jgalvinwhite

Friday Favorites {#262}

Posted on June 13, 2025June 13, 2025 by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Friday!!

How was your week? I hope it was a good one. We had another week that included a little bit of everything…family time, workouts, pool time, productivity and more.

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

I’m actually keeping this favorites post pretty short and sweet.

The #1 favorite from the week was celebrating our niece/cousin at her wedding on Saturday. She got married at the botanical gardens in Louisville.

Saturday’s evening forecast called for rain, and we were all holding our breath. It started to sprinkle right as we took our seats, but it cleared up for a bit and then rained once we were inside for the reception.

Rows 3-5 ready for the wedding to begin.

As we entered the reception, this was by the door:

Travis and I were on there too…20 years of marriage…

They had a Polaroid camera for their guest book. We got a fun pic, and Hadley signed the book for us.

When there was a slight break in the rain, we stepped outside for a family photo. Honestly, it was sprinkling, but I wanted to make the photo happen while Hayden had on his jacket! haha

Oh I wish the sun had been out as the cocktail hour was to be outside, but obviously it all worked out as they had a backup plan.

The centerpieces were simple and lovely. The cousins were at table 4 and the aunts/uncles at table 5.

We were only missing one cousin. These kids are all growing up on us!

Truth be told, it’s been a minute since I’ve been to a wedding with a full reception and dance floor. Well, as soon as the music started, most of the guests were out there….and as soon as they broke out the glow sticks, it kicked the fun up a notch. I’d say if you are throwing a wedding, foam glow sticks are where it’s at!

Also, if you need a pair of heels, I’ve had these for three years. I’ve worn them quite a few times, but I truly put them to the test on Saturday night…wearing them for almost eight hours! My feet lasted the entire night in them (I sized up half a size), and I didn’t even put on my back up flat sandals! Just sayin’!

…meanwhile…teen boys at a wedding reception…swiping the napkin rings and stacking them.

It was such a beautiful wedding celebrating the lovely couple.

I did make it to the pool on Tuesday, and the weather was amazing…the sun was out, but it wasn’t too hot. I finished my first book of the summer pool side. What’s better than that?!

I can now cross One Golden Summer off my summer reading list.

I also finally made it to a Pilates class that my friend teaches. I was able to go to so many classes in January/February when we had snow days, but the times don’t really work out otherwise. So, this summer, I’m hoping to go at least two days a week.

The kids and I arrived in KC on Wednesday to visit family for a few days. This is a part of summer that we look forward to every year. I’m sure I’ll share a recap once we get back.

Favorite Mom Meme:

These kids stay hungry!

Weekly Recap:

I had hoped to write more posts this week…I still haven’t shared my monthly Amazon post, but no two days were alike this week!

Share Our Lives

Let’s Look

I hope you have a great weekend! We have a couple more days in KC and then we’ll celebrate Trav for Father’s Day when we get home.

Let's look, Travel

Let’s Look

Posted on June 11, 2025June 11, 2025 by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Wednesday! How is the week treating you?! So far, so good for us. We’re still recovering from a busy weekend and now getting things accomplished that we didn’t have time for over the weekend.

It’s the second Wednesday of the month, so I’m linking up with Shay and Erika for this month’s edition of Let’s Look.

So far this year, we’ve looked at…

Low level goals for 2025 in January
How you work on your marriage in February
How you reset for the week on Sunday in March
Maintaining friendships in April
Our wellness routine in May

This month we’re looking at travel bucket lists.

When I saw this topic, I immediately remembered a post I wrote a few years ago where I recapped some of our favorite vacation spots.

In that post, I included this “bucket list”:

New York – I’d shared that we had a full trip planned in 2020 for spring break only to have to cancel it due to Covid. Trav and I have been to New York (before we met), so it’s been a while ago, obviously. We just thought it would be a fun spot to take the kids especially now that they are older. We have some possible short term plans for NYC.
DC was also on that list. Again, not necessarily a bucket list item in that it’s a luxurious spot, but just an important place that we felt like the kids would enjoy. Well, we can check that box, because, as you know, we went to DC for spring break 2024. Truly, though, I’d love to go back. There’s so much we didn’t get to see.

Pacific NW – This is another box we’ve checked since I wrote that post. Last summer, we went to Oregon mainly for the Olympic track trials, but we did so much more than that. We started in Oregon and ended our PNW trip in Washington.

Mexico was also on the list. Trav and I went there twenty years ago for our honeymoon, and then we took the kids there the summer after 6th grade. Mexico did not disappoint. The travel to get there was pretty easy, the all inclusive resort was nice, and we had plenty of time to relax.

So, still on the list are:

Hawaii – and while this destination remains on my list, it’s probably the one I would rank as the lowest priority.
Nantucket – Maybe one day!
Europe – London, Paris, Italy, Greece
BVI – The British Virgin Islands look like a lovely place to relax!
One addition – I’m intrigued by Costa Rica, so I will add that to the list.

Something about summer always makes me think about travel. We really don’t have any major travel plans this summer, and honestly, that’s ok too! I appreciate the time at home just as much as the time away at this point in my life.

What a blessing it’s been to check some of these destinations off our list.

Not Just a Mom

Share Our Lives: June 2025

Posted on June 9, 2025June 8, 2025 by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Monday!

How was your weekend? Ours was busy with a capital B! We were in Louisville for our niece’s wedding. It was great to see family and celebrate the lovely couple, but we are worn out!

Ok, June…slow on down! It’s the second Monday of the month, so I’m co-hosting the Share Our Lives link up with some of my favorite bloggers.

So far this year, we’ve discussed…

Saving time on chores in January
Tips for falling asleep in February
Day in the life, an average day in March
Creative outlets/free time in April
How do you spend your birthday in May

This month’s topic is unique things about where you live.

I really love where we live. I’ve shared before that growing up, I never thought I’d live anywhere besides KC, but now I’ve been in Lexington for over twenty years! That’s definitely hard to believe.

It’s been a few years, but I wrote this Lexington Top 5 post, and the reasons/unique things about where I live still hold true.

I’ll take the time to update some of the pics for each category, but that post shares lots of great reasons why I love where I live.

1. Keeneland/Oaks/Derby

The Keeneland meets are in April and October. Oaks and Derby are the first week of May in Louisville.

2. Restaurants

There are still so many restaurants that we love and go to often or even new ones that we’ve tried and now go to regularly. In the past couple of years we’ve broadened our horizons, eating at Jeff Ruby’s, Frank and Dino’s, Italx, and Lost Palm.

3. Sports

We still go to UK games — football, basketball, volleyball, and baseball. Especially now that my kids are older, they tend to go with friends or with their school teams. I think it’s so wonderful to have a college team to cheer for even if I still don’t “bleed blue.”

4. Parks

There are still many parks and outdoor activities that we like to visit throughout the year.

One I didn’t mention last time is that the Red River Gorge isn’t too far away and a good spot for hiking…

…followed by pizza a Miguel’s.

5. Activities

I don’t have many changes/updates for activities as I think I shared a pretty broad list last time. There’s so much to do in and around Lex from season to season.

One activity that wasn’t in that post that we’ve now done a couple of times is canoe Elkhorn Creek which is a fun activity that will also wear your kids out. haha!

This was a fun post to (re)visit and update. Oh how the kids have grown in the past few years! We love where we live.

What’s one of the most unique things about where you live?

Friday Favorites, Kids, School

Friday Favorites {#261}

Posted on June 6, 2025June 5, 2025 by jgalvinwhite

Hello Friday but let’s slow down summer!

How was your week? Ours was really good. Some mornings, the kids have slept in; some mornings they’ve gone to sports performance training. We’ve been to the pool a bit. Hadley had a sitting job, volleyball, and pool time. Hayden has power washed for a few people, gone golfing, and continues to run. So, every day has been different, but we’re settling into a bit of a routine.

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

With this first full week of summer under our belts, I have a lot of favorites to share:

Last Friday, we celebrated my niece’s birthday! She’s 8 and oh so cute. We had cake…

…and then kids swam in the pool for a bit. It was a lovely Friday night.

Saturday was the state track meet, and Hadley ran in the 4×200 relay and the 400m race. When the kids started this season, we truly had no clue what to expect. Of course, with every race, they do their best, but qualifying for state is different than qualifying in middle school. Hayden was a very supportive brother for both of Hadley’s races, and she also had a lot of family there cheering her on.

Her relay had a PR and placed 7th overall, and she ran a solid 400, placing 8th. She’d hoped to break 1:00 in the 400; she was close, but fell short of that. The top 8 receive medals, so I think earning a medal for both races eased her mind a bit. No matter what, it was such an amazing experience for her to run those races as a freshman coming out of one of the toughest regions. Hayden had an awesome season as well.

We were blessed with some amazing photos…a friend of my brother-in-law’s is a photographer for a local news outlet and took these photos of Hadley to share with us:

…and…one of the kids’ friends and teammates has some serious photography skills. She took these pics which I love.

Hadley with her bling:

It was a beautiful morning for a track meet…and then it was time for Railbird.

After the meet, we made a pit stop at Chipolte because my girl was hungry and she went home to shower and change for the Railbird music festival. She was gone from 3:00-11:00 hanging with friends and listening to some of her favorite country music artists.

Also, how brave is she? We ordered these boots last minute, and she wore them to the festival. Who breaks in new boots while on her feet for eight hours? This girl! haha

Oh the things we do when we’re young! Also, bonus — we wear the same shoe size!

Sunday was fun as we went to a graduation party…and the sweet graduate is headed to MIZZOU this fall. What a small world.

My mom came to visit, and we went to First Watch for breakfast before she headed out on Tuesday morning. The avocado toast I ordered was delish, but even better was the “Watermelon Wake Up” juice that I ordered. 10/10 recommend!

On Wednesday, Hayden caddied a round of golf for his friend who was playing in a tournament. It was a hot day, but I know he had so much fun.

While Hayden was on the course, Hadley was driving me around town. She drove me to Hobby Lobby, so I could check out their bulletin board paper selection. So, because of Tik Tok, I’m just now realizing that Hobby Lobby has quite a few school/teaching supplies! This roll of cute polka dot paper is exactly the width of the bulletin board. My mind is blown. I’ve always used the rolls of paper that we have at school, and you end up having to overlap the paper. Please know, that the last time I put up a bulletin board was five years ago…and I won’t do another one for a few years. High school teachers are very different than elementary teachers. haha!

I’m changing rooms for the upcoming school year, and Travis helped me move my stuff on Tuesday. After Hobby Lobby, Hadley drove us to Chipolte (she loves a burrito!) and then to school where she helped me put up my new bulletin board. My August self will thank me later! That being said, I’m finished thinking about school for now!

I added a few June reading trackers to my Instagram highlight. Please feel free to use them and tag me. I love sharing what others are reading.

I was out front watering my ferns and flowers, and noticed that I have two pretty blooms on my hydrangea bush. Hydrangeas and peonies are my fave flowers in the summer.

Favorite Mom Meme:

Hello, summer!

Share Our Lives:

It’s hard to believe but we’re almost halfway through 2025…and we have another Share Our Lives link up…We’re sharing unique things about where you live. I can’t wait to read those posts.

Weekly Recap:

This was a fun week of blogging for me:

I hope you have a lovely June weekend.

This and That

Wednesday Hodgepodge

Posted on June 4, 2025June 4, 2025 by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Wednesday!

Yesterday was non-stop with family things, friend things, and school things, so I’m late linking up with Joyce, but these are my summer hours, ok? haha

Anyway, let’s get to it…

Here are my answers for her prompts for the week:

1. What do birthdays look like in your house? How are they celebrated? Any special traditions? What about birthdays growing up?

I will start with the last question first…I always had great birthdays growing up! It seemed that we had family over to celebrate, and some years I’d have birthday parties with friends. I had a few parties at Show Biz Pizza, but there were even years where we had snow on my (January) birthday, so we went sledding down our front yard hill.

For my kids, I guess just because I love my birthday so much, and I have one day to celebrate both kids, I’ve always made a big deal about birthdays. For a few years, we’d have a family party for them and then when the kids got a bit older, we’d have a friends party and a separate family party. Some years I baked the kids’ cake(s), and then we moved to cookie cakes or Bundt cakes.

Some traditions included the “birthday” banner until they were 10. This was probably my first Pinterest craft, and I just kept it and changed out the number year to year.

Also until they were 10, I bought them birthday t-shirts. I think I’m practical enough to know when it’s time to let a tradition go…haha….but the t-shirt years were cute!

I still always hang streamers from their door, so they wake up to some fun! We’ve certainly eased back on some of the celebrating just as they’ve gotten older and busier, but I still think they feel very loved and celebrated.

As for mine and Trav’s birthdays, we feel the love too! There’s always cake, a gift or two, and we go out to dinner.

2. Someone is sending you a dozen roses…what color are you hoping for? Are you someone who gets accused of seeing the world through rose colored glasses? Is your accuser correct?

Listen, I’m not picky if someone wants to send me flowers…haha! I don’t know that I’ve ever received roses, but they have been in some bouquets. I definitely don’t see the world through rose colored glasses. I’m not jaded, but I’m definitely realistic/practical as to how I view the world.

3. June 4th is National Cheese Day…will you celebrate? What’s something (besides a burger) you make in the summer months that calls for cheese?

Ohh…just last weekend, I made one of my favorite pasta salads. I took it to my brother’s house for dinner last week. My ten year old nephew wasn’t going to put any on his plate…but he did…and then went back for seconds! So, there you go –that’s all you need to know. 🙂

The link to the pasta salad (via Pinterest) doesn’t seem to work anymore, but it’s just…

Pasta
Cherry tomatoes
Cucumbers
Salad Supreme
Italian dressing
Mozzarella (So, there’s the cheese part to answer this question!)

4. ‘Tis the season…any weddings on your June calendar? What’s the first word that comes to mind when I say marriage?

This is a season of weddings for us. We have a niece getting married this weekend and a nephew getting married in July.

Travis and I will celebrated 20 years this month too!

The first word that comes to mind when I hear “marriage” is “partnership.” I really couldn’t do this life without T-rav!

5. What are you most looking forward to this June?

Summer! Pool time, family time, friend time, a wedding, and more.

6. Insert your random thought here.

For whatever reason, nothing random is coming to mind! That’s a first.

I hope you are having a wonderful summer day!

Clothes, Home Decor

Target Tuesday

Posted on June 3, 2025June 2, 2025 by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Tuesday!

Target is the real MVP of all the things, and lately, with some purchases, I’ve thought to myself “oh, I should share this!”…so I’m doing that today with a Target Tuesday round up.

Hadley has actually driven me to Target twice since getting her permit…I guess I’m already teaching her my ways! haha

Here are some recent finds that I’m loving:

So, I shared the bathroom update with these pretty white towels that I picked up at TJ Maxx…

…but I knew when I bought them that white probably wouldn’t be practical for everyday towels because, well, my kids still don’t seem to understand not to wipe their toothpaste mouths off with the HAND towel?!

Anyway, Memorial Day weekend, I was absolutely influenced by Landyn when she shared her cheetah pattern bath towels, and I saw that the Threshold brand also had the cheetah hand towel, and I purchased two.

I’m still keeping the white hand towels in the rotation, but I’m loving this neutral with the wallpaper.

…and I did what any rational person would do and I purchased two bath towels as well. We’ve had the same bath towels for quite some time, so I got rid of two and replaced them with these. They are just perfect.

When I purchased the towels, they were on sale, but they are absolutely reasonably priced and great quality.

I’ve already shared this tray, but it’s still one of my favorite parts of our updated bathroom. Online, it comes in three colors, and my receipt says I purchased the white one.

…but it most certainly looks cream to me. I love it…but I don’t think I would call it white.

On the same Target trip, I also picked up this little tray not knowing which tray would work best. I had every intention of returning it, but then I thought it looked so cute on the night stand next to our guest bed. Our guest bed situation is one that “bothers” me in that we don’t have a guest bedroom…just a bed in the basement.

So, I took this opportunity to keep it and put it on the bedside table.

On a second Target trip, I added this room spray and…

….this sweet little scallop trinket dish to the tray. I figured it would be good for jewelry or keys.

Y’all, I have this cute little corner in the kitchen where I usually keep a plant. The problem is that we don’t get a lot of sunlight in that spot, so time and time again, a plant doesn’t survive.

So, I decided to add that to my Target list, and of course Target has everything so, look what I found…this cute little fiddle leaf plant. I think this is just what we need in this spot. But, y’all, twice I’ve almost gone over to water it! I’m used to trying to keep a plant alive over in that little corner! haha

A few months ago, Travis got rid of my plastic cutting boards…he has his reasons, but I was so annoyed. I asked him if he was trying to cut our marriage short! I was truly so mad. Anyway, I saw this cutting board and bought it to replace one of the two that he got rid of on his purging spree.

This doormat continues to be a favorite…

…and was just what we needed to spruce up our front porch.

These wide leg sailor jeans come in so many cute colors. I have them in beige and blue. They are high rise, so I sized up one. When I bought them, they were on sale, but full price for $28 is worth every penny.

I’ve already worn both pairs a few times, and love them.

I wore the blue pair to a graduation party (with this sweater) on Sunday and the senior graduate complimented me on my outfit…enough said!

Ok, I’m not a fan of wearing shorts…I’m a leggings girl all the way. That being said, `Regan (@thebloomingnest) shared these flutter athletic shorts, and I decided to give them a try. I always size up in athletic shorts (just my preference!), and that’s what I did with these. I now have them in navy and black, and I really like them. Again, I got them on sale, but they come in quite a few colors with a $20 price tag. The “All in Motion” brand has been a good one for me.

I was in need of a couple new sports bras and have similar ones from All in Motion in the past. These are comfy and supportive!

Like I mentioned before, Hadley was with me on a couple of these Target trips. She usually has a list, but really all she needed was some more dry shampoo. We always get the Batiste brand, but I hadn’t seen the “brunette” dry shampoo. I guess it doesn’t spray white when you apply it to your hair. What will they think of next?

Have you done Target returns from your car?! This new feature is life changing as well!

So, those are some of my Target finds and faves! What would we do without Target?…especially Target pickup and exchanges! What a time to be alive!

Books and Shows

Summer Reading 2025

Posted on June 2, 2025June 1, 2025 by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Monday! Mondays just hit different in the summer!

How was your weekend? Ours was great…Friday night, we celebrated my niece’s birthday; Saturday was mostly spent at the state track meet, and yesterday, I was a lazy bum until the afternoon! Then, we attended a grad party and went to my brother’s house for dinner. It was a really great weekend, but I truly feel like I’m hanging on by a thread. The end of the school year was no joke and that coupled with the busyness of Friday and Saturday have me needing a moment to do nothing.

Did you catch my post yesterday? I recapped May in a “Monthly Moments” post. It was such a great month!

Now, it’s time to turn the page to June which means it’s time for summer reading!

Love this thought:

This is one of my favorite posts to put together every year.

Here’s a look back on my lists the past few years:

This was my summer reading list in 2021:

2022:

2023:

2024:

When I make these lists, I try to be reasonable with what I actually think I can read. It seems like eight to nine summer books is attainable. I choose books that are available at the library, but then there are typically books that I know I’ll be on the wait-list for a bit. And, usually, I will purchase one book that’s new and on my list. Anyway, here’s my summer reading list for…

2025:

Is it even summer reading without a book written by Carley Fortune, Nancy Thayer or Kristy Woodson Harvey? I added The Comeback Summer to my list again this summer since I didn’t get to it last summer.

The good news is that I’ve already started listening to All the Summers in Between, and I have One Golden Summer added to my Kindle. I’ve started reading/listening to both, and I have zero regrets putting them on my summer TBR list!

What’s one of the books on your summer reading list?

Everyday Life

Monthly Moments: May 2025

Posted on June 1, 2025June 29, 2025 by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Sunday!

Also, happy June 1st! May is over, so I’m taking a look back on Maycember. May is filled with lots of fun, but like December, this month likes to try and take me out! haha

May memories:

The Major visited and was able to catch a couple of track meets and my nephew’s baseball game. We were also able to celebrate Major’s birthday a bit early.

Hadley and I traveled to Gatlinburg for her final tournament of club season. The girls had lots of fun, and it was nice having a bit of downtime when they weren’t playing.

We got home from Gatlinburg late afternoon on Mother’s Day, and my front porch looked pretty with flowers and new planters along with the traditional hanging fern baskets. The kids also got me flowers and a card which I appreciated!

Yay! We finished updating the bathroom…and I’m still so in love:

Track season continued with a couple of meets including the regional meet.

Last week, we wrapped up the school year…freshman year for the kids and year 23 for me! Since we didn’t get a Mother’s Day photo, I hopped in the last day of school photo with them.

We celebrated my niece’s birthday on Friday which was a great way to wrap up the week and kick start summer.

Yesterday, Hadley ran in the state meet…earning two medals, one in the 4 x 200 relay and one in the 400m dash. It was a beautiful day for the meet…

…and then she did a quick change and went to the Railbird music festival to catch some of her favorite country artists!

I’d say the biggest highlight of all for both of them this month is — that they both got their driver’s permit!

I’m still trying to get used to this milestone!

May was a really great and memorable month. Now, we’re ready for June and hope to find our summer groove soon!

I’ll be back tomorrow to share the books I hope to read this summer!

Friday Favorites, Kids, School

Friday Favorites {#260}: The Last Day of School

Posted on May 30, 2025May 29, 2025 by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Friday!

TGIF! Today is officially my first day of summer, and I’m ready for it.

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

Well, I’m keeping it short and sweet this week!

We haven’t had a ton going on besides wrapping up the school year, so today I’m sharing the last day of school pics.

It was raining on Wednesday morning, so the traditional last day of school pics were taken on the front porch. Wednesday afternoon and evening turned out to be lovely, but Hadley had track practice and Hayden went and played golf with a friend. I’m glad I snagged the pics when I could that morning.

Ready to wrap up the school year:

I hopped in a pic since we never got a Mother’s Day pic a couple of weeks ago. Then, I had to rush off to school and they went in the house to have breakfast.

We all had a really good school year. The kids did a great job navigating a new school, keeping up with their classwork, earning good grades and juggling their schedules with academics and athletics. I think they learned a lot this year, both in the classroom and in regards to how high school works, in general! It’s tough being a freshman…and they made it! haha

I had a really good year overall. Of course, I had a couple of classes this year which I hadn’t had in a while, and I had to get used to having some of my kids’ friends in my classes. The class of 2028 will always hold a special place in my heart for quite a few reasons!

I’m thankful for a great freshman year for my kids and the same can be said for year 23 for me!

Besides the last day of school, I have a driving update….riding in the car with them has been a bit easier lately. Obviously, they’re still getting the hang of driving, but each drive has gotten better. Hadley drove us to Starbucks on Sunday, and that was quite the treat! Hayden drove me to get ice cream the other day, and did just fine on quite a busy road.

I’m glad we have some down time in the summer to keep working on their driving skills.

Favorite Mom Meme:

Isn’t this one so true? haha

Weekly Recap:

I had a few posts this week in case you missed one:

Monthly Memes

May Books

Monthly Musings

Tomorrow or Sunday, I’ll share my Monthly Moments post to recap May. It’s hard to believe that we’re about to turn the calendar page to June!

Have a great weekend,

Monthly Musings

Posted on May 29, 2025May 28, 2025 by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Thursday!

Do you hear that sound? Well, it’s still my alarm clock going off…but I woke up at 6:30 instead of 5:50 today! Today is a teacher work day, so I have a little bit of extra time in the morning. Tomorrow, there will be the sound of silence with no alarm going off!

It’s finally the last Thursday of the month, so I’m linking up with Holly and Patty for this month’s Monthly Musings.

This month’s topic is…kicking off summer!

1. What are you looking forward to most this summer?

I’m really hoping we have some time to just relax. To be honest, most summers don’t provide as much rest as I ever need and want…but I know that even if we do still have things going on, I shouldn’t really have to set an alarm! That’s a step in the right direction.

Travis and I have our 20 year wedding anniversary in June! Time flies! I’m not sure if we have any big plans, but I’m sure we’ll do something to celebrate the milestone.

Our niece is getting married in June and our nephew is getting married in July. So, we have some weddings to go to this summer.

2. Any favorite summer traditions?

Pool time is always a fun summer tradition along with celebrating the 4th of July.

3. Any summer travel plans? Please dish!

At the moment, we really don’t have travel plans. That being said, we might get something organized at some point.

We’ll probably go to KC for a few days. This summer is different in that two weekends are scheduled with weddings and one weekend, the kids will be recovering from having their wisdom teeth removed!

Both kids have camp, but of course those weeks aren’t the same. Fall sports start in mid-July…

…and there goes summer!

4. How do you red, white and blue?

The 4th of July has always been a favorite holiday. The past couple of years, Hadley has been at camp. I’m happy for her, but I miss the holiday traditions. We typically have a low key 4th of July. Hayden has run the Lexington 10k the past two years, and I do try to make my red, white and blue waffles. Sometimes we go to the pool, and we typically grill out before watching the fireworks.

I miss the days of the kids decked out in red, white and blue.

5. Beach, lake or pool?

I like all three. Of course, we go to the pool the most. Occasionally, we’ll go to the lake with friends and often we have a beach vacation in the summer. Looks like this summer we’ll make the most of pool time!

6. Favorite summer sweet treat?

Ice cream is always a favorite summer treat. Mint chocolate chip is my favorite flavor. To me, nothing says summer like strawberry short cake!

7. Favorite sunscreens and self tanners?

For quite some time, Neutrogena has been my “go to” sunscreen. I like the stick for easy application on our faces, and the spray, always 50 SPF or higher, is what we use for our bodies.

I’ve been using the Jergens “Instant Sun” for quite a few years as well. I use a mitt to apply it, and overall, it’s very easy to use. It’s nice to add some color to my arms and legs before I get a full tan in the summer.

8. Best flip flops or sandals?

My favorite pool/beach sandals are from Nordstrom. I have had two pairs of these Havianas for many years, and just got a new pair last summer.

I’ve shared time and time again, that I love my rose gold Amazon sandals. (I size up one full size!) I had my last pair for four years, and just purchased the same pair a couple of weeks ago.

These thin strapped “Shade and Shore” sandals from Target are my favorite to wear for a little bit nicer look with dresses and shorts.

9. How are you staying fit this summer?

Fit? What’s that? haha!

I’ve been taking advantage of the cooler temps and going for walks to get some steps in before the heat of the summer arrives.

The Bodi workouts are still very convenient for me to do in my basement…especially when I’m not super motivated. If that’s the case, I usually tell myself that I can muster the motivation to put shoes on and head to the basement for 20-30 minutes.

I also enjoy going to the gym to use the elliptical when I have the chance. I went on Monday, and that’s a nice part of my fitness routine that I’ve missed.

I also plan on taking a Reformed Pilates class one to two days a week which will be a nice change of pace.

I’m excited to have the time to choose what I want to do depending on the day over the summer months.

10. Favorite summer themed movies?

I’m not sure why, but I immediately thought of Grease. My favorite movie is the Hayley Mills version of Parent Trap. I love movies like The Sandlot and The Goonies in the summer as well.

This post has me excited for summer! Thanks for hosting, ladies!