Author: jgalvinwhite

Posted in Everyday Life

Thursday Thoughts

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello! Happy Friday Eve. I hope you’ve been having a great week.

Earlier this week I was updating my “to do” list, and realized how handy the “Notes” app is on my phone.

Then, I got to looking, and I have around 60 different notes on my phone. I’m not sure how they all got organized, but some are in iCloud, some Gmail, and some Exchange.

Here are some of my notes:

  • Gift ideas: I started doing this a few years ago because once October rolled around family started asking for gift ideas for the kids (who have November birthday and then of course Christmas) I also add in ideas for gifts I may buy the kids, Travis, and family members as well.
  • Quotes: I love a good quote!
  • Blog ideas: I still plan my blog posts on a paper calendar, but will keep a running list of ideas that pop up and then just use my calendar to plan.
  • Trip ideas: This list isn’t super long, but I will occasionally think of a place I want to tell Travis about or just to keep a list of possible vacations.
  • Ulta: (Remember: I’m not a beauty blogger! haha) When someone shares a product I may want to try in the future, I add it to my list. Also, I have some products I use pretty regularly, and I keep those on that list as well.
  • House projects: At the first of the year, we usually plan house projects (like this year, we wanted to buy new interior shutters and shades), and I keep an ongoing list on my phone.
  • Workouts: I usually do beach body workouts, but I even jot down those for ideas on switching things up.
  • School notes: Lesson plan ideas pop into my head at the most random times, and I will keep ideas on this list.
  • Books: I’ve been using the Goodreads app for over a year, but I still keep a list of a few books on my phone. I also have a note with the books I’ve read since 2018.
  • Recipes: I have a few quick recipe ideas that I keep on this note. Rather than Pinterest or a cookbook, I keep a few “go to’s” on this list.
  • TV Shows/Movies: If I see a show that interests me, I will add it to this list. Also, sometimes I prioritize what I want to watch on this list. We don’t watch tons of movies, but I will make note of ones I’d like to watch as a family. Of course, I add movies to my Netflix, Hulu, Amazon apps, but I still like a list.
  • Podcasts: I will keep a running list of what I’d like to listen to even though I’m not the best at keeping up with podcasts.
  • Organization: Usually in October, I make a list of things I need to clean out or organize like the kitchen cabinets, my bedside table, the hall closet, and more. I delete them as I finish up that organization.
  • Kids’ running and swim times: It never fails that we’ll be at a meet and one of the kids (or Trav) will ask a previous time. They know I’ve got them covered.
  • Kids’ measurements: When the kids were about five, I made a note and jotted down height and weight at their yearly checkups. It’s always fun to see how much they’ve grown. Also, those measurements come in handy sometimes when I’m ordering clothes for them.
  • Professional development: We have to complete 24 hours of PD every year. I do most of mine in the summer, and we have a teacher who keeps track of what we turn in. That being said, I keep a list of my hours until I know I’ve been given credit for them.
  • Goals: I will often update monthly goals on my list. Some goals stay the same like “workout four days a week and drink water,” but some are more specific if I have a goal for the month like “cut back on sweets” or “track what I’m eating.”
  • OPI faves: I like to keep a list of nail polishes on hand for when I go get a manicure or pedicure. Nothing stresses me out more than when they hand me the big ring of nails for me to choose a color. I’d rather just know what I want!
  • Trader Joe’s: I will keep a list of my favorites or “go to” TJ items, but I will also add new items that I see that I’d like to try.

My most frequently used note:

  • This Week List: I have a weekly list that I edit day to day and week to week. On this one list, I include practices, workouts, errands, and things I need to do. I’d be lost without this list.

I also email myself a lot when I think of things that I need to remember to do.

Am I normal? 🤣

Do you use the “Notes” app on your phone? What lists do you keep?

See you back here tomorrow for Friday Favorites.

Posted in Everyday Life

24 hours of Errands

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello! I hope your week is off to a great start.

If you read my post yesterday, then you know I felt like I needed some time to get caught up in life!

There are always errands that need to be run. Things were starting to pile up, and I realized I needed to prioritize getting these errands crossed off my list. Sometimes when errands pile up, I even write down on a sticky note the order of errands from closest to home to furthest. Is that what you do? Or the reverse?

Buckle up for this riveting content 😉

Here are all the errands that I ran on Friday and Saturday.

Errands on Repeat:

I needed to go to the UPS store because I had some Amazon returns. The blessing of Amazon is how convenient it is it return unwanted items. I pass no less than five UPS stores on any given day. That being said, if I have a few orders, I usually just wait and go and return a few things at once.

The car wash was another stop for me. I love a clean car. I will say, I think I do a good job keeping the car tidy, but I should probably do better actually getting the car washed. After a road trip or winter weather is always a guarantee for me that I will get the car washed. That being said, I was long overdue for my car to be washed.

I purchased a home decor item that I ended up not loving. I wanted to get it back to TJ Maxx before I lost the receipt! haha

I had a few prescriptions to pick up, so I made a stop at Kroger pharmacy. We have some monthly prescriptions, and sometimes I just use the drive thru, but…

I knew we needed a few odds and ends at home before I made my weekly Clicklist order.

Curbside pick up is about the only good thing to come out of the pandemic. Target pickup comes in so handy! I have no shame in ordering even just one thing for pick up!

About every three months, I end up at Ulta for my fave shampoo and conditioner. Man, I hate paying for this stuff, but I do notice a difference in my hair when I use the “good stuff!”

Saving the best for last, Trader Joe’s! I’ve shared many times that I used to go to TJ’s every few weeks, then every other week, and now I go about once a week for produce items and Chomps for Hayden. (Other times, I buy other faves, but my weekly trip is usually just for the produce.)

Other occasional errands that are often on my list include Walgreens, the library, and the pet store for Homer.

I guess errands have changed a bit through the years…I sure do feel like I run around more now than ever before. I do try to run errands during the week when I can. Even just one stop after school a few days a week helps me not have to run around everywhere on the weekend.

Also, sometimes we divide and conquer. For example, Travis is good about getting Homer’s dog food or picking up a few things from Kroger that I may need.

What are some of your weekly errands? Let me know any time saving tips!

Posted in Everyday Life, Me

Hello Monday

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello (Monday!) How was your weekend? Ours was great. Saturday’s weather was gorgeous; Sunday was super soggy! Thankfully, no early alarms were set on Saturday. Travis was in California for work, so I was flying solo all afternoon getting the kids where they needed to be. In the afternoon, Hadley had three hours of dance, Hayden had two hours of baseball followed by a basketball game. Yesterday, Hadley and I spent most of the day at her second dance competition of the season at EKU.

Today, I’m linking up with Holly and Sarah for Hello Monday.

Usually, for Hello Monday we recap the weekend, but I’m just sharing all about my Friday. I feel like we went non-stop for the month of February, and I got behind in all areas of my life. With Travis out of town and already feeling behind, I decided to use a personal day to get my life together before a busy single-parent weekend.

Listen, I know how to really live it up. I slept in on Friday…waking up at 6:30 instead of 6:05!

I still had my quiet time and coffee. (Day at home or not, I need the time to ease into the day before the kids get up)

After the kids got ready, I was able to drop them off at school. I know this may sound silly, but any time I have off and they have school, I love taking them to school. I feel like it’s one of those working mom things, and just a simple thing I like to do when I can.

(It’s also why I love the middle school vs. high school schedule. I’m able to pick them up from school, and I rarely was able to do that during the elementary years.)

Then, I headed back home to tidy up, clean up breakfast, and make the bed. Then, I headed to a doctor’s appointment before running some errands.

I had a few Amazon returns,

…and decided to get a manicure. I usually do Funny Bunny, but chose Mod About You this time.

Then, I went to Save-a-Lot for a school errand followed by a quick trip to Kroger.

I decided to get one of my favorite lunches…

…the Harvest Kale Salad.

I brought it home and watched an episode of RH NJ.

Then, I went for about a thirty minute walk,

and read for a bit before picking up the kids.

Also, I was able to cross some things off my list around the house like tidying up my closet, doing some laundry, and getting organized for the weekend.

Was this the most exciting day ever? No. Well, for me…maybe yes 🤣 but it was much needed to get some things accomplished heading into the weekend. I often use the allotted personal days we get for field trips with the kids, Keeneland or Oaks, Field Day, etc. That being said, now that the kids are in middle school, sadly, I don’t need to save those days for school related events. {😭}.

I’ve also learned how much better I feel (which means I’m a better mom and wife) when I take the time to take a step back when I’m feeling overwhelmed or stressed .

We only have 50 days left in the school year. That is so hard to believe!

Well, Travis is back home, and just in time! Yet another action packed week is about to begin!

I hope you had a great weekend,

Posted in Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites {#103}

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and Happy Friday! We’ve had a pretty good week around here, and the best part is that it’s been feeling like spring.

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

I’m breaking the week down and sharing some favorites from each day:

Saturday:

For the first time in forever, we didn’t have to set an alarm on Saturday morning!

Another fave was trying out The Press. I enjoyed my smoothie, and Hadley loved her acai bowl.

Sunday:

The best part about Sunday was watching American Idol. It’s definitely a family fave.

Heavy.com

Monday:

Speaking of family faves, I think Shay’s recipe for Frito Pie was delish. It was the perfect Monday meal after a long day. The whole fam enjoyed it.

Tuesday:

Hayden had a mid-day doctor’s appointment which meant that he missed lunch. We hit up Freddy’s before heading back to school. A weekday lunch with Boo is always a fave.

Wednesday:

Wednesday morning was Hadley’s turn for an appointment. We had a few minutes to spare before her school started, so we stopped at Chick-fil-A. A weekday breakfast out with Sis is, of course, a fave.

Also, the weather was beautiful, and Trav grilled steaks for dinner. We were all excited about that.

Thursday:

Thursday was another day of beautiful weather, and it was so nice to come home and see the sun shining through our new shutters.

When we moved in over seven years ago, we got shutters on our family room and office windows and white faux wood blinds on the bedroom windows. Through the years, the kids pulled the strings off their blinds and a few slats were bent, etc. So, we ordered shutters for the five bedroom windows back in late November. They were installed Wednesday night, so I loved seeing the daylight on Thursday afternoon.

Favorite Clothing Item:

I’m still wearing my Walmart pjs on repeat. (top, bottoms)

…and Hayden’s loving his new kicks. He’s been a big Oregon fan for years (big track school!), and Travis ordered him these shoes. He was in need of a new pair before track season begins next week. (He’ll train in his old shoes and these are now his school shoes)

Favorite Kid Quote:

Hayden was on a roll this week. After his doctor’s appointment, we stopped at home to pick up his basketball bag. He saw our neighbor who was working in his yard. Hayden said, “Imagine all the things I could do if I was retired. Instead, I have to go to school.”

Then, we were driving by the kids’ elementary school, and I commented on the car line. He said the elementary years were the “OG years.” haha

Favorite Mom Meme:

With the exception of last weekend, this meme is very true.

Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday

I always love this 2014 memory. We’d gone to a UK women’s basketball game. The kids stood in front of the Wildcats sign, and I told Hadley to take a few steps to her right! She was definitely the “WILD”one back then!

Weekly Recap:

This week, I shared about the weekend, my February Amazon finds, and the two books I read this month.

Weekend Wrap Up
Prime Purchases
February Books

What are your weekend plans? This weekend includes all the things: basketball, baseball, and dance! (Thankfully, none of them start before noon!)

See you back here on Monday! I hope you have a great weekend.

Posted in Books and Shows

February 2022: What I’ve Been Reading

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Happy Friday Eve! My book posts are always some of my favorite to share, and this is currently me:

I wish I had more time to read. My “to be read” list is ever growing, and I’m over here just trying to keep up.

I only read two books this month, and I blame that on all my Olympic watching! That being said, both books were pretty lengthy, but they both were also so good.

This month I read…

{As always, book summaries are from Goodreads…}

Our Woman in Moscow:

Our Woman in Moscow

Summary:

In the autumn of 1948, Iris Digby vanishes from her London home with her American diplomat husband and their two children. The world is shocked by the family’s sensational disappearance. Were they eliminated by the Soviet intelligence service? Or have the Digbys defected to Moscow with a trove of the West’s most vital secrets?

Four years later, Ruth Macallister receives a postcard from the twin sister she hasn’t seen since their catastrophic parting in Rome in the summer of 1940, as war engulfed the continent and Iris fell desperately in love with an enigmatic United States Embassy official named Sasha Digby. Within days, Ruth is on her way to Moscow, posing as the wife of counterintelligence agent Sumner Fox in a precarious plot to extract the Digbys from behind the Iron Curtain.

But the complex truth behind Iris’s marriage defies Ruth’s understanding, and as the sisters race toward safety, a dogged Soviet KGB officer forces them to make a heartbreaking choice between two irreconcilable loyalties.

Quick Thoughts:

I’m not sure if I’ve read any other books by Beatriz Williams, but this one was amazing. The sisters are twins, and they are very different, both in appearance and in actions. I enjoyed that the chapters were told from each sister’s point of view. The historical references, actions, and love interests made this book an overall good read. I was on the edge of my seat with how I was hoping it would end, and it didn’t disappoint!

Rating:

Becoming Mrs. Lewis:

Becoming Mrs. Lewis

Summary:

From New York Times bestselling author Patti Callahan comes an exquisite novel of Joy Davidman, the woman C. S. Lewis called “my whole world.” When poet and writer Joy Davidman began writing letters to C. S. Lewis—known as Jack—she was looking for spiritual answers, not love. Love, after all, wasn’t holding together her crumbling marriage. Everything about New Yorker Joy seemed ill-matched for an Oxford don and the beloved writer of Narnia, yet their minds bonded over their letters. Embarking on the adventure of her life, Joy traveled from America to England and back again, facing heartbreak and poverty, discovering friendship and faith, and against all odds, finding a love that even the threat of death couldn’t destroy.

In this masterful exploration of one of the greatest love stories of modern times, we meet a brilliant writer, a fiercely independent mother, and a passionate woman who changed the life of this respected author and inspired books that still enchant us and change us. Joy lived at a time when women weren’t meant to have a voice—and yet her love for Jack gave them both voices they didn’t know they had.

At once a fascinating historical novel and a glimpse into a writer’s life, Becoming Mrs. Lewis is above all a love story—a love of literature and ideas and a love between a husband and wife that, in the end, was not impossible at all.

Quick Thoughts:

My Gma suggested this book to me over a year ago, and she said how wonderful it was. She wasn’t wrong! I wish I hadn’t waited so long to read it. (Long story…but I’ve had it checked out from the library for quite some time.) I honestly didn’t know much about C.S. Lewis besides some of his more notable works like The Chronicles of Narnia. I most certainly didn’t know anything about Joy Davidman.

I love how each chapter starts with a quote from Joy’s sonnets. I truly couldn’t put this book down. C. S. and Joy correspond through letters for years before meeting. (How romantic is that?) While together, she inspired some of his best works. They connected as writers, then they became friends, and finally their relationship turned to a deep love. Since Joy was divorced, they spent years as only friends because of how their relationship would be viewed in the church. Joy was such a strong woman who left her alcoholic husband, started a new life for herself and her boys in a new country, while also trying to prove herself as a writer.

Did I shed a tear or two at the end? I sure did. I knew their fate, and I still didn’t want to turn the page to see the finality of their lives and their love story.

Favorite Quotes:

You know I love a good quote, and here a some of my faves from this book:

  • “See?” I lifted my glass. “We’re connected everywhere. Even before we met, we were all of us tied together with these funny little threads. I love those small hints that God brings people together and says, “Here you go. This one’s for you.”
  • “Happiness was the greatest gift of expectancy.”
  • “As it’s always been—we use stories to make sense of the world.”

Rating:

I’ve shared before that I don’t think I’m much of a Historical Fiction reader…but maybe I am? Both of these books could land in my Top 5 of the year, but I’m almost 100% certain Becoming Mrs. Lewis will make the cut!

Even though I only read two books this month, they were definitely proof of “quality over quantity!”

See you back here tomorrow for Friday Favorites.

{this post contains Amazon affiliate links…}

Posted in Amazon

Prime Purchases: March 2022

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello! Happy March 1st! Where did February go?! I’ve been really pleased with my Amazon purchases this month, so I’m linking up with Tanya to share them today.

Here are my purchases this month:

Hayden has had the same bed skirt for years…and it’s been ripped for years. Earlier this month, I just figured I’d see what Amazon had to offer, and of course they had a navy blue bed skirt!

Since both of my kids are in braces, they really needed good toothbrushes to make sure they are doing a good job brushing their teeth. After their last cleaning appointment, I purchased this electric toothbrush in black for Hayden and pink for Hadley.

Once theirs arrived, I decided to replace my electric toothbrush with one of these as well. So, three electric toothbrushes were ordered in less than a week. There are five cleaning modes, and it came with a pack of brushes. The charge lasts for 60 hours!

How cute is this stool? Once I put away all the holiday decor, I wanted something for height that could hold a plant in the living room. This stool is perfect.

Hayden has been having some neck tension, so Travis ordered this heat wrap for him. Well, really it’s ended up being for everyone! We take turns popping it in the microwave. It stays so warm for quite a while, and it’s the perfect way to relax those neck and back muscles.

Tell me you’re a dance mom without telling me you’re a dance mom! Hadley needs a red lip for competition, and this is the brand/color her studio uses.

Homer loves to hop up on the couch, and his other blanket had a hole in it. Much like when I ordered the bed skirt, one day I just got tired of the small, ratty blanket with a hole in it, and upgraded Homer’s bedding to this blanket.

Homer approves…

**I should say, “Homer approved.” Not sure why, but after a few days of lounging on the blanket, Homer refuses to get on the couch if the blanket is out. Now, he rests on his dog bed…on the floor…where he should be. While I give this dog blanket a ringing endorsement, I’m not sure how Homer would rate it?! That being said, he’s now on his dog bed more than ever…which is a win!

*follow me for more dog training tips* 🤣

I’d had the same magnetic clips on the side of the fridge for all of the elementary years. While middle school does mean less papers, I still needed some clips after one of the originals broke. I only need a couple, so I’ve used the others as chip clips!

Travis bought this cube power strip in order to get our TV cords under control on the living room built in shelves. He didn’t realize that it would be a bit bigger than the hole we have cut out for the wires, but he figured it out and made it work. It is a better option than the black power strip we had previously.

In the history of my Amazon posts, his may be my most random share. A couple of months ago, my dad found these fruit cakes on Amazon, and asked me to order them for him. Well, he loved them enough that he asked me to order them again! I’m not sure if you are in need of a fruit cake, but the Major gives this brand two thumbs up!

What have you “Primed” lately? I’m sure next month’s purchases will include some Easter basket ideas! Now that it’s March, I’m ready for warmer days and regular doses of sunshine.

On Thursday, I’m sharing the books I read in February. See you back here then.

{this post contains Amazon affiliate links…}

Posted in Clothes, Weekend Top 5

Hello Monday

Posted on 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!

Posted in Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites {#102}

Posted on 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.

C/o Netflix

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…}

Posted in Trader Joes

Twenty Minutes in Trader Joe’s

Posted on 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!

Posted in Three things

Three Things

Posted on 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!}

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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!
  1. 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)
  2. 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.
  3. 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,