The Big Boo Cast

This week we talk all about Melanie's Winter Extravaganza (TM) in San Antonio, which leads to a discussion about potential winter meals and our preparation (or lack thereof) for winter weather snacks. I also chronicle my Marvel Movie Plan (also TM but not really), and you'll be delighted (though not at all surprised) to hear me confuse the Captain America and Captain Marvel movies when I discuss what I've been watching. Bless my heart. On top of all that, I share my Five Favorites this week, and next week - don't miss it! - because Good Apple author Elizabeth Passarella will be with us.  Enjoy, y'all! - Our Amazon Shop - Become a Patron! Show Notes: -  Our Beauty Favorites episode on Patreon (complete with a Google Doc!) - Ted Lasso on Apple TV+ - Melanie's favorite gumbo recipe - Family Savvy's Spicy Hamburger Soup - Bobby Sue's Everything Goes Nuts - Whisps - WHAT A DELIGHT - America's Test Kitchen Complete Mediterranean Cookbook - Gimme Some Oven salad recipes - The WandaVision Marvel Catch-up Viewing Plan (I said "Captain Marvel" instead of "Captain America" a solid three times in the episode, which really tracks in terms of my overall literacy in this area) 1) Avengers: Age of Ultron 2) Captain America: Civil War (I misidentified this one in the episode because SKILLZ) 3) Avengers: Infinity War 4) Ant Man & the Wasp 5) Captain Marvel 6) Captain America: Winter Soldier (also misidentified in the episode) (not necessary for WandaVision but oh-so-enjoyable) 7) Avengers: Endgame - Good Apple by Elizabeth Passarella - Pendaflex Translucent Polyfile Jackets - Anthropologie Baker Stripe Dish Towels - Merrell Antora 2 Rainbow Trail Runner - $10-ish Walmart sweatshirt (my wintertime companion) - and in plus sizes - Gotham Steel pasta pot - Always Pan by Our Place (we both have pondered this one) Sponsors: - Rothy's - Apostrophe (use code BIGBOO to get $15 off) - Hello Fresh (use code BIGBOO10 for 10 free meals and free shipping) - Munk Pack (use code BIGBOO for 20% off your purchase)

On this week's episode Melanie teaches us a new word related to real estate, and I talk about three exciting discoveries from my most recent writing weekend at a local Hampton Inn. We also discuss our thoughts about how dogs perceive time. And while we didn't plan it, Melanie offers her thoughts on blazers (I'm still thinking about what she said), and she also shares her Five Favorites - which I interrupt to discuss a pair of shoes I've been admiring from afar. As always, please do enjoy. - Our Amazon Shop - Become a Patron! Show Notes: - Godiva Signature Roasted Almond Dark Chocolate Mini Bars - The Piano Guys on Apple Music and Spotify - S-Town (this is not for the children; the language is definitely rated R) - In and Of Itself (also not for the children - but one of the most compelling things I have watched in a long time) - YouTube TV - WandaVision - Disposable black face masks - Living Proof Dry Volume Blast - Old Navy Boyfriend Ponte Blazer - Graphic Image notebooks - Aerie long-sleeve Western button downs - Two Brunettes boutique - Tinley Dolce Vita sneakers (interrupting Mel's Five Favorites to say that I am enamored) - Maybelline Sky High mascara - silicone vibrating face cleansing brush - Revision Brightening face wash Sponsors: - Third Love (use this link for 20% off your first purchase) - Native (use promo code BIGBOO for 20% off your first order) - Munk Pack (use promo code BIGBOO for 20% off off your purchase) - NuCalm (use this link for 50% off your 30-day subscription)

Be advised that you may get whiplash from this week's episode; we are all over the place with our topics. We move from discussing the new Buc-ee's in Birmingham to Melanie's new liver supplements to the fact that I read two books in 24 hours to Melanie's determination to solve her family's TV streaming issues once and for all. And at the end of this episode, you'll hear an excerpt from our recent Patreon conversation with our friend and business manager, Retha Nichole. Our conversation with Retha is one of our favorite episodes ever - she offers so much wisdom and perspective - and we are so happy that you'll get to spend some time with her today. She is fantastic! Enjoy, y'all! Our Amazon Shop Become a Patron! Show Notes: - Buc-ee's - BeneRx (THE BEST topical pain relief - we both love it - use promo code BOOMAMA or promo code BIGMAMA for 10% off plus free shipping) - Good Apple by Elizabeth Passarella - The Guest List by Lucy Foley - Good Morning, I Love You by Shauna Shapiro - Revision brightening face wash - Liver supplements (YES. YOU READ THAT CORRECTLY.) - twenty twenty fun Big Boo t-shirt (promo code BIGBOO15 for 15% off sitewide) - twenty twenty fun Big Boo sweatshirt (promo code BIGBOO15 for 15% off sitewide) - Our Patreon conversation with our friend / business manager, Retha Nichole - Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eyeshadow in Amethyst - UGG Hank Joggers - Share Your Stuff. I'll Go First. by Laura Tremaine - That Sounds Fun by Annie F. Downs - Brave: A Teen Girl's Guide to Beating Worry and Anxiety by Sissy Goff - Perfect Coverage Bra by Third Love - flat whisk (my favorite kitchen tool besides my knife) - The full Patreon episode with our friend / business manager, Retha Nichole (on Patreon we do two bonus episodes a month for $5 / month - and you get access to all the previous episodes when you subscribe) Sponsors: - Stamps (use promo code BIGBOO for 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale) - Thrive Market (use our link for 25% off your first order and an exclusive free gift) - AcornTV (use promo code BIGBOO to get your first 30 days free)

On this episode Melanie shares her thoughts on a recent soccer game - and how she suffered after insisting that Caroline needed to stretch afterwards. We recap inaugural fashion (A BALM TO MY SOUL), and we spend some time speculating about JLo's skincare routine (whatever it is, IT WORKS).  Melanie also has some new products to tell us about (my favorite!), and on top of that, she tells us about her Five Favorites - which may or may not reinforce our 2021 great-grandma vibe. We're just here to serve.  Enjoy, y'all! Our Amazon Shop Become a Patron! Show Notes: - Melania Trump's Florida dress that we LOVED (We didn't know it was Gucci. This is slightly more expensive than an Anthro dress.) - JLo and ARod on the steps of the Capitol  - Michelle Obama's pantsuit (THAT COAT) - Jill Biden's evening coat - Jami Nato on Instagram - Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara - Turmeric Oil - Mindy Kaling's Amazon essays, Nothing Like I Imagined - Nature's Way DIM-plus Estrogen Metabolism (as with any supplement, check with your doctor before taking these) - Disposable black face masks - Laneige sleeping lip mask - Bombas socks - Hummingbird Farms Lavender Body Cream Sponsors: - KiwiCo (use promo code BIGBOO for 30% off your first month and free shipping on any crate line) - Sakara (use promo code BIGBOO for 20% off your first order) - Apostrophe (use promo code BIGBOO for $15 off your dermatology visit) - Best Fiends (download in the Apple App Store or on Google Play)

Well, this is just the fanciest of the episodes. We talk about vegetables, whether or not we're bothered by food odors, our struggle to make better meal choices, and how we like to achieve volume in our hair using a chip clip. We also talk about how sometimes giving up is the best option, Melanie's new method of chronicling what she reads, and my most recent round of Five Favorites. Enjoy, y'all! - Our Amazon Shop - Become a Patron! Show Notes: - Living Proof Dry Volume Blast  - Goody Hair Clips - Wonder Woman 1984 - Summer of '69 by Elin Hilderbrand - Nothing Like I Imagined (Except for Sometimes) by Mindy Kaling (each essay is listed at 99 cents for Kindle, but if you click on each one individually, you can borrow it for free with Amazon Prime) - Southern Charm - @sharonsaysso on Instagram - We, the Pizza donations to National Guard members - Sunday Planning journal - Our friend and business manager, Retha Nichole Sponsors: - Apostrophe (use code BIGBOO for $15 off your dermatology) - Care/of (use promo code BIGBOOCAST50 for 50% off your first order) - Prose (use this link for your free in-depth hair quiz and 15% off)  - FabFitFun (use promo code BIGBOO for $10 off your first box)

On this episode we spend some time making predictions about the National Championship game, and then we move into deeper subjects like eyebrow pencils, what we love about libraries, and additional low-level goals for 2021. We also talk about Melanie's completely accurate assessment of the Living Proof Dry Volume Blast (I finally tried it!), my quest for the perfect hair towel, and Melanie's (DELIGHTFUL) Five Favorites. Hope y'all enjoy! Hang in there, everybody. Show Notes: - Zoe's Family Meals - Titans by Leila Meacham - The Dutch House by Ann Patchett - Soul - Sylvie's Love - Living Proof Dry Volume Blast - Anastasia Brow Wiz Jamie Golden's Brow Product Recommendations: - LA Colors Shady Slim Brow Pencil - Benefit Gimme Brow Gel - Glossier Boy Brow - Flower Beauty Brow Gel - Glossier Brow Flick Pen - Benefit Brow Filling Pen - Fenty Brow MVP Sculpting Wax Pencil & Styler - Things I Bought & Liked on IG - Rechargeable LED Book Light - Anrabess Long Sleeve Batwing Sweater - Lemon & Eucalyptus oil - Acrylic tissue holder - The Bible Recap by Tara-Leigh Cobble - ESV Large Print Bible Sponsors:   - Munk Pack (use promo code BIGBOO for 20% your purchase) - Hello Fresh (use promo code bigboo10 for 10 free meals and free shipping) - Native (use promo code BIGBOO for 20% off your first order) - NuCalm (use this link for 50% off your 30-day subscription of NuCalm)

Consider this episode a celebration of the arrival of Twenty Twenty-Fun, because we have lots of happy football news and happy movie news and even some happy salad news.  Yes. I said "salad."  We also talk about our low-level goals for the new year, our favorite crunchy vegetables (THIS IS AN IMPORTANT TOPIC), and last but not least, my current Five Favorites. So, as you can see, 2021 is off to a spectacular start! Hope y'all enjoy! Our Amazon Shop Become a Patron! Show Notes: - Episode 194 with Coach Mike Leach - Soul - LIfe in PIeces - Solitaire app - That Sounds Fun with Annie F. Downs - Christmas Party Episode 8 with Amy Grant - The Next Right Thing Guided Journal by Emily Freeman - Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21 - Soul soundtrack on Apple Music and Spotify - Piano Chill playlist on Apple Music - @thesaltedtable on Instagram  - Instructions for how to add our Patreon episodes to your favorite podcast app Sponsors: - Sakara (use promo code BIGBOO for 20% off prenatals) - Thrive Market (join today for free gift worth $24) - Best Fiends (download on the Apple App Store or Google Play)

Lo, it is our last episode of 2020, and right out of the gate Melanie comes in strong by sharing catchphrase she's heard for 2021. I have a feeling that this episode won't be the last time we reference it. Besides the catchphrase fun, we talk about our respective Christmases, my deep affection for a new year, and we also discuss what three product discoveries from 2020 we plan to carry with us into 2021.  Oh! And I share a recipe for an easy dip I made on Christmas day, plus we discuss the challenges of new technology at this stage of life, and Melanie shares her five favorites.  Enjoy, y'all! Our Amazon Shop Become a Patron! Show Notes: - That Sounds Fun with Annie Downs and guest Ben Rector - Universal Standard Stephanie Wide Leg Stripe Pants  - Vidalia Onion Dip (made it for the first time in forever this Christmas and remembered why we love it) - Thrive Market - Cuisinart Coffee Center (update as I'm editing this episode: we have finally figured out our best strategy for a great pot of coffee - 12 cups of cold, filtered water and 8 large scoops (that's 16 tablespoons) of ground coffee) - Kleem Organics retinol moisturizer - Kenra Heat Cast thermal spray - Living Proof Dry Volume Blast (Melanie's hair MVP) - Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo - Living Proof Triple Detox Shampoo - Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin Body Wash - R+Co Dallas Biotin Thickening Shampoo & Conditioner - Prose Pre-Shampoo Scalp Mask - Hair Scalp Massager - COOP Home Goods Pillow (a for sure 2020 MVP) - Redland Cotton Sheets - Alexa Home Studio - Echo Silver on SNL - Colorfulkoala leggings  - M3 Anti-Cellulite massage oil - ABLE Leather & Lavender candle - @heymadinelson on Instagram - Lucky Peacock Designs Sponsors: - Pipette (use code BIGBOO for 30% off your order) - Hello Fresh (use code BIGBOO90 for $90 off and free shipping) 

This week I share a terrible (okay - not really terrible - just exasperating) thing that happened when I had to go to Walmart and Target on the same day, and Melanie analyzes the Aggies' College Football Playoff chances. We also have a discussion about Sierra Mist Cranberry Splash, only I call it Sierra Mist Cranberry Blast, and clearly I have reached a point in my life where I just make up my own names for familiar products.  And as a public service to readers everywhere, Melanie makes some book suggestions that feature war / espionage as a backdrop for brave actions by gritty heroines, and I share my Five Favorites. Only I forgot to include the Five Favorites background music. I hope you can forgive me.  Please do enjoy, everyone. Our Amazon Shop Become A Patron! Show Notes: - Tasha Cobbs Leonard - Beatriz Williams (she has tons of books; Melanie mentioned three: A Hundred Summers, Golden Hour, and Along the Infinite Sea) - The Women in the Castle by Jessica Shattuck - The Secrets We Kept by Lara Prescott - Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton - The German Heiress by Anika Scott - The Alice Network by Kate Quinn - The Huntress by Kate Quinn - This Secret Thing by Mary Beth Whalen - Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas - Mickey's Twice Upon a Christmas - Scalp Massager Shampoo Brush - R+Co Dallas Biotin Thickening Shampoo - Prose Hair Mask - Prose Dry Shampoo - Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo - Compassion Live Show - this Saturday, December 19th, at 7pm central - sponsorship option - If you attended the live show back in the summer, message our friend Retha on Instagram and she'll pass along a special code just for summer attendees - Buy a ticket for the live show - Bath & Body Works Fresh Balsam candles - Algenist Eye Renewal Balm - Mindy Kaling's ring finger - Old Navy sweaters in regular sizes and plus sizes - Sanctuary Project jewelry (use promo code SANC25 for 25% off) Sponsors: - NuCalm (use this link for 50% off your first 30-day subscription) - Magic Spoon (use the code BIGBOO for free shipping) - FabFitFun (use the code BIGBOO for $10 off) - KiwiCo (use promo code BIGBOO for 50% off and free shipping)

This week we talk about weather (yes, we are 107), some fun fashion memories, and college football because if we didn't talk about college football then the world would surely stop spinning on its axis. We also share part of this month's Closer Look episode from Patreon - with special guest Travis Cottrell. As many of y'all know, Travis is one of our very favorite people - and he happens to be a huge fan of 80's music. You'll hear the 80's music part of our Patreon discussion on this episode, and you'll also see a link to Travis' 80's Duets Playlist in the Show Notes below. And on top of all that: Melanie shares Five Favorites. Hope y'all enjoy! Our Amazon Shop Be A Patron! Show Notes: - Silk Reflections hose - A great Barefood Dreams alternative (I decided the Barefoot Dreams options were way too long for Martha - and this style is much more her speed) (please don't tell her that this is one of her presents) :-) - Travis Cottrell - Travis' 80's Duet Playlist on Apple Music - Travis' 80's Duet Playlist on Spotify - Revitalash - Pure Science Neck Firming Cream - Melanie's new favorite Stars Above pajamas - "Heirlooms" by Amy Grant - Allie+Bess bracelets - Lucky Peacock Designs Sponsors: - Magic Spoon (use promo code BIGBOO for free shipping) - Storyworth (use this link for $10 off your first purchase) - Hydrant (use promo code BIGBOO for 25% off your first order) - Acorn (use promo code BIGBOO for 30 days free)