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Rockabilly Mama: Risky Rae

We’re so excited to introduce Risky Rae – she’s a Rockabilly Mama with awesome Pin-Up Girl style! Risky Rae is a member of the wonderfully fabulous Bay Area Luscious Ladies, a Pin-Up style group based out of California – so, she certainly knows her stuff when it comes to being both a mama and a Pin-Up style icon! She’s here today to share her favorite looks for mama and baby gear!

For Mama – get the ultimate mom pin-up look with these picks from Risky Rae!

1. Pinup Girl Clothing Corset Skirt – This is the skirt I am wearing in my shoot, it is so flattering due to the high cut of the waistband and also good for c-section mamas, as it sits high on the waist and won’t irritate an incision…plus it also has pockets (!) perfect for stashing that phone and pacifier. 2. Hell Bunny Vintage Style Black & White Dotted Tie Knit Cilla Top – This is the top I am wearing in my photos; the tie feature on the bust is so convenient and handy for nursing mamas to quickly expose a breast for feeding. 3. Pinup Couture Jenny Skirt in Mary Blair Grey Cat Print – This is the skirt I am wearing in my photos. It comes in a variety of colors/prints (some are SO adorable) and sits high on the waist, making it perfect for new moms and those who have had c-sections as the band will not irritate the incision. 4. Preggers Maternity Sleeveless Dress in Leopard Print – This ultra comfortable sleeveless maternity dress features a v-neck cross-over bust with gathers at the base and tops of the shoulders, as well a swing skirt with matching gathers. Risky Rae’s hair accessories care of Stardust Dames, and jewelry from Summer Blue Jewelry.

Risky Rae is a huge fan of babywearing and picked her top choices of carriers – both for comfort and staying true to Rockabilly/Pin-Up style!

1. Ergo Original Baby Carrier in Indigo Mint Dots; 2. Ergo Original Baby Carrier, Sailor; 3. Tula Baby Carrier, Slow Ride; 4. Tula Baby Carrier, Betty

When it comes to diaper bags, Risky Rae picked out bags which were able to hold all of baby’s gear, mama’s gear, and could double as an adorable Rockabilly bag for mom on her nights out without baby, too!

1. Trophy Queen Diaper Bag; 2. Femme Fatale, Lady Luck Mama Set; 3. Sourpuss Smile Now Diaper Bag

You can follow Risky Rae on Instagram and Facebook.

PS. Stay tuned for an upcoming post on Rockabilly Baby Style!

Gift Idea: Unconventional Teething Picks

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By: Shana, Gugu Guru Director of Content Marketing

This teething round up comes just as my 8-month-old is cutting three top teeth at once. We managed to survive the bottom two coming in with the help of a French giraffe with cult status. Since those first two teeth, my little one has been pretty finicky, preferring objects of the non-teething variety. Luckily, these four products delivered…and then some!

Teething Egg
Made with FDA grade materials and lead/phalate/BPA/PVC free, this egg-shaped teether is the perfect size and shape for little mouths and hands. I love that it comes with an attachable clip, since my little one is also at the “throw it on the floor and watch Mommy pick it up” stage. Side note: after chewing on it, she also likes to toss around the Teething Egg and watch it wobble. The Teething Egg has held up remarkably well!

Sweet Tooth
This is the CUTEST teething toy and it smells yummy too. (Yes, I’ve found myself sniffing it more than once, which my daughter finds hysterical.) Made in the USA out of medical/food grade silicone, it is free of nasties and easy to clean. The two textures accommodate different teething stages, plus it can have a second life as a toy once teething is over. When it comes to baby things, longevity is definitely a bonus!

Mama & Little Sofia Soothing Teething Necklace
My daughter’s favorite place is in my arms, so having a great teething necklace is a given. She also loves tugging on my long hair, so the necklace does double duty: she can chew on it or keep her hands busy and out of mama’s hair (the breakaway safety clasp ensures that if she tugs a little too hard on the necklace it will safely come off). Made of non-toxic food-grade silicone it’s one way I don’t have to sacrifice style or worry about what my little one is chewing on.

Kleynimals

While not technically a teething toy, Kleynimals are perfect for teething babies who want to put everything into their mouths – including mommy and daddy’s dirty keys. (Many people don’t know that keys contain toxins like lead, nevermind the sharp edges and grime.) What I immediately noticed about Kleynimals is that they are nice and solid. These are NOT cheaply made, chintzy toy keys. They’re made of stainless steel and can even be engraved. After weeks of fixating on my jingly house keys, my daughter loves having her own animal-shaped set.

Mompreneur Spotlight: Monica Leonard of Molly’s Suds

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Today’s Mompreneur Spotlight is on Monica Leonard, the founder of Molly’s Suds. Molly’s Suds create soaps, detergents, cleaners and more which are all safe for both the environment and your skin and body, both on the outside and inside. Molly’s Suds products are made with earth and plant derived ingredients. If there’s something which needs to be cleaned, Molly’s Suds has a healthy solution for it!

GG: How did you decide to launch your business? Tell us a little more about Molly Suds.

ML: We launched Molly’s Suds in 2008, 3 years after the loss of our daughter, Molly. I was a nurse and mom to 3 at the time she was born, and never would have expected a stillbirth. Though I have a faith in God, I wondered why she was not breathing, no life at birth, what did my body do different. As a pediatric nurse, lactation counselor, and mom to 3 other healthy children, I was struggling for answers. After a few months passed, we were pregnant again, and I started doing research about stillbirths. I came across a study that would change the course of our lives forever.

It was my moment… I felt duped by the system, fooled, defeated. I found out the chemicals that we come into contact with every day are not really regulated, alter our endocrine systems, are found in the cord blood of newborns, and are passed on for generations via DNA. It was outrageous. And who knew? No one knew including my obstetrician, coworkers, and family.

I felt like I needed to educate myself more on the chemicals my family and I were being exposed on a daily basis, and see where it took me.

I started small by filling a big black trash bag with all of the toxic products we had after researching the ingredients and discovering the negative effects they have on human health.

We were not left with much on the shelves. I started to learn more about ingredient integrity, and talked to people that were on the same quest for safer products. I talked to people in the environmental science, healthcare, alternative medicine, and chemical industries; and I didn’t stop there.

I really talked about it to anyone who would listen; a lot of family and friends thought I was nuts. They believed the products on grocery shelves were all completely safe, and that the household names we all came to know and trust were just fine.

At this point, I had given birth to a healthy baby boy following Molly’s stillbirth, and I was able to find better organic or natural alternatives to use in place of the conventional brands we had been using…except when it came to laundry detergent. It was the only product I could not seem to replace comfortably. We decided to work with an organic facility to help us perfect a product I worked on for a couple years. I ultimately found my audience at farmer’s markets, mom groups, La Leche League, and other similar places, and in late 2008, at a farmer’s market in Buford, GA we sold our first bucket of Molly’s Suds – the rest is history!

GG: How do you balance work and family?

ML: Work life balance is very important to me. It can be done – we just have to set limits. I’ve had a pretty experienced journey at the game of life, and realize that we don’t get these years back. I’m manufacturing and selling laundry detergent, and so I have to remind myself, it’s not heart surgery. Emails and calls can wait. After work hours, I spend time with my family, which in turn keeps me less stressed and more productive when I am working. I also have an extremely supportive and loving husband, whom I think is the key to my success in our family business.

GG: What’s the best part of being a mompreneur?

ML: I love being a mompreneur because nobody can tell me I have to miss a field trip or performance, or find someone to watch my sick child. When I was a nurse, I missed a lot when it came to kids and family, because my shift always had to be covered. So I am thankful for the opportunity to be able to be there when I need to be. It’s hard work owning a company, and after the house winds down, I still may send out a few emails or sit on the patio with my husband to strategize. It’s good for the kids to see me working out of passion, making a difference, and allowing Molly’s little life make the world a better place one wash at a time!

Daycare Must Haves Roundup!

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The transition from baby being home to daycare can be perplexing: what are you supposed to bring? What does your baby need for the day? Gugu Guru interviewed many moms and daycare experts to find out exactly what your baby will need, and today we’re sharing our roundup of the must have products for daycare as well as sharing some tips to make the transition smoother.

Before you go back to work full time, we recommend that you do a test run for at least a couple weeks so you can get comfortable putting your baby in daycare. Dropping your baby off for a day or two in the weeks leading up to returning to work will help you establish a routine and feel more prepared mentally and emotionally.

Product Suggestions

A “Safe” Lovie: Often times daycares don’t allow for lovies or blankies during naptime, as they can be a sleeping hazard; which is why we’re big fans of the BittaSack from Bitta Kidda! This 100% natural cotton sleepsack has two cotton velour lovies sewn onto the sleep sack, so baby can hold something soft while they are sleeping. These lovies will never get close to baby’s face, which means they are safe for even the smallest of babies to self-soothe with. If your baby loves to hold on to something while they sleep (which most do!), this is the perfect daycare accompaniment because it will help them get a great nap!

Sunscreen: Lots of daycares are wonderful about taking the babies and kids outside as much as possible! However, we got this great tip from mom Nicole F., “Don’t forget to bring sunscreen. Kids aren’t supposed to share!” Furthermore, as mom Beth K. said, “some of these daycares simply won’t apply the sunscreen,” and prefer the parents apply the sunscreen before the day begins. We’re big fans of Babo Botanicals sunscreen which is safe for baby’s skin and made without dairy, soy, peanuts, almonds, walnuts, SLS, sulfates, parabens, phthalates, fragrances, dyes, sodium chloride, formaldehyde, MEA, DEA, TEA, or most common allergens.

Close-toed shoes: While less of an infant consideration, mama Emalee G. reminded us that “The kids need to have close-toed shoes and sandals, as well as sandals with backs on them!” With all the toddling and running around at daycare, often the daycares recommend close-toed shoes and sandals, and almost certainly no flip-flops! Lori M. added, “No slip-on shoes. The shoes must have laces or Velcro; slip-ons fall off too easily.” Looking for the perfect baby and toddler shoe for daycare? We recommend pediped shoes, which have a ton of styles to chose from, all with closed toes, safe straps, and are approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association for promoting healthy foot development.

Diapers: While cloth diapering is becoming very popular for many parents, many daycares don’t allow for cloth diapers. Here’s a hint: remind them about a reduction in trash with cloth and that could make them reconsider. If you’re unable to talk the facility into cloth diapering and looking for an eco-friendly, allergen-free, safe alternative to cloth diapers, we love Bambo Nature diapers. Made to fit your baby’s growing body, these diapers are free from chlorine, perfumes, optical brighteners and lotions, as well as phthalates, latex, and gluten. Bambo Nature diapers feature a breathable back-sheet, which ensures that the skin can breathe, keeping the skin drier and less prone to rash or infection. Bambo Nature also features hypoallergenic baby wipes and training pants for older toddlers.

Labels: How are you going to label all of these items for your baby? We are huge fans of Inchbug labels – which happened to be one of the most common brands named as a “must-have” by daycare moms! Their 3D custom Orbit labels are engraved with your baby’s name on them (in braille too!) and can fit on any sippy-cup, bottle, or cup – they are colorful and will ensure that your baby is drinking from the right container. Inchbug also sells adhesive labels, clothing labels, allergy labels and alerts, and even labels which can go in shoes! Put your baby’s name on everything with Inchbug labels.

Some final tips…

Besides the actual items which your baby will need, finding a daycare which fits all of your family’s needs can sometimes be overwhelming. We asked Lindsay Bliss, the owner of Kidspiration for some questions parents can ask when they tour a daycare. Her top five questions she said parents should ask as they tour a daycare, 1. What are the ratios of children to teachers? 2. What’s your sick policy? 3. What are the fees? Late fees? Early hour fees? 4. How can I communicate with you? 5. What materials do I need to bring and what do you provide?

Although the transition can be hard, here are some testimonials from other mamas: Vicki M. said, “My daughter is in kindergarten this year and I truly believe the curriculum she learned in daycare over the past three years has made her so bright and ready to be in the school setting! She knows how to sit, listen, pay attention, take turns, share. All things she learned by going to daycare!” As Trish N. exclaimed, “I am a full time working mom and both my kids have been in full time day care since three months old. It has been a great experience for me. They’re both very smart, they can sit still, listen to directions, use good manners. They are outgoing and are kind to other children.” Even though it’s a tough change for some parents, daycare can a wonderful place your baby can thrive, make friends, and learn social skills – as long as you’re prepared with all the necessary items, the transition can be smoother for both mama and baby!

Like what you see here? Enter to win a Daycare Bundle featuring all of these brands!
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Cause-Driven Registry: DockATot (+giveaway)

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Continuing our Cause-Driven Registry with Nicole Ryan, today we feature DockATot, the portable infant lounger designed with baby’s safety and comfort in mind.

Originally created in Europe, the DockATot is a completely unique, versatile and chicly designed product for babies to lounge, snuggle, or play in. What makes DockATot stand out from the crowd is the careful consideration the founder (a mom of two young boys) has given to the overall design, functionality and safety of the dock. The unique shape and design allow babies to comfortably lounge, play, snuggle and log in some tummy time. The idea is that your little one feels snuggled in a safe haven that feels a lot like the womb. The bumpers are made with a special air-permeable fabric that makes DockATot particularly worry-free. The DockATot is very lightweight and perfect for families who travel!

For the duration of June and July, DockATot has donated $1 for each DockATot sold to Project Night Night, an organization that helps homeless children (ages 0-12). Project Night Night donates over 25,000 Night Night Packages each year to homeless children 12 and under who need our childhood essentials to have a concrete and predictable source of security and an increased exposure to high-quality literacy materials during their time of upheaval.

Like what you see here? Enter to win a DockATot below!
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Mompreneur Spotlight: Lindsey Laurain of ezpz

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Here at Gugu Guru, we’re proponents of any products and ideas which make mealtime easier for the family; which is why we’re so excited to introduce Lindsey Laurain of ezpz! ezpz features placemats, bowls, and mealtime tools which are not only healthy and safe for babies and kids, but promote self-feeding skills and independence in young children.

GG: How and why did you start ezpz?

LL: Our life can be pretty chaotic, especially at mealtime, and my husband and I were fed up with the messiness and cleanup time dedicated to each meal. One night (in the midst of his frustration) my husband said, “Someone needs to create something kids can’t toss or throw at meals!” The next day I hopped online and, low and behold, nothing exists. From that day on I was committed to creating products that made meals with kids ezpz – and that is how the Happy Mat came to be!

GG: How do you balance work and family?

Balancing work and family is a constant challenge, but I do my best! I try to shut down my computer when the kids get home from school and spend some time giving each one of my three boys the attention they deserve. One thing I love about starting ezpz from scratch has been teaching the boys about what you can achieve with hard work, a positive attitude and teamwork.

GG: What’s the best part of being a “Mompreneur” and running your own business?

The best part of being an entrepreneur is having an amazing team and community! I have the pleasure of working with my best friends, husband and brother! Our community (ezpz fans and supporters) are also phenomenal; they keep us motivated and upbeat even when times are tough.

Newborn Lockdown!

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One of the reasons pregnant mamas love registering on Gugu Guru is that we simplify every product into a very real life scenario and category. We know that registering can be overwhelming, which is why we are here to hold your (possibly swollen) hand and walk you through all the different categories when it comes to new-parenthood. The first stop in newborn land is what we like to call “Newborn Lockdown” – Newborn Lockdown describes those very early few weeks when you literally don’t leave the house, whether it’s because you’re healing, breastfeeding, exhausted, or simply too nervous to take that tiny baby into the giant world! We’ve gathered together some of our favorite products for surviving those first few weeks on lockdown – and if you’re not registering or pregnant, we highly recommend buying some of these items for your new mama friend (you can thank us later!).

For Mama –

Nesting Days Carrier: In those very early days of newborn-hood, it seems like baby never wants to be put down! The Nesting Days Carrier is unique in that it can be worn two ways – wear it at home (and get a chance to use your hands again!) for skin-to-skin time with baby; it also helps pull in your stomach muscles and provide tummy support. Or, use it out and about over your clothing for a hands-free way to carry baby close to you.

Victoria’s Secret Hoodie and Sweats: We know all you want to do is lie around with the baby, so why not look adorable doing it? We are loving these super soft “Boyfriend Pants” and hoodie from Victoria’s Secret – plus, the hoodie makes whipping your boobs out for breastfeeding all day long so much easier!

Netflix: Don’t have a Netflix account? You need one now – you’ll be spending many, many long hours rocking, feeding, and shushing a baby, the least you can do is binge watch The Gilmore Girls while you do it! (We highly recommend Dawson’s Creek and Felicity, too!). A Netflix account makes a wonderful baby shower gift, as well – mama can even watch on her phone late at night!

Silverette Nursing Cups: Are you breastfeeding your newborn? Check out Silverette Nursing Cups, which are small nursing cups made out of 925 silver to help protect the nipples while breastfeeding. Silver is a natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory element and it heals and prevents cuts, wounds, cracks, soreness and infections. These cups are essential for anyone who is having problems with painful nipples or want to use them as a precautionary measure. They are completely easy to use and no creams or lotion are needed.

For Baby –

Owlet Baby Monitor: It’s nerve-wracking to bring home a newborn baby, especially for first time parents! It seems as though many parents are even too nervous to fall asleep because the baby seems so tiny and new – but, Owlet Smart Sock is here to help. The Owlet Smart Sock is a bootie which your infant wears, and uses hospital technology called “pulse oximetry” to monitor your baby’s breathing. The Owlet monitor relays the information and connects to your smartphone, so even if you’re cooking dinner downstairs, you can check on your baby’s breathing.

DockATot: The DockATot is a completely unique and versatile product for babies to lounge, relax, or play in. The unique shape and design allow babies to comfortably rest, play, snuggle and log in some tummy time. The idea is that your little one feels snuggled in a safe haven that feels a lot like the womb. The bumpers are made with a special air-permeable fabric that makes DockATot particularly worry-free. The DockATot is very lightweight and perfect for families who travel!

To register for these items, head over to our registry page and add them (and many, many other must-have items) to your personalized registry!

Cause-Driven Registry: Naturepedic

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Continuing with our Cause-Driven Registry with Nicole Ryan, this week we feature Naturepedic. Naturepedic handcrafts certified organic mattresses without questionable chemicals for babies, kids and adults, providing a healthier night’s sleep for the whole family.

Naturepedic mattresses are ideal for babies and kids because they are pure, natural and chemical free. Their waterproof organic cotton cover features a luxurious organic cotton fabric with a clear 100% polyethylene food-grade waterproof coating. Most importantly, the mattresses are allergen friendly and easy-to-clean (no need to worry about spit-up, diaper blow-outs or potty training toddlers!). However, what Naturepedic is known for is their innovative natural design and intelligent mattress construction, which allows for Naturepedic to pass all Federal and State flammability standards without the use of flame retardant chemicals or barriers. This is achieved through superior product design and the use of more natural materials.

Naturepedic supports dozens of organizations like the Environmental Working Group and One Percent for the Planet, which promotes environmental stewardship and healthful wellbeing. Through healthier materials and sustainable business practices, Naturepedic builds a better planet for our future generations.

Naturepedic financially supports organizations working to make the world healthier, cleaner and more sustainable. The following organizations have recognized Naturepedic for its efforts in using healthier materials, sustainable business practices and renewable energy. While these companies have not formally evaluated or certified Naturepedic or its products, they stand with Naturepedic in their desire for a better planet: Healthy Child Healthy World Partner, Allergy Kids Foundation, The Ecology Center, Debra Lynn Dadd Recommended Products, Kids for Saving Earth, and the Environmental Media Association.

Naturepedic is a member of the American Sustainable Business Council, whom advocate for stewardship, judicious use of resources, reinvestment, and attention to sustainability through the full product lifecycle. Furthermore, through its involvement with Green America and the Green Business Network, Naturepedic conducts its business according to standards that reach beyond contemporary practices in addressing the needs of consumers, employees, communities and the environment. Blue Cure Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing information on cancer prevention and treatment. Blue Cure has reviewed the Naturepedic facility and the materials used and recommends Naturepedic products.

Product Discovery: NuRoo Nursing Scarf

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In honor of Breastfeeding Awareness Month, we’re sharing a nursing must-have item which we love: the NüRoo Nursing Scarf!

NüRoo designed this discrete Nursing Scarf to be your favorite accessory, so it’s on you when you need it. Snaps along the width of the Nursing Scarf let you customize your coverage: wrapped or draped, front and back, over the shoulder or around your neck. The signature NüRoo fabric is super soft, breathable, wrinkle free, and not distracting for baby. As an added bonus, you’ll love this fashionable scarf long after your breastfeeding days!

There are 8 different ways to wear the NüRoo Nursing Scarf – this versatile scarf comes in 8 different colors – not only can you choose your favorite color, but you can change the scarf’s look and coverage depending on what you (and your baby) need. And of course, most importantly, the scarf is machine washable and dryer safe, so you don’t have to worry about spit-up or food ruining your most loved fashion accessory!

Mompreneur Spotlight: Caroline Freedman, co-founder NurturMe

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This week’s Mompreneur interview is with Caroline Freedman, co-founder of NurturMe. NurturMe is the first and only family of certified-organic, dried fruit and veggie meals and snacks created to nourish healthy growth and overall wellness in little ones. Made from specially selected super fruits and veggies that are quick-dried in order to preserve freshness, flavor and vital nutrients, NurturMe baby and toddler foods are certified organic, gluten-free, non-GMO and kosher, with no added preservatives, sugars or salts. They’re also super lightweight and made in the USA, leaving a smaller carbon footprint on our planet than the other options found in the baby aisle.

GG: How and why did you start your NurturMe?

CF: The idea came about seven years ago, when I was pregnant with my first child. I was doing a lot of research about when to feed your child, what ingredients are appropriate, how the whole process works. … It was very intimidating. I was surprised to find there was no innovation in baby food. It was still Gerber. It was still pureed foods in jars. It seemed like the perfect opportunity to create a brand that could appeal to modern parents.

GG: How do you balance work and family?

CF: I found a partner. Aside from actual workload, there is just so much problem-solving that goes on. My business partner, who also has two children, Lauren de la Rosa, and I help one another. We have two very different approaches, and, in some situations, her approach is more effective and, in others, mine is. The fact that we have that dynamic as co-founders has enabled us to both grow our families, stay sane and enjoy this ride we’re on. Also, in regards to maintaining balance, it’s important to have a rich and fulfilling social life. There’s this idea that entrepreneurs have to have their heads down and focus on work all the time, but my experience has been that as my company and my responsibilities have grown, my relationships and my friendships have deepened. I don’t have this tunnel vision on work 100 percent of the time.

GG: What’s the best part of being a “Mompreneur” and running your own business?

CF: One of the things I love most about it is being an example to my girls. Their view of what a mom does is work, run her own business, while also (hopefully, from their perspective) being an involved and present parent. It’s something that I hope will shape them into confident girls and women who feel that they, too, can do whatever they set their minds to.

Please visit nurturme.com for additional information, including pricing and where to purchase NurturMe products. Visit NurturMe on Facebook and Twitter for special promotions, recipes, new products and more.

Follow NurturMe on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

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