I love finding basic pieces for the boys that are comfortable! They’re more likely to wear them if they can move around easy in them all summer + we love tanks for staying cool. When buying shorts I usually size down so they have a shorter fit – especially at cotton on.
. . . + the toy that has lasted us 7 years . . .
Are you thriving or just surviving during quarantine?! It’s been a little bit of both for us, but I’m truly LOVING all the extra quality time with the boys. Finding activities to fill their days helped all of us stay sane.
+ Create + stick to it
+ Get dressed up. Even if it’s changing out of your pjs into your cute, daytime loungewear. Matching sets always help me feel more put-together.
+ Quiet time for you + your kids will help a ton. When they’re napping or spending quiet time in their rooms, soak up the alone time for yourself even if it’s just 1 hour. Read, do some extra skincare, a home workout.. anything that’ll help you feel like yourself.
+ Get outside – – – although I don’t think this one takes any convincing. It’s sooo good for everyone’s health + sanity! More to come on our favorite outdoor toys . . . stay tuned!
+ Keep a list of activities going to try with your kids + change things up often so they stay excited. I’m not much of a craft mom, but I’ve been pinning all the quarantine craft ideas as inspo to get me motivated over on Pinterest – – – be sure to follow that board for ideas! They all look super fun + you probably have most of the supplies around the house already. The boys want to try this cardboard dinosaur next!
+ And of course, toys help. Here’s our faves that help create imagination + creative play + are ones that the boys come back to for years + years!
BLUE TRACK : (SIMILAR + CHEAPER) My #1 recommendation! The toy that’s been with us for 7 years + still going strong. To this day allllll T H R E E boys still love it + play with it for hours! It’s been fun to see so many of you buying it + loving it too!
AIR FORT : This is new to our house this year + has quickly gone done as a Parrish Fam Fave! I love it because it blows up soooo fast + stores away flat (2 bedroom condo probs). The boys bring their toys in their or just play imagination! They’ll be in it forevvvver!!
MAGNET TOYS : These toys have always been a great imaginative toy for the boys as they build + create! Guarantee if you start playing with them (even as adults) you won’t stop. They’re addicting!
BLOCKITECTURE : I snagged these for the boys for Christmas after a friend suggested them. They’re sooooo freaking cute + teach the boys balance while building! I love the art deco look!
SLAPZI GAME : one of our newest games we’ve found! The boys have been loving it + I do too. You can find a list of all of our favorite games here!
KITCHEN : Jack plays with his kitchen allllll the time. The big boys will even jump in to play alongside. We have the Magnolia Kitchen from Target, which is now sold out but they’re tons of great options out there.
LASER TAG : The Easter bunny brought this set + it’s been on repeat around our house. Fun for the whole family.
BOOKS + PUZZLES : we looooove to read books + do puzzles together! You can find our favorite book list here.
PLUFFLE OR PLAYDOUGH : We love the playdough kits from doughsie dough – they’re our favorite! And this pluffle is similar to slime but without the mess! It vacuums right up!!
One thing I’m grateful for this Quarantine : AMAZON! We’ve been able to purchase some essentials, things to keep everyone busy + entertained (aka games for the boys) + okay . . . I’ve bought a few treat-yo-self things for me as well.
SLAPZI GAME : we took this game on a few of our weekend motorcycle tripes + the boys have been loving it . . . i do too!
APPLE PEELER : My mom has this apple peeler + as soon as I used it I knew I had to have it. It cuts the apples in 16 thin slices instead of 8 big slices. The boys can eat them so much easier, especially when they’re younger! I actually prefer them this way too!
HAIR CLIPS : As my hair is getting longer, i’ve been putting it up more again! I love these clips for holding back the front of my hair or keeping those stubborn shorter hairs up in the back, while it’s in a top knot! You can snag this pack of 10 pieces for $8.
ORGANIZER : I’m using this in the bathroom to store all my hair clips, it even fits my brush!
iPHONE TRIPOD : I’ve needed on of these for about 5 years now + finalllly pulled the trigger. I chose this one because of it’s reviews! I’ll let you know how I end up liking it.
WORKOUT TANK : soooo happy to find a lulu dupe with the longer armpit. Such a flattering fit. I snagged an xs, because the small was sold out in the color I wanted + it still fits great! I got the Black | Beige | Pale Blush set.
WORKOUT BANDS : If I could only have one piece of gym equipment at home, it would be these bands! I was doing this Cara Loren workout the other day + was complaining about my rubber resistance bands to a friend. She suggested these. They’re seriously soooo soft + come in a pack of 3 sizes. I’ve been using the smallest + my boooty is on fire!
SCHOOL BUS : I threw away the rainbow sticker + left the bus more minimal, but you can totally add it in if that’s your jam! Jack plays with this every day. All calico critters are so darling.
UNISEX BABY | TODDLER + BIG KID PJs : these are the pj’s I bought the boys for Christmas + now they won’t live in anything else. They’re the softest jammies, just be sure to size up. They also love these short pj’s if you’re looking for something cooler for summer.
BORN TO BALL : The boys new favorite book. I love the illustrations + the boys have loved learning more about NBA players!
xx.
. . . The ultimate ode to boy mom life . . .
Yepp, we’re building a basketball court, half pipe + rock climbing room IN our house! We’ll also include a foam pit next to the half pipe that will have a rock climbing wall next to it! The boys love to climb at Jon’s office so this was something we knew we wanted to incorporate. Hoping this will create a space that kids will gather to play + feel accepted, what I’ve been dreaming about for years!
Building the sports room had it’s fair share of set backs. If you remember from the digging days, we tapped into a higher than planned water table. Our solution was to put in 2 permanent sump pumps, which will cut back on seating around the half pipe.
Don’t know how I’ll be able to get the boys to do their homework or get ready for bed when this room exists in the house . . . haha.
Last month Jon took Jonah + Rigg with him before work to Gold’s Gym because they have a basketball court + the weather was pretty snowy at our house. They got turned away because you have to be 12 to play. WHO KNEW. All the better reason to build one in our home, that will grow with our family for many, many years!
I’m now gathering all the design inspo for helmets racks, a basketball holder + a padded ball or foam pit to jump into. The room will have a more raw + industrial feel! Still deciding if we should keep the ceiling exposed or frame it in!
PS- If you know anyone good at building half pipes send them our way!
April’s #1 seller was definitely this $15 Beatles band tee + for goooood reason. The fit is amazing, quality is fire + it’s only $15 bucks. I bought mine last fall + it sold out quickkkk. I was so stoked to see it come back into stock again this Spring + can’t wait to twin with so many of you this summer!
Shop some of y’alls other favorites from April!
Thick, full brows are in + I am here for it. My eyebrows are pretty full naturally + I do have them microbladed – which helps me guide the shape when doing my brows. BUT – this glossier brow flick is even good for those who don’t have a ton of brows, because the texture goes on looking like real hair vs product.
Excited to share my brow secret for achieving fuller brows in about 43.2 seconds. (watch my tutorial here)
Ready for it? It’s Glossier’s Brow Flick. The BEST eyebrow product in my opinion + the one beauty product I current can’t live without – it thickens + shapes your brow hair, without making it feel flakey or sticky like some other products.
PRO TIP: Brush the product on your brows from back to front FIRST to thicken them, then front to back to shape + polish.
I apply Brow Flick daily + get microblading done once or twice a year. I talk all about microblading here but feel free to reach out with any questions!
xx.
I set an alarm on my phone to take a couple of pictures together each day of quarantine of whatever we are doing right then. Sort of like a stop drop + SNAP scenario because these moments together as a family are so fleeting + priceless right now!
S W E E T S : motorcycle van camp trip to st george | hiring the world’s best new gals for @gparrish | home school (you’ll also find this on sours) | time spent in logan with cousins | society finally jumping on the loungewear trend | jack learning how to brush his hair | daily journals with how they feel about COVID-19 | hiking adam’s canyon | coming to a happy compromise on the front porch | jonah literally taking the shirt off his back to share with rigg when he forgot his | pogo stick | supporting small businesses however i can | the cousins yelling “get out of the hot tub or you’re gonna catch conobirussss” | family pics for ky + chad | baby roczen| baby sylvie | riding the motorbikes more | being outside + sunshine
now, the sours. because I think they are important to document + just as fun to look back on.
S O U R S : earthquakes | missing grandma larsen | spring at the silos getting cancelled the same day we set up our booth | spring break trip totally cancelled | waiting on steel beams for the house before they can continue framing | fortnight (i really just kinda wish it would catch the virus, too) | missing the shipping return for nearly every single thing I didn’t like
I could spend days in Sephora. I am verrrrry passionate about anything hair + skin care. I try a loooot of skin care + wanted to share my reviews with you!
KIEHLS GLOW FORMULA SKIN HYDRATOR: add this before applying your make up because ALL make up looks better with a pump of this mixed into your moisturizer!!! It’s my holy grail for make up + skin care.
BOBBI BROWN FULL COVER CONCEALER : i wear the color WARM NATURAL. my under eyes need the most love. this one doesn’t crease during the day + goes on smoothly. Apply in dots under your eye, be sure to blend with this crease brush or beauty blender.
LAURA MERCIER SECRET UNDER EYE BRIGHTENING POWDER : instant eye brightener. apply after your under eye concealer has dried fully. It sets product into place + instantly lifts your eyes looking more awake. Apply with Bobbi Brown angled brush.
BOBBI BROWN ILLUMINATING SETTING POWDER : color NUDE. Natural highlighter/shimmer that brings our your natural glow, but doesn’t look shimmery, which i love. I apply after my BB Cream foundation has dried for a good 30 seconds. This setting powder blends + blurs concealer + foundation together seamlessly. The guy at the BB counter told me it’s the secret weapon for that “california beach glow” + I agree.
BOBBI BROWN ANGLED FACE BRUSH : use to apply setting powder + under eye brightening powder.
BOBBI BROWN SHIMMER BRICK HIGHLIGHTER : color: pink quartz. you’re welcome for the time you save with this. be sure it stays somewhere safe, it kiiinda shatters easily.
CAUDALIE BEAUTY ELIXIR : I set my make up with this every. single. day. Good for refreshing during the day + doesn’t build up. Feels clean + light. I’ll even spray this on make – up free days, on a clean face. Snag a travel size if you’re wanting to try it before you commit. If you’ve tried it, buy this duo pack because it’s on sale!!
Urban Decay ALL NIGHTER LONG LASTING MAKEUP SETTING SPRAY: your make up WILL NOT MOVE when you use this. Great for humidity + sweaty times. I love it for events + shoots. For every day, I choose caudalie. get the travel size to see how your make up sets with it.
CLINIQUE CHUBBY STICK : technically a cheek color, but i loooooove how it looks on lips | COLOR: 02 Robust Rhubarb
NARS VELVET MATTE LIPSTICK PENCIL : I love the color | Take Me Home + the mini duo kit color | Do Me Baby/ Bad Girl – matte chestnut rose – matte dusty rose (last color shown).
NARS SHARPENER : $6 fits both full size + mini pencils!
MARC JACOB ENAMORED HYDRATING LIP GLOSS STICK : I pretty much have every color. Learning fast that I like the muted natural colors best.
BRAZILIAN KISS BUTTER : The best lip butter that will leave your lips soft + dewy while pulling out your natural color.
NARS LIP BALM : perfect for the pool + minimal make up/ effortless summer days! color | orgasm
SEPHORA LIP LINER : no sharpener needed. perfect natural colors that enhance your natural lip. The color (15) rosewood – matte mauve brown compliments my natural lip color. sold all my sisters on these pencils.
FRESH LIP BALM : Has SPF so I love traveling with it (just keep it someplace cool so it doesn’t melt) fave shades | berry, tulip, spice
SEPHORA LIP BALM : goes on like chapstick, isn’t too matte but packs a lot of color in it’s punch.
SEPHORA POWER PLUMP LIP BALM : A plumping lip treatment that pulls out your natural lip color!
DR BRANDT EXFOLIATOR : A MUST HAVE to even out your skin tone. Feels a bit rough when you first use it, but It is not abrasive at alllll. Brightens + smooths out any uneven texture. Apply to clean face with a bit of warm water. Massage for a couple of minutes, then rinse with warm water. I always finish with a douse of cold water to close my pores. This is a great one for all over body.
DR BRANDT NO MORE BAGGAGE: decreases dark circles like nobody’s business. be sure to warm it up on your fingers before gently dabbing under eye. USE RING FINGER! I apply two layers when i have a shoot (let it dry between).
OLEHENRIKSENTRUTH ON THE GLOW CLEANSING CLOTHS: They gently exfoliate + leave my skin feeling cleaner + brighter. These make up wipes are sort of like the first time you use an electric toothbrush experience. When you first feel your teeth post brushing, you wonder how your teeth have NEVER BEEN MORE CLEAN?! These wipes are my OG.
KIEHL’s LINE REDUCING CONCENTRATE : i use to combat/prevent fine lines + wrinkles. minimizes pores. i use at night before moisturizing.
MURAD RENEWING EYE CREAM : murad user for life right here. this cream brightens sooo much! makes my under eye concealer look amazing!
DAE SHAMPOO : a new shampoo I’ve been trying + love. It leaves your hair so soft, but not weighed down + the smell. s’dang good!
BUMBLE AND BUMBLE THICKENING DRYSPUN VOLUME TEXTURE SPRAY : perfect for mastering the MOM CHOP. You can try the mini size if you’re not ready to commit.
BUMBLE + BUMBLE PRET-A-POWDER : Half dry shampoo, half texture powder. Instantly lifts + makes your hair full where you want it to.
PLAYA SOFT VOLUME POWDER : amazing texture powder, that adds volume. shared how i use it in this post a couple of days ago!
OLAPLEX : No 3 an at home treatment that helps reduce breakage + build up strength in your hair. I use No 4 + No 5 as my shampoo + conditioner.
DONNA KAREN CASHMERE MIST DEODORANT : if you don’t believe me, read the 785 positive reviews. Been using this for years!
JO MALONE : fresh + put together. favorite scent is nectarine + honey or orange blossom!
FLOWER BOMB : One of my allll time favorite perfumes!
BRAZILIAN BUM BUM CREAM : I like the yellow kind so much i bought the smaller one to keep in my purse all the time. it firms + tightens skin + smells like vacation (which we could all use right about now). I’m hooked on the chapstick as well.
DR. BRANDT SKINCARE : Microdermabrasion Body – love this for face, excited to try it for body!
DR BRANDT EXFOLIATOR : exfoliate your body about 24 hours before you self or spray tan!
TAN LUXE : my OG tanning drops!
ISLE OF PARADISE TAN DROPS : gave these a solid try + i did like it, but I still like my tan-luxe drops more! A LOT of people love this one, so it may be the right one for your skin.
ST TROPEZ : This is my go to self tanner if I’m not using my spray gun! It’s easy to apply with a mit + they even have a 1 hour express if you’re in a hurry!
MITT : you need this to apply self tanner
MORNING AFTER SHOWER CAP : using a shower cap will help protect your hair. most tanners will wash out, but save to have in case! Also good for body showers to keep your hair from getting wet.
My favorite brushes + the FACIAL RAZOR I use. Perfect for getting peach fuzz + dry skin off your skin so your make up goes on smoother.
GIMME BROW : perfect for holding your brows in place allll day long + adding volume to your brows.
IT CC + CREAM WITH SPF 50 : ccccheck out that SPF!
TOO FACED BETTER THAN SEX MASCARA : seen this recommended by a lot of beauty guru’s i trust!
DYSON STRAIGHTENER : cordless!! can you believe it + everything dyson makes is money so i know this straightener mussst be good!
SUMMER FRIDAYS JET LAG CREAM : I’ve heard awesome reviews about this hydrating cream!
DRUNK ELEPHENT POLYPEPTIDE MOISTURIZER : hailey bieber uses this, just sayin.
Come share something you love! I’d love to try it out!
xx.
If there’s ever been a time to not wash your – – – we’re here! Looooking for every silver lining I can find right now + this is definitely one of them.
ps | a great time to start training your hair to go further between washings
Hoping to tackle a few FAQ about dry shampoo here. Let me know in the comments or on Instagram if you have any other questions. I’m happy to help!
Powder Dry Shampoo is better than spray shampoo if you’re using it as a finishing product. It will help add more texture + volume to your hair, while still keeping it clean. It is also cleaner to use because you’re not spraying an aerosol into the air.
If you’re just looking to remove a greasy look, I would recommend a spray Dry Shampoo.
ALWAYS use dry shampoo BEFORE going to the gym + sweating. This will help your hair stay cleaner during your workout + be ready to go right after.
Applying dry shampoo to CLEAN hair will help your hair stay cleaner longer. You can also apply as needed when dirty but I recommend always applying it while your hair still feels clean.
I have suuuuper thick hair + typically only wash twice a week. If I wash it at night, it’s still wet when I wake up in the morning, so I try to wash it a little earlier in the evening. I try to use as little heat as possible, so I don’t blow dry unless I HAVE to. This is where dry shampoo comes in handy to cover up any greasy hair throughout the week. 🙌🏼 One powder dry shampoo product I haven’t trie yet, but have been wanting to – is Billie (if you’ve tried it lmk what you think).
You guys, this stuff smells amazing! Use it in clean, styled hair to take your volume + texture to the next level. To use, section your hair off + sprinkle on each section, using your fingers to run through it. I usually try to avoid the very top section right along the part. I also use this as a dry shampoo to freshen up my hair throughout the week + combat flat, oily hair.
Another favorite! I’m estimating this stuff will last you 10 years… literally, I have the same bottle I got 5 years ago and it’s still great. Bb powder is equal parts dry shampoo, style extender + adds volume. WIN! WIN! WIN!
This is my OG. A cheaper option + it works great! Use it on clean hair, dirty hair, before the gym, whenever. I prefer the texture it gives me!
I imagine this is what Heaven smells like. Fresh + clean + not toooo much. I adore this new line from Amber. I trust her with all things hair. I have been using this shampoo interchangeably with UNITE and my hair is in much better shape with the dry UT winter. Use code : GINGER10 for 10% off.
xx
Jack ran into our room “GOOD MORNING MOM & DAD! Did the Easter Bunny visit?” Our scavenger hunt started in our jammies with a scavenger hunt from the Easter bunny – – – the big gold eggs were so fun. This was the final clue – if you saw our stories it stumped the boys pretty dang good.
HAT | JACKET | PAJAMAS | SOCKS | SLIPPERS | CAMERA | JACK’S CAM
Notice we still don’t have many walls, it was freezing + a little rainy, but my gosh, Easter has never felt more simple, or more US. I think there’s a lot of good coming from quarantine life. I live for simple moments with my boys.
This season has been unexpected but feels meant to be. We still pray each night for the doctors + people fighting COVID-19. We are grateful for our health. Having Church each week in our own little kitchen has been more sacred than anything else. Feels good to work together as a family to decipher + decide what really matters + what is worth leaving at the door. Guarding the important things.
We are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints! Such a memorable weekend. I loved linking arms with many of you while fasting together on Friday. The boys even joined. They did their best to sacrifice food + screens too. I love their simple prayers. Their hope-filled pleas to Heaven for safety + strength. We have so much to learn from children, don’t you think? #cryemoji
I believe in eternal families + that we have A Heavenly Father who wants us to be happy. His loving son, Jesus Christ, who died so that we can overcome all of the heartache we feel. I am grateful for the testimony I have, for the peace it brings me. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a Mother + a Wife, sister, daughter + friend. I can’t think of a more hope-filled promise than being with my loved ones forever.
May The Lord bless you + your hearts during this time. Sending peace, love + comfort.
xx.
GP
We’ve been debating whether or not we want our boys to share a bedroom since the day we moved from SLC into our town home. They have ALWAYS shared a room.
Jonah is 8 + getting to the point where he wants his own space to keep his things. Especially his own underwear + socks. At this point he’s got his own room. My gut is telling me they’ll all end up in the same room come bed time either way though.
The younger boys we still haven’t decided? I’d love to hear your experience with kids sharing a room vs not?
We did build a room for Rigg + Jack so that now or in the future they would have the option of having their own. If we decide to have them share now, we’ll turn the other room into an office. We put a play space “fort” above the jack + jill bathroom to their rooms. It will have a ladder + give them space to be together in creativity.
The vision for the boys room will align with our modern aesthetic + will include touches of their personalities throughout. Our designer Elizabeth Hales sent over a questionnaire for each of the boys (how fun is that?!) as part of the digital design. She’s taken the time to learn their interests + capitalizing on their quirky persoality traits in this design. Their spaces have been very intentionally thought through.
Visiting #theparrishplace has been our escape during quarantine. We are currently stopped with Steel beams. Once the beams get here we can finish framing. Nate said we’d be about 3 months out once framing is complete. Praise be. Come follow along on IG to see alll the updates. I’d love for you to join the convo on room sharing, if you have any insights of your own!
aka a few things we’re digging.
A piece of our blender was lost when we moved, but we recently found out the blender was under warranty. I didn’t know how much I missed smoothies + I love that they’re helping me up my nutrition. Trying to add as many fruits + veggies into our diet rn to stay healthy. Smoothies are also one of my favorite ways to refuel post workout.
I recently tried adding cauliflower (contains tons of nutrients, fiber + antioxidants) to my smoothies + guess what? I looooved it – – – I was SHOCKED the cauliflower didn’t make it disgusting. The boys didn’t even notice either. BOOMSHAKALAKA!
Speaking of, I’ve been using the Noom app to learn all about nutrition + it’s helped me change my mental mindset around food. I’ve been learning about caloric dense foods + realizing reallllll quick that there are a LOT of better choices I could be making. Here are a few things I’ve learned thanks to Noom:
How are you practicing wellness lately?!
xx
See it before everyone else!
