Uncategorized – Page 6

Blog challenge, Me, Uncategorized

SM&ST 1000th Blog Post

Posted on March 18, 2024March 17, 2024 by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Monday!

It’s a big day over here at Show Me and Sweet Tea…Today is my 1,000th blog post!

Who knew when I started this blog in August of 2019 that I’d have enough to say to write 999 posts + today’s post?!

I’m linking up with the Hello Monday ladies, Sarah and Holly, to share my thoughts.

I saw this graphic on Pinterest recently.

Honestly, the word “lifestyle” kind of made me cringe. I don’t know why. I’m just living my life and sharing, but not trying to tell you how to live your life. haha

That being said, I really can check so many boxes on this list.

You know I love a recap of sorts…so today I’m going to share and link back to some of the posts I’ve written that would fall under the first ten categories.

Personal Style/Fashion:

I don’t do it often, but I’ve shared some “What I Wore Wednesday” posts. Of course, I share other clothes that I love…mostly from Amazon, Target, and Shop Style Your Senses.

Beauty:

When I first think of “beauty,” I first think of skincare, but that’s it’s own topic!

I’ve been using Seint makeup for about a year and a half. I’m a creature of habit, so I haven’t really changed my makeup routine at all.

So, I think I’ve only written one Seint post, but I really love these makeup products.

Hadley shared her “heatless curl” hair tutorial last summer, and it was one of my favorite posts to share.

Spirituality:

Just by nature, I’m pretty private with my faith, but just recently, I’ve shared about about my daily Bible routine. I hope to share more in the future.

Skincare:

I’ve been using Dime Beauty products longer than I’ve been using Seint, but, again, I think I’ve only written one post.

Dime Beauty products are reasonably priced, have clean ingredients, and are so easy and convenient to use.

Hadley recently wrote about her skincare routine. Again, I loved having her share her thoughts, and she really appreciated the sweet comments.

Productivity:

I try to be as productive as possible.

I use the calendar on my phone, I write our activities and dinners on a magnetic pad, I use a desk calendar at school and write my lesson plans in a planner.

As a family, we use the Cozi app.

I tell my family they should be thankful for my time management and planning skills. 😆

Personal Finance:

Oh…I don’t get much into finances on here, that’s because my least favorite thing to do is talk about money…unless it’s sharing a good deal.

I literally just had to ask Travis why my paycheck where my stipend was $100 more than the previous paycheck didn’t reflect $100 more in the net amount…he reminded me about taxes. Boooo!

One of our Not Just a Mom posts last year was about money saving tips.

Self-Care:

I think I share a lot about self-care on this blog. Anywhere from quiet time, to working out, to monthly facials, I think self-care is important, and I still fail at it!

The first Monthly Musing post of 2024 was about self-care during the winter months.

Foods/Drinks/Dining:

I have a “Monday Meals” and “Delish Desserts” tab on the website, but I don’t feel like I add to them like I used to.

Last year, Hadley and I made a dessert a month, and I shared that post in January.

I always try to share new recipes I’ve found or recap what we’ve eaten in the week if I think it’s something others will be interested in.

Wellness:

I share quite a bit about wellness…and, again, it’s still an area that I’m always working on improving.

At the end of 2023, I recapped the Bodi programs that I completed last year.

So far this year, I’ve recapped my January and February Bodi workouts.

I’ve shared some goals like drinking more water, getting in more steps, and eating more protein.

Recently, I’ve started using these essential oil sticks (Awaken // Sleep) in the morning and before bed. They’ve been an easy addition to my wellness routine.

Mental Health:

I guess I haven’t really written a post on mental health, but I think I reference it when I share about my morning routine, taking time for myself, working out, quiet time, blogging, and more.

Some of my Enneagram posts, tie in with mental health because it’s about better understanding others and how they might think, feel or react.

Some thoughts:

I’ve really enjoyed blogging over these past four and a half years. I still truly wish I’d started a blog when I’d first thought about it years before 2019.

Lately, it has felt like I haven’t had as much time and energy to give to it. I’m wondering if this is just a phase, where I’m at in life, or if I’m running out of steam. (I hope not!)

August 4th will mark five years of SM&ST, and I’d love to continue writing and sharing. I have felt a bit of “shift” recently just knowing my kids are getting older. They don’t mind the blog, but I do try to be very intentional with what I share. I’m wondering next year, with them being in high school, how much of that I will continue to share. I guess time will tell.

I’m also trying to navigate blog post ideas that aren’t just about the kids or what we are up to as a family. I’d like to dig a little deeper into other topics.

For any bloggers already in this “phase of life,” I’m open to advice and ideas. Also, if there are certain topics that I already share, and you look forward to those posts, let me know that too. Let me know what you want to hear about from me! I’m open to suggestions.

Through this blog, I’ve connected with so many readers, chatted with other bloggers, participated (and co-hosted) in link ups, and I’m an Amazon associate.

I hope to continue this recap of “lifestyle blog” topics throughout the week if I have time. It’s been fun to look back on these posts.

Thank you for showing up and reading my posts. Commenting on those posts also means the world to me. I try my best to respond to everyone!

I hope you have a great start to your week.

{Amazon Affiliate links. Thanks for supporting my blog}

Friday Favorites, Uncategorized

Friday Favorites {#198}

Posted on March 15, 2024March 14, 2024 by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Friday!

How was your week? Ours was good, and it’s really starting to feel like the slide into spring break time of the year. We still have a couple of weeks to go, but we can do it. (At least that’s what I’m telling myself)

This week was different for me because on Tuesday, all of our sophomores and juniors took the ACT, so it was a busy day at school. Then, my allergies caught up with me and turned into a sinus infection, so I was sick on Wednesday. Today, teachers have a work day, but the students get the day off. It was just a different kind of week, and I felt like this:

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

Here are some favorites from the week:

Our weekend trip to Cincinnati was a good one. The Bailey Zimmerman concert was fun, and we enjoyed the pretty city and good food while we were there too.

Breakfast on the way out of town was a favorite as well. So many delicious options.

How cute is this Walmart $5 votive candle holder? I made a quick Walmart trip last weekend, and saw this egg nest votive and couldn’t resist…buying two! I can’t find it on Walmart.com, but they were in the seasonal/dollar section when you first walk in the door. I know all Walmarts are different…haha…but kind of like the Target “dollar spot” area…but of Walmart.

Anyway, I “styled” them two ways. One on the kitchen table with a flameless candle and “grass” that I use for the kids’ Easter baskets.

In the living room, I used the other one with a small votive candle that I picked up at Ikea.

The reason I went to Walmart was to look for these Joy Spun pjs. They come in so many cute patterns, the material is so soft, and they are perfect for spring/summer.

I 10/10 recommend.

I change out my candles seasonally, and I have a shelf in our hall closet where I keep my candles. I received this one (Lavender Marshmallow) during the Christmas secret Santa exchange with Trav’s family. I knew it would be the perfect springtime candle, so I put it away until now.

Did you know that when burning your candle for the first time, you are supposed to burn it for the length of time as is the width ? So, this one is a little over three inches wide, so I burned it for three hours the first time.

I guess this just ensures that the candle starts off being burned evenly? And…when I said, “did you know that you are supposed to…” I think I saw this tip on TikTok. haha

Full Swing season 2 is out, and I love it. I like reality TV, but I especially like the shows that follow athletes. I’ve watched the first few episodes this week.

I know I’ve shared these Amazon eye gels/masks before, but only this week did I read the tip on the package about putting them in the fridge for extra soothing. Especially with my sinus issues this week, the extra cool eye gels in the morning have been life changing!!

This weekend, we’ll be indulging in favorite St. Patrick’s Day recipes…like “leprechaun” pancakes…

…and corned beef, cabbage, and Irish soda bread.

Favorite Kid Quote:

Last week, Hadley was so excited because she’d worked hard and earned a great grade on her Algebra 1 exam. She said, “Mom, I am eating up school…& leaving no crumbs.” 😆

We’re proud of how hard she is working, and she is just so funny sometimes.

Favorite Mom Meme:

Lack of time management (x 2) might be what sends me over the edge. Ugh.

Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday:

St. Patrick’s Day edition:

A look back with my favorite little leprechauns!

Weekly Recap:

I had a couple of posts this week:

Share Our Lives

Cinci Concert Recap

What are your weekend plans? Hadley has a volleyball tournament. She hasn’t had one in about a month, and while it makes for a hectic weekend, I’ve missed watching her play.

I’m sure Trav and Hayden will be glued to the TV cheering for the CATS in the SEC tournament.

Thanks for reading!

Friday Favorites, Uncategorized

Friday Favorites {#191}

Posted on January 19, 2024January 18, 2024 by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Friday!

Well, what a week…We had a three day weekend that turned into a week with no school. Well, Tuesday-Thursday were online learning days, but today, with fresh snow and a chance of some ice, we have a good old fashioned snow day!

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

Here are some favorites from the week:

Well…ask, believe, and receive!

It’s not that we got that much snow, but we did get 3-4 inches and frigid temps. My road is still snow packed from Monday’s snow. Then, last night, the snow started up again.

I do appreciate snow days and the extra time off that we’ve had.

It’s been nice knowing ahead of time that we don’t have school, so we don’t have to set alarms in the morning.

While I’ve had school responsibilities, of course, it’s been nice to fall into an at home routine. I’ve had more time to sip my coffee, read, get a workout in, and watch some tv while also juggling school, kids’ activities, and their schoolwork.

On Tuesday, I made the kids “snowman” pancakes for breakfast. They turned out pretty cute:

This is kind of a random Amazon find, but I bought this Jergens “Awaken” essential oils stick after seeing it pop up on my Amazon feed. I’ve put a bit on my wrists and neck every morning, and it’s a really refreshing scent to help wake me up. I’m waiting on the “Sleep” one to arrive. I will let you know how it is once I get it.

One perk of snow days is lunch at home. I love a plate filled with random things for lunch. A new find that I’ve been trying are these “Just Crack an Egg” scramble kits. I’ve tried a couple different ones, and they are so good.

Last week, I made a stop at Walmart and saw this chenille hooded cardigan. I’ve been wanting something to wear around the house (not that you can’t wear this out and about…and now I have given the leisurely week I’ve had), but that isn’t a robe. Even though I love pjs, I get hot, so I usually sleep in a t-shirt and pj pants. So, this is perfect to throw on in the morning or after a workout…as seen below.

It’s in the junior department, so I sized way up to 2XL for a more over-sized fit.

Travis and I finished The Night Agent this week, and we LOVED it.

I’ve also started Fool Me Once, and it’s gotten my attention.

Favorite Kid Quote

Hadley noticed my new pjs and I just looked at her surprised…although I don’t know why because she always notices anything new. Without missing a beat she said, “You can’t be a slick chick with me.” 😆 She is so quick-witted and funny….wonder where she gets that?! 😉

Did I need another pair of pjs? Probably not. That being said, I got them for $20 (with a code), and with snow on the ground, I can’t be stopped with my decisions on flannel pjs!

Favorite Mom Meme:

You’re welcome, kids!

Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday:

Oh this snow day memory from 2014. Pinchy cheek cute and very creative with their snowman skills.

Weekly Recap:

Here are my posts from the week…including ones from last weekend:

Winter Movies

Bloganuary: Childhood Toy

What are your weekend plans? Well, we have more winter weather on the way and bitterly cold temps too. Hadley has a volleyball tournament, so most of our weekend will be spent indoors watching her play.

I hope to keep up with my month of blogging, so I will post more over the weekend.

Stay warm!

Seasonal, Tuesday Talk

Snow Days

Posted on January 16, 2024January 15, 2024 by jgalvinwhite

Hello from snowy Kentucky!

We finally got some snow yesterday, and it made me so happy.

I’m linking up with Joanne to talk about…

…the perfect snow day.

So, I had this post in mind last week, and thought if I wrote it, maybe Mother Nature would take the hint and throw some snow our way….but then we actually got snow yesterday, so this post is really timely! Anyway, here’s what a “perfect” snow day would look like:

1.

First of all, there would actually be snow…

We’ve had many days off in the past for cold temps, flu, ice…I love a good six inch snow. With that kind of snow, it’s pretty to look at, the kids can play in it, and we can make snow ice cream.

2.

Sleeping in is amazing on a snow day. We’ll take a day off when we can get it, but it’s great to know the night before, so we don’t have to set alarms when we go to bed.

I did love when the kids were little and they’d sleep in a bit and then rush out of their rooms thinking we were late for school. So sweet.

Now, if we we find out the night before, they find out via text like the rest of us.

3.

On an ideal snow day, Trav would be home too. It’s pretty rare for him to miss work due to the weather as it doesn’t take much snow for us to get a day off, so it’s probably ok driving conditions for him.

There have been years where we’ve gotten a lot of snow or ice, and he’s stayed home or come home early.

Although, if he’s home for more than one day, he wants to be productive…and that’s not the energy I’m looking for on a snow day 😆

4.

Snowman pancakes are a tradition on the first snow/ice/day off of the season. I started this tradition when the kids were in preschool, and I plan on carrying this tradition on until they graduate high school!

5.

The kids will get bundled up and go play outside.

While I miss the froggy hats, I am content with the fact that the kids are old enough to dress themselves and go play outside with friends without an adult!

6.

Homer can go outside and have fun too! Part Husky Homer loves the snow. (Once he gets down the back steps…He’s always hesitant to go down the steps the first time it snows!)

7.

Sledding! The kids have logged lots of memories sledding through the years.

It doesn’t take much for them to want to go sledding…

…and sledding is always more fun with friends.

8.

Snow angels are fun too. Well, for them…not for me.

…and who doesn’t love building a snowman?

9.

Hot chocolate after playing in the snow is perfect on a snow day whether you are 4 or 14!

10.

A fire in the fireplace and time to read makes for a perfect snow day for me.

11.

Winter movies (and maybe a nap!) are great on snow days too.

12.

Snow ice cream is a treat when we get lots of snow. We don’t always think to do this one, but when we do, we never regret it!

I will say that snow days now “hit different.” The past couple of years, we had NTI days (non-traditional instruction) where students have homework to do that’s posted online. But…we also had a few days off that were just snow days.

This year, they announced that any snow/ice day will be an NTI day. (unless there are power outages or it just makes sense to have a traditional day off) I really don’t want to be in school any later than we already are, so I can appreciate NTI as an option. Our students got an extra week of summer this past year, and we get a week at fall break, so NTI days are what we need to do to still get out around Memorial Day.

That being said, I hope that teachers strike a balance in what they ask students to do. In general, students shouldn’t have more than three hours total of work per day, and I feel like my kids have had a lot more than that in the past.

I guess we will see how today goes…It’s NTI day #1.

This post also made me a bit nostalgic because sometimes I really do miss when the kids were little…and these snow day memories have me feeling that way.

I know not everyone gets a snow day off, so I don’t take for granted not having to drive in the elements and being able to stay home in my pjs when the weather is bad.

Warmest wishes,

Five things

Five Things in My…

Posted on January 10, 2024January 9, 2024 by jgalvinwhite

Hello!

I was tidying up a bit the other day. As I straightened up my bedside table, I thought it would be a good time do do another “5 things” post.

Four years ago, I hadn’t been blogging long, and I’d written this Let’s Look Bedside Table post. My phone notified me that the post was “getting lots of attention…” and I was shocked to see that almost one thousand people had read that post. Just a funny memory leading me to today’s post…

I still have the same bedside table…with the same picture frames. I think I will always have a stack of books and magazines next to my bed to read. I do have a different lamp (at At Home store fine). A coaster and tv remote round out what on top of my bedside table.

Here are 5 things that are in my bedside table:

All kinds of “important” stuff. haha

1. Bookmark

In the top skinny drawer I have a few things including this cute heart bookmark. It attaches to the corner of a page. It came in a pack of six, and I put one in my mom’s Christmas stocking. Cute, right?

2. Chapstick/Lotion

Every night before bed, I apply some Chapstick and hand cream. It’s a habit.

3. Bible and Pens

I have a variety of pens in that top drawer, and then my Bible in the bigger middle drawer.

I’m pretty private in my faith, but I got a Bible a few years ago, and I figured my bedside table is a good safe place for it.

Three years ago, I used the Bible app to listen and read the Bible in a year. I was really glad that I did that. The Bible is still usually a part of my daily routine; I use the pens to mark scripture and make notes.

4. Bible Study

In December, I saw a December “A Season of Advent” Bible plan on Pinterest. I printed it and bought this Bible Study Journal, and I enjoyed incorporating that plan into my daily routine.

I’m using this New Beginnings plan to guide me through January.

5. Workout Sheet

At the end of 2023, Bodi sent me an end of year review with my workouts, and the link to this workout tracker. I thought it would be fun to have this visual to see what I accomplish this year.

Admittedly, I’m off to a slow start in January. Being sick threw me for a loop, and I’m much better about working out during the school year. I got back to it on Monday, and am hoping to finish January off strong.

My bedside table is a good spot for this because I can fill in the day before bed…and it won’t get thrown away by accident.

Also in the middle drawer, I have a couple books I want to read and/or hold on to. The bottom drawer holds a spare blanket…and that’s about it.

My bedside table used to be a disaster, but a few years ago, I really cleaned it out and got organized. I used to have lots of pictures, cards, papers, etc. and now those have a spot elsewhere. I decided if I wanted to keep pictures and cards, that they’d need to go in photo boxes, so at least everything is contained!

What’s in your bedside table?

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.

Five things, School

Five Things in My…

Posted on November 16, 2023November 15, 2023 by jgalvinwhite

Hello!

I’ve been wanting to share another “Five Things” post, but my house isn’t in its “normal” state thanks to fall and now Christmas decorations.

So…today, I’m sharing…

school bag…

I got this bag at Target about three years ago, and it’s held up nicely. I like that it’s big, but not too big, and it has an inside and outside pocket. I always leave my badge and school keys in the inside pocket and not my purse. I want to keep things separate in case I lose one or the other.

So, here’s what’s in my school bag.

1. Lesson plan book

I have had a lesson plan book in my bag for over 20 years! This is my third year using a Happy Planner, and it’s the second year that I’m using the smaller version of the Happy Planner.

I prefer the vertical column layout with the dates going down the left hand side, so this one is perfect. I use the columns for each hour of the school day, but then I use the far right column to remind myself of meetings, appointments, and the kids’ activities.

I love using Happy Planner stickers to brighten up each week in my planner (and on my desk calendar too!)

2. Folders

Of course, I have a few folders in my bag. The blue and white one I’ve had for years, and I mostly use it for my blogging calendar and other personal papers. I should probably get a new set of these folders as this one definitely is showing some wear and tear.

Other folders usually get switched out depending on my needs or what meetings/ training sessions I’m attending.

3. Notepad(s)

Sometimes, when I feel like I have a lot to do, I use these bigger notepads to make a big list either day by day, or I categorized activities. I bought this colorful pack of legal pads, and it’s lasted me over three years! I’m on my last pad of paper.

Of course, I also use the note pads for note-taking during meetings or professional development sessions.

4. Pencil pouch

Ahh…this pencil pouch has been in my bag for over four years. I like that the front part has a spot for extra storage. I keep it filled with markers, highlighters, pens, pencils, and a pad or two of sticky notes. I’m always prepared!

5. Book/Computer

ok — so I lumped these two together. haha

I usually have a book that I’m reading to help with English classes, and often times I have my school computer in my bag. Sometimes, I leave it at school if I’m not going to need it at home, but it’s typically in my bag more times than not.

What about you? What are your essentials that you keep in your school or work bag?

Five things, Home Decor

Five Things in My…

Posted on October 5, 2023October 5, 2023 by jgalvinwhite

Hello!

Well, last week, I shared my first “Five Things” post highlighting some things in my kitchen.

Today, I’m sharing another post…but I’m still in my kitchen.

The post last week included items in the cooking part of my kitchen, and today, I’m sharing the other half of the kitchen.

1. Hutch

This hutch was my dads grandma’s hutch. He doesn’t know the history, but he remembers it at her house when he was a kid. He said it’s at least 80 years old.

I’ve only had it a few years, and we actually rented a small U-haul trailer to bring it back after a visit. I just didn’t have anywhere to store glassware and other odds and ends, so I appreciate this gift.

I’ve thought about having it painted, but I don’t know.

This little nook in our kitchen would be perfect for a coffee bar/wine fridge, and that’s on our somewhat short list to do. I have another wall this hutch could go on if we end up doing that.

In the hutch, I have glasses, some Bourbon (fun fact: Travis loathes bourbon…won’t touch it…but it tends to be a common gift in the horse biz…lol), a few personal touches, and then I store place settings and seasoning things in the drawers.

Anyway, it’s a sentimental piece that we have in our kitchen.

2. Woven basket

My mom was cleaning out her garage (I think) and found this basket that she’d made years and years ago. I typically keep it on top of the hutch (see photo above), but I’ve used it to store dinner plates when we’ve had people over.

3. Window pane/shutters

We’ve lived in our house for nine years now, and when we first moved in, I wanted to hang a window pane for a farmhouse vibe. We found this window at Re-store I believe. Travis hung it for me, and I added the wreath.

There’s a story with the shutters. They aren’t actually shutters. The previous owners had taken down swinging doors that went from the hall to the living room. We found them in the garage, and Travis cut one in half for me. I painted it, and he hung it for me next to the window pane.

I will say that after living in this house for nine years, I kind of want to clean things up a bit…but I know that takes a vision and time (and probably money)…haha. I still like the farmhouse vibe, but I do want to update some things and maybe simplify some of our walls. We have a gallery wall on the other side of the kitchen that I’d like to simplify one day as well.

4. Wine rack

This wine rack was a gift from my Gma when Travis and I bought our first house. It’s from Pier One, and I still love it.

5. Wine bottle

How fun is this wine bottle? For Trav’s birthday, one of our friends gifted it to him. There’s a local artist (@holidayroaddesigns) who hosts painting parties and designs and paints bottles as gifts.

This bottle has his initials, UK and horse references.

So that wraps up a peek at the other side of our kitchen. I don’t know which area I will tackle next, but I’ll move on from the kitchen. haha

Home Decor, Seasonal

Fall Front Porch

Posted on October 3, 2023September 30, 2023 by jgalvinwhite

Hello!

Well, I felt like I was a little late getting my porch together, but really, it was probably only about a week later than I have done it in previous years.

Every year, the porch looks similar but different. We always buy a couple of cornstalks, a few mums, and lots of pumpkins!

Here’s a peek at the porch:

I’ve had this cute garden flag for years. I love the mix of orange with black and white.

I went to my favorite spot to pick up a variety of pumpkins, but the goose neck gourds came from Trader Joe’s.

The “mum man” comes to my husband’s work, and he always has the best price on mums.

I’ve had these pillow covers for a couple of years, and the jack-o-lantern is from a friend.

On a whim, I recently bought a new black and white plaid rug at Aldi’s, and then I’ve had the door mat and door hanger for years.

I always love pulling up in front of my house this time of the year. ‘Tis the season!

Monthly Musings, Seasonal

Monthly Musings

Posted on September 28, 2023September 27, 2023 by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Thursday.

Well, where has this month gone? It’s already time for Monthly Musings.

Today, I’m sharing my answers to Patty and Holly ‘s fun monthly link up.

This month’s topic is Fall/Halloween Fun…

It really is starting to feel like fall around here (at least in the mornings and evenings)…and we finally got some rain yesterday! Hallelujah!

I love writing posts “all about fall,” so this topic is definitely for me!

1. Favorite fall traditions

We love going to UK football games and Keeneland. The pumpkin patch is always the highlight of autumn for me. The kids have been able to carve their own pumpkins for a few years now, and that’s a major milestone. haha

2. How do you celebrate Halloween?

For years and years, we’d trick-or-treat with the same group of friends. As the kids have gotten older, everyone now kind of does their own thing now.

I still try to have a “spooky” dinner a day or two before Halloween.

Last year, was the first year since 2009 that Travis and I were back sitting on the front porch passing out candy rather than walking around with our kids while they trick-or-treated.

They still have so much fun with their friends.

3. Favorite fall recipes?

I make Pumpkin Sausage Penne pasta a few times during the fall season

Of course, we love to bake –pumpkin pie, pumpkin cookies, and pumpkin muffins!

I did try a new recipe this past weekend…Apple Cider Donut Cake was a hit with the fam! I will definitely make this again soon!

4. Favorite fall fashion pieces?

I love when it’s sweater/cardigan weather. I needed to replace the black cardigan that I’ve had for years, so I ordered my favorite Amazon cardigan (again!) in black. I now have it in three colors.

5. How do you decorate for fall?

Pumpkins & candles…obviously!

6. Pumpkin spice?

Sure! I love pumpkin muffins and pumpkin bread. I don’t do Pumpkin Spice Lattes though…too many calories, and I don’t enjoy the taste anymore.

7. Thoughts on candy corn

I don’t mind it. Typically, I only eat it when I mix it with peanuts.

8. Favorite fall/Halloween movie?

It’s not a movie, but when the kids were little, we usually watched It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown as a family, but we haven’t watched it in a few years.

Other movies I think of and try to watch during fall are You’ve Got Mail, Sweet Home Alabama, and Hocus Pocus.

9. Apple pie, pumpkin pie or cider donut?

All of the above. That being said, I don’t know that I’ve ever made an apple pie. We tend to stick with all things pumpkin, and I can’t pass up an apple cider donut.