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I Put on my Raincoat, My Yellow Raincoat #Giveaway USA/CANADA

August 8, 2014 By Deb B. 51 Comments

"City Coat" Oil & Water Rainwear www.BABYSTYLISTA.com

We live in a city where spring and winter showers are of the norm, and snowflakes are a treat – so naturally, a raincoat for all seasons is a must. However, what every little mini-fashionista really needs, is her very own yellow rain coat.

"City Coat" Oil & Water Rainwear www.BABYSTYLISTA.com

More specifically, an ivory-gold weave and chartreuse trim coat to go famously with her yellow hunter wellies.

While taking a stroll along the imaginary yellow brick road of our favorite neighborhood outdoor mall, LD and I decided to tune up our vocal stylings in our latest rendition of “Singin’ in the Rain“. Presumably, I would be Debbie Reynolds, but my little ray of sunshine insisted on playing the role of the young starlet. And like any starlet, little mama pranced around town in her loveliest of lovely ensembles, looking fabulous, and feeling confident.

"City Coat" Oil & Water Rainwear www.BABYSTYLISTA.com

Making a statement, both bold and bright, little mama proudly donned her City Coat from Oil & Water‘s Summer 2014 collection. After all, every city girl, big or small, needs herself a City Coat.

This incredibly stylish collection for girls, available in sizes 2 – 10, is made of high quality, waterproof, and water resistant materials. Every stitch, every reinforced snap, every little detail is meticulously designed with quality and style in mind. Even the hood is tailored to hug her sweet little noggin. Of course, forcing a three year old to put on a hood while the sun’s out, is as reasonable as asking them not to play in puddles when the rain pours. Therefore, you will not be seeing any hood-wearing in this post. LD makes no apologies, however. She’s as sparkly as a tall glass of yellow lemonade (umbrella, inclusive).

"City Coat" Oil & Water Rainwear www.BABYSTYLISTA.com

What we love the most, is the comfort and flexibility of the materials. Thanks to the polyurethane coated tricot soft knit weave (I attribute my fabulous fashion lingo to a lovely conversation I had with the designer herself, Amy Wismar, at the ENK Children’s Club shows in NYC last spring), there is a nice stretch with every dance move your little fashionista makes. Gone, are the days of  “crunchy” plastic, typical of your everyday, run of the mill rain coat.

Extra bonus points for looking so incredibly chic in the midst of the grey skies, says LD.

"City Coat" Oil & Water Rainwear www.BABYSTYLISTA.com

And while we’re “Singin’ in the Rain” – we would love to share a chorus or two with all of you!

*****STYLIN’ GIVEAWAY*****

Our friends at Oil & Water Rainwear is giving away one of three Raincoats of your choice, featured here on babyStylista, to one lucky stylin’ winner!  SAY WHAT?? Stay tuned for our follow up posts with more fabulous styles from Oil & Water Rainwear coming up in the next two weeks!

To enter for the chance to win, simply fill out the form below!  For further contest rules, refer to the Terms and Conditions within the Rafflecopter. Open to USA and Canada.

Contest closes August 24th 2014 – at 11:59PM! The winner will be revealed August 25th, 2014! If you have an Instagram account, check us out at @babystylista for more ways to enter (Bonus points!).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

"City Coat" Oil & Water Rainwear www.BABYSTYLISTA.com

~~ Outfit ~~

City Coat ~ Oil & Water Rainwear

My Little White Tee ~ Joe Fresh Kids

White Velvet Tuxedo Pants ~ baby Gap

 Yellow Wellies ~ Hunter Boots for Kids

Everyone deserves their very own yellow raincoat,

db Signature

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Visit us on Pinterest for more in looks for the outdoors!

Follow deBalino · babyStylista’s board Baby, It’s Cold Outside – Baby Outer Wear on Pinterest.

DISCLOSURE:  BABYSTYLISTA WAS PROVIDED WITH THIS PRODUCT FOR REVIEW.  ALL OPINIONS ARE OUR OWN.

Filed Under: In Looks for the Outdoors, threads for tots Tagged With: Baby, boots, chic, children, Children's Club, children's wear, city, coat, contest, Debbie Reynolds, ENK, Fall, fashion, fashionable, fashionista, girls, giveaway, hunter, kids, kidswear, knit, mini, NYC, oil & water, polyurethane, rain, raincoat, rainwear, Singin' in the Rain, Spring, style, stylist, Summer, Toddler, tricot, water resistant, waterproof, wells, Winter, yellow

About Deb B.

Deb Balino is the voice behind Sass & Smalls, host of the newly launched Podcast - Sass & Small Talk, and a mom of two - an artistic and quirky 11-year-old, and an outspoken, homewrecking, retro music loving, 4-year-old. A décor and style enthusiast, as well as a home systems hack creator, with a mildly concerning obsession of all things "bin-worthy", Deb enjoys sharing products, experiences, progressive ideas, and simple shifts in mindset that has helped her family navigate the beautiful chaos of parenting. Deb is also a homeschool teacher, partially by choice, partially pandemic-inspired, while advocating and caring for her parents as an active member of the Sandwich Generation. With vulnerability, and a dash of humour - she shares the reality of her world, all while keeping things as sassy as they once were before the drool, meltdowns, and potty mishaps entered the picture.

Her creative ideas, lengthy storytelling, and everyday musings have been featured on Huffington Post, Yahoo Style, BBC News, and YMC.CA

Comments

  1. Paula H says

    August 8, 2014 at 3:34 pm

    I just love her! She is sooooo cute and stylish! I have 3 boys and while I like sprucing my little guy up, it must be much more fun with a little girl! The rain coat is so retro and gorgeous! I love the white and yellow!
    Paula H recently posted…Exfoliating just got easier with Exfolimate ReviewMy Profile
    Reply
    • babystylista says

      August 9, 2014 at 8:36 pm

      Awww thanks Paula! This little one loves to dress up when she’s not busy playing in puddles. Ha! I bet she would have a lot of fun playing with your boys. This coat definitely has a retro feel to it! I love the yellow accents too.
      babystylista recently posted…Tips for the Travelista – How to Pack for the Business Traveling MamaMy Profile
      Reply
  2. Jenn says

    August 8, 2014 at 5:22 pm

    What a gorgeous raincoat! My kids favourite thing to do in the rain is catch rain drops in their mouth! lol
    Reply
    • babystylista says

      August 9, 2014 at 8:37 pm

      That’s adorable Jenn!
      babystylista recently posted…Tips for the Travelista – How to Pack for the Business Traveling MamaMy Profile
      Reply
  3. Florence Cochrane says

    August 9, 2014 at 7:34 am

    Liked Babystylista and Oilandwaterrainwear on FB and Instagram. My granddaughter loves to play in the rain puddles. @fossie55
    Reply
  4. Suzanne G says

    August 9, 2014 at 9:40 am

    I liked you on Instagram and Oil and Water on FB. Kids favourite activity was going barefoot and splashing in puddles on driveway.
    Reply
    • babystylista says

      August 9, 2014 at 8:37 pm

      Barefoot is the best! 🙂 Good luck!
      babystylista recently posted…Playing Games #WordlessWednesday #LinkyMy Profile
      Reply
  5. kathy downey says

    August 9, 2014 at 10:18 am

    Cute and stylish,love it.liked in facebook but I do not have Instagram….she loves to catch the rain drops on her tongue
    Reply
    • babystylista says

      August 9, 2014 at 8:40 pm

      So cute! Good luck!
      babystylista recently posted…The Hills Are Alive… #WordlessWednesday #linkyMy Profile
      Reply
  6. michelle hebert says

    August 9, 2014 at 12:34 pm

    like all on facebook and instagram
    Reply
    • babystylista says

      August 9, 2014 at 8:41 pm

      Good luck!
      babystylista recently posted…A Trip to the Dentist #WordlessWednesday #linkyMy Profile
      Reply
  7. Diane says

    August 9, 2014 at 1:55 pm

    Very cool looking , will at getting one
    Reply
    • babystylista says

      August 9, 2014 at 8:41 pm

      Yay! You’ll love it!
      babystylista recently posted…Kids and Kayaks #WordlessWednesday #LinkyMy Profile
      Reply
  8. Anne Taylor says

    August 9, 2014 at 3:55 pm

    My grandkids love splashing in puddles!

    I Like you both on fb as Anne Taylor or annectaylor1

    I follow you both on instagram as http://instagram.com/greeeneyedwhwom

    thanks

    Reply
    • babystylista says

      August 9, 2014 at 8:43 pm

      Love puddles myself! Good luck!
      babystylista recently posted…A Playground With A View #WordlessWednesday #LinkyMy Profile
      Reply
  9. Robyn Bellefleur says

    August 10, 2014 at 5:09 am

    My daughter loves to splash in puddles when it's raining. I follow both on facebook, but i don't have an instagram account. 🙁
    Reply
  10. krystyl olson says

    August 9, 2014 at 10:51 pm

    I have liked @Babystylista and @OilandwaterRainwear on Facebook…we love puddle hunting… then puddle jumping … THEN exploring puddles with diffrent containers and splashing around
    Reply
  11. Jennifer P. says

    August 10, 2014 at 12:24 am

    I liked both on Facebook, but I don’t have an instagram account. My oldest likes to read a book or watch a movie when it’s raining outside, but my youngest likes to get right out there in the rain and STOMP (hard!) in the puddles – she is a total puddle lover!! We had a big rain storm this summer, and out she went, stomping around in her flip flops! 🙂
    Reply
  12. Andrea Amy says

    August 10, 2014 at 11:58 am

    I have liked both on Facebook (Andrea Amy) and on instagram (andrea_hockeygirl).

    my kids LOVE LOVE LOVE to count worms and splash in puddles, not necessarily in that order 🙂 Thanks for the chance!

    Reply
  13. JP Therriault says

    August 11, 2014 at 12:16 am

    I don't have an instagram account, but have liked on facebook. My LO's favourite activity in the rain? Jumping up and down in muddy puddles of course!
    Reply
  14. lisa bolduc says

    August 10, 2014 at 6:47 pm

    I follow both of you on facebook and twitter. I love splashing the puddles with my son, and I don’t like stepping on worms so I have to watch where I go
    Reply
  15. ViviAn Sluys says

    August 11, 2014 at 4:36 am

    following both instagram accounts (name @vhsys). My kids love puddle jumping but also dancing around in downpours. A couple years ago my kids bought me boots so I could join them in the puddles!
    Reply
  16. ViviAn Sluys says

    August 11, 2014 at 4:36 am

    oh and m youngest thinks she should sit in puddles!
    Reply
  17. Kerrie @ Family Food and Travel says

    August 11, 2014 at 6:51 am

    Absolutely LOVE that jacket and boot combination. If I looked that good when it rained I wouldn’t mind the rain so much!
    Kerrie @ Family Food and Travel recently posted…Road Trips for Cyclists #CAABikeMy Profile
    Reply
  18. Randa @ TBK says

    August 11, 2014 at 7:31 am

    I have the Hunter boots, now I just need a matching raincoat and umbrella 🙂
    Randa @ TBK recently posted…Monday Funday Linky Party {August 11}My Profile
    Reply
  19. Anne Stewart says

    August 11, 2014 at 2:59 pm

    I liked both pages on facebook! My little one loves to splash in puddles!
    Reply
  20. Anne Stewart says

    August 11, 2014 at 3:00 pm

    I also liked both pages on instagram 🙂
    Reply
  21. Bonnie Way says

    August 11, 2014 at 10:39 am

    She is GORGEOUS, as usual! And you’re totally right about the weather around here. 🙂 When it rains, mine like jumping in puddles and getting out their umbrellas. They’d totally love these rain coats! (So yes, I’ve followed you both on FB.)
    Bonnie Way recently posted…DIY Upscaled BookshelfMy Profile
    Reply
  22. Pam says

    August 11, 2014 at 3:25 pm

    I like both on facebook but do not have an instagram account.
    fave thing is walking the dogs through the puddles.
    Reply
  23. Nola P. says

    August 12, 2014 at 7:23 am

    Liked on Facebook and Instagram 🙂 My sweet LG loves to jump in puddles. And I have to admit, I do it with her!
    Reply
  24. Rochel S says

    August 12, 2014 at 9:55 am

    I like both on facebook. My kids love splashing in the puddles!
    Reply
  25. Sara Lindsay says

    August 12, 2014 at 10:05 am

    Love this yellow coat!
    Reply
  26. Erin W says

    August 12, 2014 at 9:09 pm

    I follow both of you on FB and IG. My daughter loves jumping in puddles in the rain!
    Reply
  27. Shannon Faith says

    August 12, 2014 at 10:18 pm

    I like both pages on facebook and my daughter’s favorite rainy day activity (by far) is puddle jumping. She is such an outdoorsy girl that it doesn’t matter if its raining, she wants to be outside! haha
    Reply
  28. Michelle says

    August 13, 2014 at 5:37 am

    I liked both pages and puddle-jumping would be her favourite rainy day activity.
    Reply
  29. Carmen Merghart says

    August 13, 2014 at 10:01 pm

    Liked all the pages my kids love to ride their bikes and go too the zoo
    Reply
  30. Cassie Hayes says

    August 13, 2014 at 7:13 pm

    Follow both on Facebook. Don’t have Instagram. We love going outside and feel the rain sprinkling on our hands. We spin around and wave our hands to feel it.
    Reply
  31. Kris Ewald says

    August 15, 2014 at 6:05 am

    Liked on fb and My kids love to play outside and with animals
    Reply
  32. Suzie M says

    August 16, 2014 at 5:20 pm

    I l follow @babystylista & Oil & water on Instagram suzquiz m
    I like both on FB Suzie Magee
    & my little girls love jumping in puddles
    Reply
  33. tennille says

    August 16, 2014 at 9:24 pm

    Liked you both on FB, don’t use Instagram. We love to splash around in puddles when it rains. We sit out on the back stoop if there is lightning as all
    Reply
  34. Juliee Fitze says

    August 17, 2014 at 7:05 am

    Liked on FB and instagram. She likes to jump in the puddles.
    Reply
  35. Nicole M says

    August 17, 2014 at 12:30 pm

    I have liked both pages on Facebook. I do not have instagram. My little girl loves to jump in the puddles.
    Reply
  36. holly o'gorman says

    August 17, 2014 at 3:15 pm

    I have liked both:

    @Babystylista @OilandwaterRainwear on Facebook (holly o’gorman) and Instagram (hogorman84)

    Reply
  37. holly o'gorman says

    August 17, 2014 at 3:16 pm

    My daughters favorite thing to do on a rainy day is puddle stomp!
    Reply
  38. Viktoria Kontra says

    August 17, 2014 at 4:42 pm

    I have liked both @Babystylista and @OilandwaterRainwear on Facebook. My 5 year old loves jumping in puddles and just walking around in the rain.
    Reply
  39. Jennifer Pikor says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:46 pm

    Love this contest. Absolutely adorable raincoat and outfit. My 3 year old loves to splash in the rain puddles but hates it when her legs get wet so we have to keep her in tall boots and a long raincoat. 😉
    Reply
  40. Teresa Thompson says

    August 23, 2014 at 4:10 pm

    Followed all. instagram.com/superneena, fb Teresa Thompson.
    They love playing in the rain.
    Reply
  41. kimm coleman says

    August 23, 2014 at 8:33 pm

    Love this raincoat! This would be perfect when jumping in the puddles!
    Reply
  42. kimm coleman says

    August 23, 2014 at 8:34 pm

    liked on facebook! No instagram!
    Reply
  43. Cristina Martinez says

    August 24, 2014 at 2:17 pm

    I have liked both! My little loves to “jump in muddy puddles” like peppa pig!
    Reply
  44. amanda whitley says

    August 24, 2014 at 6:40 pm

    i liked both pages on instagram and fb – achadwick22 on instagram
    Reply

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👇🏻Get YOUR Sass back

Holiday burnout hits moms and caregivers hard — Holiday burnout hits moms and caregivers hard — and the guilt of not being able to do it all as planned can be heavy. 

This year, after months and months of overstimulation, busy-ness, grief, worries, transitions, and may many many sleepless nights, we chose quiet. Simple. Unplanned. And a lot of it had to do with my own exhaustion and not being able to do all the things - like I used to in the past.

And in letting go, my kids not only enjoyed the simplicity, pressure-free, they loved the spontaneity, the lack of rushing from one thing to another, keeping old traditions while creating new memories. 

They even offered to be a part of the planning and the doing. 

It never had to be perfect. 
It never had to just fall on my shoulders. 
And it never was about a tree surrounded with every item on their wishlist. 

They just wanted me to play with them, wrap gifts with them, eat with them, and let them do some of the caregiving as well. 

Maybe that was the magic after all.
For the last 3 Christmas seasons, my girls and I s For the last 3 Christmas seasons, my girls and I switched things up.  We were finding we were already maxed out with our own households - the lists, the gifts, the prep, the mess. Omg… the mess.

It was time to take a break from@the stress, and to find joy through this busy season, while putting our “cute” on again. 

… and so, the birth of “Annual High Tea with the ladies” came to be: 

We ditched the gifts. 
Kept the girlfriends. 
Elevated the carbs.
… and the heels.

And yes - the tea just got a little sweeter.

Got a holiday ritual that fills your cup (literally or figuratively)?
Me: We’re getting too old for this. 

Also Me: 🎥📹🔦💡💄💋

********************

Check out our #Behindthescenes done in our living room. (Grateful for the space @ginandneature 🤣🤣)

👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻
It’s been ✨14✨ YEARS of doing this as a family, I get asked every year how we pull this off. Esp with limited time, budget, and busy kids??

Easy: 
• Cue theme music (“Alexa, get us in #kpopdemonhunters mode”)
• Beat our faces down with a little @amoresarte_arteesamor  from our bestie Uncle @andrewvelazquez_ ‘s killer 💋 palette #onlythebest
• dust off my podcast studio lights, most likely incorrectly. (I am NO @remy.is.remy, @nikkye_music , @eric.thebald , @jakerfilms, @brianbobila, or @hoelune)
• clear my phone cuz it’s always full • throw on some DIY outfits we happen to have in our dress up trunk (OR Grammy’s closet!)
• grab last minute wigs (and in my case - clip on BANGS) that don’t exactly match the OG characters, but who cares… it’s our spin anyway…)
• George @gjavier5, our in-house Jinu, just got ready for the day as normal 😂😂😂😂😂😂
- Start bribing the kids AND George (but guess what - they LOVE our #familytradition too!! EVEN Jenny, my kiddo’s beloved (and often creepy doll who participates in most of our #FamilyHalloween themes. Gotta love Jenny!🪆

It’s 10000% chaotic, always a mess, but it’s how the Balinos do #Famoween (and Christmas… lazy greetings here we come), and we wouldn’t have it any other way. 

#BTS
The BALINO FAM is ready for our Comeback of 2025. The BALINO FAM is ready for our Comeback of 2025. 

Just call us the “B POP Fam-O-Ween Hunters” 🎤

Plot twist of 2025? Our demons to fight — grief and loss, overwhelm, caregiving challenges, new school, intolerance, advocacy, no sleep, basically… life-ing. 

But guess what?

We didn’t break — we TRANSFORMED. (As my kids would say - we SLAYED 2025). 

We stopped trying to fit into places that weren’t made for us. Just like these characters on #KpopDemonHunters

• We are choosing to show up for one another and our parents. Fully.
• We are choosing our battles 
• We no longer apologize for simply being us. In all our messy, chaotic #neurospicy, busy, loud, glittery, imperfect ways. 

And when we let our special big little girl be exactly who SHE is — not who the world told her to be — everything shifted. For HER and for our ENTIRE family. 

Peace came. Joy came. She shined.
Heck - she even spearheaded this year’s #famoween theme with the help of her “Baby” bro. It’s been 14 years of finding her place in the world and facing heartache and struggle along the way. We had a BREAKTHROUGH this year.

But it started with working on us as a family. 

So here we are.

Tired.
Ready.
Golden.

✨The B POPS✨
• George as “G-NEW” (Jinu) - the brooding lead of Saja Boys🔥charming and charismatic but struggling on the inside ✅

• My girl as MIRA” - tough and spicy but sensitive on the inside ✅

• My Baby boy as “Baby” who relies on his cuteness to get things done ✅ 👀

• Me as “Zoey”, just a big kid trying to figure out where she belongs. Always learning. ✅ ✅✅✅

(Also… yes. The 5th main character, Rumi (my daughter’s beloved doll who often makes a cameo in our fam-o-ween posts. Can you spot her our lead? 👀💜)

Watch out world. We may be getting old, but we’re ✨ #Golden. ✨

Pls leave a comment👇🏻and let my creative fam (so lucky to have you, @gjavier5 and my crazy kiddos) know whatcha think of our theme this year!
👻👻👻🎃🎃🎃🎃 Rainy day at @galey_ 👻👻👻🎃🎃🎃🎃

Rainy day at @galey_farms with the fam and it was exactly what we needed. So much fun, and great for a good scare cuz I’m just a big 🐓. 

And those donuts…. #nextlevel. As was that #cornmaze🌽 

Thanks @ingirlsclub for organizing a core memory for my girl and all the girls and their/our families! It’s hard to organize things with my little family while #caregiving, and often we have to decline, but we are so glad this worked out. This group activity made it so much more feasible for us. #sandwichgen #sandwichgenlife #elderlycare

#Halloween #fall #family #YYJ #pumpkins #pumpkinpatch #trainride #familyfun
11 years ago, we lost our little Lucy. 🤍 And f 11 years ago, we lost our little Lucy. 🤍 
And for 11 years since, I lost a little bit of me. 

“Lucy” means “light” — and somewhere along this long road of healing, I am really beginning to see it.

It’s no coincidence that the Lantern festival in our community fell on Lucy’s special weekend. We had no plans to go - but at the very last minute, something compelled us to check it out, and somehow we ended up walking through this magical, illuminated pathway wearing Jammies and slippers.

I don’t ask “why” anymore. 
I’m learning to accept.
And I’m leaning into #faith. 

On milestone moments like these, I hold my two earthside loves a little closer… and feel nothing short of immense #gratitude. And we know with so much certainty, these two, the first and the last of our 12 babes, our two earthside bookends… needed us the most. 

They are my “why”. 

All of them. 

Happy heavenly birthday our sweet “light giver”, Lucy.

#angelbaby #griefjourney #motherhoodjourney #healingafterloss #neurodivergence #setd1bsyndrome #SetD1BNDD #parentingafterloss #faith #multipleloss #sunshinebaby #rainbowbaby #secondtrimester #latepregnancyloss #pregnancylossawarenessmonth #October
#BTS with my lovely #surrosis @jenny_p1987. Have #BTS with my lovely #surrosis @jenny_p1987. 

Have you ever listened to a #podcast where 2 Mamas of Loss talk about how they mixed a little DNA together, and out came a baby? Yeah me neither… 

So be sure to watch this incredibly impactful and emotional episode where we have an honest conversation about #parentingafterloss with the very woman who changed the course of our family’s trajectory. No matter what the journey looks like to become parents, it’s not always #sunshineandrainbows but the intense #gratitude will always carry us through. 

Streaming on @telus @storyhive #OptikTV SPRING 2006! 

#eggdonation #eggdonor #ittakesavillage #rainbow #pregnancylossawareness  #pregnancylossawarenessmonth #rainbowbaby #miraclebaby 

Thnx for saving the day @eric.thebald with your invisible cape and wrangling powers! @jakerfilms  @hoelune @gjavier Couldn’t get through this all without you! 

@sassandsmalltalkpodcast
Jaime Pereira, Founder and brains behind Glow Jar Jaime Pereira, Founder and brains behind Glow Jar Beauty @glowjar_  says “LESS IS MORE” with skincare.

Meanwhile, I’m over here… overscrubbing, overthinking, and sometimes… skipping it altogether. 🙈 (shhhh... don’t tell my husband, OR my friends, OR my followers, omg please don’t tell my mom).

Turns out, good #skincare isn’t about burning your face off with 12 products that smell like a tropical fruit basket. It’s about being gentle — even if you’re a chaotic face washer like me.

Watch me get called out (lovingly) in Episode 3 (https://youtu.be/gAg0RXoGiAg) of @sassandsmalltalkpodcast Talk, now streaming on ‪@TELUS‬ OptikTV and ‪@storyhive‬ 

Find the link on my BIO or in my stories. 

#SkincareHumor #MomLife #BurnoutRecovery #CaregiverLife #SassAndSmallTalk #lessismore #glowjarbeauty #glowjar #skin #glowingskin #JaimePereira #canadianbrand
When you are too unequipped to plan ahead, so your When you are too unequipped to plan ahead, so your village takes over and plans ahead for you. 

Enter, days worth of #waffles and #pancakes for your sweet-breakfast-obsessed family. All so I can focus on working on season 2 of my show @sassandsmalltalkpodcast @Telus @storyhive now in production, whilst #caregiving the parents full time and no summer camps for the kiddos in sight. Let’s just say 24 hours in a day isn’t quite enough… 😴 is kinda out the window too. 

Thank you @caarly.xo for knowing I’m in the season, and just doing what you do… as always. 

Now please go back to your family of 6 😲, because they are probably tired of sharing you with us after all these MONTHS… LOVE you, and THANK you for all you’ve done for our family. 

The waffles were just the delish icing on the cake. There was muuuuuuch much more you supported us with while across the country as we focused on family, and we are grateful to you…  thank you. 

#ittakesavillage #sassandsmalltalk #telus #storyhive
Sigh. Tough crowd. 🤷🏻‍♀️ #caregiver #s Sigh. Tough crowd. 🤷🏻‍♀️
#caregiver #seekingvalidation #daughterofimmigrants #proudgrandparents

J/K… she was proud (I think). 
And she actually read it (I think)… 🤔🤔

Grab a copy @islandparent on local stands or check out the link on IG stories and in my BIO. 

And read the article @mommamillsblog, my girl, Natasha wrote on the true meaning of wealth in parenthood. 

Lots of gems!
#islandparentmagazine #parenting #homeschool #mentalhealth #mentalwellness 

Do you still find yourself seeking your #elderly parents approval even as a parent yourself?
Meet me in 10.” ☕💌😉 When you’re a par Meet me in 10.” ☕💌😉

When you’re a parent, caregiver, and running your own show on zero sleep… “sneaking out” mid-day with that cutie (who kinda resembles your spouse 🤷🏻‍♀️ ) for YUUUUUMMMY local @drumroaster #specialitycoffee, is basically the best (and only) date you’ll get. 

And honestly? We’ll take it. ✨

Talk “latte” to me. 💛 

*Tho that Canadian Macchiato ☕️ was next level…* Jus’ sayin’

Catch the @aerobicgeisha.coffee #mobilecoffee #cartonwheels #PopUp 🚲 at @westshoretowncentre — now ‘til Sept 3 (closed Mondays). 

#SupportLocal #ParentDateVibes #BurnoutFuel #CoffeeDate #hubbahubba #coffeeismylovelanguage #westshoretowncentre #aerobicgeisha #geishacoffee #aerobicgeishacoffee
**He had NO idea what he got himself into when he **He had NO idea what he got himself into when he answered that phone call from the crazy big(ish) city girl.**⁣
⁣
Yes… I made the first move.⁣
And yes… I called him on an actual telephone. With a rotary dial. Connected to a wall.⁣ ☎️⁣
⁣
That was 26 years ago.⁣
⁣
10 years later (16 years ago today), he asked me to meet him at the end of the aisle and make it official 🤵🏻👰🏻—which we did, surrounded by everyone we love, and then danced the night away at the bottom of the Seinfeld steps.⁣
⁣
Thank you for doing life with me, George @gjavier5. You’ve always been (and always will be) my #1 go-to for all things Cobra Kai 🐍, the best fellow imperfect-perfect parent to those little humans who look suspiciously like you 👧🏻👦🏻—and of course, co-parent to our two stinky OG furry kids 🦮🐕‍🦺.⁣ Thanks for being the yin to my “extra”🤪. And I’m the yang to your “chill” 😎
⁣
Now stop scrolling and go kill that spider in the living room… or I might have to tell the world who really watches The Bachelor between the two of us 👀🌹
⁣
I love you!! (And no… this is not just a clever way to get you to finally agree that the TV we bought the year we got married is long overdue for retirement 📺🫠)⁣ 😉 
⁣
D&G, finally.
⁣
#16YearsMarried #26YearsTogether #dgfinally #atlast #happyanniversary
Meet Emily. She coped by staying busy. Corporate Meet Emily. 

She coped by staying busy.
Corporate life. 
#Sidehustles. 
Always moving.
Until #burnout stopped her cold.

When Emily Bowman  @emlambow @nevaehjade.beautywellness, at the tender age of 12, began the life of a heartbreaking reality of #caregiving for a loved one, and eventually losing her father after a decade long battle with cancer, she pushed through the pain the only way she knew how — by working harder. 

But #grief always finds a way to surface.

#Fitness became her lifeline.
Now it’s not just her outlet — it’s her saving grace... and her business.

So grateful for @Telus @storyhive  for the platform to share such profound stories on #burnout and reclaiming joy as parents. 

🔥 Watch the full conversation in Episode 2 – live now on #Youtube - Link in BIO and IG Stories! Watch now for amazing INSPO, and please subscribe and support a sis! 🙋🏻‍♀️ (PSSST… “YouTube.com/@sassandsmalls”)
✨Look, Mom — we’re in print!✨ (*Turns out ✨Look, Mom — we’re in print!✨ (*Turns out “talks too much” is a transferable skill. 😉)

Couldn’t resist flipping through the online Summer issue of @islandparent (still chasing down a copy ON PRINT — OMW, #YYJ friends, pls save me one 🙏🙏!!)

Somehow, between #caregiving worries stretching from the West Coast to the Midwest, an unexpected emergency trip with the kids, and a 25-hour boat/train/plane journey (regrets: zero, snack supply: questionable 🙃), I managed to turn the chaos into a story — and landed my first article in one of our Van Island parenting mags.

Even better? I sat down for a feature interview about @sassandsmalltalkpodcast, sharing why these conversations matter, how the show makes space for parents stretched too thin, and why reclaiming joy beyond burnout is actually possible. #SeasonOne is now streaming on @telus @storyhive 🎙️.

A Massive THANK YOU to Stacie Gaetz @islandparent for an energizing interview that made me sound far cooler than I am, and to the whole editorial team for trusting me to bring my slightly unhinged, real-talk parenting chaos to your pages.

Here’s to finding joy in the mess, adventure in the unexpected, and a whole lotta #HappyJ in my carry-on…

📖 Grab a copy, flip to my pages, check out all the amazing contributing writers, and come hang out on the pod!

Also peep appearances from 2 of my 8 incredible guests: @truedad.community, @sarjo08, @toastibeautycollection — and the ridiculously talented @sarah_booth_photography, whose cover shot steals the show.

Non-islanders - the online copy is avail at islandparent.ca. Link on my bio 😉

#SassAndSmallTalk #SandwichGeneration #IslandParent #Storyhive #TelusOriginals #CaregiverLife #MomLifeUnfiltered #ParentingPodcast #FilipinoMoms #RealTalkForParents #ChaosAndJoy #ContributingWriter #Storytelling
I recorded this moments before we said goodbye to I recorded this moments before we said goodbye to our father-in-law — who we’d been caregiving for these last couple months in their home on the other side of the country 💔 It’s been a heavy time, so I haven’t been online. 

But I wanted to quickly share that George and I have been keeping up with our daily dose of #HJ, and between that, and prayer, our amazing village both here and at home, and the support of family - our #stressresilience to handle the most challenging time in our lives was nothing short of a miracle. 

Running on virtually no sleep, the constant worry, lack of control, we needed all we could get to show up for the ones we love especially these last couple months. 

I am now a couple weeks into the #Rootist Densify Hair Line (and only a few days since recording this vid), after just a few washes with the Rootist Densify Shampoo + Conditioner (plus the Densifying Serum), I’m already feeling a shift. ✨ Thicker, fuller hair is the goal — and even in the midst of #grief and #caregiving, it’s nice to feel one small thing going right.

If you’re curious, today’s the day to grab it (July 2nd, 2025) —
🛍️ Shampoo + Conditioner are on sale
🇨🇦 Canada Day = FREE shipping Until July 4th 2025
But the 25% off on shampoo and conditioner ends TONIGHT (July 2nd - 1159pm PST) — so don’t wait! 🌿💚

Grab your Shampoo and Conditioner here: 
https://www.amare.com/et/sh43va/1946022

Promo code: Rootist25

DM me, or click the link for the full video on my profile.

#RootistHairCare #ScalpHealth #CaregiverLife #MicrobiomeSupport #CanadaDaySale #Review
S E A S O N * 1 :: #Burnout is real — but so is S E A S O N * 1 :: #Burnout is real — but so is your comeback. 💥 SEASON 1 of @sassandsmalltalkpodcast is now #bingeable on @TELUS #OptikTV & @StoryHive #YouTube! 8 back-to-back episodes of real talk about #parenting, #caregiving, and life’s beautiful chaos. Hit that link in bio and #getthatsassback. 🎙️✨ #JoyUnlocked #ParenthoodUnfiltered
M I N I • V I L L A G E :: This little birthday M I N I • V I L L A G E :: This little birthday boy of mine has been such a trooper — the youngest and smallest member of our #sandwichgeneration family. For the third time in his 7 years of birthdays, his special day was quietly placed on hold as we navigated some heavy family matters. 

That meant: 
• no class party
• no birthday play date
• no jumping on trampolines
• no big plan, not even a little one 

… and not one single complaint from this compassionate little guy.

He’s simply grateful to be where he’s needed most — with family. 

To his (and our) surprise, his incredible teacher sent us this beautiful video of his classmates from far away, singing him #HappyBirthday, and the emotion it stirred in our family was something we’ll never forget. It was the very medicine our hearts needed right about now.

I may or may not have shed a tear or two… thousand.

And as for the #birthdayboy?

Well — it’s written all over his sweet face.

#thegiftthatkeepsongiving #itsthelittlethings #ittakesavillage #caregiving #bestgiftever #lovewins #realparentingmoments #sandwichgenerationlife
G E T * T O * T H E * R O O T :: I recorded this a G E T * T O * T H E * R O O T :: I recorded this a little while ago… but life had other plans. 💔

It’s been a challenging month — on top of caregiving, moving homes, and homeschooling, we’ve been navigating some heavy family stuff. So I stepped back to focus on what matters most. 💗

That said… I’m slowly finding my way back.

And while it might seem small, leaning into this lighthearted moment — unboxing the full #Rootist kit, the #HJ for scalp — feels like a tiny act of #respite I really need right now. 

I’ve been working on my #guthealth with #Amare, and now I’m turning my attention to my #scalp #microbiome — because healing starts from the inside out… but the outside could use a little love too. 💆🏻‍♀️✨

Here’s to strong, luscious hair (maybe even retiring the ol’ #mombun? We’ll see 😅) and giving myself a moment to feel good again. 💚
#ScalpMicrobiome #GutBrainaxis #MomLifeRecovery #momlifebelike
🔥 SEASON FINALE DROP 🔥 We’re closing out 🔥 SEASON FINALE DROP 🔥

We’re closing out Season 1 of “Sass & Small Talk” with serious depth, healing, and one heck of a magical mic-drop moment. ✨

In this powerful finale #onthepod, I sit down with @scarletjaxen — a Victoria-based #author, counsellor, and storyteller with years of experience in clinical social work. She brings together sharp intellect and soul-deep wisdom to help us explore #burnout and intuition, through the power of #multisensory storytelling.

Scarlet believes change is possible, healing is available, and that WHO we ARE can evolve—when we’re ready to take the risk to live with intention, while trusting our own instincts.

She takes #trustyourgut to a whole new level.

For every #caregiver, #mama, and recovering #overachiever... this one’s for you.

🎥 NOW streaming on @TELUS OptikTV Stream+

📅 Coming May 27 to @storyhive + @sassandsmalltalkpodcast #YouTube + all podcast platforms.

#watchlocal #YYJ #Victoria #storyhive #behindthescenes #onthepod #VancouverIsland #Telus #OptikTV #videopodcast #womensempowerment
B O S S * L A D Y * B U R N O U T :: She builds be B O S S * L A D Y * B U R N O U T :: She builds beauty brands by day and dominates video games by night 🎮💅 

Meet Sara Jonsson @sarjo08 #mama (human & furry), #wifey, #caregiver, #entrepreneur, and low-key savage when gaming with her son 😂. 

As the go-to support for her parents through some tough health-related seasons, Sara’s #familyfirst mindset fuels everything she does—including the business she built from love. 

In Episode 7, we get real about #caregiverburnout, while running multi businesses with heart, and finding joy in the chaos. 

…and,

HOW. THE. HECK. SHE. DOES. IT. ALL. 

NOW streaming on @TELUS OptikTV Stream+ 

Will be available on @storyhive and @sassandsmalltalkpodcast #YouTube and all podcast platforms on May 27th. 

#watchlocal #YYJ #Victoria #storyhive #behindthescenes #onthepod #VancouverIsland #Telus #OptikTV #videopodcast #bossladyvibes @toastibeautycollection
SOMETHING * IS * BREWING :: A #behindthescenes gli SOMETHING * IS * BREWING :: A #behindthescenes glimpse of what feels like the beginning of a powerful shift in #womenshealth right here in #Victoria.

To stand alongside such empowered women — #caregivers, #changemakers, survivors, women from all walks of life — in the very place where the hands and hearts of this hospital held me and my family together (in more ways than one)… it was overwhelming in the best way.

Even more so, to share it with my daughter, my fiercest little survivor. Both of our stories of survival are woven into these hospital walls.

This was more than just a shoot. This was change taking place in real time. Honoured to be a tiny part of this moment as it unfolds.

Thank you for bringing this to life @ourvichospitals @averybrohman @gaellevanerp 💛
✨UPDATE!! We found our mystery fam! ✨@chris.co ✨UPDATE!! We found our mystery fam! ✨@chris.cochrane.realtor, you and your kiddos are what our world needs more of! And grateful to our dear friend @oliviabozovic who made the connection! SMALL 🌍 BIG 🩷♥️💙! Adore you both!! 

****************

To the kind dad at the @royalbaycolwood Easter Egg Hunt this past Saturday—

You probably didn’t realize how much you and your kids impacted our day.

My son had just missed the first few minutes of the egg hunt (as usual, this mama was running late with a million things on her plate—homeschooling, caregiving, promoting a show, working from home, managing the home, advocating, feeding the young and old, managing moods... the usual chaos).

He stood in line for the balloon dome and said quietly, trying , “I got zero eggs, mama.”

You heard him. Your son, who seemed a bit overwhelmed himself covering his ears from all the noise, and your little girl, reached into their own baskets and filled my son’s bag.

I watched as kindness bloomed in real time.

You didn’t just hand out chocolate—you gave my son the gift of feeling seen and included. You taught your kids what generosity really looks like.

And for this tired, always-late, sandwich-gen special-needs mom—your gesture meant more than you’ll ever know.

If anyone in the Westshore community knows this lovely family (dad of Grayson?), please tag them or send them our thanks.

This is what #community looks like. 🐣💛

#SandwichGeneration #GlassChild #NeurodivergentMom #MomGuilt #CommunityLove #WestshoreBC #VictoriaMoms #RoyalBayColwood #RealEasterMagic #SmallKindnessBigImpact
She podcasts. She parents. She’s got a 🌶️ She podcasts. 
She parents. 
She’s got a 🌶️ 🧠.
She’s fresh outta burnout mode.
She sips #HappyJ.
And now, with🎙️in hand… she’s streaming on @TELUS @STORYHIVE (because even #actionfigures need a l’il 📺 airtime).

Hey, I’m Deb B., host of @sassandsmalltalkpodcast — a podcast turned video series where we get real about #parenting and #caregiver #burnout, and find joy in the messy middle.

Fueled by my go-to fix-the-gut-fix-the-burnout potion🥤, a l’il bit of tears, and a whole lotta sass, this season brings on the reality of living in the #burnout generation, with guests who will leave you asking yourself “where have they been all my life?”

Because we are DONE glorifying busy.
We’re saying YES to rest.
And HEEEECK YES to finding our joy once again. #INeedMySassBack

Catch the Pod Edition now on TELUS OptikTV Ch 9, Stream+, and on #Storyhive YouTube (Search Storyhive Sass Small Talk) Link on my bio for Episodes 1 & 2.

🦉 Sexy Studio. ✔️ I 👀 @haus.of.owl 
🛋️ Cozy couch. ✔️
🎙️ Good convo. ✔️
🥹 Big feelings. ✔️
🤩 And even bigger lashes. ✔️✔️✔️

LET’S TALK. 

Oh and PS - wanna know how to get your action figure #animated? Follow me, write “SASS”, and let me know what your action figure would be in the comments below and I’ll hook you up. 

#SassAndSmalls #TelusStoryhive #HappyJEnergy #GoodbyeBurnout #SmallTalkBigFeels #actionfigure #barbie #AI #Amare #happyblend #cortisol
When life gives you burnout… do squats. 🍑 In When life gives you burnout… do squats. 🍑

In Episode 2 of @sassandsmalltalkpodcast “Reclaiming Joy of #Parenthood Beyond Burnout”, I take on the ultimate #challenge:
Fitting fitness into my already chaotic #caregiving, #homeschooling, always behind the wheel, #neurodivergent navigating, mom-life schedule. 🧠🎢💪

Add to the mix, a busy 🧠 that thrives on chaos and fun? Why not #gamify? Moms- let’s do the #TriggerWordChallenge!! Every time your kids say (aka “demand”, I mean c’mon now…) “MOM!”, do a squat! In the kitchen, while cleaning, cooking, folding laundry. Just don’t do it driving! #safetyfirst

For this episode, Every time *I* said the word “lash” — yep, I squat. 😅

Joining me is none other than Victoria’s go-to #LashLady, who most would call a client-proclaimed “lash-a-pist” and certified #fitness coach, Emily Bowman @nevaehjade.beautywellness, who’s here to talk #burnout, #beauty, and #body movement. And I’m here to try and master the world’s most chaotic squat routine. 🙃

Side note: Psssst… your girl hasn’t done a squat since before the Pandy of 2020 so this may be nbd to the average person, but it’s quite literally a miracle ⛪️ for 🙋🏻‍♀️. #whateverworks #amIright?

Catch more laughter, squats, Yoga-envy 🧘🏻‍♀️, words of wisdom, and a tear or two…  on the full episode 🎙️NOW STREAMING on a 📺 near you. @Telus OptikTV (search “Storyhive Sass” on Demand), Ch. 9, Stream+ app, @storyhive YouTube

Comment “Squat” if you want the full episode link on @storyhive‘s YouTube. But it’s even more fun on TV, so try that first! We sure are…

#SassAndSmallTalk #SquatGoals #BurnoutAndBootyGains #bunsofsteel #LashLadyTakesOver #NeurodivergentMomLife #CaregiverFitness #SquatWhileYouCan #HomeschoolChaos #MomLifeUnfiltered #VictoriaBC #StoryHive #ReclaimYourJoy #JLoGotNothingOnMe
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