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Our Home’s Clean Air: Intellipure Air Filter

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel

I’ve been concerned with the air quality of our home for some time – especially after the birth of Levi. Who wants to bring a baby home to a house full of mold spores or fungus hanging around? I surely don’t. I’ve admittedly tried various methods from clean beeswax candles, boiling lemons and diffusing but I knew I needed something with a bigger impact. So, when approached by INTELLIPURE to try out their Ultrafine 468 air purification system, I jumped on it.

With patented DFS (Disinfecting Filtration System) technology, it has control over airborne contaminants such as ultrafine particles, bacteria, mold spores, fungi, viruses, etc. When we lived in Chicago, during the winter months, we’d be cooped up in the house and inevitably pass colds around. A cold stays around for a while when you have 6 people to hand it to.
All that to say, we are a great candidate for a home air filtration service. We’ve had it since October, and the one thing I love about it is the quiet motor. It’s like white noise, a soft hum. I don’t like anything loud buzzing daily and this also has an exceptionally low power consumption. We already have a lot of voices, a baby cooing, the piano playing, the dishwasher going and the last thing I need is a loud motor polluting the air.
The second thing I love about this filter is when we return from a weekend at our Lake Arrowhead cabin, the house doesn’t smell like wood (as it usually does). Rather, the house smells clean and fresh like after a rain shower. How’s that for a 3’ tall air filter? I just wish they made a filter that would suck up all the clutter in the house, wouldn’t that be nice?
FamilyStyleTravel

Kauai Family Vacation

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel

swim tunic cover up // denim short one teaspoon // sunglasses // blue dress Misa Los Angeles similar  // kimono and similar cute one // one-shoulder red dress // stripe flip flops

Reid was off 6 weeks for paternity leave and the doctors recommended traveling with a newborn after 5 weeks, so we jumped right through that 5-week window and decided to take a trip to Kauai. I know, crazy sounding, but it actually worked out great. Flying with a newborn is much easier than traveling with a 1-year-old. Levi pretty much nursed and slept the entire flight. 

 

Why Kauai?

We chose Kauai because Reid and I went there for our honeymoon and the island is familiar to us. We felt we didn’t need the added stress of flying somewhere totally new. We’ll do that when he’s a little older.  Also, the Lihue airport is chill and not big-city crowded. It’s the Garden Isle after all. For LA urban dwellers like ourselves who battle sirens, smog and traffic, the country is a breath of fresh air. Literally. I’ll substitute sirens for rooster crowing any day. Yes, wild chickens roam the island of Kauai!

Kauai Family Trip Roundup

Here’s a list of our faves to help you plan your next trip:

Where we stayed

Suite Paradise. We stayed in a condo which had a kitchen and plenty of room for the 7 of us. We had a garden view and can’t complain because the price was right. Suite Paradise has a variety of units available at various price ranges. All reservations include a resort fee with access to the Poipu Athletic Club. The kids loved the pool with slide and Reid loved the gym. They also have tennis and basketball courts for the real athletes.

Favorite Beaches

Our favorite beach was Polihale Beach. It’s totally remote but not kid friendly. So our favorite kid-friendly beaches are:

Beach at Sheraton – Kiahuna Beach

Best for a quick family swim, boogie boarding and lots of surf lessons going on if you want to give it a shot.

Baby Beach or Poipu Beach

Great snorkeling, but you will need water shoes because of the rocky bottom. We saw incredible fish, eels, sea turtles and sea lions. There is also an island you can swim to.

Best Coffee

This is a big deal because everywhere we go we look for GOOD COFFEE. This is hard to master because good coffee is really hard to find IMO.

Little Fish Coffee. Reid rated that a 5 since it tasted a little burnt for the drip version. Maybe the custom pour over would have been better, but Reid didn’t give them a second chance. The place was packed for breakfast with outdoor seating and a total surfer vibe.

Living Foods Market had the best coffee. I ordered the almond milk latte and he ordered one large regular coffee. No burnt taste and we’re going back next time.

Eden Coffee is a cute little food truck with smoothies and coffee. We got to know the owner and he has a family very similar to ours so we immediately bonded and instantly followed them on Instagram because I feel like we are old family friends now.

Best Nature Seeing

Spouting Horn

It’s a quick little stop off from the main highway along the coast. It’s a cave that spouts water up to 30 feet in the air as the waves come in. It was pretty impressive and fun to watch. The kids really dug it and loved hearing the funny sound it makes.

Waimea Canyon 

The drive to Waimea Canyon was amazing as you go from sea level up to 3,000 feet above. There is a lookout point to view the canyon which is considered The Grand Canyon of the Islands. You can see a waterfall in the distance. We suggest picking up food in the city of Waimea and having a picnic in the Waimea National Park. We also grabbed shaved ice at Jo Jos on the way back. A local favorite.

Best Shaved Ice

Shave Ice TegeTege

Shaved ice is a known dessert for Kauai. We suggest Shave Ice Tege Tege, in Kappa. A local friend Reid made in the Poipu Gym recommended it. For those who hate food coloring, this food truck offers the only 100% organic Japanese-style shaved ice. The kids picked grapefruit and Meyer Lemon flavors. Bring cash though, it’s cash only and Reid and I only had enough cash for the kids.

Best Ice Cream

            Lappert’s Hawaii

While the kids hunted after the best-shaved ice, Reid and I sought after ice cream. Lappert’s in Hanapepe was our favorite. Rich and creamy and made right in the back of the store. It’s been around since 1983 (that’s not old is it?).

 

The kids are asking us to book our next return trip ASAP and I actually agree with them. Comment below on your favorite Hawaii experiences. I’d love to get more ideas for our next trip!

FamilyOutfitsStyle

Abercrombie Kids: Outerwear your kids Will Actually Wear

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel

 

girls camo parka // boys blue parka // red stripe parka // girls stripe puffer // boys navy sweater // boys reindeer sweater //

girls plaid shirt // girls black denim skirt // girls jeans // boys ripped jeans // boys skinny jean // girls hat similar // boys hat

It’s ironic that I hate cold weather but I love buying new coats for the family each year. I love seeing my kids all bundled up in layers. Perfect for cozy long weekends at our A-Frame up in the mountains.

 

Wearing our new winter coats, we decided to string popcorn and cranberries for a cute/ugly little pine tree we found next to our mountain A-Frame. The kids had a blast decorating the tree we found. Thank goodness for battery operated LED lights. They gave this sad little tree a little sparkle. After some popcorn fights, we moved up the hill and the kids built a pretend campfire as they ate candy canes and talked about what they want for Christmas. The air smelled of pine trees and was refreshingly crisp.

As we plan on spending lots of days in the snowy mountains this winter, I’m lining up key must-have winter basics your kids will actually wear. No fights, right!?

I’ve learned a few things on what to look for when selecting kids outerwear.

1)     Purchase coats that aren’t too bulky or stiff. If the kids aren’t comfortable moving in it, they won’t wear it.

2)    Look for coats that have attached hoods. No more losing hats!

3)    The coat needs to be easily cleaned and machine washable.

I found our coats at Abercrombie Kids. Their outerwear kid’s collection is on point and as a stylist, I approve. I’m especially fond of the Essential Puffer Line and the shiny color options, which the kids loved and I know the material will clean up nicely after they’ve played outside.

The girls are wearing the Essential Puffer Coat and the Adventure Parka. The girls’ coats have faux fur hoods and the color/pattern selection will please any kid. My youngest girl chose the shiny navy blue stripe and my oldest, outdoorsy, daughter chose the cute green camo with pink faux fur lining.

For the boys, the Essential Puffer Coat keeps their movement unrestricted while they play. The sherpa-lined hood is so cute and cozy too.

I layered the kids with plaid button-down shirts, zippered sweaters, sweatshirts and ripped denim jeans with patches. When the temps drop lower, my daughter will wear tights with her black denim skirt. I love how their outerwear all pulled together nicely. We are ready for a real mountainside campfire and some s’mores. Happy wintering!

FYI Click HERE for today’s cyber Monday deal:

40% off sitewide + free shipping and 50% off jeans

OutfitsStyle

Our Top 9 Family Must Have Amazon purchases

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel
I don’t know if you’e like me, but I love ordering from Amazon. I really feel like Prime delivery is a gift to mom’s. I can order what my family needs from the comfort of our home, without leaving the house! I order a couple of times a month and below is a sample of what I order and why.
to de-puff my tired under eyes and overall face. I keep it in my freezer.
It aids in sleep, vitamin absorption, and regularity. I took it regularly during my pregnancy and now while breastfeeding.
This blend is highly absorbable!
Okay, it says for kids, but I definitely love these.
Goji berries for our Açai bowls Just eat them out of the bag or use them over frozen yogurt, oatmeal or your favorite açai bowls. Love them!
Pilates ring -I swear by this thing! I try and do a 100 a day placed in between my thighs for a thigh workout that burns. I love that I can do this workout from my laptop computer!
So yummy!
I use this to aid in my milk supply while nursing.
These help with stress management and taste amazing. Win-win.
Family

My Birth Story

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel

 

 

You never know the time of day your baby will actually arrive unless you have it scheduled. So after talking to my doctor, we decided to induce Monday, October 9 at 6 pm. Because we don’t have family in the area, planning the induction was the best way to get the older 4 kids organized safely. This was a great way to avoid stress. Thankfully, Levi was already getting ready to come out. One of my prayers! But for the rest of the story, read on…

4 pm: I dropped off the kids at our friends from church’s house. I’ll admit I cried a little. I hate leaving them overnight!

5 pm: We headed to the hospital, but I realized I was hungry and that I’d probably need energy to labor all night.

5:30 pm: I ordered a veggie bowl with extra guacamole at Chipotle. Kudos to Reid for finding a parking spot off of Sunset Blvd. One of my pregnancy cravings was this bowl! So yummy and no regrets getting it. It indeed gave me energy for the night.

6 pm: We checked into the hospital for the scheduled induction. The nurses who admitted us to our room said I looked like Natalie Portman. This helped some of my nerves. So nervous!

6-8 pm: The doctors and nurses monitored the baby’s heartbeat, my contractions and checked me. I was at 5cm. I was VERY excited to hear I came in halfway.

8:30 pm: They gave me pitocin and my pain tolerance was at a 5. This is when I started listening to Sara Bareilles.

9:30 pm: The pain increased. I started to pull Reid’s arm. This helped a little.

10:30 pm: The doctor checked me. I was still at 5cm. This was very discouraging so the nurses up the pitocin dosage. Yikes!!

12:30 am: The doctor broke my water and the pain increased. I realize I’m at transition and admit to Reid I can’t do this. A definitive sign that I’m in transition. No meds at this point but about to break.

12:30-2 am: I was in active labor all during this time. I changed positions and used a peanut ball lying on my side per my doctor’s advice to move baby’s head position. Reid was a huge help telling me I’m doing awesome and allowing me to pull his arm at every contraction.

1:45 am: I was going to the bathroom a lot and was coming back from a trip, only to squat on the hospital bed and yell out, “I feel his head!” I indeed felt his head crowning. The nurse yelled down the hall to the doctor.

1:57 am: I pushed 3x with ALL my might.

2:02 am: He’s here! I got to cut the cord after we kept him on for 1 minute. He was immediately alert and amazing. The doctor put him on my chest and let me know I did great and didn’t tear. Of course this was a huge relief, but it was just such a blessing to carry my miracle baby.

A couple things that made labor better:

Lavender to sniff
Chapstick – I used Mario Badescu
Ice water – I hate temp water during labor
Peanut ball to switch baby’s position, if necessary
Warm fuzzy socks or slippers

And recovery:

Gum
Mothers milk tinctures
Tea
I should’ve brought more snacks (aka bad hospital food)

So many happy emotions and SO incredibly grateful LEVI DANIEL came into the world. Thanking God!

FamilyStyle

Halloween’s Bats and Fairies

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel

Bat Costume // Fairies Costumes // My Dress // Sunglasses // Earrings 

My kids are the type that will wear costumes ALL year long, so when Anthropologie rolled out some drool worthy costumes that are kid-tested and quality made, we jumped on it. As in, the kids asked every day if they could wear their costumes. Admittedly, my kids are on the older end of their costume selection, but were hoping baby boy can wear one of their cute costumes in a couple of weeks.

Which is your favorite?

FamilyNordstromStyle

Nordstrom Fashion Forward Clothes for Busy Kids

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel
my dress // white blazer // booties similar ones here and here // ray-bans
Do you ever put together matching outfits for you and your kids? I love doing this with my girls! They probably won’t let me do it forever so I have to enjoy it while I can, right? Ha! Nordstrom is where I go to find matching booties for the three of us. It’s so convenient—have I mentioned the curbside pickup for online orders? I’m just so obsessed with it.
I like to think my girls (and the boys too) are pretty fashion forward but are also just like any kids and like to run around outside and be tough on their clothes. Anything I pick up at Nordstrom Kids always lasts and keeps them looking stylish too. And yes, I let her borrow my Gucci bag. I can’t shame her for her good taste. 😉
Thank you Nordstrom for sponsoring this post!
CollaborationsFamilyNordstromOutfitsStyle

Mommy & Me: Nordstrom Faves

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel

Girls Cape // Skinny Jeans // Taupe Faux Leather Booties

Boys Stripe Sweatshirt // Red Shorts // Sneakers

My Blazer// Dress // Sunglasses // Similar Booties

How do I find outfits for my kids? I focus on quality fabrics, patterns and clothes they will actually wear and love. When I see them get excited about a shirt or a cool pair of shoes, that’s when I know I’ve found something they not only like, but they’ll actually wear! And yes, it’s all found at Nordstrom!

The moment my oldest saw this cape, she exclaimed, “This would be great for Lake Arrowhead!” And I agree. It’s super soft and perfect for chilly early mornings and late nights. We love it up there. Likewise, my son loves his sweatshirt and especially his new sneakers. He won’t stop wearing them! Kind of like his obsession with his soccer uniform. He wears it so much that hubby and I had to hide it! Anyone else have this happen with a kiddo?

I’m so thankful for Nordstrom curbside pick-up for days when I have to be at soccer practice, art class and tumbling class. Their customer service has won over this busy mama for over a decade. What are some of your Nordstrom faves?

Thank you Nordstrom for sponsoring this post!

FamilyNordstromStyle

What I’m Buying from Nordstrom Back to School

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel

 

girls stripe dresses // red sandals

older boys stripe sweatshirt // red shorts // boys sneakers

younger boy’s A OK tee // graphic jogger pants // boys sneakers 

I’m so excited to partner with Nordstrom Back to School for kids. I’m loving all their laid-back pieces to add to my kids’ wardrobe this fall. I honestly love shopping for their autumn staples just as much as my own and Nordstrom makes it too easy.

Because we spend most weekends in the mountains, I was happy to find a lot of pieces that layer really well! Going from warmer temps in LA to the cooler mountain temps can be a little tricky so I had my oldest pick out a plaid blazer to go over her yellow dress. And yes, I let her borrow my Gucci belt bag. You can’t fault her good taste. The boys’ shoes were sporty and adorable. Now I just wish they knew how to tie their shoes, but let’s reserve that for another blog post shall we? Likewise, the girls loved their boots because they look like mom’s! I wonder how long I will get away with them saying that?
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again—Nordstrom is simply one of my favorites for the kids. With all these adorable back to school options, how can you not want to pick something up for your kiddos?

I’m

Thank you Nordstrom for sponsoring this post!
FamilyOutfitsStyle

How to Prepare Your Youngest When He will no longer be the Youngest

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel

his jeans // polo // hat // shoes // Reid’s shorts // Reid’s tee // Sneakers

 

Preparing your family for a new baby is both fun, but a little worrisome as well. We don’t really know how the kids will adjust to their new roles. Our kids have been pretty close in age, so the transition for them was not dramatic. However, now with our fifth, we have an age gap of 5.5 years between our youngest and the newborn. He is used to being the baby in the family and it’s all about to change. We’ve been researching how to best prepare him for his transition from baby brother to BIG brother. Here is some advice we’ve found:

 

Before the baby is born:

 

·      Tell him how special he is as a big brother. Explain how he’ll be able to teach his little brother how to draw rocket ships, build Lego’s, play soccer, make paper airplanes, etc.!

 

·      When the baby is born, have a gift prepared for each older sibling that is “from” the baby. We will be purchasing Lego sets and stuffed animals for each one. Also, have the kids give a “birthday gift” to the baby. Make sure to pack it ahead of time so the kids can bring it with them when they come to meet the baby for the first time. Make sure to have the camera ready to capture the moment they present the gift as well.

 

·      Have your child make a drawing to frame and hang in the baby’s room. I especially love this one!

 

After the baby is born:

 

·      Make sure to take pictures of both the new baby and the older siblings. Also take plenty of individual pictures of each child as well.

 

·      Have a few small gifts prepared for the older children when the baby receives gifts from friends/family.

 

·      Make sure to continue to snuggle with your older children and give them individual attention when you have the opportunity.

 

·      Invite the kids to sit next to you when nursing. Remind the kids how good they were at eating. Also, open up the photo album of when the older kids were born. They love seeing what they looked like as babies.

 

We’ll see how our youngest transitions. So far, he’s pretty excited. In fact, all the kids are pretty excited. For that, we are thankful.

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