Author

Shalice Noel

jeans (so flattering!) // leopard booties // sweater

I’m back home from SF – a 48 hr trip I’ll share more on later. I’m ready as ever to take on a semi-lazy weekend. In addition to a soccer game and meeting to Beverly Hills, I’ll be  wearing these leopard booties to date night. It is no surprise, leopard booties are on the must have list this season and I’ve rounded up ones from every price point. From low heel to high heel, $119 to $204, there’s one for everyone. Hope you have a restful weekend!

 

jumpsuit // boots // belt // trench coat

Taking Style Risks

If there’s one thing that’s been trending hard for the past year or two, it’s jumpsuits. I’ve seen people wear them to business meetings, parties, even weddings. I’ve always thought they were cool, but wasn’t sure I could pull them off. Once you hit a certain age, you tend to think you know what your personal style is and what works on your figure – and I’ve always been good with pants or dresses.

 

But this year I decided to challenge myself when it comes to fashion. It’s supposed to be fun after all, right? So I bought a jumpsuit!

 

Funny thing, now I can’t take it off, I like it so much. Beyond it being a nice refresh to dresses for events, it’s incredibly effortless. It’s literally one piece of clothing, and can transition well with accessories and shoes. I love it with these edgy black booties, but sandals would be cute, too. Plus, I thought it hit in all the right places and it made me feel confident. Something I would have never guessed!

 

In the name of taking all the risks at once, I of course went with a bright red jumpsuit. You guys know I love red. It feels seasonally appropriate and I’ve had a lot of fun styling it. I might add even more jumpsuits to my closet – which is a good reminder to go out of your comfort zone from time to time.

Have you taken any style risks this year? Are you into the jumpsuit look?

 

I recently did an Ebay campaign on instagram sharing my #Fillyourcartwithcolor. I gladly obliged to work with them since I’ve long been a customer and seller on Ebay. Who doesn’t the thrill of the find? Ebay has awesome finds from Chanel sandals to Burberry trench coats. I love what I have been scoring at Ebay lately. Just today, I found a Zara denim skirt I’ve been searching for – and its coming all the way from Portugal. So cool. Another find was silk curtains for our living room. All of this in addition to the Chanel sandals I’m wearing here and Burberry short trench. I did well yes?

What are you searching for?

 

See more Ebay finds here: denim, and Chanel and Burberry. As a tip, be as descriptive in your search as possible for a successful search. For example, use the words “size 39, Small Burberry Trench, Chanel size 39 or 3×1 jeans.”

Forward any questions. Happy Bidding and buying xx

turtleneck zara SIMILAR :: jeans BLACK ORCHID :: scarf SCOTCH & SODA :: flats COACH :: gray beret SIMILAR and red one HERE :: sunnies QUAY AUSTRALIA

Sometimes I style a whole outfit around one piece that inspires me. Today, it was this scarf. I loved the combination of colors and immediately started pulling a gray beret, nude flats, camel turtleneck and ripped jeans to compliment it. The result is a fall inspired casual outfit that can go from errands to date night. Just add heels. You too can do this at home, are there shoes that you love, an accessory that inspires you? I’d love to hear. Comment below!

Happy Monday!

As you might have seen on Instagram, we spent last weekend with a quick weekend getaway to Carlsbad, Ca (which is a town on the coast of San Diego). The last time we were in Carlsbad was to visit my brother over 8 years ago, so it was good to get back! As Reid and I looked back at that trip, our oldest was a just couple months old and that’s definitely when the California Dream bug bit us. The beautiful seaside town, manicured streets, friendly people and, of course, the weather all had us dreaming….I wish we could live here. It was all so attractive.

Humorously, I remember nudging Reid to look for a job nearby – a reason to escape Chicago winters. Funny how the events played out. It would be 
8 years later and and now here we are, bringing 4 kids to Carlsbad, for a weekend getaway, from our home in LA.

Yes it was dreamy going back to this place, and yes ,I’m feeling very blessed we got to do so. Honestly, our kids liked Carlsbad better than LA! What’s not to like for kids?! From Legoland, Carlsbad downtown, the Carlsbad Lagoon and stunning bike paths along the coast, it’s a happy and pretty place to be. There was actually more to see and do than we had time for, but we did our very best. We even allowed for one whole day at the pool.

Here is a short list of highlights. Keep in mind, we did all this in a long weekend and so can you!

Omni Hotel and Resort – where we stayed all weekend

Shopping at Omni Hotel and Resort – Lilly Pulitzer, Audrey’s, Livewell, The Spa

Friday 

Arrive at Omni La Costa – get a tour and get settled in our room

Marketplace at Omni La Costa for a grab-n-go lunch

Legoland This awesome theme park has MANY attractions but our kids favorite was getting their driver’s license, driving a boat and seeing the mini Lego town was their favorites. We were there from 12-5pm!

Campire Restaurant cozy surroundings, family friendly and a modern take on American fare. Try the s’mores over the fire for dessert, yum!

Saturday 

Breakfast at Bistro 65 an omelet with breathtaking golf course views

Watersports at Carlsbad Lagoon

Lunch at kid-friendly open air Pizza Port for yummy pizza, salads and brews.

Pool time at Omni La Costa

Dinner at Park101 Awesomely family friendly, plaza style and something for everyone. We went there for dinner and breakfast. Bonus, if you’re a Husker fan (we got a round of beers on the house) and such yummy pulled pork!

Sunday

Breakfast at Choice Superfood Bar & Juicery

PEDAGO – rent bikes and ride along the Carlsbad coast!

Lunch at Señor Grubby’s for local craft beers and tacos al pastor. After all that biking, we had a huge appetite!

Shopping downtown – little boutiques like Wysh Boutique where I picked up a cute ivory sweater. I love shopping local.

The Goods Coffee shop (Instagram friendly with all white) and yummy donuts.

Phew! While it was sad to leave Carlsbad, we are grateful for the memories we made! Please ask any questions below.

Check this out too! Kids can enter the Mini Mayor of Carlsbad prize – more info here. The prize is a weekend away package for a family of 4! The kids take over City Hall in this kid-friendly town!

Thank you for Visit Carlsbad for sponsoring our unforgettable weekend 

On a long ride to the country, we asked the kids who they think we should dress up as for Halloween. We usually like to keep things streamlined within the family. First option was Pocahontas, next was lifeguards. Not a huge surprise coming from our 7 year old who was helped by a lifeguard in Laguna Beach a couple months ago when she hit a rock underwater and gashed her chin. Long story short, she got 5 stitches and we had a solid 2.5 hour drive home. Maybe it was the first responders on the beach that convinced her we should honor them by dressing up as them, who knows. But I do know I love this hunk of lifeguard (who actually was a lifeguard in his teens!) and these flesh-eating, candy-loving cuddly sharks more than life itself. So much so that I didn’t even mind having an audience when we shot this at the Omni Hotel La Costa. Who cares when you’re having fun right? Lifeguards it is!

What will you be for Halloween? See our last years looks HERE!

Get the lifeguard look here:

my suit (runs small) :: shorts :: hubby’s tank :: shark costume and shark hat :: the girls suits Marysia Swim

photography Felicia Lasala

Taken on location at Omni Hotel La Costa, Carlsbad, CA 

red sweater: ruffle skirt  only $35! black hat :: black boots similar see more here

H&M is killing the sweater game, and if you’re not convinced, just peak at their new arrivals are you’re sure to fill your cart with goodies. As I write, I have 6 items in my cart, ha!  The hardest decision may be what color to get – I mean I almost ordered 3 red sweaters in as different knit, crazy! However you cannot ignore the fun price point – mostly under $25 and a couple mohair or cashmere under $100. That’s good because my kids Christmas lists have about three Lego sets each – that’s 12 Lego sets total, so I’m good with $20 sweaters and splurging on the boots. How about you?

Happy Humpday!

See more sweaters from taupe to red, knit to mohair that I’m loving:

 

Fall shoes don’t have to break the bank. That’s why I rounded up some of my favorites mostly under $200. Fall is a great time to transition to layers, knits and cozy cardigans but also must have boots, booties and knee high boots that will still leave you room for gifts for your mom for Christmas and beyond. Which are your favorites?

 

Let’s talk about changes in life – for me it was a school change for my kids, trying to race to 5pm Friday soccer practice, work deadlines, date night with hubby, the lack of spa day, and way too many late nights affects the hair. I’m the first to admit, I’m lazy with my hair  and choose the 5 min approach at best. Last year, it was my 3rd year blogging, we moved to California from Illinois, and I had super long hair and it was a TON of work. More work than I’ll admit I had time for. This year, though I missed the long locks, I did not miss the time blow drying it.  Shoulder length waves seemed to be a doable hair style for my lifestyle. Enter Herbal Essences with vitamin E, which not only softened my hair, but it smells amazing. I remember buying it in highschool and always loving the smell. But beyond the smell, shampoo infused with vitamin E, cocoa butter, getting to bed earlier (still working on that) and washing my hair less during the week has strengthened my hair over time. I’m thankful for small changes that can improve my daily life as a busy wife, mother and blogger. Check out my Facebook or below to see the Herbal Essences “Changes” video.

What are some small changes you’re making to improve your life? I’d love to hear them.

 

 

Thank you Herbal Essences + POPSUGAR for sponsoring this post!

jumpsuit// belt // boots // star wars helmet

Last week, we scootered around the historic Mission District and found so many beautiful historic buildings to learn about and scooter around. It was founded in 1771, and the fourth of California’s 21 missions. We scootered around the fountain and to the plaques to learn more. The kids didn’t get tired but are always easily entertained by scooters and a pack of gum in their pocket. Ha! I’m sharing a short list below of why we LOVE our scooters:

 

Top 5 Reasons Why We Love Our Scooters

  1. Great Exercise. Scooters get kids moving! When are kids are tempted to spend hours on devices such as iPads and laptops, it’s important to give them a fun alternative to sitting, scootering!
  2. They travel well. The micro sprite folds for easy travel. Just push and hold in the 2 buttons on either side of the front wheel and unfold your scooter. Also, think about using them on vacation to explore a new town. Bonus: the kids get less tired than walking. Pro tip: bring them when you trick or treat to keep the kids from getting easily tired walking.
  3. I get a workout. These 4 scooters fit in our SUV and if I want a workout, I wear my running shoes and try and catch up to them on their scooters. It’s harder than you think!
  4. They are great for almost every age. The maxi deluxe is great for ages 5-12 (what my kids have) and the micro sprite is great for ages 8-99! I have the micro white and can more easily catch up to them at the park. Either way, it’s a great workout.
  5. They make great gifts! Christmas is 70 days away, use my code“SHALICE” to get or give a free scooter light (and free shipping) to a niece, nephew, son or daughter.

Where will your scooters take you? See where we took our scooters in Venice HERE and see the health benefits of scooters HERE.

Don’t forget:Use Code “SHALICE” for a free scooter light and free shipping.

Ends 10/31.

Thank you Micro Kickboard for sponsoring this post!