Tag:

Family

 

my coat :: sweater :: jeans :: nike roshe id

One of our bucket list items has always been Yosemite. Big trees, bigger mountains and stunning stone ridges, did I mention waterfalls? I only read about and saw distant pictures of it but to see it in person, is like in the middle of the Grand Canyon so vast, untouched, and wild. While it was a chilly 38 degrees, and we attempted a couple hikes by the falls, all we could think about was the hot chocolate in our little chalet. And little it was but there is something alluring about cozy cottages around the holidays. So good. I think the kids spent most of the day up in the little chalet loft while the hubs and I cooked (well, defrosted, Portuguese stew called “Feijoda).” The latter takes me right into my first tip. If you’re renting a cabin, bring obviously lots of snacks, waters, organic cinnamon rolls (from a tube) and FROZEN dinners. Who wants to cook on vacation? For lunches, we enjoyed the tasty spread at Tanaya Lodge and Big Fir Lodge for their cozy ambience and yummy burgers. For fun, if Badger Pass is open, don’t forget to bring car chains, ski’s and warm thermal underwear. In the end, I’m so grateful we did this short 4-day getaway, just what we needed. Don’t underestimate a rest from the hustle of the holidays, school events, LA traffic for some family bonding in the woods. From the oldest to youngest, we all felt the bond.

What’s on your vacation bucket list?

 

Follow

shalice-10
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?”

shalice-23 shalice-36 shalice-40  

OUR TOP 4

  1. 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

 

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

img_3449-cocpy img_3459-copy img_3594-copyimg_3487-copy img_3498-copy-1 img_3539-copy-1 img_3523-coxpy img_3695-coxpy

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

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Motherhood can be likened to bringing home macaroons from your breakfast meeting in your kids favorite colors- sounds perfect right? Until they run out of the house at first sight of the car in the driveway. And apparently, when one grabs your knees and the other dips the box, they eventually fall on the porch. Now you know. Sometimes your best intentions are met with the reality of life with kids. 

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

While I learned my lesson after that day, I haven’t stopped bringing them little gifts. You learn, you grow, you change. No two seasons of life are the same, is that bad? No, it just demands for flexibility and letting go of always being in control. When I accept the spilled milk, the tattling, the interruption, the macaroons on the porch and compare them in light of the rewards of motherhood – a higher calling Gods entrusted to me and a humbling for my growth, it changes my attitude. I start to be thankful for those four lives God gave me. It’s not glamorous or easy. Its a daily choice I make everyday. After all, attitude is like a good photo editing filter. It can take a somewhat mundane scene from drab to crisp and beautiful.  Happy Mother’s Day to mothers, daughters, and mothers to be. What are some of your favorite memories of your mom? I’d love to hear.

there’s no was to be a perfect mother, but a million ways to be a good one – jill churchill

dress ZARA SIMILAR / sandals REBECCA MINKOFF

Our Dates

by Shalice Noel
 
 
 
 
1//
 
 
 He got a date with a dog.
Maybe one with mom next year
 
 

I’m that mom who let her 3yo throw a bag of marshmallows into the cart, acting like its a basketball. I’m sure he’d agree it was the highlight of his date. Sorry to the guy in aisle 10 who just missed the marshmallow bag. oooooops.

Everything is more fun with him.
 

 

MIL in person! Grainy and poorly lit but gosh, I thank God for this woman.
 
 
 
2 //
 
She found all the little things to her hearts content.
Love my little artist
 
I like the party section more than they do …
 
3 //
 
Come on mom, let’s gooooo! // “Necklace” was her sister’s creation


 
Look mom!
 

Always dancing
 
 
When I went to take the picture, she got out of the way. I told her, get in the pic! Dirty feet a bonus.
 
 

It was a time of undivided attention, saying yes to sugary drinks, hot chocolate, overpriced Madeleines, and their small toy of choice. She chose my little pony pens and a hello kitty notebook, both of which rested nicely under her arm as we shopped. As much as I share their excitement with new toys and paraphernalia, at the end of the day they don’t care for Legos, hello kitty or my little pony, they want me. This is made obvious by the fact that said toys are currently lost in one of the 10 piles in the playroom. Erg. All was made worth it when we walked through the door and she bragged like she went to Disney world, even the spilt hot chocolate and ruined skirt.
 I wouldn’t have it any other way.

 


My flats Steve Madden // Her Sandals Similar // Her Skirt Similar 
Older Posts