Category:

Family

my skirt / zara turtleneck similar / dolce vita booties similar / sunglasses

his shorts / star wars helmet / scooter

One of our favorite things to do on the weekends is explore new neighborhoods and scooter around. While Reid and I look for coffee, the kids compete who can scooter the fastest and they usually find a lizard or two to slow them down. Luckily, our 4 scooters fit nicely in our SUV so we can take them out whenever convenient, like here in Silverlake. We had just left Whole Foods getting food and flowers and burning off some of those cookies from dessert was a main priority if we were going to have a semi-peaceful afternoon. Mission accomplished with these cute and practical scooters. My kids never don’t want to scooter and I’m thankful for that!

Where will your scooters take you? See where we took our scooters in Venice HERE and see the health benefits of scooters HERE. More info on Scooters here.

Thank you Micro Kickboard for sponsoring this post!

As you might have seen on Instagram, we spent last weekend with a quick weekend getaway to Carlsbad, Ca (which is a town on the coast of San Diego). The last time we were in Carlsbad was to visit my brother over 8 years ago, so it was good to get back! As Reid and I looked back at that trip, our oldest was a just couple months old and that’s definitely when the California Dream bug bit us. The beautiful seaside town, manicured streets, friendly people and, of course, the weather all had us dreaming….I wish we could live here. It was all so attractive.

Humorously, I remember nudging Reid to look for a job nearby – a reason to escape Chicago winters. Funny how the events played out. It would be 
8 years later and and now here we are, bringing 4 kids to Carlsbad, for a weekend getaway, from our home in LA.

Yes it was dreamy going back to this place, and yes ,I’m feeling very blessed we got to do so. Honestly, our kids liked Carlsbad better than LA! What’s not to like for kids?! From Legoland, Carlsbad downtown, the Carlsbad Lagoon and stunning bike paths along the coast, it’s a happy and pretty place to be. There was actually more to see and do than we had time for, but we did our very best. We even allowed for one whole day at the pool.

Here is a short list of highlights. Keep in mind, we did all this in a long weekend and so can you!

Omni Hotel and Resort – where we stayed all weekend

Shopping at Omni Hotel and Resort – Lilly Pulitzer, Audrey’s, Livewell, The Spa

Friday 

Arrive at Omni La Costa – get a tour and get settled in our room

Marketplace at Omni La Costa for a grab-n-go lunch

Legoland This awesome theme park has MANY attractions but our kids favorite was getting their driver’s license, driving a boat and seeing the mini Lego town was their favorites. We were there from 12-5pm!

Campire Restaurant cozy surroundings, family friendly and a modern take on American fare. Try the s’mores over the fire for dessert, yum!

Saturday 

Breakfast at Bistro 65 an omelet with breathtaking golf course views

Watersports at Carlsbad Lagoon

Lunch at kid-friendly open air Pizza Port for yummy pizza, salads and brews.

Pool time at Omni La Costa

Dinner at Park101 Awesomely family friendly, plaza style and something for everyone. We went there for dinner and breakfast. Bonus, if you’re a Husker fan (we got a round of beers on the house) and such yummy pulled pork!

Sunday

Breakfast at Choice Superfood Bar & Juicery

PEDAGO – rent bikes and ride along the Carlsbad coast!

Lunch at Señor Grubby’s for local craft beers and tacos al pastor. After all that biking, we had a huge appetite!

Shopping downtown – little boutiques like Wysh Boutique where I picked up a cute ivory sweater. I love shopping local.

The Goods Coffee shop (Instagram friendly with all white) and yummy donuts.

Phew! While it was sad to leave Carlsbad, we are grateful for the memories we made! Please ask any questions below.

Check this out too! Kids can enter the Mini Mayor of Carlsbad prize – more info here. The prize is a weekend away package for a family of 4! The kids take over City Hall in this kid-friendly town!

Thank you for Visit Carlsbad for sponsoring our unforgettable weekend 

On a long ride to the country, we asked the kids who they think we should dress up as for Halloween. We usually like to keep things streamlined within the family. First option was Pocahontas, next was lifeguards. Not a huge surprise coming from our 7 year old who was helped by a lifeguard in Laguna Beach a couple months ago when she hit a rock underwater and gashed her chin. Long story short, she got 5 stitches and we had a solid 2.5 hour drive home. Maybe it was the first responders on the beach that convinced her we should honor them by dressing up as them, who knows. But I do know I love this hunk of lifeguard (who actually was a lifeguard in his teens!) and these flesh-eating, candy-loving cuddly sharks more than life itself. So much so that I didn’t even mind having an audience when we shot this at the Omni Hotel La Costa. Who cares when you’re having fun right? Lifeguards it is!

What will you be for Halloween? See our last years looks HERE!

Get the lifeguard look here:

my suit (runs small) :: shorts :: hubby’s tank :: shark costume and shark hat :: the girls suits Marysia Swim

photography Felicia Lasala

Taken on location at Omni Hotel La Costa, Carlsbad, CA 

jumpsuit// belt // boots // star wars helmet

Last week, we scootered around the historic Mission District and found so many beautiful historic buildings to learn about and scooter around. It was founded in 1771, and the fourth of California’s 21 missions. We scootered around the fountain and to the plaques to learn more. The kids didn’t get tired but are always easily entertained by scooters and a pack of gum in their pocket. Ha! I’m sharing a short list below of why we LOVE our scooters:

 

Top 5 Reasons Why We Love Our Scooters

  1. Great Exercise. Scooters get kids moving! When are kids are tempted to spend hours on devices such as iPads and laptops, it’s important to give them a fun alternative to sitting, scootering!
  2. They travel well. The micro sprite folds for easy travel. Just push and hold in the 2 buttons on either side of the front wheel and unfold your scooter. Also, think about using them on vacation to explore a new town. Bonus: the kids get less tired than walking. Pro tip: bring them when you trick or treat to keep the kids from getting easily tired walking.
  3. I get a workout. These 4 scooters fit in our SUV and if I want a workout, I wear my running shoes and try and catch up to them on their scooters. It’s harder than you think!
  4. They are great for almost every age. The maxi deluxe is great for ages 5-12 (what my kids have) and the micro sprite is great for ages 8-99! I have the micro white and can more easily catch up to them at the park. Either way, it’s a great workout.
  5. They make great gifts! Christmas is 70 days away, use my code“SHALICE” to get or give a free scooter light (and free shipping) to a niece, nephew, son or daughter.

Where will your scooters take you? See where we took our scooters in Venice HERE and see the health benefits of scooters HERE.

Don’t forget:Use Code “SHALICE” for a free scooter light and free shipping.

Ends 10/31.

Thank you Micro Kickboard for sponsoring this post!

overalls // similar // heels // top similar // bottles from 1907water

How to Get Your Family to Drink More Water

We’re a fairly healthy family – both my husband and I prioritize exercise, eating well, and spending enough time outside, and it’s something we constantly try to instill in our little ones. I think it’s incredibly important to teach children the value of a healthy body and mind, so we do our best to set that example.

 

One healthy habit we’re always trying to improve though? Water consumption.  

 

Especially lately as I’ve been reading endless articles with enough water being the answer to so many ailments and issues. Not only is it helpful for digestion and overall body function, but it helps with energy, skin, mood, pretty much everything. It’s simply hard to feel great when you’re dehydrated.

 

To get us and the kids on a 8-glass-a-day habit (or bottles in our case), we bought the entire family their own water bottles. This is not only eco-friendly (no more plastic bottles throughout the day), but it makes it kinda fun. We all try to drink a bottle before school, and then I’m working on getting the kids in a habit of filling up during the day. We drink another when they get home from school and so on.

 

The kids like having their own special water bottle, and making it a game of sorts has gotten them to drink more. I personally try to drink a huge glass or one bottle right when I get out of bed in the morning. It’s helpful to wake the metabolism up and get things moving.

 

To avoid accidents with the kids at night, we usually cut off the water bottle game by about 6 p.m.

 

Since focusing more on drinking enough water, I’ve honestly felt a difference already. Especially in my skin and energy levels. The kids are feeling good, too. And such an easy change, right?

 

Are you a good water drinker? What about your kids? How do you make sure you’re drinking enough?


Tucker & Tate Clothes

While the idea of shopping for four kids sounds fun in theory – and it can be – it’s also a lot of work. There aren’t a lot of stores or brands that carry something that’s comfortable, can withhold busy kids, and that aren’t cheesy. For how young my kids are, they really do love picking out their clothes, so I want them to like what they’re wearing as well.

 

Nordstrom is always a one-stop shop for our family when shopping. I get a ton of my clothes there, in store or online – the inventory is excellent either way, and we can shop for the kids at the same time. Their return policy is like any other, so in case a kid grows out of something before they can even wear it, it’s simple to take back. The kids and I like going in store to pick out their clothes, especially before the new school year or holidays.

 

A Nordstrom brand we turn to often is Tucker & Tate. My girls love that they carry colorful, floral skirts and dresses, booties that “look like mom’s”, and the boys dig the beanies and cool shirts. Honestly, some of the stuff is so cute I’d wear it myself! If you’re doing any early fall shopping for the kids, I highly recommend checking out Tucker & Tate. I think your kids will be happy, too!

 

Thank you Nordstrom for sponsoring this post!

tucker and tate dress NORDSTROM:: knit leggings NORDSTROM :: booties SIMILAR 

boys hats NORDSTROM :: boys thermal t-shirts NORDSTROM :: boys sneakers  :: similar shorts

My Outfit

 similar jeans :: similar shirt :: booties :: LA bag 

 

 

One of the things I appreciate most about my kids is their unique creativity. They each have their own traits, personality, and likes, and it’s been cool watching that evolve as they get older. Especially as the younger ones come out of their shell and have their own voice and style that’s different from their bigger brother or sister. Super cute!

 

So when I let them pick out their own SoYoung Inc. lunch boxes, it was a fun experiment to see them each choose a design. They were very excited to have their own, and that they weren’t all matching (which tends to happen when you’re buying multiples of something).

 

And as a mom who is constantly cleaning up after them (why are boys sooo messy?!), I love that these are raw linen and machine washable. Plus, they’re eco-friendly, so we’ve welcomed them with open arms in our house. No more brown bags for us.

 

I actually have my own, too, since they make adult versions. Great for when I’m working or on the go. Aren’t they cool? Officially bringing back the lunch boxes, but in a modern, way cooler way. If you’re curious to try a bag, use code “Shalice15%” to get 15% off your purchase!

Thank you SoYoung for sponsoring this post!

sweatshirt dress :: silk trench :: sunnies :: boots

 

 

It’s funny how events come at perfectly unpredictable times.  Reid and I recently had the opportunity to take surf lessons at Manhattan Beach.  This was perfect.  Reid’s birthday was just around the corner and as a land locked kid growing up in Nebraska, Baywatch episodes conjured up dreams of hitting the surf.  Look at us now, living the California lifestyle we literally dreamed about as kids.

 

With 10 years of marriage under our sheets 😉 I want to express the importance of doing things with your mate that they enjoy.  It’s a simple concept really.  Something we teach our kids every day.  You do what your mate enjoys and they’ll do what you enjoy.  It really does keep the spark ignited!

Surfing was an opportune moment to share something with Reid that he has always wanted to do.  I on the other hand, was dreading ruining my recent blow out.  However, I sucked it up and gave it my all.

 

Honest to say, this day was the first day I ever stepped into the Pacific Ocean.  Reid and I learned something new together, shared in our vulnerability, expressed a little friendly competition and most of all showed each other that we are in love and a good team.  Even though I’ve never intended to learn how to surf, I relish in the memories this day made in the story of our marriage.

 

What does your mate enjoy doing?

 

wrap similar // heels // jeans

What are you up to this weekend? We are shooting our halloween looks, getting boba tea, a Saturday soccer game and let’s just hope we make it on time to all of it. I love to savor family time together and I hope you do as well. Happy Weekend 😉

Leaving you with one of my favorite quotes: “There’s no way to be a perfect mother and a million ways to be a good one.” – Jill Churchill

5 things to get at the SHOPBOP sale under $100

jeans only $88 / softest t shirt / polka dot dress / rose trench coat / floral top  ps. these red suede boots are back in stock!

 

Happy Shopping!

This photo was taken before they realized their chocolate doughnut had creme in it. Eww.

I’m so excited to share that I’ve partnered with Micro Kickboard and offering a free scooter light and Free Shipping with code “ SHALICE” shop them HERE. This offer expires 10/31. Scooters make great gifts!

How do we use our scooters – I even have one!

We use them for park days, me running beside them, walking around china town, and bonus, they fit in our SUV, all 4 of them!

We’ve had so many good memories on them already. If you’re a mom or maybe an aunt or uncle, these make GREAT  gifts that keep on giving and keep kids healthy and moving. In an iPad society where everything is digital and kids are easily addicted to devices, getting kids out to play and moving is essential to their health and wellbeing. Some benefits include:

Muscle Strength

Cardiovascular Capacity

Keeps Bones Strong

Decreases Body Fat

Maintains a Healthy Weight

Enhances Self Esteem

Reduces Symptoms of depression & Anxiety

And the list goes on!

Where will your scooters take you? See where we took our scooters in Venice HERE. And don’t forget:

Use Code “SHALICE” for a free scooter light and free shipping 😉 Ends 10/31.

Thank you Micro Kickboard for sponsoring this post!