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A-Frame Before Pictures

by Shalice Noel

Today, I’m sharing something a little different than fashion, the BEFORE and design plans for our A-Frame Cabin. A lot of you requested to see more so here it is as promised! We were there last weekend, and we were more than ever itching to get this cabin in working order! I’m already planning our long weekends there with slow pancake breakfasts, day hikes, and evening fire with s’mores. Read on!

The A-Frame is historically known as one of the most economical structures to build, which is why the shape has become popular for country retreats.  We’ve been eyeing the quaint but dramatic structures for a year now.  The one we ended up purchasing had everything on our list, 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, loft and floor to ceiling glass.

The day we went under contract Reid and I started visioning the vibe we wanted for the space.  Other than the updated bathrooms, the interior really hasn’t been touched since 1969.  While we love to keep the design true to its’ history, that means different things to different people.  To Reid, this means keeping the authentic dark wood paneling and knotty pine ceiling.  I on the other hand, see white on white on white on white ….  Reid says the painted white stone fireplace would look like a marsh mellow.  Once my hair guy said not to paint the stone, then I agreed with Reid.  As the design unfolds, you’ll notice how we compromise.  Our intent is to design a space that brings LA glam to LA (Lake Arrowhead) retreat. The design will provide vertical wall space for artwork, move the kitchen into the sanctuary space of the living room and create amenities that will bring the families together.  If I could, I would wallpaper the walls in that overly chunky thick, knitted blanket that is everywhere on Instagram these days.

Stay engaged as we pour out our design process, kick into demolition and refresh this tired A-Frame back to its A GAME. Read more about our purchase here. What do you think?

XOXO friends

Shalice

similar TOP // cardigan // crop sweatpants // bow mules // similar hat 

Using Accessories to Dress Up a Laid-Back Look

Who has tried the baker boy hat trend? I’m loving it for spring weather! Hats are one of my absolute favorite accessories. And speaking of accessories, I love using them to spice up a really laid back look.

 

With these cotton, cropped joggers and this completely adorable and super chunky sweater, I needed something to spice it up and make it feel a little less winter-cozy. Spring is almost here and pink moments like the baker boy hat and these amazing flats are necessary. If you’re in the market for some cute slides with a statement bow, I highly recommend.

Grab a cup of tea and read some  FAQ this week some of you submitted. I love receiving them! 

What non TV activity do you like your kids to do?

Puzzles! One of our sitters got us hooked on them. The brand Ravensburger is my favorite. My sister got me into them and you can buy them on Amazon.

What is your nacho seasoning recipe I saw on IG Stories?

Good question! Here it is adapted from this site:

1/4 cup coconut oil

1/2 cup white popcorn (I prefer white over yellow popcorn for the taste)

1/4 cup nutritional yeast

1 tsp salt

1 tsp Ground Paprika

1/2 tsp Garlic powder

1/2 tsp Onion powder

1/2 tsp Chili powder 

1/4 tsp Ground Cumin

1/8 tsp Cayenne Pepper

Optional: I add brown sugar and grape seed oil to taste. So yummy, my kids love it!

When your kids are sick of protein pancakes, what do you make for breakfast?

Puffed Pancakes, click HERE for my foolproof recipe! Reid makes it on the weekends – he doesn’t cook but he makes these, that’s how easy it is!

Why are you not going to NYFW?

Honestly, if I had a for me to travel and leave the family, it takes a village! Like last year, I had more work here in LA than NYC, and frankly, it’s hard to leave the LA weather.

What is your go-to daily moisturizer, I’m in the market! Also what was the retinol A cream your facialist recommended?

My daily moisturizer is TULA, use SHALICE for 20% off, and my facialist recommended this cream.  She also was happy that I use LED spa device! She said the results are great when you stay consistent with it. She asked how I made time to use the LED light and I said I do it while drinking coffee, brushing my teeth, making omelettes and let’s be real, isn’t every mom trained to do everything with one hand?? LOL.

Will you be showing more of the A Frame Cabin?

Yes, we are uploading a You Tube video now if the before pictures as well as our plans. Subscribe Here so you don’t miss out!

Thanks for sending in your questions and reading this! We are spending half the weekend at the cabin putting cabinets together and girls night for me! Hope you have a lovely weekend! 

Similar cardigan // tee shirt  // faux leather leggings // 

How do you have so many clothes and how do you find time to wear them all?

Haha I don’t actually. I try and wear as many as I can.

What blogs do you follow?

I love how Blair at Atlantic-Pacific pairs the unexpected, she’s truly an artist.

Where do you go for fashion and style inspiration?

Streetstyle. Traveling and seeing new places and things help inspire. I love Audrey Hepburn’s timeless style.

What do you do when you’re in a funk or do you ever not feel inspired?

Yes! Definitely. Every artist or content creator feels pressure to create and not always inspired to do so. 1. Take time off if you can 2. Start Exercising 3. Begin journaling 4. Write down your goals and put them somewhere visible – like your bathroom mirror, the fridge 5. Have a friend keep you accountable. Dare I say 6. Get off Social Media! I hesitate since that is my job but there is nothing wrong with giving it a break. Don’t watch stories if it gives you FOMO, go take a walk and do the above 5 things before you check your social media accounts. Easier said than done but you’ll be much happier.

What are your top styling tips?

KISS Keep it simple. I have to tell myself this when I get thrown lots of trends at once. I like to pick out one item (often shoes if I’m honest!) that inspires me and style around it. Sometimes its a fringe bootie, a belt, or a fuzzy bag.

If there’s one thing I should invest in for my closet this winter it’s a . . .

Camel Coat! Don’t hesitate. Some of my favorite looks are when I’ve worn a camel coat. It’s crazy versatile.

What do you eat for breakfast and what do you feed your kids?

I eat steel cut oatmeal, the kids like protein pancakes but all that to say, we go in spurts. Sometimes egg white omelet since I took the Pinnertest and it showed I was allergic to egg yolk!

Who do you use to take your pictures?

I have a couple girls here in LA I love to hire, Felicia Lasala, Jordan Kinghorn, and hubby takes them when I ask him nicely.

What are your top two snacks you make for your kids?

Kale chips (I recently added parmesan and I love it!), apple chips, bean chips, do you notice a theme?

What are you most looking forward to when renovating the cabin?

The kitchen! I love how open it will be to be able to hear the kids playing in the loft, see the fireplace and walk out to the deck. Talk about cozy kitchen. More to come!

How do you run the blog and have so many kids?

Ha! probably one of my MOST asked questions. I’ll tell you a story. When I had my first corporate jobs at a bank, at the end of the day, I would take the elevator down and listen to some of the moms who happened to be executives also and share that they didn’t want to be home and that their kids were closer to the nanny. Because of that, the nanny would travel with them and overall she seemed ok that her kids preferred the nanny to herself. While part of me wanted their corner office one day, I inwardly decided to always have a relationship with my kids, even when I’m in business. So, what does that look like? Since I have four, it’s important to take one at a time out for a date, sometimes hot cocoa, sometimes it’s target. Just to check in and see how they are. When I have deadlines, I get a sitter and go to the coffee shop and write, I stay up past my bedtime (hence the need for eye patches for puffy eyes), I delegate jobs, etc. I often say, if it’s something you want badly enough, it will happen. That is true for many and it’s true for me. I work when I can where I can, and is that always balanced no, I’m human and I’m still learning. But my relationships with my kids always are first priority.

Want to read more Q & A’s? There is one here and here.

Feel free to comment on whatever question I may have left out. Thanks for reading!

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!



I’m all about being efficient with my morning routine—the less there is to do, the more time I can save, which is where L’Occitane’s new Shea 3-in-1 Cleansing Water comes in. It is seriously the cleansing product I’ve been missing.

I recently did away with lash extensions, so I’ve been trying to find the most gentle cleanser to take off my mascara. I’ve used various products but haven’t settled on one, yet. If I have a little more time in the morning (aka my eldest makes the pancake batter), I’ll go for a deeper cleanse and use Shea Butter Cleansing Oil, but when I’m trying to get everyone out the door, I’ll use the Shea 3-in-1 Cleansing Water. I massage it into my face with closed eyes and dry or wet hands. It becomes a little milky, then I rinse it off with water. Did I mention it smells amazing? I liken it to the combination of baby powder, Shea butter and fresh paper, all rolled into one. Hubby is a fan of the smell too, ha. 

After the last rinse, I’m feeling super clean. I finish with Shea Butter Light Comforting Cream for dry to very dry skin. I’ve been told I have dry skin, so I’m definitely not skipping this step. I like that it’s not greasy and I feel fresh and ready for my day. For reference, I use Light Comforting Cream for day and Shea Butter Ultra Rich Comforting cream for evening.

Violà! I’m ready to face my day—kids, school, work, and the LA smog.

While I’m on the topic—here are my overall skincare tips:

– Always wash your face at night. Not washing your face at night can age you, clog your pores and hinder your skin’s ability from repairing itself at night. So it’s kind of IMPORTANT. 

– I try and drink 8 glasses of water a day. If that seems overwhelming, try 3 glasses by 12 noon, 3 more by 3, and 2 more before/with dinner – split it up glass by glass. 

– Drink fresh squeezed lemon before you eat or drink in the morning. This helps your skin (and digestion!).

– Sleep! Always get 8 hours of sleep at night. This has been extra hard for me (a night owl), but exercise with the kids is helping!

What are some of your skincare tips? PLEASE share!

 

Thank you L’Occitane for sponsoring this post!

Shea Butter Cleansing Oil //  Shea 3-in-1 Cleansing Water // Shea Butter Light Comforting Cream // Shea Butter Ultra Rich Comforting cream

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!

 

top FREE PRESS :: white sweater REBECCA MINKOFF :: jeans AG JEANS :: soft slippers STEVE MADDEN :: Photo’s by Tiffany Luong Photography

Our days usually are never alike but usually begin like this . . . .

pancake breakfast, play time, lunch time, park time, dinner time, and family reading and walk to get boba tea.

Tiffany Luong offered to document our day. Being a large family of 6, I thought the idea intriguing. When I saw the end product I was grateful to see angles and perspectives I would have never seen if it wasn’t for Tiffany  who captured such a raw and organic side of our family life. Including my boy’s messy room, ha. From eating donuts, little laughs and hugs, to wrestling on the floor, she captured it all. She also offers photo books to further document your day for years to come. I was grateful for the opportunity since I most likely will forget the little things I love most about family life documented right here. Learn more about her services for your next family shoot HERE. And since it is Foodie Friday, I thought I’d share 3 kid approved meals we love and use daily. Happy Friday friends!

 

For the first recipe, I’m sharing our favorite breakfast dish, originally published HERE

AMY’S PUFFED PANCAKE

What I love about this one is that it’s something you can prep the night before, then just toss it in the oven in the morning and bask in the rave reviews.

What You’ll Need:

6 Eggs

1 C Flour (If you’re gluten free, I’d chose a flour blend that has already done the math on which GF flours combine to imitate the fluffy texture you get with wheat flour. I’m a fan of King Arthur, but comment if you have another favorite)

1 C Milk (can use almond milk)

1t Salt

1T Butter (to grease the dishes)

Toppings of your choice – we like agave, maple syrup, lemon curd, or powdered sugar

How You’ll Do It:

1 Whisk the eggs, flour, milk, and salt together. If you’re prepping this the night before, cover your bowl and put it in the fridge until you’re read to bake.

2  Preheat the oven to 425°

3  Melt the butter in two 9×13 pans

4  Pour the mix into the pan and put it in the oven for 15-20 minutes. It will puff up and create some crazy wavy textures in the oven, then it will settle and flatten out once it cools. So if it looks a little wild, you’re doing it right.

5  Serve with your favorite topping and enjoy the satisfied faces.

HOMEMADE HUMMUS eat with carrots or pita bread

2 cups drained well-cooked or canned chickpeas, liquid reserved

1/2 cup tahini (sesame paste), optional, with some of its oil

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus oil for drizzling

2 cloves garlic, peeled, or to taste

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1 tablespoon ground cumin or paprika, or to taste, plus a sprinkling for garnish

Juice of 1 lemon, plus more as needed

Chopped fresh parsley leaves for garnish

3 INGREDIENT DINNER

2 Cans vegetarian chili

1 package of hashbrowns in the shape of a rounded off rectangle

1 Package of cheese

Spread the hash browns across a 9×13 inch pan, layer chili and then cheese. Heat the over to 350 degrees and cook for 15 minutes. Enjoy!

skirt SEAFARER similar :: poncho :: boots FRYE :: twist neck top Chelsea and Walker

To be honest, when it comes to ponchos, I haven’t always been a fan. They’re either oversized, the wrong print, or miss-styled. However, there are a few worth sharing here. I’m loving this camel print from FRYE, the color block of this TULEROSA poncho and yes I found this one  under $30. And I’m secretly hoping this cooler LA winter sticks around so I can sport this $50 cape too. Our morning started with puff pancakes (see the recipe here), a little Boxing day shopping, then packing for our trip to the mountains. Hope your Monday is wonderful!

ps. Don’t forget to enter my $500 Nordstrom gift card giveaway HERE .

Foodie Friday

Breakfast Party of 9

I’m introducing a new addition to the blog, Foodie Fridays, to share a few fun recipes, tips and tricks for feeding a family of six that I’ve picked up over the years.

Today’s recipe comes from my sister. We recently stayed with her and her five kids in Chicago and between our families we had nine children under one roof. Nine. Hungry. Kiddos. How do you feed all those kids breakfast without losing your mind?

Amy’s Puffed Pancake

What I love about this one is that it’s something you can prep the night before, then just toss it in the oven in the morning and bask in the rave reviews.

What You’ll Need:

6 Eggs

1 C Flour (If you’re gluten free, I’d chose a flour blend that has already done the math on which GF flours combine to imitate the fluffy texture you get with wheat flour. I’m a fan of King Arthur, but comment if you have another favorite)

1 C Milk (can use almond milk)

1t Salt

1T Butter (to grease the dishes)

Toppings of your choice – we like agave, maple syrup, lemon curd, or powdered sugar

How You’ll Do It:

1 – Whisk the eggs, flour, milk, and salt together. If you’re prepping this the night before, cover your bowl and put it in the fridge until you’re read to bake.

2 – Preheat the oven to 425°

3- Melt the butter in two 9×13 pans

4 – Pour the mix into the pan and put it in the oven for 15-20 minutes. It will puff up and create some crazy wavy textures in the oven, then it will settle and flatten out once it cools. So if it looks a little wild, you’re doing it right.

5 – Serve with your favorite topping and enjoy the satisfied faces on all nine kids.

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Thinking to give ourselves a little vacation mixed with desert air, we attempted 12 hours in Palm Springs. Well, two hours later we (being 4 adults and 4 children) stiffly rolled out of one SUV. At that point, the Siberian Desert even sounded good. The kids frolicked, the adults laughed with delight, and yes, the scenery was breathtaking. I think I even managed to nab a picture. Together with the breakfast burritos and ricotta pancakes at Kings Highway, it was an all-around success. And lest you wonder, I wore blush, spring’s hottest hue. I really should limit my purchasing of blush items but it’s so flattering to most skin tones – mine being olive- that I don’t see an end in sight. 

shot on location at North Palm Springs

ruffle maxi dress ASOS / sandals FARYLROBIN SEE SIMILAR  /