Now, I've never fancied myself the sequins type, until I saw the most incredible sequined tunic up at DEW on Bayview. It's by one of my fave brands, Velvet! I first discovered Velvet at Anthropologie (of course) and have a few pieces. But I haven't had the guts to pull the trigger on one of their sequined designs. The price tags are hefty, and I'm not sure you can wear it more than once in the same crowd. To be truthful,  I don't roll in too many different crowds these days, so not sure sequins is the best bet for me. But I have to share with you the perfect Josie tunic by Velvet. I dream about it.

I wish Santa brought sequins in his sack!

Mommy:How'd it go?

Y: Well, the singing part was good, and the girls all clapped, but I blew the reading part.

Mommy: Oh, I'm sorry...we should have practiced more, don't you think?

Y: Yeah...for sure, but I'm still really proud of myself for putting myself out there!!!

And I'm super proud of him too!!!

So until my next post, I will leave you with a link to a funny post by parenting expert Kathy Buckworth. The end of the first school term is upon us and with that comes report cards and parent-teacher interviews. Here's what Kathy has to say after attending these meeting for 14 years. And to any of my friends who I went to public school with, remember our "open concept" school?

Mary's Organic Crackers are amazing. Not only are the wheat, gluten, nut, vegan-dairy free, but they taste fantastic.  Now, I can't give these to Y because they do contain soy beans and sesame seeds.  We're not entirely certain that he's not allergic to sesame and poppy seeds.  We'll keep him on Wheat Thins and Goldfish for the time being.  I had mine with yummy, garlicky hummus (my fave is Fontaine Sante).  The smooth hummus is the perfect compliment to the crispy cracker. But they are fabulous with soft cheese or even just on their own. So much healthier than a bag (or two) of chips!  Mary's Organic Crackers are available at Loblaw's and Sobey's.

 XXXXX - Out of 5

Ok...now I know that tortilla chips are hardly a new snack phenom, but I never really liked that taste of the standard tortilla chips. Most of the brands were heavily coated with salt and the flavour just didn't do it for me. I also went through a period where salsa bothered my stomach, but that's past. After eating off the floor (you know, stray Cheerios) for the past eight years, your stomach toughens up!  So now I'm totally turned on to Tostitos Organic Blue Corn Tortilla Chips. Not the Yellow Corn variety...the blue corn is where it's at. I like to dip them in salsa or even better, fresh guacamole. Yummy!  I wouldn't recommend melting cheese on these, the blue and orange just doesn't work together in this case.  know these tortilla chips are quite popular because they are often sold out at the grocery store.  So If they're in stock, pick up a few bags...and one for me!

XXXXX - Out of 5

Thanks to "The Heather's" for introducing me to these tasty, healthy snacks!

Speaking of old being new again, I had the honour of being invited to a fab, pre-holiday shopping party, at the home of Preloved founder Julia Grieve. Z is friends with Julia's little guy, so I totally shimmied my way in via Z. Love when a six year old can do that for you!  Anyway, if you're not familiar with Preloved, then let me tell you a bit about them.

Preloved is a Canadian (Toronto based) company. They are fabulous in that they create "one of a kind clothing from reclaimed vintage fabrics". So, see those sheets on your grannies bed? Watch out, because Julia will turn them into a fab wrap dress right before your eyes!  They have three retail locations, one here in Toronto, one in Montreal and their newest store Handcut by Preloved in Sydney Australia. So...all of my Australian readers (and I know you're out there) pop in the next time you're in Sydney! Preloved is also carried in many fabulous women's clothing stores, including my beloved Anthropologie.

Preloved also has a great home line which includes pillows and table coverings, and an adorable children's line called Me*Me. So cute for little girls. They've also attracted the attention of celebrities (besides myself) such as Hillary Duff, Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudson. Now they can all say "ooh, look...Mommy X wears Preloved too"!!!

Here are a few of the pieces I love, but for a really good  time, head down to their Queen St. store. The sales associates are fun and fabulous girls. But don't tell them Mommy X sent you, because they'll probaby look at you with a "wtf" expression!

HOT WHEELS BATTLE FORCE 5

Hot Wheels Battle Force 5 - Sabre is an action packed toy. It comes with Vert Wheeler figure and Sabre vehicle. There is attack mode and normal mode. There is also a missal. It is a lot of fun!

Mommy X adds: Hot Wheels Battle Force Five toys are available at Toys R Us!

You can feel good about the fact that eight  plastic bottles were recycled in the making of this very sweet, Sade clutch by Matt and Nat.  The Sade features top fold-over zipper closure with strap and snap, 2 external open pockets on front and 1 external zip pocket on back. Interior includes, zip pocket, cell phone and PDA pockets. I've always loved the bags and wallets from Matt and Nat. They are both stylish and responsible. The Sade also comes in black and a very hot cherry red. At $135, it's a definite Splurge, but I think you'll get a ton of use form this little bag.

If you're thinking of other's this Christmas, and not just of your stylin' self, then you can Resist The Urge (a little bit, anyway) with this little brown clutch by Urban Expressions. Also vegan, I love the gold detail the turn lock. I have to admit,  I'm partial to the darker brown colour and at $74, this is a fashionable and affordable clutch. Also available in purple, black and grey(so hot right now). You can pick it up at  Over The Rainbow in Yorkville.