This Grit and Grace Life

Are you trying to raise confident, capable daughters but feeling unsure about how you’re doing? Every mother feels that way! Darlene Brock, in new her book, Raising Great Girls, takes a look back at the years she raised her two daughters. By breaking down the roles, this mom took on doable jobs, and she shares what she learned. Since today is the official book release date, we wanted to celebrate by inviting her daughters to join us for this fun episode. You will hear firsthand from Darlene and her daughters the successes and failures that led to them becoming the adults they are today! Julie interviews Darlene, Loren, and Chelsea about their experience with their busy working mom, and how she instilled the grit and grace in them needed to become strong women who see their mom as one of their very best friends. This episode is full of relatable advice and fun behind the scenes stories from the busy Brock home. Ready to take on the challenge of raising great girls? You can get a FREE chapter, and it's the one Darlene shared she struggled with the most: Time Manager. Click here to get it now. Want to win a FREE copy of Raising Great Girls? Share a screenshot of this episode on whatever player you're using and use our hashtags #RaisingGreatGirls and #gritandgracelife (with a public post or direct message it to us so we can see it) and you'll be entered to win one of 10 copies! Viewing in an app? Full show notes here. Have you been to Darlene's new site yet? Be sure to follow her on Facebook and Instagram for all things Raising Great Girls! And get your copy here! Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love Quote of the episode: "Instead of trying to be like everyone else, why not be exactly who your daughter needs? You!" Darlene Brock   Check out this episode for more on finding your confidence as a mom: Stop the Mommy Wars: Every Mom Is Doing Something Right – 045 Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife

We’re having a party! On August 21 at the Evereve store, a contemporary fashion and styling company for women in Franklin, Tennessee, we are celebrating the release of Darlene’s new book Raising Great Girls! Combining Evereve, which provides a unique shopping experience for moms who want to feel good about themselves, with a book about moms raising confident and capable daughters felt like the perfect fit. To give you a little preview of what you will experience at this event, Darlene and Julie brought in two special ladies from the Evereve store, stylist Dorena Williamson, and store manager Shelley Kirkman, to chat about how moms can lose their sense of style during the crazy season of motherhood. Facing busyness, some days apathy, and even a mom’s changed body can create dread while shopping for yourself. Can someone say, “Amen!"? You'll get to know these ladies as they offer practical advice on finding your style while also sharing about what makes Evereve special. Megan Tamte (co-founder of Evereve) has said, “When you give so much to your family, just getting dressed can be a big win. As the fashion authority for moms, Evereve strives to empower you every day to pull on the jeans that make you look amazing and take a step forward, wherever you’re going.” If you’re near Franklin, TN on 8/21, join us at the launch party from 6-8PM at the Evereve store! It will be a night that Julie and Darlene celebrate the launch of Darlene’s new book (and will have them available for purchase at the event) and maybe do a little shopping too. RSVP here if you can come; we would love to meet you in person! If you can’t make the party, you can still grab Dar's book here! To learn more about Evereve, click here to find store locations or sign up for their Trendsend program! You can also follow them on their social media accounts and find inspiration to step up your style now! Click here to determine your body type as we discussed on the episode! We can’t end our show notes without giving you an opportunity to buy Dorena’s children’s books about the beauty of diversity in race and disabilities. We love them and believe you will too. You can get ColorFull here, and ThoughtFull will be released on 8/15/18! Viewing in an app? Full show notes here. Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love Quote of the episode: "Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they remember the woman" Coco Chanel You will also want to go back and listen to our other show about fashion, just for the laugh! Rompers, Block Heels & the Man Bun — Love or Hate? – 005 Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife  

Did you know that the majority of women in America today are in the workplace? Of course, you did; you’re probably one of them. Something you may not know is, there’s a difference between how the genders approach challenges at work. How can we thrive as women in the workplace? What does it look like when we apply both grit and grace? With these thoughts in mind, Darlene and Julie discuss the common issues we face in our jobs, as well as, how to find the balance between work and home life. They share laughs over their least and most favorite jobs and admit their pitfalls as working women who also love being moms. If you’re looking to get back to work, how to prioritize your schedule or hear from other women who are trying to “do it all,” this episode is for you. Listen on your way to work or during your much-needed “me-time." More on the research Darlene mentioned from FairyGodBoss here! Viewing in an app? Full show notes here. Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love   Quote of the episode: "Don't get so busy making a living that you forget to make a #gritandgracelife" Check out our interview with Jenni Catron 6 Qualities that Make a Female Strong with Leadership Expert Jenni Catron – 030! Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife  

Suddenly summer ends. Faced with the start of the new school year, relief and anxiety collide as the transition begins. Your to-do list multiplies with shopping, meetings, reprioritizing your schedule, and dealing with the stress of your student(s) entering a new classroom. How can you handle it all without losing your mind? Darlene and Julie talk about saving money on back-to-school necessities, how to talk to your kids about the emotional changes they’ll face, and even give you some ideas on caring for yourself during this often stressful change of seasons. Know this: you’ve got the grit and grace for this, mom! Listen as you shop or plan lunches—it’s time to get back in the swing of things! Viewing in an app? Full show notes here. Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love Quote of the episode: "Summer’s over. Time to remember what day of the week it is." Check out Can You Really Leave Your Past Behind You? – 028 as well as Darlene's site for her book! Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife  

Since nearly 50% of new marriages are remarriages, it should come as no surprise that many women are blending families. It doesn’t take long after making those marriage vows to discover combining families can be complicated. It can also be beautiful. How? We brought in our most reliable expert, psychotherapist, and relationship counselor, Dr. Zoe, to share a balanced and a realistic view of how to blend these separate families into one unit with equal parts grit and grace. Darlene (married mom of two adult daughters) and Julie (widowed single mom) ask the often searched for questions that are frequently found at The Grit and Grace Project online magazine. Listen for practical advice on how to communicate, discipline, co-exist with the other parents, and even how to build a relationship with the child that isn’t your own. Whether you are entering a new relationship after divorce, navigating the potential pitfalls of co-parenting, or need ways to handle everyday struggles that blended families face, this episode is one you don’t want to miss. And you may want to share it with a friend! Viewing in an app? Full show notes here. You can follow Dr. Zoe by visiting her site, or finding her on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter as well as her podcast, Redefining Your Superwoman.     Click the image to submit your question for our new Ask Dr. Zoe feature! Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love   Quote of the episode: "A healthy stepmother knows that some days she's a stage hand, some days she's the leading lady and some days she's the audience... and she plays each role with grace and style" Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife  

Cameron James’ moving story of hardship and hope continues in this second installment. She first joined us on episode 048 when she shared her heartbreaking and inspiring journey of learning about her daughter’s ultra-rare disease. In part 2, she discusses the next season. As life became manageable and her daughter made progress (which seemed so unlikely when first diagnosed), she once again found herself in an all-out war with her husband in the crosshairs. This war led to her standing in Washington, D.C., passionately pleading with politicians and lobbying for a change. Listen to her open up to Darlene and Julie about the rest of the journey and how her music has been part of her healing. We too can survive hard things when we, like Cameron, embrace both grit and grace. If you want to help Cameron pass the Access to Marketplace Insurance Act (Bill 3976) be sure to contact your congressman and ask that they vote in favor of it. Learn more here. You can follow Cameron James by visiting her site or finding her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03Mi4bL7ZIs Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love Quote of the episode: "I wasn’t looking for the fight but the fight found me" Cameron James Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife  

Have you ever experienced hardships that felt insurmountable? Have you been tested on every side, not even sure you would survive? Our guest has been there. A few times. Singer/songwriter and mom of two, Cameron James, shares her moving story that began the day she discovered her daughter had an extremely rare disease. In this episode, she recounts her journey from devastation to hope and belief that miracles can still happen even in the midst of fear. James has learned to keep fighting, even with odds stacked against her. This episode is only part 1 of her heart wrenching story. Listen to her gripping interview with Darlene and Julie, where they ask pointed questions of this woman who has learned to find light in the midst of incredible darkness. We know her story will encourage you as you wage your fight too. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here. You can follow Cameron James by visiting her site or finding her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love Quote of the episode: "God’s still in the business of surprises and miracles." Cameron James Get part 2 of our interview with Cameron here! Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife  

What does it mean to be an independent woman? Is this description only for the single, carefree women with no man or children in tow? Or does every woman need to master self-sufficiency in all our relationships? Whether we are a girlfriend, wife, or mother, it’s essential to be able to stand on our own as well as mastering healthy dependence. In this episode, Darlene and Julie reflect on culture’s definition of Miss Independent and The Grit and Grace Project’s take on being healthy, strong and dependent enough to be genuinely independent. We’re convinced we can balance it all with grit and grace. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here.   Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love Quote of the episode: "The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud." Coco Chanel Julie mentions therapy, check out Is it Time for Counseling? A Therapist Helps You Decide (with Dr. Zoe Shaw) – 004 with Dr. Zoe to decide if it’s time to seek professional help, and also check out this episode where she helps us determine if it’s time to leave an unhealthy relationship: When to leave an Unhealthy Relationship with Your Man – with Dr. Zoe Shaw – 024. Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife

With half of the year already behind us, we're wondering how you've done with all those New Year’s resolutions? Did you keep one, two, or any? Yeah, same here... Statistically, only 8% of us ever do. So, let’s all breathe a collective sigh of relief and remember that we care about progress, not perfection, and always—give ourselves a little bit of grace! But let’s not entirely leave resolutions behind; let’s apply a little grit and see if we can think of a few ways to maximize the rest of this year. In this episode, Darlene and Julie reflect on the ones they did or didn’t make, laugh about some that we could all probably keep (low expectations ladies!), then talk through practical ways to set little, attainable goals. With some intentionality, we can still make this year one of our best yet! Viewing in an app? Full show notes here.   Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love   Quote of the episode: "May all your troubles last as long as your New Year's resolutions." Joey Adams We mentioned this previous episode while talking about Vacations and Staycations: Vacation Ideas: Why We Want to See These Unique Places Now - 042. Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife  

Moms want to put a label on everything, including themselves. Are you a crunchy mom? Free-range mom? Do you practice attachment parenting or grace-based? What do these even mean? In this episode, Darlene (who raised her daughters a couple decades ago) and Julie (in the thick of it now) poke fun at themselves as they try to figure out what their styles would be called while they highlight the great parts of each style discussed. But no judgement here—we believe all moms are doing the best they can and deserve to be encouraged to find their own grit and grace along their motherhood journey. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here.   Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love Quote of the episode: "Motherhood is like Albania- you can't trust the descriptions in the books, you have to go there." Marni Jackson Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife  

What happens when an incredible opportunity comes your way? Fear? Anxiety? Belief that you aren’t qualified? Well, you’re not alone; that is precisely where today’s guest found herself. Drummer, Jen Ledger, joined the multi-platinum, world-touring rock band, Skillet, at 18 years of age, all the while struggling with feelings that she didn’t have what it takes. Now a decade later, she’s facing her fears again with the release of her first solo EP “Ledger.” In this episode, Jen shares how her fear can derail her, bringing anxiety and panic along with it. Yet, it is in her faith that she finds strength. Whether you’re facing change, challenge, or daily chaos as a woman who can sometimes doubt herself, Jen, Darlene, and Julie will challenge you to tap into your inner grit and grace and find your strength too. Jen also shares how her mentor, Korey Cooper, believed in her when she couldn’t even believe in herself, so definitely share this one with a girlfriend who could use some encouragement! Viewing in an app? Full show notes here. You can follow Jen Ledger by visiting her site, or finding her on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.   Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love   Quote of the episode: "Maybe you're not the best or the strongest. You are who you are and you've got to be brave with the life that you've got." Jen Ledger Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife

It’s amazing what women will do to feel beautiful. From crazy beauty tricks through time to what truly sets a woman apart, we have all gotten caught in the trap. There’s a multi-billion dollar industry thriving on our desire to be attractive. The products we “need” fill our drawers but are soon discarded for the next must-have to get just the right look. In this episode, Darlene and Julie will discuss hilarious beauty hacks from the past (and ones we still try today), then dive deeper into a woman’s real beauty. Often it is the outer beauty that is first noticed, and of course, we all want to feel attractive. But what is it that will really last? We think it’s self-respect, confidence, individuality, grit, and grace. Is it wrong to want it all? We’re not saying to stop your beauty regimen (we’re not quitting ours!), but we are encouraging you (and each other) to spend time discovering the beauty that lies on the inside, where it truly matters most. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here.   Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love   Quote of the episode: "When you see something beautiful in someone, tell them. It may take seconds to say but for them it could last a lifetime." Be sure to listen to these other episodes: How You Can Stop the Struggle with Comparison - 002 and Do You Have to Be a Feminist to Be a Strong Woman? With Dr. Christina Hansen - 041. Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife  

What’s your plan for your summer vacation? Are you looking for unusual, or exotic destinations, or ways to make whatever trip you’re planning a little less painful? This week we discuss them all. From crazy must-see vacation spots across America to Darlene and Julie getting a little carried away as they ponder where they'd want to go, ”if money were no object!” Whether you're planning a road trip, staycation or dream vacay with your people anytime soon, you'll love this lighthearted chat. Of course, we can’t leave you without throwing in some practical tips for packing and traveling with less stress while sharing a few funny travel stories of our own. This one feels like vacation already! Cheers to creating summer fun! Viewing in an app? Full show notes here.   Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love   Quote of the episode: "Life's short. Eat dessert first, work less and vacation MORE!!" Lea Mishell We mention some other travel tips for the working woman in this episode: To the Working Woman: A How-To Guide for the Workplace - 023. Get the packing cubes Darlene mentioned here! Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife  

Each week we celebrate what we believe—women are strong, it’s demonstrated in who we are and all we do. But it seems in the current culture a woman’s strength is often considered synonymous with feminism. In the midst of the potentially confusing platforms we just have to explore this topic. What is a feminist today, anyway? Is there value in the movement, what have we learned from it and where do we go next? Has feminism lost the respect for and appreciation of the strength of a man? This week we are discussing what it means to be a strong woman and a feminist in today’s explosive climate. Darlene Brock (a beneficiary of the feminist movement of the 60's) and Julie Graham (admittedly on the oldish side of millennials) don't claim to be experts on this conversation, so they brought in a friend, Licensed Psychologist Dr. Christina Hansen. We consider what it means to be a feminist in 2018 and whether or not we here at This Grit and Grace Life fit the bill. Give it a listen, and let us know what you think! Viewing in an app? Full show notes here. Dr. Hansen mentioned the fight fair list, you can find it here!   Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love Quote of the episode: "Just because I hold to equality doesn't mean I have to do everything a man does. We're equal not identical." Darlene Brock Be sure to follow us on social media! Once you're done with this episode, you'll want to go back and listen to What You Need to Know About Sexual Harassment – 014 and To the Working Woman: A How-To Guide for the Workplace - 023 Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife  

Do you have a purpose in your life? Or avoid the subject because you feel that you don’t? Women who are living this #gritandgracelife can accomplish so many things, but we are often set back by fear or worry, or we compare ourselves to others. In this episode, Julie explores Darlene’s life journey. Sharing five life tips that she followed to get where she is now: having several successful careers, a rich multi-decade marriage, as well as launching two grown daughters into fulfilling lives of their own. If you’re at a crossroads, struggling with your next step, or seeking to discover a passion that is uniquely for you this episode will deliver. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here.   Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love Quote of the episode: "Success is most often achieved by those who don’t know that failure is inevitable" Coco Chanel "I have found my ability to complete my many endeavors by just not giving up. It’s the determination to move forward in the midst of the most difficult challenges that has enabled me to weather many of life’s storms" Darlene Brock Be sure to follow us on social media! Once you're done with this episode, you'll want to go back and listen to How to Face the Impossible with Grit and Grace – 035. Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife