Diary

It’s Labor Day weekend, it’s September and, as I’m typing this there is college football on my television. It’s officially my favorite time of the year. We can start at least thinking about sweaters and boots and days that don’t feel like we live on the sun.

1. v-neck sweater vest

Sweater vests are a big fall trend and I really love this one. It’s a great length with higher waisted pants and a good slouchy fit.

It’s only $17.99 and it also comes in black and light beige.

2. gathered sleeve jacket

Structured menswear is another fall trend. I have always loved a blazer and this one is such a great fit and color. I really like the gathered sleeves, so much simpler than trying to figure out the cuff situation.

This is $49.99.

3. vince camuto satin blouse

This top is so pretty and I love this royal blue.

It’s $79. It also comes in ivory.

4. smocked sweetheart blouse

I have been searching for all manner of maroon clothing because Aggie football. This top is so pretty and feminine.

It’s $80.

5. dolce vita chelsea boots

Sophie bought these Chelsea boots last year and I really wanted them but couldn’t justify another pair of boots at that juncture. Now they are on sale for $89.97.

Chelsea boots are still as in style as ever so consider this purchase justified.

6. hunter short nebula rain boots

I’ve been looking at rain boots because Caroline is definitely going to need a pair for walking on campus this fall. I love this shorter version of Hunter boots.

They are on sale for $79.97. They also come in blue or white.

7. frye Melissa button inside zip leather boots

I bought these at the end of last winter when I saw them on sale because they were such a good deal. And, here’s a tip, I took them to the shoe repair place to get lug soles put on them because I wanted them to look a little more rugged and be more versatile.

They are normally $378 but are on sale for $149.97. Frye boots are such a great investment and will last forever.

8. make it your own black midi dress

I’m always looking for things that transition to fall but can still be worn when it’s hot. I love this black midi dress. It would look so cute with boots or booties.

It’s $55.

9. Preston top

In my search for maroon items, I found this cute little top. It also comes in an orange color if you happen to cheer for another school who won’t be named.

It’s $44.99.

10. perfect record knit maxi dress

This just looks cute and comfortable. I’m a fan of both of those things.

It’s $48 and it comes in several color options.

That’s it for today.

Have a good Friday.

BTHO Kent State.

Listen. I have lived a thousand lives since this time last week.

I packed Caroline up for college, we moved her in her dorm and then we left her there. Like she’s a grown up or something. It’s the most surreal feeling in the world.

But she is so happy which makes it hard to be sad.

And when I do feel sad, it always helps to shop.

Here are some cute things I found this week:

1. dazzling sights multi print romper

I don’t know that I would wear this because I’m at that age where I’m not sure I can pull it off, but it is so cute that I had to share it. Someone younger than me needs to buy this and wear this so I can live vicariously through you.

It’s $68.

2. boho turquoise layering necklace

I love layering a lot of necklaces and this one is a great addition to my other layers. And it’s just $4.66.

Will it last forever? Probably not.

But it’s FOUR DOLLARS AND SIXTY-SIX CENTS.

3. Carlie clogs

As we continue to ponder clogs for the fall, I submit these. I think they are really cute and the lining makes them cozy.

They are $99.95 and also come in black or gray suede.

4. sojourner boots

I saw these boots in the Sundance catalog and audibly gasped. They are so dang cute and such a great multi-purpose boot for fall and winter. I love the suede, the heel and the little bit of western vibe.

They are $198.

5. on the way blush color block sweater

It’s hard to think about sweaters right now, but this one is so pretty. I love the color block with these colors.

It’s $46.

6. lost in the stars burgundy sweater

I was at Honey’s house this week and we saw a commercial where a girl had on a maroon sweater with stars and we agreed it would be so cute for Aggie football games. So we did a little Internet search and found this one.

It’s $44.

7. dolce vita textured block heel mule

Mules and clogs. These are the shoes for fall. These are on sale for $44.97 and super cute.

They also come in an ivory or black color.

8. plaid ruffled short sleeve tunic shirt

This is the time of year where I look for cute maroon options for Aggie football weekends. This is really cute and just $17.97.

It also comes in a navy and red plaid if that’s more your style.

9. evereve france ave blazer

Okay, I love the layered look but sometimes I don’t want to have to put in the work to figure out the layers. Look how cute this blazer is with a built-in hoodie. Love it for a casual look with jeans and sneakers.

It’s $148 and you can always zip out the hoodie if you want it to be a little dressier so it’s versatile.

10. layered v-neck vest

Speaking of layers, I also love this. I don’t want to figure out a button-down/sweater vest combo, but I love the way it looks. This is basically like Garanimals layering.

It’s $120.

That’s it for today.

Have a good Friday.

Basically we still have to finish packing all of Caroline’s stuff and I’m totally procrastinating by posting this in the first place. We’re leaving for College Station tomorrow and I have a checklist a mile long because it keeps my mind off what’s really happening. Denial is a helluva drug.

Here are some cute things I found this week:

1. pilcro plaid tunic blouse

I love this pilcro plaid tunics. Such a great transition piece to fall.

They’re $120 and come in several color options.

2. Maeve textured open-back tunic blouse

This is a darling white tunic that would be so versatile.

It’s on sale for $69.95 plus an extra 25% off all sale at Anthropologie.

3. sweaty rocks plaid button down shirt

Plaid shirt, specifically oversize plaid shirts worn open, are going to be a big fall trend. These Amazon ones are priced right at $13.99 to $29.99 depending on the color and there are so many color options.

4. culver city clogs

I’ve mentioned clogs a lot recently because they are a big shoe trend for the fall. Different places have them at different price points, but I really loves these Free People ones. This camel color is so pretty.

These are $168.

5. a new day crewneck tank sweater vest

This sweater vest is a great piece for fall in the south. You can wear it with jeans or skirts and it’s $20.

6. Sorel 1964 leather lace up duck boots

There’s a flash sale on Sorel at Nordstrom Rack right now that only lasts two days. I have these and wear them all the time on cold, rainy winter days.

They are on sale for $89.97 and normally $170.

7. enchanted gardens black floral top

This is such a pretty top that could be dressed up or down. It’s just $52.

8. wishes coming true wrap blouse

This top would be so cute with a pair of high waisted jeans. It’s $38.

9. the carrie dress

I love a good basic black dress that can be worn for all manner of occasions. This one is really cute and it’s $98.

10. nike break sneakers

I love these retro Nike sneakers. They come in a bunch of color options and are just a great lifestyle sneaker that you could wear with dresses, sweats, jeans, whatever.

They are $90.

That’s it for today.

Have a good Friday.

It is officially the point in August where I am dying to clean out closets and get rid of all the things I didn’t wear this summer. It’s kind of stupid at this point because there are at least two more months of heat, but the seasons are about to change and I can’t wait on the weather to do the same.

Once kids go back to school, I get in fall mode.

Yesterday, we started by cleaning out Caroline’s closet. I knew it was something we needed to do before she packs up and leaves for college and I was eager to begin. We made piles of things to take to school, things to leave at home and things to get rid of and/or give away. It was very satisfying, except for the part where we got rid of things that still had price tags and/or were only worn one time even though she loved them in the dressing room and vowed she would wear them always.

But who am I to judge? I do the same thing even though I am much better now than I used to be. I had to have a hard talk with myself and admit that I just don’t get dressed up very often these days. Yet, I still really like cute clothes. Maybe this year will be different.

Here are some cute things I found this week:

1. promise me this dark blue floral dress

I saw this and immediately decided I want to start dressing cute again on a more regular basis. I love the colors in this dress and it’s such a perfect transition to fall piece.

It’s $72.

2. loud and clear satin blouse

This is such a pretty top and could be worn with jeans or pants or skirt for the office. It’s $47. It comes in several other colors but we all know I tend to gravitate to white.

3. free people Arden extra long cotton top

I have this shirt in two colors and it is a staple for me. It’s the perfect top to wear with leggings and sneakers. It runs super big so I’d suggest sizing down. I wear an XS and it’s plenty big.

It’s $58. It comes in a bunch of colors but I adore this blue.

4. quay gradient cat eye sunglasses

These are the cutest sunglasses. I love a cat eye.

They are $55.

5. puffed sleeve dress

This is such a cute dress. I love the v-neck and I love the tie at the waist. It’s perfect for fall and would look so cute with boots or booties.

It’s $59.99 and it also comes in solid green.

6. amazon essentials women’s studio open-back t-shirt

This is such a great workout top. It’s great with leggings because it covers your assets if you get what I’m saying.

It’s just $12.90 and comes in several color options. I’d size up if you want it a little oversized.

7. Ziggy denim overalls

It’s no secret that I love overalls and these Free People ones are so cute. I love this black color for fall because it’s different than the usual. They would be so cute with a white top and brown boots.

They are $98 and come in several color options.

8. allie + bess game day stacks

I love my Allie + Bess bracelets and I never leave home without some combination of them on if I’m dressed up. They have a new game day version and I promise your school colors are represented in some form or fashion.

You can get 10% off with code GAMEDAY10.

9. embroidered straight pants

I think these are the cutest. They would be so cute with a shirt tied at the waist or a cropped sweater.

They are $148.

10. babydoll tunic blouse

I love a white top. And I love a tunic. So of course I love this. It’s just so versatile and could be worn with so many different things.

It’s $120.

That’s it for today.

Have a good Friday.

I’ve had this week marked on my calendar all summer and knew it was going to be a busy one. Texas A&M has two different optional freshman orientation camps and Caroline decided to go to both of them within the same week. So we left here last Sunday and I drove her to Impact Retreat outside of Waco and dropped her off then drove back home.

Then yesterday I drove back to pick her up and we’re basically home for less than 24 hours and then are driving to College Station for her Fish Camp drop off. All that to say, I have had a lot of time to listen to various podcasts and such. And of course I found some time to look around online to see if there was anything cute to be found.

You know there was.

Here are some things I found this week. Let us all celebrate that we can at least start thinking about fall clothing.

1. ruffled eyelet top

I love this top and this color is such a great transition to fall.

It’s on sale for $59.95 plus an additional 25% off. It also comes in gold or ivory.

2. embroidered peasant blouse

This is so pretty and on sale for $99.95 plus an additional 25% off.

3. pilcro tiered tunic blouse

I love this patchwork. It looks so cute with blue jeans and it’s on sale for $69. It also comes in orange or a pale green.

4. dolce vita braided western mules

Listen to me now and believe me later, clogs and mules are going to be a thing this fall. I really love these with the braid.

They’re $140. They also come in black or brown.

5. not your average girl plaid top

This is such a great Free People top and on sale for $54.95. This is a great piece that you can wear now with white jeans and then transition it into fall.

6. Farrah Melrose jeans

I bought these jeans in June and they were backordered so I just got them last week and they are everything I hoped and dreamed they would be. For size reference I got the 27 x 32 size. I’m normally a 4-6 in jeans and 5’6″ and this length is perfect for me to wear with a small heel. I’d get the 34 inseam if you’re taller than 5’6″ and/or you want to wear them with a taller heel.

They’re $108.

7. mid rise super skinny jeans

Abercrombie is offering 30% off all their jeans right now and these are on sale for $55.30. They are my favorite of the skinny jeans because they fit great and don’t stretch out.

They also come in other colors.

8. out all night fuschia floral print top

I bought this top in white and love it. It’s the perfect top with higher waisted pants and this version would look so great with the black jeans up above. It’s $44.

9. sojos square aviators

I saw some square RayBans the other day and it made want some sunglasses with a square lens. So I searched on Amazon and ordered these. I love them and they’re just $13.99.

10. the merly jacket

I know I’ve featured this a bunch of times, but fall is the season for a great denim jacket and this is truly my favorite of all time. It’s $150 but you can get 20% off any ABLE purchase with code BIGMAMA20 at checkout.

That’s it for today.

If you need me, I’m like Willie Nelson and on the road again.

Have a Good Friday.

Dear Caroline,

Today you are eighteen. Excuse me while I go take a deep breath.

Eighteen. You’re officially an adult.

It feels like this is a date I’ve had marked on my mental calendar since the day you were born and yet I am still shocked at how fast you went from this:

To this:

(In fairness, you did look a lot like an old Italian man when you were born so I’m glad it worked out for you.)

Eighteen years in the blink of an eye. I can hardly catch my breath.

And in what is fitting for this season of your life, you aren’t even here for your birthday. I dropped you off at Impact Retreat on Sunday for what I’m praying is the best start to your college career. The fact that you get to spend four days with kids your age who share your faith is basically a mom’s dream come true. When you checked in on Sunday, the sweet counselor looked right at you and said, “We’ve been praying for you for a year”. And it just about did me in to know that you already have other people praying for the momentous steps you’re about to take on your own.

When you started your senior year last August, I couldn’t really wrap my brain around the fact that you only had one year left at home. How on earth would any of us be ready for you to leave in just a year? But as the year went on, I watched you grow and change in so many ways that there is no doubt in my mind that you are ready for what lies ahead.

From the time you started high school, you had goals that you set for yourself and I watched you make sacrifices and put in the work to achieve them. This was the year you watched your blood, sweat and tears come to fruition. You got accepted to Texas A&M, you were captain of the soccer team, you made the All-State team, and you graduated with honors.

You stayed true to yourself, and your confidence in who you are and who God made you to be grew in ways I can’t even explain. So as much as I will miss you, I have all the certainty in the world that you are ready for this next chapter of your life and I’m not sure there is anything better than that. This is what we’ve been training for over the last eighteen years. Every lecture, every pep talk, every obstacle, every prayer and every victory was all leading up to this moment when we set you loose on the world.

When we went to your New Student Conference at A&M in June, one of the professors in your departmental meeting congratulated all the Animal Science majors on being accepted to Texas A&M and acknowledged that meant you had been the best of the best during high school. Then he said, “None of that matters anymore. This is a whole new start so take your high school resume, wad it up and throw it away.” And he’s right. You are about to walk into a whole new world of adventures and experiences that will continue to shape the woman you have become. The brightest futures belong to those who aren’t afraid to leave what is familiar and comfortable behind when God is leading them to something new. It’s not where you’ve been but where you will go that matters now.

I’ve always heard people change more from 18-25 years old than at any other point in your life. These next years will determine so much. College is essentially adulthood with training wheels and I hope you wring the marrow out of every minute of it. There are friendships waiting for you that will be the friends of your life, opportunities that you can’t even imagine and experiences that you will still laugh about thirty years from now. These years will make a lasting imprint so make them count for the things that matter. Surround yourself with people who will encourage you to be the best version of yourself and be that person for those around you.

There are stories about cartographers during medieval times who marked maps with the Latin phrase HC SVNT DRACONES which translates HERE ARE DRAGONS. That term signified uncharted waters and unexplored territories where no one knew what dangers might lie ahead. Our whole life could be marked HERE ARE DRAGONS because, if the last year has taught us nothing else, we never know what twists and turns we will face and what challenges are waiting for us.

But here’s what I know. Your dad and I have done our best to raise you to fight the dragons you will encounter. We have trusted God with you every step of the way and, hopefully, pointed you to Him in every aspect of your life. He has never one time let us down even when things didn’t look like we had hoped or planned. The dragons you’ve already faced have made you stronger and more resilient than we could have even hoped. You are a girl who knows her God and knows the strength and power that He gives to your life. So no matter what lies ahead on your map, never lose sight of that fact. You, Caroline Shankle, are a warrior.

And as for me, in the map of my life, the gift of raising you for the last eighteen years has been my greatest adventure. You have challenged me, you inspire me, you amaze me. I’m so proud to be your mom.

Dad and I can’t wait to see all the places you will go, the things you will do and the dragons you will conquer. I’ll leave you with Proverbs 3:5-6:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.

We love you more than you’ll ever know. We’ll be cheering you on every step of the way.

Love,

Mom