Author

Shalice Noel

GIFT GUIDE

2024 Thoughtful gift guides

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel

It’s better to give than to receive, and nothing captures the joy of the season like finding the perfect gift for the special women and girls in your life. Whether you’re shopping for your daughter, sister, best friend, or mom, a thoughtful present can speak volumes about your love and appreciation. I asked Kate what a teen wants for Christmas and she let me know below. From stylish accessories and cozy loungewear to skincare sets and meaningful jewelry, a carefully curated gift guide for girls and women can take the guesswork out of gift-giving. Look for items that match their personalities—maybe a chic scarf for the fashionista or a self-care bundle of cbd and shampoo for the one who deserves some pampering. The thought you put into their joy makes the gesture truly unforgettable. See last year’s women’s and men’s gift guide.

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1 Buy 2 get 1 free – Black Friday!

2 A classic scarf from Burberry

3 My favorite espresso machine

4 I’m sleeping so much better with CBD gummies, use code shalice20

5 Loving this mug

6 Varley cable knit is so chic and warm

7 Gucci slides

8 Love these pans so much as they don’t have PFA’s and still attractive in my kitchen

9 Love this clean shampoo/conditioner

Kate’s gift guide

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1 Adidas in the coolest colorway

2 Summer Fridays lip collection

3 Skylar clean fragrance is where it’s at

4 Kate loves these warm UGG boots!

5 Wildflower cases went viral and Kate’s a huge fan.

6 Sol de Janeiro body oasis makes a great gift!

7 Another Wildflower case

8 Dandy oversized hoodie. I also like this oversized heather grey hoodie

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1 Canada Goose warm layer. Reid wears this daily!

2 Ray Bans – love this classic look. They never go out of style!

3 Gorin Hat Reid loves this hat brand

4 Wallet – Reid’s been needing a new one

5 UGG slippers are a Christmas must!

6 Briefcase – Every working dad needs a cool briefcase.

7 Wireless charger Reid always needs to charge his phone and I found a wireless charger that is still attractive on the bedside table.

8 Bose speaker Reid loves using this in the gym and around the pool. It has great quality sound.

Collagen

Sharing a Little Shopping Joy Today

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel

Good morning! Taking a quick break from sharing updates on Reid’s cancer journey and chemotherapy to talk about a sale I’m shopping today. Because, honestly, who doesn’t love a good deal? And let’s be real—no one likes paying full price or shipping!

The once-a-year sale on my favorite collagen is live! I’ve been shopping this sale since 2020, so I always make sure to stock up. Plus, free shipping on orders over $50 makes it even better. My son is allergic to most detergents, but this one is safe for him, and I love drinking this delicious collagen (called LIFE) as part of my daily 40+ regimen. Hello, no Botox needed!

MODERE BLACK FRIDAY IS LIVE

I’m super excited about this deal and stocking up: buy 2 Liquid BioCell bottles, get the 3rd free! I’ve been using this for a while now, and my favorite blend is the LIFE—it’s become a staple in my wellness routine.

Pro tip: Don’t forget to manually add all 3 bottles to your cart! (The free one won’t pop in automatically, so make sure it’s in there to get the deal). And with free shipping on orders over $50, it’s the perfect time to load up without worrying about extra costs.

If you’ve been curious about trying Liquid BioCell, now’s the perfect opportunity! Let’s stock up together!

When you look good, you feel good xx

Shalice

Family

Packing for Chemo: What’s in Our Bag for This Journey

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel

As the country awaits the transition to a new president, our family begins day one of four months of chemotherapy. I repeat, day 1!

I’ve packed a bag for this long first day of treatment (see my list below) and would love to hear what helped you get through if you’ve experienced this journey too. A friend is kindly watching our kids while we’re away today. Although we love City of Hope and it is a welcoming place, with a warm supportive staff, there’s a sense of fear and uncertainty as we start this new chapter. The unknown is daunting, but we’re ready to learn together. Reid is starting on “Oxaliplatin” chemo, and while there are many types and doses, we’ll take each step one at a time.

For those asking, Reid’s port installation went smoothly. He’s feeling a bit stiff and says he feels like a robot, turning his head carefully, but it’s a relief to know this port allows for aggressive chemo to help shrink the tumor.

Here’s what’s in my bag for today:

  • Grounding pad – A cancer diagnosis affects the mind in so many ways, and this mat has helped me sleep and feel more centered at night. Ours was a gift from John and Katie Gresko- thank you!
  • Cozy blanket, hat, and gloves
  • Protein powder
  • Essential oils – I love peppermint oil for headaches and de-stressing.
  • Oliveda lip oil – This has been great for the dry hospital air.
  • Chargers for phones and iPads and my red-light “LumeBox”
  • Healthy snacks – Kale chips, Ezekiel bread with grass-fed butter, pistachios, low-sugar gummies, mushroom hot chocolate, and plenty of teas like dandelion and green tea.

If you’ve gone through this, I’d love to hear your tips or items you found helpful. Thank you to everyone who has reached out and prayed for Reid and our family.

Chat soon,

Shalice

Home

The Ultimate Patio Set for Large Families – Stylish, Sturdy, and Stain-Free!

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel

Shop the set

Our new patio set is a perfect addition for our family of seven to enjoy outdoor moments together. With ample seating for everyone, it’s ideal for family gatherings, weekend brunches, or evening relaxation under the stars. The Sunbrella fabric makes it resilient against the sun’s intense rays, and its stain-resistant quality keeps it looking fresh, even with spills or little messes. Plus, the rust-resistant frame adds durability, ensuring it stands up beautifully to weather over time. It’s become the cozy centerpiece of our outdoor space, ready for every memory we create together. To be honest, our family time feels a little different right now. We are cherishing the little things like sitting outside together after a long day. Chemo for Reid starts this week! All prayers appreciated! xx Shalice

Family

A new chapter: chemo

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel

I’m learning a whole new language—a language that includes terms like ice gloves, caps, nausea meds, vitamin C infusions, and three days of fatigue.

Reid is beginning a new chapter: Folfox, chemo.

As I was telling my son, who was wondering why God placed him in a class of all girls, I admitted I didn’t know. But I reminded him of Jonah, who tried to hide when God called him to Nineveh. “Did Jonah do what he was called to do?” I asked. “Sometimes, God asks us to do hard things.” Though we’re praying for a friend to join him in his class, I realized this is also a lesson for my own heart: indeed, God sometimes calls us to difficult paths.

I never thought cancer would be part of our story; it was always something I read about in others’ lives.

In the exam room, time seemed to stretch on as the oncologist gave us an overwhelming stream of information. My head started to ache. Later, an older nurse came in with more information about what the treatment would feel like. I immediately liked her. There’s something about older nurses—she was like a sweet grandma in a sterile place. But one scary thought kept surfacing: will Reid’s have another abscess? Also – can Reid’s body handle the intensity and rigor of chemo?

Not forgetting that this is a fashion blog, I distracted myself from the chemo talk by deciding that I need an LV neverfull for my birthday to hold all of Reid’s paperwork. Do you have one and love it? Let me know. My current bag – Midi Demellier was overflowing with hospital folders and water bottles…I digress . . . .

If anyone has tips on supporting a chemo patient with natural supplements, I’d love to hear them! I’m currently researching so Reid can have the best chemo experience possible.

Back to the schedule . . .

On Tuesday, they’ll install the port in his chest, and Wednesday, the first dose begins. It will mean six hours at the hospital and 46 hours total, as he’ll go home with a pump. How will he—or I—sleep without worrying about this pump?

But somehow, I tell myself, we’ll be okay. We’ll take each moment as it comes.

My friend Tracy set up a meal train for our family next week with the new demands of chemo. Thank you to those who have signed up to bless our family. I won’t lie, this diagnosis has been hard to juggle with a big family.

But we have a big community. God knew what we needed.

Until next time.

Shalice

Family

Next steps for Reid’s cancer journey

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel

I wanted to keep this brief but share an update following our appointment with the surgeon and radiologist at City of Hope yesterday. We discussed Reid’s diagnosis and treatment plan in detail.

We were grateful that the doctors took the time to answer all our questions and didn’t rush us. They reviewed Reid’s CT scans from his hospital stay in September, showing his 7 cm tumor. I asked why this hadn’t been identified earlier, and while the surgeon acknowledged this was an oversight, we need to focus on moving forward. When he saw me struggling with the news, he told me, “We’re here to cure.” I feel confident that Reid is in good hands.

There was a lot to take in. The radiologist explained the next 8 months—laying out the plan through a thin mask and slight accent, with my mind racing to absorb it all as I jotted questions on scrap paper. Reid will undergo 4 months of chemotherapy, followed by 2 months of radiation, 2 months off, and then surgery. We are hopeful the tumor may even shrink before treatment begins. Prayer warriors, please pray for this—to see the tumor shrink now on its own.

Many have asked what stage is the cancer, the surgeon thought it was stage 3, without seeing the recent CT and MRI scans.

This journey isn’t easy, and I’m learning to accept that. There were moments I felt overwhelmed, yet I found myself planning next steps: new, nourishing recipes for Reid, positive affirmations, and self-care ideas. We’re ready to tackle this together. A friend from school sent me this verse the morning of our appointment, and it’s brought me comfort: “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.” (Nahum 1:7)

Thank you for all your love and prayers—your support means everything to us.

xx

Shalice

Family

Reid’s initial diagnosis

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel

Many of you have asked how we found out about Reid’s diagnosis and what his symptoms were, especially since he’s young, fit, and we maintain a healthy diet. Honestly, it was a shock to us, too.

Before I share our journey, I want to remind everyone to never hesitate to schedule a colonoscopy. You never know what they’ll find, so don’t put it off!

Reid had been dealing with digestion issues for about three years. We often brushed it off, calling it the “Thoma stomach,” something his grandpa suffered with and I gave him extra enzymes to help. He’d occasionally complain about a stomach ache, but we didn’t think much more of it.

This past summer, we decided to join the annual family reunion in Texas to escape the Southern California heat. Maybe wishful thinking. We packed up the car with all our favorite snacks—because let’s be real, snacks are half the fun of a road trip! We had chomps, SmartSweets, sour gummies, licorice, and chips. It was definitely a fun car ride.

We made it to Flagstaff and spent the night at a less-than-5-star hotel, trying to make the most of it. But that night, Reid was in a lot of abdominal pain, worse than usual. He spent most of the night soaking in the hotel’s bathtub—the only thing that seemed to ease the pain in his back and abdomen. That’s when the questions started: Why has this pain been ongoing? Why is it getting worse?

At that point, morale hit rock bottom. The kids’ excitement deflated like a party balloon when we told them we had to turn around. It wasn’t easy giving them that news, especially after driving eight hours. The next morning, I drove us the eight hours back home.

Once back, we started researching and asking around for the best urgent care or ER options. Eventually, we ended up at an urgent care, where they advised us to go straight to the ER at Loma Linda Hospital. We arrived around 1 p.m. and stayed until 4 a.m., when Reid was finally admitted for potential surgery. That was the beginning of a nightmare week.

The doctors were general practitioners, each day bringing a new, negative opinion about his health. It was frustrating because no one could figure out what was going on. Was it diverticulitis? Ulcerative colitis? Crohn’s disease? They kept asking if Reid had a history of Crohn’s, which he didn’t.

Eventually, they performed “exploratory endoscopy” surgery. After seven incisions, they removed his appendix and an unexpected abscess. Later, we found out from pathology that his appendix was clean and didn’t need to be removed. Reid felt much better post-surgery, but we had to wait for the next milestones: gas and a bowel movement. Without those, he couldn’t be discharged. It felt like an eternity, and I wasn’t sure how much longer I could keep up the daily hospital visits from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The kids kept telling me they missed me at home, but they also understood how important it was for me to be there with Reid, advocating for him and pushing the doctors with the hard questions.

Finally, after a long week, we were cleared to go home. I hadn’t felt that kind of relief since we bought our house—it had been a while. It was such a joy to have him back under our roof, where I could make him homemade bone broth instead of the junk food from the hospital.

That first night, all seven of us slept so well, knowing Reid was home. I hope that helps answer some of your questions regarding how could Reid, a healthy 40 something get a bad report from his colonoscopy.

Stay tuned for more updates.

Holding onto our maker.

Shalice

Family

Life Update

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel

Hi everyone,

This isn’t the blog post I had hoped to write, but I feel it’s important to share. When Reid was hospitalized, I started posting health updates on my Instagram channel. Unfortunately, the platform has been glitchy, and many of you have mentioned that you’re unable to join the channel or access the updates.

Though this is hard for me to write, I wanted to provide this update here, hoping it reaches those of you who’ve been concerned and following Reid’s journey.

On a bright Friday morning, Reid and I drove down to Mission Viejo for what we thought would be a routine colonoscopy. When we arrived, the nurse seemed a bit abrupt, telling us Reid wasn’t “cleaned out” enough for the procedure. Confused and frustrated, I asked for clarification. He had taken the Suprep and drank the water as instructed the night before. But apparently, he was supposed to drink more water. Note to self for next time—at least when I have to face the dreaded colonoscopy.

The nurse popped into the waiting room, advising me not to go far. I assured her I was just planning to grab some groceries two miles away while I waited. “Perfect!” she said. I walked out, headed for the parking garage, and drove to the grocery store. I picked up our usual staples that barely last two days in my house and returned to the parking lot. Sitting in the car, I took a deep breath.

Something in my gut told me the news I’d be getting in the next 20 minutes wouldn’t be good. I can’t explain how I knew—it was a sobering thought. But soon, I was distracted by the beauty around me: the boulevards lined with birds of paradise and the fresh morning air. A nice distraction from the heaviness that was settling in my heart.

I got the call from the surgery center that Reid was out and ready to go. I quickly made my way back. After a few minutes, they called my name. I found Reid in a corner office with our doctor. His usually cheerful face looked grave.

“I don’t have good news for you,” he said.

He explained there was a tumor growing in Reid’s colon, and we’d need a CT scan to see if it had spread. He even showed us pictures of the tumor, explaining that it had blocked the way, preventing them from completing the colonoscopy. Exactly the news I was dreading. Exactly what I didn’t want to hear.

A heavy swarm of emotions hit me—too hard to articulate. Grief hits differently. Even the simplest tasks, like getting directions to a new place this week, felt overwhelming and frustrating. I’ve found myself staring at walls, lost in thought. Grief hits differently.

When we got home, we shared the news with the kids, and we all cried together. I know this isn’t an ending, but the beginning of a long road ahead. Please understand if I take breaks between posting campaigns—bills still need to be paid, especially with hospital expenses. I had already signed two campaigns before we learned about Reid’s condition, so if you see me posting, it’s because I need to keep working. It’s not dissonant—it’s survival. Your support means everything right now. Like, comment, share—every bit helps. We’re in this together, right? And honestly, the distraction of work is welcome as we figure out our next steps.

We love you all. Please be patient with us as we figure this out.

Shalice

“But you oh Lord are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head”

Psalm 3:3

dress

The perfect Lace Dress for a wedding

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel

ELLIATT Lace dress in small // BIANCO kitten heels // DEMELLIER midi bag in white

This week has been a bit of a rollercoaster—our dog chewed up my mouth guard, and two of our kitchen cabinets broke, but at least I’ve got a dress to boost the morale! I wore this beautiful lacy Elliatt dress to Levi’s birthday dinner and got so many compliments. It’s not just gorgeous, but also perfect for wedding guest attire. Elliatt really knows how to create modern and sophisticated designs with such unique detailing. The lace gives it that romantic and timeless feel, making it an ideal choice for a wedding or any special occasion.”

BootsOver the Knee BootsTall Boots

7 Western boots I’m loving

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel

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Western boots are a versatile fall staple, and I’ve found seven stunning styles that are perfect for the season, from classic leather to eco-friendly vegan leather. These boots pair effortlessly with both skirts and jeans, making them a must-have for any wardrobe. From sleek pointed-toe designs to chunkier, more rugged styles, each of these western-inspired shapes offers its own unique flair. I’m loving the balance of traditional craftsmanship with modern twists like embroidery, and bold stitching. Whether you’re looking for a timeless leather pair or a more sustainable option, these boots are perfect for embracing fall’s chic layers. Which is your favorite?

1 Pilcro boots come in “honey” brown and the heel height is 1.5″

2 Staud black western boots. SOOO sleek.

3 Free People Love these pointy boots!

4 Schutz love these for their genuine leather and kitten heel of 2.25″

5 Steve Madden Great price point and only 1.75″ heel and 13″ shaft

6 Free People Vegan tall western boots, I like the color au lait!

7 Dolce Vita 2.25″ heel and leather upper make this a great choice to wear with skirts or over jeans.

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