Author: Big Mama

Yes. I bought a new computer this week.

It is still not in my possession so I’m currently posting this from Caroline’s computer.

The whole thing started over the weekend when my beloved MacBook finally quit on me after eight years. I realize most people replace their computers more frequently than that, especially if your whole job is based on using a computer, but I do not enjoy new technology. It feels like buying a shovel. You’re just spending money to get back to where you already were.

However, I took my Mac to the Apple store on Monday prepared to get all my date transferred to a new computer. The problem was they didn’t have the computer I wanted. And I tried to order it online but wouldn’t get it for two weeks.

Thus, I bought my computer elsewhere. The data is currently still getting transferred and it’s Thursday night. I suspect it’s being held hostage.

And this is why I hate buying a new computer. However, I did find some cute things online this week in spite of not having a computer to call my own.

1. j.crew v-neck midi ruffle dress

I saw this in person yesterday and it’s so much prettier in real life. It’s on sale for $59 and is a great spring and summer dress.

2. Caroline knot front jumpsuit

I have a black jumpsuit from Able that I bought several years ago and have worn the heck out of it. This one is a little different but equally as versatile and so comfortable.

It’s $130 but you can get 20% off everything at ABLE right now with code BIGMAMA20.

3. Layla embroidered blouse

I’ve loved this top since I first saw it and now it’s on sale for $99.95 plus there’s an extra 50% off all sale at Anthropologie this weekend. It also comes in a brown and blue pattern.

It would be so cute with white jeans or white cutoff shorts.

4. pilcro romy relaxed plaid button-down

I love these pilcro button downs. They’re just a great basic and come in several color options.

They are $59.95 plus an extra 50% off at Anthropologie this weekend.

5. monogram square pendant necklace

This would make a great Mother’s Day or graduation gift. It’s on sale for $24.95 plus an extra 50% off this weekend.

I also love this tova colorpop pendant necklace

It’s on sale for $59.95 plus an extra 50% off.

6. Ella golden batwing dress

This is such a pretty dress and could be dressed up or down. It’s $98.

7. jasmine eyelet dress

I would like to basically live in the Sundance catalog. When I got my new one in the mail this week, this dress was the first thing I saw and I’m in love. It’s just so pretty.

It’s $138.

8. marc fisher oleta platform sandals

A few weeks ago I posted a pic of myself in some wedge platform heels that I bought years ago and are now unavailable. These are the closest thing I’ve found to the ones I have and they are $149.95. They come in several color options and I love the 70s look.

I also found these Marc Fisher Alida wedges for just $39.97 but sizes and colors are limited.

9. oversized camo short sleeve shirt

Old Navy is having a huge sale right now and this darling camo short sleeve shirt is on sale for just $20. It would be so cute with cutoffs or jeans.

10. universal thread short sleeve shirt dress

There are so many cute dresses at Target right now. I really love this one because it’s just a great basic, lightweight summer dress. I Love the v-neck and the cut, plus it’s just $20.

It also comes in olive green or red.

That’s it for today.

Have a good Friday.

Gulley and I went shopping yesterday for the first time since Covid hit and it was a delightful day. We ate lunch at Nordstrom and then walked around and talked about trends and jeans and life and all manner of other things.

One of the things we noticed is that there are beautiful dresses aplenty right now. So many florals and ruffles. Long dresses and short dresses. Fitted dresses and flowy dresses.

And we agreed we liked this development. Dresses are easy to wear and there are so many that can be dressed up or down depending on your needs. So today is heavy on dresses. I make no apologies.

Here are some things I found this week:

1. lynda maxi dress

There are so many great dresses out right now. This one is so pretty.

It’s $158.

2. madyson smocked blouse

This top is not inexpensive, but it is gorgeous and so pretty for spring and summer.

It’s $138.

3. maeve cassandra maxi dress

I went to Anthropologie with Gulley yesterday and desperately wanted to see this dress in person because a Maeve brand dress has rarely let me down. They didn’t have it but I will continue to ponder this in my heart, also known as waiting for a sale.

This is $158.

4. rainbows in my heart striped top

This is such a cute top and would look great with shorts or jeans. It’s $38.

5. cloth & stone geri plaid maxi dress

I bought this when I was in the store yesterday because it can function as both a dress and a long shirt jacket worn open with jeans. I love almost everything cloth & stone makes because the material is always super soft and easy to wear.

This is on sale for $99.95 plus an extra 25% off all sale.

6. knox rose sleeveless smocked dress

This is such a great warm weather dress. Based on the fact that it was in the 90s here already this week, I’m thinking I’m going to need a lot of good “warm” weather dresses.

It’s $27.99 and also comes in a solid blue.

7. old navy chambray flutter-sleeve swing dress

This is such a cute dress and Old Navy makes the best inexpensive summer dresses. This would look great with sneakers, sandals or even cowboy boots.

It’s $39.99.

8. circus by sam edelman sandals

These are really similar to the much more expensive Tory Burch sandals and these are honestly more comfortable.

They come in a ton of color options and are $59.

9. abercrombie mid rise skinny jeans

I think white jeans are just a summer essential. You can dress them up or down and they make even the simplest top look cute. These are my favorite skinny jeans because they fit like leggings, never stretch out and are super flattering.

They are on sale for $47.40.

10. nike court legacy sneakers

I realize I feature a new pair of sneakers almost every week but it’s because there are so many cute ones out there. I really love these Nikes because they’re the perfect blend of sporty and casual.

They are $59.99.

That’s it for today.

Have a good Friday.

This week on Five Questions – a six-week bonus series of The Big Boo Cast – we’re talking with Elizabeth Passarella, a contributing editor at Southern Living magazine and the author of Good Apple: Tales of a Southern Evangelical in New York. We started this conversation a few weeks ago on Episode 224, so we are delighted to bring you part 2 today. Elizabeth grew up in Memphis, has lived in New York for the last twenty years, and talks to us on this episode about the best Memphis barbecue, the Southern food she misses, and whether or not releasing a new book was what she expected.

We’ll be back later this week with our regular episode – Episode 229 – and then next Monday we’ll have another episode of Five Questions with our beloved literary agent, Lisa Jackson.

Hope y’all enjoy!

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Show Notes:

– Amy Grant & Ellie Holcombe’s song, “A Woman”

– “El Shaddai”

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I realize this is Thursday night, but tomorrow is Good Friday and I typically don’t post Fashion Friday on Good Friday.

But I have spent some time this week looking at clothes online because that’s one of my hobbies, so I thought I’d share a few cute things I’ve found.

1. it’s so simple white top

I do not need another white top, but I really like this one. I’m not thrilled with the resurgence of super high waisted pants but it is what it is. And I like a top like this that gives the illusion of a tuck in without having to actually tuck anything in.

This is $36.

2. riverside daydream lace dress

I’ve been looking for dresses for Caroline online so I can show her what I find and she can tell me why she doesn’t like them. We both agreed we like this one but she doesnt’ need another white dress, however, maybe the teen/twenty-something girl in your life does need this dress and so I wanted to share.

It’s $56.

3. high rise wide leg crop jeans

I have a version of these jeans that I bought last season from Banana Republic and I’ve worn them so much more than I even expected. They would work great with that white top up above.

They are $98.

4. j.crew ankle strap sandals

I think these are the cutest basic sandal for summer and they’re on sale for $29.50.

5. j.crew eyelet shirt dress

This is such a pretty dress that could be dressed up or down. It’s on sale for $59.

It also comes in black or white

6. easy summer flip flops

Love these bright colored flip flops for summer. They come in so many color options and most of them are on sale for just $12.50.

7. tiered mini dress in cotton poplin

This dress is much cuter in person and comes in several colors and patterns.

It’s on sale for $44.50.

8. lightweight cotton shirt

I love these lightweight cotton shirts from J.Crew. Perfect to wear with shorts or jeans or skirts and they’re on sale for $29.50.

9. reece gold small hoop earrings

I think these are the cutest earrings for summer. So bright and fun.

They are $48.

10. double scoop flamingo print pants

These pants look like an upscale version of sweatpants to me. Elastic waist? Check. Nothing that fits too tight? Check. Can wear them with a t-shirt and flip-flops? Check.

They are $28 and come in other colors.

That’s it for today.

Happy Friday and I wish you all a wonderful Easter.