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Posted in This and That

Wednesday Hodgepodge

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

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

I’m linking up with Joyce for this week’s edition of Wednesday Hodgepodge.

This week’s prompts have a few April Fools related ones…

Our spring break isn’t until next week, and I know it’s always typically been this week because we’re never in school on April Fool’s Day!! I did survive yesterday without any student tricks!

1. No foolin’! April is here. What’s one fun thing on your April calendar?

Spring break is always a highlight in April. Whether we are at home or away for a few days, spring break is always a favorite. It’s nice to have some time at home or getting out of town for a few days.

Last year, we went to Washington, DC and had a great time.

Also, I love Keeneland in April; I hope we’re able to get out there for some races this month.

2. It’s often said, ‘A fool and his money are soon parted’…what’s the last thing you wasted your money on?

Has anyone heard for the website PinkLaura? There was an add on Facebook, and the lady was sharing about this cute dress, so I ordered it. It took about a month to arrive….and then the material definitely wasn’t what I expected. I always check return policies before ordering, and when I emailed customer service like the site says, the email kicked back. Thankfully, I didn’t spend much more than $30! I will probably try to wear it a time or two and then donate it. I’m annoyed and not sure why I ever “cheated” on my favorite shop…SSYS. They would never steer me wrong like this site did.

Screenshot

3. April 2nd is National DIY day. Are you a do-it yourself kind of person or maybe you’re married to one? If so, what’s the last thing you DIY-ed? If you’re not a DIY-er, what’s the most recent job you had to hire someone to complete?

I’m not really a DIY-er, but years ago, I went through a crafting phase where I made a few Christmas decorations and wreaths. I also had a (few) moment(s) with chalk paint. I still like chalk paint and think it’s easy to use, but just haven’t had any projects.

Travis isn’t a DIY-er, but he likes to take care of whatever he can himself. We’re just getting started updating our hall bath…and the first step is demo…and Travis and a neighbor started that over the weekend. There’s currently a dumpster in my driveway for the next couple of days.

I will keep you posted with the progress! We’ve lived in our house for ten years, and this is the final project to update. That being said, after living in our house for ten years, it’s basically time to circle back to some of our initial projects.

In recent years, we updated Hadley’s room last year and added shiplap to our living room wall three years ago.

4. Do you eat lamb ? If so, do you have a favorite dish that calls for lamb?

Is a gyro lamb? I quick Google search said yes but also other meats as well? I love a gyro, but haven’t had lamb otherwise. Or, maybe I’ve never eaten lamb if that’s not what a gyro is?! haha

5. Do you fit a stereotype in some way? Explain.

I’m not sure? I guess it depends on who you ask? A couple of weeks ago, I had a student ask me my favorite shows, and mentioned some shows on Netflix and The Real Housewives, and she said that sounded like “basic mom” shows…That sounds harsher than I think she was trying to be. haha

Teens…they give their opinions, even when you aren’t asking for them.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Amy’s “Leaving Space” post yesterday got be thinking about ways that I “leave space” in my day. As I often share, getting up 45 minutes to an hour before the rest of my house really starts my day off right. I need quiet and calm before a busy day. I’ve been so tired the past few weeks, and I’ve been hitting snooze. Yesterday, I was dozing back off and reminded myself how much I needed my morning quiet time…so I got up.

I’ve also been intentional with “making space” in my day to get some steps in. My goal most days is 8,000 steps, and the past couple of nights when I’ve been a couple thousand steps shy of my goal, I’ve made the decision to go for a walk to get the steps in. Even at 8:00 at night, when I’d rather put on my pjs, I’ve gone for a walk to reach my goal.

And…after doing my annual(ish) dresser and closet “purge,” I have more space which is so nice. My closet and drawers are still full, but here’s space now which is less overwhelming when putting away clothes or making choices on what to wear for the day.

What about you? How do you “make space” in your day?

Posted in Everyday Life, Monthly Moments

Monthly Moments: March 2025

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Monday!

Well, it’s the last day of March…Can you believe it? We still have one more week of school before spring break, but I think once we get back from break, it will feel like the downhill slide to summer!

Here’s a look back on this month:

Hadley spent lots of time on the volleyball court. She started the month playing in a tournament in Lexington, and then last weekend had a tournament in Louisville. Her team only has two tournaments left in the season, and the girls have been so fun to watch.

This month, indoor track season wrapped up. Hadley ran the 400m at the indoor state track meet, and had a PR. Then, the kids started their outdoor track season, and had their first meet last week with another meet coming up this week.

Hadley had a summer job interview which feels like some kind of rite of passage. She’s excited to earn a little money this summer.

We celebrated St. Patrick’s Day, and I made corned beef and cabbage. My brother and his family joined us for dinner per tradition.

Hayden had fun attending a few Kentucky basketball games including a home game and then some of the NCAA games that were in Lex over the past few weeks.

When we were in Louisville, we tried Swig for the first time, and it was delish.

We’ve enjoyed the sunshine, and I’ve gotten my steps in most days in March. It’s funny to think about all the snow, ice and cold temps in January, but with a bit more time on my hands, I was able to start 2025 strong with quite a few workouts. February…not so much! …but March with some pretty good weather and my desire to listen to audio books helped me get back on track, especially with walking quite a few days a week.

This past weekend, we celebrated my niece who’s getting married this summer. Hadley and I traveled to Louisville on Saturday for the bridal shower.

March was a good month! I’m hoping for some downtime and some more sunshine in April.

What was the highlight of your month?

Posted in Friday Favorites, Health and Fitness, Kids, Meals and Recipes

Friday Favorites {#251}

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Friday!

How is it already Friday? I feel like this week flew by which is actually just what I needed. After a busy weekend last weekend, this upcoming one isn’t too over-scheduled!

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

Here are some favorites from the week:

Track is in full swing, and Hayden had a race in Bardstown, KY last Friday night. We left as soon as we could after school to make it in time. While Hayden didn’t have a PR, he ran a fast race and placed 8th overall. It was SO windy that I think the runners felt like the were running into the wind no matter which direction they rean. The first lap around the track, I didn’t even recognize him. He looks so much older all of the sudden!

After his race, we drove to Louisville for the night, and stayed at Trav’s mom’s house. Hadley had to be at volleyball in Louisville at 7:30 AM. Her team played well overall and made it to the gold bracket on Sunday.

While the early call time was brutal, she was finished playing around noon. We went out to lunch with Trav’s mom and sisters before heading back to Lex. Boomtown Kitchen was good…the spinach artichoke dip was delish…so good that I ordered the grilled cheese that had the dip on it as well. I had half for lunch and then half for dinner that night.

Saturday night, Hayden and a friend went to he NCAA basketball games that were at Rupp. He saw Auburn play Creighton and then Tennessee played UCLA.

They had some good seat, and Travis picked them up at halftime of the second game which was close to 11:00. I was in bed. haha

After Hadley’s games on Sunday, we tried “Swig” in Louisville. I’d heard of it, but didn’t know all the details. They have lots of soda mixes. I had the “Texas Tab” which is Dr. Pepper + vanilla + coconut cream. It was delish.

Hadley slept most of the ride home on Sunday. We were all beat. It was a long but good weekend of volleyball.

Tuesday was the first outdoor track meet of the season. The kids looked nice in their new school warm-ups…but we needed a bit more clothing to stay warm once the sun went down.

They both had a great first meet. Hadley had a PR in the 400m, and Hayden’s 4×800 relay team placed first.

I’m not much for body spray, but picked up this Sweetest Song scent when Hadley and I went to Bath and Body a couple of weeks ago. I keep it in my purse, and it’s been nice to have on hand if I feel like I need a refresh.

I’ve seen many influencers share Colleen Rothschild products, and when Jen Reed shared this tinted eye cream, I bought it. It’s reasonable priced, a little goes a long way, and I like the lightness of it. I’ve applied it after I finish up my make-up.

I had to order a few school supplies to get me through the rest of the school year, and these paper clips were just what I needed. How cute are they?

Speaking of cute, my new Easter towels from the Target dollar spot are super cute. I hope to put out the rest of my Easter decor (just a few things!) this weekend.

Yesterday was the opening day for baseball, and the Royals had their first game. Hayden has had this date “circled on the calendar” for quite some time. I hope the “boys in blue” have a better year than the outcome of yesterday’s game. Oh well…plenty of ball left in the season.

New Fave Influencer:

I’ve been following Athena (@lightandlifestyled) on Instagram for a few weeks, and she’s a fun one to follow. I love her day in the life reels and her outfits are too cute.

Favorite Recipe:

I tried this recipe this week and it was a 10/10 as they say. Bonus was that I had leftovers that I could take for lunch yesterday and today.

A few tweaks I made were:

  • I did two pounds of ground turkey because where does the ground turkey go when you cook it? I feel like a pound doesn’t amount to much. haha
  • I put the chopped zucchini in the skillet with the ground turkey for the last couple of minutes of sauteing.
  • I cooked some Trader Joe’s Jasmine rice and added that to the casserole dish when I added in the ground turkey and mixed everything together before the final amount of baking time.
  • Besides shredded Parm, I also added some shredded to Mozz to the top of the casserole too.

Enjoy!!

Favorite Mom Meme:

You know as soon as I sit down, someone says, “Moommm. Will you come here?!”

Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday:

When a new season of Royals baseball starts, I always think of the 2014 and 2015 seasons. Winning the World Series in 2015 was so fun…and these kids were so little! Hopefully, they won’t have to wait too much longer for a World Series championship.

Weekly Recap:

Here are my posts from the week:

Monday Memes
March Books
What’s Up Wednesday

Typically, this would be our final day before spring break…but we still have one week left! I’m not sure why our calendar is different this year, but check on your teacher friends who haven’t had spring break yet! We’re barely hanging on.

Posted in Clothes, What's up Wednesday

What’s Up Wednesday

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Wednesday!

Well, I feel like March is really chugging along. This time next week, it will be April.

I’m trying to do better about joining in on the What’s Up Wednesday fun!

It’s the last Wednesday of the month, so I’m linking up with Shay and Sheaffer.

Here’s a look back on the month:

What We’re Eating This Week:

This is one of those weeks were I’m winging it, but not really. I *finally* got a dinner plan for the week, but it’s flexible. Usually, I write down what we’re having every night for dinner, but this time, I have the groceries for a few meals but I’m deciding night to night what to make. I’m really living on the edge over here!

  • Sunday: I knew we’d be gone most of the day at Hadley’s volleyball tournament and then be home in time for the Kentucky basketball game. Anyway, I made dinner very easy with Trader Joe’s salsa verde chicken burritos and a side of jasmine rice, chips and salsa. (On Saturday, Hadley and I went to Trader Joe’s, and I’d never seen the burritos before, and I’m so glad that I picked them up. You just put them in the oven for twenty-ish minutes and they’re ready to eat!)
  • Monday: I did my bigger Kroger grocery pick up, so I was ready to roll with my options. We had baked chicken and baked potatoes for dinner. Whenever I make this chicken, that is a family favorite, I always want enough to leftovers the next day, and I did make enough for leftovers.
  • Tuesday: Last night the kids had a track meet, so we had leftover chicken and Bob Evans mashed potatoes once we got home.
  • Wednesday: Tonight, I’m making this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake. I’ve made it before, but it’s been a while. I’m hoping there’s leftovers for my lunch on Thursday.
  • Thursday: Chili...one more time this season! I actually made it last week, but I just didn’t know what to make this week and thought I’d make it one more time since the temps are cool this week.. I might suggest that if the kids want to change it up a bit, they can have a chili dog or put some fries in the air fryer for chili cheese fries.
  • Friday/Saturday: no plans but I do have what I need for shrimp Alfredo (thanks to Trader Joe’s)

What I’m Reminiscing About:

Nobody was more excited than UK winning on Sunday to make it to the sweet 16 than Hayden!

My mom texted and reminded us of the time a few years ago when Hayden was so mad when the CATS lost in the first round of the tournament that he stripped off his UK shirt and threw it in our front yard bushes! That shirt was in the yard for a couple of days because I forgot about it.

While that was a funny memory, here’s a sweet one:

In 2014, we went to Indy for the Elite 8. I can’t remember who we played (I’m sure Trav does!), but we won, and the CATS moved on to the Final Four.

UK fans from day one. (I’m just along for the ride!)

Hadley would shake that bell and yell, “Go CATS!”…and an opposing fan was next to us, and Hadley would look at her and jingle her bell. haha

What I’m Loving:

I shared these ric rac placemats that I picked up at the Target dollar spot…and they are perfect for our dinner table…

…and I couldn’t resist these cute Easter hand towels. My kids know that I put the cute towels on the oven, and they are to be looked at not used. haha

Ugh…it’s the time of the year when I’m running out of supplies, and realized I needed more of my larger sized paper clips. (Fun fact about me, I don’t like little paper clips! What’s the point? They are too tiny to hold much.) When I saw these colorful ones, I ordered them…and I’m placing a lot of pressure on these to help me get through the rest of the school year. hahaha!!

What We’ve Been Up To:

We celebrated St. Patrick’s Day, and my brother’s family joined us for dinner.

Hadley’s had a couple of volleyball tournaments this month including one in Louisville/Indiana last weekend. The girls played well and made it to the gold bracket on Sunday.

Of course, it’s March Madness, and Hayden is glued to the games and is updating his brackets! I like watching the games, but I didn’t fill out a bracket this year.

What I’m Dreading:

As a teacher, I feel the time crunch this time of the year…and it seems like my students have tests quite a bit. This week, my English 1 students had a district benchmark assessment, next week they have MAP testing, and then once we get back from spring break, they’ll have a unit test.

I’m trying to space the testing out for them as much as I can, but I don’t control all of the deadlines.

What I’m Excited About:

It’s outdoor track season. They kids had their first meet last night, and they ran great. I will say that I don’t love sitting out in the cold. Thankfully, last night wasn’t too bad, but the season typically starts with colder temps…and then rain sometimes.

I don’t know if I should be excited or scared, but Kentucky just passed House Bill 15 which means that 15 year olds can get their learner’s permit. In Kentucky, you get your permit at 16 and then your driver’s license at 16 and a half after completing sixty hours of driving.

Now, kids can get their permit at 15 giving them more time to practice driving before being sixteen and a half to get their license (with a few restrictions).

Not sure if it’s still that way, but when I was growing up, in Missouri, you could get your permit at fifteen and a half and driver’s license at sixteen.

Truth be told, both of my kids, especially Hayden, don’t seem to sure about all this. I think I feel the same way!

What I’m Watching/Reading:

I’m still chipping away at Younger, and am still loving it.

The Rookie started back in February, and I missed the memo. So, now I’m playing “catch up” on this season’s episodes. It’s one of my favorite shows.

You know I’m always watching something on Netflix, and I did watch a couple of episodes of With Love, Meghan, and I’m intrigued. I know people either love it or hate it, and my interest is piqued.

I shared my March books post yesterday.

Screenshot

What I’m Listening To:

I think this is technically a “young adult” book, but I’ve seen the title for a couple of years, and there’s a series on Netflix, so I decided to listen to A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder. There’s more than one narrator and a few voices for a few characters, so it has my interest.

I haven’t listened to a ton of episodes, but The Coop with Kit Hoover has some good interviews. I’ve listened to the ones with Chelsea Handler and Natalie Morales.

What I’m Wearing:

I’m a broken record wearing my Old Navy kick flare pants and SSYS shacket. Both pieces are perfect for this time of the year.

I wore this Target jacket last weekend, and it’s so comfy and perfect to wear with leggings.

…but how cute is this outfit? This light-weight “puff sleeve” sweater was only $15 when I ordered it last week. As I type this, it’s $11! I promptly ordered it in black as well. I bought these flowy linen pants in gray last summer, and I wear them quite a bit. So, I ordered them in navy. I can’t wait for sandal weather.

What I’m Doing This Weekend:

I don’t put out much, but I’m hoping to have time to put out my Easter decorations this weekend.

What I’m Looking Forward to Next Month:

Spring break!

Last year, we went to Washington, D.C. We really loved that trip; I’d go back again in a heartbeat.

I’m ready for break and some time off to prep for the last stretch of the school year.

Posted in Books and Shows

What I’ve Been Reading: March 2025

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello!

It’s book day where I am sharing the books I read this month. It’s been really nice to have a solid start to reading this year!

This month, I read/listened to three books. And, as you’ll see, it was an interesting month with a 3, a 4, and a 5 star book (In my opinion, of course!)

{As always, book summaries are from Goodreads…}

Brooke Shields Is Not Allowed to Age:

Summary:

Brooke Shields has spent a lifetime in the public eye. Growing up as a child actor and model, her every feature was scrutinised, her every decision judged. Today Brooke faces a different kind of that of being a ‘woman of a certain age’.

And yet, for Brooke, the passage of time has brought freedom. At fifty-nine, she feels more comfortable in her skin, more empowered and confident than she did decades ago in those famous Calvin Kleins. Now, in Brooke Shields Is Not Allowed to Get Old, she’s changing the narrative about women and ageing.

This is an era, insists Brooke, when women are reclaiming agency and power, not receding into the shadows. These are the years when we get to decide how we want to live – when we get to write our own stories.

With remarkable candour, Brooke bares all, painting a vibrant and optimistic picture of being a woman in the prime of her life, while dismantling the myths that have, for too long, dimmed that perception. Sharing her own life experiences with humour and humility, and weaving together research and reporting, Brooke takes aim at the systemic factors that contribute to age-related bias.

Quick Thoughts:

Ok, so I shared in last month’s What’s Up Wednesday post that I’d started listening to Brook Shields’ new book, and I wasn’t sure if I would finish it. Well, once I looked, I’d realized that I’d already read 25% of the book…so why not finish the rest?!

That being said, in order to finish the nine hour book, I picked up the pace and started listening at 1.75x speed in order to get through it. I did enjoy hearing her read and share her story…and it did make me, as a listener, be able to hear the tone in her voice or the sarcasm with responses because it was I do think reading some of what she said could be taken the wrong way.

She has an ego, but you can tell her girls and her husband have softened her and she’s raising them in a far different way than she grew up. There were parts like when she said that she there were times that she had trouble getting ensemble cast jobs because of spotlight being on her that kind of shocked me with how bold and egotistical that sounded…but if it’s true, and she just sharing it.

There was a lot of “research shows” and “so and so says,” but I guess you can’t take Princeton out of the girl 🤣

She’s honest though and obviously been in the spotlight her whole life. She’s a strong, educated woman who’s lived a lot of life. It was interesting hearing about motherhood, acting and Broadway and other endeavors.

Rating:

3.5 stars.

The Underground Library:

Summary:

When the Blitz imperils the heart of a London neighborhood, three young women must use their fighting spirit to save the community’s beloved library in this heartwarming novel from the author of The Chilbury Ladies’ Choir.

When new deputy librarian, Juliet Lansdown, finds that Bethnal Green Library isn’t the bustling hub she’s expecting, she becomes determined to breathe life back into it. But can she show the men in charge that a woman is up to the task of running it, especially when a confrontation with her past threatens to derail her?

Katie Upwood is thrilled to be working at the library, although she’s only there until she heads off to university in the fall. But after the death of her beau on the front line and amid tumultuous family strife, she finds herself harboring a life-changing secret with no one to turn to for help.

Sofie Baumann, a young Jewish refugee, came to London on a domestic service visa only to find herself working as a maid for a man who treats her abominably. She escapes to the library every chance she can, finding friendship in the literary community and aid in finding her sister, who is still trying to flee occupied Europe.

When a slew of bombs destroy the library, Juliet relocates the stacks to the local Underground station where the city’s residents shelter nightly, determined to lend out stories that will keep spirits up. But tragedy after tragedy threatens to unmoor the women and sever the ties of their community. Will Juliet, Kate, and Sofie be able to overcome their own troubles to save the library? Or will the beating heart of their neighborhood be lost forever?

Quick Thoughts:

You won’t be shocked that I loved this book.

It was based on true story, and I typically enjoy books written from the point of view of multiple characters. These three women were so different and their narrative each drove the plot of their own stories, but the common thread for them was the underground library.

Here are some of my favorite quotes:

  • “To me, books are like old friends, telling us great truths, holding our hands through the difficulties, showing us light and joy at the end of every tunnel.”
  • “Life isn’t always straightforward, though, “Irene said, her pale blue eyes glistening. “Sometimes we have to find the courage to try something new, not worry about how it might turn out.”
  • “A book isn’t just a physical object; once you’ve read it, it becomes a thought, a story, a memory that is alive inside you forever.”

I definitely recommend this book!

Rating:

Another historical fiction book earning five stars from me!

The Night We Lost Him:

Summary:

Nora Noone’s father, Liam, was many things to many people. To the public he was a self-made hotel magnate, whose luxury boutique hotels were among the most coveted destinations in the world. To his three ex-wives, he was a loving yet distant family man who managed to keep his finances—and his families—separate. But to Nora, her father was always a mystery—especially after his suspicious death at his cliffside home.

Though the authorities rule Liam’s death accidental, Nora and her estranged brother, Sam, believe otherwise. As they form an uneasy alliance to unpack the mystery, they start putting together the pieces of their father’s past and uncover a family secret that changes everything.

Quick Thoughts:

Who am I listening to audio books now? This is officially the first audio book I’ve listened to with a plot! When I started listening to books last summer, I only focused on memoirs. I tried listening to one fictional book, the narrator threw me off, and I quit listening before I really even started.

I stumbled upon this book while scrolling the Libby app because I wanted to find a book to listen to, and thought I’d try another fiction book. I’d read Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave, so I gave it a try.

Obviously, the narrator didn’t annoy me, and I saw this book through to the end.

This book felt very similar but different to Last Thing He Told Me. I typically enjoy mystery books, and Nora’s estrangement with her brother who she then depends on to try to figure out if her father’s death was more than an accident was one layer or the story. Someone of the chapters were from Liam’s point of view sharing about his relationship with someone fifty years prior, forty, thirty, etc., and that element added to my interest in the plot.

Rating:

I’m hoping to keep up with my 3-4 book reading average, and so far so good. Right now I’m listening to a book while reading another book on my Kindle.

Please let me know if you have any recommendations for audio books…both fiction and non-fiction!

Happy reading,

Posted in Memes

Monday Memes

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Monday!

How was your weekend? Ours was great but busy.

Friday after school, we headed to Bardstown, KY for Hayden’s race and then went straight to Louisville for the night because Hadley had an early call time for her volleyball tournament. Thankfully, she was finished pretty early, so we headed home, but spent most of our day in Louisville yesterday. Hayden had a great race on Friday, and Hadley’s team made it to the gold bracket, and played well.

This is one of those Mondays where I feel like I need a weekend to recover from my weekend!

Next Monday is technically the last Monday of the month which is when I share memes, but that’s also the last day of the month when I share my “Monthly Moments” post. So, what’s a girl today? You’re getting some fave memes a few days early.

Here are some memes that made me laugh recently:

Y’all, while I appreciate the extra hour of daylight, I’ve been on the struggle bus with the time change. This meme made me laugh out loud.

My lunch group and I were talking about school gossip, and we’d all seen some version of this meme. We want to be “loop adjacent.” haha

This is also us: hahaha

Another school friend was talking about being at the mercy of whatever day the dentist has available when she rescheduled. What is it about the dentist and being so booked? When I took the kids in for their cleaning in January, the earliest they could get us in for their next 2025 cleaning is October!

I didn’t have this problem growing up…Jennifer is pretty common. That being said, I haven’t seen Hadley’s name on many products that aren’t special ordered.

I sent this to Hadley…she’s a Dr. Pepper girl!

I always appreciate the three people who “get me.”

I swear, I feel like I get an Apple payment email every day. Between Apple music, our family account, extra storage and more, Apple takes all my money!

I hope these memes started your weekend off with a laugh!

Posted in Friday Favorites, Seasonal

Friday Favorites {#250}

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Friday!

How was your week? Ours was good with a little bit of everything in regards to school, kids’ practices and other activities. On Wednesday night, I was on the struggle bus and made myself go to bed at 9:30. My Apple watch applauded me yesterday morning with over eight hours of sleep. Apparently, I was tired. haha

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

I’m changing up my Friday Favorites format this week.

Now that it’s officially spring, I’m sharing some of my favorite spring things from decorations to clothes to recipes…and more!

I always put out a few Easter touches for the month of April. I picked up these wooden bunnies last year, and they are so cute.

I found a perfect spot for them on my entry way table. The exact ones I bought last year aren’t available but these look very similar.

Two years ago, I was “influenced” by Tina (@to_mimishousewego) and shopped Ruffled Nest, ordering two of their wooden bunnies. It looks like the shop should re-open soon.

I also love these flocked bunnies that I got at Walmart last year. Looks like Walmart still has a variety of colors. (I feel like I need to order the blue one to add to my collection.)

I’m pretty neutral with my nail color, but I will switch it up from time to time fall, winter, and summer. Not in the spring though…I’m always wearing OPI’s Funny Bunny or Bubble Bath.

Amazon even has a “nude nail polish” bundle with my two faves.

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I love an easy jacket, and my new one from Target has been perfect. I’ve worn it on walks or while out running errands. Yesterday, I wore it to school with my comfy Matilda Jane pants. I felt comfy, cute and put together.

I always love SSYS, but their fun spring floral print leggings are definitely a new fave. FYI- their March athleisure drop is Sunday, March 30th… 😉

These Old Navy “kick flare” leggings are definitely perfect for the spring months when it’s not yet shorts weather.

I have two pairs and I’ve already worn them quite a bit the past couple of weeks.

I’ve had this dress for almost four years, and I still wear it quite a few times every spring. There are so many colors options, and it’s a great staple for your closet.

I’ve shared this cardigan time and time again. I have it in three colors and wear them often! (As I type this, it’s an Amazon lightning deal!)

The cardigan has been perfect to wear with my SSYS Sophia set until the weather warms up.

I ordered this top last fall (in two colors!), and I can’t wait to wear it this spring. It’s the perfect light-weight for when the temps finally do rise, and it can be dressed up or down.

Yay! for the sunshine…and wearing my two favorite pairs of sunglasses. (Pair 1 and Pair 2 is a two pack)

Screenshot
Screenshot

I’ve shared these sandals time and time again. Hadley has them in white, and I love my rose gold pair. (I did size up from my regular size 9 to a 10) I’ve had them for almost four years, and I might just order a new pair for the summer since these are showing their age.

I’ve seen these sandals shared, and thought I’d give them a try. They are so cute and very comfy. They are also 25% off right now…and when shoes and clothing are out of my “norm,” I consult Hadley. She approved of these sandals.

Every season is candle season for me, but…I love switching to more “spring like” scents of lavender and lemon. Bath and Body Works along with Antique Candle Co. are where I buy most of my candles.

Trader Joe’s really shines in the spring/summer, and I’m always on the lookout for their Brazil Nut products and seasonal candles and stock up when I see them.

I try to always do a good job drinking water throughout the day, but once the weather warms up, I really step up my sipping! I’ve had this tumbler for over a year and a half, and I take it with me wherever I go. I just ordered another one yesterday because most colors are currently $21 rather than the regular $30 price! #rundontwalk!

I wouldn’t get all my water intake in if it wasn’t for these Crystal Light packets…I love the grape flavor!

Nothing says “spring” like flowers! Flowers are my weakness…especially when I’m shopping at Trader Joe’s.

I made this Ham and Peas Tortellini recipe last week, and it was a hit. While pasta isn’t always thought of as a spring food, it was a quick dinner for a weeknight.

Asparagus fries are a frequent request from my kids during the spring and summer months. I tend to make these while Trav is grilling us something for dinner. They are easy and delish.

I often make the Betty Crocker in a box pasta salad as a quick weeknight side dish, but if I have more time, I make this pasta salad, and it’s sooo good.

Last but not least, of course a couple of my spring favorites include sunshine and going for a walk. It’s nice to get some fresh air and get some steps in. I can’t say that I walk much in the summer when it’s hot out, so I try to maximize my time in the spring.

Weekly Recap:

Here are my posts from the week:

Weekend Top 5
Wednesday Hodgepodge
Thursday Thoughts

What are your springtime faves?

Have a great weekend!

Posted in Kids, School, Thursday Thoughts

Thursday Thoughts

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Thursday!

I hope you are having a great week. Today, I’m sharing a Thursday Thoughts post.

On the WordPress app, they usually post a daily prompt and this one struck a chord with me the second I saw it:

Describe a phase in life that was difficult to say goodbye to.

I immediately thought of the kids’ elementary years. Starting in kindergarten, I knew from the start to treasure that phase of life for them. While I know I’m blessed with two kids, having two at once just makes it feel like time moves that much quicker. And…I feel like I don’t get to experience certain phases of life and milestones again since we don’t have a third. There was one first day of kindergarten. There was one 3rd grade zoo field trip. There was one Dr. Seuss “Cat in the Hat” performance. So, I always made it a priority to help with the class parties, take a personal day to go on the field trip, buy them too many books at the book fair and more.

After elementary school, the “magic” of school and learning seems to slip away a little bit more every year. Also, there just aren’t field trips, field day, chorus concerts, class parties and all the other special events that elementary school provides.

The kids made so many memories during those years, formed friendships, learned so much and had so much fun. So many of their core values and experiences that shaped them as learners and little humans happened in the classrooms in that building.

Covid put an end to that. They went home on Friday, March 13, 2020, finished their 4th grade year on Zoom/Google Classroom, spent most of 5th grade doing work at home or at the neighborhood “pod” of classmates. They went back to school wearing masks on March 3, 2021 but with plexi-glass around their desks as an attempt to minimize germs. Their 5th grade graduation was held in the gym, but no family could attend. Instead, we watched at home via the live stream.

I’m so thankful the kids were celebrated and were together with their classes, but it would have been nice to have the option of an outdoor ceremony or even a limit of two family members per student.

I know the administrators were making the best decision at the time, and I’m grateful for technology to still “be there” for the special milestone.

Registering for Kindergarten:

First day of K:

Last day of 5th grade:

{I must admit that I did love being at home with them during the online school days. I’m blessed that I could be home with them thanks to my job as a teacher too. I was never a stay at home mom (besides in the summer), and (mostly) loved helping them with their school work and having some extra free time with them…but I do think we were out of school for entirely too long! We all should have headed back to the classroom sooner.}

I will always look back fondly on their elementary school years.

We owe a lot to those teachers and that school. It’s bittersweet that we didn’t have the proper goodbye.

Excuse me while I go grab a tissue! haha

Posted in This and That

Wednesday Hodgepodge

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Wednesday!

We’re chugging right along this week, and so far so good.

It’s been a bit since I’ve joined Joyce for her weekly Hodgepodge post, and that’s what I’m doing today.

This week’s questions are mostly St. Patrick’s Day themed which is very festive!

1. St. Patrick’s Day was on Monday. Did you mark the day in some way? Wear green? Make a special meal? Watch or participate in a parade?

St. Patrick’s Day has always been a holiday we’ve celebrated. Of course, Monday was a school day, so it just kind of felt like a Monday. That being said, our principal encouraged all to wear green with a department challenge of which department had the most participants wearing green. The English department won the challenge!

I’d say for at least the past ten years, I’ve made the corned beef and cabbage recipe that I got from my dad and the Irish Soda Bread recipe that I got from my mom. My brother’s family comes over and I double the recipe…two slow cookers with corned beef and veggies and two loaves of Irish Soda Bread. It’s a fun tradition that I hope my kids look back on and love. Since I made everything for Sunday dinner, Hadley kept smelling the deliciousness all day and couldn’t wait for dinner.

I don’t think I’ve been to a St. Patrick’s Day parade since college! I also feel like the Lexington parade gets rained out most years. I know it did this past Saturday.

2. Do you think luck plays a part in your life? Explain.

Here are some “notable”” luck quotes:

  • “The harder you work, the luckier you get.” – Thomas Jefferson
  • “Luck is preparation meeting opportunity.” -Oprah Winfrey
  • “Shallow men believe in luck. Strong men believe in cause and effect.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
  • “Good luck has its storms.” – George Lucas
  • “Remember that sometimes not getting what you want is a wonderful stroke of luck.” -Dalai Lama

I love a good quote, and these definitely ring true. I especially think that the harder you work, the luckier you get! Hard work pays off and helps accomplish your dreams.

That being said, I don’t like to get ahead of myself for fear of “jinxing” something. It’s nice to feel like all is going well and that luck is on your side.

3. Of the 15 green foods listed, which one is your favorite and how do you like it prepared? Any on the list that are a hard no for you? In general, do you like fruits and veggies? As a kid did you eat them willingly or did you hide peas in your napkin hoping your mom wouldn’t see?

{list: asparagus, avocado, broccoli, celery, cucumber, grapes, green beans, kale, kiwi, lettuce, lime, pear, peas, pistachios, spinach}

I’d say from this list my favorite would be avocado —but for guacamole!

Hard no’s would be peas! Absolutely not. My kids like peas (or at least won’t pick them out if they are part of a meal), so I always think that it’s funny that they like them and I can’t stand peas.

I also remember my high school Spanish teacher talking about “guisantes” (peas in Spanish), and just how she would say the word as she knew I didn’t like peas!

A funny story about kiwi…When I was in probably 3rd or 4th grade…my dad said I couldn’t leave the dinner table until I tried the kiwi that was our fruit for dinner. I sat there for a long time and refused to try it. My dad wasn’t giving in and then told me if I tried it, I’d get a surprise. Finally, I tried it, gagging and then finally spitting it out. I asked my dad what my surprise was since I’d tried it…and he said the surprise was that I would like it! haha!

If “side eye” was a thing back then, I’m sure I gave him major side eye. A little bit later, he took me to Dairy Queen, and I got an Blizzard! He’s soft-hearted for sure.

Although I haven’t had kiwi since, I think it was the texture of kiwi more than anything.

I do like fruits and veggies…right now, it’s nice that at the store, there’s starting to be more of a variety of fresh fruit now that it’s spring. Of course, summer is the best time when it’s watermelon season, and I will also get pineapple a lot in the summer. It’s just nice being able to buy the Cuties now…those are easy to pack in lunches. I buy apples year round.

Green beans are the #1 veggie for dinner in our house. I buy the fresh cut ones, blanch them in water, and then drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. My kids actually like asparagus too, but usually just when I make this “asparagus fries” recipe. It’s a hit in the summer.

As a kid, I think it did okay eating veggies, but like I said, there were definitely veggies I said “no” to like peas. I also didn’t eat or like eating? asparagus until I was an adult.

4. What’s something that makes you ‘turn green’? (with envy or with illness)…

I’m not a fan of heights, big roller coasters or blood. Those things can definitely make me “turn green.”

5. Did you spend a lot of time outdoors as a child? Doing what? Do you spend a lot of time outdoors now? Doing what?

As a child, I do feel like I was outside a lot. I had a couple of friends in the neighborhood, and I remember running around with them…back and forth from house to house. We had a swing/play set in our back yard and would spend a lot of time on that in the summer. We’d go to my grandparents’ pool in the summer too!

In the spring, I love going for walks. Truly, the past couple of weeks have been so nice getting exercise in while listening to a book. I love to sit on my front porch in the summer. It’s covered, so even in the hot weather, there’s shade, and I’ll read. Of course, I love going to the pool in the summer if I can find a spot under an umbrella.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

I sometimes miss the phase of the kids dressing up for holidays like Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day and the 4th of July.

Cuties…too cute to pinch 🙂

Thanks for reading!

Posted in Clothes, Holidays, Weekend Top 5

Weekend Top 5

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Monday!…and…

I’m linking up with Sarah and Holly for…

….to share my….

Well, I wasn’t really thinking about blogging until yesterday, so I don’t have any pics from Friday or Saturday. That being said, we didn’t do much besides watch basketball, run errands, do things around the house, and I did make it to the gym!

Here were my highlights from Sunday:

The Rookie! I love this show, and I didn’t realize it had returned until a couple of weeks ago. Now, I’m getting caught up on episodes. Hayden watched one with me on Friday night, and I watched another one yesterday morning. It’s just a fun…and sometimes thrilling, show to watch.

Church! It seems like between crazy winter weather the first six weeks of 2025 and then volleyball tournaments a couple of weekends a month, we haven’t been to church as much as we like to go. We went last week and were able to go again yesterday, and it feels like we’re back in that routine which I love.

The weather was crazy yesterday…we went from torrential rains to the sun to very chilly winds to more rain and then overcast skies. The sun was shining when we left church which was such a nice way to end the service.

Leftovers! I took Hadley to a friend’s house Saturday night, and then picked up Chinese take out on the way home. We had enough for leftovers on Sunday after church which was an easy and delicious way for us to grab lunch before…

…running some errands. Not that errands and chores are fun, but I appreciated feeling productive on Saturday and Sunday. Everybody has clean sheets on their beds, I purged the last closet that I needed to, and I was able to make a few returns. Then, Hadley convinced me to pop into Bath and Body Works. I resisted the urge as I don’t need any new candles, but how cute is this bunny one?! I will say that another highlight was using a couple of coupons, including 25% off my total order to make it feel like we didn’t do too much damage!

One of my returns was to Old Navy to return two pairs of pants I’d ordered. Well, I wasn’t sure of the sizing, so I ordered four pairs of these pants (in two different sizes) because they were on sale for $14. I ordered the navy and the black of this “kick flare” style, and I love them. They are leggings material, but I will most certainly be dressing them up and down. I did end up with my true size, and I don’t regret this purchase one bit!

…And, I might be pushing it, but it will be sandals weather as much as possible because I was able to go get a pedicure after school on Friday! That was a great way to kick off the weekend.

I was up early on Sunday morning to get my corned beef in the slow cooker. I borrow my sister-in-law’s as well, so we can make two!

We had a delicious St. Patrick’s Day dinner last night with my brother’s family, and it hit the spot!

I outdid myself 😉

We ended Sunday with full bellies, ready to start the week!

What was the highlight of your weekend?