Author

Shalice Noel

We bought a car!

My teenage dream was to have a suburban and six kids. I’m not sure why I decided this was my family goal, but my vision was set. Ever since we discovered we were pregnant with number 5, we found our beloved 7 passenger SUV to be lacking some much-needed cargo space. After researching, friendly conversation and a little negotiation, Reid and I agreed on a car! Reid will admit he still wants a smaller SUV, but alas, I won. Who can turn down a dream I’ve had since I was 15, let alone a 36-week pregnant woman! We drove home with a silver Yukon XL and I believe we got a pretty good deal on it. Read on.

How did you buy it?

We decided to try Hertz Rent2Buy, which works like this: You reserve the car online, rent it for a couple days and if you decide to buy it, they waive the rental fee. So we reserved a silver Yukon XL, but when we picked up the car, they brought us a gold one instead. We decided to pass on the gold and wait for our first color choice—the silver 2017 GMC YUKON XL. We ended up looking all over the web, craigslist and local dealerships until Reid found a silver one online at Hertz Car Sales in San Diego. We liked how responsive they were and, yes, the price was a big deciding factor—they sell under KBB value. Bonus!

We made a day trip to San Diego to look at the car and ultimately decided to bite the bullet and purchase it. Ironically, once the kids learned the new car rules, like no eating, no crayons, no drinking, they actually decided they liked our old car better. Oh well. It’s my dream. I’m super happy and can’t wait to pack for a long road trip! Big Sur, Omaha, Vail…

It’s hubby’s birthday, so we are headed to Venice Beach and using Beach Now services to set up the party. More on that later. My in-laws flew in for the occasion and I’m busy making his chocolate sheet cake. Let me know if you’d like the recipe. Who doesn’t love long weekends and  even better sales? See below for my round up!

Anthropologie:  20% off furniture, 40% off sale items!

Nordstrom: is doing a somewhat low profile 40% off sale right now

Cos Stores: if you’re not familiar they’re H&M’s sophisticated sister company. I recently ordered this scarf which I will use as a nursing wrap. Selected dresses and sweaters are 30% off

And Other Stories: Extra 20% off sale through Monday with code: LABORDAY20

Asos: Take 20% off your purchase

Banana Republic: Get 40% off your purchase

Club Monaco: 25% off your purchase through Monday with code: Fall18

H&M: Up to 60% off select items and free shipping

Intermix: Up to 60% off when you take 30% off sale

J.Crew: 30% off + 10% off your entire purchase including new arrivals with code: BIGSALE

Levi’s: Classic denim is 30% off with free shipping with code: SAVE30

Marysia: Get 30% off

Urban Outfitters: Get 30% off sale items

pullover // grommet pants (I also like these) // (comfiest) slides that fit TTS //

Don’t forget: Use code LABORDAY50 for 50% off!
Nautica is an evergreen modern American classic brand for active lifestyles. Their fabrics are high quality like this plush pullover perfect for my active life as a mom. Plus, who doesn’t love a plush pullover? So cozy and practical heading into the cooler months.
And speaking of cooler months, here I’m wearing a striped pullover and red crop pants to transition to fall. It’s a perfect look for chilly mornings and evenings at Lake Arrowhead. And how cute is this neck detail and pants for that pop of red!? Whenever I add a pop of color, nine times out of ten it’s going to be red. I just love it! While you’re on their site, check out their classic children’s pieces!
So if you’re in need of some classic pieces that will carry you from year to year, I highly suggest checking out Nautica—especially if you like red as much as I do. 😉

Thank you Nautica for sponsoring this post!

greece sandals // dress // earrings // adjustable bracelet // sunglasses

 

Its amazing what a good maxi dress can do when you’re sporting minimal makeup but great accessories to boot. I wore this to last night’s event with Febreze and HeyMama and I got tons of compliments. At 35 weeks, it unusual to find such a great dress that works the angles and flatters the bump. What I love about this dress is that it can be worn after baby, win!

5 week coundown begins now!

xx

Shalice

When I think of essentials, I think graphic tee, jean jacket, and my go-to denim. How cute are these long Levi jeans? They’re just my style and of course, distressed (do I wear any other kind of denim?). I even hopped on the site recently to stock up on summer faves for the whole family too. I couldn’t resist the additional 20% off I received. Plus, I’m a fan of investing in quality jeans that will last and you know Levis always do.

Because we’re usually at the lake on the weekends and busy during the week with swim lessons, piano and summer activities, I’m a HUGE fan of online shopping. I just don’t think you can beat the convenience of it, especially when you’re shopping for kids. And you don’t have to put your all your summer fun on hold to run to the store. Anything that gets me cute clothes at a great price without me having to leave the house is a win in my book.

I’ve got a feeling I’ll be wearing this shearling jean jacket a lot for chilly summer nights and over my favorite maxi dresses. I actually just wore the jacket and Levi’s wedgie jeans for an evening of rooftop music and a movie. They kept me (and baby) cozy all night long! What are some of your denim essentials?

PS. I also bought this pair of jeans (I sized up for the bump and wearing a bella band!)

It’s officially back to school season and I am running around like a crazy person. Any other moms feel like summer went by way too fast, but are also happy to send the kids back to school? Such a catch 22. But anyway, with this time of year comes back to school shopping and I’m looking to one of my favorite brands to get the job done—Uniqlo.

GIRLS

BOYS
boys blue stripe tee // yellow puffer jacket// boys flannel shirt and red padded vest// boys jeans (yay for a relaxed fit and elastic waist, less complaints!) // socks not pictured but pretty necessary
A note on size: I found the fit pretty true to size. The 5/6 fit my 5 year old perfectly all the way up to my 10 year old who took the 9/10 size. 

Uniqlo really is a one-stop-shop for all things back to school. They’ve been around since 1984 (started in Japan—so cool!), which tells me they must be doing something right. And their prices are so reasonable. They actually design and manufacture every single item they sell, which is what keeps prices down.

Because I’m all too knowledgeable on how rough my kids, in particular, are on clothes and shoes, I’m all about an affordable retailer with good quality items! I was also happy to discover they sell baby onesies as well. If you’re looking for simple clothes at a great price-point, check out Uniqlo now! Ps. I did purchase this dress and trench to match my daughters and still can’t believe how affordable and chic their clothing is! Now, if I could only convincing Reid we need to go to Paris was just as easy. Ha!

All opinions are my own. Thank you Uniqlo for sponsoring this post!

Those who know me well know my beauty routine is minimal with many distractions. Many. So when I heard Sephora is having a sale, I thought I’d share 5 items in my cart and on my beauty shelf. Have you tried this tan oil? I’ve used it for my face and body post exfoliation. 

SUMMER FRIDAYS MASK (I’ve yet to try this and can’t wait. I’ve heard its crazy moisturizing!)

TAN FACE (no parabens or sulfates! I mix 2-4 drops with my daily facial oil. I like that it has raspberry seed oil and aloe vera for moisture).
TAN BODY (apply 2-6 drops per leg with my usual moisturizer in circular motion) I also love THIS ONE but speaking from experience, don’t forget to wash your hands off!
DRUNK ELEPHANT OIL (I’ve been wanting to try this brand and oil!)
GLOW PALETTE(I’ve been using this for months as a great highlighter with hyaluronic acid!)

 

sweater old zara (similar here) // Gucci belt // leopard dress similar // earrings 

Here I just paired a cropped sweater over a body-con dress I got off of poshmark. I recently got this dress (I sized up, so look for that coming soon to the blog!)

Leopard is crazy on trend right now and what better time to stock up on your size than now. I love styling it with pops of red or yellow. Here are some under $100 favorites. Yes that’s not a typo.

The below selections are more than $100, but well worth the “Cost Per Wear.” I’m used my Clare Vivier clutch like crazy since I bought it 2 years ago.

LOL tee // girl’s moto bootie //girls hoodie tunic // girl’s cat flat // girls skinny jeans // boys flannel shirt // boys reversible camo jacket // boys lined jeans // boys green rugby 

4 Back to School Tips

I’m a big believer in EASING your kids into school. It’s a big change for moms, dads, and kids alike, so here are some tips to make that transition easier!

1. Go to bed earlier. I’ve found the back-to-school transition goes a lot smoother when kids are already adjusted to their new schedules. This means you should ease them into a morning schedule 4 weeks before school starts. I know that sounds like pulling teeth, but trust me, the keyword is EASE.
2. Have a treasure chest! I ordered all the little toys my kids are obsessed with from HERE so when they’re done with a subject or practicing piano or pass some test or goal, they get to choose ONE item from the chest. This works best for ages 5-10, in my experience.
3. Lower your expectations. The first couple weeks are rough getting into the new routine. Give yourself and your kids some grace!
4. Set their clothes and shoes out the night before. This helps so much so there’s no room for guessing or a possible disagreement. 
Thank you Lands’ End for sponsoring this post!

 

I’ve been asked to round up my favorite kimonos and what I’ve been wearing on repeat! It’s challenging to dress the bump, so here are some ways I do it simply but with a chic edge. Which are your favorites? As an FYI, follow me on Pinterest, check my shop my Instagrams page and sign up for my newsletter so you don’t miss anything. I still can’t believe we are weeks away from meeting baby boy!

xx

Shalice

1. I love a good maxi skirt and this one from Legoe Heritage

Kimono under $70

More kimono faves! These literally save me in pregnancy as I wear them over maxi dresses and jeans:

2. Tunic 

3. Bella Band!  

4. Something Leopard!

5. Maxi Dress

6.  this Maxi dress is also great

7. $19 leggings

8. These ripped jeans 

9. Skinny jeans