Inside ToteSavvy

Your newest travel accessory was meant for every adventure. Here’s how to pack it.   Our travel kit was born out of necessity when ToteSavvy founder, Lauren, realized that nothing like it existed. And with the need to save space once at her destination, but to keep efficient while on-the-go, she manifested a beautiful travel accessory that’s as stylish as it is functional. In every way utilitarian, the new ToteSavvy Travel Kit won’t just keep you organized, it will make every leg of your journey perfectly effortless. Here’s just how to do it:  ROLL OUT One of the biggest benefits of the Travel Kit: the organization factor. You can plan outfits ahead of time with the flexibility to compactly roll each up--including socks and underwear--and stash them into each of the the convenient mesh pockets.    SMALL WORLD  A seriously thoughtful design means that we didn’t overlook the small stuff. Because in a world with kids, the small stuff is often exactly what you can’t forget. Store things like hair clips, headbands, bow ties, tiny nail clippers, and more in the smaller, clear pockets.   KEEP IT HANGIN'  The Travel organizer allows for items like sweaters, dresses, and jackets to hang neatly in its designated garment bag section. Hard yes to anything arriving wrinkle-free.  HANG OUT The Travel Organizer fits perfectly over the inside of a closet or over the door, so that you never get hung up on the small stuff.  TALK DIRTY TO ME  After your outfits have been worn, you can pack them right back up in the pockets you brought them in. Separating them from the rest of your items means that germs, dirt, and more stay a safe distance away from the things you need to keep clean (even if you’re away for a full week).  Keeping organized while traveling is important to every mom. It eases the already inherent stresses of leaving your comfort zone, and the place that you’ve come to know better than the back of your hand. But a trustworthy product that’s been carefully scrutinized by a fellow mom? We’re really not sure it gets any better than that.   

Travel may look a little different these days but that doesn't mean it's any less chaotic––especially when it comes to packing for your little one. ToteSavvy was founded on the basis of simplifying parenthood with the philosophy that a little organization goes a very long way (our genius bag organizer is known for keeping madness-inducing messes to a minimum). And now, we’re expanding our organizational prowess to travel, making mindful packing easier and more effortless than ever before. Introducing, ToteSavvy Travel  Packing cubes are helpful--until they aren’t. Kids will, without fail, create messes. And despite thoughtfully folding and rolling each clothing item and packing them into their cubes, kids will find a way to turn a pristinely packed suitcase into complete and total chaos. Each of these moments became a building block for the Travel Organizer.  With each outfit stored inside its own pocket, your child can quickly and easily grab what they need without disturbing everything else. It also takes the pressure off of the parents to decide what to dress their child in. You just grab an outfit and go. Simple and easy.     Then there’s the cherry on top of it all. When an outfit is soiled, simply bunch it up and stick it back inside the same pocket. No need to carry a separate bag for dirty laundry or sift through your entire suitcase trying to find a clean pair of underwear.      Keep up to 6 outfits neatly packed inside ToteSavvy Travel, with room for little extras inside the 2 clear zip pockets. On the reverse side, you'll find a long garment bag perfect for storing dresses, light jackets, and sweaters.      ToteSavvy Travel includes a swivel hook to easily hang over a closet rod, bathroom door, or just about anything else. Each outfit stays in place until you need it making outfit changes a breeze.  When it's time to leave, simply roll the organizer (now packed with soiled clothing) back up and pop it in your suitcase. Traveling with kids has never before been this easy.      ToteSavvy Travel is, of course, a great option when traveling, but it also serves as a great tool to streamline your morning. With 6 mesh pockets, you can plan your child’s outfits for the week ahead of you. It’s compact enough to hang on a closet door or on a dresser knob so you won’t have to sacrifice space.      

Exploration is such a crucial piece of learning about the world and ourselves. Which is just one reason amid a growing list that has left us dismayed by the current state of the planet. Travel, though a luxury, is an opportunity we take at any given chance to learn, to see, to understand. And without it, we haven’t felt entirely whole.   Cooped up indoors and restricted from the greater world outside our doors has made us all the more eager to travel the way we used to. But hesitant to jump on a plane, we’ve decided to opt for new modes of exploration. Enter: the road trip, our chosen mode of travel in 2020. It’s the more cost-effective way we’re seeing the world, as safely as possible, and on our own terms. Here are the travel hacks we’ve learned thus far. They might inspire you to pack a few bags and jump behind the wheel, too.  Little Comforts   Use suction window shades to keep sun out of little eyes Grab a backseat air mattress for longer stops when someone wants to nap (adults included) Come prepared with a car sick kit (think multiple Tupperware containers and small trash bag liners to contain any potential messes) plus disinfectant wipes and paper towels for extra clean-up Essential Entertainment Use a backseat caddy for toys and snacks  Keep a travel binder filled with art supplies and paper, and put pages in plastic sheets for dry erase fun Use shower caddy cups that suction to window for toys and other fun little things Create a family scavenger hunt Bites and Beverages Pack cupcake liners, poke popsicle sticks through the middle and catch drips to keep little hands clean Bring dollar store mesh bins for easy eating in the backseat  For toddlers, tie a string to their sippy cup so they can reel it back in if dropped And, Adults   Keep a bag, like our Change Kit, ready for quick trips out of the car. There’s room for a mask, alcohol wipes, lip balm, a small wallet, keys, and your phone. Read more about how to pack here. Bring a pillow, eye mask, and earplugs for the non-driver to get some sleep between driving shifts Bring a mini, hand-held vacuum to help keep the car crumb-free  And just in case you’re looking for the perfect tool for organizing your little one’s outfits on the road, stay tuned for a brand new product launching next week! 

From the running errands to playing in the park, Tatiana Pujol of @weshopinheels is a busy mom who is constantly on the go. We wanted to know what essentials this mom of (almost) two packs in her ToteSavvy Change Kit.   I have been trying to keep my mom life as efficient and neat as possible to minimize the hassle. When it comes to carrying things in my bag, I’m a minimalist. I try to clean it to get rid of clutter at least once a week. For me, it’s necessary to have a practical and functional diaper bag that allows me to carry all of the essentials, both for baby and myself, without having to dig to find what I need.  Sometimes I just need to pack a few essentials for quick outings with my family, strolls around our neighborhood, quick supermarket errands, or a park trip with my toddler. The ToteSavvy Change Kit has been a life saver. It's a crossbody bag with an adjustable strap that features quick access to baby wipes for unexpected messes, a changing mat in case of a quick diaper change, and accessible pockets to keep all my woman essentials. This statement bag is versatile and has a sporty-chic look that can easily be transformed into a more dressy look.  < What’s currently in my ToteSavvy Change Kit: For my toddler: Baby wipes  Diaper cream  Changing mat Fruit Bars  For myself: Hands sanitizer  Sunglasses  Lipstick Credit card case Cellphone  Keys    Leaving home has never been easier with the convenience of the Change Kit. It’s been so practical for my crazy mom days, or just woman days to carry my essentials without missing out on any of our necessities. 

Ruth Gordon-Martin is a Postpartum Doula and founder of natural and organic postpartum care products CODDLE. She is on a mission to promote the importance of self-care for mothers post-delivery. We chatted with this mama of two about the importance of not only preparing for the birth of a baby, but also preparing for the birth of a mother.  Transitioning from doula to product developer is a big leap - how did you decide to launch your line of postpartum products? As I visited and talked to moms I found that most were clueless about their recovery and weren't aware of the products and tools that can help speed up their healing. Most of the women I spoke with during my doula visits transitioned from hospital to home and waited out their recovery until the pain subsided. For me, I had my aunt, mom and MIL waiting for me when I got home. They introduced me to remedies and recovery techniques that they used that are a part of our Jamaican postpartum tradition. My MIL constantly made sure I was drinking lots of broth, and as soon as I was able to take a bath (I had a c section) my aunt made a homemade sitz bath with healing herbs. From calendula flower to marshmallow root, CODDLE’s organic formulations are both soothing and healing for new moms. How did you discover the medicinal properties of some of these more esoteric ingredients? It started with my grandmother – all the credit goes to her. When I was growing up in Jamaica, my sisters and I came down with the measles. If you know anything about the measles, you know it leaves you itchy. To help us recover, my grandmother prepared soothing baths for my sisters and I using tamarind leaves boiled in water. After days of multiple steams and soaks, we were no longer itching and were healed. It was this specific experience, along with many others that led me to discover the power of plants and herbs. I also spoke openly with my mom and aunts about postpartum. We talked about traditional herbal remedies and their benefits, which ultimately led me to doing a lot of research on how to apply this today's line of products.  There is so much information about prenatal care, but very little information about postpartum recovery? Why do you think this is?  The entire industry is built around baby and newborn life. So, it’s natural for moms to gravitate toward and be totally overwhelmed with everything baby. Plus, pregnancy brings on so many body and hormonal changes - you’re more inclined to totally be absorbed with all these shifts. Another reason is the consumerism of the baby industry – it's a $1 billion dollar and it's focused on baby gear and the needs of the child. The only time you hear about mom is as it relates to the child, i.e. breastfeeding, because obviously your breasts only exist to feed the baby. Postpartum is an afterthought – it’s something that’s not seen. It’s in the shadows, so no one knows what’s happening or what to expect. And the celebrities add to that culture. What are 3 pieces of postpartum advice you would give to an expecting or new mom? 1. Prepare for postpartum – read a few books, follow a few accounts like CODDLE  and others focused on postpartum. She should mentally prepare and educate herself with books that give you a perspective on what postpartum life is like. 2. Prepare to breastfeed – most moms think about and want to breastfeed. It’s a natural thing but it doesn’t come naturally. Take a breastfeeding class, attend a La Leche meet-up. And in the age of social media – follow a few accounts to hear stories of moms. Talk with your mom, aunt, mother-in-law – what was their breastfeeding experience like? This sets the tone for your breastfeeding experience and expectation. 3. Get help - recruit people ahead of time. Society has led us to believe we can do it all on our own and that’s absolutely false. It can be a close female friend, a doula if they can afford one, your mom, mother-in-law, aunt or a cousin.  The first preference would be someone who has been through it before and knows what it entails. Help should not only just be there to ‘help’ but should be able to provide practical knowledge that’s not in any book. Gentle education, validation and reassurance that you’re doing it right, there’s no wrong way and that. like everything else, you will eventually get it. Pivoting to work/life balance - what are your go-to strategies for managing your business, your family while also finding some time for yourself? COVID has basically thrown the work/life balance out the window. Pre-COVID I tried to do as much as possible while my kids were in school and the rest after they are in bed. I try as much as possible to stick to a 8pm bedtime. The rest of the night is dedicated to CODDLE and time with my husband. Also, we try to go away for mini breaks as much as possible to unwind. The rest of the time is dinner with friends. After pregnancy I now have to manage sciatica pain, so a big plus is more massages – twice per month. On any given day - what can we find in your ToteSavvy?  In my ToteSavvy you can find most things from my make-up bag. There’s no need to have more than one bag so you’ll definitely find my make-up powder, lipstick if I’m wearing one that day and wipes. As a mom, you always need wipes and now with COVID even more so along with lots of hand sanitizer. I have a toddler who is obsessed with cars so you’ll find a few of those in there as well, along with my water bottle.

Meet the versatile crossbody bag that doesn’t require a baby to wear.  If you’ve been around for a while, you know we love a good bag. A durable tote or a classic handbag are essential to how we function not just as mothers, but as women. When efficiently organized, bags keep our lives in perfect working order. It’s for this exact reason that ToteSavvy has been the perfect complement to our fast-paced lifestyles. And when we think of our inherently busy schedules, albeit much slower now, we always take into consideration the practicality and utility of our pieces. Enter: ToteSavvy’s iteration of the classic crossbody bag that’s as essential to motherhood as it is to womanhood on the whole.  Not all bags were created equal, and our ToteSavvy Change Kit goes a level above. You don’t need a baby to enjoy its intrinsic values, like easily accessible pockets and interiors, or the thoughtful window panel for always on-hand disinfectant wipes and masks, and the adjustable cross-body straps that has go-anywhere (and everywhere) vibes. Style shouldn’t have to be a carefully thought-through affair all the time, and the pieces that make it easy to balance fashion and function are the double-duty aesthetic powerhouses that always work overtime.  Conceiving this bag got us thinking about consciously-crafted design, and how the perfect bag had to live up to our every expectation. Here’s what our packing checklist currently looks like:  ✅  Mask - Your new daily essential.  ✅  Disinfectant wipes - Always on-hand, now more than ever before.  ✅  Lip gloss - No one can see your lips, but hydrated they remain.  ✅  Cell phone - Perfectly-sized for our back exterior slit pocket.  ✅  Wallet - Ready to pay for your iced latte, and slips right back inside our divided interior pockets.  ✅  Hair ties - For hot days and fly-aways, keep this tucked right inside your bag.  ✅  Keys - Stashed neatly inside our roomy interior pocket (without ever getting lost).  Wherever the day takes you, just remember The ToteSavvy Change Kit is a statement bag first. What you put in it? That’s up to you!     

2020 didn’t come with a manual, but these bags will help you feel like your life is in perfect working order.  We’re not sure about you guys, but our social agendas have enough white space to make us wonder why we ever bought a 2020 calendar in the first place. And yet, somehow, despite having fewer places to go, the desire to keep organized is more profound than ever before. Our schedules, our surroundings, our house, our life--it’s all in disarray. If we’re counting, that’s pretty much our entire world. That is, with one exception: our bags.  At ToteSavvy, our bags are always the most organized. It’s not just our job, it’s our passion. But now, they’re more organized than ever before. Yes, at some point in quarantine, we cleaned out the muck. And free of gum wrappers, receipts, wipes that were used to clean who knows what, we realized we had a cleaner conscious, too. And that new, clearer outlook? Well, it got us thinking… it might be time for a new bag.  That was spring, and that was our version of spring cleaning. Fast forward to mid-summer, and we’re already thinking about Fall. A new season, a new prospect for impactful change, and a glimmer of hope for a future that is safe, healthy, and clean. With hygiene now more in focus than ever before, we realized there was something to our thought process. Finding a new bag wasn’t just a way to cleanse our spirits, but it was also another way of hitting the reset button. And hell, one other thing: we deserve it. (Read: we could not deserve it more.)  The perfect bag is out there waiting, nay, calling your name. And in the interest of, say, your sanity, we encourage you to chase your tote bag dreams. And when you find it, we’ve got a ToteSavvy ready to call it home. Here are a few of our favorite bag styles and silhouettes for Fall.  TREND: CHAINS The classic tote bag by Coach that's always in style, especially for the season where we're more in love with chains than ever.   TREND: OVERSIZED The best way to weave a little organization into your every day is the oversized bag that’s as ready to move as you are.  TREND: SOPHISTICATED  Craving structure? This sophisticated tote bag has go-everywhere vibes and enough room for everything you need.  ToteSavvy helps maintain organization and keep it at an all-time high, no matter the day, the mood, or the bag you choose to wear. Through all the chaos, we came to realize that sometimes a little structure goes a long way.    Shop ToteSavvy inserts

With the launch of our new Change Kit, we're eager to show you just how versatile and helpful it can be. It's lightweight and compact, making it easy to stash inside your favorite tote, wear as a crossbody bag, or both!  If you plan to pack it in your tote to use solely as a changing kit, we suggest pairing with ToteSavvy Mini for the ultimate diaper bag combo. Continue reading to discover how we use the MZ Wallace Metro tote (medium size) to create a lightweight, sleek, and functional diaper bag.  Both ToteSavvy Mini and the Change Kit are compact organizers that work well on their own, but depending on your needs, work even better together. When paired together, you gain more space in your tote in addition to a hands-free option for diaper changes.  How to Pack Your Organizer and Change Kit Start by packing the Change Kit with all of your diaper change essentials. Diapers (3-4) Wet wipes Diaper cream Changing mat (included with Change Kit) Your Change Kit will serve as your hands-free way to change a diaper when out and about with baby. Wear the kit crossbody so both hands are free to hold your little one close and safely change their diaper. Never worry about placing your bag on the floor of a public restroom or at the end of the changing table only to be kicked off by strong little legs. The cherry on top is quick access to wet wipes without taking them out of your kit.    Once your Change Kit is packed, move on to ToteSavvy Mini. This is where you'll want to pack the rest of your mom and baby essentials. We like to pack: Bottle and formula (if using) Bibs or burp cloth Pacifier Outfit change Toy or teether Hand cream Aquafor Lip balm Nose Frida (the best nasal aspirator) ToteSavvy Mini will stay inside your bag, organizing every other essential for baby. When it's time for a diaper change simply grab the Change Kit and head off without disturbing everything else inside your bag.  ToteSavvy Mini and the Change Kit work flawlessly together to give you the ultimate diaper bag. Easily swap bags or keep them inside your go-to tote to confidently take on your day with your sweet little one.       

See what’s always in our ToteSavvy Change Kit for every stage and age.  We didn’t just make a changing kit to make your time on-the-go doable, we made a changing kit to make every step of the way effortless. Packing efficiently is the best way to start any adventure off on the right foot. It’s a way of managing expectations, of ensuring preparedness, and about creating a framework around your agenda. Because when you’re well-prepared, you’re less inclined to sweat the small stuff--even the unexpected, including everything from spit-up to spilt milk. So no matter your family’s age range, we’ve got you covered. See all the ways we pack our changing kit for newborns, infants, and toddlers too.  NEWBORNS + INFANTS This stage is when having the essentials close at all times is paramount. And to have the parenting system down, you’ll want to pack properly. That means keeping about 2-3 diapers packed snuggly inside the kit, alongside wet wipes, the diaper cream of your choice, plus a small rolled onesie or a few pacifiers. Stash your Change Kit inside any bag to use as a full service changing kit (featuring easy access to diapering essentials while wearing it crossbody), or wear on its own as the most compact and minimalist diaper bag you've ever used.      TODDLERS + SCHOOL AGE KIDS By the time you reach the toddler stage with your child, you’ve pretty much got a handle on things. And though your Change Kit packing rituals won’t change that much, you still want to be mindful of the must-haves. To that end, we like to pack our kits up with the toddler necessities, like one Pull-Up, wet wipes (think disinfectant or antimicrobial hand wipes), snack bars, and any small, easy-to-grab toys that you can toss their way in the blink of an eye.  Once the essentials are taken care of, there's still some room for your keys, wallet, and cell phone. We recommend removing the changing mat and using the outer pocket as a quick spot to stash your phone.  The beauty of the ToteSavvy Change Kit is that it’s an easy, compact solution for holding everything you need, when you need it, wherever you are. And we love it even more because it grows with your family.   

  As a parent, you're constantly juggling more than you can carry (literally and figuratively). Having your hands free to carry your baby, chase your toddler, or hold them with one hand while you quickly change a diaper with the other, is all too familiar.  We're passionate about making parents' lives easier, and of course, more organized. For this reason, we created the ToteSavvy Change Kit. It's part changing kit and part crossbody bag––a hybrid design helping you keep your hands free so you can easily access a diaper, a wet wipe, or anything else you need at that moment.     

To usher in the release of our new launch, we asked the moms in our life about the most unconventional places they’ve ever changed a diaper. As a parent, there’s nothing that pushes us to our limits quite like the unexpected bathroom break our diaper-clad baby always seems to drop on us at the most inopportune time. (They know, right? Like, they must know...) An ill-timed poo can really stop us in our tracks, especially if we have no well-equipped area to change a messy nappy. Luckily, as moms, we have fast become accustomed to thinking on our feet. And things are about to get a whole lot easier for you with our latest launch; it’s so good, you’ll actually be excited to change a diaper. In the meantime, let’s all take a moment of silence to remember the most absurd and literally off-the-wall places these moms have ever changed a diaper. Like we said, pure insanity…    “On a deep freezer in the kitchen of a restaurant!” --Lisa K., @addictedtohairlockport    “When my son was four months old I had to change him on the bathroom floor of a very busy McDonalds during a Chicago Cubs baseball game.” --Tiffanie S., @energeewhizz    “The craziest place was in a cab!! Visiting my family back in Argentina, in Buenos Aires, big city, and [moving] around either in public transportation or cabs, so we had a long drive to the place we were going and well... duty calls! Poor cab driver.” --Flor, @kabana_community     “On a 6" deep windowsill, above/behind a toilet, in a restaurant. Poor kid. [AND], on a dining table at a brewery (so grossed out now in retrospect that I did this... but I was a new parent and totally brain dead at the time... and they didn't have a bathroom I could do it in, and I saw others doing it too sooooooo.)” --Kelsey S., @ShopMiliMili    “On the ground in front of a church in Lake Como.” --Michelle Piccolo, @feedingourtoddlers    “My hubby and I have done several hiking trips with our daughter so two crazy spots come to mind because we always hike far enough that a diaper change was necessary: 1.) Outside the Lake Agnes Teahouse (which takes 2 hours to hike to) in Banff National Park in Canada, and  2.) At the Kallur lighthouse on the island of Kalsoy in the Faroe Islands.” --Hannah J., @habejo    “Seat of an airplane.” --Petria B., @petriaboutin     “The craziest place I've changed a diaper (so many!). My favorite is on a bar in Lloret de Mar, a coastal town near Barcelona. We took a trip there when our first baby was 4 months and I was on maternity leave. We frequently found ourselves in fairly inconvenient places for diaper changes. One night we were having dinner with friends at their favorite local spot and found out mid-meal there was no room or changing table in the restroom. We asked the restaurant if we could clear off the bar counter and they were more than happy to accommodate!  That memory will go down as one of the funniest.” --Severina O., @gabriisle    “On the side of the road, on a backstreet, in the middle of nowhere Staten Island. It. Was. Weird. AND it was a blowout.” ---Charlotte B.K., @charlotteblakekaplan    “In the bathroom on the train from Rye, NY to Manhattan.  No changing tables, so [I] had to do it standing up.  Best part? I didn't realize until after the [poopy] diaper change that they don't have trash cans on the train and I didn't have a plastic bag. #success” --Jessica G., @taavi_village    “Well I have definitely changed diapers in many great locations but the best has to be in the middle of gay pride parade I was walking home from yoga and Laszlo had an up the back poop and I had to change him on a park bench while a dance party was in full action.” --Tara C., @thismamasoul     

Remember those quizzes we used to take in old-school, authentic, glossy paper magazines that would tell us what kind of guy we were meant to be with, or what kind of career woman we would be? This post is a little bit like that--without the cheesy questions.  We all have a type--a mode of cooking, a ritual for bathing, a driving style. But what kind of mom are we? Each of us gravitates towards a certain type of style of parenting. In a way, it’s an extension of our past life, and the way we bring our interests that preceded having children into motherhood. And the best way to accommodate our lifestyle lies in finding the perfect bag--and bag organizer--that keeps it all together. Find your perfect fit for your lifestyle with the bags and organizers that seamlessly align with your parenting style. Full breakdown below!    photo credit @thatgirlgick Designer handbags are an investment, and one you likely don't want to shelve just because you're a mom. Your beautiful bag also deserves to be beautifully organized.  Pair ToteSavvy Deluxe or Original with the luxury handbag or your choosing. A few favorites include Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Dior.  (Designer tip: not only are they the perfect fit, they keep your bag lining looking untouched and totally pristine.)     photo credit: @jeneaeng From the beach to the park, and everywhere in between, we have the active mom covered. Adventure bags require max organization for the nuts, snack bars, and water bottles that need quick and easy grabbing. Fun fact: our mini organizer fits seamlessly into smaller bags and backpacks, too.  Pair a sporty backpack with ToteSavvy Mini. We love the Dagne Dover Dakota Backpack in size small or medium.      City dwelling requires major inventiveness and creativity when it comes to motherhood. Life is not just almost always on-the-go, it's almost always exclusively on foot. This lifestyle demands a special type of organization, and the ability to grab whatever you need in a New York minute. Our Original Organizer fits perfectly into an oversized tote so that whether over your shoulder or riding in your stroller, you can really grab-and-go.  Pair ToteSavvy Original with the MZ Wallace Metro Deluxe large tote. It's the perfect lightweight on-the-go bag for city dwellers.     The working mom needs a bag that does double-duty--something that works overtime to accommodate office life and mom life in equal balance. And though the juggle is real, the things in your bag don't need to be up in the air. Keep your life in perfect working order with the Deluxe Organizer, our interpretation of max organization that gives structure to even the craziest of days.  Pair ToteSavvy Deluxe with a sleek and stylish boss bag like the Rebecca Minkoff ‘Megan’ tote.       

Chicago-based mama, Jenin Paradise @mrsjeninparadise wasn't interested in going back to bulky diaper bags for baby number two. She opted to use her existing totes combined with a ToteSavvy insert to create the perfect baby bag.  Becoming a mom of two this past spring, 4 years later, I kind of had to get back into the rhythm of what it was going to be like to have a baby around again. We were definitely out of the diaper bag stage and I almost dreaded the thought of having to lug around a giant bag full of stuff. Because who wouldn’t when you have had the luxury of being able to use your handbags again?! I knew using a diaper bag was going be part of the gig and ToteSavvy has made that process pretty much seamless. I love that I can create my very own diaper bag by simply using one of my favorite tote bags that I love. The organization system makes life A LOT easier, allowing additional space for not only my personal things but also anything we might need for our four year old and extra sanitizing items we might need when we travel out of the house to keep us all safe + healthy! BABY Diapers   Wipes Aquaphor Bottle Hand Sanitizer / Disinfectant Wipes (we all use these and I also bring along a mini travel Lysol) Milk Snob Cover  Swaddle Soft Toy Pacifier Bib  Burp Cloth Extra Outfit / Sun Hat  FOUR YEAR OLD Water Bottle Snacks Face Mask Extra Clothes  FOR ME: Medela Pump + equipment (yes it fits, woo hoo!) Chapstick Keys Wallet  Sunglasses  Sunscreen (for all of us) Face Mask Even with all of these things, I still have plenty of room. So, on days we plan to go to my families pool — I will throw in swimsuits + swim diapers for the kiddos and my swimsuit / cover up. 

Eli Yonas came up with the idea for her much-loved Toki Mats while on maternity leave with her second baby. Now as a mom of (almost) three, she manages her family, a full-time career in tech and her own business. We caught up with Eli to learn more about Toki Mats and gain some insights into how she does it all.  First, tell us a bit about how the business got started.  I came up with the idea on maternity leave with my daughter in the summer of 2016, and spent my leave doing all the research, product testing, and business foundation. After returning back to my day job, I slowly continued to work on Toki during nights and weekends. We finally launched our site on Small Business Saturday in November 2017 Do you ever think about focusing on Toki full-time? In addition to Toki, I currently work full-time in Partnerships at Facebook. I'm actually planning on using this upcoming maternity leave to launch our newest collection! While sometimes I wish I could work on Toki full time, I'm grateful for a job I like that allows me to invest back into the company to grow it and reach more families. It's also a great exercise in focusing on what will really make a difference with our product and customers since my time is so limited. Toki Mat designs always stand out! Do you design the patterns? Where do you find inspiration? Thank you! For all our patterns since we launched, I source the designs from fabric makers across the U.S. I go to fabric shows (usually with a baby in tow!) and have partnerships with fabric factories nationwide. It's fun to "shop" for fabric designs to use, and I always make sure to pick a diverse selection that will still be appealing for the modern and style-focused mom. For our newest collection (14 designs launching in July!), I am doing something completely new! I collaborated with artists and graphic designers to make exclusive Toki prints. I'm SO excited about them! Each artist's collection is true to their style and talent, while remaining on-brand for Toki to provide modern and beautiful play mat designs. Thee new collection has been nearly a year in the making, and we are so close to launching! We love that the company uses all non-toxic materials in making the mats. How important is sustainability to your overall mission? Super, super important. I spent the first year just doing research on sustainable materials and practices. Ultimately, I ended up using materials that have never been used in the play mat space, but are taking off in the adult mattress industry. From a values perspective, if I was going to be adding a new product to people's homes, it couldn't be anything less than 100% non-toxic and safe. We know first-hard how difficult it is to juggle running a business and family life. Can you share your tips for how to best manage it all? First, admitting that I don't do it perfectly. It would just be impossible. Second, is recognizing that that's OK. Lowering my expectations of myself in all areas (work, family, etc) allows me to be more forgiving when things aren't perfect (and they never are!). My motto has been to just take it one step forward every day, big or small, and that's what's gotten Toki to the place it is now. On any given day, what do you pack in your ToteSavvy? Now that I'm expecting baby #3 (right around the corner!) I'm so happy to have a ToteSavvy already packed in my hospital bag to be fully prepared. I have diapers and wipes of course, pacifiers (multiple to make sure the babe takes one!), my nursing must-haves especially for the newborn phase, a change of clothes (or two) for those inevitable blowouts, my baby wrap that I can't live without, and a swaddle. that gets thrown in my purse where I have my own essentials, and I'm all set!

Venturing out of the house these days is no easy task. Quick trips requiring just your wallet, phone, and keys are practically non-existent. As we learn how to safely be in public, especially when bringing children along, there are a few must-have items to ensure you won't be putting yourself at risk.  Now, more than ever, it's important to have a well-stocked bag––filled with the essentials you know you'll need (even for a quick trip outside). ToteSavvy comes in handy keeping your essentials organized and in place so you don't have to fumble through your bag looking for the hand sanitizer.  WHAT TO PACK FOR SAFE OUTINGS Cloth masks - for yourself and your children (assuming they're of age to wear a mask) Hand sanitizer - a new must for leaving the house. Don't forget!  Water bottles - bringing water with you will eliminate the need to buy a bottle of water or find a drinking fountain (which most likely has shut off for safety anyway) Snacks - another good thing to have on-hand to avoid going into a store if you don't need to Wet wipes - always handy, even though they don't disinfect. You could easily swap these for Clorox wipes for surfaces, too! Sunscreen - for those  just in case moments when you get caught in the sun. Lip balm - a must for anyone who hates the feeling of dry lips! Our "safe outing" packing list can be adapted based on your needs and the ages of your kids (if you have them). If you have an infant, add in diapers, a bottle, teethers, and any other item you find essential. If you're packing for just yourself, consider downsizing to ToteSavvy Mini if you feel you don't need so much room.    ToteSavvy is extra helpful in that each item has its own pocket. You can designate a pocket for your clean cloth masks and another for your used masks. After removing your masks to wash, simply wipe the pocket with a disinfectant wipe to ensure it's clean and ready for next time.  Looking for a bag to fit ToteSavvy? Take a look through our handbag recommendations perfect for our inserts.       

Getting your nursery set-up just right can be exciting, yet also overwhelming. We turned to organizational expert, Lisa Jacobs from Imagine it Done for her tips on setting up your space for your newest arrival just right! Whether you are a first-time parent or expecting another, getting ready for the baby's arrival will be a life-changing, exciting experience. With so many changes to internalize over the 9+ months of pregnancy, the tasks for preparation can be as daunting as it is thrilling. Aside from the health and wellness factors, there are logistic decisions to consider in creating the nursery; the layout, decor, and of course the essential tools. Selecting from the latest and greatest products to make this chapter in your life thrilling and peaceful can be potentially overwhelming.   We typically see that soon-to-be parents are quick to buy clothing and decorative accessories before they consider the space, the furniture, and essentials for the nursery. Here at Imagine it Done, we urge you to carefully review the layout of the room for the placement of the crib, changing table, glider, side table, lighting, shelves, and of course the closet or armoire. Once the space is ready you will be calmer and at peace as you prepare for your little one’s arrival. You will take comfort in knowing that you and your baby will have a functional, playful, and safe nursery.   At Imagine It Done, our clients rely on us to guide them through this thrilling chapter, from conception to delivery. We provide essential information including a detailed list of organizational tips, products, and a large dose of comfort. I am a mom of 3 children. I too understand the fears, joys, and rewards experienced, especially during the first few years of the baby's life. In fact, I am, 34 years later happily involved in their grown-up lives.  It is so important to never forget how quickly time passes. In making their first home safe, functional, and peaceful these rules of order will undoubtedly impact them for a lifetime. An organized space is an organized mind is an organized life! Here are some tried and true Imagine It Done tips and tricks for getting the nursery ready: Choose a crib that will grow with the baby and can be lowered as the baby gets more mobile.  Blackout shades are a must to ensure the baby's room is dark for daytime naps. If installed shades are too much of an investment, temporary blackout shades will do the trick.  Invest in a changing table that serves as a dresser as well. Make space on the tabletop next to the cushion for go-to baby changing supplies. Be smart in setting up the baby’s closet to maximize space for a growing child. Invest in Elfa system shelving and baskets. This is the perfect, cost-effective solution to maximize vertical space and accommodate all clothing plus the supplies. Always leave room among the sections of the closet for future clothes as the baby continues to grow! Invest in Baby hangers. This will streamline the overall look of the closet and maximize hanging space. Choose a hypoallergenic rug. This provides the perfect surface where the baby can crawl and play. Add floating shelves for books and photos instead of a bulky bookshelf. Choose a rocker/ glider that coordinates with your decor and make sure it is the proper size for the room. How to properly set up the changing table: Top Drawer: diapers, wipes, and extra essential supplies (creams, thermometer, nail clipper, brush, medicines, etc).  Middle Drawer: rolled casual/everyday baby clothes (onesies, PJs), bibs & burping cloths.  Bottom Drawer: folded linens, swaddles & blankets.  Keep diaper pails and hamper on the side of the changing table to easily discard diapers and clothing without leaving the baby's side. For more tips and tricks to organizing your space, be sure to check out Imagine it Done online and instagram!

Fashion has always been important to Charmaine Dulak (@charmainedulak), which is why when she became a mom, keeping her personal style was a non-negotiable. Find out what this mama of one keeps in her bag on any given day.  Motherhood has really taught me a lot, especially to always be prepared. My diaper bag is super important to me and it's always jam packed with all the goods we could possibly need. Even if we're just out for a shopping trip, I tend to pack as though we could get stranded somewhere for a day or two. (That's normal right? No? Just me? haha okay.) To help organize my bag, I use the Totesavvy organizer. I've been using Totesavvy for two years now and no regrets here! I absolutely love how everything has its own place. It makes things easy to find, I mean who wants to be digging in their bag when in a rush, right? Also, I love the fact that I can easily switch my bags with Totesavvy. Simply slip the organizer out and put in a different bag, and boom, you have a new diaper bag! What's in my diaper bag? - Diapers + Wipes - Emergency Kit - Boogie Wipes - WetOnes - Tissue - Extra Outfit - Wet bag - Sippy cup with water - Juice box + Granola bar - Reusable silicone straw - Cetaphil lotion - Hello Bello Hand sanitizer - Baby Aquaphor - Babyganics sunscreen - Wallet + Keys + Hairtie See how satisfying that looks? So organized and the blush color totally matches the interior of my bag. Totesavvy organizers are available in a variety of beautiful colors and sizes so you can easily match it with your bags. Also comes with a changing pad that's slim (doesn't take up much room at all in your bag) and is super easy to clean! Featured is my Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM with the Totesavvy organizer in the original size. I highly recommend this organizer to anybody. Remember, mom, but make it fashion.

In a weird turn of events, the more time we have at home, the less time we feel like we actually have. There’s something tricky about managing the balance of working from home, and it’s more precarious than a high-wire act. It’s perilous, yes, but it’s completely, wholly mentally taxing, too. All day our minds and bodies are working overtime to accommodate our never-ending to-do lists, now longer than ever before. And at nights, rarely sleeping well, we’re consumed with the weight of the world--also in a way like never before.  Quarantine has felt like a bit of time warp. Inside all day, we have so much to do, but nowhere to go. The effect is a bit unsettling, but it also has us searching for things to do. Because as much work as we have to do right now--not to mention parenting, teaching, cooking, and the list, as we know, goes on--we’re eager for distractions, and seeking any remnant of our past life to fill the day. If we’re learning anything through this new process, it’s that there’s truly no time like the present--no time like now to find a new hobby, to try something you’ve always wanted to, or to tackle that project that’s been nagging at you for years. And with that, we’re so excited to present to you a healthy list of female-led companies making our quarantine experience a little more bearable. You’re going to want to keep reading…  FEEL THE FLOW with a FENG SHUI CONSULTATION  There’s nothing quite like being in your home 24/7 to make you realize there’s a lot you want to do to your home--like make it flow, comfortably. A Feng Shui from The Sanus Home expert can give you hand.  FEEL STRONG with PERSONAL TRAINING SESSIONS We all miss going to the gym, but luckily we can still get personal. Training sessions, that is, via video, thanks to the sweetly militant trainer we all need in our lives right now: Sara Titone, owner and founder of SET Movement. FEEL MOTIVATED with WORKING MOMS COACHING AND SUPPORT Have we ever been more reflective on our life and our needs than now? Probably not. Rachel B Garrett Coaching harnesses our greatest goals and desires and helps make them real, tangible things, so that we can come out on the other side in the form of our brightest, strongest selves.  FEEL COORDINATED with VIRTUAL ERGONOMICS AND WELLNESS The way you sit while working greatly impacts your efficiency levels and general productivity, not to mention your overall comfort, and subsequently, your mood. Everything’s connected, so make sure your furniture is top-notch--Marka Health is here to help with that.  FEEL SWEET with COOKIE DECORATING KITS - kids Sweetology is typically our go-to source for birthday parties, classes, and events. And now more than ever, their at-home delivery of DIY-decorating kits has proven the perfect stay-at-home activity for the whole family.  FEEL PRETTY with VIRTUAL MAKEUP CONSULTATIONS  Connecting over video, Amanda Thesen Beauty allows you to take self-care while at home to another level. Enjoy 50-minute consultation about whatever you need most: makeup must-haves, skincare questions, how to use your products, and more.  FEEL SEEN with PREGNANCY AND POSTPARTUM SUPPORT  Being pregnant or a new mom can feel entirely overwhelming right now for any number of reasons. But with the support of Poppy Seed Health--the app giving you digital access to nurses and doulas for 24/7 guidance and care--means you’ll never feel in the dark, even when you’re stuck in your house.  FEEL REJUVENATED with NEW RITUALS  Kat Schneider built Ritual on the foundation of health--something that begins and ends with ingredients you can trust. And given the current climate, there’s no time like the present to re-examine your daily rituals, and dial in on what you need most.  FEEL LIKE FAMILY with SNUGGLE ESSENTIALS  Primary is the coveted line of kids’ essentials that makes every day--even days in quarantine--a little bit easier. Founders Christina Carbonell and Galyn Bernard get major bonus points for the enviable comfort factor each of their pieces maintains, an attribute that’s perfect for movie night (which, currently, is every night).  FEEL COZY with a BEDDING UPDATE  No matter what quarantine looks like for you, there’s something about knowing our beds have reached max comfort levels that brings us a new level of contentment with our space. Enter Parachute Home, the brainchild of Ariel Kaye, and never look back.  FEEL REVITALIZED with REFINED ROUTINES  Our daily routines may have been upended, but that doesn’t mean our skincare routines need to follow suit. Maelove is the science-backed skincare you’ve been waiting for, and the perfect complement to days and nights spent indoors. In theory, more time at home means more time for self-care… right?  FEEL HOMEY with SWEET SCENTS Abigail Cook Stone: Otherland Abigail Cook Stone introduced Otherland, the toxin-free candle collections, in 2017. From the start, Otherland was our go-to for gifting--the perfect birthday, engagement, host, and housewarming gift. Today, it’s the thing that’s keeping our house feeling like a home, and smelling sweeter than ever.  FEEL BEAUTIFUL with MEANINGFUL SPARKLES  If we’ve learned anything during our time spent at home, it’s that family is everything. Plus, there’s definitely something to be said about feeling pretty, even in your favorite sweat set. Maya Brenner’s meaningful collection of personalized jewelry helps us see the light--in more ways than one. And, customized necklaces, earrings, and more means we can really show the ones we love how much we care--now, and after quarantine too.  FEEL RELAXED with CREATURE COMFORTS We know and love Jenni Kayne for her streamlined aesthetic that knows a thing or two about essential comfort. Be it home or apparel, her collections always embrace the philosophy that we feel our best when we’re our most comfortable. So it’s no wonder that now, more than ever, we’re shopping her incredible line of must-haves.

When I offered to throw my sister-in-law a baby shower for her sweet baby girl I had no idea we’d be swapping our girls luncheon for a virtual gathering. While I watched my typical party-throwing playbook fly out the window, my biggest concern was how I would make the event feel special without the flowers, fun banners and themed cupcakes. More importantly, how was I going to recreate the energy that comes with women coming together, physically, to celebrate the mom-to-be? Through a little research and the help of some fantastic Etsy shops, I was able to pull together a thoughtful shower to celebrate both mom and baby. I’m excited to share my tips for pulling off a virtual shower that doesn’t disappoint.   Pick an online hosting platform like Zoom, Google Hangouts, or Skype.  I chose Zoom out of comfort and ease. These days, through business calls and homeschooling, most people have used the platform and are familiar with how it works. Plan the flow of the shower You’ll want to give guests something to do throughout the shower like playing games, chatting with mom-to-be, or watching her open gifts. I chose to play two guessing games (The Price is Right and Guess How Many) along with Bingo as our mom-to-be opened her gifts. We also scheduled time for open conversation at the beginning and end of the shower. I highly recommend having a few talking points ready in case there’s an awkward silence. Choose your activities/games and prizes I chose three games to play and purchased templates from Etsy so the games looked cohesive with the theme of the shower. When you’re unable to decorate with balloons, flowers, and more, you can still add little details that help it feel like a special event. More on that later!  You can either email everyone their game cards or print and mail them to each guest. Depending on the level of safety you’re optimizing for you may want to email the cards and have everyone print their own.  For prizes, I chose digital gift cards from giftcards.com that I easily emailed to the winners after the shower.  Create a custom background (if using Zoom) The lack of an actual venue makes an event less appealing than most so to create a little fun you can create a custom background and send it to everyone to use during the shower. Etsy again is a great place to find backgrounds or have one custom made for you. Because of quarantine, this is now a thing.  Send invitations and a rundown of the event at least 3-weeks in advance Use a service like Evite or Paperless Post to send invitations for the shower. Let guests know the event will take place online and forward to more details to come closer to the date. To build excitement, think about telling guests about a game or two you plan to play and that you’ll have mom-to-be opening gifts live. It’s nice to give everyone a heads up as well so they can plan to send a gift that can be opened. Make sure everyone is aware of where to send gifts (to mom-to-be) so there’s no confusion. Send a reminder email 24 - 48 hours before the shower This is the time to give everyone the link to the virtual shower and explain how to use the platform for anyone who’s unfamiliar. Sending this email a day or two in advance allows guests to download the platform app or familiarize themselves with it.  In your email be sure to include your custom background (if using) and instructions for how to upload it and access it during the shower. It does take a little time to set this up for anyone unfamiliar with Zoom but totally worth it when you see the end result.  Send mom-to-be flowers the day of her shower As a sweet gesture, send mom-to-be flowers that arrive on the day of the shower. She’ll feel extra special looking at her beautiful stems during the event, making all of this feel a little more normal.  Give guests a 10-minute buffer before you begin As the host, make sure you’re logged in on-time and ready to start chatting with guests as they arrive (virtually). Give around 10-15 minutes of time before you jump into the first activity allowing everyone to sign on and get settled. During this time have a few talking points ready to fill any awkward silences.  Open gifts during the shower  Virtual showers are immediately less personal than an in-person event so think about having the mom-to-be open her gifts live in front of her guests. We played Bingo while gifts were opened adding a fun element. Thank everyone for coming and being flexible!  In a time when we’re all craving in-person connection, thank everyone (including mom-to-be) for being flexible and open to a virtual event. These are crazy times and we could all use a little appreciation. 

Get an idea or two from our top wish list picks for this Mother’s Day. Mother’s Day shouldn’t just be a day of recognition and appreciation, it should be a day of empowerment. Women supporting women--and, where we can, mothers supporting mothers-- is our favorite way of raising one another up, especially on the day we get to call our own.  Because while breakfast in bed is great, something about a gift made or created by another woman is even better. This Mother’s Day put the gifts that matter on your wishlist. We’ve put a few of our favorites for your consideration below.    1. Purlisse Cosmetics Jennifer Yen is the founder and CEO of this thoughtfully curated collection of skincare products. Inspired by her Asian heritage, Yen created a line of products that blend modern science with ancient wisdom. The result? A glowing complexion (even after a sleepless night, which, even on Mother’s Day, is a real possibility).    2. Sakara Sakara was founded by two incredible women that came to the realization that, when you treat food as medicine, your body will respond in incredible ways. Featuring a good and good-for-you menu of inspired meals, plus a Clean Boutique with everything from granola, to detox water drops, and probiotics, too, Sakara is an amazing gift for mothers in a multitude of ways. For days where you prioritize everyone but yourself, Sakara’s no-brainer meal delivery service makes it easy to remember that indulging in good, nourishing food is the fastest way to nourishing your soul and spirit and replenishing your body’s essential nutrients.   3. Sweet Loren’s  Anyone else have a sweet tooth like us? If you’re sheepishly nodding at your screen, meet Sweet Loren’s, the gluten-free and non-GMO treats that leave us feeling a little less guilty about our favorite indulgences.   4. Lake Pajamas  Show Mother’s Day your soft side with the gift that perfectly complements breakfast in bed, or your most relaxing mornings. Lake Pajamas are the perfect accessory for lounging around and may turn bedtime into your favorite part of the day (if it isn’t already).    5. Banner Day  It’s no secret that, most days, we’re living in a t-shirt. But this Mother’s Day, don’t hesitate to add a bit of luxury to your closet. Banner Day blends a mix of east coast with west coast, and turns an effortless t-shirt into an outfit that’s totally fun.   6. Daydream Weaver  If jewelry is more your thing, opt for something that’s totally unique. Daydream Weaver is made for the modern girl, and founder and creator Sara Titone weaves a little magic into the perfect pairings for date night, coffee runs--or even Mother’s Day brunch.