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Health

Health

How to Avoid the Quarantine 15

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel

Confession: my jeans are tight. I’ve been living in joggers and pj’s till 12 noon. Or later. However, I have started, by day 25 of quarantine, to get dressed, make my bed, and get some blog posts on here! I’m not a dietician, or doctor, but I have included some of my personal tips for avoiding gaining weight during this time at home.

DRINK LOTS OF H20

We need to train ourselves to drink water. We go through our days drinking coffee, smoothies, more coffee, and then we wonder why we have an afternoon headache. We are dehydrated! Here’s a tip: Drink 3 glasses of water before 12 noon. This helps a lot. You should drink a total of 8 glasses a day, and if that feels like too much, lemon water helps. Also, when I get a hankering for a peanut butter cup (more on this later) I make a (calorie-free) lemonade.

Calorie Free Lemonade

8 oz filtered water

1 lemon, squeezed

1 full dropper of stevia

5 cubes of ice

Mix all ingredients and enjoy!

Add Fab4 smoothie to your breakfast routine

I feel more fueled and focused when I have my Fab4 smoothie, originally published HERE.

#FAB4Smoothie: Protein (20g minimum) + Fiber (10g minimum) + 1 Tbsp. Fat + Handful Greens + 1/4 Cup Fruit + Superfoods + Liquid

2 scoops Vital Proteins collagen powder // 1 TB almond butter// 1 frozen banana // 1 cup frozen pineapple // 2 cups frozen organic spinach // 1 TB chia seeds // unsweetened almond milk // 2 meyer lemons (add at the end) //

Directions: blend till smooth in a vitamix or blender. I add the lemons at the end and drink immediately.

I explain more in this post about how I am changing the way our family eats.

Add a pilates ring to your routine

I place it in between my thighs while I sit for a thigh workout. Try doing it 100x!

Drink ACV

Add 2 tablespoons to water and ice and drink before a meal. Reid and I have one after dinner. Whenever it makes sense, just add this to your regimen.

American Eagle

MANGO

Nordstrom

I’m not sure if you’re aware, but Nordstrom is having a HUGE sale. I rounded up some favorites including my shoes on sale!

SkinCeuticals take 15% off!

As always, my shop page is open 24/7, ask any questions and let me know how you are staying fit and healthy during these times. What are your plans this weekend? Reid and I will take the kids to our friends’ pool to swim. Don’t worry, we will still be practicing social distancing. And thanks to the high temps, we will try our hand at margaritas! Will let you know how they go!

Health

What is CBD oil and How its helped me. My Equilibria review

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel


I feel like we wouldn’t be friends if I didn’t share this product with you. No, really. Reid can vouch for me when I say that this product has literally changed my life. 
As a wife, business owner, and mom of five children, I always have twenty things going on at once and often find it hard to unwind, relax in the evenings, and fall asleep at bedtime. I’m also a natural worry wart, so you can imagine how much I need more calm and focus. This is where CBD comes in. 
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a chemical compound found in cannabis, but as it has no “high” or intoxicating properties, it is instead found to be helpful in a variety of medical uses. Humans have an umbrella system in their bodies called the endocannabinoid system or ECS that helps manage our sleep, moods, pain regulation, and inflammation. As we get older, our systems stop functioning as well as they should. CBD interacts with our ECS system and when we use CBD, we are replicating what our bodies naturally create with a plant substance that does a similar job. Our bodies are already built to accept these phytocannabinoids as if they are made in our own bodies. Cool, right? 
I’m happy to report that I’m more focused and calm while taking CBD, and have also found it helpful as a sleep aid. Founded by two women in Chicago, whose goal was to help women achieve balance in their lives by making the best CBD product available, CBD is all about helping you live well. There really is much to love about this company.
First and foremost, they educate. With each purchase, you can speak with a dosage specialist. They will answer all your questions and more. During my 30 minute evaluation, she asked me about my routine, when I feel most stressed, and what my diet looks like. She then advised how much to take and when. I’ve since switched my dosage as the weeks have progressed to adjust my ever-evolving calendar. I now take 1 gel in the AM, 1/2 dropper at lunch and 1 gel at dinner. 

WHO: Equilibria CBD
WHAT: CBD oil is sourced from a flower. This flower is hand-picked and full of flavonoids, phytocannabinoids, and terpenes. What I find cool is how it works in the body.
3 Main Products:
Daily Softgels:  These are taken like vitamins and are slow release. I take one after dinner or before bed. I sleep SO WELL. 
The Daily Drops: The drops are one of their fast acting products and the one I use most often. I hold the oil under my tongue for 30-60 seconds before swallowing to bypass the digestive system, which means fast absorption and faster results!  If I know I have an intense conference call or the general 4pm crazy hour, I make sure to “microdose” with the daily drops. I feel like the amount of oil in a full dropper is too much, so I’ll do 1/2 a dropper, usually at lunch. It tastes like the plant TBH. And the experts tell me that if it doesn’t taste like the plant, you probably have a bad source of CBD. Always check your sources! 
Relief Cream:  This topical cream is for targeted relief. It has arnica, menthol, and a whopping 500mg of CBD in it! Reid takes the relief cream for his sore shoulder. He has tried so many things and this is the only cream that has brought relief. He even sleeps well on those nights his shoulder is acting up and he uses the cream. It’s a powerful cream that has helped my mom’s sore ankles and dad’s sore knees. I personally use it for period cramps, sore back, sore neck from holding Levi and sore feet after a day of wearing heels. (Sometimes you need to suffer for fashion.) 
WHERE: It is federally legal and single-sourced from a 1,100 acre organic farm in Colorado. All CBD is NOT created equal–there’s a lot of sketchy stuff out there, but their products are made on their organic farm from start to finish, ensuring each batch is 110% safe. They adhere to medical grade production standards–because you deserve the best!
HOW: Be patient because it may take up to three months to regulate the dosage and see your best results. I’ve been taking it since the end of January and am already noticing differences in my mood and focus. Stay consistent.
Equilibria is created by women for women. More exciting products to come! Click here for more information about Equilibria. Their motto is “For Women, By Women.” 

Buying Tips:
What should I do, a one-off or subscription?
I’d recommend the subscription of the Balance Box for the best value. Don’t worry, you can cancel at any time! I just buy the relief cream as needed. I just gave my mom one; she loves it!
Last but not least, they have given me a code to share with you!

USE CODE SHALICENOEL for 15% off your first order. A subscription is the smartest option. Thank you for reading this. Forward any questions!


As per FDA guidelines, Equilibria is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any ailments or disease. As always, consult with your physician before starting any new program that may interact with your current health plan.


Beauty

Why I Take Collagen

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel

Sandals // Skirt wearing a 4 // Square Neck top worn in xs // Faux Shearling Coat


Why I Take Collagen


If you follow along on Instagram, you see me adding collagen to my morning coffee every day. Because of this, collagen is something I get asked about a lot in my DMs, so I thought I’d put together a post on why I take collagen and what it’s benefits can be as a reference for when I get asked. I hope this answers any questions you have!

First things first, it’s important to understand that collagen powder and protein does not equate to collagen in your skin, or on your face. What it does do is line the gut and help to support your gut health. Almost every skin issue and inflammatory issue humans have is linked to our gut health. Crazy, right? So, a healthy gut equals less inflammation. And, it just so happens that inflammation is the number one factor when it comes to aging. Therefore, a healthy gut = healthy skin.

In addition, healthy skin is more hydrated and strong, and can even result in fewer instances of rosacea and acne breakouts. Then, of course, consistent hydration and less inflammation mean fewer wrinkles. 

For me personally, I’ve seen a dramatic change in my hair and nails since adding collagen to my daily routine. I’ve always struggled with thin hair, so taking 2 scoops a day for over a year has given me fuller, thicker hair. Even my makeup artist noticed and asked what I’m doing different! My nails have also gotten stronger.

So, this is what motivated me to start taking collagen. Like I said, it doesn’t directly put more collagen in your skin, but it can play a huge role in how your skin ages, along with other benefits like stronger/thicker nails and hair.

Have you used collagen before? Tell me about your experience with it – I’m kind of passionate about it at this point!

Forward me any questions. Click HERE for my smoothie recipe.

workout

4 Ways to Stay Healthy this weekend

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel

Cloudscape jacket in sz 8 in sunset orange // Align pants in polar shift emboss sz 6// Run times bra // Boyfriend tee in sz 4// Water bottle (this really keeps beverages cold and hot!)

  1. Drink water! Add lemon, ice or vitamin c packets if water bores you. The benefits to drinking water for your health are many! It lubricates your joints, flushes body waste, helps maintain blood pressure, and boosts skin health and beauty to name a few. Try THIS HOT/COLD THERMOS to keep your drinks yummy!
  2. Add veggies to your diet. We like kale chips! Turn off your favorite show and get active. You can average 8 calories burned a minute of doing sets of mountain climbers. Go!
  3. Eat fewer snacks and healthier ones. Throw out the pop and potato chips and swap them for the following: almonds, kale chips, hummus and pita chips, and kind bars (5 grams of sugar). I promise you you will feel better after doing these things!
  4. Try a facial spray to calm skin with natural botanicals and hydration throughout the day.

Now, it’s your turn, what are some of your tips?

BeautyHealth

What Happened When I tried the NuBODY device

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel

With the influx of new products and new devices that promise everything from tighter lips to tighter tummies to tighter everything, it gets a little confusing in the marketplace.

I was originally introduced to NuFACE products from my mom who gave me my first NuFACE mini device. Already familiar with the toning and lifting my NuFACE mini device did, I researched the body device. I’m always crazy about new beauty gadgets. Just ask Reid!

After I had Levi, I knew I needed to do something about my stomach especially, as it had stretched out for the fifth time! I must say, women’s bodies are amazing!

Instead of getting down on myself for having a less than desirable stomach, aka wrinkly with weird lines (Thanks Levi!), I decided I needed to do something about it. Without surgery, I knew that to get the stomach I wanted, required a good diet and exercise as well. 

How do you use the NuBODY?

I use it at night before bed. I even walk around with it because I’m a busy mom. It takes about five minutes after the application of the gel. I use it on my stomach in circular motions just as I do to tone and lift my face with the NuFACE mini or trinity device.

What are some tips for using my NuBODY device?

  • Results you FEEL instantly and SEE over time.
  • NuFACE is known for the instant lift you get with their facial devices. The same is not true for your booty, unfortunately! But after just 1 NuBODY treatment your skin will feel more firm and more energized, and with continued use, you’ll see the improvements over time.
  • You have to use NuBODY to see the results.
  • Like exercise, you have to do the crunches to reap the benefits. And with NuBODY, you have to do your 5-minute treatment 5 days per week to see the results in your target area. (1 stomach = 5 min treatment; 2 arms = 10 minute treatment.)
  • Quick and easy treatment.
  • Don’t target your whole body or you’ll be spending 30-minutes a day with NuBODY and that’s not reasonable for most. Target your arms, stomach, thighs, or butt; not all!  If you’re targeting dimples, you can just hold the device in place while you binge watch your favorite show or multi-task. Add some glides when it feels good, but it doesn’t need to be 10-minutes of movement.

What results have I seen personally?

I have seen my stomach more toned after I use the NuBODY device. See these before/after pictures. I love that I’m actually doing something for myself in the midst of busy mom life. Even if it is 5 minutes a day. Who doesn’t have 5 minutes? If you don’t, there’s a problem! It feels good to get a spa treatment AT HOME. So many times I have scheduling conflicts but would love a much-needed spa treatment. The founders of NuFACE are mothers and I’m grateful for a device that tones my stomach and smoothes the lines right in the comfort of my home.

FYI, there is a promo going on right now. No code needed, 2 free 10 oz gel primers with a NuBODY purchase, a $96 value. No code needed! Get your NuBODY here.

NuBODY // Prep-N-Glow sheets (great for cleansing while traveling) Gel Primer (leave on and hydrating)

  • The “before” picture
  • At the hospital after I had Levi with my belly!
The “After” picture. Taken 8 months after I gave birth to Levi. I used the NuBODY once a day in the evening.

Thank you NuFACE for sponsoring this post. All opinions my own!

Family

3 Reasons Why I’m Giving My Baby a Probiotic

by Shalice Noel
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!

OutfitsStyle

My Daily Routine

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel

Chunky Knit Sweater // Leather pants Fabiana Fillippi SIMILAR  // Shoes // Chanel bag // Bugaboo Frog stroller in Denim

To those asking about my vintage Chanel Cocoon bag, here’s a dupe for much less and bonus, it wipes clean. If you’re worried about the spit up from last night? Yeah, that’s a quick wipe off. See my faves below!

I get a lot of questions about my routines from diet to keeping it up with it all.  Read on for some tips! 

WHAT IS YOUR MORNING ROUTINE LIKE?

To avoid getting hangry, I take two scoops of Vital Proteins Collagen Powder (non-flavored) in my almond milk latte every morning. 

The benefits of collagen are many. It’s the most abundant protein in your body. It can relieve joint pain and improving skin health. I’ve personally noticed better hair quality and stronger nails. After all, increased skin hydration leads to less wrinkles. Do I have your attention now?

 

AFTERNOON ROUTINE?

Multi tasking is key. 

I drink Dandy Blend with one scoop of collagen protein and almond milk and snack on salted almonds or kale chips as I respond to e-mails.

I work on my pilates ring while I help the kids with their homework.  Yes they think I’m crazy.  The pilates ring tones my inner thighs.  I even bring it in my suitcase when we travel.

 

Kale Chips

1 big bunch of organic kale, washed and dried

pinch off the leaves from the stalk into small pieces

drizzle with avocado oil and sea salt

Bake for 15 min on 350 degrees

I get a lot of questions about what vitamins I take on the regular. I take a prenatel vitamin since I’m still nursing and b12, since I’m off coffee. Don’t think for a second this mama doesn’t run on some kind of vitamin in place of a legal addictive stimulant. I link both below that I take daily!

5 things I buy from Amazon each Month read more on THIS POST

Adult Energy B12 Gummies (1000 mcg per serving) // Baby and Me Pre and Postnatel Vitamin //  Magnesium Powder // D3 Gummies // Sheets for the Arrowhead Cabin // Baby Pacifier (yet he doesn’t take one right now, unfortunately) // Hand Sanitizer for traveling with kids! // Aspartame Free Gum (I buy a 3 pack for traveling)

 

WHAT ABOUT YOUR DINNER ROUTINE?

Tonight we are having lemon chicken and oregano potatoes tonight. We have a ton of meyer lemons on our bush in our yard so I’m making that with oregano. It’s delicious. I’m making it in the crock pot because I tend to burn everything. Want the recipe? Look below:

Chicken and Potatoes

1 whole chicken or a couple chicken breasts (whatever I have on hand)

Avocado oil

Garlic

4 lemons freshly squeezed

1 cup of water or enough to cover the potatoes

4 large potatoes peeled and chopped

oregano

Sea Salt

If it’s a crazy busy day ahead, start in the morning and throw it in a crock pot. If not, place all ingredients in a 9×13 dish and cook for 1 hour in 350 degrees or until chicken and potatoes are tender. The lemon makes the sauce amazing! Serve with rolls and a green salad.  Top off the salad with my homemade salad dressing here! 

CHORES! Do your kids do them?

Oh the dreaded word!! But seriously it HAS to be done. Other things that help laundry and organization are giving each of my kids a chore that is age specific. My oldest does the laundry, second daughter loads/unloads the dishwasher, oldest boy (#3) takes out the trash and the 5 year old takes out the small trash cans from the upstairs bathrooms. I will not claim that my kids do their chores without reminders (nagging) or without some bribing and I’ll admit I have to do lots of incentives, but it eventually gets done. For example, a popular incentive in my house are healthy lollipops. I use those candy on a stick for everything and MANY TIMES A DAY !! :)))

 

Books on my reading list: Home Management, Body Love, and Large Family Logistics

OutfitsStyle

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?
BeautyHealth

Beauty Buy: Why I Choose Natural Deodorant

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel

bikini set (under $70!) // round weave bag // sunglasses // hat similar / deodorant

I’ve been getting a lot of random DM’s on Instagram about what is the best deodorant to use. Most know about the dangers of aluminum in deodorant and want an aluminum free and vegan option! Most deodorants contain chemicals such as zirconium and aluminum that are absorbed into the pores of the skin. Yuk! I remember as a pre-teen, my mom telling me all this information I didn’t understand on the dangers of aluminum. I was smart enough to take her advice and at that time, a bottle of Tom’s of Maine deodorant. I really haven’t looked back other than the fact I have found a couple brands and scents I like more than others.  Now, I use Malin + Goetz deodorant. I was shocked to discover earlier this year, that my 8 year old daughter actually suffers from bad odor! I was never warned what age that would begin, but like most of motherhood, you can plan but in the end you hope for the best. Am I right? I immediately did as my mom did and handed her all natural deodorant and educated her on the dangers of aluminum and the better choices available.

So, you ask, what are the better choices available? I did some research and see my picks below! My daughters both started using deodorant, so you want to bet I’m not giving them anything that will potentially harm them. The options below are 100% aluminum free and first two used regularly but myself and my girls. As for us here in LA, it is currently 84 degrees and only 10am, so our anti-perspirent is in daily use!

It’s your turn, do you have a favorite to share, we haven’t heard of? I’d love to hear.

1. Malin + Goetz Deodorant

2. Pacifica Spray Deodorant

3. Kopari Deoderant

4. Native Cosmetics Deodorant 

5. Schmidt’s Deodorant

I haven’t personally tried The Natural Deodorant Co.but impressive reviews, read it all HERE

HealthOutfitsStyle

2018 Meet the Miracle Booster

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel

Want to make a super simple change to your diet without changing your lifestyle and still benefitting? Drink lemon water. I usually drink a whole lemon every morning (first thing in the morning). Thankfully we have a lemon tree in the back and front of our house, so I usually ask the kids to go pick me some! While you can dilute with water, I personally like the taste so I don’t dilute. I think of it as a natural energy boost before I hit the ground running.

The benefits of lemon water

Boosts the immune system

Contains vitamin C and potassium (more than apples and grapes!)

Taking it first thing in the morning allows you to absorb your vitamins

Relieves indegestion

Great weight loss booster (the Polyphenals in lemons may aid in reducing appetite)

The antioxidents in lemon water decreases wrinkles (HALLELUJAH)

Read more about the benefits of lemon water here

In what ways are you making healthy changes in 2018? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments.

I’m wearing Carbon 38 leggings // Noli bra // Hat Similar

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