Category: Monthly Musings

Posted in Holidays, Monthly Musings

Monthly Musings

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello! It’s hard to believe that this time next week is Christmas Day. I feel like December has been a blur.

Holly and Patty are hosting their last Monthly Musings link up of 2025 a little bit early, so I’m joining them today.

This month’s topic is about…holidays and ringing in the new year.

1. What holidays do you celebrate?

This time of the year, we celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s. I love something different about each one…Thanksgiving is always time spent with family while feasting on a great meal. Christmas includes many family traditions, and New Year’s Day brings a fresh start and one of my favorite months…January.

2. Scale of 1-10…how into the holidays are you this year?

I’m probably between a 7 and an 8. I always look forward to decorating for Christmas, and it’s been a bit more “festive” this year with the uncharacteristic snow that we’ve had in December. I don’t love wrapping gifts, but I do love when loved ones open gifts that they are receiving. I appreciate traditions that we have like baking cookies and going to the Horse Park lights. I’m close to a 10 when school is out, and I have a bit more time to relax.

3. Favorite things to make/bake during the holidays?

We typically decorate some cookies with family.

Then, I usually bake a few cookies with my kids…typically Peanut Butter Blossoms and Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies.

I always make a Chocolate Peppermint Bundt cake for Christmas dessert.

4. Favorite holiday movies?

I don’t typically watch holiday movies until winter break, so sometimes I’m watching Christmas movies after Christmas, but it’s still a fun tradition to watch some of my faves. Home Alone is my favorite Christmas movie, and we always watch A Christmas Story on Christmas morning. The Holiday is one I tend to watch on my own at some point, and You’ve Got Mail and While You Were Sleeping are two of my faves that aren’t necessarily Christmas movies, but I tend to think so.

5. Most random holiday tradition?

I guess it’s not that random, but the white elephant exchange at Trav’s mom’s house feels that way since we get random things. It’s always funny to see what other people bring.

6. Are you hosting the holidays?

No, I’m not hosting, but my mom and Gma were in town last weekend, and I hosted cookie decorating after we went to lunch on Saturday.

7. Favorite way to ring in the new year?

Honestly, I’ve never been a huge fan of New Year’s Eve…I’m happy not to stay up late…haha

That being said, the past few years we’ve gotten together with friends which has been fun.

8. Any new year’s resolutions or word of the year?

I don’t typically do a new years’ resolution…but on NYE, we’ve drawn words and that’s been fun.

This month, I started tracking my eating using My Fitness Pal and making a point to get back to working out. September-November were hard in regards to finding time for workouts. I don’t feel like I was eating too poorly, and I’m not going to say no to a Christmas cookie, but I just wanted to go into the new year feeling a little more in control. I saw someone on Instagram mention treating December 1st as January 1st, and I liked that line of thinking.

I’m really looking forward to a fresh start in January. 2025 wasn’t really what I thought it would be. I’ve had to be brave this year…as a mom, wife, and even for myself at times, and I wasn’t really expecting that. I know a new year isn’t a magic wand, but I’m hoping to regroup a bit to kick off 2026.

9. Favorite holiday songs?

I’ve always loved “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” and “Walking in a Winter Wonderland.”

10. Favorite holiday memory?

I feel blessed that there are so many, and I know that I’m creating memories for my kids.

I love the Santa pics through the years…

…and the tradition of the kids picking out gifts for each other. Even that tradition isn’t what it used to be, but it’s still fun.

Monthly Musings is always one of my fave link ups, and now I’m really in the holiday spirit!

Posted in Holidays, Monthly Musings

Monthly Musings

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Halloween Eve! Goodness, all we’ve gotten is rain this week which has really felt like fall, but I’m ready to see the sunshine again. Thankfully, I think the rain moves out today and Halloween looks good for the trick-or-treaters.

Since it’s the last Thursday of the month, I’m linking up with Patty and Holly for Monthly Musings. I enjoy this link up so much!

This month’s topic is all about Halloween…

This is a fun way to wrap up the month…and Halloween on a Friday is the perfect way to wrap up the week!

1. Favorite Halloween traditions?

My favorite tradition is more of a fall tradition and that’s when we go to the pumpkin patch where we get apple cider donuts and see all the great pumpkins. While we’re there the kids pick our their pumpkins and those are the ones we carve. Carving pumpkins is my other favorite tradition. I really love it now because the kids can do the work on their own. haha!

2. Any special Halloween dinners or spooky snacks?

The night we carve pumpkins, I make a “special” dinner of hotdogs and mac and cheese. I used to make “bloody” fingers for years, but then I started making mummy dogs. I also make mac and cheese, but then I add green food coloring and call it “brains.” Some years I serve green grapes and say they are eyeballs. The kids humor me!

3. What do you typically do on Halloween?

Well, for years and years we trick-or-treated with friends. We had the same group that got together from when the kids were little through the elementary years.

Once the kids were in middle school, they still trick-or-treated in the neighborhood, but they kind of went out on their own, and Trav and I stayed home to pass out candy.

It’s bittersweet not trick-or-treating with kids, but I enjoy staying home and passing out candy; now it’s fun to see little ones all dressed up.

4. Do you carve or paint pumpkins?

We carve pumpkins. We used to use some of the paper templates, but now the kids just kind of choose what they want to do and wing it.

We carved pumpkins Tuesday night, and they turned out cute!

5. Favorite Halloween candy?

Screenshot

I have a sweet tooth for chocolate. I love Reese’s and Kit Kats, but I also love Sour Patch Kids.

6. What are you giving out for Halloween this year?

Candy!

Through the years, I’ve added in fruit snacks and pretzels for kids who might not want candy.

7. Full-size or fun-size?

I typically only buy fun size candy, but I let kids take a few pieces!

8. Favorite Halloween costume of all time?

I always loved getting the kids their costumes every year, and they had some great ones through the years. I loved when Hayden was his favorite Royals baseball player or Patrick Mahomes. The years that Hadley was a nerd and an 80’s girl cracked me up but…

I’ve shared time and time again, that when the kids were three Hayden wanted to be Batman, and Hadley had the idea (all on her own) to be Robin. I think her costume was the first thing I bought on Amazon. haha

9. Favorite Halloween movie?

When the kids were little, we’d always watch It’s a Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown. I’ll catch it occasionally…

…same with Hocus Pocus.

10. What are the trick or treat hours where you live?

Our trick-or-treat hours are 6-8. I’m glad that it looks like the weather will cooperate. I appreciate that we have a covered front porch, and Trav and I will probably sit out there to greet the trick-or-treaters.

I hope your Thursday isn’t too spooky! I teach high schoolers, so every day is spooky for me! haha

Posted in Monthly Musings

Monthly Musings

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Thursday! My attendance question for my students this week was “What’s your favorite day of the week?” Mine is Thursday…and it has been for as long as I can remember!

Where did August go?! It’s already the last Thursday of the month, so I’m linking up with Holly and Patty for Monthly Musings.

This month’s topic is…early fall and back to school.

This post is perfect timing because the temps this week were “giving” fall, and I’m here for it.

1. Any back to school traditions?

I’ve always loved school supplies, and when the kids were little, we’d take a day to go get school supplies, back to school haircuts, and lunch. I always tried to make it a fun but productive day.

And, as I’ve shared time and time again, I’m a big fan of a back to school breakfast. During the elementary years, I always decorated, made breakfast, bought them a book, and started the year off right.

During the middle school years, we did back to school “brinner” the Sunday before back to school. Since the kids left for school after I did at that point, I thought it would be something different for us to do, and it gave me a bit more time in the evening rather than rush to do something in the morning.

Now, we go to IHOP whenever we can squeeze in a dinner together! I still love the tradition…even if it’s changed a bit through the years.

2. How do you celebrate the first day of school?

I’m not sure that there’s much celebrating going on these days, but like I said above, I always tried to make the start of the school year fun for the kids…and I was trying to get myself pumped for another year of teaching too!

I guess this could have gone with my answer to #1, but I also love first day of school pictures!

The chalkboard remains the same, but the kids sure have gotten older.

I’m not trying to think about the fact that I have two first days of school left with the chalkboard photo.

3. Favorite early fall/back to school meals? Share a recipe.

I start using the slow cooker more and more once we get back to school. A “go to” recipe that I make once or twice a month is my “Fiesta Chicken.” It’s easy and makes a ton…plus, everyone will eat it!

4. What are your go to outfits for early fall?

Oh, I’m definitely a cardigan girl in the fall and spring. I’ve shared my favorite cardigan many times, but it’s still a favorite…that I have in FOUR colors…

I wore the pink one over a black sleeveless dress just this week and then I took the “apricot” one to wear in the drafty gym at Hadley’s volleyball game the other night too. The cardigan is a 10/10 for me, and comes in so many colors.

I also love light weight pants paired with a short sleeve blouse. This week, I wore a pair of my Target “sailor” jeans with my favorite Amazon blouse that I have in two colors.

Also, in the fall, I will wear sandals for as long as possible….which means I can often wear them into mid-October. I’m a sandals girl, for sure.

5. Do kids go back to school before or after Labor Day in your area?

Don’t even get me started about when we go back to school! We go back the second Wednesday in August, and truly, I just wish we’d go back even a week later. It’s just still so hot, and there’s plenty of pool and travel time left in August if we could get another week or two. Also, we never get out before Memorial Day…usually a few days after, so it just feels like, at best, we get eight weeks off…and of course I wish it was more!

When I was a kid, we basically went Labor Day to Memorial Day, and I wish that’s how it would be now too. Of course, back then, we didn’t get all the breaks we get now either.

6. When do you start to decorate for fall?

I usually decorate for fall whenever I get the chance in September. It’s usually mid-September when I pull out my fall bin and decorate. I do love to decorate in the fall because we get a few months out of the effort!

7. How do you get into the back to school routine?

We just rip the Band Aid off around here! Those alarms go off early and we just get moving after a couple of months of staying up late and sleeping in.

I do like getting back in the routine of meal planning and prep. And, as much as we drag our feet about going to school, the routine is good for us!

8. What are you most looking forward to this fall?

I just always love fall…candles, apple cider donuts, football, pretty leaves and more. Fall is truly my favorite season.

9. Do you decorate for fall?

I do! See #6 🙂

10. What feels like fall to you?

The cooler temps, pumpkin spice, and sweater weather!

I can’t wait for fall, y’all!

Posted in Monthly Musings

Monthly Musings

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Thursday!

Well, it’s the last day of July…and as cliche as it sounds, “where did the summer go?”

I’m linking up with Patty and Holly for Monthly Musings.

This month’s topic is…how we summer. Well, this topic is timely since I feel like summer is over…but of course, it’s not! We’ll feel the heat until October, but once school starts back, I tend to feel like that’s it for summer!

Anyway, here are my responses:

1. Favorite thing about summer 2025!

Well, it’s hard to choose just one. It felt like such a wonderful milestone for Travis and I to celebrate twenty years of marriage, and it was nice to get away for a few days to South Haven and Saugatuck, MI.

This summer has been extra special with one niece and one nephew getting married! We attended two beautiful weddings in the course of two months.

2. Favorite thing you ate this summer.

Not exactly what I ate, but one of the things I love about summer is relaxing a bit on meal planning and kind of just going with the flow. That being said, it is good when we can get back in a routine with meal planning and meal prep once the school year begins.

As for food I actually did eat, I loved breakfast at the bed and breakfast in South Haven and the boutique hotel in Saugatuck.

Also, the tasting menu at Coast in Saugatuck was ten out of ten!

3. Did you see any summer movies?

I do tend to watch a bit more TV in the summer just because I have some extra time to do so. We do usually try to have a movie night or go see at least one movie in the summer. Just this week we tried to see F1 in the theater. We bought the tickets and the popcorn and got settled in our seats…just to wait and wait and wait. Finally, after thirty minutes, they gave us ticket vouchers because they couldn’t get the movie to work. Maybe we’ll get to see it soon.

4. What books did you read this summer?

I shared my July reading yesterday, and I’ve read six of the nine summer books on my list. I’m hoping to get a couple more read in August.

5. Ready for fall or hold on to summer?

I really do love summer, even with the hot temps. Just this week, I went to the pool and it was so hot, I spent more time in the pool than out of it. That’s ok because I still was able to read my book and work on my tan!

That being said, after Labor Day, I’m ready for cooler temps and all things fall.

6. What is different about your summer schedule compared to the rest of the year?

Well, if you ask my kids…they’ll say, “What is bedtime?!” haha

For me, I love not setting an alarm to wake up. Also, it’s been nice having time to go to the Reformer Pilates classes that I love. Hadley joined me at a class this week, and she loved it. Due to the times, I can’t really do that during the summer.

Once school starts back, I feel like we are on the go more than ever. That being said, my kids typically have something going on every day of summer too, and I honestly don’t feel very rested heading back into the school year…but at least I get a nap if I want in the summer!

7. How do you take a break/relax in the summer?

In the summer, I enjoy slow mornings, afternoons on the front porch, pool or beach time to relax.

8. Any trips still on the calendar for the rest of the summer?

Unfortunately, no. We didn’t even really have our act together to travel this summer…besides the trip to Lake Michigan. That being said, the kids got to do what they wanted to do in regards to work, camps, hanging out with friends and more. Trav and I took the time to get away for a few days which we rarely do, so that was lovely too.

9. Any summer concerts this year?

No summer concerts this year for us.

10. When does summer end in your world?

Probably the first day of school when that 5:50 alarm goes off!

Sorry! I feel like I was kind of boring in this post. Truth be told, while we had lots of good memories this summer, it was also one that was hard for me. I know not every summer is perfect, but this one just felt overwhelming and disappointing in some ways. I’m forever grateful for time off and extra time with my kids, so no matter what, I don’t take that luxury for granted.

Posted in Monthly Musings, Travel

Monthly Musings

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Thursday…evening!

I got behind on my blogging this week and didn’t want to miss out on all the fun with Patty and Holly. Earlier today, I shared the books I read this month, and now I’m linking up with these ladies for Monthly Musings.

This month’s topic is….summer vacation guide.

1. Share your summer trips for 2025:

Well, we actually don’t have a big summer trip planned this year. I always thought we’d go somewhere every summer, and most summers we have…but this was one of those summers where time got away from us and the kids’ schedules plus a couple of family weddings have packed our summer calendars.

That being said, we went to KC for a few days and both kids go to camp in July. Also, Trav and I have plans to head to Michigan for a few days and explore a couple of Lake Michigan towns. I’m looking forward to it.

2. How do you manage the post-vacation laundry?

I fully embrace doing laundry wherever we are. We don’t stay in many hotels which means there’s typically laundry access when we stay at houses and condos. Most of the time, we mostly come home with clean clothes in our suitcases. Otherwise, once we unpack the car, if we do have dirty laundry, I toss it in the washer as soon as we get home. If we get home late, I set the washer for “delay wash” to get started the next morning.

3. Most memorable summer vacation?

I think we’ve gone on lots of great trips. Typically, we go to the beach in the summer and have made so many beach memories through the years.

That being said, last year’s vacation to the Pacific Northwest, Oregon and Washington, will be one we remember for quite some time. There was truly something for everyone, and we all loved it.

Mexico was also a great experience. It was easy to travel there, the resort was nice, it was all inclusive and checked all the boxes for us on a vacation.

4. Do you cook or eat out on vacation?

We typically eat out on vacation. Most of the time, we buy groceries to have food for breakfast, lunch and snacks, and then eat out for dinner. Depending on where we are or what we’re doing, we’ll keep it simple and order pizza to eat at the house or condo…especially if it means we get more beach time. When the kids were younger, we actually liked going to the beach early and then spending time at the pool or going out during the afternoon, grabbing an early dinner and then going back to the beach for a couple of hours and then sunset.

That seemed to work for us, but when traveling with others, it might not be their preference, I guess.

Of course, if we’re at the beach, we get seafood as much as possible. Trav and Hayden love oysters, and try to get those a couple of times at least.

5. Are you an over-packer, under-packers or just right packer?

Before I answer this question, I need you all to know that I’ve come a long way! haha

I used to pack the biggest suitcase possible and then bring a carry on bag. Then, I got a little better and started packing medium size (but still a bag that needs to be checked when flying) along with a carry-on bag. Now, I need it to be noted that I have traveled a couple of times with a small suitcase and carry-on bag.

I will say that I still firmly believe in packing cubes…for saving a bit of space, but even more so, for helping me stay organized.

Also, if we’re driving, I typically pack my medium suitcase along with a travel bag. There’s room in the trunk, so why not?!

When I leave the house with a suitcase, I’ve packed enough to be gone three days…but also ten days if needed. haha!

6. Beach, lake or mountains?

If we’re talking summer, our vacations are usually to the beach.

Through the years, we’ve also enjoyed other areas with mountains…

We all love the lake when we have the opportunity to go.

7. Road trip or fly?

We mostly road trip in the car. We have to be going pretty far for it to be worth it to fly.

8. Favorite vacation activities?

Again, it depends on what we’re doing. Honestly, I like to relax, so if we are at the beach, I want my toes in the sand and a book in my hand.

That being said, Hayden loves to golf. We all love to hike. Trav likes to try new breweries, so we definitely do more than just go to the beach.

Screenshot

9. Best packing tips?

I always make a list and check it twice. I print a packing list for the kids if we’re going somewhere for a quite a few days. More recently, like when we went to KC for a few days, I just sent them a text with a list of the basics that they needed to pack.

I use packing cubes, and Hadley uses one for her socks, swimsuits, underwear, etc…just to stay organized.

I also started to bring up a laundry basket and fill it with odds and ends as I think of them. For example, when we went to KC, I wanted to bring the Play Nine game, so I put it in the laundry basket. As the couple days before going went on, I added in things like my tumbler, a few snacks, etc…just a way to hold things in one place when I think of random odds and ends.

10. Favorite road trip songs?

Well, we most likely have the car radio on Sirius Channel 56…The Highway when we’re in the car. That being said, when I can get away with it, I like to listen to an audio book. The kids will also connect to Apple Car Play and use their music lists for what we listen to on our drives.

I love writing these posts centered around summer and travel…I’m glad I threw this post together this evening. 🙂

I hope you’re having a great summer so far!

Posted in Monthly Musings

Monthly Musings

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Thursday!

Do you hear that sound? Well, it’s still my alarm clock going off…but I woke up at 6:30 instead of 5:50 today! Today is a teacher work day, so I have a little bit of extra time in the morning. Tomorrow, there will be the sound of silence with no alarm going off!

It’s finally the last Thursday of the month, so I’m linking up with Holly and Patty for this month’s Monthly Musings.

This month’s topic is…kicking off summer!

1. What are you looking forward to most this summer?

I’m really hoping we have some time to just relax. To be honest, most summers don’t provide as much rest as I ever need and want…but I know that even if we do still have things going on, I shouldn’t really have to set an alarm! That’s a step in the right direction.

Travis and I have our 20 year wedding anniversary in June! Time flies! I’m not sure if we have any big plans, but I’m sure we’ll do something to celebrate the milestone.

Our niece is getting married in June and our nephew is getting married in July. So, we have some weddings to go to this summer.

2. Any favorite summer traditions?

Pool time is always a fun summer tradition along with celebrating the 4th of July.

3. Any summer travel plans? Please dish!

At the moment, we really don’t have travel plans. That being said, we might get something organized at some point.

We’ll probably go to KC for a few days. This summer is different in that two weekends are scheduled with weddings and one weekend, the kids will be recovering from having their wisdom teeth removed!

Both kids have camp, but of course those weeks aren’t the same. Fall sports start in mid-July…

…and there goes summer!

4. How do you red, white and blue?

The 4th of July has always been a favorite holiday. The past couple of years, Hadley has been at camp. I’m happy for her, but I miss the holiday traditions. We typically have a low key 4th of July. Hayden has run the Lexington 10k the past two years, and I do try to make my red, white and blue waffles. Sometimes we go to the pool, and we typically grill out before watching the fireworks.

I miss the days of the kids decked out in red, white and blue.

5. Beach, lake or pool?

I like all three. Of course, we go to the pool the most. Occasionally, we’ll go to the lake with friends and often we have a beach vacation in the summer. Looks like this summer we’ll make the most of pool time!

6. Favorite summer sweet treat?

Ice cream is always a favorite summer treat. Mint chocolate chip is my favorite flavor. To me, nothing says summer like strawberry short cake!

7. Favorite sunscreens and self tanners?

For quite some time, Neutrogena has been my “go to” sunscreen. I like the stick for easy application on our faces, and the spray, always 50 SPF or higher, is what we use for our bodies.

I’ve been using the Jergens “Instant Sun” for quite a few years as well. I use a mitt to apply it, and overall, it’s very easy to use. It’s nice to add some color to my arms and legs before I get a full tan in the summer.

8. Best flip flops or sandals?

My favorite pool/beach sandals are from Nordstrom. I have had two pairs of these Havianas for many years, and just got a new pair last summer.

I’ve shared time and time again, that I love my rose gold Amazon sandals. (I size up one full size!) I had my last pair for four years, and just purchased the same pair a couple of weeks ago.

These thin strapped “Shade and Shore” sandals from Target are my favorite to wear for a little bit nicer look with dresses and shorts.

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9. How are you staying fit this summer?

Fit? What’s that? haha!

I’ve been taking advantage of the cooler temps and going for walks to get some steps in before the heat of the summer arrives.

The Bodi workouts are still very convenient for me to do in my basement…especially when I’m not super motivated. If that’s the case, I usually tell myself that I can muster the motivation to put shoes on and head to the basement for 20-30 minutes.

I also enjoy going to the gym to use the elliptical when I have the chance. I went on Monday, and that’s a nice part of my fitness routine that I’ve missed.

I also plan on taking a Reformed Pilates class one to two days a week which will be a nice change of pace.

I’m excited to have the time to choose what I want to do depending on the day over the summer months.

10. Favorite summer themed movies?

I’m not sure why, but I immediately thought of Grease. My favorite movie is the Hayley Mills version of Parent Trap. I love movies like The Sandlot and The Goonies in the summer as well.

This post has me excited for summer! Thanks for hosting, ladies!

Posted in Monthly Musings

Monthly Musings

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Thursday!

Well where has the month of April gone?! Remember when January felt like an entire year? Now, it’s almost May!

Since it’s the last Thursday of the month, I’m linking up with Holly and Patty for Monthly Musings.

This month’s topic is…spring hosting, decorating and gardening.

1. Do you celebrate Easter, Passover or another holiday in the spring?

We celebrate Easter. I love the tradition of dyeing the eggs, and we had a lovely morning at church followed by lunch at my brother’s house.

2. Do you plant a garden? Any tips?

For a couple of years, we did plant a garden, but we haven’t the past few years. It was fun getting cucumbers and peppers out of the garden to use for meals and snacks.

3. How do you decorate for spring?

I always put a few Easter decorations out a couple of weeks before Easter. Then, I change out my door hanger, garden flag, and a couple of decorations for Oaks/Derby.

4. Desserts that just say spring to you?

Once the warmer weather hits, I think of strawberry shortcake as a light, easy and delish dessert.

I’ve made Shay’s Fruity Pebble bars, and they are a fun treat too!

5. Favorite spring flowers?

I love all flowers but especially hydrangeas, tulips, and peonies. The cone shaped “panicle” (I had to look this up!)hydrangeas (top left pic) bloom in our yard, and I love cutting them and putting them in a vase in the summer.

One of our neighbors has a huge flower garden, and she cuts flowers and puts them in tiny vases to share (bottom right pic)…and then we just return the vases to her.

6. Best tips for hosting spring events?

I wish we hosted more, but if we do have people over, I do prefer to do so when it’s “patio weather,” and going outside is an option. I just like people to be able to spread out and not feel confined in the house.

As far as tips, I’d say keep it easy, ask people to help and bring a side dish or dessert, and just go with the flow!

7. Favorite beverage or cocktail that makes you think of spring?

In the spring and summer months, I lean more towards a White Claw or the Trader Joe’s canned Rose’. Sometimes at the pool, I will get a skinny marg. Well, now I want it to be pool weather after seeing this pic!

8. Vegetable garden, flower garden, both, neither?

Like I said above, I’d love a vegetable garden, but we just don’t have a ton of space for it. After seeing my neighbor’s flower garden, it’s so pretty, and that would be fun to have in the yard.

9. Favorite Easter candy?

I love these dang Cadbury mini eggs. I did notice that my Kroger didn’t seem to have the mini bags this year. So, I did buy a couple of bigger bags, and that was our Easter treat the past few weeks.

10. Marshmallow Peeps? Gross or yes please?

Peeps are just ok…I also put some in the kids’ Easter baskets, but I don’t even think they care much for them.

Well, Easter is over…and before we know it, it will be Memorial Day weekend!

Posted in Holidays, Monthly Musings

Monthly Musings

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Thursday!

Well, it’s the last week of month which means it’s time for all the end of the month link ups.

I’m linking up with Holly and Patty for Monthly Musings.

This month’s topic is how we show love.

1. What’s your love language?

My love language is definitely acts of service. I appreciate it so much when Travis does things for me…anything from making the bed if I don’t have time to running an errand for me or even doing bigger things like planning vacations.

I truly do appreciate it when he helps out in those ways and takes things off my plate. Just yesterday, he came home during lunch to help start dinner in the slow cooker.

2. Favorite love songs?

I like music, but I’m the worst with song titles. I still love the classic Someone Like You as it was our first dance at our wedding. I mostly listen to country music and love Chris Stapleton’s Joy of My Life.

3. Flowers, chocolate or something else?

I love (and appreciate!) flowers and a card….which is what I got for my birthday (along with a nice dinner out and cake, of course!)

4. Favorite romantic movie/rom com?

Oh…there are too many to count. My faves are While You Were Sleeping, Sleepless in Seattle, You’ve Got Mail, and Sweet Home Alabama.

In the past year, I’ve watched all of these with Hadley to show her some of my favorite movies. Just a couple of weekends ago, we watched Sweet Home Alabama. I’d forgotten how much I love that movie.

5. Favorite childhood Valentine’s Day memory?

Oh…I fondly remember class parties for Valetine’s Day, making our Valentine’s Day boxes and giving and receiving Valetines.

The kids had quite a few fun class parties, and I was glad to help out a time or two.

6. How do you celebrate Valentine’s Day?

Our Valentine’s Day is typically pretty low-key. We give each other cards, and then I pick up a few things for the kids.

When the kids were younger, we always made a point to get a sitter to watch them and then we’d go out to eat the weekend before or after Valentine’s Day.

We still try to go out to dinner, but obviously we don’t need a sitter now.

7. Any love or romance traditions?

I truly love the tradition of receiving a card…and Trav writing bubble letters for my name is icing on the cake. haha

8. When do you feel most loved?

I’m sure I feel loved every day, but especially on my birthday and Mother’s Day. Facebook messages, texts, phone calls, and cards are always nice on my birthday. Mother’s Day means a lot to me too, and it’s nice that the kids take some time to show me some love. I really appreciate it.

9. Big night out or chill at home?

At this stage in life, if chilling at home is an option, that’s probably my choice. That being said, I like an early dinner or happy hour and then hanging out at home watching a game or movie.

10. Do you wear red/pink on Valentine’s Day?

I’m not big on either of those colors, but I love a seasonal/holiday sweatshirt. This one from Target was a fun find this Valentine’s Day season.

Screenshot

This was fun…now, let’s turn the page to March.

Posted in Monthly Musings

Monthly Musings

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Thursday !

My kids and I are chugging along on this five day school week. It’s been a major reality adjustment.

I’m linking up with Patty and Holly for the first Monthly Musings of 2025.

This month’s topic is…winter self-care.

1. What do you do to stay warm in winter?

Stay inside! haha

Truly, thankfully, if it is really cold, I don’t usually have to go anywhere. I never wear socks in the house, but if I’m cold, I will wear some fuzzy socks.

Even with our really cold temps last week, we never turned on our fireplace, but we usually do.

Of course, I’ll dress in layers. As soon as I get home from school, I put on a cozy sweatshirt.

A cozy blanket is a great way to stay warm too.

2. Favorite wintertime activity?

Staying inside! (again, haha)

We seem to have more downtime in January and February which means I get more time to catch up on my shows or watch movies.

I always love having a bit more time to read.

3. Any different beauty routines in the winter?

During the winter, I tend to have very dry skin which means I get out any of my favorite body butters.

Right now, I’m using the candy cane one from Trader Joe’s.

I always use lotion after a shower or for dry skin, but when my skin feels dry and itchy, body butter is the best way for me to combat that.

4. Skating, sledding or skiing?

I think I’ve been skiing once, and it was in high school. Growing up, we’d ice skate occasionally at Crown Center. Sledding is fun, but now that the kids are older, they do that on their own.

For years, we’d go tubing with friends at a place outside of Cincinnati, and that was always really fun!

5. Favorite winter recipes?

Chili and soups are my favorite recipes to make. Pasta recipes are cozy, but I will make pasta dishes all year, but I don’t make chili or soups outside of fall and winter.

Beef chili, Chicken chili, Bev’s soup, Turkey Rice soup, Sausage Tortellini soup

6. Favorite winter hot beverage?

There’s nothing better than a hot cup of coffee on a cold morning, and while I don’t usually eat breakfast, a warm breakfast, like an English muffin or waffle will hit the spot.

7. Best winter memories?

Snow days! ….and sledding down my front yard hill.

8. Coldest day that you remember?

I know we’ve had colder days in the past, but we hit negative windchill for the first time this year last week, and it was pretty cold. Homer sometimes refuses to go down the back stairs if there’s snow or ice on the stairs or the ground. Even when we clear the steps off for him, he seems to remember that there used to be snow/ice on those steps! Anyway, for a stretch of about four days, we had to take him out on a leash a few times in the front yard…and then, he decided he needed walked around the block to find the “perfect spot.” Ohh…it was cold taking him on that lap around the neighborhood for a few days.

9. How are you practicing self-care this winter?

Honestly, I’m usually in a pretty good head space in January and February. Those months, especially January, feel like one big deep breath after the hustle and bustle of December.

So having a bit of extra downtime during those months is a nice part of my self-care. I still stick with a routine of my morning “me time.” Even when we had our stretch of time off for the snow and cold temps, I made sure to make my bed, do skincare and shower, get dressed (even if it was just leggings and a sweatshirt), and even put a little bit of make up on. Even as the days ran together, it was good to keep a routine.

10. Flannel sheets…yes or no?

I like them, but we don’t have any on our bed. For Christmas, my mom got Hadley these cute penguin flannel sheets.

Hadley already loves lounging in her bed. Now, she’s extra cozy. That’s a blessing and a curse!

As much as I love all the months, and I certainly appreciate a snow day, mentally, it does end up taking a toll on us, and we are better when we are in a routine and out of the house!

I hope you’ve taken care of yourself this winter!

    Posted in Holidays, Monthly Musings, Seasonal

    Monthly Musings

    Posted on by jgalvinwhite

    Hello and happy Thursday!

    Patty and Holly are hosting Monthly Musings a week early due to the holidays next week. I’m excited to link up with them one more time in 2024!

    This month’s topic is…last minute holiday tips/prepping for the new year…

    1. What do you do about list minute gifts you forgot to buy?

    Thank goodness for Amazon! Usually for me, I’m making a final list of things like gift cards and small stocking stuffers that I can pick up at the grocery store or Target.

    2. Favorite last minute holiday recipe?

    I love to drizzle honey over a wedge of Brie and serve with crackers. Easy and delish!

    3. Favorite part of the holiday season so far?

    It was nice baking cookies with my brother’s kids last weekend.

    I also always love giving and receiving Christmas cards in the mail. I will share ours next week!

    4. Best stocking stuffers/small gift?

    I always give Trav and the kids gift cards to their favorite places like Starbucks and Chik-fil-A. I always put candy in their stockings too.

    Usually, the kids get socks or underwear, and a new toothbrush. (I’m not a regular mom, I’m a cool mom!) haha!

    I also get Hayden baseball cards, gloves, something for running, Chapstick and other odds and ends.

    For Hadley, she will get gloves, lip gloss, hair ties, pens and a few other little things.

    I’m also known for buying too many things for the stocking –and then they don’t fit!

    5. Favorite holiday sweet treat?

    Cookies, of course!

    6. Will you make a new year’s resolution?

    No, but as December winds up, I usually commit to January for getting back on track. For the first time in quite a long time, I “fell off the wagon” in regards to working out. After fall break, I just didn’t make time for working out. Then, after daylight savings, I just loved coming home, putting on my pjs, turning on the Christmas tree and just being at home.

    Thankfully, I haven’t gone off the rails with eating, but you know –’tis the season for sweet treats.

    In January, I’m going to get back to a 20 minute workout plan that I love to get back in the swing of things.

    7. Do you use a planner?

    The only actual planner I use is my school planner for lesson plans.

    I have a desk calendar at school that I use to write down meetings, bus duty, appointments and kids’ activities. I have most of those same things on my phone calendar.

    I also have this magnetic calendar on the fridge, so the kids know when they have practice and also what’s for dinner! (and they can add to grocery list)

    8. Stay up until midnight or asleep before the ball drops?

    I shared in yesterday’s post that the past few years, we’ve joined a progressive dinner with some of our friends in our neighborhood. We start out at a house for appetizers, then have dinner followed by dessert at a few different houses.

    9. What do you do on New Year’s Day?

    We’re usually at home clinging to whatever rest and downtime we have until the end of break. This year, we don’t go back until January 7th, so we have a week at home before heading back to reality.

    Usually, I make some appetizers and we just hang out at home and watch college football bowl games.

    10. Are you taking time off in December?

    I’m really grateful to have a built in two weeks off from school break. I feel blessed that I have this time off and usually try to just hang out at home as much as possible, go see a movie, do a “purge” or the house and prep for the second semester of school.

    Are you ready for Christmas?