Melanie Shankle's Blog
March 6, 2024
Big Boo Cast: Episode 380
On this episode Sophie and I discuss her recent trip to NYC: why Tedeschi Trucks Band is the best ever, all the wonderful things about the hotel where she stayed, and the fact that she found herself feeling actual feelings before she left Saturday morning. We also talk about my determination to clean my house and our current challenges with reading.
Plus, I share some thoughts about trying to figure out meals, and it’s Sophie’s turn for Five Favorites.
Hope you enjoy!
– Dallas Live Show Tickets for Friday, November 8th (now less than 20 remaining)
– Live Stream Tickets for Birmingham Show
You can click here to listen. Or you can even listen right here.
We’d love for you to subscribe on iTunes, and we’d be honored if you’d leave us a review.
Show Notes:
–
– The Wallace (ALL THE STARS)
– ***Birmingham Live Show t-shirts***
– Somebody Feed Phil on Netflix
– Libro.fm
– The Gilded Age on HBO
– Gus Mayer shoes, my beloved
– Pilcro half-button tunic shirt
As Amazon and LTK affiliate members, we earn income from qualifying purchases.
Sponsors:
– ZocDoc
– OSEA (use code BIGBOO for 10% off)
– AG1 (use this link for a free year’s supply of vitamins D3 & K2 plus 5 free travel packs with your first purchase)
– Factor (use code BIGBOO50 for 50% off)
February 29, 2024
Fashion Friday: Edition the first of March
I can’t believe it’s March 1. Even with 29 days, February seemed to fly by and now it feels like we are actually on the precipice of spring.
Here are some cute things I found this week:
This is the kind of top that I love. Just so pretty and great with jeans or shorts.
It’s $98.
2. pilcro mid rise frayed relaxed jeans
Listen, we are in a new jeans era and we just need to embrace it. I really like these and the frayed hem means you can cut them to whatever length works best for you.
They are $148.
3. Maeve French Terry sweatshirt
I love a French Terry sweatshirt and this pink and green striped is so cute.
This is $88. It also comes in blue and white stripes.
4. Tatum flutter sleeve blouse
I tried this top in at the store and it’s just a great spring and summer top. It comes in several colors.
It’s $80.
How cute are these pants? Love these for summer.
They come in other colors and are $128.
6. Jessica top
Do I have a white shirt problem? Yes. I do. Thanks for asking.
This is $84.
Such a pretty dress. I’m such a fan of blue and white and this would be great for Easter.
It’s $128.
8. laurel dress
Love a simple, easy white dress. This could be worn with sneakers or dressed up with a heel.
It’s $88.
9. shirt dress with tapered waist
Love the silhouette of this dress. Super cute to dress up or down.
It’s $84.99 and also comes in white.
I saw this dress in Gap and it’s so good in person. It’s actually longer than it appears but you can also order it in a tall size if you want it to be longer.
It’s on sale for $55 and an extra 30% off with code GREAT at checkout. It also comes in black.
That’s it for today.
Have a good Friday.
February 28, 2024
Big Boo Cast: Episode 379
This week Sophie and I recap our travels (I went to Ft. Worth and College Station, Sohie went to east Georgia) and talk about all the roasts Sophie cooked last week. You’ll hear more than you’ve ever wanted to hear about how much she loves to chop things.
Plus, we have some exciting live show info for the fall (!!!), and it’s my turn for Five Favorites.
Enjoy, everybody!
– Live Stream Tickets for Birmingham Show
You can click here to listen. Or you can even listen right here.
We’d love for you to subscribe on iTunes, and we’d be honored if you’d leave us a review.
Show Notes:
– Pepper Belly Pete’s Mississippi Pot Roast
– Pioneer Woman’s mashed potatoes (This is so similar to what Mama used to do. Mama also heated her butter and 1/2 and 1/2 together before adding them to the potatoes – plus she added a cup of sour cream and about 3/4 cup of cooked bacon pieces with the cream cheese. Mama always used Yukon gold (didn’t bother with peeling them), and she topped the casserole with a little butter and shredded cheddar before putting in the oven at 375.)
– At Home in Birmingham (the store with the red currant & orange candles)
– Union Gospel Mission Ft. Worth
– The George in College Station
– Dallas Live Show (11/7) Ticket Info:
If you are a Patreon subscriber, check Patreon on Friday 3/1 at 10AM central for the live show ticket link (you have to subscribe to see the post)
If you aren’t a Patreon subscriber, check Patreon on Monday 3/4 at 10AM central for the live show ticket link (you don’t have to subscribe to see the post)
– Daily Prayer & Gratitude journal
– Simply Modern 40 oz. tumbler
– Chambray denim Big Shirt $34
– Daily Practice side stripe track pants
(and here’s the dress of Melanie’s that we talk about during Five Favorites)
As Amazon and LTK affiliate members, we earn income from qualifying purchases.
Sponsors:
– Jenni Kayne – use code BIGBOO at checkout to get 15% off
– AG1 – use this link for a free year’s supply of vitamin D3 & K2 plus ten free travel packs
– Trust & Will – use this link for 10% off plus free shipping of your documents
– Lume – use code BIGBOO for 15% off
February 22, 2024
Fashion Friday: Edition home from a week of traveling
1. Maeve button-front maxi shirt dress
I bought this dress the minute I saw it and it’s so good. I prefer it unbelted but you could wear it either way.
It’s $188. It also comes in a white and blue colorway. And it runs big so I would probably size down one.
2. gemini twofer sweater and dress set
I saw this dress in Anthropologie and have been thinking about it ever since. I think it’s such a great look and would be so cute with sneakers.
It’s $180 and comes in several other color options.
3. Farm Rio satin slip midi skirt
This is just gorgeous.
It’s $158.
4. thml cap sleeve printed dress
This is a great dress for spring and summer.
It’s $89.
5. surf gypsy printed island pants
I think these pants are really cute. And they would look so good with a denim shirt of some sort.
They are $79.
6. Amanda cotton midi shirt dress
This dressed popped up on my Instagram feed in an ad because Instagram knows me.
This is $180 but 20% off with code M2R3. It also comes in blue.
This is the kind of dress I will wear all summer long.
It’s on sale for $60 but an extra 20% off at checkout. It comes in other colors.
Love this oversized chambray shirt.
It’s on sale for $34.
This is a great basic top to have.
It comes in several colors and is on sale for $21.99.
Love these pink jeans for spring and summer. They are $99.
That’s it for today.
Have a good Friday.
Big Boo Cast: Episode 378
In this episode I share about a change in my workout routine, we talk about our weekends (as we do every episode), and Sophie celebrates what she believes we can call an eyeshadow victory. I also have an exciting face massage update, and it’s Sophie’s turn for Five Favorites.
Hope y’all enjoy!
– Live Stream Tickets for Birmingham Show
You can click here to listen. Or you can even listen right here.
We’d love for you to subscribe on iTunes, and we’d be honored if you’d leave us a review.
Show Notes:
– Events at The Little Professor in Birmingham
– ILIA liquid eyeshadow in Aura
– Makeup by Mario eyeshadow palette
– Jones Road The Best Eyeshadow in Chic
– Anastasia Beauty Fascia on IG
– Daisy French Onion dip (and might I humbly suggest pairing with the Flamin’ Hot Cheddar and Sour Cream Ruffles?)
– Libro.fm
– Cozynight king down alternative comforter
As Amazon and LTK affiliate members, we earn income from qualifying purchases.
Sponsors:
– Mosh – use this link to save 20% on a couple of great Mosh options
– Stellar Sleep – use this link for a 7-day free trial and then just $99 / year
– Factor – use code BIGBOO50 for 50% off
– Honeylove – use this link for 20% off your order
February 15, 2024
Fashion Friday: Edition it’s opening weekend for Aggie baseball
Here we are. Over halfway through February. Which I guess means we are going to look up and it will be Spring Break.
But the good news is that Aggie baseball season starts tonight which is always one of my favorite times of the year.
Here are some cute things I found this week:
1. we the free palmer cuffed jeans
These jeans are just about the cutest thing. They come in several washes and are $128.
2. lace long-sleeve button-down
You know how I feel about a white shirt. This is lovely.
It’s $138.
This sequin button-down is so pretty and could totally be worn open as a jacket or buttoned up with leggings.
It’s on sale for $49.95 plus an extra 40% off at checkout and comes in a couple of different color options.
4. cloth and stone seamed button-down shirt
I love cloth and stone shirts. They are so soft and just totally classic.
This is $69.95 plus an extra 40% off.
I bought this about a month ago and it is so good. I love a good sweater coat and this one is perfection. Plus it’s on sale for just $99 which is a steal considering it was originally over $300.
I love a blazer with jeans and this pink is so pretty.
It’s $99.
Gauze is my favorite of the shirt materials for warmer weather.
This one is on sale for $39.50. It comes in light blue and olive green.
Such a classic jacket that can be dressed down with jeans or worn with pants for a dressier look.
This is on sale for $109.
9. lana dress
Love this dress. It could be so pretty for Easter. Which is in March this year. Absurd.
This is $124.
10. nina dress
If you have some sort of occasion coming up, I think this dress is so gorgeous.
It’s $98.
That’s it for today.
Have a good Friday.
February 14, 2024
Big Boo Cast: Episode 377
This week Sophie and I discuss our thoughts on the Super Bowl (and commercials!), we share some very boring but enjoyable everyday life happenings, and I fill y’all in on Mabel’s reaction to our new surround sound situation.
We also include an excerpt from our recent live Patreon episode with Harrison Scott Key, and it’s my turn for Five Favorites.
Enjoy, everybody!
– Live Stream Tickets for Birmingham Show
You can click here to listen. Or you can even listen right here.
We’d love for you to subscribe on iTunes, and we’d be honored if you’d leave us a review.
Show Notes:
– State / Michigan Gator Bowl (actually in 2011)
– Post Malone’s “America the Beautiful”
– woman falls during Ludacris performance
– Beyonce’s Verizon commercial
– Scott Swift in all his Chiefs’ merch
– Leanne Morgan on “Quarterback”
– our Patreon episode about The Bear
– our Patreon live book club episode with Harrison Scott Key
– Allie + Bess San Antonio stack and the brand new Melanie bracelet (get 20% off with code MELANIE20)
– Saltair Santal Bloom body lotion
– CRZ yoga long sleeve workout top
– Grande Lash lash enhancing serum
As Amazon and LTK affiliate members, we earn income from qualifying purchases.
Sponsors:
– AG1 – use this link for a free year’s supply of vitamin D3 and K2 plus TEN free travel packs
– Helix – use code HELIXPARTNER20 for 20% off and two free pillows
– Reel – use code BIGBOO for 30% off your first order and free shipping
– Thrive Causemetics – use this link for 20% off your first order
February 8, 2024
Fashion Friday: Edition it’s February and the shopping is weird
Listen. It was 80 here today and we’ll be back in the 30s again next week. Weather is a social construct. It’s all meaningless and I have no idea what to wear or what I need in my closet.
All that to say, here are some cute things I found this week:
1. surf gypsy printed satin pants
I love a good pair of flowy pants and these are really pretty. I’m a big fan of blue and white.
These are $79.
2. ruffle sleeve stripe knit top
This is a great knit top to wear with jeans.
It’s $69.
3. allie + bess San Antonio Stack
I designed this fun bracelet stack with Allie + Bess. I told them I wanted turquoise because, well, I always want turquoise. Plus, it’s rodeo time in San Antonio and this just works.
You can get 20% off with MELANIE20.
4. Maeve colette wide leg linen pants
These are the best linen pants. I have a green pair like this that I’ve worn for years now and they are still a favorite. They would also look good with that Allie + Bess bracelet stack.
These are $130 and come in several color options.
I love my Spanx flare jeans. They are so comfortable and so flattering. So now I think I need them in white.
These are $148.
6. line and dot weekend cargo pants
I have a pair of olive green pants that are similar to these and they are so good. Love this cream color for spring and summer.
These are $138.
This is such a cute, comfortable option that you can dress up or down.
It’s on sale for $30.99 and comes in several color options.
How fun is this dress? Love the colors.
It’s $44.99.
9. linen shirt
We are almost to linen shirt season which is one of my favorite things. This blue and white stripe is perfection.
It’s $34.99 and comes in other colors.
10. Adidas gazelle bold sneakers
Love these Adidas platform sneakers. They come in several cute color combinations but this pink and green is so cute.
That’s it for today.
Have a good Friday.
February 7, 2024
Big Boo Cast: Episode 376
This week Sophie and I talk about our weekend travels / speaking events; Sophie was in Laurel, Mississippi, and I was in College Station, which worked out really nicely for getting to spend some time with Caroline. I also share what will maybe be the Perry-est story you have ever heard, and Sophie waxes poetic about the Grammys.
As (almost) always, we discuss what we’ve been watching, and it’s Sophie’s turn for Five Favorites.
Hope you enjoy!
– Live Stream Tickets for Birmingham Show
You can click here to listen. Or you can even listen right here.
We’d love for you to subscribe on iTunes, and we’d be honored if you’d leave us a review.
Show Notes:
– Casa Mangiare in College Station
– Tracy Chapman and Luke Combs
– news about Taylor Swift’s new album
– Taylor throws shade with album name
– American Nightmare on Netflix
– Lessons in Chemistry on Apple+
– Live Stream Tickets for Birmingham Show
– Adam Trest collection of prints
– Susan Shaw compass toggle necklace
As Amazon and LTK affiliate members, we earn income from qualifying purchases.
Sponsors:
– Thrive Market – use this link for 30% off your first order plus a free $60 gift
– ZocDoc
– Trust & Will – use this link for 10% off and free shipping
– AG1 – use this link for a free year’s supply of vitamin D3 and K2 plus five free travel packs
February 1, 2024
Fashion Friday : Edition congrats, we’ve made it to February
January lasted approximately two years but we have officially made it to February. Congratulations and best wishes to us all.
Here are some cute things I found this week. Please keep in mind this is just a weird time of year to shop so it’s a mixed bag.
This is just a really cute bag for spring and summer. It’s $78.
2. karla dress
I realize it’s early to think about dresses and sandals but this is really cute.
It’s $98.
I love this top because it works year round. It would also be super cute with cowboy boots and jeans for those of us who spend February going to rodeos.
This is $68.
I featured this last week but I’m mentioning it again because I love it so much. It feels and looks so much more expensive than it is and is so comfortable.
It comes in a ton of color options and is $48.99. I’d say it runs true to size, but if in between then size up.
5. kut meg high rise wide leg jeans
I’ve been looking for a pair of wide leg white jeans and these look really promising.
They are $99.
I mentioned this as one of my five favorites on the podcast this week. It’s just a great basic sweater. Long enough to wear with leggings and thin enough to layer under something.
It’s $22.47 It also comes in olive green.
This is a great blazer and comes in a bunch of color options.
The hot pink is on sale for $24.97 but other colors are just $34.97.
Speaking of basic sweaters, this is also a really good one. I like this length for an easy front tuck or to wear out with high waisted jeans and skirts.
It’s on sale for $58.50 and comes in other colors.
9. short textured knit cardigan
This is such a classic look. Love this with a pair of trouser jeans and boots or heels. Or you could dress it up with pants for the office.
It’s $34.99 and comes in other colors.
10. daily practice side stripe track pants
These are just really cute and I love the way they are styled up above.
They are $88.
That’s it for today.
Have a good Friday.
