Inside ToteSavvy

Gabrielle Milford (@gabriellemilford), founder of the Gift of Gabs is a full-time consultant and mom to a very busy toddler. Gaby's life got a whole lot more organized when she discovered ToteSavvy, and she's been hooked ever since. Learn more about how this Las Vegas mom packs her tote for a very festive fall outing! As a full time working mom there's not a day that goes by that I don't use my ToteSavvy. From toddler essentials and must-haves for work to spontaneous family outings, I couldn't get through any of it without my ToteSavvy Deluxe. I'm constantly switching out my essentials as I go through my day. From drop offs, meetings and spontaneous family trips, I find it extremely important to have my ToteSavvy packed for any occasion. I'm sharing what I plan on packing for a day trip to the orchard to pick apples and how perfect the Deluxe fits into my bag. WHAT I'M PACKING: punkin butt chapstick antibacterial wet wipes 3 diapers wipes clutch 1 gogo squeeze 1 individual bag of goldfish 1 nature valley granola bar lotion lipstick hydro flask wallet sunglasses keys clutch with bandaids, Tylenol, hair ties + gum   The pockets keep everything organized! I don't have to spend time digging through my bag, which is helpful when I'm in a rush to grab a snack out of my bag for my cranky toddler who refused to eat lunch. Without a doubt, my Deluxe always has this mama's back!   I definitely recommend giving the ToteSavvy Deluxe a try if you're a mom who needs a little organization in your life or want to look like you have it ALL together. You can even use their original which I’m a huge fan of as well. Don’t forget to follow along on Instagram @gabriellemilford or visit TheGiftofGabs.com

As a working mama, I needed something to keep me organized while not losing my style. Then I discovered the ToteSavvy Deluxe, which I put inside my LV Neverfull MM and it's been a GAME CHANGER! By the way, it fits perfectly!!! When my needs change from work to home life, the ToteSavvy helps me quickly take things out. Even Baby A thinks so too!  WHAT IM PACKING:  FYI I have a 1 year old. So he requires a lot from me from diaper changes, to feedings, to entertainment, to clean ups, did I mention snacks and more snacks?  Here is a full detailed list of what I pack: 3-5 Diapers (depending on how long we are out for) Aquaphor Full-size Baby wipes (I use baby wipes for EVERYTHING!! Not only during diaper changes but it comes so handy during meals and clean-up of any kind) Teethers (I carry at least 2-3) Small toys Extra bibs + bibs when eating Disposable Placemats (this is a MUST when eating out, it makes it so much easier + sanitary) Food Shears (to cut up his food into bite size pieces when we go out) Extra baby clothes (onesie/shirt + shorts) Breastfeeding cover Hand sanitizer Sunglasses (both for Baby A and me) Small cardholder Extra wash cloths Water Bottle iPad/laptop (the Deluxe has a slot on the side that fits a MacBook Pro or iPad perfectly) Keys Chapstick Gum Baby Sunscreen Snacks, snacks, and snacks! (I carry around 3-4 different types of snacks) Boy, isn't that a lot?! What's even more exciting is that all of the items above fits PERFECTLY inside all the pockets! All sides have different sized pockets, so it's very convenient to easily grab things out. It's really designed perfectly for moms. BONUS FEATURE: It even has a large sized zipper pocket with an insulated cooler to keep snacks and bottles at the perfect temperature! ANOTHER BONUS FEATURE: The Luxe Red color matches PERFECTLY to the LV red inside!! I love how I don't have to lose my style while being a Super Mom. I love the ToteSavvy Deluxe SO much that I even got the ToteSavvy Mini for my Husband. He uses this and it fits inside his diaper backpack perfectly. I will be doing a full detail of the ToteSavvy Mini soon! Follow along on my adventures in motherhood on instagram at Jamiesyang.   

The Louis Vuitton Neverfull is hands-down the most popular bags to pair with ToteSavvy. It’s a great everyday tote that functions as a gorgeous diaper bag when paired with our organizer. Not in the diaper bag phase of your life? ToteSavvy is still a fantastic option to keep this oversize tote neat and tidy all day long. As far as Neverfull organizers go, ToteSavvy is one of the best-suited options. If you’re new to Neverfulls you’ll want to know they come in three sizes: PM, MM, and GM. PM is the smallest, MM is the medium size, and GM is the largest. The MM and GM are the best sizes for everyday use and hold a lot of essentials. Below we’re breaking down the sizes and showing you which ToteSavvy is best for the MM and GM   MM (Medium Size Neverfull)   The MM works with all 3 of our organizers (Deluxe, Original, Mini), each one fitting differently. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference for which you'll like best. Pictured above is the Deluxe. It takes up most of the room inside the tote and can be considered more of a "snug fit". Original fits the same as Deluxe as these organizers have the same dimensions. If you're looking for a bit more room around the ToteSavvy organizer and a lighter load on your shoulder, we recommend pairing the MM with ToteSavvy Mini. Below you'll see how ToteSavvy Mini provides pockets and organization without being too bulky, making it a great choice if you want to pack other items in your bag.   GM (Large Size Neverfull) The GM size Neverfull is a great all day, everyday bag with a large capacity. We recommend pairing ToteSavvy Deluxe or Original with the GM size. The organizer will sit down inside the tote and offer a ton of organization for everything you carry. You'll still have a little room around the organizer, offering the ability to pack more items or sinch the sides of your tote. Below you'll see how the GM looks with a ToteSavvy Deluxe.    For comparison sake, we want to show you what ToteSavvy Mini would look like in the GM tote. Below you'll see how our smallest size organizer looks inside an oversize tote bag. You'll notice a ton of room for other items which may or may not be to your liking. For this reason, we really only recommend Deluxe or Original for the GM.    Another point to note is how the ToteSavvy organizers sit inside the MM and GM. Below you'll see an image of the Deluxe inside both Neverfull sizes. When paired with the MM, the Deluxe handles peek out slightly. This isn't a problem for most, but again it really comes down to personal preference. If you think having handles peeking out would bug you then opt for ToteSavvy Mini when using the MM! Have more questions? We'd love to answer them in the comments below! 

LA-based mama Gee from TheGeeLife rarely leaves home without her LV Neverfull and ToteSavvy Deluxe combo. We wanted to know, on any given day, what we might be able to find in her bag. Read on for her essentials!  If you’re a mom to a baby or young toddler you know leaving a house without at least 15 things in your bag is a reality since you never know what you’ll need. I don’t always like to wear a bulky diaper bag, which is why I love my tote bags especially my LV Neverfull. But, my biggest beef with was that I could never find stuff in it because all the little items would get buried under the big items. Thanks to ToteSavvy that’s the problem of the past.  I have my sanity back thanks to everything being organized by my ToteSavvy - it keeps everything in its place so you can find when you need easily. Here’s a sneak peek at my bag contents: Extra set of clothes 2 Diapers  Pack of wipes Baby face wipes  SPF Kleenex  Teething tabs Tylenol Snacks: 2 bars, apple sauce  hand sanitizer Deodorant  Lotion Aquaphor Comb Lipstick Baby Glasses  My glasses Coloring book Other reasons I love ToteSavvy: Ease of changing bags (simply put the packed insert into other tote without moving individual items one at a time.)  It keeps my totes nice and clean from any spills, scratches and marks. (I had a banana mess once because my son got his hands all over it in my bag but there was no damage to the bag) ToteSavvy is super easy to clean (simply use water and paper towel and it’s like new again) There are 3 different sizes to fit different bag sizes   I love being organized and ToteSavvy is a genius idea!  Be sure to follow @TheGeeLife for her mom journey!

A great crossbody bag is a staple in any wardrobe. It's easy to wear and helps keep your hands and shoulders free. We love to pair ToteSavvy Mini with our crossbody bag to keep it organized throughout the day.  We're currently coveting the below crossbody bags, each of which pairs perfectly with ToteSavvy Mini.    See ToteSavvy Mini in Action   

We love seeing how our customers are using ToteSavvy to accompany them on their summer adventures - making it all a little more manageable. If you're not following these awesome women already, we suggest you start!   Brittany of @loverlygrey Taking her little lady on a lunch date with her ToteSavvy in tow//@loverlygrey   Lauren of @laurenkaysims Always traveling in style - this time to her sister's baby shower //@laurenkaysims    Gee of @thegeelife Our girl rarely goes anywhere without her LV Neverfull and ToteSavvy combo//@thegeelife   Thida of @thatgirlglick Looking glamorous while making those tough decisions on a vacation or staycation//@thatgirlgick    Jamie of @jamiesyang Feeling like the most stylish version of Mary Poppins with the amount she can fit in the bag//@jamiesyang Emerson of @classycleanchic We love the effortless this effortless summer style complete with the perfect summer tote//@classycleanchic Bianca of @biancacloxton We love how seamlessly our Deluxe fits inside the Fawn diaper bag//@biancacloxton Melanie of @musingsofamamabird Boat days are the best days, especially when spent with your family//@musingsofamambird

We find that our biggest inspiration comes from our ToteSavvy community, which is why we're launching our newest series, "What's in My ToteSavvy." We first peek inside the bag of Jeanyne Jakubowski, wife, mother and founder of The Blooming Jaks! During the summer, my purse magically fills with more "little people" items than anything. Since I tend to have more things to carry, I naturally gravitate toward larger bags. That creates a separate issue since most larger bags become "black holes." That was until I was introduced to ToteSavvy! I love how this organizer has multiple deep compartments of varies sizes, wipeable fabric, and three different sized organizers. See how I organized my ToteSavvy Deluxe for a water outing with my daughter. To avoid carrying multiple bags, I decided to pack her items and mine in the same bag. Here are the items I packed in my bag: Sunscreen Sippy cup (for her) Water (for me) Snack cup Sun shirt Chapstick and lip gloss 2 Books Toy Hand Sanitizer Diapers Diaper Cream Wallet Keys Stuffed animal Wet bag I had a jar of ice water that I zipped inside the insulated section to test how long my ice water stayed cold. Ice remained in my glass jar 3hrs later! I typically use this pocket to pack food/beverages that need to be kept cool.  I even had enough space for my personal items and for a (stuffed) friend! And I always attach my keys to the key ring to avoid endless digging. Summer adventures have become much more organized!        

Summer is approaching and as the weather warms we love to update our handbag to match. Below you’ll find a curated list of great summer handbag options. From a cool neoprene tote to a fun and eclectic straw tote, every bit of your summer personality will be met. Each bag can be paired with any of our ToteSavvy inserts. We recommend Deluxe or Original for the most organizing power, and Mini for a compact insert that doesn’t weigh you down.                  

 Your little is now mobile and you're officially in the toddler phase. While it may seem like you'll need to carry less around with you on a daily basis, the opposite is likely true. Toddlers require a lot of essentials to keep them clean, dry, fed, and entertained. It's exhausting just thinking about it! 😅 Our toddler packing list will keep your toddler calm and content (at least until they see a squirrel) throughout the day. The secret is to pack a variety of snacks, entertainment, and a few "just in case" necessities like a first aid kit. You never know when your little one will fall or just want to cover their body in band-aids for fun.    WHAT TO PACK       With a complete list like this one, we recommend using ToteSavvy Original or Deluxe to get the most capacity out of your organizer. In the below example we're using ToteSavvy Original in Almond. It's the perfect size for everything on our packing list and fits nicely inside any large tote. You can swap for Deluxe if you like to carry cold drinks or perishable snacks. The cooler pocket in Deluxe is great for carrying anything that needs temp control!     

Kortni Jeane has been a boss way before she was a mom! Her namesake swimwear line launched in 2014, but she was making swimsuits for her family and friends since high school. We chatted with Kortni about how she stays inspired, the importance of inclusivity and how she keeps it all together.  Give us some background! How did you decide to create a swimwear line? What did you do before your own line?  In high school, I started sewing my own swimwear because I was tired of matching everyone else at the pool. I quickly had my sisters asking me to make them one, then friends, then friends of friends and all of a sudden I had strangers knocking on my parent's doorstep! Although I continued doing it as a side hustle for a few extra bucks through college, it wasn't until after I finished school that I decided to establish Kortni Jeane and manufacture my first collection! My goal from the beginning was to create a swimsuit that every body felt comfortable and confident in. Early on I noticed how many women were held back by the fact that they would have to wear a swimsuit and I hated that to be the issue for not joining on something they wanted to. I have a strong desire to change this mindset for women and make swimsuit shopping FUN. Where do you derive inspiration for all the different styles and prints for all of your suits? This is my most asked question and honestly the hardest to answer as I can't pinpoint it to a specific thing. Travel is one of the most inspirational things that I do. I love new experiences, seeing different cultures, observing how people live, what makes them happy and thrive. I am just inspired by everyday life and people. Not to sound creepy by people watching is one of my favorite, dare I say, hobbies. I am so fascinated by how different each of us are! We love how inclusive your brand feels. Being a swimwear line, how important is the message of body positivity to you? From the very start, it was so important to me to empower women to feel comfortable in their own skin. We often allow ourselves to miss out because we aren't feeling up to our own"standards" of how we feel we should look. But we were all created differently, so why try to be anything but ourselves? Only you can be you and that is so special. I want moms to do cannonballs with their kiddos, for teenagers to join in on beach day, and to play volleyball in the sand without having to worry about your swimsuit. I want people to look at themselves in the mirror when they're in Kortni Jeane and smile. How do balance work and motherhood? Can you share some tools/tricks/words of wisdom for what "balance" looks like for you? I have found that I just don't believe there is such a thing as "balance." Some days I am really focused on work and other days I just play with my babe. I don't think there is right or wrong when it comes to figuring out that "balance" for yourself. For me, it's just being present in what I am doing. So if I am working I don't sit feeling guilty about taking time away from my baby, and when I am sitting playing with my little guy I don't stress about what needs to get done at work. My time definitely isn't split evenly and is always changing, but allowing myself to focus on what I am doing in the moment has allowed me to feel less guilt and be more productive.  Let's chat organization! How do you organize your schedule, your inbox, and your bag? With my busy lifestyle, I need to be organized so that I can get the most out of my time. Just the other day my husband was in shock of my email and how many folders I have and how many subfolders my folders have. I have a place for everything so I don't waste too much time searching. As a working mom, my biggest thing is to have all the information I need with me at all times -  not overwhelming right? So where is that kept? On my phone. Through my cloud, I connect all my emails, folders, documents from each of my computers so if I need access to something while I am away from my computer it is easily accessed. A vendor or employee can call me up and I can answer any questions and easily make decisions. This allows me more freedom with my baby without having to skimp on the demand of my job. It's actually ironic we are talking organization as just the other day my sister asked to borrow my nursing cover and as she got into my diaper bag to pull it out she remarks, "I have never seen such an organized diaper bag." My initial thoughts, included,  "isn't everyone's diaper bag organized?" "Doesn't everyone use individual pockets to easily access their baby things? "And then I realized not all diaper bags have the zillion pockets. This is why I use a Totesavvy. There is enough chaos in my life, I don't want to stress about forgetting something at home or not being able to find it in the masses of "things" in my bag. Cause if mama gets hangry that nutter butter cookie better be in plain sight or ain't nobody happy. It's true, babies do grow up so fast. So in this stage of my life doing the small and simple things to stay organized allows me to spend more time with my baby and in the end that's all I could ask for.

  As a mom of 3 (my oldest is 6 and my youngest two are almost 4) and a business owner, I find it crucial to always have a well-packed handbag. My needs change as I shift from work to home life, and a prepared ToteSavvy allows me to quickly grab and go as I move from one role to another. Now that my kids are a bit older I don’t need to carry quite as much, which has allowed me to pare down to my essentials, which subsequently has also opened up more handbag options. WHAT I’M PACKING Lately, I like to use ToteSavvy Mini for most daily outings and when I’m taking my kids from one afterschool activity to another. Since my little ones are now all potty trained, I don’t worry about packing diapers or a change of clothing for quick trips. Instead, I pack snacks, sunscreen, hand sanitizer and a few other “just in case” essentials. Here’s my full packing list: sunscreen (lotion) sunscreen (face stick) hand sanitizer spray antibacterial wet wipes band-aids and ointment 3 kids protein bars 3 boxes of raisins 1 RXbar (for me) Dior lip glow balm Sweat Cosmetics foundation powder stick with SPF Glossier boy brow  hair ties mints small wallet keys   All of the above fits inside two tall pockets and two short pockets of ToteSavvy Mini. That leaves me the inner flat pocket and insulated pocket open. Before heading out the door I’ll fill a bottle of water or grab a La Croix to slip inside the insulated pocket. My phone slides into the inner flat pocket for easy access.   WHY I’M LOVING THIS SETUP While I love ToteSavvy Original and Deluxe for work, travel, and other big outings, it’s freeing to carry a smaller handbag or lighten the weight of your large tote when you’re just running around town. ToteSavvy Mini still fits A LOT of essentials and keeps it easy for me to quickly switch bags. I don't mind having extra room around the organizer and actually like the open feel. Plus, as the weather keeps warming I like having a ToteSavvy that can be easily switched to a backpack for park trips.     I highly recommend giving ToteSavvy Mini a try if you're looking to pare down your essentials and pack a little lighter. Even if you're just organizing your own items, it's a great size to keep everything together and easily accessible.  

When you meet Neha Ruch for the first time, you somehow feel like you've already known her for years. She's honest and warm without a hint of judgment to her. It's no surprise that her digital platform, Mother Untitled has put her on the map paving the way for the "grey" area of motherhood.  For those who are unfamiliar, can you explain what Mother Untitled is? Happy to! Mother Untitled, is a digital platform - a blog, social community, shop and newsletter -  for women who are making career pauses or shifts to make room for motherhood.  I’m very committed to rewriting the narrative about leaning into parenting as an empowered choice that can actually unlock more intention, connection and creativity.  It’s also important to note that the notions of the “working mother” and “stay at home mother” are quite black and white and our community really explores the lifestyle for all the women in the shades of grey in between. What was your career prior to children and launching Mother Untitled? I spent 10 years in between digital strategy at an ad agency, business school and running brand at an e-commerce start-up. When I had Bodie, I shifted into brand consulting two days a week and when I realized this niche of women like myself in “the grey area” was underserved in content, I started creating MU alongside raising my kid(s).  I always wanted to be a writer but equally loved digital brand building so I feel grateful for how it’s come together this way with Mother Untitled.     Do you have some practical advice for people who might be considering a career pause to make space for motherhood? What steps should they take to prep in advance? The best thing someone told me when I was considering what came next was that life and your career is a long game. Whether it’s a full pause or a dial down or a shift to something more flexible or personal, optimize for this chapter and trust the process.  You can keep checking in with yourself to see if whatever choice you are making for yourself and your family still feels right. A couple of tactical tips that I tell all my friends at this juncture: Practice answering the question, “What do you do?”  That can feel challenging to women new to this stage.  Here are some prompts to get your “story” down and my own experience with answering and stumbling on that question. Network!  I swear my best “networking” has been at baby classes and playdates. If you have a scheduled date night or girls night, challenge yourself to always carve out a quick drink or tea beforehand with a former colleague or a contact working on something that’s grabbed your attention. Consider everything - parenting talks at your preschool, book club, women’s network (i.e. HeyMama or The Wing) events - an opportunity to keep your network current.   Keep a hand (even a little toe) in the game if you can.  This is hard when you’re time-strapped but once the kids are in a playgroup or a nursery school or if you have a babysitter/nanny for some hours, I find volunteering your time or consulting on projects (or certainly starting you’re own if you’re keen) is a great way to stay sharp.  This can be one-off projects for your kids’ school or larger organizational efforts or businesses but it’s just about staying connected at whatever scale. Here are some more ways to stay connected during your time away from the traditional work force. You often talk about your strong support system, but you often hear new moms talk about how lonely they feel. How did you go about building and maintaining your tribe? I felt lucky to experience community early in my parenting experience - I know that’s not the case for everyone and so I’m going to first say I had a bit of timing and luck. Living in New York in my particular neighborhood helped - it’s a mecca for newlyweds so we were in close proximity to new babies. For example, a woman who was pregnant in my apartment building at the same time ended up being one of my closest friends and our boys have grown up together.  We still can’t agree on who made the first move but I’m pretty sure she dropped me a note and asked me for coffee when Bodie was 6 weeks old. I met a few women in a baby movement class who I really enjoyed - the regularity of a weekly check-in gave us some momentum and then we began initiating play dates outside of class.  Once I started giving myself some more room to work on Mother Untitled, I met a few women in my co-working space who have become dear friends. Friends from home and college who live further away have text chains that were my life line in the earliest days when I wasn’t so out and about.  Having a couple girlfriends to text when you’re up at those 4am feeds reaching the ends of the Internet is a blessing. Maintaining relationships when time and more specifically, time alone, feels scarce is hard. I have a weekly girls night on the calendar where I plan catch-ups with friends, sometimes one on one, sometimes as a group, sometimes for a drink or a full evening. As a mom of two - what are the tools that keep you organized and make you feel like you have it together? I’m very into anything that helps our home feel calm and that starts with me.  I’ve just started using Stillpoint (it’s an app for meditation for mothers) though I know people swear by Headspace. I have a week at a glance notepad (similar to this one) that lives on our counter which helps me sketch out the moving pieces to the week (school days, kids’ music or art classes, evenings out, etc.) so everyone (my husband, our nanny and myself) are on the same page.  Speaking of our new nanny who is the ultimate tool (in the best way), I also have a little family manual that I crafted that has all the basics - family contacts, kids routines’, etc. - to brief a new babysitter or friends or family who are helping out. For Mother Untitled, I use Slack with my team of freelancers to touch base on various projects and keep email back and forth to a minimum. I’ve dabbled with a lot of different project management platforms like Asana and ultimately Google Sheets works best as a running list of todos and to manage our editorial calendar.  I block schedule time to work and I leave the house to go to creative co-working spaces. I used to go to the Soho House but I’m keeping my life in a 10 block radius of late so I’ll walk to The Wing M-Th afternoons. To feel a little bit more in the know, I’ll listen to The Skimm podcast en route which is a quick punch list on headlines. For pick me ups, I’ll use GlamSquad blowdries or a mani & pedi at home during naps or after the kids go down for bed. On any given day, what can we find packed in your ToteSavvy? I am rummaging through right now to give you the honest nitty (but neat) gritty.  In the littlest pockets I have two natursutten paci’s, in the diapering section I have a handful of Pampers Pure diapers, Burt’s Bees burp cloths and a tube of Weleda Calendula diaper cream tucked into a pocket with Water Wipes.   On the opposite side of pockets I have Pehr bibs (both my kids are/were droolers so my bib game has to be strong) and two changes of Kyte Baby onesies.  In the outer pocket I keep a Look Look book, rings and Baby Paper for lightweight entertainment. Everything has its place which I love though my husband says he’s still very unclear on the method to my madness.

  Mark and Graham are known for their classic styles and beautiful monogramming. We love this backpack style since it's large enough to pair with ToteSavvy Original or Deluxe!  BEST TOTESAVVY MATCH: Deluxe or Original   As a sporty option, we love this neoprene backpack by Sweaty Betty. The material will work with any environment while looking its best year round.  BEST TOTESAVVY MATCH: Mini   The Brave backpack by Matt and Nat is simple yet highly functional. Its wide straps are very comfortable on your shoulders, while the sleek design offers great mobility in any situation.  BEST TOTESAVVY MATCH: Mini   We love Nena and Co for their gorgeous one-of-a-kind bags. The Convertible Day Bag is their larger style which has room for ToteSavvy Original or Deluxe! This tote converts from crossbody bag to backpack in a snap, making it ideal for everyday use.  BEST TOTESAVVY MATCH: Original or Deluxe    If you've left the house in the past year, chances are you've seen someone carrying this backpack. It's become a staple for most parents due to its gender-neutral design and easy nature. We love this backpack as it opens wide, making it easy to grab what you need. It's also super lightweight! BEST TOTESAVVY MATCH: Mini   This classic backpack style takes on a new look with its neoprene material. We love how functional and strong neoprene can be, while also offering a cool look. Classic backpacks are best suited for ToteSavvy Mini.  BEST TOTESAVVY MATCH: Mini   The Fawn Design bag will always have a spot on our favorites list. The design is so simple yet chic. While this bag can be worn casually, it feels luxe and more trendy. We love the wipeable vegan leather that's easy to clean!  BEST TOTESAVVY MATCH: Mini (though Original and Deluxe do fit)

As a pumping mom, it’s crucial to supply yourself with the right essentials and proper organization. We love how ToteSavvy Deluxe offers a fully insulated cooler pocket right inside the organizer. This allows for easy storage and transport of your breastmilk without lugging around an additional bag. You have enough on your shoulders, extras bags shouldn’t be weighing you down. We equally adore the Moxxly Flow when pumping at home or on-the-go. The pump can be worn under your own bra, eliminating the need for a hands-free pumping bra, and allowing you to stay fully clothed while you pump. Nothing is more degrading than stripping off your blouse and bra to squeeze into an uncomfortable pumping bra. Moxxly, we thank you for building a product that allows us to keep our dignity. During your pumping session, we suggest packing the below essentials:   Pump – obvs Moxxly Flow + accessories – your pumping parts Thin ice pack – to keep your breastmilk cool Medela Quick Clean Steam bags – to quickly and easily clean your pump parts Medela Quick Clean wipes – another way to quickly clean your pump parts (we love having options!) Wet wipes – for any spills or just to wipe your hands Hand sanitizer – always sanitize before touching your clean pump and parts. Nipple cream – 100% needed. It will save your nipples from cracking and chaffing Breastmilk pads – to soak up any milk leaks Ziplock bag – to store your clean pump parts between pumping sessions Snack – pumping makes you hungry. Nough said. Water bottle – Always consider your hydration and make it a priority to drink water Phone – It’s helpful with your let-down to look at photos or videos of your baby when pumping All of these essentials fit nicely inside ToteSavvy Deluxe along with your wallet, keys, and other daily items. We suggest pairing Deluxe with an oversized tote as it will allow room to carry the pump motor next to ToteSavvy.    A few notes when packing ToteSavvy Deluxe with your pumping essentials: 1. The pump motor will be too large to fit inside ToteSavvy so you'll need to choose a tote that's large enough to fit the pump next to ToteSavvy. In this example, we're using the Neverfull GM (photo below).  2. You'll notice there's still some room inside the cooler pocket. If you pump multiple times per day, you'll want to bring extra bottles or breastmilk freezer bags. 4-6 bottles will fit inside the cooler pocket. If you're using freezer bags you'll fit even more!  3. We chose to pack a wallet and the pump battery back in the outer x-large pocket. This one has lots more room inside it for a makeup pouch, phone charger, or anything else you take along with you daily.   

Bring us up to speed...how did Moxxly come to be? Moxxly was founded in 2014 by three women with a passion for getting shit done. When Gabrielle Guthrie, while finishing her masters’ in design, first saw a breast pump, she was incredulous that this product category hadn’t been more thoughtfully updated and immediately began the redesign. Meanwhile, I had returned to my post-MBA corporate job with a breast pump slung over my shoulder. A few weeks of undressing awkwardly in small, cold rooms around the office, I found my new professional propose and quit my job to create a better pump solution. Around this time, Santhi Analytis was finishing her PhD in mechanical engineering, looking to apply her background in medical devices and robotics to women’s health. The first time she saw a breast pump, she knew she wanted to solve the problem before she had kids and got right to work.  Why do you think it's taken so long to re-envision the breast pump? I think there are complementary trends on both the supply and demand side that have led to recent breast pump innovation. On the demand side, over the past few years, we’ve seen almost a 100 percent demographic shift from gen x to millennial moms. With this change comes different consumer expectations; millennial moms came of age in the time of iPhones, Tesla, etc. They’re also returning to work while still breastfeeding in record highs. They expect and need an updated breast pump experience.  On the supply side, innovations like 3D printers, Kickstarter, the excitement about the Internet of Things have made it (slightly) easier to get started as a startup in the hardware space. The breast pump product itself is still a beast of a design, regulatory, and engineering challenge, however; innovation in this space is not for the faint of heart. What do you see for the future in breastfeeding technology and products? What role do you see Moxxly playing? I think the future of breastfeeding technology needs to include innovation on both the brand and the product experience. We need to change the conversation about how we support modern women integrating motherhood into their identity first and foremost. Then, she needs the right set of tools — including breast pumps and accessories — to support her in this transition. As for the role I see Moxxly playing —we want to lead it!  For your first born, you were an employee. For your second, you owned your own company. Can you explain a bit about the difference between the two experiences? When my son was born in 2013, I was an employee at a big tech firm and felt very well-supported in my maternity leave. I had a 3-month leave, a pumping room when I returned, and a manager who understood the challenges of working parenthood. I’d like to think my team missed me while I was out, but also knew that at a multi-thousand person company, they’d get along fine without me for a few months! It was a gift to ease into motherhood that way.   For my daughter, born around Moxxly’s 2nd birthday, I was signing deal docs on my phone in the hospital. Life didn’t stop when she arrived — in part because I already had a toddler at home and in part because Moxxly was also still getting off the ground. I took a few weeks off, mostly, but we were a tiny team and if I didn’t show up to do my part, it didn’t get done. I was in charge of fundraising and I’m proud to report that we closed our acquisition before my daughter learned to walk. That professional success was not without personal trade-offs, and I do have some sadness about the time I missed with my baby daughter when she was so little, but I’m incredibly proud of the work we did at Moxxly that year. That’s a sacrifice I was willing to accept as a startup founder that I wouldn’t have been so willing to make at a large company.  With the many roles you play in a day - how do you stay organized?  Life-hacks: when cooking noodles, always make the whole bag (and freeze what you don’t need); never leave the house without crayons and almonds; and reward yourself with little treats regularly. A new lipstick can go a long way on a bad day.

Narrowing down your diaper bag contents can be extremely freeing. It’s not always necessary to pack the entire nursery, which is why we built this minimalist packing list. Carry what you need without lugging around what you don't. Our minimalist packing list includes essentials you’ll need for your infant or toddler (12 - 36 months) without any unneeded extras. The keys items here are snacks, entertainment, and a few extra items to keep you prepared. Pro tip: When packing an extra outfit, roll it together (bib and socks included), then place inside the tall pocket. This space-saving hack allows you to be prepared for spills and accidents without adding bulk.   Download the packing list   We used ToteSavvy Mini to show you just how compact your diaper bag really can be. One of our favorite things about ToteSavvy Mini is how versatile it is. Pop it inside your favorite medium size handbag when you want to dress up, then switch to a backpack for a day at the park. Take a look at the packing video below to see how easily you can transfer from tote to backpack.     

image courtesy of @tracitaylorcollective   As a seasoned mom, I’d like to think I know a thing or two about packing my ToteSavvy for a newborn baby. I also happen to have experience in both breastfeeding and bottle feeding my babies. My oldest was breastfed for 6-months (after a VERY rough start) and my twins were breastfed for about a week then formula fed. Throughout my time with teeny babies, I learned a lot about what’s needed inside your diaper bag and what can be left at home. ESSENTIALS FOR BREASTFEEDING When you’re nursing you have to think about what your body needs along with what you’ll need for baby. Always have a large bottle of water with you (I love Swell bottles because they keep liquids cold for 48 hours!) and protein bars (or another easy snack) to curve hunger. I remember keeping granola bars on my nightstand because I would be starving as soon as I woke up to nurse my daughter. The same thing happened when we were out and about. Whenever hunger hit, I made sure to be prepared with a tasty bar. My favorites are RX bars and Go Macro bars. Other than water and snacks for myself, here’s my condensed list of what you really need inside your diaper bag when nursing a newborn.  Download the packing list Watch the packing video   All of this fits inside ToteSavvy Original size making it easy for you to tote around your essentials inside any tote you love. I suggest pairing ToteSavvy original inside a large tote for the most room. When my kids were newborns I liked having extra space around my ToteSavvy and even carried a weekender as my daily tote. It was fabulous!     ESSENTIALS FOR BOTTLE FEEDING After struggling to breastfeed my first I decided not to put pressure on myself to breastfeed my second. As luck would have it, I ended up pregnant with twins instead of another singleton (a word I never heard until after having twins). From the get-go, I knew I couldn’t exclusively breastfeed twins so I set myself up to pump and formula feed. Pumping lasted about a week and then I transitioned fully into formula feeding. When you bottle feed you actually carry a lot more around with you which means you have to be even more strategic with your packing. I purchased the short Tommee Tippee bottles that can be stacked inside ToteSavvys pockets. I would carry around 4 five ounce bottles (pre-filled with water) and a stacker of pre-measured formula. To make a bottle you simply pour the formula into the bottle and shake. Super easy. Other than bottles and formula, my packing list was pretty similar to what I packed while breastfeeding. Here’s what I suggest packing when bottle feeding a newborn. NOTE: This example is for one baby, not twins, though we're working on a packing tutorial for twins and multiples! Download the packing list! Watch the packing video   If you’re pumping and bottle feeding on-the-go, I recommend pre-filling your bottles with breastmilk and storing them inside the cooler pocket. You’ll have a little extra room as you won’t need to carry the formula along with you! All of the above essentials fit nicely inside ToteSavvy Deluxe. I prefer Deluxe when carrying bottles because you can store them inside the roomy cooler pocket. The laptop sleeve can easily double as a place to store folded clothing. Don’t let the “intended purpose” shy you away from this style!   Want to see more packing action? Watch our packing tutorials for newborns, toddlers, and more! Take a sneak peek at the tutorial for packing while breastfeeding below.       

With 9 years and 10,000 prenatal clients, Sara Lyons knows a thing or two about providing women with birth support. In 2010 she founded Glow® Birth & Body in Oakland, CA and last year, she launched The Birth Deck by Glow®, bringing her years of knowledge into the labor room with families all over the world. She now lives with her husband and two young children in NYC. We caught up with Sara to chat about family, motherhood, being bi-coastal, of course, how she stays organized. Both Glow® Birth & Body and The Birth Deck are centered around supporting mothers, which we fully support! Can you share a bit about your journey? I started working with pregnant families straight out of college in 2004 as a massage therapist specializing in a prenatal massage while I was living in Australia. I had the opportunity to learn from the owners of Body Freedom Urban Retreat about everything from birth support to HR. The experience was invaluable is what inevitably helped me launch my own center in Oakland. I'm excited to announce that we'll be opening Glow® in Chicago later in 2019! The Birth Deck by Glow® is designed for those preparing to have their first baby. For those who haven't seen it, what can they expect? Thank you for the love! The Birth Deck by Glow® is a compilation of the 50 most useful childbirth comfort techniques in the Glow® arsenal. After working with thousands of clients at Glow®, there are some clear winners in the comfort game and they can be broken up into four categories: Movement, Massage, Mindfulness and General Support. Each card in the deck illustrates a different technique and cards can be pulled at random throughout labor. The cards can also be used to prep for labor as part of your birth education. We’ve found that even if you read books and took classes, come game-time, a lot of that knowledge goes out the window and reminders are necessary. You work with women in such a special stage of their lives - what is your favorite aspect of what you do? The bridge to parenthood is a shared journey, something that impacts all of us no matter where in the world we’re birthing or adopting. I love witnessing this transformation that can bring people to their knees and lift them higher than the sky from one breath to the next. It’s a raw process that nothing can fully prepare you for and education really only comes through community. The healthiest way to experience the transition is with the help and guidance of others. Even when it feels like all the advice is judgement, it’s really just people wanting to help you do it better than they did it, to give you the advice they wish they’d gotten the first time around. I love being an impartial sounding board and resource for families all over the world. With two different businesses (one based in Oakland while you're based in NY) and two little ones - how do you manage to keep it all together? My time is always stretched. Always. As a business owner with employees relying on me, I often feel like I have many more children than the ones living in my apartment. I rely heavily on my calendar (I use iCal), Trello (a project management app) and focused advanced planning. Anything that gets left to the last minute will undoubtedly be stressful. Every night I look through my calendar for the following day and then at the coming days. I make a list of must-do communications and tasks to work through first thing once my kids are out the door. Secondly, I make or tweak the longer term projects that I am going to work on throughout the day between meetings and calls. And INSTACART is everything.  My husband and I have a vast childcare network that spans from daycare teachers to babysitters to neighbors. While the flexibility of my professional role allows me to be fairly available for my kids generally, it also means that I’m signing online after their bedtime in NYC to catch up with what’s been happening in California. Opening Glow® in Chicago this coming Fall will add another layer of communications and travel but it’s worth it for the overall flexibility. You have the ToteSavvy Deluxe and we'd love to know how you pack it on any given day to help keep yourself organized. My ToteSavvy Deluxe makes everything in my life easier and therefore better. Part of my night-before planning includes the items that need to come along with me. Living in NYC means that my purse is my trunk. Everything I *may* need must be on my body.   My master list that gets tweaked by the day: Water bottle in the long pocket (duh) A hearty snack in the cooler zip (super duh) Kindle for the subway & Moleskines for notes on notes on notes in the medium wide pocket Lip stuff x 3 (another duh) in the little pocket Airpods in another little pocket Fave pens and a pencil in an inner long pocket Computer glasses in an inner long pocket Tape measure for planning the Chicago Glow® Birth & Body space in small pocket Laptop Phone Keys

While ToteSavvy may have been originally designed for moms, we’re no longer a one trick pony. ToteSavvy Deluxe was created to suit the needs of not only parents but all women. We know you’re carrying your day along with you and you’re in need of some organization. ToteSavvy Deluxe is a great option to give your tote that little boost you’ve been looking for. Here’s what we suggest carrying with you and how to pack it inside our Deluxe organizer.     LAPTOP One of ToteSavvy Deluxe’s most unique features is its plush-lined laptop sleeve. This pocket is large enough for a 13” laptop or tablet, and padded for extra support. If you carry your laptop regularly, this pocket comes in super handy by keeping your tech from knocking around your tote. For larger laptops that are too wide for the laptop pocket, we suggest placing them down the center of your ToteSavvy to keep it secured inside your handbag.   HEALTHY LUNCH Packing a healthy lunch or snacks is becoming a popular trend, but it’s not always easy to carry those items inside your handbag. To avoid lugging an extra lunch bag around with you, ToteSavvy is equipped with a double-wide cooler pocket. It’s wide enough for a bento-style lunch box (we love Lunchbots large bento!) or a beverage and a few snacks. FUN FACT: This pocket fits 4 La Croix cans when you stack 3 across and lay one on top.   PLANNER Whether you carry a sleek and simple planner or a thick, luxe version, ToteSavvy has the right pocket to organize it. The wide outer pocket (opposite side from the laptop side) is perfect for medium to large size planners that are thick. If your planner is over 9” x 12”, we suggest carrying it inside the laptop pocket, or alongside that side of the ToteSavvy.   CELL PHONE / SMALL ITEMS You shouldn’t have to dig through your handbag looking for your cell phone. This is why we added a pocket, sized perfectly for your cell phone, at the top of ToteSavvy Deluxe. Quickly access your phone without disturbing the rest of your essentials. ToteSavvy Deluxe also has 3 small pockets which are perfect for keeping smaller items in place. We love packing lip balm, hair ties, hand sanitizer, gum, and other miscellaneous items in there.   WATER BOTTLE Slip a water bottle inside any of the tall pockets inside ToteSavvy Deluxe. The pocket will keep your water bottle from tipping over and stay easily accessible throughout your day.   SPARE OUTFIT Anyone else like having a backup shirt in their handbag?? If you’re prone to spills or work in an environment that requires a pristine appearance, we highly recommend packing an extra blouse or camisole inside your Totesavvy. Use the Marie Kondo folding method (tutorial here!) to fold your clothing before slipping it inside one of the tall pockets. Even if you don’t need it daily, you’ll be glad you have it. MAKEUP POUCH Along the lines of packing a spare shirt, it’s a good idea to pack a few makeup items to get you through your day. This doesn’t mean you need to pack a full kit to contour your face, but pack whatever it is that makes you feel refreshed and put together. For instance, tinted lip balm, mascara, blush stick, deodorant, hand cream, etc. are all great options for an emergency makeup kit. When you’re on-the-go all day, it’s nice knowing you can freshen up at a moments notice.  

 Keeping your family healthy while on the go is no easy task, but Jacqueline Linder created a solution. LunchBots is a line of eco-friendly food containers designed to reduce the use of plastic and inspire people to pack healthier meals. 2019 marks LunchBots' 10 year anniversary, so we chatted with Jacqueline about business, motherhood and how she stays organized. Since you started LunchBots 10 years ago (congrats!), have you seen a shift in the way people look at food? If so, why do you think this is? Yes, absolutely. As parents shift their eating habits, those habits and preferences filter down to their kids. There is a huge focus right now on protein-filled school lunches and foods with minimal amounts of sugar. Parents today are packing a variety of foods in all colors of the rainbow and balanced lunches that contain all food groups. We see a lot of colorful meals, snacks, and finger-style foods in the photos that our customers share.   image courtesy of the @thevegansix  Based on your line of work, you must get tons of healthy snack ideas! Do you have any "snack hacks" for busy parents? The LunchBots Instagram account is full of customer photos; we love seeing how parents use their LunchBots to display snacks and meals for their kids. Social media has allowed us to be in-the-know on what’s easy and healthy for busy parents to make. We love combos that are simple to pack, nourishing, and enjoyed by kids. A variety of dips and dippers is ideal (hummus with carrot sticks and wheat crackers, peanut butter with apple slices and pretzel sticks, guacamole with dried pineapple and tortilla chips) or a protein-packed Greek yogurt with toppings like granola and fresh fruit. What has been the most valuable piece of knowledge you've gained over the years as a business owner? Every year brings new lessons! When I started LunchBots, I had no experience designing, manufacturing, or selling consumer products and I was able to figure it out using a concept I call the next step. Instead of getting overwhelmed with things I don’t know, I just figure out a next step. It doesn’t have to even be the right next step - any next step works because that step always leads to the next one, and so on. I use this methodology for all our new projects. I’m currently writing a book on packing school lunches that will be released this summer and have been learning the book creation process one step at a time.   image courtesy of @tatachan On any given day, what can we find in your ToteSavvy? How does it help you in your everyday life? My Longchamp tote was a complete mess before I discovered ToteSavvy! You’ll find my business cards, LunchBots catalog, laptop, work lunch, and water bottle. I feel organized when I have a place for everything, and that’s the beauty of my ToteSavvy. I was ready to give up my tote for another work bag with lots of pockets and sections, but now I don’t have to make that change. As a business owner and mother, how do you keep everything organized? What are your go-to strategies? I do my best to simplify everything. With lots to juggle and very high standards, I learned that my life can get complicated quickly. My nature is to try to optimize too many variables at once. I’ve taught myself to simplify my home life and business by putting my energy into what is most important, which also saves me endless amounts of time!