Author

Shalice Noel

jeans // tee and similar for $15 // blazer // slippers and similar // earrings // belt // cheese board

This time of year I love to get into the kitchen and try something new. So, I decided I’d challenge myself to making my first charcuterie board. Charcuterie is basically a fancy word for a cheese board, but all the same, I made my first one and wanted to share how it turned out! I recommend starting out by choosing five base foods. These can be cheeses, fruits, nuts, cured meats – whatever you prefer. Then think about the spreads and crackers you might want to add. I have to say, my combination turned out pretty spectacular, so if you’d like to copy it exactly, here’s what I used:

+ Purple grapes

+ Blackberries

+ Marcona Almonds – I like the ones with rosemary

+ Blue Cheese – it’s yummy and if you’re not a fan, at least its pretty!

+ Brie

+ Herbed Goat Cheese

+ Fig Crackers (any square crackers work here)

+ Rosemary for decor

And there you have it! Enjoy!

 

// 1.  White pj set // 2. Christmas pjs // 3. Baby hat // Bow and arrow set (not pictured) // 4. Mouse in a Book // 5. Slippers// 6. Girls make-up

7. Dino Puzzle ///8.  Baby sweater // 9.  Mini Coaster // 10. Micro Kickboard Scooter

 

 

Some years, we go super practical and get the kids ski gear or duffle coats for Christmas. This year, were doing a little of both! No shame in that right? Of course we get the girly make up and Legos (the latter much to my chagrin). I also love a bow and arrow set for the bows – see here. Also, I gathered more coats below. And these duffles are 30% off!

Happy Shopping!

 

Faux Fur Jacket // Jeans  // Tank // Boots // Earrings // Belt and in brown //

Similar turquoise ring // Sunnies

The weather in Socal dipped to a chilly 40’s here in Socal so you can guess I’m embracing all the layers. Who knew we didn’t have to leave for Lake Arrowhead to enjoy all the layers. I kinda love it although our house is not insulated for the chilly weather, the sun that comes up around 11-12pm is most welcome! This coat is so good, even the texture feels real – not faux – it’s that good. Also I’m just loving the colors paired with olive and faux fur boots. What do you think? We’re laying low this weekend, and I’m super excited about watching the holiday and drinking malts.

Happy weekend!

 

leopard blazer // tie front pants //$10 tank // bralette // red heel // ring bag //

Reid’s work party is next weekend, so I’ve been on the hunt for simple (nursing friendly) outfit. Well, I found it!

I don’t have a lot of time to overthink holiday outfits, so I like to keep it simple but extra. Enter the leopard blazer. ROAR!

I was drawn to these pants because of the bow and flattering fit.

My eye caught these beautiful blazer because

A it’s hard to find a leopard blazer under $500 and

B it is on sale- now 50% off!  Can you say score?

Graphic tees are among the most understated piece of your wardrobe, but can pack the most punch. I love styling them with trusty basics. Lately, I’ve been dodging spit up and living in black jeans, graphic tees, and oversize blazers.

blazer similar // tee // jeans / booties (now 50% off!) // hat // sunglasses

I’ve been rocking these booties since the fall and I love the heel, the cut and the brown tone. And hey they’re on sale.

camo jacket I also like this one // tee is only $11 // jeans // booties and similar// “S” necklace // red hat // bralette // Gucci belt bag

The first thing I was excited to wear after being pregnant for 9 mos was this belt bag! I’m happy to report my waist is back and I’m loving getting back to styling outfits for the holidays. I love how camoflage can be dressed up or down and with fun pops of red like this hat and bag. How do you like to wear camoflage?

Leopard boots // Jeans // Top // Camel wrap coat similar // Chloe Faye Bag

I love leopard booties as much as I do chilly days in LA. We’re transitioning from warmer temps to chillier ones and this is my favorite way to wear basics. A long sleeve top, camel wrap, crop denim and a pop of leopard.

More leopard booties:

 

More cropped denim:

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!

boys pjs $27! // girls nightgowns // women’s pjs or pants (I’m wearing a small) // men’s pj pants (Reid is wearing a size small) // my hat // my tee (only $11!) // baby knit outfit  // 7.5′ tree // stockings // artwork // garland

I’m obsessed with matching family pajamas. These are awesome because they are quality, come in all sizes (minus Levi) and warm for chilly nights! Now is the time to get them, they’re on sale and just before December comes around. Our tradition the day after Thanksgiving is to get our tree (usually a real one), and bring it home to decorate. For dinner, we have french onion soup, fresh bread, and hot chocolate. We settled for store bought bread and ended the night with “It’s a Wonderful Life.‘ I feel truly blessed. It IS a wonderful life! I hope the kids remember these traditions though small for many years to come.

What’s your tradition? I’d love to hear.

Other sites that make family pjs:

Nordstrom

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More from Jcrew

Use code CYBER for 50% off!

Burts Bees

Hanna Andersson

Old Navy

Mark & Graham

 

Which are your favorite?

 

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