I always get anxious before heading out of town without my boys. I feel bad I can’t be there for school pick up. I want to rub oil on their feet before bed + roll them up just the way they like. I feel bad I’m not the one dropping them off at school + listening to their daily affirmations. Does our babysitter know that Rigg haaates when his food touches eachother? Did they brush the back teeth on the inside like the dentist told us to remember?
STOP, change perspectives GP! After 3 deep breaths, I can choose to keep spiraling or gaing control of my thoughts. While I’m away or in the thickkk of the grind, I have to fight harder to replace my anxieties with gratitude. It’s one of the most well kept secrets in my Motherhood Bible thus far.
I’m thankful I have a job that I LOVE! That I have a team that feels like family + sees me as a friend. I’m grateful my boys have a school where the teachers love them like their own + vice versus. Jonah literally took his teacher a basketball game schedule. I’m grateful for a husband that is more fun than I am. One who runs the show behind Gigi Pip + yet still gives me all the credit. He works full time on his own thing + finds time to make the rest of us feel special, never second to work. I have much to be grateful for.
I truly think we’d all be overwhelmed with gratitude if we’d learn to keep it in the forefront of our thoughts.
I read this quote the other day + shared it on my Instagram. Had to share it here too, because it’s one I always want to look back on. I try my best to be hands free when the boys are around, and I know I can always do better. We only have a short time to hold, mold + shape them into the men/women they will be.
Let’s cherish these moments + lose the distractions. Because when you’re away all that matters is THEM. No the laundry, or the target runs . . . THEM!
βDo not ask your children to strive for extraordinary lives. Such striving may seem admirable, but it is the way of foolishness. Help them instead to find the wonder and the marvel of an ordinary life. Show them the joy of tasting tomatoes, apples + pears. Show them how to cry when pets + people die. Show them the infinite pleasure in the touch of a hand. And make the ordinary come alive for them! The extraordinary will take care of itself.β – – – Hands Free Mama
When I packed my bags for Magnolia, 99% was from Roolee. Go figure π They launch new product every Thursday so when I got to Silobration I snagged a few new arrivals. They’re soooooo dang good. So good that a lot of days I swapped my outfit way through the day depending on how much it warmed up. Haha! We saw alllll the seasons. Luckily it didn’t pour like it usually tends to do.
proof of mid-day outfit switch into the comfiesssst yellow pants! my mom is wearing this jumpsuit + ky sized up in this dress striped dress over her little baby bump.
I’m so stoked to share my Roolee discount code with y’all that will only be available for a limited time. Be sure to use
ROOLEE Discount Code : GINGER15
on any Roolee purchase + get 15% off rn. Ruuuuunnnnn because their new arrivals are π₯π₯π₯, including the bodysuit I wore 2 days in a row. CAN’T GET ENOUGH. I’m in a size small. My Mom also wore it. I’d probably recommend sizing up one size. I love bodysuits for layering + anytime want your shirt to stay tucked in!
this dress is perfect for fall + the platform on these booots. forgetaboutit.
can’t head to magnolia without leaving with a shirt. I snagged this one! wore it with my busted knee jeans, converse + Wes hat. PLUS: order these Urban Outfitter crew socks in every color + thank my next fall! They are the best with boots + basically any shoe for fall/winter.
the perfect straight off the airplane to destination pant.Juan flew in the last day to help take down the booth + drive back! He’s the real MVP in my book + seeing our dreams come to life first hand is nothing shy of magical. I loved that he was able to be there to top off the week. I thought this flowy polka dot jumpsuit was fun, paired with my Roolee bodysuit + black boots. Like I said, DON’T FORGET THE SOCKS!
There’s some weird wives tale about girls being more fun to shop for. I beg to differ! As much as I dream about headbands + twirly dresses, I am still the girl who used to sneak my brother’s basketball jerseys + change at school growing up!
ZARA : This is kind of a one stop shop where you can find fun little unique pieces for the whole family. This is where I do a looooot of my shopping for the boys! They have incredible basics for affordable prices. But be warned, they wear through these tees fast. They aren’t the thickest quality, but their jeans are skinny + their styles are minimal. Which is a win in my book. I’d say their tee’s usually run small or TTS, but I always size down in pants or shorts!
COTTON ON KIDS : Another great place for basics. I love buying matching sweatsuits for the boys (Rigg’s wearing one in the picture above). I bought this same sweatshirt for alllll the boys. They have super cute graphic tees that feel like cheesy than your typical character shirts. The prices are more affordable + you can usually always have some promotion going – – – I snagged these last week for buy one get one free. If you are local to Utah, we just got a store in Fashion Place mall + they usually carry most items I find from online.
ROCKETS OF AWESOME : this is one that we are adding in this year. Guys when we got the box from Rockets the boys were sooooo stoked. Like legit it made me so happy to watch them be so genuinely happy opening a package. They love all the fun prints + bright colors + I love that they all have a modern cut to them. They fit the boys perfect.
NORDSTROM : we found some solid pieces for the boys this year during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. (here is the full post) I spent more on them than on myself π We stocked up while it was on sale, try brands like Vans, Nike + Volcom, they also price match + have the best customer service.
MARKS + SPENCER : I get a lot of the boys church clothes + shoes form Marks + Spencer. They tend to be a more skinnier fit with adjustable waistbands, which works great for our boys.
BING KIDS : Loooove throwing in some ANINE BING into their everyday looks. The prices are a little more expensive as she is a high end designer, but I usually buy the pieces big + know that I’ll be able to hand them down. Her quality is incredible + the twinning opporturinty? YES PLEASE.
NIKE : Rigg would be in basketball shorts everrrrryday if he never had to wash them. I snagged these shorts during the Nordstrom Sale for the boys. I have a hard time finding basketball shorts that aren’t supppper baggy, but these were winners. Go TTS or one size up + roll down the waistband. I love the more modern taper.
BACKCOUNTRY : All out outdoor gear for the boys + Patagonia Jacket’s are usually from Backcountry. Each of the boys have a down jacket + a fleece pull over. They’re sooooo warm + a necessity when you live in Utah. We even find a lot of everyday wear for them at Backcountry. The quality is great + the service is the besssst. Be sure to use code : GINGER for 10% off your purchase.
H&M : a great option for basics. I’ve had more luck online rather than in store. Their little organic line looks just like zara + is usually 1/4 the price. Save the search as a bookmark in your toolbar + click it when you see h&m is having a sale! Also a great place for socks + undies.
OLD NAVY : Super affordable + they always have sales. You may have to do a tiny bit of digging to find your favorites, but it’s worth the hunt. Rigg loved this tiger shirt + so do I!
SHOES :
We are pretty loyal to VANS around here + one you can catch at least one of us in a pair every single day of the year. The boys also love CONVERSE + NIKE’S for day to day + NATIVE’S for summer time! Super easy to slip on.
#MOMHACK : I go for slip ons or velcro 9/10 times so everyone can grab their own shoes + put them on themselves. Saves a little time when rushing out the door.
The boys love pairing their shoes with STANCE socks!
Hope this helps. If you have any other questions about shopping for boys, be sure to leave a comment below.
WE HAVE WALLS! Errrr uhhh forms? This whole process is new to me, obviously. But stopping by after school each day is such a treat! I’ve thrown timeline out the window. Interesting that’s one of the first things asked when people hear we are building. We are so far behind track at this point, I’ve stopped setting myself up for that kind of disappointment. π I’ve found that I’m much more happy + grateful in the process.
I posted a story last week revealing Juan + I have completely different styles as far as design goes. IT HAS BEEN A TREAT. The follow up questions have been funny – – – – seemed to open the can about marriage and our personalities + what each of our styles are.
I just tried to take the Ennegram test because I get asked it allllll the time. This is the result:
you tell me if it’s correct. : )
This room has been quite the gasp. It feels massive + the way that our little black fence is set up, this is the first place I shoot video when we are at the lot. We climbed up the top to see how the window’s were made for date night. This will be under our garage as the recreation room! Jon had a half pipe out his college window + would skate to class. He’s had a dream of building one with his son’s in the basement of his home as long as I’ve known him. Can you tell I’m embracing this alllll boy lifestyle with everything I’ve got? This is a good conduit into how our styles differ.
MY STYLE : minimal fluff + as much natural light as humanly possible. π I would say I’m drawn to more contemporary homes. I love clean lines when the added texture comes from architectural elements which really warm up the home, but don’t go out of style.
A few things I wanted. . . . Natural light + an outdoor/indoor living space. I wanted a built in bed + NO CHORDS ANYWHERE. I am excited to have a designated work space in our home + a place to shoot photos. In an overshared world, I’ve always worked hard to keep our living quarters private. If you scroll back instagram feed you’ll see I don’t post many shots in our home. That is intentional – it’s tricky not to be swayed one way or another by trends/opinions, but I’ve been trying hard to keep that boundary up + confide in Jon + Elizabeth in decision making! I
A few things I compromised on . . . a pivot door for our front door. Grass in the yard. We bought a 2 acre lot, but we are only allowed to landscape in our building envelope. If you’ve ever been up to Promontory in Park City, this is the style our Review Board is aiming for. The window guy said they are super hard with the climate being soooo cold in the winter. They don’t often shut all the way + are a more a headache than anything else. I feel like I’m compromising on the finishing details. And the cubby’s under the fireplace. I honestly would live in a boring clean slate home if you left it up to me. That’s where Jon is the real winning piece because he’s all about FUN, eclectic pieces that are memorable. If you see something unique in our home, bet you a buck it came from Jon’s mind.
JUAN’S STYLE : INDUSTRIAL!
A few things he wanted . . . a metal railing + brick wall. He loveeees exposed everything. He would choose functionality over style every day of the week + I’m a little nervous we’ll never be able to agree on a sofa in the main room for the life of us. We haven’t started yet sooooo I’ll let you know. He has some insane ideas for the rec room, his secret bookshelf + the man cave. He wanted the drop down floor plan + plenty of seating to entertain people + friends.
A few things he compromised on . . . kitchen! He’d choose a space straight out of a Brooklyn Apartment that is super Industrial. We’re talking exposed vents, lots of metal + brick. He also reallllly wants windows by the front door (the jury is still out on that one.)
I think taking two totally different styles + meeting at a place where you are creating something that you both love is where the real magic happens.
Jonah turned 8 on September 7th + chose to be baptized as a Member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints! Here is a link to learn more about what WE BELIEVE.
I looked everywhere for a suit to fit his skinny bum. This tie came as a gift the night before for Jon, he swiiiiiped it so fast. I think it made his day better all around π G : DRESS (similar) | SHOES (similar) | J : SUIT | SHOES (similar) Found / purchase this PROGRAM on Etsy. There were lots of options. I went with this one because I could put the edits in myself + didn’t have time to send them off to someone.
THINGS TO REMEMBER :
Hearing them practice how to hold Jon’s hand in the living room while I got ready.
We got to the park, set up our lunch, right before the storm came.
His UTAH JAZZ TIE. #gifted to Jon the night before
Him coming in to the Primary Room but walking straight out. I asked Jon where he went, he said “I have to pee right now, I can’t wait”.
The cousins trying to see inside of the circle under the Priesthood circle legs..
Uncle Jenson talking (Jon also baptized him when he was 8) and his object lesson not working quite right.
Uncle Cody speaking + telling him to come up and look at every single person in the room one by one + telling him how much WE ALL LOVE YOU, JONAH.
The boys coming outside one by one to take a photo with Jonah in his white jumpsuit before it started.
The cousins singing together
Riding to the Aggie Game + realizing we forgot his shoes
Grandpa Gene’s sweet closing prayer
We served Panda Express for lunch + lots of fall pumpkin treats. He couldn’t wait to get out of his suit + put on his basketball gear to play with his friends at the park. This sweet boy LIVES for Basketball. When the rain + the wind came, we headed home to load up for the USU Game! We sat in the pouring rain for the Homecoming football game. It was a night to remember! For sure the cherry on top of a beautiful day.
Went in for groceries + a completed chore chart. . . came out with Simba! Jack has a little Simba that he totes around with him + sleeps with, so he calls his new friend LION.
All of the boys are into “stuffies” or stuffed animals. Jack doesn’t leave the house without something tucked under his arm. His face when he earned SIMBA is one that I will never forget. Bookmark this idea for Christmas lists if your kids are into 1. stuffed animals 2. riding or keeping up with older siblings. Plus there are only 87 days until Christmas. How do I know? Rigg asks Siri every single morning without fail. π
The older boys want a puppy in a baaad way, Simba is filling all kinds of voids around here. Had to smile in the checkout stand, my youngest sister wanted a puppy growing up + went through every last version of a play puppy before she finally got a real one. I now see why! I can’t stop laughing over our new friend, can you tell how excited he is?!
Walmart has really stepped up their game across the board. They have unbeatable prices (not to mention they also price match) + have toys for all age groups. I will tag a few other favorites below. I was sincerely impressed with their selection!
loook dad, no hands.
This ride along came with the stable to sleep/charge in. I’m marking this down as great practice for when we live in our new space that is a bit more pet friendly. But for now, enjoying not potty training in the mean time.
Can you imagine a neighborhood crew on these? CUTEST! These options are a bit smaller, here (also a bit slower + half the price). Here are a few Paw Patrol options that were in store as well! Be sure you let it charge 18 hours before using it so that you can get the most out of your use. We didn’t purchase the 5 year warranty, but that is an option to consider if you’d like. Hopefully we don’t regret this decision. #fingerscrossed
Here are a few of the other toys that caught my eye at Walmart +/or have already made it onto one of their Christmas Wish Lists :
Are you from a place where fall exists? Oh I hope so!! This week officially launched us into a new season +I can honestly tell you that this is our favorite time to dive into the beauty in our own backyard! The perfect time to soak up the beautiful hikes Utah has to offer. The temperatures are cool + crisp, all the leaves are starting to change colors. They call this place beUTAHful for a reason!! The trick is finding ones that set your kids up for success as well.
Two key players for hiking with kids. SKITTLES + comfortable Hiking boots or shoes. I look for something waterproof + something broken in. Packing light + bringing layers. Doesn’t that sound like a contradiction? Not for BACKCOUNTRY. The most reliable shop for outdoor family gear! I’d also say find an old school compass that is only out when you’re hiking. We only have one + the boys get so jazzed when it’s their turn to lead!
We have gotten our money worth on this Thule Baby Carrier! Rigg has taken his fair share of rides in here + it’s much more comfortable for any of the kids if they get tired from hiking. Way easier than carrying them on your back. It stands on it’s own once you set it down + also has lots of storage space for waters, snacks, wipes, sunscreen, etc.
I’m not a huge planner, so I’m usually needing something day of or next day (thank you overnight shipping) when it comes to gear or food. π A huge perk of living local SLC – are the Backcountry pick up options. They will pull your order for you if you call or hop on with a gear head after you place it! Otherwise it all ships within 2 days! Their customer experience gurus are legit the besssst company I’ve ever partnered with. We were fortunate enough for them to give you all an ongoing promo code!! So you can dress/gear up your crew for your fall/winter activities at a cheaper price. Keep in mind they have alllll kinds of outdoor gear.
Hiking with kids is no joke. Don’t be fooled by the pictures, the boys still complain. But for whatever reason carrying a pocket full of skittles really eleviates a big part of the complaining. TRY IT!! Wanted to share a few of our favorite hikes that made it back to our #PARRISHFAMBUCKETLIST.
5 KID FRIENDLY HIKES IN UTAH TO ADD TO YOUR BUCKET LIST:
FARMINGTON POND TRAIL AKA PARRISH NEVERLAND :
I have never been here when it’s crowded. I’m hoping this post doesn’t send the masses, but I absolutely loveeeee the overgrown trees + calm feeling it has. I’ve shared this book reading picnic spot on our instagram. It has a small trail you can walk up alongside the river + plenty of nooks to hang hammocks or read books or feed the ducks. There’s a rope swing the boys love to play on + plenty of hungry ducks to feed. We plan to invest in some smaller paddleboards + try to make it to the other side without falling in. If you live in or around Davis County add it to your bucket list. I betcha a bag of sour patch kids you won’t be disappointed.
SILVER LAKE BIG COTTONWOOD:
I’ve visited here in each of the seasons. Fall is beeeautiful. The drive up to it is even remarkable. Bring your big camera! The views are unreal + lots of times there’s even a moose or two hanging out. There’s a planked walking path almost all the way around the lake. It’s all flat + even. I even see people bringing strollers, not sure I would because there is a small part that there isn’t a trail, but is totally doable. Have you ever taken yours? We’ve done scooters, but that kinda stressed me out. I’d suggest a scavenger hunt or game to play while you walk. Or go on a date night sans kids π That’s always a win! There are TONS of trail heads that you can find around the lake if you’re feeling up to something more.
DONUT FALLS :
Probably one of the most popular hikes people talk about in Utah, and for good reason. It’s only about 1 mile each way + is super easy hiking, with a wide trail for half of it. The waterfall at the top is beautiful!! People climb up to the top of the waterfall to complete the hike, but with kids I would not recommend this. Please make sure the water isn’t too high or moving too fast.
Right before you get to the waterfall there is a small hike down on rocks you have to do. It’s super short + most of the time they’re lots of people there to help! I would recommend carrying or wearing your babies. You will also cross a 2 foot long river, but it is only a couple inches deep. Wear shoes that you don’t mind get wet. You can usually spot out rocks to walk across so this isn’t really even an issue. Once you crossed that small river crossing you’ve made it!
ADAMS CANYON :
We haven’t been up there since the fire, I’m nervous about it. WE LOVE this canyon. Especially around the 4th of july when the flags are up. We had a devastating fire blow through here last week + I haven’t seen how things are shaping up there. This is normally one of the most spectacular fall trails to do with kids. Try to go during the week if possible, it tends to get more busy on the weekend.
This is another hike that goes to a beautiful waterfall in Layton (Davis County). This hike is a little more difficult than Donut Falls + I would recommend having a carrier for young tired prone hikers. The switchbacks at the beginning are a little steep and can be tiresome on little legs. That’s the steepest part of the hike, but there’s still a lot of uphill left. Some of the spots can get a little rocky – – – both of our older boys haven’t had a problem though.
BLOODS LAKE :
This is located just off the Guardsman Pass Overlook (Big Cottonwood Canyon) Parking lot is located on your left. This is a great hike for kids because it is so short, so you get the reward of the lake early on. It can be steep going down though so I would recommend walking sticks (ask Rigg if you need to find a good one) + a good pair of hiking shoes for kids. It may be short, but it’s supppper pretty. This is a great Sunday afternoon picnic spot + the boys would stay all night throwing rocks into the lake if we let them.
I hope one of these hikes helps you unplug + get outside together as a family. The more you do it, the less they complain. AND depending on how tired they are before we even start. But my advice is to KEEP GOING. Keep finding ways to get outside. Let the kiddos in on your brainstorming session or let them lead the songs on the trail. Believe it or not I haven’t always been outdoorsy. But the more I see their little minds light up at the most simple things the more determined I am to disconnect + plug into these special boys that mean the most to me! Happy Fall, YALL!
The confession of a blogger: WE GET A LOT OF FREE STUFF!
A lot of times I feel guilty about it, too. I am grateful. I try my best to share the love by sharing with friends + family + gifting as happy mail.
I truly feel blessed to have the opportunity to work + receive products from so many rad brands, guys there are soooooooo many R A D brands out there. I see from a business perspective the benefit of getting my hats into hands of women who bring similar value to the fashion table. It’s all in the name of what we do. But I’ve found it a little ironic lately because the more stuff I get, the less + less I have the desire to shop + buy. I loveee to shop, so I can’t believe I’m saying this out loud. Let’s just leave it at “things” don’t buy you happiness. It might make you feel better for a minute, but that void is still there.
I often have to talk myself off the ledge by saying that “everyone gets the same emails as me + sees the same sales + already knows about these products.” Pretty much I assume we all have the same brain, right? WRONG GP! Try again. I’m trying to get back on track with why I started blogging in the first place + continue to share the things I love. Thanks for sticking around! π
I’ve been told so many times how helpful it is when I share insight on beauty tips, fashion finds, sales, etc. + I’ve learned that even though it seems repetitive to me it DOES kinda feel like I’m able to link arms with you + walk you into the mall + show you what I’d suggest or buy. π So here it is, a list of new fall faves that get 5 STARS from me.
Happy weekend! Please remember if shopping for clothes isn’t in the cards for you – DON’T feel pressured to buy . . . save your moneys + your energy for the things that bring you + your family joy!
Okkkk guys, I’ve been super stoked on the 3 barrel trend going on rn + couldn’t wait to try it on my own hair. I ordered this one on Amazon + got it in 2 days. Today was the first day I tried it . . .
i looked like a poodle ALLLLLLL day. It’s fine! Ain’t nobody got time to rewash it + do their hair twice in one day. So poodle hair it was! But I thought I’d share a few tips on how to avoid looking like a poodle. I did my research + feel confident in trying round 2. I’ll keep y’all updated.
You can watch my IGTV here with all my tips on what not to do when 3 barreling your hair + how to use all my favorite hair products for styling + adding texture. Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any questions on my IG post – – – i’ll be trying to answer all questions there.
Jack + Rigg’s birthday are back to back + sometimes I feel overwhelmed when it comes to shopping for gifts. TRUTH : we procrastinated Rigg’s party exactly 1 hour too late. His box of goodies we picked out together arrived on our doorstep almost exactly on the dot when the guests started arriving at his party. The boys slept at Jeff’s house the night before + this was his first birthday ever where we didn’t make him junkfood breakfast. I didn’t see him until 6 pm. Thought it would be fun to share a few of the things we found for them as a gift guide round up of sorts: great timeless toys that would make for some pretty happy campers come Christmas morning. π but who’s counting?!
1 : books! we love to gift books + read books are our house. A couple of our favorites rn are WEE HEE HEE (a witty esthetically darling joke book) + I NEED A NEW BUTT(probs shouldn’t be encouraged, but we were laughing our heads off)
2 :micro scootersare a parrish fam fave for years now! the best scooters, hands down. great quality + we love the colors.
3 : the boys love to build with these magnet toys(+ so do I). While I was gift shopping I found them in these pastel colors. S W O O N I N G !
4 : Jack always has at least 3 cuddle and kind stuffed animal with him at all times. These ‘stuffies’ are the best for decorating, playing or picnics.
5 : we try not to bring electronics while out + about on our day to day but the boys love to play videos games, so they think it’s extra special when they get to bring their switch on a road trip or plane ride. not gonna lie we love a good family mario kart battle or super team super smashhhh.
6 : we don’t own a wobbel board rn (condo probs) but don’t they look rad?! If you have one, you’ll have to let me know how you like it!
7 : rigg’s F A V O R I T E watch going on 2 years strong. we’ve had to replace the battery once, but it is fully waterproof + never leaves his wrist. They have fun designs + it tracks their steps, counts their chore points + allows you to set alarms + earn time on the app when he reaches goals that we set together! It’s on sale for 50% off right now + would make a great christmas gift (supppper early, I know).
8 : this house is dude perfect + nerf obsessed. Put them together into one dude perfect nerf bow + arrow+ we’ve got a winner, winner chicken dinner. we played this at our friend’s home a couple weeks ago + it was hilarious watching them trust enough to try to hit the target out of eachother’s hands.
9 : jack is starting to lovepuzzles + this is the perfect one for beginners – it’s teaching him his letters + colors.
10 :loog guitars, can’t say enough good things about this rigg birthday purchase. he adores the flash cards + is determined to learn a Beatles song before christmas. they have markers for the kids to learn songs + I love the look of the design hanging on the wall if i’m being totally honest.
11 : we loooove playing games as a family. info about spot it + uno flip if you’ve played.
my hat shop is doing a labor day sale on lots of styles that never go on sale. It’s the perfect time to snag top sellers for less. Be sure to use code: GPARRISH for free shipping.
this is our favorite place to buy the boys jammies + mine. Sometimes I even grab the biggest size in the boys department if there’s a style I’m digging! I love the fit + quality of all their jams, even pass the hand-me-down test.
BACKCOUNTRY : lots of items on sale + 20% off one full priced item
the only place we shop for our outdoor gear. hands down our favorite + we love that they have a local warehouse in Utah that we can get items quickkkk when we need em. Their customer service is the B E S T + they always have the best deals on brands that rarely go on sale.
shop womens, kids + home! you cannnnnot go wrong with anything you buy from roolee. I love shopping for dresses. You can shop all my current favorites here.
usually the extra percentage off at anthropologie taps out at 40 — so this sale is HUGE! Their sale styles go quick so be sure to snag your favorites while they’re still in stock!
one of my top places to shop + this sale doesn’t happen to often or the pickens are slim, but I was able to find a few things that I love this time around.
have i talked you into customizing gifts for you kids yet? mine love it! I love watching their eyes light up as they see something I made special just for them!