books

Bloganuary 1.21.24

Posted on January 21, 2024January 20, 2024 by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Sunday!

Well, the days have started to run together this week, but it is the end of the weekend…and I have another Bloganuary post.

It’s no secret that reading is one of my favorite hobbies. Today, I’m sharing a few fun book graphics and my answers to an “All About Books” prompt.

I like to think that I’m “lives in the book shop/library” and “the bookworm.”

Via Pinterest, I found this “All About Books” prompt…and here are my answers:

Favorite book: I remember everyone talking about Where the Crawdads Sing, and for whatever reason, I put off reading it. Once I started to read it on vacation a few summers ago, I couldn’t put it down. I wish I hadn’t waited so long to read it. I think the movie is pretty amazing too.
Book I regret reading: Travis asked me once if I ever start a book and don’t finish it…and I told him I used to never quit a book, but now I do if needed. There are so many books that I want to read, so I try not to feel like I “have” to read a book. Anyway, Block Party was a “hot” book this summer, and I trudged through it. I should have stopped reading when I wasn’t enjoying it, but since it was pretty popular, I kept reading…and I wasted time I could have spent on a good book.
Currently reading: I’ve had All the Light We Cannot See on my list for a while, but I finally made it a priority to read because I also want to watch it on Netflix! I’m enjoying, but it’s a long book…so I hope I can finish it soon.
Books I recommend: This varies based on the person or situation…but the Class Mom series is so funny, and Elin Hilderbrand is the queen of beach reads!
A book I can always reread: To Kill a Mockingbird is one that I could read over and over…and do thanks to my job! haha You would think that I would have read this book in high school, but I never did. The first time I read it was right before I taught the unit my first year teaching. Now, over twenty years later, I can say that I’ve read it at least 12-15 times. The past few years, the students I’ve worked with have read the graphic novel version.
Favorite genre: I used to like chick lit and light, easy reads. A few years ago, I really started enjoying historical fiction.
Least favorite genre: I do not like sci-fi or fantasy…books or movies.
Buy or borrow books? It’s pretty rare for me to buy a book. Again, since there are so many I’d like to read, I’m ok with being on the wait list at the library until it’s my turn to read a book. I do love buying books from time to time though.
Write a book someday? I don’t think that’s something I desire to do. I like being the author of Show Me and Sweet Tea. 😉

What’s the best book you’ve ever read?

I will post this template from @glammtemplates on Instagram today. I’d love to know your answers…and don’t forget to tag me in your responses.

Have a great rest of your weekend!

Not Just a Mom

Posted on December 11, 2023December 10, 2023 by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Monday!

I hope you had a great weekend. Ours was extra fun…we went to my school’s basketball game on Friday night, Hayden had a race on Saturday, the kids had cotillion dance on Saturday night, and Hadley and I baked cookies yesterday.

It’s time for the last Not Just a Mom link up of 2023!

This year we’ve discussed:

Introductions in January
House rules in February
Day in the life (weekend edition) in March
Cleaning hacks in April
Pet peeves in May
How we became a mom in June
Top 5 favorite family activities in July
What’s in my handbag in August
Hobbies in September
Money saving tips in October
Comfort food in November

This month’s topic is…favorite books/series.

It’s no secret that I love to read. As a matter of fact, I’ve had less time to read over the past couple of months than I have in years…and I’ve kind of felt in a funk not having reading as part of my routine.

One of my favorite blog posts to write every year is when I share my top five books of the year. I’ve had lots of favorites through the years…

I don’t read a lot of series, but the first thing that popped in my mind given this time of the year is Elin Hilderbrand’s Winter Street series. It’s one of my faves!

2024:

Just a little FYI – for 2024, we’re continuing this link up, but we’re changing the name to Share Our Lives.

We hope you’ll continue to join us, either by linking up or reading, these posts on the second Monday of the month. Our first link up for 2024 will be January 8th, so mark your calendars!

So, what’s one of your favorite series? I do have a shelf on Goodreads for “series,” so I can those suggestions to my list.

Thanks so much for reading the Not Just a Mom posts throughthe years; they are some of my favorite to write.

Books and Shows

For the Love of Reading

Posted on April 21, 2021April 20, 2021 by jgalvinwhite

Hello! Today’s post is inspired by my love of reading!

It’s no secret that I love a good book, so when Tanya shared her answers after reading Julie’s post, I thought it would be fun to reflect on my This or That: Books answers.

Buy or Borrow: I typically borrow books from the library. I probably make a trip to the library for book pick up or return at least once a week. I will occasionally purchase a book if I know it’s something I will probably read again or loan to a friend. For example, I purchased The Giver of Stars because I’d heard so many wonderful things about it, and I’m so glad that I have my own copy.

Print or Ebook: Well, I held off on ebooks for as long as possible, but two years ago, I purchased my Kindle, and I love the convenience of it. I still prefer to hold a book in my hands, but I always have at least one book on my Kindle that I can read when I have a few minutes to spare. I often keep my Kindle in my purse in case I have a few minutes to read if Travis is driving or if I’m waiting on one of the kids to finish up an activity.

Indoor Reading or Outdoor Reading: I’d say most of my reading take place while indoors. I always read a few minutes on my Kindle before bed. That being said, I love to read in the warmth of our sun room, and there’s nothing better than reading at the pool or at the beach with the sound of the waves in the background.

Classics or Contemporary: As a high school English teacher, I’ve read quite a few classics! That being said, for my own reading pleasure, I stick to more contemporary books.

Bookmarks or Dog-eared: Since most of what I read is borrowed, I use a bookmark to hold my place. Random, but a couple of years ago, the kids got a few bookmarks at the end of 3rd grade with summer book title suggestions for going into 4th grade. I still use that same bookmark two years later.

Marginalia or Clean Pages: Clean pages since I tend to borrow books. That being said, if the book is mine, I like to underline favorite passages or put a star by meaningful quotes.

Speed-reader or Slow and Steady: I’d say I’m a pretty quick reader. I don’t necessarily rush what I’m reading, but I do find myself reading quicker on my Kindle.

So those are my This or That answers. How would you have answered the categories?

Before I wrap up, I’m also sharing….

Funny Memes about Reading

Mom meme:

OMG! I loved when my elementary school would do this! I loved cashing in my reading coupon for a personal pan pizza at Pizza Hut!

This is me some nights…

This one…hahaha!

This “book-addict” meme is so true. I love the feel of a book and the convenience of the Kindle.

Fave Account:

Also, a fun share…

Do you follow @sorrythankyou79 {vintage books} on Instagram? I’m mesmerized by their photos of all of the beautiful books they share (and sell!) Go check out their Instagram page!

One last book note: I just finished Firefly Lane, and I couldn’t put it down. I read the last 50 pages through tears in my eyes. I couldn’t quit crying. I enjoyed the book so much and am on the library wait list for book #2: Fly Away. Looks like I have about four weeks until it’s my turn for the book…which gives me some time to recover from the first one!

{Also, after reading the book, I started the series on Netflix. I heard the book was better (shocker!), but I can’t resist giving the series a try too! Hadley said, “So, does that mean you’ll cry again?” 😂 Only time will tell!}

See you back here tomorrow for a Three Things post.

Amazon

September Prime Purchases

Posted on September 1, 2020February 17, 2021 by jgalvinwhite

Happy September 1st! I feel like the month of August flew by….and now I’m ready for September and for it to feel like fall!

I’m linking up with Tanya today for her monthly Prime Purchases post.

Well, the theme of this month’s Prime Purchases appears to be: Back to School, Books & Beauty!

Back to School:

Hadley needed a new backpack, and both kids needed updated headphones. Then, since the kids will take their lunch a couple days a week to the tutor’s house, I picked up a pack of lunchbox notes! Both the backpack and headphones (gray for Hayden and gold for Hadley) come in a variety of color options.

lunchbox notes // headphones // backpack

I started using this brand of desk calendar a few years ago, and love it for my desk at school.

desk calendar

I shared in a previous post about our back to school (virtual!) plans. I thought it would benefit Hayden to have a desk in his room. After reading Amanda’s post, I found a similar 39 inch desk for Hayden, but now I can’t even find it on Amazon. I also purchased the organizer for his desk and the baskets for both Hayden and Hadley’s at home school supplies.

desk organizer // 55 inch desk // colorful baskets

Books:

I’m a big fan of the library, so I don’t buy books very often. That being said, the wait list at the library for 28 Summers and The Giver of the Stars is forever long. I mentioned in yesterday’s post, that 28 Summers seems to be the book of the summer, and I didn’t want to miss out! #fomo I’ve heard great things about The Giver of the Stars, so I went ahead and purchased it too, but haven’t gotten to reading it just yet.

The kids are reading The Indian in the Cupboard at their tutor’s house, so I picked them each up a copy of the book.

28 Summers // The Indian in the Cupboard // The Giver of the Stars

Beauty:

My sinuses are forever acting up typically due to allergies. Also, I tend to wake up with puffy under eyes. My new morning routine while reading emails and scrolling social media, is to use the cool, straight from the fridge, jade roller under my eyes, on my forehead, and on my sinuses. I’ve even rolled it on my temples and on the back of my neck to help alleviate a headache recently!

And…I’ve been using the Seche Vite base and top coat for over a year. They are both essential to making my at home manicures last. The bottles last quite awhile, but my bottles were running low, so I ordered a new set recently.

jade roller // Seche Vite base and top coat polish

So that’s a peek at my Amazon orders for the month of August. After ordering all the back to school stuff, I said to Hadley, “I’m finished ordering from Amazon for a while…” Then, when my books and other few orders started arriving, she said, “Mom, I thought you were finished with Amazon!” I never should have uttered those words! #cantquitamazon #amazonistherealMVP

October 6th is the next Amazon link up. Make sure to check out Tanya’s post! What have you been priming lately?

Thanks so much for reading.