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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,

Posted in Weekend Top 5

Hello Monday

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello (Monday!)

How was your weekend? We had a really great one, and I’m linking up with Sarah and Holly to tell you all about it.

I’m going to back up to Friday because we had such a great summer day…and unexpected “family day.”

Like every morning, I started with some coffee and blog reading. As Travis left for work, he told the kids he could pick them up around 10:00 if they wanted to tag along with him for the day. He had some horses to look at in Paris and Shelbyville, and if they wanted to go with him, he’d take them to the outlet mall too.

Well, then he suggested that I come too, so we could all hang out. I’ve said it before, we’ve had a great summer, but it has felt like everyone has been pulled in every direction.

Anyway, I decided to go for a walk before Travis came to pick us up. It was a hot and steamy walk, but I wanted to get some steps in.

Then, Travis came home around 10:30 and we left by 11.

Since Travis was driving, I was able to read my book and the kids just scrolled their phones.

Funny story — at one point, Hayden called Hadley a “dummy” (why?!?!) and without missing a beat, she said, “Dummy?! Uh, we’re in the same classes!” I laughed out loud.

Travis wasn’t sure where to eat in Shelbyville, so we just parked on Main St. and found La Cocina de Mama which looked good. It was! I decided to try the empanadas (I don’t think I’ve every had them before), and they were so good.

The kids behaved 😉

Then, we headed to the farm where the horse was that Travis had to look at. He was looking at the baby, but they brought the mama out too.

We weren’t there too long, but even Hadley made a horse friend.

After that, we headed to the outlet mall. The kids needed new shorts…Hayden mostly for running and Hadley wears running shorts most days!

We hit up Adidas, Nike, Simply Southern (Hadley), and Under Armor. We were there a couple of hours. We made a pit stop at McDonalds for ice cream (them) and a Diet Coke (for me) before heading home.

That night, we kept it simple with carry out pizza for dinner and these cute cookies (made by my mom) for dessert.

After dinner, the kids played outside a bit and then we all watched two more episodes of Quarterback on Netflix.

Then, it was bedtime.

I had about an hour in the morning before I had to get started on my weekend to do list.

It was a rainy morning, so I enjoyed the cloudy weather, a cup of coffee, and a bit of Wimbledon.

Hayden and Travis left for Hayden’s long run. After Hadley got up, we went to get a manicure.

The pinks we chose show our personality, that’s for sure. haha

After the manicures, I had to run a few errands like getting gas in my car and a few Amazon returns.

When we got home, we went to check on the dogs Hadley took care of this weekend.

Then, I came home and got my workout in. It was a good one!

Then, I had leftover pizza for lunch and watched Kentucky basketball game with Hayden while Hadley went to see the new Mission Impossible movie with her friends.

Then, it was time for Hayden’s basketball game.

After his game, we came home and Travis and I got ready to go out with friends.

This outfit brought to you by Amazon. haha

My tank, purse, and sandals are all from Amazon. I got the purse in the spring of 2022, the sandals last summer and the tank on Saturday. It arrived just in time.

(I linked everything in the pictures…FYI on the sandals, I wear a size 9, but got the 9.5 wide in these)

Top // purse // sandals (Amazon affiliate links)

Our friends picked us up which was so nice. We hadn’t seen them in a while, and they just got back from Colorado, so it was fun to hear about their trip.

We ate dinner at ItalX. It’s only the second time I’ve eaten there, and it was delish. We got some apps before our meal, and I got the spaghetti carbonara with chicken.

The restaurant had their sliding doors/ windows open, and we had a great table by the sidewalk. It felt a little bit like NYC.

While we were at dinner, my mom texted me a pic of her dinner date…Hayden! They had a good time at one of our favorite Mexican restaurants.

After dinner, we hung out downtown for a bit before heading to a new spot in town. There’s a new hotel with a restaurant downstairs and rooftop bar upstairs. The bar is called Lost Palm and the decor is inspired by 1960’s south Florida.

It had a really cool/fun vibe.

out past our bedtime…

So pretty…

We had one drink before heading home.

It was a fun night out.

I was up around the time of the men’s Wimbledon final, so I started watching that.

Then, I made Hadley an appointment because it looked like she had pink eye…it’s been going around.

Thankfully, it was pretty mild, but we got her some eye drops.

We came home, and the men’s final was still on…So, I ended up watching the rest of the match…all 4 hours and 42 minutes!

After that, I helped Hadley get started on a special little blog post…stay tuned later this week!

Then, I went to the library for another pick up, a stop at UPS and picked up Hadley’s prescription.

Once home, I did some things around the house, folded laundry, prepped for the week and more.

Travis did yardwork while the kids were outside, and it was a lowkey afternoon.

We finished the evening with more Quarterback and that’s about it.

What was the best part of your weekend?

Posted in Family, Friday Favorites, Holidays

Friday Favorites {#166}

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Friday!

How was your week? Ours was really good. It *finally* felt like a pretty normal week. We didn’t really set alarms, stayed up a bit later, Hadley had dance, Hayden had basketball, we had pool time and did a few other things too.

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

Here are some favorite from the week:

Going all the way back to last Thursday…since Hadley wasn’t home for the 4th of July, we took a moment for sparkler fun. The sunset was so pretty too.

Friday was Trav’s birthday!

Friday night, we went out to eat with Trav’s brother and sister-in-law. If gnocchi is on the menu, I often order it!

We were pretty full after dinner, but Hadley convinced us to order dessert. Smiles for everyone.

When we got home, Travis opened his gifts. We just got him a running shirt, socks, and beer mugs because he loves a frosty beer! Overall, it was a really good night.

The next morning, Hadley left for the lake. I’m telling you, she doesn’t let the grass grow under her feet! haha.

She spent the day on the lake and overnight with her friend.

On Sunday, Travis had to work in the morning, but then his family came in town from Louisville, so we could celebrate him. My brother and his family also came over as well as a couple of Trav’s cousins who also live in Lexington.

We picked up fried chicken, and the rest of us made some sides. We had a few desserts including a Bundt cake for the birthday boy!

I also ordered cups from a local vendor…He really appreciated all this attention 😉

We got a quick photo before cake…

After everyone left, I got off my feet and relaxed on the back patio. The sunset was pretty, and the weather was great!

Speaking of the patio…

On the 4th of July, Travis and I went to Walmart to pick up a new couch for the patio.

We’ve had the same love seat for fifteen years…and Homer and #homered it when he was a puppy. This is the same couch we have in the sun room, and Travis noticed it was on sale. We figured we have loved that set for over three years, and it would be nice to have one more spot to sit with a couch vs a love seat.

So, the three piece set is $100 off, and we had to drive to a Walmart about 30 minutes away to pick it up. Hayden helped him assemble it, and we’ve been enjoying it ever since.

We have the cushions it came with , but we also picked these dark gray ones as well.

Hayden’s been playing basketball this summer like usual, but he’s missed a couple of games when he was out of town. So, that’s back on our agenda. It’s a laid back summer league, and fun to watch him play with different kids.

Wednesday night, we watched two episodes of the new Quarterback series on Netflix. Hadley even joined in on the fun! Of course, we’re excited that Mahomes is featured, but it’s interesting to learn about Cousins and Mariota too.

We’ve had some pool time this week. It makes me sad that pool days are already numbered. I’ve been able to go at least twice a week, but Hadley tends to go to the pool the most in our family. haha

Well, I didn’t mean for this to be the case, but lots of my “pampering” appointments lined up this week. On a whim Tuesday night, I decided to get a pedicure. It had been almost two months, so I was ready for a refresh.

I chose “Mexican City Move-mint” again because I like to choose one that I also have the color at home if I need a touch up.

I used my Mother’s Day gift card and had an hour long hot stone relaxation massage on Wednesday…and it was wonderful.

I probably end up getting two massages a year. While I will schedule my facials, hair appointments, and pedicures a few times a year, I usually only get a massage if it’s a gift…so I always appreciate those gift cards.

Then, I had my hair appointment yesterday, and it’s always nice to get fresh highlights and a trim.

Favorite Clothes:

I’ve been wearing this romper non-stop. It’s just easy to throw on with a tank and go.

I got this navy crepe set from SSYS, and I love it. I’ve worn it a few times and can’t wait to wear it more. (It comes in a few colors!)

Favorite Mom Meme:

We laughed when Hadley got off the camp bus wearing a new sweatshirt. She loves a sweatshirt all year long.

Weekly Recap:

I had a couple of posts this week including our monthly Not Just a Mom link up and tons of Amazon faves.

Not Just a Mom
PRime Day Faves
Day in the Life on Insta

Thanks so much for reading. I hope you have a great weekend.

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

Posted in Day in the Life

Day in the life…on Insta!

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello!

I haven’t done a “day in the life” post on Instagram since maybe last summer?!! So, that’s my plan for today. Hopefully, I remember to take pictures along the way! I’ll probably sprinkle in a few Prime Day finds too.

I have a few things planned for today…and then we’ll see what else takes place. I hope it’s a mix of relaxation and productivity.

Have a great day!

Posted in Amazon

Prime Days

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Tuesday!

…and happy Amazon Prime day(s). Today and and tomorrow, Amazon will have some great deals going on.

I debated on writing this post because if you are on Instagram or read a lot of blogs, I know it can be overwhelming to see all the sales that are happening in July. Between Nordstrom, Amazon, and even Walmart and Target…and more…there are lots of sales going on. Of course, just because something is on sale doesn’t mean we have to have it…I even have to remind myself that sometimes.

It’s fun to look back on purchases this year and put together posts like these. I always like seeing what others have purchased too. Also, I am an Amazon Associate, so I can earn from qualifying purchases.

Many shop Prime Days for “big ticket” items, but today, I’m mostly just sharing some Amazon faves of mine (or a few things I have on my Amazon list)

Most of these items seem to be on sale and some even have an extra coupon. I’ll share percentage off on the item, if it has a coupon, and even reviews as I can.

Prices and deals seem to fluctuate, so this is the info I have as I finish up this post.

Top 5!

This blog post is pretty extensive with favorites, but I also decided to share my top five faves…So, you’ll see these in the post in the organized sections, but here are my five faves:

Kitchen:

We got this electric tea kettle for my mom a couple of years ago, and then got one for our house. (It’s currently at its lowest price in 30 days at 10% off.)

We just got these beer mugs for Travis for his birthday. He loves a frosty cold beer so these are perfect for the freezer. I don’t think these are on sale, but they are a great price and have almost 10,000 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️+ reviews.

This microwave popcorn popper is family fave! Hadley probably uses it the most 🙂 We’ve given it as a gift too. (Almost 60,000 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.4 rating and 20% off)

Drink glasses – Like forks, I’m not sure where some of our glasses have gone. I had favorite set that we got as a wedding gift (18 years ago) from Pier 1. Now, we are down to two.

I have my eye on these (they come in a few colors and have 5% off coupon) or these.

Lawn and Garden:

We got my mom this gardening tool set as a gift. (currently 46% off)

For Christmas, we got Travis this Solo Stove Mesa (10% off and lowest price in 30 days)

Apparel:

This Hanes “invisible bra” is one of my all time favorite Amazon purchases. I have at least three of them. They are perfect for comfort at home/sleeping. (less than $7, and 59% off)

I love this black dress that I got last summer; I just wore it last week.(25% off)

My fave swim cover up that I have in two colors has a 15% off coupon.

I shared the long version of this romper that I ordered this summer. I also have the shorts version that has a 5% off coupon. I have been wearing both with a tank all summer.

This set of biker shorts I only purchased a couple of weeks ago, but they rank right up there with the Hanes bra as so comfortable and a great buy. I’ve even been sleeping in them. (19% off)

Shoes, Handbags, and Accessories:

My fuzzy slippers are still a fave, and I love that they are sandal style, especially in the summer. (35% off)

I’ve had this quilted cross body purse for over a year, and I use it so often. (42% off and almost 10,000 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️+ reviews)

This black belt bag purse has been my #1 purse of the summer. It comes in tan too. (12% off)

Christmas 2021, my mom got both of the kids this Rockland Melbourne 20 inch hardside expandable spinner suitcase . I’m tempted to buy one for myself today because I’m the only family member without a carry on size suitcase. (That’s because I’m the one who over-packs, but I’m working on it!) (61% off)

Hadley still loves her sunglasses, (44% off and 12,000 reviews, 4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 rating)

I can’t travel anywhere without my favorite packing cubes. (Various colors on sale)

I don’t switch out my earrings often, and I almost always wear stud earrings. I’ve had this pair for a couple of years and wear them the most. They are a great price and have a coupon to save $1.

Technology:

We bought Travis these wireless earbuds with hooks for his birthday last year, and he loves them. He wears them when he runs and when he does yard work. (40% off)

The kids had been using the same sound machines since they were babies. I’d also been wanting to have them start waking up more on their own this past year. When I saw this sound machine/clock combo, I gave it to them as one of their Valentine’s Day gifts. This ranks as one of my all-time favorite purchases.

It has many sound options, various colors for a nightlight (but no light is an option too) and is an alarm clock as well. They’ve been using them since February and even this summer to get themselves up for various activities. We love these things. Right now are they are 53% off and have a coupon.

We got Travis this mini massage gun for Father’s Day last year…Hayden uses it too! (-46% off and over 8,000 reviews, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.7 rating)

You know I love my Kindle Paperwhite! I’ve had mine for four years, and we got my Gma one for Christmas a couple of years ago.

The Ring video doorbell brings us peace of mind. That being said, we have to remember to change out/charge the batteries. (It’s 50% off right now and has 163,000 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.7 reviews )

The Roomba helps keep up with Homer’s dog hair. (28% off and 19,000 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️+ reviews)

How cute are these portable blue tooth speakers? They are 45% off. I think these would be perfect for the kids – they are always asking for our bigger blue tooth speakers to take outside. I’m going to snag one for both of them and save them for their birthday. (Almost 40,000 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2 reviews)

Pet Products:

We don’t need this as much now that we have a leather couch, but this pet roller constantly saved the day on our cloth couch. (22% off and 143,000 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️+ reviews )

We try to brush Homer as much as possible. This brush has a 10% coupon and 52,000 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2 star reviews.

Beauty/Health:

I’ve shared these toothbrushes time and time again. I have one and so do the kids. I can’t recommend them enough. They are currently 43% off right now. (19,000 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️+ reviews)

I’ve added this Gold Bond neck and chest firming cream to my skin care routine, and I love it. (29% off)

I’ve been using this Jergens tanning foam when needed since November, and it’s amazing. It’s so easy to apply with a mitt, drys quickly, and provides the prettiest tan color. (7% off)

Cerave is Hadley’s fave. She uses it every night. (28% off)

I’ve used these Lumineux whitening strips off and on over the past year or so when I’ve had breaks in my Invisalign treatments. They don’t make my teeth sensitive, and do brighten up my smile pretty easily. ($4 coupon)

I still use my dermaplane razor at least once a month in between my facial appointments. (52% off and 21,000 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and reviews)

This has been my vitamin C serum for the past six months. (27% off and coupon)

We got Hayden this razor kit for his stocking, and it’s perfect for him at this time in his life. (13% off)

Home:

Last June was when I did my huge closet purge, and over a year later, my closet is still looking good. These acrylic shelf dividers have been an amazing addition to my closet and have definitely helped keep it organized. They are currently 49% off.

I ordered this fuzzy white blanket last fall (and it comes in other colors too) Hadley immediately claimed it as her own, and it’s now on her bed. (33% off and 147,000 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️+ reviews)

We have these mattress toppers on all three of our beds, and they have given our mattresses new life. I’m forever grateful for this find. It’s currently 32% off and has 27,000 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️+ reviews)

Sports/Outdoors:

Trav is still loving the athletic shorts we got him for Father’s Day. They have a $4.80 off coupon.

These Adidas socks are Hayden’s fave. (37% off)

Both Travis and Hayden have this beanie with a built in light to use for running in the cooler/colder temps. There’s currently a $2 off coupon.

I hope these ideas provide some help whether it’s for yourself or a gift idea for the future. I prefer sharing with you things that have worked for me or my family, and I’m sure there are tons of other deals out there too. I know you probably feel bombarded on Instagram (and other blogs) with over-sharing. haha…I’m sure most of us don’t need any of these things, but it’s nice to get a deal.

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