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Little B’s Smoothie Recipe

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel

 

Foodie Friday is back!! Like most things in life, something that started as a fun idea is now a full-blown ritual. As in, don’t even think about changing any thing up or bad things are going to happen. It’s pretty simple actually. After we drop off the kids at school, Brooks and I come back home and make smoothies. There it is. Quite honestly, I usually go through the mail and email while he begs and begs until I help him pull out all the ingredients. I literally put all the ingredients on the rug and then he sits there with the Vitamix and happily puts things in the mixer. I won’t say it’s all smooth sailing. Just today, while he was pulling out the spinach, he pulled out the glass jar of strawberry jam and it shattered. And mixers and children (well, adults too to be honest) don’t always go well together. So like I said, it’s not always smooth sailing, but it is worth it. He “cooks” his own food, and we both get yummy smoothies and fun memories.

Some of the Pros of cooking in the kitchen with your kids:

It’s fun! He’s learning and you’re both doing something fun together–it’s Quality Time!

You’re making memories

An opportunity to teach how to clean up

You get to stretch your patience muscle

Cons

Your patience muscle is getting stretched

Things will break, fall, and Legos are always involved. I don’t even know how, but it’s true

The mess (this almost deserves two bullet points, but I’ll leave it at one)

B’s Smoothie recipe

1 frozen banana

2 packets frozen acai bowl mix (we get ours from Costco)

1/2 cup – 3/4 cup  almond milk 

1 T chia seeds

1 handful of kale 

Blend in the Vitamix and enjoy chilled!

my cutoffs and a $55 version :: striped top :: similar under $100

Vitamix :: his sweater (on sale!) :: his similar  cutoffs  :: photo’s by Tasha

More denim cutoffs I’m loving here:

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5 Steps to a Spring Home Refresh with Anthropologie

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel



Spring is not just a season to open the windows and air out the house, but a great time to refresh your favorite room in the house.  Reid and I collaborated with Anthropologie Home to give our living room a fresh new look and feel with a few minor and major changes. Here is what we did.

1. We de-cluttered the entire room and got rid of old and unread books. This is a good first step for everyone.

2. We changed the living room paint color from a yellowish tan to a crisp white. Paint is your best friend! If you’re on a budget, start with paint. Be very careful when choosing white paint though; know your lighting and color tone. You don’t want to end up with sterile.  We have found Benjamin Moore’s Decorator White to be a great, versatile white.  See how the artwork and furniture pop!

3. We then created a mood board with all the furniture and accessories we have and want. Consider ALL your furniture too, not just the furniture currently in the living room. Switching furniture from other rooms in the house is another cheap design trick.  Let the room evolve and repurpose unexpected pieces in your space, and if you can, add one major statement piece. We added the Anthropologie blue slub velvet couch, which not only became the statement piece for the entire room, but it anchored the look and design.  It is decadent and sleek as you might imagine; the selection in Anthropologie’s home collection is surprisingly large. We chose a settee so that we could float the couch in the center of the room.We moved our vintage sectional into our TV room, which is much better for watching movies as a family.

A. We relocated our mid century credenza to be under the picture window.

B. We moved our bar cart from the dinning room to the entry foyer.  I love how it gives a whole new purpose to the bar cart.  Now it’s a place to leave our keys.  Plus, we don’t drink (that much) anyway!  It’s better for displaying pretty books and keys.

4. We added new artwork to the fresh white walls and moved our beloved Los Angeles sign to the bedroom.  A few years ago we started the tradition of gifting artwork for our wedding anniversary.  Last year was the Los Angeles sign and this year is the ocean painting from Anthropologie.  I love how it pulls the slush velvet blues from the couch. Add life to your space, literally, with greenery.  Don’t be afraid to go big.  As long as the branches don’t scratch the ceiling, I say go for it.

5. Lastly, add updated pictures to your frames.  We recently worked on a project with photographer Justin Coit and created a new gallery wall of our favorite family pictures.  The kids love seeing the beach as we go up and down the stairs and through the living room.  The drift wood branch was a souvenir from our most recent beach outing and contrasts the metallic bar cart beautifully.  Plus it give us memories of the beach every time we walk through the front door. Love our refreshed living room!

Thank you Anthropologie for partnering on this post! 

Velvet Slub Couch :: ANTHROPOLOGIE :: Summer sky wall art ANTHROPOLOGIE :: brass frames ANTHROPOLOGIE : settee :: gold pillows ANTHROPOLOGIE ::

my sweater :: jeans :: mug ::

Shop the items by clicking the image below

Order your custom velvet couch here!

FamilyMarriage

Anniversary: 10 pieces of advice to the newly married

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel

So, today marks our 10 year anniversary. Those were some fast years … some smooth, some rough, but all pretty great as a whole. Since 10 years is hardly a drop in the bucket in the great scheme of Life, I recently interviewed a couple special, more experienced people, to help me put together 10 pieces of advice to married couples and singles! Marriage can be wonderful, but like anything worth having, it takes work. Read on . . .

keep realistic expectations of yourself and your spouse

recognize you both will have different gifts and abilities. don’t fight it. and no, you can’t change it.

you will fight over stupid things. just expect it. and when you do, talk first to your spouse, instead of your girlfriend and mother.

listen to your spouse, not your parent.

go on dates and do the things you did when you were dating to keep the romance

read scripture together

try to do what the spouse likes to do. if its a football game, watch it. if she likes photos, help her.

have dinners together, despite the busy schedules

don’t compare your relationship to other couples. its really tempting, but avoiding this will ensure more contentment.

go on dates. (it bears repeating)

Your turn. If married, what is your advice? Feel free to weigh in. Happy Anniversary Reid! Love you to the moon and back.

FamilyStyle

This is Family – Santa Monica

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel

Photographer Justin Coit reached out to me with an idea.  He explained he was doing a photographic collection featuring families.  Our family caught his eye.  Of course we took him up on his idea.  The intent of the collection was to capture our family as we are.  That made me a bit nervous.  (Our Christmas card is never a perfectly posed picture, if you know what I mean) Behind the scenes is typically more crazy than what I see as beautiful and the lollipops eventually run out!

Photo day came on a warm Saturday in January.  We told the kids we were going to the beach and someone was going to pictures of us playing.  We all love the surf and sand, but were hoping to keep the kids out of the water.  (You know, so we’d look more perfect)  They had their complaints, but once we got there and we took our first photo together, with lollipops, they were sold.  The kids quickly took to Justin – after all he brought them juice boxes and a kite – the boys kept grabbing stuff and the girls kept saying photos were never more fun. We ended up getting soaked and full of sand, but have no regrets.  This is my family.  From the beach to the pier, the entire project was natural and fun.  It was a beautiful day of beautiful moments spent with those I love most.  Thank you, Justin, for capturing these moments so beautifully.

5 Family Beach Day Musthaves
lollipops – I like the fruit colored ones, 2. veggie chips, 3. blanket – ours is from Hand & Cloth, 4. mini waters, 5. Spray SPF I like this one.

photography: Justin Coit insta: @justincoit / This is family project /  location: Santa Monica, CA

FamilyStyleTravel

4 Days in Yosemite

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel

 

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?

 

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FamilyOutfitsStaycationStyleTravel

Four Seasons Let it Snow Weekend

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel

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

 

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FAMILY GIFT GUIDE

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel

While we all know the perfect gift isn’t wrapped under the tree, but the people who sit across from us at the dinner table and love us despite all. It is however, a kind gesture to find that little special gift to say, “I love and appreciate you!’ I asked each of our four children (and hubby), what little things they would like to see under the tree, with some help from Moi. Note, a lot of the items are on sale now. What are your favorites?

WOMEN :: iPOD:: velvet blazer (I got a sz 6 US)::  tassel charger :: velvet heel :: Skintint :: also LOVE this (size down, I got a 00)

MEN henley :: Nikes :: 3D Doodler  :: navy tee :: DSLR backpack 

GIRLS sweatpants :: necklace :: star sweatshirt (so soft!):: monster purse :: bracelet (40% off with code HOLIDAY)

BOYS NATIVE :: Little Patient :: wood guitar :: sweater ::  BATMAN PJ’s

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Family Halloween: Bat vs Cat

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel

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One of the many reasons I was so excited about leaving the Midwest was a warm October. I mean, Elsa and Anna can actually walk down the street without a full parka and knit hat? Mind-blowing. So to celebrate this inaugural year of Costumes without Coats, the girls and I decided on Batman’s right hand girl: Cat Woman. We had soooo much fun getting dressed and it wasn’t long until the kids were begging to go outside to show off their costumes and demanding pictures (no, you read it right. They wanted pics!). I’ll admit, I’m the mom who is AWFUL at costumes – to the tune of using the couch blanket as a cape. Yup, mom fail. This year, I did away with my old ways. Despite ordering multiple Cat Women costumes, the totally corny headband, and the slightly loose boys’ costumes, ol’ Amazon totally pulled through for me. They, and I really do mean “I”, were a complete success. Let the 88 degree Cali October-trick-or -treating begin! 

Shop our looks here and on my shop page. What’s your favorite costume of all time?

woman’s catwoman :: girls catwoman ::

men’s batman :: boys batman

FamilyStyle

Some thoughts on Motherhood

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel

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Motherhood can be likened to bringing home macaroons from your breakfast meeting in your kids favorite colors- sounds perfect right? Until they run out of the house at first sight of the car in the driveway. And apparently, when one grabs your knees and the other dips the box, they eventually fall on the porch. Now you know. Sometimes your best intentions are met with the reality of life with kids. 

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While I learned my lesson after that day, I haven’t stopped bringing them little gifts. You learn, you grow, you change. No two seasons of life are the same, is that bad? No, it just demands for flexibility and letting go of always being in control. When I accept the spilled milk, the tattling, the interruption, the macaroons on the porch and compare them in light of the rewards of motherhood – a higher calling Gods entrusted to me and a humbling for my growth, it changes my attitude. I start to be thankful for those four lives God gave me. It’s not glamorous or easy. Its a daily choice I make everyday. After all, attitude is like a good photo editing filter. It can take a somewhat mundane scene from drab to crisp and beautiful.  Happy Mother’s Day to mothers, daughters, and mothers to be. What are some of your favorite memories of your mom? I’d love to hear.

there’s no was to be a perfect mother, but a million ways to be a good one – jill churchill

dress ZARA SIMILAR / sandals REBECCA MINKOFF

Family

Our Dates

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel
 
 
 
 
1//
 
 
 He got a date with a dog.
Maybe one with mom next year
 
 

I’m that mom who let her 3yo throw a bag of marshmallows into the cart, acting like its a basketball. I’m sure he’d agree it was the highlight of his date. Sorry to the guy in aisle 10 who just missed the marshmallow bag. oooooops.

Everything is more fun with him.
 

 

MIL in person! Grainy and poorly lit but gosh, I thank God for this woman.
 
 
 
2 //
 
She found all the little things to her hearts content.
Love my little artist
 
I like the party section more than they do …
 
3 //
 
Come on mom, let’s gooooo! // “Necklace” was her sister’s creation


 
Look mom!
 

Always dancing
 
 
When I went to take the picture, she got out of the way. I told her, get in the pic! Dirty feet a bonus.
 
 

It was a time of undivided attention, saying yes to sugary drinks, hot chocolate, overpriced Madeleines, and their small toy of choice. She chose my little pony pens and a hello kitty notebook, both of which rested nicely under her arm as we shopped. As much as I share their excitement with new toys and paraphernalia, at the end of the day they don’t care for Legos, hello kitty or my little pony, they want me. This is made obvious by the fact that said toys are currently lost in one of the 10 piles in the playroom. Erg. All was made worth it when we walked through the door and she bragged like she went to Disney world, even the spilt hot chocolate and ruined skirt.
 I wouldn’t have it any other way.

 


My flats Steve Madden // Her Sandals Similar // Her Skirt Similar 
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