Category:

Family

3 Holiday Mocktails

by Shalice Noel December 12, 2016

written by Shalice Noel

Rosemary Citrus Spritzer

2 lemons/2 oranges
4 (4-inch) sprigs fresh rosemary
3/4 cups sugar
1/4 cup honey
Ice
Soda water
Rosemary and lemon for garnish (optional)

Peel off thick strips of zest from 1 lemon.

Juice the lemons and oranges into a liquid measuring cup – you should have about 1 cup of juice. Top off with water if necessary to make 1 cup. Combine zest, juice, rosemary, sugar, and honey in a saucepan over medium heat. Boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly to dissolve the sugars. Remove from heat and let sit 10 minutes. Strain, discard solids, and let syrup cool completely. To serve, fill an 8-ounce glass halfway with ice cubes, add 2-3 tablespoons syrup, fill with soda water, and stir. Garnish with rosemary sprigs and/or lemon slices, if desired.

Lavender Mocktail

Ice

3 ounces fresh grapefruit juice

3/4 ounce Lavender Syrup

2 ounces chilled club soda

1 basil sprig

1 fresh lavender sprig (optional)

1/4 ounce grenadine, preferably homemade

Pomegranate Mocktail

2 cups pomegranate juice

2 cups ice cubes, or more if needed

2 tbsp fresh lime juice

1 tbsp orange blossom water

Sweetener to taste

Whether you’re hosting or attending, I’m loving a refreshing mocktail after a busy day. And how great is this bar cart? I’m having fun styling it for the holidays and can’t wait to host more parties in 2017 at our place. Look for more home posts! Hope you all had a restful weekend. xx

BAR CART use code HOLLYJOLLY for 10% off and Free Shipping order by 12/12 to get it by Christmas // VASES // BOOK // BAY LEAF GARLAND // DECANTER // GLASSES // BAR TOOLS

December 12, 2016

Family Outfits Staycation Style Travel

Four Seasons Let it Snow Weekend

by Shalice Noel December 7, 2016

written by Shalice Noel

While heading to the Four Seasons Westlake for their 5th annual Let it Snow event, we did not know what to expect other than pictures with Santa and a train ride. Since moving from Chicago last December, this Christmas marks our first one sans family and the beginning of a new chapter and new traditions. And the Four Seasons is a great place to start. After checking in, a super friendly staff offered us champagne and cake pops before taking us up to our gorgeous suite. Because of our large family, we had a beautiful corner king suite with a pull out couch, king room, and foyer. (And yes, despite all that room, we still needed a bed rolled in for the littlest.) Probably my favorite part of our stay-cation at the Four Seasons Westlake Let it Snow event, besides the awesome breakfast burritos, was how much they catered to each child and made them feel so special. From stuffed animal Sven dolls stuffed into mini white robes, four brownie cakes delivered to our room with the words “welcome” written on them, and breakfast with the Disney characters (hello Charlie Brown and Elsa!) to the awesome kids buffet piled with teddy bears, strawberry milk and fresh waffles, all at the perfect kid height might I add, no detail was forgotten. If we needed anything, their staff was alert and very friendly. While not all cities like Los Angeles are kid friendly (or cater to children, let alone four of them), Four Seasons Westlake exceeded our expectations. The kids response to our departure was, “Can we do this every weekend?”

OUR TOP 4

TRAIN RIDE 2. ICE SKATING 3. DECORATING COOKIES with MRS. CLAUSE 4. BREAKFAST WITH THE DISNEY CHARACTERS

Thank you Four Seasons Westlake for partnering on this post

December 7, 2016

Accessories Family GIFT GUIDE Outfit Outfits Shop Style

FAMILY GIFT GUIDE

by Shalice Noel November 22, 2016

written by Shalice Noel

While we all know the perfect gift isn’t wrapped under the tree, but the people who sit across from us at the dinner table and love us despite all. It is however, a kind gesture to find that little special gift to say, “I love and appreciate you!’ I asked each of our four children (and hubby), what little things they would like to see under the tree, with some help from Moi. Note, a lot of the items are on sale now. What are your favorites?

WOMEN :: iPOD:: velvet blazer (I got a sz 6 US):: tassel charger :: velvet heel :: Skintint :: also LOVE this (size down, I got a 00)

MEN henley :: Nikes :: 3D Doodler :: navy tee :: DSLR backpack

GIRLS sweatpants :: necklace :: star sweatshirt (so soft!):: monster purse :: bracelet (40% off with code HOLIDAY)

BOYS NATIVE :: Little Patient :: wood guitar :: sweater :: BATMAN PJ’s

November 22, 2016

Family Fashion Blogger Halloween Outfits Shop Style

Family Halloween: Bat vs Cat

by Shalice Noel October 16, 2016

written by Shalice Noel

One of the many reasons I was so excited about leaving the Midwest was a warm October. I mean, Elsa and Anna can actually walk down the street without a full parka and knit hat? Mind-blowing. So to celebrate this inaugural year of Costumes without Coats, the girls and I decided on Batman’s right hand girl: Cat Woman. We had soooo much fun getting dressed and it wasn’t long until the kids were begging to go outside to show off their costumes and demanding pictures (no, you read it right. They wanted pics!). I’ll admit, I’m the mom who is AWFUL at costumes – to the tune of using the couch blanket as a cape. Yup, mom fail. This year, I did away with my old ways. Despite ordering multiple Cat Women costumes, the totally corny headband, and the slightly loose boys’ costumes, ol’ Amazon totally pulled through for me. They, and I really do mean “I”, were a complete success. Let the 88 degree Cali October-trick-or -treating begin!

Shop our looks here and on my shop page. What’s your favorite costume of all time?

woman’s catwoman :: girls catwoman ::

men’s batman :: boys batman

October 16, 2016

Fall Fashion Family Fashion Marriage Outfits Style

10 years – our engagement story

by Shalice Noel September 28, 2016

written by Shalice Noel

dress BLESSED ARE THE MEEK SIMILAR and THIS :: heels SAM EDELMAN :: bracelet BALENCIAGA

10 years ago this week, we got engaged. Here’s our story . . .

We had been dating for about 6 months when my family took a trip to Southern France to stay in a cousin’s chateau. Although Reid and I had a rough journey there, with cancelled flights and unexpected layovers, we made it. Vineyards and lavender fields dotted the countryside and the charm was undeniable. We picked fruit, perused french markets, and did all the things you think people do in Southern France. I had no idea that Reid was going to propose, but after a dinner date one evening we returned to the field behind the chateau where music from Pride and Prejudice came floating out from under the canopy of the willow tree. Stepping through the hanging curtain of leaves, there was a gorgeous table spread with desserts, flowers, and candlelight … and an uninvited yellow lab, no joke. It was breathtaking, and obviously, I said yes. We’ve had some great years and some rough years, with 4 children pretty close together (hello, Irish twins), countless diapers, too many moves to count, and 7 architecture exams. He was and still is my best friend and I hope and pray our children have a similar story if not one to best it! And if I could tell my 20 year-old self some advice? It would be to worry less and take risks. God is good.

September 28, 2016

Fall Fashion Family Outfit Outfits Style

4 Fall booties (to buy now)

by Shalice Noel August 13, 2016

written by Shalice Noel

This week has been a full one. Lots of changes getting ready to start school and tackling the challenge of ending our three year-old’s thumb-sucking habit. Our littlest is going though letting go of his thumb sucking habit. Honestly, so hard, but he’s three and it’s time. Disclaimer: the following tips are not fool proof, I’m not a doctor, and you need to do what works for you and your family. So, here’s my tips!

Tips for your toddler trying to quit thumb sucking

            1. Positive reinforcement – verbally reinforce how big a boy he is for not sucking his thumb. And if he/she has siblings, tell them to join in the encouragement.
            2. Watch a video about it – You Tube has some great videos for kids.
            3. Extra comfort– lots of hugs kisses – because you’re asking him to let go of a comfort … so give him lots of comfort and treats! My little guy loves mints, figure out his/her favorites and keep them on hand.

As for what I’m wearing, here are 4 boots, I recommend for fall NOW:

1. low bootie VINCE CAMUTO wear now and later with rompers and skinny jeans. repeat.

2. tall boot MATSON KNEE BOOTS I can’t wait to pair with a suede skirt

3. chelsea boot STEVE MADDEN a classic with great height and tone.

4. Everyone needs a wild card. This fringe boot from TOPSHOP will look great paired with culottes and cropped jeans.

romper JOA :: boots VINCE CAMUTO ::

August 13, 2016

Anniversary Family Outfits Style

3 year Anniversary

by Shalice Noel July 11, 2016

written by Shalice Noel

dress REBECCA MINKOFF SIMILAR/shoes TOPSHOP / bag MCM

To celebrate my 3-year blog anniversary, I’m giving away what I would want to receive: $100 to spend at Nordstrom. It also happens to be the Nordstrom Anniversary sale this week. Get excited. It’s seriously so good and I usually score some great essentials that carry me through to fall.

I started shalicenoel.com after I had my 4th child and needed an outlet. Hooray for hobbies that turn into legit jobs! I painstakingly created flatlay #ootd’s on our wood floor, took 100 shoe seflies #fromwhereistand and chased the light before I went in to make dinner. I use the word ‘painstakingly’ because I was doing the flatlays between replenishing my little people’s water cups, wiping bottoms, answering the door, and cleaning up the baby powder before someone slipped in it. To say it’s been a roller coaster is an understatement. So many highs, like awesome partnerships with Burberry and Nordstrom, and lows – oh, I have a sick kid AND a deadline. Hmm, how’s this going to look? I’ve learned by trial and error what works and what doesn’t, but I always seem to be reevaluating weekly. I have days that I question what I do, and I think any working mom will empathize. But at the end of the day it’s about relationships and you only do what you can do. We’re only human. I’m thankful to my omnipotent God, my supportive husband, patient children and good coffee.

To thank YOU, for following along, leave a comment below and I’ll choose a random person below to give them the $100 Nordstrom giftcard. Not sponsored. Winner announced Wednesday 7/13.

Good luck!

See a flashback below . . .

one of 100 selfies

a Chicago back alley that happens to match my thrifted dress #winning

my guest blogger 😉

Wearing an all thrifted look. My friend Georgia, took my first blog photo’s. My oldest peeking through – her idea!

July 11, 2016

Family Foodie Friday Style

Foodie Friday: Pesto

by Shalice Noel July 8, 2016

written by Shalice Noel

Foodie Friday

Making Dinner Look Complicated, the Easy Way

Dinner time in our house is all about making sure those little mouths are fed. We don’t usually spend a lot of time on presentation because there’s not much time to spend. But there’s a simple way to dress up dinner when you want to feel like a master chef on a weeknight: Pesto. A few tablespoons can turn baked chicken into Italian Chicken – top it with some tomato slices and you’ve got a gourmet meal on your hands, with about 5 minutes of prep.

That said, I like to make my own pesto to keep on hand for just such a culinary occasion.

Homemade Basil Pesto

What You’ll Need:

4 C Fresh Basil Leaves (about 3 bunches)

1/2 C Grapeseed Oil + a drizzle or two

1/3 C Pine Nuts

2 Garlic Cloves

1 t Salt

How You’ll Do It:

1 – Toast the pine nuts. To do this, put the nuts in a dry skillet (no oil here) and cook over medium-low heat, stirring frequently for about 3-5 minutes or until golden. Take them out of the pan and let them cool on a plate for a minute.

2- Put everything in a blender and blend until paste forms. You’ll want a spatula to push the basil down every so often.

3 – Store your pesto in a jar and drizzle a layer of oil on top. This keeps it from oxidizing and will help maintain that fresh green color. It’ll keep for about a week in the fridge or up to six months in the freezer

July 8, 2016

Family Los Angeles Style

What we wore: Melrose Place

by Shalice Noel June 30, 2016

written by Shalice Noel

I could think of worse things to do than a stroll down Melrose place, green tea matcha in hand, wearing my fave crops, and my four kiddos by my side. It was not a common Melrose Place scene but I think that’s why I liked it. There were barely any other kids in sight and the surroundings were just gorgeous. The highlight was for sure my ‘kate’ walking casually by the Equipment store and realizing a large ‘kate’ sign was in the window. This may or may not have made bigger sister mad. I’ll let you guess on that one. It afforded some pretty good conversation about how cool and special she felt, and more than a couple good snaps. I told her later it was for Kate Moss and she seemed confused. Haha. Also a highlight was little brother trying to make bunny ears with his small chubby fingers. Ahhhh

such a charmer!Are they all yours? Yes, they’re all mine . . .

Her look is everything

Chasing them is a full workout. No joke.

Lil bro’s first attempt at bunny ears

This picture sums up their relationship

He loves this Munchkin cup! And everything blue of course.

All in all a very fun afternoon hanging around Melrose, Alfred’s Tea with some of LA’s best: Janna Carney, Felicia Lasala and Molly Paddon. These types of outtings are best short and sweet. And if you’re curious if we were tired afterwards, you guessed right. Most of my days do not go as planned despite my best laid plans and are far from picture perfect, i.e. some tears and my three year-old only faced the camera if you shouted “lollipop!” However all this real life is what makes life exciting. It was a wise woman who said the days are long, but the years are short. And I know I’ll miss these exhausting and full, lollipop filled, energetic days full of innocence, wonder, naughtiness and love. Just give me all the coffee. Until the next adventure . . .

Felicia Lasala Photography

MUA Molly Paddon

denim culottes ELAINE KIM THESE and SIMILAR/also flattering CULOTTES crop top STORETS / sandals SIMILAR

bandana FREE PEOPLE

kids girls dresses TUCKER + TATE (stars) TUCKER + TATE (solid)

boys shirts Batman v Superman / Way RAD

June 30, 2016

Family

How to Spin Art

by Shalice Noel May 25, 2016

written by Shalice Noel

1. The directions on the Spin Art box are actually pretty good. So follow the directions and secure the square paper into the machine, turn it on and squeeze drops of paint while its spinning. You can adjust where and how much, but the rule of thumb is too much paint is usually too much paint.

2. Take it out. Let the squares dry.

3. Admire it and be impressed. Bravo!

They loved this so much! I told them to choose 2 colors and up to three squirts of paint. We took turns (for the most part) and they loved the result.

4. If you want to make your spin art square into art for your living room like I did above, just take it to your nearest printer. I took it to a Fedex Kinkos and requested it blown up to 21.5″ x 27.5″. He had to change the color from reddish pink to orange, which still looked great, and then I purchased a frame from Michaels – for reference, my frame is 25.5″ X 31.5″ . It wasn’t super expensive but I’m in the stage of life where everything eventually gets chipped or beaten up, so I’m okay with a cheap frame should a baseball fly through the house. You should have seen their faces when they first saw their spin art framed on the mantel. Reid and I believe art should be kid-friendly, accessible, and something that they are a part of in the home – and not just for art museums. p.s. If you try this at home, let me know what you did and how you did it!

May 25, 2016

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