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Our impulse Buy: 1970’s A Frame Cabin

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel

I believe some of the greatest things I’ve done have happened when I’ve followed my gut. Reid, the kids, and I visited Lake Arrowhead all but twice and made an offer on a 1970’s A-frame on our second visit. The next day, we were told the sellers accepted the offer and found ourselves in the midst of the home buying process. Living in LA, I was and still am nervous about living an hour and a half away and getting work done on it. While this nearly 1800 square foot beauty was shining in her day, she is clearly worn out now (namely the kitchen) and needs a loving face lift. Our kids are OBSESSED with the woods, this wooden A-frame, the fresh air, the sliver of lake we see from our deck, and I am obsessed with dreams of a pancake breakfasts with my kids while sitting at the bar of my island in my new kitchen. This purchase started with a dream, and continues with a dream. I promise to document the process, the ugly, and hopefully lots of pretty to show you coming up. Who doesn’t love a good before and after picture? I think we have the next couple weekends booked as we go up Friday through Sunday and become weekend warriors. Send all the tips, hugs and painting contractor names our way.

WE BOUGHT A CABIN!!

XO Shalice

Stay tuned to our renovation and comment if you’d like to see more!

FamilyStyleTravel

Our Family Getaway: Rancho Mirage

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel

We had the opportunity last week to go as a family to The Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage in Palm Springs.  The brand ASbyDF invited us to stay for two nights and feature some of their gorgeous new arrivals. Needless to say, it was a beautiful desert getaway with so many amenities and natural beauty surrounding us. To name a few, the separate kids pool and adults vista pool, the spa (I got a facial) , Reid hit the gym and club lounge. The latter of which really made the trip.  The Club Lounge provides breakfast, lunch, snacks and drinks from 7 – 10 at night.  Our room happened to be a couple doors down from the club lounge. So convenient and we goofed around in their for a little while. Our special last night, we ate dinner at State, a restaurant within the hotel. We enjoyed decadent burgers, steaks and excellent kids menu.  Oh and the kids finished their plates, thanks to the full day of swimming. As a special treat, the kids were invited into the kitchen to meet the chef, so cool!  They couldn’t believe the full size pig getting ready for a roasting.  If you’re planning a trip to Rancho Mirage, don’t miss these things:

STAR GAZING starts at 6:30, see the bright stars (If the weather permits…it usually does) and meanwhile enjoy a milky way candy bar.

HIKING you can go hiking around the hotel and nearby Indian Canyon. If we had more than 2 days, we would have loved to hike!

POOLS and hot tubs, we enjoyed the kids pool but there’s also a beautiful adult only pool with a spectacular view.

THE SPA you can use their hot tubs till 7:30 that day of service.

THE GYM has gymnastic rings and battle ropes for some HIIT (High Intensity Impact Training)

Have you been to Palm Springs or Rancho Mirage? Let me know in the comments below. And we are re-vamping the blog, so feel free to share what you’d like to see more of — stay tuned!

my parka // my dress // boots // hubby’s coat // little boy parka

FamilyOutfitsStyle

What We Wore Sunday/Shopbop Sale

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel

Sunday’s are always a mad dash to get to church by 9am, but it also happens to be one of my favorite days. Hubby usually makes pancakes or puffed pancakes, we bond over meals together, something mid week is lacking, and go to church, usually out for lunch than hang at home or take a nap. The house is usually exceptionally messy and we have popcorn for dinner, but that’s okay one day a week right? I linked our outfits below and bonus, my jeans are on sale!

boots // tank // jeans (on sale!) // jacket and here // red hat

What the kids wore

A couple times a year, Shopbop has an awesome sale, from jeans to tops to shoes! See below some of my picks!

 

Family

Managing Devices for my Kids

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel
 

Every parent will face this question whether your child is two or twelve: How much screen time is too much? Reid and I have struggled with it lately with all four kids gravitating to the iPad and begging to use our laptops to play games. Its a HUGE struggle! A couple computer games like typing class, ABCYA, (and I’m open to hear your suggestions) are educational and great for kids. But countless studies have come out about the negative results of extended screen time on children. I probably don’t have to school you on this, you’ve probably heard it all and know what I’m talking about. Long days sitting at my laptop and looking at my iPhone give me sore eyes and sometimes even a headache. But the real question is, what do we do about it?

 

Circle with Disney came out with a device to help parents like Reid and I monitor our kids screen time. Circle is a little white device that pairs with your internet and comes with an app to easily manage every device in the home. First of all, I downloaded the Circle app on my phone. From there, I can set different filters for each kid (so my 9 year old is allotted more time than my 4 year old) for time limits, pausing, and monitoring through usage. I like that I can see where my kids are spending time online. I’m really grateful Circle has not only started the conversation but devised a solution because I’ll admit, monitoring is a full time job and who has that time? I’ve even resorted to hiding the iPad in the kitchen cabinets so the kids don’t find it. (Hopefully they aren’t reading this.) Now I can monitor remotely and they are rewarded with more screen time when they abide by the time limits.

Am I alone or do you also have this struggle? Comment below with some of your solutions or your own experience.

Also, today thru Dec. 22nd Circle is having a promotion of $20 off!

 
Thank you Circle Disney for sponsoring this post!
FamilyOutfitsStyleTravel

VAIL FAMILY VACATION

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel

Camel Coat Outfit

Ski Jacket // Ski Pants //

The Arrabelle at Vail Mountain

Perched up on top of the breathtaking Rockies – a mere 8,022 feet above sea level, is the European inspired town of Vail, CO. I cannot tell you how excited we were to finally go here! Not to mention as a family. This summer, we stopped in Vail for two days on our way to Chicago. Read more here. We rode the gondola and marveled at the streams, the warm sun, chilly nights, and most of all, GORGEOUS VIEWS. Family vacations, as many moms know, are not all relaxing all the time, so we were super excited when Reid’s parents agreed to join us in Vail for a couple of days. A girl needs a couple date nights out with hubby, right? I also got a little spa day, more on that below.

Which do you prefer?  Skiing or beach.  As always…I’ll welcome one of each per year, if I can.  All in the name of balance, right?  Now that we live in a warm climate, I don’t mind a week in snowy cabin.  The family was fortunate enough to partner with Vail Resorts as the ski season was just getting kicked off this last week.  The beauty of going skiing as a young family is that you are investing in their skills so when they are teenagers, they’ll be racing you down the black diamonds…if that’s your thing.  Or, sipping hot chocolate with you in the lodge.

Reserved Ski lessons

For a large family, you can book a private group lesson for less than 4 kids ½ day ski school.  Here’s our lesson learned.  Skiers and snowboards don’t mix.  The boys chose to snowboard and the girls skied.  I booked Ski lessons for everyone.  The Vail Ski School was super accommodating.  They arranged for a group ½ day lesson for the boys at a little extra cost.  The girls kept with the private lesson I had originally booked.  While the kids were in their lessons, Reid and I skied together which ended up being on the same bunny slope as the kids.  So we all got to see each other the first day.  And woahhhh… did my heart melt seeing my mini snowboarders figuring things out!  It was the cutest thing I have ever seen.  Seriously.  Worth every penny.  The boys though switched to skiing the rest of the trip, so Reid and I spent a day teaching them skiing.  Fortunately, they picked it up pretty fast.  Can we say Pizza?  I grew up calling it Snowplow?  What did you call it?

Booked a spa treatment

My hubby surprised me with a spa treatment at the Arrabelle Spa.  With the winter dryness setting in, airplane hair, wind burn, I needed major facial reconstruction.  I had a 50 minute glow facial.  It was…..

Yes.  That good.

I loved the exfoliation, steam, hot towels and how tight my skin felt afterwards. I learned a lot too! The aesthetician told me silk pillows are worth the buy both for your hair and skin, go easy on chemical peels, and every night you go to bed with make-up on, ages you 7 days. Ouch! Good to know. Bonus, I was given lemon sorbet after the procedure and a welcome to come back to the spa anytime to use the spa’s hot tub, sauna and steam room as we were hotel guests. Which of course Reid and I did that night. 

Meal Planning

Planning a day on the slopes can be overwhelming.  Especially for a larger family.  We tried to ease some stress by packing a backpack of crackers, gummies and water.  It did help some hangry moments.  Nobody really wanted to stop skiing, so a quick snack hit the spot.  Plus, the lifts lines we the best during the lunch hour!

Spending time on the slopes will be memorable now and years to come.  We are now one of those skiing families that I always dreamed of being.

Thank you Vail Mountain/Vail Tourism for a wonderful trip our family will never forget!

FamilyOutfitsStyle

Family Christmas Pajamas

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel

 

Kids pjs // Toddler pj’s //  Women’s pj’s // Men’s pj’s (also the two-piece set here)

Christmas pajamas has always been a tradition in my family so I’m super excited to continue it with my own family. Cue the AWE and YAY. I’m ready to heat up the oven for cinnamon rolls, roll out the gifts (hidden under my bed all year) and drink some yule tide cheer. Below are some of my favorite, kid approved, mom adored jammies for that special morning as a family.

For my girls, they love anything red or pink and SOFT

My boys on the other hand, are wearing pants with no shirt (apparently that’s cool because daddy sleeps without a shirt). Either way, if its chilly, they will wear a two piece and these are mommy approved:

Mom’s pj’s are soft and classic

 

Which are your favorite?

CHRISTMASFamilyShop

Kids Christmas Gift Guide

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel
no 1 // no 2  // no 3 // no 4 // no 5 // no 6 // no 7 // no 8 // no 9 // no 10
My kids are not hard to get for, but I want to get quality gifts that I know they will love! Here I’m sharing an adorable polka dot romper for your friend’s baby, a guitar for your son or nephew, cool jeans (on sale!), stockings that give back (read more here), and a mouse my 9 year old is crazy for — enjoy an extra 30% off! Also, I ordered a couple more Abercrombie Kids items worth sharing like some super soft fleeces and undergarments and cute socks! What are your favorite gifts for kids? Please share in the comments.

ABERCROMBIE KIDS  40% off entire store

Happy Cyber Monday!!
FamilyHome

Our Cozy Holiday Home

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel

no 1 // no 2 // no 3 // no 4 // no 5 // no 6 // no 7 // no 8 // no 9

 

 

 

 

red floral // trees // garland // stockings // painting and similar // small shearling rug // couch similar // twinkle led lights // Little Giraffe pink throw // My Top and Jeans

 

It really is the best time of year! I don’t know about you, but I struggle to find the perfect balance of chic but not cheesy Christmas decor. Here, I found of mix of cozy rug, modern art, and Norfolk pines, to make it feel like home. I also rounded up some of my favorite cozy gift ideas for the hard-to-get-for on your list. My sister loves pajamas, my mom loves candles and slippers and I just may buy this striped hat for myself. Reid are you listening?

How do you decorate for the holidays? Have you started your Christmas shopping? I’d love to hear. For those curious, read more about our living room makeover HERE.

For the Little Giraffe throw, use discount code is SHALICE20. Enjoy 20% off all full priced items site wide until December 31st.

FamilyOutfitsStyle

Tips: Shopping for Men Made Easy

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel


 

 

I’ll be honest, I usually find it terribly difficult to shop for men, namely my husband, Reid, and my dad. Something about trying to find an item they won’t already have or an idea out of the box – whereas women are so simple in this way. Give us a bag or jewelry and chances are we’ll be happy.

 

But I will say, over the years, I’ve realized the key is to buying something men actually use or wear. Because at the end of the day, guys are just as simple as women (if not more), but gifts for them need to be useful as opposed to something we think they want.

 

Without a doubt, I always head to Nordstrom to shop for the two most important men in my life – and it hasn’t failed yet. Nordstrom makes it easy. For my dad, I treat him to basics that he forgets to stock up on for himself. Like some nicer socks or even pants – things he needs and wears daily, but doesn’t necessarily think to shop for often enough. Everything in the store is quality, so I always see my dad wearing whatever I bought him. It’s cute.

Some great basics below:

For Reid, I usually pick a couple things, send him a link at work and he lets me know if it’s a winner or not. Maybe it’s not a surprise, but hey, I don’t want to waste my time or money, you know? Why not see if it’ll work? Other times, I’ll bite the bullet and buy, say two work shirts for him in two colors and sizes and we return one. It works well as Nordstrom makes returns SUPER easy and they have all the brands Reid likes like Ray-Ban Aviators this James Perse tee, and our twinning Levi’s jackets. Nordstrom has such a big inventory that we always find something that works, pretty seamlessly too. Win-win. And I gotta be grateful for a guy who is OK with a twinning moment, right?

 

But more than that, I’m grateful to have found someone who makes a decade feel like a day, dinner feel like a date, the load feel only half as heavy, and twinning feel like winning. Pardon the cheesy pun.

Thank you Nordstrom for partnering on this post!

his

V neck tee // jeans //sherpa trucker jacket // Cubs hat // sunglasses // no show socks // watch // sneakers

hers

jacket // tank // jeans // boots //

 

GIFT IDEAS

Family

Scootering around Silverlake

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel

my skirt / zara turtleneck similar / dolce vita booties similar / sunglasses

his shorts / star wars helmet / scooter

One of our favorite things to do on the weekends is explore new neighborhoods and scooter around. While Reid and I look for coffee, the kids compete who can scooter the fastest and they usually find a lizard or two to slow them down. Luckily, our 4 scooters fit nicely in our SUV so we can take them out whenever convenient, like here in Silverlake. We had just left Whole Foods getting food and flowers and burning off some of those cookies from dessert was a main priority if we were going to have a semi-peaceful afternoon. Mission accomplished with these cute and practical scooters. My kids never don’t want to scooter and I’m thankful for that!

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

Thank you Micro Kickboard for sponsoring this post!

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