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Posted in Books and Shows

What I’ve Been Reading: July 2023

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Monday!

Did you catch my Share 4 Somethings post on Saturday? I love that fun link up.

*sigh* This time next week, I’ll be reporting to school. That escalated quickly!

Anyway, it’s the last day of July (how is that possible?!), so I better share the books I read this month before turning the calendar page to August.

This month, I read four books which I guess is my average. I would have thought I would have read more, but like I’ve said before, I’m also really good at watching tv in the summer too.

Again this month I’m using one of @dariabookstagram’s templates. Cute, right?

Here are the books I read this month:

{As always, book summaries are from Goodreads…}

Meet Me at the Lake:

Summary:

Fern Brookbanks has wasted far too much of her adult life thinking about Will Baxter. She spent just twenty-four hours in her early twenties with the aggravatingly attractive, idealistic artist, a chance encounter that spiraled into a daylong adventure in Toronto. The timing was wrong, but their connection was undeniable: they shared every secret, every dream, and made a pact to meet one year later. Fern showed up. Will didn’t.

At thirty-two, Fern’s life doesn’t look at all how she once imagined it would. Instead of living in the city, Fern’s back home, running her mother’s Muskoka lakeside resort–something she vowed never to do. The place is in disarray, her ex-boyfriend’s the manager, and Fern doesn’t know where to begin.

She needs a plan–a lifeline. To her surprise, it comes in the form of Will, who arrives nine years too late, with a suitcase in tow and an offer to help on his lips. Will may be the only person who understands what Fern’s going through. But how could she possibly trust this expensive-suit wearing mirage who seems nothing like the young man she met all those years ago. Will is hiding something, and Fern’s not sure she wants to know what it is.

But ten years ago, Will Baxter rescued Fern. Can she do the same for him?

Quick Thoughts:

I loved Every Summer After which I read last summer, and I felt like this had a similar vibe….love, hope, heartbreak and more. It was a good summer read!

Rating:

Endless Summer

Summary:

In SUMMER DAYS AGAIN, Elin Hilderbrand offers nine delectable stories—prequels, sequels, and “missing chapters” from her cherished books—some of which have never been published, until now.

With a foreword by Elin Hilderbrand about the writer’s reluctance to leave treasured characters behind and a prefatory, “behind-the-scenes” note included with each story, this book answers the prayers of both new and seasoned readers everywhere who, like the Kirkus reviewer, “would rather be living in an Elin Hilderbrand novel.”

Quick Thoughts:

I guess it would probably only make sense to read this book if you’ve read most of her books? She includes additions to The Matchmaker, Summer of 79, Summer of 69, 28 Summers and more. I think I had read all of the books except for the Summers of 69 and 79.

I love that Hilderbrand has an intro for each short story with notes and explanation as to why she wrote it, why it was left out, and other general thoughts and ideas.

The 28 Summers sequel was my favorite. I honestly really loved that book, and it was fun catching up with the characters and seeing how their lives turned out.

Rating:

Lessons in Chemistry

Summary:

Chemist Elizabeth Zott is not your average woman. In fact, Elizabeth Zott would be the first to point out that there is no such thing as an average woman. But it’s the early 1960s and her all-male team at Hastings Research Institute takes a very unscientific view of equality. Except for one: Calvin Evans; the lonely, brilliant, Nobel–prize nominated grudge-holder who falls in love with—of all things—her mind. True chemistry results.

But like science, life is unpredictable. Which is why a few years later Elizabeth Zott finds herself not only a single mother, but the reluctant star of America’s most beloved cooking show Supper at Six. Elizabeth’s unusual approach to cooking (“combine one tablespoon acetic acid with a pinch of sodium chloride”) proves revolutionary. But as her following grows, not everyone is happy. Because as it turns out, Elizabeth Zott isn’t just teaching women to cook. She’s daring them to change the status quo.

Quick Thoughts:

I feel like this is a popular book right now. I’ve seen quite a few people share it, and my Gma mentioned it to me a few months ago.

Elizabeth and Calvin’s relationship reminded me of Sheldon and Amy’s on The Big Bang Theory tv show….innocent, clunky, clueless but sweet.

I loved following along on Elizabeth’s journey of her cooking show and all that she has to offer for her female audience.

Of course this book has some twists and turns, heartache, a “girl power” message and more…and I loved it. It might be one of my favorite books of 2023.

Fave Quotes:

“Every day she found parenthood like taking a test for which she had not studied.” (**I do not know that I’ve ever related more to quote than this one! haha)

“Courage is the root of change – and change is what we’re chemically designed to do.”

Rating:

Summer Stage:

Summary:

Bestselling Author of  The Wedding Veil Amy Trevino, a former aspiring playwright, has stayed close to her Rhode Island hometown while her famous brother, Timothy Fleming, pursued and achieved his Hollywood dreams. Now a high school English teacher and occasional drama director, Amy takes on the production manager role for her brother’s play in an effort to mend rifting family relationships. 

Sam, Amy’s daughter, was a Disney child star who continued her pursuit for fame in a Manhattan TikTok house. Now she’s returned home unexpectedly. Her sudden arrival is shrouded in secrets, and Sam refuses to open up to her mother, deciding instead to join her uncle on Block Island for the summer.  

Timothy, a successful and well-loved actor, is directing a summer production at a storied Block Island theater–and his famous ex-wife has the lead role.

As they work together to ensure the production is a success, Amy, Sam, and Timothy are forced to grapple with their desires for recognition and fortune, stand up for what they believe art and fame actually mean, and discover what they really want out of life.

Quick Thoughts:

This book was on my summer reading list. I don’t think I’ve read any other books by Meg Mitchell Moore, but I know she wrote Vacationland which has been on my want to read list for a while.

Anyway, this was a perfect little summer read with Block Island setting. I loved the mix of characters – uncle, mom, daughter and more along with the idea of a summer play. This was a fun and easy read.

Rating:

Summer Reading Update:

  • Read: All the Days of Summer, Endless Summer, Meet Me at the Lake, and Summer Stage
  • Picked up from the library: Hotel Laguna
  • Bought: The Five-Star Weekend…I wasn’t sure when it would ever be my turn to read this, so I went ahead and ordered it from Amazon.
  • Still waiting on…The Summer of Songbirds and The Block Party (I’m second in line on the library wait list for both, so maybe I can read those in August too!)

Anyway, how’s your summer reading going?

Posted in School, Share 4 Somethings

Share 4 Somethings

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Saturday!

I love it that Jennifer hosts this fun little link up at the end of the month. It’s just a quick way to reflect on the past month.

I this month, I….

Loved:

Slow mornings when we had them. July was still busy, but there were fewer alarms set in the morning.

I also loved seeing so many beautiful sunsets while in Florida last week.

Read:

You know I love to read. Looking back on this summer, how lucky am I that I read with mountain views, ocean views, and pool views?! That makes my reading heart happy.

Ate:

Seafood while at the beach.

Travis and I both love seafood, Hayden mostly loves oysters, and Hadley loves salmon. The boys missed out on oysters this year (although, Hayden got them when he went to SC with his friend’s family)

While in Florida, I had shrimp, fish tacos, and more.

I also drank a daiquiri at one of our favorite places…The Daiquiri Deck.

Bought:

Well, it’s that time of the year…back to school. {*sigh}

About the only thing that makes going back to school better is buying a new planner (and pens!)

This is the third year that I’m using a Happy Planner. Three years ago, I realized Michael’s sells them, and are 40% for back to school. (Also, fun fact: Michael’s gives a teacher discount…A few summers ago, I showed my badge and ever since, the discount (I think 20%) is connected to my account).

Anyway, this is the second year I’m going to use the smaller version of the the Happy Planner. It worked well for me last year, so I figured I would try it again.

Since they were also 40% off, I picked up a pack of stickers too. I use them on my desk calendar as well.

Then, of course, I had to have new pens. I just got my favorite Flair felt pens at Kroger. {*Impulse buy*}–these PASTEL Ticonderoga pencils. I’m honestly not picky about my pencils, but the pastel colored ones stopped me in my tracks. How could I say no??

I also need to pick up a new desk calendar…sometimes I get one from Amazon, but I think last year I got mine at Walmart when the kids got their school supplies.

For the first time in a few years, I actually need to get a new lunch tote and a new travel coffee mug.

Every year, I used to go to the Parent Teacher store to pick up my planner and any other odds and ends I needed. I could always spot the elementary teachers a mile away because they always had so much stuff!! I know you might see lots of “teacher lists” this time of the year or even just the back school supply list and think it all seems excessive, but if you can, throw the extra box of Kleenex their way or purchase a few things off their Amazon list. It means more to them then you know!

As a high school teacher, I admit I don’t need as much. That being said, I still have to replenish markers, paper, folders and other odds and ends during the school year. When I take my own kids back to school shopping, I usually pick up some of those supplies while they are on sale.

I do miss the days when the kids were little. In elementary school, we’d make a day of all the back to school things. The kids would get haircuts, we’d go out to lunch, we’d buy new shoes, and then go get school supplies. I loved that day when we did all the fun things.

To be honest, I tried to make it kind of a big deal because it helped me get excited about going back to school. It’s also why I did the Back to School Breakfast in elementary school and now do the Back to School Brinner .

I always love my summers with my kids. I don’t take for granted that I get to be with them all day. This summer has felt especially quick with everyone’s schedules being so crazy and the kids being a bit more independent.

They used to help my set up my classroom…

…and now they are about to be 8th graders! (Honestly, they will still help me set up my classroom if needed.)

Well, y’all, I didn’t mean to get so nostalgic, but here we are…haha

I hope you still have many fun summer days left having all kinds of fun.

Posted in Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites {#168}

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Friday!

*sigh* besides today, I only have one more Friday without school responsibilities…I guess I better savor these last few days while I can.

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

Here are some favorites from the week:

On Sunday, we picked up Hayden from running camp. He had the best time. This is a camp for high school runners, but he was able to go this summer along with a few other 8th graders.

Throughout the four days, he ran 45 miles including 10 miles on Saturday with the big kids. He texted us and said, “I did it!” I love that he was proud of his accomplishment.

They definitely did more than just run. They had guest speakers, sessions for stretching, theme nights, volleyball, swimming, and more.

Cousin Jacob was there, so I knew he’d be in good hands!

After picking Hayden up, we headed to Louisville to celebrate Trav’s mom’s birthday. Most of the grand-kids were there…

Hadley and I have still been baking at least once a month. This week, we made Chocolate Zucchini Cake. I think this is one of the first recipes I shared on the blog. We usually add a dollop of Cool Whip on each slice. I got the recipe from a childhood friend of mine.

The neighbors shared some flowers from their garden with us…so pretty!

This week, the kids have been in charge of watering that neighbor’s garden as well as checking on and feeding their cat. This has been a good summer of responsibility for the kids. Hadley has babysat quite a few times, Hayden has mowed some lawns (including ours), and then they’ve watered neighbors flowers and checked on pets. It’s been good for them to have to have a few responsibilities and nice that they can earn a little money.

What seems to be more rare than a unicorn sighting? Seeing a smiling teen boy out in public!? lol #welcometomyworld

I’m kind of struggling with the fact that my boy is looking like a man!?! He gets the best tan in the summer, has grown a few inches, and has the best smile (when he shows it 😉 )

I had pool time with the kids a couple of days this week which has been so nice. They mostly hang with their friends and ask me for money for a snack while I read…but I’ll take what I can get.

I started this book, and I’m really excited to read it.

This week, I started my 3rd phase of Invisalign. Phases 1 and 2 were 30 weeks each. At the end of a phase, they re-scan you, and then it’s about 5-6 weeks before you get your new aligners. So, I had an appointment, and it really is the little things that are favorites… For this phase, I don’t have attachments (or buttons?) on my front teeth! That’s a win for me. Obviously, I wear the aligners most of the time, but it’s nice not to have those on my front teeth for when they aren’t in. Yes, those attachments (mostly) blend in, but it’s still something I think about when the trays aren’t in.

I think at the end of the 30 weeks,I should be finished, but we’ll see.

Last night, I had dinner with a friend in a favorite spot in town. I ordered the steak salad, and it was delish.

It was so great seeing her and catching up. I wish we could see each other more often, but when we do get together, it’s like no time has passed.

Favorite Kid Quote:

We had kind of a hectic evening last night, so before we all went our separate ways, I said, “Let’s get our ducks in a row.” Hadley said, “I feel like my ducks are all over the place.” haha That definitely sounds like something I would say! I was like #samegirlsame

Favorite Mom Meme:

Every dang time…(I guess I should be happy they are bathing!)

Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday

This pic popped up in my Facebook memories from 2014…The kids with a couple of the horses on Trav’s farm.

Weekly Recap:

I loved all my posts this week –a few laughs, a travel recap (part 2 next week!), and a couple of fun link ups…

Monday Memes
Siesta Key Recap 1
WUW
Monthly Musings

What are your weekend plans? We actually don’t have too much on tap…besides keeping our ducks in a row.

On Monday, I’m sharing the books I read this month.

I hope you have a great weekend.

Posted in Clothes, Monthly Musings

Monthly Musings

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello!

How’s it going?

Today, I’m linking up with Patty and Holly for Monthly Musings. I love this link up because it’s a fun way to answer questions on a specific topic.

This month’s topic is Summer Fashion.

You know I’m no fashionista…and in the summer, I’m mostly wearing workout clothes, pjs, or swimsuit and a cover up…but here we go…

1. Favorite summer outfit?

Besides what I just mentioned above, this two piece set from Shop Style Your Senses is probably my favorite buy of the summer. It’s easy to dress up or down, and it’s super comfy.

This summer feels like the year of the romper, and while I’m not 100% sold that it’s my best look, this one is a go to and easy to wear.

I recently ordered this light-weight cap sleeve sweater, and I love it. It’s an Amazon find, and I wore it two times in Florida with denim shorts.

This week, I remembered these black shorts I bought from SSYS in the spring, and I think it’s a “nicer” look for dinner out.

2. Favorite summer footware?

I truly haven’t changed up my sandals much in the past few summers.

My Birks are still my “go to”…

Then, I mix in the rose gold Amazon slides or gold sandals. I still love the braided heeled sandals I ordered last summer if I need a dressier look. The comfort slides that I’ve had for a few years are still the sandals I wear the most to the pool. (I sized up one size in both Amazon sandals, and half a size in the braided heels)

3. What summer accessories are you wearing on repeat?

I don’t really change up my accessories…I’m still wearing my same bracelets from Daily Gold Co (I never take them off) as well as my Amazon bracelets too.

My favorite pool accessories are this bag from Walmart (I even used it as my carry-on for our Florida vacay…and then used it for the beach)

I have this SSYS swim cover up that I love…

…as well as my favorite one from Amazon that I have in light blue and navy. I picked up both of these last summer, and continue to love them.

4. What do you use for a summer bag?

Like my sandals, I haven’t really changed my bags up either. Again, I love the “summer” Walmart bag for my pool bag.

Then, most days I’m wearing this black cross body, but also brought the quilted belt bag on vacation when I dressed up a bit more but still casual.

I also use this cross body too when I’m a little more put together/less “mom mode.”

5. What summer scents are you wearing?

I also, don’t change my perfume seasonally. I always prefer something light and refreshing. For Christmas, Travis got me Perfect and Daisy Dream by Marc Jacobs as well as Juliette has a Gun, and I still love all three.

6. Maxi dress, romper or jumpsuit?

Besides the pink romper above, I also wear the long version too.

7. Favorite summer sunglasses?

I wear this pair almost daily, but they cracked in my bag on vacation.

Hadley still loves the pair she got earlier this summer…

I also love my Quay sunglasses that I got a couple of years ago and wear them often. I wore them to the pool yesterday!

8. Favorite summer pjs?

Hands down my favorite summer pjs are the gauzy pink ones I found at Target last summer. This summer, I bought them again in gray and turquoise.

(top // bottom)

9. Do you wear white after Labor Day?

I don’t wear much white anyway, but I will definitely still wear my white jeans in September.

10. Favorite summer fashion trend?

Apparently my favorite fashion trend is not changing things up too much…😆

I do tend to wear some brighter colors in the summer…I don’t mind to do that when I’m tan. 😆

What’s your favorite summer piece in your wardrobe?

{This post contains Amazon affiliate links…Thank you for supporting my blog!}

Posted in What's up Wednesday

What’s Up Wednesday

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Y’all, it has been a MINUTE since I’ve done a WUW post!

Today, I’m linking up with Shay and Sheaffer for What’s Up Wednesday.

What we are eating this week:

  • Sunday– We had BBQ chicken sandwiches, corn casserole, mac and cheese and more for my mother-in-law’s birthday.
  • Monday-I made this Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken, and it was a hit. It was a new recipe, so easy to put together, and delish. I pulled two green peppers from my garden to use for the dish. I served it with Trader Joe’s Jasmine Rice mixed with black beans, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. That rice side dish is another family favorite.
  • Tuesday-We grilled out hamburgers, and I made Bev’s Asian Cucumber Salad, and it was a great side dish.
  • Wednesday-I’m trying another new recipe- Ham and Cheese Tortellini. It’s one pot, so that seems like a win, and I feel like it will be a family favorite too.
  • Thursday-Leftovers, I hope!
  • Friday/Saturday –I’m sure we’ll eat out or eat at the pool.

Peppers from the garden to use for Monday night’s dinner!

What I’m reminiscing about:

With school starting in a few weeks, and the kids being 8th graders, I ‘m reminiscing about the first day of 6th grade.

Look at these littles…

What I’m working on:

I’m working on a presentation for one of our back to school Professional Development days…Honestly, I’m not too excited about it…back to school and presenting…ugh.

What we’ve been up to:

We’ve had a great couple of weeks. Hadley and I went on vacation.

Hayden went to running camp, and loved every minute.

Meanwhile, Travis tackled a project that’s been on our to do list for a while…a new retaining wall out front. He got the project started, had a high school boy put the previous pavers in the dumpster, and then a couple of guys (who know what they are doing), built the new wall.

I’m so glad the dirt stayed put when Travis started to remove the original pavers.

What I’m dreading:

Besides that professional development presentations??…Hot temps are headed our way this week. We’ve been lucky so far this summer with really mild temps, so I guess if we made it to the end of July before hitting the upper 90’s that’s pretty good.

What I’m excited about:

We have a few more fun things planned before heading back to school in a few weeks.

What I’m watching/reading:

This summer, I’ve done a good job watching mindless tv…haha

Travis got the Peacock app to watch something…Yellowstone? So, I took full advantage and have been watching the Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip seasons.

I also caught up on Rookie his week and just have a few more episodes of NCIS Hawaii, and I’ll be caught up on season 2.

We’ve also been watching Quarterback on Netflix. It’s been fun following Mahomes, Cousins, and Mariota through their seasons.

I’ve been reading at my regular pace, but it’s been nice staying up later to read if I want in the summer.

The best place to read is at the beach!

While in Florida last week, I finished Lessons in Chemistry and read most of this book. I finished it last night, and it was a good summer read.

What I’m listening to:

I still listen to podcasts when I can. Unfortunately, that’s usually only when I find time for a walk or go to the gym. I usually workout at home, so I end up having very little gym time.

Through the years, I’ve become more of anxious flyer —and I can’t really concentrate and read on the plane….so before flying to Florida, I downloaded some podcast episodes.

To and from Florida, I listened to a couple of episodes of I’ve Had It (so funny!), Hey, Dude the 90’s Called ( Jason Priestley and Jennie Garth episodes) along with a few Absolutely Not (Heather McMahan) episodes.

It’s nice to just close my eyes, listen and relax as best as I can.

What I’m wearing:

Last week, I was wearing lost of swimsuits and summer dresses while in Florida.

I’m also still loving my new top from Amazon…

…and this set from Shop Style Your Senses. I wore this set a couple of times while on vacay.

…a

What I’m doing this weekend:

This week, I forced myself to make a daily list mixed with productivity and downtime. I need to continue chipping away at the list this weekend.

What I’m looking forward to next month:

Honestly, it hurts when summer ends, but it is good when we can get back in a routine. So, I’m not necessarily looking forward to going back to school (where has the summer gone?!), but I do love hearing about the kids’ school days, cross country meets, and all the things that come with the new school year…like a new teacher planner and pens. haha

I’m so glad I found the time to do this post. I used to be a faithful “What’s Up Wednesday” girl, but sometimes these posts take longer to put together, I’m afraid I’m repeating myself, or since it’s the end of the month I typically share the books I’ve read for the month.

Anyway, thanks so much for reading!

Posted in Travel

Siesta Key Part 1

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello!

Well, we’ve been back a few days, so I’m recapping the first couple of days of the little vacay that Hadley and I went on last week.

We’ve been going to Siesta Key off and on for years. Trav’s aunt has a house there, and she’s so gracious to offer it to family whenever it’s available.

The kids have fond memories, favorite restaurants, and we always enjoy our time there.

While Hayden was a running camp, Travis suggested that Hadley and I go for a few days. At first I hesitated, but since Hayden had been to the beach with his friend, and Hadley wanted to go to the beach, I decided to go for it…especially when I saw easy flights to and from Lexington.

While we usually fly there, sometimes, the flights are really early or late, and these were just right. Hadley was able to bring a friend, so that was an added bonus!

Monday:

Our flight left Lexington at 1:30, so we arrived at the airport at 12:30.

BIG NEWS, y’all…I packed a carry on suitcase for the plane…for the first time ever! To be honest, besides being so convenient, it was thrilling. (I really I need a life. haha…This just felt like such a great achievement!)

The flight is less than two hours, we landed, got a rental car and drove the hour to Siesta Key. We were to the house around 5:30…just in time for me to receive my first ever Instacart order! I’d never done this before, and it was so great to arrive and have groceries!

I just knew we’d be there around dinnertime, and I didn’t want to get to the house and then spend an hour shopping. I’m so glad that I did this.

We unpacked, and the girls wanted to go to the beach quickly before dinner. It had just rained, but it was still so pretty out.

Then, we headed to the Daiquiri Deck which is a fave. We were so hungry, so we split some chicken nachos, and then ordered food for dinner too…as well a a daiquiri…(virgin for the girls, of course)

Then, Hadley suggested we drive to Turtle Beach which we discovered on our last trip there. It’s an easier beach to navigate with only a few steps from the car to the sand….and it’s just so pretty!

We were there about thirty minutes, and it was just so nice.

Look at the sunset photo Hadley took! Stunning.

….and a beach selfie before we left.

Once we got back to the house, the girls swam for a bit and then watched tv until bedtime.

Tuesday:

I ran to the grocery store for a few odds and ends, and then I worked out.

We had a quick lunch at home before heading to the beach.

We went to Siesta Key Beach around 12:30

The girls swam and hung out on the boogie boards for a couple of hours while I read.

Then, we went back to the house and swam a bit before showering before dinner.

We went to SKOB (Siesta Key Oyster Bar). While here, I did miss the boys…they love the oysters here.

After dinner, the girls wanted to shop a bit, and each got a t-shirt. Then, they got some ice cream. Ice cream at Olaf’s is a must. (According to Hadley 😉 )

We went back to the house for a bit before going to the beach for the sunset. They played smash ball, we went for a walk, and then went back to the house after the sun set.

There was a sandbar between the beach and the ocean, and they had fun going to and from the sandbar to play.

It’s always amazing to me how the sky looks different every night for sunset.

The girls watched tv, and I read until bedtime.

And…then it was time for Be Real…I made it in the nightly photo. haha

We had a really great start to our trip!

Posted in Memes

Monday Memes

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello! How was your weekend?

I spent most of Saturday running errands and getting life back in order after being gone. Then yesterday, we picked Hayden up from camp followed by a birthday lunch for my mother-in-law. I picked up my groceries at 7:30 last night as my final task of the weekend.

I have quite a few things to tackle today too.

Anyway, I know it’s not the last Monday of the month, but I’m sharing memes that made me laugh. It’s always good to start Monday off with a laugh, right?

This one was me Sunday night:

I need to get back on track this week after vacay:

This one is similar to the meme above…

Haha…

I’m over here trying to chill…and enjoy my last couple weeks of summer.

This was me last week while packing.

Fun fact: for the first time EVER, I packed in a carry-on suitcase for the airplane. I was amazed at myself, and it was amazing to just get off the plane and go!

I always ease my way into the pool!

It was so nice floating in the pool last week, but I’m definitely not graceful getting on the float.

I probably drink too much coffee, but it’s necessary.

This one just made me chuckle:

I hope these memes made you laugh!

Have a great Monday.

Posted in Friday Favorites, Kids, Travel

Friday Favorites {#167}

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Friday.

I can’t believe my summer Fridays are slipping away! I’m trying to make the most of what we have left of summer break.

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

Here are some favorites from the week:

This post will be pretty short and sweet because Hadley and I have been in one of our favorite places this week: Siesta Key, Florida. She brought a friend along too!

Here are a few of our favorite photos:

Monday night’s sunset was stunning.

We had a great time.

Siesta Key girl!

Living her best life…

A book at the beach is one of my favorite things.

As many times as we’ve been here, we’ve never been out on the water. I booked a two hour morning cruise yesterday, and we spotted dolphins …in front of Prince’s former beach house…peep the purple pool!

I was 4 for 4 catching the sunset which is my favorite thing to do.

And this was the view on the way back to the car last night. Stunning.

We had a great few days at the beach.

and…I think these girls have had lots of fun this week…Of course they’ve added a new sweatshirt to their collection 😆

While Hadley and I have been away, Hayden has been at running camp. Travis called me after he dropped him off and said that I shouldn’t expect much from him when we take him to college. Hayden was ready to roll and had no issues with saying goodbye 😆

I guess that’s what we want as parents, right? …for them to want to be independent and spread their wings.

Hadley has always been my more extroverted child while Hayden tends to be more introverted and a homebody. So while Hadley was always excited for camp, Hayden never really showed any interest until this year.

I’m happy he is going to camp on his own terms because then I don’t have to worry about him at all.

I can’t wait to see him though and hear all about it.

Friday Find:

On Instagram, I just recently found @matteicheldinger who is a middle school teacher. You must check him out if you don’t follow him already.

His student stories are funny, uplifting, inspirational. and he’s such a good story teller!

Flashback Friday:

Since we’ve been in Siesta Key this week, here are a few throwback photos…

A family photo in 2016…

This pic from the same 2016 trip is one of my favorites….

Every time we come to SK, Hadley wants to eat at the Lobster Pot.

Here she is in 2019 and 2023 😆

Weekly Recap:

I was a busy blogger this week. Also, thanks for all the love about Hadley’s hair tutorial…She appreciated the compliments.

Hello Monday
50 States
Hair Tutorial
Thursday THoughts

What are your weekend plans? Well, it’s back to reality for us. Once we get home, I will have to unpack and get a few things accomplished, both at home and at school.

This has been a fun week with Hadley, but I’ve missed the guys…

I hope you have a great weekend.

Posted in Enneagram, Thursday Thoughts

Thursday Thoughts: 5w6 Relaxing

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello!

It’s been a while since I’ve shared an Enneagram post. I always think it’s interesting to see @Ashton.creates posts on Instagram where she breaks down each Enneagram type for different categories.

Today, I’m breaking down “relaxing” for my 5w6 self.

Summer is definitely the time to relax! Of course, we’ve been pretty busy, but when I do have time to relax, I do! Sometimes when I share these posts, I think I’m more of a 6 than a 5, but this one I think I relate more to the 5.

Enneagram 5:

Sweet silence- Yes! You know I love moment of quiet when I can. I’ve found this summer that I’ve sought silence on my front porch more than ever. Not that I need silence more than ever — just I’ve been embracing the front porch quiet time when I can.

Quiet time-I’ve you’ve read my blog for any length of time, you know that I always start my mornings with quiet time of coffee and blog reading. It’s the best way, for me, to start my day.

Being home- Yes! I’m the very definition of a homebody.

Docuseries-I do enjoy docuseries. We’ve been watching Quarterback, and I love it. of course, I love seeing more about Mahomes, but it’s interesting to learn about the other quarterbacks too. I find myself cheering for them too.

Walks- I enjoy a walk when I can. It’s about the only time I get to listen to a podcast, so I try to walk a few days a week.

Favorite mug-

I’ve been using my new Julep Farms mug this summer ever since our trip there.

A good book – Of course! I’m currently reading Lessons in Chemistry, and I’m loving it.

Sunrise- For being a morning person, I’m more of a sunset person. I have caught a sunrise or two at the beach through the years.

Enneagram 6:

Flowers – I love flowers…whether I pick them up at Trader Joes…

…or Travis and the kids buy me some.

A solid schedule – Yes! I always feel better with a schedule. I like having a plan whenever possible. I’ve realized through the years that I’m better about reading and working out during the school year than when I have time off in the summer. I guess I embrace the downtime and can become lazy.

Sunsets on the beach – Yes! I love nothing more than a beach sunset.

Multiple drinks – Coffee, Diet Coke, Pinot Grigio…& water in my Stanley…lots of different beverages.

Phone calls with a bestie -Admittedly, I’m not a big phone call person, but of course it’s nice to chat and catch up with family and friends.

Movie night – I love a movie night when we are able to do it. I also enjoy watching favorite movies over and over. Some of my favorite movies are: Parent Trap (original), Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Sleepless in Seattle, While You Were Sleeping, Swiss Family Robinson and more are ones I re-watch often.

Documentaries – I like docuseries and documentaries.

Sappy playlist – I’m not much a of a playlist/music person…that’s more Trav’s speed. That being said, there’s nothing better than hearing a favorite song on the radio.

What about you? What’s your favorite way to relax ?

See you tomorrow for Friday Favorites.

Posted in Health and Fitness, Kids

Hair Tutorial

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello!

Today, I’m letting Hadley share about how she curls her hair with the heatless curl rod that she got for Easter this year.

Hadley is your girl, not me, for hair and makeup advice!

Here’s Hadley:

I have the honor of typing today’s “Showmeandsweettea” blog post!

I got this heatless curl set in my Easter basket this year and my mom wanted me to show you how easy it is to use if you want some cute curls in your hair!

First, I dampen my hair with a little water. Next, I put the rod in the middle and line it up so the sides at the bottom are even. I also put some kind of clip, (I use a claw clip) and attach it at the top of my head, so that it stays in place while I twist my hair around.

Now it’s time for the fun part! You choose what side you want to start with and you simply take a chunk of your hair at the root of your head and twist it over the rod. Once it goes over, you can pull it underneath and you take another chunk of hair to the same piece you started with. Then, you just repeat until you reach the bottom and tie it off with a scrunchie/hair tie.

Then, I repeat on the other side.

Then you simply have a good night sleep!!

In the morning, when I wake up, I go to the bathroom and this is what it looks like!😂

To take it out, first you take off the scrunchies and you just simply unwrap the hair starting from the bottom. Sometimes it gets tangled and other times it comes right out.

Here are the results!

It is so easy to use and I recommend letting them sit or shake it out instead of using a brush right away!

This time, I slept with the rod in my hair, but I’ve also used it and let it set for only a couple of hours. Even with that shorter time, my hair is nice and wavy.

Let my mom know if you have any questions.

Didn’t Hadley do such a good job? Of course, I went through and proofread this post, but my “English teacher mom heart” is proud…Sis used transitions, details, and a variety of sentence structures! (Other note: please excuse the bathroom mess 😆)

I should probably have Hadley write more posts! Let me know if there are any topics you’d like for my sweet teen to cover.

Have a great day,