February 2022

Hello Monday

Posted on February 28, 2022February 27, 2022 by jgalvinwhite

Hello (Monday!) How was your weekend? We had a really good one. Our mornings were slow paced followed by busy afternoons, but it was a great weekend. Also, even though the temps are still cool, the sun was shining all weekend which made me want to be productive and cross some things off my “to do” list(s).

I’m linking up with Holly and Sarah to share about the weekend.

Here’s my…

After school, I came home and took a quick nap because I couldn’t shake the headache I’d had all day. Both of the kids had after school activities, I so I had some time to close my eyes for a bit. Then, I went to Walmart for a few things for school (and a couple other purchases…you’ll see below!)

Then, I picked up the kids, and we stopped at home quickly for everyone to get ready for Hayden’s basketball game.

We picked up Hadley’s friend and decided to stop by a favorite restaurant and have pizza before his game. Then, the the girls decided we should have the Nutella pizza for dessert. Travis and I thought it sounded delish…and it was.

Hayden’s team won by ONE point to advance in the end of the season tournament. It was an exciting game to watch!

Once we got home, the kids did their own thing, and Travis and I started Inventing Anna. We watched one episode. We loved Ozark, and I can’t believe Anna is Ruth from Ozark. Once the episode was over, it was 11:00, so I was very ready for bed!

I slept until almost 9:00, and the kids slept past 11:00. I don’t know the last time we had a Saturday morning without anywhere we needed to be. The slow start to Saturday meant coffee, Wordle, watching the last episode of season 2 of The Morning Show, I and had plenty of time to lounge in some comfies that I scored at Walmart. The past couple of years, I’ve had great luck finding lounge wear, athletic wear, and even summer dresses at Walmart.

I have a few pieces of the Secret Treasures brand of pajamas. I got this top in “teal dust print” and “teal dust” and bought the pj pants in “teal dust” as well. The pants are true to size for me, but the top can definitely be sized down (or not if you want it over-sized). Run, don’t walk…you won’t regret picking up these mix and match sets!

Hadley and Travis went for a run, and then Hadley told me she’d run some errands with me. She mentioned that she wanted to try the acai bowl at The Press, so we stopped there. While she enjoyed her snack, I got a smoothie as well.

Then, we headed to Save-a-Lot to purchase snacks for my after school program.

I really didn’t want to, but when I got home, I did my 30 minutes Beach Body workout before heading to Hayden’s basketball game. Of course, I’m glad it “pushed play,” and it was fun to watch Hayden play.

On the way home from his game, Travis suggested we pick up dinner from The Pasta Garage, so we did just that. We enjoyed a drink while waiting for our “to go” order. We hadn’t been there in a while, but the food was perfect for Saturday night dinner.

After dinner, I placed our Kroger Clicklist order, showered, and read my book while Travis and Hadley watched a movie. Then, it was time for bed.

Sunday morning, I slept until about 7:45. Travis picked up Parlor Donuts for the kids. I had a couple bites of a couple of them, drank my coffee, and watched an episode of The Rookie. Then, we woke the kids and got them moving.

While the kids got ready for church, I ran to Trader Joe’s for my produce items (and a couple of things that Kroger said they didn’t have in stock). Then, we headed to church.

After church, I stopped in TJ Maxx before picking up my Kroger order.

Then, I cut up peppers and cucumbers for the week, ate lunch, and took down the Christmas tree in Hadley’s room. While Hayden was at basketball practice, and Hadley was at youth group, I worked on this post, and then put dinner in the slow cooker.

I had some time to read my book (I hope to share my February books later this week) before Hayden’s basketball game. (He still has school ball and rec league ball going on.)

After Hayden’s game, we enjoyed dinner. I made Narci’s Crockpost Beef and Broccoli.

Then, it was time to get everyone organized and ready for the week.

We ended the weekend watching American Idol. I cried no less than two times. Season 20 will be a good one!

So, that’s a wrap on our weekend. I will be back tomorrow to share Prime Purchases!

I hope you have a great week!

Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites {#102}

Posted on February 25, 2022February 24, 2022 by jgalvinwhite

Hello and Happy Friday! I don’t know about you all, but I’m very ready for the weekend.

To be honest, I’ve felt “off” all week. The week just felt like one giant Monday. From the weather, to extra appointments for my kids, to being busy at school, I just never felt like I’ve gotten my feet under me this week.

Also, the news feels extra heavy this week too.

Prayers are with those affected by the crisis in Ukraine.

As always, I’m linking up with Erika and Andrea for this week’s Friday Favorites.

Here are some favorites from the week:

Twosday was fun. 2/22/22 was fun to write all day long. #itsthelittlethings

And…did you know it’s Palindrome week? See below!

What’s new? …but watching Hayden play basketball is always a favorite. He had one of his best games of the season(s) on Sunday.

Watching Hadley dance is always a favorite as well. She’s in two numbers this competition season. One is a large group musical theater number, and the other is a small group jazz routine. The performers all did a fantastic job on Saturday!

I can’t remember if I’ve mentioned it, but I told my family that I’d like to have a “Family Movie Night” once a month. In January, we watched Sing 2, and on Sunday, we watched Home Team. We all loved it.

I shared about my Amazon stool last week, and I finally picked up a plant for it at Trader Joe’s. I’ve actually already moved this stool/plant combo since I took this photo, but I still love that little set up.

Landyn shared this Funfetti Dip, and I knew that it would be something Hadley would love to make. She made it on Monday, and the family has enjoyed it all week.

Homer got a new blanket, and we wrapped him up like a burrito! This pup is spoiled rotten.

Favorite Mom Meme:

Too many mornings this is an issue…

Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday

The sweetest memory from February 2015 popped up in my Facebook memories…It was preschool picture day and my kids were ready to smile for the photos!

Weekly Recap:

I had a few posts this week where I shared some funny memes, a few updates on all of us, and my quick trip to Trader Joe’s.

Monday Memes

Three Things

Trader Joe’s

What do you have planned this weekend? We actually don’t have tons going on. I mean, we are never without some activity, but it all seems pretty manageable. I’m also going to try to convince Hadley that it’s time to take down the Christmas tree in her room. She keeps telling me, “it’s a vibe!” 🤣

See you back here on Monday; thanks so much for reading.

{this post contains Amazon affiliate links…}

Trader Joes

Twenty Minutes in Trader Joe’s

Posted on February 24, 2022February 23, 2022 by jgalvinwhite

Y’all know that my love for Trader Joe’s runs deep. I used to go every few weeks and then every other week, and now I’m to the point that I pop in there once a week.

I’ve shared Trader Joe’s hauls before, but this is a peek at what I grabbed during a quick pit stop at my favorite place.

Tortillas:

These Carb Savvy tortillas are the perfect size for my lunches. I use them for shrimp tacos..

or sandwich rollups with a slice of cheese, turkey, arugula, red pepper, and some mustard.

Those are two of my favorite lunches.

In the frozen section:

We all love the Chicken Fried Rice, but that’s usually Hadley’s #1 request (besides a box of the White Cheddar Shells mac and cheese)
Amy suggested these Mini French Baguettes, and oh my word…they are great! I put them in the air fryer and served them with our pasta dinner the other night.

*I typically buy so many things from the freezer section, but we were stocked up on mini tacos, taquitos, nuggets, and more.

Leafy greens:

I usually buy a bagged salad or two, but this time, I picked up arugula (for my sandwich roll ups and quick salads), chopped lettuce for tacos, and then one of my favorite bagged salads: Southwestern Chopped Salad. (This bag provides 2-3 lunches)

Meats and (and sometimes cheese):

I don’t always buy Prosciutto, but I thought that it sounded good on some arugula with shaved Parm and a squeeze of lemon. That’s a “go to” dinner salad for me sometimes.
Hayden loves Chomps, so I always pick up a few each week for him to snack on.
I also, love the Havarti Dill Cheese. I am trying to be better about limiting dairy, so I didn’t pick any up this time.

Produce:

I’ve shared many times how much I rely on Kroger’s Clicklist, and also that I’ve never minded them picking out my produce. That being said, once I started going to Trader Joe’s almost weekly, I decided to do Clicklist for 80% of my groceries, and then just pick up most of my produce on my own while at TJ’s. This has worked out really well, so I will continue doing this if I know I will be visiting Trader Joe’s during the week. So, I typically pick up:

strawberries, blueberries, grapes, and English cucumbers (Hadley and I love those). I also love the bags of small Honeycrisp apples that Trader Joe’s has, so I usually pick those up each week, but didn’t need any this time.

Dips and chips:

Trader Joe’s has an awesome chip and cracker selection, but this time I only picked up the Corn Chip Dippers. I got two bags because the kids love them, and I need one bag for an upcoming dinner.
The Vegan Tzatsiki Dip and the Buffalo Chicken Dip are two faves. The Tzatsiki Dip is perfect with crackers, and the Buffalo Chicken Dip is a hit with the corn chips. That being said, I’m using both to eat with veggies.

Sweet treats:

I usually pick up a sweet treat for Hadley’s lunchbox or dessert at home. Trader Joe’s has (too) many wonderful options. My kids love the Molasses Cookies, Peanut Butter Cups, S’mashing S’mores, and more. These Honey Grahams with Sea Salt are what I picked up this time, and they are wonderful as well.

Flowers and Greenery:

In the spring and summer months, I don’t leave Trader Joe’s without some flowers, and I will occasionally pick up a plant.

I picked up these three on my last Trader Joe’s visit:

…of note: I don’t know most plant and flowers names…I just go with what I like! (Although, when Trader Joe’s briefly has peonies in the summer months, I stock up! I love peonies)

The small flower is perfect for my kitchen island tray.
The roses were perfect for February, and…
I knew I wanted a plant for the new stool that I purchased.

…but then I couldn’t decide which one looked better on the stool.

I settled on the plant, and put the roses on the tray on my coffee table. I like to move things around, so I may mix it up.

So, those were the items I got from my quick stop into Trader Joe’s. Honestly, this was more like Ten Minutes in Trader Joe’s, but I didn’t want to brag! 😉

What are some of your favorite Trader Joe’s items?

See you back here tomorrow for Friday Favorites!

Three things

Three Things

Posted on February 22, 2022February 23, 2022 by jgalvinwhite

Hello! I hope your week is off to a great start. The weather was mild here yesterday, so the kids were able to play outside a bit on their day off. I was able to get caught up on laundry, place my Kroger order, run to Trader Joe’s, go for a walk and more.

Today, I’m sharing a Three Things post with just a little update on all of us.

{Three Things on a TWOsday. 2•22•22!}

Basketball season has spanned about six months for Hayden, and he’s been loving it. For middle school in our school district, the girls play mid-October until mid-December. Then, the boys have try-outs in December and play games in January, February, and maybe a bit of March. So, Hayden started playing in a rec league in September, then he continued playing with another team that he’s played with for a few years while also playing on his middle school team. So, there’s been some overlap of teams which has meant quite a bit of basketball for Hayden, but he’s really enjoyed it.
When Hayden started his “Phase 2” braces at the end of July 2020, his treatment plan was for 2 1/2 years. That being said, at his last appointment, they indicated that he hopefully only has 4-5 more months which would put him a bit before two years. We don’t want to jinx it, but hopefully we can close the chapter on braces soon.
Hayden enjoyed learning the game of Cribbage when my mom visited a couple of weeks ago. He just has quite the competitive spirit whether it’s on the court or on the cribbage board.

Hadley is all signed up for camp this summer, and she’s really excited. With middle school, she’s found that there are girls who went to the same camp that she recognizes and has become friends with in middle school. I think she will have extra fun this summer.
This is the first year since 1st grade that we haven’t been up to our eyeballs in Girl Scout cookie deliveries. That being said, Hadley has filled her time being active in school activities like Student Council, dance team, and chorus as well as attending youth group activities at church. Recently, the combined youth groups went to a local women’s shelter to help organize donated food and supplies.
Competition season started this past weekend, and it’s always fun to see Hadley up on stage. She’s in a large group musical theater number as well as a small group who performs a jazz routine. The small group routine begins with Hadley’s triple turn. She was nervous, but she landed that triple turn like a boss!

Travis is busy with work as usual. It’s foaling season, so he has lots of clients to keep up to date on how mama and baby are doing. The other night the laptop was open to live camera footage of the stall of a very important mama horse waiting to have her baby. Travis seriously works 24/7. I know why his co-workers and clients think so highly of him; he’s very committed to all he does. He’s also excited that it’s almost track season for Hayden and Hadley! You know he loves to see them run! (…and he was a really great basketball coach and “dance dad” this past weekend)
I’m really busy this time of the year with ESS (Extended School Services). We have tutoring three days a week that I organize, but I’m busy because we also offer credit recovery session from first semester. I run reports, send letters home, schedule students, buy snacks, meet with teachers, turn in payroll and more. I’ve really enjoyed this added responsibility this year, but it can be time consuming since I’m learning as a I go.
Homer is still Homer. He’s about 80% dependable now but when he’s the other 20%, it still means he’s destroying a remote control or taking a shoe out to the backyard. Poor Homer also still struggles with allergies. Allergy shots seem to help, but a few months ago we even had to change his food. Thankfully, they seem to be under control now.

So, that’s a bit of what we’ve been up to. I feel like I share the Three Things posts seasonally, so that’s our winter update…just in time to transition into spring activities and end of the year milestones! We’ll blink, and it will be summer.

I’m not sure if I will have a post for tomorrow, but I should be back Thursday and Friday.

Thanks for reading,

Memes

Monday Memes

Posted on February 21, 2022February 20, 2022 by jgalvinwhite

Hello! How was your weekend? We had a great one, but it was busy. Really busy. Hayden had five basketball games in 24 hours followed by Hadley’s dance competition in Louisville Saturday evening. I’m really thankful to have this Monday off to get organized for the week and have some much needed downtime.

Today, I’m sharing some memes that made me laugh this month!

1.

Y’all, I slayed Keyboarding 1 and Keyboarding 2 in high school. Loved those classes.

2.

I mean, am I wrong? 😉

3.

I feel seen.

4.

Ahh! The Olympics are wrapping up. I’m always so amazed by these athletes.

5.

This is very relatable 🤣

6.

How can no one in my family ever hear me when I call for them or say something? I always remind them that we don’t live in a big house…and my voice carries!

7.

I’m sure you’ve seen this meme floating around Instagram post-Super Bowl. So funny and so true!

8.

This is definitely a good idea!

Funny stuff, right?!

Have a great week. Mine is starting off with no alarm and unlimited coffee!

Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites {#101)

Posted on February 18, 2022February 17, 2022 by jgalvinwhite

Hello and Happy Friday!

How was your week? I really feel like this week went by quickly. Besides school and kids’ activities, I’ve been staying up to watch the Olympics, I finished a book and started a new one.

As always, I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika for this week’s Friday Favorites.

Some favorites from the week:

I guess the Student Council/Yearbook had a set up for Valentine’s Day at school, and Hadley took a couple of fun photos with her friends!

I had dinner out with two of my neighbors, and it was nice to get together and chat. We ate at Bella Cafe, and I tried the Crispy Chicken Salad. It was so good.

We got our new front door over two years ago, but we waited to get a privacy shade until we were pretty convinced that Homer wouldn’t pull it down! We placed the order in November, and finally had it installed this week.

They can easily be pulled up and down which means sunlight during the day and more privacy at night.

Also, I shared recently that I’ve been moving a few things around now that all of the holiday decorations are put up. I had one of these distressed arches from Hobby Lobby, and went ahead and ordered another one. I’ve just propped them on our entry table for now, but they could also go on a couple of other walls if/when I decide to hang them.

Also, how cute is this wooden stool that I found on Amazon?! I hope to get to Trader Joe’s this weekend and maybe find a plant to put on it instead of the candle.

Another random favorite–we’ve had warmer weather a few days, and it sure has felt like spring. Man oh man, though….it poured rain all day yesterday! I guess another sign that maybe spring is on the way.

Favorite Kid Quote:

On Monday, I put Homer’s Valentine’s Day scarf on him, and Hadley helped me get a picture of him. Then she said, “Mom, take a pic of me with my Valentine.” She proceeded to plop down next to Homer, and said, “Homer is my Valentine!”

Well, he is just the sweetest!

Favorite Mom Meme(s):

This made me lol! I will say that I think my kids got Trav’s good traits!

The thing with my kids is that they take turns stressing me out or making me worry!

Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday

I feel like I’ve probably shared this photo before because it’s definitely a favorite. Hadley in 2016. One of my greatest regrets in life is not buying her this hat!

Weekly Recap:

Here are my posts this week in case you missed one:

Not Just a Mom

Life Lately

Dime Beauty Products

Well, I’m going to wrap up today’s post with one more favorite…We are heading into a three day weekend! Yay!

I hope you have a great weekend. Thanks so much for reading.

Me, Self-care, Thursday Thoughts

Thursday Thoughts: Dime Beauty

Posted on February 17, 2022February 17, 2022 by jgalvinwhite

Hello! Today, I’m sharing a bit about some favorite skincare products. Now, my blog is the farthest thing from a beauty blog as you can get. I’ve said it before, and I will say it again, Hadley knows more about hair and makeup (even though she only wears it for dance competitions) than I do. That being said, I’ve tried to up my skincare game through the years because while I don’t mind looking my age, I’d like to do what I can to have an effective skincare regimen.

My Skincare Journey:

I’d say I’ve been consistently using skincare products for about ten years…probably since my early 30’s. I definitely should have started sooner, but I’ve now made skincare a priority.

I mostly used drug store products but for the past five years, I’ve tried various products off and on such as Rodan and Fields and Mary Kay. Once I started using these more expensive products, I kind of mixed and matched high and low price points. For example, I’d use Neutrogena face wash, but then follow that with a more expensive moisturizer.

For about four years now, I’ve gotten monthly facials. I rotate my treatments between chemical peels, dermaplane, microdermabrasion, and facials. While I’ve felt guilty splurging on this luxury for myself, I’ve noticed a considerable difference in my skin while prioritizing these monthly treatments.

Now, on to what I really want to talk about….Dime Beauty.

Dime Beauty:

I guess you could say that I’ve been “influenced.” Since the summer, I’ve been using Dime Beauty products, and I’ve been loving them. Quite a few influencers have shared their products. Jen Reed (@thesisterstudioig) is the first one I saw to promote the products, and she even visited their facility and spoke with the founders.

I’ve also seen Lacey (@ponderosa_and_plaid), Autumn Calabrese (@autumncalabrese), Mary Beth (@livinwithmb) and others share the products they love. I’ve used their codes along the way too for discounts.

The products I use:

*descriptions/key benefits from dimebeautyco.com

Started with…

Honestly, the first product that piqued my interest was the Super Firm Serum. While placing that first order and knowing I use moisturizer both morning and night, I added those to the cart and got free shipping.

In the mornings, I wash my face and then use my regular toner (Thayers). Then, I apply the:

Dewy Day Cream

At night, I use a makeup wipe (which I think is a “no no,” but…convenience sometimes wins out!), then I use my regular toner followed by:

Super Firm Serum and the Restorative Night Cream

Dewy Day Cream:

Two pumps is all you need of the Dewy Day Cream.

Key Benefits: replenishes skin, helps promote collagen and elastin growth, plumps and firms skin

Super Firm Serum:

I just use one to two drops and apply to my face.

Key Benefits: tightening and firming, helps accelerate collagen and elastin production, works to limit muscle contraction

Restorative Night Cream:

Like with the Dewy Day Cream, I just use two pumps of the night cream as well.

Key Benefits: restores dry and damaged skin, maintains soft and hydrated skin, revitalizes shine and complexion, fights the aging process

For both creams, I apply any leftover cream to the back of my hands. I figure I might as well use it wherever needed!

Then…

I started using the Gentle Jelly Cleanser and Luminosity Eye Serum.

I now use the Gentle Jelly Cleanser in the mornings to wash my face.

I added the Luminosity Eye Serum to my evening routine as well.

Gentle Jelly Cleanser:

Two pumps of the Jelly Cleanser is all I need to wake my skin up in the morning.

I do only use it in the morning and have continued to use my makeup wipe in the evening.

Key Benefits: Removes dirt, oil, and makeup, hydrates and soothes after cleansing, softens skin texture after consistent use, protects the skin from damage caused by environmental stressors

Luminosity Eye Serum:

A little bit of this goes a long way, and I apply it under my eyes, crows feet and arch of eyebrow. I only use this product during my nighttime skincare routine.

Key Benefits: improves youthful appearance beneath the eyes, improve dark circles, lessen puffiness, improve fine lines and wrinkles

Newest Additions:

Blue Facial Oil:

Mary Beth (@livingwithmb) shared about the Blue Facial Oil, and I was curious. Thankfully, I don’t get many blemishes, but I also thought this may be of use to my kids as they’ve started paying more attention to skincare (Read: they now occasionally wash their faces)

I just use a couple of drops and pat it on my face. I use this two to three nights a week after the Restorative Night Cream.

Key Benefits: anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, spot treatment, promotes wound healing, antioxidant-rich, hydration

“Cons”: It is an oil, so I end up washing my hands after using this product.

Daytime Order of Product use:

Gentle Jelly Cleanser
Toner (Thayers)
Serum (Revolution Hyaluronic Acid)
Dewy Day Cream

Daytime Order of Product use:

Makeup wipe
Toner (Thayers)
Super Firm Serum
Luminosity Eye Serum
Restorative Night Cream
Blue Facial Oil (a few days a week)

Perfume:

Emily (@champagneandchanel) shared about Dime Beauty’s perfumes. I apply a spray of perfume every morning, and am not too picky about what I use. Honestly, most perfumes I have last for years because I don’t use much. So, I was in need of some perfume and thought the sample set would be the perfect way to choose which one I liked best.

Their perfume is made with a clean alcohol, and the sample pack included these scents:

The scents:

ILYSB (I love you so bad), sandalwood, gardenia
Lovely Dreams – floral citrus scent
Malibu Night – coconut musk and berries
7 Summers – warm cream scent with touch of vanilla lavender

My favorite scent from the pack is 7 Summers followed by Lovely Dreams. That being said, I’ve been rotating which ones I use and wear them all.

Some things I love about the products:

Vegan + Cruelty Free
Clean Ingredients
Made in the USA
I feel the products working on my skin.
Price point is great
Many influencers have codes you can use for discounts
You can earn points to apply towards future purchases. (I’ve even written reviews of the products and earned discounts/free shipping)

Also…

I feel like the products last for quite some time. I’ve gotten about:

2.5-3 months out of the day and night creams
The cleanser has lasted me longer than three months, but I only use it in the morning (and my make up wipes at night)
2 months for the Super Firm Serum
3 months for Luminosity Eye Serum
I assume the Blue Oil will last a while because I only use it a few days a week.

Up next, I hope to try their Super Skin Toner.

Like I said before, I’ve used a variety of product lines through the years. I’ve never really been disappointed in those products, but I feel like Dime Beauty products are ones I will continue to re-order and use without hesitation.

Have you tried any Dime Beauty products? I believe they just came out with a sunscreen too!

What are your favorite skincare products?

See you back here tomorrow for Friday Favorites.

Holidays, Life Lately

Life Lately

Posted on February 15, 2022February 14, 2022 by jgalvinwhite

Hey! I hope your week is off to a great start. Yesterday, I shared a Day in the Life post from Saturday, but we’ve had some other things going on as well. Here’s a look at Life…Lately.

Hadley is almost finished with her first season on the middle school dance team. She had a big audience last week when my brother and his family attended her halftime performance along with my mom who was in town visiting.

The same crew came to both of Hayden’s middle school games on Friday night.

Wyatt, Layla (and GG) are some of the kids’ Super Fans!

Then, on Saturday, we attended cousin Wyatt’s game. It was fun watching him shoot around with Hayden after his game.

I fondly remember Hayden playing in this same gym (and Hadley was on his team for one season!)

Since Monday mornings can be hectic, we celebrated Valentine’s Day on Sunday morning. And…by “celebrating,” I just mean we gave the kids a few gifts, and I baked some cinnamon rolls.

Maddie’s Cookie Co is the best, and I always try to order cookies from her for special occasions. She had some many cute options for Valentine’s Day this year.

Cinnamon rolls with Valentine’s Day sprinkles (and some strawberries) were the perfect easy breakfast.

Speaking of breakfast…I went to brunch with a bunch of my friends on Sunday. We went to Dudley’s, and the food was delicious.

Then, we headed to the Lexington Opera House to see Waitress. It was amazing.

While I was out with my friends, the kids were with my mom (and cousins) decorating cookies my mom had baked. Check out the ballerinas for Hadley and Layla and t-shirts that Hayden and Wyatt decorated for the Chiefs and UK.

We went to my brother’s house for the Super Bowl. It wasn’t the same with our Chiefs not in the big game, but we made the best of it. In a nod to our “favorites” dinner, I told the kids to choose their favorite appetizers, and I’d make them.

Well, Travis must have taken to heart my love language being acts of service, because when I came home from the musical, he was making cheeseburgers sliders for Hayden, and had picked up the frozen mini tacos from Trader Joe’s for Hadley. I was so impressed. Travis picked up wings (his fave!), and we took all that food to my brother’s. My sister-in-law made soup, and we all enjoyed the evening.

Then, yesterday morning, I woke up to find a sweet card from Travis. He’s known for his bubble letters! Twenty years of being Valentines, and I feel very lucky.

So, that’s a bit of our life…lately! I have a couple more posts planned this week, so I will see you back here soon.

Thanks so much for reading,

Everyday Life, Not Just a Mom

Not Just a Mom

Posted on February 14, 2022February 13, 2022 by jgalvinwhite

Hello and Happy Monday! Also, Happy Valentine’s Day. My mom sent me a text with these candy hearts. So funny and so true.

Today, I’m blogging with these ladies for our monthly link up.

In January, we discussed favorite bloggers. This month, we are sharing a day in the life.

I’ve shared some day in the life posts a few times a year. While writing this post, I looked, and my last day in the life post was in September.

I’ve never shared a weekend post, so I thought I’d give you a peek of a Saturday. This didn’t seem like a typical Saturday because my kids didn’t have any sports. None. Zero. Can you believe it? Well, they had a few other things going on, but our weekend started off slowly which seems to be a rarity.

Well, all I wanted to do was sleep in, but Homer had other plans. He woke me at 6:45. After I let him out, I kind of dozed back off and got out of bed around 8:15.

I poured myself a cup of coffee and played Wordle. Travis decided he wanted to try Wordle as well.

Then, I had about 45 minutes, so I sipped my coffee and watched Food Network (Giada)…and the kids were still sleeping.

I did my morning skincare routine, made the bed and got dressed.

With out kids not having any sports that day, we were able to go to cousin Wyatt’s game. He did great! Hayden and Wyatt had fun playing around after the game.

Hadley headed off to a church youth group activity, and the rest of us (my brother and his family, and my mom) went to one of our favorite places for lunch. Really, this is a favorite for breakfast, but lunch was being served. It was good too.

When I got home, my second Antique Candle Co order had arrived. I had hit up another 40% off sale, and ordered:

Sarah Joy’s Warm Caramel Crumble
Pumpkin Spice (that I will save for the fall)
They also gave me the Lemon Eucalyptus which I can’t wait to try.

Then, I had a couple of errands to run. I picked up Valentin’es day cookies for the kids (and for Trav!)

Then, I went to Ulta. (Tell me you’re a dance mom without telling me you’re a dance mom…)

After my errands, I had couple of hours at home. Hadley was still gone, Travis was watching sports, Hayden was playing a game with my mom, so I ….read my book for a bit, watched some curling, and fell asleep…for an hour and a half!

Then, Hayden went to the Transylvania basketball game with teammates right as Hadley got home.

Hadley and I had a few errands. She used her gift card a month ago for an SNS manicure. Well, it was time to get those nails off!

Then, we ran to Target for a few things including some goodies for her dance competition buddy. The older dancers are paired with a younger dancer to encourage and support each other which I think is cute!

Travis always asks me if I’m capable of spending less than $100 at Target when I go there.

Well, yes, in fact I am capable, T-rav! haha

Is there anything better than being showered and in pajamas by 7:00 on a Saturday night? I don’t think so! When Hadley and I got home from our errands, I went ahead and took a shower.

Then, I did my nighttime skincare routine.

I picked up a couple of new nail polishes while at Target, and gave myself a Valentine’s Day inspired manicure.

The kids went to hang with my mom at my brother’s house for a bit, so Travis and I watched episode 7 of Ozark. We watched the first six episodes a few weeks ago, but hadn’t had time to watch this last episode of Part 1, Season 4. Wow!

The kids came home and had a couple of things to do before bed like get them signed up for school track tryouts in March.

Once they went to bed, I tidied up a bit, brushed my teeth, got into bed and watched some of the Olympics.

Then, it was lights out around 11:00.

So, Saturday was a “not so average” Saturday for us, but it was a good one.

We hope you’ll join us next month when we chat about reading habits.

I hope you have a great week.

Clothes, Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites {#100}

Posted on February 11, 2022February 10, 2022 by jgalvinwhite

Hello and Happy Friday! Apparently, this is my 100th Friday Favorites post which makes this Friday even better.

As always, I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika for this week’s FF post.

This week was pretty hectic for me both personally and professionally, so this may be a somewhat quick post!

Favorite Moment(s):

I’ve loved watching the Olympics. As a matter of fact, I’ve been staying up too late to watch! It’s so exciting to watch these athletes, and also heartbreaking sometimes too. I mean, Mikaela Shiffrin sitting on the side of that mountain for over twenty minutes about did me in. I was like, “Someone go give that girl a hug!”

My first ever Antique Candle Co order arrived. As you all know, I love by Bath and Body Works candles, but when ACC had come candles 40% off, I went for it.

I ordered:

Fall Harvest (and will save for the fall months)
Homemade Gingerbread (perfect to round out this last month of winter)
Vanilla Bean
Sweet Lemon
and…I didn’t know that they often include a 2 oz candle, and they sent me Grapefruit.

So far, I’ve burned the Gingerbread, Vanilla Bean, and Sweet Lemon.

I love them all.

Favorite Picture(s):

I think our Valentine’s Day cards for our family turned out really cute.

Even though the Chiefs lost, I couldn’t resist including us in our red!

This Hayden and Homer selfie is just precious too!

Favorite Food:

I love Taco Soup, but haven’t made it it yet this year. It sure did hit the spot Wednesday night for dinner and then lunch leftovers yesterday.

Favorite Clothing Item:

I can’t believe that I haven’t shared this sweater yet with y’all! I have it in two colors. Over Christmas break, Hadley and I went to the mall and stopped in Aerie. I bought it in the Rose color while in the store. Later, I purchased it online in Monaco Blue. I wear it with leggings, denim, and even nicer pants to school. Both times I bought this sweater, it was on sale which makes it even better 😉

Favorite Kid Quote:

Valentines Day and people asking to be Valentines with each other are hot topics in middle school. Hadley said, “Everyone is finding a Valentine this year. And to think…just last year we thought boys had cooties!” 🤣 Made me LOL.

Favorite Mom Meme(s):

This bulk meme is my life…and also applies to buying bananas.

This! Not saying I had it tough in the 80’s, but I’m not sure my kids would last long in 1985.

Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday:

I’ve always been great with multi-tasking. I really stepped up my game when I became a mom. I carried both Hayden and the clean laundry upstairs at one point!

I always say about Hadley #sassysincedayone Here she is stealing my drink in 2013.

Weekly Recap:

I had a few posts this week:

Hello Monday

Valentine’s Day Ideas

Let’s Look

On Monday, we are hosting our February Not Just a Mom link up!

The topic is: Day in the Life. We hope you’ll join us.

Do you have any big plans this week? Of course, we have a few sports activities going on, but we aren’t completely overbooked. I know that I sure hope to sleep in tomorrow. We’ll see.

I hope you have a great weekend.