Tag:

Family

OutfitsStyle

5 Workout Faves

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel

 

sports bra // similar pants // top // similar back pack // his shirt //  tanning towels I’ve been using //

 

I’ve been getting more to the gym not only because summer is coming but its the much needed endorphins I need! I’m loving the results, been taking a little pre-workout for more energy for the afternoon slump and calm gummies for the evening. As for feeling good at the gym, here are 5 workout pieces I’m loving! These sneakers were just marked down to $67, and this bra top is on sale too! We plan to go back to the cabin after a couple events tomorrow. What are you up to?

Happy Weekend!

BRA TOPS – I’m all about a good bra top to change it up. Here are my faves!

ACTIVE TOPS – I love these worn over a good sports bra

PANTS – I’m all about flattering workout pants! They can go from gym to cafe with the right top and bag.

ACCESSORIES – sometimes the right shoes and the right gym bag is the finishing touch

 

FamilyOutfitsStyle

Valentine’s Day- 10 Ways to Improve Your Relationship

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel

dress (it’s under $100!) // heels // similar jacket //  “H” belt

 

For Valentine’s Day I thought I’d share 10 Ways to Improve Your Relationship. After nearly 11 years of marriage, (yes 11!) our relationship is a work in progress but a hundred times better than day one, year one, and everything in between. I’m definitely thanking God for his grace in our lives! Read on:

1. This may seem little, but say thank you for little things. Like if he cleaned dishes before they left for work, text them “THANK YOU,” write them a short note on a post-it, or leave them their favorite chocolate by their keys. Saying thank you is the balm to sometimes intense moments. Just stop everything and do it.

2. Say Sorry, it’s so hard to do, but seriously you must. Give each other grace and don’t expect your partner to be perfect. After all, you aren’t.

3. Take an interest in his hobby. He likes to workout, I like to shop and we found we both like to coffee shop hop. Yay! Don’t try and change his interests and hobbies, rather take an interest and count that as quality time together.

4. Give 100%, expect 90%. On the plane on our way to Hawaii for our honeymoon, an old lady who sat next to us told us to give 100% in marriage, and expect 90%.

5. Don’t take each other too seriously, give grace and work hard.

6. Time Together – make dates a priority. This is especially important after you’ve had kids! Whether we have a one hour window to get coffee or a working lunch date, or date night at home with the kids in bed early, its really important to ask each other how they’re doing. It’s the LIFEBLOOD of our relationship.

7. Make the bed, haha I try and do this and it really helps. It’s the little things right?

8. Words of encouragement when we were first married, I would put notecards in his briefcase. Now, I’m more likely to send a verse in an email or text to encourage him.

9. Declutter this is hard for me, since I blog I have lots of products coming, going and laying around. One of my goals in 2018 to be better about spring cleaning. This means a lot to my spouse so when I do declutter, I’m loving him. And when I’ve had a nutty day, he gets it and helps me clean up.

10.  When in doubt, do a check- up and read the love verse: Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. I Cor 13:4-5

Happy Valentine’s Day to you and yours! Read more about our engagement and anniversary here and here. What are some ways you have found that work to improve your relationship?

Share in the comments below <3

FamilyHome

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!

Uncategorized

Nordstrom: Kids Winter Style

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel


girls dresses // boots similar // fair isle sweater // buffalo check jacket // boys jeans // boys shoes and boys sandals  // my sweater // jeans // heels // beret similar // photo’s by Felicia Lasala

I ordered a TON from Nordstrom Kids before we left for our trip to Vail. Us not living in a cold weather climate and donating lots of our coats just before we moved out of
Chicago left us with a laundry list of items to purchase for each of them. I got boots, sweaters, cute buffalo check jackets, Levi’s jeans (I mean I can’t even) and dresses with swans. Basically anything that was fun and had winter vibes since the kids don’t normally get to wear that kind of stuff. They definitely loved all of it!
One of the biggest reasons I went to Nordstrom Kids was because of their fast shipping and awesome selection. It was definitely quick enough to keep up with my ADD nature and needing items fast before our trip. They really delivered. No pun intended. What would I do without Nordstrom Kids?
Thank you Nordstrom for sponsoring this post!
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?

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.

Newer Posts
Older Posts
@2024 Shalicenoel.com