Inside ToteSavvy

Summer is here, so we asked our ToteSavvy Community to share what essentials they're carrying with them. From sunscreen to lip balms, we have a list of the go-to items from some of our most in-the-know moms! Lauren Roscof  Sunscreen - Supergoop Defense Refresh Lip Product - Le Laneige lip mask in vanilla, Too Faced plumping lip gloss in 'Wifey for Lifey', or Tarte lipstick in Salt Lyfe Hand Sanitizer - Ingredients (it smells like heaven and is all clean ingredients as the name suggests) Portable phone charger Air pods or noise canceling headphones Sunnies - Krewe   Natalia Trimnell For Me Lipgloss and Balm - Buxum  Hair ties -  Gimme Beauty Laptop - Apple Wallet - Louis Vuitton Essential Oil Roller Balls - Doterra For Baby Diapers and Wipes - Pampers Diaper Paste - Sweet Cheeks Baby Blanket - Goumi Everything Lotion - WileyBaby Bottles - Nano Bebe Baby Sunscreen - Supergoop   Olivia Jeanette Energy Bar - Sakara Snack for the kids - Rx Bar Lip gloss - Bobbi Brown Sunglasses -  Le Specs Baby wipes - WaterWipes   Sophie Collins Wash Cloth - One Wednesday Onesies - Luna Cay Teether - Giving Sundays Bento Box -Lunch Bots Formula - Hipp Pacifier holder -Lou Lou Lollipop Notebook, Stil Lip Gloss - Denise Elliott Sunscreen, Neutrogena Toddler Undies, Mini Cycle Diapers, Huggies Wipes, Huggies

Hey y’all! I’m Sarah Eika Burke, dancer/choreographer based in NYC, and a mama to my baby boy Jack! Running from teaching classes to rehearsals, I always needed everything in my bag to be organized from clothes & shoes to cords & chargers. So naturally I started using ToteSavvy’s Travel Organizer the moment I became a mom! This organizer fits all of Jack’s things not only for weekend getaways, but also for the daily bouncing around.   Jack just turned 1 and we decided to hit the beach for a week to celebrate his first birthday (and the anniversary of my birthing day)! The travel organizer was perfect for packing beach essentials that could easily hang from a beach chair or umbrella for quick access. MY PACKING LIST Aveeno Baby Sunscreen Baby & Mommy Sunglasses (Babiators & Velvet Eyewear) Durio Reversible UPF 50+ Bucket Hat Extra Set of Cat & Jack SPF Swimwear (never know!) Extra Set of Clothes - especially for the days we would go straight to dinner afterwards (Brooklyn Cloth & Cocomoon) Pottery Barn Baby Hooded Beach Towel Lightweight Swaddle (for impromptu naps on the beach) Diaper Changing Essentials       THE BEST PART This organizer looks slim, but I promise it holds everything but the kitchen sink! There are also sections that zip up to keep things as sand-free as possible. Let’s be real though … mess is inevitable around a baby/toddler. Luckily, the fabric is super easy to wipe clean! For easy access, we would hang this from the umbrella or the back of my chair. And now that Jack is standing and starting to walk, it was fun to watch him waddle over to pick out items and help me put things back. Overall, this was a huge help for getting Jack’s things all in one place! I know I didn’t include any snacks in the organizer … that’s because there was an entirely different bag just for food & water because mama LOVES to eat too ;)   

After a year of staying close to home, our family is ready for a change of scenery and a much needed vacation. As the founder of a company geared around organization, I take a lot of pride in packing my family's things in the most organized way possible. My carry-on bag always holds a ToteSavvy with a narrowed list of my top essentials, and my kids' outfits are neatly stored inside their own ToteSavvy Travel (our newly launched travel clothing organizer).  I've learned a few tricks over the years to help make our trips run smoothly––all of which I'm delighted to share with you. Let's break it down to show you how an expert organizer packs for a family trip.  MY CARRY ON PACKING LIST Chargers (phone, watch, laptop) iPad + headphones  Phone, wallet, keys Pens + notebook Makeup bag with (lip balm, rosewater spray, sunscreen, hand cream, mascara, cream blush, hair ties) Small jewelry case  Compact first aid kit Gum  Snack bars Water bottle Alcohol wipes (non-toxic for skin but also kills every germ) Extra masks (for whole family) KIDS CARRY ON PACKING LIST iPad + headphones Applesauce squeeze pouches + snack bars  Water bottle Alcohol hand wipes  Coloring book + stickers + pens Magnetic games New chapter book series (oldest is at this stage 🙌) Extra outfit Lovey or stuffed animal MiFold booster seat PACKING TIPS Let them carry their own stuff. Each kid carries their own backpack as a carry on. This trip they also each have a small rolling suitcase with all of their clothing and accessories inside. My kids have been carrying their own backpacks since the age of 2. Even if the backpack gets clipped on a stroller through the airport, it's still easier on the plane for them to have their own bag filled with snacks and games. Now that the youngest two are six, there's no stroller and they'll carry it all themselves.  A clothing organizer will make your trip so much easier. Planning kid outfits for a trip tends to be the easiest task when packing. The chaos that ensues every morning of your trip, however, is not. Using a clothing organizer will allow you to pack one outfit per pocket (I'm talking pants, top, socks, underwear/diaper) all rolled up into an easy-to-grab package for your little one. Instead of rummaging through your suitcase, they'll grab an outfit and leave the rest perfectly organized for another day.  Don't overpack. This tip is something I constantly struggle with because I love to have lots of options. With that said it's much easier to pack when you narrow your list to a capsule collection of items that all mix and match together. You likely won't wear that 5th pair of shoes anyway. This tip works for kids clothing too! Instead of the capsule idea, I pack one outfit per day (or just 7 outfits if we're staying longer than a week but have access to a washing machine). A week's worth of clothing is plenty! Bring a laundry bag. When clothes are dirty, throw then inside your laundry bag instead of your suitcase or the hotel room floor. This will give you a clear picture of what outfits are still usable and which are not. If you're using ToteSavvy Travel for your kids, place the dirty clothes back into the pocket they came from to keep everything contained. Keep it simple and keep it organized for a seamless getaway!

Whether you're taking a road trip a few hours from home or getting on a cross country flight we are firm believers that exploring new places with children is a gift, especially after we have spent the last year at home. Sure, there will be extra baggage and an unexpected meltdown (or four), but the experiences you share when you're away from your normal routine are priceless. To get some inspiration, we asked our ToteSavvy community to share their favorite places to travel as a family and we already have wanderlust!   Brit Allen // @happilyeverallen "We started traveling with our little one at 2 months old and she’s been from one end of the coast to the other! (New York to California!) Honestly, anywhere with her is our favorite!  Totesavvy makes my carry-on look luxe! What the passengers on the plane don’t know is that my tote doubles as my diaper bag and is organized to the max!"  Brit Allen @happilyeverallen Hillary Folkvord // @hillaryfolkvord "I read the other day, trips create moments worth being in. And this could not be more true for us. Ever since Nick and I met in our 20’s, we have traveled. Mostly because we dated long distance for 3 years, we would pick a fun place to meet monthly. But on May 2nd, our daughter was born and just like that, a loop around the neighborhood sounded daunting. With just 10 days of life behind her, we started out for our first road trip to Canada for a wedding. She did great and from that day on we took her everywhere. We know she won’t remember all of it, but I certainly will remember nursing her in the middle of the night listening to the waves crash in Mexico, watching her enjoy her first croissants at the top of the Eiffel Tower and peaceful strolls along the quaint streets of Nantucket." Hillary Folkvord @hillaryfolkvord   Taylor Schultz  // @tayleralexiss  "Although we’re Miami Beach-based, LA is always worth the long flight! I brought my son on a solo trip at 3 months for his first time. We hiked, went to the country mart, had a picnic and enjoyed time at el matador beach together. I love the weather as well as the emphasis on health and wellness that the west coast offers." Taylor Schultz  @tayleralexiss    Bianca Tevez // @biamommy “Our favorite vacations to take so far have been beach vacations, they are easiest to pack for since they require the least. For us, it was especially magical to head back to our honeymoon destination in Hawaii (Maui) with our kids.” Bianca Tevez @biamommy   Danielle Saluan // @diariesofdanielle "We love taking family trips to Palm Springs! It's just a quick road trip for us from Orange County and it's the perfect relaxing getaway to the desert!" Danielle Saluan @diariesofdanielle   Jessica Lee // @thedavisstandard "Our favorite place to travel as a family is the Grand Cayman Islands. We love the quick flight (from NYC) to get there, beautiful beaches, snorkeling with stingrays and the calm crystal clear waters. We specifically love the Ritz there but the island is really great with many resorts that are family-friendly." Jessica Lee @thedavisstandard   Make family trips streamlined and organized with the edition of ToteSavvy Travel––a clothing organizer for babies and toddlers. Our newest organizer makes planning and organizing outfits a breeze!  

If you're feeling lost trying to find your style post-baby, know that you aren't alone. We tapped wardrobe and soul stylist, Jenny Greenstein of Your Soul Style for her tips on navigating your personal style after having a baby. You often speak to the emotional benefits of getting dressed. Can you expand on this?   Absolutely! A strong sense of personal style occurs when we are living in alignment with all parts of our being. When we are able to harness the symbiotic relationship between inner and outer, authentic representation emerges and we become the best version of ourselves. That said,  when there’s a disconnect and we are unable to integrate, it leads to challenges with self esteem, confidence and an empowered sense of self. Just like any wellness practice, paying attention to what we wear is an act of self-care and there are incredible emotional benefits that happen when doing the transformative work. The term “mind, body and soul” encompasses personal style and while some may find clothes to be trivial, getting dressed is a vital tool for communicating who we are. Style is a medium of self expression.  At ToteSavvy, we celebrate women keeping their personal style after becoming a mom, but we also recognize there are a lot of competing priorities. Do you have go-to tips for moms who want to look and feel put together but don't require a ton of effort? There are absolutely a lot of competing priorities, not to mention the huge pivot from pre-baby life. As we mama’s know, a financial, emotional, physical and mental shift occurs when you become a mother and yes - of course, time is one of the biggest compromises we have no choice but to make. A few tips I give my mama clients are the following:  UNIFORM: Keep it simple and find your uniform. Once you establish a head-to-toe look that is both functional and authentically yours, create an interchangeable capsule of these pieces so you have your own “collection”. Getting dressed in motherhood, especially early motherhood needs to be a no-brainer but you may need to spend time upfront to establish what works and then from there you can be on autopilot.  PLAN: Always choose your look the night before. All you need is an extra 5-minutes before bed, and pulling your look together ahead of time eases the morning hustle in a big bad way. Pro tip: Try on your chosen outfit during this time so you know it works well and don’t need to reinvent the wheel at 7am.  INVEST: Invest in a few pieces that can easily elevate your look, even if you’re wearing sweats or leggings. A few I recommend are hats, handbags, fashionable footwear, a great piece of outerwear, and a structured blazer.  Let's chat postpartum. What style suggestions do you have for women who aren't back in their pre-baby clothes, don't want to live in leggings and don't want to spend a fortune on a temporary wardrobe? The first thing women need to do is go through their closet and pull together the pieces that work. Move aside anything that doesn’t fit or doesn’t serve your current lifestyle and know it will be revisited at a later date. Once you have this capsule pulled together, which is something I work with my clients on, figure out what pieces can be integrated to help make it a fully functioning wardrobe that you will feel good about. This does require spending a little bit of money, but you don’t have to break the bank. That said, I recommend setting aside a budget for purchasing a few temporary pieces to get you through this transitional time. Women shouldn’t have to struggle every morning with a wardrobe that doesn’t serve them. Additionally, there are amazing companies where you can rent clothes like Rent The Runway or Nuuley which are low commitment and sustainable. Two other good options are The Real Real and Thread Up which sell gently worn merchandise. If you were going to put together a new mom capsule wardrobe, what would be your must-haves?  Utility suits because they are one-piece dressing and give you easy access to breastfeed (if you choose to do so), 2 pairs of denim that fit current shape, items with forgiving waistlines such as joggers or loose fitting dresses, a structured blazer to elevate the most basic to formal look, well-fitting undergarments (from undies to bras to shapewear), functional and fashion-forward sneakers, hats or hair accessories for quick hair fixes and a “mom” bag that fits all of your essentials, organized with Totesavvy.  Can you share some of your list of go-to designers and why you love them?  To name a few, Mara Hoffman because of both her styling and sustainable business model. She just launched full circle which is a space on her site where you can buy pre-owned Mara and sell yours back. It’s beyond brilliant. I’m very into ACNE for it’s edginess and street style sensibility, Raey for it’s relaxed, oversized, simple yet elevated pieces, LoveShackFancy because in the summer all I really want to wear is whimsical dresses and Ulla Johnson because of her endless romantic vibes. I’m also always on the hunt for my next epic faux fur vintage coat.  Jenny Greenstein is a Wardrobe and Soul Stylist and founder of Your Soul Style, an integrative method which combines style with mindfulness. Jenny’s approach emphasizes authenticity and personal transformation, and through Style Coaching, Closet Cleanses and Shopping/Styling sessions, she supports women and mothers on the ever-evolving path towards living in alignment from the inside out. Jenny’s work can be seen in digital publications such as Motherly, Betches and Pure Wow, and she is currently featured on the May 2021 cover of New York Family magazine. She is based in NYC with her wife Dina and two daughters, Vida and Bloom. Learn more about Jenny via www.yoursoulstyle.com or on IG @yoursoulstyle.

Putting together a baby registry can be one of the most overwhelming “to-do’s” of your pregnancy!  We tapped registry-expert Molly Pross of Bump Bestie to get her top tips for building a registry that works for you! While it’s an exciting milestone to begin researching and compiling what you need when you're expecting, there are so many different options that it can feel like a part-time job compiling the list. Do you go for aesthetics? Function? Or just go with what your friend’s sister’s co-worker recommends? There is no one-size-fits all approach to baby gear and products and it’s hard to know where to begin. Below are some tips to get you started: 1. Start Early! Over the course of your registry or list building, you’ll add anywhere between 80 and 200 items. That requires MANY HOURS of research to find what you need. Most families start their research once they know the gender – and if it’s a surprise, I recommend starting at 12 weeks or the very latest, 16 weeks. In a perfect world, you’ll have everything you need for the nursery completed by 36 weeks (32 weeks if you're expected twins). This way everything will be ready in case baby decides to make an early arrival.  2. Pick a place (or two!) to register Most people register with a universal registry online, but you may consider registering at a local baby boutique as well! Shopping for baby is something people love to do, so having some items available in-store allows people to see, touch and feel – not to mention it's a fun experience!  This is also a great way to support local business in your community! 3. Tackle your big items first Car seats, strollers and carriers, oh my! There are so many factors to consider when making your big purchase decisions, you’ll be glad you started your research early with time to test drive in-store. This also applies to big nursery items, especially if you plan to order things in custom fabrics or colors – glider, dressers, crib, etc. which could have longer production lead times. 4. Create a ‘Private’ category It’s so much easier to have everything you need in one place, regardless of if you add it to your registry. Most online registries allow you to create a private category. Create a private list to save items that you may want to purchase on your own or that you don’t need right away. 5. Register for some gender neutral items You never know what the future may hold! Ahem number 2? Number 3?  Best to have a few things that can be passed on to siblings. 6. One person’s ‘don’t bother’ is another person’s ‘must have’ Every baby and family is different. What works for your best friend's baby, might not work for yours. Do your own research and regardless of what others say, do what's best for your family. If you want the wipe warmer - add it! Do what makes YOU happy! 7. Don’t forget about mom or dad I was so consumed with what I needed for baby that I completely forgot about what we would need to support us in this huge transition! It’s completely appropriate to include items or gift cards for recovery, meals and other services. Be sure to check out my Ultimate Baby Registry Checklist for a complete list of must-haves as you build your list!  Could use some extra help? Book a complimentary 20-minute consultation here! About Molly Molly is the founder of Bump Bestie, a modern baby planning service for the busy parent. Offering families trusted advice in navigating the overwhelming world of all things baby, Molly is on a mission to redefine baby prep by taking a holistic approach combining baby registry curation, education and integrative wellness resources saving time and money while providing peace of mind. Residing in Los Angeles, Molly splits her time chasing her toddler son around while working with clients both locally and virtually, nationwide.

and why I'm loving this minimalist setup Hi 👋. I'm Lauren, founder of ToteSavvy, and mom of three. My littles may not be babies anymore but that doesn't mean I don't use ToteSavvy products every day to keep my on-the-go life ultra organized. With the launch of our new Change Kit, I've LOVED trading my tote for this minimalist crossbody.  Generally, my trips out of the house are quick so I don't need to carry a lot with me. I like to keep it simple with the few necessities that I know I'll need, without the extras that weigh me down. The new Crossbody Change Kit is the perfect bag for achieving just that.  MY PACKING LIST alcohol wet wipes  disposable kid size masks cloth adult mask hand sanitizer lip balm hair tie sunglasses small card wallet keys phone THE BEST PART Our Crossbody Change Kit was designed to give you easy access to wet wipes by just flipping open the flap. This comes in so handy when you're carrying your baby and only have one free hand. Though I'm past this stage of motherhood, I can't help but adore this feature during a time when having sanitizing wipes at your disposal is so crucial. From wiping down the grocery store cart to giving that park bench a quick once-over, this feature helps me feel extra confident in my outings away from home.  Because the Crossbody Change Kit is made from a wipeable nylon material, the entire bag can be wiped with disinfectant wipes as well. I don't have to worry about ruining my nice leather bags which is a huge plus.    Shop our new style using the link below!  Shop Crossbody Change Kit  

As an entrepreneur and boy-mama of two, DeNeitra Burnett is always on the move. She shares what she keeps with her on her busy days.  Going into the world as an entrepreneur momma, during a global pandemic presents some very unique challenges. As the owner of Savvy Events, an experiential events + gifting agency I'm always on the go. ToteSavvy has been such a huge lifesaver by helping me to eliminate the stress of fitting everything into my diaper bag in an orderly and efficient manner. I have been known to lose things in my massive bag, but using ToteSavvy allows me to be much more organized and to keep everything in its proper place.  So, what's in my diaper bag today as me and my little man head off to my warehouse? Well, I'm glad you asked. . .  Baby Teether Pacifier  Boiron Camilla Teething drops  Honest baby lotion Diapers Wipes 2 onesies  Bibs Swaddle blanket Happy Tots Super Foods pouch Portable sound machine Lip balm Ipad Airpods  #allthethings!  And you guys, that's not even including the disposable masks and hand sanitizer I usually have in the bag.  What I love about the ToteSavvy Deluxe: 1. It's super functional. There are so many compartments which make it a breeze to fit everything.  2. It's easy to clean - with a 7-month-old, things can get messy. It's super easy to wipe down. 3. I love the color! It's super feminine and totally my style. 4. It fits my laptop and/or my Ipad perfectly. I'm completely in love with my ToteSavvy and recommend it to all of my mommy friends! Follow along on my business owner + mommy journey on my Instagram @savvyeventsllc. Shop ToteSavvy Organizers

by: Mahri Relin of Body Conceptions I love the process of working with women during their pregnancies and seeing the ways that exercise can be so helpful and energizing. After giving birth, I know the tendency is to want to jump right back into exercise.  However, it’s easy to feel lost about how to proceed once you get “cleared” by your doctor since so few people receive guidance. Where do you start, and are there things you need to know to make sure you’re exercising safely? After having a baby, most of the focus for a new mom should be on healing.  There are lots of changes the body experiences during and after pregnancy, and proper focus on posture, breathing, and regaining strength (especially in the core) is so important.  I often tell new moms that this healing process is key to making sure that they can return to more intense fitness safely.  When parts of the body aren’t strong enough, other parts of the body take over and can become tight and painful or even become injured (like your upper or lower back and your hip flexors, for example).  Getting back into exercise with patience is the best way to prevent injury and ultimately return to your previous fitness life with more strength and control than ever before. Here are a few quick tips to keep in mind as you start: Make sure your rib cage is aligned over your hips Lots of new moms shift back in their rib cage and upper body (especially when they’re holding their new baby), which makes it harder if not impossible to connect with your core.  It can be helpful to look in the mirror, stack your rib cage over your hips, and remember this feeling as you go about your day.  Focus on breathing properly Many pregnant and postnatal women breathe up into their shoulders, which can lead to tightness and pain in the neck, shoulders, and upper back.  Breathing like this can also make you feel stressed.  Try keeping your shoulders relaxed and down while you breathe deeply into all side of your lower body and relax your pelvic floor at the same time.  On the exhale, pull your lower abs into your spine. Notice how this connects you with your deep core and pelvic floor and also helps you relax and reduce anxiety. Try not to tuck your pelvis and clench your glutes The body does an amazing job of making things happen one way or another.  For example, when the core is weak after birth, many women unconsciously tuck their pelvis and clench their glutes as a way of stabilizing themselves.  Unfortunately, this can lead to injury and pain, and it also leads to a disordered connection to the core.  Squats can be a great way to counteract this pattern and also strengthen and stretch the glutes.  Rock-backs on hands and knees can also help.  And while you are working on all of this, you should focus on strengthening the lower, deep core muscles so that you can engage them more automatically. Stretch and open the front of your shoulders and watch upper back hunching Actions like picking up and holding your baby and breastfeeding are unavoidable, and they can also lead to hunching in your upper body and tightness in your shoulders.  Try to engage your core before you lift and consider using bolsters to support breastfeeding.  Also, take a few minutes to open up and stretch your shoulders, which will make a huge difference.  Lie down along the length of a roller or a rolled-up blanket and place your arms out to your sides in a goal post position.  Try to let the elbows reach down to the ground and hold this position. Also try making angel shapes as you extend your arms above our heads, out to the sides, and down to the ground with your fingers tracing along the ground. Some exercise ideas: Use the tips above to stretch and strengthen properly as you ease into an exercise regimen.  It may take some time before you get back into explosive plyometric exercise or extensive cardio.  Try starting with shorter intervals of exercise, and make sure you are aligned and in control of your movement.  You will build stamina over time, and you will notice that you can do more and more without losing form and technique.  Here are a few exercises that can be great to add into your routine… Abs on the Back with a Pillow Core work is essential at all stages of postnatal recovery and beyond.  Start by lying on your back with your legs bent and feet on the ground. Place a small pillow between your knees.  As you inhale, relax your pelvic floor (imagine it lowering down a little), and breathe into your lower belly, sides, and lower back.  On your exhale, squeeze the pillow, flatten your spine against the ground, and pull your low abdominals into your spine.  Inhale and repeat.  You can do this multiple times in a sitting position and several times throughout the day. Parallel Squats and Lunges As discussed above, squats can help counteract postural issues that arise postnatally.  They are a fantastic way to strengthen your core and lower body, and they also help prepare you for lifting heavy things (like babies!) while supporting yourself properly.  Start by standing with your feet hip distance apart and your knees and toes facing forward.  You can hold your arms in a prayer position.  Lower into a squat, driving your hips and tailbone back with a flat spine and lower abs engaged.  Keep your chest reaching forward and your shoulders relaxed back and down. Stand up and come down again into your squat several times (6-8X), then hold the squat and pulse in this position (10-12X).  Repeat two times through. You can add variations to this exercise by stepping out to deep lunges on each side with the same pattern (coming all the way up and down from standing to the lunge 6-8X and then holding the lunge with multiple pulses).  You can also step into alternating back lunges on each leg. Bonus:  Incorporate your baby! Exercise on a blanket Try using blanket time as an exercise experience!  You can do little pushups, leg lifts, bridges, rock-backs, and stretches, all while touching and interacting with your baby.  My favorite is pushups on your knees, kissing your baby every time you go down toward the ground. With all of these exercises, make sure you have been cleared by your doctor first.  You should be careful if you have a diastasis or any pelvic floor pain or incontinence.  Working with an expert, even briefly, can be very helpful in helping you navigate what works for your body and what doesn’t.  And don’t focus on anyone else!!  This is your own unique recovery experience.  Figure out what feels good and what doesn’t and notice all the amazing gains you make every day.  Going at your own pace and working carefully will prevent injury and will help you build greater strength and alignment - perhaps more than you may have had before your pregnancy! Mahri Relin is the founder of Body Conceptions, personalized workouts designed to support women through all stages of life. As an AFPA Pre- and Postnatal Exercise Specialist, a Certified Wellness and Nutrition Consultant, and a Certified Personal Trainer, Mahri works with women to help them exercise safely during and after pregnancy. Please follow along at @bodyconceptions

A specially curated list of most-wanted essentials   For every expectant mama out there, there’s a supportive village surrounding her wondering what to gift her in preparation for the next phase of her life. Such is the goal of a baby shower or baby registry--prepping new parents with the tools and essentials they need to usher in their beautifully chaotic next chapter. But beyond the diaper delivery service and the luxurious smart sleepers that are inevitably on their registries, what about mom?  We did the heavy lifting so that you can get your mom-to-be what she really wants.  The 4th Trimester Nesting Bundle by Hatch Life postpartum has a different ring to it. There’s beauty, there’s chaos, and there are also clothes that might not quite fit like they used to. Hatch took that all into account with their 4th Trimester Nesting Bundle, an absolute essential for the hospital and life-after. Bonus: mom will look cuter than she probably feels. Sakara Life Meal Subscription  Sakara Life has perfected organic health and wellness, making their meal subscription a no-brainer. Gifting a healthy meal delivery service to a loved one is so much more than creating ease in a time of new routines. You’ll also be nourishing her with nutrients to fortify every new moment--especially sleepless nights.  Melissa Wood Health Streaming  Self-care may be a line that’s so overused we feel fatigued from it--especially in times like these--but being mindfully methodical about carving time for ourselves shouldn’t be something we take lightly. Nothing could be more true for new moms. A health streaming service such as the one Melissa Wood offers is an amazing way moms can reconnect with themselves and their bodies from the comfort of home.  Artipoppe Baby Carrier For the mom that values style, say no more. The Artipoppe Baby Carrier is, perhaps, the most luxe baby carrier out there. Not only will its sleek designs have every fashion mama swooning, but she’ll feel further comforted with its thoughtful design that checks off all comfort needs--for both herself and, most importantly, for baby.  ToteSavvy One of the biggest challenges about motherhood--and perhaps especially new motherhood--is maintaining organization. For new, first-time moms, there’s so much to keep up with that they weren’t accustomed to pre-baby. So to keep everything from diapers, bottles, pacifiers, wipes, swaddles, not to mention her own belongings, in perfect working order, get her the gift of organization. There’s a ToteSavvy for everything, PLUS, she gets to keep her favorite tote (and her sense of self, too). 

of the moment bags to pair with ToteSavvy Clare V. Giant Trop Tote There's nothing better than a sporty quilted tote as your go-to bag. The style is cool and classic with a hint of trendiness. We love this Clare V style for its size and effortless feel.  Pair it with ToteSavvy Original or Deluxe!  Shop Bag Organizers   Rebecca Minkoff Megan Large Leather Tote A classic silhouette with a fun twist. We love the cool oversized clasp to spice up this Rebecca Minkoff tote. Pair it with ToteSavvy Original (we suggest Blush!) or Deluxe. Shop Bag Organizers   Mansur Gavriel Oversize Tote A gorgeous leather handbag is a must in all wardrobes. We adore this oversized style by Mansur Gavriel for its beautiful touch and roomy interior. Pair it with a ToteSavvy for added shape and support.  Pair it with ToteSavvy Original or Deluxe. We suggest Almond for this color! Shop Bag Organizers   LV Cabas Mezzo Bag Think of this style as an update to your Neverfull. It's still classic and cool but boasts a zipper top for added security. The interior is a great size and perfect for your ToteSavvy.  Pair it with ToteSavvy Original or Deluxe! Shop Bag Organizers   Clare V Simple Tote This Clare V tote is a staple. It's functional, fashionable, and just all around a great piece for your wardrobe. We adore the print and color of this style, though it does come in a range of other colors.  Pair it with ToteSavvy Original (we suggest French Blue!) or Deluxe (Merlot pairs great with blue!) Shop Bag Organizers   Paravel Cabana Tote   Sometimes you just need a classic nautical tote like this one by Paravel. The lines are clean and will likely match just about any ensemble. Perfect for the park or a beach getaway.  Pair it with ToteSavvy Original or Deluxe!  Shop Bag Organizers Find more handbag recommendations here!    

Travel to far off places can't come soon enough. For now, we'll live vicariously through our friends. Check out how Britny Pittman packs her ToteSavvy Mini for a quick (and safe!) weekend away.    When I was pregnant with Peri (now 3), I purchased a ToteSavvy Mini to go in my LV Sperone backpack. I knew we’d be traveling a lot and I wanted to be able to be as hands free as possible. At the time, I needed it for all the baby essentials- diapers, wipes, bottles (it has an awesome insulated pocket), etc. After a pretty stationary 2020, I was thrilled to hop on a plane and head to Cabo last weekend. I still use my bag organizer even without kids and it really is a lifesaver. Aside from my usual travel essentials, I’ve now had to add things like sanitizer and extra masks.  Just when I think I can’t fit anything else, my ToteSavvy manages to stretch a little more. I have since bought the ToteSavvy Original size and was recently gifted the Deluxe. Not only do they keep me organized, they’re so beautiful to look at-unlike many others I’ve seen online. I cannot say enough good things about ToteSavvy.  What’s in my bag: Travel Edition Water Hand Sanitizer Sanitizer wipes Extra masks Ibuprofen  Lip mask Undereye masks Chapstick Face lotion A book Comb Extra hair tie Wallet Phone charger Portable charger Ear buds Passport Plane tickets

Guest post by Tasha Saavedra, Aspire Organizing If you’re a parent, then you know that organizing your kids’ toys is not a “do it once and it’s done” kind of task. Between the constant influx of toys, their changing interests and growing developmental needs - it can almost feel like a never ending task. On top of that, you may find toys strewn all about your home without a good system in place to manage it all.  As the owner and lead professional organizer at Aspire Organizing as well as a mother of two young girls, I can totally empathize with you! The good news is that there are ways you can set up your playroom or toy area that will make this whole process just a little bit easier. So if you’re ready to start organizing your kids toys, here are some of the most important things to consider: What toys do you want within their reach vs out of reach? Carefully consider your child’s maturity, how messy the toy is and if you have any other younger children who it may not be appropriate for. This may be especially true for certain art supplies or ones that have small pieces. Utilize spaces that are higher up or stored things away in a closet if you don’t want them reaching for them without your approval. Put things at eye level and in easy to access bins that you want to encourage your kids to play with. Does your kid need to be able to see it in order to play with it? For some kids, if they can’t see the toy they simply won’t play with it. A true “out of sight, out of mind” mentality. If this is your kid, then use acrylic, clear plastic, or frosted bins to store their toys. This is often true for smaller children who are less likely to read the labels on bins. But if your child doesn’t need to see it to play with it, then consider if hiding the visual clutter will bring you more peace of mind. If that is the case, then go for a cute solid or woven bin. How will you contain small pieces and sets? It’s pretty hard to have a streamlined and organized playroom without the right toy storage and there are plenty of great furniture options out there - cube systems being one of our favorites! But many children's toys, games and puzzles have pieces that need to be stored together or as we like to call it “micro-organized.”  Think barbie clothes, lego sets, craft kits, game pieces etc. Two easy solutions include mesh vinyl zippered bags or small hinged clear boxes. These boxes work well from amazon, as do these. As for the zippered vinyl mesh bags, these are some of our favorites and this variety pack is very helpful, too! We ALWAYS keep zippered bags on hand at all times both on the job and in our own homes. There are an endless number of possibilities to use them! But before you buy anything always measure what you need to store! Will you rotate toys or organize them all? Some families find that setting up a toy rotation system in their home works well for their children. With toy rotations, you group your children’s toys into a couple sets and only make available one set of toys at a time. Then when you find your kids getting bored by their toys or after a pre-determined amount of time, you swap them out for the ones stored away. If you’d like to give this a try, be sure that you have the additional space to store toys, document what you’ve stored away (snap a pic or 2!) and have a calendar reminder set up to make the swap. Toy rotation isn’t for every parent or kid so give it a try if it sounds intriguing, but it’s okay if it is not your cup of tea. How will you categorize and label? Can your kids read? Will they read a bin label? Both are important questions to ask! No matter what you do - don’t skip out on labeling the zones you’ve created or all of your work will eventually be for nothing.  Use the broadest categories possible that are still specific enough to your kids needs.  Then either include a picture on the bin, a label from a label maker or if you’re feeling fancy order some cute custom vinyl labels from etsy and put them on a bin clip. This will save you, your kids and other caretakers so much trouble when it comes time to clean up. And it will make the system maintainable in the long term. Remember, you will need to update your labels when your kids’ needs change! What does your kid actually play with and what can you get rid of now? There is no way I could wrap this up without making a shameless plug to declutter and simplify your toy collection! There are countless articles out there summarizing the findings of studies which have shown that the fewer toys your child has, the more likely they will play with them AND the play will be higher quality. So go ahead, grab a box or two, label it “donations” and walk through your home right now to find some of those items. I promise you that they’re hiding (or in plain sight) somewhere! Be ruthless - it’s okay, you’ll thank yourself later. And remember, you’re the gatekeeper of your home and what enters it so be thoughtful about what you choose to add to your kid’s toy collection in the future!  If you’re looking for more organizing tips, be sure to follow us on Instagram and our other social platforms. Our DMs are always open and we’re here to help parents make life just a little bit easier!

In 2016 Amanda Little, along with her 3 co-founders (one being her husband), launched ABBY&FINN, a diaper subscription service that offers parents environmentally friendly diapers that grow with your child and don't cost a fortune. Sounds perfect, right? We caught up with Amanda to chat diaper duty, motherhood and of course, how she stays organized. Can you share how ABBY&FINN got started? ABBY&FINN started when my husband, Lance, and I realized we were spending over $180 a month with another diaper subscription company to diaper our two girls, which seemed crazy! We wanted to use high quality products that were free of harmful chemicals and gentle on our kids’ sensitive skin, but didn’t think it needed to be so expensive. Our girls also regularly didn’t finish a diaper size when we bought in bulk, which meant we were left with a “diaper graveyard” – a bunch of diapers that were too small and couldn’t be used or donated due to open packaging. We worked with our good friends and neighbors, Matt and Kyle, to create a diaper subscription that actually grew with our kids and gave parents the ability and convenience to mix sizes in the same box at an affordable price, while being delivered right to the front door. After diving into the world of diapers, we learned that 1 in 3 U.S. families experience diaper need. Helping these families provide the essentials for their children became central to our company’s mission. For every subscription bundle purchased, we donate diapers to our non-profit partners who use the diapers as incentives for participation in family programs. To ensure our commitment is never trivialized, we included it in the brand name; FINN stands for Families IN Need. With so many diapers on the market today the choices can be overwhelming. What should parents look for when shopping for diapers? We are parents ourselves and we get it! The choice can absolutely be overwhelming. I think finding a brand that is transparent about its products and the ingredients used is important. With some brands, it’s really hard to find out what exactly is in their products, even though ingredients like chlorine, dyes, fragrances and latex can commonly irritate the skin, cause an allergic reaction and be considered toxic. As a company, we want parents to be informed and empowered to make the best decisions for their family. No matter what way you look at it, diapers are a big expense for those first few years of life. Often times the more eco friendly, responsibly manufactured diapering options are more expensive than your typical big box brands.  However, if you have a baby with sensitive skin, those generic, less expensive brands just might not be an option. Someone shouldn’t have to choose between quality and affordability. So I think finding a diaper that fits with your budget is an important consideration. Along those lines, I would also recommend looking at price per diaper as an average across all sizes, because you will often find that the some brands have an attractive price per diaper in the smaller sizes, but then the price grows exponentially when you get to the larger sizes. Finally, flexibility within a brand is important. I remember when my two girls were in diapers, we would buy in bulk to save money only to find that they would go through a growth spurt and then the diapers would no longer fit and we couldn’t use them. When we started ABBY&FINN, we knew we wanted to have a flexible subscription where you could mix sizes in the same box to avoid that pile of unused diapers. At the end of the day, we are all trying to do the best for our loved ones, our planet and ourselves.  I’m proud to say that at ABBY&FINN, we want to support parents and make them feel confident in the decisions they are making for their family. ABBY&FINN is not only better for the environment - the company also donates diapers to those in need. To date, how many diapers have been donated? To date we have donated over 1.3M diapers! Our diapers are distributed to our non-profit partners across the U.S. who generally use the diapers as incentives for participation in family programs.  As the mother of two children who are now out of diapers, what advice do you have for new moms? I recently read a quote, “there is no such thing as a perfect parent. So just be a real one.” As moms, I think we feel pressured to live this seemingly flawless, effortless lifestyle. That just isn’t realistic, and to hold ourselves to this standard only lends us to ultimately feeling disappointed. I would recommend staying true to your own priorities, standards and values; not those that are imposed on you by others. Let’s be kind and empathetic to each other and not be so quick to judge.  We understand the need for moms to stay organized. Can you share what helps you keep it all together between work, kids and personal life? This is something I’m constantly working on and adjusting to, especially during COVID when school schedules could change at any moment. It’s very much a team effort with my husband and requires a lot of communication. We have really been utilizing a shared family calendar on our phones to help schedule work and personal appointments around each other. For someone who constantly gets sidetracked and forgets about things, this has been really helpful for me! While the kids are at school I try and get as much work done as possible. Once the kids are home I make a conscious effort to set work aside and focus on being together as a family. Once the kids are in bed, I generally go back to wrapping up work. It’s definitely a long day, but I also feel fortunate to have the ability to have a flexible work schedule.    On any given day, what can we find in your ToteSavvy? These days I am working from home, so don’t leave the house much, but my ToteSavvy has been so useful for family trips to the mountains and I can fit so much in it! In my ToteSavvy you can find my laptop, chargers, kid’s iPads and headphones, ABBY&FINN hand sanitizer spray and wipes, snacks, water bottle and a book!

The new year is here and we can't help but think about a fresh start for the year ahead. Last year wasn't what any of us expected (to say the least!) but that doesn't mean we can't look forward with a little optimism and a plan to make it truly the best year yet. One of the best ways to feel renewed and refreshed is to declutter. Whether it be cleaning out your home, office, car or even your mind, a few easy steps to bring order to your things will dramatically impact your mood and boost productivity. Keep reading to learn 3 easy ways to declutter today!    1. Clean Out Your Bag Your handbag is your home away from home and the most important item you carry when on-the-go. Our new world requires being prepared with a face mask, hand sanitizer, and anything else needed to keep us safe on the go. Keeping those items clean and organized within your daily bag is paramount now more than ever.  Utilize ToteSavvy bag organizers to keep your essentials safely tucked away yet accessible in an instant. You can designate one pocket for clean masks and another (or zip bag) for dirty ones. You can store your other essentials safely inside the remaining pockets.  Take the time (10 minutes max!) to dump everything out of your bag, throw away the trash, and reorganize within your ToteSavvy organizer. We promise this small task will feel incredible when you're on-the-go and need to quickly reach for an essential.  The end result not only looks pretty, it will keep you feeling together throughout your day.  Shop Bag Organizers   2. Declutter Your Living Area A home with kids is undoubtably a home that's messy 90% of the day. We're not here to judge (who has the time to tidy all the time??) but we do have a simple hack to help keep the clutter at bay. It takes less than 5 minutes every day and will keep you on track throughout the week so weekends can be spent enjoying family time instead of organizing.  Here's the trick. Purchase a cute bin (like this one by Pehr or this one from Target) to leave in your main living area like your kitchen or family room. Any time you walk through and see an item that's not put away (like a toy or clean clothing item) quickly pop it in the bin to keep your floors and counters clear. At the end of the day, take 5 minutes to find a home for everything in the bin. If the item doesn't have a home then you may not need it and can choose to donate or recycle the item.  If your home is multi-level, we suggest keeping one bin on the stairs for items that need to be put away upstairs!    3. Plan Outfits In Advance A stress-free morning really sets the tone for a happy and productive day. One of the best ways to streamline your morning is to plan your child's outfits in advance so they can quickly grab and go. This takes no more than 10 minutes on a Sunday to plan for the whole week ahead.  Our travel organizer is perfect for keeping prepped outfits grouped together and and easily accessible for young children so they can see each outfit and easily dress themselves. By allowing them to "select" their outfit in the AM you'll encourage their independent nature while keeping their look put-together. Plus, you'll put a stop to the morning power struggle instantly by using this little trick!    Pro tip! Roll each outfit together before placing inside its own pocket.  Shop Outfit Organizer    

New year, new outlook, new order.  If you’ve been with us for a minute, it’s probably become self-evident that we are obsessed with organization. We like to think of it as our dirty little secret. In reality, (and not so ironically), it’s our especially orderly and unblemished code for everyday.  This is the piece of us that thrives with fresh starts, so we’re hopeful as we look towards a bright new year. For us, this means a chance at self-reflection, as well as a special time to reevaluate exactly how we’re living. The day to day makes such a difference in the big picture--be it a room where everything has a place, a closet with perfectly labeled bins, or a bag with a pocket for everything. And that’s the secret sauce to living well.  If you think about your spaces as a reflection of your mind, you’ll quickly start to realize the importance of organization--and the effects it has on your health. A messy room, for instance, might be a surefire sign of internal stressors. But we’re here to fix that. Because once you start to organize your life, you’ll start to feel the benefits. What better time than the new year to do exactly that? Here are all the stylish ToteSavvy pieces that make organization not only simple, but naturally intuitive.  ToteSavvy Bag Organizers ToteSavvy | Keep your diaper bag, work bag, or day bag precisely organized with our convenient bag inserts. An organized bag helps streamline your day, eliminating those stressful moments before you leave the house (you know the line: “where are my keys?!”). We’ve all gotten used to staying home, and keeping organized makes every outing easier.  Clothing Organizer Travel Organizer | It’s not just for travel. Streamline your morning routine by planning weekly outfits in advance. It helps to build confidence in toddlers by letting them select their own outfit for the day, while taking away the stress of getting dressed.    Crossbody Meets Change Kit Crossbody Change Kit | *Coming back in March!* Lightweight and easy to carry, our change kit is the perfect mini bag for keeping “just the essentials” always on-hand. Easy, effortless access to wipes just under the flap makes this bag an absolute must-have--not to mention the easiest way to keep your hands clean when out and about (without digging through your bag).  Don’t let a lack of organization get in the way of your plans for a bright, new year ahead. Usher in 2021 with the style-first essentials that transform your outlook from messy to functional--bonus points for fashion. Shop our full collection here! 

We could all use a little luxury without the high price tag, especially when it comes to your everyday tote. We searched high and low for our favorite bags that don't break the bank. From classic silhouettes to cool reversible totes, find a bag that checks all of your boxes.    Everlane Day Market Tote  Retail: $180 Everlane's Day Market tote is a gorgeous option for a classic leather tote. The best part is you don't have to pay a hefty price-tag for a luxury leather handbag.  Thacker Leather Tote Retail: $198 The simple lines and chic knot detail of this ivory tote make it a must-have. Easily transition from day to night as this tote will pair well with just about any outfit.    Mercer Leather Tote Retail: $139 A Nordstrom exclusive, this tote is a great option if you're looking for a classic bag with a twist. The diagonal lines offer unique interest without being overpowering. Pair it with a ToteSavvy and you'll be ready to take on your day with ease.    Mali + Lili Reversible Tote Retail: $78   Three words. That. Shoulder. Strap. We love a good crossbody with an eye-catching strap, especially one that's reversible. There's so much to love here! Get the most out of this multitasking crossbody by adding a ToteSavvy Mini to organize your essentials inside.    The Sydney Tote Madewell Retail: $188 We adore the cool new shape of this floppy-yet-structured tote from Madewell. You'll look effortlessly chic sporting it on your shoulder, and feel put together by organizing the inside with ToteSavvy Mini.     

The ins and outs of organized travel with the essentials to get you through every trip!  Preparedness, health, and safety are always top of mind, but now more than ever before they are paramount. As restrictions ease up and some morsels of normalcy are slowly reinstated, we’re seeking out real-life escapes when and where we--safely--can. What that currently looks like: road trips! Here’s the best part about taking road trips--the travel essentials that keep us organized on-the-go. Ready to make them your go-to, too? Keep reading for all the ways we love them!  Travel Organizer  Our travel organizer was made for road trips and long, worldly hauls, and we consciously-crafted every minute detail to make it the perfect fit for any and every adventure. Featuring 6 generously sized pockets, you can mindfully pack individual outfits, allowing you to easily grab at your convenience--and then return once dirty (keeping dirty clothes separate from clean ones). We added extra storage pockets for loose items, and a hook for the convenience of hanging. The result: seriously organized travel days with a little less chaos. And, frankly, everyone needs a little of that lately. Crossbody Change Kit  The perfect road trip companion, our changing kit lets you keep everything close (and by close we mean close--this bag sits right where you need it with an adjustable strap). But that’s only the start, because we added a thoughtful wipe window that lives directly under the bag’s front flap. Now, diapers and wipes are right within reach, no matter where you are. And that aforementioned trio of hand sanitizer, masks, moisturizer? They’re there too, neatly organized within the smart dividers inside that keep everything snug and easy-to-grab. Genius? We think so.    Travel may not be our top priority now, but our sanity certainly is. And sometimes, travel can be just the thing we need to escape reality. For keeping things in check? We’ve got some bags for that. Shop the full collection of our travel essentials here.   

How to turn your bag and bag organizers into the best friend you need right now.  This new world of ours has certainly created a need for organization and structure. And when things feel chaotic, it’s usually helpful to have immediate access to life’s essentials. Better yet, make it organized. Enter: ToteSavvy, the missing piece to the puzzle that is life at present. Maybe you’ve recently been inspired by Netflix’s The Home Edit, or perhaps you’ve lost your favorite lipstick one too many times, but the time has never been more ripe for picking just-right organizational accessories. ToteSavvy is here to enhance the bags you have, and to keep you feeling more coordinated and put-together than you might actually feel.  ToteSavvy will keep you feeling put-together Our Original Bag Organizer Our ToteSavvy Original is a staple in our lives for so many reasons, and has been for years (we used our Original so much, we made two more sizes). But without question, it’s become more important than we could have ever imagined. The list of things that we need to have within reach (i.e. not lost in the black hole of every mom’s giant tote bag) is now longer than ever before. Ensuring that our masks, our kids’ masks, sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, plus diapers, snacks, bottles, and the inevitable miscellanea that comes with parenthood are within immediate, findable reach is beyond imperative. ToteSavvy bag organizers were designed in a Pre-Covid world, but incorporating them into our present lives has made the biggest difference in feeling like we have a reliable, trustworthy companion for everyday. Put everything in its designated  pocket, and never lose anything again.     Our Crossbody We designed this bag for the mother on-the-go. Featuring a brilliant front panel window that gives you instant access to your choice of wipes (ours is currently disinfectant on repeat), plus a roomier-than-it-looks inside pocket with divider, you can pack everything you need within. We know you do the heavy-lifting, so we did the thinking, letting you have a smart alternative that makes motherhood look more chic than ever (kind of like your coolest mom friend).    Our Travel Organizer  For those times you’re on the road, our travel kit is an absolute essential. We designed it so you can keep individual outfits perfectly contained but easily accessible, and in turn keep dirty clothes separate from clean ones. Then we added a zipper pocket for loose items that need to be snuggly tucked away, making it a must-have for every adventure. You’d never travel without your best friend, right? Now you don’t have to.    We don’t think of our bags as just simply bags. They’re more like our confidantes, someone we trust to be complicit with our daily goings-on and to willingly hold all of our secrets, too. Sounds a little like a BFF, right? Let’s make that BBF: Best Bag Friend. Get yours when you shop the full collection today.   

So you stay sane while your little one gains independence. Weekday mornings can be hectic––to say the least. Between getting your family dressed, preparing breakfast, and taking that split second for yourself, it’s 9 am in the blink of an eye. Our mission at ToteSavvy is to create products that make your life easier, which of course includes your morning routine. While our tote inserts keep your favorite bag precisely organized, ToteSavvy Travel, is the perfect solution to keeping your morning stress-free whether you’re on a family trip or in the comfort of your own home.  With six individual pockets and two transparent pouches, ToteSavvy Travel seamlessly allows you to organize nearly a week’s worth of outfits in advance, making getting dressed in the morning a breeze. As a bonus, toddlers can work on their independence within a structured framework. They are able to select an outfit from a pocket and have the opportunity to choose which they’d like to wear that day. This little bit of independence to get dressed and select their favorite style will help build confidence while keeping tantrums over what to wear at a minimum.   HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR WEEK 1. Select 5 outfits for your child and lay them out in front of you. 2. Layer the components of each outfit on top of each other and roll them together to form one outfit roll. 3. Place each outfit inside one of the 6 mesh pockets. 4. Since only 5 pockets will be filled, use the 6th mesh pocket for socks, underwear, or PullUps. 5. The 2 clear pockets on the bottom of the organizer can be used for sunglasses, hair bows, and other small accessories. 6. Once the organizer is packed, hang it inside a closet, on a doorknob, or really anywhere that’s convenient for you and your toddler. It’s amazing to see how this small amount of preparation can contribute to streamlining your morning routine. With everything we have to worry about these days, it will be nice to check one thing off your list before you even wake up ;)