Diary

  • Fashion Friday: Edition it’s been a full week

    Y’all.

    It has been a week around here. We’ve had a lot going on and I’ll tell you all about it next week. It’s just been one of those weeks where I kept thinking I was going to have time to write and then it just never happened.

    Anyway, here’s a quick Mother’s Day gift idea just in case you need one. I believe that my love of all things Hummingbird Farms lavender is well-documented at this point.

    Hummingbird Farms is running a Mother’s Day Special through May 15.

    Their gift boxes (you can see all the gift box options here) are normally priced at $75 but with the following codes, they are only $59 + free shipping (and an additional $5 in savings when you buy two):

    (Enter codes in ALL CAPS)

    MAMA16 for one gift box and save $16
    -or-
    2MAMA37 for two boxes going to same address and save $37

    FREE SHIPPING AND EACH GIFT BOX WILL ARRIVE WITH A HANDWRITTEN NOTE FROM YOU.

    And now here are some cute things I found this week.

    1. hadley dress

    I love casual dresses like this for the summer and the stripes on this one make it fun. It’s $34.95.

    2. bsubeach kaftan

    Gulley and I have decided that we are going to embrace the kaftan for the summer. It’s the perfect thing to wear around the house or to throw on as a swimsuit coverup. And so we found these kaftans on Amazon that we believe are good starter kaftans since they’re just $22.99.

    They come in several pattern and color options. And there aren’t many items of clothing that will cause you to sing, “Come and knock on our door. We’ve been waiting for you…”

    via GIPHY

    3. superga gingham sneakers

    Urban Outfitters has all their shoes on sale for 50% off right now and these darling gingham sneakers are just $44.

    Gingham is huge right now. It’s basically the 2017 kale of the fashion world.

    4. linen twist pool slide

    I have the striped version of these which are right below and I love them so much that I ordered this neutral linen pair, too. They are on sale for $19.99 and so comfortable and cute. I normally wear an 8 1/2 and ordered a 9. I definitely recommending sizing up.

    These are the striped bow pool slides.

    They are also on sale for $19.99.

    5. j.crew navy gingham classic boy-fit button-down

    See? Gingham. This shirt is on sale for $28 and would be so cute with white jeans or shorts for the summer. Personally, I’d wear it tied at the waist because that’s a trend I’ve never gotten tired of.

    6. the wren blouse

    Love this cute striped blouse with the ruffled sleeves. I like that they are ruffled, but yet not too precious looking. This is $57.

    7. kork ease santa ana platform mule

    These are pricey. I’m not going to lie. But I saw them this week and can’t quit thinking about them. Kork-Ease shoes are so comfortable and I love the idea of a platform mule that doesn’t make me want to cut my feet off by the end of the day.

    8. halogen linen blend cardigan

    So is it just me or has spring been a little chillier than usual? Like maybe we need to power spring down and then try to reboot it in ten minutes to see if that helps?

    All that to say, I’ve found myself needing a light sweater pretty much every day when I leave my house and I love this linen blend one. It’s great over a dress, with jeans and a t-shirt or even more dressed up for the office. It comes in a ton of color options and is $68.

    9. sarah skinny jeans

    Someone emailed yesterday and asked about a good pair of white jeans. I love the Hue leggings that I featured last week, but if you’re looking for an actual jean then you might try these. They are $64 and have really good reviews.

    10. loft striped square neck blouse

    Loft has 40% off everything right now and I love this striped square neck top. Mainly, I think I just love the sleeves. And the stripes.

    I also like this loft striped peplum tee if you’re looking for more of a t-shirt type situation.

    That’s it for today.

    Have a good Friday.

  • Fashion Friday: Edition headed to Aggieland

    That’s right.

    I’m so excited because I’m picking Caroline up after school and we’re headed straight to College Station with Gulley and her family for the maroon and white game on Saturday, which is the Texas A&M spring football game. It will essentially help us survive these long, torturous months before college football starts up again. Plus it will just be fun to hang out with friends and drink wine and eat brownies, basically all my favorite Bryan/College Station things.

    Gulley and I were so bummed that we couldn’t get to College Station over Spring Break because of all the kids’ activities and this felt like our chance to go, so this is essentially our break after Spring Break.

    Here are some cute things I found this week:

    1. splendid felix platform wedge sandal

    I don’t want to exaggerate but these might be the cutest wedges I’ve ever seen. Look at that patterned heel! They come in several color options and not all of them have that detail on the heel, but it’s the very best part in my opinion.

    2. sanctuary hayden eyelet tee

    This darling tee is $59 but it has a tie! And it’s eyelet! And you could wear it all summer long with just about anything! It also comes in washed papaya which I believe is a fancy way of saying light peach.

    3. bp hoop earrings

    I have these and they are my new everyday earring. They are $10 because I am very fancy. And they also come in silver. They’re a little larger than your average hoop, but I actually like that about them.

    4. harem leg cami jumpsuit

    I bought this for myself a couple of weeks ago and I love it. I’ve worn it with a t-shirt under it and a tank top under it. It feels like wearing pajamas and it’s just $17. For size reference, I got the small and there is plenty of room. I’d say sizes 2-6 for a small and then you can go up to a medium, but it definitely runs big.

    5. pleione short sleeve kim blouse

    This is the short sleeve version of the tunic type tops that I wear during the winter and fall. They come in several color and pattern options and are just $29.97. They can be dressed down with a pair of shorts or dressed up with a nice pair of pants, jeans or even a skirt.

    6. sole society sarafina bag

    I think this bag is really cute and it’s just $59.95. It also comes in a light gray that I think is equally pretty. It just depends on what your current bag needs happen to be.

    7. free people oversized embroidered tunic

    I saw this darling tunic and I am never one to resist a good Free People tunic. This was originally $168 but is temporarily on sale for $83.99 at Macy’s. The reviews say it runs big so I’d definitely size down. It also comes in terra-cotta which is actually burnt orange. You aren’t fooling me, Free People.

    8. sanctuary artisan peasant blouse

    This is $89 and also comes in black. I think it’s so pretty. Look at the sleeve detail!

    It’s another top that could be dressed up or down depending on your preference.

    9. hue selvedge edge denim leggings

    I know I featured these before but they are so good that it’s worth mentioning again. They feel just like jeans and they even have back pockets, but they are stretchy and soft like leggings. And they’re just $48 which is substantially less than you’d have to pay for a great fitting pair of white jeans. I love that I can wear them multiple times (assuming I don’t get the white dirty) and they never lose their shape or bag out at the knees.

    As for sizing, I would say they are true to size. I normally wear a 4 in pants and the small fits me perfectly.

    They all have these hue split hem denim leggings

    They are $36 and come in a bunch of color options. They also have plus sizes. I’m telling you, these are worth trying.

    10. striped mix media shirt

    Loft is currently offering 30% off tops and sweaters with an additional 10% off if you buy three or more. These are the three I think I love the most.

    The first one is $44.50 plus the extra 30% off.

    Secondly, this lacy striped flutter shell

    I think this is darling. It’s $54.50 plus an extra 30% off.

    Third, I love this lacy shirred split blouse

    It’s so pretty and crisp. It’s $59.50.

    And, finally, these aren’t on sale but I plan to buy them as soon as they are. Look at these loft beach floral cropped pants

    .

    They are $69.50, but I think they are the cutest things. They are listed in the swimwear section so I’m assuming they would work well for wearing around town or as a swimsuit coverup. Either way. They are just bright and fun.

    That’s it for today.

    Have a good Friday.

  • Everyday Holy

    So I have a new book out today.

    And it’s weird because I keep forgetting about it. I’m not sure why. Maybe it’s because I feel like I was just doing all this with Church of the Small Things and now here I am again. Or maybe it’s because it’s mid-April and we’re just in that crazy downhill run to the end of the school year. Or maybe it’s because Cardi B. is pregnant and I’m just focusing on that.

    I don’t think it’s that last thing.

    Although Caroline told us at dinner last night that some of her friends were arguing on Snapchat about some stuff and P and I decided to do a deeper dive into that statement and asked, “What are they arguing about?” And she replied, “Oh, you know, like celebrity pregnancies and stuff.”

    I believe the children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way.

    Anyway, Everyday Holy is different from my other books because it’s a 100 day devotional. When I started writing it, I thought it would essentially be like writing 100 blog posts. How hard could that be?

    Let me tell you the answer. It was very hard.

    But you know what it taught me to do? To look for God in all the ordinary, mundane day-to-day places of real life. That has really been the theme and the challenge God led me to as I wrote Church of the Small Things and it continued on into Everyday Holy. It has challenged me and it has changed me. It’s taught me that the biggest thing God calls us to do in this life is to look for him right where we are, instead of always waiting for that elusive next thing. He has each of us where we are for a reason and a purpose.

    As for the cover, I want to show you the original inspiration. My friend and artist, Heather Gauthier, painted this piece and named it “Richard’s Third Espresso”.

    I have this print of it sitting on my mantle because it makes me laugh every time I see it. And when we began to discuss the cover of the devotional, I was struggling with what it should look like. I mean, it’s a devotional book. Does that mean it needs to have like praying hands and a peaceful riverside scene on the front? Maybe a waterfall?

    So I sent them this picture of Richard and said, “Hey, I know this is random but I really love this guy” and they sent me back a prototype of what became the cover, featuring Richard front and center. I could not love it more.

    I feel like Richard is all of us. Life has him a little frazzled. Maybe even a tad freaked out. He needs that third espresso even though he knows that much caffeine is bad for him. And he’s got that one feather that won’t stay down no matter what products he uses.

    And here are a few sample pictures from the inside just so you can get a feel for how much it’s basically like something Oswald Chambers would have written.

    All that to say, I love this book. I realize I’m biased because I wrote it, but I’m really proud of how it came together and I know that God was in it every step of the way because otherwise I would’ve just watched Netflix.

    My hope is that it will make you think, make you laugh, and draw you closer to the God who loves to see us do both of those things every day. It would also make a great Mother’s Day or graduation gift because Richard is all about celebrating special occasions.

    The general average price point right now seems to be $12.32 (because apparently no one likes to end with a five or a zero anymore like God intended) and I don’t know how long that will last. The original price is $17.99 but we really wanted to offer it at a discount right from the beginning and someone actually listened to us.

    You can find it here on Amazon, here on Barnes & Noble, here at LifeWay, here at Faith Gateway, and here at Target.

    You can also find it inside actual bookstores if you are a person who still walks in a bookstore.

    Thank you so much for your support for Everyday Holy and please spread the word, write an online review if you feel so led and just know that I am so thankful for every bit of it.

    With much love and three espressos,

    Melanie

  • The Big Boo Cast, Episode 101

    That’s right. Episode 101. At the rate we’ll be at 200 by the year 2030.

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

    You can also listen on Stitcher or Google Play.

    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.

    Here’s where you can get more info on the stuff / products / places we mention:

    The Popcast Live in Dallas on May 5th (Melanie will be there!)

    The Happy Hour Live in Austin on May 5th (Sophie will be there!)

    Victoria Secret’s (comfortable!) strapless bra

    Bobeau Two-Pocket Cardigan

    Fashionable Rosario Flutter-Sleeve Jumpsuit

    Sophie’s new favorite dress (The Katy from Universal Standard – sizes 10-28 – and the fabric is SO GOOD)

    What Remains by Caroline Radziwill

    Everyday Holy – a new devotional book by our very own Melanie

    Collagen Powder Peptides 16oz Unflavored Hydrolyzed Collagen Grass-Fed Non-GMO Kosher Easy Mix Drink

    The Health Genie on Instagram

    Our new Big Boo Cast t-shirts from Milk and Honey Tees!

  • Fashion Friday: Edition I looked up and it’s April

    It feels like every year that once Spring Break is over that the time just flies by and apparently this year is no different because I can’t believe it’s April. We can basically start counting down the weeks until summer without feeling depressed about it being too far away. Although I guess we all have to survive May first and that is never an easy feat, but maybe some shopping will help.

    Here are some cute things I found this week:

    1. steve madden kirsten layered platform sandal

    My friend Jamie had on some sandals very similar to these on Easter and I thought they were so cute and she says they are super comfortable. Steve Madden actually has several colors and variations of these and even though they’re $89.95, they are still a lot less than the Ugg version I originally loved.

    I also like these Mia Calla platform sandals if you’re looking for something similar but a little less. They are $59.95, come in several color options and have all five star reviews.

    2. rosario flutter sleeve jumpsuit

    I saw Jamie Ivey wearing this on Instagram the other day and texted her immediately to ask if it was as cute as it appeared to be. She said yes and so I ordered immediately. It’s on sale for $78 and also comes in red. It is the most comfortable thing ever and very flattering. Just for size reference, I’m usually a 4 and the small fits great so I’d say it’s true to size but also has some stretch so it’s forgiving.

    I also love this sleeveless rosario jumpsuit if you want more a summer look. It also comes in red.

    Sadly, it’s not on sale but since it’s an Able product you can feel good about your purchase because your money is going to support a good cause.

    3. sirena ruffle dress

    Love the colors in this dress and think it would be cute dressed up or down. You could even throw a jacket on over it for the office.

    4. stonehenge drops

    These are so pretty and turquoise jewelry is my weakness. But they also come in several colors and are $32.

    While we’re talking jewelry, I really like this aimee layered y-chain necklace for summer. It would be something you could wear with just a simple v-neck t-shirt and dress it up.

    It’s $48 but you can get 15% off and free shipping if it’s your first Baublebar purchase.

    5. ae soft overalls

    Listen. I realize these aren’t for everyone. But they came up on my Facebook feed which just confirms that Facebook knows way too much about us because I was drawn to them immediately. They look so comfortable and I think they’d be cute with a tank or tee under them with sandals. They are on sale for $37.46.

    6. striped topper

    A few of you asked about the sweater I had on at Easter. It’s several years old, but came from Blue Door Boutique so I looked to see if they had anything similar in stock. Sadly, they don’t.

    But they do have this really cute striped topper that’s on sale for just $11.50. It would look so cute over all white for summer and would transition nicely into the fall.

    7. cloth + stone plaid swing tunic

    I’ve loved this shirt for a while and now it’s on sale for $41.97 because Anthropologie has 40% off all sale items right now. There’s also a blue and red plaid version. I love them both equally but am leaning toward the gray right now.

    8. j.crew chambray faux wrap dress

    J.Crew Factory is offering a buy 1, get 1 free with code FREESTUFF at checkout. I think this chambray dress is really pretty and could be a really versatile item in your closet. There’s a printed version too that is cute, but I tend to lean toward solid colors. I can totally see this with a great pair of wedges and fun earrings.

    And if you need something else to get free, I love this j.crew printed tie waist shirt to wear with shorts or jeans or a denim skirt.

    It also comes in black & white gingham and a coral print with elephants.

    9. birkenstock essentials arizona slide sandals

    I’ve featured these every summer since I discovered them a few years ago because they are the greatest thing for summer. They’re Birkenstocks made out of material that is similar to a Croc. We call them Birkencrocs at our house and feel good about that. But they are seriously so great for the pool, the lake, the beach or wherever you may find yourself in water.

    They are $39.95 and come in a bunch of colors.

    10. tassel tie neck cut out detail dress

    I saw this on Shein and think it’s really cute. I’ve ordered several things from them now and have had good luck with all of them. I’d definitely size up one size though because most of it seems to run small. This dress is just $30 and the medium size is 35.4 inches long to give you an idea of if you’d think it’s long enough for you. Otherwise, it could work as a tunic over a pair of skinny jeans with wedges.

    That’s it for today.

    Have a good Friday.

  • For lack of a better title, here are five things I want to share

    The good news is it rained last night and the oak pollen appears to be temporarily defeated because I can actually breathe and my eyes aren’t watering.

    The bad news is the thunderstorm came through while we were sitting in metal bleachers at the high school watching a soccer playoff game. Not necessarily the place you want to be when a lightning storm hits.

    And we’d left Piper and Mabel in the backyard while we were at the game, so they were none to pleased with us when we got home and they’d had to find shelter on the back porch instead of under the bed which is their preferred thunderstorm location.

    Mabel wrote a haiku about it:

    Thunder and lightning
    Left outside on this dark night
    I will now shun you

    Here are a few things I wanted to share today that I think you might want to know about.

    1. An excerpt from Everyday Holy in MTL Magazine – The Glory in Our Midst

    This is an excerpt from Everyday Holy that I thought you might want to read. I still can’t believe I wrote a 100 day devotional. In fact, I was thinking that in high school I could’ve been voted Most Likely To Never Write a Devotional Book. Life is funny.

    Just a reminder that it comes out on Tuesday, April 10th, but if you pre-order before that day you can get a matching journal. It’s a little confusing, but just follow this handy tutorial.

    A. Go order Everyday Holy from your favorite online retailer. It’s lovely in person and a hardcover book for just $12.32 and it would make a great gift for graduation or Mother’s Day.

    You can find it here on Amazon, here at Barnes & Noble, or go to the Everyday Holy book page to see all your other online options.

    B. After you order, go to the Everyday Holy book page and fill out the form on the bottom of that page. Make sure you fill out all the information correctly. You have to fill out the form to get the journal.

    C. In the section of the form that asks for your receipt number, please enter your receipt and/or order number. Then, if you ordered multiple copies and would like to receive multiple free journals, put the total number you ordered in parentheses after your receipt/order number.

    D. The journals won’t be ready until a week or so after you get your devotional so don’t panic if you don’t receive one at the same time. It will ship separately.

    E. Thank you so much for spreading the word and buying it!

    2. Advice to writers by Joanna Puccini

    I get so many emails from aspiring writers asking for advice or how to get started. This article written by literary agent, Joanna Puccini, is about the most comprehensive guide to the writing and publishing process that I’ve ever read. I found it very informative and thought some of you might enjoy it if you’re interested in this sort of thing.

    3. When Life Grabs You by the Baseballs: Finding Happiness in Life’s Changeups by Jon Peters

    My friend Jon Peters has written a fabulous book about his life. We became great friends while we were both at Texas A&M and I’m so proud of him. He is the national record holder for the most consecutive wins by a high school picture and the first high school baseball player to be on the cover of Sports Illustrated. The book is about his life in baseball and his struggles after his dreams collapsed.

    I tend to recommend so many books that are more for women because, well, that’s what I read. But this would be a great one for any aspiring athlete, man or sports fan in your life. I really enjoyed it.

    4. lucid wrinkle resistant microfiber sheet set

    I bought these sheets from Overstock on a whim because we needed new sheets and figured I’d take a risk. I was skeptical because there are few people on earth who are pickier about sheet softness than me. I am high maintenance and do not even come at me with some sheets that get pilled after three washes. But these are incredibly soft and have held up really well so far. I highly recommend them.

    They’re on sale and just $45 for a king size set which is a bargain.

    5. Thoughts on soccer from Caroline, age 6

    I was looking through old videos in a fit of nostalgia because I just signed this baby up for Driver’s Ed and what has happened. But this video made me laugh. Some things never change, such as her love of soccer, winning, ability to be easily distracted and that I don’t know as much as her dad.

    Thoughts on Soccer from Big Mama on Vimeo.

    Also, I still have to remind her that her cleats only need to be worn on the soccer field if she wants them to last. Of course, back then, I had to tell her that because she wanted to wear them to first grade.

    Happy Wednesday. Keep it cool, guys.