Mary Graham

Trusty Chucks Blog

  • Home
  • ABOUT MARY
  • contact

Just good dirt and some seeds.

When we moved to my grandparents’ land—land they had filled with overflowing gardens—I said I wasn’t interested in gardening. It wasn’t my thing.

By our second summer here, I accidentally had two raised beds. The people renting a house from us moved one weekend without telling us, breaking the lease and leaving behind a house filled with trash, filth, and two newly-built raised beds in the garage.

I brought them home and filled them with dirt. I planted tomatoes, jalapeños, zucchini, yellow squash, cilantro, and basil. I watered and tended to the blooming plants as we spent the summer remodeling the rental house.

It was the first summer Chris was sober. We were overwhelmed with getting a house ready to sell while paying two mortgages. Our girls were miserable as we spent hours upon hours at the rental with no internet or air conditioning.

My two unexpected garden beds felt like a quiet gift in a loud, stressful summer.

2021 is my fourth summer gardening. I’ve learned a lot and still have a ton to learn. Here’s what I’m using this summer in the garden. I get a lot of questions on Instagram about garden stuff and I’m definitely not the best person to ask, but I’ll tell you the little I know. (With the caveat that most of this stuff isn’t necessary. My first summer I had two poorly-built raised beds, some veggies from Home Depot, and a watering can with a crack on the spout. Growing food to eat shouldn’t be complicated or fussy. People with resources tend to overcomplicate things because they can afford to. You don’t need the things I have to grow green peppers and tomatillos. Don’t talk yourself out of gardening if you don’t have much to start with. You really just need good dirt and some seeds.)

My favorite addition to this year’s garden is the squash arches. I’ve been dreaming of them since last summer when vines started taking over my yard. But they’re expensive. So I planted yellow squash, butternut squash, zucchini, and acorn squash thinking I’d just accept another year of vine madness. But then, like a week later, I found this tutorial to make an arch out of PVC pipe and chicken wire. I bought the plans ($5), and for less than $100 we made two arches for the garden.

Hindsight, I’d have put them up *before* planting, but it was too late to dig everything up. So I just had to be a little more patient with letting them grow before I started training them up the wires. But they work great. I spray painted the PVC pipe black because the white stood out too much, but there is no actual reason to do that besides being picky about stuff. The arches I really want are not cheap, but I think I might save up to buy at least one of them. Maybe two, if I’m feeling fancy. But in the meantime, these work perfectly.

(The only thing I’d do differently is not be so great at growing butternut squash because those things are super heavy and while these arches are wonderful, they’re not made to hold 14 growing butternut squash without bending. They don’t break—PVC pipes are made to bend—but things got a little wonky a few weeks ago so I had to take matters in my own hands. So maybe I just need the fancy arch for butternut squash. Because those suckers are heavy. And delicious. Heavy and delicious.) (Also #2: the plans make the arches six feet tall, but I’m six feet tall and with vines, I wasn’t going to be able to walk under them. So we made them seven feet tall. That might have added to the bending factor.)

Another new thing I tried this year is this cucumber trellis. In the spring of 2020, we tore down my two (rotting) raised beds taken from the rental property and built sturdier, larger beds in a different spot. I added two more beds, put gravel around the beds, and surrounded everything with a border. I don’t need more space or bigger beds, but I did need better ways to contain all the vines. The arches were one solution. The cucumber trellis was another.

I really like it. I’m not sure why hanging cucumbers seems like magic, but it does and seeing them grow while dangling in the air is better than watching TV. (Your grandma would agree with me, ask her.) One trellis was enough for me; we get more cucumbers than we can eat and trimming the excess to keep it contained hasn’t stopped it from producing a ton of cukes.

I ordered four of these square tomato cages from Gardeners.com when I got the cucumber trellis. I needed more cages, specifically something heavy to hold up tomatillo plants. Those bad boys get so tall and overflow with fruit. I’m not complaining. But the cages I had were not up to par. These square ones are great.

For Christmas, my friend Jessi got me the cutest gardening apron in the world. Did I even know I needed a gardening apron? Absolutely not. But I did and now I’m not sure how I survived three summers without it.

What do I keep in my cute gardening apron? Thanks for asking. These hand trimmers. This twine. And this plant tie. Good for training butternut squash vines up your new arch or tying jalapeño plants to stakes as they get heavy with peppers.

I have gardening Crocs. (I’m sorry, I can’t find a link to them. Good news: I also have house Crocs.) Please respect my privacy during this time. It’s not how I imagined my life going, but we all just have to roll with the punches. While wearing sensible shoes that we can rinse off at the hose and put into sport mode when the occasion calls.

I don’t use any chemicals on my garden, but I do use Neem oil to try to stay on top of squash bugs and mildew. This year I’ve been more consistent about it and, shockingly, it seems to be working. I dilute the Neem oil with water, but I don’t really need to tell you that. I’m sure you can read the directions just like I did. I believe in you.

The last two things I’m adding to this gardening list aren’t for the garden exactly, but for the bounty. I love growing vegetables, but I grow way more than we need. Even planning our weekly meals around what’s ready and freezing things for winter, I have more than we can eat. (I freeze instead of can; also, I freeze what we’ll eat this winter and that’s it. I don’t have the space or desire to prep for years out. I love these for freezing soup, salsa, giving away, etc.) I really love giving garden harvests away. I ordered these quart produce containers so I can give things away in style.

Okay, that’s it. I’m sitting outside staring at my garden as I write this so I don’t forget anything. It’s dark now and the only light is this computer screen. I’m not sure where the bugs are—it’s been the buggiest summer I can remember—but I’m not going to think too hard about where they’re at. It’s nice to be outside in the evening again. A few weeks ago, we put up a hammock so I can read and nap and hide from my family. We hung it in a cluster of trees, over a bed of hostas I planted last summer. It sounds dreamy. It is. But the bugs have made it nearly impossible to use. Let’s hope they stay gone; I have a fresh stack of books and some reading to catch up on.

DISCLOSURE: AFFILIATE LINKS USED

Back-to-school routines we actually use

All the kids are back in school, right?

There might be a few stragglers waiting to start after Labor Day, but for the most part, all the children have returned to their classrooms with sharpened pencils and fresh notebooks. (Or fully charged iPads and not-yet-lost chargers, whatever.)

Nothing makes me get my act together like a return to school. The beginning of school, whether I’m in the classroom or not, means new pens for the new calendar I will use to get my life in order. I vow to go through folders on Fridays after school instead of five minutes before the bus comes on Monday morning. I am confident in my proclamation that every packed lunch will have a fresh fruit and a fresh veggie.

I am living my best, most put-together life in August. (Also see: the consistent amount of writing I do in August.)

In March, things have slipped. I already know we’ll eventually be there. I anticipate the giving up just as much as I like the renewed energy of the end of summer.

I embrace all my contradictions. Ellie is in fifth grade this year, and Harper is in third. We’ve got the school-year routine down now. I know what will actually stick all year and what is a good idea, but will be gone by Christmas. (Or fall break, really.) I have tested and tried them all. I love any promise of saved time or efficiency, any hack or “secret” the internet has to share. I have been a routine scientist, taking my experiments very serious with great attention to variables and controls.

And here’s what sticks each year, what’s good for us and actually finds its way to the May finish line:

One file folder for each kid
I begin the new school year folder with the paper they hold up on the first day of school for pictures, the one that says their grade, school year, etc. That little paper marks the beginning of a new manila folder year. Then as the school year progresses, anything of importance gets put in that folder. If it doesn’t fit, we don’t keep it. This might require a quick December clean out, especially if your kids are younger. The older they get, the less stuff they come home with. I put report cards, sports awards, school pictures, etc. in the folder too. Anything from that age/grade goes in the folder, it doesn’t have to just be school-related things. We keep filling it in June and July also; the new folder doesn’t come until the first day of school (see above if you forgot that already).

At the end of July, the folder gets one quick review. The end-of-the-year report card makes all the nine week ones void, so they get thrown away. Sometimes I ask the girls what they want to get rid of. They love looking through the folders, even if it’s the most recent one. Then the folder goes into a plastic file box (like this) in my office. We started them in preschool when 37 pieces of paper came home every single day, and I’ll keep them up until high school graduation.

Backpacks and shoes by the door before bedtime
This is to save time in the morning, but also to make sure we get a quick homework/important paper review before it’s too late. Every parent knows the I-forgot-to-do-my-homework freak out five minutes before the bus comes, and it never, ever ends well.

Also, I hate running late in the mornings. I still remember what it felt like to be stressed and rushing when I was younger, it made my whole day feel off. (Hindsight: highly sensitive children will carry the stress of a bad morning all day.) I try really hard to not send my daughters out the door in a tizzy or upset. They’re going to encounter grouchy people at school, hard assignments, and friend drama, they don’t need to feel on edge before they even leave our house. Of course, sometimes this can’t be avoided (seriously, how long does it take to put on TWO SOCKS?), but making it the exception instead of the rule is my goal.

Clothes for tomorrow picked out as you get in your pajamas tonight
We’re past the point of the girls letting me pick out their clothes. In second grade, I could occasionally still get away with it with Harper, but third grade seems to be the year they draw a line in the sand. They will not be wearing what I suggest. They will actually pick the opposite of what I suggest. I don’t fight this or care, but it means they now need to make these choices the night before. If it’s spirit day, you need to find your black and yellow before bed, because I will not be running around the house in the morning looking for your favorite basketball shirt. If you planned to wear your flippy sequin unicorn shirt to match your BFF, you’ll need to make sure it’s clean before you fall asleep.

Added bonus: it doesn’t matter what time they go to bed, they’re going to be tired in the morning. Asking them to make any choice takes twice as long as 7 AM than it does at 7 PM. So get your hard choices done the night before.

Have your husband be in charge of lunches at night
First off, I’m not apologizing for this so skip this section if you want me to feel bad about Chris Graham being in charge of lunches.

I make dinner every night. It’s not always my favorite thing to do, but it’s one of my household jobs. I’m not on clean-up duty, though. That’s my husband. Clean up duty includes getting lunches ready for the next day. He’ll normally take leftovers. The girls sometimes do too. Either way, he packs everyone’s lunches after dinner so there’s less rushing (and more sleeping) in the morning.

Quick aside: For lots of reasons, it’s important for my husband to pack lunches for our girls. One of the reasons is we’re working on balancing household responsibilities in a healthier way, and another reason is it helps him care for them in a way he’s not accustomed to. Of course, he doesn’t always pack lunches the way I would (I’m all about efficiency and like to bag carrots, chips, etc. on Sunday night so I can just throw them in lunchboxes all week), but he’s in charge of them so I get to not worry about it.

I’m not actually saying your husband should pack lunches like that’s a rule. I don’t know your family’s schedule or dynamics. But I will say that it’s important for our kids to see everyone help the family run smoothly, not just the mom. Balance and equal buy-in to the never-ending jobs of keeping kids alive and well isn’t just for one spouse. How that looks for your house is up to you.

Oh, the Places You’ll Go to teachers the last week of school
Grab a copy of this book now if you see it in stores. It will be everywhere in April, but it will also be sold out everywhere. I started sending Oh, the Places You’ll Go by Dr. Seuss with Ellie in preschool and now the girls start asking about it as May approaches.

I send the book (buy the hardback one!) with a sticky note attached, asking the teacher to write a note to Ellie or Harper about the school year or whatever they want (encouragement, observation, a hope for the future, etc.). They can pick any page–teachers are scared to write on actual story pages, encourage them to!–to leave their thoughts. When we moved in the middle of Harper’s kindergarten year and Ellie’s second grade year, we had both teachers write in the book to remember that’s the year we left the city.

The girls, even at eight and ten, love looking back at the notes their teachers have written. As an adult, I think about my favorite teachers (Mrs. Blair and Mrs. Theur) and wish I had their beautiful handwriting tucked away in a book to remember them with.

It’s not too late to start this, even if you’ve missed a few years. It’s better late than never.

We’ve tried and failed other routines during the school year. Sometimes a great idea sounds so easy yet doesn’t work for us. Maybe these won’t be a good fit for your family, but if you see something that will make the crazy school week a little less stressful, steal it! Or if you have something else that works well for your house, let me know in the comments. It might be helpful for someone else too. (Also! Most of these things are good for adults and work too; I don’t leave the house every morning like I used to, but when I did, I used most of these routines.)

DISCLOSURE: Affiliate links used.

The only zucchini bread recipe you’ll ever need.

Heaven is a freezer full of zucchini bread.

It’s in the Bible, somewhere in Song of Solomon, I think. A freezer full of zucchini bread with a good helping of banana bread too.

I make banana bread year round. I live in Indiana where we can’t grow bananas so there’s not really a season to banana bread. But zucchinis? We can do those. We can grow them. We can grow them by the bucket full.

Zucchini challenge accepted.

Yesterday I shared some of the ways I’m using zucchini (and other stuff I’m growing in my garden this summer). But this zucchini bread recipe deserves its own post.

It’s really good.
It needs your full attention.
Let us begin.

Zucchini Bread
-Ingredients:
cinnamon
sugar
salt
flour
soda
baking powder
eggs
vegetable oil
2-3 zucchinis, depending on size
vanilla

-Combine dry ingredients in a bowl:
3 tsp. cinnamon
2 cups sugar
1 tsp. salt
3 cups flour
1 tsp. soda
1/2 tsp. baking powder

-In a separate bowl, combine wet ingredients:
3 eggs
1 cup vegetable oil

-Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients

-Then add:
3 cups zucchini (thinly shredded or use a food processor to finely chop; I don’t want to see or taste chunks of zucchini.)
1 tsp. vanilla

-Split into 2 loaf pans

-Bake @ 350 for 1 hour (check to make sure the middle is done with a toothpick before removing; this is a dense bread and takes a while to bake)

Eat this warm out of the oven slathered in butter and slide the other loaf in the freeze for winter. You’ll be so thankful you did.


I’m pretty loyal to the above recipe, *but* if I make any other bread with my precious zucchinis, it is chocolate zucchini bread.

I know. Chocolate makes everything better.

I’ve got some freshly-picked zukes on my counter right now, and I’m going to make this bread for the weekend: double chocolate zucchini bread.

DOUBLE CHOCOLATE.

Bonus bread: Like I said, I make banana bread all the time, but shockingly, I don’t really eat it. It’s not that I dislike it (it’s really good! *pats self of back*), it’s just not what I would pick to eat if I wanted bread or sugar. I’ve made this chocolate swirl banana bread a few times from Skinnytaste and really like it. I don’t make it in the slow cooker–just follow the oven instructions. I’m way more likely to eat banana bread when it has chocolate in it.

Overflowing gardens

I’m feeding my family from the ground this summer.

Sure, it might be saving me some money on my grocery bill each week, but more importantly, it’s feeding my soul.

Jenny Uglow says, “We might think we are nurturing our garden, but of course, it’s our garden that is nurturing us.”

And I am here to say amen.

Mornings spent pulling weeds and plucking ripe cherry tomatoes off the vine. Evenings spent watering my beds as I processing my day and my heart.

Yesterday I spent over an hour in the noon heat pulling out dead vines and trimming dying leaves. It was good, dirty work, and I could not think of anywhere else I wanted to be.

Last year was my first year gardening with two garden boxes from the rental house we were renovating. Once the season was over, Chris built me two more boxes, bigger than the first two.

In May, I planted zucchinis, cucumbers, yellow squash, green peppers, beefsteak tomatoes, cherry and grape tomatoes, jalapenos, basil, Italian parsley, icebox watermelons, and pumpkins.

When we returned from our 4th of July trip, the garden was ready for its first harvest. I’ve been filling bowls and buckets of produce every few days since then. Sometimes as I’m gathering my veggies, I imagine the Israelite’s wonder at first setting sights on the land of milk and honey, and I wonder if I’m getting a small glimpse of it.

I am overflowing with food.

We are eating as much as we can; I freeze or preserve what we can’t. And even then, I go to every friend’s house, Bible studies, or family gathering with armfuls of veggies to share.

If you’ve seen me this summer, I’ve tried to give you cherry tomatoes and yellow squash. This winter, we’ll eat pesto chicken and chips and salsa once a week.

Where our property line ends, rows of corn begin. By the end of July, we are cocooned in our backyard, surrounded by green trees and tall stalks. Our backyard feels like its own world, safe and still. I say thank you out loud at least once a day for this house, this land, this legacy.

This post is self-serving, to be honest. When my garden beds overflow, I forget all the things I planned to make in the spring. Why did I think I needed so many green pepper plants? What do you do with yellow squash? Do I even like tomatoes?

But then I get to work, refusing to let a single slice of zucchini or jalapeno go to waste. Here’s what I’m doing with my garden hauls this year:

-For dinner, I’ll halve small tomatoes, coat them in olive oil, salt, and garlic powder, then roast for 20-25 at 425 degrees. We’ll eat them straight off the pan before they’re cool, but you can also top any meat you’re serving, put them on homemade pizza, or toss them with some pasta. (I could eat these roasted tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and some warm pasta for dinner every single night.)

-I’ve also been dehydrating cherry and grape tomatoes in the oven. Store them in the fridge in a jar with olive oil and garlic cloves then eat with pasta, bread, crackers, or a fork right out of the jar. They’d be good (and pretty) added to a charcuterie board too. (Side note: for breakfast this morning, I had buttered toast topped with a fried egg and these sun-dried tomatoes. I stopped at two slices of this delicious toast, but it was a huge exercise in self-control.)

-An Instagram follower shared a tomato confit recipe with me; this is not the recipe I used, but it’s identical except I didn’t use rosemary. I’m storing these in the fridge in a giant Bell jar and using it all the time. This link has a whole list of ways to use the confit. (Also, saying words like “confit” makes me feel professional and adult-ish. It will probably make you feel the same way. Try it.)

–Southern squash casserole with yellow squash. Listen, I have a husband who does not like casseroles. He has a lot of childhood trauma, some serious and some not-very-serious. This casserole issue falls on the serious side. But if you have yellow squash, make this recipe please. I’d describe it as really similar to a cheesy potato casserole. It’s decadent and delicious. I love it. The first time I made it, I planned it to be the main dish in a weekday dinner. That was a mistake; it’s a good side, not a main course. It would be a good substitute for a starchy side or with bacon and eggs in the morning. Plus, you get to crumble saltine crackers on top of it just like your grandma used to do to everything so you just KNOW this is gonna be good.

–Pickled jalapenos! I was drowning in jalapenos last summer and made these as a last-ditch effort to not throw them away. But then we ate them and realized we had not been living our best lives with the store-bought jalapenos. Make these to top hot dogs, tacos, hamburgers, nachos, whatever your heart desires, but you’ll never go back to the rubbery jarred jalapenos from the grocery store.

-Fresh vegetables with ranch dip. Is this common sense? Probably, but I need to give you a tip that will change your life. First of all, do not come at my garden bounty with your bottled ranch dressing. That is insulting. You can make your own buttermilk ranch if you have the time and patience, but I do not. I buy a container of sour cream and TWO packages of Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix. Don’t do just one, that’s the downfall of most ranch dips–not enough seasoning. Double up, don’t ask questions, just do it. Double the ranch season packet to one container of sour cream. If you don’t think ranch dip can change your life, we could never be friends in real life. (Confession: my husband doesn’t like ranch dip or dressing. It is only through the grace of God we’ve held on this long.)

-I’ve never grown onions before. I don’t know if you can in Indiana, but I think the effort does not equal the output so I buy them from the store. But I do grow almost everything else I need for salsa: green peppers, tomatoes, jalapenos, and cilantro. Just chop it all up and dump it in there. There’s really no wrong way to do it. If you have a lime, squeeze it in too. Add a lot more salt than you think you need. Add garlic and then eat it. I’ve been freezing salsa to eat once the garden is done; throw the salsa in the Crockpot with some chicken, pour some in your fall chili. There’s no wrong way, really.

-Loads of zucchini become: bread! using the recipe I’ll share tomorrow. (I just tried to type it out here, and it was a disaster so I need to make the recipe its own post.) Cake! I was at a cookout on Sunday where someone made chocolate cake using zucchini bread. I was cautious about eating it because when I’m eating cake, I don’t want it to be ruined with something healthy, but it was actually really good. So now I’m on board with zucchini chocolate cake and going to try this recipe soon. (Don’t click on that link if you’re craving sugar. The pictures of the cake might actually kill you.) A side dish! I love chopping up zucchini, onions, and yellow squash and grilling it or sauteing it. It’s the perfect summer side for any meal.

-I planted three basil plants this spring in preparation for loads of pesto-making. I follow this recipe loosely, but don’t use nuts. I really just like the basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, but you can do whatever you want. I make a huge batch of it, put it in ice cube trays, freeze it, then pop the frozen cubes into a large ziplock baggies. All winter I’ll throw a couple cubes in recipes or thaw for a dipping sauce whenever I need it. (I grew an obnoxious amount of Italian parsley this summer and you can also make pesto with parsley. Sometimes I do half basil, half parsley to use upwhat I have.)

-I’m also blanching lots of green peppers and jalapenos. I’ve made jalapeno poppers for a few meals, but I want to save some for football season so I’ve cored and sliced them, given them a quick cook in boiling water, then popped them in the freeze so I can fill them with meat and cheese on a Sunday afternoon in the winter.

-Chili bags: I’m sure there’s a better name for that, but I’m too lazy to think much about it. I filled quart freezer bags with diced tomatoes (cherry or grape), green peppers, and a few jalapenos then put them in the freezer so I can pull out a bag, dump it in a pot for chili or any other soup I’m making. Freezing the veggies without blanching tends to make them a little mushy when they’re thawed, but for chili or soup, I’m not too concerned about it. (These bags would also work for taco meat or Crockpot chicken.)

-My girls will eat a whole fresh cucumber at dinner, so I don’t really need to do anything else with them, but my aunt shared her Thai cucumber salad recipe with me last summer, and I love making/eating it. [In a bowl, combine: 1/3 cup rice vinegar, 2 Tbsp. sugar, 1/2 tsp. toasted sesame oil, 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes, and 1/2 tsp. salt. Mix and set it aside. Then chop 2 large cucumbers, 3 green onions, and 1/4 cup peanuts and combine to the dressing mixture. Coat and let it sit for about an hour so everything melds together.] I love that salad as a side or on top of pork. It might even be delicious on a hamburger.

-I’m waiting on a bunch of almost-ripe beefsteak tomatoes to make a huge batch of pizza sauce and freeze. That will be my biggest undertaking to date; 20 pounds of tomatoes and lots of simmering. Prayers are appreciated.

-In the fall, my aunt’s garden next door will be wild with delicata squash. I could eat a whole pan of it roasted with sesame oil and a little salt. But I also made this delicata squash and sausage gratin last year, and it was delicious. I’m already dreaming of a cool October evening with the windows open and this in the oven.

I think my first harvest of icebox watermelons will be ready next week, and my pumpkins are starting to grow. I can’t wait to see what they look like in October.

Gardening has been such a pleasant, enjoyable surprise for me. Never in a million years did I think this is something I would do or love. But now, if we happen to cross paths during the warm months, I’m going to update you on my garden growth and dirt moisture levels. Perhaps we will discuss bugs and how much sun we had yesterday.

It’s who I am now.

“I grow plants for many reasons: to please my soul, to challenge the elements or to challenge my patience, for novelty, or for nostalgia, but mostly for the joy in seeing them grow.” -David Hobson

I’m still into cookbooks

Are cookbooks still a thing?

Answer: YES.

I don’t care what the internet or Pinterest or all the end-of-traditional-publishing alarmist say, I’m still in love with cookbooks and use them regularly.

There’s just something that feels really good about cracking open a well-worn cookbook, flipping to a page you’ve used again and again, noticing the little dried bit of butter or olive oil on the corner, and feeding your family a tried-and-true meal.

Sure, I use the internet for dinner ideas or something quick-and-easy to take to the pitch-in, but it won’t ever take the place of a book full of recipes, food crumbs, handwritten notes on measurements, and love.

I will hear no arguments about it.

Okay, since we’re all on the same page about cookbooks being amazing, here are my favorites for your viewing pleasure. Add them to your collection, give them as gifts, or just nod your head in agreement as you read. And try not to get hungry.

Skinnytaste Fast and Slow by Gina Homolka
I love Skinnytaste Fast and Slow, and I love Gina Holmolka; I follow her on Instagram and buy all her cookbooks. She does healthy-ish recipes but none of them taste healthy, if you know what I mean. I make the Slow Cooker Korean-Style Beef Tacos (pg. 140) often, and it’s a big hit with Chris Graham. The slaw topping she has you put on top of the beef is delicious as a stand-alone salad too. I had a hard time narrowing down only one recipe from this book to tell you about if that tells you anything.

Magnolia Table by Joanna Gaines
This is a new one for me, I bought it with some birthday money last year after borrowing it from the library. Listen, I like the Gaines. I like their show. I like their style. I like their line at Target. But I’m also leery of celebrity books because as long as you have a good following, you can publish a book–it doesn’t have to be good. I’ve learned that the hard way. So I borrowed Magnolia Table from the library to test it out, and it passed all my tests. (I’m a teacher so realllllly good at making hard, impossible-to-pass exams.) For Christmas morning, I made the Overnight French Toast (pg. 41) for my family, and it was so decadent and delicious. Some of the recipes are more intense than I normally do, but it’s still worth a buy. I’ve got the Cinnamon Squares marked (pg. 65) for this weekend so I’ll let you know how it goes, but I’m anticipating success and lots of sugar highs.

Classic Rachael Ray 30-Minute Meals
Is it showing my age to say I used to binge-watch 30-Minute Meals on the Food Network when I was in college? I don’t know what she’s doing today, but Rachel Ray in the early 2000s gave me the courage to just throw stuff in a pot without measuring, eat new foods like polenta, and try scary recipes like risotto. I still use Classic Rachael Ray 30-Minute Meals for dinner inspiration. We really like her soups and stews, things that can be made in one pot. The Chile Verde (pg. 127) is delicious with some tortilla chips, sharp cheddar cheese, and green onions.

Cooking Light: Fresh Food Fast
Okay, so it’s obvious I like things that don’t take too long to make. Who really does? Cooking Light: Fresh Food Fast isn’t fancy, but it’s full of normal food my family will actually eat which makes it a win in my book. Being able to make a sandwich feel like a full meal (like the Grilled Chicken Reuben [pg. 81] or the Sloppy Skillet Beef Sandwiches [pg. 69]) will always make me happy. There’s lots of good soup recipes in here too. I’m a big fan of the Spicy Poblano and Corn Soup (pg. 26).

The Taste of Home Cookbook
This is a classic in my humble opinion. Growing up, my mom subscribed to and used often The Taste of Home magazine. I remember this from-scratch pretzel recipe that I loved to make. Throwing that pretzel dough around pretending I knew had to twist it into pretzel shapes was so much fun. When I moved out, my mom gifted me my own The Taste of Home Cookbook and I’ve used it ever since. It’s a good reference for traditional recipes and things you’d never, ever make, but I still love it. It also has lots of conversion, substitution, and cook time help in it. It’s not just recipes, but an actual how-to book for the kitchen. It might be a little outdated (my link is to the 4th edition while I have the original), but I’m loyal to it regardless.

Reader’s Digest Kitchen Secrets
This one is good but also a little silly? It’s not aged well, but there’s good stuff so don’t be thrown off by the ugly cover or the how-to for a cheese mold. *gag* Because recipes like the Bayou Red Beans and Rice Casserole (pg. 119) or the Steak with a Spicy sauce (pg. 234) are delicious. Reader’s Digest Kitchen Secrets is also entertaining to look at. It’s got a lot of general how-to and recipe help in it, but the pictures are gold and worth a peruse.

America’s Test Kitchen: The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs
Ellie got this one for Christmas and it’s been in heavy rotation ever since. She’s used it for desserts and breakfast food at least once a week since our kitchen has been operational again. I love America’s Test Kitchen: The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs because it talks about the science behind cooking and baking so kids are learning how to make things, but also the theory (if that makes sense…) so they could then transfer that knowledge to other things they want to make. Plus, this stuff is just good. It’s not silly kid stuff that is super easy and insulting, they have to follow real recipes and actually work for the yummy food they’re creating. Ellie loves to be in the kitchen, and she absolutely loves this cookbook.

Skinnytaste One and Done by Gina Homolka
I told you I loved Skinnytaste. This is me submitting documentation. Skinnytaste One and Done is her most recent cookbook. Quick, fast meal options are my love language. That and leaving me alone with my books. But mostly fast meals. These recipes are filling, good for the whole family, and easy-ish. I’m really feeling the one sheet pan meal idea, where you throw lots of different things on one pan and then bake it so the Roasted Sausage, Peppers, and Potatoes meal (pg. 89) was a home run. I used turkey sausage because it’s what I had on hand, but I’m sure chicken sausage is delicious too.

Let Me Feed You by Rosie Daykin
I don’t own this one (yet). I just got Let Me Feed You at the library this week. I’ve wasted enough money on cookbooks I don’t end up liking to know if the library has a copy, I’ll try it through them first. I’ve never heard of Rosie Daykin, but she has a dog on the cover of her cookbook so I think we’re going to be best friends. I’m hoping to make Butter’s Granola (pg. 20) and, when my garden is ready to harvest, the Zucchini and Couscous Salad (pg. 145). I predict I’ll ask for this cookbook for Christmas. Stay tuned.

What about you? Do you still love a cookbook sitting on the shelf in your kitchen? Could you spend the afternoon looking through cookbooks like me? What cookbook can you not live without?

DISCLOSURE: This post uses affiliate links. Shopping through the links helps support this online writing space and does not change the price you pay for an item.

9 Podcasts I’m Loving Right Now

I’m always listening to something: audio books, Ted Talks, podcasts, the Bible, etc. Sometimes I need silence, but more times I need stories and words.

This isn’t intentional, but around this time every year, I tell you what podcasts I’m loving. Here’s my list from 2017 and 2018. I enjoy going back to see what podcasts I was listening to in years past, and what I’m still listening to. Some podcasts have been on the list for three years running, while others don’t interest me anymore or were just for a season or series and they’ve ended their run. There are some good suggestions on those old lists so don’t skip them if you’re into podcasts as much as I am.

Here’s what I’m digging right now:

The Bible Binge
I just started listening to the Bible Binge a few weeks ago. Knox and Jamie read a story from scripture and add lots of entertaining/pop culture dialogue and commentary. I find their conversations silly and entertaining, but I’m not sure I would recommend this to someone unfamiliar with the Bible stories they’re telling–I think their takes might confuse actual Bible knowledge to the uninformed. (There is a Bible scholar who weighs in at the end to correct things they’ve done wrong, but it might not be enough for those new to the Bible.)

Young House Love Has a Podcast
This one has been on my list every year. Every Monday, John and Sherry release a 30-ish minute episode discussing home remodeling, house trends, and life stuff. I’ve read their blog for a decade (!!) so listening to them talk on Young House Love Has a Podcast is fun for me. This is one you can listen to with kids in the car, and Harper (a huge DIY/Fixer Upper fan) likes this one too.

My Favorite Murder
I think this one has been on the list every year too. I love true crime, and Georgia and Karen are my best friends that just don’t know I exist yet. My Favorite Murder is, I’ll be honest, not for everyone. If you have sensitive ears, maybe skip this one, but if salty language and really horrible murders told with a side of inappropriate humor is your thing, you’re probably already listening to this and I’m preaching to the choir.

The Next Right Thing
Emily P. Freeman’s The Next Right Thing feels a little like a mindfulness meditation once a week. She’s not releasing new episodes right now, but there are 75 waiting for you if you’re new. Emily’s voice is soothing, and her thoughtfulness makes me slow down every time I listen. I’m a big multi-tasker, but when I listen to this one, I try to do nothing else so I can give it my full attention.

The Big Boo Cast
Melanie Shankle and Sophie Hudson are two Christian authors I like reading so even though their podcast is random conversations between the two of them, I really like it. The Big Boo Cast is clean and funny. One Sunday, I was listening to this in the kitchen while making lunch, and Chris walked through. He asked if their accents were real or they were just talking like that to be funny. So I guess it’s important to mention they have southern accents, and they are very thick accents. I find them enjoyable. You may not.

Up First
Years ago when I was driving to work every morning, I’d listen to NPR. When I transitioned to working from home, I didn’t turn on the news and often only read it if I searched it out (which wasn’t very often). I missed listening to the news, so when I discovered Up First, I subscribed immediately. Each weekday morning, NPR gives you about 15 minutes of news stories to start your day; the minute the girls get on the bus, I push play and catch up on current events while I clean up breakfast and start laundry.

Dr. Death
The story of a reckless surgeon who continually hurt patients (most likely on purpose) but was allowed to keep practicing is addicting and infuriating. Listen to Dr. Death only if you don’t have an upcoming medical procedure. When I started this story, I thought it was so unbelievable that I googled to make sure it was a true story. It is most definitely a true story. Don’t look it up, just listen and be ready to be shocked.

Everything Happens
When I read Kate Bowler’s book Everything Happens for a Reason, I was intrigued with her story, so when she started a podcast interviewing other people with hard or interesting lives, I was on board. Bowler is funny and charming, smart and caring. I really like listening to Everything Happens. If you don’t know were to start with this one, her interviews with Alan Alda and Nadia Bolz-Weber are good (oh, and the Alexandra Petri one is really funny).

Armchair Expert
Okay, so these episodes are a million times longer than they should be, but I listen to them from beginning to end anyway because they’re interesting and funny. Dax Shepard and Monica Padman are really good together, and I find their conversations with celebrities, authors, artists, and anyone else they feel like having on really engaging. I don’t always agree with everything they talk about on Armchair Expert, but I really like hearing the opinions and thoughts of others, especially those who don’t think like me.

Like I shared on this post about electronics, my girls listen to podcasts a lot. These are good to listen to while traveling or when your kids are playing and are used to background noise, but you don’t want the TV on:
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls
Story Pirates
Potterless (I just downloaded this one for Ellie and we haven’t listened to it yet, but I’m including it in case you have a kid obsessed with Harry Potter too.)
Sparkle Stories
Tumble: Science Podcast for Kids
The Alien Adventures of Finn Caspian

Have something I should add to the list? What podcasts do you love to listen to?


(Also, it would be ridiculous of me to not mention the Not Terrible Podcast. Jess and I just finished our 39th episode and I’d love for you to listen. The first eight episodes are just Jess then I joined on episode 9. If you like what I write about here, I think you’ll like the podcast too.)

how to find a therapist

At the beginning of the year I shared five resolutions I thought others should make in 2019. I have no authority. I have no credentials. I just own a website and like to write demands on it. Who knows if anyone actually listens. But honestly, that has never stopped me before.

One post that generated a lot of questions was my get-a-therapist recommendation:
How do you find a counselor?
How do I know if my therapist is good?
What if I can’t afford therapy?
Where do I even start if I want to find a counselor?

Good questions.

I don’t know. Good luck, I guess?

I kid, I kid.

It’s really easy to write a blog post about how everyone needs a therapist this year while not addressing the financial strain, the stress of finding someone you feel safe with, and the time it takes.

Many people know they need therapy and would love to go to therapy but can’t afford it. I don’t have time to disparage all the ways our healthcare system is letting us down in terms of mental health, but I think we can all agree many of our most vulnerable and needy citizens don’t get the care they desperately need. We need to do better.

If you need/want counseling and resources are tight, I’d start by calling local churches and community centers. Many churches have access to low-cost counseling services or can recommend places that do. You do not have to be a member of these churches to ask for help (and if you call a church who only wants to help you if you’re on the membership list, hang up and call a different one; also don’t go to that church.).

When Chris left his treatment center, he spent some time counseling with an addictions counselor at a community center downtown. The setting wasn’t traditional and sometimes there was a crisis he had to attend to so he cancelled at the last moment, but it was worth it to us because Chris was getting help he needed and we were still able to buy groceries.

Yes, there are therapists who charge $100 to $150 an hour, but there are others who don’t. It will take some work, some perseverance, and some trial-and-error, but asking for referrals and about reduced rates is where you start.

Also, find a intern! It’s like getting two counselors for the price of one and with a discount. Sure, interns don’t have years of experience yet, but they’re still trained and beneficial. Plus, they’re monitored by someone with the experience so if money is a concern, this is an accessible way to still get the counseling you need on a tight budget.

I know I got lucky when I called my church asking for help and was referred to my therapist. It’s common to have introductory appointments with a handful of therapists to see if you have chemistry. You don’t like every person you meet, why would you like every therapist? (Wait, do you like every person you meet? Seriously, you need a counselor, that’s weird.)

This seems like silly advice, but if you have insurance, please call and double check your mental health services. You might be surprised at what they cover, and, again, it doesn’t hurt to ask. Our insurance doesn’t cover counseling, and some counselors don’t accept insurance, but asking all the questions anyway is worth it. Asking about a counselor’s insurance rate and their cash rate is okay too.

Not everyone will feel comfortable doing this, but asking your people for references is a good way to find a counselor. When I was looking for a marriage counselor, I asked a few friends I knew had been to counseling before or were connected to the counseling community. I’m all for getting past the stigma and shame associated with saying you need help and what better way to do that than announcing it on a Facebook post?

That’s extreme. Maybe don’t do that. Or do. I don’t know what you’re about. But seriously, asking people in your circle is bound to point you in the right direction.

Asking your physician is a good idea too. Doctors make referrals all the time, and some offices keep a list of mental health professionals to recommend when asked.

So basically my answer is speak up.

I realize that’s hard to do when you’re struggling, but if you can only do one brave thing this month or even this year, let this be it. Ask for some help and see where it leads.

If all else fails, just Google.

I mean, the internet holds all the answers, right?

Welcome back seasonal sadness, my old friend.

It’s here.

The point in the winter season where everything turns a little gray and sad. I’m not talking about nature though. I’m talking about me; I’m talking about my mental health.

I first noticed the struggle to get through winter in 2014. I was having trouble getting dressed in the mornings for work, finding my way to the gym after school, and lacking all motivation to make dinner or take care of my family. I don’t think (and still don’t) think it was full-on depression, but I referred to it as being ‘seasonally sad.’

I’m seasonally sad again.

But what’s different this time is I’m equipped to deal with it, I knew it was coming, and I know I just have to ride it out. I know this isn’t permanent. One perk of getting emotionally healthier is I have the ability to see my current state or emotion, acknowledge the hard or painful parts of it, and know it will not last forever. It is a season, a week, a moment, a time.

It is not forever.

Last winter when I felt the sadness coming, I asked my therapist for help. She explained seasonal affective disorder or seasonal depression is a real thing and not uncommon. Once she gave me the name, I consulted my doctor (AKA: the internet) to learn that seasonal affective disorder is also known as SAD which is totally cruel and a really funny joke. It normally sets in during early adulthood and some scientists believe it’s related to hormone changes and/or lack of sunlight in the winter. Of course, it’s more common in women than men because why wouldn’t it be? (source)

We had a mild November and December so in the back of my head I was slightly hopeful it wouldn’t hit me so hard this year–THE SUN WAS HERE JUST RECENTLY. I’LL BE FINE.

Another cruel and funny joke, because it is most definitely here.

Last night I was asleep by 9 PM and had trouble getting up to my 6 AM alarm. I got nine hours of sleep, wasn’t tired anymore, but couldn’t get out of bed.

Seasonal affective disorder coming in hot, friends.

But I know how to handle it now. I know how to not let it take me down completely. I know to be patient with myself as I wade through this yuckiness and wait eagerly for spring. (Plot twist: I don’t hate winter. I like snow. I like wearing layers and wool socks. I like watching my kids sled in fluffy snowsuits and chug hot chocolate overflowing with marshmallows afterwards. So it’s hard to wish away a season I enjoy.)

Even though I was hopeful in December I might not get seasonal sadness this year, I prepared for it anyway. I am an odd mix of overly optimistic and very practical.

Here’s what I’ve learned to do (with the help of my therapist, reading, and trucking through this season for a while now):

Take my vitamins
My therapist recommended I start taking vitamin D and vitamin B6 daily. I don’t do this in the other seasons regularly, but as December winds down and I see the long, boring parts of winter approaching (January through March), I start my morning vitamin routine.

Move my body
Purposefully getting out of my desk chair and stretching or taking a walk is important. When I transitioned out of the traditional classroom four years ago, I stopped moving all day. Teaching means you’re on your feet all day, and it helped to combat some fuzzy feelings. Now I’m sitting at a desk staring at a computer for hours on end and, if I don’t get up and move, the funk settles faster.

Refuse to skip my morning quiet time
I don’t buy into the idea you can get out of depression or serious mental illnesses with just some good Bible reading, but spending time in my Bible as part of my plan of attack is important. Beginning my morning with Truth and talking to my God helps clear cobwebs or lies that might have settled in during the last 24 hours. This is my touchstone, my re-calibration, and if I miss it, I know things will feel more off during the day.

Find the sunlight
I fling open all the curtains in our house as soon as the girls get on the bus. I don’t even care if the sun won’t be peeking through the clouds today, our blinds are open, and I’m letting in as much natural light as possible. I know I’m emotionally impacted by the state of my house so clutter or dark rooms add to my blah-ness. I straighten and let light stream in to help shake off the sadness and yuck. (Some people do well with a light therapy lamp during this season as well; I don’t have one and haven’t used one, but I’m keeping the idea in the back of my mind as the winter progresses. If things get too rough, I’ll be ordering a small one for my desk.)

Talk to someone
Every time I start to wonder if I should take a break from therapy, I find new and exciting things I need help handling. Cool. At this point, I am acknowledging I will be in therapy–in some way or another–for the long term. Right now I go once a month as a health check-in. If I need to, I can up my appointments. Maybe you don’t need a therapy appointment, but don’t keep this sadness to yourself. Tell your spouse or a friend things just feel off and sad right now. If it feels right, seeking a therapist or counselor is okay. When my therapist helped me understand what was happening and ways to cope with my SAD, I felt more in control. It didn’t make it go away, but it made it feel manageable and more settled (even if that feels weird to say).

Drink more water
My tendency is more coffee and Diet Pepsi when I’m tired or need energy and right now I need all the energy I can get, because I’m feeling so blah and apathetic. The problem is that’s not what my brain or body needs to work its best. I know everything feels fuzzier if I’m not drinking enough water. So sticking to my daily water routine is imperative right now. No excuses, drink the water, Mary.

As Indianapolis gets ready for a foot or more of snow this weekend, I’m gathering my supplies: books, snacks, a list of Netflix shows to binge, freshly-laundered blankets to snuggle under with my girls . But I’m also paying attention to my mental health, reminding myself to drink water, take my vitamins, say out loud when I’m struggling, and find the light when possible.


DISCLOSURE: affiliated links used.

MAKE SURE YOU SUBSCRIBE TO MY NEWSLETTER! GO HERE TO GET MONTHLY BOOK REVIEWS & SUGGESTIONS, SURPRISE GIVEAWAYS, SUBSCRIBER-ONLY POSTS, AND THE MONDAY BUSINESS MEETING EMAIL WITH ENCOURAGEMENT, NEWS, & FREE STUFF.

Love podcasts? May I suggest you listen to the Not Terrible Podcast? My friend Jess and I co-host a weekly show where we discuss hard stories with hope and humor. I’d love for you to listen and subscribe.

25 gifts for anyone on your list

We’re not in emergency shopping range yet, but we’re getting down to the wire. Do you still have people on your list you’re struggling to buy for?

*Enter this list of things Mary loves or has bought for others that were a hit*

Here’s the background on gift lists: I love when people share what they’ve buying or have received. It helps me give better gifts. But if you’ve been around here for a while, you might see a few things pop up more than once. That’s because I really only tell you to buy things I have experience with: things I currently own and love, things I have purchased for others, things I know are good.

I could easily just select cool things off the internet (where there are endless cool things) and tell you to buy them. But I’m not that exciting or creative. I’m sure you have your own awesome wish list from the world wide web. This is stuff I’ve spent my own money on or things that have been gifted to me that I think were great gifts.

So what I’m saying is, you can trust me. I tried to include something for everyone–except little babies–I didn’t come up with any good baby stuff because I don’t have any babies right now and I’m not really shopping for any either.

I’ve included links to Amazon because it’s easiest for me, but get them wherever you love to shop. I’m not the boss of you.

Makeup brushes
I could watch YouTube and Instagram makeup videos all day. I won’t actually do what they’re teaching me, but I like watching it. Kind of like the Olympics, I’m amazed someone can train like that as I watch from my couch with snacks. But I have learned the importance of some makeup brushes. You could buy this for any female and win Christmas. Bonus points if you buy it for a teen who happens to love getting fancy to take selfies in their bedroom.

Magnatiles
My girls asked for more of these for Christmas. Harper got a set last year, and I’ve heard for almost twelve months that they needed more because they can’t make a whole town with the ones they have. We do a family gift on Christmas morning (last year it was a few boxes of puzzles to work on), and I don’t normally take requests for it, but I’m ordering another set for them. There are lots of different options so don’t click the link and roll your eyes at the $100 set. That’s not what I bought last year, and it is not what I will be buying this year either.

State-shaped cutting board
This is fun gift for anyone who loves to entertain or is obsessed with kitchen stuff (I fall into both of those categories). Or maybe you need a hostess gift for a party you’re attending? This would be an amazing teacher gift too.

Cozy Minimal Home book
If I didn’t have this, I would add it to my own Christmas list. It’s full of practical and realistic advice for making our homes cozier without just cramming them full of stuff. It’s helped me see my house differently and her practice of “quieting” a room has helped me calm some spaces that I knew felt off, but I could never figure out why. If you need a gift for someone who loves home decorating or designing, this would be a perfect gift. (Also, a good hostess gift!)

Electric blanket
All the Graham girls LOVE an electric blanket. Ellie and Harper’s rooms are a little drafty in the winter so buying them electric blankets last winter changed their lives. There’s nothing more decadent than climbing into a warm bed in the middle of a freezing cold room. You could also keep one on the couch if you’ve got a drafty living space. Basically, who doesn’t need an electric blanket? (Unless you live somewhere warm year round–then I strongly dislike you and please keep your smugness to yourself.)

Bungee cord kit
You know what guys like? Bungee cords. They like strapping things to the roof of their cars. They like bungee cords for all household answers. They’re good for camping. Bungee cords are the new duct tape. You can never have enough bungee cords, just ask Chris Graham.

Diffuser
I’m not here to sell you oils. Yes, I use them. No, I don’t want to hear about your team opportunities or about switching brands. But I do think everyone should have a diffuser. We just use oils primarily through diffusing. We have them in our bedrooms, the kitchen, and in my office. I have one at the studio too. We diffuse when the air feels dry, when we have stuffy noses, when we’re stressed, when we need some help sleeping. Diffusers can also be used as humidifiers–just fill them with water and add moisture to the room.

Bluetooth speaker lightbulb
I got this last year (two years ago?) at a Favorite Things party, and still think it’s such a great gift. Getting one for a kid means they can have a color-changing lightbulb in their room which feels magical. Because it’s bluetooth, you can stream music through it and so it’s good for bathrooms or kitchens too. I kept one in my home office and when we moved into a new space, it came with us. We use it for background noise when we host events and it’s just fun to have a strobe light in the office.

Smart plug
I know some people just think smart plugs are lazy. Wait, you don’t want to turn that lamp on so you do it with your phone or voice? But it’s more than that. We put our Christmas tree on a smart plug so we can use the timer function then not worry about climbing behind the tree to plug it in. We have a few lamps on smart plugs too; every morning, the one by my couch comes on a 6 AM so I can wander down with my coffee and read my Bible. When we travel, I like to randomly turn lights on when we’re not home and I can do that through the app. Yes, we still use our fat, lazy hands to turn some lights on–that’s not what the smart plug is about.

Sharpies
Who doesn’t love a fresh package of Sharpies? NO ONE. No one hates Sharpies. It’s against the law–these are good for teacher gifts, teenager gifts, mom gifts, dad gifts, and friend gifts. When in doubt, a new package of colorful sharpies (or all black! I always need black ones!) is an easy win.

3D Sandbox kit
I got this for my nephew this year. My sister was thrilled when he opened it. Your friends and family will be too if you give this moldable sandbox with dinosaurs. It’s a good sensory gift, plus it’s just fun. Can’t go outside to play in the sand? Bring the sand inside. A gift only a butthole would give. And I’m totally a butthole.

Wallet clip
Chris currently carries his license and bank card in a clear ID tag cover. It’s embarrassing, but he refuses to stop because he hates all wallets he finds–they’re all too bulky for his tiny butt cheek. A while ago, I heard John for Young House Love Has a Podcast talking about this wallet and how much he loved it. So now Chris is getting it for Christmas. He doesn’t know this yet, so I hope he started reading this post and then gave up at the diffuser paragraph.

Set of bamboo kitchen spoons
Okay, technically, I have not bought these yet. I’m working on downsizing and getting rid of things and I realllllly want to get rid of all my kitchen utensils and buy these. But that makes NO sense because all my current utensils are perfectly fine. So I need you to buy this pretty set of bamboo utensils and give them to someone. I follow a girl on Instagram who loves them and I trust everyone on the internet.

Wool socks
I gave these colorful wool socks as part of my Favorite Things gift this year. They’re machine washable, comfortable, and warm–a perfect stocking stuffer or friend gift. You didn’t ask this question, but as someone with big feet who often doesn’t like the cute socks everyone sells because my giant feet don’t fit them well, these actually fit! Finding a sock where my heel actually goes to the colorful triangle where your heel is supposed to be doesn’t happen often. (Bonus gift idea: I also gave everyone a silk pillowcase because I’m obsessed with mine. It sounds like an old lady gift, but it’s not, I promise. Just Google why you should sleep on one and then make the switch.)

Echo Dot
We’ve been in a relationship with Alexa for over a year now and things are differently getting more serious. We have two: one in the kitchen and one in our bedroom. Music, weather, and answering random questions are how we use her most of the time, but she’s hooked up to the smart plugs too so she can turn on lights when we need. Ellie asked for one this year; I like that she can listen to music without taking an iPad into her room (where she occasionally plays games without permission…) and we can sync the Echo Dots to talk to each other without yelling across the house.

NIV study Bible
I’m still telling everyone to use this Bible to read the Bible from beginning to end. The research, history, and explanations help make sense of things in understandable language and easy connections. I don’t think this would be a great beginner Bible–it might get overwhelming and confusing if someone is coming in with very little Bible knowledge–but for someone looking for a new Bible study, I’d highly recommend you gifting this to them and encouraging them to spend 2019 falling in love with God’s Word.

Rose water facial spray
Stocking stuffer, friend gift, hostess gift: this rose water facial spray is light and subtle. I don’t like the smell of roses (or most floral smells), but this is tolerable and fresh. I spray it on in the morning with a cotton ball, and it just feels refreshing. I don’t think anyone will be upset if this little bottle shows up under the tree.

Camping hammock
Don’t limit this camping hammock to just camping. Yes, you can use it in the wilderness, but it’s also good for the backyard, the college kid who loves the quad at school, or for an afternoon at the park. I think everyone should own a hammock; this one folds up easily, is portable, and has amazing reviews on Amazon. We have two similar ones for camping, and between the girls and Chris, someone is always in them.

Succulents
Even if you only have black thumbs, I think a few succulents can be a good gift. This five-pack from Amazon is less than $16. You could order them and then give them as small gifts to friends, co-workers, or teachers. If you know someone who can’t keep them alive, tell them to water them twice a month with about 1/4 cup of water. That’s it. My motto is you can never have enough plants.

Himalayan salt lamp
Okay, yes, this might seem a little too woo-woo for some people, but using a salt lamp gives a really pretty, subtle glow so if the supposed health benefits feel too fake for you, just give one as a gift because they’re pretty. We have a salt lamp night light in our bathroom and it gives off just enough light to see in the middle of the night without making the room feel lit up.

Instax MINI camera
Full disclosure: this film isn’t cheap, but the camera is so fun, it’s still a great gift idea. You won’t use this as your everyday camera (that’s what your phone is for), but if you’ve got a trip planned or have a gathering with friends, keeping this camera on hand to instantly print fun pictures would be fun. Ellie is always asking me to print pictures and I never get around to it, so she got one of these for Christmas. Film is pricey, but using it to print pictures for her bulletin board or her future locker is exciting for her. Plus, they have these fun photo accessory kits that feel a little like 2018’s version of scrapbooking. This is a great pre-teen or teen gift.

Melissa and Doug horse stable set
My nephew is obsessed with Spirit (a cartoon on Netflix). So when I found this stable and horse set, I knew he needed it. If you’ve got a toddler who loves that show or animals, this will be a hit, I promise. The carrying case makes it good for travel, but keeping it at home is good too. I shared this on Instagram when I bought it and so many people said their kids had it and loved it too.

Mixing bowls and measuring set
I ordered this for myself (don’t mind if I do…) on Prime Day in the spring. Seven months later, I still love it and use it often. This bowl and measuring set would be a good gift for someone who camps, for  someone who is just starting to fill their kitchen, or for someone who needs a mixing bowl upgrade. It’s all good in the dishwasher too which is important for someone like me who refuses to use it if I can’t put it in the dishwasher.

Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein
I came across a copy of Where the Sidewalk Ends at a thrift store this summer and could not believe I had never thought to buy it for the girls. I loved Shel Silverstein as a kid, and he’s a timeless author kids still love. This is a perfect book to keep on the coffee table or nightstand because you can read a poem or two in a relatively short amount of time. They’re silly and fun with just enough artwork to keep younger kids engaged.

Mini waffle maker
At nine years old, Ellie is really starting to show an interest in being in the kitchen and making food. For Easter, she got a mini pancake maker in her basket and she’s used it about once a week since. I actually wish I had bought her this waffle maker version instead though–it’s more versatile than the pancake one. A mini waffle maker is a perfect way to let kids help in the kitchen without having to brave the stove or oven yet.

Okay, that’s it–now you can get your shopping done and spend the rest of December being smug and eating cookies while everyone else scrambles to finish their lists. *pats self on the back*


*DISCLOSURE: Affiliate links used.

MAKE SURE YOU SUBSCRIBE TO MY NEWSLETTER! GO HERE TO GET MONTHLY BOOK REVIEWS & SUGGESTIONS, SURPRISE GIVEAWAYS, SUBSCRIBER-ONLY POSTS, AND THE MONDAY BUSINESS MEETING EMAIL WITH ENCOURAGEMENT, NEWS, & FREE STUFF.

Love podcasts? May I suggest you listen to the Not Terrible Podcast? My friend Jess and I co-host a weekly show where we discuss hard stories with hope and humor. I’d love for you to listen and subscribe.

Girls’ Bedroom Tours

We’ve been in our house almost two years so I thought I’d show you what the girls’ rooms looked like when we first moved in and no longer look like.

What?

If I could tell you how many posts I’ve prepared or taken pictures for then just never completed, we would be here all day. I’m overflowing with ideas and short on time, but I’m trying to follow through on some old drafts and this is one of them. So while Ellie’s and Harper’s rooms do not currently look like this, the majority of the stuff in them is still there. Whenever we have guests, people always ask where Harper’s light fixture or Ellie’s rug came from so I’m sharing all of that here as well.

When we moved from our small house in the city where the girls shared a room to our much larger home in the country, the girls got to make some design choices for their new rooms. I asked for color ideas and dream situations. Harper wanted green walls and a canopy bed. Ellie wanted purple walls and a bookcase for all her books.

My kids have low demands. I met very few of them.

Harper ended up with white walls and lots of green accents which slowly morphed into rainbow colors. I bribed her to give up the green walls (gag) in return for the most brightly colored light fixture I could find.

It worked like a charm.

At the old house, the girls had bunk beds and because we didn’t have the budget for new beds when we moved, we just split up the bunk beds giving each girl one twin bed. (We have since put the bunk beds in Harper’s room, and Ellie got a full-size bed so guests can sleep in her room when they visit and both girls can stay in Harper’s room; I’ll give a current bedroom tour in a few months…you know, right before I rearrange it again, because I like to be timely).

Ellie’s room did get purple walls, but very light purple. I really want their rooms to feel light and airy so adding anything that feels dark and heavy on the walls is a struggle for me. The gray curtains in Ellie’s room ended up blocking too much light so we took those down and replaced them with white gauzy ones pretty quickly. We try to compromise in the girls’ rooms: they get to decorate, hang up posters, and keep their little knickknacks out as long as I get to decorate first.

Seeing Ellie’s lightbox with “Hey Bub” written on it makes me laugh; she was on a months-long kick where she called everyone Bub and it was funny for a second then it quickly morphed to annoying. It has, thankfully, ended so it’s fun to see that reminder. Ellie’s rug is a big hit with everyone. It’s hard to vacuum because it’s got lots of little fabric pieces that get caught in the vacuum, but otherwise she loves it and so do I.

Both the girls have real plants in their rooms, and they love them. I added those when they were at school one day and expected protests when they got home to see them, but the opposite happened. They were both excited about the plants and have added more since. I will say, I’m not always the best about remembering to water their plants and there have been some causalities.

Once the dust settled from our move, the girls were still happy and excited with their own rooms. I completely expected them to miss sleeping in the same room and predicted the first few nights would be drama-filled. But they proved me wrong and haven’t complained one second about being split up. It’s also brought a little more peace to our home. I enjoy having the option to ask them to take a break in their rooms for some quiet time or to diffuse fights. They play really well together, but space helps with their attitudes also. (Although, I’m also a big fan of kids sharing rooms and just figuring it out. They shared a room for five years, and it worked really well. I shared a room with my sister until I was thirteen, but I think the room addition for me at thirteen was to help my family and not me. I was a handful.)

Where to get some of the things featured in Harper’s room
Cat picture: Marshall’s
Globes: vintage
Dresser: IKEA
‘Let’s Get Lost’ picture: Marshall’s
Bedding: Walmart
Bed: Walmart
Bed canopy: Amazon
Bookshelf: IKEA
Toy box: IKEA (currently unavailable)
Sheer curtains: Target
Rug: Rugs USA
Chandelier: Amazon (currently unavailable)
Rolling drawers: IKEA (currently not available in green)
Wall tassels: Walmart (in the party aisle!)
Bedside lamp: IKEA (similar)

Where to get some of the things featured in Ellie’s room
Dog picture: Marshall’s
Curtains: Target
Bed: Walmart
Duvet: IKEA
‘Hello’ pillow: Marshall’s
Cat pillow: IKEA (currently unavailable)
Bean bag: Target
Rug: Rugs USA (similar)
Unicorn lamp: Target
Nightstand: Walmart
Cat picture: Marshall’s
Dog: rescue shelter (not for sale)
Gold mirror: vintage
Dresser: IKEA
Lightbox: Walmart
Coat rack: IKEA (currently unavailable; similar style)
Wall pennant: raodside tourist stop in Utah
Llama picture: Marshall’s
Basket: Marshall’s
Bookcase: IKEA (currently unavailable)
Art easel: Amazon
Light fixture: IKEA


*DISCLOSURE: Affiliate links used.

MAKE SURE YOU SUBSCRIBE TO MY NEWSLETTER! USE THE POPUP WINDOW OR GO HERE TO GET MONTHLY BOOK REVIEWS & SUGGESTIONS, SURPRISE GIVEAWAYS, SUBSCRIBER-ONLY POSTS, AND THE MONDAY BUSINESS MEETING EMAIL WITH ENCOURAGEMENT, NEWS, & FREE STUFF.

Love podcasts? May I suggest you listen to the Not Terrible Podcast? My friend Jess and I co-host a weekly show where we discuss hard stories with hope and humor. I’d love for you to listen and subscribe.

Next Page »
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Categories






SHARE OUR SITE

Trusty Chucks

Copyright © 2023 · Foodie Child Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in