Author: Big Mama

  • Big Boo Cast: Episode 195

    It was about six weeks ago when my friend Karen Howell recommended a show called Somebody Feed Phil on Netflix. Thanks to the pandemic, I had pretty much watched everything else on Netflix and decided to give it a try. And, listen, I’m so glad I did.

    It is the most delightful show and the perfect thing to watch as we watch the world go crazy. Phil Rosenthal is a delight. In each episode he travels to a new location to eat at various restaurants, but – even more importantly – he connects with the people in that city. He leads with love and grace and, frankly, we could use a lot more of that.

    So when Sophie reached out to him and he agreed to be a guest on the podcast, we couldn’t have been more excited. He was everything we hoped he would be and more. So funny and charming. I give this episode all the thumbs up.

    Become a Patron!

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

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

    We’d love for you to subscribe on iTunes, and we’d be honored if you’d leave us a review.

    Show Notes:

    – Lenox Hill on Netflix

    – Phil Rosenthal, Prince Among Men

    – Somebody Feed Phil on Netflix

    – You’re Lucky You’re Funny by Phil Rosenthal

    – The Chris Farley Show sketch

    – Anthony Bourdain

    – Massimo Bottura

    – Chef’s Table Season 1 on Netflix

    – “Earth’s Greatest Hits” on I’ll Have What Phil’s Having

    – Phil Rosenthal / Somebody Feed Phil website – with links to all the places and restaurants he has visited (plus merch!)

    – Century Old Eggs

    Sponsors:

    – School Mask Pack

    – Thrive Market (use this link for a free membership and a free gift of your choosing, worth up to $22)

    – Hydrant (use promo code BIGBOO for 25% off your first order)

  • Fashion Friday: Edition there’s a tropical storm headed our way

    That’s right.

    Tropical Storm Hanna is headed this way this weekend and I’m not even a little mad about it. I will totally take a weekend of rain over more heat. It sounds delightful.

    However, given 2020, there’s a good chance Hanna will die out halfway here and it’ll just be hotter this weekend. This feels like a safe place to rest my hopes and dreams.

    Here are a few cute things I found this week:

    1. fallon eyelet maxi dress

    This gorgeous dress is on sale for $149.95 with an additional 50% off all sale at Anthropologie and free shipping for orders over $50. It also comes in petite and plus sizes and I love this color. I believe it’s the unofficial color of Summer 2020.

    Please note all sale items at Anthro are final sale so proceed accordingly to your commitment level.

    2. abstract joggers

    I featured these joggers in black last week and now they are on sale for $69.95 plus an additional 50% off making them $34. I honestly thought they were worth the original $110 price tag so the $34 price makes them solid gold.

    They are so lightweight and soft. I tried on an XS and it worked, but I’d prefer a small. They do run a little big. I’m normally a 4-6 in pants for reference.

    3. miranda peasant blouse

    I featured this blouse a few weeks ago and now it’s $89.95 plus an additional 50% off. My friend Retha bought it and it looks so great on her.

    It also comes in this blue colorway which is so bright and fun.

    4. gideon scalloped hoop earrings

    I love a simple hoop that has just a little something extra. These are $29.95 plus an additional 50% off.

    5. ae soft & sexy v-neck t-shirt

    I feel like soft & sexy is kind of an overreach for a t-shirt. However, I do own this t-shirt in two colors and it is so comfortable and soft. I wear them as a pajama top some nights and as actual clothing other times.

    They are on sale for $14.99. You should get one in every color. I adore them.

    6. rachel crossbody

    This is such a pretty bag. It’s normally $168 but ABLE has 30% off all leather bags with code BIGBAGSALE at checkout. If you don’t like this one, just look at their site because they have so many other bags in all shapes and sizes.

    But I love this one because you could wear it with different straps according to your outfit and/or mood.

    I love this floral beaded bag strap.

    It’s $38.

    And I also love this geometric bag strap.

    It’s $22.

    7. knox rose eyelet blouse

    This is such a pretty top to help you get through the end of summer. It’s $27.99 and it also comes in navy.

    8. feseidy large hexagon sunglasses

    Listen, are these sunglasses a little dramatic and over the top? Yes. But is 2020 also a little dramatic and over the top? Yes.

    These are $14.99 and I adore them. I love a good pair of cheap sunglasses. All the fun, none of the long-term commitment.

    9. zella slim fleece joggers

    These Zella joggers are a great jogger option. I love that they are a slimmer fit. They are on sale for $24.97.

    10. free people thermal knit tunic top

    Nordstrom Rack has a bunch of Free People stuff on sale. This is $34.97. It’s definitely not a top I’d pay full price for, but it is the perfect top with leggings and boots when the fall gets here. Or you could wear it as a pajama top. Or with joggers and sneakers. This top is your thermal oyster.

    Which sounds kind of gross now that I read it.

    That’s it for today.

    Hope you have a good Friday.

  • Big Boo Cast: Episode 194

    This episode is brought to you by a Twitter wager wherein Sophie and I were able to get over 1,000 likes on a tweet asking if Coach Mike Leach would be a guest on our podcast. As it turns out, sometimes Twitter can be used for good.

    The result is a delightful conversation with Coach Leach about football, which SEC coach would win in a bar fight, his favorite books and some thoughts on bad calls by officials. If you know me at all then you know I brought up DeShazor Everett and that wrongful targeting call back in 2013. I will never let it go.

    We hope you enjoy because we sure did.

    Become a Patron!

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

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

    We’d love for you to subscribe on iTunes, and we’d be honored if you’d leave us a review.

    Show Notes:

    – Coach Fran

    – Nick “Lou” Saban

    – Coach Mike Leach

    – The video that made Sophie clap her hands when Coach Leach was named head football coach at Mississippi State

    – Melanie predicted Coach Leach’s hiring (go to 47:23 in the episode)

    – The tweet that brought Coach Leach to the podcast

    – The very strange Egg Bowl ending that set the wheels in motion for Lane Kiffin and Mike Leach to move to Mississippi colleges

    – The Texas Tech / Texas game that Coach Leach remembers very fondly

    – “Texas Back in 1880”

    – Melanie’s Deshazor Everett heartache

    – The Last Dance

    – Michael Lewis

    – Bill Bryson – The Lost Continent

    – Henry Crumpton – The Art of Intelligence

    – Operation Odessa (not for the children, and a little racy at the beginning, but Melanie says it’s fascinating)

    – Narcos (again, not for the children, but again, Melanie and P are fans)

    – Swing Your Sword by Mike Leach

    – Geronimo: Leadership Strategies of an American Warrior by Mike Leach

    Sponsors:

    – Magic Spoon (promo code BIGBOO for free shipping)

    – Native (promo code BIGBOO for 20% off your first order)

    – Best Fiends (download from the Apple App Store or Google Play)

  • Fashion Friday: Edition I’ve been to Alabama and back this week

    So I took a little trip this week for the first time in forever. Like I actually got on an airplane and flew to Dallas and then Birmingham. And you know what? It was fine. Everyone wore their masks and they handed us anti-bacterial wipes as we boarded the plane and I had a lovely time in Alabama with Sophie.

    And now I’m back home where I will be for the indefinite future and maybe forever at this point.

    But just in case we all ever leave the house on a regular basis again, here are some cute things I found this week:

    1. kork-ease woven clog sandals

    I love a clog. In fact, I vividly remember owning a pair of clogs when I was in Kindergarten and they were my favorite shoes even though it was impossible to ride a Big Wheel while wearing them.

    Ever since then, I have owned clogs off and on. They are great except the part where sometimes your foot slips out and you hit the arch of your foot on the wooden part. But look at these with the wooden heel of a clog and the strap that allows you to walk safely.

    These are normally $109.95 but there’s an extra 25% off sale stuff at Anthropologie right now.

    2. j.crew tie back tank top

    I love these tie back tanks from J.Crew. You can wear them loose or you can knot them in the back to make them more fitted.

    They are normally $26.50 but you can get 50% off with code GREAT at checkout which makes them $13.25 and they come in several color options. It’s a great basic.

    3. layered coin pendant necklace

    I like a layered necklace because it’s such an easy way to elevate a basic outfit.

    This one is on sale for $39.95 plus an extra 25% off.

    4. free people hanalei bay dress

    This is really everything I love in a dress. It’s bright, it’s flowy and it’s a great length.

    It’s just $49.97 and reviews say you should order a size down which is usually true for most Free People stuff.

    5. abstract joggers

    Sophie and I went in Anthropologie and let me tell you that these are the softest, cutest joggers. You could dress them up or down and they truly feel like pajama pants. They are a great way to achieve elevated housebound chic.

    They are $110 but I’ll bet they go on sale. And they run a little big so you might want to size down.

    6. universal thread sleeveless tiered tank dress

    Target is killing it with the dresses this summer. This is great and just $24.99. It also comes in teal and a burgundy color. They would be a great transition to fall item.

    7. j.crew tiered midi dress

    J.Crew has a huge summer sale going on right now. This dress is normally $138 but 50% off with code GREAT and I think it’s so pretty and feminine.

    8. old navy linen blend shift dress

    It is hard for me to pass up a basic shift dress because it’s just such an easy piece to wear and requires little to no thought. This is on sale for $25.

    9. j.crew sleeveless tiered popover striped dress

    This is another great J.Crew sale find. It’s normally $118 but 50% off with code GREAT.

    10. face mask chain

    You can file “face mask chain” under things I didn’t have on my 2020 Bingo card, but here we are. If we’re all going to be wearing face masks for a while, especially kids and teachers, then this is a great way to make sure they aren’t constantly being dropped on the ground or being shoved in a filthy little pants pocket. I personally dropped my mask in a parking lot the other day and then had to pick it up and put it on my face so I could go in the grocery store. I’m not going to lie and tell you that felt sanitary.

    This beaded version is $7.

    And then there is the fancier face mask gold chain for a more sophisticated look.

    This one is $17 and also comes in silver.

    That’s it for today.

    Have a good Friday.

  • Fashion Friday: Edition we’re having a bit of a heat wave

    I got in my car yesterday and the temp read 133 degrees.

    ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-THREE DEGREES.

    Is that probably a bit of an exaggeration? Yes. But did it feel like it was 133 degrees outside? Yes.

    Our weathermen are saying we may break 100 year old heat records over the next few days to which I say READ THE ROOM, WEATHER. We are wearing masks, we can’t go sit in a movie theater which is really the best summer activity, and now we can’t even enjoy a walk outside without bursting into flames.

    2020. I quit you.

    Here are some cute things I found this week:

    1. jacaranda tiered maxi dress

    I showed this dress on Instagram a few weeks ago and now it’s on sale for $149.95 plus there’s an extra 25% off all sale at Anthropologie right now. I think this is so pretty and the dark color would help it transition into fall.

    2. romance textured tee

    We have a Sundance store here in town now and I hadn’t been in yet because there’s been a pandemic. But I went in there this week just to look around and saw this top. It’s $88 and such a great elevated basic. It also comes in olive or a light gray.

    3. arabella eyelet top

    This is such a great summer top and it’s on sale for $39.95 plus an extra 25% off all sale at Anthropologie. It would be perfect with shorts or jeans.

    4. lawrence waterproof raincoat

    I have always loved a Boden raincoat and this one is on sale for $71.99 It comes in several other patterns and colors in case this blue isn’t your style.

    5. universal thread tank top

    I was in Target this week and bought this tank in white. I love the scoop neck and the wider straps because you can wear a normal bra and not worry about it. Plus, the material is a little bit thicker so it just looks nicer.

    It’s $12.99 and appears to be almost sold out in solid colors online, but I love this stripe. I’d size up one if you don’t want it to be tight.

    6. elsabet top handle crossbody bag

    So I’ve been watching Anne with an E on Netflix and a new teacher named Mrs. Stacy came to Avonlea a few episodes ago. She’s a wonderful teacher and so much better than terrible Mr. Phillips, but really stood out to me is this great leather bag she carries. In fact, I’m a little obsessed with it so I did a search and found this which is a modern day version.

    It’s $179 but they have 20% off for first time customers and free shipping and free returns. Just in case you’re in the market for a really pretty leather bag.

    7. ferbia crochet top

    I ordered this from Amazon last week and was skeptical, but I have to tell you it is so cute and so soft and the bell sleeves are perfection. It’s really a great lightweight sweater but you will need something underneath. It comes in several color options and you can pull that drawstring in front to make it shorter or longer depending on your preference. I ordered it in a medium and that’s a good fit for me.

    It’s $28.88.

    8. universal thread t-shirt dress

    I have this dress in a charcoal gray but saw this stripe version in Target and it’s so pretty. It’s more of a cream and blush stripe in person and just $15.

    9. billabong sunburnt sky maxi kimono

    You know I love anything reminiscent of a 70’s vibe and this kimono fits. I love the colors and the pattern. It could also easily transition to every season. It’s $69.95 and I would bet it’s going to go fast.

    10. sleeveless tiered ruffle dress

    This is such a pretty dress and now it comes in this bright yellow. And it just feels like 2020 could use some bright yellow. It’s $34.99.

    That’s it for today.

    Stay cool.

    I don’t mean that metaphorically in a slang Arthur Fonzarelli type way. I mean, literally, please stay cool. It’s hot out there.

    Have a good Friday.

  • Big Boo Cast: Episode 192

    In this week’s episode, we discuss Hamilton, Somebody Feed Phil (again), and my unfortunate encounter with a snake in a toilet. So, you know, the usual.

    Become a Patron!

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

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

    We’d love for you to subscribe on iTunes, and we’d be honored if you’d leave us a review.

    Show Notes:

    – Stand All the Way Up

    – Nobody’s Cuter Than You

    – Hamilton on Disney+

    – Chris Jackson

    – Daveed Diggs

    – Leslie Odom, Jr.

    – Philippa Soo

    – Somebody Feed Phil

    – Phil Rosenthal on Instagram

    – Anne with an E

    – David Foster: Off the Record (just FYI – lots of language)

    – Phil Rosenthal’s PBS show

    – Loose maxi dress with so many color options

    – Loose maxi dress with lots of size options

    – Target Stars Above pajamas

    – Secret Treasures pajama shorts (you can’t buy separately online)

    – The Heir Affair (we’ve waited SO LONG for this one!)

    – Cica face cream

    Sponsors:

    – Best Fiends (download in the Apple app store or on Google Play) (IT IS SO FUN)

    – Prose (promo code BIGBOO for your free in-depth hair quiz and 15% off your first order)

    – Magic Spoon (promo code BIGBOO for free shipping)