We’ve started one of our favorite traditions this week – unwrapping a book each night until Christmas. I’ve had a lot of question in the past about how we afford to buy 24 new books every year + where we store them all.
WE DON’T BUY NEW!
We may buy 1-2 new books a year, but I usually wrap old Christmas books. They don’t remember them always + even if they do, they are excited to see them again! Sometimes we’ll even throw in a few regular books, that don’t have anything to do with Christmas.
You can start this 12 days out from Christmas too + do THE 12 BOOKS OF CHRISTMAS. Rounded up all my favorite Christmas books on Amazon – hello 2 day shipping (still time to make it by the 12th) + most of them are right around $10 right now!
You can find a list of our favorite regular books here.
It’s no secret I geek out over Beauty Products. I love allll things skin + make up + could spend about 2049032 hours (and equal amount in dollars) in Sephora! Stocking stuffers are some of my favorite gifts at Christmas time. I usually stock up on beauty products. These ideas will come in handy for any of you looking for a favorite things party idea, too!
I love using beauty products as stocking stuffers because they are typically the perfect size for stockings! Or you can get creative like rolling graphic tees or beanies! Here are a few of my favorites beauty + non beauty stocking stuffers.
MURAD RENEWING EYE CREAM : Murad is the line I studied in school. The anti-aging treatments firm + brighten your skin to help minimize wrinkles, like crows feet. Instant Botox at 1/1000 of the price! A drop of this serum goes a loooong ways.
HAIR CLIPS : My hair is finally getting long enough to put in a high pony! Loving the hair clip trend + think these clips go with everything. The more the merrier.
DRIFT CAR AIR FRESHENER :This design is moneyyyy + the GROVE scent straight up smells like an Anthropologie volcano candle. I am taking this to my Favorite Thing Party this year! You get a refill automatically every month in the mail or they’re offering a one time purchase rn. Use GINGER20 for 20% off.
HERBIVORE ROSE SPRAY : this coconut hydrating face spray tones, hydrates + softens the skin. Super refreshing to spray in the morning + cute to set out on a tray in the bathroom! They also have this detox bath scrub that I’m in to.
BEANIES : Beanies roll up super small + fit perfectly in a stocking, plus it will keep you warm alllll winter. The gift that keeps on giving right? I plan to do these for teacher gifts with an Amazon gift card! The Dylan + Ava are versatile + not too over the top. AKA safe for all age groups. Use code : GPARRISH for FREE shipping.
GLASSES : These $9 sunglasses from Amazon have been a hit on the internet. Like I had no clue I could sell so many of something to be totally honest. ☺️ I went back + ordered them in Black + Tortoise. Blue light glasses would also be awesome to throw in! These are my favorite.
Bb Pret-A-Powder : I use this powder every day in my hair. It’s half dry shampoo + lots of texutre. Probably don’t order if you can’t stand the feeling of dirty hair, i’m quite opposite. The cleaner my hair is the bigger it is, so I like it nitty gritty from day 1. This will add volume, texture + absorb moisture. You only need a little – this bottle will last you a year because a little bit goes a long way!
LOOPY CASE : You don’t know how much you love your loopy until you don’t have one. This phone case is amazing. Be sure to adjust the strap to fit your finger perfectly so you never drop your phone! I love this leopard design. Use code : GINGER10 for 10% off.
MAKE UP BRUSHES : You can snag this $11 make up brush set at Amazon. I’ve found that my makeup goes muuuch further with these brushes. It doesn’t eat the product like some higher end brushes do.
DONNA KARAN DEODORANT : my verrrry favorite deodorant! I love the smell + it works really well. Donna Karan loves Gigi Pip, so I feel like this will be automatically on every gift guide from here on out. 🙂
AESOP HAND CREAM : easy to throw in a stocking + a purse so you always have lotion on the go! Aesop packaging is swoon worthy.
QUICK TAN : I’ve tried A LOT of face tanners, but keep going back to my OG spray tan! I use this on my face + I think it’s the best tan! Be sure you have an exfoliator to use once a week.
Dr Brandt Exfoliator : This is more expensive so it might be a good Santa splurge. It’s worth it’s weight in gold. Especially if you’re using a sunless tanner on your face. I use it 1-2 times per week + credit this product for smooth makeup! Thank me later.
GIFT CARD : anybody else feel like the lamest person giving gift cards, but love getting them!? I love getting to pick out something I love at my favorite store. Gigi Pip is a great go to!
KIEHLS LINE REDUCING CONCENTRATE : I love anything from Kiehls! The Avocado eye cream is another favorite. I found this recommendation from Selena Gomez’s make up artist. #winning! Thanks, B!
BOOKS : It’s sooo easy to listen to all your books, but there’s something about a physical book that brings me so much joy. I love dying to be me + gifts of imperfection.
RINGS : when it comes to jewelry, i keep it simple. These gold staking ringsfrom ROOLEE are my favorite! And I don’t remember the last time I took this 5 Necklace off.
Not sure how I’m feeling about Black Friday buuuuut I do know how I’m feeling about S E T S ! Gimmmmme them all please. Planning on hibernating in them allll winter long.
P.S the only thing better than a matching set is mixing + matching with your other sets. Here are a few of my favorites :
I love pairing my sets with any of these shoes + a Gigi Pip hat or beanie. Both on sale today!
One of my favorite traditions + one that we’re changing. We’re jumping on the bandwagon + doing our Christmas eve pajamas on DECEMBER 1st. I looooove this idea so the boys can snuggle up in their new jams allllll month.
PAJAMAS FOR KIDS
Whyyyyy didn’t anyone tell me about these $17 amazon pajamas sooner. Not letting another day go by that I at least don’t tell you. I brought a few outfit options for the boys for this cozy shoot + we had a few meltdowns because they all would only wear these. SOFTEST JAMS EVER!
Not kidding, Rigg is wearing an extra pair I ordered for Jack because he wouldn’t put any of the others on. Can’t say I blame him!
If you want to join in on the December 1st tradition you still have time to prime them! BUT RUN, not for much longer. Or if you’re getting them for Christmas eve, I’d still recommend snagging sizes / colors earlier so they don’t sell out.
For sizing TTS or size up!
PAJAMAS FOR WOMEN
I found a few different options for pajamas all at different price points. Love them all! Here’s my review
Target’s Star’s Above brand is moneyyyyy + still super soft. I’m not sure how they will wash up, but at first try on they feel great. This nightgown is $19 + set is $24. A great alternative to Eberjey for a tenth of the price.
Buuuut, Eberjey still takes the cake. You can’t beat the softness! They are the lululemon align leggings of pajamas! The quality + fit are unbeatable and worth the extra to me! But if it’s not in the budget, you won’t be disappointed with Targets.
A solid in between is Splendid! I got these in leopard + they’re super fun! They also have a few other print options. These seem to be great quality + are super soft as well.
Sizing : TTS | I ordered an XS in all brands
PAJAMAS FOR MEN
Jon likes to keep it pretty basic + something he can wear as loungewear too. We found both these pieces at H&M for under $20!
Time to cozy up, watch Home alone + Drink Hot Cocoa!
Remember when I said GP was not a fashion blogger. Never say never! JB, you get it.
Did you catch my stories the other day about a shift in my instagram direction? I’ve decided it’s the “label” FASHION BLOGGER that freaks me out the most. I’ve dived deeper + figured out that no one has been holding me back but ME. Why? Sounds so lame on paper but it’s a thing. Afraid of what it looks like if its a hundred pictures of me a week. Conceited? Shallow? That clothes make you happy? None of it is true. All of labels I’ve associated here are coming off. I’ve never been one to go through the notions + live out of a box. All I know for sure is that the older boys are outgrowing this photo taking phase of life + I knew from the beginning that at some point, we would cross this bridge. I want them to be little as long as possible + know that their Mom is genuinely invested in their interests! Be able to work at work + come home + BE HOME. I believe it’s better to feel good on the inside, than look good on the outside + I look forward to spending more time doing things we both love! They aren’t going anywhere, you’ll still see them. Just basically telling you why I’m not self centered when it’s all about me. Hahah so please just roll with it mmmmmk?
I studied hair + beauty because I love it. I find myself talking real fast when I’m passionate about things + I’ve found myself in a bit of an identity crisis lately. I want to have more bandwidth to share my love for style! I enjoy sharing the pieces + things that I love in real life, I want this interest to translate in my blog + instagram. 1. I love designing hats. 2. I love working with Jon! The older I get, the more I know that I don’t have to prove my “depth” to anyone. I know I’m a well rounded human, I try hard to be kind + I love my boys more than anything else. That doesn’t mean I have to prove it to the internet. Or to anyone really. Is this making sense? Either way I’m excited to show you a bit more into my creative processes – – I’ve been wrong in assuming everyone knows how to throw outfits together. I’d love to be able to come to your house + teach you how my mind works, so we will pretend each day that’s what I am doing. My purpose as a human on the internet who loves to chat style, is to encourage you to turn to your own closet!! Get creative with the pieces you do have not just buy buy buy. Let me help you invest in the right things that will translate season after season! Buying allllll the time is not the solution. That will drain your happiness reallllll quick. So let’s join hands in sharing the things we love! Starting with how the freak to use LIKE TO KNOW IT.
Let’s chat about the easiest way to shop my looks, without feeling soooo overwhelmed! I typically post 2-3 different looks on LIKETOKNOW.it every. single. day. And noooo you do not have to have the app to see them. I’ll show you how.
SWIPE UP! no, but really that’s it.
Anytime I share an outfit on stories, you can swipe up + it will take you to direct links for each piece of the outift. (or something similar) you just click on the product you’re wanting to shop for.
Or, you can click on the highlight bubble ‘shop’ on my feed – swipe up on any photo + then click GPARRISH at the top – you can then scroll to see all my posts.
If you have the liketoknow.it app installed on your device, following me (GPARRISH) is the easiest way to be notified of new outfit or home links! Or you can screenshot any of the pictures on my feed that are tagged with a liketoknow.it link + it will also show up in your app! You can change settings to be notified by email if that’s what you prefer.
Hope this helps those of you who are like whyyyyy can’t I just have the link. I wish I had more time in the day for lots of reasons, responding to dm’s is on the list. Let me know if you have any questions – – -always happy to help! xx
First Winter Bucket List Item : Cuddle by the Fire
When your only fireplace is in blue prints, your next best option is to make your own!! Juan was especially thrilled + must have known what he was doing when he suggested it be on our Christmas Bucket List. He knows that once the temps stop dropping, it’s harder to convince me that going outside after dark is a good idea. I can honestly tell you, this is why I LIVE for bucket lists. It encourages us (me especially) to get out + go DO, when staying home, ordering take out + being warm sounds like a lot less work. 🙂 I LOVE JON FOR THIS, TOO. We bundled up in lots of Backcountry layers + literally headed to our new backyard to CUDDLE BY THE FIRE.
Jon has been talking about this perfect little nook that he found early one morning on his dirt-bike + if this night isn’t the perfect “enjoy the journey/the journey to the destination is the best part” scenario – – – welllll I certainly don’t know what is.
The sun started to set as we were driving to Jon’s special spot. I panicked + wanted to just ENJOY it. Something truly magical about watching the sun come + go. And the Davis County sunsets are hard to top. We pulled over to utilize the perfect opportunity to truly be still to watch the sun go to sleep (as Jack calls it) as well as gather kindling for our fire.
I love the simplicity the outdoors brings. We’re super grateful for our partnership with Backcountry that reminds us to slow down + get outside as often as possible.
Backcountry is having some awesome deals all month long. They have deals on North Face, Patagonia, Danner, North Face, etc. Lots of coats + simple layering items that don’t really ever go out of style. When you invest in nicer layers, you’re able to hand them down season after season. Huge for Mom’s with multiple kids. Most of the pieces that you see in our outfits will be on sale this month! They’d make some incredible gifting options for those of you who experience colder weather! (They also have some incredible deals on my favorite swimsuit brands). I’ll share their deal schedule at the bottom of this post for you to reference/ establish a game plan.
use code : GINGER for 15% off your first purchase on backcountry.com (exclusions apply)
WOMEN’S NORTH FACE JACKET : I snagged this jacket a couple of weeks ago + am so glad I did. My sisters are already trying to borrow it. The removable hood is great. I am hoping the color translates through these images because it is goooood. It’s cognac, a little lighter than most camel jackets + has a bit of a faded lived in look that loooove. I also loved this
PATAGONIA SHERPA JACKET, but they were sold out. They recently restocked + as you probably saw it’s on my Christmas list!! (PLEASE READ THIS SANTA 🙂 Grab one quick as they as things sell out so quickly this time of year. I noticed the camel color goes quickest, I’ve got my eye on the ivory one!
I layered my North Face Parka with this cable knit cropped Free People sweater to stay extra warm. These Danner boots are a good staple hiking boot, but also super easy to throw on for outings like this. Jon + I both wear ours often + we ordered a pair for my Dad for Christmas!
PATAGONIA JACKETS : I’ve been investing in Patagonia down jackets for the boys since Jonah was tiny. Starting with thisone piece snuggly snow suit. The boys can easily put them in their backpacks when if warms up during the day + they aren’t too bulky to play at recess or zip by themselves. BC has lots of color options + sizes. Bet you’ll never guess what color is my favorite. haha! CAMEL + RED FOR LIFE.
Like I said, we made it to our Neverland nook after a short 30 minute drive. If you want the directions, let me know. Happy to share with any Davis County Local. I want to go back before Church next Sunday for some family pics. Perks of late starting meeting times + lows of it getting dark at 4:30. I feel like it’ll be the perfect little spot! Keep your eyes peeled to see if we make it back!
Sunset First cuddle sesh with my best friends. What a memorable way to open this new BUCKET LIST!
BACKCOUNTRY BLACK FRIDAY :
Don’t wait until Black Friday, Backcountry has an awesome Pre-Cyber Sale going on right now on all of your favorite brands like Patagonia, Free People, and Alo Yoga. I’m definitely going to be on Backcountry.com for even more crazy deals that will be happening next week. For the few items that aren’t included in the sale, use code: GINGER for 15% off your first order (exclusions apply).
Thank you BACKCOUNTRY for sponsoring this adventure! xx
Allll the products on this Holiday Gift Guide are good for any man in your life : brothers, dads, cousins, friends, husbands/boyfriends! I’m always looking for some more ideas for Juan – – – if you have any, leave them in the comments!!
We’re a hat family through + through. Vans hats are one of Jon’s favorites.
We have a Nintendo switch + all the boys love it. Including Jon. A nostalgic throwback for sure!
We’ve been looking for an awesome portable bluetooth speaker + we’ve heard really good things about this Sonos. This is my top item for Black Friday shopping!
Airpod cases are awesome for knowing who’s airpods are who. And this one has a hook for your keys or bag!
We’re hoooooked on packing cubes. Found these Topo Designs at Backcountry! Super thick and can even be carried around without a suitcase.
Jon wore these boots to a USU football game + my dad instantly added them to his wishlist! We just snagged him a pair for Christmas.
The gap in the boys is definitely starting to show this Christmas. Rigg (6) is somewhere in between + is pretty content with anything from either wishlist. The TODDLER GIFT GUIDE is focused around Jack (3) + BIG KID GIFT GUIDE is focused around Jonah (8).
Poor Rigg . . . middle kid syndrome, man! It’s a good thing he’s easy going.
Adulthood is funny isn’t it, you start asking for vacuums + luggage for Christmas! 🤣🙃☺️ BUT, it’s still fun to get a new outfit you’re stoked about or something new!
Here are a few of my tried + true FAVORITE things and some of my wishlist items! Hope you find something you love too! Don’t forget to forward this to your husband 😉.
1 . RAINBOOTS | this color combo is soooooo freaking good. These are easy to slip on + I think I’ll wear them a lot with chunky socks when it’s a snowy day.
2 . LUGGAGE | don’t even ask me how old our current luggage is 😳 this is the top on my Christmas list this year!
3 . LEVI’S | tried + true and worn almosssst every single day. These mom cut levi’s are my favorite fit + they have tons of colors to choose from.
4 . GRAPHIC TEE | you cannnot go wrong with a graphic tee. Perfect for wrapping or rolling into a stocking. I’d size up in this one for a bigger fit + it’s under $20!
5 . JUMPSUITS | i don’t even have words for this jumpsuit, it’s just s’dang gooood! color | style, FORGETABOUTIT!
6 . CORDLESS VACUUM | adding this one to my wishlist this year, because I’ve heard everyone rave about it. Do you have it + do you love it? Let me know in the comments or send me a DM over at @gparrish.
7 . NIKE | beeeessst street style Nike + pretty sure I’ll be wearing these bad boys everyday. I styled them with the jumpsuit linked here + wore them with loungewear to the boys basketball games. Both 💯
8 . CAMERA | remember when I dropped my camera down a huge flight of stairs in dubai. #stillnotoverit buuuut, this is the one I replaced it with. I’ve alway shot on cannon + it’s my very favorite. If you’re just started out you could start with something a little more inexpensive like a CANON REBEL.
9 . HAT | i’m digging the new MILLER hat at Gigi Pip. You can also snag a ball cap or beanie. Be sure to use code : GPARRISH for free shipping.
10 . ROBE | this is the robe I brought with me on my cruise. I sacrificed outfit space just to bring this from home! it’s soooo soft you guys + 35% off rn with code : GINGER
11 . DIFFUSER | i love my house to smell good, especially because our house stilllllll smells like cat urine. I love how this one feels more modern!
12 . TWELVE | use this stuff if you want your lashes to grow! the besssst.
13 . CLOGS | cannot get over these clogs. ordering them rn because I can’t wait until Christmas!
14 . WAVER | still not over the time I looked like a poodle, but I think the key to this tool is to only do the top half if you have thicker hair!
15 . FIFTEEN | ordering this mirror when we get in the house! seriously looooove it.
16. COATS | I love camel + sherpa coats this season! These are two that are on my wishlist!
17. ST TROPEZ SPRAY MACHINE | this is the machine I use to do allll my own spray tans. It’s super easy to use + the tan lasts so well.
18 . JUMPSUIT | another jumpsuit i’m digggggin. I paired this one with my nikes + got all the hailey beiber vibes!
Hope you find something you like!! Let me know if you have any questions on sizing.
FREE GIFT LIST TEMPLATE + MORE!
Getting a head start on Christmas gifts this year + stoked to have this list to organize all my ideas! I collaborated with Colorly Love to give you FREE Christmas templates. Subscribe here for 5 downloads, including:
Christmas Playlist | Wishlist | Winter Bucket List | the cutessst Gift Tags + Gift List
I can count on about 1 hand how many partnerships/sponsorships that I’ve hit the pavement going after. Ones that I’ve sought out + wanted for everyone in my life!! CARILOHA is one of them. I bought mine when I heard my friend Isabelle turn blue in the face over Cariloha Mattress. I trust her recommendations with my life. It’s hard to know what’s paid + not paid. If the “blogger” wears it once for a picture + then never again, etc. . . . . I feel the same way.
CARILOHA is 100% Bamboo and the legit softest bedding you’ll ever sleep on. I feel like I can stamp it with my very own Money back guarantee because I’ll buy them from you if you don’t love them.
I got you guys a 35% off code Use code : GINGER at checkout for 35% off your entire purchase! No exclusions. NO EXCLUSIONSSS!!
When I talked with the insider here, he let me know that this is exactly their Black Friday Sale!! These items are definitely luxury. But after trying multiple different organic sheet options, they’ve all worn down to holes when I wash them. Not the case here. And you honestly won’t beat this code anywhere else + snag it while the stock is full!
I am going to try to break it down for you by category. I haven’t tried their clothes yet, if you have let me know!! I have no shame in using my own code! 😉 If you don’t know what you want for Christmas yet, send your husband any of these links.
are moms ever off duty? Sure feels like it after a solid nights sleep in my bamboo sheets!
THE ROBE :
sunrise watching each morning on the cruise just like this. 🙂
Let’s chat this CARILOHA bathrobe for 2 seconds please. I am a robe snob. I’ll admit it first hand. It’s hard to find a timeless robe that doesn’t make you sweat. Stays tied. The arms aren’t too long + bunchy, etc. I have a heightened level of expectation + after having tried mannny robes, we designed 2 hooks in our shower dry off area for a robe for each Jon + I. Judge me if you aren’t already, when I tell you I take it on my trips with me. Like legit it always takes up half my suitcase but I don’t even care because I know I can’t live without. I’d sacrifice a cute outfit or two for my robe any day + no, I’m not being dramatic or paid.
IT’S. THE. SOFTEST. COZIEST. THING. EVER. – – – and it has pockets.
BEDDING :
I love that Carioloha is 100% bamboo. Sooooo soft with just enough structure. We have + love the resort sheet on our bed currently – – – the classic set is still super soft + easier on the budget! These sheets will last though! I’ve had a few friends buy them + tell me they’ve lasted them years + are still soft. Freaking solid investment here.
I pair my sheets with the duvet insert + a linen duvet cover. Their Sateen duvet cover is the softest one – but I do like the texture of the linen better.
TOWELS :
Something that sparks joy for me? CRISP WHITE BATH LINENS. Helps when they are as soft + lived in as a babies bum. I would recommend going for the bath sheet if you like a full coverage. Anyone else freeze when they get outta the shower?? I prefer to be covered for 10 minutes from head to toe. #whimp We snagged white, but they have lots of other color options that still seem neutral to me.
Like I said, I recognize Cariloha products are an investment. But the quality is backed 110%. Please go watch ISABELLE’S stories if you’re in the market for a mattress. I am saving for our new house to splurge on one for our new rooms, but I trust homegirl with alllll the things. She’s not blowing smoke + neither am I. This is the best Sale you’ll see all year, so snag what you have your eyes on before black friday!! Get 35% off the Cariloha site with code : GINGER – – – anything. From hand towels to their mattresses! YOU’RE WELCOME. 🙂
One on one time is REALLY important in our home. We made it a priority a couple of years ago. We go once a month + the boys look forward to it!!! We’ll alternate between one kiddo with both Mom + Dad. Or Dad + son, or Mom + son. Either way there is only one boy + plenty of time to open up about how things are going.
Before we had kids, (back when Jon wanted 13) we stressed over having enough attention to show each of them how loved they are. Individually.
The more kids we’ve had, the more precious + scarce one on one time has become. We have chosen to DATE OUR BOYS + create these habits while they are young + there’s still adequate time for everyone. 🙂 We pray that we’ll always have an open channel of communication as these boys grow.
We know the cold isn’t too far away, so for our one on one we packed up our cold weather running gear from Backcountry+ took Jonah up to one of our favorite running trails in Farmington Canyon! Just above this pond that we talked about in our hiking blog post, it’s really only a few minutes from our home! SUCH A FUN AREA. There were lots of people taking family pictures just over the bridge.
We like to run from our house normally, but if you’re driving, follow the signs for Farmington Pond + then park in the upper dirt parking lot. The trail head is just at the north east opening of the parking lot. You’ll see a bridge with a black fence.
Jon loves to trail run + I haven’t ever really gone. Jonah is suppper into basketball right now + loves to run. He played in 2 basketball games last weekend + still wanted more. We love to be outside as a family, it’s one of the places we feel most connected – – – so we decided to take Jonah with us. A few tips for trail trail running :
Shoes! Make sure you have a supportive pair of running shoes. Jon loves these because they are specific to trail running + I snagged these, so glad I did because I am HOOKED! We love to layer! At first you are freeeezing, but you will warm up during your run, so I recommend technical layers that you can peel off during the run.
We took our time, did some running, hiking + sunset watching. It made for the perfect date + I can’t wait to bring the other boys. It’s funny how most of my favorite dates with Juan or the boys is when we just get outdoors!
I remember the quarter back from our rival high school – this super stud awesome kid – told me that his secret training weapon was YOGA. We’re talking stretching + getting in tune with his emotions was the best thing for him on the field. I’ve thought about that a lot over the years. I could be wrong, but it didn’t feel as “streamline” back in the day as it is now.
I usually go to classes for yoga. The boys know I go, but they haven’t seen me practice much in person. I’ve been wanting to introduce the concept to Jonah, but ever since our pedicure date took a biiiiiig turn for the worse. Talk about nothingggg going as planned. I pulled up to the nail salon + I thought he was going to cry. J would NOT get out of the car. I think I’m over it now. Almost. Ha! Anyways, I knew that next I wanted to introduce Jonah to trail running + teach him a few simple poses.
And to think I thought mommy + me matching didn’t exist for boy mamas!!
He’s seriously such a sweetheart. Jonah is growing into a responsible, polite incredible oldest brother. We love reading chapter books together at night + he wakes me up in the morning. He loves his little brothers + is looking forward to having his own underwear drawer in our new home. I loved this one on one time + hope that there are many more dates for many years to come + hoping a lot more are running together! I didn’t realize trail running was for me, but I L O V E D it!
ONE final tip that I learned from my friend Tiff to divert the other siblings from feeling left out at home is, we always pick out a treat for them at the gas station on the way home. I believe it keeps the child on the date from getting too hyped on being the favorite child 😉 + allows them to talk about things they love in their brothers. I’ve got some weird misconceptions about boys being competitive, so I’m constantly saving little tricks like this in my back pocket to tighten that brother bond that is already so precious!
Here are a few one on one dates that we have done over the last couple of years. It doesn’t have to be big or fancy, just some time to reconnect + let them open their heart + mind to our love as parents.
pottery class + painting
arcades
baking pizza night + grocery shopping for the ingredients
fossil hunting
mountain or road biking
cosmic bowling
dollar store scavenger hunt (takes a little more prep)
doorbell ditching treats to friends
making slime (the worst, don’t tell the boys)
batting cages
library + snow cones
nerf gun wars (dart side in Layton Hills Mall)
aquarium
hiking
Don’t let the cold slow you down from going outside + don’t let adding more kids discourage you from one on one time. Make it simple + make it work for your family. It could even be tucking them into bed individually. Whatever it is, just commit!
