Photo by Brian T. Murphy
I am a 31 year old Mom of two kids in Birmingham, Alabama who uses naptime to work from home (as an accountant) and blog on three different sites. I never liked writing in school, but my Mom made me do it anyway (that’s right – I’m a product of homeschooling, and am totally planning on inflicting the same on my kids), and it paid off when sometime in 2008, I found that I had an unquenchable passion – nay, obsession – with attempting to entertain via blogging.
I write about mostly useless but hopefully entertaining things, but every now and then write about real stuff – and maybe could even be described as “helpful” once in a blue moon. At times I sit alone and dwell in angst about the shallowness of my blog, but most of the time, it’s a welcome lightness to my life.
Also – my favorite part of blogging is the relationships I’ve built. I have so many rich friendships with people – both with those I’ve met in real life and with those who are still figments of my internet connection – via blogging. So please say hi, introduce yourself, tell me where I can find you, and I’d love to get to know you!
In summary, I love my husband obsessively, love my kids a ton, and especially love my God. Hopefully all of this comes across in my writing, in some way or another.
I love hearing from readers, so feel free to email me anytime at graspingforobjectivity@gmail.com. It might be the next naptime before I’m able to reply, but I will get back to you!
To get in touch with Contributing Editor (aka The Husband) Chris, email him at rehpo@aol.com.
Photo by Brian T. Murphy
If you still want to know more, here’s my 100 Random Things About Me post.
PR Info:
I offer reviews / giveaways to my readers approximately twice a month. I am very discerning about the products I will review and give away, as I want to ensure that it offers relevant information to my reader demographics.
I offer sidebar advertisements and occasional post footer advertisements. I do not offer advertorial guest blog posts or in-post links.
Grasping for Objectivity has an average of 530,000+ hits per month and 450,000+ unique visitors per month, and a loyal, interactive readership. For a media kit with site demographics, stats, and advertisement rates, please feel free to email me at graspingforobjectivity@gmail.com.
I also run the site Alabama Bloggers, which is a networking site for bloggers across the state, and offer the same advertising options there.
Media Disclosure:
I do make money blogging. It doesn’t come close to paying for itself (good thing I love blogging), but helps offset some of the expenses. However, I strive to only make money on things that are completely above board ethically speaking, and never accept any opportunities for ads or other revenue sources when I feel that they would be annoying to my readers or take away from the quality of my blog.
I usually receive a review product when offering a giveaway. I also occasionally participate in a sponsored giveaway, where I receive cash from a third party for offering a giveaway (i.e., BlogHer pays me to participate in an honest review and giveaway of someone else’s product). My opinions are absolutely always my own, and information regarding each giveaway will be disclosed in the footer of the post. If I do not like a product at all, I will send it back, as I see no value in posting a negative review.
Although I do not offer in-post advertisement links, if I have a product link to an Amazon product, it is through my affiliate account, which affords me a small percentage of commission for any items purchased. I only use these affiliate links if I am going to be already talking about a product anyway, and since I have always used Amazon for a large portion of my own purchases, I have been linking to Amazon products for far longer than I’ve had affiliate links. I love Amazon.
If you have any questions about my blogging practices, please feel free to email me at graspingforobjectivity@gmail.com.
I am a 31 year old Mom of two kids in Birmingham, Alabama who uses naptime to work from home (as an accountant) and blog on three different sites. 
Hi Rachel – I live in Jacksonville, AL and have visited your AL Bloggers blog from time to time and think I’ve been here before, too. But I’ve just really dug into your blog here today and I love it! You and your hubby are too much fun!
I found your mom jean experiment on facebook and literally laughed out loud the whole time I read it:) Feeling the need to read some more of your posts… Janay, 32, mom of 2, wears cool jeans
Love this piece on the Mom jeans that my daughter Claire directed me to! I think I was about to get a pair of elastic waited jeans till I read your article, and was sharply reminded of the perils within!! We live in Auckland New Zealand where are butts need shapely coverage! We’ve never heard of long butt before, but rather know it as ‘freezer bum’ because the wrong jeans can make your backside look the size of a chest freezer! Best wishes from across the Pacific! Karen
I LOVE YOUR blogs! At the risk of offending your husband, and I apologize profusely, as he looks like a great guy…you should do a follow up to your Long Butt Jeans and Mom Jeans shopping trip to make over your mom and do research about Dad Jeans…surely you heard about flack Pres. Obama got for wearing so called “dad jeans” to throw out the first ball at the Nationals home opener last year. (If you don’t know what I am talking about, Google “Obama dad Jeans” and you’ll get all the info you need on that topic!) SInce you provided such a great public service to women across the globe on the topic of the right fitting jeans..perhaps you can help our men out a bit too. (This suggestion is coming from a woman who’s husband is 6’2″ 150 pounds and wears jeans 2 sizes too big because “they’re comfortable” , and two sizes too short because “they were on sale.” I actually refer to said pair of jeans as “somebody else’s jeans.” Hubby doesnt’ like that too much, nor my never ending suggestions for him to buy jeans that actually fit, let alone look good. Perhaps you could help all the men of the world with a little “research” on this topic as well.
Yes, I agree! Please, please, please do a “dad jeans” post! My husband is 6′”4, 275 and refuses, no matter how hard I try, to wear stylish jeans! Only relaxed fit bootcut…read- BAGGY! I hate them! He needs help!
I’ll see what I can do!
Hey Rachel, I am interested in advertising on your side bar on your home page. Can you send me an email with details so we can go from there. Let me know! Thanks!
Hi there,
I have a question about your site, would you mind emailing me back @ kthomas@primroseschools.com?
Thanks,
Kathleen
This is my first time visiting and I like the feel of your blog. I will continue to visit and hopefully, we can build a non-virtual relationship as I am in Birmingham.
Hey Rachel,
I am a mom of a 1 year old (and in March of 2012 a newborn). I absolutely LOVE reading your blog! We live in the Birmingham area and I work downtown, for the company in your most recent hilarious blog. I hope to, maybe someday, meet you, as I think you are an absolute riot!
Thanks for sharing your life and humor!
Adrienne
Hi Rachel, I’m a WAHM (work at home mom) from Peoria, Illinois. I found your blog while Googling for a way to alter the waist on my jeans. We have a few things in common: an appreciation for homeschooling, our faith, and our love for writing. We also share an interest in dressing attractively without looking overdone or underdone. (That makes us sound like beef roasts in the oven… but you know what I’m trying to say.) So I’ll be following your blog and recommending you to my small-but-growing readership!
i just read your long butt jeans blog and the follow-up and am still cracking up about it. your sense of humor is too fun – you remind me of myself. i think we would get along. i am a mom of 3 kiddos – 6, 3, 7mos – and we also kick it homeschool. i think i may just have to keep up with your blog!
Hi there! My name is Taylor and I am a college student in Arizona! My Mom somehow found your blog and sent me a link because she saw that you are a stay at home mommy who does accounting as a side job. That’s what I am looking into doing someday too! I was wondering if you could maybe answer some questions?
I think your blog is very cool by the way 
.
Hope to hear from you soon! God bless!
~Taylor
Hey Rachel! I came to your blog today because I remembered that you had posted some pics of Ali coloring scripture coloring pages last year. I would love to post those on my blog. Now that I know you are operating one-handed, I feel bad asking you to do anything for me! IF you don’t mind them being shared and IF you feel like it and it’s not too much trouble, could you send me those pics? Thanks!
Ran across your mom jeans posts and loved them. Hilarious.
Where and how can I get a printable copy of the marvelous Downton Abbey flow chart?
Here’s a link to the printable version! Thanks for the idea!
http://www.graspingforobjectivity.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Downton-Abbey-Explained-Printable.pdf
What a cute family!
I am so happy to stumble upon your blog! I am new to the blogging world and love to connect with others.
Hi Rachel, I just stumbled onto your blog via pinterest. Thank you so much for the Mom jeans at Gap and Old Navy! It was so funny.
Hi Rachel,
I hate to admit that today is the first day that I’m on your site… pinterest got me here – and I’m already running late coming back from lunch – I was laughing out loud at your Mom Jeans post!!! Thank you… I’m new at this mom thing (asher is 7 months) and I’m at the point where I need new clothes… all my old clothes do not fit. So… in a nutshell, thank you for the advice!
I’ve bookmarked your site… and will be par-taking in your festivities from day to day!
Belinda
Aw, thanks so much!! Let me know how your shopping trip goes!!!
Just found your site and I’m your newest follower! I was looking at you main pic thinking “huh that place looks just like railroad park” and now I realize it was! Small world! I’m a fellow Birmingham blogger. Maybe I’ll see you around town sometime.
Hi Rachel,
I just found your site today and I love it!! I was wondering if you know of any *non-mom* jeans for maternity? Thanks.
They are HARD to come by for sure!! I ended up wearing my normal jeans (with the button rubberbanded) almost my entire pregnancy because I hated how they felt AND looked. Pea in a Pod has some nice ones, but they’re really pricy.
Thanks for the insight and laughs re: the Gap of truth! I’m looking forward to exploring the rest of your posts, as well as my closets for some of these great offenders! I’m very butt-aware, if you will, and curious to see how my selections measure up. Signed, A 45-year-old mom of 3 who definitely likes to rock her jeans
Fellow blogger here – Love your jeans post. Will be back for more.
Thanks so much! Nice to meet you!
Just found your blog through FB when someone shared your mom jeans study. Hilarious!!! You really do have a gift for entertaining through writing. Just thought I’d leave a comment since I love it when folks comment on my blog
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Thank you so much – nice to meet you!!
Just read your jeans blog….hilarious! (and super helpful!) sad to admit I own both Gap and Old Navy jeans….cringe. Will definitely reform!! ;0)
Thanks so much! Enjoy going shopping!!
Rachel, I have to tell you, I am an almost 45-year-old woman with adult children. I was originally introduced to you on Pinterest, from your hilarious and spot-on denim post.
I would have never expected to be drawn in by your blog. On the surface, we have nothing in common. However, you have sucked me into your world! You have an intelligent creative, amusing writing style that I very much admire. You and your family are adorable, including your mom!
I find most blogs vain, shallow, and honestly, just plain annoying. I admit to turning up my nose in self-satisfied superiority at most of them. Rachel, you are truly a breath of creative fresh air and I am very pleased that you are now at the top of my home page. I wish you and yours the very best and I look forward to reading about your life for years to come!
Most Sincerely,
Shelly Lyon
Thank you so much!! You’re too sweet. I’m pretty flattered that there’s something that makes me a little less hateable than the regular blogger… I need to figure out what that is and keep doing it!
But seriously – I really appreciate your words. A lot of days I wonder why I’m doing what I’m doing, but then comments like this make it all worth it! You’ve made my evening, and perhaps the rest of my week!
Have a great night!
I found your blog because of the ever-popular mom jean post via pinterest, which is kind of ironic because I hate jeans and refuse to wear them, but I think your writing style is hilariously spectacular, and you actually seem like someone I’d get along with in real life.
So, yeah, that’s me saying hi.
Thanks so much! And nice to meet you!!
Funny Stuff! I found your blog while googling “what makes jeans mom jeans” although I’m actually a grandmother. Also liked the Downton Abbey chart. Will mark this as a favorite and check in frequently.
Thanks so much! And nice to meet you!
I happened upon you blog and was pleasantly surprised to find that you live in Birmingham! So do I! After reading some of your posts it just felt like I could relate to them a little more, almost like a neighbor!. I love all of your jeans posts. I could use a shopping trip with you lol! Your family is beautiful, and I can’t wait to see more posts
Thanks so much! I’m glad you found me. I hope you have a Merry Christmas!!
You’re a fabulous writer! Loved reading your jean experiment that my sister posted on pinterest. It was so funny that I wanted to see who this chick was. Ha – I NEVER do that! I look forward to reading more.
Thanks so much!! You made my day.
Found you on Pinterest and immediately re-pinned. I never liked GAP or Old Navy jeans, but could never put a finger on why. Your post finally nailed it down for me. Thank you.
Well, I only own GAP and Old Navy jeans and was directed over here… what would you suggest for someone with a size 6/8 waist and size 2 legs/thighs, tiny butt and no hips?? (other than sit-ups– I do a lot of those as well!!) I’d love to find jeans that actually fit!!
Thanks!!
I would try William Rast, Rock and Republic, or Express Stella Cut, and make sure you try on skinny or barely boot cut.
Hope that helps!
Awesome!!!! Imagine my surprise after searching for Downton info, that i would come across your blog! The city skyline in the background of your main photo looked soooo familiar!!!! A fellow Birminghamian, yay! Saving your blog address after I finish this note!!! Be well!!!
Nice to meet you! I love to hook up with other local people.
I juat read ALL of your denim blogs. You are a genius!! You have a great eye for fashion–you could replace Stacy on What NOT to Wear!
Thank you so much! I’m glad it was helpful.
Just read your post about mom jeans through pintrest! Loved it! I’m a new mom so I need to be reminded how to be fashionable
I was also homeschooled and I’m hoping to do it when my son gets older. So your posts about homeschooling will really come in handy, love how you make things into a game! Very Creative! Can’t wait to read more 
I’m definitely a fan!
Thank you so much! I’m glad the jeans and homeschooling posts were helpful. And yes, I’m all about making things as fun as possible for as long as possible. Best of luck to you!
Hi there! I’m in Alabama too!:) just thought I would say hello!!!!
Hi! Nice to meet you – I love meeting other Birmingham Bloggers! We have an Alabama Bloggers Facebook group here if you’d like to join: http://www.facebook.com/groups/531505493545424/
I peeked over at your blog, and your little one is adorable! I love those pigtails!!
I just wanted to thank you for sharing all your bright ideas…they are all awesome!!! Muchas muchas gracias
Hi there,
I just found your site from a interest post and loved the fun reading. Especially the mom jeans. I am forever afraid of jean shopping. I once wore a size 26/28 so I really didn’t think about the fashion of how they look but now that I have lost weight I am completely at a loss to find the right fitting jeans. I buy size 10 so that my thighs can fit but when I buy other styles of pants I typically buy a size 8 because the waist fits so much better. Any brand suggestions that I should try to fit my huge thighs?
I would definitely try Express Stella Cut or LA Idol – both I think would work nicely!
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your blog about Mom Jeans! I was cracking up (out loud, mind you!) the entire read! I’ve always had trouble with fit from Old Navy and Gap. I stopped going there completely. Every once in a blue moon I would stroll by and see a cute outfit on the mannequin and get sucked in only to find myself tormented in the dressing room. A friend told me that the denim is stacked in tall piles and then the jean patterns are “stamped” cut. So, a 4 on the top of the pile is not a 4 on the bottom of the pile. I would love to see you test this theory – same style, same sizes just multiples of each to see if there is a fit difference with the same size & style. Of course, having to put on the horrific jeans over and over to test is in itself a cruel punishment. Anywho, I am 40 and a new “bonus mom” that lives in Cincinnati, Ohio. Coincidentally, one of my best friends lives in B’Ham! Excellent read and I will be back to visit again soon! Amy
Yes – I’ve heard that the stamping is what causes a significant sizing difference, and it is true – I’ve bought two of the same jean on the same day and had them fit completely differently!
Thanks for reading, and nice to meet you!!