Category: Monthly Musings

Posted in Holidays, Monthly Musings

Monthly Musings

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Thursday!

Thanks for all the kind birthday wishes for my kids yesterday. They had a great day!

Since next Thursday is Thanksgiving (how is that possible?) Holly and Patty are hosting Monthly Musings a week early.

This month’s topic is…holiday fun.

Whether we’re ready or not, the holidays are right around the corner.

1. Any holiday parties on tap?

Trav’s work always has a party as do some of our friends. Sometimes I go to my school’s holiday party…it just depends on the day and what else is going on.

2. Best holiday prep advice?

Make a list and check it twice! Lists are the only way I can survive the holidays. I have a list for gifts, activities, movies, recipes and more.

3. Holiday recipe that’s a crowd pleaser.

I’ve made these Pomegranate Goat Cheese Bites, and they are festive and delish.

C/o Fox & Briar

4. What holidays do you celebrate in November and December?

Well, it’s not a holiday, but the kids’ birthday was yesterday. Of course, we celebrate them.

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday of the year…good food and no gifts!

In December, we celebrate Christmas.

5. Favorite holiday beverage?

I always buy cranberry gingerale when I see it in the store this time of the year. It’s festive and refreshing.

6. What part of holiday prep is a total struggle for you?

For me it’s more about the timing of everything, especially when we travel to KC for Christmas. Those years, we celebrate as a family before we go to Louisville on the 23rd for Christmas with Trav’s family. On Christmas Eve, we drive to KC and that evening go to my dad’s cousin’s house for Christmas Eve night. Christmas day, we see my dad, mom, and then end the day at my Gma’s house.

Obviously, it’s nice to see family and celebrate with so many, but I have to be organized and make sure I have gifts and have us all packed up and ready to go. It’s even more complicated when we get out of school only days before Christmas.

7. Go-to holiday outfit?

I’m low key festive for the holidays and some of how I dress depends on how hot it will be outside or inside! I usually try to plan one nicer outfit to wear to holiday parties and Christmas Eve. Then, it’s nice to have a more informal outfit for other family times.

8. Do you send out holiday cards?

I love giving and receiving holiday cards, and I’ve already ordered ours for this year. Who am I?! Usually, I’m stressing about this after Thanksgiving. That being said, I went with a informal pic of the kids, and a few family photos on the back.

I’d really like to get family pictures next fall. The last time we had professional family photos, Hadley was still taller than Hayden! haha

9. Black Friday shopper? Yes or heck no?

Heck no! I am all about Cyber Monday. I truly try not to go into a store. haha

But really, I actually enjoy going into smaller, local shops and look around and pick up stocking stuffers or small gifts during the holiday season.

10. Do you listen to holiday music before or after Thanksgiving?

I typically wait until after Thanksgiving to listen to Christmas music, but Hadley starts listening on November 1. That being said, we usually click to a Christmas music channel as we drive home from Thanksgiving.

This was such a fun link up! I love thinking about the holidays.

‘Tis the season,

Posted in Holidays, Monthly Musings, Seasonal

Monthly Musings

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Thursday! Also, Happy Halloween!

It’s officially the last day of October (and the last Thursday of the month), so I’m linking up with Holly and Patty for Monthly Musings.

This month’s topic is…Halloween and Fall Fun.

Let’s get to it….

1. What do you usually do for Halloween?

Well, times have changed. For years, I hosted two of my friends’ families for trick-or-treating and chili for dinner. My brother and his fam would join as well. Then, once the middle school years hit, the kids went off on their own around the neighborhood. This year, Hadley is going to a friend’s house for a get together, and Hayden and Travis will help me pass out candy.

This Halloween post from a couple of years ago was a fun little stroll down memory lane.

Halloween is usually a time when I’m pretty reminiscent about the younger years, but thankfully we get lots of trick-or-treaters, so at least I get to see little ones in their costumes.

2. Favorite fall traditions?

I love when we go to the pumpkin patch. We get apple cider donuts and pick out our pumpkins to carve. This year, we never made it to the pumpkin patch, and I was pretty bummed.

Besides that, I love when we can go to Keeneland in the fall. Travis and I were able to go last week on a really pretty afternoon.

Also, it’s fun when we can go to a Kentucky football game, but the kids end up going to those more than we do now.

Another favorite tradition is carving pumpkins. I wasn’t sure if it was going to happen, but we did that last night.

Chick-fil-A and a skeleton!

3. Milky Way or Snickers? Starburst or Skittles?

I definitely prefer Snickers to a Milky Way. I like Starbursts and Skittles equally.

4. Trick or treat or host a party?

How about sit on my front porch and pass out candy? Like I said above, I miss the trick-or-treat days…and hosting friends for a casual evening.

5. Hand out candy or go out with trick or treaters?

These days, I’m on my front porch handing out candy.

6. Do you trick or treat on Halloween or is there another day?

We trick-or-treat on Halloween. A few years, they’ve moved the day because of rain. My kids would usually get a couple or wears out of costumes with trick-or-treating at church, class parties, and then on Halloween.

On Monday, my kids helped at the trunk or treat at their former elementary school which was sweet of them to do.

7. Do you decorate for Halloween?

When I decorate, it’s usually for fall since those decorations can stay up for a couple of months.

I do put out a couple of cute Halloween things like this black cat that I’ve had for years.

8. What do you do with leftover Halloween candy?

If we have any leftover candy, I take it to school to give to my students as a reward. When the kids were little, they’d get so much candy…and I’d sneak some to take to school.

9. What are your trick or treat hours?

I think our trick-or-treat hours are from 6-8.

10. What do you have for dinner on Halloween?

For years, I would make “bloody finger” hotdogs and “brains” (mac and cheese), and “eyeballs” (grapes) on the night we carved pumpkins a few days before Halloween.

Then, a couple of years ago, I started making “mummy dogs” along with the other items. Last night, we had that for dinner before the kids carved their pumpkins.

I love these seasonal posts. It’s fun to look back on our traditions and special activities we do during the season.

What are your Halloween plans this year? Of course, we’ve been in a drought and there’s a chance of rain tonight! I hope it holds off for the little (and big! ) trick-or-treaters.

Say a prayer for me today…there’s nothing “scarier” than trying to teach high schoolers on Halloween. haha

Posted in Monthly Musings, Seasonal

Monthly Musings

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Thursday!

How is it already the end of September? I feel like once we get through August and we are in a back to school routine, the school year really starts to fly by!

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

This month’s topic is…Back to School Routines, Recipes and Fall Fashion.

1. What are your best tips for getting into a fall/back to school routine?

Well, I don’t know that I’m the best one to answer this question….we kind of just “rip the Band Aid off” and go for it.

That being said, I do try to buy school supplies in late July and do other school errands a couple of weeks before we go back to school, so we aren’t scrambling once summer is over.

2. Please share your favorite fall recipes.

One of my favorite fall recipes is Pumpkin Penne Sausage Pasta, which I’ve been making for years. I found the recipe on the side of a box of Kroger pasta.

Last year, I shared a blog post with some pumpkin favorites.

3. Favorite fall fashion staples?

I’m no fashionista, but I always answer this question with the fact that I love adding cardigans to dresses in the fall. I have my favorite cardigan in three colors!

4. Favorite part of back to school this year?

This year, my favorite part has been seeing my kids and my kids’ friends in the hallway. It’s still a surprise for me to turn the corner and see a familiar face. The highlight of my day is when the kids (and their friends) come to my classroom when school is out.

5. Do you celebrate Homecoming where you are?

We do celebrate Homecoming, and our school dance was last weekend. Hadley went and had a great time with her friends.

6. Apple pie or apple cider?

Both!

It’s pretty rare that I have apple pie though…

I did grab these apple blossoms and Trader Joe’s, and they are great with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top!

I always get hot apple cider when we visit our favorite pumpkin patch!

7. Do the leaves change colors where you live? If so, when?

They do…and it depends on the temps, but I feel like the leaves peak around the middle of October, and then we have leaves on the ground by Halloween. Our front yard trees are stunning, but they don’t last long enough!

8. Favorite fall sweet treat? Do you have an recipes to share?

Apple cider donuts are my guilty pleasure in the fall! Hadley does’t like apple cider donuts…which is about the only time I wonder “how can she be my daughter?” haha

I made this cake for the first time last year, and I made it again last weekend.

Apple Cider Donut cake is delish!

9. Hayride or bonfire?

I like a fire pit when we have time to do so!

10. Movies that give you the back to school feels?

I’m not sure why, but Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and Back to the Future were the first two to pop in my mind. I guess because Ferris skips school and Marty is in high school.

I loved writing this post as fall is certainly my favorite time of the year. I can’t wait for October!

Have a great fall day,

Posted in Monthly Musings

Monthly Musings

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Thursday!

I can’t believe it’s already Thursday, and I can’t believe August is almost over!

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

This month’s topic is “summer’s end/back to school.”

1. Do you meal plan? Any family friendly recipes to share?

I do meal plan every week. I always write down our activities and appointments for the week on our fridge calendar notepad. Then, I figure out what we’ll have for dinner and make my grocery list.

I try to at least do one slow cooker meal a week, and this one is delish, and it makes a ton. It’s so easy, that we have it at least once a month.

Truly, we get to Friday and Saturday nights, and always chat back and forth about where we should go eat or carry out. I really might try cooking on one of those nights, and then save myself some time during the week and order out. Most weeks of volleyball season, Hadley has three games. That can be hard for meal planning.

2. What are your back to school traditions?

When the kids were in elementary school, we always went school supply shopping and would get their back to school haircuts on the same day. We’d usually go to Chick-fil-A for lunch while we were out.

I always did the back to school breakfast the morning of the first day of school. When they moved to middle school, we did back to school “brinner.”

This year, we went to IHOP for our back to school dinner!

Of course, I always take their picture on the first day of school. It’s hard to believe we’ve had this same chalkboard for ten years.

3. Where do you do your best shopping for kids clothes and supplies?

As the kids have gotten older, we don’t buy as many back to school clothes. Target used to be the best place to buy them during the elementary years.

This year, Hayden didn’t buy anything new, but we finally relented and let us buy him a new pair of Crocs. He’d had the other ones since 6th (or 7th?) grade, and as you can see in the pic above, they are pretty worn out. (Check out his left Croc’s toes! haha)

As far as school supplies go, Walmart is always where we find the best deals.

As for me: (haha!)

4. How do you transition your wardrobe for fall?

I share this answer every time, but I love to wear a cardigan in the fall and spring months, often over a dress. My favorite cardigan is from Amazon, and I have it in three colors!

5. Any end of summer trips planned?

We don’t have any trips planned. Soon, Hadley and I are headed to Tennessee for a volleyball tournament, but that’s about it.

6. Do schools in your area start before or after Labor Day?

We start school before Labor Day. I wish we’d keep it simple, and have summer from Memorial Day to Labor Day. That would be so amazing.

We always start the second Wednesday in August, but teachers go back before that. One year, we didn’t start back until the third week of August, and that was so nice.

When I grew up, I think we mostly started after Labor Day. Of course, I don’t think we got a week long fall break or a week for spring break either.

7. What are your Labor Day plans?

I’m not sure what we’ll do. I always appreciate the three day weekend at the start of the school year.

Maybe we’ll hit up the pool or grill out.

8. White after Labor Day? Yes or no?

Sure! To me, as long as the temps feel like summer, I will wear my favorite white pants.

9. Pumpkin spice…as soon as it comes out or wait until fall?

I used to love pumpkin spice lattes, but I haven’t really gotten them in quite some time.

I put a dash of pumpkin spice in my coffee at home once the weather turns cooler.

I also tend to get a “London Fog” from Starbucks in the fall months.

Last year, I got a pumpkin spice cold foam from Starbucks, and it was good.

10. Best life hacks for back to school?

Prep early. I like to knock out the school supply shopping and haircuts in late July….and then be in denial that the start of school is around the corner.

See you tomorrow for Friday Favorites.

Posted in Monthly Musings, Seasonal

Monthly Musings

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello!

Well, like it or not, July sure is flying by.

I’ve missed a couple of months of musings, so I’m happy to be back with Patty and Holly for this month’s link up.

This month’s topic is “late summer fashion and fun.”

1. Summer travel – where have you been and what trips are still coming up?

We kicked off summer by going to KC to see family. We went to the Royals game, and they had a big comeback win which was fun to experience.

Then, had our big vacation to the PNW which was for sure a highlight of the summer.

We don’t have any trips planned as back to school time is approaching.

2. Favorite things you have done so far this summer?

Our vacation was definitely a favorite. It’s been nice to have some pool time too. I’ve been able to read more than ever which has been great.

I don’t feel like we’ve done much with friends (like impromptu get togethers) or done some of our traditions like making s’mores or going to the movies.

The kids have been able to hang with friends quite a bit, but they’ve also been very busy with their extra curricular activities, so it’s been a different kind of summer. Or…maybe this is the “new normal” of summer.

3. Share your go-to summer outfits this summer.

I honestly feel like lazy bum outfit-wise this summer. If I’m not in PJs, I’m at the pool or just dressed in my typical athleisure.

This “tent top” is one of my favorites. It’s lightweight, soft, and easy to throw on and go.

I also have this Amazon shirt in pink and gray, and I love it. (It’s currently on sale and has a 20% off coupon)

I have dressed up a few times….

And…just this week my Time and Tru dress from Walmart arrived. It’s lightweight, comes in a few colors, has pockets, and is less than $15! This dress also comes in plus sizes too.

Please forgive my messy hair, I was in the middle of my closet clean out (finally!), and remembered that I hadn’t tried the dress on yet.

4. Summer accessories you are never without?

I say the same thing every time there’s an accessories question, but I typically wear the same jewelry every day. This summer, I’ve been wearing this initial necklace, and I love it. I haven’t taken it off in over a month when I got it.

My necklace is rose gold, but it comes in gold and silver as well. Also, it’s actually two necklaces, but I only wear the initial one since I have another necklace I wear.

I also never take off my Daily Gold Co bracelets.

5. Share your go-to shoes this summer.

Sandals are my shoe of choice in the summer, and I have so many favorites.

6. Share anything spontaneous you did this summer. Big or small.

This question made me feel so lame! haha

It’s just been kind of nice to do whatever the kids want in the summer. Now, don’t get it twisted…they don’t necessarily want to hang with me all the time, but it’s nice going to get a Sonic cherry limeade after their workout or making a dessert of their choice after dinner.

I “spontaneously” added a couple of days to my second KC trip of the summer, but that’s because my dad needed a couple of extra days of help after his knee surgery.

7. Have you seen any summer movies this year?

And…I’m continuing to be lame…I haven’t seen any summer movies this summer. That being said, I’ve caught up on some of my favorite shows and watched other shows like America’s Sweethearts and Presumed Innocent.

I do want to see Twisters in the theater, and I’m hoping to get that accomplished before we go back to school.

8. Favorite summer sweet treat?

I’m still loving these frozen Kind bars. I get them at Target, but I also found them at Walmart last time I was there.

9. Summer slow down or ready for fall?

Again, I’m probably a broken record, but summer goes by too quickly. I wish our summer was Memorial Day to Labor Day like the “good old days!” haha

I definitely wish summer would slow down. Once it’s September though, I will be ready for cooler temps and fall!

10. Ready for back to school, if you have kids in school?

I’m not ready to go back to school…but I’m never ready. Then, once the school year starts, I’m fine. If we could just show up on the first day and start teaching, I think I’d dread it less. I just don’t look forward to professional development days and meetings when there’s just always so many other things we need to get done.

I have purchased my desk calendar and planner, and I always enjoy writing down dates and activities to start the school year as organized as possible.

That being said, I think the kids are feeling somewhat ready to start school. I know the transition to high school has them feeling a little nervous, but I’m glad they’re starting the school year already involved in sports, so being up at school has eased some of those nerves.

I’m excited to have them at school with me. It should be interesting!!

I love this link up about seasonal questions; I’m happy I was able to join this month.

What’s been the highlight of your summer?

Posted in Monthly Musings

Monthly Musings

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Thursday!

Where has the month of April gone? I always love Patty and Holly’s Monthly Musing link up answering questions on a given topic.

This month’s topic is “all things spring.”

I’ve shared before that spring isn’t really a season on my radar. By spring, I’m just ready to skip to summer!

That being said…

1. Favorite thing about spring?

More sunshine! I do appreciate when it stays lighter longer, the weather warms up and the grass turns green.

I love track season with the kids. Truly, until the kids started middle school, I never thought much about track. It’s really turned into a family affair with Travis helping coach the kids, the kids running, and I bring snacks and cheer from the sideline.

Something else I really love is that the kids run different events. Hayden loves distance, and Hadley runs the shorter races.

I also love spring break. One of the things I like about spring break is that we have some time at home, and we usually try to spend a few days somewhere nearby but also new to us. This year, we had a longer trip to DC, but we still had some days at home.

…and another favorite is spring traditions….

2. What are your spring traditions?

Keeneland in the spring is one of my favorite traditions. Oaks/Derby time is really special too.

3. Favorite spring outfits?

After spring break, I’m all about wearing dresses when I can…

…and cardigans. I have this one in three colors, and it’s still my all time fave.

4. Favorite springtime meal?

I like when we grill out in the spring…the summer too, but it’s hotter outside then. Side dishes for dinner seem easier in the spring….veggies, fresh fruit, pasta salad, and baked beans are easy and our faves.

My kids always request these “asparagus fries,” and we all love them.

5. Spring rain…love or loathe?

I love rain anytime of the year. Of course, days and days of rain isn’t ideal, but I like a cozy afternoon rain where I can watch a movie or read a book. If it’s not raining too hard, I like to sit on my front porch and read a book while it rains.

6. Favorite spring flower?

Peonies! I love when I can find these at Trader Joe’s.

7. Do you get seasonal allergies? Remedies please!

Yes! Everyone in my family has them. When I first moved to Kentucky twenty years ago, I kept getting sinus infections because of my allergies. I still get sinus infections, but now I’m pretty good about using nasal spray and allergy medicine year round.

8. Favorite springtime beverage?

I’m kind of boring in the beverage department. I like a glass of white wine, but once the weather warms up, I will start drinking White Claws or Trulys.

Trader Joe’s has the Rose’ “Simpler Wines” which are refreshing as well.

9. Do you change your home decor for spring?

I decorate for Easter…

…and then I change out of a few things after Easter for Keeneland and Oaks/Derby.

I also put out fresh flowers whenever I can…

…and switch my candle to light, fresh, seasonal scents.

10. Lemon meringue pie or strawberry shortcake?

Strawberry shortcake all the way!

These questions definitely have me in the mood for spring. Thankfully, our weather has been pretty nice the past couple of weeks!

This time of the year, it’s crazy to think that the next time I write a Monthly Musings post, school will be out for the summer!

Posted in Monthly Musings

Monthly Musings

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Thursday!

As the month of March winds down, I’m linking up with Holly and Patty for Monthly Musings.

This month’s topic is Spring Fashion.

“Fashion”…this word is tricky for me as I don’t feel like I’m very fashionable. Put together most of the time…maybe…but I don’t know about “fashionable.”

1. What is your go-to spring outfit?

Once spring break is over, my typical school outfit is a dress, cardigan, and sandals if the weather cooperates.

2. Favorite spring fashion pieces?

I can’t wait to see how others answer this question. I don’t even change up my jewelry from season to season.

I do enjoy finding (or borrowing) a fascinator for Oaks.

3. Do you change your handbag for spring?

I usually switch from a larger winter purse to this crossbody. I like changing out the straps in the spring and the summer.

4. When do you bring out your open toed shoes?

After spring break if the weather cooperates…and then I usually don’t put sandals up until early October after fall break.

Just this week, I got a pedicure. I tried a new color…Arigato from Tokyo.

5. Favorite spring scents?

If this means perfume, I don’t really change that up.

These three continue to be my “go to” scents that Trav and the kids have given me the past couple of Christmases.

If we are talking scents like candles, I do change those throughout the seasons. I love linen and lilac scents in the spring.

6. When to wear white?

I don’t really have a hard and fast rule. Just to wear something different to school, I usually get out my white denim in May.

7. Favorite way to add spring to wardrobe when weather isn’t cooperating?

Well, weather cooperating or not, a cardigan is my “go to” in the spring because you also never know about classroom temps. This is my favorite cardigan; I have it in three colors!

8. Do you change your makeup routine in the spring?

I wear Seint year round, and the only thing I change is the highlight color if I have a tan.

9. How do you transition your wardrobe for spring?

I love neutral colors, but I do like to wear more color once spring arrives.

10. Favorite spring jewelry or accessories?

I don’t really change up my jewelry. I’m still loving these rings which were a recent purchase. I love rose gold.

This fun link up has me wanting the temps to stay warm. Bring on spring!

Posted in Monthly Musings

Monthly Musings

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Thursday. My favorite day of the week…and it’s February 29…so happy leap year!

I love Patty and Holly’s end of the month link up, so I’m joining them today for Monthly Musings!

This month’s topic is surviving the winter months.

Well, after our round of winter weather in January, we haven’t had any more snow or freezing temps. Yesterday, we had crazy rounds of storms but then the temps definitely dropped again.

While I love a good dose of winter, I’m glad that I don’t feel like it’s something I have to “survive.”

Anyway, here’s how I “survive” the winter months:

1. What do you do in the winter that brings you joy?

A pretty snowfall and a snow day bring me joy in the winter. I realize I can’t control when we get snow, but when we have a snow day, I do try to savor it.

2. How do you stay warm and cozy?

I love when we turn on the fireplace, but now that I’m typing this, I’m realizing we haven’t done that this year.

Also, I love a sweatshirt, flannel pjs, a blanket and a warm cup of coffee to keep me warm. A lit candle always makes things extra cozy.

3. What are you looking forward to this winter?

Well, at this point, I feel like winter is basically over. Sorry to sound repetitive, but during the winter, I do look forward to snow. I’m so glad I live somewhere where I experience all four seasons…because I do think that means that I embrace and cherish each one.

4. Favorite wintertime activities?

I don’t do much out in the elements, but I loved the tradition of going tubing with friends once a year. Otherwise, the kids love being out in the snow with their friends.

I guess my favorite wintertime activity is staying inside bundled up and reading a good book.

5. Favorite month of winter?

January. To connect back to #1, January actually brings me joy. November and December have always felt like such a marathon, that once it’s January, I literally feel myself exhale.

January means a fresh start, a bit slower pace, my birthday and the chance for a snow day (or five! like we got this year)

6. Favorite dishes to make in the winter?

I use my slow cooker fall, winter, and spring, and I love making an easy meal. The winter months are all about comfort food, and we have more soups and casseroles. Chili is also a family favorite.

Tuesday night, I made this Pizza Pasta Bake, and it was a hit.

7. Gas or wood burning fireplace?

We have a gas burning fire place, and I love that ours is double sided. So, we can see through the living room to the kitchen…and vice versa.

8. Favorite winter hot beverage?

Well, I love my morning coffee year round, but in the winter, I will sometimes splurge on the occasional Starbucks. There, I usually get a hazelnut or pistachio latte.

I also like a London Fog from Starbucks.

9. Favorite winter movies?

In January, for Bloganuary, I shared this post about favorite movies.

10. How do you stay healthy in the winter?

Well, I don’t want to jinx it but after I was sick after Christmas, we’ve been pretty healthy. I try to drink plenty of water, exercise, and wash my hands.

To me, tomorrow, March 1st is officially spring. Now, I’m ready to count down to spring break…and then summer!

Posted in Monthly Musings

Monthly Musings

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello!

I’m excited to link up with Patty and Holly for the first Monthly Musing of 2024!

This month’s topic is winter self-care.

Oh I’m all about self-care…but sometimes I wish I had more time for it.

1. How do you care for yourself in the winter?

Around December, my skin starts feeling so dry. While I could use body butter all year long, I typically use it the most during the winter months.

My morning quiet time is important to me year round, but I love it in the winter months too…feels extra cozy.

Exercise is another way I take care of myself year round, but during the winter, when it feels like I’m less active outside, I try to be intentional about getting workouts in.

I also try to enjoy a less hectic pace that the new year brings.

2. How do you fight the winter blues?

Honestly, my answers to #2 go along with #1 as well….especially my quiet time and exercise. Also, it’s easy to hunker down when the weather is cold and snowy, but I try to make a point to get out and run errands, grab a cup of coffee, make dinner plans, etc.

3. Tips for making your living space cozy.

Candles make everything cozy.

Last year, I bought a set of flameless candles, and have enjoyed them year round.

Also, this year I decided to keep out my pretty trees from Walmart at least until Valentine’s Day.

4. Suggestions for winter time activities

Well, the kids play outside and sled when it snows.

Hadley had fun ice skating with friends recently.

Honestly, my winter activity, when I have time, has been catching up on tv shows I want to watch.

5. Exercise routines in the winter

My exercise routine is mostly the same as what I do year round…Bodi workouts in my basement. That being said, if the temps are mild or not too cold, I try to go for walks when I can as well.

6. Tips for restful sleep

Well, I’m a high-maintenance sleeper. I like my weighted blanket and sound machine. I still swear by Olly melatonin when needed.

Also, I’m liking this Jergen’s essential oils stick. I put a bit on my wrists and neck after my evening shower.

7. Favorite warm beverage

Hadley likes to ask to go to Starbucks on Friday after school. I’ve tried the pistachio latte recently, and I like it.

In general, coffee is my favorite warm beverage.

8. Best winter skincare tips

I find that I need body butter when my skin is dry. Also, I make sure to use a bit more moisturizer for my morning and night time skin care routine.

I also continue my monthly facial appointments, and my skin feels so hydrated afterwards.

9. Flannel sheets: yes or no?

I love flannel pjs, but I think I’d get too hot if we used flannel sheets….so no.

10. Favorite winter pjs

Well, I could probably have an “all about pjs” post.

This season, I’ve purchased three new pairs of pj’s.

These are light weight and perfect to wear without getting hot. They run big, so size down.

Last year, I donated a few pairs of pjs at the end of winter, so this year I replenished my pjs supply with two new pairs of flannel pjs…one from Walmart and one from Victoria Secret.

This is such a fun link up to kick start the year!

Posted in Holidays, Monthly Musings

Monthly Musings

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello!

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

This is a fun linkup sharing answers to a certain topic.

This month’s topic is how we holiday.

I feel like “how we holiday” varies year to year, but we also have some traditions that we don’t pass up.

1. Favorite holiday traditions

Some traditions have changed as the kids have gotten older, but we always watch Christmas movies, go to the horse park to see the lights and bake a few batches of cookies.

One of my favorite traditions is putting ornaments on the tree.

Another favorite tradition is letting the kids choose a gift for each other…and then they usually open then on Christmas Eve after church.

2. Favorite holiday fashion items or accessories

I love plaid during the holidays…

3. Favorite holiday recipes

Besides baking, I don’t really have any recipes that I make specifically for the holidays.

For Christmas dinner, we usually have salmon, mashed potatoes, and green beans.

4. How do you celebrate holidays?

As far as celebrating Christmas with our family, we either have a lot going on or very little.

If we are staying home, we celebrate with Trav’s family on the 23rd, go to church on Christmas Eve, and then we celebrate Christmas at home on the 25th.

If we are going to KC for Christmas, we have our family of 4 Christmas on the 22nd, go to Louisville on the 23rd, and then head to KC on the 24th. In KC, we go to my dad’s side of the family on the 24th, and then we spend time with my dad, mom, and Gma on the 25th. It’s a lot, but we make it happen and are happy to see everyone.

5. Do you go see holiday lights?

Besides the horse park, we usually check out other displays in Lexington.

When in KC, we’ve gone to see the Plaza lights a few times, and often go to the “magic tree” in my home town.

This year, Travis and I ended up sick the day after Thanksgiving, but my mom took the kids to the “magic tree” that evening (bottom pic)

6. How do you decorate your house for the holidays?

I do decorate for the holidays. I will say that decorating for Christmas stresses me out a little bit more than decorating for fall. It’s probably just because I feel more of a time crunch, and I always feel busier this time of the year. It can be a lot of effort to enjoy for only a few weeks.

My decorations don’t change much year to year, but I do tend to buy a few new things every year. I just can’t help myself. That being said, after I decorate, I try to toss or donate what I don’t use as to not have too much Christmas decor pile up.

This year, I did buy a new sign from Smallwoods and new garland from Kirklands. Year after year, I try to piece together the mantle, and I’m never happy with the garland. I wanted something pre-lit and substantial, and Kirklands had the perfect garland for my mantle…and I think it ended up being 50% off…and only around $30. (The sign was on sale too!)

Hadley set up the Christmas village which is her favorite thing to do.

7. Real or fake Christmas tree?

We always used to have an artificial tree, but then for about six years, we got a real one at one of our favorite places.

I’ve also been putting up a couple of pencil trees for the past couple of years in my bedroom and the sun room.

This year, we’re back to an artificial tree, and I’m loving it.

8. Favorite holiday treats?

We usually make cookies over winter break. We never really seem to have time before then. When we go to KC, we make German Christmas cookies…Pfeffernusse (my fave) and waffle cookies using the waffle iron made by my mom’s great grandfather in the late 1800’s.

This year, the kids helped bake while Travis and I stayed away because of our germs.

At home, we make peppermint crinkle cookies (I use this recipe and then add in a splash of peppermint extract), peanut butter blossoms, and usually some kind of sugar cookie.

For Christmas dinner dessert, I always make Shay’s Peppermint Mocha Bundt Cake.

9. Do your pets get gifts?

We’ve always given our dogs something…whether it’s a toy, a treat/bone, or a new bed.

Our pups have always had their own stocking too.

10. Best tips to make the holidays less stressful?

I try to make a list early. I wish I shopped earlier too, but I always feel like I have to get through the kids’ November birthday first.

A few years ago, I started making an Amazon list for the kids (and myself) to share with the family for easy shopping. I think everyone appreciates that.

Also, I’ve found that it’s ok to say “no” to things if/when needed. I do like to “do it all,” but I’ve been trying to find that balance through the years. That being said, some things have been taken off my plate as the kids have gotten older…and sometimes that’s actually a bittersweet feeling.

Ahh…after writing this post, I feel really ready for the holidays!