Tag: spring

Posted in Monthly Musings

Monthly Musings

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Thursday!

Well where has the month of April gone?! Remember when January felt like an entire year? Now, it’s almost May!

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

This month’s topic is…spring hosting, decorating and gardening.

1. Do you celebrate Easter, Passover or another holiday in the spring?

We celebrate Easter. I love the tradition of dyeing the eggs, and we had a lovely morning at church followed by lunch at my brother’s house.

2. Do you plant a garden? Any tips?

For a couple of years, we did plant a garden, but we haven’t the past few years. It was fun getting cucumbers and peppers out of the garden to use for meals and snacks.

3. How do you decorate for spring?

I always put a few Easter decorations out a couple of weeks before Easter. Then, I change out my door hanger, garden flag, and a couple of decorations for Oaks/Derby.

4. Desserts that just say spring to you?

Once the warmer weather hits, I think of strawberry shortcake as a light, easy and delish dessert.

I’ve made Shay’s Fruity Pebble bars, and they are a fun treat too!

5. Favorite spring flowers?

I love all flowers but especially hydrangeas, tulips, and peonies. The cone shaped “panicle” (I had to look this up!)hydrangeas (top left pic) bloom in our yard, and I love cutting them and putting them in a vase in the summer.

One of our neighbors has a huge flower garden, and she cuts flowers and puts them in tiny vases to share (bottom right pic)…and then we just return the vases to her.

6. Best tips for hosting spring events?

I wish we hosted more, but if we do have people over, I do prefer to do so when it’s “patio weather,” and going outside is an option. I just like people to be able to spread out and not feel confined in the house.

As far as tips, I’d say keep it easy, ask people to help and bring a side dish or dessert, and just go with the flow!

7. Favorite beverage or cocktail that makes you think of spring?

In the spring and summer months, I lean more towards a White Claw or the Trader Joe’s canned Rose’. Sometimes at the pool, I will get a skinny marg. Well, now I want it to be pool weather after seeing this pic!

8. Vegetable garden, flower garden, both, neither?

Like I said above, I’d love a vegetable garden, but we just don’t have a ton of space for it. After seeing my neighbor’s flower garden, it’s so pretty, and that would be fun to have in the yard.

9. Favorite Easter candy?

I love these dang Cadbury mini eggs. I did notice that my Kroger didn’t seem to have the mini bags this year. So, I did buy a couple of bigger bags, and that was our Easter treat the past few weeks.

10. Marshmallow Peeps? Gross or yes please?

Peeps are just ok…I also put some in the kids’ Easter baskets, but I don’t even think they care much for them.

Well, Easter is over…and before we know it, it will be Memorial Day weekend!

Posted in Friday Favorites, Seasonal

Friday Favorites {#250}

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Friday!

How was your week? Ours was good with a little bit of everything in regards to school, kids’ practices and other activities. On Wednesday night, I was on the struggle bus and made myself go to bed at 9:30. My Apple watch applauded me yesterday morning with over eight hours of sleep. Apparently, I was tired. haha

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

I’m changing up my Friday Favorites format this week.

Now that it’s officially spring, I’m sharing some of my favorite spring things from decorations to clothes to recipes…and more!

I always put out a few Easter touches for the month of April. I picked up these wooden bunnies last year, and they are so cute.

I found a perfect spot for them on my entry way table. The exact ones I bought last year aren’t available but these look very similar.

Two years ago, I was “influenced” by Tina (@to_mimishousewego) and shopped Ruffled Nest, ordering two of their wooden bunnies. It looks like the shop should re-open soon.

I also love these flocked bunnies that I got at Walmart last year. Looks like Walmart still has a variety of colors. (I feel like I need to order the blue one to add to my collection.)

I’m pretty neutral with my nail color, but I will switch it up from time to time fall, winter, and summer. Not in the spring though…I’m always wearing OPI’s Funny Bunny or Bubble Bath.

Amazon even has a “nude nail polish” bundle with my two faves.

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I love an easy jacket, and my new one from Target has been perfect. I’ve worn it on walks or while out running errands. Yesterday, I wore it to school with my comfy Matilda Jane pants. I felt comfy, cute and put together.

I always love SSYS, but their fun spring floral print leggings are definitely a new fave. FYI- their March athleisure drop is Sunday, March 30th… 😉

These Old Navy “kick flare” leggings are definitely perfect for the spring months when it’s not yet shorts weather.

I have two pairs and I’ve already worn them quite a bit the past couple of weeks.

I’ve had this dress for almost four years, and I still wear it quite a few times every spring. There are so many colors options, and it’s a great staple for your closet.

I’ve shared this cardigan time and time again. I have it in three colors and wear them often! (As I type this, it’s an Amazon lightning deal!)

The cardigan has been perfect to wear with my SSYS Sophia set until the weather warms up.

I ordered this top last fall (in two colors!), and I can’t wait to wear it this spring. It’s the perfect light-weight for when the temps finally do rise, and it can be dressed up or down.

Yay! for the sunshine…and wearing my two favorite pairs of sunglasses. (Pair 1 and Pair 2 is a two pack)

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I’ve shared these sandals time and time again. Hadley has them in white, and I love my rose gold pair. (I did size up from my regular size 9 to a 10) I’ve had them for almost four years, and I might just order a new pair for the summer since these are showing their age.

I’ve seen these sandals shared, and thought I’d give them a try. They are so cute and very comfy. They are also 25% off right now…and when shoes and clothing are out of my “norm,” I consult Hadley. She approved of these sandals.

Every season is candle season for me, but…I love switching to more “spring like” scents of lavender and lemon. Bath and Body Works along with Antique Candle Co. are where I buy most of my candles.

Trader Joe’s really shines in the spring/summer, and I’m always on the lookout for their Brazil Nut products and seasonal candles and stock up when I see them.

I try to always do a good job drinking water throughout the day, but once the weather warms up, I really step up my sipping! I’ve had this tumbler for over a year and a half, and I take it with me wherever I go. I just ordered another one yesterday because most colors are currently $21 rather than the regular $30 price! #rundontwalk!

I wouldn’t get all my water intake in if it wasn’t for these Crystal Light packets…I love the grape flavor!

Nothing says “spring” like flowers! Flowers are my weakness…especially when I’m shopping at Trader Joe’s.

I made this Ham and Peas Tortellini recipe last week, and it was a hit. While pasta isn’t always thought of as a spring food, it was a quick dinner for a weeknight.

Asparagus fries are a frequent request from my kids during the spring and summer months. I tend to make these while Trav is grilling us something for dinner. They are easy and delish.

I often make the Betty Crocker in a box pasta salad as a quick weeknight side dish, but if I have more time, I make this pasta salad, and it’s sooo good.

Last but not least, of course a couple of my spring favorites include sunshine and going for a walk. It’s nice to get some fresh air and get some steps in. I can’t say that I walk much in the summer when it’s hot out, so I try to maximize my time in the spring.

Weekly Recap:

Here are my posts from the week:

Weekend Top 5
Wednesday Hodgepodge
Thursday Thoughts

What are your springtime faves?

Have a great weekend!

Posted in Monthly Musings

Monthly Musings

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Thursday!

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

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

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

That being said…

1. Favorite thing about spring?

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

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

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

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

…and another favorite is spring traditions….

2. What are your spring traditions?

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

3. Favorite spring outfits?

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

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

4. Favorite springtime meal?

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

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

5. Spring rain…love or loathe?

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

6. Favorite spring flower?

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

7. Do you get seasonal allergies? Remedies please!

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

8. Favorite springtime beverage?

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

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

9. Do you change your home decor for spring?

I decorate for Easter…

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

I also put out fresh flowers whenever I can…

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

10. Lemon meringue pie or strawberry shortcake?

Strawberry shortcake all the way!

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

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

Posted in Blog challenge

ABC’s of Spring

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Monday!

Well, spring is officially “springing” and in the past year, I’ve shared the ABC’s of summer, fall, and winter. So, of course, I have to wrap up this series with one more post…the ABC’s of spring!

A-April: While March is the beginning of spring, April always feels more like spring to me.

B-basketball and baseball: March Madness and opening day for baseball are big spring time events.

C-chirping: birds! In the spring, we have chirping birds outside our window as alarm clocks. If only they knew which day was Saturday!

D- dances: There are so many dances in the spring. My kids have their last cotillion dance soon, and then in May, they have an 8th grade dance for their school.

Of course, the high school students have prom.

E- Easter: Easter is a great way to kick off spring. It’s one of my favorite holidays.

F-flowers and ferns:

In March and April, I start buying flowers at Trader Joe’s. Mother’s Day weekend is when we plant flowers in the porch planters and hang ferns on the front porch.

G- graduation: The countdown is on for 8th grade graduation for my kids.

I feel like they just graduated from 5th grade…

…and of course high school students have their graduation too.

H- hats (Oaks/Derby)

In April and May, Oaks and Derby fashion include hats and fascinators.

I- ice cream: Well, we eat ice cream year round, but in the spring, the kids will bike to get ice cream, and it’s a treat we turn to more often.

J- Jokes (for April Fool’s Day): I’m always thankful when we are on spring break and not at school for April Fool’s Day. We have enough jokes year round. haha

K- Keeneland: The spring meet at Keeneland is one of my favorite times of the year. We love to get out there a time or two each meet.

L-leaves on the trees: The green leaves start to grow and the trees fill out.

M-Mother’s Day: I always love Mother’s Day as we usually go to church and out to lunch. Then, we spruce up the yard and plant flowers.

N- nest: Every year we get a nest in one of the ferns on the front porch. I always have to check it before watering, and I’m always sad on the day I check the nest, and it’s empty.

O- Oaks: We love going to Oaks on the first Friday in May. What a special tradition in the Bluegrass State.

P- patio dinners: We just ate outside last weekend, and it was perfect. I like when we are able to grill out because it’s an easy dinner, and it’s nice to just relax for a bit.

Q-quiet: …mornings on the front porch and evenings on the patio.

R-rain and rainbows:

April showers bring May flowers!

…Even better when we spot a rainbow after the rain.

S- St. Patrick’s Day and spring break:

We all look forward to St. Patrick’s Day and our traditional meal.

We usually do a “low key” spring break trip for a few days not too far from home. This year, we took a bigger trip to DC.

T-track season: Track season is a family affair. Travis helps with the training, the kids run, and I cheer from the sidelines. I love that both kids do this sport together…but do different events.

U-umbrella: for when it rains…

V-Vernal Equinox – The first day of spring in March.

W- warmer weather: While springtime weather can be hit or miss, we know there are more warm days than not and summer will be here before we know it.

X- eXtra daylight hours: Amen!

Y-yard work: Last year was Hayden’s first year mowing our lawn. So far this year, he and Travis have taken turns.

Z– ZZZ: …needing more sleep because of all of the sports and end of the year activities.

Ok, some of these I had to make work, but this was a fun way to wrap up this series. I’m ready for consistent springlike temps and then summer!

What’s your favorite part about spring?

Posted in Monthly Musings

Monthly Musings

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Thursday.

Since this month is wrapping up, it’s time for Patty and Holly’s Monthly Musing link up.

This month’s topic is: All About Spring

We’ve hit a cold snap this week, but thankfully the sun has been shining. I know spring weather is fickle, but I much prefer the warmer days!

1. Favorite spring fashion pieces?

Whenever this topic is asked, I always share a cardigan. Cardigans…it’s “giving” teacher fashion. When the weather starts to turn warmer, I start wearing cardigans over my dresses.

2. Favorite spring scent?

I love candles, and we always have at least one burning in the house. I always choose “lighter/fresher” scents like citrus and floral.

3. Go to spring meals?

Well, we’re so busy in the spring, I feel like I’m using my slower cooker still quite a bit. That being said, it’s always great when we can start grilling out! It’s just nice to have chicken or burgers and hot dogs and then serve quick and easy sides like baked beans, fruit, or pasta salad.

4. Spring dessert recipe

The first thing that popped in my mind is strawberry shortcake. We probably do eat that more in the summer though. I did make Shay’s Fruity Pebbles Nieman Marcus bars recently, and they were delish.

5. Spring traditions

Some favorite spring traditions are dyeing Easter eggs, going to Keeneland, and watching the Oaks and Derby.

6. Spring cleaning hack

Lauren shared about decluttering and getting rid of something (trash or donate) and the number correlates with the day of the month. I started a bit late in April, but I did spend at least a week being intentional with going through junk drawers, random drawers I rarely open, my closet, the kids’ closets, the basement, and more. I still need to go through my dresser drawers and a few things in the garage, but at least I made the effort to “spring clean” a bit.

7. Will you plant a garden this year?

I’m not sure if we will or not. Anything in the yard is Trav’s domain. We’ve only done a garden a few times, but we’ll see.

8. Spring rain…love or hate?

I love a rainy Saturday or Sunday when there are no plans. I joke that it gives me “permission to be lazy.” If it’s raining, I can sleep in and do things around the house. That being said, of course, I hate when we have outdoor plans and it rains. For example, the kids have an outside field trip today that’s TBD due to the rain. I’m worried that tomorrow night’s track meet will be in yet another torrential downpour.

9. Favorite spring flower?

I always love when Trader Joe’s has their peonies in late spring/early summer.

10. Any spring travel plans?

Well, we already did our spring travelling when we went to Greenville, SC earlier this month. We loved it.

We don’t have any other travel plans for this spring. As a matter of fact, we still haven’t planned summer vacation yet!

This link up is always a fun one. I can’t wait to see what other people have to say.

Thanks so much for reading,