Category:

Travel

top SAYLOR :: cutoffs FRAME

bikini VIX :: skirt ZARA similar 

Reid and I celebrated our 10th anniversary in March and what better way to celebrate than escaping away together.  The in-laws flew in to babysit and we said ‘Adios’ for a few, much needed, nights away.  We jumped on a flight headed to Cancun.  We stayed at the brand new UNICO 20˚87˚ Hotel Riviera Maya an adult only, all-inclusive, Mexican modern hotel.  With pre-vacation adrenalin rushing through our veins, we entered the front hall of the resort where over-sized black Moroccan lanterns hang low from the high ceiling.  A hostess offered us a seat on the chesterfield sofa and a refreshing post-flight ginger drink to sip while we waited to check in.  Instead of the usual check in procedure, we were greeted by our host, who introduced the amenities and then gave us a tour of the property while we headed to our room.  The holistic design of the resort was inspired by modern artisans and Mexican craftsmanship.

We stayed in the Alcoba Ocean Front room with a hydrotherapy tub on the deck that over looked the pool and Gulf of Mexico beyond.  The king size bed was ultimate rest and the sweatshirt like UNICO 20˚87˚ robes were cozy to slip into early mornings to watch the sunrise and eat room service.  Oh, and they even give you two hand-made straw hats to keep the sun off your face.  This was our first all-inclusive vacation and we were both delighted in not having to worry about where to go for dinner. UNICO 20˚87˚ has 4 á la carte fine dining restaurants to choose from on property with Mexican, Italian and Japanese menus.  They also have a small café with espresso and desserts, a specialty bar with personalized drinks, a breakfast and lunch buffet just off the pool deck overlooking the water and of course full menu while lounging by the pool or on the beach.

We realized the ultimate relaxation of an all-inclusive vacation is when the staff at the pool asked us our toughest question.  “Where would you like to lay down today?”  We chose the chairs in the water, facing the beach of course.  On our second day, I received a 90 min full body massage. So relaxing, while Reid hit the gym.  As health nuts, we learned that Café Inez offers smoothies, so afterwards I got a blueberry smoothie and Reid got some kind of cabbage and basil one, which was surprisingly really good.  Especially after plane travel.  We also got to talk to another couple sitting next to us from Toronto who happened to be leaving that morning and totally jealous of our smoothie discovery.  Now you know!

Our last night of our 4-night stay came quickly and was spent with more eating, more coffee and one last stroll on the beach at sunrise.  Our only regret was that we didn’t do one of the excursions they offer.  Next time! 

5 Suggestions for your stay at UNICO:

1)             Keep the immigration form in your passport for return home.

2)             Try each of the restaurant choices and order items you usually wouldn’t order in a restaurant.

3)             Don’t miss the sunrise.  We are so used to sunsets on the Pacific side that we missed a couple sunrises over the water.  Definitely worth the golden hour

4)             The hotel  will run your bath for you whatever time you request.  Take advantage of that service!

5)             There are major discounts on the salon and spa treatments.  Part of the Unlimited Inclusion, you only pay 20% of the full price on select salon, spa, excursions and Unlimited Golf. Which meant a manicure cost $6.  Definitely a service worth using. And the ultimate question, would we go again? In a heartbeat.

Thank you UNICO Riviera Maya for sponsoring this post!

ThreadsBluesky

 

dress ramy brook similar :: lace up heels  :: sunnies ::

An all white dress is the ultimate Spring essential. It compliments a tan, and looks great with lace up sandals.  While we’re sad to leave Unico Resort in Mexico, we cannot wait to see our kids! There was so much to see and do it was almost overwhelming to capture. Stay tuned for more on the resort! See more white looks here and here.

ThreadsBluesky

Lately, I’m loving a white tank, stripe tunic and favorite jeans for a weekday outfit. Reid and I are headed to Mexico in the next couple weeks to celebrate our Anniversary though late. I will definitely be bringing this pom pom hat, dress, and stripes south of the border.

hat COTTON ON ::  jeans LEVIS (fit tts) :: stripe top :: heels (on sale!) NINE WEST :: white tank SAYLOR similar  :: Photo’s by Tasha ::

Here are more pom pom favorites:

 

ThreadsBluesky

Anytime you and your hubby are able to get away from the kids, you know it’s going to be great. But when you add in top service, luxury accommodations, and star treatment, you start to wonder if maybe you don’t need to go home? Staying at 1Hotels in Miami was that for us. From start to finish, we were greeted with great service, enthusiastic staff, and non-stop lobby treats. Lobby treats! It should be A Thing, everywhere. Did we mention our toughest decision was which pool to use? Our room was spacious, a gorgeous white, and had triple-filtered water and a dreamy shower.

And in the event that you mustered enough energy to leave the room or the pool, the hotel offered a (complimentary) driving service. After you took the required Selfie in the Tesla, you could shoot over to nearby restaurants like Oh Mehico (the guac!) and Whole Foods. There was also a spartan gym for those over-achievers who actually work out while on vacation, and a steam room for those who don’t. I spent some lovely minutes admiring both on my way to the pool.

A few tips to enhance your stay:

  1. Ask the locals where to eat.
  2. Walk if you can- you’ll get a great feel for the place
  3. No shame ordering chicken fingers and fries by the pool. Vacation mode means you let up and enjoy time talking about the kids, school, work and life.

Read more here on 1hotels.

ThreadsBluesky

trench dRA :: pants ASILIO :: top ASILIO :: bag GHURKA :: ring JPJ (dont forget to enter the GIVEAWAY

As a busy mom, I tend to keep things pretty simple because my life is anything but. Lots of “oops” happen when you are traveling with kids, and the way to prepare for that is to simplify. First off, in order of importance, pack blankies and snacks. Do not forget either or there will be general mayhem. For you, pack basics, NOT outfits. Of course, if you’re packing for a specific occasion that makes sense, but four days in Sedona mandates a swimsuit, tees, cut-offs, sneakers, and a great book. See? Simple.

As for my 6 travel essentials:

1 travel duffel / 2 bell sleeve blouse / 3 trench coat / 4 leather like leggings / 5 slinky heels / 6 chic sneakers / the rest are details: basics – soft tees, toiletries (deserves a whole post in itself) and snacks for kids (also deserves a separate post), and maps and travel guides.

 I can’t wait for our next adventure!

What are some of your tips?

ThreadsBluesky

 

my coat :: sweater :: jeans :: nike roshe id

One of our bucket list items has always been Yosemite. Big trees, bigger mountains and stunning stone ridges, did I mention waterfalls? I only read about and saw distant pictures of it but to see it in person, is like in the middle of the Grand Canyon so vast, untouched, and wild. While it was a chilly 38 degrees, and we attempted a couple hikes by the falls, all we could think about was the hot chocolate in our little chalet. And little it was but there is something alluring about cozy cottages around the holidays. So good. I think the kids spent most of the day up in the little chalet loft while the hubs and I cooked (well, defrosted, Portuguese stew called “Feijoda).” The latter takes me right into my first tip. If you’re renting a cabin, bring obviously lots of snacks, waters, organic cinnamon rolls (from a tube) and FROZEN dinners. Who wants to cook on vacation? For lunches, we enjoyed the tasty spread at Tanaya Lodge and Big Fir Lodge for their cozy ambience and yummy burgers. For fun, if Badger Pass is open, don’t forget to bring car chains, ski’s and warm thermal underwear. In the end, I’m so grateful we did this short 4-day getaway, just what we needed. Don’t underestimate a rest from the hustle of the holidays, school events, LA traffic for some family bonding in the woods. From the oldest to youngest, we all felt the bond.

What’s on your vacation bucket list?

 

Follow

ThreadsBluesky

shalice-10
While heading to the Four Seasons Westlake for their 5th annual Let it Snow event, we did not know what to expect other than pictures with Santa and a train ride. Since moving from Chicago last December, this Christmas marks our first one sans family and the beginning of a new chapter and new traditions. And the Four Seasons is a great place to start. After checking in, a super friendly staff offered us champagne and cake pops before taking us up to our gorgeous suite. Because of our large family, we had a beautiful corner king suite with a pull out couch, king room, and foyer. (And yes, despite all that room, we still needed a bed rolled in for the littlest.) Probably my favorite part of our stay-cation at the Four Seasons Westlake Let it Snow event, besides the awesome breakfast burritos, was how much they catered to each child and made them feel so special. From stuffed animal Sven dolls stuffed into mini white robes, four brownie cakes delivered to our room with the words “welcome” written on them, and breakfast with the Disney characters (hello Charlie Brown and Elsa!) to the awesome kids buffet piled with teddy bears, strawberry milk and fresh waffles, all at the perfect kid height might I add, no detail was forgotten.  If we needed anything, their staff was alert and very friendly. While not all cities like Los Angeles are kid friendly (or cater to children, let alone four of them), Four Seasons Westlake exceeded our expectations. The kids response to our departure was, “Can we do this every weekend?”

shalice-23 shalice-36 shalice-40  

OUR TOP 4

  1. TRAIN RIDE 2. ICE SKATING 3. DECORATING COOKIES with MRS. CLAUSE 4. BREAKFAST WITH THE DISNEY CHARACTERS

Thank you Four Seasons Westlake for partnering on this post

 

ThreadsBluesky

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

dress REVOLVE :: blazer STORETS  :: boots RM
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

dress SHONIA JOY sandals SAM EDELMAN

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

dress REVOLVE :: blazer STORETS  :: boots RM

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Since moving to CA, we have become avid beach goers. I mean, when in Rome, right? So after many weekends of beach-hopping, we polled the kids for the favorite beach. By this time we had visited about 6 beaches and not too surprising, Laguna Beach trumped the competition. Laguna is the most exotic of the beaches I have visited thus far, and it was easy to enjoy at Casa Laguna, where we stayed to attend the Gorjana store opening. It was a fun weekend getaway from the hustle of Los Angeles and the coffee on the veranda was a huge bonus. And the store had a photo-booth … you know, those contraptions where you put your kids in and you don’t see them for 10 hours straight? Yeah, so that was a bonus as well. After we peeled the kids away from the 52nd photo-booth picture, we hit the sack at the hotel so as to fit in a cold swim and some yummy breakfast the next morning before leaving. Thankfully, we got four sleepy heads on the long drive home and lots of memories. Can’t wait to go back!

4 Things to do in Laguna.

  1. Victoria Beach – Lots of rock but seal sighting is normal, great views and surf
  2. Casa Laguna pool – the pretty tile and lookout building was fun and romantic.
  3. Banzai Bowl – acai bowls are so refreshing after a morning at the beach or afternoon swim. And my kids love them!
  4. Zinc Cafe & Market – yummy almond milk lattes
ThreadsBluesky

2016_09_11_shalicenoel16-204-edit 2016_09_11_shalicenoel16-264-edit

2016_09_11_shalicenoel16-186-edit 2016_09_11_shalicenoel16-264-edit 2016_09_11_shalicenoel16-108-editimg_55732016_09_11_shalicenoel16-116-editMy first time in Brooklyn and I loved it, charming street corners, even more charming coffee shops and cobblestone walks. Maybe I liked it better than the hustle of Manhattan? One thing is true, whether I’m hustling in Manhattan or lounging in Brooklyn, I love a fresh take on stripe a la cold shoulder. The latter of which I will be wearing all fall. Happy Humpday!

stripe tee PHILOSOPHY SIMILAR :: jeans RAILS LA SIMILAR :: boots TOPSHOP ::

4 Striped tops found around the web:

sleeveless turtleneck REVOLVE (classic!) :: stripe OTS top BAILEY 44 (great with oversize pants, skirts and jeans)

Stripe sweater TOMMY HILFIGER 

Shop my Insta’s below 

ThreadsBluesky

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAShaliceNoel_01 ShaliceNoel_02 ShaliceNoel_07 ShaliceNoel_08 DetailDiptych1 DetailDiptych2ShaliceNoel_03I’m back from NYC ! What a whirlwind of trip meetings and get-togethers.  THE TIME HOTEL was central and gorgeous; there was great service, yummy room service breakfasts for when you run out of time (um, everyday), and a sleek design. And don’t forget to try Serafina Restaurant on the first floor. Thankfully I was back just in time to play tooth fairy, share pictures and let my littles unwrap touristy NYC key-chains. Their favorites! Next time, NYFW! Check out what I wore and favorite places I went below. Feel free to add your own.

THE TIME HOTEL :: great central location to shows and Midtown meetings.

IRVING FARM COFFEE ROASTERS 71 Irving Place, so quaint and great for meetings.

TACOMBI NOLITA 267 Elizabeth St, the cutest Mexican on Elizabeth and they use organic ingredients! I got their margarita with extra salt.

LA COLOMBE SOHO 270 Lafayette, I just love SOHO! This was a fun stop for cold brew.


heels MIU MIU :: culotte jeans SIMILAR :: crochet crop top FOREVER 21 ::

skirt SANCTUARY  SIMILAR and THIS ONE :: crochet crop top FOREVER 21 ::boots VINCE CAMUTO :: leather jacket OAK LA ::

 

 

ThreadsBluesky