Author

Shalice Noel

Burpee Gardening 101

Everybody has that other thing, you know, that thing that you totally could have done but didn’t end up doing. Mine is gardening, and in many ways it’s my dream job. In fact, my first job was at a flower nursery and I have always loved plants and planting thanks to many afternoons gardening with my dad. I always find it refreshing and therapeutic to be around and in God’s creation. 

I once thought that I needed acres and acres of land to grow vegetables. But that is clearly not the case. If New Yorkers can grow their veggies on rooftops, I was sure I could manage a decent garden in sunny California. With a few good pots, rich organic soil, some sun, and our garden was started.

One thing I really wanted as I put together our garden were solid, healthy, veggie and herb plants. It didn’t take long to find Burpee Plants, a collection of the leading garden vegetables, herbs and flowers available at your favorite local garden retailer. They offer a huge variety of options, including plants for small spaces, foodies, and even organic. As you know, healthy plants grow healthy vegetables.

What we planted

“Sriracha Hot Pepper” with dark green fruit

“Basket of fire” hot pepper

Sweet Thai Basil

Rutgers DMR Obsession Basil

Boost Tasti-Wee Small Fruited Tomato

Jalapeno Sweet Poppers Sweet pepper

Ristra Cayenne II Hot Pepper (um, yes, we like our peppers)

Sweet Thang Cabbage

Sweet Slaw Cabbage.

All of the above vegetables are from Burpee! Just yesterday, Atalie picked a hot pepper from our container garden. Oh, the excitement in the house! All of a sudden, 4 kids were fighting over who was going to eat it. I had to remind them, peppers are hot!

1 month later . . .

5 Reasons why you should plant a Burpee vegetable garden

1. Vegetables grown in your garden will often have more nutrients than those from the store that often need to be picked early.

2. It helps you eat more veggies! When you’re so involved in the growing of your food, you’ll definitely want to eat it. 

3. Gardening is easy and fun, not intimidating. It’s a relaxing, healthy activity that gets the entire family involved.

4. There is nothing quite like eating fresh, ripe veggies in your salsas and dinners. 

5. Did you know that gardening is actually proven to combat stress and anxiety? (I knew there was a reason I loved it so much!) 

If these aren’t reasons enough, here are two of my favorite things to make with our Burpee garden haul. 

Recipes: Tomato Salsa

3 cups chopped tomatoes

1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper

1 cup onion, diced

1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro

2 T fresh lime juice

1 fresh jalapeno pepper, chopped (including seeds)

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Stir the tomatoes, green bell pepper, onion, cilantro, lime juice, jalapeno pepper, cumin, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Serve.

Spinach Basil Pesto

1 1/2 cups spinach leaves

3/4 cup basil leaves

1/2 cup toasted pine nuts

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (more or less to taste)

4 cloves garlic, peeled and quartered

3/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon lemon zest

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

Blend the spinach, basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, pepper, lemon juice, lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons olive oil in a food processor until nearly smooth, scraping the sides of the bowl with a spatula as necessary. Drizzle the remaining olive oil into the mixture while processing until smooth.


Thank you Burpee Plants for sponsoring this post! All opinions are my own. For more, follow the Burpee blog!

ThreadsBluesky

Little white dress for the 4th of July

Dress 1 Free People Dress and HERE and Similar // See through Heels // Tamara Mellon Bag

Dress 2 Mini Claudia Dress // See through Heels // Tamara Mellon Bag

Dress 3 Smocked Turtleneck Dress // See through Heels // Tamara Mellon Bag

Accessories (These Tamara Mellon bags are 60% off!)

4th of July Accessories

Maxi Dresses

Under $55 White Dresses (Hover to see the prices)

Studded Sandals (Hover to see the prices)

My shop page is open 24/7, Hope you had a great weekend!

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Things change but I wanted to give you an update of what I eat regularly. I tend to go in cycles. Just ask Reid, as he rolls his eyes. Ha! Sometimes I omit the toast and go for a fab4 smoothie. Lunch is basically a soup and salad and dinner is chicken and rice. As a general rule, I try and stay away from refined sugars and bread simply because I don’t feel great when I eat them. I also believe “everything in moderation,” so an occasional sweet treat is totally game! Additionally I try to drink 8 glasses of water.

Getting personal

I hesitated sharing this story here, but here it is! I hope it can serve as an encouragement to a reader who may have suffered similarly.

I had an eating disorder in college. I felt pressure to be “perfect.” Perfect grades, perfect body. While I was only an average student, I felt pressured to control what I ate. I deprived myself and deep down wasn’t happy. While I’m grateful this disorder didn’t last long for me, I learned a lot about myself and what real health looks like. It isn’t the seemingly happy skinny 4.0 GPA sophomore but accepting oneself as you are, as God intended you to be. I did a lot of research at the library (before laptops were everywhere!) and studied how our body works with food and how it can affect how you look and feel. From there, I started a healthy relationship with food and I discovered how much I enjoyed researching food and diet. I never shied away from a healthy food just because it didn’t taste good. If it was good for me, I’d learn to like it. I’m here to report that deprivation doesn’t work. When I feed my body healthy food, am active, giving myself grace in my imperfection and being grateful for the body God has given me, I FEEL MY BEST.

“Deny your weakness, and you will never realize God’s strength in you.”
― Joni Eareckson Tada (the kids and I studied more about Joni’s journey with quadraplegia and I encourage you too!)

A note about fats which is contrary to what you’ve believed or been told. And the opposite of the food pyramid.

Healthy fats (i.e. avocado oil, almond butter, organic peanut butter, avocados)

1. These fats keep you fuller, for a longer period of time. Studies have found that healthy unsaturated fats (like monounsaturated or polyunsaturated omega-3 or omega-6 fats) have a positive effect on satiety and help to regulate your appetite by controlling the release of appetite hormones. More on this discussion HERE.

With that in mind, I try and sneak good fats into my diet. Like breakfast! Many of you AREN’T getting the amount of fat you need in your diet. I know I wasn’t, and it left me craving more SWEETS and SNACKS.

Breakfast

16oz or more of celery juice. Here is the recipe for the celery juice. Our juicer broke, so I’ve been using my Vitamix. I let the celery juice settle for 30min to 1 hr.

coffee – almond milk latte –

Ezekial bread toasted with almond butter or coconut oil or gr8nola with almond milk

OR

Fab4 smoothie


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

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.

Lunch

Protein salad – whatever veggies I have on hand blended with butter lettuce, sunflower seeds, feta cheese, olives. Coupled with 2 almond flour blueberry muffins, or a (no corn) veggie burger.

Also, for lunch, I usually have bean chips and a smashed avocado. Depending on how busy I am!

Dinner

Sample dinner: Stir Fried Veggies, bok choy soup (always use this chicken broth)

I had coffee ice cream as dessert yesterday and I had the worst stomach ache. The night before that, Reid made me a glass of celery juice after dinner and I slept amazing, no stomach aches. I think it’s important to listen to your body, see what agrees with it and go from there. I eat healthy because I want to feel good. After so many years of trial and error, I’ve figured out what foods make me feel horrible. It’s not worth it to me to not feel great after enjoying 10min of consuming sugar.

Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.

Hippocrates

Dessert

Here’s a recipe for Vegan Coconut ice cream I’m trying today. It has two cans of full-fat coconut milk in it. We ate it right out of the container last night. AMAZING. Making it again today.

  • 2 14-ounce cans coconut cream* or full-fat coconut milk
  • 1/2 cup organic cane sugar (sub up to half with agave nectar or maple syrup)
  • 1 pinch sea salt
  • 1 vanilla bean pod (split and scraped // or 1/4 – 1/2 tsp vanilla powder per 1 pod)
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  • The day or night before, place your ice cream churning bowl in the freezer to properly chill (see notes if you don’t have an ice cream maker).
  • The following day, add coconut milk, organic cane sugar (sub up to half with natural sweetener), sea salt, scraped vanilla bean and vanilla extract to a high-speed blender and blend on high until completely creamy and smooth for 1-2 minutes to fully dissolve the sugar. Add more cane sugar or agave if it needs more sweetness, or more vanilla if it needs more vanilla flavor.
  • Add mixture directly to chilled ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions – about 45 minutes. It should look like soft serve.
  • Once churned, transfer the ice cream to a large freezer-safe container (such as a loaf pan) and use a spoon to smooth the top.
  • Cover securely and freeze for at least 4-6 hours or until firm. Set out for 5-10 minutes before serving to soften – a hot ice cream scoop also eases scooping.
  • Will keep in the freezer for up to 10 days, though best when fresh.

Thank you for reading and coming to my blog!

For more food items that we buy, see what our family buys from Amazon HERE

ThreadsBluesky

My full outfit:

Happy Thursday! I love these specific heels because the acrylic portion of the heel elongates the leg. There is science in shoe-making!

If you ever need a link, let me know! I’m here to help my readers. When I give you a link, it doesn’t need to be specific. I receive a small commission even if you purchase anything from that company.

We have plans tomorrow and pool Saturday. This week has gone as fast as a snail pace so you betcha I can’t wait for this weekend. What are you up to?

My shop page is open 24/7 and the LIKETOKNOW.IT app is updated 24/7.

ThreadsBluesky

Skincare Game Changer

C E Ferulic // 3 Pack Bundle // Gentle Cleanser I also use this cleanser to melt off my makeup

I found the missing link to my skincare routine. It isn’t a cloth or something unattainable or crazy but serum! I love how it makes my skin glow. I’m in my thirties so I know I must make my skin and face a priority and invest in it. Speaking of, the drops aren’t cheap. If Levi ever wants to play with them, I take them right away. Too much has broken on the tile floors of our house! They currently have a bundle on sale, so “invest” and seize the opportunity, you won’t be disappointed. I haven’t yet used the Gentle Cleanser, but I can’t wait to see the results. I’m all about a double cleanse these days especially as were outside in the sun working on the yard. Lots of free radicals outside that we need to guard our skin against.

That’s my skincare secret, what’s yours? I’d love to hear!

ThreadsBluesky

It’s denim short season and I’m not mad about it. Who else is living in denim shorts?

FRAME: best overall. Great fit and distressing. I linked the exact on ebay since it is not available.

LEVI’s: Pro’s great color and distressing. Con’s: They run small, so size up.

AMERICAN EAGLE: Pro’s the low price and boyfriend fit! I went up a size and love the comfy fit, distressing. Con’s I was hard pressed to find one, but it sells out fast, so when its in stock, run!

JOES JEANS: Con’s: It is a little short for me at 5’9.” Pro’s Love the fit and lighter wash.

Adalyn wedges // Similar balloon sleeve top // and this one for $38 // denim shorts rigid release I have a size 25 // trench coat

Have a great weekend, we’re having cocktails and hors d’oeuvres with friends. As always, my shop page is open 24/7.

ThreadsBluesky

7 Outfits, 7 Days

by Shalice Noel

Sharing 7 days of outfits! I shared the links and credits below. I love pairing a $41 stripe sweater with a Fendi flip bag, or an under $100 wrap dress with a luxe belt without a luxe price. Luckily, you don’t need to spend a fortune to look pulled together.

1 wrap dress and this dress // belt use code shalicenoel at checkout for 10% off // wrap heels // bracelets use code shalicenoel for a discount

2 sweater on sale! // bike shorts // stud sandals sign up for the SM pass for 20% off! // Fendi flip bag

3 washable silk top // bike shorts // stud sandals sign up for the SM pass for 20% off! // Fendi flip bag

4 coin necklace // shorts // tank // cape cardigan // flats

5 tank // pants // tote bag // low heels //

6 tank // shorts // hat // Celine mini belt bag // shoes // turquoise ring

7 top // pants // Celine mini belt bag // shoes

Don’t forget to watch my newest IGTV! Have a great week!

ThreadsBluesky

Reid loves all the practical things for father’s day! He loves a good watch, a workout bike, sandals for the heat and sneakers he wears daily that can be dressed up or down. We are so grateful for all Reid does for our family. Happy Father’s Day to all the dad’s out there!

Click the links below to shop:

1. Speakers // 2. Hat // 3. Henley similar // 4. Assault Bike // 5. Watch

6. Fendi sandals // 7. Swim Trunks // 8. Birkenstocks

9. Sandals // 10. Yoga Mat

ThreadsBluesky

My morning coffee wasn’t cutting it, so I started juicing celery juice! The benefits are numerous so I thought the gross taste would justify a clean gut, and glowing skin. I’ve been fighting random pimples showing up on my nose so why not try something natural to help? I mean who doesn’t want to feel lighter and younger?

I didn’t know what I was doing so one day I threw a bunch of celery into the Vitamix and added some water to blend. The first day I won’t lie, it tasted pretty disgusting especially after I was used to enjoying my yummy cappuccino. The two doesn’t mix.

I’m in day 25 (give or take a couple days I lost on our road trip) and WOW, I feel lighter and glowing, honestly the best I’ve felt in a while.

I grew up thinking celery was a humble vegetable, devoid of vitamins. I would occasionally buy it for the kids to eat with peanut butter and raisins, aptly named, “ants on a log.”

The best way to consume celery juice is by itself, however you can add one cucumber and one apple to the celery juice to adjust the flavor.

Celery juice drank best alone without any other fruits, is a medicinal drink not a caloric one so I usually eat breakfast 15 min or later after I’ve consumed the celery juice. I like toast and coconut butter on Ezekial bread or oatmeal.

Ok, ready for some important facts? Most people do not know that celery juice is a healing tonic, liver cleanse, helps with chronic illness, increases and strengthens your bile as strong bile breaks down fats, which helps eliminate waste from your body.

Many of you have asked since I started, “what improvements have you noticed since drinking celery juice?”

  1. First of all complexion. The pimples on my nose are gone, my skin glows, (I didn’t think that was possible?)
  2. My stomach feels good. It has been known to help the gut. What I’ve noticed is that the more you drink celery juice, the more your body will crave it. Which leads me to my next benefit of drinking celery juice . . .
  3. LESS CRAVINGS. Crazy right? I haven’t experienced as many cravings for my nightly dark chocolate peanut butter candies and has curbed my appetite all together. Everyone’s experience will be different, so be patient!

RECIPE:

1 bunch of organic celery (wash and cut off the end)

2 cups water (give or take here, sometimes I add more)

Add both the celery stalks and water into a Vitamix and blend. drain in a strainer, add ice and drink immediately.

Tip: drink immediately or store in a mason jar in the refrigerator. It tastes better consumed right away. To save time in the morning, chop and wash the celery stalks the night before. For my readers who want to go one step further, drink chlorophyll water! Who wants to join in and try it? be sure to let me know you did!

Still curious? Here is a great article highlighting the benefits of celery juicing.

As always, my shop page is open 24/7, and all looks uploaded 7 days a week on the Liketoknow.it app, “shalice noel.”

ThreadsBluesky

“Love your neighbor as yourself.” What I tell my kids when we discuss racism, familial relationships and world events. We want justice for George, but we also know violence is not the answer. My heart is breaking for our nation and the families affected. My kids are watching me whether at home or away how I treat others, no matter their affiliation or skin color. We aren’t perfect parents and I’m still a work on process, but our actions speak louder than words. Will attempt at posting some normalcy per your request.


“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow” Isaiah 1:17

ThreadsBluesky