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It’s been a nice three day weekend around here except for the part where Caroline just remembered at 9:00 p.m. that she had a bunch of makeup math homework due tomorrow from the two days of school she missed last week.

Related note: I just poured myself another glass of wine and opened up a box of Thin Mints.

On Friday night Caroline had plans with friends and P was at the ranch, so I had a couple of friends over and hung out until the late hour of 8:00 p.m. when I decided I was in need of my pajamas and the couch. Caroline got home about 9:15 and I managed to stay awake until 10:15 before we crashed for the night.

Saturday morning was delightful, mainly because P took the puppies to the ranch and that meant I got to sleep in for the first time in ages. And the truth is some stupid birds woke me up with all their cheerful chirping and greeting of the day around 7:30 but I was able to roll right back over and pass out until 9:15 and I don’t feel even one bit bad about it.

Then Caroline had more plans because her social life is much more interesting than mine these days and I cleaned up the house and attempted to organize a few things before I braved Central Market. Apparently this is where everyone in the greater San Antonio decided to spend their Valentine’s Day afternoon because it was packed. PACKED. There were all manner of people buying exotic fruits and fancy pastries and special crackers to celebrate their Valentine.

As for me, I bought some Romaine lettuce, a bottle of wine and some sour cream because I am just that fancy.

Later that evening most of my dad’s whole side of the family came over for pizza. We hardly ever all get together these days because everyone is busy and scattered, but my aunt and uncle were in from Houston and so a big group of us decided it would be fun to catch up. That whole side of the family is Italian so I’ll tell you that in addition to being a lot of fun, it was also very loud.

At one point I looked around the room and saw Caroline playing with my cousins’ kids and my sister’s kids and thought how amazed my Me-Ma and Pa-Pa would be if they were here to see it all. All this family and this next generation that’s coming up. We all spent so much time at their house when we were all little kids that it’s hard to believe we’re now all full grown adults with kids of our own.

If you could hear me this might be when I’d choose to sing a chorus of Circle of Life from The Lion King. And maybe I could hold Mabel over my head for dramatic purposes.

P got home on Sunday and we spent the rest of the day just relaxing and catching up on all our various activities. I also chose to bathe all three dogs since the weather was supposed to get cold and I decided if they were going to spend that much time inside I’d prefer that they not smell like the owl poop they found to roll in while at the ranch.

Piper and Scout are not fans of the bath and barely tolerate it, but I think Mabel would ask for bubble bath and candles if she were aware of the concept. She thoroughly enjoys a good bath which I think can be traced to all the hydrotherapy I had to give her while she recovered from her javelina injuries.

Yes, that’s a real sentence that I just typed.

Then on Monday we celebrated President’s Day with a morning soccer camp and then avoiding the rain and the cold by lying on the couch and watching movies. I also cooked a big pot of red beans and rice which happens to be one of my favorite cold weather meals that I’ve neglected to cook all winter because no one else in my house loves it as much as I do. But I loved myself so much when I ate a big bowl of it with homemade cornbread just a little bit of go. There was a fire in the fireplace and the sound of rain falling outside and I thought life couldn’t get much better.

Until Caroline remembered all that math homework. And I remembered that I don’t know how to convert percentages into fractions.

That’s right. This Saturday is Valentine’s Day.

We’ll be celebrating in our usual way which basically involves avoiding eating at a restaurant at all costs on the day when you’re guaranteed to have a forty-five minute wait time. I’ve found it’s much more enjoyable to sit around and eat chocolate in the comfort of your own home.

The truth is P was planning to cook Caroline and me a Valentine’s dinner last night to get a jump on the festivities, but her stomach bug caused us to put those plans on hold until sometime next week. The good news is she’s feeling much better and should be back at school to finish the week for which I am grateful.

Anyway, whether you care about Valentine’s Day or despise Valentine’s Day or feel indifferent about Valentine’s Day, there are lots of cute things this week that you could buy for yourself to mark the occasion.

And just a reminder that Barrington Gifts is offering 10% off with code LOVE10 at checkout in case you want to go big.

1. sam edelman lida espadrille flat

Speaking of going big, these are not a bargain shoe. However, they are so fun that I had to show them. I love a shoe that can make an outfit and these totally fit that qualification.

2. triple chevron layering necklace

This is a great accessory to throw on with even a t-shirt and a pair of jeans. Even better, it’s only $16.

3. lace shift dress

I have not seen this dress in person so I cannot vouch for its length or its quality. But it seems to have potential and it’s only $48, plus Nordstrom has free shipping and free returns. It also comes in navy.

It’s in the junior department so, if nothing else, it might be great for your high school or college aged girl.

4. steve madden pondrosa suede boot

I ordered these boots in black when they were full price and loved them, yet decided I didn’t need them. But now they are 40% off which makes them just $77.96. I may have to reconsider my earlier claim that I didn’t need them.

5. lush cuff sleeve woven top

I saw this top in the store a few weeks ago and meant to mention it and then forgot. It’s a great style with some interesting details. It’s only $34 and comes in lots of colors. Perfect by itself or layered under something because it has some length to it or is thin enough to do a half-tuck.

6. tassel lariat necklace

This is similar to my Kendra Scott necklace that I adore, but a bargain version. This one is only $48 and also comes in silver.

7. laced interlude tee

How pretty is this? It’s rodeo time in San Antonio and this would be perfect with a pair of skinny jeans and some cowboy boots. It’s on sale for $49.95 at Anthropologie. I’d totally get it if I didn’t already have so many things in my closet that look similar.

8. dari shirtdress

I was on the fence about this shirtdress – not because I don’t love it, but because the reviews aren’t great. Yet hope springs eternal that it’s a keeper. It’s on sale for $69.95 and I may have to drive out to the store to see if they have one in person.

9. i want knit all cardigan

This is a great piece to transition from winter to spring. Or spring to summer depending on where you live. It’s lightweight and easy to throw on over a tank or a tee shirt or a dress like the one above to give it that little extra something that layers offer to an outfit.

10. west coast striped dress

I realize this may not look like much, but I think it would be so versatile. Cute with sandals or Converse when the weather is really hot or paired with a denim jacket, boots and a scarf when it’s cool. Or even as a swimsuit coverup.

Best of all, Ruche is offering 25% off everything through February 16 with code LOVEYOU at checkout.

That’s it for today.

Have a great Friday.

Well today didn’t quite go as planned.

When I tucked Caroline into bed on Tuesday night she complained the her stomach hurt and she had a headache, but I just kind of blew it off because I figured she was tired and would feel better in the morning. However, morning came and she was clearly feeling worse.

I was already scheduled to finish recording the last half of the audio version of Nobody’s Cuter Than You at 10:00 a.m. so I stayed with Caroline until it was time to go and then P was working right around the corner and filled in until I finished around 1:00 p.m.

On my way home I called to see if there was anything she wanted from the grocery store and she said, “Yes! What can I eat?” I listed off bananas, rice, applesauce or toast but she didn’t want any of those because she is her mother’s daughter and no matter how bad her stomach may feel she will ask for sushi or a pepperoni pizza. I can’t explain why we are like this but it’s a real thing. Do not offer us Saltines and Ginger Ale. We want none of that sensible nonsense.

So the rest of the afternoon was spent trying to find things she could eat that wouldn’t make her worse. It was basically a total exercise in frustration for both of us until we finally reached a compromise and I let her have Cheerios without milk.

I also took this opportunity to watch a few episodes of The Good Wife on my laptop and reorganize the shelves in my closet. At some point the shelf that holds my workout clothes had become mingled with the shelf that holds my leggings and tank tops and it was causing all manner of confusion when I get dressed in the morning. It just goes to show that I will let so many areas of my life remain completely unorganized, but I have to have order in my closet.

Anyway, what I’m trying to say is it was a fairly uneventful day until I was on Twitter and noticed that the Dot Mom Conference had posted the line up for the conference this fall and that Christy Nockels is leading worship.

Umm.

What?

I already knew Sophie and I were going to be at Dot Mom again this year and that we’re not only emceeing but also speaking at one of the keynote sessions. However, I had no idea about Christy Nockels and now I am totally beside myself with excitement. I just need to practice acting like a normal person who won’t immediately ask for a comprehensive list of all her hair products the moment we meet.

And in case you’re wondering, Dot Mom this year will also feature Karen Kingsbury, Sherry Surratt, and Rebekah Lyons. It’s in Nashville, TN this September 26-27 at Brentwood Baptist Church and is open to moms of all ages and stages. You can find out more here. And I’m not sure if I mentioned this, but Christy Nockels will be leading worship.

But as for right now I need to go curl up with my sweet, sick girl and watch a movie.

See y’all tomorrow for Fashion Friday.

In lieu of any type of real paragraphs that tell you all about how I went to get my car washed yesterday and then returned some things to Old Navy, I’m just going to fill you in on a few things you might want to know about.

Trust me. It’s better this way.

1. Free ebook download

Just in case you haven’t heard, my memoir about marriage, The Antelope In The Living Room, is free right now in ebook form. This means it will cost you exactly FREE DOLLARS to download it wherever you like to get your ebooks for your Kindle or Nook or what have you.

2. Valentine’s Day playlist

One of my very favorite musical groups (as opposed to groups of people that are non-musical?) is Lady Antebellum. And so I was excited to find this Valentine’s Day playlist that Charles created for his wife’s blog. I’m a sucker for a good love song.

Of course you can always just opt to listen to Diana Ross and Lionel Richie sing Endless Love on constant repeat instead. I can sing both parts of that song. Not well, mind you, but still.

3. Hymns for Her

Speaking of love songs, Dave Barnes has a new EP out just in time for Valentine’s Day. I’m more than a little bit in love with it. You can find it here on iTunes.

And just so you understand the depth of my love for Dave, here’s a promo video he made for it.

4. Barrington Gifts

I believe I’ve mentioned how much I love my Barrington tote. And so I was excited to see they’re currently offering 10% when you use the code LOVE10 at checkout. You can find all their great products here.

5. Target video

A friend of mine found this video on Facebook and sent it to me before I’d even finished the post I wrote yesterday. It confirms that Target has some magical hold on us all.

In fact, I need to go return something there tomorrow and I’m worried returning my $15 item will end up costing me an additional $100 before I get out of there.

I really had every intention of writing a whole post about our weekend on Sunday night, but then I saw Jane Fonda wearing a green pantsuit at the Grammy’s and that was pretty much all I could think about.

On the one hand, all those aerobics in the 80’s appear to have paid off in spades. But on the other hand, Jane has a lot of look going on with that.

So I ended up being sucked into the Grammy awards which let me feeling more than a little confused about life and fashion and society in general and, by the time I remembered that Downton Abbey was on, I was too tired to stay up to watch it. Further confirming that I am really keeping the excitement turned up a notch here.

And, honestly, our whole weekend pretty much involved this.

On Friday night P was at the ranch so Caroline and I went out for a girls’ dinner and then we all went to bed pretty early because we had to be at the soccer fields fairly early. I’m trying not to think about the fact I can’t remember the last time I got to sleep in until I woke up of my own free will because I’ll get too depressed. I’m really hoping this coming weekend will be the charm.

We left the house on Saturday morning and I sorely underestimated how cool it was going to feel at the soccer fields. I had on a fleece and a puffer vest, but the wind was howling and I was in need of a parka. Instead I just used P as a windstop and watched the entire game standing behind him with only my eyes peeking over his shoulders to watch Caroline while my teeth chattered. Which is why it’s embarrassing to tell you that when we got back in the car to head home between games, the temperature on my car thermometer read 55 degrees.

What can I say? I am a girl who will request a light jacket when it’s 80 degrees outside.

After the game we picked up breakfast tacos and rested for about ten and a half minutes before we drove back for her second game of the day and then we stayed to watch one of her friend’s play and by the time we got home it was basically dinner time and we ate leftovers and went to bed.

I wish I could at least tell you I wore a green jumpsuit like Jane Fonda as I did all this, but that would be a lie.

Sunday we had more soccer and I nearly froze once again even though I did in fact wear my heaviest coat to ward off the frigid fifty degree temps. In my defense I bet the wind chill was every bit of forty-nine degrees. But then by the time Caroline had some friends over later that afternoon they were all in shorts and t-shirts and it was 80 degrees outside.

Have I just written an entire blog post about the weather conditions in Texas? I can’t apologize enough.

I wish I could tell you that Monday was more interesting and it totally was if you consider the fact that HEB was completely sold out of mint M&M’s to qualify. Wait until I tell you I had to go to Target to find them and ended up leaving there with not only the mint M&M’s but a new throw blanket that was on clearance for $9.99, some new socks, and a pair of leggings for Caroline.

I know. It’s almost too much.

I mean it’s no green pantsuit, but it’ll suffice.

The other day I was thinking about the jeans I used to wear when I was a kid. I’m not sure what led me down this random path, but it caused me to look for Luv-It jeans on Ebay. And this led to a rabbit trail where I searched the internet furiously for photos of Luv-It jeans and couldn’t find what I was looking for. Which what is the point of the internet if I can’t find a photo of some jeans from the 1970’s with ice cream cones or roller skates on the back? Thanks for nothing, Al Gore.

So I remembered that when I was seven years old I was jumping off the swings in my backyard – as you do when you’re seven and unaware of things like DANGER and BROKEN ARMS – when the back pocket of my jeans got caught on the dangerous metal chain of the swing and ripped. As luck would have it, I was wearing my very favorite pair of jeans. What made them my favorite? I have no idea because when you’re seven all jeans look good on you.

But they were my favorite. And the back pocket was ripped. Fortunately, my grandparents owned a dry-cleaning business and my Pa-Pa told me that if I could find a patch then he could fix my jeans. So I found the patch I wanted.

I think we can all agree that is totally appropriate for a seven year old girl.

Needless to say, my patched jeans were the envy of every girl in the second grade because FOXY. I wore them with my rabbit fur coat and I don’t know if I’ve ever been as proud of an outfit to this very day.

On an equally foxy note, I mentioned a few weeks ago that Barrington Gifts sent me the most gorgeous leather tote bag. It’s the St. Anne Tote in Florentine leather and my love for it has only grown over the last month.

And I wanted you to show you a couple of these cute bags they have in summer colors because summer will be here before we know it. It’s true. I promise.

I love the Savannah Zippered Tote in poppy

And the Sonoma Zippered tote in navy

Best of all, you can mix and match colors and patterns to your heart’s content. It’s kind of become my new hobby when I’m not watching The Good Wife or looking for Luv-It jeans on Ebay.

Anyway, here are a few cute things I’ve found this week:

1. cozy crafting top

Perfect top to wear with jeans. So cute with cuffed jeans and some Converse tennis shoes.

2. verda maxi dress

I love the cut of this dress and I happen to really like this pattern. But it also comes in black if you’re just looking for a simple black dress.

3. free falling v-neck tee

I’m not sure if this is the new version of my favorite t-shirt from Free People or just another version. Either way, LOVE.

4. ikat print reversible tote

How cute is this patterned tote? Plus, it’s reversible.

5. callisto in the bag wedge platform sandal

I think these are perfect for spring and summer. I looked for something like this all last year and never found it and now here it is. It’s like the sandal people heard my plea.

6. lush kendal surplice faux wrap dress

Love this color and think this would look great over skinny jeans or leggings. Or by itself if you’re still in that demographic.

7. leather bracelet

I believe I’ve mentioned how much I like Joanna Gaines from Fixer Upper, specifically her style. Although I’m sure I would really like her if we ever met in person because she seems really likable.

The point is I always like to see what she’s wearing and specifically notice her jewelry. The good news is they sell several of her signature pieces on their online store, including this bracelet.

8. festive the best top

I just thought this was really pretty. Love the colors. It would be great on its own for summer or layered under a jacket in spring.

9. chevron striped skirt

This caught my eye at Anthropologie the other day. I have no idea if it’s as cute in person but it has potential.

10. 1969 girlfriend jeans

Yesterday I ran in Gap all in the name of trying on a couple of new styles of jeans. Here’s what I’ll tell you…the new high rise skinny jeans? 1992 called and said please don’t bring these back.

But these girlfriend jeans are really great on. They didn’t have a denim wash in the store that I loved, but I really liked the white for summer. They’re similar to boyfriend jeans but a little more fitted. I’m a fan.

And right now you can get 30% off with code JEANS at checkout on any jeans at Gap.

That’s it for today.

Have a good Friday and stay foxy.