Review: Budsies - Bringing Artwork to Life

Does anyone remember the My Buddy dolls from the 80s? I was always slightly scared of them as a child and this was before the Chucky movies came out. Luckily for my daughter's era, there's a much cuter (and more creative) option for a child to become best friends with a toy through Budsies.

Like most children, my 4-year-old loves to draw and we display her many pieces of artwork on our fridge. When Budsies contacted me and told me about their concept of bringing kids' artwork to life, I jumped at the opportunity to turn one of Charlotte's drawings into a stuffed animal. What could be more special than having a custom plush toy come to life from my kid's doodle?!

The entire process was super simple. I e-mailed Budsies a photo of Charlotte's princess drawing (above) and they immediately went to work on crafting her stuffed animal. Four weeks later we received the package from Budsies and there was a lot of excitement opening the box.

As you can see from her smile, my daughter is overjoyed with her one-of-a-kind Budsie. Since receiving it, she's named the stuffed animal "Super Charlotte" and it's her best friend. She sleeps with it, carries it around the house, and tucks it into her bed when she leaves for school. It doesn't get much cuter than that.

Be sure to check out the gallery of unique, hand-crafted Budsies, and you can bring your child's drawing (or anyone's, really) to life over at Budsies here.

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Monday Muses: Matt Damon & Gia Zavala Damon

For Papa:
1) American Vintage Tallahassee t-shirt $67.34
2) Levi's 511 Jeans $58.00
3) 3:10 lace-up shoes $69.69
4) Coal FLT beanie $16.16

For Mini-Me:
1) Old Navy ruffle neck sundress $14.00 on sale
2) Carters sweater knit cardigan $15.60

In honor of Father's Day yesterday, I'm featuring a dad for the first time in my Monday Muse series. Could this photo of Matt Damon and his little girl Gia be any cuter?! 

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Monday Muses: Rachel Zoe & Skyler Berman

No one makes motherhood look more chic than Rachel Zoe. She and Skyler are always in fashionably coordinated outfits and we would expect nothing less from the Queen of Styling. I pulled together some pieces inspired by their photo that will have you and your little man looking so "MAJ."

 For Mama:
1) White House | Black Market faux fur vest $59.98 USD on sale
2) Chinese Laundry Preston boot $99.99 USD on sale
3) Rebecca Taylor wool felt jacket $180 USD on sale
4) American Apparel knit sweater crew neck dress $74 CAD
5) ASOS metal top keyhole round sunglasses $21.93 CAD
6) Forever 21 solid knit tights $7.80 CAD

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For Mini Mister:

1) Zara purl-stitch cardigan $35.90 CAD
2) Old Navy fleece pants $10 CAD on sale
3) The Children's Place v-neck sweater $10.79 CAD on sale
4) Gap favourite sweater hat $19.95 CAD
5) Zara leather moccasin $39.90 CAD

Monday Muses: Nicole Kidman & Sunday Rose Urban

Losing an hour of sleep over the weekend because of Daylight Savings was not so fun. However, finding pieces inspired by Nicole Kidman and her daughter Sunday Rose's sophisticated ensembles was enough to keep me from being too groggy. Afterall, online shopping is just as good of a pick-me-up as coffee ;)


For Mama:
1) Plenty by Tracy Reese dress $234 USD
2) Coccinelle tote $395 USD
3) ASOS cat eye diamante sunglasses $21.93 CAD
4) Spring Shives heels $29.98 CAD on sale

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For Mini-Me:
1) Zara dress with tucks on sleeves $45.90 CAD
3) The Children's Place Every Kay ballet flats $15 CAD on sale
2) Gymboree tights $1.99 USD on sale

Monday Muses: Jennifer Lopez & Emme Muniz

Happy Monday! Can you believe it's already March? I can't wait to dress Charlotte and I in light, breezy clothes, like the outfits Jennifer Lopez and Emme are wearing. Get their looks with these pieces.


For Mama:
1) American Apparel viscose long scoop back dress $58 CAD
2) Pieces Hirse oblong sunglasses $17.36 CAD on sale
3) Forever 21 elbow patch blazer $35.80 CAD
4) Forever 21 braided metallic sandals $8.50 CAD

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For Mini-Me:
1) Old Navy smocked metallic flutter-sleeve dress $29.94 CAD
2) Gymboree flower ruffle cardigan sweater $39.95 USD
3) Gap eyelet socks $4.50 CAD
4) Zara leather ballerina with buckle $39.90 CAD

Monday Muses: Kourtney Kardashian & Mason Disick

Since I have a little girl, my Monday Muses have all previously featured celebrity moms and their mini-me's. I thought I'd start to throw in some outfit inspiration for little boys too, and Mason Disick's dapper look is the perfect place to start alongside his stylish mom, Kourtney Kardashian.

For Mama:
1. H&M horse-print dress $49.95 USD
2. Forever 21 classic opaque tights $5.50 CAD
3. Redopin faux fur knit vest $70.20 USD
4. ASOS quilted lock across body bag $29.24 CAD
5. Chinese Laundry Night Owl boot $109.95 USD
6. ASOS multi-spike arrow necklace $45.69 CAD

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For Mini Mister:
1. Osh Kosh B'gosh button front shirt $17 USD
2. Gap linen roll-up pants $34.95 CAD
3. The Children's Place nautical nomad shoe $14.96 on sale
4. Gymboree dinosaur sweater vest $32.95 USD

Monday Muses: Sarah Michelle Gellar & Charlotte Prinze

Fun fact: Sarah Michelle Gellar had her daughter around the same time I had mine, and they're both named Charlotte. Here's a collage of pieces that are inspired by their outfits.

PS: Happy Chinese New Year! Welcome, Year of the Dragon!

For Mama:
1. American Apparel unisex fisherman's pullover $87 CAD
2. Ginkgo gold necklace $49 USD
3. BCBGeneration dark olive slim pants $75 USD
4. Deena & Ozzy moto lock gusset hobo bag $59 USD
5. Forever 21 longline basic cami $2.80 CAD
6. Le Chateau metal butterfly sunglasses $25 CAD
7. Zara biker ankle boot $39.99 CAD on sale

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For Mini-Me:
1. Zara satin finish checked sweater $15.99 CAD
2. Osh Kosh B'gosh stretch cotton leggings $8 USD
3. Gap bow rain boots $32.95 CAD
4. Carters polka dot Jackie-O sunglasses $6 USD

Monday Muses: Halle Berry & Nahla Aubry

Today's muses are Halle Berry and her daughter Nahla. Toting my toddler around on my hip is an every day occurrence for me, and seeing Halle Berry do it so fashionably has me looking for an equally put-together look for myself and Charlotte. Hope everyone is having a great Monday!

For Mama:
1. Wilfred Tapestry Wool Scarf $75 CAD
2. American Apparel Unisex French Terry Drop-Shoulder Sweatshirt in Zinc $54 CAD
3. BDG Black Overdye Skinny Jean $54 USD
4. Spring Ketterer boots $34.99 CAD on sale

5. ASOS Gold Aviator sunglasses $22.50 CAD

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For Mini-Me:
1. Old Navy cableknit sweater $14 CAD on sale
2. Gymboree snail bow sneaker $13.48 USD on sale
3. The Children's Place bootcut jeans $15 CAD on sale
4. Carters long sleeve graphic tee $5.99 USD

Sparkle and shine, it's party time

The spark of Christmas is in the air and that means the holiday parties are quickly approaching. For me, half of the fun is in getting ready. The first step is finding the perfect party dress with the right amount of shimmer, then complementing it with stylish stilettos and sophisticated jewels. Don't forget to outfit your mini-me with an equally fun frock and accessories that will glimmer into the night.

For Mama:
1. ModCloth Striking Gold Dress $104.99 USD
2. Blue Nile Freshwater Pearl Ribbon earrings $360 CAD
3. Christian Louboutin Lady Peep platform pumps approx $980 CAD
4. ASOS Feather Clutch Bag $45.68 CAD
5. YSL Rouge Volupte lipstick in Red Muse $34 USD

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For Mini-Me:
1. Zara Ponti di Roma knit dress with feathers $39.90 CAD
2. Gap lurex rosette cardigan $35.96 CAD (on sale)
3. Payless girls' toddler bow Fiona ballet flat $8.99 USD (on sale)
4. The Children's Place sequin bow headband $5.95 CAD
5. H&M glittery tights $9.95 CAD

Gilt-y

I bought this raspberry Goodbyn Bynto lunchbox for Charlotte off of Gilt Groupe a few days ago. I've just recently started browsing their baby and kids section, and I have to say they have a stellar selection. Plus, they're currently offering free shipping for the holidays!

Anyways, I first saw the Goodbyns on Miss James' blog. I'm super excited for my Goodbyn to arrive and to start using it. It also comes in the original large lunchbox size but I don't think Charlotte will need that until she's off to elementary school (which will come in the blink of an eye *sniff sniff*).

The Bynto kit features three compartments and comes with an 8oz bottle and stickers to customize the lunchbox. It'll be perfect for packing lunch and snacks into one container without using plastic wrap. I'll post photos of it in use when it arrives!

Muffin Tin Meals

In my house, my husband is the cook. I definitely lucked out because I hate to cook and he's an excellent chef who loves to whip up delicious meals. Baking is my preferred territory. When I found these recipes for muffin frittatas and ham and cheese buttermilk breakfast muffins, I was ecstatic to make breakfast that didn't require any time cooking on the stove top. They're both quick and easy to make, and the perfect portion size for kids.

Fall Wardrobe Wish List

Now that Fall has hit Vancouver, the air is feeling crisp and the leaves are turning gorgeous shades of red, yellow and orange. This change in seasons has got me looking for wardrobe items with warm colours and textured fabrics for both myself and my mini-me. I'm currently coveting faux fur, animal prints, leather, and anything cognac, white or gold.

For Mama:

1. Alexander McQueen leopard and skull print scarf $475

2. Gap snakeskin print legging jeans $69.95

3. West Avenue Jewelry gold medium monogram necklace $160

4. Aldo "Boro" over-the-knee leather boot $180

5. Elie Tahari "Vanessa" leather jacket $395

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For Mini-Me:

1. Old Navy leopard wool coat $44.94

2. Gymboree glitter snowflake tights 2 for $20

3. Joe Fresh turtleneck sweater dress $22

4. H&M faux suede and fur boots $34.95