Inside ToteSavvy

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. 

Our favorite gifts to send when you can't be there in person As baby showers are being moved from in-person celebrations to virtual affairs, there is still a running list of things that the mom-to-be in your life needs. Let's face it, quarantine or not, that baby is coming.  Essentials can mean a little something different for everyone. But what really matters is what makes the new mom feel her best. Use this list as a guide for the things that might have missed the baby registry--but will certainly be appreciated. ToteSavvy Gift Sets At ToteSavvy, it’s our brand’s mission to simplify your hectic lives. This is why we created not just the ToteSavvy, but these thoughtfully curated Infant Gift Sets, too. Packed with true essentials, you’ll unlock a world of tiny treasures--like an organic cotton sleeper, the coveted Sophie La Giraffe, and so much more. Each piece has been thoughtfully picked to keep time at home with a newborn as easy as possible.  Meal Delivery Eating may seem like a no-brainer, but when you’re a new parent, sometimes the only person you’re thinking about feeding is the thing you just baked for nine months. So one of the best gifts for a fresh mom is a meal delivery service, and ideally, one that keeps her immunity up, helping her to heal faster--and feel like her best self. Plus, when going to the grocery store isn’t an option, meal deliveries work two-fold to keep you healthy.  Diaper Subscription  Diapers aren’t simply an absolute necessity, they’re also expensive, and something that constantly needs replenishing. To further simplify things for the new mama in your life, get her a diaper subscription. She’ll thank you for having one less thing to think about, and she’ll be especially grateful for at-home deliveries when she’s stuck at home in quarantine, too.  Guava Lotus Travel Crib  Even if traveling the world with a little one isn’t on her agenda (which is most certainly the case for everyone right now), new moms will love the Lotus Travel Crib by Guava. Not only is it dummy-proof (it’s super easy to pack and unpack), but you’ll also probably use it way more than you think--like as a baby bassinet for those first few months they’ll be in your bedroom, or as a playpen for the living room so you can have eyes on them while you cook or fold laundry.  A Boppy Pillow  Similar to the travel crib, the Boppy Pillow packs way more versatility than you’d expect from its little size and is ideal for time spent at home. Mom can use it as it’s originally intended (a nursing pillow), then as baby grows it can be used as soft structure to support baby while sitting up and playing.  Blackout Curtains  One of the most important first steps in becoming a new mother is setting a routine for your new baby, and the best way to do that is by setting the mood. Blackout curtains will set the scene for bedtime, especially for any summer babies that get daylight until 9pm, or intrusive streetlights that never turn off. If you're unsure of the aesthetic of baby's nursery, you can find blackout curtain liners that attach to most curtains.  Extra Large Water Bottle  New moms, especially those that breastfeed, are told to imbibe a lot of water. And no matter what, hydration is essential. The best solution? Keeping a filled water bottle with you at all times, like this one--which is easy to open (and does so quietly, without a squeaky or cumbersome lid). This gift is perfect in times where mom and baby are at home, and the most travel they're doing is from room to room, she’ll find this is an easy option for staying hydrated while roaming the house.  Sweatpants Birthing a child is a full-body experience--one that is beautiful yet exhausting. Pair that with sleepless nights and new, around-the-clock expectations, and the thought of putting on a pair of jeans (if they even fit), is completely out of the question. Every new mom should have a pair of comfy, cozy sweatpants on hand. Bonus points if they’re cute because she’ll be living in them for a while. Our recommendation: embrace it!  Sound Machine  Sound machines aren’t just for blocking out auxiliary noise that might wake baby, they're also excellent at soothing them. Plus, it’s another amazing way to set the mood for bedtime, creating the building blocks for new nighttime routines. Mom and dad-to-be will continue to thank you for this gift as it continues to keep bedtime under control for years.   Bottle of Champagne or Wine (or Sushi) A nice basket compilation featuring their favorite pre-pregnancy indulgences isn’t just thoughtful, it may just be deemed essential as well! But when takeout or a trip to the liquor store is out of the question, consider meal delivery services that will keep you well-fed, like UberEats, Seamless, GrubHub, Doordash, and Caviar. As for wine… Plonk Wine Club delivers organic wines right to your door, making us think maybe quarantine isn’t so bad.  

Hillary Folkvord (@hillaryfolkvord) has been using ToteSavvy since her first born was an infant. As her daughter grew, so did the contents of her bag. Her family recently went from three to four and her use for ToteSavvy has changed yet again. Read on to see how this mama of two under two packs her bag.  Since becoming a mom of two this year, my organization skills have gone to the next level. Before having children, I never fully understood the need for a dedicated diaper bag. I would see mothers hauling around oversized bags, and wonder what could be in there. But after becoming a mother, I now understand babies do need a lot of stuff. The Totesavvy original actually was one of my first purchases, with the hope to organize my tote, but to also save the interior of my bag with all the mess that comes along with babies. I’ve also realized, in order to get out of the house on time, my diaper bag must always have the essentials. My two-year-old is finally out of diapers (halleluiah), however we are back in the diaper phase with our newborn. I also like to take the minimalist approach to packing for two. FOR OUR NEWBORN Diapers Travel Wipes Disposable Changing Pads Sanitizing Wipes Hand Sanitizer Lip & Cheek Balm 5 in 1 Cover Swaddle Pacifier Baggie for dirty clothes Back up onesie FOR OUR 2 YEAR OLD Snack / water bottle Colorless Markers Amazon Kindle Fire I aim to have at least one diaper for every 1.5 hours and a couple of extras…things happen. Babyganics makes a 40-count wipes package, the perfect size and not too heavy. I love the Babyganics sanitizer wipes  Perfect for wiping hands, faces, and other surfaces you know your kids will touch. Disposable changing pads are key. How gross the changing pad surfaces can be. Hand sanitizer, this is must with a newborn. I love this brand, it’s a clean hand sanitizer version. Lip balm, I love the brand Erbaviva  It’s my go to for both kids. I like this 5 in 1 cover. We put it over our son’s infant car seat, and I use it to nurse in public. Swaddles  these come in so handy. They are lightweight, not bulky, and great to layer on baby. Pacifier, yes I am a binky mom, love this brand. Extra baggie for soiled clothes. We all know blowouts will happen, and extra baggie is great for these situations. Back up clothes always! For our toddler, she is definitely getting easy to go out with. Snacks are everything! I carry Puffs  Bars, and a banana. We also love this water bottle. She loves to color and I love the colorless markers. No mess. And for emergencies, I carry our Amazon fire kindle. There are a few movies downloaded and the Disney Color game she loves. 

An exclusive look at how moms around the country are getting it done (and how you can, too).  Quarantinis aside, there are close to a million ways you can get through your shelter in place. And though a cocktail helps, it’s the times where you’re in the thick of your inbox, your kids are climbing all over you, you’ve already succumbed to letting them watch their third episode of YouTube trash, and you’ve relinquished your will, committing to sweatpants for the third (fifth?) day in a row. When you look up, you realize it’s barely 9:30am, and you’re wondering how in the hell you’re going to get through another day.  In a weird way, quarantine has felt strangely familiar. It’s like a longer, more drawn out, and much more stressful newborn period. The days blend together, time seems to lack any type of structure, and you’ve forgotten when you showered last. With no place to go, and a seemingly endless to-do list, we’ve been sequestered inside. In the not-too-distant past, days spent at home, together, may have seemed like a dream. Maybe it’s the anarchist in each of us that wants to buck the system--is it just because we’re being told what to do and how to do it that makes this so unbearably hard?  Actually, no. It’s the fact that we’ve just been asked to become teachers, parents, therapists, yoga instructors, and, for most of us, bosses or employees. It’s never been more clear than now that work life and home life are distinctly separate for a reason. In this current climate, we’re being asked to be everything simultaneously, a feat that is not only completely, irrefutably difficult--it’s impossible. And that’s not cynicism, it’s just a fact. We can’t be everything at once. Put simply, we have but 1 mind, 2 hands, and 24 hours. No matter how you slice it, things at present are challenging, to say the very least.  But every cloud has its silver lining, and if we’ve learned anything from this, it’s that community is paramount to getting through. For you, even just reading this means that you’ve enveloped yourself in the warm embrace of someone that, albeit digitally, gets it. Even better, we just pooled our rockstar mama resources to bring you the full monty: the most insightful Quarantine Survival Guide to date. From this point forward, fear not. When you’re feeling down and out, this list is here to help you find the light.  FOR THE MAMAS (AND PAPAS) From Elizabeth A (@trustle_): I am a child psychologist by training and am the founder of a parent support organization called Trustle.  We are currently offering 1:1 parent support sessions to help parents manage this difficult time, discuss ways they can support their children, and help them design a schedule and distance learning/play/connection routine that works for their individual family.  You can learn more here.  From Tara (@thismamasoul): We are offering free prenatal/ postpartum yoga streaming and have a beautiful bookstore online. We also sell the amazing CBD salve for all the pains and stiffness of being stuck at home.  From Lauren K (@totesavvy) Working from home is always challenging. Adding a house full of kids, pets, and a significant other just adds to the noise and stress levels. On top of our normal workload, we're also expected to play the role of teacher, make meals, sanitize everything that comes inside our home, along with a laundry list (oh yea... laundry 😒) of other things on a daily basis. Personally, I felt overwhelmed 5 minutes into our shelter in place order. Each day has been a bit of a rollercoaster ride but I've learned a few little tricks to help bring some normalcy back and get myself through each day. If you don't have a quiet area to get work done, put in headphones and blast your favorite playlist for an hour or so while you concentrate on one task at a time. For me, music can be inspiring and helps me focus. Hearing my children fight with one another, on the other hand, is not. P.S. If turning the TV on for an hour lets you have this time to yourself, do it! Get on a homeschooling schedule. Our 1st grader is given worksheets to complete weekly. I print them all out and divide them among file folders labeled with the day of the week. She knows she has to finish those worksheets before she can watch TV or play on her iPad. It gives her the flexibility to choose when she wants to sit down and do schoolwork while also enforcing that she does have to participate in learning daily. Make sure you're making time for yourself. No matter what, you need to prioritize yourself at some point during the day to ensure your mental health is not overlooked. From Amanda W (@amandapanda_abracadabra): On Self-Care: This might sound silly, but my husband and I have been going to bed EARLIER and waking up earlier. I'm so exhausted at the end of the day with full-time parenting and trying to run our business, I feel like I don't even really enjoy running a bath or a movie at night after the kids go to bed because I'm physically tapped out and just thinking I'll have to do it all over again the next day! I have been waking up early to give myself more time, and have been taking my morning coffee out to a lounge chair (I'm literally in my bathrobe, this is not fancy) and I take a big blanket and just enjoy some fresh air, REAL quiet (there are hardly any planes flying overhead, and everyone in the neighborhood is at home and sleeping in), and mentally get ready for my day.  In the mornings, I have been doing the following after getting out of bed and drinking some water: a short meditation, 5 minutes of journaling, 10 sun salutations, and having my coffee with either just silence with hubby or a good book. It's been amazing! Going for a run - it's a safe way to be socially distancing! I also imagine 'running away' from the virus, this weird new reality, and anything else that's bugging me (is that weird? probably). On Beauty (Haha): I don't dye my hair yet, but I have been getting regular eyelash extension treatments for years, as well as eyebrow treatments to make those bad boys fluffy and filled in. Now I basically look tired. I am using this time to grow everything [out]: I ordered lash and brow serums, and I'm also trying to 'train' my hair a bit more to be washed fewer times in a week.  I get my exercise clothes out, clothes for the day after I've exercised and washed my body, and set out everything around my Riki mirror (what a major purchase that was for me!) to do a bit of makeup in the morning - that is the main beauty thing I'm doing to make me feel human every day, act like I'm going somewhere! That includes putting on nice jewelry too - why not? From Melissa R (@melissarosenfield): For hair color: I ordered clear gloss from Target (Kristen Ness) because my colorist said it will enhance my color and add shine without changing my balayage and probably the lowest risk until we can color again.  For skincare: Still using sunblock because of all the blue light and large windows.  For working out when it isn't an option: Obe, Bala wrist/ankle weights as I clean around the house and using my 6-month-old as a barbell.  For reading: Audible and real books which means I am not on the computer or watching TV all day which is helping my brain.  From Kelsey S: (@shopmilimili) 3x a week Zoom happy hours with friends once the kids go to bed. Some are game night themed, some are digital book or movie clubs, some are just chances to gripe with my best friends about how shitty this all is. But it's nice to have human connection outside of our house, and I'm finding I’m seeing and talking to my out of state friends more often than I did before Covid. From Tara C (@thismamasoul) On the hair side!!  Art and Autonomy is making hair color delivery. I have a hair contact there, her name is Mary. You can send a photo of your hair and she will put together either a gloss or at home product.  Related, from another genius, Kaitlin Strobel: Reach out to your hairstylist to see if they can re-create your color and send it to you to do from home and help keep their small businesses afloat!  From Shea K: (@shea_kluender_) I like to use self-portraiture as a form of self-care. I lead with weekly creative prompts and supportive conversation, which could be a great resource to include in the survival guide for those seeking a down-to-earth artistic space. Mamas simply create a Pathwright account to log-on to the 2020 Self-Portrait Community virtual space from home - the weekly "lessons" and discussions are all online. This course regularly costs $30/month for unlimited content and community, but it will all be free the rest of the year in support of offering a resource to mother ourselves and each other during this crazy time.  From Misha V (@mishavayner) I’m a holistic health coach & wellness blogger that supports overwhelmed mamas in feeling their best without the stress. This has been a focus of mine always, but now more than ever.  My blog has tons of resources, such as my Busy Mama Cook Book & Mindful Mama Guide , & Self Care Tips , How to Support yourself during stressful times, natural ways to fall asleep, how to reach your health goals when you're exhausted, easy ways to quickly get nutrient-dense foods such as my top 3 vegan, delish, drinkable soups and on and on and on.  I send out weekly newsletters focused on this with relevant content! (Find her here!) Time blocking the calendar has been really helpful for me but my fave online offering at the moment [is] Kidville. My kids’ ages are 2, 3, and 6 and they have LOVED their content and classes. FOR THE KIDS FROM ALLI OF WILD CHILD GYM  (@wildchildgym) Wild Child Gym has been producing free classes and posting on YouTube. We’ve been getting amazing feedback and a following worldwide! The program is a combination of movement, skills, and activities like puppet shows and dance breaks meant for young children to be active while still providing content allowing their imaginations to flourish.  We are a small family business and our gorgeous studio is based in downtown Culver City, CA.  In addition to 2 episodes every week, we are posting mini videos with ideas for indoor play, like: three games to play using a blanket, fort building, and more! We are community-focused and have been sharing our ideas on stories to help keep little ones engaged. Like neighborhood walks with a purpose that turn into a fun activity, like rainbow hunts, texture hunts, and nature soup. We are organizing a community Easter egg (art) hunt. Kiddos are drawing Easter eggs and displaying them on front windows/doors and then we ride around the neighborhood to find the eggs. From Amanda W (@amandapanda_abracadabra) We put a whiteboard up in our kitchen, and after dinner each night we write down our schedule (loosely!) with our kids for the next day. What we are doing after breakfast, after lunch, what are we having for meals, etc., we pick baking projects or art projects for the afternoon after any classes or lessons, etc., and because my husband and I run a business together, that's a good time to discuss who's watching the kids at what time based on work, meetings etc. It is NOT very warm by us right now (we're in the UK) but we have a small back garden, and unless it's torrential rains, we are outside with our boys doing literally anything anytime we don't have an inside activity. Right now they are just loving taking things they don't normally take outside, outside (like books, mega blocks, their IKEA table and chairs to do coloring, etc.) Yoga videos together: for some reason, my kids love trying to do what we do - so we have been doing a ton of yoga videos online (literally anything) and then the game is copy! Forts: we have done indoor and outdoor forts, they take a good amount of time to set up and perfect, and then any activity inside seems more fun (most of the time). Last choice: movie (we try to find something like Wall-E, etc., where we can have fun watching but also talk about it afterward) From Melissa R (@melissarosenfield) To de-stress: Coloring with my babe. He likes to see what I am doing and it's literally the most relaxing activity. We have lots of coloring books but a few museums are putting coloring pages online that you can print of famous paintings. From Kelsey S (@shopmilimili) Khan Academy Kids - for my preschooler. She decided to stop napping during this whole thing (just icing on the quarantine cake), so I give her one hour of this learning game and she is obsessed. And I get to get some work done, or tend to baby, or prep dinner or whatever I can squeeze in.  From Lauren D: (@circletimefun) As far as classes go, I am using Circle Time, the company I work for. They have lots of classes so all three can take their own class or we all do a cooking class together. To be honest, once we do a couple of classes I feel less guilty about the IPAD ad Netflix time.  Benita G (@zesttorganics) This is a very small detail and probably sounds silly but the best piece of advice I've gotten is to start using a snack basket.  I have a 4-year old who loves her snacks. On the weekends we never really policed it but now that she is home all day, she was on a snack hunt every hour (or at least it felt that way)! We started with the basket last week and never looked back! I'm honestly surprised at how well she responded. I load it up with a few things every morning (fruit, crackers, cheese), put it in the refrigerator, and it is hers for the taking.  She knows the rules: (1) you can only have what is in the basket (no more asking for a million options), and (2) once it is empty, snacks are done for the day. It's made life so much easier! The first few days she cleaned it out entirely but the last two there have been a few leftovers. Again, super simple but definitely one less "thing" on my plate during this crazy time :)  FOR THE FAMILY  From Amanda W (@amandapanda_abracadabra) I have standing FaceTime and Zoom 'appointments' with family, my best childhood girlfriends, neighborhood mums, friends around the world that my husband and I socialize with, and former colleagues. It really helps to have these in your calendar to look forward to!  And finally - laughter really is the best medicine for everything. I have one of those husbands who uses any excuse to 'take the piss' and while I am usually the center of these jokes, I'm learning that just laughing and taking it easy/letting things just be funny because funny is so crucial right now, has been fantastic for lightening the burden and heaviness I've been feeling, worrying for my family, my parents, siblings and nephews, friends and loved ones all around the world. From Kelsey S:  Daily walks - we all get dressed like normal humans and go out for a 30-minute walk every morning. We see other people and say hi, enjoy the California sunshine, and we all feel so much better afterward (especially the dog). From Lauren D: As far as self-care, I am teaching my three littles (7,4 and 2) how to do dance cardio so I can get in my cardio and have a dance party with my kids. Also, they are learning the ways of face masks and mani-pedis.   This piece was written by the ToteSavvy team with love, but made possible by the HEYMAMA community, a huge resource for working moms--in quarantine and not. Make sure to share with other mamas in your life!

Every must-have you never want to leave home without.  Perfecting your diaper bag packing list is an ongoing game of trial and error, and one that every mother is constantly scrutinizing. And not only is the reason that the list is long--like, crazy long--but more so that, as your baby grows, that list starts to evolve. And evolve. And evolve a little more, until you reach a point where things become vaguely familiar and a little bit comfortable. In a surprise to probably no one, it then evolves again. Between picky eaters, tantrum soothers, loveys they can’t live without, and every essential in between, we jam-packed our top must-haves into this top 10 list of diaper bag musts. Read it all here:      1. Nose Frida Don’t knock it ‘til you try it. This bad boy will save the day better than any nasal aspirator we’ve tried. And when your sick little babe can’t find any other form of relief, we’ll bet you’ll try anything you can to fix it too. (Hint: we never leave home without this one.)  2. The Medibuddy First-Aid Kit A first-aid kit might seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised at how hard they can be to fit into a diaper bag--until now. The Medibuddy First-Aid Kit packs everything you need into one easy, grab-and-go case that fits into even the tiniest of spaces--but that fits particularly well into a ToteSavvy pocket.  3. Dr. Bronner’s Organic Hand Sanitizer Spray  When you become a new mom, you discover pretty quickly that hand sanitizer is crucial to keeping your hands clean. And in spray form, Dr. Bronner’s made it easy (plus, the calming lavender scent makes every chaotic moment seem just a little bit easier to handle).  4. Organic Applesauce Pouches  Fruit pouches have fast become a mother’s best friend. And let it be known that applesauce in a pouch is absolutely no exception--especially these tasty and easy to grab-and-go options from Prince and Spring.  5. Muslin Swaddles A lightweight muslin swaddle is the greatest asset to any brand-new mom. Easy to roll up and stash into any bag, they serve as the perfect feeding time cover-up, lightweight blanket or swaddle for any chill, and a burp cloth or rag for any messes (and these ones get bonus points for getting softer with every wash).   6. Rags Onesie Ready to roll--literally--the Rags Henley Romper is an easy option for smartly bundling into your ToteSavvy (and available in sizes 3-6 months all the way up to 5-6 years).   7. Soft Hat  When the sun’s out, and shade is hard to find, a simple, soft, foldable hat that easily tucks away--but is just as easy to grab--is one essential we always like to have on our bag.  8. Solly Baby Wrap Solly Baby + Babylist just did the collaboration of our dreams: a lightweight, easy to fold up and go baby wrap that’s made from soft, sustainable fabric--and it’s never not in our bags. 9. Energy Super Bar In a world of many a sleepless night and days jam-packed with the tireless game that is motherhood, we’ll take the energy where we can get it. This Sakara Life energy bar just happens to be plant-based and particularly delicious (which we like to call a win, win).  10. Cutie Pat Flat Pacifier  Gaining mass recognition rather quickly, this pacifier was made for babies with and without teeth, meaning that it grows with them from infancy to toddler life. Plus, you won’t lose it because it fits into your ToteSavvy pockets like a charm. 

Plus every reason they make the perfect diaper bag when paired with ToteSavvy.  For lightweight functionality that goes the extra style mile, we turn to MZ Wallace, the brand whose signature quilted designs epitomize easy-going luxury. We’re huge fans of this light-as-air bag, and the totes that work just as well as our go-to purse, not to mention our favorite tote-turned-diaper bag. Which is exactly what we’re talking about today. Up ahead, get a sneak peek of all the ways we use our MZ Wallace bags, and every reason it’s ToteSavvy’s favorite must-have diaper bag.    KEEPS OUR LIVES TOGETHER  The ToteSavvy bag organizers are essential to motherhood as they’re built to keep everything you need on-the-go in one easy-to-find (and easier to reach) place. Built-in pockets and a thoughtful design simplifies even the most chaotic moments, and its consciously-created construction makes it the perfect fit for your MZ Wallace tote bag.  MEET YOUR MATCH THE BAG THAT CHECKS ALL OUR BOXES MZ Wallace’s signature quilted composition is the backdrop for our approval, replete with a million little boxes just waiting to be checked off. And though the reasons we love this brand abound, let’s start with a few that round out the top, including but not limited to the incredibly lightweight structure of their totes. For a diaper bag that’s sure to be packed to the brim with all of baby’s necessities, a sturdy, leather-enforced strap and lightweight feel is always top of mind, and this bag has both. Plus, its other signature, an easy-to-clean nylon material, makes wiping up messes all the easier. (And messes, as we know, will be plentiful.) When you’re not using your bag, it rolls up compactly thanks to its pliable, puffy shape. But the reason we love it most? Its modern-meets classic style has urban street cred, meaning you can keep your good style rolling into motherhood without ever blinking an eye. That is, after all, exactly why we created ToteSavvy. Cheers!  

  Since launching ToteSavvy in 2014, the contents of my bag have dramatically changed. I remember as a new mom, I packed copious amounts of diapers and the largest pack of wet wipes one could find. My "diaper bag" was actually a small weekender with a ToteSavvy Original inside for extra organization. The pairing worked brilliantly!  Now that my kids older (4 and up), and potty trained **happy dance!**, I'm able to pare down my list of essentials and pack a somewhat minimalist bag that gets me through my daily routine with little fuss.  // WHAT'S INSIDE MY BAG //  wet wipes hand sanitizer  mineral sunscreen mini first aid kit chapstick + lipstick hand cream notebook highlighter + pen laptop snack bars x3 for the kids snack bar x1 for me sparkling water wallet / keys / phone      These are my absolute essentials that I make sure to have inside my ToteSavvy Deluxe at all times. Wet wipes, hand sanitizer, and a mini first aid kit are key for the ages of my kids. They seem to always have sticky or dirty hands and tend to need a bandaid more often than not. My beauty essentials are pretty pared down based on what I really use when away from home. Anything I don't use regularly is removed to make room for something more crucial. My work items are also minimal due to everything being digital these days. I do have a weakness for beautiful notebooks and prefer taking notes with pen and paper. Everything else is on my computer or phone. Snacks and sparkling water are other musts for my ToteSavvy. My kids always seem to be starving so packing snack bars for them is imperative. Anything to avoid hangry preschoolers!  Since the launch of ToteSavvy Deluxe, I've pretty much switched over to using Deluxe every day. I love having a dedicated space for my laptop and a pocket to keep my sparking water cool. It's also a perfect fit inside the Clare V. Simple Tote (pictured) and my MZ Wallace Metro Tote (large) which are my go-to bags at the moment. 

The quick and easy steps to keep you totally organized for every season and every occasion.  Our bags are our life source--they hold it all together for us and keep us looking the part, too. But they can become overwhelmingly busy quickly so that we find ourselves in disarray. Amidst a flurry of old receipts, gum wrappers, lost mints, lost keys, lost pacifiers, bribery candy, loose change, lost hair ties (are we seeing a theme here?), and that chapstick we thought we’d never find again, it’s all too easy to forget that our bags are our most trusted allies--and the thing that carries us through life.  Up ahead, read the step by step guide to get down to the bottom of true organizational bliss.  THE STEPS  1. Empty the full contents of your bag onto the floor, laying it all out in front of you. Throw away trash, old receipts, old candy, etc. (and reference the above list for anything else that could possibly be caught in the abyss). 2. Think about only what you truly need inside your bag. Make sure that what remains are items that will be used daily (or even weekly)--nothing else. 3. Spread your ToteSavvy organizer open on the floor in front of you. Then, begin placing items on top of the pockets to best plan where they'll go, seeing what fits most intuitively to your frequency of use or item size.  4. Once pockets are planned, place your items inside their respective pockets and close your ToteSavvy. Make sure bulkier items aren't across from one another. More on how to pack without bulkiness in this video.    5. Slide your organized ToteSavvy inside your bag and it's ready to go! Keep your handbag tidy year-round by always putting items away in their proper pocket, and doing a monthly check to remove any unnecessary items.    ToteSavvy doesn’t just let us keep our sense of self. Slipping it into our favorite bags is just a really amazing perk. The real magic happens when we put it to use, letting this workhorse bag organizer do all the heavy lifting for an accessory that looks good and feels better. So take this opportunity to finally sift through all those lost and buried treasures at the bottom of your bag. The result: an essentials-only bag and the quickest route to a full-on organization that promises to keep your year in perfect balance.

In 2018, Betsy Fore, alongside co-founder Sofia Laurell launched Tiny Organics, a nutrient-rich, organic baby food company designed to build adventurous eaters from a young age. Inspired by her son Sebastian, Betsy has set out to build the most sustainable, whole and diverse food program for toddlers on the market. We chatted about everything from picky eaters and kale to balance and organization.  We love the innovative flavors you incorporate into your recipes. How do you come up with the ideas for your meals? We collaborate with the Food and Nutrition Innovation Council at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University and are informed from their nutritional scientists around what and when to introduce a variety of foods to baby. We also partner with our Neonatal Nutritionist to ensure we are developing the recipes based on baby’s milestones. Our chef Maria has so much fun incorporating our “First 100 Flavors” approach by introducing children to foods from around the world with our recipes. My son’s personal favorites are Coconut Curry, Valencian Paella and The Perks of Being a Cauliflower.  Can babies actually like kale?!  Yes, our customers are obsessed with one of our best sellers “Kale & Quinoa Bowl” and we adults love eating it too!  What is your advice for parents with picky eaters? Is there anything that can be done? We love picky eaters and have been able to introduce our 100 flavors successfully by offering them multiple times. Babies and toddlers will not necessarily have a love at first taste with any new foods, so it is important to keep introducing and keep trying, sometimes up to 10 times or more until your child is accustomed to the flavor profile and can actually begin to prefer it.  What are some of your favorite kitchen staples you think parents of young children should have on-hand at all times?  We are building out Tiny heirloom products and I personally love our classic silver “Tiny” spoon. My mom still has my silver spoon from when I was a baby, and it’s so special to cherish these first momentos. I’ve recently become obsessed with different drying racks as it seems like as a new mom, you are constantly washing bottles, this one is so good. When I’m looking to unwind, I love to enjoy Otherland candles - they are such a welcome relief from a long day of trying to juggle it all. As soon as I put Sebi down for bed, I light one up. And they are especially nice paired with a french red wine!  As a mother, wife and co-founder, what does "balance" mean for you? Being present, if I’m with my team at Tiny, I am throwing myself into my work and am totally engaged. If I’m with Sebi, I’m not focussing on anything else but reading to him, cuddling him, listening to him and making lots and lots of eye contact. My partner and I are trying to get better at balancing date nights or any time alone, but we have begun planning couples trips for 2020, and those are great to look forward to!   Staying organized is the name of our game. We'd love to know how you stay organized on a daily basis. As it seems I’m always on the go, I currently cannot leave the house without my ToteSavvy, it organizes Sebi’s little life so well and the changing mat is a lifesaver for all my airport changes. For my personal life, I love to tap into my Calm app daily and set aside just 10 minutes before my commute to work every morning. I’m also training for a marathon right now and have been surprised at how organized I’ve managed to be just using Apple notes to track my miles! I recently downloaded Streaks, the app that helps you form good habits with a to do list, and I’m really excited as I’ve heard such great things!  Interested in raising an adventurous eater? Check out Tiny Organics online and on instagram to learn more!

New Year’s is a professional organizer's favorite time of year. Here at Done & Done Home, we love any opportunity for a fresh start and a chance to set up systems that will benefit us in the coming months.If you’d like to jump on the resolution bandwagon and get your home in order, we have a few tips to get you started. One of the most important things to remember is that organizing is a process, not an event.  So here are some general rules that will help you stay on top of things. Never Leave A Room Empty-Handed Through the course of a day, many of the items in our homes get relocated. Whether it’s your morning coffee cup or your child’s bucket of blocks, things end up where they don’t belong. Make a habit that every time you leave a room, you grab something and put it back where it lives. The same thing applies to going up and down the stairs if you have more than one floor. It may not seem like a big deal, but a 5 minute tidy will keep the clutter at bay.   Watch What Comes In The Front Door With the holidays behind us, now is a good time to commit to intentional consumerism. The main reason our homes get cluttered and disorganized is that we all have too much stuff. We like to apply the “one in, one out” rule. If you can’t pass up on a new pair of heels, another pair you already own has to go. Home decor, perfume, clothes, pet toys…whatever the item may be…if a new thing comes in, an old one needs to go out.   Do A Seasonal Edit No matter how careful you are, there will be things in your home that you no longer want or need. The changing of the seasons is a great time to go through your possessions. For example, if Spring has arrived, it’s a great opportunity to go through your winter clothes. Weed out the sweaters and scarves you didn’t wear and put them in your donation bin. Do the same process in all the zones of your home such as your pantry, linen closets, and medicine cabinets.Organizing doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task. Stay on top of the chaos by doing a little every day, be intentional with your purchases and go through your possessions every few months. And if you need a jump start or some assistance, we’d be happy to offer our expertise! Learn more about Done & Done on their site or on  instagram!

Everything you need to know for the year ahead.  Some consider the new year their personal Renaissance--a time of reawakening, and a chance to recommit to all the promises that have slowly sloughed away over the course of the year. That gym membership probably got a lot more action in January then it did come March, and the same probably goes for those to-go coffee cups and pre-packed lunches, too. But we’re not here to judge, because we’re talking from experience. If parenthood teaches us anything, it’s how incredibly difficult it is to maintain our own personal well-being while managing that of our offspring. So if you’ve ever rolled your eyes at a headline that suggests your best life starts with a full 8 hours of sleep at night, step in line (we’ve been standing in it for years). Today, we’re recommitting to the recommitment and getting a headstart on the new year with all the ways to get organized so that we have our best year yet--really.    PLANNING If we’re talking brass tacks here, there’s nothing that a parent relies on more than a good, old-fashioned calendar. For some of us, there’s more than one--digital, planner, and that thing we stick to the fridge that just looks like we’re holding the week together. But because we’re really going deep in 2020, these are a few of our favorite organizational tools for tracking everything from school drop-off to playdates and that coffee with your old work wife that you’ve been trying to get on the books for months.      The way we measure productivity can sometimes get lost in the flurry of things--probably because we’re too busy doing things. But for immediate digital assistance, and the best way to keep it all together, we’re big fans of the Cozi app and family organizer. With one goal in mind--keeping busy families (and what family isn’t busy?) organized--Cozi really works wonders. And because it’s become a centralized part of our daily existence, and probably yours too, we’re no stranger to Google Calendars for an easy and efficient mode of keeping track of our day-to-day routines.      Plus, there’s something that some of us just won’t give up--and probably for good reason. There’s scientific evidence behind how writing things down better embeds thoughts into our memory, which is why we’re devotees to a classic calendar. Our go-to is the Moleskine, a brand revered by the elites like Picasso and Hemingway. In an array of colors, designs and organizational options, the modes of which to stay on top of the ball are virtually endless.  And for full family transparency, and to keep the whole team on the right ship, we love a good refrigerator calendar. With the full month in front of you, and out there for everyone to see, keeping everyone in line will be a little simpler.    PACKING  Packing can pertain to a variety of things, all relevant to how we approach our daily lives. Getting organized is especially relevant for how we approach packing, and whether that’s for your daily lunch, that quarterly business trip, or for moms packing their diaper bags, how you load each up matters.      The easiest approach to packing a lunch is having something that fits the whole family, and every food preference imaginable inside. This is the sole reason we’re always reaching for Lunchbots, the original stainless steel bento boxes that help us carefully and efficiently pack a lunch. (Plus, they’re super sleek and incredibly easy to clean.) It also gives us an excuse to pick up an ultra-cute lunch box. Helps us stay motivated, ya know? Pack lunches in advance to keep busy mornings running smoothly!     Diaper bags are an essential part of every mother’s day-to-day routine. No matter the journey, it requires a laundry list of just-in-case items and absolute essentials. Diaper bags have come a long way since our own mothers’ time, and with a broadening of the term and a market rich in options, it’s become all about how we pack it. Available in three sizes, ToteSavvy is ripe for the picking--and packing. Choose the size that works best with your favorite bag, and become the most organized you’ve ever been.    There’s no telling where the new year will take you, but we have a feeling it’s going to be full of a lot of fun adventures. So start planning now--then get ready to get all packed up.   

Our favorite totes that fit every price point--and every essential.    Motherhood comes with a bit of baggage, but that’s not to say that it can’t be cute. We’d even be bold enough to take it one step further: motherhood can be cute, and functional. We’ve literally built our brand on it. Yes, there will be sacrifices. Sushi will not be a part of your life for the full nine months of pregnancy. You have almost certainly had your last night out (past 10 pm). And once you’re past the infant phase, you’re almost guaranteed to also be past the piece of your weekend designated for Netflix binge-watching.    But alas, there are a few things you can hold onto, like your favorite bags. Whether you’re taking these from pre-baby to post-baby, or you’re just in the market for a new bag, these are our favorite carryalls for every budget.      BAGS UNDER $100    1. L.L. BEAN HUNTER’S TOTE , $35 This workhorse tote isn’t just budget-friendly, it’s everyday, every way friendly. This bad boy will take you from work to the park and even to the beach without blinking an eye. And with it’s Thermoplastic, water-resistant interior, it’s practically made to hold your baby gear--inevitable spills and all. The medium size holds a ToteSavvy perfectly and will complement the rest of your L.L. Bean tote collection too.    2. BAGGU PUFFY TOTE , $68 We’re fans of Baggu because of their multi-use product line that’s budget-conscious and ready, willing and able to do our dirty work. This puffy tote is not only super cute, but the perfect size to fit life’s everyday accessories.    3. MADEWELL CANVAS TRANSPORT TOTE, $68 J.Crew’s beloved sister brand named this their signature tote, and it’s easy to see why. This bag is as easygoing as a mother of five, but as put-together as your most single friend. Roomy, casual-cute, and totally budget-friendly, it’s the everyday essential that never disappoints.    BAGS UNDER $200    4. MATT & NAT ABBI TOTE, $140 This luxe shopper tote is another workhorse that’s ready to do all your heavy lifting. And with a top zipper that keeps everything in one place--even when it falls off the roof of the car because you forgot about it while loading the kids in their car seats--you know that everything you packed will still be there when you pick it up.    5. NISOLO LORI TOTE, $168 Colorblocking takes this everyday tote from basic to statement. Plus, its oversized silhouette leaves plenty of room for diapers, wipes, bottles, snacks… and so much more.    6. J.CREW DEVON BONDED LEATHER TOTE, $178 Totally timeless, this bag by J.Crew is not only the perfect size, but the perfect fit for everyday--and every thing. Plus, with the option to monogram, you’ll still feel like it’s yours--even on the days when everything you’ve packed inside it isn’t.    7. CUYANA STRUCTURED LEATHER TOTE $195 Chic, structured, and classic, the Cuyana leather tote is the perfect complement to your look and your lifestyle.    8. LEATHEROLOGY LARGE ZIPPERED DOWNTOWN TOTE $195 High-quality leather and supremely durable straps make this amply-sized tote the answer to everyday essentials--and a thousand bribe-worthy sweets and snacks, too.    LUXURY BAGS    9. MZ WALLACE SOHO TRAVEL TOTE, $285 Known for their well-crafted and ultra-durable totes, MZ Wallace crafts timeless pieces that are ready to take you everywhere. And prepped and ready for anything, it’ll flow just as easily from carpool to takeoff, redefining what we mean by “take you everywhere.”    10. MARK & GRAHAM DAKOTA HIDE HANDBAG, $498 The step on the wild side that motherhood needs, this handcrafted tote takes you from school drop-off to happy hour with the girls without a second thought.    11. PROENZA SCHOULER LARGE TOTE  $995 Proenza Schouler is one of those designers that spits out fool-proof style every season. Which makes the reasons we love this particular tote virtually endless. But its sleek metallic colorway is the showstopper that sometimes, as mothers, our outfit needs. Because we know our hair hasn’t been washed in a week, but damn does our bag look fine. 

The most-loved essentials we are happily gifting this holiday season.  It goes without saying that the holidays are an incredibly special time of year. The way we celebrate, feast and gather is the greatest indulgence, and one we do with love. Gifting, too, is a similarly special piece of the holiday puzzle. It’s also a finely honed craft, an art form that we’ve tried our best to perfect, so that each and every person on our gift list fully realizes how much they mean to us. Finding sentiment in what we gift, and the thought behind it, is what really matters. Up ahead, we’re breaking down our absolute favorite gifts to give our loved ones over the holidays, hopefully helping you check off your gift list. Because perhaps the greatest gift of all is the smile of the recipient when they’ve opened something totally amazing.  KIDS PERSONALIZED JACKET, $85 There are few things more frustrating in life than wrangling a baby or toddler into fall and winter layers. But when you find something so special and personalized just for them, how will they ever resist? Mom favorite The Tot just rolled out an exclusive collaboration with Levi’s featuring the personalized trucker jackets that won’t just be a closet staple for your kid, but also their new favorite piece to put on.  WOODEN TOY ANIMALS, $62 Something handmade and so meticulously crafted takes gift-giving to a whole new level. Featuring an assortment of forest creatures, like deer, foxes, bears and more, this wooden animal set is a timeless classic that will never lose its appeal. The perfect gift for babies and toddlers alike, this set will fit snuggly into their stockings or under the tree, and will be just as perfect when gifted again for the next generation too.  SIGNIFICANT OTHER    THINGS ARE LOOKING UP DECK OF CARDS, $40 Not your average deck of cards, this thoughtful stack is made to bring you a daily dose of much-needed optimism. This brilliant set of cards is the brainchild of Dr. Deepika Chopra, a woman who has made the practice of optimism her life’s work--and we’re so thankful for it. Get ready to find your happy place with the beautiful deck that’s the perfect size for stocking stuffers, and even more perfect for taking time to reset--a ritual every partner and parent should always prioritize.  GLASS FRENCH PRESS, $85 Class up your morning coffee ritual with the french press to end all french presses. This is the perfect gift for your significant other because it’s something you’ll get to enjoy too. Not only is it beautiful, and an effortless complement to your countertop aesthetic, but this functional coffeemaker is the ideal gift for the husband or wife that loves a heaping cup of freshly-made coffee.      BEST FRIEND   TOTESAVVY ORIGINAL, $65 For your best friend that’s expecting, the ToteSavvy original is the perfect gift to keep her prepared and organized for the next phase of her life. Ready to be packed for the hospital, and used again and again down the road, this present will live alongside her to make the journey into parenthood just a little bit easier (and every bit counts).  BAN.DO PLANNER, $28 Moms may always have their cell phones on hand, but there’s something very grounding about a good, old-fashioned paper calendar. With lives busier than anyone’s, your best mom friend is sure to need any extra bit of organization she can get, making this the perfect little gift to give.     PARENTS + GRANDPARENTS GRAY MALIN: ITALY BOOK, $36 For the parents and grandparents on your gift list, this book will be the inspiration for future travels, or the beautiful reminder of vacations past. A portrayal of the most stunning spots in Italy, Gray Malin knows how to capture the most special moments that this European destination has to offer.  VITRUVI STONE DIFFUSER, $119 The ultra-calming and incredibly relaxing stone diffuser by Vitruvi is a staple for the modern home. The ideal gift for anyone, the brand comes with an assortment of essential oils designed to customize the mood of your room, creating a soft and subtly soothing touch for any atmosphere. 

It's not news that traveling with kids is hard. We tapped into Portland-based mama Whitney Goodman @wmgoods, to see how she plans to pack her ToteSavvy Deluxe  for her Thanksgiving trip with the family.  I try to stay as organized as possible between running my brand strategy and marketing consulting business and running around after our 9 month old daughter, Inez. Because we’re in the holiday season, things are particularly hectic, including quite a few family trips. When we first had Inez, we used a full-on, enormous diaper bag, but as she’s gotten older I’ve been trying to streamline our whole system and paring it back to just the essentials. I recently started using ToteSavvy’s Deluxe in Merlot and am taking it with us on our trip to San Francisco this Thanksgiving. This allows me to just throw it into my bag, pack one check-in bag with all of our stuff, and be done with it. Plus it keeps things my bag organized (always a struggle for me), safe from leaky bottles or spills, and I can swap it into other bags super easily. Here’s what I’m bringing with us: My laptop and charger Sunglasses Airpods A change of clothes & light sweater for Inez Antibacterial wipes for the plane All natural cleansing wipes Water Wipes 4 Diapers A teether and two small toys That's it! Luckily the flight is short, so I have the ability to keep it a bit more paired down. I'll keep you posted on how it goes! Follow Whitney's adventures on her instagram @wmgoods and her blog, wmgoods.me. 

Introducing our ready-to-go gift sets for all the moms on your gift list.  The truth about the gifting: it’s not always the easiest thing on our to-do lists. And speaking for ourselves here (but we know it’s true for you, too), those to-do lists are crazy long as it is. Which is the precise reasoning behind our latest and greatest: gift sets. In other words, gifting made simple. We figured, hey, a one-stop-shop for gifts that simplifies even one thing? That’s something. So get ready to check off a few boxes, because up ahead, we’re dropping the must-have gift sets of the season, and you’re not going to want to miss your chance to shop.  Newborn Gift Set What’s inside:  • Sophie La Girafe • Organic cotton footie by Petit Lem • Diapers and wet wipes from Parasol Co. • ToteSavvy Original (Soft Grey or Almond) We’re releasing our gift sets around the holidays. That’s for good reason--they’re the perfect gifts to give anyone on your list that’s expecting around the new year. But whether for the holidays or any upcoming shower, birth or birthday, The Newborn Gift Set features a bundle of essentials so carefully considered, your friends, sisters, and co-workers (another list that goes on and on) will be endlessly grateful to you for being so thoughtful. Everything from teething toys to diapers and more are all tucked within the ToteSavvy Original, the perfect complement to every new mom’s diaper bag--and stuffed with the must-haves she’ll be reaching for time and time again.  Toddler Gift Set What’s inside:  • Stainless steel bento box by Lunchbots (small protein packer) • Tegu magnetic blocks (travel size kit) • antibacterial wet wipes by Me4Kidz • first aid kit (medi buddy) by Me4Kidz • ToteSavvy Mini (soft grey or black) We designed the Toddler Gift Set around all the essentials for the new-but-not-new, new moms in your pack. An ideal set-up for the mother that uses a backpack, the ToteSavvy Mini works seamlessly into a busy toddler mom’s life, and comes stuffed to the brim with a mom-tested and approved Lunchbots lunch box. Plus, you’ll also find a travel set of Tegu’s insanely smart magnetic blocks, right alongside Antibacterial Wet Wipes and a first aid kit. Featuring all the things they need but may not have thought of on their own, this is another carefully curated gift bundle that mom can add to as she goes.  As is always the case, our brand ethos is built on the foundation of simplicity. That means simplifying your daily routine, your life on-the-go, and the forever-long to-do lists too. So for this season and beyond, let us support your gifting needs, too. 

All the things to plan on packing in your bag when you head back to work.  Sometimes the hardest part about motherhood isn’t the act of giving birth, or the struggles of intuiting another human’s every need, or learning, together, how to breastfeed through tongue ties (or to opt for formula when that’s what works for you). Sometimes the hardest part about motherhood is creating an incredibly strong bond with your infant, only to have to return to work once you’ve finally fallen into sync.  Whether work is a part of your livelihood, a necessary contribution to your household, or a piece of your life that gives it all meaning and purpose, or a business that you birthed and nurtured just as you did your child--and whether that return to work looks like 6 weeks or 12 weeks or 12 months postpartum--it doesn’t matter. Because heading back to work can look a lot the same for all of us, tears included.  But, some good news: tears aren’t what we’re here for. ToteSavvy is the literal silver lining turning the ultra-chaotic world of parenting into some idea of order. Because if your morning starts with plans to get to a day at the office and daycare, respectively, that’s going to mean there are two giant bags to pack--and you’re going to want to do it thoughtfully, and methodically (especially if you’ll be pumping at work). The most important things to pack for returning to the office after baby, from the women who’ve done it too.  “Homemade oatmeal & flax granola bars (both promote lactation) in silicone reusable bag and lip salve.” --Aisling, @aisling_mcdonagh “Baby wipes, rubber bands (impromptu, makeshift, hands-free for pumping if you end up having to work while taking a pump break), travel size Aquafor for chapped spots, Chatbook of favorite baby pictures to flip through when you're missing your kiddos.” --Becca, @beccamoo1091 “For me: hand sanitizer, hair ties, a small pouch with makeup, comb, hand cream, small travel size perfume and deo, bandaids, snack bar, small ziplock of nuts, pen, sanitary napkin/tampon, sunglasses, [and] nail file.” --Neha, @neha_chinai  “My most essential things to pack once I returned to work were my pump parts and bags for the milk. I can not tell you how often I showed up to work without the Lansinoh bags!” --Deb, @prenatalyogacenter  "When I went back to work, I was a wreck. My son was born with Down Syndrome and I was so worried. So I filled my bag with self-care items to use when I was feeling stressed like roller-ball essential oils, healthy protein snacks... It's what inspired my company, Acorn & Oak, and now I never leave home without one of our travel-sized weighted blankets--so easy to take to work, and so helpful in combating the stress that parenting invokes." --Shelly, @acornandoakbyshellyrosenberg   “I gotta say - my hormones made me sweat. I had organic rosewater spray in my bag for a delightful refresh and to make myself feel lovely.” --Michelle, @radicallyselfish  “I *always* packed running shoes just in case could get even a 10-15 minute jog in before picking up my babies!!!” --Rosey, @roseyolivero   “Always always hand sanitizer. [And] wipes. You find uses for them far beyond your baby! I would take off pigmented lipstick before dousing my babies with kisses.” --Laura, @laurasiegel_nyc “Tissues: [the] transition back to work can be emotionally difficult and having tissues on hand for the sad moments helped.” --Kristy, @kristyawallace and @ellevate_ntwk “My back to work routine revolved around pumping… A plastic gallon Ziploc with four 8oz. Medela bottles and all the pumping parts. The bag made for spill-proof transport home at the end of the day and sanitary storage in the work fridge…” --Miriam, @heybloomwell “As a busy mom, I don't know how I lived and stayed organized without my ToteSavvy. I tell everyone I know that they need to get one. Whether its for personal, business or being a mom, it's the perfect addition to keeping me organized and on top of my game. Especially when it comes to me working. I can easily switch from mom life to work life and not feel flustered. It's the best invention, not to mention the quality is amazing and the colors and sizes are perfect." --Gabrielle, @gabriellemilford  What’s often an inevitable return to the office can sometimes be daunting. And, because you’re not just packing a bag for yourself anymore--but making room for pump parts, small toys, snacks for now and later, and the list, as we know, goes on--you’ll welcome the structure that ToteSavvy brings to not just your bag, but your life.

Liz Libré and Lizzy Ott first met in high school, ended up at the same college in Maine then both landed in NYC post-college with careers in the creative field. It was in 2016 when the two got together to build their first collection of bedding specifically for children and their brand Lewis was born. Today, the co-founders have (almost) six children between to the two of them as well as an expanding business of beautifully designed bedding, accessories and apparel designed for children, yet elevated for the parent. We caught up with Liz and Lizzy to talk about entrepreneurship, experiencing nature in NYC and of their secrets to managing it all.  How did you make the decision to leave your respective jobs and embark on the path of entrepreneurship?  Liz: When I was pregnant with my first baby, I asked my dear friend Lizzy (in school for her masters in interior architecture at the time) for help setting up the nursery. Lizzy couldn’t find any printed crib sheets that she loved, and suggested I put my illustrations on fabric. It was then that the idea for Lewis was born. We sat with the idea over the years, and continued to be dissatisfied with what we saw in the market, until we finally decided it was time to give it a try. What has been the most rewarding part of owning your own brand? What has been the most challenging? Lizzy: The most rewarding part of owning our own brand are the emails we receive from customers with photos of their kid's bedrooms or their newborn all wrapped in one of our swaddles. They are so heart warming and mean so much to us! We are so grateful we get to make the impact one baby or kid at a time that we’ve always wanted to! The most challenging is what many working parents deal with-- the juggle of home, young children, work. And trying to make time for ourselves in there. Some days are more successful than others! There is a strong nature theme in many of your prints, yet you're both based in NYC. Where are your favorite places to draw inspiration from, both in and outside of the city? Liz: Yes! We believe strongly that nature produces what kids are most naturally drawn to before they’re influenced by culture and media. Not only this, but we believe it’s where most adults find the most beauty, so there is an overlap for imagery that children love as much as adults. Inside the city, my family spends a lot of time in Prospect Park and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Lizzy and her family spend a lot of time in Central Park and Stone Barns (right outside the city!). We’re so lucky to live in a city that prioritizes green space. Outside the city, we’re both drawn to the coast. My family and I spend as much time as possible at the Jersey Shore, and Lizzy and her family spend a lot of time on the Rhode Island coast and visits family in Wyoming as much as possible. We’re both nostalgic for our time in Maine--always! What's next for the brand? Can we look forward to an adult collection anytime soon? Lizzy: Adult is probably not in our near future - but never say never! We’re continually drilling down on what can improve the quality of our products and fit, and editing the best possible selection of nursery print + color. We have been playing with some new baby gift sets as well as a few articles of clothing--so those are both possibilities for the near future. How do you juggle your personal time, professional time and family time?  Liz + Lizzy: It’s something that’s not easy for anyone--whether you’re running your own business or working for someone else. It has become somewhat easy to make office hours sacred. They are limited in a week and we’re passionate about what we do, so real focus is natural. It’s of course hard to turn that off at home, but we both make a conscious effort to put our phones away once we step in the door so that our kids are the focus and nothing else. We can always return to things we need to after bedtime, but during the week it is only a few precious hours a day we have with our kids, so we make it intentional. Fridays are also the flex / balance day for us. We expect to be out of office with our studio manager taking the reins, but we have options for when work is unavoidable on Fridays. We really cherish the extra family day, even if it makes working hours more hectic. Personal time is hard at the moment!  Liz: After having our third baby, James (3yrs), I thought I’d never be alone again. In the past year, as he doesn’t physically need me as much, it’s been easier to carve time out for myself. I wake up before everyone else to work out, a luxury I didn’t have for so long because sleep was so unknown. And now that our kids will happily have a sitter put them to bed, we make sure to have regular date nights. I get together with friends every couple weeks, and last year I started taking weekly tennis lessons with a group of women. This year I want to take a creative class. I love learning new things--it’s crucial for my creative process and I’m finally not too exhausted to do it! Lizzy: Personal time is difficult with children my age. They are understandably demanding of my time and I’m usually exhausted. I make it a point every once in a while to sneak out of the house for a few hours of solo time, I wake up extra early for a couple of workouts a week, and every once in a while dinner with girlfriends. The truth is I know all of life is seasons. Before I had children I had all the personal time in the world and I craved being needed more. I have very little right now, but I know this will ebb and flow over the years. As long as I always take a pulse check and make time when I’m nearing the end of my rope, that’s okay for this season. Can you share some of your favorite tips, tools and advice to keeping it all together? Liz + Lizzy: We’re big believers in pre-packed bags and zip pouches so there is always the right thing to grab without too much rushing around in the chaos of trying to get out the door. We pack our zip pouches for car trips, overnights and daily strolls. And we always have one ready to go!  On any given day, what can we find packed inside your ToteSavvy Deluxe? Lizzy: Liz and I are both big canvas carries when it comes to keeping all of our kid's stuff in one place for schlepping around ! We love that even in white canvas the Totesavvy disappears into the interior, but helps organize so much! We might have a small tote like this for a quick outing, or a much bigger one for a day--with the totesavvy padded out by layers of clothes, blankets and burp cloths. In here you can see our bunny -- I never leave home without a few small toys to entertain a one year old, a spill-proof cup that my kids can share, my Loeffler Randall wallet (that both Liz and I have!), a small pouch from our set for keys and lip gloss, a swaddle, and of course diapers and wipes. Not seen tucked into Totesavvy sections are emergency snacks - never leave home without them, some extra clothes and emergency pacifiers for the baby. 

In our world, an uncomplicated life is our best life. That’s not to say motherhood isn’t without its hiccups--of that, we know, there are plenty. But through the chaos, and perhaps in spite of it, we came to realize a need for things that make the full picture look a little bit more fluid. ToteSavvy is the solution to keeping you organized, to keeping your life within some boundary of order and to help you keep a piece of the life you used to live. Becoming a mother does not mean you have to sacrifice style, or that bit of edginess you keep slung over your shoulder. Your outfit still deserves its choice of complements, just as you deserve to keep receiving all those compliments on your outfit.  STYLE WITHOUT THE SACRIFICE Live your life uninterrupted. ToteSavvy comes in three convenient sizes so that, no matter what your favorite bag looks like, there’s a size and style that fits you. What’s more, moving your ToteSavvy from bag to bag is an effortless endeavor. Not only are you preserving the integrity of your bag by allowing your ToteSavvy to take the brunt of the wear and tear, you’re able to easily transition by popping it in and out. Two convenient top straps give grab-and-go a new meaning, allowing you to pull out everything it holds in one easy swoop--and then pop it right into your next tote with ease.  HOW TO DO IT SIZED TO ORDER  Ensure all items are in proper order, held securely inside a pocket, and that nothing is loose at the bottom of the organizer. PULL-UP GAME Pull the ToteSavvy insert straight up and out with one hand while holding your handbag with the other. LOWER, SLOWER  To transfer your packed ToteSavvy insert from one tote to another, make sure the new tote is open to its fullest. Then, gently tilting the ToteSavvy down, place one bottom corner inside the tote*.  *Insider tip: If you’re working with a smaller tote, you may need to squeeze the other bottom corner together to help it slide down into the tote.  SHAKE IT ‘TIL YOU MAKE IT Use the handles to gently pull up in a few swift motions to help the insert fall into place inside the tote.    Shop our full collection featuring the three ideal sizes when you visit our online shop today. To learn more about which size is right for you, check out our in-depth ToteSavvy Guide. 

Practically made for each other: the full  list of our must-have accessories to pair with your ToteSavvy  It’s your job to be the mother, but it’s our job to shoulder the heavy lifting. So to save you some much needed time, we went to work to create a full breakdown of our favorite mom-friendly products that just so happen to fit perfectly in your ToteSavvy. Because some things are just better together. And through careful research, we’ve curated a list of perfect accessories to pair with your ToteSavvy.   INFANT   S’WELL BOTTLE S’well bottles are a to-go necessity, keeping beverages cool or warm, and making many a car-ride or stroller cruise a little easier. Plus, it’s another sustainable choice that you can feel good about. (And serious mom hack for formula babies on the move: measure your formula in a bottle, cap it, then keep warm water in the S’well bottle. Pour water from your S’well into your pre-made bottle when you’re ready.) Keep it snug and safe in any one of your ToteSavvy’s tall pockets.   POP PACIFIER  We were so happy for the arrival of the Pop Pacifier, something that’s a natural fit for baby and you--and we happen to mean that quite literally. Eco-friendly, fit for your baby’s mouth, and naturally hygienic, this product is one we keep with us at all times, giving baby peace, and us peace of mind. Bonus: it fits inside any of your ToteSavvy’s small pockets.   BROWN’S NATURAL FLOW ORIGINAL BABY BOTTLE Three of these Dr. Brown’s 8oz. bottles fit snuggly, upright, inside the cooler pocket of our ToteSavvy Deluxe, making everything from full days away from home and road trips alike easy, breezy.  INNOBABY PACKIN’ SMART STACKER  Innobaby makes products that are efficient and smart, making them ideal for moms on-the-go. They work as great for snacks as they do for measured formula, and they fit snuggly in any of your ToteSavvy’s pockets.  MULTI-USE CAR SEAT AND NURSING COVER Products that fold up and come with many uses are what our motherhood dreams are made of, which is why this multi-use nursing cover is always rolled up and tucked away in one of our ToteSavvy pockets. Easily covers your car seat, you and baby while nursing, or it can be used for basic shade when needed.   TODDLER    KLEAN KANTEEN  Klean Kanteen makes mommy favorite Kid Kanteen, another water bottle that we’re rarely without. They come in a variety of fun shapes and designs that the kids love. But we love them most because they easily pop in and out of any of our ToteSavvy’s tall pockets.  LUNCHBOTS CONTAINER Quite literally the perfect fit for our ToteSavvy Deluxe’s insulated cooler packet, so that whether you’re on your way to a playdate, to school, or a picnic in the park, you’ll be cool as a cucumber (and so will your snacks).  STASHER BAGS Stasher bags are the eco-friendly and sustainable answer to snack storage that we’ve been waiting for. Their snack-sized bags also happen to be just the right size for any tall pocket in your ToteSavvy, so that you can keep your little bites--or any various and sundry “little things”--right at your fingertips.  FUNTAINER® STAINLESS STEEL WATER BOTTLE WITH STRAW  The Thermos straw water bottle is something you’ll rarely find us without, especially with that little voice almost always piping up from the stroller or the backseat--”water, water!” But because it fits in any tall pocket, you’ll be answering their request in no time. INNOBABY PACKIN’ SMART STACKER  Innobaby makes products that are efficient and smart, making them ideal for moms on-the-go. They work as great for snacks as they do for measured formula, and they fit snuggly in any of your ToteSavvy’s pockets.  TEGU BLOCKS  Tegu Blocks are the kinds of toys we live for: they essentially keep themselves in order, and they’re just as easy to pack away when strewn about. Which is especially true for the Tegu Blocks Travel Pals, which are the perfect size for any ToteSavvy pocket.  SQUEASY GEAR SNACKER  At this point, you may have noticed a trend: we’re really into things that travel well. As moms, we’re almost always on the move, and things like the Squeasy Gear Snacker (which you’ll always find tucked in our cooler pocket or tall insulated pocket) easily turn our purees into a grab-and-go option.  EVERYONE  PUBLIC GOODS BAMBOO WET WIPES  Mom to mom, we have a not-so-secret secret: we feel better about buying things we trust, and even better when it’s from a company we trust. That’s why we’re always reaching for Public Goods Wet Wipes--because, let’s be honest, we always need wet wipes. These are healthy, sustainable, and always right there when we need them--in any of our ToteSavvy’s tall pockets.  RENA IMAN CLUTCH WALLET  The Rena Iman Clutch Wallet is another 2-in-1 product that makes our lives that much easier. Extremely versatile, it serves as both a wallet, and safekeeping for our credit cards, insurance cards and more, and also as a beautiful accessory that we can move from bag to bag (just like our ToteSavvy). Plus, it’s the perfect size for either our side flat pockets, our laptop pocket, or simply adjacent to your ToteSavvy.