Diary

  • Big Boo Cast: Episode 140

    As usual we cover a lot of ground on this one. Everything from our eyes failing us in our 40s to the Royal Family to Beyonce and Taylor Swift.

    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:

    SEC Baseball Tournament

    Heartland

    More thoughts on Taylor Swift’s Billboard Music Awards performance (there’s some language in people’s tweets – just FYI)

    EltaMD Facial Sunscreen

    EltaMD Lip Balm

    Laura Tremaine’s 10 Things to Tell You podcast with special guest Jamie Golden – all about skincare and makeup!

    EltaMD Full-Body Sunscreen

    SKII Facial Treatment Masks (pack of 6)

    it Superhero mascara

    Sponsors:

    FabFitFun (promo code BIGBOO for 20% off your first subscription box)

    Simple Contacts (promo code BIGBOO20 for $20 off your first order)

  • Fashion Friday: Edition pick your own Mother’s Day present

    Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there.

    And, just remember, you can buy yourself a Mother’s Day present even if you aren’t a mom. My motto is to do what Tom Haverford and Donna Meagle would do and TREAT YO’SELF.

    via GIPHY

    As for me, I’ll be spending my Mother’s Day doing what I do almost every day of my life, watching Caroline play soccer. On Sunday we get to drive to Houston and back, which what better way to spend that day than on I-10? With any luck, I’ll at least get a DQ Blizzard out of it.

    Here are some cute things I found this week:

    1. loft chevron flounce maxi dress

    I think this is just darling. I love the yellow and white and I love the stripes. Perfect summer dress. It’s $129 but Loft is offering 40% off everything with the code LOVEMOM at checkout.

    2. custom Vans

    I have a custom pair of Vans that I ordered about five years ago and I love them so much. The best part is it’s not that much more expensive to make a pair exactly the way you want them to look and there are tons of colors and patterns to choose from. I designed these today since we are all about the palm leaves at our house right now. I’m tempted to order them but I’m trying to show some self-control and restraint.

    3. verdusa v-neck side pockets maxi dress

    This is such a comfortable maxi dress and it has pockets. You can just wear it around the house or out to dinner with some cute accessories. It’s around $15 and comes in a ton of color options.

    4. veronica clog sandals

    I love a sandal with a wooden heel. The leopard print is even better. These are $80 and also come in cognac or white. It’s also nice that they just have a 2 1/2 inch heel which is a good height for all day wear.

    5. high waist linen blend shorts

    I think these shorts have real potential. I love the cut and the color. They are $45 and also come in plus sizes and an olive or mustard color.

    6. j.crew tie front tank top

    These tie front tanks are on sale for $16.50 and are perfect on their own or as a layering piece under a kimono or jacket. They also come in black or white.

    7. back from bali long mexican embroidered dress

    I featured this dress about a month ago and couldn’t quit thinking about it, so I finally ordered it and love it. It’s so comfortable and has all the perks of a Mexican embroidered dress but is made out of a soft rayon type fabric so much softer and drapes better.

    Here I am wearing it. Please excuse the horrible photography, lighting and unmade bed. For size reference, I’m wearing a small and it’s the perfect fit. I’m usually a 4-6 in dresses.

    It’s $69.95 and it also comes in navy.

    8. loft dotted ruffle tie neck blouse

    This is the prettiest blouse that would work for both casual wear and the office and it has great reviews. It’s $59.50 but Loft has 40% off with the code LOVEMOM at checkout.

    9. brielle embroidered peasant blouse

    I featured this top a few weeks ago but now it’s on sale for $89.95 plus and extra 25% off all sale at Anthropologie with no code needed at checkout. It’s so much cuter and brighter in person.

    10. milk and honey sunshine state of mind tee

    I love Milk and Honey tees because they are so soft and the perfect match for shorts or cute casual skirts in the summer. I plan to live in the Sunshine State of Mind shirt. It’s $30 and they also have tank tops available in some of the designs.

    That’s it for today.

    Have a good Friday.

  • Fashion Friday: Edition it’s May!

    This is where I will resist the urge to post a picture of Justin Timberlake, but sufficed to say it is now May. It is also almost Cinco de Mayo so this is me wishing you all a happy Cinco de Mayo.

    Here are some cute things I found this week:

    1. relipop sheer chiffon kimono

    So there was this darling sheer kimono on the Nordstrom website earlier this week and I was so excited to feature it, but it is completely sold out. That’s how cute it was.

    But then in that weird way that Instagram ads know what you’re thinking, this one popped up in my Instagram feed. I think it may even be cuter than the one at Nordstrom. It comes in several patterns and color combinations, but this one is the one I like. It’s $17.99.

    2. sigma espadrille knotted bow sandals

    I am a little bit in love with these espadrille slides. They are $24.99 and also come in orange.

    3. old navy mid-rise linen blend shorts

    I believe that shorts are just a necessity when you live in the south during the summer. There are just times that nothing else will do. I bought a version of these drawstring linen shorts this week and they are so cool and comfortable because they don’t cling or stick to your legs.

    These from Old Navy are $12-$20 depending on the color you choose and they have a 4-inch inseam which means they aren’t too short and you can always size up and wear them lower on your hips.

    4. old navy ruffle trim swing dress

    Several of you asked about the dress I wore for Easter. Well, this is it.

    It is so comfortable and the color is prettier in person. The key is to leave that top button unbuttoned unless you like that higher neckline/keyhole thing.

    It’s $39.99 but 20% off with code SWEET at checkout.

    And the necklaces I have on are the charmed medallion necklaces from Noonday Collection. You can find them here. I wear them almost everyday.

    5. greta tiered ruffle mock neck maxi dress

    I think this is so summery and pretty. It’s $79.99 but there is currently 30% off dresses and rompers at Urban Outfitters with no code needed at checkout.

    6. tucson dress

    Several of you asked about a dress I wore to the polo match we went to a few weeks ago. I bought it last year and couldn’t find it anywhere. But I did find this cute dress for $64 at the same online boutique where I bought that dress so I guess that’s something.

    7. valeria top

    I love a bright, colorful embroidered top for spring and summer. This one is $44 and comes in off white or navy.

    8. there you go again embroidered top

    See what I mean? I love the crispness of this white with royal blue embroidery. It’s $48.

    9. spring up white beaded floral earrings

    I think these earrings are so darling. They are $20 and they also come in orange.

    10. free people gotta have you tunic top

    I saw this tunic top in Nordstrom and it is so cute in person. I didn’t buy it because I’m not allowing myself anymore tunics at this current moment. But it’s on sale for $68.60 and it also comes in two other colorways.

    11. universal thread sleeveless v-neck tank dress

    I ran in Target the other day and saw this dress. It’s the perfect summer dress because it’s lightweight and so soft. And it’s just $19.99

    This is me in the dressing room. I ended up buying the medium because it was just a little longer and I liked it not being quite as short.

    It also comes in camo here but it’s pretty much sold out online. However, they may still have it in your Target store.

    That’s it for today.

    Have a good Friday.

  • Big Boo Cast: Episode 139

    I’m so excited about this podcast because we have my dear friend, Lincee Ray, as our special guest. Her new book It’s A Love Story is officially out today and you have to read it. It’s so funny and so sweet, all at the same time.

    We also discuss my current throw pillow situation and various other things of interest.

    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:

    Opalhouse quilted velvet oversize pillow

    The Inventor

    The Dropout

    All American

    Homecoming

    Someone Great

    – Lincee’s blog I Hate Green Beans

    Lincee’s podcast

    It’s A Love Story on Amazon

    It’s A Love Story on Barnes & Noble

    Sponsors:

    FabFitFun (promo code BIGBOO for 20% off your first subscription box)

  • Fashion Friday: Edition it’s Fiesta time in San Antonio

    So we have another three day weekend this weekend because it’s Fiesta in San Antonio. This means there are a lot of parties and parades and all manner of other festivities. I basically participate in zero of these things because I like being home and away from crowds. However, I do enjoy the three day weekend and I will celebrate with a lot of Netflix and sleeping in. That’s really my ideal fiesta.

    Here are a few cute things I found this week:

    1. nia tunic

    I love this tunic because it obviously functions great as a tunic, but could also be worn open as a sleeveless kimono type thing over jeans and a tank top. It’s $80 and also comes in plus sizes and other color options.

    Which, I had to show you this other color option because it’s so pretty and I can’t decide if this or the first one is my favorite.

    2. aerie beach fleece

    I know I featured this last week but I can’t explain how much I love it. If you’ve seen me this week then you probably know because I’ve had it on constantly. It is so soft and so comfortable and the perfect spring weight for a sweatshirt.

    It comes in several color options and is on sale for $26.97.

    3. universal thread hobo bag

    I ran in Target this week and saw this handbag. It’s so cute in person and the perfect size. I’m still carrying a huge tote and, while I love it, I think my neck and shoulders wish I’d carry something smaller. It’s $34.99.

    It also comes in a cognac color but I couldn’t find that version online.

    4. bohemian beaded drop earrings

    Maybe it’s because it’s Fiesta and everyone around me is wearing such fun, bright earrings, but I really like these for a pop of color to any outfit. They are just $13.79 and come in a ton of color options

    5. universal thread makena gladiator sandals

    I’ve been looking for a pair of gladiator sandals for three summers and have never found a pair that were comfortable and felt like I could actually walk in them. Then I found these at Target for $24.99. They are super soft and the leather and/or pleather isn’t stiff. Plus I like that they don’t come up too high on my leg. They also come in black, gray and gold.

    And if that feels like too many straps and too much of a commitment, these maritza multi strap toe slide sandals are also really cute.

    They are $15.99 and come in black, white and gray here

    6. carolina textured duster kimono

    I really love this because it’s a good seasonless accessory. You can wear it over all white now for a summer look or wear it over a light sweater with jeans and boots during the fall. It’s $98.

    7. brielle embroidered peasant top

    I was in Anthropologie this week and saw this top in person and it’s so pretty. Much better than it even appears in the photos online. In fact, I didn’t allow myself to try it on because I knew I’d want to buy it and I don’t need it. It’s $140.

    8. gold “mama” necklace

    If you’re looking for a sweet Mother’s Day gift, I really like this “Mama” necklace for $34.

    And I also love this rainbow stone necklace. It’s $38.

    9. kut from the kloth catherine boyfriend short

    I’m always on the lookout for a good pair of denim shorts that are a length you can wear if you aren’t at Coachella. These are $69 and have a 7 inch inseam.

    I also like these gidget cut off short with a four inch inseam if you want something a little shorter.

    They are $69 and also come in white here.

    10. able rachel wristlet

    I love this wristlet because you can keep your phone, credit cards and money in it and stash it in your larger purse or just carry this by itself. This is the kind of simplicity I am looking for in my life. It’s $78 and comes in several color options but ABLE is offering 15% off everything on their site through Monday, April 29th with the code MAMA15 at checkout.

    That’s it for today.

    Have a good Friday.

    And Viva Fiesta. Or “watch next episode on Netflix”. Whichever you prefer.

  • Fashion Friday: Edition on a Thursday instead of Friday

    I’m putting this up a little early since tomorrow is Good Friday.

    Here are some cute things I found this week.

    1. ae tomgirl denim bermuda shorts

    I bought these online last week and was a little skeptical about how I’d feel about the longer length. Here’s the verdict: They feel like butter and I’ve already ordered a second pair because I know I will live in them this summer. They totally remind me of a pair of Levis I had like this in college that I literally wore until they fell apart. The bermuda length making a comeback is a gift to my late 40’s self.

    Best of all, they are on sale for $22.49. And for sizing reference, I got them in a 6 because I wanted them to fit loose.

    Also, in full disclosure, when Caroline saw me in them this week she said, “Mom, those shorts are a NO.” And I told her I didn’t care what she thought. Then I met one of my most stylish friends for coffee and she immediately ordered a pair for herself and I felt vindicated.

    2. aerie beach fleece

    I ordered this beach fleece when I ordered the shorts and I adore it. It’s like a light terry cloth type material and the perfect spring and summer weight. It’s on sale for $26.97 and it also comes in white, rust, peach, neon green, olive green, and a white and red stripe.

    I got mine in a medium because I wanted it a little oversized and I love that it’s shorter in the front than it is in the back.

    3. kelsey embroidered blouse

    This is a Boden top and I think it’s just beautiful. It’s $98.

    And I also love this boden bea linen embroidered dress

    It comes in several different colorways, but this chambray with red is so stunning. It’s $130.

    4. madewell medium transport tote

    This is such a great daily tote or handbag and it’s on sale for $145 plus an extra 30% off with the code SPRINGFLING at checkout. It also comes in black, linen and wisteria.

    5. loft lace ruffle shell

    This is even prettier in person than it is online and can be dressed up for the office or dressed down with a pair of shorts. It’s $59.50 but Loft has everything an extra 40% off with the code FRIENDS at checkout.

    6. stars above floral pajama pants

    These pajama pants are so soft and, as much as I love my Gap pajama leggings, I need a lightweight summer pj pant option. These come in several colors and are $17.99.

    7. loft chevron double v sleeveless swing dress

    This dress is so cute and could be worn with sneakers or a pair of wedge sandals. It’s $69.50 but 40% off with the code FRIENDS at checkout. The reviews do say you may want to size down.

    8. ann taylor lattice knit wrap dress

    It’s too late to order this for Easter, but I just love this green. It’s $129 but is 50% off plus an extra 10% off taken at checkout.

    9. free people georgia bubble hem top

    I stumbled upon this top on the Nordstrom website and love it. If you have been looking for a top to wear with a higher waistline that doesn’t require being tucked in, this is the top. It’s normally $98 but on sale for $58.80.

    10. paige slide sandals

    I adore these sandals with the stud details. They are $109.95 and come in a bunch of color options.

    I also like these genesia studded slide sandal.

    They are a little more affordable at $89.95.

    And these emmalyn slide sandals are $79.95.

    And for a totally different sandal note, these nicola canvas bow slide sandals are so cute. I have a pair similar to these that I bought last summer and I wear them all the time.

    They are on sale for $29.95.

    I hope you have a wonderful Easter with your friends and family!

    I’ll leave you with this video that I watched earlier this week.