Working Mom

Back To Sleep Day 6: Gunamuna

It’s Day 6 of our Back To Sleep event and we’re showcasing a newer and smarter wearable blanket – the Gunapod from Gunamuna. Developed by moms, the Gunapod is a soft baby sleep sack that has a simple-yet-ingenious layout of zippers and snaps incredibly easy to adjust into many configurations, which means baby is more comfortable & mom’s life is easier. In our Back to Sleep event, we’re highlighting the new duvet Gunapod constructed with luxurious bamboo viscose.

The Gunapod is super easy wherever you find yourself changing a diaper. The WONDERZiP opens the Gunapod completely from underarm to underarm, with four separate pulls thereby functioning in a multitude of ways. This provides the easiest, fastest diaper change along with multiple ways to easily transfer baby, while keeping him or her covered and warm.

With its unique, more modern fit in luxury fabrics plus duvet, you’ll find that Gunapod is super comfortable in a car or plane; keeping baby warm and snug while traveling. It’s also a safe sleep necessity in a hotel that can get chilly with A/C. By unzipping in many combinations, the WONDERZiP system allows customized control of warmth so baby is comfortable with changing temperatures while traveling.

Wearable Blankets are a necessity for daycare as no loose blankets are allowed. Gunamuna is one of the most comfortable for baby and offers easy changes for daycare provider.

PRODUCT WIDGET – ID: 57d2abbe0452724e29f949d4

Note: all sleep tips are independent to all the products featured in Back to Sleep and Kim West is not endorsing these products unless otherwise indicated.

Back To Sleep Day 4: Nanit

by Gugu Guru 1 Comment

Today we’re highlighting a brand new, truly “smart” baby monitor on the market that provides deep insights into your baby’s sleeping habits – Nanit.

What makes Nanit different is that it actually measures and understands sleep using computer vision and machine learning. It tells you how long your baby slept, analyzes sleep patterns, keeps track of nighttime visits, plus delivers summaries of day and night sleep — helping both you and baby get more zzz’s. Not only that, but Nanit provides a crystal-clear live stream of the crib from a patented bird’s eye perspective and has superior night vision (no more fuzzy images!) So you’ll always have the best view of baby in the crib.

If you’re a working mom, rest assured that as long as Nanit’s connected to the Internet, you’ll be able to monitor your baby via Nanit’s app from anywhere in the world; whether it’s your office or on a business trip. In addition, multiple users (e.g., dad, caregivers – even grandparents!) can access Nanit’s camera at the same time via Nanit’s app. You can set up multiple users for your account through the app’s settings.

More than one baby on the way? The Nanit may be a good fit for you! While parents of multiples need to buy separate Nanit cameras to keep an eye on both children, the app is designed to allow parents to seamlessly switch between the two camera views.

PRODUCT WIDGET – ID: 57cc0925428ba06a18731823

Note: all sleep tips are independent to all the products featured in Back to Sleep and Kim West is not endorsing these products unless otherwise indicated.

Back to Preschool With Stasher, skip*hop and Rockets of Awesome

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Hey there – it’s Monica, Gugu Guru’s founder. It’s that time of year {sigh} summer is really coming to an end, people. This means it’s time to finish up all the prep for going back to preschool and I’m sharing a few product discovery picks that have made life a little easier in our home this year.

Stasher

Disclaimer: I received Stasher bags for review but all opinions are my own.

I would not describe myself as an “eco mama” by any means, my cupboards are a good mix of organic and the not so organic stuff. However, I would say that my family is really good about recycling. One item that we use a lot and that does make me feel guilty is ziplock bags. We use a TON of them to store just about everything – from leftovers to crayons and more – leaving me constantly rinsing them out in an effort to re-use them and do my part to save our planet from all this trash. Well, my worries have come to an end folks. Enter Stasher – the world’s first—and only—self-sealing, airtight, non-plastic bag!

Why am I loving on Stasher for Back to School? It’s just genius in terms of not being wasteful. I don’t only mean for the environment but also for all the leftovers your picky baby or toddler or kid will be generating over his or her childhood. I cannot tell you how many times, I have had food on the tray of the high chair and pondered, “Is this ziplock worthy?” Now the answer can always be “yes” with Stasher.

These bags are super functional; easily going from the freezer, to the microwave, and to the dishwasher. Also, you’re not limited to storing food, they make great travel bags, organizers and more.

skip*hop Zoo Lunchie Insulated Lunch Bag, Owl

I just love skip*hop; it’s a classic brand with iconic designs. You’ll be met with a lot of choices when you go back to school shopping – especially when it comes to backpacks and lunch boxes. Don’t be fooled into grabbing that cartoon character lunch bag. Smart, high-quality design like skip*hop is always a good investment for parents.

This roomy, insulated PVC-free lunch bag keeps food and drinks cold. The large main compartment is big enough to hold a sandwich, fruit and juice box and it also has an interior mesh pocket for utensils (or snack!) The top handle attaches onto another bag – which is great for kiddos that are new to handling backpacks.

Rockets of Awesome

Full disclosure here: Rockets of Awesome used to be a baby registry site called Cricket’s Circle and I guess you could say Cricket’s Circle was a competitor to Gugu Guru of sorts. So, needless to say I was very intrigued when the company evolved into a kids’ clothing subscription service called Rockets of Awesome and I signed up for my boxes the day the site launched. The first thing I thought was, “Who needs another clothing subscription service?” I am here to say, I do – and you probably do too!

Fiona rocking her first day of school outfit: a striped dress with tulle skirt and matching crown headband from Rockets of Awesome.

To get started with Rockets of Awesome, you take a style quiz for your kid(s). The more information, you give about your child’s style, the better. Then you get a note that the stylist is working on your box and you should receive it within the next few days.

Here’s what I liked:

There is NO FEE to try this subscription. Just pay for what you keep. There are so many subscription boxes out there that charge you a fee just to get a box – even if you don’t keep anything. When I saw this, I felt like Rockets of Awesome did their legwork when it came to researching what parents would appreciate from a box service.
My kids were thrilled to open their boxes and see what was selected for their style. That was the highlight of the experience – the element of surprise.
The clothes are all unique & stylish, mostly well constructed and a very reasonable price.
Very easy to return what we didn’t want to keep, as well as provide feedback to the stylists on why we kept what we did.

Some minor things to be improved:

A few of the items – just a few – seemed a little lower on the quality side.
My son is very tall but very skinny; some of the pants sent to us fit his waist but looked like floods. Sizing with kids is a tough nut to crack sometimes. We’ll see how it’s handled with the next box.
A glitch with billing that was resolved relatively quickly, but I had to contact Customer Service to point it out.

Could you just hit Old Navy and shop for clothes there? Yes, but this is more fun. However, the real deciding factor of whether I will continue with RoA will be the upcoming boxes. Will update you all in October. In the meantime, if you want to try it out, you can use this link to receive a free item with your first purchase.

How did Rockets of Awesome know that Rory is camouflage-crazed? Not sure. But this outfit in his box was a total winner.

Photography: Sinnerman Photography

Disclosure: This post may include affiliate links. If you make a purchase through an affiliate link, you help to support Gugu Guru as we receive a commission on the sale. Thank you in advance!

When Smartphones Meet Smartpumps

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By Wendy Colson RN, IBCLC

Ever since the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was implemented in the United States in 2012, breast pumps are becoming commonplace after a baby is born. The number of breast pump manufacturers continues to grow now that most private health insurances cover and provide a double electric pump under the ACA. But, there is still a need for retail breast pumps too.

Some of the reasons why a mom might still need to purchase a breastpump after receiving an insurance issued pump are:

The insurance issued pump she receives is not compatible with her breasts and/or lifestyle.
She prefers to own two separate pumps leaving one at work and one at home to make working and breastfeeding easier when returning to work.
The breast pump she was issued from insurance stops working and is out of warranty.

Luckily, there are a lot more choices when it comes to purchasing a personal double electric breastpump. One of the newest pumps emerging on the market is the Lansinoh® SmartPump Double Electric Breast Pump. This new breast pump is the first to combine some of the most efficient and convenient features found on today’s personal breast pumps and gives it a modern twist by blending them with Bluetooth technology. Lansinoh Smartpump Double Electric Breast Pump’s integration with Bluetooth via its free app could make pumping more suitable for the millions of moms who choose to pump while breastfeeding.

The features which stood out in my opinion as a board certified lactation consultant are as follows:

Closed system: This technology minimizes milk from backing up in the tubing. Having the motor sealed decreases the chance of bacteria and other organisms entering the pump’s motor, which is often unknown to the mother.
Modern design: No knobs to turns; just easy and precise push buttons.
LetDown Button: Moms have been conditioned and want at the push of a button to have a pump mimic the change in speed and suction during a letdown and expressions phases.
Separate Speed and Suction Function: The Lanisinoh Smartpump allows for each mom to customize and maximize how she pumps. There are three Pumping Styles built in to choose from to try to mimic how her baby suckles from the breast or, at the push of a button, a mom can choose to customize her setting even more choosing up to eight levels of suction.
Compact Size: Thankfully the big and bulky pumps are less common within the new generation of breastpumps. Battery powered is optional because today’s mamas are on the go!
Clock/Timer: Losing track of time is easy to do with pumping since most moms I know are pumping handsfree and become distracted on their phones.
Backlight: Useful to have because moms don’t just pump in the day hours.
Different Flange Sizes Included: Having variances in flange sizes included better assures an accurate fit, which results in increasing output and decreasing nipple trauma. Having sizing options included prevents injury from having to use the incorrect size until a mom has time to go shopping.
Cost: The $199.99 MRSP is a good price point for a retail pump. The free app which connects automatically is what makes this pump so unique.
Lansinoh Baby App: Compatible with both iPhones and Androids. Can be connected prior to connecting to your pump to track the necessary data used when determining how well lactation is going such as output from diapers including color of stools, tracking feeding frequency, and duration. The best feature is it can be downloaded and shared with your lactation consultant and pediatrician to provide a thorough history. Gone are all those messy handwritten charts parents show me!

Since my breastfeeding days are six years behind me, I enlisted the help of a few local breastfeeding moms to let me know how the new Lansinoh® Smartpump Double Electric Breast Pump feels and functions compared to their current electric breastpump they were using. Disclosure: Lansinoh provided pumps to these two mothers for trial, but all opinions are our own.

Tester #1: Mother of two; ages 3 years and 2 months. Breastfeeds exclusively, but works fulltime. Has a flexible work environment and can bring her newborn to work with her on most days. She represents the “occasional pumper”. She pumps for breastmilk to be given by bottle by her spouse or caregiver due to work, date nights, and errands done without baby.

Pros

Suction “I could only stand the lowest setting which was strange because I usually have to turn my pump to the highest setting.”
Speed Tester 1 used Pumping Style Two, which is the default setting. “It felt faster, but I have never recorded my minutes before. The app made it effortless to know how long it takes me to pump. That was cool!”
Comfort “I used the standard size flange, and they fit the same as my previous ones. If I kept the suction at the lowest setting it felt comparable to my former pump’s highest setting.”
Ease of Use “I perused through the instruction manual before trying because I had never used a pump with separate speed and suction controls. I just turned it on, starting to letdown, and pumped. The first setting was perfect for me.”
Amount Pumped same as her previous pump
Favorite Lansinoh Baby App Features The pump automatically connects when turning on your pump making record keeping easy to do.

Cons

Small ice pack which doesn’t fit around the storage bottles in the cooler. Added second ice pack in cooling bag.
“Wish the pump parts which I already own (I have tons) are compatible.”

Would you recommend? “Yes, it has it all! The app has things on it you can use if not pumping yet. I would suggest a new mom download the app while still pregnant because learning to pump and playing with the app was another step.”

Tester # 2: First time mom, 7 month old; Exclusively Pumping (EP) mom who is a stay at home mom. Pumps 5-7 times per day and exclusively bottle feeds + solids using only her expressed breastmilk.

Pros
● Suction “It felt stronger which had me questioning if my current pump is wearing out from using it so much. Eight suction levels is a nice feature.”
● Speed “I used all three pump styles. I found each one to be good for the different fullness in my breast. I prefered Pumping Style 2 which is standard. However, when I’m fuller in the mornings, I then prefered Pumping Style 1 because it’s faster; removing more milk once I begin to letdown.”
● Comfort “I am so use to pumping, it never hurts me! This pump is about the same as my current pump.”
● Ease of Use “I cleaned the parts, assembled and just pumped! The automatic shut off feature is useful since I often would forget to turn off my pump when I was done while storing my milk.”
● Amount Pumped “I use to get about the same as my older pump, but now that I am more familiar with this pump I average 2-3 more ounces per day.”
● Favorite Lansinoh Baby App Feature “It replaced my previous baby app since it can do all that and more. I love that it automatically records when I pump by simply turning on the pump. I use both the bottlefeeding and diaper count feature too.”

Cons
● “I use this pump now in place of my current pump, but If I had to change give one thing about this pump it would be the size of the outside diameter of the flange (purple rubber part) and the fact it’s made out of rubber. This part is wider than my last pump and I had to cut the holes in my handsfree bra bigger because the rubber doesn’t slide in and out as easily. I wish it were plastic instead.”

Would you recommend? “Yes”

In America, breastpumps have become synonymous with breastfeeding. In fact, North America was the largest market with more than 63% share in global breast pump market. (1) While most lactation professionals agree that pumping more than your baby actually needs to gain a freezer “stash” is both unnecessary, could cause an oversupply which has health implications, and is too time consuming for the average breastfeeding mother. Breastpumps are vital items if you are one of the 70% (2) of moms who return back to the workforce after childbirth. Also, each year the initiation of breastfeeding rates continue to climb. Today’s moms are choosing to breastfeed longer compared to just a few years ago because of the increases in education and support which continue to improve. Pumping is imperative for the working mom obviously, but also the mom who only pumps regardless of work status. Exclusive Pumpers (EPs) are a population that is growing. These moms rely heavily on a breast pump’s features to be successful.

Thankfully, these moms and others have options when choosing their personal double electric breastpumps like the Lansinoh® Smartpump Double Electric Breast Pump.

Bio

Wendy Colson, RN, IBCLC, RLC is a registered nurse whose specialties include NICU and maternalchild health and is a board certified lactation consultant with over 20 years experience working with families. She is the creator and CEO of Boobie Bar, The Original Herbal Lactation Bar. She currently works as a lactation consultant at Sharp Grossmont Hospital and in privatepractice in the San Diego, California area. She is also participates and speaks monthly through breastfeeding webinars hosted by Gugu Guru in the Gugu Village.

References:
1. https://www.grandviewresearch.com/pressrelease/globalbreastpumps
2. https://www.dol.gov/wb/stats/stats_data.htm

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!

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Mompreneur Spotlight: Morgan Hutchinson of Shop BURU ( + giveaway!)

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We are thrilled to be featuring Morgan Hutchinson for the Mompreneur spotlight today! Morgan is the founder and owner of Shop BURU, which designs chic, glamorous and totally functional attire for nursing and post-pregnancy moms. Morgan’s aim is to help new (and seasoned) moms feel and look their best, during breastfeeding, baby, and beyond!

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

MH: When my baby girl was just a few days old, it became blatantly obvious to me that the bulk of my wardrobe wasn’t going to work— for nursing, for my post baby body changes or for (countless) spit-up catastrophes! My husband and I had just moved back to the US from an almost 4 years stint in Beijing. We landed in my tiny hometown in Kentucky to be with family for the birth of our daughter. While it was fantastic to be near those we love most at this special time, it was quite challenging to go from a city of 25 million (with shopping galore) to a city of 25,000 with extremely limited options.

With a background in fashion—from designing lingerie to styling photo shoots in China, I couldn’t accept the fact that my style should change just because I became a mom. I also couldn’t accept the fact that most nursing clothes were sold exclusively within maternity stores—destinations that I did not look forward to revisiting for a while.

With the help and support of my husband, I began scouring the racks of department stores (a 2-hour drive away I might add) to find tops and dresses with easy access to nurse and silhouettes to accommodate my new shape (aka my out of control nursing boobs). It was time consuming and frustrating (plus it was so easy to be distracted and tempted by all the amazing styles that wouldn’t work for my new phase of life).

Brett saw and appreciated the challenges I faced and together we began to brainstorm about a solution. 8 weeks after Olive was born we traveled to NYC to a wholesale market to hunt for brands and styles that would work. With freshly printed business cards emblazoned with BURU (the mandarin word for breastfeed), a dose of “ignorance is bliss” and absolutely NO working website—we took to the streets and turned my pipe dream into a reality.

SHOPBURU—the online destination for elevated and functional #momstyle will turn 3 this September!

GG: How do you balance work and family?

MH: Ha ha! What’s balance? Honestly, aren’t we all just winging it every day. The truth is that it’s my family that keeps me balanced—my husband’s arms, my daughter’s giggles…they ground me. I am not me without them, yet I also not me without my goals, my hopes, my dreams. Balance for me is the big picture. Perhaps everyday is not a perfect legal scale measurement, but if I get to tuck my happy little Olive in at night with songs and stories and then fall asleep in Brett’s arms, then I am good—no matter how bad, chaotic or insane the day was.

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

MH: I love this question! I am often asked what the worst part is, but it is SO much better to focus on the good. And the good for me is huge. Let’s start with my favorite—I get to take Olive to ballet class, I get to pick her up from school, I get to volunteer in her class and I don’t have to ask anyone for permission! I may not get to do it every time, but it’s my choice, my decision and I am so grateful. This doesn’t mean there are not times when work/BURU gets in the way—of course it does, but at least the only guilt I feel is self-inflicted. It doesn’t also come from a BOSS!

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WAHM Baby Registry Must-Haves

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Did you know? July 4th isn’t just Independence Day, it’s also National Work from Home Day. Gugu Guru’s team is comprised of many work at home mamas and we’ve learned a thing or two about some products that you should add to your registry if you plan on working from your home office too.

Working from home is so great for many reasons if your career allows it, but it still comes with its challenges. If you’re expecting it to be much easier than going back to work or being a full time stay at home mommy, then you might be in for a little surprise. Don’t get me wrong – I wouldn’t change it for the world but just be ready for the fact that you’ll still have the guilts and you will still feel isolated (maybe even more so than being a SAHM because you’ll have a work schedule and won’t necessarily be free to hit those mommy and me classes) so it’s important to have some basic gear in place to make it easier all around. Once you get into your groove, you will love the flexibility it provides and the fact that you can be close to your baby, while also continuing with your career if that’s something you want to do (or maybe need to do for financial reasons).

Baby K’Tan
Anyone will tell you that wearing your baby is one of the easiest ways to get things done. Thank you @MeghannBarone for showing how a new mama does it #LikeABoss

Graco Bumper Jumper (Seen here in Little Jungle)
This Graco jumper kept my son occupied and super happy; I could tackle emails or have a quick call. This is great for when baby is around 6 months old and can lift his or her neck.

WiFi Baby Monitor
Regardless of whether you’re stay at home, work from home or back to the office, you’ll need a good monitor. WiFi Baby is a top-rated wireless network-based monitor and Nanny Cam that keeps you connected to your child via apps on iPhone, iPad or Android. Anywhere.

Treadmill Desk Mount
Fitting in workouts when you’re a WAHM is tough. My sister told me about a treadmill desk. The entire desk with treadmill is a few thousand dollars on Amazon – thus out of my budget – but we have a treadmill and I spotted this attachment for around $40. I set it at 1.1 miles per hour when I work and wind up burning a whole bunch of calories. I’m a pacer anyway (like I can never sit when I talk on the phone) so this works great for me. It has also helped my back since I am not leaning over the laptop on my dining room table anymore.

DockATot
It’s important to also have a portable place for baby to relax when you’re working from home. Some bassinets or play yards are just too heavy or wide to carry from room to room. We love the DockATot for a lot of reasons but one of the big ones is the portability factor. Plus the Deluxe seen here can be used when your baby is a newborn (and he or she is sure to love it!)

Mompreneur Spotlight: Ashley Gartland Coaching

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Here at Gugu Guru, we love when moms support and encourage other moms; when we learned about Ashley Gartland Coaching, we knew we wanted to share it with all of the new and veteran mamas out there. Ashley is a life coach just for moms; her mission is to help all moms find their purpose and passion, while being a great mom and taking care of themselves, too!

GG: How did you decide to launch your business? Tell us a little more about life coaching for moms.

AG: The shorter version of my story is that I’d been working as a freelance food writer for about a decade but felt called to do something different. My career was great but I wanted something more. I’d always kept a list of “dream careers” hidden in my desk drawer and life coach was at the top. Shortly after I had my second daughter, I realized I could keep that list hidden and play the waiting game indefinitely. Or I could start exploring what it would look like and what it would take for me to pursue what I saw as my purpose beyond motherhood. So I did a lot of research and started working with a coach myself. Then I signed up for an intensive coach training to get certified and built the business I dreamed of as a life coach who helps moms find fulfillment beyond motherhood.

The moms I work with today absolutely love being moms but they also know they want something more for themselves. In either one-on-one coaching sessions or in my group program, Bold Mom, Balanced Life, I work with these moms to help them explore their passions and find their purpose beyond motherhood. Our goal is to create a balanced life that allows them to be the kind of mom they want to be and also be a bold woman making a difference in the world. That feels like a big goal at the start but as we work together these women learn that it is absolutely possible for them.

GG: How do you balance work and family?

AG: Any work-from-home mom will tell you that the lines between business and family often blur – and I’m ok with that because I think it’s important for my daughters to see me dedicating my energy to something I really believe in. But family will always be my foundation so I make sure it remains a priority by having some routines in place. For example, my day starts and ends reading and snuggling with my daughters and we always spend Friday nights together as a family eating pizza and watching movies. These simple rituals make sure that the balance never tips too far toward work – and I have similar routines I use to make sure I’m giving time and attention to my work and clients as well.

I also believe that balance should look different for everyone so the real key to balancing “it all” is figuring out what balance looks like to you first. For me, a balanced life includes time for family, time for my business and time for myself. I don’t give equally to all those parts all the time but I know they all have to exist in order for me to feel like I’m living a balanced life.

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

AG: The freedom to set my own schedule and be the kind of present mom I always wanted to be is absolutely a benefit of being my own boss. But the best part of working as a life coach is that my daughters get to see me putting my energy into a career that I love. They see how much it lights me up to do meaningful work and help other women and I hope that leading by example in this way will inspire them to go after their dreams when they are grown too.

All photography credit to Hazel + Pine.

Mompreneur Spotlight: Jordan Reid of Ramshackle Glam

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This week’s Mompreneur Feature is: Jordan Reid from Ramshackle Glam – a lifestyle blogger and book author, Jordan covers all topics from parenting to travel to style. Her new book, Carrying On: Style, Beauty, Décor (and More) for the Nervous New Mom is the perfect companion for any new (or seasoned) mom out there.

GG: How and why did you start blogging and how did Ramshackle Glam begin? Tell us a little more about the concept behind Ramshackle Glam.

JR: In 2007, my career as an actress came to a standstill. I was working a day job I hated, and I fell into a deep depression: I was miserable, and disappointed in myself, and couldn’t see how I would feel differently at any point in the future. One night I was at a party and met a “professional blogger” (whatever that meant) who encouraged me to start my own blog. Despite the fact that I wasn’t exactly sure what a “blog” was, within a month I’d quit my job to write full-time. (This obviously isn’t especially sane or advisable; it’s just what I did both because I needed so badly for something in my life to change in a big way, and because, when I sat down and really thought about it, the idea of making a blog into a financially viable venture actually made sense to me.) I started Ramshackle Glam with an eye towards experimentation. When I started blogging I didn’t know how to cook, or how to entertain, or even really how to dress, but I wrote about all these things anyway. I was also newly married, with no kids, and living in a fourth-floor walkup in New York City. And so my readers have watched me try (and, very often, fail) over the years, as I’ve worked to learn how to do…well, all these things, plus become a parent (twice), buy a house (twice), and move from New York all the way across the country to the Bay Area.

Now I post daily about home décor, parenting, fashion, beauty, and entertaining, and make a living by conceptualizing and executing campaigns for various brands, mostly in the lifestyle, décor and fashion sphere. I recently opened an online shop called glam | camp with New York-based artist Erin Williams, where we sell things like coloring books for parents, the sweatshirts that we actually want to wear, and the coolest blanket on the planet (really). I’ve also written two books (Ramshackle Glam, in 2014, and Carrying On, published earlier this year), and have a third – co-written with Erin – coming out next year, which I’m really excited about. The site has turned into something I never saw coming, which is of course extremely exciting, but which also makes it extremely difficult to answer the question, “So…what, exactly, do you do for a living?” (I just say I’m a writer. Life is easier that way.)

GG: How do you balance work and family?

JR: This is something that I’ve been giving a lot of thought to lately. When I started out I was so anxious about figuring out how to make a living as a freelancer that I definitely did let my work and my life become almost one and the same – I was documenting everything, working on weekends and at night, and probably driving my husband nuts (although, to his enormous credit, he’s always been unfailingly encouraging). Lately, though, I’ve been trying to take a step back: to delineate clear, finite working hours, and to not let my work life overflow into my private time with my family. I have a team I rely on so I can use my time more efficiently, and so that I can delegate when necessary. Finding balance between work and family time isn’t something I always do perfectly, or even especially well, but I’m actively trying to get better at putting down the phone and the camera and the computer and being present during the moments when I can be. I have to say, though, I think guilt about finding this balance is something that plagues virtually every working mother, regardless of their circumstances (work from home, work from an office, have childcare, handle childcare themselves, whatever) – and while I certainly know where it comes from, I think it’s something that we’re way too hard on ourselves about. There are massive – and massively unfair – expectations placed on women today, and it’s up to us to support each other and acknowledge that it’s okay to love your work and love your family – and that “doing the best you can” is a pretty damn great thing to do.

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

JR: Well, I’m writing down answers to this interview sitting on my bed with my laptop while my daughter eats lunch in the kitchen, and I have a feeling that in a few minutes she’s going to come running in and give me a big kiss and say “LAH DO MAMA” (that’s “love you, mama” in toddler-speak), so that’s definitely the best part: the fact that I can stop what I’m doing and go be with my kids for a minute whenever I want. But that also makes it difficult to focus, of course – and that guilt that I mentioned above happens a lot more when I’m working at home (as opposed to on set, which in many ways is much easier in this regard) and can hear my kids laughing (or crying) without me. I want to be with them all the time. I also want – and need – to work. It’s a constant internal struggle, but it’s also a balancing act I’m proud of being able to (mostly) handle. And really, I can’t emphasize enough how much I love what I do. Because it’s fun, of course, and because it lets me communicate with women all over the world and create products I believe in and tell stories…but also because I never know what’s coming. The next step is always a surprise. And that’s just so cool.

The Art of Short Form Pampering

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Photo credit: courtesy of Gisele Bunchen…
Beauty editor and new mom, Marina Klimasiewfski, shares with us some quick tips on how to feel pampered in just 5 minutes…

Before becoming a mom I would have told you that I had a pretty busy schedule with minimal downtime. A constant cycle of office and beauty industry events! Friends to visit and dishes to clean! Yet, built into my hectic routine was actually a ton of self care. Regular exercise, plus manicures and pedicures, seasonal massages, facials and haircuts were all de rigueur.

Now that I have a newborn at home the idea of having time for any one of those activities, let alone a schedule full of them, is truly laughable. The hour plus required for these tasks starts to look like a complex math problem (if A can watch the baby then I can go, subtract time for pumping while out, and add milk to fridge before leaving!). The logistical hurdles alone negate the soothing intent of any “long-form pampering”.

Just because any elaborate appointments are out, doesn’t and shouldn’t mean a total moratorium on self care. It means being a little more creative, and quick. Really the key to any quality pampering is sensory. A combination of calming and invigorating the five senses – sight, sound, taste, smell and touch. Some of these tips take a full five minutes, some take literally seconds, but all feel decadent after hours of having your hair pulled and being treated as a spit-up receptacle.

1. Sheet Masques – the mom’s version of a facial. They are infinitely easier to apply than a regular masque. Literally, tear open the packet and slap on face. Most are quite hydrating, which is a plus for weary overtired skin. Bonus, baby may think this new face is a funny game. Huge variety (to the point where it somewhat overwhelming) at inexpensive prices on beautique.com.

2. At-home Spa Water – rather than reaching for cup of coffee #gazillion (which I so do), try making spa water. It’s shockingly easy – just add orange, lemon, or cucumber slices to regular water and it becomes that much more drinkable. To make it an even more instagram-worthy experience try adding fresh herbs like a sprig of mint, basil or rosemary, or even a chunk of peeled ginger.

3. Face Brushing – spending an extra 2-3 minutes in the shower is one the easiest ways to sneak in “me-time”. Massaging the face feels soothing, removes dead skin cells and if the neck is included can help with lymphatic drainage. The traditional Clarisonic brush is great, but many budget versions provide a similar experience.

4. Lip Exfoliation – lips are full of nerve endings, so they are particularly sensitive to touch. A sugar scrub feels and tastes great, and leaves lips softer and more kissable. Clinique’s new sweet pots have a sugar scrub on one side and a lip balm on the other, making for a portable experience. It’s also easy to DIY this one – just mix large grain sugar (ie: sugar in raw) with enough olive oil to make a paste, rub on lips and rinse.

5. Scent Swap – empty the diaper garbage bin, even if the smell isn’t detectable, open a window, and light a candle in a scent similar to those recommended for spa water. Go with something citrus or herbal, not floral or fruity – for a noticeably invigorating experience.

No matter what the phone has to spend these five minutes in a different room. Mindfulness is the buzzword of 2016 with good reason. Unplugging and being present is a form of pampering in and of itself. Remember, good self care is essential to taking good care of someone else!

About Marina Klimasiewfski

Marina Klimasiewfski has been writing about beauty online for the past decade. She is the founder and author of MakeupLovesMe.com. She has been quoted as an expert source in various outlets and has served as brand ambassador for Aveeno and Nivea in the past. This fall she became a mom, and since then has been working on the art of applying eyeliner one-handed.

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