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Working Mother Must-Have Backpack Diaper Bag from JuJuBe

When it comes to working moms, it’s so important to choose a diaper bag that fits your busy lifestyle. We’re huge fans of diaper bags that double as backpacks, so when we saw the JuJuBe “Be Right Back” bag, we were excited to share it in our Working Mother Registry. We love diaper bag backpacks because they are ideal for busy parents who need both hands free – and also work well for babywearing! The Be Right Back diaper bag backpack from JuJuBe has so many beneficial features for working moms and is a must-have item for any parent.

This whimsically designed backpack has easy-to-use zippers for quick open and close, and is ideal for short trips to down or long days out. The back panel is constructed from padded, breathable mesh to keep you cool and comfortable all day long, and the memory foam changing pad in the back pocket provides added cushioning for your back. In fact, this backpack has a ton of storage and room for everything you will need. It features 1 mesh pocket and 1 zippered pocket in main compartment, 2 bottle pockets with Thinsulate by 3M for daycare drop off or long days out, as well as a quick-access top storage pocket, cell phone pocket, and most importantly, the mommy pocket for your keys, lip gloss and wallet.

The Be Right Back backpack also includes a memory foam changing pad, and for the working mama on-the-go, the backpack can even accommodate tablets or small laptops. It comes in 5 designs, so you are sure to find one which fits your personal style. And, most importantly, it is machine washable…and has a limited lifetime warranty. The JuJuBe Be Right Back diaper bag backpack will not only keep everything organized and in place, but will help you feel chic on-the-go as a busy working mama.

Thank you to JuJuBe for making this sponsored post possible!

The Ultimate Work at Home Mom Office

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

by Naomi Alon

Working from home can be a challenge in its own right, but working at home AND taking care of a baby can be a daunting task. With so many moms opting to work from home these days, designing the home office is a conversation worth having. Here are my top tips for creating a workspace at home and managing childcare at the same time.

Make the office a place that you want to be. Whether you have a dedicated office space, or are just using a corner of your bedroom or living room, make that space fell great! Choose a desk and decor that make you feel happy, a comfortable chair you can sit in for longer periods of time, and plenty of plants and natural light to help you avoid feeling stir-crazy.
Make room for baby. If your baby is still small and you need to keep a close eye on them while you work, a portable mini crib or bassinet is a great option. The one that’s drawn in the design board has casters on the feet so it can be rolled around. This is great if you tend to work in different areas of your home, like moving from the desk to the sofa to the dining table, etc. A portable changing caddy can help in this situation.
Add some conveniences. Depending on the location of your room and the age of your baby, getting a little mini fridge can be super convenient to keep water, milk or little snacks nearby. This can be helpful if you live in a 2-story home, or if you need to work in the office quietly while baby sleeps.
Make space for yourself. If you have childcare or another stay/work at home parent, consider getting a white noise machine or noise canceling headphones. That way, if someone is in the other room playing with the baby, you can focus on your work.
Get serious about storage. Try to keep your office space as organized as possible, and teach your child from a young age that it is a hands-off space. If you’re prone to clutter, consider getting a secretary desk that closes up, or a cabinet you can hide things in when needed.

About the Author:

Naomi Alon is the owner of Little Crown Interiors, a design studio in Southern California offering local and nationwide e-design services just for nurseries and children’s spaces.

As a special promotion for Gugu Guru readers, Little Crown Interiors is offering 10% off nursery design services when you mention “Gugu Guru”, and 10% off anything in the online shop with code GUGUGURU (exclusions may apply).

Skin & Makeup Techniques for Working Mothers

by Mel Blume Leave a Comment

Skin & Makeup techniques for working mothers are important to master because, well, mornings are an…adventure. Since we never know how long we actually have in front of the mirror, we need to think fast. And act faster. So, how do we figure out the simplest makeup routine? By starting with our skin.

Pretend you’re about to paint a picture. You have your paints lined up, your brushes ready to go. And then you take a look at your canvas. If it’s clean and smooth, you want to paint it. It’s simple. On the other hand, when there are bumps and specs of dirt that add unwanted textures, it gets a bit more complicated.

Skin & Makeup Techniques for Working Mothers Tip #1: A reliable cleanser

So, first, let’s master the cleansing and caring for our skin.

Gugu Guru loves: Belli’s Anti-Blemish Facial Wash, an award-winning cleanser. It leaves skin clear while fighting blemishes and signs of aging—without over drying. Plus, it uses all-natural ingredients, making it ultra-safe for prenatal and postnatal women.

Skin & Makeup Techniques for Working Mothers Tip #2: On-the-spot acne treatment

Life could be stressful (the juggle is real!), and sometimes we see it come out on our face. It’s best to be prepared with a way to combat these breakouts.

Gugu Guru loves: Belli’s Acne Control Spot Treatment. It reduces redness and provides some extra love to problem areas. And, bonus, it’s a non-greasy, non-drying blemish fighter.

Skin & Makeup Techniques for Working Mothers #3: A spa-like moisturizer

If you’re after that gorgeous glow (who isn’t?), you might want to find a moisturizer that leaves you looking and feeling like you just enjoyed an in-spa facial.

Gugu Guru loves: Belli’s Healthy Glow Facial Hydrator. The super-hydrating moisturizer provides anti-aging, skin-firming effects that can be seen and felt instantly. Once you look and feel good without makeup, you can get ready for work in minutes.

Skin & Makeup Techniques for Working Mothers Tip #4: Easy eye makeup

Start with an eyeliner that doesn’t require a ton of touch-ups. Then, reach for your go-to mascara and give those lashes some love.

Gugu Guru loves: Maybelline’s Eyestudio ColorTattoo. It’s smooth, soft and creamy, and lasts for up to 24 hours.

Skin & Makeup Techniques for Working Mothers Tip #5: Alternative to foundation

You might want to skip the heavy foundation and opt for a tinted moisturizer. It lets your skin breathe, while evening out the tone. And it feels really good.

Gugu Guru loves: The best-selling Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer. It hydrates and is infused with SPF 30 sunscreen. Lather it on, enjoy its lightweight feel, and top it off with a bronzer for a sun-kissed effect.

Skin & Makeup Techniques for Working MothersTip #6: A lovely lipstick

Choose a fall-perfect hue for your lips (nude to brown and every peach in between).

Gugu Guru loves: Dior Addict Lacquer Stick Lipstick. This high-shine, moisturizing lipstick comes in an array of rich shades to give you a smooch-worthy finish.

Health & Wellness Giveaway

Thanks to Belli Skincare for making this sponsored post possible.

3 Reasons Why You’ll Love the Maxi-Cosi Coral Infant Car Seat

by Christine Swearingen Leave a Comment

Car seats have evolved a lot over the years, but nothing has ever been made quite like the Maxi-Cosi Coral Infant Car Seat. The innovative new design of this car seat makes the Coral the first-ever integrated car seat and carrier system. If this exciting new design isn’t enough to hook you on the new Maxi-Cosi car seat, below are three more reasons you’ll love this car seat.

1. It will keep your baby safe
The most important aspect of a car seat is safety. You need a brand and product you can trust to keep your precious child safe and secure. The Maxi-Cosi car seat base is designed to the highest safety standards, with anti-rotation stability leg, self-retracting latch connectors, integrated belt lock-off, and indicators to provide visual confirmation of accurate installation.

2. It can easily transition from car to street
The car seat comes with a removable inner shell so you can easily transition from the car to the street. No more attempting to carefully remove your baby’s arms from the seat straps so you can put them in the stroller. The Maxi-Cosi Coral Infant Car Seat helps you smoothly remove your baby from the car already in a convenient carrier.

3. It has four carrying modes
Not only can you remove the seat’s inner shell to carry your child, but you have four different carrying options. You can choose from over the shoulder, handle carry, standard carry, or even stroller style. The carrier is compatible with Maxi-Cosi strollers and a few other premium strollers so you can move your baby from the car to the stroller with ease.

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

Out + About with Evenflo: Innovative Gear You’ll Love

by Mel Blume Leave a Comment

Outings with your little can contain struggles and juggles—but they don’t have to. Evenflo developed a line of popular products that are replacing those moments with ease and comfort. A pioneer in the baby market, Evenflo’s innovative gear perfectly fuses security and comfort with high-tech designs to deliver safe and enjoyable out-and-about experiences for you and your babe.

Evenflo’s patented SensorSafe™ technology connects you to your little one the entire time, in real time. It’s built into the clip of their car seats and strollers and alerts you, through the app, if babe gets unbuckled or if the temperature is too warm. When verbal communication doesn’t yet exist, this connectivity to babe’s needs is invaluable—and it is found in the products below.

One stroller we absolutely love is the Pivot Xplore All-Terrain Stroller Wagon. It easily transforms into an adventure-ready wagon—with the flip of a handle. This change lets you stroll with up to two kids, up to age five! The terrain wheels make sandy, beach day strolls simple and joyful, while the UPF 50+ canopies are an incredible add-on (one less thing to worry about).

We also found the Evenflo® Gold Shyft™ Modular Travel System to be a game-changer. This versatile, infant-to-toddler stroller offers six different modes of use and a three-position reclining seat to keep babe smiling through adventures, big and small. Forward-facing or parent-facing, this sleek, functional Shyft rolled onto our list as soon as we learned about it.

Road trip? Whether you’re getting groceries or going to Grandma’s, it’s essential to find a car seat that’s secure and safe. The built-in security aspects of the Evenflo Gold SensorSafe™ SecureMax™ Smart Infant Car Seat caught our attention right away. Along with the SensorSafe™ to keep you at peace while you’re behind the wheel, the ultra-simple harness makes it easy to adjust babe’s constantly-changing size. Another tremendous feature to note: the SafeZone Load Leg Technology. It stabilizes the car seat and reduces rotation by 50%.

Lastly, this all-in-one convertible car seat features a grow-with-me design that can stay with your kiddo from 4lbs to 120lbs! Designed for 10 years of use, the Evenflo Gold SensorSafe™ EveryStage™ Smart All-in-One Convertible Car Seat has an in-seat reclining feature to offer extra support and comfort, and more importantly, has EasyClick™ installation. This feature makes your little one’s car seat 3X tighter than the competition—ensuring a wiggle-free, protected journey.

Wherever you go, Evenflo has a pioneering product to lead you down your path with ease. Check them out (Use code GUGUGURU10 for 10% off any of these items) and enjoy the ride.

Thank you to Evenflo for making this sponsored post possible!

Online Prenatal and Parenting Classes: The Parent Collective

by Christine Swearingen Leave a Comment

Looking for online prenatal and parenting classes? At Gugu Guru, we know how overwhelming it can be as a first time mom. That’s why we are so excited to share with you all that The Parent Collective has launched an online version of their successful in-person prenatal and new parenting class series. To celebrate, they have offered the Gugu Guru community 25% off any one of their online classes. Just use the coupon GUGUGURU at checkout. To learn more visit: https://courses.theparentcollective.com

Don’t have time to get to a prenatal education class but feel like it’s probably something you and your partner should do? Are you uninterested in the judginess that can come with learning about having a baby? Are you overwhelmed by the universe of baby information (often contradictory) that’s out there? Believe us, we get it!! TPC is made up of all mothers, so they have all been in your shoes. You have so much information being thrown at you and it’s hard to know what to listen to.

The Parent Collective was founded by a mom and has a range of prenatal and postpartum classes that are now available online. Founder, Jessica Hill says “We hear from expectant moms all the time that they are overwhelmed by the universe of baby information (often contradictory) that’s out there. And of course we get it!! We at TPC are all mothers ourselves so we have all been in expectant parents’ shoes. You have so much information being thrown at you and it’s hard to know what to listen to.”Just like Gugu Guru, the goal of TPC is helping make the journey to parenthood manageable. We believe you don’t need to be an expert to enjoy the experience of parenthood. Instead, our goal is to help you feel prepared for all parenthood has to offer without feeling overwhelmed by all of the extras. We believe TPC’s Online Prenatal and Parenting Classes are an excellent way to make this possible for any busy mom-to-be.

All of their online courses have been developed using the same evidence-based prenatal education as their highly successful in-person class series. The curriculum was developed in conjunction with OB doctors, Lactation Consultants, L&D and Postpartum Nurses as well as childbirth educators to reflect current best practices and bring you to a level of readiness so you can enjoy the process of becoming a new parent. And if the videos spark any questions for you, you can organize a web or in person chat with one of their experts to get them answered.

Since TPC is all about connecting expectant and new parents, we also want to let you know that even if you don’t take one of their in-person classes, you can still meet other parents through them. If you sign up for their newsletter, link below, they can connect you with other parents that live local to you and have babies the same age.

The Parent Collective Online Prenatal and Parenting Classes: https://courses.theparentcollective.com/opt-in-8752662b-4365-49bb-84aa-a0618aa4cd4d

We hope TPC will be a resource for you, as they have for so many other expectant parents!

Seriously Cool Pajamas: Try Soma® on for Size

by Mel Blume Leave a Comment

As a new mom, a solid night’s sleep is deemed impossible. And, of course, it kind of is. So, how are we supposed to care for our babes, work and manage the other duties our lives require? We need to make the most out of those precious, silent moments that are rare as gems. When that magical sleep window comes, make it wonderful. We’ve been in search of premium sleepwear without the luxury price point, and fell in love with Soma’s® Cool Nights® pajamas.

Cool to the touch, this ultra-soft, cozy sleepwear delivers quality snoozes and refreshing mornings. You know that feeling when you flip the pillow, and that crisp coolness hugs you into a faraway sleep? Picture that blissful, cloud-like sensation all over your body. There’s nothing like it.

The rayon and spandex blend features thin fibers that create a lightweight and breathable fabric. When you’re warm, it won’t stick to your body—it keeps you comfortable and ready for a deep sleep (even if it’s just for two hours).

Just when you think it can’t get any better, its easy-open front makes it ideal for breastfeeding, especially at 2am. You can stay cozy while you feed babe mid-sleep. Its button-front notch collar is stylish and practical. These pajamas are functional, feel-good pieces of around-the-house fashion…that were designed to care for the needs of new moms.

Plus, whether it’s a warm, summery evening or a chilly winter’s night, Soma has options to fit weather changes—and ever-changing moods and preferences: Check out their pants, shorts, tanks, sleep shirts, robes and more. Plus enter code ‘81532′ for 20% off your entire purchase (one time use only)!

Mama, you deserve to feel amazing, day and night, especially during this time in your life. Your body has done the miraculous and continues to do so day after day. Live the dream in Soma’s Cool Nights pajamas. It does a mama good.

Thank you to Soma for making this sponsored post possible!

Why Moms Should Take a Walk

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

Our friends at 99 Walks know a thing or two about walking. Every month, hundreds of women who want to get moving sign up and join them for a walking challenge, and end up falling in love with the supportive community, daily inspiration, and the gorgeous, wearable inspiration they receive after crushing their goal.

But they also know how to have fun. Here are 9 of their favorite fun facts about walking.

You need to walk 25 steps to burn off 1 blueberry and about 11 miles to burn off a box of Kraft Mac & Cheese.
Want to burn more calories? Try walking sideways, which burns 78 % more calories than walking forward.
The average walking speed for the typical adult is about 3 miles per hour. If you’re walking to the beat of “Shut Up and Dance”, you’re cruising along at 3.5 mph. At this speed, it would take you about 17 minutes to walk one mile.
Your walking shoes will last somewhere between 300-500 miles (unless you’re a kid, in which case your feet will probably outgrow them first!)
Walking on a rough but level outdoor surface requires 50% more energy than walking on a paved road.
The first woman to walk around the world was Polly Letofsky, a American who completed her trek in 1999, walking over 14,000 miles by foot.
Walking can actually be considered a full body exercise. Although the forward motion comes from the legs, your arms and core and at work, too. In total, it requires 200 muscles to take one step.
Walking makes you more creative. Research shows that people who are up and moving in nature are more creative than those sitting down indoors. Albert Einstein walked one and a half miles to Princeton University each day and Darmn took three 45 minute walks each day.
Walking briskly for one mile in 15 minutes burns approximately the same amount of calories as jogging the same distance in 8 minutes.

Looking for someone to walk with? Join the 99 Walks October challenge and earn this bracelet for walking 33 miles. You’ll be healthier, happier and glad you did. Learn more at 99walks.fit.

Don’t forget to check out 99 Walks’ first guest post, 99 Reasons That Walking is Magical for Moms.

Video: 10 Minute Dinner Recipe Shenae Grimes Beech

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

It’s no secret that we love mama Shenae Grimes Beech. In this video, she shares a day in the life, along with her favorite time-saving 10 minute dinner recipe (find full recipe below video).

All of a sudden my baby is crawling FAST and pulling herself up on EVERYTHING! Thanks to VeeTee for sponsoring this video because this work from home/mom life thing is getting crazier by the minute! Their rice is genuinely so clutch in giving me and my husband more quality time together after long days running after Bowie! VeeTee is featured in the 10 minute dinner recipe below.

VeeTee is a line of gourmet & delicious rice ready in just 2 minutes in your microwave. Available in seven delectable varieties, VeeTee rice is gluten-free, plant-based, vegan, certified free of GMO and free from any artificial flavors or colors.

10 MINUTE DINNER RECIPE:
1 lb fresh peeled and deveined shrimp
olive oil, enough to coat
1 lemon, zest and juice
1 heaping tablespoon of minced garlic
1 tbsp butter or butter alternative
salt, pepper, dried parsley flakes

1 package of sliced mushrooms
olive oil, enough to coat
salt, pepper, dried parsley flakes

1 package VeeTee rice

PRODUCTS SEEN IN THIS VIDEO:
Nespresso Vertuo Machine
Baby Brezza Formula Maker
Baby Brezza Bottle Sterilizer
Wander & Roam Play Mat
Qdos Baby Gate
4MOMS High Chair

If you’re a fellow mama or mom-to-be, become a part of Shenae’s growing #MOMLIFE community! Click here to sign up and you’ll receive an invite for our private, judgement-free, funny, super helpful and supportive #MOMLIFE FB group: https://lostinlala.com/momlife

Meal Planning for Working Moms (and Other Hacks!)

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

This week we’re sharing the art of meal planning for working moms and some other great hacks. Any working parents knows what chaos mealtime can be, so we asked some of our favorite moms for their go-to mealtime time saving hacks to make meals for the family a less harried experience!

Mealtime Time Saving Hacks

Meal Planning for Working Moms: You will hear time and again that meal planning for working moms can help save time during the week, and it may seem counterproductive, but it’s true! We’re not talking about planning elaborate meals, we just mean mapping out a basic meal plan for your family so you’re not rushing to the market after school pick-up. For some incredible meal planning resources and downloads, check out Percolate Kitchen. Percolate Kitchen offers helpful guides like How to Create a 5 Minute Meal Plan and a quiz to help you know What’s Your Meal Plan Type? and you know how much we love us a good quiz here at Gugu Guru!
Meal Prep: We know, we know, who has time for meal prep? But, hear us out! Meal prep can be super simple if you pick the right meals in your meal plan. For example, if you pick a protein and frozen veggie, you can pair with VeeTee Rice for a super simple and very quick meal. Roast a bunch of veggies on a Sunday, or make shredded chicken in the Instant Pot, and pair with VeeTee Rice for a balanced meal. We love VeeTee Rice because it is gluten-free and vegan so every member of the family can enjoy. Still a little intimidated? Check out one of our favorite sites for meal prep, Work Week Lunch.
Taco Tuesday: When it comes to meal planning for working moms, who doesn’t love tacos? Taco Tuesday is an easy way every member of the family can enjoy a delicious meal. Taco protein of your choice – be it meat or beans, taco shells, cheese, lettuce, salsa and VeeTee Rice make a super quick, filling and very yummy meal. Plus, the littlest members of the family will love customizing and building their own tacos. Delicious meal + entertainment for the kiddos? Well, this sounds like a win/win to us! (Are you more of a bowl fan? No problem! Check out these delicious Easy Chicken Taco Bowls from New South Charm or Mexican Rice Bowls from A Million Moments.)
Stir-fry Friday: Friday nights are most definitely not the night you want to be cooking, so we’re here to introduce you to Stir-fry Fridays! Simply put, take all the leftover veggies from the week, and stir fry them up with your favorite VeeTee Rice and eggs for a budget friendly, easy-to-make and delicious meal. Rice is a wonderful food for baby-led weaning, so even your babies and toddlers can enjoy! You can find some stir fry inspiration here.

We love VeeTee Rice because it is the ultimate time-saver for any busy family, and so delicious! Simply pop the tray of VeeTee in the microwave for 2 minutes and you’ll get steamy, fresh rice that’s also chemical and preservative free. Available in 7 different varieties, everyone in your family is sure to find one they love. Make your weeknights just a little easier with VeeTee Rice and leave yourself more time for Netflix and sleep! Ready to stock up on VeeTee? Use code GUGUGURU for 20% off order, or head to this link for the discount automatically applied.

Like what you see here? Check out this video and 10 minute meal by celeb working mama, Shenae Grimes-Beech.

What are your favorite mealtime time saving hacks? Comment below and let us know!

Thank you to VeeTee Rice for making this sponsored post possible!

Photos are by Terry Farms Photography

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