// Canadian Tuxedo

What I Wore Canadian Tuxedo - How To Wear Denim on Denim
Oh snap! Look at that! A REAL outfit post! Without any mirrors! Whaaaaaaa. After almost a year of (almost) no outfit posts, I'm back. Thank goodness for friends and their willingness to spare an hour here and there to help me get back at it. I've been rocking a whole lot'a Canadian Tuxedo lately. Of course I'm still wearing the same jeggings and boots so... The good news is I got my hands on a pair of these booties in both black and tan leather. These booties were from LuLu*s (I previously thought they were from ModCloth - but nope!) circa 2012-ish so I was pretty convinced I'd never be able to find them again. But you can get your hands on the brown and black leather ones for under $25 each!  (If your size isn't in stock, try these! They're a few bucks more expensive, but they're readily available in loads of sizes!) Believe me when I say they are the most comfortable pair of boots I've ever owned. I wear them non-stop, obviously, but I love the fit and I really love the wide ankle opening. Even after losing weight my bottom half - thighs + booty especially - is still much curvier than my top, not to mention my legs are super short, so I can only pull off really tight, fitted jeans like these. The wide ankle really balances the skinny peg leg of the pants. You don't want to see how ridiculous I look in a more relaxed jean haha

What I Wore Canadian Tuxedo - How To Wear Denim on Denim
What I Wore Canadian Tuxedo - How To Wear Denim on Denim
How about this amazing crochet (?) top?! I scored this at Ross recently and I just love it. I get more compliments on this shirt than any other one I own I'm pretty sure. Y'all, I love Ross. I love never knowing what I'll find. Not unlike anywhere else it can be hit or miss sometimes, but usually when you find a hit, it's a total score. This shirt is no exception. I wish I could link to it online, but I guess that's part of the thrill/charm of shopping at Ross... you gotta go mosey around for yourself! I did have a blog reader tell me she was able to get her hands on one at her local store so if you want to rock this little number, run to your nearest Ross and dig around for it! And let me know if you snag one! // My chambray button-up shirt is the best fit, color, and feel. Seriously, this thing is buttery soft. It's from American Eagle and I love the subtle pearl snaps.

What I Wore Canadian Tuxedo - How To Wear Denim on Denim
The boys are with Mike this week and I'm trying to make the most of having a quiet house all to myself. I managed to get it super clean and tidy, and I've outlined my To Do List for the week - now I'm diving in. If anyone is interested in coming over to help me tackle my studio room, that'd be rad! ;) I have so many craft supplies and stuff to sort, organize, etc. I'm loving having a dedicated space to work though. Having a table that is okay with getting paint all over it is very liberating. Here's to hoping it helps ignite my motivation and creativity - I'm excited to make things!

xo KB

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outfit details:
Black Sonoma Everyday Cami via Kohls (on sale and *so* comfortable)
Mossimo Jeggings via Target (save 20% with code TWENTY!)

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// Star Studded Style Secrets: Babbleboxx



This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.com on behalf of Single Edition Media. 
All photos, words, and thoughts are my own - as always!


The one thing about awards shows that really fascinates and intrigues me is the swag bags. I've watched several shows and documentaries (if that's what you want to call them) that give a peek into what celebrities get at these shindigs. Beauty products are plentiful in those swag bags, but some celebs rack up things like impossible-to-find gadgets and luxury trips even! With so many awards shows happening in the same season, it's hard not to wonder what on earth they do with all of the stuff, ya know? (If any celebs are reading this, I'll gladly take some of it off your hands... just sayin') Anyway, I got my hands on Babbleboxx's Star Studded Style Secrets box and I was able to play "Celeb" for a short time. Babbleboxx includes products from five different brands and I thought I'd share a little bit about each one so you can see what some stars get in their goodie bags! Check out the items included below.

Star Studded Babbleboxx

LumaRX Full Body Device

The LumaRX Full Body Device is an IPL hair reduction device that gives professional results in the comfort and convenience of your own home. The Full Body Device works on large areas of the body as well as the female face. LumaRX said users experienced up to 94% hair reduction after just 3 treatments. So far I've only completed the first treatment, but it was easy peasy and didn't take too long at all. The booklet that comes with the LumaRX claims large areas, such as an entire leg, could be completed in only 20 minutes. I was able to get my IPL on while catching up on some shows the other night. I'm very very much looking forward to seeing how treatments two and three go. I love that I own the device now so I can treat as needed. This was definitely a super rad thing to receive. I'm going to write a separate post about my first large-area treatment with this because I definitely learned some things and it might help you decide if it's right for you. I promise to follow up again once I've completed at least three treatments - that way you can see the results for yourself! -- If you're keen on snagging one of your own you can use the code "BB75" for $75 off the LumaRX Full Body Device (Only until March 11th though!)

Star Studded Babbleboxx

DERMA E Vitamin C Concentrated Serum + Vitamin C Renewing Moisturizer

I've started to pay much more mind to my skin care routine in the last several months or so. I'm developing those lovely little fine lines under my lower eyelids and my face sucks up any and all moisture it can. Finding a moisturizer that really delivers is a pretty high priority on my list. The Concentrated Serum is a fast-absorbing, high-potency serum that includes Hyaluronic Acid which is intensely moisturizing. When it's coupled with Vitamin C, your skin becomes better protected from environmental stresses and free radical damage. You can use the Serum twice a day - morning and night - on it's own or alongside the Vitamin C Renewing Moisturizer. The Renewing Moisturizer is a lightweight, radiance-boosting day moisturizer that naturally supports collagen health and in turn minimizes the look of fine lines (yes please!) while improving the appearance of uneven skin tones. I plan to give these puppies a few weeks to work their magic and then I'll report back!

Star Studded Babbleboxx

Kerastase Ciment Thermique

I'm am very familiar with Kerastase products and I've yet to be disappointed by a single one. I blow dry and heat style my hair on a very regular basis, so I try to always remember some type of thermo-protectant. This leave-in primer claims to prevent breakage by 85% and it "provides instant hair surface-flaw correction" - Well, my hair sure as heck felt smoother once I blow dried it. The Vita-Ciment formula strengthens the hair fiber from the inside out, and Vita-Topseal instantly reconstructs the hair's protective outer layer and gives damaged hair a second life. 

Star Studded Babbleboxx
OKAY! This Flower Balm is AWESOME! This lip stain applies clear and changes shades based on your skin's pH level. It creates a unique and perfect shade of pink just for you! It contains a real chrysanthemum in the color of your choice, and it smells like coconut so basically you're just going to want to rub it all over your face haha! I loved the subtle color it gave my lips. Plus it's just really really pretty. The Stella Marina lipstick is an ultra long-wearing lipstick packs an incredible amount of pigment into something that applies like a super smooth mousse, and it's even infused with natural vanilla. I honestly can't get over how freaking cute the little pill-shaped tubes are. They're like fun little novelty toys in the bottom of my purse.

Star Studded Babbleboxx
Eye drops are one of those things that often fly far under the radar - being silent, secret heroes for many of us. This time of year is especially hard on my lil' peepers because of the wind! SO drying! I'm almost never not rubbing my eyes or blinking over and over to hydrate them. These Clear Eyes drops are the first preservative free eye drops in a multi-dose bottle at retail in the US. They were even the winner of the coveted Product of the Year 2017 for Eye Care based on a survey of 40,000 consumers by TNS. I have a bottle in my purse at all times, as well as a bottle in my vanity drawer. They've saved the day more than once already. (Swing by here for a $4 off coupon before March 13th!)

Star Studded Babbleboxx

It was pretty neat to feel a bit like a pampered celeb for once! I still can't quite wrap my head around just how much rad swag they get, but I'm feeling pretty good about this here little Babbleboxx! It makes me feel like I need to gather up my best gal pals for an awards viewing party - we can snack on our favorite goodies, drink champagne, and pretend we're headed home with oodles and oodles of fun goodies! Stay tuned in the coming weeks to hear what I thought of these products after some real life testing! 

xo KB



// Things I Love Thursday v.279

Things I Love Thursday
this! ♥
Things I Love Thursday♥ this, too! ♥
Things I Love Thursday
this project is amazing ♥
Things I Love Thursday
this by david schwen. clearly i love pantone. ♥
Things I Love Thursday
this bath! ♥
Things I Love Thursday
this is whoaaaa ♥
Things I Love Thursday
this mural by lakwena macliver is amazeee ♥
Things I Love Thursday
this cake ♥
Things I Love Thursday
this is TRUTH
Things I Love Thursday
these things have changed my life haha! ♥
I've started using these for *everything* - cleaning my makeup brushes
is my favorite use. but they're great for laundry, dishes, and even
brushing the dogs' fur. not even lying here.


*this post contains affiliate links. 

// The day a friend corrected me. I feel very strongly about extended rear facing when it comes to toddlers in car seats, though I would never tell someone they were wrong for forward facing when complying with state law. I've also made a ton of car seat mistakes myself. This time next month I will be a CPST (barring any unforeseen happenings) - and my goal is to simply help equip families with the knowledge to safely transport their children.


// SunnyLife makes me want to move to Australia.


// Mom of 4 shows what life is like without TV and gadgets. I love this. I'm terrible about letting the boys play the iPad or video games when the weather is cold or yucky - Warm weather helps scoot those booties out of this house!






// Want help keeping up with marches, protests, and other acts of Resistance? The Resistance Calendar is all you need!

// ban.do just dropped some fun new pieces - including a glitter bomb water bottle!


// Fleeing to Canada from the US. Photos like these always bring me to tears. I don't want to believe this is the world we live in. (!!! Canada will now accept refugees who enter Canada illegally. Thank you Justin Trudeau and Canada for being the country we can't.)



// ICYMI: I shared a 10-track playlist that you can stream or subscribe to (via Spotify!)

xo KB




// M I X T A P E - v.1 February



MIXTAPE V.1

♥ want to save/follow this playlist on spotify? here ya go!

I've had a few folks ask if I'd ever start my Mixtape Mondays back up again since I had been embedding songs randomly into my posts haha Well, here it is! I'm not sure how often I'll share them - monthly maybe? bi-weekly? Maybe just when the feeling strikes. I don't know, but I know they won't all be themed like they used to be so, hope you're cool with that.

Starting it off with these 10 tracks - They've been played over and over and over the past couple weeks so I'm working on getting sick of them ha! You do it too, right? Hopefully you'll find something you're digging up there. Let me know your favs if you get a chance!

xo KB

Dig this playlist? Please share it with folks!
* Pin Now // Listen Later *

// Things I Love Thursday v.278

♥ *mic drop* ♥
♥ this. #warren2020 ♥
♥ i would travel to philly just* to selfie with this mural (*+ see my bff shannon duh) ♥
♥ this is a great "cheat sheet" - use with compliment cards, too! ♥
♥ this makes me wanna go to an amusement park ♥
♥ all aboard the strugglebus! ♥
♥ loooooool ♥
this is where i want to be ♥
this etsy shop is filled with seriously incredible dresses ♥
this is some incredible taxidermy ♥
♥ xo ♥
♥ i would also gladly be here ♥

♥ #kbsigns are available, but i'm moving to a pre-order system ♥
feel free to email me if you'd like to grab one or three of your own!
and click here to browse a small sampling!

*this post contains affiliate links. 


// Need a very last minute Valentine's Day gift? Shopbop offers free 2-day Amazon Prime shipping if you're a member (*details here)... and I'll gladly accept any of these ;)

// The true story of how Teen Vogue got mad, got woke, and began terrifying men like Donald Trump. THIS is the kind of stuff our young women need to be exposed to. THIS is the type of response and reaction that needs to be normalized. THIS is one small step in securing a future that truly is female.

// I've been lusting after a cowhide rug since Whitney got her blonde one. I'm loving this one especially. Unfortunately I just don't have anywhere it would work so I"ll dream from a distance.

// If you're into photography - professionally or just as a hobby - you can take this free strengths assessment! It only takes 5 minutes and it was actually incredibly helpful. I'm hoping to learn a lot and grow in 2017. And photography is on the list of things to polish up on!

// Society is creating a new crop of alpha women who are unable to love. LOOOOOOOOOL! Of course this piece is from Fox News. What a load of garbage. Keep being alpha, babe! and love YOU!

// Pennsylvania senator to Trump: "Come after me, you s**t-gibbon" HAHAHAHA Okay, after this and that mural, I'm moving to PA. But only in the summer. I shall winter in the south.

// Silencing Elizabeth Warren backfires on Senate GOP. Can't keep a strong woman down!

// Me trying to make friends. lololol The struggle is real, y'all.



// ICYMI: These are the 6 books I've lined up to read... Have any recommendations to add to my growing list? // Did you see This Charming Life got a little makeover?! If you're reading via RSS or Bloglovin', pop over to see it for yourself!

Leave a link to a recent blog or social media post that you're proud of! 
I'd love to pop over to check it out and give you some ♥.

xo KB


PS; I feel that it's worth noting... I won't ever stop sharing my* opinion and my beliefs on my blog, no matter who objects or tries to use it as a weapon against me. Don't want to read about how much Trump sucks or how we need feminism? Well, there are other blogs for that. (* emphasis on "my"... I speak for myself only.)

// On My Bookshelf: 6 Books I'm Reading (Eventually...)



The Life Changing Magic of Not Giving a F*ck and Get Your Sh*t Together by Sarah Knight //
You Don't Have To Like Me by Alida Nugent // Feminist Fight Club by Jessica Bennett //
Fat Girl Walking by Brittany Gibbons // Furiously Happy by Jenny Lawson

I managed to get in the habit of reading for a significant amount of time on a regular basis last Fall, but I just couldn't keep up with it once doula work and the holidays picked up. Now that the boys go to Mike's every other week I have a lot more free time on my hands. What better use of it than reading? These 6 books are what' I have lined up to tackle next. I've started 3 of the 6 previously, but only managed to get so far before having to shift priorities. I'm excited to finish them, and of course share my thoughts and ~review afterward.

The titles of Sarah Knight's books alone made me want them. A gal I interned with at BUST magazine had posted about them on Facebook and I ordered them without hesitation. They speak to me. Furiously Happy came by way of my sweet friend Rachael. She said she absolutely loved it and was sure I would too, so she sent me her copy and it's been waiting to be devoured. I read Alida Nugent's first book Don't Worry, It Gets Worse and it was so great (read my review here). I started You Don't Have To Like Me back before the holidays so I'm stoked to pick it back up again.

Have you read any of these? Or do you have any recommendations that you wanna share? I mean I guess I should wait until I make a dent in this pile... but I still wanna hear!

xo KB


// A Charming New Look!



Just trying to keep things kinda, sorta, a little bit fresh around here. Something a bit more subtle for spring. C'moooonnnnn green stuff! Grow! I'm working on wrapping up two client projects this week so naturally I needed to take a little breather to tinker with a personal project or three. Nothing major or fancy, but fresh for sure. If you're looking to have any design work done (blogs, print, logo, etc), drop me an email and let's chat!

xo KB