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Totes! The Fall Essential, Must-Have Accessory for Little Girls – Marie Chantal #Review #Giveaway

September 18, 2015 By Deb B. 67 Comments

The sun is taking a little bit of a detour on our side of the world today, so we decided it was time to [finally] break out the fall layers.

Denim is always a favorite on the more chilly early fall days – as infrequently as they come. It’s light enough to keep cool and thick enough to keep warm. Most importantly, it’s the perfect addition to any ensemble – dressy or casual. Topped off with our go-to Born to Love Clothing black fedora, YoBaby Fringe Booties, and of course… the tote.

Totes Marie Chantal by babyStylista:: Marie-Chantal Medium Girls' Tote Bag, Born to Love Clothing Black Fedora Hat, FOREVER 21 girls Classic Stretch-Denim Jacket, Alstyle Little Miss Giggles Tee, H&M Floral Skirt, YOKIDS White Fringe Pearl Flat Shoes

We are obsessed with this adorable medium girl’s tote bag from Marie Chantal. It is quite possible that this is the absolute best bag little mama has in her repertoire of bags – not strapped to her back. Why? 4 reasons:

  1. It’s practical – When it comes to housing the toys she can’t live without. With the one main zipper compartment and 2 pockets, this bag just oozes practicality.
  2. It’s suitable – For every season. So far, we have gotten very good use out of it for spring and summer. Fall, here we come!
  3. It’s light and compact – So much so, that she doesn’t end up passing it over to me to carry for her like everything else, and…
  4. It’s insanely chic – I mean… come on.

Don’t we all – little mamas and big mamas, alike – need a good tote?

Totes Marie Chantal by babyStylista:: Marie-Chantal Medium Girls' Tote Bag, Born to Love Clothing Black Fedora Hat, FOREVER 21 girls Classic Stretch-Denim Jacket, Alstyle Little Miss Giggles Tee, H&M Floral Skirt, YOKIDS White Fringe Pearl Flat Shoes

This adorable little bag is made from natural canvas and comes in two sizes – small, and medium. Little mama is enjoying her larger sized tote (officially medium) because she has babies to carry, figurines to store by the dozens, a pretend phone to throw into the interior zipper pocket, and of course, her overall micro-fashionista rep to keep up with.

Totes! The Essential, Must-Have Accessory for Little Girls - Marie Chantal www.babystylista.com

Totes! The Essential, Must-Have Accessory for Little Girls - Marie Chantal www.babystylista.com

So whaddya say about us sharing some of this love with you?! “TOTES”, says Little Mama!

Together, with our friends at Marie Chantal (love them!), we are offering one of our lucky readers a chance to win their very own Marie Chantal Girls’ Tote Bag for the little lady in their lives!

:: GIVEAWAY TIME ::

Enter to win a gorgeous girls’ tote bag from Marie Chantal! Simply fill out the form below. For further contest rules, refer to the Terms and Conditions within the Rafflecopter.

Contest closes October 4th  – at 11:59PM PST! The winner will be revealed October 5th , 2015! If you have an Instagram account, check us out at @babystylista for more ways to enter (Bonus points!).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Totes Marie Chantal by babyStylista:: Marie-Chantal Medium Girls' Tote Bag, Born to Love Clothing Black Fedora Hat, FOREVER 21 girls Classic Stretch-Denim Jacket, Alstyle Little Miss Giggles Tee, H&M Floral Skirt, YOKIDS White Fringe Pearl Flat Shoes

   Accessories:: Marie-Chantal Medium Girls’ Tote Bag | Born to Love Clothing Black Fedora Hat (similar River Island Girls black fedora hat here)  | Outerwear:: FOREVER 21 girls Classic Stretch-Denim Jacket) | Top:: Little Miss Giggles Tee (similar First Impressions Baby Girls’ Little Miss Giggles T-Shirt here)  |  Bottom:: Floral Skirt (similar Olive By Sisco Skirt here) | Footwear:: YoBaby White Fringe Pearl Flat (similar Kenneth Cole Reaction Fringe Boot here)

 

The LOOK:: Want it? GET it!

 

Where do your little ones store their beloved toys when they’re out and about? Their backpack? Their pockets? YOUR purse? Or do they prefer traveling light and toy-free for the day?

We all need a good tote… 

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DISCLOSURE: BABYSTYLISTA WAS PROVIDED WITH THIS PRODUCT AS A GIFT FOR LITTLE MAMA. ALL OPINIONS ARE OUR OWN. THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS.

Filed Under: accesso-PLEASE, Too Cool for School Tagged With: Baby, children, fashion kids, fashionista, kid fashion, kids, Marie-Chantal, tote

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. Shannon says

    September 18, 2015 at 2:29 pm

    My little one has a few favorite bags that she uses to carry her stuff around.
    Reply
    • debalino says

      October 6, 2015 at 9:38 pm

      It’s so cute when these little ones have their favorites!
      Reply
  2. Gingermommy says

    September 18, 2015 at 4:13 pm

    This tote is super cute and I love the size and quality of it. My daughter needs one 🙂
    Gingermommy recently posted…20 Disturbing but fun Halloween recipesMy Profile
    Reply
    • debalino says

      October 6, 2015 at 9:58 pm

      The quality is unparalleled (and has survived its share of preschool-handling) and the size is perfect for play!
      Reply
  3. Ladena Racine says

    September 18, 2015 at 11:19 pm

    LOVE it! It does look perfect for little ones to carry and bring along. It looks like it would fit a good amount of toys in it too. I bet my littles would love one!
    Reply
    • debalino says

      October 6, 2015 at 10:01 pm

      It’s pretty amazing how many toys we are able to fit in this adorable tote. And she feels especially fancy bringing her tote along to our mommy-and-me lunch dates.
      Reply
  4. Cheryl says

    September 18, 2015 at 5:11 pm

    Our girls always have a purse that is jam packed with stuff!!
    Reply
    • debalino says

      October 6, 2015 at 10:02 pm

      Haha! I know this all too well.
      Reply
  5. lisa bolduc says

    September 18, 2015 at 5:39 pm

    we have a special back pack with all of his toys
    Reply
    • debalino says

      October 6, 2015 at 10:02 pm

      Back packs are great too! Especially for travel or attending big events.
      Reply
  6. Silvia D says

    September 18, 2015 at 8:09 pm

    if my daughter has her backpack then in there..but usally in my purse.
    Reply
    • debalino says

      October 6, 2015 at 10:03 pm

      Haha! My little one sometimes skips the backpack and goes straight to my purse!
      Reply
  7. Nikki Barber says

    September 19, 2015 at 4:08 am

    Would be so perfect for ballet:)
    Reply
    • debalino says

      October 6, 2015 at 10:04 pm

      It really is! The accent colors even match the pastel pinks!
      Reply
  8. michelle tremblett says

    September 19, 2015 at 6:51 am

    Always my purse ! They each get to put one item in there but there is never enough room lol
    Reply
    • debalino says

      October 6, 2015 at 10:04 pm

      That’s a good idea – limit it to one item each! Ha!
      Reply
  9. Ivy Pluchinsky says

    September 19, 2015 at 3:24 pm

    they usually just take one of my shopping totes lol
    Reply
    • debalino says

      October 6, 2015 at 10:05 pm

      Now they won’t have to 🙂
      Reply
  10. Francine Fogel says

    September 19, 2015 at 10:21 pm

    If I won, I'd gift it to my out-of-town niece…I have no idea how she totes around her stuff!
    Reply
    • debalino says

      October 6, 2015 at 10:06 pm

      She would absolutely love you for that! How sweet 🙂
      Reply
  11. Gillian Morgan says

    September 19, 2015 at 5:17 pm

    Sophie carries her plashes in a frozen backpack everywhere.
    Reply
    • debalino says

      October 6, 2015 at 10:06 pm

      Ha! My little one has a frozen backpack too. Sophie must absolutely love hers!
      Reply
  12. Viv Sluys says

    September 20, 2015 at 8:52 am

    My daughters tuck their toys into a bike basket (not attached to their bikes of course) for van rides and if we’re walking somewhere they put them in whichever purse they find.
    Reply
    • debalino says

      October 6, 2015 at 10:07 pm

      That’s a great idea! I love bike baskets! It fits the world in there, and always looks so cute. This tote is much like that idea. Wide and spacious, and definitely adorable.
      Reply
  13. lynn clayton says

    September 20, 2015 at 11:24 am

    my purse is often used for toy storage. trying to pay for something and my wallet is at the bottom and toys at the top it looks like a toy store imploded in my purse.
    Reply
    • debalino says

      October 6, 2015 at 10:09 pm

      Hahah! I can imagine the entire scenario right now! I have also lived it myself 🙂
      Reply
  14. andrea amy says

    September 20, 2015 at 12:15 pm

    My kids generally keep their toys in my pockets or my purse if I have it with me. If I won I would give this to my friend’s daughter as I only have sons. Thanks for the chance.
    Reply
    • debalino says

      October 6, 2015 at 10:10 pm

      What a sweet thing to do for your friend and her daughter! And yes – I know exactly what you’re talking about with toys in your pockets and your purse!
      Reply
  15. Noel says

    September 20, 2015 at 12:41 pm

    My goddaughter has her own little backpack. I would give this to her if I won.
    Reply
    • debalino says

      October 6, 2015 at 10:11 pm

      Awww you’re such a fab god mommy!! She would love it!
      Reply
  16. Lindsay G. says

    September 20, 2015 at 7:49 pm

    My son fills his backpack, carries it for a few feet…. then I carry it for the rest of the outing!
    Lindsay G. recently posted…BumGenius Newborn AIO Review {+ Albert Prize Pack Giveaway!}My Profile
    Reply
    • debalino says

      October 6, 2015 at 10:12 pm

      Hahah! Isn’t this always the case?? Good thing they’re cute 🙂
      Reply
  17. Amy Lovell says

    September 21, 2015 at 4:31 am

    Super cute bag!! Usually we try not to bring toys just cuz we have no where to put them, If we had a bag like this thopugh, she would be able to have toys to being places
    Reply
    • debalino says

      October 6, 2015 at 10:14 pm

      This is true! When we do outings that require a step up above the good ol’ fashioned backpack – this is the perfect option! And toys-to-go makes for a happy child. Happy child = happy mama 🙂
      Reply
  18. Laurie P says

    September 21, 2015 at 8:20 am

    My girl always has a few items that just have to leave the house with her…..they usually end up in MY bag, or daddies cargo pockets. He once took her blankie on a rollercoaster, and by the time she realized it, it was too late and the meltdown happened. Those few minutes she had to wait for him to return were torture lol
    Reply
    • debalino says

      October 6, 2015 at 10:16 pm

      Awwww I can see it now :(. Yes – these are all pretty important to the littles. This tote would definitely fit a fave blankie!
      Reply
    • debalino says

      October 6, 2015 at 10:17 pm

      That must have been the longest rollercoaster ride. EVER! 🙁
      Reply
  19. Sarah at Journeys of The Zoo says

    September 21, 2015 at 12:13 pm

    My daughter always brings a purse with her wherever she goes. My son has a few as well but there aren’t too many “boy-purses” out there. Will have to change that.

    I was thinking of you the other day and wondering if you’ve ever shown us inside babystylista’s closet. THAT I’d love to see.

    Thanks for promoting this giveaway on my giveaway linky.

    Besos, Sarah
    Journeys of The Zoo
    Sarah at Journeys of The Zoo recently posted…You Know You Live in Canada When…My Profile

    Reply
    • debalino says

      October 6, 2015 at 10:19 pm

      YES! We definitely need a boy-purse (or what Big Daddy over here calls, “a slick satchel”)! Haha – I will absolutely work on that inside-our-closet post. I guess I have some work to do 🙂
      Reply
  20. AngelaV says

    September 21, 2015 at 2:31 pm

    How adorable is your little girl? Love the tote~ very stylish!
    Reply
    • debalino says

      October 6, 2015 at 10:20 pm

      Thank you so much Angela! The tote is as adorable in person as it is in photos.
      Reply
  21. Heather says

    September 21, 2015 at 4:49 pm

    My daughter likes to carry a purse like me when we go out. She would love this.
    Reply
    • debalino says

      October 6, 2015 at 10:21 pm

      Isn’t it wonderful when these little mamas want so badly to be just like their mommies? Love it!
      Reply
  22. shaunie says

    September 21, 2015 at 5:37 pm

    I would have to say in a “treasure chest”
    Reply
    • debalino says

      October 6, 2015 at 10:23 pm

      Yes – treasure chest is definitely a favorite! For little mamas and little dudes alike.
      Reply
  23. Randa @ TBK says

    September 22, 2015 at 8:12 am

    That is a beautiful bag, and it goes with everything 🙂 I love the logo on it.
    Randa @ TBK recently posted…Holiday Inn Express Kelowna #ExploreKelownaMy Profile
    Reply
    • debalino says

      October 6, 2015 at 10:24 pm

      Isn’t the logo simply perfect? It’s so delicate and cute!
      Reply
  24. Alyssa says

    September 22, 2015 at 10:56 am

    I’m sure you hear it all the time but your daughter is such a cutie!! The tote? Wow! Love the style and colour! Looks like something my girls would like! Thanks for sharing your review!
    Reply
    • debalino says

      October 6, 2015 at 10:25 pm

      Awww thank you so much! We had a great time reviewing the tote. It has become one of our key accessories!
      Reply
  25. Bo Simms says

    September 22, 2015 at 4:08 pm

    My daughter stores her beloved toys when we are out and about, in her Disney Frozen Backpack or her princess purse. She doesn’t go anywhere without her Minney Mouse toys that she puts in her purse or backpack.
    Reply
    • debalino says

      October 6, 2015 at 10:26 pm

      Do we have the same daughter? My little mama has a Frozen backpack too, and a princess purse. And she too – can’t go anywhere without her most beloved toys, which includes every version of Minnie Mouse! So funny!
      Reply
  26. Kelly Baker says

    September 22, 2015 at 9:36 pm

    In the diaper bag/my purse. 🙂
    Reply
    • debalino says

      October 6, 2015 at 10:27 pm

      Yes – I have been known to fill my diaper bag to the brim. I was very happy to let the diaper phase go! We are now packing 50% lighter now that the diaper bag is a thing of the past 🙂
      Reply
  27. Little Miss Kate says

    September 23, 2015 at 6:50 am

    What an adorable bag. We don’t bring too many toys while we are out. Usually just one small one that can fit in their hand (and eventually my purse…..)
    Little Miss Kate recently posted…Top 10 Places To Vacation During SummerMy Profile
    Reply
    • debalino says

      October 6, 2015 at 10:29 pm

      Isn’t it ridiculously adorable? Once your little one gets her tiny hands on this gorgeous tote, the amount toys will inevitably grow in size but she will be so proud to place it in her stylish bag, that your purse will no longer be the go-to storage on the go. Win win for all!
      Reply
  28. KellyPC says

    September 24, 2015 at 12:00 am

    They mostly use re-usable bags from shops at the mall, nothing as cute as this!
    Reply
    • debalino says

      October 6, 2015 at 10:30 pm

      Those are the best. They fit so much of my stuff and little mama’s stuff. And of course, we use them for groceries!
      Reply
  29. Robyn Bellefleur says

    September 24, 2015 at 6:07 am

    My daughter tries to jam everything into her backpack.
    Reply
    • debalino says

      October 6, 2015 at 10:31 pm

      Don’t they always? Hahah! Love it!
      Reply
  30. andrea A says

    September 24, 2015 at 4:45 pm

    toys are definitely stored in the diaper bag or my purse!
    Reply
    • debalino says

      October 6, 2015 at 10:32 pm

      Well – we definitely will have to change that! And once your little ones get their own stylin’ big-kid bag, you will get your diaper bag and purse all to yourself 🙂
      Reply
  31. Tabathia B says

    September 28, 2015 at 8:38 am

    My daughter has a backpack and another book bag that you carry across you shoulders for her items.
    Reply
    • debalino says

      October 6, 2015 at 10:32 pm

      Oooh – I bet that book bag is super cute for your little mama!
      Reply
  32. Jocelyn Ymana says

    October 2, 2015 at 3:29 pm

    Hi, my little ones usually carry a backpack or their their goodies end up in my purse…your Little Mamma looks so cute rocking her tote 🙂
    Reply
    • debalino says

      October 6, 2015 at 10:33 pm

      Awww thanks Joc!! Backpacks are pretty awesome too – and that’s actually a good thing that their goodies end up in your purse… then you can sneak some for yourself too! 🙂
      Reply
  33. Bailey Dexter says

    October 4, 2015 at 9:20 am

    She never leaves home without her purse! LOL
    Reply
    • debalino says

      October 6, 2015 at 10:34 pm

      She will absolutely love this tote then – because she can either fit her purse inside, or use it instead. Either way – her purse quota for the day, will be fulfilled!
      Reply

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who is Deb B. from Sass & Smalls

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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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