TrustyChucks

weekend read: Legend

2013-05-17T12:30:00.000-04:00

I know I'm a sucker for dystopian literature. See The Hunger Games series or the Matched series for more proof. I've also got a stack of similar themed books waiting patiently for summer and pool time.

With Legend, I've heard about it since early 2012 and I ignored it because that's what I do to books everyone is talking about (also see: Gone Girl), but I bought a set of the books for our classrooms at school so I decided I better read it before introducing it to kids. And once I started, I.was.hooked.

The overall premise is the same (futuristic world, there's no more United States of America, dictatorship police state, persecuted people, government lies, unlikely teenage heroes, etc.) as all the other dystopian series out right now. And while occasionally I struggled with the likeness of The Hunger Games, the characters were strong enough that I didn't feel like I was reading a retelling of it.

Legend by Marie Lu is told from two different perspectives: Day, a homeless, Robin Hood type enemy-of-the-state who is being used as a scapegoat for the government's dirty deeds, and June, a privileged, rich girl from the elite side of town who also happens to be the government's military prodigy. Of course, their two worlds come together when Day is framed for the death of June's brother. She begins to hunt him down as revenge, but things change as both of them realize things are not as they seem.

There's more love story in this one than The Hunger Games, but less than the Matched books. I know my students will love this book, it's fast-paced from the start and relatable on multiple levels. They seem to love any book that lets them live in a world where they have power and more control than they do in reality. The book also has enough twists and turns that it's not easily put down and it's also a good fit for adults who can't get enough of the dystopian genre. I can't wait to start the second one.

Have you read this one yet? What did you think?

DISCLOSURE: AFFILIATE LINKS USED.

copycat 25.0

2013-05-16T07:46:00.000-04:00

(skirt: Macys, shirt: Old Navy, shoes: JC Penney, necklace: Sears, bracelets: Forever 21, ring: Kohls)

This is it.

The end.

I think the time is right. I've been struggling to hit "publish" recently. On average, I've got 15-20 posts sitting in my drafts just waiting for a little edit and shine. But I don't even have the time to do that right now. Sorry about that. I hate when people play the I'm busy victim, it makes it sound like others aren't busy and they're the only ones. So I know you're probably stressed right now too and I hope things slow down soon. For all of us.

Thanks for linking up with us and trying this copycat linkup out. It was a fun experiment that taught us a lot. Mostly that linkups are hard and I don't like doing anything that's hard. But other lessons too.

Anyway, thanks for being here.

original website || original pin

I loved the floral skirt with belt and tucked chambray top. But I didn't have the right belt and my skirt hit in a funny spot so I left my shirt untucked. I definitely liked the Pinterest look better and felt mine was a little too sloppy. Also, I'm wrinkly, but that's because these pictures were taken after a ten hour day and a long meeting.

What did you do this week? Show us your copycat style one more time!

Rules

-Follow Texas Lovebirds and Trusty Chucks.

-Everyone likes comments! Please visit at least one other blog and leave a comment. Find new blogs! Make new friends!

-Do not link to giveaways or your homepage, link to a specific post about your copycat style and how you made the look your own. Linkups that don't follow this rule will be deleted.
-Please link back to the post and let your readers know what's going on. You could grab a button if you'd like (hint, hint).

when may comes calling.

2013-05-15T07:00:00.000-04:00

(sweater: Kohls, pants & shirt: Old Navy, necklace: NY & Co., watch: Kohls, bracelets: Forever 21, boots: Payless)

Aye aye aye.

I feel like things are going too fast right now. Too much to do, not enough hours in the day (although more daylight is awesome, by the way), and I'm feeling stressed and overwhelmed. Welcome to the life of a teacher in May. I'd share more, but it's really not that interesting. I'm busy, you're busy, life is busy.

The only thing that is keeping me going at this point is there are only ten more days of school. Ten more days of kids and stress and bad principals and teachers that don't do their jobs and adults that lie. I'm really hoping that there's only ten days left of my time at my current school too, but I'll let you know more about that later.

If I'm MIA, just know I'm trying to keep my head above water and eventually I'll be more successful at it. Eventually there will be more time and less stuff. It's called June.

mother's day lessons.

2013-05-12T07:00:00.000-04:00

Here's what I know about mothering:

That some days are bad and some days are good. And just because it's bad today doesn't mean it won't get better. And that really good day you had? Burn that into your memory because soon it'll go downhill again. Sometimes all within a matter of minutes.

Some of the best mothers I've ever met don't have children.

Ice cream for dinner is okay once in a while.

Yelling doesn't make the situation better. But for some reason, I keep doing it.

A supportive husband can make or break you.

For our family, I'm a better mother because I work outside the home. Some days I wish I was a stay-at-home mom, but most days I do not. I know the grass is always greener on the other side so I try to remind myself of that when I'm feeling sorry for myself. And then I remember to water where I'm at and shut up about it.

Naps are important. And if you can get your kids to take them too, that'd be good.

Sometimes my children don't know why they're crying, they just want to cry. Maybe if more adults did this once in a while, we'd all be happier. A good cry is powerful therapy.

Seeing what I put in my children's bodies and how it effects their poop has changed the way I eat. Also, I can now talk about poop with a completely straight face and in all seriousness. Well, most of the time, anyway.

We all mother differently. I'm not right and you're not wrong. We're all just doing the best we can. But telling someone they're wrong because it's not how you would do it destroys us all. So stop it.

Mess is okay sometimes. I'm still working on acceptance of this one.

There's beauty in the unplanned. Loosen up, Mary.

Sing songs even if you can't sing. Your children don't know that yet and they love your voice anyway. You might even start to think you don't sound that bad. But your husband will bring you back down to Earth soon, so don't you worry about that recording contract just yet.

There's power in I'm sorry. Show your kids that grace.

And a good snuggle can cure most bad days.

Happy Mother's day.

weekend read: Prisoners in the Palace

2013-05-10T12:30:00.000-04:00

I picked up this uncharacteristic reading choice right after the season finale of Downton Abbey when I thought I could not live without English aristocracy, maids and footmen, and marrying above your social class. And I was depressed that I had to wait nine more months for season four of Downton.

I still haven't recovered from those feelings, but this book did help to lessen the hurt.

Prisoners in the Palace by Michaela MacColl is set in London during the year of 1836 (so yes, almost one hundred years before Downton, but whatever). The main character, Liza, and her parents moved to London for her coming out, planning to spend the year at dances and balls, being wooed by suitors and dressing fancy. But when her parents die in an accident and Liza learns she is left penniless, she has to go to work to pay off her father's debts and try to make a way for herself.

Through some connections of her father's, she finds her way to Kensington Palace where she becomes the maid of Princess Victoria. Victoria is held captive by her mother, the Duchess, and her scheming right hand man, Sir John Conroy. Their plan is to portray the Princess as incapable of inheriting the throne when the King (who is sick) dies so they can become her regent and control the throne and its purse.

There's lots of trickery, scheming, plotting, and, in the end, freedom for Princess Victoria and her maid, Liza. It was a fun read that helped feed my fascination with life in England.

After I finished the book, I learned from the author's notes that the book was based on real life stories and letters left by Victoria, the Duchess, the King, and the Queen. Liza and her plot line were entirely made up, but Sir John and his thievery, Victoria and her mother's relationship, and the struggles the Queen had to conceive a child were all historically true. And the writings used in the book (from Victoria's diary or letters from the Duchess) were not made up, but straight from the archives of the British family. It was a fun twist at the end to learn that and I wish I had known from the beginning.

Prisoners in the Palace, a young adult book for all ages, would be a great read for anyone who needs a British aristocracy fix while they're waiting for the next season of Downton Abbey (like me) or anyone who is a history buff that likes a mix of fiction and non-fiction. Another way I'm helping with my Downton issue is watching Call the Midwife on Netflix. It's produced by the BBC and just as great as Downton, but again, a slightly different time period, but with that same mix of lovely British life. Which, for some reason, I can't get enough of.

five for friday

2013-05-10T07:00:00.000-04:00

(follow along on Instagram @themarygraham)

Slow week on Instagram for me. When I'm stressed, social media use goes way down. Anyone else the same way?

1. Outfit of the day: still loving the striped skirts I picked up from Old Navy a while ago. I wish I would have gotten the smaller size though (tough problem to have, huh?). I was between two sizes and thought it would shrink when I washed it so I went with the bigger one. I was wrong...

2. Harper Kimery has to grow up to work in showbiz. While it's not what I would hope for her, she was born to entertain.

3. Saturday night was Cards Against Humanity and drinks with friends. It was a very good night. And I got to sleep in the next morning UNTIL TEN O'CLOCK. It has been years since that has happened. I forgot how good it felt.

4. A friend's daughter turned one last weekend and we attended a pretty awesome circus-themed outdoor party. The girls were in heaven and it wore them out. Those are marks of a highly successful kids' party.

5. Not to rub it in, but by complete accident, Chris and I had date night Friday night and Saturday night last weekend. Friday night we got to spend the evening wandering around historic Fountain Square with old friends, have dinner, a couple band reunions (long live This Beautiful Day and Same As Sunday!), and then watch a friend's new band perform. Although in all honesty, I crapped out at 10:00 and got a ride home with a friend. Mama can't make it to midnight with all the cool kids. I'm old.

How was your week? I'm ready for a night at home and in my pajamas by 5:30. And I'm not afraid to say it! Have a great weekend!

Linking up with Lauren Elizabeth for High Five for Friday.

three dolla holla + national mom's nite out

2013-05-09T12:30:00.000-04:00

(dress: thrifted, belt: Kohls, necklace: Forever 21, wedges: JC Penny)

[Random thoughts: I realize this is my second navy outfit post today. Apparently, I'm on a classic navy kick. Also, I got this dress for THREE DOLLARS at the thrift shop. It's like vintage, union-approved factory made and everything. Probably my most proud thrifting moment to date. And props to Kaitlyn Meeks for spying it in the Treasure Room.]

Did you know that tonight is National Mom's Nite Out? Nationwide, moms are being celebrated and pampered. Today is a great day to be a mom, I'm just sayin'. And mostly I'm sayin' that because some days it's not too great being a mom. And that's the truth.

If you're local to Indy, I know that the area Simon Malls are holding some pretty sweet events that you could attend with your girlfriends. It's not too late to call the babysitter or tell your significant other to pick up a pizza because you've got plans with the girls. (I know that is easier said than done, but for just tonight, make it happen!!).

I was lucky enough to be invited to attend a Mom's Nite Out event sponsored by Restaurant.com and put together by theCityMoms and Indy with Kids at Sushi on the Rocks---there's going to be a fashion show, shopping, giveaways, and, the best part, sushi! I might have picked up a new dress and shoes for the occasion. If you follow me on Twitter or Instagram, I'll be pretty active tonight so you can follow along with all the events or, if that's not your thing, just wait patiently for the exciting post next week. (Can't make it out? Follow along here for the video feed of the event and you can still win prizes if you have a Twitter account!)

Either way, if you're a mom, make sure you treat yourself to a little something special tonight. Because you deserve it!

Linking up with Lena B, Actually for A Passion for Fashion.

copycat 24.0

2013-05-09T07:00:00.000-04:00

(khakis: Kohls, t-shirt & sweater: Old Navy, flats: Target, necklaces: Forever 21, belt: Old Navy)

The weather has finally turned nicer and all the Grahams want to do is be outside. Those first few weeks when you have the freedom to be outdoors without a coat or long sleeves are so refreshing.

It almost makes me giddy.

And now I'm dreaming of hot, summer days sitting outside with a book while the girls run around in their swimsuits. I'm dreaming of margaritas and sun-kissed freckles.

I'm also dreaming about bread since I've been wheat free since this weekend, but that doesn't have much to do with summer.

Stay tuned on whether or not my summer includes lots of buttery rolls. From the oven, not mine. Because mine are pretty much guarenteed.

|| original pin || original website ||

This look just called to me. Such a pulled together and classic outfit. While I pepped mine up with some print, I would have gladly stuck to solids if I had it in my closet. Lands' End, good job with this one.

Your turn!

The Rules

-Follow Texas Lovebirds and Trusty Chucks.

-Everyone likes comments! Please visit at least one other blog and leave a comment. Find new blogs! Make new friends!
-Do not link to giveaways or your homepage, link to a specific post about your copycat style and how you made the look your own. Linkups that don't follow this rule will be deleted.
-Please link back to the post and let your readers know what's going on. You could grab a button if you'd like (hint, hint).

these keepers of my memories.

2013-05-07T07:00:00.000-04:00

(Side note: These are some horrible pictures of me. But I rationalized that they're bad of everyone [sorry friends] so it all evens itself out. Enjoy my embarrassment.)

(Sweatpants to the 5th grade Christmas party? Of course.)

(that hair--it was 1993 and I got a VHS tape for my birthday.)

(to say I was a tomboy would be an understatement...)

Growing up, I could not wait to get out of my small town. It's such a cliche to say, but I couldn't wait to get away from these kids I had known my whole life, the house I had lived in since I was five, and the reality that everyone knew everyone else's business.

All those things drove me absolutely crazy.

It's funny how your perspective changes thirteen years after high school. Because those annoyances are now what I want for my children: a community to grow up in, a house that will always be home no matter where they go, and people, a whole village of people, that know who my children are and care about their well being just as much as I do.

I was lucky enough to go to the same school my whole life. My first best friend in kindergarten was there with me on graduation day. My first slumber party, my first girl/boy party, my first time driving a car without my parents, my first lots of things---I was surrounded by the same group of kids for all of it. My first friends are still my friends twenty five years later.

And recently we got together for a night out---drinks and dinner and stories. Lots and lots of stories.

Of course, as I was nervously heading downtown to meet them a million things were running through my head: do I look older? I drive a minivan now! What if my fly is open? Will we have anything to talk about? What if they bring up David Neilan??!

But there was also this sense of comfort. This knowledge that these girls knew me at my worst (hello, it was the early 90s; also, see pictures above), they knew my family, they cared about me and I cared about them. It's an odd feeling to say you spend 18 years so closely woven together and then not know them like that anymore.

As the night progressed, we caught up with how everyone's parent were (and when did they get so old?), who had kids, who married who, the local New Pal gossip just like we were sixteen again. (Also, we talked about some not teenage things like our favorite Pinterest pins and how to clean a stainless steel sink. Adults are so interesting and fun!)

It was refreshing and relaxing and what I needed.

I would like to think I'm a sophisticated and mature thirty one year old: I'm married with kids, we own a couple houses, and I have a career. But there is part of me that will always, especially with those girls, be a teenager. Always be unsure and so sure, all at the same time. Full of self doubt and completely accepted.

It's been an honor to know these girls for so long. To see who we became, to see who we are still becoming, and to see who we want to become. To laugh louder than anyone at the bar and share stories and drinks and pictures. To rest in our friendship and know that no matter what, someone has our back if we really needed it.

And I'm looking forward to the next twenty five years.

Cheers.

and then you found my blog, welcome.

2013-05-06T07:00:00.000-04:00

(green skinnies: Kohls, shirt: Old Navy, boots: Old Navy, necklace: Forever 21)

I have the pleasure of being able to see what searches lead people to my blog. And while some of them are expected (like "trusty chucks blog"), some are not so expected. And some are quite humorous so I thought you might like a little glimpse of some of those today.

Search topics that led someone to Trusty Chucks:

peed her pants scared (every day. at least twice. welcome to my blog.)

family of four pictures in chucks (not here, but it's a good idea...)

polka dotted dresses

trusty chucks

"pooped your pants" grade (this is any grade, really)

blog girls in chucks porn pics (umm, wrong website, dude.)

chocken salad with vanilla greek yogurt (that just sounds gross)

teacher

what to wear on the first day of 6th grade (I imagine some dorky little fifth grader searching this so he/she will be ready for school in August. And that just makes me so happy.)

working at kohl's laced mentality (I've never been to that department before.)

we are friends for reminder (that sounds way too long)

strict restraint (again, probably the wrong website. weirdo.)

decorating with streamers (I found this one insulting. Streamers?! I don't party with streamers!)

hairstyles for lazy people (and this one made me proud...)

Another perk of blogging is spam comments. Spam comments are the main reason I have all my comments set to manual approval. I can delete them without everyone else seeing them, without them clogging up my post, and without weird links showing up on my blog. I'm not exactly sure the reason for spam since I don't know anyone who actually falls for their comments or clicks on their links, but some of them were worth saving.

of course like your web site but you neеd to checκ the spelling on sevеral of your poѕts. Ѕеveгal of them аre rife ωith ѕpеlling issues аnd Ӏ to find it very troublesome to inform the reality on the other hаnԁ I will defіnitelу come agaіn agаin.
(Spelling errors? I don't think so. You, on the other hand, seem to have a hard time with the English language and are randomly using Greek letters.)

Hi, its pleasant post on the topic of media print, we all be aware of media is a enormous source of information. I was wondering if you ever considered changing the structure of your website? Its very well
written; I love what youve got to say. But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with it better. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having one or 2 images. Maybe you could space it out better?
(This was spam for this post---which had minimal text and seven pictures. No, I do not want to change the structure of my website. But thanks for all your great advice!)

Piece of writing writing is also a excitement, if you know afterward you can write if not it is difficult to write
If you might be a teenager between 13-18 and you also notice yourself developing moobs, don't anxiety and think you're changing in a woman. In rare cases, the trouble would last around two years. Many times this is sometimes a side effect of other medications you're taking throwing off your hormone balance.
(Someone noticed I was developing MOOBS?!? This is beyond embarrassing. Also, did I just get a middle school health class lesson from someone who just called puberty "the trouble"? I want to meet this person.)

You actually make it seem so easy along with your presentation but I find this matter to be really something which I believe I would by no means understand.It seems too complicated and extremely large for me.
I am taking a look ahead on your subsequent submit, I'll try to get the dangle of it!
(Oh, good, you're trying to get the dangle of it...good luck, dangle!)

What would be really funny is if I got spam comments on this post. The irony would probably make me pee my pants scared.

copycat 23.0

2013-05-02T07:00:00.000-04:00

(skinnies: Target, blouse & sweater: Old Navy, scarf: thrifted, wedges: Target)

I'm not sure if I've been a nose-scruncher my whole life or it has evolved. But taking pictures of yourself so often makes you very aware of how you look when you laugh.

And my nose always seems to be scrunched.

My mother says I used to have the most beautiful nose. This is a weird statement to make, I agree. She often, when in a picture with my brother and sister, will point at my nose and say, your nose used to look like theirs. And I don't see a difference, or any similarities for that matter, but apparently, it's very obvious to everyone else.

So I'm surprised you guys come back day after day since my nose is so obviously messed up.

To say I was a tomboy as a child would be an understatement. And during basketball practice one evening, I took a nice elbow to the nose and pretty much shattered it.

Now my children have my old nose. And I think it's pretty cute on them, so maybe I would have been a supermodel had I not broken my nose all those years ago. I guess we'll never know.

|| original pin || original website ||

This week's copycat style is a color-inspiration more than an exact replica. I loved the bright blue and emerald so I took it down a notch and made it more casual.

What did you do this week?

The Rules
-Follow Texas Lovebirds and Trusty Chucks.
-Everyone likes comments! Please visit at least one other blog and leave a comment. Find new blogs! Make new friends!

-Do not link to giveaways or your homepage, link to a specific post about your copycat style and how you made the look your own. Linkups that don't follow this rule will be deleted.

-Please link back to the post and let your readers know what's going on. You could grab a button if you'd like (hint, hint).

at the theatre, darling.

2013-05-01T07:00:00.000-04:00

(dress: Kohls, belt: Target, booties: Vera Wang for Kohls, purse: TJ Maxx, bangles: Forever 21)

On Sunday we went to the theatre.

Please read that again in your best snob-sounding voice.

Thank you.

We went with my parents to see Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. And because I'm a dorky English teacher, I enjoyed it immensely. The rest of my party was not so enthusiastic about it.

If you're local, I highly recommend you check out the Indiana Repertory Theatre's A Midsummer Night's Dream. It was creative, funny, modern, and fresh while still staying true to Shakespeare, the time period, and the language.

It was clever and entertaining and the last fifteen minutes, I don't think I stopped grinning at all. It was pretty hilarious. A Midsummer Night's Dream runs until May 12th and you can grab some tickets here.

Have you seen any good plays lately?

A few months ago my sister and I took our girls to see Pinkalicious at a local Beef and Boards dinner theatre and while Harper was probably a little too young to care (she was barely two), Elliott was enthralled and wants to go back as soon as possible.

national honesty day

2013-04-30T07:00:00.000-04:00

(skinnies: Target, top: Forever 21 [old], cardigan: Old Navy, wedges: Target)

I really don't care about "national blah blah blah week." I find it silly.

But today is national honesty day and I'll use any excuse to tell my thoughts on things. Things that swim around in my head just bursting to come out.

Or something like that.

Honestly...I hate posting pictures of myself on my blog. If I could find someone else to wear my clothes and I could be behind the camera, I'd be happier.

Honestly...those last fifteen pounds are the absolute hardest to lose. I'm getting NO WHERE, people.

Honestly...my children are spending the night at my parents' house this weekend and it can't come fast enough. And it's only Tuesday. Geez.

Honestly...I'm feeling distant from my God and my Bible right now. It's just a feeling and I'm not acting on it, so it's no ones fault but my own. But that's where I'm at.

Honestly...I'm more tired than I've been in a long time. And I can't figure out why.

Honestly...I want someone else to find me a new job because doing it on my own isn't working. Also, I'm lazy.

Honestly...I'm in a dry spell for writing. I write whole posts in my head while I'm driving. I feel inspired and full and bursting to write. But the minute I get in front of the screen, I'm empty of all words.

Honestly...I wish summer would get here and I could be outside all the time.

Honestly...I want nothing more than to go to my favorite restuarant, Shallos, and eat a whole order of their homemade chips and ranch right now. I want to do this just as bad as I want to lose those last fifteen pounds. I am a giant contradiction.

It's national honesty day...what do you need to get off your chest today?

_______________________________________________

I announced the winner of the movie night prize pack from Thomas Nelson Publishing. Did you win?

_______________________________________________

Linking up with Passion for Fashion with Lena B, Actually.

sweatshirts, wear 'em now.

2013-04-29T07:00:00.000-04:00

(skinnies: Target, striped sweatshirt: Target, boots: Old Navy, arrow necklace that you can't see: Forever 21)

I'm not sure whose great idea it was to make sweatshirts so awesome right now, but I'd like to take a moment to thank him/her.

Sweatshirts with skinnies, sweatshirts with skirts, sweatshirts with shorts, you really can't go wrong with a cute sweatshirt at the moment. Unless it has a hood and says something like wrestling 1998 and it's from high school and has holes in it, than I'd leave it at home in the closet.

I'm definitely in the mood for a few more of these lovelies in my closet. They just seem so comfy and simple, yet fresh and fun. Here are some sweatshirts I'm coveting right now.

|| H & M || Target || Old Navy || Gap || Kohls || Forever 21 || Nordstrom || Madewell ||

I'm definitely drawn to the more neutral colors, but there are so many options right now. I think the "Believe in Love" one from Old Navy will be mine soon.

What do you think? Which one do you like? Would you wear a sweatshirt as a more dress piece?

weekend read: Wheat Belly

2013-04-26T12:30:00.000-04:00

Full disclosure: my mom paid me $50 to read this book.

For real. She was so moved by the book, it's impact on our health, and how it changed her way of eating that she offered all her children and their significant others $50 each to read this book.

So I read it for the cold, hard cash. Let's be honest.

But it did cause me to look at food and what I'm putting in my body (and more importantly, my daughters' bodies) a lot closer.

Wheat Belly by William Davis, MD is based on the idea that wheat, all wheat, is bad for our bodies and cutting out the wheat will help us lose weight and the majority of our health problems.

And his case is pretty compelling. The way science has transformed wheat over the decades (to make it easier to grow, for mass production, to make it "better" for us) has changed its makeup enough that what we think is the wheat of our ancestors is nothing close. And that change is what had lead to the boom in waistlines and health problems in the past twenty five years.

He presents case after case of people making changes to their diets that result in massive improvements in health and weight loss because people are eating more "real" food and less filler.

The book was convincing and eye-opening. It's causing me to feed my family differently and better. We have not cut out all wheat and gluten from our diets, it's definitely a process and even cutting down is a better than nothing. Over spring break, I went wheat and gluten free and it felt great. But it was too hard to continue when I returned to school and I quickly fell off the wagon. But the first meal I had with wheat back in my diet did produce the whole-body cramping and uncomfortable feeling that Davis talked about (but dang, that Chick-fil-A sandwich was good).

So I'm convinced this wheat I'm putting in my body is doing more harm than good. And I'm working on making meals that don't focus so much on wheat. Literally, every meal before this book included something wheat-filled at our house. Now it's less, but my kids are still extreme lovers of all breads. So that's going to be a battle to eliminate. But I plan on spending my summer figuring what less wheat looks like for our family.

I definitely recommend reading Wheat Belly by William Davis, MD. It alternates between interesting and dry, with some chapters tough to get through, but the overall message and knowledge is beneficial and powerful. Martin also has a companion cookbook (Wheat Belly Cookbook) that might even be better than the book, more helpful and with practical ideas. Worth your time even if your mom isn't offering you $50 to read it.

DISCLOSURE: AFFILIATE LINKS USED. And my mom paid me to read this book.

high five for friday

2013-04-26T07:00:00.000-04:00

(follow along on Instagram @themarygraham)

1. If you compliment my shirt on Instagram, I might just send it to you. (Am I right, Barb??)

2. This week was long. School was rough and so was home. I don't normally have bad days or bad weeks, I can pretty much make it through anything upbeat, but dang, this week beat me down. Anybody else?

3. Did you check out the second installment in the HP + Intel: Project Runway "Pin Your Style" contest? Make sure to pin your favorite inspired looks and vote for your favorite board starting April 29th!

4. Boots and polka dot pants. Because, really, why not?

5. My reenactment of the Michael Jackson/balcony scene with my children's toys. And, again, because, really, why not??

I somehow managed to end four of the five snapshots with a question mark. Again, it's been a long week. Hope yours was better than mine! Happy Friday, friends!

Linking up with Lauren Elizabeth for High Five for Friday.

copycat 22.0

2013-04-25T07:00:00.000-04:00

(dress: Kohls, boots: Target, necklace: Forever 21)

Sometimes all you need on a Monday is a comfortable knit dress and a necklace. It was pulled together enough to look professional, but it felt like I was in a night gown.

So a win, for sure.

The more-is-more side of me wanted to add a sweater, a belt, maybe a scarf? but I also appreciate the simplicity of a black dress and didn't want to care so much. I just wanted to put a dress on and leave.

I highly recommend it since I got lots of compliments from students on this dress. I think they'd be shocked that I bought it in the mom-section at Kohls.

Let's just keep that between us.

Thanks.

|| original pin || original website ||

The Rules

-Follow Texas Lovebirds and Trusty Chucks.
-Everyone likes comments! Please visit at least one other blog and leave a comment. Find new blogs! Make new friends!

-Do not link to giveaways or your homepage, link to a specific post about your copycat style and how you made the look your own. Linkups that don't follow this rule will be deleted.

-Please link back to the post and let your readers know what's going on. You could grab a button if you'd like (hint, hint).

HP + Intel: Project Runway "Pin Your Style" Contest // Travel in Style

2013-04-24T07:00:00.000-04:00

(jeans, t-shirt, & boots: Old Navy, blazer: Kohls, bag: TJ Maxx, necklace & bracelets: Forever 21, sunglasses: c/o Firmoo)

My life motto is let's make this quick and painless. And so when it comes to traveling, I want less stuff holding me back and more time to create memories. So flying with just carry-on items appeals to me because it is less hassle and saves time.

And to make that happen, I need all my clothes to pull double-duty. And a small, sleek laptop to make being away from home stress free and staying on top of my work easy. With my small suitcase and a purse (which conveniently comes with a laptop compartment), I can get up and go in almost no time. Add in a few key pieces of clothing and I can be gone for over a week with everything I need.

Do you have some go-to pieces when you travel? Enter the HP + Intel: Project Runway Pin Your Style Contest and win great HP + Intel prizes and money to make your boards come to life (and add a few more go-to pieces to your closet!).

HP Envy 4 Touchsmart Ultrabook™
The HP + Intel + Project Runway Pin Your Style Contest

Want to participate?

Pin a photo of the HP Envy 4 Touchsmart Ultrabook™ via the Pin It button on the Pin Your Style contest page. Then, build a board that represents that week's theme. Check out the weekly Pinsetter images on the site for inspiration.

Submit your board's URL into the site to enter. Then, share your board with friends to earn the most votes!

Win prizes like an HP Envy 4 Touchsmart Ultrabook™ and a gift card to bring your style to life by getting the top votes for your board

Here's my board:

|| black blazer || blue skinnies || brown booties || peter pan collared blouse ||

|| red heels || purse/laptop bag || blue pencil skirt ||

(black skirt: Kohls, jeans: Old Navy, blue skirt: Target, blue pants: target, mint peplum top: TJ Maxx, polka dot top: Target, t-shirt: Old Navy, blazer: Kohls, Chucks: Kohls, boots: Old Navy, heels: Kohls)

Eight pieces and ten outfits (with plenty of room left in your suitcase for workout clothes & sneakers, pajamas, and all your toiletries):

These eight pieces could go further than what's pictured, there's many more combos to try. So picking similar pieces for your next trip will have you ready for work and play. What key pieces do you always take on a trip? Traveling with the HP Envy 4 Touchsmart Ultrabook makes working hard and playing hard on-the-go a breeze.

And remember to vote for your favorite HP + Intel: Project Runway "Pin Your Style" board starting April 29th until May 12th!

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective, and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

weddings by eShakti

2013-04-23T12:30:00.000-04:00

(dress: c/o eShakti, sweater: thrifted, necklace: Forever 21, heels: JC Penney)

We've had a couple low-key summers where there weren't a lot of wedding happening. We hit a lull in our wedding rotations, if you will.

Until now.

Three weddings this summer, two for immediate family members.

And so, of course, the first thing I thought was I need new dresses!

I'm sure it should have been congrats! or let me see the ring! but it wasn't. I'll take any excuse to get a new dress, obviously.

But one of the problems I have with being so tall is that many dresses I find and love, end up being too short. Inappropriately short, if you will.

So when I saw eShakti's new spring line and learned that all their styles can be tailored to my size specifically at no extra charge, I knew where one of my new dresses was coming from.

While I picked up a classic navy dress for the wedding, brides could get some shopping done there too. eShakti now offers bridesmaids dresses for all shapes and sizes. And as always, they cover sizes 0-36 so there is something for everyone.

Now just to find a couple more dresses...

---------------------------------------------------

Between now and April 25th, eShakti is running a pretty awesome special---it's the best time to buy!

DISCLOSURE: I was gifted this dress for a review, but all opinions are mine.

check out my new camera and my awesome photography skillz.

2013-04-23T07:00:00.000-04:00

(can you even see what I'm wearing? skinnies & flats: Target, shirt: Old Navy, sweater: thrifted, sunglasses: c/o Firmoo)

Yay for new-to-me cameras that I don't know how to use. I said yesterday was the worst, but I was wrong. Really wrong.

I mean, these pictures are rockin' though so I probably don't even need to ask for help on figuring this thing out.

I like how ~~invisible~~ thin this setting makes me look so I'll probably keep it around.

Welcome home, sweet camera.

And you can thank Kaitlyn for the headache these pictures caused.

National Infertility Awareness Week + A Royal Daughter guest post

2013-04-22T12:30:00.000-04:00

Today I am honored to have the beautiful (inside and out) Amanda from A Royal Daughter visiting. She's sharing some pretty powerful stuff that's on her heart and I know, from experience, that so many people will relate to her and her struggle. Make sure you stop by her blog today and show her some love and encouragement.

------------------------------

Hi there, have we met before? If not, let me introduce myself:

I am a country-living, ice tea drinking, good book reading, farming, ranching, Jesus-loving, curly-headed wife of a seminary professor. He's a teacher, I'm a writer. He's a thinker, I'm a creative. Together we make our home on a small farm in Texas.

I had the complete joy and honor of meeting Mary last October at the Influence Conference. She has such a sweet spirit, and I loved having the opportunity to brainstorm with her about her blog design. She's a treasure, and she's graciously offered to let me take over her online space today. Thank you Mary for your virtual - albeit very real - hospitality.

Carly, Mary, Me, and Brittany. Mary's the only non-Texan in the picture. And her fabulously comfy outfit may have inspired me to purchase some mustard pants to pair with a chambray top. Talk about copycat fashion!

I'm here today for a very specific purpose. April 21-27 is National Infertility Awareness Week, and as a woman deep in the thick of battling barrenness, I am trying to make the most of this painful journey by spreading awareness about infertility.

A few facts about infertility:

Approximately 1 in 6 couples in the United States are diagnosed with some degree of infertility each year.

"Infertility" is defined as the inability to conceive a child after one year of unprotected, well-timed intercourse for women under the age of 35. Women 35 and older may be diagnosed after 6 months of unprotected, well-timed intercourse without conception. (The inability to sustain a pregnancy beyond 20 weeks is also classified as "infertility.")

30% of infertility is the result of an ovulatatory dysfunction (i.e. there is a problem with the woman's ovulation cycle).

30% of infertility is the result of a problem with the man (i.e. sperm structure or production).

Women who face infertility often describe their situation as "lonely," "isolating," and "painful."

There is a large spectrum of treatments for infertility, with varying degrees of invasiveness and cost.

My story:

My husband and I started trying for a baby almost 4 years.

We were officially diagnosed with "unexplained infertility" in February 2012 (the same month our foster boys were removed from our home).

We have tried various therapies and treatments, from "alternative" therapies to traditional western medical treatments, including Intrauterine Insemination (IUI).

In September 2012 we embraced a gluten-free diet, as gluten intolerance is closely tied to infertility.

We've experienced the pain and frustration of two failed IUIs.

Until last November my husband and I kept our struggle to ourselves. We were completely unwilling to share our story, and to some extent we were unwilling to accept our diagnosis.

National Infertility Awareness Week:
This week on my blog, I will be dedicating the entire week to spreading awareness about infertility, offering encouragement for those battling the pain of barrenness, and providing resources for friends and family of those facing infertility. Topics will include:

Ideas for stepping up out of the pit of infertility and transforming negative emotions and energies into productive, worthwhile activities.

Collaborative efforts from women currently battling infertility, and how they overcame common lies women believe about being barren.

Online and print resources for those battling infertility as well as those who want to come alongside and encourage and support their infertile friends and family members.

How to encourage and support your infertile friends.

Owning your infertility + embracing the waiting period.

Collaborative efforts from women who have made it through to the other side of infertility straight to the hearts of those currently navigating the muddy waters of barrenness.

Infertility from the husband's perspective.

There will also be a giveaway during the week with items I've hand-picked to offer hope and encouragement to those battling infertility. My goal is to offer encouragement and inspiration not only to those currently facing the isolation and frustration of infertility, but for those who wonder how they can minister to their friends who are facing infertility.

I hope you'll join us, and help spread awareness about infertility. It is an isolating journey, but it doesn't have to be.

You can connect with me at my website, on twitter, facebook, and instagram. I'm also on pinterest and google. However you decide to connect with me, please take time to introduce yourself!

rest your head on my shoulder, I dare you.

2013-04-22T07:00:00.000-04:00

(skinnies: Target, shirt: Forever 21, wedges: Target, watch: Kohls, bangles: Rue 21)

Weird filter or bad lighting?

That's a good question.

Definitely bad lighting.

Because I got a sweet new-to-me camera from my friend Kaitlyn and if I knew how to use it, I'd probably have some pretty neat pictures to show you here.

But I don't.

Definitely still working on the ins and outs of it. And once I learn, my husband has to learn also. So it might be a while until you notice better pictures.

On the plus side, I think this is as bad as it will get.

At least I can hope, right?

movie night + a prize pack for the whole family

2013-04-21T19:00:00.000-04:00

I'm not going to lie, we have movie night here at least once a week. And mostly I just love it because we all sit on the couch together and rest. Sometimes after a long day (or week), I just want to sit down for a little bit, but with a two year old and a four year old, that rarely happens.

Unless someone, normally Ellie, asks for a movie night. Then all my dreams come true.

Movie nights at our house always include candy or a special treat that normally isn't allowed. Throw in a big bowl of popcorn and juice boxes (also something we don't normally allow) and they're a hit with everyone.

Recently we got to watch Max Lucado's I Will Tell The Truth and Be Careful What I Say a part of the Hermie and Friends line from Thomas Nelson Publishing. Not only did the girls (both of them! and that's hard to do, for real!) love the video, but I loved the messages they taught.

Telling the truth all the time and being kind with your words are things we're always working on at our house. Ellie has recently started telling lies to stay out of trouble and while we try to correct that, sometimes I think we're not making any progress when she does it again the next day. I know she's four and pushing boundaries/figuring things out/seeing how this whole lying thing works/etc. but I still hate that she's started lying.

So this video was a perfectly timed treat. And the best part is, Ellie keeps asking to watch it over and over again. She likes the singing and the worms (caterpillars, actually) and I like the lessons that are being reinforced. A win for everyone.

Want to win this video for your family? How about make a night of it with pizza, popcorn, and some Oreos? (Sorry, you're on your own for the juice boxes. Those things don't last five minutes in our house.)

Enter below and good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: I was gifted this movie for review, but all opinions expressed are my own.

five for friday

2013-04-19T07:00:00.000-04:00

(follow along on Instagram @themarygraham)

1. Chris was gone most of the week on a guys' trip so I was in charge of bath time--something I'm not normally a part of--and those little girls are something else. Also, they are very messy. Does anyone actually survive bathtime without getting completely soaked? Is that possible?

2. Lots of rain this week. But it's making stuff green and making our grass grow, so I'm trying to be patient and stay positive. But, dang, rain, take a break!

3. New map for the kitchen! I might have convinced a social studies teacher to give me one of his maps. It's my favorite part of the kitchen right now and Elliott loves asking where places are.

4. New clothes from...Wal-Mart! Seriously, from the Wal-mart. And there were more pieces I would have picked up if I wasn't supposed to be on a mission to get trash bags. Next time you're there, spend a second looking at their clothes. You might be surprised what you find.

5. FIVE AND A HALF WEEKS LEFT OF SCHOOL. No more copies, no more book, no more teacher's dirty looks. Or something like that.

How was your week? I know some people got snow again so I shouldn't really be complaining about the rain right now. Sorry if that was you...

Linking up with High Five for Friday with Lauren from From My Grey Desk blog.

copycat 21.0

2013-04-18T07:00:00.000-04:00

(jeans: Old Navy, shirt: thrifted, flats: Target, bag: TJ Maxx, sunglasses: c/o Firmoo)

This is the outfit you wear for a lazy Sunday that includes an early lunch so you can drop your husband off at a friend's house for a camping/whitewater rafting trip.

And you don't have the desire to bathe, but you have to look like you care for the people of Qdoba might not give you the naked burrito you love so much if you left the house in what you slept in.

And I couldn't live without that burrito.

This is the twenty first copycat linkup. And I'm pretty sure I'm just now finding a rhythm to this madness as we're winding down.

But that's the way the cookie crumbs, friends.

Or burrito crumbles. In my mouth.

|| original pin || original website ||

The Rules

-Follow Texas Lovebirds and Trusty Chucks.

-Everyone likes comments! Please visit at least one other blog and leave a comment. Find new blogs! Make new friends!

-Do not link to giveaways or your homepage, link to a specific post about your copycat style and how you made the look your own. Linkups that don't follow this rule will be deleted.

-Please link back to the post and let your readers know what's going on. You could grab a button if you'd like (hint, hint).