The Big Boo Cast

This week we talk about the different ways we're aware that MAY, IT IS UPON US - graduation and office clean-out for me, Caroline's soccer all-star game and pre-graduation festivities for Melanie. Melanie also shares an exciting new charcuterie idea (GENIUS), and I talk about some shorts that are suddenly everywhere and clearly taking summer by storm.We also discuss what we're watching (of course), and it's my turn for Five Favorites. By the way, I didn't have my microphone on for the first four minutes of the episode, but by some miracle I realized that my microphone wasn't on, and I fixed the problem, and clearly we are a beacon of podcasting excellence.Enjoy, y'all! - Our Amazon Shop- Become a Patron Show Notes:- Free People's The Way Home shorts in solids, colorblocks, and prints- The Derry Girls on Netflix- The Ted Lasso playlist (Ted's Locker Room Jams) on Apple Music (and something similar on Spotify)- Stylish with Jenna Lyons (just FYI: the language is terrible and definitely for adults only)- June's Journey- waterproof backpack rain cover- Hazel's donut dog bed- Aerosoles Dada wedge slip-on in soft gold (looks like they're out of stock on the Aerosoles website)- Pentel Rolling Writer- Folded Crispy Chipotle Chicken Wraps Sponsors:- FabFitFun (use promo code BIGBOO21 for $10 off your first box)- Munk Pack (use promo code BIGBOO for 20% off)- Stories with Grace Thornton (listen wherever you get your podcasts - and click here to listen to the first episode of season 2)- KiwiCo (use promo code BIGBOO for 30% off your first month plus free shipping)     

Well, it was a formal event extravaganza for Caroline this past weekend in San Antonio, and on this episode Melanie and I spend some time breaking down the details. We also talk about college baseball (such a surprise this time of year, right?) and Alex's spring football practice. On top of all that, we discuss what we've been watching this past week as well as some celebrity news that has intrigued us (please see: Bennifer). Plus, Melanie shares her five favorites. Hope y'all enjoy!  - Our Amazon Shop - Become a Patron Show Notes: - The Pelican Brief on Netflix - Caroline and her gorgeous Symphony Ball dress - The Big Shot with Bethenny on HBOMax (the language is TERRIBLE) - A Place to Call Home on AcornTV - Poppy Handcrafted Popcorn - Everything but the Bagel Greek Yogurt Dip from Trader Joe's - Tillamook Spicy Berry Bite Cheese Snack - houseinhabit - Fave4 Hair Texture Takeover hairspray Sponsors: - Analuisa (use promo code BIGBOO for 10% off all products) - Third Love (use this link for 20% off your first purchase) - Hello Fresh (use code BIGBOO12 for 12 free meals including free shipping) - Rothy's    

In this episode we talk about the strange adjustment to speaking in public again, and we also discuss this past weekend's baseball series between the Aggies and the Bulldogs (spoiler alert: the winner was a team wearing maroon). Plus, we break down some of the events surrounding Alex's junior prom - and, on a much grander scale, how the pictures of Alex Drummond's wedding were the gift we didn't know we needed.We also continue our discussion (from Patreon) about Melanie's feelings about inanimate objects, we plan an imaginary graduation party buffet, and I share my Five Favorites.Enjoy, y'all! - Our Amazon Shop- Become a Patron Show Notes:- Alex Drummond's wedding pictures- Jovani- Patreon episode about our quirks and pet peeves- French Onion Beef Sliders for a Crowd- Mini Caprese Salad Bites- Vidalia Onion Dip- Pioneer Woman Potluck Meatballs- Family Savvy's Redneck Charcuterie- Levain Chocolate Chip Cookie knock-off recipe- Allie + Bess Madi Summer Stack of 5- NEEDTOBREATHE Live from the Woods, Vol. 2- Jimmy Dean Delights- Lindsay Ferrier's guide to Birmingham- Frosted Coffee at Chick-fil-A Sponsors:- Gohenry (use promo code BIGBOO for one free month)- Thrive Market (use this link for $20 off your first order and a free gift)- Native (use promo code BIGBOO for 20% off your first order)- care/of (use promo code BIGBOOCAST50 for 50% off your first order) 

The two of us had fairly boring weekends, but that didn't stop us from rambling about our everyday concerns: our (previously undeclared) fondness for certain Old Spice products, our difficulties finding (and ordering) some products we really love, and our realizations that certain pandemic practices may have changed us in ways we didn't expect. Also, we talk about how I've rediscovered a 70's TV classic, and it's Melanie's turn for Five Favorites. Hope y'all enjoy!  - Our Amazon Shop - Become a Patron Show Notes: - Columbo on Amazon Prime - HomeTown on HGTV - A Place to Call Home on AcornTV - Topgolf - Zara flowy short jumpsuit - pink and orange camo cargo pants in regular sizes and plus sizes - Old Spice Timber deodorant - Old Spice Pure Sport body wash - Nate Bargatze's The Greatest Average American - Maverick City Music's "Jireh" - Aggie script hoodie from Adidas - Mary's Gone Crackers Thin Sea Salt Crackers - Cheeky Vintage - Colorfulkoala 7/8 length leggings with pockets Sponsors: - Munk Pack (use promo code BIGBOO for 20% off your purchase) - Ana Luisa (use promo code BIGBOOMD for 15% off) - Prose (use this link for your free in-depth hair quiz and 15% off your first order) - Thrive Causemetics (use this link for 15% off your first order)

This week we talk about Melanie's long-standing feud with a large electronics store, the highlights of this past Sunday's State / Ole Miss baseball game, and a couple of new recipes we've recently tried.We also discuss our personal comforter and duvet preferences, our feelings about matte vs. dewy finishes with make-up, and I share my latest round of Five Favorites. What a thrill. What a time.Enjoy, y'all! - Our Amazon Shop- Become a Patron Show Notes:- Tanner Allen's triple- Logan Tanner's throw to 2nd- Half Baked Harvest Lemon Key Lime Pie Bars- Boll & Branch duvet- Cucumber & Avocado Salsa- Best Beauty Buys of 2021 from InStyle (this is an Apple News link, so if you don't subscribe, it may not work for you)- Anastasia Brow Wiz- Revitalash- Maybelline SuperStay Ink Crayon- L'Oreal Infallible Freshware Foundation Powder- Jouer Soft Focus Hydrate + Set powder- Five Questions with Annie F. Downs- The Final Table on Netflix- Top Chef- Spring lipsticks: Thrive Causemetics lipstick in Emii and Urban Decay Comfort Matte in Backtalk- BP print cargo pants in regular sizes and plus sizes- Apple News- Costco via Instacart- discovery + (I should have specified that it's only some Verizon plans where you get discovery + for six months for free - but it's worth checking out whether your plan qualifies) - The Magnolia Table- A Place to Call Home Sponsors:- Best Fiends (download on the Apple App Store or Google Play)- FabFitFun (use promo code BIGBOO for $10 off your first month)- KiwiCo (use code BIGBOO for 30% off your first month and free shipping)- Analuisa (use our code BIGBOOMD to get 15% off)

It was such a treat for Melanie and me to close out Five Questions - a six-week bonus series of The Big Boo Cast - with our longtime friend Annie F. Downs. Annie is a podcaster, a New York Times bestselling author, and an Instagram delight. We loved getting to reminisce about our old blogging days (Bloglines and Google Reader, anyone?) and the first few years of Annie's writing career in Nashville.We also talk about writing in the here and now; Annie has some great perspective about rejection and about a healthy writing process. Plus, Annie and I talk (maybe) way too much and way too enthusiastically about cooking shows that we love. By the way, I have since watched all the episodes of the cooking show that Annie recommends, and I have a lot of thoughts about it. This may merit some sort of follow-up episode. Enjoy, y'all!- Our Amazon Shop- Become a Patron! Show Notes:- Annie F. Downs- That Sounds Fun book- That Sounds Fun podcast- That Sounds Fun network- Annie's Instagram- Delicious Miss Brown with Kardea Brown- The Final Table on Netflix- Chef's Table- Somebody Feed Phil- Spring Baking Championship- Tournament of Champions on Food Network- That Sounds Fun Tour Sponsor:- AcornTV (use promo code BIGBOO to get your first 30 days free)

Here's what I'll say about this week's episode: it's a whole lot. Melanie and I both talk about our weekends, I offer a (nerdy) update on my June's Journey progress, and then we both share graduation gift ideas. It's that time of year, y'all.Plus, Melanie shares her Five Favorites, and the end result of all of that content is a pretty long podcast episode. We'll be back on Monday with our final installment of the Five Questions series (Annie Downs is our guest!), and then next Thursday we'll be back again with Episode 231. Look at all that fun! Enjoy, everybody! - Our Amazon Shop- Become a Patron Show Notes:- June's Journey- Hay Day- Star Stable- Gameguard shirt monogrammed or school version- Thrive Causemetics Brilliant Eye Brightener (one or two of these in a cute zipper pouch would be a great gift) (my favorite shade is not in fact called Champagne - it's called Stella, which has a champagne shimmer)- Stoney Clover mini pouch- Leather valet for wallet, keys, spare change, etc.- Seersucker monogrammed towel wrap- Funky Monkey shower slides- Bagsmart large toiletry bag- The North Face Berkeley duffel bag- LL Bean extra large tote bag- ABLE Rachel wristlet (use promo code BIGMAMA20 for 20% off)- ABLE Vantage bracelet (use promo code BIGMAMA20 for 20% off)- ABLE Beam ring (use promo code BIGMAMA20 for 20% off)- acrylic stapler and tape dispenser (and I found acrylic scissors!)- hand crank weather radio emergency radio / flashlight- devotional book (All in All by Sophie, Everyday Holy by Melanie, Awaken by Priscilla Shirer, New Morning Mercies by Paul David Tripp, Live in Grace, Walk in Love by Bob Goff) and journals (these by Rifle Paper, these by Pencil & Paper, and these Moleskine journals which would work for girls or guys)- personalized phone power banks- Case pocket knives- a really good flashlight- Smathers & Branson needlepoint wallets and belts- Trader Joe's Rolled Corn Chili Lime tortilla chips- Old Navy dolphin hem run shorts- Mangopop round neck t-shirt body suit- Botanic Tree Glycolic Acid face wash- Kamissy smock tank top with ruffle hem cami top Sponsors:- Third Love (use this link to get 20% off your first purchase)- Hello Fresh (use promo code BIGBOO12 for 12 free meals including free shipping)- Storyworth (use this link for $10 off your first purchase)- Rothy's

This week on the fifth installment of Five Questions - a six-week bonus series of The Big Boo Cast - we're talking with Lisa Jackson, who just so happens to be our literary agent. Lisa works in Colorado Springs with Alive Literary Agency, and I know Melanie would agree that, in so many ways, she is the wind beneath our writing wings. You might even convince us to sing a duet about how much we love her. On today's episode, we talk about how publishing has changed, what agents and publishers are looking for in a book, and Lisa's favorite parts of being a literary agent.We'll be back later this week with our regular episode - Episode 230 - and then next Monday we’ll have another episode of Five Questions with one of our very first friends from Ye Olden Days of Blogging - and one of our favorite writers - the delightful Annie Downs. Hope y'all enjoy!- Our Amazon Shop- Become a Patron! Show Notes:- Lisa Jackson- A Little Salty to Cut the Sweet- Nobody's Cuter Than You - Little House on the Prairie series- Loving Frank by Nancy Horan- Barbara Brown Taylor- Wendell Berry- Alive Literary Agency- Lisa on Instagram Sponsor:- AcornTV (use promo code BIGBOO to get your first 30 days free)

We have a special guest on this week's episode, and we couldn't be happier about it. Sharon McMahon (@sharonsaysso) has taken Instagram by storm over the last few months - she is a funny, wise, non-partisan former government teacher - and she has created such a beautiful online community. Melanie and I have gotten such a kick out of following her and learning from her, so when it worked out for us to get to actually talk to her, we couldn't say "yes" fast enough. And listen - we cover a lot of ground. We talk about Sharon's informational, non-partisan approach to teaching people about government and democracy, we talk about how Sharon shattered Melanie's lifelong belief about Texas' ability to secede from the union, and we talk about how important it is to really listen to one another so that we can understand one another better - especially when we disagree (my favorite quote of Sharon's: "We cannot work for each other's mutual destruction"). We're also going to talk about make-up, and if you've seen Sharon's eyeshadow skills on Instagram, you'll understand why.  We'll also have our usual round of Five Favorites at the end of the episode (it's my turn this week!), and we'll be back next Monday with a new Five Questions (featuring our literary agent, Lisa Jackson) and our usual brand of shenanigans next Thursday on episode 230. Enjoy, everybody! - Our Amazon Shop - Become a Patron Show Notes: - The Carol Burnett Show - Sharon McMahon - Sharon's Instagram - Sharon's Government for Grown-ups - Dave (the movie) - BH Cosmetics Hangin' in Hawaii eyeshadow palette - Latisse eyelash serum - Revitabrow eyelash serum - Go Big or Go Home mascara by KVD Beauty - Subversion eyelash primer by Urban Decay - Get Organized with The Home Edit on Netflix - Palmer's Cocoa Butter Ultra Gentle Facial Cleansing Oil - Thrive Causemetics 3-in-1 Brightening Face Wash - Delicious Miss Brown - Kardea Brown's Fried Pork Chops with Homemade Table Gravy - Tyler Glamorous Wash in Diva (a laundry splurge - but one small bottle will last for six months or so) - OPI Hollywood & Vibe Sponsors: - Audible (use this link or text BIGBOO to 500500) - Thrive Market (use this link to get 25% off your first order and an exclusive free gift) - Native (use promo code BIGBOO at checkout and get 20% off your first order) - Stamps (use promo code BIGBOO for a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale)

This week on Five Questions - a six-week bonus series of The Big Boo Cast - we're talking with Elizabeth Passarella, a contributing editor at Southern Living magazine and the author of Good Apple: Tales of a Southern Evangelical in New York. We started this conversation a few weeks ago on Episode 224, so we are delighted to bring you part two today. Elizabeth grew up in Memphis, has lived in New York for the last twenty years, and talks to us on this episode about the best Memphis barbecue, the Southern food she misses, and whether or not releasing a new book was what she expected. We'll be back later this week with our regular episode - Episode 229 - and then next Monday we’ll have another episode of Five Questions with our beloved literary agent, Lisa Jackson. Hope y'all enjoy!- Our Amazon Shop- Become a Patron! Show Notes:- Amy Grant & Ellie Holcombe's song, "A Woman"- "El Shaddai"- Lead Me On- Sandi Patty- Amy Grant's The Collection- "Old Man's Rubble"- "All I Ever Have to Be"- Honey Baked Ham- Sister Schubert's rolls- Good Apple: Tales of a Southern Evangelical in New York- Fran Keenan's Instagram (this is how I found out about Elizabeth's book)- Elizabeth's website- Elizabeth on Instagram Sponsor:- AcornTV (use promo code BIGBOO to get your first 30 days free)