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Posted in Seasonal, Self-care

Summer Sundays #2

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Sunday!

Another Sunday, and another summer post.

This week, I’m sharing some things I do for “self-care” in the summer.

Here they are:

1. Quiet Time

My biggest form of self-care all year long is my quiet time in the morning. Unless we have something going on, I probably get more quiet time in the summer because my kids really know how to sleep in.

Now, my coffee time is sometimes on our front porch our back patio; it’s nice to change up the routine.

2. Bedtime/Sleep/Nap

While I don’t tend to stay up super late in the summer, I might stay up until 11:00 instead of 10:00 like during the school year. That being said, I love just going to bed at 10 knowing I don’t have to set an alarm.

That means, that sleeping in (or at least not setting an alarm) is another form of self-care for me.

Also, to me, there’s nothing better than an afternoon nap in the summer!

3. Read

While I make a Summer Reading List, it’s just a guide. It’s ok if I don’t read all of the books, and of course, I will read books not on the list too. It’s just nice to have a bit more time to read, especially when we are on vacation.

4. TV time

That being said, I tend to have more time to watch TV in the summer, so I will get caught up on shows that I’ve fallen behind on or watch series that I haven’t had time to watch during the school year.

This week, I started Under the Bridge on Hulu, and I only have a couple of episodes left.

I also want to finish watching episodes of some of my favorite series like The Rookie and NCIS Hawaii (which got cancelled) 😦

5. Workout

I am pretty consistent with my workouts, and I think it’s important to keep up my workouts in the summer. Honestly, sometimes it’s easier for me to workout during the school year because of having more structure/routine.

I still love my Bodi workouts in my basement, but in the summer, I might go to the gym to use the elliptical, take a class, or go for a walk. Since I usually have more than 30 minutes to spare, I have time to change up my routine.

My goal in the summer is to workout five days a week.

6. Pool time

I still enjoy going to the pool even though my kids don’t need me like they used to. When they were younger, we used to go for three to four hours, and now they stay at the pool if I want to go after a couple of hours.

I enjoy reading, working on my tan, and chatting with my mom friends.

We also like to go to the pool in the evenings when we can. Again, we’ll see friends, have a drink, and enjoy dinner at the pool.

7. Be productive

Now, I don’t get too carried away with productivity…haha…but…I do use the summer to do things that I slack on during the school year. I typically make a list of things I want to accomplish in the summer and chip away at them week by week. The list is usually organizing and cleaning out areas like my closet, the basement, our office cabinet and more. Also, I don’t want to work on school during the summer, but I do find that it’s easier and less overwhelming for me to start the school year when I’ve chipped away at some school tasks in the summer.

8. Not cooking

It’s nice to mentally and physically take a break from the grind of the school year which does include meal planning, meal prepping, grocery shopping and more.

I love when a few hours at the pool turns to dinner at the pool and just hanging out with no definite plans. I love impromptu plans when neighbors get together for a casual patio dinner or dinner out.

Our pool has a great covered patio, and it’s nice to hang out there while the kids play volleyball, swim, and socialize.

9. Get a pedicure

I still don’t get pedis as often as I’d like to, but it’s such a treat when I do!

10. Go with the flow

I feel like during the school year every hour is accounted for, so in the summer, it’s nice to relax our schedule a bit more.

Honestly, we’re still busy, but it’s obviously less than during the school year.

Even our dinners are more relaxed. I do like when we all eat together, but if they kids are out with friends, they can have leftovers when they get home. If I planned on coming home from the pool at 4, but stay until 7:00, that’s ok.

Sometimes, we stretch leftovers to a third day, and I don’t have to cook.

Shew – I might even go wild and not pick up my Kroger order on the weekend. Isn’t that what Mondays are for?

My “type A” personality almost needs permission to chill, and summer is the time to do that.

What does self-care look like for you in the summer?

Posted in Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites {#210}

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Friday!

This was a good, solid first full week of summer for us!

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

Here are some favorites from the week:

Honestly, this post might be a bit boring…but that means I’ve been able to get some things done to kickoff summer.

I organized my bathroom, got an oil change, finished some school stuff, the kids had dental cleaning appointments, I got some workouts in as well as a few other things.

A couple of days this week I’ve spent a couple of hours at the pool. It’s been nice to read, chat with mom friends, and relax a bit.

I started a new show on Hulu…Under the Bridge. While watching the first episode, I wasn’t sure if I’d like it, but then I was hooked. I only have two more episodes to go.

I started the week downloading the Habit app just to have some simple goals for the summer.

My daily goals/habits are: workout (4-5 days a week), drink 80 oz of water every day, aim for 100g of protein daily, and read for 30 minutes.

Most of my “to do” list for the summer includes tidying up some spaces. I had three tubs in my bathroom: one for my skincare stuff, one for lotion, air freshener, etc. and then one more for extras like when I buy new shampoo and conditioner but don’t need it for a while.

I decided to put all of my skincare and lotion in this organizer, and then I just have one bin under my sink for extras and things I don’t need very often.

I made it all work, and it’s made my morning and nighttime routines a bit easier.

Hadley came to school with me, and helped me finish up my classroom on Monday. Afterwards, we went to Sonic, and I got a Diet Cherry Limeade with Nerds.

(old pic, but we’ve been on a Sonic kick lately….nothing says “summer” more than a Cherry Limeade)

I love “snack plates” for lunch in the summer.

This orzo pasta salad from Trader Joe’s is so good. One of my favorite lunches from last summer was a thin bagel, just a little veggie cream cheese, thinly sliced cucumbers and a sprinkle of salt. So good!

Finally! My Trader Joe’s finally had peonies. I hope to get another bouquet or two before they are gone for the summer.

I made my book trackers for June, and they are saved in a highlight on Instagram. Feel free to use them to tell me what you are reading; don’t forget to tag me 🙂

Father’s Day:

We still have a little over a week until Father’s Day, but if you need a few ideas, I have been sharing some this week on Instagram. I have them saved in my “Amazon” highlight on Insta.

A few ideas include: smart garage control (Travis received this as a gift for Christmas, and we love it), Adidas sneakers, bird feeder with camera, grilling pans, Kanga cooler (one of Trav’s gifts last year), swim trunks and more.

Now, we need to get shopping for Trav. haha

Favorite Mom Meme:

I wish I didn’t relate to this meme…haha!

Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday:

This 2016 memory stopped me in my track…They’ll be driving real cars so enough!

Share Our Lives:

Well, it’s already time for our Share Our Lives link up. This month’s topic is: foods to make for someone else.

Weekly Recap:

I had a few posts this week:

Prime Purchases
May Workouts
Wednesday Hodgepodge
Summer Sundays #1

Well, this post was longer than I thought it would be for a “boring” week!!

I should have a Summer Sundays post this weekend too.

Thanks so much for reading, and I hope you have a great summer weekend!

Posted in This and That

Wednesday Hodgepodge 6.5.24

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello!

My life kind of feels like a bit of a ‘hodgepode’ lately, so this post is timely. I’m linking up with Joyce for her weekly link up with responses to her “hodgepodge” of topics.

Here are my answers to this week’s questions:

1. It’s National Cheese Day (June 4)…Does anyone not like cheese? What’s your favorite? Last thing you ate or made with cheese?

I always joke that I’ve never met a cheese I don’t like!

For lunch, I often pack Babybel cheese or put pepper jack, turkey, lettuce and mustard on a wrap.

Every time I go to Trader Joe’s, I buy the Havarti Cheese with Dill. It’s one of my favorite things to add to my summer lunch plate.

The last thing I made with cheese was quesadillas for lunch yesterday using rotisserie chicken, shredded mozzarella and “Carb Savvy” tortillas from TJ.

2. Last time you were instructed to ‘say cheese!’? How does you feel about having your picture taken?

Well, for having a blog, it’s pretty ironic that I don’t love having my picture taken. Hadley doesn’t think twice…she will just stop and smile. Not that Travis loves having his picture taken, but he’s more like Hadley. I like to know that my hair and outfit are ok! haha

Hayden despises getting his photo taken. This picture after their 8th grade promotion ceremony was a miracle to get taken:

That being said, I like whatever my phone camera does for a selfie…apparently, “flipping the camera around” for a selfie provides my better angle…in my opinion.

3. What’s your travel packing strategy? Are you typically a light packer or do you throw in everything but the kitchen sink? When flying, do you check a bag or aim for carry on only?

I am definitely not a light packer. I think I mostly just want to feel at home wherever I am which means I pack “all the options.” I’ve gotten better through the years. Instead of a large suitcase, I can get by with my medium sized one. That being said, the other three in my family can pretty easily pack in a carry-on suitcase, so I know they wish I’d do the same. haha

I do swear by packing cubes. I’ve used these (we have lots of different colors) for years.

Three piece set // Five piece set

Not once, but twice last summer, I packed in a carry-on sized suitcase for a few days in Florida with Hadley and then a few days in California with Travis.

This was such a shock that I packed in a small suitcase, that I documented it in blog post.

My mom let me borrow these “compression” packing cubes last summer.

They did “smoosh” everything down a bit more.

4. What is it about people’s cell phone habits that you find most annoying?

I think we’re all “guilty” of being on our phones a bit too much. Of course, it’s annoying when people talk so loud that we all have to hear their conversation.

One habit I noticed with students is that if there are even a few seconds of “downtime” between instruction or waiting their turn to talk to me, they think they have to be on their phone. I struggle with this with one of my own kids…who just can’t seem to realize I expect eye contact when talking to me…even briefly. I think kids are learning bad habits…and don’t even get me started with phones in school.

5. What will be your summer mantra/slogan?

Make the most of it? I want to find time to do a little bit of everything. I want to be productive, but relax. I want to read, go to the pool, travel, catch up on sleep, watch TV, eat ice cream, go to the movies, and more.

June is definitely our busier month, and I’m trying not to let it stress me out. Summer, for me, is eight weeks, which I know is a blessing, but it used to be 9-10 weeks of summer…I feel like summer is shrinking and I know with the kids being busy that makes summer fly by as well. While I have had a bit of downtime over the past few days, it still feels like every day has a “to do” list.

Hopefully, I will find my “summer groove” soon.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

The Kansas City Royals have been fun to watch. I grew up watching the Royals as a kid, and there were many bad years of baseball. The 2014 and 2015 teams were so fun to watch, and I’m glad my kids have memories of some good baseball.

Of course, living in Kentucky we don’t get their games very often. The past few years haven’t been great, but my brother and I have split the MLB app subscription, so we can stream on our TVs whenever we want. This year, thanks to my TMobile account, I get the MLB app for free for one year. Anyway, it’s been nice to turn on the games and see them winning.

(Unless you were watching last night…ugh!)

Well, this was a fun mid-week post that included a little bit of everything…cheese, selfies, packing cubes, baseball, and more!

Posted in Health and Fitness

Workout Diaries: May 2024

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello!

Summer is off to a solid start with a couple of mornings sleeping in, I started a new book, and I had some time at the pool yesterday. My school bag is still a mess, but at least the rest of life feels a little bit more back on track.

Well…another month, and another workout recap.

As expected, May (aka “Maycember”) was jam packed. I still had the goal of getting workouts in 15 days, and I fell a bit short of that.

Between track meets, volleyball tournaments, end of the year things, and more, I just did the best that I could.

Here’s my Bodi tracker for May:

Here are my workouts this month:

  • May 6: Piyo: Define Lower Body (Also – I was surprised that May 6 was my first workout of the month…but I guess there was a track meet on May 1 and then Oaks/ Derby weekend? I started the month slacking!)
  • May 7: Fire and Flow: Functional Flow 2
  • May 8: Job 1: Finish Stronger: Chest, Core, Legs
  • May 11: Sure Thing: Combination Strength (fave workout)
  • May 13: Job 1: 20 Minute Sweat Session
  • May 15: Fire and Flow: Upper Body Fire 2
  • May 17: Job 1: Finish Stronger: Arms, Shoulders, Legs
  • May 18: 21 Day Fix: Lower Fix
  • May 21: Fire and Flow: Cardio Fire 1
  • May 23: Fire and Flow: Upper Body Fire 1
  • May 24: Job 1: Finish Stronger: Arms, Shoulders, Legs
  • May 27: Sure Thing: Strength and Stability
  • May 31: Sure Thing: EMOM Strength (another fave!)

21 Day Fix and Sure Thing continue to be my favorite workouts if I have time for 3o minutes or more. They are both such good programs.

Now that it’s summer, I hope to click around the Bodi library a bit and maybe find a full program to try from start to finish. That being said, June is hectic getting into a routine and having a few days out of town. Maybe I will mix and match “new to me” workouts. July looks to be my most “regular” month, so that might be a better time to focus on a full out new program. That being said, I don’t want to think about July just yet! haha

I did take my measurements for a first time in a few months because I just know I’d been slipping a little. I hope to make some progress over the summer and get back on track.

Posted in Amazon

Prime Purchases

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Monday!

Well, just like the first Friday of summer (for me) “hits” different, so does the first Monday of summer break!!

Did you catch my “Summer Sunday” post yesterday? I’m going to try to write a few of those kinds of posts over the next couple of months.

Well, we’re already into June, so with it being the first Monday of the month, Tanya is hosting the Prime Purchases link up.

Like always, I had a little bit of everything this month.

Here are my purchases this month:

While these are my “tried and true” under eye patches, when Jen shared this brand, I thought I’d give them a try.

…and I love them just a much. I put the jar in the fridge, and use two every morning. Like my morning cup of coffee, I look forward to the eye patches every morning too. I’m almost out, and I think I might try the pink “caffeine” ones next.

The kids (and Trav) got me a new Kindle for Mother’s Day. It’s bigger than my previous one, so I needed a new cover for it.

Last month, I needed a new mitt for my sunless tanner…

…this month I needed more sunless tanner! I love this stuff. Hadley has used it too before the cotillion dances. It’s so natural looking and gives you a subtle tan.

I can’t remember who shared it on Insta, but apparently, I’m at the age where if something has “retinol” in it, I will try it! This eye stick has now been added into my skincare routine! Not sure the long term results, but it’s easy to add it into my beauty routine.

Travis ordered these athletic shorts for Hayden, and they fit him perfectly.

Jen and Stephanie (@betterwithchardonnay) both shared this over-sized t-shirt, and I immediately added it to my cart. I sized up one to wear it with leggings, but my true size probably would have worked as well. It comes in so many colors!

Well, I already feel a bit accomplished this summer. I’ve created my “to do” list for the summer which is basically organizing the little spaces in my house that accumulate throughout the school year.

I ordered this organizer for my skincare stuff, and took the time to go through three different bins that I have in my bathroom. I put my most used products in this organizer, and then my secondary items in a bin under my sink. I was able to get rid of a larger organizer and a smaller one too. It felt good to “purge” some things that had been piling up.

So those are my purchases this month. What have you been “Priming” lately?

{This post contains Amazon Affiliate links. Thanks for supporting my blog.}

Posted in Seasonal

Summer Sundays #1

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Sunday!

I know — it’s crazy for me to post on a Sunday.

I’m not sure what my blogging schedule will be in the summer. I’m sure I will post regularly, but just kind of want to “go with the flow” these next couple of months.

Anyway, I thought I’d try to write some summer related posts on Sundays.

For this first Sunday post, I’m sharing some favorite pool/beach bags that I either own or have found.

On Friday, I had my first official pool day which meant I got out my pool bag for the first time this summer.

I shared this pic last summer with some of my “Summer Staples,” and I already know that I will use it a lot this summer too.

Walmart:

So, I picked up this Canvas tote bag from Walmart last summer. It was the perfect size for packing just what I need for the pool. Last summer was the first summer, I wasn’t packing all the things for the kids. Now, when they go to the pool, they typically take what they need, or pack very minimally — Hayden throws a towel over his shoulders, hops on his bike, and that’s all he needs. haha

I loved this bag so much that I took it with me to Florida and California last summer.

Anyway, Walmart has this summer’s version of the tote that comes in a few cute patterns…and it’s only $15!

Scout bag:

We’ve belonged to our pool for eight years, and my first summer at the pool, I saw all the swim team moms with Scout bags.

I ordered one, and it’s still in great shape! I believe mine is the “original” size large. Mine doesn’t have a top zipper, but they do make ones that do zip.

It was perfect for the years I was lugging all the things to the pool…multiple towels, goggles, sunscreen, pool toys and more.

I still keep the bag to use when I do need to bring more things or if we are all going to the lake or the beach.

Bogg bag:

Bogg bags still seem to be all the rage. They come in a few sizes and lots of colors. I know they are nice because they are sturdy and can hold quite a bit.

I don’t have one, but we gave one to a friend for her birthday a couple of years ago.

Target:

I don’t have it, but the “Caning Tote” seems to be really popular this summer.

The brown one was the first one I saw shared as well as the crossbody purse.

The brown tote seems to come in and out of stock, but there’s also yellow and black.

Amazon:

I was clicking around Amazon and saw this beach tote. It’s a good size, water and sand proof, comes in a variety of colors, and has pockets on the inside.

It’s just $22 and has lots of good reviews.

Oh the pool days sure look different than they used to!

I hope you are having a great weekend.

Posted in Friday Favorites, Kids

Friday Favorites {#209}

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Friday!

Well, the first Friday of summer sure hits different! I was very happy to not set an alarm last night…so that’s definitely a favorite of the week.

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

Here are some favorites from the week:

The kids had the middle school state track meet last Saturday.

When they came out of their rooms that morning, they were “twinning” in their t-shirts from the distance festival in honor of Trav’s dad. As Hadley likes to say, “Twin telepathy!” (while Hayden cringes!)

It was a hot day that started with an hour and a half thunder delay even though we never saw lightning or rain.

This season, Hayden qualified in the 1600, 800, and 3200. He ran the 1600 and placed 8th overall with a PR. He decided not to run the 800 in order to focus on the 3200, but his hip was bothering him. Overall, I know he was disappointed in the day, but I know he did his best.

Hadley qualified in the 200, 4×100, 4×200, and 4×400. She was very close to a PR in the 200, but her relay team shined in all three relays. They set school records in all three relays, and their 4×400 came in 4th out of 65 teams.

It was a long day (we were gone for over 12 hours), but we had dinner out on the way home, and then they let me snap their pic with their medals before we all cooled off, showered, and went to bed.

I can’t believe their middle school track “careers” are over, but I know they will have a lot of fun competing in high school track too.

The kids’ 8th grade promotion ceremony was Tuesday night, and it was a really nice celebration of them and their 230 classmates. It was nice seeing everyone dressed up and supporting each other.

They’ve made some really great friends and some wonderful memories these past three years…but I’m guessing the best is yet to come!

After their ceremony, we went out to dinner with friends, and then they had some ice cream cake.

Wednesday night, a lot of the 8th graders got together for a pool party.

The weather was cooler, so they mostly ran around and played volleyball and pickleball, but it was a fun way to wrap up middle school.

New Fave Find:

Amy has shared about the Chobani, and my Kroger had this flavor. It’s so good!

Yesterday, Travis and Hayden traveled to St. Louis for Hayden to run in the Hoka Distance Festival. He ran in this race last year, and had such a good time. I’d hoped to join them, but with the busyness of this past week and some end of the school year responsibilities, I just couldn’t make the trip happen.

Overall, I think Hayden was pleased with his performance. I think that was his last official race as a middle school runner! Hard to believe.

After his race, they stayed and watched the high school runners and professionals which Hayden really enjoyed last year as well. Hoka puts on a great event that’s a fun experience for the runners.

Fave Follow:

I have a new favorite influencer to follow. @bobbiwiththeeye on Insta! She shares lots of “day in the life” as well as cute and affordable clothes and other products. Go check her out.

Favorite Mom Meme:

This meme is probably the most relatable one I’ve ever seen! I also feel this deeply as a teacher. haha

Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday:

Look at my little daredevil back in 2015. She was always on the playground doing tricks, and saying “Look mom, no hands!”

Weekly Recap:

I had a little bit of everything this week.

Share 4 Somethings
May Books
Summer Reading
Last Days of 8th grade

What are your weekend plans? I need desperately to get caught up on my life. I want to take this weekend to relax a little but to also get caught up on laundry, empty out my school bag, run some errands, meal plan and more. I feel like I’ve been “winging” it the past couple of weeks, and that’s not my best self!

Hopefully, I can start reading some of my summer books and relax a bit too.

See you back here on Monday!

Posted in Kids, School

Last day(s) of 8th grade!

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello!

Cue Alice Cooper….”Schoolssss out for the summer!” Finally.

Last week, I did a recap of my kids’ middle school years, and today I’m sharing about the last few days of school.

Last day(s) of middle school:

Well, truth be told, my kids have been over school for a bit now. They turned in their Chromebooks last Thursday leaving four days left in the year with not much to do.

Last Friday was “Clash of the Classes” field day and yearbook signing. I’m glad they got to have some downtime with the classmates, and I remember how much fun it was signing yearbooks. I did have to ask Hadley why so many people wrote “HAGS” in her yearbook, and she filled me in that it meant “Have a great summer.” I guess I should have known that!

The past couple of years, my kids have asked to not go on the last day, and I always make them go. I tell them it’s more for a “rite of passage” as an 8th grader not to go on the last day since the 8th grade promotion is the night before the last day of school. Plus, I’ve never wanted them getting in a habit of thinking attendance is optional.

So, that meant that Tuesday was the last day of school for them. Tuesday morning, Hadley and friends met up at Starbucks before their last day of school.

Then, she sent me pics with her friends all throughout the day. While they didn’t have much to do, I’m glad that she had some time with her friends. A few of her friends are going to a different school next year, so I do think the girls were a bit emotional about the last day of middle school.

The boys…not so much.

The 8th grade promotion was Tuesday night. Before Covid, I believe their school did this celebration the morning of the last day of school in the school’s gym. Post-Covid, they moved the promotion ceremony to my high school’s gym which allows for more guests, I guess?

In order to use my school’s gym, they have to have the ceremony in the evening. Anyway, Tuesday night was the 8th grade promotion.

I was able to get a couple of pics before we left the house.

It’s getting harder and harder to convince them to hold up the last day of school sign, but I’m grateful for the tradition.

For fun (or a few tears), here’s the first day of 6th grade. Wow…I know I’ve shared these photos through the years, but I really can’t believe how quickly these past three years have gone.

The promotion ceremony lasted a little over an hour and was really nice. A couple of students spoke as well as the principal. Then, each teacher shared a bit about their subject area and students who excelled in that subject. Then, all the students walked across, shook their principal’s hand and received their certificate.

It was really nice hearing all the students clap for each other, and all of the students seemed to be engaged and paying attention. It was a really nice celebration of three years of school. The principal acknowledged how the students spent most of their 6th grade year wearing masks, how much they’ve grown and matured, as well as what great classmates they all are.

As a parent, I appreciated the teachers and the principal speaking so highly of the student body.

After the ceremony, we snapped a few more pics.

My brother and sister-in-law were there.

There were lots of pics with friends…at least where Hadley was concerned. Boys aren’t as into pictures, and were more worried about where we were going for dinner.

Hadley really has made some wonderful new friends while keeping close friendships from elementary school. (Hayden too, but again…boys!)

The weather was beautiful, and we got a few family pics before walking to the car.

Officially promoted to high school:

…and a family photo which means more to me than they realize.

We went out to dinner with friends before heading home for cake.

Y’all know we love cookie cake and Bundt cakes, but we’ve been on an ice cream cake kick now.

Baskin Robbins for the win:

They squeaked in a couple of more smiles before enjoying their cake.

I went to bed not long after as I was tired…both emotionally and physically….and, I still had one more day of school to get through while they got to sleep in!

Wednesday evening, a few moms organized a pool party for the 8th graders, and they had lots of fun.

The temps had cooled off, so the kids mostly played volleyball and pickleball. It was a great evening to wrap up middle school.

I know I shared this meme last week, but it’s certainly hit home over the past few years.

…and while I know it’s hard parenting young teenagers, I know that being a teen isn’t easy! I just pray they continue down the right path, learn from mistakes, grow, mature, try their best, and be kind.

I love and believe in them more than they’ll every know.

Posted in Books and Shows

Summer Reading 2024

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello!

Well, after today, it will officially be summer for me…which means hopefully I will have more time to read.

I can’t wait to dive into my summer reading list.

I hope my summer can look like this:

This was my summer reading list in 2021:

2022:

2023:

….and this is my reading list for summer 2024:

Last summer, I read all but one book on my list, so I’m adding it to this year’s list.

Here are my book choices this summer:

  • On Fire Island: I’ve never read a book by Rosen, and this book looks to be a heart-breaker, but I will still give it a go.
  • The Comeback Summer: I read The Beach Trap by Ali Brady, and loved it. So, I have high hopes for this book too.
  • Swan Song: This book is out June 11, and it’s apparently Hilderbrand’s last Nantucket novel? How is that so?
  • The Darlings: This book has been saved on my Goodreads list for a while, and I hope to get to it this summer.
  • A Happier Life: I love Kristy Woodson Harvey books. If you haven’t read her Peachtree Bluff series, you should. I can’t wait to read her newest book out on June 25.
  • The Summer Pact: Emily Giffin is another author I think of for summer reading. I enjoyed Meant to Be when I read it two summers ago. The Summer Pact comes out on July 9th, and I have it marked on my calendar.
  • The Summer of Songbirds: This was the one summer book I didn’t get to last summer, and I’ve already picked it up from the library to read in June.
  • This Summer Will Be Different: I’ve read Every Summer After and Meet Me at the Lake. I didn’t know there was a third summer book until my friend (hi, Allison!) mentioned it a few weeks ago. Of course, I had to add it to my list.
  • A Hundred Summers: I think I’ve only read one book by Williams, but I love historical fiction, so I thought this would be a fun one to add into he mix.

What books are you reading this summer?

Posted in Books and Shows

What I’ve Been Reading: May 2024

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello!

I hope you had a great weekend. Did you catch my post on Saturday?

We spent all of Saturday at the middle school state track meet. It was a hot and long day, but the kids ran great races. Sunday was more of a relaxing day, and we really needed the downtime. We had two major storms blow through, but thankfully we didn’t have any damage. Yesterday, we were back in Louisville for our niece’s college graduation party.

As the month wraps up, I’m sharing the books I’ve read in May.

This month I read three books that included two memoirs and one mystery.

{As always, book summaries are from Goodreads…}

A Beautiful, Terrible Thing:

Summary:

What do you do when you discover that the person you’ve built your life around never existed? When “it could never happen to me” does happen to you?

These are the questions facing Jen Waite when she begins to realize that her loving husband–the father of her infant daughter, her best friend, the love of her life–fits the textbook definition of psychopath. In a raw, first-person account, Waite recounts each heartbreaking discovery, every life-destroying lie, and reveals what happens once the dust finally settles on her demolished marriage.

After a disturbing email sparks Waite’s suspicion that her husband is having an affair, she tries to uncover the truth and rebuild trust in her marriage. Instead, she finds more lies, infidelity, and betrayal than she could have imagined. Waite obsessively analyzes her relationship, trying to find a single moment from the last five years that isn’t part of the long-con of lies and manipulation. With a dual-timeline narrative structure, we see Waite’s romance bud, bloom, and wither simultaneously, making the heartbreak and disbelief even more affecting.

Quick Thoughts:

A quick glance at the cover, and you might read the name as “Jen White” and not “Jen Waite!” haha

I read this book because a mom friend told me she was listening to the audio book, and I thought it sounded interesting.

Like who am I to be a book critic, but I didn’t enjoy this book at all. I think my biggest issue was how it was written. There were too many simple sentences, too much repetition, and many times where I thought details needed more explanation. I felt like I was reading a bad essay the whole time. Maybe the audiobook was better?

Rating:

2.5 stars!

The Many Lives of Mama Love:

Summary:

No one expects the police to knock on the million-dollar, two-story home of the perfect cul-de-sac housewife. But soccer mom Lara Love Hardin has been hiding a shady secret: She is funding her heroin addiction by stealing her neighbors’ credit cards.

Lara is convicted of thirty-two felonies and becomes inmate S32179. She learns jail is a class system with a power structure somewhere between an adolescent sleepover party and Lord of the Flies. Furniture is made from tampon boxes, and Snickers bars are currency. But Lara quickly finds the rules and brings love and healing to her fellow inmates as she climbs the social ladder to become the “shot caller,” showing that jailhouse politics aren’t that different from the PTA meetings she used to attend.

When she’s released, she reinvents herself as a ghostwriter. Now, she’s legally co-opting other people’s identities and getting to meet Oprah, meditate with The Dalai Lama, and have dinner with Archbishop Desmond Tutu. But the shadow of her past follows her. Shame is a poison worse than heroin—there is no way to detox. She must learn to forgive herself and others, navigate life as a felon on probation, prove to herself that she is more good than bad, and much more.

Quick Thoughts:

This was Shay’s April Book Club book, and I love a memoir, so I thought it would be a book I enjoyed. Since it’s an Oprah book, there was a long wait at the library. So, I didn’t read this book until May. Anyway, I really enjoyed it!

Obviously, since she’d written the book, I knew her life must have been turned around and gotten back on track, so I think that helped me as I read during the hard times that Lara went through.

Honestly, I think her story is amazing, and while she had many difficult years and a few hiccups along the way, her children were her motivation to get back on track and make something of herself. I thought her story was so interesting, and it’s a true testament to the fact that when others believe in you and give you a chance, it can truly be life changing.

Rating:

The Darling Girls:

Summary:

For as long as they can remember, Jessica, Norah, and Alicia have been told how lucky they are. As young girls they were rescued from family tragedies and raised by a loving foster mother, Miss Fairchild, on an idyllic farming estate and given an elusive second chance at a happy family life.

But their childhood wasn’t the fairy tale everyone thinks it was. Miss Fairchild had rules. Miss Fairchild could be unpredictable. And Miss Fairchild was never, ever to be crossed. In a moment of desperation, the three broke away from Miss Fairchild and thought they were free. Even though they never saw her again, she was always somewhere in the shadows of their minds. When a body is discovered under the home they grew up in, the foster sisters find themselves thrust into the spotlight as key witnesses. Or are they prime suspects?

Quick Thoughts:

This was another one of Shay’s Book Club books…but I would have read it anyway because I enjoy Sally Hepworth books. I was actually at my favorite book store a few weeks ago and bought the book.

This book was a good one! What I like about Hepworth’s books is that they are set in Australia, so I love those references. I loved how different the sisters were, but how they were united they were as adults. How the book was organized made it a quick read. It goes back and forth from “then” and “now” with each sister as well as Ms. Fairchild too. As the plot develops, more secrets are shared. There are some tough topics covered in this book. The plot is filled with mystery, laughter, serious and light moments. The ending has a few twists too.

This quote sums it up perfectly: “You really got more than bargained for when you came here. Dysfunctional sisters, criminal charges, a run-in with monster of a former foster mother.”

It’s definitely a great summer read.

Rating:

So, this month had one three star, one four star, and one five star book. That’s a pretty good month of reading.

Come back tomorrow because I’m sharing the books on my Summer Reading List.

Today is the kids’ 8th grade promotion ceremony. They are more than ready to wrap up this school year. I feel the same way!