The Big Boo Cas‪t‬ Melanie Shankle & Sophie Hudson

It seems like it's been forever since we last said these words, but college baseball season is here! On this episode we talk about opening weekend for the Aggies and the Bulldogs, and we also discuss our weekend outings to the State / Alabama women's basketball game (me) and the San Antonio rodeo (Mel). Plus, Mel shares some ways we can all jump in and help Texans who are recovering from last week's ice storm.

AND. This week we get to spend some time talking with author Elizabeth Passarella. I mentioned her new book, Good Apple, on the podcast a few weeks ago (you may remember that I loved it), and Melanie and I were so excited to get to visit with her. You'll hear part of the conversation on this episode - the rest a few weeks down the road - and you are going to love her. Melanie and I had both talked to her for about three minutes when we realized that it felt like we've known her forever.

Hope y'all enjoy!

- Our Amazon Shop
(http://amazon.com/shop/bigboo)

- Become a Patron!
(http://patreon.com/bigboo)

Show Notes:

- How to Help Texas: San Antonio Food Bank (https://safoodbank.org/) , Houston Food Bank (https://www.houstonfoodbank.org/) , North Texas Food Bank (https://ntfb.org/) , West Texas Food Bank
(https://wtxfoodbank.org/)

- Mississippi State's new baseball uniforms with the "State" script (https://twitter.com/HailStateBB/status/1363579379511685126) (NBD but these might just be the best looking baseball uniforms in the country)

- Elizabeth Passarella (https://www.elizabethpassarella.com/)

- Good Apple by Elizabeth Passarella (https://amzn.to/3qM1SOa) (it's really wonderful!)

- Rendevouz
(https://hogsfly.com/)

- Corky's BBQ
(https://www.corkysbbq.com/locations/memphis)

- Payne's Bar-B-Que
(https://www.yelp.com/biz/paynes-bar-b-que-memphis)

- Levain Bakery
(https://levainbakery.com/)

- Roku streaming stick
(https://rstyle.me/+3X7vq-SFhL-zpcSZbiLMSw)

- YouTube TV
(https://tv.youtube.com/welcome/)

- Quilty weighted blanket
(https://rstyle.me/+b8rubVk-hQENZoR11Vs8jQ)

- 32 oz. deli food storage containers
(https://rstyle.me/+LfplVAEfkb0ODIquoHnGtg)

- milk frother
(https://rstyle.me/+CA5nB_RrzXKiTmqAiF2_Tw)

- Ancestral Supplements Grass Fed (https://rstyle.me/+D15jxNUILXPPYsozgp0FxA) Dessicated (https://rstyle.me/+D15jxNUILXPPYsozgp0FxA) Beef Liver
(https://rstyle.me/+D15jxNUILXPPYsozgp0FxA)

Sponsors:

- Best Fiends (download on the Apple App Store or Google Play)

- Prose (http://prose.com/bigboo) (use this link for your free in-depth hair quiz and 15% off your first order)

- FabFitFun (http://fabfitfun.com) (use promo code BIGBOO for $10 off your first box)

- KiwiCo (http://kiwico.com) (use promo code BIGBOO for 30% off your first month and free shipping)

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
(http://amazon.com/shop/bigboo)

- Become a Patron!
(http://patreon.com/bigboo)

Show Notes:

-  Our Beauty Favorites episode on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/posts/47582188) (complete with a Google Doc!)

- Ted Lasso (https://tv.apple.com/us/show/ted-lasso/umc.cmc.vtoh0mn0xn7t3c643xqonfzy) on Apple TV+

- Melanie's favorite gumbo recipe
(https://www.tablefortwoblog.com/chicken-and-andouille-sausage-gumbo/)

- Family Savvy's Spicy Hamburger Soup
(https://www.familysavvy.com/spicy-hamburger-vegetable-soup/)

- Bobby Sue's Everything Goes Nuts
(https://amzn.to/2Nfuf8J)

- Whisps (https://thrivemarket.com/brand/cello-whisps) - WHAT A DELIGHT

- America's Test Kitchen Complete Mediterranean Cookbook
(https://amzn.to/3bdMjYS)

- Gimme Some Oven salad recipes
(https://www.gimmesomeoven.com/all-recipes/?fwp_course=salad)

- The WandaVision (https://www.disneyplus.com/series/wandavision/4SrN28ZjDLwH) 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
(https://amzn.to/3bdCbQ0)

- Pendaflex Translucent Polyfile Jackets
(https://amzn.to/2ZwyaAR)

- Anthropologie Baker Stripe Dish Towels
(https://rstyle.me/+EAUoTOjD3TfOYWrBfPoF9w)

- Merrell Antora 2 Rainbow Trail Runner
(https://rstyle.me/+i6ZfuFmnXmJfvZSLOHI4sw)

- $10-ish Walmart sweatshirt (https://rstyle.me/+Qa6AMYfwGfg-X7aMYI9wAA) (my wintertime companion) - and in plus sizes (https://rstyle.me/+hV7OCYOQ56MLIgOVnLyqpg)

- Gotham Steel pasta pot
(https://amzn.to/3u3jjvJ)

- Always Pan by Our Place (https://fromourplace.com/products/always-essential-cooking-pan) (we both have pondered this one)

Sponsors:

- Rothy's
(http://rothys.com/bigboo)

- Apostrophe (http://apostrophe.com/bigboo) (use code BIGBOO to get $15 off)

- Hello Fresh (http://hellofresh.com/bigboo10) (use code BIGBOO10 for 10 free meals and free shipping)

- Munk Pack (http://munkpack.com) (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
(http://amazon.com/shop/bigboo)

- Become a Patron!
(http://patreon.com/bigboo)

Show Notes:

- Godiva Signature Roasted Almond Dark Chocolate Mini Bars
(https://www.walgreens.com/store/c/godiva-signature-mini-bars/ID=300403644-product)

- The Piano Guys on Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/the-piano-guys-essentials/pl.e8e70f50cad446a781b236e01853bf83) and Spotify
(https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1DZ06evO07w8CY?si=UynNr4EWQ2W9myrgtOuiXw)

- S-Town (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s-town/id1212558767) (this is not for the children; the language is definitely rated R)

- In and Of Itself (https://www.hulu.com/movie/derek-delgaudios-in-of-itself-19b9d405-40b2-483e-8e1f-e25fe10c7299) (also not for the children - but one of the most compelling things I have watched in a long time)

- YouTube TV
(https://tv.youtube.com/welcome/)

- WandaVision
(https://www.disneyplus.com/series/wandavision/4SrN28ZjDLwH)

- Disposable black face masks
(https://amzn.to/2N6vcQn)

- Living Proof Dry Volume Blast
(https://amzn.to/3rA4bDP)

- Old Navy Boyfriend Ponte Blazer
(https://rstyle.me/+2UOsi4ELMaSzcF7KxB_iWg)

- Graphic Image notebooks
(https://www.graphicimage.com/collections/notebook-refills)

- Aerie long-sleeve Western button downs
(https://rstyle.me/+TSaItQJb4h7h6LibDH3hTw)

- Two Brunettes boutique
(https://iibrunettes.com)

- Tinley Dolce Vita sneakers (https://iibrunettes.com/collections/shoes/products/tinley-sneakers) (interrupting Mel's Five Favorites to say that I am enamored)

- Maybelline Sky High mascara
(https://rstyle.me/+ZgE6yMriIspEZmdizWomwA)

- silicone vibrating face cleansing brush
(https://rstyle.me/+G2ve4P6Qg6sGazpog4azqg)

- Revision Brightening face wash
(https://amzn.to/3rCStZo)

Sponsors:

- Third Love (http://thirdlove.com/bigboo) (use this link for 20% off your first purchase)

- Native (http://nativedeo.com/bigboo) (use promo code BIGBOO for 20% off your first order)

- Munk Pack (http://munkpack.com) (use promo code BIGBOO for 20% off off your purchase)

- NuCalm (http://bigboo.nucalm.com) (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 (http://rethanichole.com) . 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
(http://amazon.com/shop/bigboo)

Become a Patron!

(https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=9858737) Show Notes:

- Buc-ee's
(https://buc-ees.com/)

- BeneRx (http://www.benerxmd.com/) (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
(https://amzn.to/3rjjHnH)

- The Guest List by Lucy Foley
(https://amzn.to/3crkoae)

- Good Morning, I Love You by Shauna Shapiro
(https://amzn.to/3amc6xO)

- Revision brightening face wash
(https://amzn.to/3cwRUvL)

- Liver supplements (https://amzn.to/3rd7TDi) (YES. YOU READ THAT CORRECTLY.)

- twenty twenty fun Big Boo t-shirt (https://www.milkandhoneytees.com/listing/925944268/twenty-twenty-fun-tee-big-boo-cast) (promo code BIGBOO15 for 15% off sitewide)

- twenty twenty fun Big Boo sweatshirt (https://www.milkandhoneytees.com/listing/925942518/twenty-twenty-fun-sweatshirt-big-boo) (promo code BIGBOO15 for 15% off sitewide)

- Our Patreon conversation with our friend / business manager, Retha Nichole
(https://www.patreon.com/posts/bbp-january-2021-46759837)

- Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eyeshadow in Amethyst
(https://rstyle.me/+tEzXK8R_2dMUMM4FD6ySNA)

- UGG Hank Joggers
(https://rstyle.me/+ts1m2vCBQKp4ixXwlo5kpQ)

- Share Your Stuff. I'll Go First. by Laura Tremaine
(https://amzn.to/3oJXWeK)

- That Sounds Fun by Annie F. Downs
(https://amzn.to/2MLMdiO)

- Brave: A Teen Girl's Guide to Beating Worry and Anxiety by Sissy Goff
(https://amzn.to/3tm9Mj2)

- Perfect Coverage Bra by Third Love
(https://rstyle.me/+BWQ538A2Sy2XQwe8cMHvEQ)

- flat whisk (https://amzn.to/3ttHao7) (my favorite kitchen tool besides my knife)

- The full Patreon episode with our friend / business manager, Retha Nichole (https://www.patreon.com/posts/46759837) (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 (http://stamps.com) (use promo code BIGBOO for 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale)

- Thrive Market (http://thrivemarket.com/bigboo) (use our link for 25% off your first order and an exclusive free gift)

- AcornTV (http://acorn.tv) (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
(http://amazon.com/shop/bigboo)

Become a Patron!
(http://patreon.com/bigboo)

Show Notes:

- Melania Trump's Florida dress that we LOVED (https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/style/story/melania-trump-switches-3700-gucci-dress-white-house-75405081) (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 (https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-9171053/Jennifer-Lopez-drapes-fianc-Alex-Rodriguez.html)  

- Michelle Obama's pantsuit (THAT COAT)
(https://people.com/style/michelle-obama-stylist-breaks-down-inauguration-outfit/)

- Jill Biden's evening coat
(https://www.instagram.com/p/CKTe9W0AEnj/?utm_source=ig_embed)

- Jami Nato on Instagram
(http://instagram.com/jaminato)

- Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara
(https://rstyle.me/+0HDBdxZ4uPde49owDIaqYg)

- Turmeric Oil
(https://rstyle.me/+HmfMJhje3WIAlSfYj0Xc9w)

- Mindy Kaling's Amazon essays, Nothing Like I Imagined
(https://amzn.to/39kTYF4)

- Nature's Way DIM-plus Estrogen Metabolism (https://rstyle.me/+nIHJYMr6IlWoCWKMPa8JGg) (as with any supplement, check with your doctor before taking these)

- Disposable black face masks
(https://rstyle.me/+MFNSfyiOslxE2IhsKiP4ew)

- Laneige sleeping lip mask
(https://rstyle.me/+VdhrWv_HhyFuWCtkwmtVsQ)

- Bombas socks
(https://rstyle.me/+YOJ_9O2RTwwmbnWIm4-oMQ)

- Hummingbird Farms Lavender Body Cream
(https://www.hummingbird-farms.com/products/lavender-heavy-cream)

Sponsors:

- KiwiCo (http://kiwico.com) (use promo code BIGBOO for 30% off your first month and free shipping on any crate line)

- Sakara (http://sakara.com/bigboo) (use promo code BIGBOO for 20% off your first order)

- Apostrophe (http://apostrophe.com/bigboo) (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 (http://amazon.com/bigboo)

- Become a Patron! (http://patreon.com/bigboo)

Show Notes:

- Living Proof Dry Volume Blast (https://amzn.to/3sCE2Wm)  

- Goody Hair Clips (https://amzn.to/391uhcF)

- Wonder Woman 1984 (https://www.hbomax.com/wonder-woman-1984)

- Summer of '69 by Elin Hilderbrand (https://amzn.to/3p0dNXR)

- Nothing Like I Imagined (Except for Sometimes) by Mindy Kaling (https://amzn.to/2LRoqh3) (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 (https://www.bravotv.com/southern-charm)

- @sharonsaysso (http://instagram.com/sharonsaysso) on Instagram

- We, the Pizza donations to National Guard members (https://donorbox.org/we-the-pizza-we-the-troops-1)

- Sunday Planning journal (https://www.rethanichole.com/shop/p/sunday-planning-journal)

- Our friend and business manager, Retha Nichole (https://www.rethanichole.com/)

Sponsors:

- Apostrophe (http://apostrophe.com/bigboo) (use code BIGBOO for $15 off your dermatology)

- Care/of (http://takecareof.com) (use promo code BIGBOOCAST50 for 50% off your first order)

- Prose (http://prose.com/bigboo) (use this link for your free in-depth hair quiz and 15% off) 

- FabFitFun (http://fabfitfun.com) (use promo code BIGBOO for $10 off your first box)