Christine Swearingen

Ultimate Personalized Nursery E-Design by YouthfulNest + a Giveaway!

How to Easily Create a Personalized Design for Your Nursery

The nursery is an important space when you have a new baby on the way. You’ll be spending a lot of time in this room, so you’ll want the space to be comfortable and personalized. Designing a functional and stylish baby room by yourself isn’t easy, though. Luckily, there are virtual interior design services from YouthfulNest available that make creating your custom nursery easy and affordable.

YouthfulNest offers expert virtual design services

Browsing through endless design layouts and product choices can be stressful and a huge loss of time. Your baby is going to be here before you know it, which is why YouthfulNest is an excellent solution for confidently guiding you on this nursery design journey.

With YouthfulNest, you have access to knowledgable designers who will alleviate stress by helping you choose the right products for your nursery. It’s a simple three-step process that starts with sharing your vision by filling out a questionnaire with your room details, including measurements, budget, and style inspiration. After reviewing your information, your designer will pull together a design with items selected from quality retailers that reflect your budget and style. From here, you have design time to finalize all products with the chance to request alternative pieces and finally start shopping your design!

Start your project today

Get the expert designer advice you need to feel confident in your nursery room design by starting a project with YouthfulNest today. Whether you’re overwhelmed by the product options or whether you need validation for your design ideas, YouthfulNest will give you the feedback and suggestions you need to move forward with confidence on space for all to thrive. The designers will also work with your budget to provide product options within your price range. If you’re ready to stop stressing about your nursery and start enjoying the design process, then consult with an expert today to create a personalized space for your family.

Enter below for a chance to win the Essential Design Service!

Thank you to YouthfulNest for making this sponsored post possible.

Real Mom Review: The Super Easy-to-Carry Maxi-Cosi Coral XP!

by Christine Swearingen Leave a Comment

“I’m so happy we upgraded our car seat to the Maxi-Cosi Coral XP – I feel so much more coordinated when I’m carrying Wren! Honestly, felt so awkward previously that it didn’t seem entirely safe. Now I feel so much more confident and comfortable carrying her around. Plus, I always have a completely free second hand!”

Thank you to Liz Elliott for reviewing this product – Liz is a home & style guru and blogger of Franc and Eli.

Thank you to Maxi-Cosi for sponsoring this video!

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Changing the Car Seat Game Completely – The Super Easy-to-Carry Maxi-Cosi Coral XP!

by Christine Swearingen Leave a Comment

Thank you to Liz Elliott for reviewing this product – Liz is a home & style guru and blogger of Franc and Eli.

We recently upgraded our car seat to the Maxi-Cosi Coral XP and I wish we’d done it sooner!

The Maxi-Cosi Coral XP is a new type of car seat that is totally changing the car seat game by making it so much easier to carry your baby. Even though a lot of traditional car seats are “light weight,” they’re still pretty bulky and awkward to carry and can get heavy once you add a baby!

I was struggling to carry our old car seat – I often found myself carrying it using some weird arm positions and essentially holding one arm with the other and still struggling. In one of our first outings with Wren, we took her to the beach. I was carrying Wren in her old car seat by the big handle, and some drinks in the other. I only made it about halfway down the walkway to the beach before I couldn’t carry everything anymore! I needed my other hand to hold up the arm that was carrying the car seat, so I had to stop and wait for my husband to come back and grab the rest of the stuff from me! I remember thinking “I thought this thing was supposed to be lightweird / easy to carry?”

And then we got the Coral XP and now carrying Wren is a breeze!

The Coral XP has 3 parts, an inner carrier, an outer carrier shell, and a base. When you’re carrying your baby in the car seat, you can carry just the super lightweight inner carrier! It only weighs about five pounds. There are two ways to carry the inner carrier (and both are so much easier than wrangling the handle of a traditional car seat):

First, you can carry it using the two side handles. Second, you can carry it across your body using the cross-body strap. This is my favorite way – it distributes the weight to your back and is really comfortable to wear! You can also carry the outer carrier shell (with the inner carrier inside) like a “traditional” car seat.

When you’re taking it in and out of your car, you can pop out just the inner carrier (leaving the outer carrier shell and base in the car), or you can pop out the inner carrier and outer carrier shell together as one unit. Both are super simple!

I’m so happy we upgraded our car seat to the Maxi-Cosi Coral XP – I feel so much more coordinated when I’m carrying Wren! Honestly, felt so awkward previously that it didn’t seem entirely safe. Now I feel so much more confident and comfortable carrying her around. Plus, I always have a completely free second hand!

The Coral XP is made using Maxi-Cosi’s “Pure-Cosi” fabrics, made without wool or added fire retardant treatment, that are machine washable and dryer safe! Wren loves it too – and it’s easy to get her in and out of it.

Thank you to Maxi-Cosi for making this sponsored post possible.

All You Need To Know About The Thule Spring Stroller

by Christine Swearingen Leave a Comment

One of the most critical decisions that every expecting parent has to make is selecting a baby stroller for their precious little one, and this decision can be tough. This is because a baby stroller is a product that you will use often for a remarkably long time. Therefore, it needs to be durable and well-equipped to serve you and your baby for years. Thule grasped this need of parents very seriously and, came up with a multi-functional stroller, Thule Spring. Read on for more about this exceptional baby stroller.

Why should you consider the Thule Spring stroller?

Thule Spring has several aspects that are very useful for parents. Whether you are going to be a new parent or you are an experienced one, you’ll love this stroller.

Ease of use: This stroller can easily fold with only one hand. The ergonomics will do the hard work. SImply put your hand on the lever below the seat pad and lift it like a lightweight suitcase. Plus, at only 21 pounds, you can easily climb those stairs in the park with the folded Thule Spring Stroller in one hand and baby in the other.

Simple to store: The dimensions after folding, are merely 12.6 x 17.7 x 30 inches, and it only covers a 23.4-inch wide area. That’s 30% smaller than a traditional 3-wheel stroller. It even possesses self-standing capability, so you can set it down and keep your hands free.

Urban strolling: The Thule Spring Stroller is designed for urban terrain. It has large, 8.5” foam filled tires, accompanied with a compact design and smooth handling which makes it perfect for routine use, plus, the freedom to go wherever you want. The stroller’s adjustable canopy comes with UPF 50+ UV protection, high-quality fabric that gives it a fashionable, sleek look.

What makes it a perfect baby stroller?

The Thule Spring can be used from birth with the Maxi-Cosi or Chicco car seat adapter accessory. There are several different color combos to choose from to fit any parent’s style. The stroller is well-ventilated, comfortable, and durable for long-lasting use. The stroller has a 5-point harness and a step-in footrest for independent toddlers. One of our favorite features is the spacious 11L basket for all parent and baby needs. There are also several accessories available, such as a cup holder, snack tray, and glider board to customize your stroller.

Thule has designed such an impressive baby stroller that no parent can ignore. This baby stroller is a classic example of manufacturers who put their heart and soul into designing their product. The result of such hard-work, concern about customer’s needs, and dedication, is a perfect product for parents, the Thule Spring Stoller.

Thank you to Thule for making this sponsored post possible.

Charitable Holiday Gifts

by Christine Swearingen Leave a Comment

Sometimes, you just don’t need any more “stuff”! We rounded up some of our favorite charitable causes for gifting this year from honor gifts, to gift cards, to monetary donations to worthy causes.

Gifts for Moms

The Hunger Project: The mission of The Hunger Project is to end hunger and poverty by pioneering sustainable, grassroots, women-centered strategies and advocating for them in countries throughout the world. They believe that to achieve a sustainable solution to hunger, those living in hunger need access to education and tools to end hunger for good.

Postpartum Support International: Did you know? 1 in 7 Moms and 1 in 10 Dads suffer from postpartum depression. Postpartum Support International is a non-profit organization serving the needs of pregnant, post-loss, and postpartum women and families all over the world, at no cost to women and their families. They provide direct, informed support and resources to families, train professionals, and connect them together.

Every Mother Counts: Every Mother Counts works to make pregnancy and childbirth safe for everyone, everywhere. They work to achieve quality, respectful, and equitable maternity care for all by giving grants and working with partners and thought leaders to increase awareness and mobilize communities to take action.

Heifer International: Heifer International works to end hunger and poverty in partnership with the communities they serve. The programs support entrepreneurs around the world, beginning with a seed investment of livestock or agriculture, followed by mentorship to help project participants build a business, and ultimately to gain access to supply chains and markets. These families are able to earn a living income and continuously lift up their communities as they train the next generation of leaders.

Gifts for Babes

Ferst Readers: Ferst Readers wants every child to have the best start in life, and the key is having books in the home and being read to from birth. Children in the Ferst Readers literacy program receive a bookstore-quality, age-specific book, and resources mailed to them at home every month until their fifth birthday. It’s this access to print that helps create a language-rich environment in the home.

March of Dimes: March of Dimes leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies, with the belief that every baby deserves the best possible start. Today, they educate medical professionals and the public about best practices; support lifesaving research; provide comfort and support to families in NICUs; and advocate for moms and babies. They guide moms through every stage of the pregnancy journey and are fighting for babies and advocating for their health with the tools, technology, and knowledge needed to build a brighter future for all.

National Diaper Bank Network: Did you know that 1 in 3 U.S. families experience diaper need? The NDBN provides the necessities required to build the strong foundations all children, families, and individuals need to thrive. Babies without clean diapers are exposed to more potential health risks. In partnership with diaper banks, allied programs, donors, sponsors, and elected officials, they work to end diaper need and period poverty in the United States.

World Vision: World Vision is a Christian organization working to help communities lift themselves out of poverty. They do this by partnering with children, families, and their communities to tackle the root causes of poverty and injustice through health, education, economic empowerment, and more.

Smile Train: Smile Train is an international children’s charity with a sustainable approach to a single, solvable problem: cleft lip and palate. Children with untreated clefts around the world have difficulty eating, breathing, hearing, and speaking. Cleft treatment is safe, and the impact on the child is immediate. Smile Train has supported more cleft surgeries than all other global charities combined. They partner directly with local hospitals to strengthen health systems and empower local medical professionals to offer surgical services and comprehensive cleft care to children in their own communities.

Bathtime: Top Tips and Christmas Gift Ideas!

by Christine Swearingen Leave a Comment

Here at Gugu Guru we are all about celebrating all types of families, so when we came across the blog Coraline and Us, we knew we wanted to have Liz, the mama behind the blog, come and share her story. Liz started her blog upon the birth of her adorable little Coraline, when it was “discovered unexpectedly within hours, that she has Down’s Syndrome and two holes in the heart. We did not know anything about Down’s Syndrome when she was born. This blog is about our journey of growth.” Read on for more about Coraline and Liz’s bathtime tips and gift ideas!
You can find Liz on her blog, Facebook, and Instagram.

Here’s a roundup of our bathtime favorites. Coraline used to hate the bath; she would try to climb out repeatedly as soon as she got in. You can read more about how that began to shift when she was about two and a half, with a couple of surprising discoveries in the post Bathtime.

Now, age three, she is happy to sit in the bath and play with all her toys in it. I’ll say what a mum said to me (who has an older child with Down’s syndrome): “this too shall pass”. That’s a phrase that’s come up for us a bit recently. Suddenly, things just begin to settle and click. The bath aversion doesn’t last forever. Be patient. And, as my husband Kevin said, “what are we going to do; not give her a bath?” For us, it was just a case of repetition and patience, and “this too shall pass”.

Here are our favorite bathtime things:

1. We love the Cuddledry Handsfree Bath Towel. Friends gave us this when Coraline was born and it stands out as something we love. It’s the fact it ties around your neck with a popper so it’s easy to bring Coraline to the bath in it, to have it on whilst she’s in the bath, lift her out into it and lay her down onto it, really smoothly! That was especially great when Coraline wasn’t so fond of the bath. It’s little things like this that make a real difference. Plus it’s lovely, soft and big and, in the words of Marie Kondo, it “sparks joy”.

2. A friend in our Antenatal group recommended this Angelcare Soft-Touch Bath Support Chair to us, and we used it until Coraline was about 18 months old, when we moved to a non-slip bath mat. It’s so light and easy to put in and out of the bath, as the water drains through. The “grippy” material also meant Coraline was safely seated when she was in it and its angle was good for washing her hair, and for her to look at us. For us, it was important to have something supportive when Coraline was sitting in the bath due to her hypotonia (low muscle tone) which is a characteristic of Down’s syndrome. She can also splash freely with her legs when she’s in it which she began to do as she got older.

3. Coraline’s therapists say the bath is a great place for learning and having fun! A friend gave Coraline these bathtime funny mix sponge animals, as her nephew had loved the fun of matching the bodies and heads. Coraline learns visually and through repetition. We see these animals on the side of the bath each bathtime and say their name and make their sound. She loves them. We just have to make sure she doesn’t chew them!

4. We have ordered Coraline the bath foam letters and numbers for Christmas 2020, to add to her bath toys, as recommended by the same mum I mentioned above! They will work well as we are working on letter sounds at the moment e.g. “p” and “b” and we are also working at familiarising her with the numbers 1-6.

5. Basketball hoop also recommended by the same mum I previously mentioned. I ordered for Christmas. It will be great for gross motor skills and also Coraline can recognize the word “ball” so it will give more practice and repetition of that sound. And, most importantly, be fun!

BOB Gear® Alterrain™ Jogging Stroller: For Moms Needing a Solution in a Global Pandemic

by Christine Swearingen 1 Comment

One of our Gugu Guru team members, Katie, recently tested out the new BOB Gear® Alterrain™ jogging stroller. Check out her thoughts below! Hint: she LOVED it!

Before I was pregnant, I ran 2 miles every day. Getting back into shape mentally and physically was a big challenge for me. My family lived too far away to come to help out and my husband works long hours. Faced with a global pandemic, I needed something that could entertain my 19-month-old while giving me a “break”.

Thankfully, the new BOB Gear® Alterrain™ Jogging Stroller lets me take some time outside, but also has the most incredible features for the whole family. When I received this stroller, I instantly noticed the ease of the one-handed opening and closing component, which is key with a little one in the other arm. When we go outside for walks/runs, my daughter Isla has a place for her snacks and drinks with the new side pockets for storage. I never have to worry about pausing to take them in and out of a diaper bag each time she is hungry or thirsty.

Another key component that I love is the ease of use for both my husband and I. He is 6’3″ and I am 5’4″. The adjustable handlebar makes it so easy for both of us to push the stroller comfortably. Finally, the air-filled tires and BOB Gear’s newest SmoothShox™ exclusive suspension system make jogging or walking on bumpy sidewalks and off-road paths so much smoother for our little passenger.

BOB Gear® really thought of it all when it comes to this jogging stroller. Heading into the winter months, this jogging stroller is my #1 to keep both Isla & I feeling happy, healthy and ready for the new year.

Bathroom Essentials Guide from Summer™

by Christine Swearingen Leave a Comment

When it comes to potty-training your little one, just about every parent could use some extra help in encouraging their children in making the transition. Luckily, these gadgets know just how to do it, helping to make potty training that much easier on both you and your child.

Lights & Songs to Reward The “Go”

One of the biggest hurdles parents face when potty training is finding the right size toilet to comfortably teach their children. Summer helps make it easy with the My Size® Potty Lights and Songs Transitions. Easing the transition from diapers to a normal toilet, this potty training toiler sits on top of your adult-sized toilet, providing your children with the ideal fit for their size.

This removable potty topper is easily placed and removed so as not to impede the other adults in your house, while ultimately helping your child make the transition from the potty topper to using the normal toilet. It also features a built-in wipe compartment to encourage good hygiene. Meanwhile, the splash guard and removable bowl ensure your bathroom stays tidy.

On top of all that, every time your child flushes, this potty topper cycles through six melodies, with lights flashing to the music’s beat to reward them for a successful “go.” The realistic and fun design is sleek, with cheerful music to make potty training fun. Meanwhile, the interactive handle makes a flush sound just like the real thing, getting your child into healthy habits.

Potty Training Tools for Boys

Teaching your boy how to use a urinal properly? This potty training gadget from Summer will make it that much easier. The Summer® My Size® Urinal is a realistic, child-sized urinal that offers flushing sounds and a target aim so that your little one can easily practice without making a mess.

This modern urinal is very realistic-looking and has a flush handle with a realistic flush sound to encourage healthy habits. Just attach this toddler-sized urinal to your bathroom’s tile wall using the included adhesive strips. The urinal can then be easily removed for emptying and cleaning and placed back when you’re ready. When you’re done potty training, the adhesive strips come off, too.

This gadget is the perfect solution for teaching your little one to use the bathroom standing up, all while providing for a realistic, yet toddler-sized experience. The target, for instance, teaches them how to aim for a mess-free bathroom break, while the easy clean design ensures you’ll never have a hard time cleaning up any accidents that do happen.

Thank you to Summer™ for making this sponsored post possible!

Ultimate Gift Guide: Ages 2-5

by Christine Swearingen Leave a Comment

The holidays are coming and most parents are not even close to ready. But that’s okay! Think outside the box with gifts this year, from functional gifts that are beneficial to educational toys for the little one! The possibilities are literally endless. To give you some ideas, here are a few gifts that are perfect for any growing toddler.

Mobi Zippee – $19.99

Both educational and fun, the Zippee is a multi-sensory silicone activity toy for every growing child. The Zippee comes with a slew of benefits, such as creating developmental learning skills, further gross motor skills, sensory exploration, and cause and effect. Created by doctors, therapists, and parents alike, it is BPA-free, phthalate-free, and made with food-grade silicone! It is the most beneficial toy for kids this holiday season.

WayB Pico™ Travel Car Seat– $330.00

Prepare for the only car seat that any parent will need. Seriously. The Pico Travel Car Seat is both portable and functional, making the whole process of putting kids in their seats as smooth as possible. It weighs in at 8 pounds and is airplane approved, making it a truly game-changing car seat for the traveling family. It comes with AstroKnit Mesh material made from wool and polyester for maximum comfort, an aerospace-grade aluminum frame for durability, and a safety-first design.

Make sure to use code: GUGUGURU20 for 20% off site-wide on wayb.com, through 11:59 PM Pacific Time on December 31, 2020!

Melange Collection Toys – $18.00 – $48.00

Calling all parents who’ve always wanted their kid to have a staple stuffed animal, it’s right here. With whimsical designs and hand-craftsmanship, these toys are perfect for any growing toddlers needing a cuddle buddy. Their stuffed animals are made with alpaca and wool, making it the softest toy your little one will ever have. Melange Collection’s beautiful, heirloom quality toys are handmade by women in developing countries, using fair trade guidelines and is woman owned and operated.

Make sure to use code “GUGU” for free shipping, expires 12/31/2020!

Thank you to Mobi Games, WAYB, and Melange Collection for making this sponsored post possible.

ORiANE Favorite: The Sara Turtleneck Tunic

by Christine Swearingen Leave a Comment

When it is time to shop for a birthday, holiday or pregnancy gift for expectant mothers, you must consider the Sara Turtleneck Tunic from ORiANE. Mothers will love all the Sara Turtleneck Tunic has to offer.

For the nursing and postpartum months, it is important for moms to wear something comfortable. The Sara tunic is made of a very soft material so moms will feel cozy and beautiful in this tunic.

The Sara Turtleneck Tunic is stylish with leggings or skinny jeans. It reaches the mid-thigh to create a piece that looks like an oversized shirt, rather than a maternity shirt. If mom is on the petite side, they can wear this tunic as a fashionable dress.

From the comfortable material to the versatile design, mothers can wear this tunic anywhere, from relaxing at home to making a grocery store run, to a stylish top or dress for date night. Whether working inside or outside the home, this gorgeous piece is a great addition to any working mom’s attire too.

The tunic is realistically priced to fit most budgets, so shoppers do not have to worry about breaking the bank on a great gift idea. At a reasonable price, shoppers can order the new-mama more than one, or even grab one for themselves!

Regardless of the occasion, you can’t go wrong with the Sara Turtleneck Tunic from ORiANE. Cozy, stylish and versatile, this is a great gift idea for mothers who are looking to feel comfortable and amazing.

And as a special bonus, you’ll receive 20% off, applied automatically at checkout, for ORiANE’s Bye Bye 2020 sale through 12/20.

Thank you to ORiANE for making this sponsored post possible.

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Christine Swearingen

How to Easily Create a Personalized Design for Your Nursery

YouthfulNest offers expert virtual design services

Start your project today

Enter below for a chance to win the Essential Design Service!

Why should you consider the Thule Spring stroller?

What makes it a perfect baby stroller?

Gifts for Moms

Gifts for Babes

Lights & Songs to Reward The “Go”

Potty Training Tools for Boys

Mobi Zippee – $19.99

WayB Pico™ Travel Car Seat– $330.00

Melange Collection Toys – $18.00 – $48.00

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