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Fashion Friday: Edition I’m just going with it

Listen.

This has been a long, busy week and I’ll be so happy to sleep in my own bed on Friday night. And I really didn’t think I’d do Fashion Friday this week, but apparently I can’t help myself no matter how tired I am.

Also, please note that I’m sticking with Fashion Friday for now. We’ll see what happens, but loved all the advice and suggestions last week.

Here are some cute things I’ve found:

1. french terry ruffle sweatshirt

I love a french terry sweatshirt because it’s basically the perfect material. And this one has a ruffle which gives it such a great touch. It also comes in black, grey, and navy but this pink feels so spring-ish to me.

2. stripe cable sweater

I adore a good navy stripe on anything. This sweater makes me wish I summered in the Hamptons and could wear this with white shorts as I stroll down the beach. If you wore this on a Texas beach, you would want to die.

It’s on sale for $59.40 and also comes in coral.

3. leith shawl collar cocoon cardigan

I have this in charcoal gray and it is a go-to in my closet because it’s the perfect weight to throw on over t-shirt or a tank. It’s almost sold out now that it’s on sale for $44.40 but still available in burgundy.

4. greenwich tunic dress

I really like this because I think it could be a tunic or a dress depending on your age and/or condition of your legs.

5. sevilla saddle bag

At Smart Barre, saddle bags are what we are trying to target and get rid of. However, in fashion, a saddle bag is desirable and this one is on sale for $46.80.

I don’t know why I’m so drawn to pink this week, but it also comes in a tan color.

6. old navy cutwork embellished shift dress

It’s hard to beat an Old Navy dress for spring and summer. This one also comes in black, white and hot tamale (otherwise known as bright coral/red) and it would look great with everything from sneakers to sandals.

7. old navy pin tuck swing dress

I also love this sleeveless dress because it’s so easy to put on and look totally put together. It also comes in black and olive green.

8. max studio lace trimmed peasant blouse

There’s an extra 25% off all spring arrivals at Last Call, so this top is just $44.25 and it also comes in black. But there are tons of cute things so it might be worth it to look around.

9. sorel joan of arctic boots

If you are like me and a little in love with Sorel boots but feel that they are hard to justify if you don’t live in Colorado or somewhere cold and snowy, they are now having a big winter sale. These are normally $180 but on sale for $109.98 and there are tons of other styles on sale right now, too.

10. j.crew factory striped tunic shirt

I actually ordered this top as soon as I saw it because it’s the perfect top for this time of year in Texas. It’s on sale for $29.50 and also comes in white and a chambray blue.

That’s it for today.

Have a good Friday.
Just checking in

Hello from San Antonio.

Apparently we get tornadoes here now.

Which is kind of disconcerting since whenever we have really bad weather, I always assure myself with the knowledge that there are never tornadoes in San Antonio.

But many of you emailed or tweeted or commented to ask if we are okay and so I wanted to let you know that we are totally fine. We were near all the weather chaos and even had some scary moments as we watched the wind start to circulate in a weird way, but the worst of it was about a mile or so away from us.

The good news is that while there were big trees down and roofs ripped off, there were no serious injuries that I know of at this point and it was incredible to see the outpouring of love and help in our community as everyone rallied with chainsaws and donuts and all manner of manpower to help their neighbors. It was a nice reminder of how much good is still in the world despite what people try to say.

Anyway, I just wanted to check in because this week is going to be kind of busy and I’m not sure how much I’ll get to post and I didn’t want everyone wondering if it was because of the tornadoes and all that. I fly to Nashville in the morning and end my week in Birmingham before I get back home late Friday night, so I’ll check in if I can.

Have a great day!
Friday Fashion: Edition so here are some things I think are really cute

So remember last week when all the buzz was about the correct placement of a colon? That was such a sweet, innocent, carefree time.

Because you know what happened this week? I received an email from a law firm with a cease and desist letter for what my Friday blog post used to be called. Apparently someone trademarked it and so I can’t use it anymore. True story.

And so can I call it Friday Fashion instead? I HAVE NO IDEA. Yet that is what I am doing today. However, I am open to any suggestions you may have for a new name for this weekly fashion post.

Day after Thursday Fashion?

What to Wear before the Weekend?

Sartorial Suggestions to End the Week?

This Used To Be Called Something Else for Ten Years but I Didn’t Know I Should Get It Trademarked?

Feel free to weigh in.

Here are some cute things I found this week when I wasn’t being served with legal documents.

1. thea ruffled peplum top

This top is perfect with shorts or jeans. It comes in several colors but sizes are running out because it’s just $29.95 plus an extra 40% off with no code needed at checkout.

2. clarinda tiered dress

I think this dress is so pretty. I loved it the first time I saw it and now it’s on sale for $129.95 plus an extra 40% off. It also comes in wine.

3. karen kane wrap top

This comes in a few different colors but I think this blue is gorgeous and will be so great with white jeans for summer. It’s on sale for $59.40.

4. vans striped slip on sneakers

I love my slip on Vans so much and this striped version is divine. They are the perfect casual shoe and would look great with everything from skirts and dresses to shorts and jeans.

5. gap denim embroidered blouse

I ordered this right after I featured it a couple of weeks ago and it did not disappoint. I love the way it fits and it looks equally great with blue jeans and white jeans. It’s on sale for $59.46 plus an extra 25% off with code MORE at checkout.

6. steve madden bselena bag

Why is this called a bselena bag? How do you even pronounce that? I have no idea. I just know it’s a really cute bag and would be great for spring and summer.

7. gap embroidered swing jersey dress

Gap usually has a great jersey dress for warmer weather and this year is no exception. It comes in navy, gray and a royal blue. The navy would look great with the striped Vans up above.

It’s $35.37 plus an extra 25% off with code MORE.

8. sole society faux leather shopper

This is a great, less expensive version of the Madewell transport tote. It’s $64.95 and also comes in black.

9. tory burch t-stripe leather drawstring tote

Is this bag expensive? Yes. Do I adore it? Yes. I just felt you needed to see it.

And speaking of things that are expensive, yet I adore. There is this hemant and nandita maxi dress.

Seriously. I love it so much.

10. cleopatra necklace

I bought a version of this necklace from Anthropologie last spring and I adore it. It looks great with everything from t-shirts to sundresses. It’s a great piece that adds the perfect pop to a lot of outfits.

That’s it for today.

Have a good Friday.
The Big Boo Cast, Episode 72

I cannot even discuss the breadth nor depth of my anger towards AT&T right now, but as you listen to this podcast you will see that my internet situation is shoddy at best. It’s as if the whole thing is powered by very tired hamsters running on a wheel. And, mark my words, I will take care of this situation just as soon as I find the mental and emotional energy to be on the phone with AT&T for seventy-three hours until they finally agree to send a technician out to my house.

Sophie and I discuss my internet situation, the Grammy Awards, Carpool Karaoke, George Michael, the terribleness that is consistently eating right and exercising and my veritable treasure trove of beauty products.

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

You can also listen on Stitcher.

Or, as always, you can subscribe on iTunes. We’d be honored if you’d leave us a review.

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

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

– This Is Us

– Prince tribute featuring The Time & Bruno Mars (not for kids – just FYI)

– Carpool Karaoke with “Sweet Caroline” (side note: Melanie was not pleased)

– Carpool Karaoke with Bruno Mars (there’s a little bit-o-language)

– “Freedom 90” by George Michael

– “I Hate Everything and Everyone” – a hilarious blog post by Katherine at Grass Stains

– Church Street Coffee in Birmingham (home of the Breakup Cookie)

– SEC Network – it’s our favorite

– Mizon Snail Repair Cream

– Mizon Snail Intensive Serum

– It Anti-Aging Collagen Veil Primer

– It Your Skin But Better CC Cream

– Samford Legacy League Luncheon in Birmingham on Thursday, February 23rd (Melanie is speaking)

– Eleanor & Park

– “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond

– “The Bird” by The Time (not really a family-friendly version)
The day of the Valentines

That’s right.

Today is Valentine’s Day. Otherwise known as the day of mismanaged expectations and mysterious chocolates that nobody really enjoys.

I feel like Valentine’s Day back in the 90s was much simpler because you could get your significant other a bottle of CK One and call it a day. But like everything else, Valentine’s Day has jumped the shark. I actually saw a yard that was decorated with Valentine hearts and lights and NO. Stop it. I thought an inflatable turkey was bad, but I think this is worse. Can’t we just exchange a few candy conversation hearts that taste worse than Tums and call it a day?

In other news, we spent most of our weekend at – you’ll never guess – a soccer tournament. Actually, I spent Friday night in Lake Jackson, Texas where I spoke at Brazos Pointe Fellowship Church and had the best time with the women there. Caroline had a game on Friday night that I missed so I woke up at 5:30 on Saturday morning to get back to San Antonio to watch her play at 10 a.m. Needless to say, I’m not usually up and moving while the moon is still up,so I needed vast amounts of coffee and loud music along the way. But I made it in time to watch her play and her team won which put them in the semifinals for Sunday and I was glad I was there to see it.

I think I was in bed by 9:30 on Saturday night and then P did church while I took Caroline to soccer on Sunday morning. He met us out there for the 2:00 championship game which they ended up losing in overtime on penalty kicks. By the time the game ended and we were awarded our second place medals it was almost 5:00 p.m. and so I had to laugh when her coach finished his post game talk with “Go enjoy the rest of your weekend!”

Yes. We will savor this fifteen minutes of rest immensely. I already feel refreshed and ready to take on a new week.

It didn’t help that it was so hot that the refs gave the players mid-game water breaks. This is totally normal in May, August and September but not usually necessary in February. Apparently winter decided to show up for six non-consecutive days this year and that’s the end of it. I’m even debating putting all my sweaters up but I feel like as soon as I do it might decide to get cold again and then I’d have to spend precious minutes getting out the step-stool to get the sweaters back down from the top shelf.

So that’s really all that’s going on here right now. I also wanted to mention two things:

1. Samford Legacy League Luncheon

On Thursday, February 23rd I’m speaking at the Samford Legacy League Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. at the Vestavia Hills Country Club in Birmingham, AL. You can register and find out more here. This is the only non-Texas event I’m doing this spring, so if you’re anywhere near Birmingham I’d love to see you.

2. Are My Kids on Track?: The 12 Emotional, Social, and Spiritual Milestones Your Child Needs to Reach by Sissy Goff, Melissa Trevathan, and David Thomas

This book releases today and I cannot recommend it enough. I first met Sissy, Melissa and David through the Dot Mom Conference and I don’t know three people I’d trust more to offer real and practical insight and advice into raising kids. They are compassionate, wise and just so real. It’s temporarily out of stock on Amazon, but you can find it here at B&N or in your local bookstore!

This is from the back cover:

“We have many tools for tracking our children’s physical and intellectual development, but what about their hearts and souls? After all, how they develop emotionally, socially, and spiritually will determine who they become as husbands and wives, mothers and fathers, friends and co-workers.

In Are My Kids on Track you’ll learn the answers to such questions as:
· At what age should children be able to manage their emotions?
· When will they learn to empathize?
· How do they make their faith their own?

As you discover appropriate milestones for your child and encourage healthy development, you’ll also learn the unique patterns of boys and girls, helping both genders flourish. Every chapter is filled with decades of experience, valuable research, and user-friendly practices to make supporting your child’s heart and soul development a part of daily family life.

How can you raise courageous, compassionate, resilient, and empathetic kids? This book will help you answer those questions and more.”

So what I’m saying is you’re a parent, then you should treat yo’ self to this book for Valentine’s Day.

Because nothing says romance like a book on parenting.

Although I will tell you that there was a moment this weekend when P let me cut in front of him in the line for the Porta-Potty at the soccer fields and so maybe nothing says romance as much as that.

Happy Valentine’s Day!
Fashion Friday Edition: the one before Valentines Day

Some of you let me know last week that you felt my punctuation was wrong in the title of each Fashion Friday and so I hope you’re happy now. I’d honestly never thought much about it because I am only focused on all the cute clothes, but whatever.

Here are a few cute things I found this week in this weird season between winter and spring where we are experiencing almost ninety degree temps in Texas which has never had me more confused about how I’m supposed to dress in the morning. What is clear, however, is that I need to go get a pedicure because I’m about to break out my sandals.

1. beulah button-down tunic

I’ve had my eye on this for a while. I love the dark grey color because it makes it perfect for right now and then later with white jeans, plus the beading gives it that little something extra. It’s on sale for $59.95 plus an extra 25% off with no code needed at checkout.

2. gap denim embroidered top

Gap is killing it with the denim tops this spring. This one has the best sleeves and is 40% off with the code FORYOU.

3. teleza lace swing top

I love this lace top, but you need to know that it isn’t lined so you’ll need something under it. It’s on sale for $49.95 plus an extra 25% off.

4. old navy embroidered yoke tunic

This is really cute and just $25. It also comes in other colors but this striped version is a little different which makes it fun.

5. grenada pom pom stretch bracelet

My love of turquoise is well-documented so of course I adore this bracelet with the hot pink pom poms. It’s the perfect accessory for all your spring and summer outfits.

6. old navy lace trim sleeveless top

This top comes in several different colors but I am partial to the pink or the white. It would look great with everything from white jeans to regular jeans to a pair of shorts when it’s officially summer.

7. bp twist front tee

This twist front tee is only $22 and comes in several colors. It’s an easy way to throw on a tee but make it look a little nicer all because of a twist.

8. tory burch miller flip flop

Are these ridiculously expensive for a sandal? YES. But are they ridiculously cute? YES. I am dying over this navy striped version and they also have a red and white stripe.

9. vans classic slip ons

My slip on Vans are one of my favorite pairs of casual shoes because they are so comfortable. I can wear them all day long and not hate them by the end of the day. And this pale pink version is so pretty.

10. turquoise mesa hoops

It’s rodeo time in San Antonio so my thoughts have turned to turquoise jewelry and I am in love with these hoops.

I also love these beaded fringe earrings. They come in several colors and are so much prettier in person.

That’s it for today.

Have a great Friday.