Inside ToteSavvy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This September is NICU Awareness Month. And today: a glimpse inside one new family’s journey.

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.