Author

Shalice Noel

workout

Activewear faves

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8

1.A good jogging bra can elevate an arm workout. I feel more confident and comfortable in this one from Alo.

2. A jump rope can get your heart pumping and burn calories. A perfect at home in the driveway workout. This one has 1k reviews! Did you know you can burn 15 to 20 calories per minute? Around 200-300 calories in a simple 15 minute workout. Not bad for $9 spent in workout equipment. I also love this pilates ring. More about how to use the pilates ring in THIS POST.

3. These leggings are $60 and very flattering

4. White sneakers sleek enough for post workout chic.

5. These drops for focus and chill. Very essential right now. Use code SHALICENOEL for a discount.

6. 24 ounces of water before noon, no problem! Nothing like a new water bottle to inspire you to drink more water. Keeping it from the kids is the hardest part.

7. This jacket is so flattering and great for chilly mornings or evenings when we usually workout.

8. Super flattering $20 tank you can dress up or down.

See below my shop page which is open 24/7!

FoodFoodie Friday

Chocolate Sheet Cake – Birthday Cake

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel

The Texas Sheet Cake we make EVERY birthday is finally on the blog! I originally got this recipe from a guy in my Poetry Class at Wheaton College. No joke! He made it for the last class kick off party and I told him I HAD to have this recipe. He quickly wrote it on a napkin, and from there its history. I’ve since shared it with my family, friends and YOU! Let me know what you think!

Chocolate Sheet Cake

Yields 1 9 x 13 cake

2 cups flour (I use Kamut flour)

2 cups sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 325F, mix in a large bowl.

1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup vegetable oil (I substitute for a stick of butter)
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 cup water
Bring the butter oil, powder and water to a boil in a sauce pan. Slowly add to the flour mix and mix well.

Two eggs
1/2 cup buttermilk*
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla

*When I don’t have buttermilk, here’s the substitute: for each cup of buttermilk, I add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Stir than let stand for about 5 minutes.

Blend till smooth and add to cocoa flour mix. Pour into a 9 x 13 greased and floured pan. Bake till toothpick comes out clean. Let cook at least 5 minutes before icing. Bake at 325 F, for approximately 25 minutes.

CAKE ICING

1/2 cup butter
3 T. cocoa
6 T. Milk
1 t. vanilla (add to cocoa mixture)
1 16 oz box of powdered sugar

Melt butter and cocoa together in a sauce pan- make sure not to burn it. Add milk to butter mixture. Add powdered sugar to cocoa and milk and mix till there are no lumps.

Pour over warm (not hot) cake and spread smooth

Let me know what you think. This is our favorite birthday cake ever!

Enjoy and let me know how you like it in the comments!

FoodFoodie Friday

Healthy Pad Thai

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel

I’m obsessed with the salty sweet flavors of Pad Thai. Since we aren’t going out to eat, I found a recipe to make at home. It is a healthier version to try without losing the amazing flavor. The recipe is good for 4 people and only takes 30 minutes. Let me know what you think!

Keto Pad Thai

Sauce

3 tbsp fish sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp chili paste
1 tbsp peanut butter
1 tbsp coconut aminos
2 tbsp lime juice
5 drops stevia

Ingredients

1 16 oz package shirataki noodles
1 lb chicken breast, butterflied and cut into bit sized pieces
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 tbsp ginger, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 large scallions, thinly sliced, keep whites and greens separate
1 1/2 cups bean sprouts

Toppings
1/4 cup peanuts, chopped
1/3 cup cilantro leaves, chopped
  • Wash and dry fresh produce. Thinly slice scallions, keeping whites and greens separated. Peel and mince ginger and garlic. Roughly chop cilantro leaves.
  • Butterfly the chicken breast then cut into small bite sized pieces.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients until well combined and smooth.
  • Heat a drizzle of oil (I used sesame oil) in a wok or large pan over medium high heat. Add ginger and garlic and stir fry until fragrant (about 30 seconds), stirring frequently. Add scallion whites and  1 tbsp sambal oelek to wok with ginger and garlic and continue stir frying until scallions have softened about 2-3 minutes.
  • Once scallion whites have softened, add chicken to wok with the ginger, garlic, scallions, and chili paste. Stir fry chicken for 5 minutes or until lightly browned and cooked through.
  • While chicken cooks, beat 2 eggs until well combined. Drain and rinse shirataki noodles thoroughly under hot water for about 2 minutes.
  • Once chicken has finished, remove the chicken stir fry the wok or pan and set aside. Add shiratki noodles to the wok and stir fry noodles until firm, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Once noodles have cooked, add the beaten eggs to the wok with the noodles and stir fry for 2-3 minutes until the eggs have cooked. Stir frequently to break up/scramble the eggs.
  • Once eggs have cooked, add the chicken stir fry, pad thai sauce, and bean sprouts to the wok. Continue stir frying for about 2 minutes until all ingredients are well combined.
  • Top with scallion greens, crushed peanuts, and cilantro to serve. Enjoy!

Photography by Felicia Lasala // Adapted from Joy Filled Eats // Optional: Shiratki noodles can be used OR “Healthy Noodle” made with Konjac.

See what I’m shopping below on my Shop page open 24/7:

FoodFoodie Friday

Energy Balls Recipe

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel

Of all the things I make, all my kids request energy balls the most. I thought I’d share the recipe here as I make them daily now on #quarantine. I wanted a recipe with protein (almond butter) and fiber (chia seeds and oatmeal), and energy balls seem to fit the bill.  Did I mention that they’re delicious?


 ENERGY BALLS

1 cup of organic oats (I grind in my Cuisinart)
1/2 cup of chocolate chips
1/3 cup of chia seeds
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup almond butter, crunchy
1/2 teaspoon Himalayan salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon


Mix the above and mold into 1 inch balls. Place on a pan or plate into the freezer for one hour or 10 minutes if you’re like us and can’t wait! Can you tell Levi loves them too?

Nordstrom

6 Ways I keep my Sanity during Covid 19, and Where I shop for the Kids

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel

Since Covid-19 is our new reality and staying home is the best thing to do right now, I thought I’d share my 6 Tips to keeping my sanity during the quarantine below. I love reading others contributions so here are mine:

1. Keep a routine and write it down. Whether they be big or small, write down a few goals each day. I think the key is to keep doing something you love, whether it’s drinking coffee on the porch, finally starting one of those books from the towering stack by your nightstand, reading on the couch with the kids, taking a hot bath with candles, or just taking a walk to enjoy the fresh air, keep doing it.

2. Stay in, stay cozy. Invest in a good cozy outfit if you don’t have one. I like this top and just added these grey joggers to cart.

3. Put on lipstick. Sounds trivial but wow a good nude, peach or red lip can lift the mood.

4. Break out those beauty tools and face masks. Whether it be the fix, trinity, or tri-light, now, is the time ladies. 

5. Games and Hide N Seek Oh My! So many ask, how do we keep our kids busy at home for so many hours? Board games like LIFE or Scrabble, stickers, puzzles, a play tent, and drawing books are great non-screen activities. I started a point system at home so if the kids do a chore or find a hidden coin in the house, they can pick a snack from the prize box. Don’t miss the fact that even the LEGO’s are on sale at Nordstrom. See our favorite popcorn seasoning recipe below!

NACHO SEASONING POPCORN RECIPE:

1/2 cup coconut oil

1/2 cup white popcorn

1/4 cup Bragg nutritional yeast

1 teaspoon of salt

1 teaspoon ground paprika

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

1/8 teaspoon ground Cayenne pepper

Combine the yeast, salt and spices in a small bowl. Drizzle spices and coconut or avocado oil over hot popcorn. Enjoy!

6. Start a “spark joy list” What are things that typically bring you joy? For me, it is long hot baths, online shopping (no joke), styling outfits, moving furniture around, tidying up (anybody with me??), long walks around the neighborhood and sweet potato fries! Sounds like a random list, but I encourage you to grab a journal and write some of those things down, and then try and do them!


For those of you who also love to online shop and are finding it remarkably easy during this quarantine time, one of my favorite places to shop for the kids clothes is Nordstrom! Their customer service is awesome, no joke. I often order two sizes if my kids are in between sizes. I keep one and return the other to ensure a good fit. Shopping at Nordstrom is SO EASY and they just reduced (almost everything) 25%. Gasp! Free shipping, free returns and free curbside pick up. What more could you ask for?

I also am loving Teva’s for the kids! They’re washable, grow with the kids, and are both comfy and breathable. The girls both fought over this flutter top and gauzy dress. How cute are they?? The boys’ outfits are quality and traditional. I like to chose designs that can work for church, a playdate, or a cozy game of Scrabble. Versatility is key!

Which look is your favorite?

My Top in medium // My Jeans

Girls

Girls Sundress // Girls trucker hat // Flutter Sleeve Top // Ruffle Shorts // Teva – purple // Teva

Boys

Baby Romper // Boys twill pants // Top // Shorts // Teva – black // Teva

Thank you Nordstrom for sponsoring this post. All opinions my own.

Sale

It’s the weekend! (and the Best Sales Around the Web)

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel

Top // Jeans // Skirt in xs // Sandals fit tts

How are you all surviving the quarantine? We are partaking in lots of dance parties, loud music, school and work at home, long walks, sweet potato fries and roasted onions with hashbrown casserole to pass the time. I also wrote 3 ingredient dinners if you need some ideas and 6 activities to pass the time. Below are some great sales happening around the web. Let me know what else you’d like to see.

Happy Friday!

xx Shalice

Abercrombie & Fitch

American Eagle (40% off!)

Ann Taylor

Anthropologie

ASOS

Colleen Rothschild

HSN (Tanning boosts the mood, I stocked up on this oil!)

H&M

J.Crew (35% off your purchase)

Levi’s

Loft

Mango

Madewell

Nordstrom

Sam Edelman

Shopbop

Talbots (40% off your purchase!) See all 4 looks with Talbots here

Ulta

Family

6 Activities to Beat Cabin Fever with Kids

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel


If your kids are like mine, they’re feeling the walls cave in with self-quarentine during Covid-19. So unless you’re in line, trying to get into Costco like 80% of the population, here are a few ideas to keep busy:

1. Bake! Let the kids choose and, if they’re old enough, do the entire thing. So far, we’ve had Welsh gingerbread, angel food cake, and chocolate chip cookies.  I think this idea is what you might call a Family Favorite. 

2. Play outside. If you have a yard, or are close to a forest preserve, now is the time to get outside. Even running on the driveway works. It gets everybody out of the house and helps with the cabin fever situation. 

3. Play games. Dust off the old Uno and Phase 10 card games, or try a new one. (As long as Amazon is still delivering??) A few of our family favorites: WhooNu? Telestrations Chameleon El Dorado

4. Let the kids buy an old typewriter off eBay and they’ll keep busy for days, weeks … 

5. Start a re-aloud that you’ve been meaning to read. Harry Potter? The Wizard of Oz? The Golden Goblet?  E. Nesbit? 

6. And when in a pinch for those with younger kids, make salt map dough or play doh. For some reason, it never seems to get old. 
And when all else fails, there are always movies! Good luck! 

Also, Nordstrom is having a MAJOR SALE. 25% off almost everything. Take advantage if you need a little retail therapy.



If anything, I’m loving this time safely together at home. Hopefully the above will help you all with your sanity.
What are some of your tips? I’d love to hear.
xx
Shalice (and special help from my sister Janelle Howard)
wedding

What to Wear to a Spring/Summer Wedding

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel

1. Pink wrap dress

2. Dress under $60

3. Leather tote

4. Midi sweater dress

5. Black Boots

6. Flattering silhouette

7. Sandals

8. Earrings

9. Chanel Belt

10. Flattering cut dress

11. Turtleneck Dress

So many of you have asked me what to wear to a spring or summer wedding! Since spring really is right around the corner, coronavirus not withstanding, I thought I’d share a few basic guidelines I always follow when it comes to weddings. 


Here are my SEVEN BASIC WEDDING RULES to looking chic and being worry-free.


Rule #1 YOU CAN’T WEAR WHITE! I know it’s the 21st century, but this rule has everything to do with the bride and nothing to do with the time of year. 


Rule #2 Don’t shy away from shine! This pink silky number moves with you and is perfect for the dance floor.


Rule #3 Consider a modern silhouette. This dress’ streamlined silhouette gives off modern vibes which means you can choose playful accessories.


Rule #4  Order your dress way before the wedding so you can try it on, dance in it, walk in it and ultimately feel your best while wearing it. If it doesn’t fit this criteria, send it back. 


Rule#5 MAXXX it out. Don’t shy away from a maxi dress worn with heels. I love this one from Net-a-Porter.


Rule #6 When it doubt, add a Chanel belt. People who know me well, know this is true for me. Whenever you’re facing a fashion conundrum, whether it’s a weird waist cut, lack of definition, or just general blah-ness, throw on a belt!


Rule #7 CLUTCH it.Here’s a low end option and a high end option.
Have fun! A smile is sometimes the best accessory.

6 LBD’s under $100


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.


Home

5 Ways to Sleep Better

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel

Just recently Reid and I upgraded to an ALLSWELL memory foam California King mattress. All previous eleven years of our marriage, we’ve slept on a full, so this was a bit of an upgrade, and by a bit, I mean a huge upgrade.  Reid still isn’t super happy about the large size (I give it another couple of days) but he can’t deny the great sleeps we have been enjoying. We sleep so well, even with Levi’s 1am wakeup calls and the random sleepy child. And honestly? A good night’s sleep can change. your. world. So, if you’re like me, and have slept in the same mattress for over a decade, go mattress shopping! 

Here are a few tips for a better nights sleep!

1. Invest in a good mattress! (Repetition for those who haven’t had a good night’s sleep.) 

2. CBD does wonders for my sleep. I take 1 gel tablet before bed and I sleep like a baby which is huge for me, a light sleeper since birth. Use code: shalicenoel

3. Magnesium – I take CALM. I sleep better and it aids in regularity. I find taking this while traveling is so helpful. Now I don’t leave home without it; it has become part of my routine.

4. Take a bath. Baths are relaxing, especially with a bath bomb! Or a shower … but showers wake me up? So, you know, you do you. 

5. Exercise during the day (this is scientifically proven!). Even 15-20 min of light walking or jogging makes a difference. Just get out and move!

6. Use blackout shades. Light wakes you up (science! again!), and darkness sends messages to your body that it’s time to slow down, retire and rest. If you don’t have shades, use an eye mask.

But always looking for more ideas! What gets you a good night’s sleep?

I’m doing a lot of online shopping this weekend! Here’s a link to my Amazon page, and my shop page is open 24/7. Stay healthy! A happy heart is good for the immune system.

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