Category:

Travel

So, get this—our anniversary getaway? We went all out and booked a drumroll 1-star hotel. Crazy, right?

Reid and I are total design junkies, always on the lookout for inspiration. And let me tell you, we hit the jackpot this time. Now, let’s break it down—pros and cons and all.

You know how it goes—a weekend away unveils your must-haves. For me, it’s my trusty trench coat and those life-saving digestive enzymes. But, darn it, I left both back home this time around. Murphy’s law, I guess! I’ll delve into the Pro’s and Con’s below:

Pros 

Restaurant downstairs was amazing 

Opened in January so not many know about it

Coffee in the AM and cocktail at night were complimentary 

Cons 

No full length mirror 

Room was small

The room lacked lighting at seated areas 

Despite the 1-star rating and the somewhat snug room, we had an unexpectedly fantastic time. They converted an old firehouse in the Art’s District of DTLA into a hip Japanese inspired 6 room hotel. Funny enough, we shot a flower campaign in front of it when it was an old abandoned firehouse! See the pics HERE, the kids were SO YOUNG! Love how many memories we have around LA.

Reid and I would easily rate it a solid 4 out of 5. The restaurant downstairs was an absolute gem. Reid’s choice, the prime rib, was like butter with a crispy garlic topping—pure heaven! As for me, I couldn’t get enough of the miso-glazed Brussels sprouts; they were so divine that when Harmony, our server, swung by to check on us, I was practically speechless, lost in Brussels sprout bliss.

Here’s the link to where we stayed and ate.

Hope you enjoyed the review. Comment with any questions. Chat soon, Shalice

9 Après Ski Faves

by Shalice Noel

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5

// 6 // 7 modal tee // 8 // 9

Ski season makes the chilly temps and even snow, FUN! We’re planning a trip up to Mammoth to ski as a family, do you have any ski plans? I’m sharing below 9 après ski faves from around the web. I’m loving this Garnet puffer (I have size small), ski suit, and moon boots for my first day of skiing outfit. Did you see our Shopshalicenoel modal tee for an added base layer? It is one of our favorites. Happy ski season!

Any of them catch your eye?

Things to do in Dallas

by Shalice Noel

I spent 4 days in Dallas for the LTK conference an invitation only event to get up close and personal with brands LTK staff. While I hate being away from home, I loved the 1-1 time with other bloggers who are running successful businesses.

I had a great time catching up with my favorite bloggers and eating our way through the city. We all agreed Dallas is a first class dining experience.

Where to eat in Dallas

Thank you to my readers who suggested these restaurants!

Thompson Hotel Monarch – 49th floor stunning views of Dallas – 205 N Akard St, Dallas, TX 75201

Carbone – 1617 Hi Line Dr Ste 395, Dallas, TX 75207

Selda – casual eatery with a Turkish flare – 6006 Belt Line Rd, Dallas, TX 75254

Beverley’s Bistro and Bar 3215 N Fitzhugh Ave, Dallas, TX 75204

Shopping

Don’t miss a luxury shopping experience at Highland Park Village for stores like Celine, Alexander McQueen and Hermès.

What are your suggestions? I’d love to hear in the comments.

I love surprising people.  This may shock you, given my profession.  I rarely check my luggage when traveling!  The reasons why are obvious.  You save money.  You save time.  You save anxiety.  Here are some tips to travel lite for your next trip.

Rolling luggage is great, but duffle bags are much more chic.  I flew to Punta Cana, DR with this one.  I also find I can pack more into a duffle.  When packing, strategize outfits that are versatile and light.  Think silks, nylons and cottons.  Minimize your denim to one pair of your favorite jeans and switch outfit looks with various tops.  The planes and airports are freezing, so I wear my heaviest pieces en-route.  Heavy sweatshirts, long cardigan sweaters or both layered are favorite plane ride pieces.  My Shalice Noel Bleeker Street Poncho is also a great piece for the airport chill.

I carry a large purse for my personal item and a smaller shoulder bag that keeps my travel documents, wallet and essential self-care items secured.  I also fit some overflow pieces into my larger purse, like pajamas, cozy socks, and swim suit.  When I board the plane, I fit the small shoulder bag into my larger purse and the crew is happy.

Traveling comes with enough anxiety.  Knowing my luggage is with me while traveling saves me a lot of stress and I love a good challenge.  Let me know your packing tips and check out these favorite travel pieces below. 

Happy travels!  

Things I packed:

duffle bag

Large purse – Chanel cocoon and the MZ Wallace is a very similar affordable version

Small purse – leatherology meadow satchel I love to add my Fendi strap

Sweater tank

Cardigan sweater

Varley sweatshirt

Reid and I just returned from Punta Cana, in the Dominican Republic.  This was our first trip to the Caribbean and here are some tips we’ve picked up along the way. Have you been? Comment with your favorite tips.

  1. Fill out the E-ticket before you leave for the airport to save time.  https://eticket.migracion.gob.do/
  2. Many flights required an overnight layover so watch out when booking.  You may want to book a room to get a good night rest either at the airport hotel or one close by.
  3. Make sure you have pre-planned your shuttle to the resort.  Many people bombard you with ride offers when exiting the airport.  https://www.otiumtour.com/en/transfers/punta-cana
  4. It took us a couple days to learn this about DR coffee.  Their coffee is much sweeter than we are used to.  If you want a latte, request an espresso with steamed milk on the side.  Then mix the two together yourself.
  5. Find a gym! Resorts usually have beautiful gyms to get that sweat on and feel your best.

Do you ever drive past a place, see lots of activity but have no clue what all the hustle is?  Reid and I needed a quick overnight getaway and parenting break.  We decided to drive down to one of our favorite beaches in Florida.  This was a last-minute trip and Reid booked the day before we left.  We thought we would just get a typical hotel chain since it was so last minute.  Reid did a search all over Florida’s 30A and thankfully discovered this quaint vintage Bed and Breakfast in Grayton Beach, Hibiscus Coffee & Guesthouse. 

https://www.hibiscusflorida.com/

We arrived at 5:00pm and the check-in process was super simple.  They had texted Reid’s phone with arrival instructions, and everything was waiting for us.  Our room was the Funky Bird Room, located on the first floor of Bert’s Barn.  The grounds are lush with Florida plants and a big front porch.  Upon entering the old-fashioned room, you are entertained with vintage bird art sprinkled into the décor.  It’s not fancy, but feels hip and very Anthropologie.  Just my thing.  The room included a small kitchen with full size sink, mini-fridge and microwave.  Just what we need for a one night stay and no kids.

It was fun staying the night and feeling like we were going back in time, but the best part was waking up to the Florida sun and heading over to the café for breakfast.  Yes!  This place still give you breakfast, for free!  It is not pre-packaged danishes either.  Reid and I each had fresh old fashioned oatmeal topped with fresh fruit while I had homemade granola and milk.  Might I add, the coffee was one of the best on 30A.

As a small business owner myself, I encourage you to check out this quaint, family owned guesthouse.  It was a great retreat.  Great, walkable location and most importantly, great coffee!

See you in Florida.  (If you have a need for a place that sleeps 10, check out this rental.

We enjoyed a week on 30A and didn’t want to come home. This is what I wore. A lot of neutrals and elevated basics for carefree vacation style. Which is your favorite?

Dress in size small // Bag // Sunglasses

Hat and fanny pack in tan

If you’re planning a vacation, don’t forget to READ THIS POST before you go!

We absolutely LOVE going to Florida and have been coming to the Magnolia neighborhood near Destin FL for 13 years! It was our dream to own a beach house there. In December, we made that dream a reality. We bought, furnished and recently started renting our beach house out. More on how to rent it here. Many of you asked where we like to eat in the Santa Rosa Beach, 30A area so I compiled 10 favorites, also kid approved! Let me know in the comments if you have any favorites that I missed.

See our first trip to Alys Beach that I blogged about HERE. Brooks was a baby — 7 years ago!

I welcome any questions here: shalice@shalicenoel.com. As always thanks for stopping by! 😉

THE BAY 24215 HWY 331 South, Santa Rosa Beach, kid friendly menu, 10/10 views of the Bay, and happy hour half price drinks. Hello half priced margarita!

SUGAR SHACK 5 Main Street, Unite 2A Rosemary Beach, FL. A good place for candy and ice cream. My kids love this little Rosemary Beach hot spot!

BLUE MOUNTAIN BAKERY 2217 W county HWY 30A Unite E, Santa Rosa Beach, FL. We decided this is our favorite place to get cinnamon rolls. Hands down. Tip: Go early.

BLACK BEAR BREAD CO 26 Logan Lane, Santa Rosa Beach, for coffee and treats in Grayton Beach

BAD ASS COFFEE 17 Uptown Grayton Cir, Santa Rosa Beach, yummy lattes!

ANGELINA’S PIZZA 4005 E County Highway 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, Our kids FAVORITE. It’s a great place to feed a crowd and yummy homemade salad dressings.

BLUE MABEL 2260 West Scenic Highway 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, Reid and I came here for date night. We got happy hour margaritas and enjoyed their famous brisket!

DONUT HOLE 6745 US Highway 98 W, Santa Rosa Beach, get here early, good for their namesake donuts and omelets!

Kith & Kin 7525 W County Hwy 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, W ordered nutella treats and iced lattes and it was delicious. Feels like Kauai with corn hole games outside.

Grayton State Park, 357 Main Park Road, Santa Rosa Beach. $5 entry and SO WORTH IT. Smaller crowds and beautiful beaches.

What to do on a rainy day with kids in Destin:

FUDPUCKERS Come for the burgers, stay for the alligator feeding. A good rainy day activity! 20001 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, FL 32541,

Gulf World Marine Park experience the marine-themed bowling alley and marine life for a perfect rainy day activity!

Urban Air Trampoline Park Have the kids run and jump to their hearts content.

Rock out Climbing Gym state of the art indoor rock climbing facility. Burn off breakfast from the Donut Hole.

Rainforest Black Light Mini-Golf & Arcade glow in the dark mini golf course and fun filled arcades.

Do you have any Destin or 30A favorites to share? I’d love to hear. shalice@shalicenoel.com. Thanks for reading!

I took a girls trip to Charleston with Leanne Barlow and Jordan Zobrist this last week and it was a blast. Here is what we wore and did!

We also visited Magnolia Gardens. Visit the bridge area. Looks like a scene out of the Notebook.

Little white dress and similar // Pink bag // Amazon $15 sunglasses

White shorts similar // Halter top // Chain sandals // Lagos bracelets // Strapless bra // Turquoise Ring

Last week, I drove 5 hours from Atlanta to Charleston to meet up with my California girlfriends.

We went to The ordinary and Hotel Bennet while in Charleston, SC. I included some of the favorites you recommended.

Cru cafe was recommended as well as The Daily for coffee. Hall’s steakhouse is so good and Husk is great too! Husk I was told, has an awesome mixologist so really good cocktails and their food is all super fresh— farm to table and unique. There is no doubt, the eating scene can’t be beat!

I was hesitant to leave the family and drive 5 hours form Atlanta to Charleston, but boy was I happy I did it. It was refreshing to leave the house, the noise and plug in my favorite pod cast for the long drive, “How I built this,” snack on almonds and sip iced coffee. The simple joys. If you have a chance, reconnect with girlfriends and you’ll be glad that you did. The laundry will always be there.

Happy Friday!

Shalice

Peasant top in small // Shorts // Similar scarf // Sunglasses $15

How does a place become your family go to vacation spot?  Every family has that special go to vacation spot.  What is your story?

While growing up, my family loved going to Hong Kong.  I know that sounds strange, but my mom grew up in Hong Kong.  My dad was a pilot, so we would fly standby once a year back in the day when you could still smoke on airplanes.  Yes, those were long trips.  But visiting my cousins in Hong Kong was the best.  They would take us to the best places.  If we got separated, they would say, tell the cab…”NOW CHUN TOE, KOWLOON TONG,” and we would get home. Those trips to the markets to get cloths and grubs would forever be one of my favorite memories.

We had enjoyed many great day trips in California.  Whether that was Lake Arrowhead, Anacapa Island (See post) or Laguna Beach, leaving California was hard.  But knowing Florida beaches would be a short drive away, our sorrows turned to joy.  Florida is a favorite place to take our family.

Here is our tips on traveling to the scenic 30A.  The last few times, we have stayed near Alys Beach.  The community we stay in is called Magnolia By The Sea and we found it on VRBO.  It’s a small community of cottages across the street from the beach.  While small, the house sleep quite a few people.  Perfect for multi-family gatherings or big families.  We like that the beach is private and the community has a heated pool.  The perk for the location is that it is a short bike ride to Alys Beach.  I should mention, Alys Beach is our dream vacation goals.  Someday we want to stay there, but for now we enjoy riding our bikes, playing at the park and getting coffee within the town.  You cannot take a bad picture of this place.  The community is design perfection in my opinion.  Everything down to the window trim colors to the outdoor planters.  Every vista is perfectly harmonized.  Reid and I enjoyed sometime meandering the quaint streets.  Reid admires the architecture and design while I soak in photo shoot inspiration. 

Rosemary Beach is also another hot spot we like to take the kids to in the evenings.  It’s a bustling beach community with a lot of night life and you feel like you are in Europe.  While there are many places to eat and play, here is my brief list of our favorites for your vacation planning enjoyment.

·      Stay:  Magnolia By The Sea (Hint:  Staying outside of Alys/Rosemary Beach saves you $$$ – but you can still enjoy the public hot spots)

·      Eat:  George’s (Alys Beach)

·      Dessert:  Sugar Shack (Rosemary Beach)

·      Drink:  Neat (Alys Beach)

·      Breakfast:  Donut Hole (Inlet Beach)

·      Coffee:  Raw & Juicy (Alys Beach)

·      Do:  Rent Bikes – Don’t forget Sunscreen! I like this one – non toxic.

·      Shop:  Don’t be silly, this is a beach vacation

Grey and Ivory Bleeker street poncho via Shopshalicenoel.com

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