Author: Big Mama

So in early October, I decided I really wanted to attempt to write a 25 day devotional to celebrate Advent. I haven’t really written anything since I turned in my manuscript for On the Bright Side and that has almost been three years ago. I was burned out on writing after I finished that book. Then a pandemic hit and then it was Caroline’s senior year, and I just kind of fell off the writing wagon.

Anyway, I didn’t even really mention that I was writing this Advent devotional because I wasn’t sure I would actually finish. But, honestly, God gave me the grace and strength to get it done and I’m so glad. I love the way it turned out and it was fun to be completely in charge of a writing project from start to finish with no publishing company to answer to. Plus, there’s the instant gratification of writing something that I can literally put out in the world a week later instead of waiting years for it to be published.

All this to say, I have written an Advent devotional called Waiting on Wonder. It’ll take you from December 1st through December 25th and, hopefully, help you focus on the things that really matter this Christmas season. It’s a digital download which means you can download it as a PDF on your laptop, iPad, phone or whatever. And you are welcome to print it out or send it to a local print shop if you’d like to have a hard copy.

You can buy Waiting on Wonder here.

In other news, here are some cute things I found this week. There are so many great sales so make sure you take the time to look around online.

1. comfy cowl neck sweater

This is such a great, easy sweater to dress up or down. It’s a great length and I love the cowl neck and the length.

It’s $44 but they are offering 25% off site wide through Sunday with code THANKS25.

2. Jessica monogram ring

ABLE has so many great gift options. I love this monogram ring.

It’s $50 but everything at ABLE is 25% off with code MELANIEBF25.

3. Zella live in pocket joggers

These are really cute joggers and have a slimmer fit so you look put together. They are great for traveling or running errands.

They are on sale for $44.

4. free people Arden top

This is one of my favorite tops and I’ve mentioned it several times. It’s such a great basic to wear with leggings.

It’s on sale for $43.25 but only in the white. However, the white is the color I tend to wear all the time. It’s not heavy, but it’s not see through.

5. all in motion longline sherpa 1/2 zip tunic sweatshirt

I think this looks so cozy for cold winter days when I still have to take Mabel and Piper for walks. Or to throw on when I’m on my way to work out. Or just to wear on the couch.

It’s $48 and comes in a couple of other colors. I love that it’s longer.

6. tory burch McGraw leather tote

This is such a pretty bag if you’re looking for a nicer bag. It’s pricey, but 30% off and on sale for $278.60. It also comes in wine or black.

7. wool blend dad coat

I love this plaid coat. It’s normally $220 but it’s on sale for $154. It also comes in a solid camel color.

8. boyfriend crew graphic sweatshirt

Abercrombie is having a big sale and this sweatshirt is one of the things marked down. I love the oversized fit and it’s on sale for $41.30. It comes in several other options.

9. farm rio butterfly maxi dress

Farm Rio clothes are so gorgeous. I love the colors and patterns. They are honestly like works of art and they are definitely pricey.

This dress is $265 but they are offering 25% off the entire site with code SUPER25 and that’s a really rare discount. I just wanted to share in case you are looking for a great dress.

10. Sorel explorer II Joan boots

I was telling Caroline that she really needed a pair of waterproof winter boots because she’s going to have a lot of cold, rainy walks across campus ahead of her in January and February. So we started looking on the Sorel website and they’re having a Black Friday sale.

I really like this pair and they’re on sale for $105. The reviews say they are warm like a boot but feel like a sneaker, plus they come in several cute color options.

That’s it for today.

Have a good Friday.

BTHO LSU.

I have no idea how we are almost to Thanksgiving but here we are. And, according to Instagram, I’m horribly behind because I still have dead mums on my front porch and haven’t even thought about decorating for Christmas yet. I’m more worried about getting my grocery list for Thanksgiving together.

If you’ve read my blog for any amount of time then you know this is the time of year I go on my search for ladyfingers to make chocolate ice box pudding. A Shankle Thanksgiving cannot happen without it. So here’s hoping Central Market comes through for me.

I also have to tell you that I do have a package in the freezer just in case but they’ve been there since last Thanksgiving and I worry about their freshness and the fact that they may be a little smashed. I also need to order groceries that include Caroline’s favorite snacks and stuff since she’ll be home for almost a week and our pantry is a little lacking in Takis and chocolate. Anyway, this is the kind of thing I need to focus on before I can think about Christmas.

Here are some cute things I found this week.

1. gap vintage soft joggers

I ran in Gap this week for the first time in forever. I’m not even sure why I went except that I’m finishing up a writing project and finding ways to procrastinate. But I was glad I did because I saw these vintage soft joggers and love them. They are like the sweatpants of my youth. Super soft, not too heavy and so comfortable. I don’t know that I would wear them out of the house as a “cute” jogger, but I will wear the heck out of them at home.

They are on sale for $25. They come in a ton of color options. I got a small and am usually a 4-6 in pants.

2. vintage soft hoodie

Why is there a picture of a man on Fashion Friday? I’m glad you asked.

While I was in Gap, I glanced over at the men’s section and saw these hoodies hanging along the wall. I made my way over there and they are the softest, coziest hoodie I may have ever tried. They also come in a bunch of great colors and are perfectly oversized.

They are on sale for $25 today. I bought the medium because I wanted it a little bigger and to wear with leggings.

3. ribbed henley t-shirt

And yet one more Gap purchase. These henley t-shirts are the perfect weight for wearing alone or layering under a sweater coat. And the white isn’t see through which is a huge plus. I’ve already worn mine twice this week.

They come in a bunch of colors and are $39.95 but 40% off with code GOSHOP today.

4. lynsie top

I love this Kelly green color. This is a great top for the holidays and so easy to dress up or down.

It’s $68.

5. Eliza j sequin wrap front long sleeve jumpsuit

Is a sequin jumpsuit a lot of look? It is. But do I love this? Yes. I actually ordered it because I just wanted to try it and it is an amazing piece. It has just a little bit of stretch and is super flattering on. I’m not keeping it because my life doesn’t really have an occasion right now for a sequin jumpsuit but it’s great if you need a really festive look for Christmas or New Year’s Eve.

It’s $198. I ordered the 6 and would definitely recommend sizing up if you’re in between sizes.

6. Adidas ultra boost running shoes

Adidas Ultraboost continue to be my favorite workout shoes. They are comfortable and wear so well.

They are currently on sale for $135.

7. reach your potential wine red floral dress

This is such a pretty dress for the holidays and it looks great with tall boots.

It’s $68.

8. able Eliza boots

My Erika boots from Able have been a favorite of mine this fall and now they have these Eliza boots in this pony hair calf. I’m in love.

These are $145 but you can get 25% off with my code MELANIEBF25

9. rudolph soda shop swing skirt

The Junk Gypsies had an online virtual market the other night and have some of the cutest holiday outfits and home decor. This skirt totally reminds me of that episode of Designing Women when Bernice literally wore a Christmas tree skirt, but I love it. I just had to show it to you because it would be so fun if you had a Christmas party to go to that requires a funky skirt with a light up Rudolph on it.

It’s $98.

10. sanctuary v-neck teddy sweater

This sweater looks so soft and it’s a great length. I also love a v-neck.

It’s on sale for $46 and comes in several colors. I think it could also make a great Christmas gift.

That’s it for today.

I’ll go ahead and wish you a Happy Thanksgiving.

And BTHO Prairie View.

When I work on Fashion Friday this time of year I’m always looking at it through the lens of things that could also make good Christmas gifts since most of us are trying to figure out what to get our niece, mother-in-law, aunt, neighbor who feeds our dogs, etc.

So today has a few things that could make good gifts and also some things you may just want for yourself.

Here’s what I found.

1. beautiful frills brown print midi dress

This is such a pretty dress with great colors for Thanksgiving and/or holiday photos. It’s $62.

2. aqua long sleeve v-neck top

I ordered this top this week because it looks like a great option for the holidays. It can be dressed up or worn with jeans. I love the v-neck and the sleeves.

It’s $68 and comes in other colors.

3. Zella restore soft pocket leggings

These are 25% off and on sale for $48.75 right now. I bought them last year and wore them all the time in the winter. They are more athleisure type leggings than workout leggings and I would recommend sizing up if you’re in between sizes. I like that they have a jogger look with more of a leggings fit.

They come in several color options.

4. Argento cross station necklace

This necklace is so pretty and would make a great gift.

It’s 50% off and on sale for $32.90.

5. citadel mini layered necklace

ABLE has given me a code for you to get 25% off everything on their site excluding sale merchandise. They have so many things that could make great Christmas gifts. I love this layered pendant necklace and you can get it personalized.

You can get 25% off with code MELANIEBF25 at checkout.

6. the merly jacket

I have featured this denim jacket so many times but it is truly a wardrobe staple for me. I wear it all the time. And when I’m not wearing it, I have it tied around my waist. It’s super soft, perfectly distressed and just the best denim jacket I’ve ever owned. It’s $150 but 25% off with code MELANIEBF25.

And I love this Bailey classic jacket if you want a more traditional denim jacket without the distressing.

It’s $150.

And this is the long merly jacket. How great is this length? I really want this in my closet because it’s perfect with leggings.

It’s $180.

But you can get 25% off almost everything on the entire site (including leather bags and jewelry) with code MELANIEBF25 at checkout.

7. champagne sequin boyfriend blazer

Several of you messaged that you liked the sequin duster last week but needed an option that wouldn’t overwhelm a more petite person. I really love this sequin boyfriend blazer. It’s 30% off and on sale for $110.60.

8. nike fleece pullover hoodie

Someone also asked me about sweatshirts. I love these Nike hoodies. They are a little pricier but they wash and wear like a dream and last forever.

They are $65 and come in a bunch of color options.

9. heynuts Hawthorne leggings

I realize I’ve talked about these before but I now own three pairs. They are the leggings I reach for all the time whether I’m actually working out or just running errands because they are so comfortable.

They are $25.99 and come in a bunch of colors and patterns.

10. daily practice cowl neck tunic

They are calling this a dress and maybe it is if you’re under 5’3″. But I also think it could look really cute with leggings and tall boots. It’s $148.

That’s it for today.

Have a good Friday.

BTHO Ole Miss.

Listen.

It has been quite the week here. Mabel was in the vet hospital several days longer than I expected and when we finally brought her home Wednesday, I realized her ears were swollen and we had to bring her back to get treated for an allergic reaction. Let’s just say her immune system has been through it.

The ultimate diagnosis was hemorrhagic gastroenteritis which some dogs just get for no reason. Thankfully, she seems to be almost fully recovered and we now have some doggy CBD pills to help her with her anxiety which can exacerbate the stomach issues. Mabel is a complicated little dog with complex emotions. But I’m so glad she is home and well.

Anyway, I’m headed to College Station this weekend for the A&M vs. Auburn game and I can’t wait. The game should be amazing and the weather is going to actually feel like fall which is such a novelty. And, to add to the gloriousness, it’s Daylight Savings time this weekend so we get an extra hour. It’s really an abundance of riches.

Here are some cute things I found this week:

1. Noelle lounge set

This is the cutest lounge set and would make a great Christmas gift.

It’s $48. It also comes in solid black. It runs small so size up.

2. feeling close to you Kelly green textured sweater

Kelly green is one of my favorite colors and I especially love it for the holidays.

This darling sweater is just $60. It also comes in red.

3. thread and supply shirt jacket

I appreciate that Thread and Supply is calling this a shirt jacket like God intended. The word “shacket” is an abomination. Anyway, I love this green plaid version and the length of it.

It’s $49. It comes in several solid and plaid colors.

4. bb Dakota Steve Madden show stopper sequin duster

If you need a piece in your closet that will instantly make any outfit a holiday outfit, this is it. I adore this.

It’s $139.

5. cuddles in cali black poncho

I adore a poncho and this one is so great. Love that it has a belt options. So cute with jeans and tall boots.

It’s $49.

6. chill time burgundy plaid coat

My only sadness is that I cannot order this today and have it int time for the game on Saturday. This long length is so great and of course the maroon has my heart.

It’s $72.

7. hooded open front cable knit cardigan

I saw this on Amazon while I was looking for a good sweater jacket. This one has amazing reviews and I love that it’s a cable knit. It makes it cozier than just a normal cardigan.

It’s $45.99 and it comes in a bunch of color options.

8. nike daybreak shoes

I love these Nike daybreak sneakers. They are so retro and remind me of the Nikes of my youth. This new version with the leopard swoosh is so cute and makes a great neutral sneaker.

They’re $100.

9. Maeve Colette cropped wide leg corduroy pants

I showed these in the green print version a few weeks ago and they are now sold out in almost every size, but I also love this navy. This whole outfit is basically one I’m planning to recreate for the holidays.

They are $120 and come in other colors.

10. pilcro applique velvet blouse

This is the top I’d get to wear with the pants up above. It would also look great with jeans, but it is perfect paired with those wide leg corduroys.

It’s $148 and it comes in other colors, which are all equally beautiful.

That’s it for today.

Have a good Friday.

BTHO Auburn!