Author: jgalvinwhite

Posted in Friday Favorites, Uncategorized

Friday Favorites {#142}

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and Happy Friday! YaY for the weekend! 

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

Like last week, we had a pretty slow week with not much in the evenings. That’s all about to change starting next week, but it was good while it lasted.

Anyway, here are some favorites from the week. 

I stumbled upon Chris Harrison’s new podcast: The Most Dramatic Podcast, and I’ve really enjoyed the first few episodes. I used to love the Bachelor and Bachelorette and watched it pretty faithfully through the years. I haven’t watched it in a few years even before Chris left.  I follow him and his fiancée on Instagram, and they seem like such a fun couple.

Anyway, the first couple of episodes were pretty serious talking about why he left the Bachelor franchise and what he’s been up to (and thinking, feeling, doing) during that time. Episode two, he brings his fiancée Lauren on, and she shares her thoughts and what they’ve been up to. Then, the third episode was mostly filled with fans calling in with questions which I really enjoyed too. It’s been a good new podcast to fill the time on my walks. 

Santa put Scrabble Slam in Hayden’s stocking, and Hadley and I played it the other night. I love games that are quick and only need a couple of people. That way, we can try to play when we have a few moments. Travis joined us for a couple of rounds too. To start, you think of a four letter word and put those cards on the table. Then, you split the remaining cards amongst the other players. After everyone gets their cards, you say, “Ready, set, slam!” and start putting down cards to make other four letter words until you run out of cards. At one point, I told Hadley I felt sorry for her because she’d never beat me. Then, she beat both Travis and me the round that he played. haha 

I got a new lunch idea this week, and I’m obsessed. With this meal prep, a little goes a long way, and I had enough for three lunches…and only a four day week! It’s Banza rice, romaine/arugula, chopped cucumbers, grilled chicken, edamame, and then some Asian dressing. I picked the Panera brand from Kroger. For lunch, I heated up the chicken, rice, and edamame and added it to my bowl of lettuce and cucumbers. Then, I drizzled it with the dressing. Easy, delish, and healthy. 

How cute is this bag that my friend got me for my birthday? We share a love of the Golden Girls. I’m using it as pencil bag (with sticky notes, highlighter, etc) for my school bag. 

I always have dry skin in January. Then, I always remember to do a better job moisturizing and feel better by February. Haha

Anyway, Amy shared this Jergens Weightless Wet Skin moisturizer a few weeks ago, and I found it at Target. You apply it before toweling off. I’ve been using it, and it’s helped my skin so much. 

Favorite Kid Quote:

Remember the jar with slips of paper my kids gave me for my birthday? Everyone knows I’m not a big hugger. Of course, I hug my kids and Travis (and others!)…it’s just not my natural inclination to hug all the people. Anyway, at bed the other night, Hadley gave me a big hug and then whispered in my ear, “There are lots of these in the jar I made.” and I literally LOL’d. 😂

Favorite Mom Meme:

Why is this always the case? Lol

Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday

2013.

Besides Hadley’s Hello Kitty necklace and the little sticker on Hayden’s hand, I remember the kids coming home from the sitter and them thinking they were a princess and prince in their little crowns. Too cute. 

Weekly Recap:

I’ve even been blogging on the weekends! I’ve enjoyed some of the Bloganuary topics along with my regular content. 

Books that Changed My Life
MEmorable Gifts
Day In the Life
Currently…Watching
WIWW: SSYS
Thursday Thoughts: It’s the Little Things

What are your weekend plans? On Saturday, we’ll be cheering for Hayden at his first basketball scrimmage of the season, and then we’ll be cheering for the Chiefs on Saturday afternoon as well. Otherwise, I have a few errands and a bit more of the house to put back together post-Christmas. Sigh — I’m still working on getting things back to “normal.”

I will probably post on Saturday and Sunday too!

As always, thanks for reading.

Posted in Inspiration, Me, Thursday Thoughts

Thursday Thoughts: It’s the little things

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and Happy Thursday!

It’s time for some…

Recently, Amy shared her “best of 2023” post…and it got me thinking… 

…I should try to do a better job appreciating the “little things.”  

When the kids were little, we’d always ask them about the best part of their day. Unfortunately, I feel like that has fallen to the wayside. Instead, I feel like I’m always asking about grades and schoolwork. I need to be more intentional with asking them about the highs and lows of their day. 

Anyway, I try to take a moment in the morning to think about the day and set good intentions. I fail a lot at this, but I remind myself that I’m trying. 

It goes without saying that I’m grateful for the health of my family and friends, a lovely home, a rewarding job and more. It’s easy to think about the bigger things for which to be grateful, but there are some other “little things” that do help make life a bit easier. 

One.

Cozi app.

I’ve shared about this app a few times, but it’s been a great way to keep all of my family members organized. If my kids are old enough to have phones, then they are old enough to take responsibility for due dates, test dates, and knowing their sports/dance schedules. The Cozi app has been perfect for keeping all of our family members “in the know” and on the same page. 

Two.

Grocery pick up.

Kroger Clicklist continues to be a life saver for me. Groceries are still an effort, right? I have to make a list (or add to the Kroger app throughout the week), check our inventory, meal plan, place the order, pick up the order, and unpack the groceries. Thankfully, I usually get help unpacking the groceries, and at least I’m not spending an hour or more in the store every week too. Honestly, because I do grocery pick up (and have since 2015 at least!), I really don’t mind running in the store mid-week for a few things if needed. 

Three.

My Kindle.

Kindle – what’s better than reading a good book? I do love to hold a book in my hands, but I also love the convenience of my Kindle. (The library’s Libby app makes it easy to check out books, and the Good Reads app makes it easy for me to track what I’ve read.)

Four.

Quiet time in the morning. This is must for me and a good way to start my day. 

Five.

The scent of a good candle. It’s simply the best. I have a shelf in the hall closet with my candles, and there are quite a few that I rotate. That being said, if we are home, I’m probably burning at least one fave.

As I put up my Christmas decorations, I realized I was missing the glow of the Christmas lights. So, I ordered a set of LED flameless candles from Amazon, and they are perfect for a cozy vibe. 

Six.

Picking my kids up from school. I always wished that I was able to pick them up in elementary school, but when I did, it was always more special, I guess. With our schedules now, middle school starts after the high schools start. So, that means they get out after I do. Most days, I pick the kids up from school when they don’t have sports or other activities going on. I like being the first one they see after school if I can help it. 

Seven.

Sleep….and all the things that help me get a good night’s rest – I’ve loved my weighted blanket for years. Then, about a year ago, we bought mattress topper that gives the bed some extra fluff. I don’t travel without my sound machine, so of course that means I use it every night. Bonus – OLLY Sleep melatonin when needed. One gummy…that’s all I need. It’s legit.

Eight.

A cup of coffee in the morning. A few months ago, we got a Keurig and Starbucks Toasted Graham is my favorite. I look forward to that first cup of coffee every morning. 

Nine.

An impromptu night with my friends. Last Friday night, I was already in my pjs, but got a text from a friend asking if a few of us wanted to come over to hang out. We all love a charcuterie tray, wine, and some good laughs, and it was a nice evening. Sometimes I feel like every hour of our lives is scheduled, so it’s nice when a night with friends comes together on a whim. 

Ten.

Slippers. I am a slippers girl. I officially have three faves and these are my newest ones. They are soft, and I love that my feet don’t get hot in them. 

*Some of these are modern conveniences thanks to an app. YAY 2023!

Honestly, as I got to #10, I realized I could go on an on a bit longer…goes to show that I should pay attention to “the little things” a little more often. 

What’s a “little thing” in your life that you appreciate?

Posted in Clothes

WIWW

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Wednesday. All day yesterday, I kept thinking it was Monday…it sure felt like a Monday. So, I’m happy that we are to the mid-point of the week already.

I’ve shared Shop Style Your Senses in previous posts, but I have a few new purchases to share with you today.

I’ve followed Mallory (@styleyoursenses) on Instagram for years. She has/had a blog and would share her home and links to clothes. About four years ago, she started her Shop Style Your Senses business working out of her house. With the business taking off, she’s added to her team and even moved into a warehouse.

They have a website and an app, and I use the app to save favorites, follow them when they do live sessions and hear them talk about the products.

Since I’ve been pleased with the products, I thought I’d go ahead and put everything in a post.

A few purchases:

I bought this lightweight sweatshirt dress in the fall, and it was perfect to wear then. Now, it’s perfect to wear with leggings or tall boots.

This dress is my FAVE purchase. The fit is perfect for me, and the material is so good. While it’s sold out in black, it also comes in a “wine” color. Recently, they had a flash sale with 50% off anything, and I snagged this dress in the wine color too. I know it will be perfect for Valentine’s Day or for Christmas parties next year. Also, I’ve worn this dress to school with tall boots and felt very put together.

Recently, I ordered this hi low sweatshirt dress, and I love it.

I wore it to school yesterday with leggings and my leopard flats. I could (and will) also wear this with athletic leggings and sneaks, I’m sure. Also, in the spring months, I know I will wear it as a dress with sandals.

I did get the size large. I probably could have done a medium but then I wasn’t sure if it would be long enough for leggings which is how I knew I’d wear it.

I purchased this purple knit top (sweater) right before Christmas. It’s lightweight and perfect to wear with jeans or leggings. Besides purple, it comes in a light pink and mint color as well.

I did order size medium because I’ve come to learn that if they say “oversized fit,” I can probably do a medium in a top.

I just ordered this muslin baby doll dress in purple and can’t wait for it to arrive. I snagged it on Sunday night when Mallory did a live try on and shared many of their new spring/summer items. It comes in a variety of colors, and I do think Mallory said she’d be able to restock most, if not all, of the colors soon.

She also said when she purchased these dresses, she thought most would wear as swimsuit coverups, but once the ladies started trying them on, they realized it makes the perfect summer dress. While I almost ordered the medium, I went with large since that’s what I typically wear in their dresses.

A few other things…

Since Mallory started this shop, she’s really listened to her customers. Like I said, the app is amazing. Also, they do a good job with sharing about sizing. I appreciate that they show their clothes on various body types.

They’ve even started designing their own lines of clothing with the SSYS label.

For now, they only ship once a week, but with that comes free shipping.

The only thing that I wish they’d think about is returns. If you return an item, you only get store credit. I’ve only returned one item due to sizing, and the refund did go directly to my account, and I could see it in the app. At least then I knew they money was there, and I wouldn’t forget about it.

I’ve never ordered pants or shorts but Mallory shared some denim shorts on Sunday’s live that look so cute. I’m just not ready for too much spring and summer just yet.

Anyway, just like Avara and Red Dress Boutique, I’ve had really good luck with purchases from these boutiques. I think it’s fun to share “smaller” shops when we find them.

Posted in Books and Shows, Currently

Currently…Watching

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello! Well, all good things must come to an end…like this three day weekend. It’s back to school we go.

In December, I try to watch as many Christmas movies as possible. Now that it’s January, and I have a bit more time, I’m trying to get caught up on some of my favorite shows. So, here’s what I’m Currently watching…

On Hulu:

I love Abbott Elementary and am usually pretty caught up on it. Travis chuckles at it if I have it on when he’s around. Last week, a few of the actors were on a special edition of Wheel of Fortune (another fave!) which was extra fun to watch.

Abbott Elementary hits close to home with this public school educator! haha

I love The Rookie. Sometimes, Hayden watches it with me too. I’m a big Nathan Fillion fan…loved Castle when he was on it. Anyway, it’s another good one, but I’m usually a couple of episodes behind.

As a family, we still love The Goldbergs. This season is different with Murray off the show (and the death of Pops), but I love Beverly Goldberg and the rest of the cast. It’s a good one!

This is the second season of NCIS Hawai’i, and I really enjoy this show. Like with The Rookie, I get behind on the hour long shows, and try to get caught up in January and February. Also like The Rookie, I really like this entire cast!

And…I’m always have one (or more!) of the Real Housewives franchises to binge when I have time. I’m behind on Salt Lake City (and they aren’t really my fave anyway), but stay pretty up to date on Potomac.

On Netflix:

We don’t binge much, but Travis and I binged all of the Harry and Meghan docuseries. It was interesting…but I’m still “team Will and Kate.” At this point, I’m wondering if there’s an interview Harry won’t do. That being said, you know I’ll buy his book. haha

Have you seen this meme? I sent it to my *younger* brother. lol

If you want something quick and light-hearted, I always enjoy the season of Dream Home Makeover. There isn’t a single design of Shea’s that I haven’t loved.

I’m still chipping away at The Crown. The new cast has taken some getting used to, but I’m loving this season with Diana.

I’ve watched a few episodes of Wednesday, and really love it. Hadley and friends have seen all the episodes.

I also really like Buying Beverly Hills with Mauricio and Farrah from Real Housewives Beverly Hills franchise. Honestly, I just like looking at the houses more than anything.

Ready to Watch:

Dead to Me is back for the final season, and I definitely want to watch it.

I heard Kaleidoscope is good, so I’ve saved it and Break Point, a docuseries about professional tennis players, to my Netflix list.

As you can see, I have quite a few shows that I’ve started but haven’t finished yet. If I know I have a bit more time to watch over a few months (like right now and in the summer), I make a list and go from there. For example, I don’t think I will start the above three titles until I finish ones I’ve started like The Crown and Wednesday. Sometimes, I end up jumping around with what I watch, and I’d like to finish some series before starting others.

That being said, what should I add to my list ? haha!

Posted in Day in the Life, Holidays, Weekend Top 5

Day in the Life

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and Happy Monday!

How was your weekend? We had a really good one. Did you catch my Bloganuary posts this weekend?

I wrote about books that have changed my life on Saturday and memorable gifts on Sunday.

I’ve been wanting to do a Day in the Life post since January is a “slower” month, and decided to do a weekend post…and Saturday so happened to be my birthday.

So today’s post is: Day in the Life: Weekend and Birthday Edition

Ahhh…I “slept in” a bit, not waking up until after 8:00.

I woke up to all kinds of Facebook birthday love including this sweet pic from my niece and nephew:

I scrolled social media for a couple of minutes, and then poured myself a cup of coffee.

I’ve been on a Will & Grace (original) kick lately, and settled in for a couple of episodes before…

…writing my Saturday Bloganuary post.

By that time, we woke the kids because they had running practice (with Travis) at 10:30. **Travis was Super Dad on Saturday –he was Hayden’s personal chauffeur, running him to all the things (running practice, home, basketball practice, home, Transy (local university) basketball game with his team and then a few errands with Hadley…and then home)

Anyway, once they left to run, I read on my Kindle and had some one on one time with Homer.

Then, I washed my face, brushed my teeth, and made the bed. I got ready to …

…head to the gym. Honestly, I almost skipped my Saturday workout, but I also know that I feel better after a workout and there was pasta and cake in my future.

Then, I did grocery pick up and arrived home just as Travis and the kids returned from running.

Hadley helped me unpack the groceries since Hayden had to get ready for basketball practice.

Then, I made lunch. I’d made chicken on Thursday night and added it to some to arugula, parm, EVOO and lemon juice. Easy and delish lunch.

I watched some of the Mizzou game while Homer watched me eat my lunch. I swear…he’s the biggest beggar.

Then, Hadley and I ended up running a couple of “fun” errands. I decided to go to Kendra Scott for my 50% off item, and then Hadley went into a couple of stores as well.

Once we got home, I decided to read a bit more and take a nap. I love an Saturday afternoon nap. Nothing better. Kentucky basketball was on tv too.

**Yes –pencil trees are still up in my bedroom and living room. I always keep them up until my birthday…and sometimes even longer if we have a chance of snow. That being said, they’ll probably come down next weekend.

Then, it was time to get ready for dinner. We timed dinner just right. We picked Hayden up at 6:00 from the Transy game, and then headed to Frank and Dino‘s for dinner. We were a bit early for our 6:30 reservation, but we were able to be seated.

We had calamari, and I ordered the Fagottini Sinatra which is my favorite (pasta filled with mascarpone and parm cheeses and pears and tossed in a Gorgonzola sauce…so good!)

**Bonus – we all had leftovers to take home, so I didn’t have to cook last night!

We were home around 8:00, and I opened my gifts, and we had…

…cookie cake (per tradition). We usually get cookie cakes from Great American Cookie, but Travis got this one from Insomnia Cookies. Besides being delish, I like that it’s a smaller cookie cake…less leftover since I have zero will power! (Hadley put the candles on…no rhyme or reason for six handles…haha)

After cake, we watched some football, and then I went to bed around 9:45. I read my book (I was really wanting to finish my book (The It Girl) this weekend, and I did yesterday. It was really good. Anyway, I read for a bit, before falling asleep before 10:30.

While Hayden was super busy on Saturday, it was still nice to not have too much going on. The past couple of months have been non-stop, seven days a week.

Anyway, it was a great Saturday and a wonderful birthday…and now we have one more day off!

I hope you have a great week.

**linking up with Sarah and Holly for:

Posted in Blog challenge, Gift Ideas

Bloganuary 1.15.23

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello! I hope you had a great Saturday. I sure did. It was a pretty lowkey regular Saturday with some birthday fun last night. More on that later this week.

Yesterday, I wrote about books that have changed my life…

One of this week’s Bloganuary prompts asked about memorable gifts.

Here are a few:

First of all, I’m spoiled because Travis is a great gift giver. I give him gloves and handwarmers for when he works outside. He gets me photos of the kids. *sigh*

The first thing that popped into my mind was for our first Christmas as a married couple, I opened a little blue box from Tiffanys —he’d gotten me silver heart earrings. I still wear them and love them.

While I was pregnant with the kids, I remember feeling miserable and sitting in the chair with my feet propped up on the ottoman. He came in with a gift bag. I opened it, and it was a David Yurman bracelet. I swear I’m not fussy about jewelry, but I appreciate that he’s given me things that are timeless and I wear often.

The first Christmas we lived in this house, he gave me this sign that now hangs by our front door. It has our last name (obviously) and our address with Est. 20014 because that’s when we moved in.

When the kids were in 3rd grade, I opened up the sweetest pic of them (and a few others). This one sits on our mantel. I had no clue that he’d has these photos taken.

We are lucky because Trav’s brother is an exceptional photographer! I cried when I saw these. (And then laughed as Hadley recounted Travis taking them to Target for shirts —which I had seen in their closets and thought was odd…haha and keeping the photos a secret.)

Before Homer, we had two Boxers, Shiloh and Scout. Shiloh was older by about a year and a half. When Scout was 10, he passed away unexpectedly, and then we still had Shiloh. For Christmas, I opened up a box with this sweet bracelet. It has our anniversary, the kids’ names, and Shiloh and Scout engraved. I cried.

This Christmas was no different. He had this photo made/framed from Smallwoods.

While these were for the kids, I had no idea he was getting them. When they opened them and I saw them, I cried. #cryingisaChristmastheme

I love them so much.

This Christmas, I asked for perfume because I was running low. I’m not really picky about perfume, so I suggested Travis choose one that he liked (and still told him a couple of suggestions as ideas). Anyway, on Christmas, I opened up not one, but three perfumes. I love them all, but what makes them more special is that he took Hadley with them, and she helped him pick them out.

I got: Juliette has a Gun, Daisy Dream, and Perfect by Marc Jacobs. I love them all and just rotate day to day.

Last night, after dinner, the kids and Travis gave me their gifts. I wasn’t expecting it, but Travis gave me some new earrings while the kids gave me this jar with slips of paper to use throughout the year. Hadley led this charge, I’m sure, but I appreciate that they all gave ideas like “cup of coffee, watch a tv show as a family, and my choice of takeout.” Both gifts were so thoughtful…and unexpected.

What’s the most memorable gift you’ve received?

Have a great Sunday,

Posted in Blog challenge, Books and Shows

Bloganuary 1.14.23

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Happy Happy Saturday. See, Saturdays get an extra “happy” when it’s also your birthday.

I’m continuing on with some Bloganuary posts this weekend because I’ve really been enjoying writing about what pops up…

One of the suggested prompts this week was: has a book changed your life?

While of course some books immediately popped into my mind, overall, my first thought was: reading has changed my life…

From the time I was little, I remember reading.

Both of my parents are readers. My dad always had a stack of books on the side table by his recliner, and my mom was the one to take us to the library.

In the summer, we’d go to the library pretty often, and we’d always complete the reading challenge…

Around 4th grade, I have memories of reading in my room. I had a little cozy corner (I started making things “cozy” early on!) where I’d sit and read.

I also loved my school librarian, Mrs. Jones. She made reading so much fun. A favorite elementary school memory was when I was in the intermediate grades, some of us would get to help on our class visits and scan books out to our classmates and then tidy up the libary.

Of course, there was the school reading program…

Ahh…I remember those Pizza Hut coupons like it was yesterday.

I feel like I naturally introduced reading to the kids. Even when they were babies, I’d rock them, read them a book, and then put them in bed.

In the summer, it was always a weekly activity to take them to the library. They’d sit and listen during story time, make a craft, click around on the computer, and check out books. The library was a great way to burn a couple of hours once a week in those hot summer months.

My mom, after she retired from teaching after 31 years, worked at the public library for ten more. She even did story time with the little kids, and we’d join her during our summer visits to KC.

Just like when I grew up, during the elementary years, the kids would complete the library summer reading challenge earning free books and stickers instead of pizza.

Hayden’s my reader. I will never forget listening to him read chapter books for the first time. Most nights, I would sit with him in bed, and we’d take turns reading pages of the Magic Treehouse series. There were many nights that I thought he was sleeping only for me to go to bed at 10:00 and see his little lamp light still on. I’d encourage him to finish a chapter and then turn off his light because he needed his rest.

Hadley always preferred shorter books and graphic novels.

She was a serious reader as a toddler…haha


I wish she enjoyed reading, but I think some of it is her attention span. She’s on the go, and it’s hard for her to settle in and focus. That being said, she loves a theme…and “Character Day” in elementary school was always her fave.

Reading through the years...

  • I loved Madeline.
  • I remember asking for Babysitter’s Club books, and even buying them as they came out one by one.
  • In 7th grade, we read Where the Red Fern Grows with Mr. Freeman, and I cried.
  • My dad gave me Tuesdays with Morrie when I was in high school, and I knew it would be a book I’d read time and time again.
  • I bought Cliffs Notes for every Shakespearean play I read in high school. Even as a high school English teacher, I dread teaching Shakespeare.
  • One of my favorite courses in college when we read one “classic” young adult book per week and created a lesson plan. I remember classmates grumbling because we “had” to read one book a week…but I couldn’t wait. We read Chocolate Wars, The Outsiders, The Giver, and more.
  • I hadn’t read To Kill a Mockingbird until I taught it my first year teaching…and couldn’t have loved it more. (*Side note: I wanted Hadley’s name to be Harper, but Travis nixed that suggestion from the start. That being said, we did have a dog named Scout!)

As an adult some recent books that have stuck with me…

  • The Giver of Stars
  • We Were the Lucky Ones
  • American Dirt
  • Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother’s Will to Survive
  • Where the Crawdads Sing

I feel like I said, “I remember…” quite a bit in this post, but I have such fond memories of reading, connecting with a story line, empathizing with a character, and having the best feeling of not wanting a story to end.

Reading has changed my life in more ways than I can count.

What’s a book that has changed your life?

Posted in Friday Favorites, Kids

Friday Favorites {#141}

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and Happy Friday! We’ve had a good week, but I’m always ready for Friday…especially with a three day weekend on the horizon.

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

Here are a few favorites from the week:

I feel like I don’t have many pics this week, and that’s because January really is a slower month. Hayden has basketball practice every day after school, but no games yet. Hadley is still dancing a couple of days a week, and both kids are running a bit to get/stay in shape for track season. That being said, we haven’t had much going on in the evenings which has been a favorite.

Favorite food:

Michelle (@ellerydesigns)shared that she’d been eating avocado toast, and it sounded so good. I’d never had Dave’s Killer Bread, but I added it to my Kroger order along with some avocados. I’ve had this a couple times this week with an over easy egg on top. So good!

I feel like I’m always begging everyone to get to the dinner table. One night this week, I said that dinner was ready, and look who was the first one in the kitchen? I turned around and saw this sweet face. He stays begging for food.

Hadley and friends went to their first middle school dance last weekend. It was more like a “mixer” since it was informal, but there was a DJ and games, and these girls had fun. With Hadley’s permission, I worked the front entrance to check ID badges, and it was fun seeing so many kids at their first middle school dance…even the 8th graders had never had one.

Hayden opted to go to a basketball game with his friend. haha

With track season in a couple of months, Hadley has wanted to go into the season in a bit better running shape. I’ve done a good job getting back to working out. That being said, I was going to have a rest day on Sunday, but Hadley convinced me to take her to the gym. Well, if she was going to be there, then I would take advantage of some time on the elliptical. She’s apparently my accountability partner. haha

She’s actually gotten up a couple of mornings these past couple of weeks to go to the gym with Travis before school. Hayden gets up and runs a couple of mornings as well since he has basketball practice after school.

A friend of mine adopted a baby, and a few friends are collecting books for her new little one. Hadley went to the bookstore with me, and she had a great time picking out some Valentine’s Day books as well as some “classics” that she remembers having on her bookshelf when she was little.

After a doctor’s appointment yesterday, I treated myself that afternoon with a mani and some mint chocolate chip ice cream…my favorite.

Favorite Mom Meme:

This is soooo true.

Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday

I’ve shared this January 2010 pic before, but then…

…these pics with the kids in their first little monogrammed outfits also popped up this week.

Weekly Recap:

Well, this month has been my busiest blogging month since I’m posting on the weekends too 🙂

Why I WRite
Lost Treasures
Not Just a Mom
Fave Gifts: Books
Let’s Look
Blog Challenge Part 4

What are your weekend plans? Tomorrow is my birthday, and we have dinner plans. I’m hoping to go see a movie this weekend too!

I hope you have a great weekend.

Posted in Blog challenge, Me

Blog Challenge Part 4

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and Happy Thursday!

Well, remember when I started writing my own “blog challenge” last month and now I’ve also started writing some of the “Bloganuary” posts on the weekend…You are really going to know me pretty well by the end of the month!

It’s very “on brand” for me to have nothing to write about and then work my way through two blog “challenges.”

So far, I’ve had three posts…one, two, three…

Today, I’m looking at topics…#8, 9, and 10

7. Old Photos of Me

I don’t have tons and tons of old photos of me which is something my kids will never have to say when they are grownups. That being said, my mom was always good about taking pictures, but of course the 80’s and 90’s weren’t the digital age!

I actually have an old scrap \book she made of my first five years as well as my baby book. Also, I’ve taken photos of photos to save as well to save.

Anyway, here are a few….

This one with my brother on Santa’s lap always makes me laugh.

This collage has a few photos through the years…

The two on the left, I believe I was four or five years old. Peep the Madeline doll in my hand while I sported a red jumper and long white socks. Whenever I see the pic of me in the blue and white dress, I always notice my sticker earrings! I didn’t get my ears pierced until I was 12.

Let’s skip middle school (haha…) but really — I don’t know that I have many middle school photos…and none easily on hand. Top right is one of my senior photos…

The bottom right photo my cousin just sent to me recently. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen it, and she found it at her mom’s house. I almost didn’t recognize my early 20’s self, and I’m sure that I didn’t appreciate not having to take a collagen supplement and full lips when I had them!

I just shared about our trip to Columbia to watch the Tigers play UK, and here’s a throwback to when I graduated college.

Time sure does fly!

8. Piercings and Tattoos?

Well, I finally got my ears pierced when I was twelve. For whatever reason, that was the rule…I had to be twelve before I could get my ears pierced.

Over Christmas break, Travis and I went out to lunch. He was sitting across from me and said, “Do you have two ear piercings?” I couldn’t believe that he could see the second hole in my ear. I think I was 18 when I got my second piercing and only wore earrings in that second hole for a couple of years. Over twenty years together, and that’s the first time he’d mentioned it. haha

I had always wanted a tattoo and got one on my foot over fifteen years ago. Just a simple shamrock as a nod to my Irish heritage. I also always wanted a simple tattoo on my wrist, but have never done it. Just recently I really started to think about getting one…so we’ll see.

9. First Celebrity Crush

Jason Bateman. I loved the show The Hogan Family and instantly thought he was such a cutie. *Also, fun fact – we have the same January 14th birthday…but not the same year 😉 (He was also a huge reason I faithfully watched Ozark)

Also, what girl growing up in the 80’s/90’s didn’t watch Saved by the Bell? I thought Mark-Paul Gosselaar was so cute. One time, he had a scheduled appearance at the Ward Parkway Mall near my house, and I went there with a couple of my friends. We were in junior high, and I think every teenage girl within a fifty mile radius was there too. I remember him being up on the stage, and all the girls were cheering for him.

What about you? Who was your first celebrity crush?

See you back here tomorrow for Friday Favorites!

Posted in Let's look

Let’s Look

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello! I can’t believe it’s already Wednesday…and the second Wednesday of the month at that!

Shay and Erika are back with their Let’s Look link up “where we take a peek at the little things in our lives.”

It looks like this month’s topic is: scheduling/organizing a busy family.

I will always be a paper/pencil girl in some capacity. I like the visual of seeing an entire week or month laid out in front of me. I have a desktop calendar on my desk at school, and I’ve always had a weekly calendar on the fridge with activities and meals for the week.

A few months ago, I started using this meal planner with attached shopping list, and I like having everything in one place. For the Monday-Sunday part, I write down our activities and what we are having for dinner that week. We add to the shopping list throughout the week which helps when I place my Kroger order.

The shopping list is perforated, so it can be torn off separate from the other part of the page.

It’s a blessing and a curse having kids with phones. That being said, they do come in handy for me to text them to remind them of things whether it’s to turn in an assignment or what time I’m picking them up. Having that point of contact has helped us stay organized during these middle school years.

Back in September, I wrote about how this year, our family has started using the Cozi app. We are still using this, and it’s been working pretty well!

Every person has a color to represent them on the calendar. So, we have activities listed, but we’ll also put in due dates or test dates for the kids’ school work. We can all add to it, but I seem to be the only one who does so regularly. That being said, on Sundays, I remind everyone (via the family group text) to check out the Cozi schedule for the week.

Sundays are also the days that I “make” the kids “reset” their rooms. After a week of them on the go, laundry, school papers, and more…it’s just a great day to make a point to tidy up and get organized for the week.

I really do feel like it’s a lot of work to keep us organized, but I feel better having a plan and having everyone on the same page of the said plan. My “type A” personality comes in handy for the day to day life kind of things.

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