can get 30% off with code JEANS at checkout on any jeans at Gap.

That’s it for today.

Have a good Friday and stay foxy.

Well first let me say that I loved all the beauty product recommendations. I believe it is well documented that I am a fan of trying out new products that promise miraculous results no matter how many times I’ve been let down. Sometimes you have to kiss a lot of frogs.

And speaking of beauty products, I was getting ready to go to speaking thing yesterday and took my makeup bag ‘o assorted lipgloss and lipstick out of my purse so I could put it on in the bathroom. Then when I went to leave the house I noticed my purse was noticeably lighter and was worried I’d forgotten my wallet. But, alas, the only thing I’d forgotten was to put back my bag ‘o assorted lipgloss and lipstick. I believe it is not an exaggeration to tell you that I’m carrying around about three and a half pounds of various lip products on any given day. The first step is admitting you have a problem.

Anyway, I’ve spent most of the week trying to get a bunch of things done that I didn’t get finished over the weekend since I didn’t feel good. This list includes, but is not limited to, painting Caroline’s room, assembling her new bed and a new desk, rearranging furniture repeatedly, trying to keep the puppies from destroying my house with all the mud from the backyard and coming up with things to cook for dinner. I’ll show you pictures of Caroline’s new room next week when I get most of it finished because it’s still kind of a mess right now and I am firmly convinced that furniture assembly is a secret IQ test being performed by the government. Sadly, based on my assembly skills, it’s safe to say I will never get to fulfill my dream of being Sydney Bristow and taking down SD-6. At best, I will be put in charge of grating cheese or something equally taxing.

On Friday I’m going to go record the audio version of my new book which is both exciting and makes me feel like I need to stock up on lemon and honey. You know what’s worse than reading 65,00 words out loud in a couple of sittings? Reading 65,000 words that you wrote in a couple of sittings. I never want to edit myself more until I read it all out loud and then IT’S TOO LATE.

(And since I mentioned audio books, I’ll go ahead and tell you that my first two books are available in audio version already in case you decide you need to listen to a couple of hours of a Texas accent that might need subtitles. You can find them on Amazon or Barnes and Noble.)

While we’re on the subject of books, a bunch of you emailed or tweeted about the news of a new book by Harper Lee coming out this summer. And I’m super excited to read about Scout as a grown up, but also a little nervous. This is one of those things, like Christmas or Valentine’s Day, when it feels like it might be best to not build it up in my mind until there is no possible way it can live up to my expectations short of fireworks shooting out of my living room.

And yet I have even more to say on the subject of books. One of the questions I get asked the most is about the process of writing a book or writing in general and I generally just recommend that everyone read Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott, but Jen Hatmaker (of the Covergirl Natural Blush lipgloss fame) wrote the best post yesterday On Becoming A Writer. So from now on I will tell people to read Jen’s post and Anne Lamott’s book. The end.

So I guess that’s it for today. I’m sure I have more to say if I think about it, but I’m walking out the door to meet some friends for dinner at a place called Tacos and Tequila. Yes, please.

See you tomorrow for Fashion Friday.

This week is kind of a busy week filled with random and miscellaneous things and so I just haven’t had time to sit down and collect any thoughts about life. But I did decide it might be time to revisit the topic of beauty products since it’s been a while. You’ll see that there are some constants on here from previous lists, but also some new discoveries because I am always on the quest for the fountain of youth. Or even just the fountain of my mid-thirties at this point because beggars can’t be choosers.

So here you go. Feel free to add any of your new or old favorites in the comments. I always love to see what products you’re loving right now.

1. Skinceuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50, 1.7 Fluid Ounce

Last fall I got the best facial of my life and the facialist and I discussed the brown discoloration on my face and the evils of the sun. She lectured me on the importance of using sunscreen every. single. day. even on days when I don’t feel like I’ll be outside. And so I finally decided to listen.

She recommended this Skinceuticals sunscreen and it is the best thing ever. It goes on super light and has a tint to it so it doesn’t make my face look white. It even manages to even out your skin tone a little bit if you aren’t going to put on makeup that day. I can’t say enough good things about it.

And even though it’s pricier than what you can buy at CVS, I will tell you that I’ve been using the same bottle every day for the last four months and haven’t run out yet.

2. urban decay naked basics palette

I made the switch to matte eyeshadow this year and it’s been a revelation. I’d read for a long time that when you’re in your forties you may need to think about matte instead of sparkly because it minimizes the lines around your eyes.

I wouldn’t trade the lines because they’re evidence I’ve laughed a lot. But I don’t mind not highlighting them.

Actually, maybe I would trade the lines.

3. anastasia brow wiz mechanical brow pencil

This is my favorite eyebrow pencil ever. It goes on light and is easy to use, plus it will last your for at least six months. For reference, I use medium brown and have pretty dark eyebrows.

4. Cover Girl Outlast Lipcolor All-day, Natural Blush 621

This is a recommendation I got from Jen Hatmaker on her Facebook page. And I went to buy it immediately because I’d actually remembered noticing Jen’s lip color at some point in the past, but it was SOLD OUT at HEB.

However, I would not be deterred and finally found the last tube remaining at my neighborhood Target. I like it because it looks like your natural lip color, but bolder.

5. Dr. Teal’s epsom salts, eucalyptus & spearmint

I guess you know you’re officially a middle aged blogger when you’re talking about your Epsom salts. Stay tuned for tomorrow when I talk about my favorite denture adhesive and what I like to order at Luby’s Cafeteria.

All that being said, this stuff is the best. I found it at HEB and was intrigued by the Eucalyptus and Spearmint component and it did not disappoint. It helps clear your sinuses and eases aches and pains all at the same time. It’s the perfect thing when you’re not feeling great.

6. skinceuticals overnight dry moisturizing cream

I have been all over the overnight cream board, but I have returned to this one and decided definitively that it is the best for my skin. My face is always super dry and when I put this on before bed, I wake up and it still feels hydrated and not itchy.

7. hummingbird farms julia body butter

Speaking of dry skin, this is my new all-time five star favorite. I can’t say enough about it. It smells divine, lasts forever and makes my skin feel so smooth and moisturized. And it’s mysterious to me because it is so thick in the jar that it still looks like I’ve barely used any in the last three months, yet I use it every day.

Plus, it doesn’t feel greasy or like too much on your skin. It soaks in and makes you smell divine.

8. bumble & bumble thickening full form mousse

I was just texting with Gulley and asked her if she had a favorite product right now and she immediately mentioned this. I happen to know it is one of her favorites because I’ve been with her when we’ve had to stop at Sephora just so she can buy more. She would tell you that her hair is thin and fine and this gives it a ton of body and lift.

9. st. ives timeless skin collagen elastin facial moisturizer

A friend gave me a jar of this a few years ago and it is still one of my favorites. It’s a great daytime moisturizer to wear under your makeup and the price is right.

10. dr. dennis gross alpha beta peel skincare pads

I was obsessed with these for a while but they were drying out my skin too much when I used them on a regular basis. So now I just use them once a week to give my face a little extra glow. I’m still a huge fan but sometimes I have to remember a little thing called moderation.

This also applies to my love of Sour Patch Kids.

Anyway, those are some of my current favorites. Would love to know yours if you want to share with the group.

I’m super excited to share a great resource with you today that’s especially for those of us with daughters or granddaughters or nieces or just happen to know any young girls around the ages of 8-12.

Ever since I first met Wynter Pitts years ago, I have been a fan. She’s a mom of four girls and also the founder of the For Girls Like You magazine, which Caroline loves. If you’ve been looking for resources that promote the values and morals you want to teach young girls, then look no further.

But, even better. Wynter has written a new devotional just for tween girls and it’s called – appropriately enough – For Girls Like You: A Devotional For Tweens.

We got an early copy and it is just the perfect thing for girls this age. It’s full of truth and light and written in a way that is relatable and engaging, but not over their head. Plus it has room for them to write down thoughts and feelings and we all know that girls this age have no shortage of thoughts and feelings.

I have a free copy to give away to one of you today. Just leave a comment and I will choose one using a random drawing by Monday night at 8:00 p.m.

But if you absolutely have to have one now or already know you want to stockpile them to give as gifts, you can find it online or in bookstores. Or you can send it to your favorite girl on her Nook or Kindle. Best of all, it’s less than ten American dollars everywhere. Money well spent.

Amazon here.

Barnes and Noble here.

Or on the For Girls Like You website here.

Good luck!

This week has been one of those weeks that sometimes happens in Texas when it feels like spring in January and you break out your flip-flops and short sleeve shirts only to be blasted back into the reality it is winter when the next cold front blows through. And that’s what is happening this weekend. It’s going to be cold and rainy just in time for Saturday and Sunday.

But that didn’t stop me from leaning towards more spring-type clothes this week. Actually, they are mostly versatile in that they could be layered under things if necessary.

And in an important development, The Blue Door Boutique has my very favorite magic leggings back in stock. They are the best at sucking everything in and never fade because they’re not cotton, but more like spandex. This also means things don’t cling to them like they do to other leggings. I love them so much and at just $20 they are a steal.

Here’s what I found:

1. geo printed open front cardigan sweater

I saw this in Urban Outfitters the other day and thought it was really cute. It’s a lighter weight than it appears in the picture and would be good layered over a tank or a long-sleeve top depending on the weather.

2. project social t pleated hem dress

This is also at Urban Outfitters. Perfect for wearing with leggings or skinnies with a jacket or sweater over it if needed. It comes in black, coral or gray.

3. eyelet dress

I fell in love with this immediately. No way I’d wear it as a dress because that ship has sailed, but super cute over leggings or skinny jeans. It also comes in white and black but I’m trying to embrace color.

4. adanne tunic

This comes in a few different color and print combos, but I love the way it looks paired with white jeans like the model has on.

5. crochet bell-sleeve frock

I am drawn to anything that looks like this. It’s like a moth to a flame.

6. empire extreme shirt dress

I saw this in the window at Free People and fell in love immediately. The colors are so bright and festive and I’m just a fan. Here’s hoping it goes on sale.

7. endless possibilities tunic

Modcloth has these tunics in a bunch of different colors but I think this green is so pretty. How cute would this be with white jeans and gold jewelry?

8. daisy lane a-line dress

Don’t get your heart set on this dress because it is not inexpensive. However, it is gorgeous. And I just felt like I should include it in case you have a big wedding or event coming up. I adore it with all of my being.

9. back road ramble tunic

Personally, I’m not a huge fan of florals. But I do like the cut of this tunic and think it could be cute with white jeans for spring and summer.

10. drusy pendant necklace

Such a pretty piece to pair with outfits for spring and summer. Love the pink color and that it’s light enough to be paired with almost anything.

That’s it for today.

Have a good Friday.