Tag:

Family

Back to School Lunch ideas

by Shalice Noel August 25, 2019

written by Shalice Noel

my cardigan // lunch containers // Wonder Woman tee’s // Wonder Woman backpack // Girl’s Biker Shorts // Women’s biker shorts // Similar tank

The kids are headed BACK TO SCHOOL and with that comes my nemesis, school lunches. To simplify our busy schedules, I’m sharing a school lunch grocery list and some creative lunch ideas that don’t require utensils and are quick for you to piece together. Oh and did I mention the kids love it. I would love to hear some of your ideas, so leave me a comment.

I know getting back to school is daunting for both kids and parents, so please bookmark this post for your next shopping trip. I’ve linked all these items to Walmart as well, because they have great healthy selections, low prices and some items can be delivered next day. I’m all about less trips in the car, so this is a huge quality of life win.

Here’s what I look for when buying school lunch items. Finger foods are great because we save plastic utensils. As a rule of thumb, provide a protein to fill their bellies during the day, add fresh vegetables with hummus or ranch dressing and lastly dried fruit for dessert. I’ve learned the hard way to not pack nuts. Many schools do not allow nuts on campus so don’t waste them and keep them at home. I also try to avoid filling the kids up with breads so here is a great idea for deli meat. Take slices of ham and or turkey and roll it. Then take the bamboo stick and make a kabob. In between the deli meat add vegetables like cucumber, tomato, pickles or whatever else your kids like. Think of it like a salad on a stick. The best part, no dirty dishes for the kids to bring home. Win, win!

I love expressing my creative side with school lunches and giving the kids something fun and healthy to eat during their school day. Here’s a shopping list you can copy for your next trip to Walmart! Or use the links below and buy online, taking advantage of their amazing next day shipping (I’ve taken advantage of MANY TIMES) for qualifying items. Before I purchase, I always check the reviews and if the item qualifies for Next Day shipping. Time is a hot commodity as a mom of 5, so if it can arrive ASAP, things run a little smoother.

Do you have a favorite lunch as a kid? share it below!

School Lunches Shopping list:

1) Deli Meat (Turkey or Ham) Turkey Jerky is good too.

2) Fresh Vegetables (Cucumbers, Tomatoes, Carrots, Cauliflower, Broccoli)

3) Fresh Fruit (Grapes, Apple Slices, Peaches, Mango, Strawberries)

4) Dried Fruit (Coconut Chips, Dried anything)

5) Lunch container

Thank you Walmart for sponsoring this post!

August 25, 2019

Marriage

Pt 1 Marriage + Relationship

by Shalice Noel August 15, 2019

written by Shalice Noel

What do you think? As always, my shop page is open 24/7, my Amazon page is here, and let me know your questions below!

August 15, 2019

Family

Our Day at Aquatica Sea World

by Shalice Noel August 3, 2019

written by Shalice Noel

Aquatica – Seaworld

When I was a kid, the water park I had access to was about seven multi colored waterslides. Each color was a different level of rush! I thought that was so cool. Now that we experienced Aquatica, I’m like….wow, my kids are lucky. We were getting a little board of the pool and the beach is great, but so much work. You know what I mean. All the stuff we have to lug along, dragging the stroller through the sand, taking a boat load of sand home and finding it all over the bed sheets the next morning. A day at the beach takes a week to recover.

Last weekend, we had the opportunity to take the family to Aquatica in San Diego. We made sure to get there right when they opened. The gates open at 9:30am and the rides open at 10:00am, giving you some time to designate your lounge chair territory. The park had plenty to do for all ages. They have a splash area designated for toddlers and a massive water playground perfect for my age kids. Lots of lifeguards keeping watch as well which gave me some comfort. Then there’s the big daddy slides, like the giant water slides and my kid’s favorite the Tassie’s Twister. Voted by my kids as their favorite.

Here are 5 tips for planning your day at Aquatica:

1) Pack Sunscreen, Beach Towels and Water Shoes (Great for walking between rides)

2) Arrive at the park at 9:30am

3) Designate a meeting place with your family in case you get separated.

4) The Quick Que was an added bonus to our day. Great way to cut down on line time. You can practice patience another day.

5) Put your kids in brightly colored swim suits so it’s easier to find them.

Thank you Sea World Aquatica for sponsoring this post

August 3, 2019

Family Nordstrom

Some of my favorite buys still available on the NSALE

by Shalice Noel July 31, 2019

written by Shalice Noel

chucks under $20

These couple weeks my 4th has been struggling getting his shoes on, not finding them and just overall freaking out when I utter the words, “time to go, get your shoes on!” I’ve since purchased him two pairs of new shoes. One were cute olive green velcro pair and the other, Converse chucks my husband picked up from the NSALE. I was pleasantly surprised. As for the Converse chucks, he was able to get on in 30 seconds and out the door. This alleviates a lot of stress in our house. To say the least. There is still a lot available on the NSALE! See below and don’t forget to enter my $100 gift card giveaway on instagram!

denim // sandals // tee under $20 amazon prime// Chloe bag in medium // similar turquoise ring

July 31, 2019

Fall Fashion Family

Denim for the Whole Family

by Shalice Noel July 28, 2019

written by Shalice Noel

my jeans (size up imo) // white bodysuit

girls girlfriend jeans // girls gray waffle knit top // girls lace detail white top //

boys dark straight leg jeans // boys distressed denim // boys long sleeve in “grey check” // boys short sleeve (the fit I found was true to size for jeans and tops)

Me and the kids recently partnered with Abercrombie Kids highlighting their new denim for fall. I mean how cute are my lil models? I love that there is SO much variety in the denim styles and washes at Abercrombie Kids. I believe each of my kids has a style and I tried my best to “style” them according their own style. It’s always good to encourage individuality. We can’t wait to see what Levi’s style will be!

Good news, their jeans are 50% off right now! Stock up for fall.

Enjoy your cuties now, whether it be your nieces or nephews, sons or daughters, for the days are long but the years are short.

Happy Sunday!

July 28, 2019

Uncategorized

$13 Must Have Summer sandals

by Shalice Noel July 17, 2019

written by Shalice Noel

I’ve gotten SO many compliments about these sandals for thirteen dollars! I’ve worn them everywhere from the Huntington gardens to Sea World. A mom needs a lightweight go-to sandal and I couldn’t resist the cute pink color. I liked them so much so that I purchased a pair for my daughter. They also come in size 5, and I love twinning with her!

Walmart has some great buys. I’m also crushing on their leopard selection! Remember, if your order is over $35, and is a qualified order, you’ll receive free two-day shipping, no membership required. See more options below!

Also, some favorite beauty buys like this mascara and lip gloss:

$13 sandals // jeans topshop similar // top fp // her top similar //

We are in the heat of the soccer camp season and the kids are loving it. While I’m not enjoying the commute, I tell myself these seasons are going very fast. I’m grateful for each moment! How’s your week going?

Thank you Walmart for sponsoring this post!

July 17, 2019

Family

Walmart Baby Registry II

by Shalice Noel June 30, 2019

written by Shalice Noel

satin lined lovie 2. organic moses basket 3. organic sleeping pad and crib sheet 4. classic crib 5. car seat 6. onesies 7. organic cotton pajamas 8. llamà 9. little jumper (Levi loves this!)

There’s nothing more daunting than registering for a baby registry. It can be beyond overwhelming walking into a baby store with 10-20 options for everything from blankies to binkies. I’m stressed just thinking about it. Enter Walmart.com with their awesome baby registry and Next Day Shipping options on most item marked. (5 orders in, I’m a believer!) Have you checked it out? I included some of my favorites below that I’ve used and loved for Levi. Walmart makes it easy. Because when you’re planning for a baby, you need all the help you can get.

Happy weekend!

Thank you Walmart for sponsoring this post!

June 30, 2019

Travel

Our Stay at Nobu Los Cabos

by Shalice Noel June 27, 2019

written by Shalice Noel

straw hat // his suspenders // my sunnies // my sandals (only $35!)

Funny how whenever the flight attendants see us board a plane their first comment is, “Are these all your kids…. That’s a lot of work!” Well, it’s true, traveling with 5 kids under 11 is no walk in the park, but traveling is worth every bit of hassle. I’m thankful for the travel opportunities we have had this past year and what better way to close out the school year with a trip to Mexico on the Baja Peninsula. We put all those Spanish classes to practice! Kind of.

We flew to San Cabos San Lucas for a 5 night stay at the brand new Nobu Hotel. Nobu is a chic celebrity sushi restaurant in LA (one of the owners is Robert De Niro). They are now opening resorts all over the world so you can enjoy the fine Japanese cuisine and style all over the world. The Nobu Hotel Cabo San Lucas is located 45 minutes from the SJC airport. You can book an airport transfer through the resort as we did.

You will be in awe of the experience as you drive up to the front lobby. The architecture is sleek and sophisticated as well as the service. Upon arrival, the staff warmly greeted us with moist towels to freshen our faces from, juice boxes for the kids and a ginger cocktail for Reid and I. Exactly what we needed to decompress after the stress of flying.

The resort opened in April 2019 and designed to immerse Japanese design with Mexican hospitality. Ocean views and Zen gardens are everywhere. The property includes three pools, many hot tubs, private cabanas and a swim up bar. The Cabanas have private bathrooms and showers and was a great place for the kids to nap in the shade. It was like an extension of our hotel room. Reserve your complimentary Cabana with your personal butler upon arrival.

For our family of 7, hotel rooms that accommodate all of us are rare. Fortunately, Nobu offers a variety of suites. We stayed in the Zen Suite with an adjoining room. We had a living room, eating area, king size bed with incredible bathroom and another adjoining queen bed room for the kids. All rooms have darkening drapes so the kids always slept till 7:30am which made for nice quiet mornings. Comment below on this bathroom dream!

We spent every day at the pool. The resort is beach front but the ocean is not swimmable. You can hear the power of the waves crashing throughout the day. Besides the pool, the kids loved going to the Kids Club. They did face painting, movie nights, crafts and games for the kids from 7am – 10pm. You drop your kids off and pick them up whenever you want. Can you say date night? Even better….ocean view sunset date night at Nobu!

The resort offers fine dining at Nobu and Malibu Farms. Feels like we are home in Los Angeles! The food was fresh and delicious. We recommend getting an all-inclusive package offered on Nobu website upon making your reservations.

Also keep this on the DL, but the fitness center provides iced chlorophyll water that we loved. I won’t lie, it is the best and most refreshing beverage after a day in the sun. Also a favorite was the dark chocolate they left at turndown service. I would call for turndown service just to feed my chocolate addiction. All in all, a great family getaway. Next time, we will explore the town!

Tip#1: If you’re flying with children, check the stroller at the gate.

Tip #2: Bring instant oatmeal packets. My kids wake up at the crack of dawn on vacation and I’m not taking them to breakfast at 5am!

Tip #3 Buy your girls shorts in the boys section. You get 3 more inches, and they have good washes and distressing.

Tip #4 Lower your expectations. Or let go of any you may have. Like parenting at home, some days are totally unpredictable. Go with the flow and you’ll enjoy your vacation more.

Tip#5 If you’re traveling with an infant (Levi is 8 mos old) nurse him/her at take off and landing to alleviate any ear pain or pressure. If your baby is older, bring something to chew on. I bought him a play iphone but he really just loved the chew beads and melt in your mouth snacks.

Tip #6: Don’t forget your face mask for the flight. Even if I don’t have time (holding a baby the whole time) I will apply a face mask on my neck for refreshment. I also bring my NuFace mini and do a mini eye lift.T

Tip #7: The sun is stronger than you know. Pack sun hats and sunscreen. I use Unseen sunscreen as a makeup primer so I NEVER forget to put it on.

June 27, 2019

Outfit

The random things I purchase at 10pm

by Shalice Noel June 26, 2019

written by Shalice Noel

Shorts (sz 4) // Similar top // Earrings

Whether I’m shopping for the house, Levi or myself, Walmart has me covered. I ordered pj’s, onesies, and shorts for myself, chose next day delivery and BOOM, it arrived the next day. I sometimes wonder, how that is possible? I’m definitely getting spoiled. Just tonight, my dad, who is visiting, asked me if I had anything besides Pregnancy tea, NOPE. So he drank the pregnancy tea with his nightly lemon tea ritual. I had a LONG good laugh. Now, with 5, my life has never been busier, and Levi now 8 months has never been clingier. Anyone know of a good chiropractor? I’m loving the convenience of next day shipping. I even ordered baking powder online. Who am I becoming? This just means A. I am planning on baking something AHHHMAZING B. It means I still have pregnancy brain and I don’t trust myself to walk into Ralphs with baking powder on my list and still walk out with it. Alas, I’m sure one day when the kids are grown up, I’ll have a moment to myself. But in the mean time, I’ll enjoy all the conveniences of online grocery slash life purchases I can afford. And at walmart.com, thats a lot.

Happy Wednesday!

See what I purchased below and why! What’s in your cart?

June 26, 2019

Family

3 Reasons Why I’m Giving My Baby a Probiotic

by Shalice Noel June 17, 2019

written by Shalice Noel

3 Reasons Why I’m Giving My Baby a Probiotic

1 THE FIRST 6 MOS OF BABY’S LIFE ARE MOST CRITICAL. So much critical growth happens during this time from autoimmune to metabolic development.

2 9/10 BABIES ARE MISSING B. INFANTIS

(THE KEY GOOD BACTERIA) THAT DIGESTS NUTRIENTS IN BREASTMILK AND PROTECTS BABY’S GUT

3 NOT ALL PROBIOTICS ARE THE SAME.

STRAIN DOES MATTER. EVIVO IS THE ONLY PROBIOTIC CLINICALLY PROVEN TO RESTORE THE GOOD BACTERIA (B. INFANTIS), REDUCING BAD BACTERIA IN BABY’S GUT BY 80%.

I’ll preface this blog post by saying, I forgot SO much after I had my 4th child 6 years ago. So, when Levi arrived last October, I found myself trying to jog my memory about what to give a baby suffering from colic, how to cure mastitis, and what to do to keep up my nursing supply. I asked a couple friends, read up on some of the topics and educated myself as these issues have risen. Levi is newly 7 months. I’m taking one day at a time. A couple weeks into Levi’s 6 month birthday, we began seeing bad diaper rash, eczema, and gas. Poor guy. I called my best friend, like I usually do and she urged me to give him a probiotic. And since I’m nursing, I should take one as well. We later found out, his ailments were signs of bad gut health. We started giving Levi Evivo and just waited. I put one sachet into a bowl mixed with 3-5ml breast milk. To my surprise, he started waving his arms, which meant he loved it! Well, that made everything easier. Within a week, the redness behind his ear from eczema lessened.

With increased usage of antibiotics during delivery, c-sections (while both good in their own right), have interrupted the transfer of good bacteria from mom to baby. The good bacteria, the fancy name for it is “B.infantis” is missing from baby. What do we do? Scientists developed this probiotic for babies as the solution to this problem. I want Levi to thrive in all areas including developing a strong gut to help him live a happy and healthy life.

What does it take? Without B. infantis, bad bacteria can thrive threatening him with diabetes, allergies, colic and what we already experienced with eczema. I had no idea probiotics were SO IMPORTANT. My only regret so not having this with all of my kids! Thank you Evivo for making this product that is so instrumental to a baby’s health. Levi will thank me one day!

What are some of the benefits? Better sleep, improved digestion, happier baby. If you’re a mother, you already know this. A fussy baby is such a challenge. I will have long days with a cranky baby at my hip and I feel like crying along with him. It is incredibly difficult to see your baby unhappy and not know how to help him. For that reason alone, give Evivo a try. Nothing is worse than a fussy baby suffering from one of the above ailments who cannot communicate with you what is wrong. All he or she can do is cry. If you’re not a mom, a great gift idea is a gift card for Evivo. Believe me, a new or seasoned mom (like myself) would thank you many times over for such a gift to myself and baby. If you’re pregnant, give yourself some brownie points, plan ahead and purchase a month starter kit which is less than $3 a day. Less than a latte. As for me, I plan to continue to give Levi Evivo. My sister-in-law is hoping to get pregnant soon with their second. Since their first had colic, I plan to introduce her to Evivo for baby #2. She will thank me later!

Frequently asked questions – FAQ

Is EVIVO gluten free?

Yes.

Does Evivo have any artificial flavors, preservatives, colors or dyes?

No.

Does Evivo contain any additives?

No.

Can I purchase a gift card for a friend?

Absolutely! More and more mom’s are giving and receiving gifts beyond the swadles and onesies. Evivo deserves a place on the baby registry if you ask me! Click HERE for more gift card information.

To receive $10 off use coupon code: “BLOG36328”
To receive $20 off use coupon code “BLOGSV55P”

Learn more about EVIVO here.

Thank you EVIVO for sponsoring this post!

June 17, 2019

Newer Posts

Older Posts