Santa Cruz, Not Beach Day: Battling Busyness

Hi Everyone! I know what you're thinking: ANOTHER beach trip?! The Answer is a loud and resounding and unapologetic, YES YES YES. Living in Napa, Santa Cruz is way more accessible than it used to be (and it still didn't stop us).  

The fact is, during the week, as a teacher there is no real down time. This sounds like maybe I'm not making an effort, but I can't leave work at work. I think and talk and live about my students. When I get home, I think and talk about school. So, weekend day-trips really do make all the difference for us. It allows us to get away and be a couple and talk about music, and Jesus, and life, and laugh and not wear work clothes or sweats. We get to catch up. If we're not very intentional about this kinda stuff, it's easy to slip away from each other and not even know it. Busyness gets the better of the both of us, and it really gets the better of me. This is how we battle it.

We did, however, venture out of our comfort zone! We went to this little cafe that I don't remember being at the end of Pac-Ave last time we were there. It's Called LuLu Carpenter. Nate isn't a coffee shop person (I know, very sad), so I knew I was taking a risk. It was so worth it. I had one of the best mochas I think I have ever had. The in-house whip cream is the perfect amount of sweetness (which for me isn't very sweet). And Nathan liked it too! It was so wonderful. 

Nate and I are also Boba or Bubble Tea fans. Some people don't like the texture, but I say, if Boba is wrong, then I don't want to be right! Also, How cute is this little cat, and the picture in the back! The shop is so bright and colorful! I just love it!

Northern California people! Do you have a place you love? I want to know! Do you have a coffee shop that you can't live without? Where's "your place"? Where do you go to get away for the day? I would love to hear about your favorite date places :)

See you soon!

The rest is painted with a little science fiction

Hi Everyone!! It's been a few days since I've posted anything, and since I know you've be desperately waiting at your computers for an update, I will now indulge you. wow. Anyways, sometimes you just need a break right? After recording, and trying to keep up with my blog during that whole crazy process, I just needed  a week to get my brain around school, and starting my internship. You know, pay attention to things that I've invested thousands of dollars in, and gone into major debt over.

ANYWAYS! On to funner matters! This is what I've decided to wear today! I'd seen Coury over at Fancy Treehouse wearing red over the knee socks, and was instantly inspired. That actually happens often at her blog (I've kind of adopted a WWCW what would coury wear mindset). But since I hate what my legs looks like in over the knee socks, I decided to go for the full-on red tights. Red tights are bold, and i know that, but I actually can't get enough of them! I'm no scouring my closet for what else I can wear with them. I tried them with over the knee boots... a little bit too "Mrs Incredible" for me...

 There was once a day when I was a full-time musician, and I wore this little dress on TV! I've had it for 6 years now. It is offically the oldest item in my closet, and I cannot sell it. It's also my most faovritist dress ever. I got it from FINA, a fancy schmancy boutique in Stockton. Thats where you go if you're gonna be on TV. It was the only way I could Justify buying something from a Boutique.

 I tried to ombre my hair over the weekend... and I didn't think you could even tell... until I look at this picture right in this moment.

 Thought you might want an update on the doggies! Chico (front doggy for new readers) just got fixed...he's totally fine. I was afraid it might change his funny personality, which would break my heart into a majillion peices... but turns out, he was good as new!

That's about it for me today! Dont forget the Valentine's day sale going on over at my Companion Shop at Etsy. Just click on the collage and it'll take you over!  See you soon!!

Recording Survival Guide

Hello everyone! So as you may or may not have read, the University Choir and Orchestra is recording their full-length CD this week. It's a long and tedious process, and to be honest, I was dreading it. Last year I spent every single day that week on campus from 7:45 AM to 11PM sometimes later, with no car, and no way to get off campus.  Let me tell you this: 16 hours of being on campus, being awake from 5:30 AM until Midnight for 5 days in a row, is probably the worst thing in the world. But that was last year.

This year it could not be different! My spring schedule is really laid back as far as class schedule, so I have time to unwind be quiet before being with 90 people...90 musicians at that! THEN once I get to recording, I'm all ready to go, and I'm with super talented people I truly love and respect, who are all focused on one goal, and that goal is to produce a really great CD. Choir, while I do sometimes complain about it, has been the underlying joy of my college experience at William Jessup Univeristy, besides the awesome provision and love of the Lord of course!

Anyways, so how does once survive such... how do I say...fun laborious intensity? Comfy clothes, Comfy shoes, Minimal make-up, Coffee, and Snacks.

Monday Night:

 I can't not wear my danskos! They are literally made for walking! Also standing for long periods of time. May you be singing or waiting for something!

the sustenance. I didn't purposely match my coffee mug to my sweater...but I dont mind that it does.

This is what I decided to wear today. Don't be fooled. I'm not actually looking at these books. This is the closest thing anyone will ever see of me wearing sweats or work out wear in public. I know I look slightly ridiculous, but I didn't feel like bringing another bag to school to change!

Minimal make-up calls for the glasses yet again.

Sadly, I've had these for months, and today is the first time I have ever worn them.

AND last but not least, the number one way to survive the craziness that is recording is: singing with people you absolutely adore. Rachel Jackson: please don't kill me. You are a babe in all circumstances.

Thanks about it for me today everyone. Not your typical post, but sometimes those are fun. I hope your week is going well, and that you are getting more rest than I am! Also, before I forget, I'm beginning my venture into sponsorship, so if you are a new shop or blog, and you're interested in Partnering with Parrish The Thought, then just find your way over to the Partner with PTT page at the top of this blog, and shoot me an email!!  See you soon.

Ice Cream For Breakfast

Hello Everyone!! I hope you're having a great week thus far. It's been pretty uneventful for us thus far. To be honest, thats exactly how I like it. However, I did magage to create a to-do list for my senior recital, and it did kind of spark a mini anxiety explosion, there's so much to do! I Just resolved to worrying about it when the time actually comes. No use in excessive worry! Also, to comfort myself in these last few days of winter break I had a nice huge bowl of ice cream for breakfast. Don't judge! Have you ever had the chocolate fudge and peanut butter ice cream from Target? It tastes exactly like the kind from B&R, which is my very favorite kind! Trust me, in tough times, you would do the same! Wow. I'm hilarious.

Anyways! this is what I decided to wear today! This little dress was screaming my name in the dressing room while I was trying it on. It's so cute! It's actually a racer back tank style, which really makes it sweater friendly. I hate when the 3/4 length sleeves of my dresses get all mushed up in the sleeves of my sweater. Nothing to be concered about with this little beauty. The only thing I'm kicking myself over now is, I now have to find something else to wear for Valentine's day! Wow.... bad planning. Guess I'm just gonna have to find something else :)

 This outfit is a 90's extravaganza with this cardigan and dress combo. I don't mind! I happen to love 90's extravaganzas! Any excuse to use the word extravaganza is also not so bad!

 Ummmm how fun are these crazy little booties! I found these at Buffalo on Haight during my San Francisco trip! There's no way I could wear these bad boys to work today, so I actually do have to change my shoes later today. They also kind of make me feel like I have horse hooves (hoofs?) when I walk.

Okay, and before I go, I have to share these pictures of our dear friend's little girl, June.  Her dad is always telling me to feature her on this blog, and I honestly don't know why she hasn't shown up on here. I mean... she's a million times more cute than me. She was bringing the metal after youth group on Sunday night. Her dad is the guy with glasses...on the left. Jordan and the guy on the far right, Sean, are also in Kingdom.

 Okay. Seriously?! Nathan said he just picked up the book and she just sat right down on his foot! Have you ever seen anything more cute in your whole freaking life? I definitely haven't. This was a very heart-melting moment for me. June and Nathan are best friends. Look at her little hand! ugh! so cute!

Well now that your hearts are all in puddles on the floor, thats about it for me today. I really need to get working on those things on my to-do list. Keep your eyes on the store, there are things added all the time! I hope you all have a great rest of your day! I'll see you soon!