Tag:

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

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

Sam & Libby Boot // Faux leather leggings // Jacket in small // Tee similar // Bag

Spent the day walking around Alys Beach taking note of all the beautiful gas lanterns and Christmas decor! I love this time of year. It is COLD out, so I added this black shearling jacket in size small to stay toasty on our walk to get coffee.

I added this $38 quilted travel bag that wipes clean and $30 boots that look way more expensive. Which is your favorite?

Chat soon,

Shalice

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.

Linen Skirt sz 6 // Shopshalicenoel tee Small USE CODE LABORDAY15

Belt size 80 // Flatline sandals (I went down a half a size) // Straw Hat

I had to travel to get inspired. I love the white landscape of Alys Beach. This linen skirt with pockets is a favorite on repeat. I paired it with my favorite modal tee in black from Shop Shalice Noel.

Fall faves under $100

All under $100

  1. Leopard dress has great reviews and looks killer with tall boots
  2. Classic 501 Levi’s $98
  3. LBD has a great shape and great ruffle
  4. Half zip stripes $80!
  5. $59 sneakers FTW!
  6. $89 Levi’s black crop jeans I love to pair with booties for fall

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!

MatchesFashion is one of my favorite destinations to shop for luxury items. They have fast shipping and beautiful presentation. I highly recommend them to my friends, and readers whether they’re purchasing a gift or something special for themselves. If you’re in LA, stop by Matches Fashion pop up residency near the Frieze LA Art Fair.

Please note the residency is not at the Frieze LA Art Fair, but at a separate address (not far away), at the Simon House 1113 N Hillcrest Road Trousdale Estates Beverly Hills. Read more about the event HERE.

Today I’m wearing the Hunza G swimsuit as a bodysuit, Citizens jeans, woven bag and oversized chunky gold bracelet. I love adding spring essentials to these cotton Daphne jeans. Happy Spring!

Shop them below:

Blazer // Bracelet // Citizens Jeans (all cotton wearing size 26)  // Woven Bag // Hunza G swimsuit

Thank you Matchesfashion for sponsoring this post!

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!

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