Category: Friday Favorites

Posted in Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites {#97}

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Happy Friday! How was your week? You know how sometimes the short weeks feel the longest? Well, a short week due to a Monday holiday and two snow days sure did make this week feel long. I’m not mad about a few snow days, but my family just still isn’t really in a routine which can make the days seem extra crazy and extra long.

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

This week, I’m sharing my favorites day by day.

Saturday:

My favorite from Saturday was the cookie cake Travis and the kids got me for my birthday. I love that tradition, and of course, the cookie cake was delish.

Sunday:

A big WIN for the Chiefs was a favorite of mine…and a favorite for Hayden too!

Monday:

An obvious favorite from Monday was having the three day weekend.

It also would have been Betty White’s 100th birthday. Have you seen Google? When you type in her name, roses float down the screen. What a tribute!

Have you seen this post? What a beautiful sentiment.

Also, Hadley had been wanting to watch Sing 2, so we did that. It is such a sweet movie. We all loved it.

Tuesday:

Well, Tuesday was a snow day, but it was a NTI (non-traditional instruction) day for us….our first ever NTI snow day. The kids did a great job completing their work, and we are thankful to not have to add these days to the end of the year.

In the evening, I met up with my friend for drinks and an appetizer. She gave me the sweetest birthday gift. It was so great to catch up with her.

Wednesday:

Wednesday, we had school…which was honestly a favorite. I’m in the midst of planning our school’s credit recovery session, and I needed to get quite a few things accomplished.

Then, I had a great surprise when I get home. My new T3 curling iron arrived. Do you follow @mommaflum (another teacher named Jennifer!) on Instagram? A couple of weeks ago she shared some of the T3 products that she loves because T3 had a sale going on. I messaged her to ask about the curling iron, and she realized it wasn’t on sale. Anyway, over the weekend, she messaged me to say the curling iron was on sale which I thought was so sweet of her to do. I would never spend $160 on this, but with the sale, it was $100 off, so I used birthday money to treat myself.

Hadley has already used it! I’m going to give it a try over the weekend.

Thursday:

Well, we woke up to about 3 inches of snow which meant another NTI day.

…and snow cream for a mid-morning snack!

Part Husky Homer thinks the snow is so fun, and we love watching him run laps in the backyard!

I love snow too! If it’s going to be cold, then I’m all about the snow. By mid-February, I will be ready for spring.

Favorite Mom Meme:

I’m Team Forever Needs a Nap!

Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday

This photo from 2016 popped up in my Facebook memories yesterday. I remember taking this photo on a snow day. Hadley has always been able to sleep anywhere, and she sure was worn out!

Weekly Recap:

I had a few posts this week including a recap of the weekend, sharing my favorite cookbooks, and some quick lunch ideas.

Weekend Wrap Up
Favorite Cookbooks
Let’s Lunch

Well, as I finished typing this, we got the call that we have another NTI day today. While the roads are in better condition than the snow earlier this week, the temps are frigid and some side streets are still icy. Honestly, I think our sub shortage is also an issue. Maybe next week will be more “normal.”

This weekend, Hayden has some basketball, and then we’ll be cheering for the Chiefs and hoping for another win.

Thanks so much for reading!

Posted in Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites {#96}

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and Happy Friday. Well, after a two week break and then only two days of school last week, this week sure felt like a marathon. Are five day work weeks really necessary?!? 😆 We were back to doing all the things: schools, activities, sports, errands, and more!

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

{I love their new graphic! It’s so cute.}

Favorite Moment(s):

The big news and favorite of the week is that the kids officially received their second dose of the vaccine. Our district had some vaccine clinics, so it was super easy to get the second dose on Wednesday afternoon.

After I took this photo, I got to thinking that I feel like the next time they are showing me cards, they will be 16 and showing me their licenses!

I don’t have a photo, but another favorite this week is an email I received on Wednesday. A teacher in the building who was covering Hadley’s science class recognized Hadley for having great citizenship. Hadley helped her with attendance and finding the teacher materials when her teacher was out sick. Hadley wanted me to print the certificate which was really sweet.

Favorite Food:

My favorite new recipe is this (dairy free) (low carb) PB & J smoothie. I’ve made it a couple of afternoons this week, and it’s been the perfect afternoon treat to tide me over until dinner.

  • 1 c. frozen berries (I used strawberries)
  • 2 Tblsp peanut butter powder (I use PB2)
  • 1 scoop dairy free vanilla protein powder
  • 1 1/2 cups almond (or coconut) milk

A few other faves:

1.

With the snow days last week and a relaxed weekend, I took that opportunity to watch movies. I watched:

  • Sleepless in Seattle
  • Betty White special on Netflix
  • Becoming the Ricardos on Amazon

Sleepless in Seattle is one of my faves, the BW special was a special look back on her life and career (It was made before her passing), and Becoming the Ricardos was SO good. Nicole Kidman as Lucy and Javier Bardem as Ricky were lights out amazing in their performances.

2.

Since I missed my facial in October, my esthetician upgraded my facial service on Wednesday to the Diamond Glow. My monthly facials are definitely a “me time” treat, and a favorite every month.

3.

When my mom visited at Christmas, she left my birthday present. Well, as we tidied up and broke down boxes over break, Hadley and Travis both opened it. I had given my mom a few ideas, and I figured I knew what was in the box but was going to wait until today to open it. Well, since the box had been opened (twice!), I decided to go ahead and use it. It won’t be my everyday purse, but I wanted a sizeable Neoprene tote to carry extra things when needed. It was perfect for packing my toiletries, Kindle, wallet, chargers and more for our overnight Cinci trip. I’ve also used it as my school bag when I’ve packed light. I think it will be great to take to sporting events when I need a sweatshirt, book, and other essentials.

4.

Hadley had a gift card to use, and I was ready to change out my holiday polish, so we went and got manicures on Wednesday evening. More pampering is always a favorite.

(Too many choices which is why I usually stick with Funny Bunny)

5.

Hayden brought home a few art pieces on the last day of school before break. He was so excited to show me the basketball mug he made. The other two pieces were shuffled in with some other papers, so I just had a chance to look at them. I love the colored pencil drawing and the water color lady bug. I’m so glad that bringing home artwork continues past elementary school.

Also…

Have you heard of the “Betty White Challenge?” Of course, she was a champion for animals. She had so many sweet sentiments including:

  • “I just like animals more than people. It’s that simple.”
  • “Animals don’t lie. Animals don’t criticize. If animals have moody days, they handle them better than humans do.”
  • “Animals are near and dear to my heart, and I’ve devoted my life to to trying to improve their lives.”

In honor of her upcoming January 17th birthday (when she would have turned 100), many are donating to local rescues in her honor.

Our pets have always meant the world to us. I grew up with dogs, and then convinced Travis we needed our two Boxers, Shiloh and Scout, after we’d been married a year.

Homer is our first rescue dog. He and his two brothers were found on the side of the road. Tails of Hope Rescue in Cincinnati got them healthy and helped them find their furever homes. He’s been such a wonderful addition to our family.

June 2019

Yesterday, I made a donation to the Lexington Humane Society in Betty White’s honor. I hope you’ll join in on the challenge too and donate to a local rescue.

Favorite Kid Quote:

Hadley was reading her book earlier in the week and said she was excited to read the next chapter because the chapter before was a “hang twister.” We both cracked up. She said, “I mixed up “tongue twister and cliff hanger!” 🤣

Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday:

In honor of my birthday today, here’s a little throwback to 1985. Were you even an 80’s kid if you didn’t have a birthday party at Show Biz Pizza?

Weekly Recap:

This week we had our first NJAM post of 2022, I shared a home update, and then linked up with others for Let’s Look.

Not just a Mom: Fave Bloggers
Home Update: Shiplap
Let’s Look

I have some fun plans with some friends tonight, snow is in the forecast over the weekend, and we don’t have school on Monday. This birthday should be a good one.

What are you up to this weekend?

See you back here on Monday!

Posted in Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites {#95}

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello from snowy Kentucky! Today, is snow day #2 in a row, and with no school on Monday, we had a very short week of school.

I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika for the first Friday Favorites of 2 0 2 2 !

Favorite Moment(s):

After a hectic first week of break, it was nice to finally have time to do things that we normally don’t have time to do. Also, we had extra family time which is great too.

We saw the new Spider-Man movie, went for a hike at Red River Gorge, and went to Cincinnati for the Chiefs vs. Bengals game.

Our favorite moment from this week was the snow day yesterday! They were forecasting snow, and I thought we may have an early release, but as the time got closer, the forecast for snow was earlier, so we had no school.

We woke up to no snow, flurries around 10:00, and then inches (and inches!) of snow by noon.

The kids played outside quite a bit, and they went sledding too.

The forecast was for 4-8 inches, but kept getting bumped up. Yesterday afternoon, I measured 6 inches of snow and then the official total was over 9 inches by evening.

I’m always thankful that a snow day means not having to go anywhere. There were hundreds of people stranded for hours and hours on 64 and 75 due to collisions yesterday. Travis came home around 1:00, and even the main roads were backed up.

We celebrated the kids great report cards for 2nd quarter (and Hayden making the basketball team) with the You are Special red plate at dinner this week.

Favorite Picture:

My favorite picture this week is from Sunday at the Chiefs game. Unfortunately, the Chiefs lost, but it was a good game, and we had fun.

Favorite Food:

I’ve been able to meal plan and meal prep this week. We’ve had some great meals.

This week we’ve eaten:

Giada’s pasta was delish:

Another favorite food this week was our traditional snow day pancakes. I make these snowman pancakes every year on the first snow day!

Clothing Item:

I ordered these snow pants in just the knick of time. Hadley’s still fit, but Hayden’s didn’t. My kids usually get a couple years out of these, and I just buy the next size up as they grow. I ordered teal for Hadley and navy for Hayden.

Speaking of staying warm. I’m loving my new puffer coat from Walmart. I have a heavy winter coat, and this quilted one is a little lighter. I ordered it in dusky green which appears to be out of stock at the moment.

The orchid ice color has many size options. And there are plus size color and size options.

Favorite Kid Quote:

No specific funny quote, but the kids have been practicing presenting their science projects. They worked hard on them, and they have to share them with their classmates next week!

Favorite Memes:

Usually I share a “Mom Meme,” but these two “flashback” ones made me laugh.

I remember calling my mom at her school, speaking with the receptionist who would have to page my mom for the phone call. Then, I would have to wait for my mom to walk up to the front office to talk on the phone. As the years went on, she’d eventually have a phone in her room, and the secretary would connect me, but still more effort than texting nowadays.

This one is timely…this is the first school year the kids could know about school closing before bed. There have been years I knew school had been called off, and I would just send them to bed anyway. Wednesday night, they got the texts too saying “no school.”

Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday:

In honor of all the snow, here’s a flashback to January 2014…the froggy hats slay me!

Weekly Recap:

Here are my posts from last week and this week:

2021 Year in Review
Christmas recap
Winter Break Recap
Prime Purchases
Currently

Not Just A Mom:

Monday is the first NJAM link up with these ladies:

Our topic is favorite bloggers. We’d love to have you join us…either by linking up or reading our posts 🙂

I hope you have a great weekend. I guess we got a surprise four day weekend, and I’m looking forward to enjoying it.

Thanks so much for reading! See you back here on Monday!

Posted in Friday Favorites, Holidays, Kids

Friday Favorites {#94}

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and Happy Friday! Well, we made it to the end of the week!

Today is the best kind of Friday…the last day of school before a two week break!

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

The kids both had a very busy Saturday last weekend. Hayden had his last club cross country race of the season, and Hadley’s dance studio had their Winter Showcase.

I missed Hadley’s first performance trying to get to Hayden’s cross country meet, but I was able to make it to her second performance. My mom was in town, and was able to see both her grand daughters’ performances.

Hadley performed in both a ballet and competition jazz routine.

Hayden was supposed to run at 11:00, but the race got pushed back to 12:30 due to the storms. I thought I could watch Hayden run, and then make it to Hadley’s second performance, so I tried to do both. Well, it’s a forty-five minute drive, and Travis warned me about the long line of traffic to park. Right as I reached the mile long line of cars, it started to rain again. Travis texted me that the race got pushed back again to 1:15. So, I drove all that way just to turn around in order to make it to Hadley’s performance.

This was a USATF National race with top runners from throughout the country…and these were the running conditions:

While I know Hayden didn’t finish where he wanted to, he still ran a great race. He gave it his all which is all we can ask for from our kids.

My mom was visiting, and brought the kids these hot chocolate bombs which, of course, were a favorite.

Then, they helped her bake cookies. This is definitely a favorite Christmas tradition.

On Sunday, my brother and sister-in-law hosted us for an early Christmas dinner.

The kids were excited to open some gifts! My mom was able to stay a couple of extra days and help with school drop off, pick up, schoolwork, and was able to see my nephew’s Christmas performance too.

Homer welcoming us home is always a favorite. He’s been such a good boy this year with the trees and ornaments.

Wednesday night, we were able to carry on with another favorite tradition. We drove through the Southern Lights at the Horse Park. I love this tradition, and it was the perfect night to see the lights.

Red has been back in action at our house…

He hasn’t been getting into too much trouble.

Hayden brought home this ornament he made in art class. The wooden Santa belt is the perfect addition to our tree.

Usually, I share a “favorite mom meme,” but this one seems fitting right now as a teacher:

Weekly Recap:

I was a busy bee blogger this week. There are my posts:

NJAM: Holiday Movies
Day in the Life on Insta
Holiday Home tour
This or that: Christmas Edition

What are your plans this weekend? Hayden has a basketball game, I have a friend’s birthday party, and we hope to make time to let the kids shop for their gifts for each other!

Thanks so much for reading,

Posted in Clothes, Friday Favorites, Holidays

Friday Favorites {#93}

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello! For some reason, this has felt like the longest week. School seems extra crazy, and honestly, home life does too. I’ve definitely earned my teaching and parenting paycheck this week. haha

I’m going to focus on the positives and link up with Andrea and Erika for this week’s Friday Favorites.

Here are my favorites from the week:

Coffee by the glow of the Christmas tree.

Beautiful sunrises.

I’ve caught two this week.

I did a Bath and Body run recently for holiday and winter fragrances. I picked up a few candles: Snowflake and Citrus, Iced Cranberry Scone, Winter and Frosted Cranberry.

Winter Citrus Wreath hand soap is perfect for the kitchen, and Twisted Peppermint is a favorite shower gel this time of the year.

Hadley had a Christmas chorus concert this week, and I loved it. The choir sang three songs, and then the orchestra and band played three songs each as well. It was a great evening, and we loved watching the performances.

I’m almost finished with my first December book. A Nantucket Christmas has been a cute read.

For the second year in a row, I’ve purchased these sweet Santa photos from Narci. Hayden and Hadley will wake up to this one in a frame this morning:

The sun room is one of my favorite decorated spots. I picked up the tree and the pillow covers last year. I’ve quickly learned a great way to decorate for fall and winter are with pillow covers. Pillow covers save so much space for storage during the off months. They quite possibly have also saved my marriage, so I don’t have to hear Travis ask, “Do we really need another pillow?” I just put these over my regular pillows during the Christmas season.

Similar pillow covers

I ordered this sweater from Amazon recently, and I love it. It’s great quality, so soft, and the green color is perfect for this time of the year. I’ve worn it to school with black pants (pictured below), but I’ve also worn it with leggings too.

Our elf, Red, has been having a little fun:

Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday:

Trav’s work Christmas party reminded me of one of the times the kids met Santa when they were little at the same party.

Here they are in 2013…and just a bit hesitant.

And then there’s this one…from 1980 something…

I look a bit uncertain while my brother looks terrified. haha

Weekly Recap:

I’ve had a few posts this week. I shared about our festive and fun weekend, my Amazon purchases for last month, and then a look at our favorite Christmas traditions.

Weekend Top 5
Prime Purchases
Let’s Look: Fave Traditions

This Monday is our last Not Just a Mom link up of 2021. I’ve enjoyed joining these ladies each month to share about our NJAM topics.

Monday’s topic is Favorite Holiday movies. We’d love to have you join us!

I hope you have a great weekend. Ours will be filled with dance for Hadley, cross country and basketball for Hayden, and maybe we’ll have a bit more holiday fun too.

Thanks so much for reading.

{this post contains Amazon affiliate links…}

Posted in Clothes, Friday Favorites, Gift Ideas

Friday Favorites {#92}

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello! How was your week? We had a good one, but the first couple of days just seemed so difficult getting back into the swing of things.

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

Here are some of my recent favorites:

I ordered this sweater from Walmart, and I love it. It’s soft, cozy, and a great price. I ordered it in “Winter White.” I wore it to school this week with black pants and flats, but I’ve also worn it with leggings and sneakers!

Cowl neck sweater

One of my favorite comedians is coming to town, and I’m so excited. A few girlfriends and I snagged some tickets. She was in Cincinnati last month, and I was bummed I didn’t go. Then, she released more tickets! I’m so excited.

I finished watching Maid on Netflix, and it was so good. I read the book last year, and actually put it on my Top 5 Reads for 2020 list. Just like the book, I teared up. The acting was fantastic. Andie MacDowell and Margaret Qualley were out of this world amazing. (Did you know Margaret is Andie’s daughter?) I highly recommend the book and the series.

Homer snuggles are another favorite. I think he missed us while we were gone over Thanksgiving. He snuggled right up to Travis when we got home on Saturday.

I have a couple of new ornaments for the tree, and they are both my favorites.

My friend brought me this Betty White ornament along with a can of Trader Joe’s Step Up to the Bar mix. My fave!

My mom cross stitched this ornament, and I love it.

School photos came in and I can’t get over how much older my kids look! They missed the first photo day when they were home with Covid. Thankfully, they made it to the make up picture day.

I can’t believe what a difference (a little over) six months can make.

These 5th grade pics were taken in late March.

Also, our favorite gift to give arrived yesterday. I feel ok sharing this because I think by now my family knows they will receive this calendar 😉 Every year, I order this stand up desk calendar for my parents, my Gma, and my aunt. Then, I order a couple of extra for my desk at school and one for my brother’s family. The calendar used to just be filled with my kids’ photos, but now it’s a mix of my kids and my brother’s kids. We also include a few group photos of them every year like at Halloween and at Christmas.

Vistaprint has so many cute design options for the calendars and the discount code is amazing. Also, I ordered these on Monday, and they arrived yesterday. No shipping delay!

I just thought I’d share in case you are in need of a small personalized gift or stocking stuffer.

Favorite Mom Meme:

This. On repeat. I swear no matter how hard I try, I’m always running late!

Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday:

This sweet little basketball memory popped up from 2018. Travis was Hadley’s basketball coach, and it was such a fun season. The Fire went on to win the championship game in the tournament!

Weekly Recap:

I was busy with posts this week!

Monday Memes
Thanksgiving Recap
November Books
Sentence a DAy

I hope you have a great weekend. I hope we can finally get a tree for the living room, and we have a Christmas party to attend…oh! and basketball. There’s always some kind of game to attend!

See you back here Monday!

Posted in Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites {#90}

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello! Well, we made it to Friday! This week was a good one! While it was busy per usual, we did have a couple of nights without any evening activities. That meant I had a couple of evenings to sit and enjoy the glow of my Christmas tree and fall scented candle while watching episodes of Holiday Baking Championship. Tis the season for all things festive.

Since it’s Friday, I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika to share my favorites from the week.

Favorite Moment:

Once his middle school cross country season wrapped up, Hayden started running with Thomson Training. Thomson Training is a club team developed by our nephew, Jacob. On Saturday, Hayden finished 6th. It was so fun to see him coached by his cousin in his first national race as a middle schooler. Thomson Training had the highest team score in all four races they competed in. I’m so happy that Hayden’s enjoying himself, and we are proud of Jacob and all that he’s accomplished and how he’s helping kids achieve their own goals now!

Favorite Food:

We’ve had so many great dinners this week!

Bev’s Simple Chicken Pasta Soup is always a favorite.

Shay’s Easy Skillet Enchilada was also perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner.

Favorite Photo:

Hayden missed out on having the team and individual cross country school photos taken when he was out with Covid. Thankfully, we have a professional in the family, and Uncle Chet took some amazing photos of Hayden a couple weeks ago. The fall colors were showing off, and Hayden was a good sport. I know getting his photo taken isn’t his favorite thing to do, but Chet sure got some good shots of my boy!

That little smile is my favorite.

Favorite Kid Quote:

The other day, Hadley, in a random quest of wanting to add a dog to the family said, “Mom, we need a replica of Homer!” When I looked at her after using the word “replica,” she said, “Hey! It’s a vocab word!” haha

Favorite Clothing Item:

I ordered this tunic top from Amazon recently, and I love it.

Tunic top

It comes in a variety of colors, and can be dressed up or down. I wore it the other day to school with jogger style pants and one of my favorite pairs of flats. I also can’t wait to wear it with jeans or leggings soon. I think this will be one that I purchase in another color at some point.

Other Faves:

This meme made me laugh. 🤣 It’s been so true this week!

A few more photos from Uncle Chet:

This one seems like it needs a “hype” song playing along with it…

…and I love the leaves in the background of this one along with Hayden’s sweet smile.

Favorite Mom Meme:

I finally made my kids purge their candy collection. They sorted through their faves, threw away the empty wrappers, and swapped a few pieces. The rest is going in the trash today!

Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday:

This pic of Hadley in kindergarten is always a favorite memory. She wore these sunglasses with no lenses off and on for a few weeks when she was five! So sweet.

Weekly Recap:

I had a few posts this week including two fun link ups (NJAM and Let’s Look) as well as a Thursday Thoughts post!

Not Just a Mom: Fave Small Shops
Let’s Look
Thursday Thoughts

I hope you have a great weekend! Of course, we have a few things on tap, but I’m looking forward to no plans tonight, and hopefully sleeping in a bit tomorrow.

Take care,

{this post contains Amazon affiliate links…}

Posted in Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites {#89}

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello! How was your week? We had a good one. It was jam packed as usual, and I swear it took us a couple of days to recover from Halloween. Thankfully, we had no school on Tuesday, so that was definitely a favorite and gave us some time to catch up on errands and household chores!

Today, I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika to share my favorites from each day.

Saturday:

Saturday, we went out to lunch before having a pretty relaxing afternoon at home. That evening, Hayden had a basketball game, and cousin Wyatt came to watch him play.

Hadley had a fun overnight at Great Wolf Lodge. While going there was probably a favorite for her, my favorite moment was when she arrived home! Of course, she was worn out and fell asleep on the couch at my brother’s house, but we were happy she was back home.

Sunday:

Sunday was a full and busy day. Again, we had family in town, went to church, and had a Halloween lunch. Then, of course, it was Halloween! Lots of trick-or-treating going on and tons of candy!

Monday:

Monday was a pretty typical Monday, but my favorite part was Hayden’s hyperbole homework. It made me laugh out loud!

Actually, another favorite part of Monday was staying up late to watch the Chiefs win on Monday Night Football. It was nice knowing I could stay up a bit later with no school on Tuesday.

Tuesday:

On Tuesday, I slept until 8:00! That never happens, even on the weekend. After sipping my morning coffee and watching a show, I decided to go to Michael’s to purchase another pencil tree. I got this one last year on sale (on Election Day!) for the sun room. Then, I moved it to my bedroom once we bought our real Christmas tree for the living room. We have a bigger artificial one that we used in the sun room last year. It was on its last leg, so we decided to toss it.

So, this is me–I have up two trees, and the rest of my house will remain full of pumpkins for a couple of more weeks. I just love the glow of a Christmas tree and figure, “Why not?!”

After my successful trip to Michael’s, I put up both pencil trees. One in the office off the living room (until we get the real tree) and then the other one in the sun room.

A few more notes about my favorite tree: its’s currently on sale, last year it sold out in a couple of weeks, teachers get an additional 10% off at Michael’s, and the Michael’s employee at check out said there’s a shortage of trees this year! Consider yourself warned 😉

While I was doing all of that, Hadley went roller skating with her friends!

That afternoon, we met my brother-in-law at a nearby park, so he could take Hayden’s cross country photos. Hayden missed out on the school xc photos when he was out with Covid. I can’t want to see how they turned out, but here’s a sneak peek:

That evening, Hayden had a basketball game which is always fun to watch.

Then, I finished up the day reading my book by the glow of tree.

Here’s what the one in the sun room looks like:

(I used a blanket as a tree skirt until my one from Amazon arrives)

Wednesday:

On Wednesday, I made a pit stop at one of my favorite places: the library! Hayden wanted to read the third Hunger Games book, and I had placed a hold on The Girls in the Stilt House.

That evening, I finished Not a Happy Family on my Kindle, and I enjoyed it.

Thursday:

Yesterday, I had my monthly facial and did dermaplane. It’s my favorite treatment! I had to miss my appointment last month because we were in the thick of Covid, so I was so happy for a little pampering yesterday afternoon (in between shuttling the kids here, there and everywhere!)

Favorite Mom Meme:

Haha! This meme made me laugh..

Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday

Afters seeing my Halloween post, my aunt remembered this photo of Hadley in my mom’s witch hat! I think this was probably 2012. Such a sweet memory.

One more fave:

Look at this exciting notification I received on my Word Press app! It still blows my mind that so many people stop by and read my posts! This is such a fun community. I’ve only been blogging for a little over two years, and I really do enjoy it, and I’ve “met” so many great people along the way.

Weekly Recap:

This week I had a few posts where I shared the books I read in October, my Amazon purchases over the past month, and a recap of Halloween!

October Books
November Amazon
Halloween Recap

One more thing before I go. Monday is our NJAM link up, and the topic is favorite small shops. I know I will share some of my favorite Etsy finds! This is the perfect time of the year to share these shops, and I try to “shop small” when I can.

We “fall back” this weekend, and I can’t wait!

Thanks so much for reading,

Posted in Friday Favorites, Holidays, Kids

Friday Favorites {#88}

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and Happy Friday! I spent all of yesterday thinking it was Friday, so I’m glad that Friday is actually, finally here!

I have so much to share this week! As always, I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika for this week’s Friday Favorites.

Favorite Picture:

I shared in yesterday’s post about our trip to the orchard to get our pumpkins to carve. We were only there for a short period of time, but I’m glad we made it work!

Favorite Moment:

Hadley was an acolyte for the first time last Sunday. It was sweet to see her take on this role.

Favorite Food(s):

Amy shared her Greek bowl recipe, and I had to try it. Y’all, this dish is so good. I’ve had it three times in the past week. When she says not to skip the homemade tzatziki sauce, she’s not kidding. Fun Fact: I hate yogurt, so I was worried that I wouldn’t like the sauce…it’s so good! So good. (I skipped the tomatoes and olives because I don’t like those. I’m kind of picky about some things 😉

And…these: 🤣 {hashtag: balance}

I shared about this Pinterest Pumpkin Sugar Cookie recipe earlier this week. I made these on Sunday, and they didn’t last long at our house!

Other Faves:

Last Friday was so rainy and cool that we had the first fire of the year. Friday night was so nice. I was in my pj’s early (after the pumpkin patch), we had pizza for dinner, and I watched tv while enjoying a glass of wine. I went to bed pretty early too!

We had our “Spooky” dinner and carved pumpkins on Wednesday which are both favorite Halloween traditions.

Another favorite is seeing the kids do what they love…

Hayden has been having a good time with his new basketball team, and is really growing as a player. Also, I think he really is growing! Hadley doesn’t seem to be a head taller than him anymore!

Hadley had her first performance with her school dance team during halftime of the girls basketball game on Monday. Their routine was so fun, and she had a great time!

My favorite front yard trees are starting to show off! We have some rain coming through today, and I hope the leaves don’t all fall off. I want to enjoy this view for as long as possible.

It’s been Red Ribbon (Say No to Drugs) Week. Hadley has fully embraced the dress up days, and Hayden joined her on Tuesday…”I’m too smart for drugs…” Dress up in your favorite college shirt or your favorite career clothes.

Hadley and friends were so cute on Wednesday…”Travel with your pack drug free.” You and your pack of friends dress alike. Doesn’t every tween girl have black leggings, a black t-shirt, and a colorful tutu on hand?!?

It’s been fun seeing her excited about all of these middle school activities.

Also, Hadley and a couple of friends went to the Fall Festival at her friend’s church on Wednesday. They had lots of fun, and she brought home some candy!

giraffe, elephant, and waffle!

Favorite Mom Meme:

I definitely used to be the mom who would bring the cute homemade treat, but I must have outdone myself during the primary years because once the kids hit intermediate grades, this was me:

Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday

I think I probably share these around Halloween every year, but I always get a kick out of looking back on what the kids were each year.

Seriously, Hayden still doesn’t know what he will be this year because I keep saying no to “killer clown!”

(Batman and Robin in 2013 are my favorite costumes for the kids!)

Weekly Recap:

I had a busy blogging week. Memes, all about my teaching career, pumpkin cookies and pumpkin fun!

October Memes
Teacher Talk Tuesday
Pumpkin Sugar Cookies
Pumpkin Fun

I hope you have a great weekend and a very Happy Halloween.

Posted in Clothes, Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites {#87}

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and Happy Friday! This week has felt like an eternity, but it’s been a good one. I swear it was Wednesday before I felt like I’d caught up from our busy weekend, and now we’re ready for another weekend! I’m not mad about it!

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

Favorite Photo:

There’s nothing better than Keeneland in the fall. We had so much fun with our friends (old and new) last weekend. I was worried it would rain, but the weather turned out to be perfect!

Favorite Moment:

We celebrated the kids’ 1st quarter report cards with the “You are Special” red plate a couple nights this week. We all weren’t sure what to expect with the first quarter of middle school, eight classes, and then being out for Covid/quarantine for two weeks. We expect A’s and B’s, and the kids delivered. Not going to lie…there were a couple of days they had to play major catch up with some missing work, but lessons were learned (literally and figuratively), and they pulled out great first quarter grades.

Favorite Clothing Item:

I have a couple of new favorite clothing items. I saw these boots from Walmart shared on Instagram, and I decided to buy them. I wore them twice last week. Once with this skirt, and new top from Target (I got it in gray and burgundy!), and then also to Keeneland paired with my dress from Amazon (seen in photo above, affiliate link).

*About the boot pricing: For quite a while size 9 were $40. All the sudden, the price, for size 9 only jumped to $70! I sized up to a 9.5 to get the $40 price, and they fit fine. Now, I see that size 9 are $52 while all the other sizes remain $40! Not sure what that’s all about, but I do love them, and I know I will wear them a lot.

I’m also loving this mock turtleneck sweater from Target. I bought it in this pretty coral color, and I wore it to school yesterday!

{please excuse my dirty mirror!)

Favorite Kid Quote:

I’ve previously shared that Hadley took a babysitting class over Fall Break. She now likes to point out possible choking hazards when she sees them! 😂*Also, Hadley had her first real sitting experience for family last Sunday, and she did a great job.

Favorite Food:

I’m still thinking about the sushi from OBC Kitchen last week!

Favorite Mom Meme:

This is 100% me.

Weekly Recap:

This week I had a few posts! I shared all about our busy weekend, my love for the Real Housewives, and my This or That answers for Halloween!

Weekend Wrap Up
Tuesday (TV) talk
This or That: Halloween Edition

I hope you have had a great week. I’m hoping we will make it to the pumpkin patch this weekend. Other than that, Hayden has a basketball game, and that’s about it!

Thanks so much for reading,