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Posted in Travel

Gaylord Opryland Nashville Recap

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello! How is your week going? I’m not going to lie…re-entry back into reality after a week of Spring Break has been a major adjustment. On top of school and work, Hayden has had two back to back late baseball games! Only a couple more days until the weekend!

Today, I’m sharing about our Gaylord Opryland Resort trip. We’ve had this place on our “to visit” list for a couple of years. As I mentioned in last Friday’s post, we typically plan a Spring Break trip for a few days of break rather than going somewhere for an entire week. Spring Break has been the perfect time to visiting some place new for a few days. This year, we headed to Nashville to stay at the Gaylord, have fun at Sound Waves, and experience some of what Nashville has to offer.

Travis and I have friends in Nashville, so we’ve been there quite a few times, but this is the first time the kids had ever been there. We left Tuesday morning after breakfast, and arrived around noon at the Gaylord. We were able to secure an early check in, and this was our view when we exited the elevator:

I checked out our balcony view while the kids got ready for the water park.

Funny enough, in our 48 hours at the Gaylord we ran into three different families we know…but rarely get to see! One of the families we knew would be there, and my kids had fun playing with their kids!

We spent most of Tuesday afternoon at the Sound Waves water park. The kids swam, I enjoyed the lazy river(s), and Hayden tried the FlowRider body surfing. He had lots of fun giving that a try. While the dads kept an eye on the kids, my friend and I hit up the water slides. Eventually, Hadley and our friends’ daughter joined us for the four person water slide. We had lots of fun.

We went back to the room around 5:30, cleaned up, walked around some of the property.

Nothing says Opryland like guitars hanging from the ceiling.

We stayed in the Cascades Atrium, and the waterfalls were amazing.

The main restaurants (sushi, Mexican food, steak, etc) on the property rotated being open for dinner while the market and smaller “grab and go” places like Cinnabon and Starbucks were open daily. Tuesday night, we decided to see what was nearby and stumbled upon Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen. There was a bit of a wait, so we had a later dinner than usual. It was “family style,” so we shared the fried chicken, chicken and dumplings, green beans, mac and cheese (and more!) between the four of us. The desserts were amazing, and I even picked up a couple of boxes of the gooey cake on the way out. The restaurant was super cute, and I had to show great restraint at the gift shop!

Once we got back, we walked around the resort a bit. The waterfalls and the seating areas were so pretty at night. We headed to bed around 10:00. (Hayden stayed up a bit later than the rest of us watching the basketball game.)

Day 2

The kids slept in until about 9:00 on Wednesday morning. I enjoyed my coffee and quiet time on our balcony while they snoozed.

Then, we walked to pick up breakfast while checking out some of the Easter decorations.

After that, the kids and Travis changed for the pool. We got two day passes for the Sound Waves Water Park. While they swam, I went to Landyn’s store! This was a “must” for me this trip as I love following her on Instagram …

and her…cream and white color palette is just my style!

Her shop is in L&L Market and there were other cute shops restaurants there as well. At Landyn’s store, I purchased her “Morning Announcements” mug, a pair of fun gold earrings with my initials, and a cute white bunny (bottom of the photo above). I actually asked one of the girls working if it was for sale…and they weren’t sure. She looked it up, and it was only $5! Uh…sold! I will remember my trip to her store every Easter when I put out my decorations.

I also stopped by Marigold Popcorn which is in the space across from her store. She shares them on stories sometimes. I picked up some churro flavored popcorn as well as white chocolate drizzled popcorn.

It was only a 20 minute drive from our hotel, so I’m glad I made the trip!

I got back to the hotel around 2:00, and read my book until about 3:00 when the kids and Travis got back from the pool. We lounged around for a bit, and then got dressed for Wednesday night activities. Before heading out for the night, we walked around for a few minutes, and a sweet family offered to take our photo (and then I took theirs).

We got in the car and headed to downtown Nashville. I have such fond memories of trips to Nashville with Travis and friends to visit our friends who live here and also to see the football CATS play at Vandy a few times. We’d always end up at Tootsies or Legends. We walked around for a bit, but as we walked by Legends, there were some people (and families) in there listening to music, so we stopped in for a bit.

Listen, when you hear Dixieland Delight being played, it’s hard to resist hanging out in Legends for a few minutes.

The band was really good and so sweet. They asked Hayden and Hadley for requests, and they obliged with an Eric Church song (Hayden) and Maren Morris song (for Hadley). While out an about in Nashville, people were wearing masks, we we kept ours on until we sat down, and then we stayed seated until we left.

Hayden loves American Idol as much as I do, and was excited to spot the Lionel Richie album on the wall.

After Legends, we walked passed Ryman Auditorium on the way to…

Assembly Food Hall. I’m assuming this is new since the last time I was there, but it was a good quick option for us. It was basically an upscale food court with live music. Travis and Hayden got pizza while Hadley and I got chicken (chicken pita for me) followed by cookie dough for dessert.

Then, we headed to Top Golf Nashville. (We were going to go to Top Golf Cincinnati the first weekend of break, but a friend told us there was one in Nashville, so that made more sense to just go there rather than drive to CInci and back)

We had such a good time. We had our top level golf bay for an hour, but ended up adding an additional 30 minutes on because the kids were having so much fun.

While Hayden is definitely the golfer in the family and can drive the ball far, Hadley wins for most accurate!

I’m glad we went around dusk and stayed until dark. The atmosphere was so pretty.

Then, we headed back to the hotel and checked out the fountains and waterfalls at night.

We headed to the “Delta” area for ice cream for the kids and then a glass of wine by the waterfalls for me.

We were all fast asleep by 10:00.

Day 3

I had to wake the kids around 9:00 on Thursday morning, so we could enjoy our last few hours at the Gaylord.

We packed up, got a quick breakfast in the Delta area…

and then the kids tried the rock climbing wall. Hadley scaled the wall in a minute and 37 seconds. Hayden took a couple of tries, and then made it to the top.

We headed back to our room, checked out around 11, and then made a stop at the outlet mall. We hit up Nike and Vineyard Vines before heading home.

We had such a great time, and I’m sure we will go back there some day. I’d love to see it at Christmastime because I know the decorations and lights are amazing as well as their winter activities.

Of course, we planned this trip knowing there were Covid precautions in place. Everyone wore masks on the property, limited tickets were sold for the water park, only some restaurants on the property were open each day, among other precautions.

So that’s a little look at our trip. It was a great three days away, but we are always happy to get back home…and the kids are always excited to be reunited with Homer.

Thanks so much for reading!

Posted in Amazon

Prime Purchases: April 2021

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

I love Prime Purchases posts, and today I’m sharing my monthly Prime Purchases via Tanya’s fun link up.

This post is piggy backing on a previous post I recently shared. I shared Easter gift ideas for kids a few weeks ago, and many of those items were also Amazon purchases this month. Links to the items below are in that post.

Now that everything has arrived, I can attest to the fact that the clothes are great quality, and the kids were excited about the books, and loved the weighted (5 lb) blankets!

Other items I ordered this month:

This month’s purchases included a few items for me, a couple for the kids, and one purchase for our house!

Nothing says back to school like a new coffee mug and file folders…

I’d purchased this travel coffee mug for Travis as a Father’s Day present, and ordered one for myself for back to school. I need coffee now more than ever! (Some colors, like the aquamarine are now less than $12!)

Coffee Tumbler

Once I got back to school and needed to get organized, I realized I’d run out of file folders. I like to buy colorful ones for different tasks and to stay organized.

File Folders

After I shared Easter ideas, I realized I’d forgotten goggles for the kids’ Easter baskets. They received these a bit early because I knew they would need them for our Nashville trip. They’ll use them this summer at the pool too!

Swim Goggles

We also needed new headphones for the car. I’d purchased these at the beginning of the year for the kids for online school, and they’ve been awesome. Since they are now kept at school, I purchased the same rose gold and gray/black to keep in the car. The ones they had been using were a few years old…and we’ve misplaced the wireless set that came with the car. (and by “we,” I mean they misplaced them!)

Headphones

I shared these beads when I shared my Easter decor, but these wooden beads have been the perfect addition to the tray in the sun room.

Wooden Beads

I’ve already changed out my tray decorations since Easter, but I’ve kept the wooden beads.

I’m not sure the last time I wore a slip, but I purchased this beige one to wear under my Target dress.

Slip

The dress didn’t require a slip, but the slip made me feel more comfortable with the v-neck and thinner material.

So that’s what I Primed this month. I always tend to make a few more purchases leading up to a holiday because Amazon is so convenient! That being said, I will probably slow my Prime Purchases roll a bit for the month of April!

Next month’s link up is on May 4th!

What did you Prime this month? Thanks so much for reading!

{this post contained Amazon affiliate links…}

Posted in Holidays

Easter Weekend Recap

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and Happy Monday! How was your weekend?

I’m linking up with Tanya and others to recap our Easter weekend.

Easter looked a bit different this year, but more “normal” than last year.

On Saturday, the kids dyed Easter eggs. We did the “classic” egg dye, but Hadley tried a tie dye egg decorating kit. It was kind of a mess, and I didn’t have high hopes with the final product, but they turned out a pretty purple color! I love this tradition, and I hope that we can keep it up forever!

Finished products…

Trav’s aunt usually hosts Easter, but, like last year, the extended family didn’t get together. This year, we hosted some of Trav’s immediate family at our house yesterday.

During the day, I prepped for Easter lunch. I ran a couple of errands, set the table, and made dessert, and stuffed the Easter eggs for Sunday’s egg hunt.

I made Chocolate Graham Cracker Pudding which is a family fave.

For the tables, I tried to mostly use what I had around the house. TJ Maxx did save the day as I needed a couple more white plates. (and then still borrowed a couple more from a friend!)

Last year, I traced a bunny to add to napkin rings for our family of four place setting. This year, I decided to trace more bunnies, and I bought laminating paper at Target which was so easy to use. Hadley helped me hot glue the cotton balls on to the bunnies and put them on the napkin rings, and they turned out so cute.

While at Target, I picked up a plastic table cloth for the kids’ table and a few more cloth napkins for the main table. Trader Joe’s had the perfect flowers for the table centerpiece.

Kids’ table:

Adults’ table:

Now that the bunnies are laminated, I can really save them and use them in the future.

I like to try to use what I have, and sometimes I move things around. The wooden tray on the kitchen table is what usually sits on the living room coffee table. The white stand on the kids’ table is what is usually on the kitchen island. Anyway, I was pleased with how everything turned out especially because I was able to use mostly things I already had and I was working on a time crunch.

Saturday night, the kids put out their eggs for the Easter Bunny to hide them, per tradition.

Sunday morning, the kids enjoyed their Easter baskets, gifts from us, and found all the dyed eggs that the Easter Bunny hid.

We headed to our church for the first time in over a year. Easter service is so special, but especially this year being reunited with our congregation.

Also seen at church 😂

The kids obliged for a few more photos before family arrived at our house for lunch.

After lunch, we had the traditional egg hunt. The younger kids (my two and their two cousins) found all the eggs we hid. They were filled with candy and with money.

**Of course there’s a Homer story…He was pretty well-behaved considering all of the people who were in and out throughout the afternoon. After the egg hunt, apparently Homer was left unattended with the leftover turkey…so he ended up having quite the feast!

We enjoyed the beautiful weather and desserts before everyone left in late afternoon. Then, it was time to prep for school starting back!

Easter Sunday was a great way to wrap up our Spring Break.

This was me late Saturday night:

but, of course, woke up to this reminder on Sunday morning:

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and Easter. This week, I hope to share this month’s Amazon purchases as well as a recap of our stay in Nashville last week…but I will have to see where the week takes me!

Take care,

Posted in Family, Friday Favorites, Travel

Friday Faves {#62} and FBF: Spring Break

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and Happy Friday! Usually, Friday means a hectic week is wrapping up, but today, Friday, means Spring Break is almost over. Ugh!

Today, I’m sharing a twist on my normal Friday Favorites posts. I’m still linking up with Andrea and Erika, but this is a special Flashback Friday edition.

Spring Break is always a favorite, so I’m taking a look back on our previous Spring Break trips because those places and those memories will always be favorites for us.

I love Spring Break, and I honestly love being at home. March is always a hectic month, and I know that April-May will be busy with activities and end of school things, so it’s sometimes (always 😉 nice to just be home, relax, unwind, and regroup for the last couple of months of the school year.

Before the kids started school, we never took a Spring Break vacation. We usually had family visit during that time. Once the kids started school, we did make a point to start going somewhere for a few days. What I’ve come to love about Spring Break is we do something different each year. We usually plan to go to somewhere in the middle of break, so we have a few days at home on either side of the trip.

Upon reflection (this post!), I love that we’ve provided our kids with these various opportunities and created so many memories in different places!

Knoxville {2016}:

When the kids were in kindergarten, I was teaching in a neighboring district. We ended up having different Spring Breaks that year (which never happens…and hasn’t happened since as most districts in KY tend to have the same break the first week of April).

Anyway, on the first weekend of my break, we headed to Knoxville because Kentucky was playing Tennessee in baseball, and we knew the kids would enjoy that. We were gone Saturday-Monday, so the kids missed school that Monday. (Kindergarten and already skipping school! haha)

As soon as we arrived, we checked into our hotel and headed to the ball park to watch the game.

That evening, we went to dinner and the kids are all about a hotel pool!

That Sunday, they swam some more, and we hit up some local attractions like the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster and miniature golf. We went to dinner that night and headed home on Monday.

It was a fun little getaway.

Hilton Head {2017}:

In 2017, I was teaching in the same district as the kids, so we for sure had the same Spring Break 😉 We decided to head to Hilton Head. We love South Carolina. The weather was on the cooler side but perfect for playing in the sand (and the kids braved the ocean!) and swimming in the heated pool at the resort.

Can’t beat sunshine and the ocean.

We ate lots of great food, Hadley and Travis rented bikes one day, (After a fall the summer after kindergarten, Hayden refused to ride a bike for a couple of years. I wish I was kidding!), the kids collected seashells, played in the ocean and the pool, and we had lots of other fun.

One of my favorite family photos!

The beach and the pool can never be beat!

South Carolina is always a great place to visit.

Asheville {2018}:

Spring Break 2018 location came about because Hayden was adamant about visiting the Biltmore. We went to Asheville for four days and three nights. We spent one entire day at the Biltmore wandering around the property and taking the tour. Once it was our turn to enter, we toured on our own. Hayden was mad we didn’t pay for the head sets and guided tour. He’s a history buff!

I would definitely like to go back there again.

On the other days, we hiked a couple of times including to this waterfall. The scenery was stunning.

We always hit up a few breweries…

Of course, the hotel had a pool, and then on the last day, we hiked a bit more before heading out of town.

On our way out, we drove past The Red Rocker Inn. Long story short, Travis took me there after Christmas in 2003. I thought he was going to ask me to marry him. He did not. We didn’t get engaged until May of 2004. 😉

We actually went back there a few years ago and stayed as a getaway for Trav’s 40th birthday.

We always have a great time in Asheville.

KC/Vegas {2019}:

As our summers have gotten more hectic, we don’t always make it to KC to see family in the summer. We decided to go visit family for Spring Break 2019, and then Travis had the idea to leave the kids with my mom and he and I headed to Las Vegas for a few days. Airfare from KC to LV is always cheap, and it’s a pretty short flight.

Well, even with that plan in place, we had an even better surprise. The Kentucky Wildcats would be playing in KC for the Sweet 16 on the day we were to arrive! So, Travis, Hayden, and my mom went to that game…and the CATS won!

Then, Hadley and I joined the three of them for the Elite Eight game on the first Sunday of break. Travis and I weren’t flying out until later that night, so it all working out perfectly.

Once we were inside, my mom and Hadley made their way to their seats while Travis surprised Hayden (and me!) with…

FRONT ROW SEATS!

Hayden was so excited, loved to shake the pom poms, and hoped that Coach Cal would hear his advice.

Well, the game was tied at the end of regulation…and this was Hayden’s face…

Hadley was at the game for all the free swag she could find…and Tyler Herro. He’s still her crush!

I sent Hadley the Herro photo from where we were sitting, and told her he was winking at her.

Unfortunately, the CATS lost in overtime, and Hayden was very upset. I told him not to cry or he’d be the kid that CBS zooms in on, and that’s not the the national TV recognition that he would want!

We all went back to my mom’s, and Travis and I headed to the airport for Vegas.

We landed around 8:00 Vegas time and guess who we saw waiting for his Uber? O.J. Simpson! I spotted him, and Travis didn’t believe me. Then, he was waiting with us as we got our Uber…and it was him.

We were in Vegas for 3 nights and 2.5 days. We hung out by the pool,

went out to dinner,

ate lots of great food, and Travis gambled bit.

The first two nights, we stayed at the Aria and then moved next door to Vdara. Travis White is known for booking multiple hotels on single trip because he either 1. waits to long too book or 2. find a better deal!

On our last night, we went and saw The Beatles: Cirque Du Soleil. It was out of this world amazing. I’m so glad that we saw that performance.

Afterwards, we had a delicious steak dinner and walked back to our hotel before an early wake up call for our flight. Travis White is also known for finding the earliest flights possible!

It was a great trip and the kids had fun with GG while we were gone. We’d just lost our dog Shiloh right before Spring Break and that KC/LV trip was just what we needed to get away.

Spring Break {2020}:

Ugh! Last year, we were supposed to visit NYC. We had our air fare and hotel booked for the week, but of course we didn’t get to go.

Nashville {2021}:

This week, we decided to take the kids to a place that’s been on our list for a couple of years: Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville.

We stayed in the Cascades Atrium section of the resort.

The kids had lots of fun at the Sound Waves park.

and we enjoyed our first Top Golf experience in Nashville.

This Spring Break has been pretty perfect with nice weather in Lexington, fun with neighbors and friends, a few days in Nashville, and still a couple more days left (and Easter!) before we get back to school next week.

What do you normally do for Spring Break?

Weekly Recap:

Here are my posts from this week!

March Books
Sentence A Day: March

Thanks so much for reading. I hope you have a wonderful weekend, and a lovely Easter.

See you back here next week.

Posted in Everyday Life

March: Sentence a Day

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Happy April 1st! As a teacher, I’m thankful that April Fools Day typically falls during Spring Break that way I don’t have to worry about any high school shenanigans. That being said, Hadley is quiet the prankster in our house…Hayden is usually her target.

I shared a Sentence a Day post in January, so I thought I’d share one again for what I was up to in March!

3.1.21

On March 1st, I had my yearly mammogram, and all was good!

3.2.21

My dad was visiting, so we had our traditional St. Patrick’s Day dinner a couple of weeks early.

Irish Soda Bread is my favorite part.

3.3.21

On the 3rd, after 355 days at home, the kids had their first day of in person learning!

3.4.21

Major left and GG visited right after.

3.5.21

For Friday night dessert, Hadley helped GG make crepes; they were delish.

3.6.21

We took advantage of having a free sitter, and Travis and I had a sushi date night.

3.7.21

On Sunday, March 7, the kids had their first ever track meet; the indoor facility was amazing, and the kids did a great job!

3.8.21

On March 8th, some high students returned to in person learning; 9th and 12th graders were in the building.

3.9.21

My friend Natalie came over to give me a belated birthday gift, and we enjoyed a glass of wine.

3.10.21

The kids had Picture Day at school!

3.11.21

Hayden’s basketball team played in the semi-final game of the end of the season tournament.

3.12.21

Friday was busy with Career Day at school, and….

Hayden’s team won the basketball championship followed by a team pizza dinner to celebrate the victory.

3.13.21

Saturday was filled with errands, an overnight play date for Hadley and a friend, and then an impromptu pit stop at Orange Leaf for an afternoon snack.

3.14.21

The Sunday before St. Patrick’s Day included green pancakes before

heading off to church.

3.15.21

On the 15th, sophomores and juniors returned to in person learning.

3.16.21

On the 16th, Hayden had an eye exam for contacts; we’re still getting the hang of them.

3.17.21

St Patrick’s Day called for a special after school treat…a green milkshake.

3.18.21

On March 28th, I had my monthly facial which was such a treat!

3.19.21

On Friday, we had school, I ran errands after school, and Hadley and I prepped and organized for dance competition the next day.

3.20.20

Hadley had her first ever dance competition with two team numbers; we were so proud of her.

3.21.21

On Sunday the 21st, we had church and enjoyed the spring like weather at Hayden’s baseball scrimmage.

3.22.21

It was a typical Monday with school, a meeting, dance for Hadley, & I made a new recipe for dinner.

Shay’s Shrimp Fried Rice

3.23.21

After school, I stopped at Kroger to pick up Easter candy for the kids’ baskets.

3.24.21

We received fun mail with the arrival of Megan’s Miracles with our family photo on the cover.

3.25.21

The weather was so pretty that I opted for a walk outside rather than a workout in my basement!

3.26.21

I started Spring Break by heading to Trader Joe’s after school!

{Trader Joe’s tulips never disappoint!}

3.27.21

On Saturday, I treated myself to a pedicure, and the weather was perfect for a neighborhood/friend Easter egg hunt.

(I was too busy talking to take any photos—those kids find eggs very quickly. 😆 )

3.28.21

We changed our Sunday plans, so I took Hadley to get a manicure. (Her nails turned out so cute…she found an inspo pic on Pinterest)

3.29.21

On Monday, I visited the library; for the first time since March 13, 2020, I stepped foot inside one of my favorite places!

3.30.21

On Tuesday, we traveled to Nashville to stay at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel!

3.31.21

While the kids swam at the Gaylord, my dreams came true and I visited Landyn’s store!

Last night, Hayden’s dreams came true and we had fun at Top Golf Nashville.

We still have a few more days of Spring Break, but so far it’s been a great week! We’ve had a good mix of activities and downtime as well as fun with friends and fun just the four of us.

With April, comes the hustle and bustle of baseball and Hadley has a couple more dance competitions on the horizon. Of course, we are also in “end of the school year” mode. Blessed to be busy, but I will savor these last couple of days of break before we get back at it!

I hope you are having a great week.

Posted in Books and Shows

March: What I’ve Been Reading

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello! How’s your week going? I can’t believe it’s already the end of March.

This week, I’ve been able to read a bit more than usual…I feel like I was slacking on my reading in March. With back to in person learning and after school activities, I felt like I was asleep before my head hit the pillow most nights.

Before I share about the books I read this month, I have to take a moment to remember Beverly Cleary.

My love for reading started at a young age, and I have my parents to thank for that! I can also thank Beverly Cleary. I remember going to my elementary school library, and perusing the bookshelves. One of the very first books that I checked out from Mrs. Jones, our school librarian, was Dear Mr. Henshaw. I read all of the Ramona books as well. Those books were classics and Cleary was a literary legend. She will be missed.

This month I read…

Two of the books I loved and will definitely be “Top Reads” for 2021. The other book I thought was just ok.

{As always, book summaries are from Goodreads…}

We Were the Lucky Ones:

We Were the Lucky Ones

Summary:

It is the spring of 1939 and three generations of the Kurc family are doing their best to live normal lives, even as the shadow of war grows closer. The talk around the family Seder table is of new babies and budding romance, not of the increasing hardships threatening Jews in their hometown of Radom, Poland. But soon the horrors overtaking Europe will become inescapable and the Kurcs will be flung to the far corners of the world, each desperately trying to navigate his or her own path to safety.

As one sibling is forced into exile, another attempts to flee the continent, while others struggle to escape certain death, either by working grueling hours on empty stomachs in the factories of the ghetto or by hiding as gentiles in plain sight. Driven by an unwavering will to survive and by the fear that they may never see one another again, the Kurcs must rely on hope, ingenuity, and inner strength to persevere.

An extraordinary, propulsive novel, We Were the Lucky Ones demonstrates how in the face of the twentieth century’s darkest moment, the human spirit can endure and even thrive. 

Quick Thoughts:

This was an amazing book! I don’t typically turn to historical fiction, but I’d heard wonderful things about this book. It captured my attention from the very first page. I loved how the story was organized moving back and forth between family members. Needless to say, this book had some heartbreaking moments, but the Kurc family members certainly were the lucky ones.

Rating:

Layla:

Layla

Summary:

When Leeds meets Layla, he’s convinced he’ll spend the rest of his life with her—until an unexpected attack leaves Layla fighting for her life. After weeks in the hospital, Layla recovers physically, but the emotional and mental scarring has altered the woman Leeds fell in love with. In order to put their relationship back on track, Leeds whisks Layla away to the bed-and-breakfast where they first met. Once they arrive, Layla’s behavior takes a bizarre turn. And that’s just one of many inexplicable occurrences.

Feeling distant from Layla, Leeds soon finds solace in Willow—another guest of the B&B with whom he forms a connection through their shared concerns. As his curiosity for Willow grows, his decision to help her find answers puts him in direct conflict with Layla’s well-being. Leeds soon realizes he has to make a choice because he can’t help both of them. But if he makes the wrong choice, it could be detrimental for all of them.

Quick Thoughts:

This book was odd. I enjoyed it in the beginning as Leeds and Layla got to know each other, but I almost quit reading it once I started to piece together what was going on in the plotline. Also, as with many Hoover books, there are some “R rated” scenes.

Rating:

The Giver of the Stars:

The Giver of the Stars

Summary:

Alice Wright marries handsome American Bennett Van Cleve hoping to escape her stifling life in England. But small-town Kentucky quickly proves equally claustrophobic, especially living alongside her overbearing father-in-law. So when a call goes out for a team of women to deliver books as part of Eleanor Roosevelt’s new traveling library, Alice signs on enthusiastically.

The leader, and soon Alice’s greatest ally, is Margery, a smart-talking, self-sufficient woman who’s never asked a man’s permission for anything. They will be joined by three other singular women who become known as the Packhorse Librarians of Kentucky.

What happens to them–and to the men they love–becomes an unforgettable drama of loyalty, justice, humanity and passion. These heroic women refuse to be cowed by men or by convention. And though they face all kinds of dangers in a landscape that is at times breathtakingly beautiful, at others brutal, they’re committed to their job: bringing books to people who have never had any, arming them with facts that will change their lives.

Based on a true story rooted in America’s past, The Giver of Stars is unparalleled in its scope and epic in its storytelling. Funny, heartbreaking, enthralling, it is destined to become a modern classic–a richly rewarding novel of women’s friendship, of true love, and of what happens when we reach beyond our grasp for the great beyond.

Quick Thoughts:

I don’t think I’ve read a Moyes book since Me Before You gutted me quite a few years ago. Giver of the Stars has definitely been a popular book. I was on the library waitlist forever, and so many people (including my mom) said how much they enjoyed reading it, so I bought it assuming it would be a keeper!

I loved the Kentucky references, and the fact that most chapters started with a quote, including…

“…and best of all, the wilderness of books, in which she could wander, where she liked, made the library a region of bliss to her.” -Louisa May Alcott, Little Women

These strong-willed ladies and the relationships they form are extraordinary. The setting, their journey, and the obstacles they overcome are inspiring.

This book is one of my favorite books to date! I’m definitely glad that I’ve added this one to my bookshelf as I know it’s one that I will read again.

Rating:

For Fun:

I thought I’d share this book again that a former colleague of mine wrote…and used our family photo (from 2014) for the cover! I definitely hope to read it soon!

Megan‘s Miracles

What have you been reading lately? I’m trying to get my Goodreads shelves organized, and am making “summer reads” as a priority. What should I read this summer?

I hope you are having a great week.

{this post contained Amazon affiliate links…}

Posted in Books and Shows, Clothes, Friday Favorites, Kids

Friday Favorites {#60}

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello!…and Happy Friday! Shew…I made it…It’s the Friday before Spring Break, and I’m ready for it. Only about seven hours remain before I can not set an alarm and not pack a school lunch. I’m hoping to spend the next week recharging, getting caught up on some of my favorite shows, having fun with the kids, and reading a bit more.

Before I can get to break, I’m recapping this week by linking up with Erika and Andrea for this week’s Friday Favorites.

Favorite Photo(s):

Since it was a new experience for us, and I was so proud of Hadley, her dance competition photos are my favorites from the week…

The professional ones are even better 😉

Favorite Moment:

My favorite moment from the week was receiving the kids’ 3rd quarter report cards. Both of them had awesome report card grades which earned them…

the red plate!

For Hadley, we celebrated her grades and dance competition performance. For Hayden, we celebrated grades, basketball championship win and the start of baseball season.

Favorite Food:

I tried a new recipe this week…Shay‘s Easy Shrimp Fried Rice. We devoured it. Easy and delish!

Favorite Clothing Item:

Ok…so I saw Shelby share this Target dress in her Insta Stories recently, and I bought it thinking it could be a good option for Easter. It arrived, and I was soooo pleasantly surprised.

When I went to take this photo, I realized the dress has pockets!!! So, not only is it pretty and flowy, the pockets make me so happy. I can even see myself wearing this to school with a cardigan or denim jacket to “dress it down” a bit.

I saw that the price dropped to just $20, so I ordered the mint one as well.

I finally realized I should tote my mirror to the sun room…best light in the house! duh!

Favorite Kid Quote:

On Monday night, Hadley was tired from all the weekend activities. She begged me to stay home from dance, and I said, “No!” As she left for class she said, “Don’t be surprised if you get a phone call saying I fell asleep in class!” #sassysincedayone

Then, when she arrived home, she came up the stairs and said , “I survived dance, but my dogs are barking!” 🤣 I was like, “Where have you heard that?” She said her dance teacher sometimes says that. Her delivery of the line was exasperated and so funny.

Favorite Mom Meme:

Even worse…I’m trying to get my kids to go to bed and then squeeze my adult life into one hour. I’m always ready for bed…and they never are!

This next meme is so very true!

A couple of funnies this week:

English teacher humor…

One of my colleagues had an extra one of these, so I added it to one of the walls in my classroom.

and…I started a Zoom meeting yesterday with a student to find this as my profile pic…

I’d been #Hadleyed.

Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday (Dance Edition)

The competition last weekend has me taking a little stroll down dance recital memory lane…

2016 was the first year at Hadley took dance. She was in kindergarten and took a tap and ballet class. For the recital she was in two ballet routines.

After taking a two year hiatus to try gymnastics, Hadley was back at dance and took Hip Hop.

For her 2019 recital, she was in one hip hop routine.

Last year’s recital was postponed and then videoed in studio at the end of August 2020. In 2020, Hadley took ballet, tap, jazz, and hip hop, so she had four routines (3 costumes) in last year’s dance recital.

This year she’s in ballet, tap, and jazz. She dropped hip hop to do competition because I told her something had to give…and if you’ve seen her Tik Tok moves (she doesn’t have Tik Tok…just looks up the videos), well, you know she’s pretty much mastered hip hop. haha

One More Fave!

The kids opened some fun mail on Wednesday, and to their surprise, they saw that we are on a book cover! A colleague of mine that I taught with at my previous school is now an author in her retirement years. Her latest story includes twins, so she asked if she could use a family photo (from 2014!) for her cover.

I haven’t read it yet, but I sure hope to dive into it soon.

Megan’s Miracles can be purchased on Amazon.

Weekly Recap:

I posted 5 days this week, y’all! That hasn’t happened in a hot minute. Here are my posts in case you missed one!

Monday Memes
Easter Decorations
Just Dance!
Happy Planner

Lastly, with Easter a little over a week away, I thought I’d share my Easter gift ideas for kids one more time.

I still hope to post some next week even though it’s Spring Break, but I guess I will just see where the week takes me!

I hope you have a great weekend. See you soon.

{this post contained Amazon affiliate links…}

Posted in Everyday Life

Happy Planner

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello! I mentioned last week, that I purchased this Happy Planner to test out for the next couple of months. (It was less than $10!) I’ve always been a paper/pen type girl, but I’ve embraced the convenience of my iPhone calendar and “notes” app to keep me organized.

Growing up, I remember my mom would always have a planner out on the kitchen desk with what we had going on written down for the family to see. My version of that is the weekly magnetic calendar on our fridge.

I feel so out of whack and disorganized if I can’t see what all we have going on or what I need to do. My Type A personality sometimes needs to chill…but “A failure to plan is a plan to fail!” (y’all!)

While I’ve embraced the convenience of the iPhone, I sometimes use multiple “notes” for reminders, “to do” lists, kids’ activities and more. I thought the “Skinny Classic” planner would be nice to try out because it fits in my purse.

I also ordered a pack of stickers to use, and they make the planner that much better. Who doesn’t love stickers?

There weren’t many of the “Skinny Classic” left when I ordered, but I chose the “Hip Hip Hooray!” one, and it’s super cute.

The “Teacher Edition” stickers are cute as well with lots of options for holidays and other fun stickers.

I decided I wanted a few more sticker options and saw these on Amazon. They arrived and are perfect. The six sheets cover all 12 months and have a variety of different sized stickers and sayings. I plan on using them in the planner, but I thought they’d also be fun to use on birthday cards and lunch box notes.

Like you would expect with a planner, the front pages have 2020 and 2021 months (below, left). Each month begins with a cute quote (below, top right), and a quick glance reference with days of the month. (below, bottom right)

Each month also has a quick reminder of holidays…

The quote and note section for each month provide enough space to jot down tasks, notes, and to do’s…

The back, like the front, is sturdy plastic and cute.

Just a peek at the cute Spring Break sticker…

I have used Shay’s color coding system for years where each family member has a color….including myself!

It’s only been about ten days, but I’m definitely using the planner, and it fits perfectly in my purse! I use it to write down grocery items I need to pick up, appointments I need to make, a book title I don’t want to forget, and more! The stickers are extra added fun!

So…how do you stay organized? Do you use a planner or reply on technology?!

See you back here tomorrow for Friday Favorites.

{this post contained Amazon affiliate links…}

Posted in Kids

Just Dance!

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

As I mentioned in Monday’s post, Hadley had her first ever dance competition on Saturday. This could be the first of many or a short season of her dance life, but I wanted to document the day because it was so special for her and was also “different” because of Covid protocols.

Friday Night:

We took some time to get organized. I labeled all the things, organized her make up and bobby pins, and packed her bag. We double checked that she had her jazz and tap shoes, put her costumes together (costume, tights, mask), and gathered clothes (studio jacket and clothes to wear home) in order to be ready for an early wake up call.

Saturday:

I woke up at 6:30, and Hadley slept until 7:15. I made her breakfast while she got dressed, brushed her teeth, and put her hair in a low pony tail. Our sweet sitter, who has been a dancer for all of her life, came over at 8:00 to put on Hadley’s eye lashes (I took notes for next time!), help her with eye make up (those eye have to “pop!” ….especially while wearing a mask!), and bobby pin her bun.

We left around 8:45, stopped at Starbucks and hit the road for the competition. (Hayden and Travis had to be at the ball field early, so they met us at the competition.)

We were early (yay!), so we had plenty of time to find the auditorium, park, get wrist bands (audience was very limited), and make our way to the dressing room. (On the way to the dressing room, we took a peak at the stage!)

After Hadley’s other team members arrived, they all got dressed and accessorized, and obliged the moms with some photos.

There was a “step and repeat,” and the girls were “here for it!” 😉

They performed their jazz/musical theater routine first…

Then, it was time for a quick change for their tap routine.

Then, they girls let us take another group photo in their tap costumes.

We were so proud of them, of course. After changing, they sat and watched the other group routines as well as the remaining solos and duets.

After their block of time, all the girls from the dance studio went and sat on stage. The judges handed out awards and invites. Since the other dance studios still had to perform throughout the rest of the weekend, the final results weren’t posted until Sunday night. That being said, they did announce scores for the routines, and both of Hadley’s team dances scored 5 stars! They were excited. Like Hadley, it was the first competition for some of the girls on her team.

When the results were posted on Sunday night, the girls’ jazz performance received a Golden Ticket Award. One more thing to celebrate!

Without ever being at a dance competition, I know how “lucky” we are that this competition ran as smoothly as it did, had protocols in place, and only took up a few hours of our weekend.

Some of the protocols they had in place:

  • Dance studios each had a block of time for their performances.
  • They sanitized after each block of time.
  • Dancers (everyone) wore masks.
  • Limited audience (Live stream for people to view at home)
  • No in person (overall) awards.

I think last year, the girls who were on competition team were able to perform one time before everything shut down, so I think everyone was feeling very grateful that they were able to perform.

Saturday afternoon:

After the competition, we enjoyed some pizza outside at a local restaurant before heading home.

Hadley was asleep within minutes, and slept for most of the car ride home!

Overall, it was such a great experience. Hadley already received her pins for the two team dances, and her dance teachers are encouraging her to try a solo or duet for next year’s competition season.

The sky is the limit for my little Dancing Queen!

I hope you are having a great week!

Posted in Holidays, Home Decor

Easter Decorations

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

I can’t believe that Easter is less than two weeks away! Today, I’m sharing the few decorations that I put out for Easter. {Read: cute bunnies scattered around my house!}

This door hanger is my favorite. I’ve had it for a few years, and a local girl paints these door hangers. Her work is amazing. I love the bright teal, the Chevron pattern, and the colorful bow.

It’s not a holiday unless I have a garden flag out! I purchased this garden flag on Etsy a couple of years ago. The polka dot carrot is so cute.

Inside, I just add this ceramic egg that I found at Home Goods a few years ago to our entryway table.

I added the little wooden bunny to the tray on my kitchen island.

This teal ceramic bunny sits on my coffee table tray in the living room.

I bought two of these cute little ceramic bunnies in eggs at Kroger. They were only about $4 each. I thought I’d put one on each end of the mantle, but decided to nestle one by the books on the mantle and add the other one…

out on the sun room table tray. I’ve shared these before, but I wanted an extra touch to the sun room tray and as a I was decorating for Easter, the beige wooden Amazon beads arrived. They are cute, great quality and under $8. I chose them because I love the tassels on each end.

I told y’all that I keep it pretty simple. I usually buy one or two new things each year. I do like that I can decorate in a matter of minutes to add just a few things for Easter.

Do you decorate for Easter/spring?

Have a great day,

{this post contained Amazon affiliate links…}