Inside ToteSavvy

It’s officially January, which means it’s also officially resolution season. One of the most common resolutions we hear is to stay fit. It’s an admirable resolution and one that many of us struggle with. No judgment here… we too have struggled with keeping to a workout schedule. It’s a daunting thought to jump right into a workout routine as soon as the holidays are over. This is exactly why we want to help make the transition into an active lifestyle that much easier. From personal experience, we’ve learned you’re more likely to hit the gym (at some point during the day) if you pack your bag in advance. It may seem too simple to work but here’s the thing… if you’re constantly reminded by the sneakers or yoga pants inside your bag, you’ll make more of an effort to get to the gym and cross it off your list. Being prepared for the gym also makes the transition smoother, eliminating any excuses you may come up with. Here’s how we suggest packing your ToteSavvy Deluxe so you don’t skip out on your resolution. PACK YOUR WORKOUT OUTFIT One of the great things about ToteSavvy Deluxe is it’s extra roomy. This means you can pack your workout gear inside the same handbag you’re carrying around all day. Nice right?! Your workout bag won’t be forgotten in the back of your trunk so your motivation will stay front and center with you throughout the day. Like to workout first thing in the morning? Pack your outfit inside ToteSavvy instead! Flats fit easily inside the large outer pocket. This comes in handy if you like to pack them to swap out heels towards the end of the day too. BRING AMPLE WATER AND SNACKS Pack a large water bottle to keep you hydrated throughout your workout and day. A reusable water bottle is also an eco-friendly option, helping you with another resolution of living green. Don’t forget to pack snacks for pre and post workout. We love things like protein bars, whole fruits, and nuts. The cooler pocket is a great spot to store these items and keep them cool throughout your day. POST WORKOUT TOUCH UP ESSENTIALS Depending on the time of day you like to hit the gym, you may want to carry a few essentials to freshen up afterward. ToteSavvy’s tall pockets are a great place to store deodorant, face wipes, a few makeup necessities, and more. If needed, the tall pockets could even fit a compact blow dryer, hairbrush, and styling products.   Now that your bag is packed, you’re that much more likely to keep to your plan and hit the gym. If your goal is to work out a few times a week, we recommend packing your ToteSavvy the night before with these essentials so you don't have to rush in the morning. Because 2019 is also going to be the year of zero stress.

As a mom of three young children and business owner, I get asked the same question quite frequently. How do you manage to do it all? The truth is, I don’t. I don’t come close to “doing it all” because I simply can’t. I have a full-time job running ToteSavvy and I have three kids under 6-years-old. Without adding more time to the day, it’s just not possible to put in a full day of work and a full day of focused parenting. What I have learned in my 6 years of being a CEO mom, is that compartmentalizing my life is the best way to get things done and not feel like I’m running at a full sprint all day, every day. I can’t be engaged with my family when I’m trying to get work done, and the same is true for doing quality work when I’m half focused. After a lot of trial and error, I discovered the key to my success was learning how to compartmentalize my day in order to stay focused and get stuff done.   THE STEPS TO COMPARTMENTALIZING   Step 1: Areas of Focus -  The first step is to determine what areas of life you need to segment. For me, it’s family and work. These are the areas I value most, and subsequently where I want to spend the majority of my time. In order to compartmentalize these areas of my life, I schedule periods of time during the day to solely focus on one segment. For example, if I’m with my kids I focus on just being a mom. I try to stay off my computer so I’m not tempted to jump back into a work project. The same goes for work time. I put aside everything I need to do that falls into the “home life” category so I can solely focus on work.   Step 2: Make a Plan - In order to get the most out of my time, I like to strategically plan out my week in advance. I find it helpful to know what’s expected of me and how I’m planning to accomplish each task within the hours of the day. This goes for both work life and family life. I find that I’m able to get more done and feel like I’m putting in a “full day’s work” to both being a business owner and mom when I have a plan and set goals. More on how I plan and prep below! Step 3: Divide and Conquer - In order to feel like I’m adequately spending enough time and energy of each life segment, I divide my days and weeks accordingly. My kids are in school (most days) so I’m able to plan my work time during their school hours. During family time, or when I’m getting together with friends, I completely shut off from work (mentally) so I can focus my time and energy on who I’m with. This may seem super obvious, but it took me about 5 years to figure out how to live my life this way and it’s helped tremendously. PLANNING MY WORK WEEK To organize my work life I like to chart big monthly goals, then define smaller tasks within those goals to help achieve the larger goal according to schedule. I use a planner that includes blank pages for big-picture planning and both monthly and daily planning pages to organize the small tasks. Generally, at the beginning of each month, I’ll define those big goals or carry one over from the previous month. I take each goal and break it down into easy actionable steps that I can execute in a day or less. Then I determine which projects and tasks are a priority over others and plan my work week accordingly. It’s not a perfect science but it helps me have a path every time I sit down to get work down. Because I “turn off” my work life during time with family and friends, it can be difficult to pick up where I left off. This planning helps me remember where I was so I can jump right back in. Helpful Hint: I love using square sticky notes for my big goals or projects and smaller rectangular sticky notes for the tasks. I’ll set up at my desk and cover it in sticky notes before adding action items to my planner. I love doing this because if I mess up or want to redo something I don’t have to cross things out in my planner. My planner stays clean which further helps me focus during work hours. Another tip is to not schedule too much into one day. I used to be so eager to finish all of my tasks that I’d plan more than I could realistically do in one day. Now, I try to plan 2-3 tasks per day allowing for time to clear my inbox and handle other issues that come up. If I finish my set tasks early, I can always work on something from the next day and get ahead. FAMILY WEEKLY PLANNING Just as planning is important in order to do my job well, I've found it’s crucial in not feeling like a disaster of a mom. While I don't plan everything, I like to have the basics charted weekly so we have some direction. For instance, every weekend I plan our meals for the upcoming week. This includes every meal of the day our family of five is eating. On Sundays, I brainstorm recipes, write a grocery list, and grocery shop. If I'm short on time I’ll use a grocery delivery app like Amazon Prime Now or Instacart. Breakfasts usually aren’t too complex. I buy healthy cereals, oatmeal (or make overnight oats!), and/or eggs. Lunches are all packed in advance (thanks, Lunchbots!). I pack Mon-Wed lunches on Sunday and Thur-Fri lunches on Wed night. I plan to either cook or order takeout (or eat out) each weeknight so I have a plan after I pick my kids up from school. I try to cook 3-4 nights a week but it’s not always possible with busy schedules and general parent fatigue. And by the way, when I say I cook it’s not a 4-course meal. I love crockpot meals, sheet pan recipes, pre-made salads, and things that can be thrown together in 15 minutes or less. Weeknights can be stressful and the last thing I want to worry about is cooking. Outside of meals, I like to plan and prep the night before for activities and school. We have a backpack station near our back door where our kids hang their backpacks and store their shoes and jackets. We use an Ikea Kallax cubby system for the shoes and jackets which has worked out really well in helping the kiddos be more independent with getting out the door. That said, I still have full on power struggles with my 3-year-olds about putting their shoes on or wearing pants in general. #momlife For after-school activities (we do ballet and soccer!), I like to have their bags packed the night before or even on Sunday night. I’m really good at forgetting stuff (just ask my 6-year-old) so setting it out by the door in advance is mandatory for me. All of this prep work may seem like a lot of work for a Sunday but I’ve found it gets easier as you continuously do it, and it truly does help the week run a little smoother. Of course, I still have my moments when I forget something important or miss a deadline but I’m less stressed about when I’ll get everything done when I have a plan.

  The Tory Burch Studded Ella Tote is a perfect match for ToteSavvy Original or Deluxe. We adore how this tote is casual yet cool with the addition of the studded logo. This nylon tote will carry you from playdate to lunch date without sacrificing style.   Shop ToteSavvy Deluxe     The Saffiano Large Tote is an elegant tote you'll love to carry for years. The classic colors will complement every ensemble, while the craftsmanship offers a high-end designer feel for a fraction of the cost.   Shop ToteSavvy Original     Claire V handbags are quickly becoming the bag to carry, and we can see why. They're made in LA, exude the cool Cali style, and boast a quality level that's exceptional. The Le Zip Sac is a great choice to pair with ToteSavvy Deluxe or Original due to its size and handy should strap.  Shop ToteSavvy Original     The Payton Tote by Chelsea28 (found at Nordstrom!) is such a fun find. The metal ring detail is so on-trend without being too much. We love how this handbag is small/medium in size, allowing you to pare down what you carry daily and offload some weight. Its perfect match is ToteSavvy Mini for extra organization!  Shop ToteSavvy Mini     If you haven't shopped Zara for handbags you need to start ASAP. Zara always has unique finds that elevate your style game. This tote, in particular, is giving us all the Valentino vibes without the huge price tag. Bonus, it's also reversible.  Shop ToteSavvy Deluxe   MZ Wallace is a major favorite brand of ours. We love just how versatile their collections are, and how thoughtful each design is. While the large Metro tote is a favorite of ours, we also love this small Soho tote for ToteSavvy Mini. This tote checks every box (did you see the crossbody strap?!).  Shop ToteSavvy Mini   We've talked about the Rena Iman Audry tote before and keep coming back to it because it's just so good. This structured tote boasts a gorgeous leather that keeps its shape without feeling stiff. It feels like a dream on your shoulder and even includes a cool pouch that can double as a clutch. Shop ToteSavvy Original    

  This year, give the gift of superior organization. It's a practical gift that still feels luxe and unexpected. With 3 ToteSavvy styles and a large variety of colors, there's a ToteSavvy for everyone on your list. Take a look...             

  Entrepreneur, broadcaster, former professional athlete, and mom are just a handful of titles Leslie Osborne identifies with. After retiring from her professional soccer career she, alongside four other female athletes, developed Sweat Cosmetics – a high-performance make-up line designed to protect and enhance beauty for women’s on-the-go lifestyles. We spent a gorgeous afternoon with Leslie and her girls near their home in the South Bay learning more about Sweat and how she manages to juggle it all - and stay organized while doing it! We’re huge fans of Sweat Cosmetics - Can you tell us a bit about how the company got started? The company has 5 founders, including myself. Two of my co-founders (Emily and Taryn) had the idea 10 years ago while playing on their college soccer team, but the iteration of Sweat as we know it today fully crystalized a few years later when we were ALL playing soccer together professionally. It took us about 3 years to develop our business plan, fundraise, find our chemist and perform product testing and we finally launched the summer of 2015! High-performance cosmetics is such a smart concept. When developing the line, what were the non-negotiables? As athletes who were outside most days, we struggled with finding products that would give us coverage but also protect us from the sun. You know- look good, feel good, play good! On top of that, we wanted products that were actually good for our skin. It was always a battle choosing between sunscreen OR makeup! Whenever we wore liquid sunscreen, it would run into our eyes and burn as well as make us break out. When we wore make-up, it would clog our pores and get orange stuff all over our tops. We were determined to find a solution for women who lived an active lifestyle and were always on the go. That's how SWEAT was born.     What can we look forward to seeing from Sweat in the next year? We can’t give too much away, but we do have plans for some new product launches in 2019. We always focus on the essentials, so don't be surprised if there are some more skin care items in the mix.  As a business owner, sports broadcaster and mom of two, you’re juggling a lot. How do you stay organized? My ToteSavvy for one! It’s seriously a game-changer for my life on-the-go. However, I also learned how to juggle a lot from a young age. I have been playing sports my entire life which taught me excellent time management skills. My parents laid down a solid foundation that taught me organizational skills and how to recognize priorities. I’ve since applied these tools to every aspect of my life. When I transitioned from athlete to entrepreneur and then transitioned to mother, it just carried over. I wake up early (before the babies) to get work done and check my journal/schedule every morning to make sure I am on track and ready to tackle the day. Sundays are the most important day of the week for me to get a fresh and organized start to the week on Monday! What do you pack in your ToteSavvy? Haha! What don't I pack? Diapers (few of each size), baby wipes, diaper cream, hand sanitizer, hand lotion, sunglasses, business cards, (Sweat Cosmetics) twist brushes + our skin cleansing towelette wipes, Chanel lip gloss (166), my Dagne Dover essential clutch wallet, hair ties, my Suunto fitness watch and my Lululemon water bottle, and my GoMacro Bars for a quick snack for me and my toddler!     What is your favorite ToteSavvy pairing? My white Louis Vuitton bag that I can fit my life in! If you had to pick one item that’s currently in your ToteSavvy that you couldn't live without, what would it be? That's tough- I would have to say my Sweat brushes- literally. I wear them all day, every day. It's my daily on-the-go beauty and SPF routine plus I am constantly reapplying the translucent SPF twist brush on both my babies all day since we are always on the move!

  I can’t believe Halloween is almost here! I’m extra excited because this year my daughter is old enough to start to grasp “Trick or Treating.” I can’t wait to see her go door to door with her little candy bag….eeek! While Halloween is super fun for the kids, it is pretty damn chaotic for parents. Here’s what to pack in your ToteSavvy mini to help you survive the night. For me, there are two main categories that come to mind when talking about Trick or Treating: safety and comfort. Let’s talk about a few things to help keep everyone safe, especially since it’s dark outside. My town doesn’t have streetlights (like, people do. not. want. them.) and I live on a windy road, so safety is very important to me. Visibility is really important, so pack some glow sticks from the Dollar Tree or the Dollar Spot (at Target) for your kids to wear. I have yet to see a kid object to putting on a fun glow bracelet or necklace, and you can always use the extras in the bathtub another day Have you tried that? It’s a big hit in our house. Make sure to dim the lights! Lots of costumes, while cute, are pretty cumbersome. You have poofy dresses, ill-fitting bottoms with fake feet, and all sorts of crazy accessories. That, combined with excitement, other kiddos, and darkness, it can lead to some falls and scrapes. Diaper Bag Buddy is a mini first aid kit that’s perfect for an occasion like this! This way, you can fix up that boo-boo (see what I did there?) and be on your way. You also want to be able to see where you’re going when you’re walking from house to house! Grab some flashlights for you to light the way for your little ones. You can never have too many around your house (or in your emergency kit). I also love these safety sticks. They turn on and off and are reusable, which is so great.   Now that we have safety out of the way, let’s talk about comfort. It’s nice to bring this up a notch to make this a memorable experience! Snacks. Any parent knows that a well-fed kid is a much happier kid (hell, this could apply to any person in general). No one likes to be hangry. Make sure to pack some nutritious snacks because they’ve probably had some sweets already. Since there will be snacking and candy-eating, grab some Neat Cheeks to make clean up a snap.  The last thing you want to be dealing with is a sticky mess in the dark. #nope Don’t forget to take an extra sweater for yourself and for the kids. The last thing you want is a cold and whiny kiddo on Halloween. On that note, grab some hand warmers to keep you extra toasty as you walk from house to house! There's nothing worse than being too cold. While Halloween is mostly about kids, don’t forget about yourself! Maybe it’s just my neighborhood, but every parent can be seen with a red cup in their hand while kids go from house to house. Get yourself through the night by taking your beverage of choice in a cute Halloween container. Red wine would look great in this cup… so spooky!   If you want to go over the top, here are some other things you could add: Grab an extra (empty) bag to carry around in case your kid gets tired of their obnoxiously large accessory, or to carry extra candy. Baggu makes bags that squish up into practically nothing. With all of this house-to-house going during flu season, bringing some hand sanitizer might not be a bad idea. This glow in the dark tape also looks cool, and it could be a nice addition for a costume. Happy Trick or Treating!

image courtesy of @chelseehood   It's no surprise our ToteSavvy customers have a huge crush on the Fawn Design bag. The versatile backpack design is the perfect casual-cool look for just about everyone. On top of that their bags are made from vegan leather which means them lightweight and easy to clean. A major plus for any parent!!  Since we know you love Fawn Design so much, we decided to dedicate a full blog post to showcasing a side by side comparison of ToteSavvy and ToteSavvy Mini inside. We hope this helps you determine which insert is best for your beloved Fawn bag!      Okay so here's the breakdown. ToteSavvy and ToteSavvy Mini both fit inside the Fawn Design bag. What it really comes down to is personal preference and how you utilize your handbag to determine which size is best for you.  For instance, pictured on the left is our ToteSavvy Mini. This smaller insert can be easily taken in and out of the bag. It small enough to not alter the shape of your Fawn bag and will allow it to keep that cool "slouchy" look. Our Mini ToteSavvy has 6 pockets and holds enough essentials for one baby or two toddlers. Our minimalist customers love the Mini because it allows you to pack "just enough" and keep from overpacking.      The image above shows a great representation of both ToteSavvy sizes inside the Fawn bag. Our original size insert (large one) is great if you really want to pack as much as possible inside your bag. It also offers a little structure to the Fawn bag which some customers have noted liking.  The original size is a snug fit which means you won't be able to access the inner Fawn pockets as well as you would with the Mini size. It's also harder to take in and out, but if you plan to solely use the Fawn bag as your main diaper bag then that shouldn't be a problem.      In these final images we're showing you how the ToteSavvy Mini (pictured left) allows the Fawn bag to have the slight "slouch" look. Our original size ToteSavvy widens the Fawn bag by an inch or so and creates a more structured look and feel.    As always feel free to reach out to us with any questions you may have. We love to hear from you, and help find the perfect ToteSavvy for your favorite handbag :)     

    Sole Society Hawna Tote ($64.95) Zara Studded Reversible Shopper ($45.90) Zara Leather Shopper with Pocket ($69.90) Gap Whipstitched East West Tote ($39.99) Sole Society Dawson Oversized Shopper ($64.95) Anthropologie Leopard Tote Bag ($78) Anthropologie Covent Garden Tote Bag ($88)       1. Tory Burch Gemini ($198) 2. Tory Burch Gemini – White ($198) 3. Rebecca Minkoff Washed Julian ($145) 4. Naghedi St. Barths Tote ($245) 5. Tory Burch McGraw Tote ($398) 6. Think Royln Wingman Bag ($178) 7. Kate Spade Watson Lane Maya Tote ($198) 8. MZ Wallace Large Metro ($225) 9. Tory Burch Ella Tote Large ($198) 10. Rebecca Minkoff Darren Tote ($345) 11. Everlane The Day Market Tote ($175)     1. Christina Louboutin Cabata Tote ($1,290) 2. Louis Vuitton Iena MM ($1490) 3. Louis Vuitton Sienna GM ($1850) 4. Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM ($1320) 5. Louis Vuitton Neverfull GM ($1400) 6. Goyard St. Louis GM 7. Valentino Rockstud Vitello ($1345) 8. Ferragamo Large Jetset Shoulder Bag ($1790) 9. Mansur Gavriel Large Tote Bag ($585) 10. Liberty London Marlborough Tote ($595) 11. Givenchy Smooth Leather Shopper Tote ($1250) 12. The Row Park Luxe Shopper Tote ($1790)            

Erica Elizarraraz, @simplechicbrunnette How do you stay organized with two little ones?As a full-time working twin mom, this is probably one of the hardest things to do is keep organized. For me, the key is being prepared ahead of time. Making sure I have everything in order and packed the day before. The diaper bag must stay organized and stocked using our ToteSavvy. Making sure I’ve got their fav snacks, wipes, sippy cups, hand sanitizer and a change of clothes. It’s not easy to stay organized but I try my best to keep things in order or I’ll go crazy ️What is the one thing you love most about ToteSavvy?All the compartments. I'm big on keeping everything separate b/c things are so much easier for me to find when the twins need something. I’ve also gotta add I love that I can use the ToteSavvy in any one of my tote bags I'm not stuck using the same bag. What are your favorite products for twins?Our double stroller hands down. We use the Baby Jogger City Select and City Mini. They’ve been great. Both strollers have decent size undercarriage to store our ToteSavvy which has been great. All other products we use are basically the same products used that any singleton mom would use we just have to have double of everything.  What advice do you have for twin mamas (especially new ones)?I would never tell a new twin mom “it gets easier” because every stage is different and unique and every child is different. I would say embrace every stage even if it’s hard because, in the end, they won’t ever be that small again. By no means am I saying that I am calm and that I don’t have breakdowns here and there but I do try my best to take steps back and take in each moment.  Laine Coopsie, @wildlittles How do you stay organized with two little ones?I take 15 mins at the end of each day and do a general clean up! That being said I have cheated a bit and hired a clearer to come once every 2 weeks. I also keep it simple. When we are out - I pack light + only bring the bare necessities. I am a minimalist by nature.      What is the one thing you love most about ToteSavvy? I am a big fan of slow fashion, thrift store finds + vegan handbags. There isn’t a vegan diaper bag on the market that would work for twins. With my Tote Savvy, I was able to modify my beloved Matt + Natt bags into the most stylish diaper bag! win-win! What are your favorite products for twins?TwinZ pillow is a must! Loads of receiving blankets, an excellent hospital grade pump + liters of really great coffee! What advice do you have for twin mamas (especially new ones)?It takes a village so accept all the help you can get!  Noelle Bryant, @ohhappyplay How do you stay organized with two little ones? Organization is everything! Having the boys on a schedule helps me know exactly what we need when we are out and about so I can pack accordingly. What is the one thing you love most about ToteSavvy? I love that I can use ToteSavvy in any of my bags and can come with me everywhere I go! What are your favorite products for twins? I love products that make my life easier like ToteSavvy, twin related products like double strollers are helpful but also items that help to manage them both like Fisher price sit me up seats, skip hop bouncers etc all help me so I can be present with boy boys at once! What advice do you have for twin mamas (especially new ones)?My biggest piece of advice is to get your babies on a schedule as early as possible! The whole never wake a sleeping baby doesn’t apply when you have twins. When one wakes up at night you wake the other. You keep them on the exact same schedule until they both just naturally adapt to it. I owe all my sanity to our schedule!  Michelle Joyner, @twinsidescoop How do you stay organized with two little ones? The million dollar question! I'll just say it upfront: it REALLY does take a village to raise twins. That said, when people offer help, I usually take it. Although I am a person that historically thrives off of chaos and is an I'll-Do-It-Myself kind of woman, this has been an entirely different level of pandemonium. You can't be afraid to ask for help! Whenever grandmas come over, it's those days that I am able to get my house back in order, run errands, and just breathe. In addition to recruiting extra hands to help as needed, I stick with a routine for the kids. Each day we keep to the same feeding times, same nap times, and same bedtime routines. Consistency goes a LONG way with babies!  Also, I function best with checklists. When we recently took the twins on their first vacation, we had a 14 hour drive each way to Florida. During the packing process, I was ALL about making lists and checking boxes. I'm happy to report this helped me avoid forgetting to bring anything! Most importantly, though, I keep all of the babies' things in designated spaces. For example, each twin has their own side of the closet, they have individual drawers and containers for clothes, and their own cabinets in the kitchen with pink bottles for my daughter and blue for my son. It goes without saying that diaper bags and ToteSavvy organizers fall into this same category! Bottom line: any source of organization provides me sanity and regularity when I have twins wreaking havoc nearby. What is your favorite thing about ToteSavvy?  It's hard to pick just one thing! I think my favorite part about the Tote Savvy organizer would have to be that it allows me to neatly pack my chaotic twin life into an abundance of pockets without having to sacrifice fashion. Since becoming a mother, I have some nicer totes that often go unused these days because I’m busy lugging around diaper bags. Now, I have a solution that affords me the best of both worlds! :) What are your favorite products for twins? Two of the best purchases that we ever made for our twins were 1) Boppy Newborn Loungers (because comfortable babies are happy babies) and 2) Baby Einstein Jumpers (because tired babies result in happy parents ;)). What advice do you have for twin mamas (especially new ones)?  If I could offer only one piece of advice to a new twin mom it would be to simply to ask for help when you need it. You won't be able to do it all and that's OK. It doesn't make you any less of a Super Mom. Along those same lines, one of the best sources of help I ever got was that of a night nanny. We had one a few nights a week for the first few months and it was a complete lifesaver. If it's something you're considering, I say go for it! A well-rested mama is a happy mama! Jennifer Hawkins, @jenkhawkins How do you stay organized with two little ones?  It’s all about a system and a schedule! We have specific places where things go and systems that we stick to. It sounds silly, but knowing exactly how many bottles are clean at any given time or sorting the dirty laundry into different hampers makes the biggest difference. When we brought the babies home, we slowly put these systems in place and it’s helped my husband and me so much!What is the one thing you love most about ToteSavvy?  I love that ToteSavvy helps me keep my diaper bag organized, and most importantly I can easily see if I’m out of something (like diapers or wipes) before I leave the house! I have a special pocket for diapers, so I know if that pocket is empty I need to restock :) What are your favorite products for twins?  We rave about our Snoo bassinets to anyone who asks, we love those things! We love our double stroller (we have the Bugaboo Donkey) and it’s so easy to click our car seats in and out of. I also love my Solly wrap for when I need to wear one baby and hold the other. We also love our portable white noise machines, the babies’ loveys from JellyCat, and the Sophia teething toy. What advice would you give to twin mamas (especially new ones)?Enjoy every single moment, because the days AND the years are short when you have twins ;). Try to have a schedule, but if one baby wakes up, enjoy that one-on-one time with that baby. Of course, take photos and videos of your babies together, but also take lots of them on their own because they are going to want those when they’re older! Lauren Kutting, Founder of ToteSavvy How do you stay organized with two little ones?I wouldn't be a good CEO if I didn't say ToteSavvy is a big help in staying organized! One of the reasons I developed ToteSavvy (prior to having twins) is I love being prepared and keeping everything I need together and within reach. After having my twins I realized just how much my need for organization was crucial to raising twins. Aside from my ToteSavvy and handbag, we keep our home organized by using cubbies, little caddies, and lots of dividers. Just about every item in our home has a place to be put away to keep the clutter to a minimum.  Now that my twins are 3 and their older sister is 5, we insist they help in the weekly tidying process. This can be a struggle sometimes (the threenager stage in duplicate is no joke 🙄) but we've learned to be patient and keep instilling the value of a tidy home. What is the one thing you love most about ToteSavvy?I've been carrying ToteSavvy in my handbag since the initial prototype I hand-sewed back in 2013. I love how it's grown with me and my family over the past 5 years. No matter what stage my kids are in or even when I'm using it solo for a business trip, it always has the pockets I need to organize every essential flawlessly. What are your favorite products for twins?Definitely an oversized tote! I have a black and white striped Kate Spade weekender tote that was my go-to tote when my twins were newborns. It held absolutely everything we needed on our outings, with room to spare! We also loved the Rock 'n Play sleeper by Fisher-Price. This is the only thing my son would nap in when he was a newborn. It saved our sanity! Another great twin product we used daily was the Twin Z Nursing pillow. While breastfeeding didn't last long for me, this pillow was great as a place for them to hang out and even learn to sit up. I love how it grew with us through the infant stages! What advice do you have for twin mamas (especially new ones)?Take it day by day and don't be afraid to ask for help. I'm not the type of person who can easily admit when I need help, and I rarely accept it. When you have newborn twins you need help no matter how much you think you don't. When you get that time for yourself don't do chores. Be super "selfish" (in quotes because it's not selfish AT ALL!) and take a nap, shower, or anything else you've been longing to do. It's so important to take time for yourself and stay in tune with your mental health as a twin mama. 

  ToteSavvy original size is one of the most versatile organizers with it's varying pocket sizes and overall large capacity. One of my favorite pockets on ToteSavvy original is the flap pocket. It's by far the largest pocket, making it perfect for packing just about anything. Below you'll find my 6 favorite variations to packing this pocket for myself and my young daughter.   Cloth diapers - Cloth diapers, while wonderful, are bulky. The flap pocket has extra room to store several cloth diapers, perfect for those days when you’re gone for a while.   A change of clothes - There will be times, especially in the very beginning, when you may need to change your shirt or change your baby’s entire outfit. This pocket is large enough to fit an outfit for your child, and an extra shirt for you. I can also imagine this pocket being useful for when you’re at an amusement park and maybe taking layers on and off throughout the day.   Lunch - Recently, I bought A.J. a Lunchbots lunch box. My friends (who have elementary aged children) love them for their kids, so I decided to buy one for my daughter. I love the compact design of this lunchbox, as opposed to other lunch boxes that are practically a mini briefcase. Despite its size, you can fit a ton of food. If I cut it into triangles, I can fit an entire peanut butter and jelly sandwich in one of the small compartments! They come in lots of configurations and are dishwasher safe.    Entertainment - This pocket is perfect for packing some toys and games for your child. It’s big enough to fit crayons, a notepad, a couple of books, some Legos...whatever you need.    Seasonal Items - Depending on the season, you may need a few key items to get through the day. In the summer, this pocket is a great place for a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. In the winter, put a hat and mittens in the pocket just in case.   Mom’s essentials - Sometimes you may want all of your things in one place. The pocket is big enough to fit everything you need for your day: your wallet, phone, cosmetic pouch, and some snacks. It leaves the other pockets free for your child(ren).   The flap pocket is such a game changer! How will you use it?

    One of the pluses about having outgrown the newborn stage is that you can get away with packing very few things in your handbag. I can’t tell you how good it feels to go out and do errands with a smaller handbag. It feels so light and freeing!   Here’s what I pack in my bag for myself and my two-and-a-half year old: As always, make sure you have your own stuff: keys, wallet, phone, lip balm, and sunglasses. You only need to carry one diaper (or pull-up) with you and have some wipes on hand. Bring a small water bottle for your child; it easily slips into our insulated pocket. Don’t forget snacks! I don’t know about your children, but my daughter runs on snacks. Bring a few different ones so they can pick something out themselves. Lastly, bring a simple activity for them to do. This can be useful while waiting for an appointment, going out to lunch, or even in the car. Some ideas are crayons and a small notepad, a book, a lacing activity, or some stickers. Lately, I have been seeing clear zip pouches all over - these would be perfect to house a quick activity for your toddler. Check the Dollar Spot at Target (or even go to the Dollar Tree) for quick and cheap activities.   I don’t know about you, but I am really enjoying the freedom I have while out and about with my daughter. It almost makes up for the tantrums and crying that I experience on a daily basis! Almost.

  I've long been on the hunt for the perfect summer pool bag. While I love the look of rattan totes adorned with cute poms, they're often unpractical and difficult to shlep around. This is why I was elated to learn of Logan & Lenora's Oversized Carryall Tote collection.  Logan and Lenora are known for their effortlessly stylish wet/dry pouches and clutches. When they launched their Oversized Carryall Tote last year I knew it would be amazing. I've been personally using it for all of my families pool outings and I can say it's a must-have. Every time I carry it I get compliments and have spurred a few friends to buy this tote for themselves! Here's why it's such a fabulous pool tote It's oversized enough to carry everything you need in one bag The entire inside is lined with waterproof material There are two giant waterproof pockets (one on the inside and one on the outside) The style is super cute and summery   This is what I pack for a trip to the pool with 3 kids (ages 5, 3, 3!) sunscreen (I love Think Baby sunscreen because the main ingredient is zinc and it's low on the EWG toxicity list). I carry the 6oz tube and their face stick swim diapers (x2), swimsuits (with long sleeves!) (x3), and sun hats (x3).  iPay Baby makes great options for all of the above!  clean pull-ups, wet wipes, and a clean change of clothing (x3) hairbrush (designed to brush wet hair), leave-in conditioner spray, and hair bands.  water bottles (x4) snacks goggles (x3), puddle jumpers (x2), and an assortment of small pool toys towels (x4)     I keep my Logan and Lenora tote packed with these essentials (minus the water and snacks) so I can quickly get the kids together and to the pool without a huge amount of effort. When it's hot and everyone is moving slowly I love how convenient it is to just grab my tote and go!  One of the huge perks of this bag is when you're done with the pool and ready to head home, you can use the outside wet/dry pocket (which is huge btw) to store all of your wet swimsuits. This makes it simple to quickly grab them and throw them in the wash (or hang dry) with your towels when you get home. So convenient!      

As you know when traveling with a baby, you must be ready for anything: blowouts, delayed flights, sickness, etc. Before I give you my lengthy list of items, my number 1 item to start with is the TOTESAVVY insert.

  Packing your purse or diaper bag can be so overwhelming! You want to carry enough so that you have everything you need, however you don’t want to be lugging around a suitcase full of things for your baby. Here at ToteSavvy, we’ve had many years of mothering (and a combined 4 newborns) so we have a tailored down list for you! Here are the basic things you’ll need in your ToteSavvy when you’re out and about. We know newborns are needy (because they have to be!) but let’s talk about your stuff first. Remember to take your wallet, keys, and phone. It might seem obvious, but I’ve forgotten at least one of these things before! Bring a snack for yourself, as well as a water bottle. You can be a better mom if you’re fed and hydrated. I even keep snacks for myself in my car so I'm never going without. I love my mini pochette. Inside, I keep mascara, lip gloss, a brow pencil, band-aids, a pen, and some hair ties. I never go anywhere without it! Now, for the baby! You may have extra things you want to take, but here’s a fairly comprehensive list! Diapers and wipes: You’ll need to take several diapers and lots of wipes. There are so many blowouts when they’re brand new. An extra outfit (see: blowouts, above) Milk: Pack either formula or breast milk, and keep it in our insulated pocket for temperature regulation. Newborns use tiny bottles, so you can stack two in there! If you're nursing and not using a bottle be sure to pack any essentials that make nursing easier for you. A carrier- Sometimes a stroller or car seat just isn't going to cut it. Your baby just wants you!  Babywearing is wonderful for many reasons, one of which is that it enables you to still have your hands free while giving your baby the closeness he or she desires. I adored my ring sling! One of the many benefits of a ring sling is that it can tightly roll up and be slipped into a pocket in your ToteSavvy. I was too intimidated to use a ring sling for the longest time, but I wish I had used them from the get-go! (Note: I highly recommend finding your local Babywearing International chapter, they can help you with, and even loan you, a ring sling. I bought a very reasonably priced one from Sleeping Baby Productions. There’s also a few B/S/T groups on Facebook!) A blanket: Copper Pearl makes the softest blankets! A blanket could be used for nursing, a car seat cover, or for warmth. Plus, their prints are adorable! The tiny pockets in the ToteSavvy are perfect for nipple cream or diaper cream. My daughter gets a diaper rash easily, so we always kept some cream on hand. Don’t forget your hand sanitizer! I loop mine around a ToteSavvy handle so that I have easy access. My daughter was a major paci lover, so a pacifier and clip went everywhere with us for the first year of her life. A paci really comes in handy during car rides when you’re unable to help soothe your baby!  When I was a new mom, I even went so far as to make a little checklist so I knew I'd have the necessities. It's so easy to forget something when you are exhausted and sleep deprived. We hope this list helps packing your bag just that much easier. You got this, mama!    

  As my daughter has gotten older, my handbag needs have changed. A.J. goes to daycare a couple times a week and in the fall she will start preschool. When I’m not with her, sometimes it’s nice to really pare down what’s in my bag, and leave my toddler necessities at home. The ToteSavvy Mini is perfect for this purpose. That way I can just keep it by the door, dropping it in my purse on the way out. Here are some things I pack in my Mini so it's always ready when I need it: One pull-up, and a small pack of wipes: We rarely need to do a diaper change while we’re doing errands. If I’m to be totally honest, sometimes I may not even have a pull-up with me because I keep a deluxe changing kit in my trunk with several of them. A variety of snacks: My toddler’s preferences change more often than the wind (I know you can relate)! I keep a few bars, a fruit pouch or two, or some crackers. A sippy cup: I only pack water in my Mini so that if I forget about a sippy cup, it’s not the end of the world. I recently found what must have been weeks old sippy cups in my car and was so thankful that they weren't full of milk! Entertainment: I will pack a book, some stickers, and maybe some blank paper she can color on. The middle compartment is perfect for this. We shared our top picks in this post. Odds and ends: The small pockets are perfect for things like hair ties, bows, and band-aids. Now that it’s summer, I will pack a small bottle of sunscreen. If you can’t find a small bottle of your preferred sunscreen, buy a tiny squeeze bottle and pour the contents in there. There’s no reason to carry around more weight than you have to! Hand sanitizer: I will forever have my hand sanitizer looped on to the handle so that I can access it easily. Plus, it frees up a pocket for something else!   The ToteSavvy Mini is much more compact than the original size, however you may be surprised how much can fit inside! It’s so nice to have my Mini by the door so that as I’m heading out with my daughter I can just throw it in my bag on the way out!        

Neely and Chloe are sisters who started a line of luxury handbags and small leather goods. They believe in quality materials and classic lines and want their products to last for years and years. Their beautiful workshop in New York is where their products are developed. They're also able to embroider or emboss their goods, giving a subtle, classy personalization to your purchase. Tassels and ornaments are also available, to even further elevate your handbag. I’m not usually one for bag accessories, however, I love theirs. Their choices are so classy, I can’t help but be enamored. Recently, I used their 365 Market Tote as my primary handbag. Did you know that this bag was one of Oprah’s Favorite Things for 2017? That’s how you know it’s good. I have to be honest, I was a little worried about using a suede handbag considering I have a toddler, a dog, and a cat. We’ve also been having some rain, too, so I was pretty paranoid about using it! I’m happy to report that the bag is still in perfect condition, despite my messy and chaotic life. I adore the braided handles on this bag! What’s even better is that it’s one continuous loop, threaded throughout the perimeter of the bag. When you’re wearing it, the top cinches closed just enough to make it feel secure and private, while still letting you access your belongings at any moment. I really love its top handle, too. It makes it so easy to quickly grab it without fumbling around for the shoulder straps.     This bag brings sophistication to any outfit. It goes well with jeans and a casual top on a lunch date, and it looks equally stylish when you’re off doing errands with kids in tow! It’s really a jack-of-all-trades bag, which makes it so great.  It’s very roomy without feeling like I’m carrying around a suitcase (so important!). If you haven't checked out Neely and Chloe yet, you need to stat!  Below are a few of our favorite Neely and Chloe totes (including the Market tote of course!), all perfectly sized for ToteSavvy original.    shop this tote   shop this tote   shop this tote      

I have so many mixed feelings about potty training. I’m excited to no longer deal with diapers, but potty training itself just seems so intimidating. While potty training is a very individual process (what works for one kid may not for another), we can help you arm your ToteSavvy with everything you’ll need to get through this challenging time. A change of clothes: I have not carried a change of clothes with my since my daughter was an infant. However, during the potty training process, you’ll want an extra outfit on you at all times. You may even need to pack extra socks or shoes, depending on the severity of the “situation.” Don’t forget extra pull-ups or underwear! A wet bag: You don’t want to be stuck without something to contain soiled clothing! A seat reducer: We have this one. There are so many out there, but I liked how this one folded up and included a storage bag to keep the gross factor down. I know my daughter will feel more relaxed knowing that she’s sitting on something made for her tiny tush. Wipes: You never want to be caught without them, especially in poo-mergency. Oh, the horror! Reward: While not everyone agrees with using a reward, some kids do need extra encouragement, especially in a public restroom. Those automatic flushing toilets can be scary! A little tube of mini M&Ms is small but will last you a long time. Plus, it already comes in a perfect container! Hand sanitizer: The other day I was in a restaurant bathroom and I could hear a mom telling her child, “Stand still! Don’t touch anything!” I had to stifle my laughter because it’s so true! Your little one is so curious and wants to explore everything. Yuck! Sticky notes: We know it takes some time to get your kiddo situated on a public toilet. And that doesn’t even account for them even using it! It’s scary when the toilet auto-flushes while they’re still actually on the toilet. Buy some small sticky notes to put over the sensor to help prevent this from happening. What are your potty training must haves (other than a glass of wine at the end of the day)? You got this, mamas! We can do it!

If you're in the market to turn your Neverfull into a diaper bag, this post is where you need to be. Below I'll show you the difference in sizes (MM vs. GM) and how the two ToteSavvy sizes (original and mini) fit inside. 

This guest post is written by Rebecca Cafiero––Healthy Lifestyle Expert, TEDx Speaker, and Certified Holistic Nutritionist. Learn more about Rebecca and her lifestyle tips at www.rebeccacafiero.com.   Are you tired of the New Year, New You theme that seems to pop up every January 1st? Or even more wary of rinse and repeat resolutions that never seem to gain traction? Or perhaps you’re rebelling against missed expectations by NOT setting goals this year. A while back, I found an old journal with my New Year’s resolutions from when I was 22 . . . More than a decade ago! And scarily, my resolutions haven’t changed much over time. Lose 10 lbs. Work out more. Eat healthier. Do a cleanse. Drop a jean size. Despite my best intentions and efforts over the years, and regardless of the small fortune spent on too-small workout clothes bought to reward dropping a size or trainers meant to motivate me, I found myself continually failing to create sustainable habits. So the cycle of restarting my goals at the beginning of the year, or month, or next Monday, became endless . . . Until I made a few tweaks that have completely changed how I approach goals AND have helped me begin achieving them. I like to think of New Year’s goals as just minor recalibrations. First, I take time to review my progress over the past year, and then I decide the areas I’d like to improve in, or where I want to shift focus or energy to. Challenge yourself to do away with the idea that you need to recreate yourself in the new year. Leave thoughts like it behind in 2017! You are already great, and are just ready for a new year optimization!   Be A Goal Digger Create simply written and clearly defined goals. Be sure they are measurable, but not so specific that you’re setting yourself up to fail by mid-January! Life happens! Also, beware of making TOO many goals! You don’t need a whole list. Just a few goals with actionable steps. AVOID goals like: Work out more (too vague) Hit the gym 5x per week (not realistic) DO make goals like: -Move my body for 30 minutes at least 3x per week. This could be a long walk or hike, hitting the gym or yoga studio, or doing an at-home workout. -Sweat daily Little actions like taking the stairs at work or parking at the far corner of the parking lot add up over time!   Get Accountability Studies show that having an accountability partner can increase your chances of completing your goals by 65%. And while one buddy is better than none, if that person loses steam or focus, you’re left tackling your goals solo. Instead, find 3 to 4  friends and start a group text. Cheer each other on when you hit the gym, share photos of your healthy and delicious food finds, and encourage each other to push through when life happens. Not only will the daily check-ins from others keep you motivated, but constant contact with a group of positive, action-oriented friends with similar goals is an added bonus! Develop a mindfulness practice Start your day off right by dedicating 5-15 minutes of time to self-care. In just 10 minutes each morning, you can give yourself a solid foundation mentally, physically, and emotionally for the rest of the day! 1 Min Exercise: 60-second plank hold to activate the body and get the blood flowing! 3 Min Meditation: Use the SOS feature on the Headspace app! 1 Min Gratitudes: Write down 3 things you’re grateful for. 1 Min Intentions/Goals: Identify your #1 priority for the day, and write out the action steps needed to tackle the task. 1 Min Affirmations: I love the phrases, “I am happier, healthier, and more abundant today than I was yesterday,“ and, “Life is happening FOR me, not to me.”   Balance Your Body Instead of Weighing It It’s not about being a certain weight or jean size, it’s about FEELING your best! That means abundant energy, mental clarity, creating sexy lean muscle, and nourishing your cells so they don’t only look great but feel great. Skip the dieting! Learn to listen to what your body needs. And no, that doesn’t mean diving face first into a pile of donuts. Learn to identify what you want, why you want it, and how you’ll feel after you eat it. Say yes to cleansing for happy cells, and no to diets and deprivation! Say No To Juice Cleanses! Hello, sugar overload! Instead, consider doing a cellular cleanse utilizing intermittent fasting WITH nutritional support. It’s been around (and positively studied) for centuries. And it’s gaining popularity not just amongst celebrities and athletes, but also amongst us certifiable nutrition nerds, naturopaths, and vegans! It’s all about balance and sustainability (and of course, activating those anti-aging benefits). Reach out to me if you’d like a recommendation for your lifestyle! Stop Counting Calories! Instead, make your calories count. Meaning, don’t load up with a 400 calorie caramel latte full of sugar and chemicals when you can make homemade, delicious guacamole instead! Embrace (Healthy) Fat! Fat doesn’t make you fat. Sugar does! Load up on healthy fats like avocados, nuts, and olive oil. When you have a craving for sugar, it’s often really because your body needs the right fat! Hydrate! If you’re feeling tired, drink water. If you’re craving something, drink water! If you have mental fog, drink water!! The number one thing that hinders weight loss and is the reason behind lack of energy or mental clarity is not drinking enough water. Aim to drink 75% of your body weight a day in plain water (not coffee, juice, or teas)! Start off the day with a BIG glass of water as soon as you wake up. Ideally, with fresh-squeezed lemon for a big dose of energy-creating, immune-boosting vitamin C!   Don’t Forget to Have Fun!! As human beings, we naturally move towards pleasure and away from pain. When you’re dreading your next workout, it’s easy to come up with a dozen reasons why you should skip. So do something that excites you! Try a SoulCycle class with an instructor that inspires you! Or meet girlfriends for a salsa dance class! Nearly a year ago, I started a weekly girls workout group. We meet every Tuesday evening for an hour of sweaty fun! We do a 30-minute workout, followed by 30+ minutes “healthy happy hour,” where we experiment with fun protein shake combinations and catch up each other’s lives. I could do the workout on my own anytime, but the companionship of positive women holding me accountable is priceless! Reward Yourself! Don’t buy too-small workout clothes as an incentive to get smaller. Instead, focus on the behavior you want, and reward that. Splurge on that Sweaty Betty sports bra you’ve been eying once you’ve hit your 3x a week movement goal for two weeks. Treat yourself to a reflexology session as a welcome reward after completing your weekly goal. Or plan a yoga/surf retreat with your accountability partners for next holiday season! Create ways to associate a great feeling with achieving your goals, instead of beating yourself up for not being perfect.   Most importantly, remember that a healthy body you love is the vehicle to achieve all of your goals. You need the energy to kill it at work and to grow your side hustles. You need clarity to be your best in your relationships, including with yourself!   Learn more about Rebecca and her healthy lifestyle tips at www.rebeccacafiero.com.

Have you thought about your New Year's resolutions? Instead of a resolution looming over you the entire year, consider using our tips to simplify and strategize your life. Below you'll find tips from Hilary (our fabulous copywriter) and Lauren (our CEO)!   Goal #1: Work smarter, not harder   Hilary's Tips: My mom told me something she heard on a podcast the other day. "If something takes under a minute to do, just do it." I have really been trying to do just that, and it's working out well so far. These are little things I can sneak in when I have a free moment, and at the end of the day, it will have added up to much more. My goal is also to spend less time on my phone. When my daughter goes down for a nap, or to bed, it's easy to get out my phone and mindlessly scroll. However, there are so many ways I could otherwise be using my time. Sure, you could tackle some chores, but I'm talking about playing dominoes with my husband, doing a quick workout, reading a magazine, painting my nails, or, you know, sleeping. Being a stay at home mom can feel really isolating, and I find myself using my phone as a way to feel connected to the world.    Lauren's Tips: I recently read this article on The Every Girl and completely fell in love with it. The advice isn't groundbreaking (it's actually very basic) but it helped me feel like I don't need to be perfect to be a great mom. Number four is my favorite. Whenever I'm asked to bring something to a class party or friend's house, I feel the need to present a homemade Pinterest masterpiece. Next time I'm ordering cupcakes from the local bakery. 🤗  Keeping up with your inbox is one of the biggest productivity killers. I've learned to set aside 30-minute increments in my day to answer emails and clear out my inbox. I start with the most important issues and work my way to the simple responses. It may be a faux pas, but if a response isn't a priority, I generally push it off a few days. Friends and family know if they need a quick response, texting or calling is the way to go!       Goal #2: Get your child(ren) to help you     Hilary's Tips: Now that my daughter is 2, it is time to start having her help out around the house. Yes, you heard me! Chores are so important for kids. Not only do they help you out, but they build self-esteem, as well. Kids feel like they can contribute to the family, and it builds skills for adulthood. It is easy to underestimate what kids can do, especially when they're tiny and are still pooping their pants (diapers) on a regular basis. What I learned as a teacher, though, is that they will nearly always rise to the occasion. It’ll be worth it in the end. Here's an example of some age-appropriate chores. Remember, they're cumulative and build upon each other. Hell. Yes.   Lauren's Tips: Hilary and I are completely on the same page when it comes to having your children help out around the house. It's great for their benefit but also takes some of the stress off of your shoulders. Huge win, win!  Create a docking station: As soon as my kids arrive home from school, they know they need to take their shoes off, hang up their backpacks, and place their jacket in their cubby. Even the 2-year-old twins know exactly what to do and love that it pleases mommy so much. I created a little docking station for the three of them with a cubby bookshelf, these bins, and 3M hooks.  Self-serve snacks: One of my pet peeves is when my kids ask for snacks ALL DAY LONG. To help with this issue we created an area in our kitchen where our kids can find child-appropriate food to help themselves to. These storage containers are great for cereal and crackers. We even have a little measuring cup inside to help them scoop. Their plastic bowls and cups are also stored in a large drawer at their level. We also keep fresh fruit in a bowl they can easily access.    Goal #3: Prepare for the week ahead   Hilary's Tips: I have a little Sunday ritual. I take some time to fill in my planner with appointments and other obligations. I write out a general to-do list for the week. I write a grocery list and plan out what we will eat this week. I will look for coupons on some more expensive items, and I'll check Target's Cartwheel section (on their app) for any deals. Since I'm primarily a stay at home mom, I have learned that my days are very unpredictable. This is the complete opposite from when I was a teacher. My life was planned out to the minute! Literally! Now, I write a general to-do list for the week and plan a little time each day to tackle the list. I don't write anything specific for the day (unless absolutely necessary), and I pick a few items I feel like tackling during that time. It gives me more flexibility and I feel like less of a failure if things don't go according to plan.   Lauren's Tips: Bullet Journaling: I recently found bullet journaling (I know I'm super late to this party) and fell in love with how quickly you can manage just about every aspect of your life in a visually pleasing way. I stick to the very basic layouts (no caligraphy here), planning my weekly schedule, long-term projects, daily goals (like drinking enough water), and everything in between. It's helpful for me to plan ahead so when I open up my notebook on Monday morning, I can quickly transition into the work week without the extra cup of coffee to jumpstart my brain. If you're interested in a simple layout (like me) check these out. Perfectly simple!   Meal Planning: I both love and loathe to cook. When I have time, cooking feels relaxing and I genuinely enjoy preparing a nice meal for my family. On busy weeknights, the last thing I want to do is spend 30 minutes in the kitchen. Knowing this about myself, I plan a special meal every week (one that takes around 30-minutes to prepare) and 3-4 quick meals that really only require tossing a few things together. I grocery shop over the weekend so my fridge is fully stocked, saving me from the grocery store on weeknights. My favorite quick meals are Turkey Tacos, Turkey or Veggie Burgers (the Trader Joes Sweet Chili Veggie Burgers (frozen) are amazing! 🙌), and Teriyaki Pineapple Meatballs (Costco!) with pasta. Sometimes I swap the pasta for carrot noodles (also found frozen at Trader Joes) when I'm feeling extra healthy.      Goal #4: Simplify  Hilary's Tips: I have been doing a lot of thinking lately. What do I absolutely need to do ( It's a lot less than I thought. My biggest goal is to accept simplicity. This is a goal of mine every year. Being an anxious, Type A personality, I tend to be sorrrrrta neurotic. I have gotten better at saying no to things that make life too busy and hectic. It’s hard, and sometimes I feel guilty, but I’m much happier when I’m not stressed. Remember, "No," is a complete sentence! Don't always feel like you need to give a reason as to why you can't do something. I need to be better at setting realistic goals. I love to think I can do everything, but I can't. For instance, instead of cooking dinner 6 nights a week, my goal is now 3-4. I buy prepared food more often, and the meals are more simple than I'd prefer, but it is what it is. My family has full bellies and full hearts and that's what matters. Lauren's Tips: Simplicity has had a major comeback lately, and for good reason. I find myself striving to simply just about every aspect of my life so I can feel like there's room to breathe again.  Consider what's most important: Similar to the tips above, simplifying your life is really about figuring out what's most important to you, planning a way to achieve those things, and eliminating the rest. Like Hilary mentioned, learning to say "no" without guilt is key. It's okay to say no from time to time. Every single person you know will understand.  Channel your inner Marie Kondo: Clutter tends to complicate so a great way to simplify is to reduce the amount of clutter (possessions) in your life. If something isn't 1) useful, 2) meaningful, or 3) pleasant to look at, do you really need it? If the answer is no, get rid of it. It's incredibly freeing to be in an environment where everything meets that 3 critiera.      Goal #5: What can I take off my plate? Hilary's Tips: I tend to be very good at taking things on and not so good scaling back my life. This is definitely a work in progress for me! As moms, our "plates" are always overflowing. Have you heard of the mental load? It's really resonated with me and has rung 100% true. My husband is wonderful and he is "all in" as a father and husband, but there's just something about how differently our brains work. He's not thinking about what to pack weeks before we head on a vacation, and he's not losing sleep about what preschool our daughter should go to. I've learned to a) ask for help and b) delegate things to other people when I can (my husband is in charge of certain people's Christmas presents, for instance). I don't like asking for help. I like to think that I can do everything by myself, all the time. That is sooooo far from the truth.    Lauren's Tips: My personality type wants to do everything, all at once. I know that's not realistic (or healthy) so learning to take things off my plate has been an ongoing project.   Delegate at home: I'm the worst at asking for help, even when it's simply asking my husband to share in the meal prep or start bathtime. But if I don't ask, how will he know I need help? It took a while to get into the routine of asking, but now I'll do it without hesitation. Even better, my husband knows what I'll ask before I do and sometimes has already taken care of it.  Delegate at work: You have a team at work for a reason. Use them! For some reason I used to be timid to pass along projects to teammates, thinking it was inconveniencing them. Now I know to have an open line of communication. Sometimes it's best for me to keep the task, other times a teammate is eager to tackle it.    Here's to a wonderful 2018!