Share 4 Somethings

Posted on May 25, 2024May 24, 2024 by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Saturday!

I wasn’t sure if I would have time to write this post, but as I got out of school and started thinking about Memorial Day weekend, I figured I could modify the Share 4 Somethings format for Memorial Day.

So, I’m linking up with Jennifer to share four (some) things I think of once it’s Memorial Day weekend.

1. Remember and Honor

Of course, first and foremost, we need to remember those who gave up their lives for our freedoms. I know some are even sensitive to hearing “happy” Memorial Day which I can understand. Those who are willing to sacrifice their safety and lives in honor of our country should never be forgotten.

2. School’s Out…

…or almost out for the summer.

I swear. I feel like we are the last district to be out around here. We still have two more days, and I have a teacher work day. Actually, we received an email this week about Friday (5/31) being another work day due to a snow day we have to make up. The kids don’t have to make it up, but we do. They are letting us “flex” that time using hours outside of the school day, so at least we don’t have to come that day as long as we turn in the form.

As a general rule, I just think school should be in session after Labor Day and out by Memorial Day. By mid-May we are all over the school year…students, parents, and the teachers.

3. Sales

There are usually lots of good Memorial Day sales.

Among other sales…

Target has 30% off women’s, kids’ and men’s clothing and swim, and 30% off sandals. We picked up a couple of swimsuits for Hadley. ‘Tis the season! They also have up to 50% off patio, garden furniture and accessories and other deals.
Old Navy has 50% off almost everything!
Walmart has “rollback” prices on laptops, grills, pools and more!
Aerie has 30-70% off almost everything!
Home Depot: Up to 55% off select online outdoor furniture, up to 25% off select storage and organization items, and other great deals.

4. Pool Opens

Memorial Day weekend means the pool opens up. Our pool always opens a few days before Memorial Day weekend. Our pool opened on Wednesday, and Hadley is 3 for 3 in pool attendance this week…even with overcast skies and cooler temps on Wednesday and Thursday. When I text her to ask when she’s coming home, I get a lot of “#poolislife” responses. haha

Hopefully I will make it there sometime soon!

Anyway, I hope your weekend is off to a great start.

I don’t think I will have a post on Monday, but I hope to share the books I read in May on Tuesday.

Take care,

Share 4 Somethings

Posted on March 30, 2024 by jgalvinwhite

Happy Saturday!

I wasn’t sure I’d have time to write this post, but I decided to sit down and write it this morning because I like linking up at the end of the month for Jennifer’s Share 4 Somethings. Plus, I never sit down, write, and just hit “publish” immediately, and that’s nice to do sometimes.

This time, I’m going to deviate a bit from the prompts and just Share 4 Somethings from this week.

1. Chicken

This week, we had two of my favorite chicken recipes because they are quick and easy…and we usually have leftovers for me to take for lunch.

I made baked chicken on Tuesday, and made dinner even easier with Bob Evans mashed potatoes as a side.

On Thursday, I had a hair appointment after school, so I made Shay’s Chicken Tortilla Soup in the slow cooker. On Thursday morning, as I was adding ingredients into the slow cooker, I realized I’d forgotten the ranch style beans. They are the star of the show. Travis picked some up on his lunch break, and added them to the slow cooker.

As I was cleaning up dinner on Thursday night, I realized the ceramic part of my slow cooker is cracked. Actually I thought something was up the past few times I’ve used it, but then I saw the crack. I’m “panicked” because I use that thing all the time. I guess I will have to get a new one. My sister-in-law and I have the same one, and when I borrow her’s on St. Pat’s Day, so I can make two corned beef and cabbages, I always want to make sure to give her hers back. I guess now we might have two different ones depending on what I buy.

2. Pampering

Well, this was an unintentional week of pampering for me. On Monday, I went and got a pedicure which is just what I normally do around spring break…but I wanted to beat the spring break crowd who I knew would be there later in the week.

On Thursday, I had a hair appointment. I always love getting my hair touched up, and the way she styles it, I can usually get a couple days of out of it. It was nice to just brush my hair and go yesterday for school. While I was there, I did pick up my favorite shampoo and conditioner because I drew a card for 20% off. I usually just get it at Ulta, but I like a deal.

Last night, I got a spray tan. It’s not like we are headed to the beach, but I wanted to have a little color. Thanks to Amy sharing about her Sun Tan City tanning experiences, last year I had the courage to give it a try a few times. So, I wanted to go yesterday just to have a little color, but also remind myself the “do’s” and “dont’s” one more time before maybe getting a spray tan for a few spring things like Keeneland later in the month.

I tried a new color Arigato from Tokoyo this time. I do the Versa at Sun Tan City (old pic from when I had to use the other booth once last year)

3. Spirit Week

This week was spirit week at school. I like when they choose easy and fun outfits to wear. Wednesday was soccer moms vs BBQ dads, and it was so funny to see so many people participate. Yesterday was PJ day, and that was very much needed. I just wore my favorite PJ sweats from Walmart that I got a few years ago.

Old pic, but this was my outfit (minus the slippers)

4. Easter Fun

My friend is having some families over this evening for the little kids to hunt eggs. We are letting the big kids find a few eggs too if they want. Then, we’re grilling out and hanging out a bit.

I picked up this cute cake at Kroger to bring:

My kids are going to dye eggs this morning…once Hadley gets out of bed. haha

Anyway, that’s a peek at my week. We have some really nice weather today, so we are going to get out and enjoy it.

See you Monday for Prime Purchases.

Share 4 Somethings, Uncategorized

Share 4 Somethings

Posted on November 25, 2023November 24, 2023 by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Saturday!

How was your Thanksgiving? We had a really great one visiting with family in KC.

I haven’t joined Jennifer’s link up in a while, so I thought a “bonus” Saturday post would be fun.

This month, I …

Loved:

The time change! I know, I know. I’m in the minority on this one, but I love “falling back.”

I’m also really loving this Candy Cane Body Butter from Trader Joe’s. It just has a subtle hint of peppermint and just a little bit of shimmer.

I’ve also really loved watching the kids’ activities this past month. Hayden’s had some great, competitive cross country races, and he’s been back on the basketball court prepping for his 8th grade middle school season as well.

Hadley’s volleyball team has been so much fun to watch as well. Many of her friends are on her team which makes it even better. Last weekend, they played in a volleyball tournament, and won gold for their bracket.

Read:

Y’all…for the first time ever, I don’t know that I will have a monthly book post. I’ve been working my way through Demon Copperhead, and it’s really good…but long…

I even started a holiday themed book, but I just haven’t had much time to read.

Here’s my current hopeful holiday stack:

…and other “Christmas-y” books I’ve read in previous years if you need any ideas:

Ate:

Pumpkin pie…

…and pumpkin muffins…

…as well as plenty of birthday cake(s)

Of course, I also had yummy Thanksgiving food on Thursday.

Bought:

We bought an artificial tree for the living room, and I’m so glad it’s already up.

I’ve also purchased some Christmas presents for my KC family as well as birthday gifts for the kids:

Weekly Recap:

Since I didn’t link up for Friday Favorites, here are my posts from the week:

Happy 14th Birthday

Birthday Recap

Thanksgiving Fun

It’s been one of the most hectic months, and sometimes I feel like I’m in “survival mode” in November, but it’s been filled with lots of goodness too.

Now, it’s time for me to get back home and get my Christmas decor put out.

School, Share 4 Somethings

Share 4 Somethings

Posted on July 29, 2023July 29, 2023 by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Saturday!

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

I this month, I….

Loved:

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

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

Read:

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

Ate:

Seafood while at the beach.

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

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

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

Bought:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

They used to help my set up my classroom…

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

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

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

Share 4 Somethings

Posted on May 27, 2023May 27, 2023 by jgalvinwhite

Happy Saturday!

We made it through the last day of school…yay! We’re ready for the weekend…and summer!

I’m linking up with Jennifer to share a quick Share 4 Somethings post.

This month I…

Loved:

Spring candles. If I’m home, a candle is lit. I love the freshness of citrus and floral scents.

This peony blossom candle (in a rose gold tin) was a favorite find at Trader Joe’s this month.

Read:

I read four books this month, and it was a good month of reading. I will share those books next week, but The Paris Library was definitely my favorite.

Ate:

The month of May is hard for me to meal plan because it feels extra busy. I really needed to meal plan, but I really didn’t want to. haha

Some meals we ate this month:

When the weather was cooler, I took advantage of that and made “cozier” meals like Chicken Noodle Casserole and Taco Pie (both recipes courtesy of Andrea)

We’ve been grilling out already which has been so nice….Recently, we’ve had steak, BBQ chicken, and pork chops. Last weekend, I made Shay’s Pepperoni and Bell Pepper pasta salad, and Travis and I really liked it. Hadley prefers the one from the Betty Crocker box…haha.

This week, we ate some easy staples to get me through the week. I made baked chicken that we had with Bob Evans mashed potatoes, and Sloppy Joe’s with waffle fries. Thankfully, fruit is also an easy side this time of the year.

Bought:

I took advantage of some summer sales and purchased more of my favorite pj’s (top // shorts) and a swimsuit from Target, some shorts I’ve had my eye on from Aerie, and a bra from Soma. (Soma always has a big sale before Christmas and this time of the year…and it’s always a good reminder for me to update my undergarments!)

Have you taken advantage of any great sales lately?

I hope your holiday weekend is off to a great start. See you back here Tuesday.

Share 4 Somethings

Posted on April 29, 2023April 28, 2023 by jgalvinwhite

Happy Saturday!

I’m so used to posting during the week that I almost forgot about this link up.

At the end of the month, Jennifer hosts Share 4 Somethings to recap the month.

This month I’m…

Loving (watching)….The Diplomat on Netflix. I stumbled upon it last weekend, and watched three episodes. I love Keri Russell and then her husband on the show is just the best counterpart to her character.

I’m hoping to watch a few more episodes this weekend.

Reading: Earlier this week I shared what I read in April.

I’ve started Finlay Donovan is It, and it’s really good so far.

Eating: less sweets this month. Coming off of spring break and Easter, I wanted to make a conscience effort to cut down on my sweet tooth. I’ve also re-committed to getting workouts in at least four days a week.

I have a note on my phone where I’m tracking my goals.

My goals this month were: no fried foods (this isn’t really an issue for me, but since my kids love Raising Canes and CFA, I figured it was good to make an effort to not even eat that one meal a week), workout at least four days a week (even if it’s a 20 minute workout), cut out sweets. I will say I haven’t been perfect with no sweets, but I’ve definitely done way better than December-March with holidays and then just a bad habit of loving sweets!

Wearing:

Are y’all tired of me talking about Shop Style Your Senses yet? I have this ruffle workout tank in three colors, and I love it so much.

I love the ruffle detail and the high/low style. This top is one of the pieces they designed, and they were so intentional about the style details. You can even style it a variety of ways.

*full disclosure* I don’t love these photos of me, but I love this athleisure top enough to share!

So, that’s a little look back on this month.

I hope your weekend is off to a great start!

Share 4 Somethings

Posted on March 25, 2023March 25, 2023 by jgalvinwhite

Happy Saturday!

Well, this Saturday post kind of snuck up on me. Next Saturday will be April 1st. How is that possible?

Anyway, since it is the last Saturday of the month, I’m linking up with Jennifer for her fun end of the month post.

This month I’m…

Loving:

Two new bracelets that I’ve add to my stack. I added the rose gold bangle first a few weeks ago. I loved it so much that I purchased the silver cross bracelet next. These are less than $12! Can you believe that?

So far, I’ve worn them both almost 24/7 with my other Daily Gold bracelets. That being said, I take them off before I shower just because I’m not sure how they will hold up. Otherwise, they’ve been the perfect addition.

I loved my black SSYS quilted tunic so much that I purchased it in grey (size large). I think grey is mostly sold out, but they also have it in pink and navy in more sizes.

I can’t wait to wear it even more in the spring.

Reading:

I’d read the first book in the American Royals series, but had forgotten about the other books. Majesty was available on the Kindle, so I added it recently. I’m enjoying it, and might just go ahead and read the third book after I finish this one. I see the 4th book is coming out later this summer.

It’s been a while since I quit on a book…but I was 40% through Family Remains and just couldn’t do it anymore. I will share more about my thoughts next week when I share my March books.

Eating:

Oh my word…we tried a new recipe earlier this week thanks to Andrea, and it was so good. This Taco Pie was perfect and hit the spot. We had it for dinner Monday and Tuesday along with green beans and salad. Then, I still had some for lunch on Wednesday.

You know I love a recipe if I take the time to write it on a recipe card to save forever which is what I did on Wednesday.

Ordering:

Well, Easter baskets hit different when you aren’t a little kid: {sigh}

With only two weeks until Easter, I need to order a few things. Of course, in their baskets, I put some candy, but then I always pick up a few others things. Gone are the days of sidewalk chalk and bubbles, but I’ve always picked up a few things for summer like swimsuits, flip flops, or goggles. Any good ideas on what I should get my teens? I think I’m going to make a list this weekend and place and order or two.

I hope your weekend is off to a great start. See you back here on Monday for some of my favorite memes!

Share 4 Somethings

Posted on February 25, 2023February 25, 2023 by jgalvinwhite

Hello and Happy Saturday!

I’m linking up with Jennifer (Overflowing with Thankfulness) for this fun Saturday link up.

Every month, we are sharing what we are are loving, reading, learning, and eating.

Loving:

Overall, the month of February was so mild. I kept hoping for a big snow, but we never got one. Not only no snow, but we had many days with temps in the 60’s and even some mid-70’s! If the weather is going to be like this, then, at this point, I hope it stays this way. Let’s just move on to spring and then summer.

A few months ago we bought a Keurig/coffee pot combo. I’ve tried a variety of K-cup flavors (my friend dropped off some options when we first got it), and Toasted Graham is my favorite. I’ve also now started buying the Green Mountain brand, and the Brown Sugar Crumble is another one I’m loving.

Reading:

I just started Spare. I was so excited when I got the library notification that it was my turn to download it to my Kindle. I will say, I’m having a hard time finding time to read lately. I’m somewhat panicking that I won’t get it finished before it’s due ten days.

I will share my February books next week!

Learning:

I’m (re-)learning how to be a dance mom for my #1 dancer:

It’s dance competition season! She had so much fun last year:

I can’t wait to see what her dance studio accomplishes this year.

Here’s a quick list of what dancers need on competition days: costumes, dance shoes, tights (and backup tights), makeup, eyelashes, hair pieces, bobby pins, stage earrings, safety pins, band aids, studio team t-shirt and jacket, hairspray, snacks, water and more!