Other

First, I have to say that I loved reading your thoughts on the best and not best things about marriage yesterday. They were a perfect mix of funny, tender, true and sweet. Thanks for sharing.

Secondly, today is the beginning of our Thanksgiving holiday and I cannot even express how excited I am for us to have a week of no real schedule. It’s safe to assume we will be spending a lot of time in full relaxation mode.

Here are some cute things I found this week. There might also be a few of these that might make a good Christmas gift.

1. topshop multi-stripe cape

I love the colors in this and the stripes. And it kind of goes along with my poncho obsession. Except this is a cape. Which is slightly different because superheroes wear capes, but rarely wear ponchos.

2. serape long-sleeved sweater

This is only left in small and extra-small but I really like it and so I included it here just in case you happen to be a small or extra-small and in the market for a sweater with great colors.

3. pintucked flannel tunic

This is essentially everything I love in a shirt. Plaid? Check. Tunic length? Check. Great colors? Check.

I would totally wear this with black leggings, boots and a great cable knit infinity scarf like this one.

(By the way, the scarf comes in a lot of colors and is the perfect addition to an outfit.)

4. slubbed tee tunic

I realize this doesn’t look like much but I love tops like this to wear under sweater coats or jackets because they’re long enough to wear with leggings.

5. breezy living tunic

This is pretty. Love the feminine cutout details.

6. woven hem layered look sweater

I have no idea about this. It could either be really cute on or not. But I love what it’s trying to accomplish. And it comes in several color and pattern combinations.

7. b.p. high/low tee

I saw these tees at Nordstrom the other day and decided they are just about perfect. Gulley and I had just been discussing the need for good shirts to wear under ponchos and/or capes and this fits the bill. They come in a bunch of colors, aren’t expensive, a little bit long, and are really soft.

8. old navy floral silhouette dress

Old Navy had this dress in several different patterns when I was there this week and I thought they had potential. You could wear it with leggings and boots or tights and boots or just with flats. Whatever you prefer.

9. athleta unwind sweatshirt dress

A sweatshirt that’s a dress? Sign me up.

10. plaid blanket scarf

If you haven’t seen this scarf, then let me welcome you to the planet Earth. I feel like it’s everywhere right now and has singlehandedly taken over Pinterest. But I really love it and thought you might want to know where you can buy it.

That’s it for today.

Have a great Friday.

I’d promised myself for a long time that this week was going to be a week of rest. My last speaking engagement of the year was Sunday in West Monroe, my new book is totally finished, and I purposely didn’t put anything on my calendar for the rest of November. And so after I dropped Caroline off at school yesterday, I came home, put my pajamas back on and caught up on T.V. shows and drank coffee and talked to a few friends on the phone and just generally did whatever I felt like doing for the better part of the morning.

I finally showered and got dressed about noon and then realized I was hungry so I got out all the stuff to make a sandwich. And here’s where I need to explain that I haven’t made a sandwich in a while because Caroline is all about soup for lunch these days. I was stacking the pre-sliced ham on the pre-sliced bread before putting on a piece of pre-sliced cheese and I caught myself thinking, “Man, making a sandwich is a lot of work.”

I believe that’s what some people might call a low point.

Because you know who had to do a lot of work to make a sandwich? Caroline Ingalls. If she wanted a ham sandwich she had to go butcher a hog first. Which is significantly more work than pulling a slice of honey glazed ham out of a ziploc bag.

And so I guess my point is that after a few days of rest, I may need to regain some proper perspective about life and what constitutes hard work. Making a sandwich does not fall in that category.

So after I ate the fruits of my labor I got out and ran a few errands before I picked up Caroline from school. We came home and she didn’t have any homework because it was family night. However, she did feel the need to practice her flute for a LONG time, which really made the whole making a sandwich is hard thing in focus. The truth is she is getting much better at it, but there are only so many times you want to hear “Up On the Housetop” at the end of the day.

On a whole different note, I’m going to be on Daytime at Nine in the morning (Thursday) to talk about marriage. And when we discussed the show, they asked me to tell them my three favorite parts of being married and the three worst parts of being married. (I asked P at dinner last night and he said there is no worst part of being married to me because he is sly like a fox.)

Anyway, I think it’s a fascinating question. And so I want to know what you’d say. What are the three best and worst parts of being married? Unless you’ve never been married. In which case you can read the comments like a cautionary tale.

Maybe while eating a sandwich.

I fell asleep the minute my head hit the pillow on Monday night and didn’t wake up until the alarm went off on Tuesday morning. I only mention this because it rarely happens and it always feels like a major accomplishment even though I can’t take any credit for it because if I knew what I did to make that happen then I would do it every night for the rest of my life.

But I woke up feeling refreshed and ready to face the day. I got Caroline up and ready for school and then let Piper and Mabel ride with us because it is one of their favorite things in the world. And to their great delight, a man wearing a helmet on a motorcycle pulled up behind us at a stoplight. You can’t even imagine the excitement this turn of events caused.

After I dropped Caroline off at school, Piper, Mabel and I came home and they sat around and watched me while I drank my coffee. Mabel was feeling especially needy and propped her head right on my knee to make sure I hadn’t forgotten she existed.

I posted that picture on Instagram and someone mentioned it looks like Mabel wants to start a blog. But I don’t know that a blog is really her thing. I think she’d be more likely to open a Tumblr account and post a lot of dramatic poetry about being in love with a city she’s never been to and in love with a dog she’s never met along with some of her favorite quotes from various philosophers. She might even include some illustrations from a comic strip she’s working on about a family of raccoons who adopted a skunk named Lola and maybe a few self-portraits of herself wearing a beret. The possibilities are really endless.

After I finished my coffee, I did some more laundry and finished my grocery store list and then I had some things to return to Old Navy because Caroline needs long sleeve t-shirts but doesn’t like any long sleeve t-shirts that exist anywhere in the world. And then I meant to go the grocery store but I got distracted and came home to regroup. The bottom line is I was very conflicted about what to cook for dinner. I have no idea why. It’s like now that the weather is cold I feel like I have so many dinner time options because of all the soups and stews and such that I am unable to make a decision. I vacillated between chicken and dumplings, jambalaya, tortellini soup, and beef stew and so I regret to inform you that I ultimately ended up cooking pork chops.

I can’t even explain what happened. It just seemed easier when it came right down to it and I decided to save the soups or the stew or the dumplings for tomorrow night. Plus P decided to take Caroline to Cavenders because she needs a new pair of cowboy boots and I wasn’t sure what time they would be finished and even as I’m typing this I can’t tell you how that really has anything to do with my decision to cook pork chops.

And they came home from Cavenders with no boots. Honestly, it validates me as a mother and a human and a shopper to know that P didn’t have any more success shopping with her than I do. She’s a little like Mabel and in love with a boot she hasn’t met yet.

We finally managed to find a pair online that appear to be possibly acceptable but we won’t know until they get here because boots are kind of a hard thing to buy without trying on, but hooray for free shipping and free returns. And the internet. How else would we have been able to look at every boot that has ever been made that comes in a size 5 1/2 or a 6? We wouldn’t have.

And that’s pretty much what’s been going on here. Or as Mabel quoted Henry David Thoreau this morning, “The true harvest of my daily life is somewhat as intangible and indescribable as the tints of morning or evening. It is a little star dust caught, a segment of the rainbow which I have clutched.”

She is so smart.

I got back from West Monroe late this afternoon and have spent the time since then trying to straighten up the house and do laundry and make a grocery list. I’m not sure why I feel so behind when I’ve only been gone for twenty-four hours but I’m thinking it’s because Monday is the day I am usually my best self. It’s really all downhill for the rest of the week after that.

But now my Tuesday will need to be my Monday and I need to go to the grocery store and put up laundry and wash these stupid white slipcovers that I now hate with every fiber of my being because you know what they never are? Clean.

Actually I take that back. They are clean for 2.6 seconds right after I put them back on the cushions. It’s a glorious time and for that 2.6 seconds I feel like I’m every woman.

Anyway, I had a great time being in West Monroe. Sophie and I spoke at First Baptist and everyone was so nice and the sweet lady who picked me up from the airport (Hi Joy!) even drove me through Popeye’s chicken to pick up lunch before she dropped me off at my hotel. I feel like I should clarify that she offered to take me anywhere to eat and I requested Popeye’s as soon as I realized it was an option because I like to keep it classy.

It was great to meet so many people who read here on a regular basis and I know Sophie and I were both relieved that plenty of women were there because the weather was terrible. A cold front blew in late that afternoon with rain and thunder and lightning and the whole thing. It’s not really the kind of weather that makes you think,”Hey! Let’s get out in this and go somewhere!” But people did and I was grateful because it would have been awkward to just sit and visit with Sophie all by ourselves on the stage at First Baptist.

All this to say it’s been kind of a busy couple of days and I ended up sitting on the runway in Houston for over an hour in the hottest, stuffiest plane you can imagine. I really can’t even think about it right now or I’ll start to feel claustrophobic all over again. So this all adds up to me being a little beyond tired and in need of my bed. Which is where I’m heading right now.

But I’ll be back tomorrow. Hopefully with something interesting. It seems promising since I’m going to the grocery store and we all know how exciting that can be.

Well. It’s supposed to get down to around 27 degrees here tonight. I don’t even know what to think about that. I’m just glad that I’m wrapped in about 42 fleece blankets.

And I think I’m going to brave the cold to get out and do a little shopping later because I am inspired to find a few more sweaters to get me through what is apparently going to be a long, cold winter.

Just in case you’re in the mindset to do a little Christmas shopping (or personal shopping) Carol and Company was nice enough to offer all Big Mama readers 10% off all purchases for the next week. And, listen, the problem you’re going to have is deciding what you want and who you need to check off your Christmas list because there is something for everyone.

I’m a little obsessed with these bourbon and bow ties bangles right now and they come in a ton of different colors to mix and match.

And look! It’s the moon and lola acrylic nameplate necklaces like the ones I saw at Nordstrom. You can also get a monogram if you prefer that over a name. I think Caroline may be getting one of these under the tree this year.

I wear my john wind gold initial bracelet almost every day. I love it so much because it has a great vintage look.

And I love this moon and lola acrylic monogram ring. It comes in a bunch of different colors and is such a fun accessory.

In case you don’t really care about jewelry (I can’t relate to that at all) Carol and Company also has a ton of home goods and paper products and all manner of little gift items. I’m especially fond of the collection of sugar boo pillows.

The bottom line is you can find something that will please anyone and everyone on your Christmas list and you can get 10% off any order when you use the code MAMA10 at checkout. I’d advise you to set aside at least an hour to look at all the great options that Carol and Company offers.

Here are some other cute things I’ve found this week while I’ve been at home with a sick child and two puppies who’ve decided they are big fans of a fire in the fireplace and a warm dog bed.

1. old navy plaid flannel shirts

I’ve featured these before, but now certain color patterns are only $15. Plaid is totally having a moment right now. It’s everywhere. Kind of like Kim Kardashian using her bottom as a shelf.

2. asos scarf in gray plaid check

See? Plaid. Having a moment.

I adore this. The end.

3. first order of show business sweater

There are certain things I find that I just immediately love and know I would wear all the time. This is one of those things.

4. ocala shirtdress

It’s hard to tell how this would look on, but I really like it in theory. Think with tights and boots. And it’s on sale for $59.96.

5. diamondstitch peasant top

This top is super cute, has great reviews and is on sale for $39.95.

6. comet, cupid, donner & glitzin’ top

In case you have determined your holidays won’t be complete unless you have a top that features little tiny reindeer.

7. fare thee velvet leggings

I love the thought of velvet leggings. They’re like dressy pajamas for the Christmas season.

8. old navy boyfriend tunic

These tunics are perfect to throw on with jeans and Converse. Or maybe just with some yoga pants. I’m a fan of a big, soft shirt.

9. plaid flare dress

I think this dress would be so cute for this time of year with tights and boots and maybe a leather jacket over it. Plus, Loft is offering 40% off everything when you sign up for email.

10. reversible vegan leather tote

I love these tote bags and they come in so many different color combinations. And they’re vegan. Next thing you know, we’ll live in a world that offers gluten free bags as well.

That’s it for today.

Have a great Friday.

When I picked up Caroline from school on Tuesday, she mentioned that she didn’t feel great and I could tell she was operating at about 75% capacity. I mean her 75% capacity is a normal person’s best day, but a mama knows when her baby is just a little off.

And so I wasn’t entirely surprised when she was a little teary Wednesday morning and said she didn’t feel like she could go to school. My only regret was that we’d already been up for forty-five minutes and I’d packed her lunch. But it took us all of about five seconds to get back in pajamas and settle in for a day of watching movies and taking it easy.

The puppies were delighted to have her home. Especially Piper who snuggled right up in front of the fireplace with her for a long winter’s nap.

So in between watching Maleficent and napping by the fire, I decided it might be fun to come up with a list of things that might make good Christmas gifts for yourself or your sister or aunt or mother or best friend. I realize it’s not even Thanksgiving yet, but I also realize that not all of you are like me and wait until the last minute to shop. And I have a feeling this will be the first of several Christmas idea lists I’ll make over the next few weeks. Feel free to return the favor by letting me know what might make a good gift for an eleven year old girl. I’m at a loss.

1. urban decay naked 2 palette

I bought this for myself about a month ago and I love it so much. The colors are great and the matte finish really does look better than sparklier eyeshadows, especially for daily wear. I’d always heard that you should switch to matte after a certain age and now I totally agree.

2. gap cozy plaid scarf

Who doesn’t like a cozy plaid scarf? Gap has a ton of cute ones in all different colors this season and it will be easy to find them on sale if you wait it out.

3. tushabe layered necklace

I love all of Noonday Collection’s jewelry, but I got to wear this necklace while I was speaking in Charlotte this past weekend and fell head over heels in love. If anyone who buys me Christmas presents is paying attention, I would like this necklace for myself. Please and thank you.

4. modena floral scarf

I just stumbled across this on the Nordstrom website and think it’s so pretty.

5. clarisonic mia skincare brush kit

I believe I’ve mentioned once or one hundred times how much I love my Clarisonic face brush. It may be the best thing I consistently do for my skin.

6. pj salvage flannel pajamas

Sometimes I get tired of getting new pajamas. That’s a lie.

I NEVER GET TIRED OF NEW PAJAMAS. I love all the pajamas.

7. gap fair isle sweater leggings

Speaking of, I have worn these every day for the last two weeks. You’ll be glad to know I have taken them off to wash them.

8. moon and lola nameplate necklace

These nameplate necklaces are so fun. They come in all different colors and fonts and would make a great gift.

9. airport greeting cardigan

This cardigan comes in several different colors and has great reviews and I think it’s a crowd pleaser.

10. hayride away poncho

Gulley and I were talking on the phone this morning and she declared that it’s her personal year of the poncho. Yes, that’s a thing. And I agreed I felt the same way. I happen to love this one.

So there’s a little list just in case you need some ideas or want to print this out and put it where your husband can see it.

Either way.

Have a great day.