fall

Friday Favorites {#277}

Posted on October 10, 2025October 31, 2025 by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Friday!

TGIF!! I had a great week back to school, but not having students on Monday threw me off all week. I never knew what day is was, but I sure do know that today is Friday.

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

This week, my post is all about my favorite fall decorations.

I don’t think I shared a fall decor post last year because most everything was the same as when I shared my 2023 fall home tour.

Just like with that post, much hasn’t changed, but I did move a few things around this year and made a couple of small purchases.

I typically spruce up my front porch mid to late September, but I just didn’t have time to do so before fall break. Trav got the mums right before we left, and then once we got back from the beach, I purchased pumpkins and cornstalks.

I love how it turned out…

I’m still loving the new doormat.

I got “fantasy” pumpkins at Trader Joe’s, and then purchased a couple more at Kroger.

These pumpkin pillow covers were such a pleasant surprise when they arrived. I mean, I ordered them so I wasn’t surprised to receive them…I just mean that I was really pleased with the quality and cuteness!

I usually have different fall pillows here, but I loved these so much that I wanted them to be in a central location. I’d forgotten that I had this blanket, and it’s a nice pop of color between the neutral chairs and pillows.

My living room coffee table tray stays the same year to year.

Fall me thanked summer me when I went to my candle shelf in the hall closet and remembered that I’d purchased an Antique Candle Co “apple butter” candle on sale a few months ago.

I made a couple of small purchases a Michael’s a few weeks ago including this gold metal pumpkin bucket.

I also purchased two of these pumpkin vases because I wanted a little height on the mantel.

This pumpkin votive was the last Michael’s purchase that I made. It’s a nice festive touch on our wine rack in the kitchen.

I have two of these “morning pumpkin” pillows, but they typically go where the new ones go. Anyway, I used one on the chair in the kitchen.

Last weekend, I did make it to Hobby Lobby and found four of the embossed pumpkin plates that I had my eye on. I only see the salad plates online, but this plate is more medium sized…so bigger than a salad plate, but smaller than a dinner plate.

I wanted some new place mats, and these that I found on Amazon are so cute.

These mini pumpkin cocoettes are a few find and so cute.

I don’t do much in the basement, but I decided to use a couple of pillows that I typically put in the sun room down there.

When I was at Hobby Lobby, I picked up two of these fall LED candles to put on the basement bookshelves. I love the glow of them when we’re watching TV in the basement.

In our bedroom, I have one of my favorite raffia pumpkins that I got a Michael’s years ago. Its twin is on the living room coffee table.

One last Hobby Lobby purchase…this cute mug! I couldn’t resist.

I have a few more decorations here and there, but I really only put out a few of my favorite things this year.

Weekly Recap:

I had a few posts last week…and yesterday’s post (Fall break trip recap part 2) went out late yesterday. Ooops!

Prime Purchases

Fall Break Trip Recap 1

Fall break Trip Recap 2

Share Our Lives:

We have our Share Our Lives link up on Monday; we’d love to have you join us.

This month’s topic is go to snacks!

What are your weekend plans? Ours are full of Homecoming festivities! No rest for the weary!

Monthly Moments

Monthly Musings

Posted on September 25, 2025September 24, 2025 by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Thursday!

I feel like this week is moving right along, and well, September seems to have somewhere to be?! My favorite month is next week…I love October.

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

This month’s topic is…fall decorating and fashion preview.

I love all things fall, so here we go…

1. Share how you decorate for fall.

I have quite a few favorite fall decorations. I like that we get to enjoy that seasonal decor for at least a couple of months. That makes it definitely worth the effort. I felt a little behind, but I decorated for fall last weekend….just in time for the temps to *finally* dip a little, and we’ve had some rain this week.

2. Halloween decor…yes or no?

I used to put a few Halloween decorations out, but this cat is the last ~~man~~ feline standing. He’s cute.

A couple of days before Halloween, I put spider webs on the front bushes, and stick these little skeletons in my mums. Through the years, the kids have been annoyed that I make the front porch cute instead of spooky. haha

3. Pumpkins, cornstalks or hay bales?

I love pumpkins…by now, I usually have my front porch all decked out, but that hasn’t happened yet this year.

I also usually add cornstalks to the front porch as well.

4. Favorite fall fashion pieces?

Whenever these lovely ladies throw in a “fashion” prompt, I have to stop and think because I don’t ever think of myself as fashionable. Put together, yes…fashionable, occasionally!

With the temps all over the place, a light sweater is the way to go for me. I still love this sweater vest, and wear it often. I plan on wearing a light weight long sleeve t-shirt or turtle neck under it in the winter.

This light-weight sweater that I have in a couple of colors is also one that I wear often. It’s a great transitional piece. (It comes in a ton of colors and is an amazing price!)

5. How do you transition your wardrobe?

I transition my wardrobe by wearing the outfits above.

I start the school year wearing dresses, but then start adding my favorite cardigan (that I have in four colors) as a layer. Light-weight pants and light sweaters are how I transition from summer to cooler weather. That being said, I wear my sandals for as long as possible. Seriously…my least favorite day is when I start wearing flats to school instead of sandals.

Once the temps really cool off, I still start wearing sweatshirts or heavier sweaters. Yesterday, was cooler and rainy, and I was tired…so I wanted to be comfy. I have zero regrets about purchasing these Wit and Wisdom ankle flare jeans in the Nordstrom sale this summer. I’ve worn them quite a few times to school. I threw on my Aerie sweatshirt and sandals and called it a day. Again, put together and comfy…but wouldn’t call myself “fashionable.”

6. Do you decorate inside and out?

Yep! ‘Tis the season for all things pumpkins. I did add a couple of new things to my decor this year.

I wanted to change up the entry table. I already had all these faux pumpkins, but a trip to Michael’s, and I found this cute metal bucket to put them in.

I wanted some decorations with a little height for the mantel. I already had the pretty orange floral, but found two of these pumpkin vases to put next to my fall sign.

Everything was at least 50% off and teachers always get an additional discount, so it was a cheap shopping trip!

7. Favorite fall scents?

Pumpkin muffins or bread baking.

I love seasonal candles…I typically burn apple flavored in September, and then I turn to pumpkin, vanilla and other scents in October.

8. Go to fall outfit?

I’m still a leggings and t-shirt/sweatshirt girl, and then if I need to look more put together, I throw together an outfit like the ones I shared earlier.

I do love a dress with boots when the fall weather hits just right.

9. Do you change up your makeup/skincare in the fall?

I don’t. I stay pretty true to both of those things year round.

10. What makes your house feel cozy for fall?

Dim lights and candles are my favorite way to cozy up in the evening. The past couple of evenings have been rainy which has been perfection!

I’m definitely ready for fall, y’all!

Monthly Musings

Posted on August 28, 2025August 27, 2025 by jgalvinwhite

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

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

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

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

1. Any back to school traditions?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

6. When do you start to decorate for fall?

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. Do you decorate for fall?

I do! See #6 🙂

10. What feels like fall to you?

The cooler temps, pumpkin spice, and sweater weather!

I can’t wait for fall, y’all!

Monthly Musings, Seasonal

Monthly Musings

Posted on September 26, 2024September 25, 2024 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,

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!

Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites {#176}

Posted on September 22, 2023September 22, 2023 by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Friday!

Shew! This week was a busy one. I know we stay pretty busy, but this week just had extra things for me like meetings, trainings, and open house. Plus, Travis was still pretty busy with work.

I’m definitely ready for the weekend. TGIF!

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

Like the past two weeks, I’m continuing with Erika and Shay’s Photo Challenge and sharing my week that way.

Here are some favorites from the week:

September 15: OOTD

Last Friday, I was having a moment for green, I guess. I wore this sweatshirt to school and then changed into even comfier clothes, including this SSYS shirt and leggings, for Hayden’s cross country meet. I had very casual OOTD.

September 16: Apples

I’ve been burning one of my Honeycrisp Apple candles from Trader Joe’s pretty much non-stop since I got them.

September 17: Friends

Hadley and friends had fun at the UK game on Saturday. (Hayden and friends did too, but I never saw them. haha) Homer, our best friend, looked so cute snuggling on the couch.

September 18: Made me smile

Amy shared about these pumpkin K-cups at Aldi, so I was happy when I found them on Monday. They are delish.

September 19: Cozy

Fall mornings are cozy with candles, pumpkins, a blanket and coffee.

September 20: The letter L

L is for lights and leaves. My house is feeling festive.

September 21: Traditions

Going to the pumpkin patch and carving pumpkins are two of my favorite traditions.

Other faves:

A few other favorites…

Hayden had a couple of cross country meets this week. He had a top 5 finish and 4k PR at a really competitive race in Louisville on Friday…

…followed by a first place finish at a local race on Tuesday.

Hadley was excited to see her cousin at Friday’s race. Then, Hayden spent the night, so he got family time too.

Some new candles arrived on my doorstep yesterday. I’ve never ordered from Life in Lilac, but I love following Jen Reed, and I knew her candles would be amazing. I ordered Fall Fever, and I can’t wait to burn it.

I took advantage of some Bath and Body Works points, and ordered: White Pumpkin, Pumpkin Cinnamon Bun, and Vanilla Pumpkin Marshmallow.

I *think* I’m set for the fall season!

Favorite Mom Meme:

Ugh…Hayden’s shoes stay scattered around the house! Honestly, Travis is a close second with this bad habit. haha

Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday:

Look at this toothless smile! Kindergarten Hadley is too cute.

Weekly Recap:

I had a variety of posts this week…meals, fall decor, and all about fall!

Monday Meals

Fall Home Tour

ABC’s of Autumn

I hope you have a fabulous fall weekend!

Holidays

Five Fall Favorites

Posted on September 1, 2022September 13, 2022 by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy September 1st!

I’m so basic it hurts! 😆

It’s no secret that fall is my favorite time of the year.

Well, I mean it’s going to be in the upper 80’s today, but hopefully soon Mr. Wilde will be correct, and summer will make way for fall!

There are so many wonderful things about fall: cooler temps, pumpkin everything, sweater weather, fires in the fire place, warm apple cider, football, and more!

Today, I’m sharing five things I love about fall.

O N E: my front porch

When we bought our house in the fall of 2014, I couldn’t wait to decorate the porch for fall. That first fall, I only had a few pumpkins, and now I have added so many other fall touches. Stackable pumpkins, mums, gourds, pillows, corn husks and more!

I love when the leaves on the trees turn to yellows, oranges, and reds.

T W O: football

Football is a big part of our fall activities. We go to as many CATS games as we can, I watch MIZZOU on tv whenever possible, and Sunday football with the Chiefs is great too!

The kids have been going to the UK games since they were babies. I remember Hadley taking food from other tailgates when she was little. 😂 Now, they are big middle schoolers who run around with their friends! Hayden doesn’t miss a game unless he absolutely has to. Hadley, on the other hand, never misses a chance to tailgate!

T H R E E: pumpkin everything

I used to love a Pumpkin Spiced Latte, but I quit ordering those a few years ago. Instead, I just add a splash of nutmeg, cinnamon or pumpkin spice to my coffee creamer every morning. We make pumpkin bread, pumpkin pie, and even pumpkin sugar cookies during the fall months.

F O U R: keeneland

Keeneland has a special place in my heart. Keeneland in the fall is the best! We love seeing friends, placing bets, and enjoying the weather.

Occasionally the kids come with us too!

F I V E: holidays

The fall months include some of my favorite holidays.

I’d be lying if I said I missed the days of costumes and little kids collecting candy…

Now the kids are big enough to go out on their own with friends…and I’m back to sitting on the front porch passing out candy. Those years went by in a blink.

While it’s not an official holiday, the kids’ birthday is a special day at our house!

Again, the t-shirt tradition was one of my faves.

And…I always celebrate them big on their special day.

One tradition that I think will last forever: cookie cake!

…and I think they’ll hold up balloons until they are at least 18!

Thanksgiving is my all time favorite holiday (the 4th of July is a close 2nd!) I’ve always loved having a brief break from school, enjoying the fall weather, watching the Macy’s parade, and enjoying some of the best food of the year!

Honestly, this post easily could have been 20 things I love about fall. I even love the fact that it starts to get darker earlier with each passing day. I’m a girl who loves to “fall back” in November!

I’m all about cooler temps, sweater weather, and all things cozy. The extended forecast still shows hot and sunny for the foreseeable future, but I know it will feel more like fall soon enough.

What’s your favorite thing about fall?

Holidays

This or That: Fall Edition

Posted on September 2, 2021September 1, 2021 by jgalvinwhite

Hello! Now that it’s September, I feel like I can say, “Happy fall” (y’all!)

Fall is by far my favorite season, and with cooler temps this week, I’m embracing the start of meteorological fall.

My mom sent this to me yesterday:

Bring on all things pumpkin!

I love when people share This or That posts on Instagram, so today I’m sharing my answers to:

Watching football or Watching holiday movies: I love football in the fall. To be honest, I love the socializing at tailgates part of football. We go to many home UK football games during the season, and we’ve been tailgating in the same spot for years. Actually, it’s the same spot Travis and his crew have tailgated at since college. It’s always so fun to see friends during the season and celebrate a CATS win. That being said, once it gets cold, I tend to stay home, and Hayden and Travis go to the games. I prefer holiday movies at Christmastime.

Carving pumpkins or Painting pumpkins: I for sure prefer pumpkin carving. Travis and I have been carving pumpkins since we started dating (I guess because I used to carve pumpkins when I was a kid, and the tradition as lived on). Now, the kids are old enough to carve their own pumpkins which is a huge rite of passage! We didn’t do it last fall, but often times our neighbors get together and carve in someone’s front yard. The kids always have so much fun, and the parents do all the carving. 😆

Hot chocolate or Hot tea: I’ve tried to be a tea drinker, but I’m not. I do love a hot chocolate when it’s cold, but I actually love a warm apple cider in the fall. Hadley’s the queen of drinking hot chocolate. One of her friends hosted a hot chocolate party last winter. It was so cute and a fun experience for all.

Warm sweaters or Cozy flannels: I actually have a few cozy flannel shirts, but I love an oversized sweater.

Haunted houses or Scary movies: Does It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown count as spooky? 😂 I definitely don’t like haunted houses, and I will watch a scary movie; it’s just not my preference.

Pumpkin patches or Corn mazes: I’m for sure Team Pumpkin Patch. Again, it’s another tradition that we have. We’ve been taking the kids since they were babies.

Going to the orchard for apple cider (the drink and donuts!) and to pick our carving pumpkins is my most favorite tradition.

Caramel apples or Candy corn: I do like candy corn, but much prefer it in a mix like with peanuts or mixed with cereal and M&Ms.

Pumpkin spice or Salted caramel: I do like pumpkin spice. I get a pump of pumpkin syrup in my coffee at Starbucks, or will add pumpkin pie spice to my coffee at home with creamer.

Pumpkin pie, cookies and bread are also my favorites.

Fall is my fave. Can you tell?!

What is your favorite thing about fall?

Our temps have cooled off this week thanks to some rain, and I’m loving it. I’m sure we will have another heat wave soon, so I will enjoy this weather while I can.

See you back here tomorrow for Friday Favorites.

Kids, Life Lately, Trader Joes

Life Lately

Posted on November 12, 2020November 11, 2020 by jgalvinwhite

Compared to the past couple of months, life has been a little less hectic, and I’m here for it. We’ve gone from having some kind of practice every evening to practice just a couple days a week. We’ve gone from baseball tournaments and cross country meets taking up the weekend to just one basketball game on a Saturday afternoon. Also, with it getting darker earlier, it’s easier to convince my kids to get settled in for the evening.

Even with the slower pace, we’ve still been busy. So, today I’m sharing a bit of our life…lately.

Hayden’s in a 3 on 3 basketball league. Due to Covid, his regular league isn’t having a season (yet?). With this league, the season is shorter, the team is smaller, and they only play half court. That being said, he loves basketball, so I know he’s happy to be back on the court. His team won their first game on Friday evening, and Hayden had six points.

The kids (and Travis) wrapped up the regular cross country season last Saturday with the 5th/6th grade state meet. This was the first time the kids had been in a race with 6th graders, so I think there were a few nerves. It was the hottest day and the hardest course, but both battled to run pretty decent races. Hadley earned a medal, and I know Hayden wished he had placed a little higher, but we were proud of them, of course.

Y’all, I always joke that if you see me running, somebody is probably chasing me! haha…so who am I to judge?! 😂Both had an amazing season with ups and downs, PR’s, top 10 (& 1st) place finishes, and lots of miles put on those legs. They had fun with their teammates and supported each other in practices and races which is what it’s all about.

And, I have to give a shout out to Travis. He coaches this team during the busiest months of work for him, and he gives it his all. The kids don’t know how special it is to have this time and these memories with him. I know they’ll look back on these years with fond memories…and will hopefully forget that, according to them, he made them run farther in practice! 😂

On the run!

Cousin crew came to cheer the kids on!

We’ve had really beautiful weather, so I’ve been trying to ease back into working out with some walks every other day or so.

The leaves, even the ones on the ground, are so beautiful. I really do love fall!

There’s a beautiful street in Lex that’s known for their ginkgo trees. Facebook is flooded with Lexington peeps checking out the beautiful yellow leaves. For Tuesday’s recess, we decided to visit the “yellow brick road” and go for a little afternoon walk around that neighborhood.

The leaves are just stunning!

It was such a nice way to spend a few minutes on a weekday afternoon!

On Tuesday, Homer also enjoyed the lovely weather and the sunshine.

I’ve been reading Louisiana Lucky, and it’s such a cute read! I should finish it up in the next day or two.

Over the weekend, I finished watching Virgin River. Season 2 comes out November 27th, so I won’t have to wait long to see what Mel and Jack are up to!

I’d heard many people talking about The Queen’s Gambit on Netflix, and I decided to give it a try. To be honest, I don’t think I ever would have clicked on this show while just scrolling Netflix, so I’m glad for the recommendation. I’m three episodes in, and I love it so far.

This is a miniseries based off of the novel with the same name. The main character, Beth, is an orphan, and she’s on a quest to become the greatest chess player in the world. She learns how to play from the custodian at the orphanage. Beth is adopted by a couple from Lexington, so there are some Lexington references in the plot. I think the author grew up here? Anyway, I definitely recommend it based on what I’ve seen so far.

And…I’m excited because The Crown is back for Season 4 on November 15th. I was late to The Crown game, but started watching it back in March once life came to a halt! I really enjoy it as well, and can’t wait for this season.

I made a Trader Joe’s run over the weekend, and picked up some of our faves plus a few new foods to try.

Chicken nuggets – The kids love these for lunch.
Granola bars – I love these for an afternoon snack.
Blondie bars– This mix is perfect when you want something sweet. Hadley and her friend made these the other day, so I had to get another box to keep on hand.
Black bean burrito– We all love these.
White Cheddar shell mac & cheese– Hadley’s fave
Turkey and pumpkin mole burrito – This was a new find for me. I thought it was ok.
Everything but the Bagel Seasoning– I was running low on my other bottle, and started to panic!

Corn dippers – They go great with…
Buffalo chicken dip! – I also eat the dip with mini peppers.
Blue corn tortilla chips – I picked these up to mix in with our regular tortilla chips when I made sheet pan nachos for dinner on Tuesday night.
Chomps – Hayden’s fave!
Havarti Dill cheese – My fave! I eat some bites of cheese with…
Salami! – I love a snack plate!

I always stock up on our frozen staples when I’m at TJ’s. We eat the…

Gnocchi or Mushroom Risotto as a side dish at least once a week.
Mexican style roasted corn is usually a side dish when we eat Mexican food for dinner which is probably once a week!

Most Sundays I try to bake something for dessert. Hadley usually helps me, but she was outside playing on Sunday afternoon when I had time to make Shay’s pumpkin cake.

It was soooo good!

We also took some time this week to celebrate the end of cross country season and report cards with great grades on them! So, Hayden got the “You are Special” plate one night, and Hadley got it the next night!

It blows my mind that my kids haven’t stepped foot in a classroom in almost 8 months! I feel blessed that they are certainly persevering during these times. (Real Talk: I’m also glad they aren’t in primary grades where I know they’d need my help 90% of the time!) I’m thankful that they are pretty independent workers, for their awesome teachers, pod instructor and sitters! It really does take a village…especially during a pandemic.

I hope all of you are hanging in there as well! I know, for us, each day is different. Some days are definitely easier and better than others! And..on the “other” days, I just get in my pjs by 5:00 and count the minutes until bedtime…for all of us!

See you back here tomorrow for Friday Favorites: Thanksgiving Edition!

Take care,

Holidays, Home Decor, Let's look

Let’s Look

Posted on October 14, 2020October 13, 2020 by jgalvinwhite

Today is Let’s Look!

The second Wednesday of each month, Erika and Shay host this link up, and it’s a fun way to get a peek at different aspects of our lives.

So far this year, we’ve looked at:

January: your bedside table
February: your winter wardrobe
March: what’s inside your purse
April: Easter at your house
May: your weekend
June: what’s in your carry on bag
July: your summer wardrobe
August: your desk
September: your school pics

This month’s topic is how you “pumpkin.” Well, we don’t mess around when it comes to pumpkins. As I’ve mentioned repeatedly, fall is my favorite season, and I especially love the month of October.

Here’s a peek at how we “pumpkin.”

Food and Drinks:

Once October hits, I add a dash of pumpkin spice to my creamer and coffee. It definitely hits the spot on a cool morning.

We love the Pumpkin Sausage Penne Pasta recipe that I got off the back of a Kroger coupon pack many years ago. I make it a few times during the fall season.

The kids, with the help of my mom and my Gma, made the first pumpkin pie of the season a couple of weekends ago. I hope to make another one soon.

A new recipe we tried this year was Andrea’s Pumpkin Sugar Cookies. So good, and definitely a family favorite!

Decorations:

I’ve shared about the fall decor at our house. I think I love fall decorations better than Christmas ones because we get to enjoy them a bit more.

Pumpkins everywhere you turn!

Trader Joe’s came in clutch this year for my porch pumpkins because my regular place had hardly any of the fun fantasy pumpkins to choose from when I stopped by in mid-September.

Fall front porch, y’all.

Pumpkin Patch:

As I shared in yesterday’s post, going to the pumpkin patch is a family tradition. We were able to go last Friday to pick out our carving pumpkins, get some apple cider donuts, and enjoy the lovely fall weather.

Pumpkin patch pics through the years…

2019:

2020:

Homer:

We can’t leave Homer out of the fall fun…I’ve purchased him a banana the past two fall seasons. He tolerates wearing them for a bit.

2019:

2020:

And…

Another family tradition for us is to watch It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown together as a family. I need to be on the lookout this year for it, so I can record it for some forced family fun! 😉