Working Mother Registry

Time Saving Tips for Working Moms

It’s no shock that working moms have a million plates to juggle on a daily basis; never is this more true than when a breastfeeding mama returns to the workplace and has to also juggle pumping, too! We asked out team for their best time saving tips for working moms to share, what are your best time saving tips for working moms?

Keep a calendar: When it comes to time saving tips for working moms, our top tip is to keep everything on a calendar; it may seem time consuming at the outset to put all of your important dates in a calendar setting, but believe us, it will save you time down the line. It takes way longer to look for the email invite to the birthday party than to simply peep into your Google calendar – double time saving if you share the Google calendar with your signifiant other or sitter! If you’re more of an old school calendar working mom, we love the personalized calendars from Parabo Press (which also make a great gift).
Plan your clothing for the work week: one of the daily hassles working moms encounter is figuring out what to wear for work every day! We recommend planning your outfits for the week ahead of time. Make a mom-uniform for yourself and stick to your favorite colors and what feels comfortable. If you’re pumping at work, make sure your outfits are pumping friendly.
Pump with Ease: Speaking of pumping, make sure you choose a breast pump that is easy to use and can help you multitask at the same time! We’re big fans of the Motif Luna Breast Pump for working moms. We love the Luna Breast Pump for many reasons, but one is that you can totally multitask while pumping with the Motif Luna Pump, as it features a soft, low purr that doesn’t disturb co-workers, phone calls or sleeping kiddos. Plus, It’s also one of the lightest pumps on the market, which means it is easy to commute with and can fit into any bag. We’re also fans of their Motif Breastmilk Storage bags; having stored breastmilk is a huge time saver, and these bags help get the job done. They feature an easy-pour spout, leak-proof double zippers, and the self-stand design makes it easy for refrigerator storage. Plus, they can also lay flat in your freezer to maximize space.
Outsource, outsource, outsource: Working mamas simply do not have time to do it all, and that’s simply okay! We’re huge fans of outsourcing everything we need – from grocery delivery to diaper delivery and more. We’re big fans of Abby + Finn diaper delivery, as it is super easy to customize your needs and the diapers are top notch quality. KIDBOX is another fave of ours to make your life a little easier, as they will handpick clothing for your kiddos and send it straight to you – no need to head to the shops or even spend time online shopping!
Meal Plan: Again, it seems counterproductive to sit down and meal plan for the week, but believe us, when you go into the week knowing what dinner is every night, it will save you so much time later on! Check out this post for helpful meal planning tips (and don’t forget to stock up on VeeTee rice for work lunches and dinnertime, too).

Thank you to Motif Medical for making this sponsored post possible!

Back to School Car Safety Tips for Working Moms (+ giveaway!)

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

We’re excited today to have this guest post by the Evenflo Baby team all about back to school car safety tips for working moms! Plus, head to the bottom of the post for an “on-the-go” giveaway!

School is back in full swing, and as parents, most of us are running around trying to get to different school and activity drop-offs and picks-up and often-times carpooling different children in our vehicles of different weights and heights. As a seasoned mom of 2 who has installed a myriad of car seats, I thought I knew it all (spoiler alert, I had a lot to learn!)

I recently had the opportunity to become a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician. When I started this 4 day training, I was skeptical of what knowledge I would gain, but by the end I was really blown away by what I learned and also to discover that I was making several common mistakes when it came to both car seat usage and installation. I am sharing with you some of these very common mishaps that occur to help you keep your little ones (and their friends) safe this fall while on the road!

Forward facing using LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) – there are 2 common mistakes in this scenario:

Using both the lower anchors and seat belt for a car seat installation. You may think that 2 ways of securing the child and car seat are better than one, but in fact the performance of the car seat in the event of a crash may be negatively affected by using both the lower anchors and the seat belt at the same time. NOTE: You always want to use the upper tether when possible for forward-facing installation, whether the installation is with the lower anchors or the seat belt.
Keeping a child secured in the 5 point harness and using the LATCH system past the weight allowed. There are LATCH weight limits so be sure to check the manual of your car seat manufacturer to see what these weight limits are.

Moving your child to a booster seat: Your child may be ready to move into a belt-positioning booster seat once they have outgrown their forward facing harnessed car seat. Your child must meet the minimum height, weight and age requirements – but, (and this is what many parents forget about) they also must be mature enough to keep the seat belt properly positioned for your entire car ride. If they are moving frequently and the belt isn’t staying in place, then you should consider keeping them in a harnessed car seat that has a higher weight limit until they are really ready!

Carpooling and extra car seats: Most busy parents who are frequently carpooling other kids around will keep an extra car seat or booster seat in their car. I, for one, never thought about the importance of keeping these extra car seats secure when not in use. A 10lb booster seat can become a dangerous projectile inside the vehicle in a crash or sudden stop. So make sure you secure all car seats even when not in use! You can buckle them in with an unused seat belt or store them in the trunk of the vehicle.

The Gugu Guru team is a huge fan of Evenflo Baby’s SensorSafe technology to make life a little easier and whole lot safer. 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. To learn more about their SensorSafe technology and products, check out this post.

On the Go Giveaway

Fashion Must-Have Gabri Isle for Busy Moms

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

Let’s face it, one of the most fun parts of parenting is picking out all of the adorable clothing. However, any busy working mom knows there’s simply not enough time in the day to peruse online shops to find unique and cute clothes for your littles. Luckily, Gabri Isle is here to help. We’re huge fans of this mom-owned business for so many reasons, but we have to say, their commitment to supporting other women’s brands is top of our list, as Gabri Isle brings original baby clothes from female-driven brands across Europe to the US. The online boutique makes buying unique, high-quality European designer clothes a reality.

So, what does this mean for you? It means you have a one-stop-shop of unique and gorgeous European baby and kid clothes in one place! No more worrying about browsing endless websites looking for the perfect baby clothes, as Gabri Isle curates the best-of-the-best baby clothes from women-owned brands. There are just so many adorable pieces of clothing we can’t pick a favorite, but this MIMIKIDS Double Gauze Pastel Green Romper is surely up there on the list!

This Pastel Green Romper is made of 100% double gauze fabric, making it super comfy for baby and easy to play, toddle, and crawl in. It can easily be dressed up for a special occasion, or worn around the house on a sunny day. We’d also layer a long-sleeved t-shirt and tights underneath to wear the romper in chillier weather, too. The romper has button closure with two buttons on each strap to grow with baby and makes diaper changes easy. Whether it’s for your little one, a gift for a new baby, or doing holiday shopping, we love Gabri Isle for busy working mamas to make your life a little easier!

Thank you to Gabri Isle for making this sponsored post possible!

Maternity Clothes for Working Moms: 5 Must-Have Pieces

by Mel Blume Leave a Comment

While a bump is the best accessory ever, sometimes it’s hard to dress. Getting ready for work can become a massive undertaking, one that could require some help. We scoped out the maternity clothes scene and found five pieces that can take you through various stages and seasons with ease.

Must-Have Piece #1: A go-to top

A top you love is always essential.

Gugu Guru loves: This classic flutter-sleeve top that mixes a feminine vibe with timeless style. Featuring vintage-inspired polka dots, it effortlessly keeps you feeling fashionable without compromising comfort. Easy to pair with a simple necklace (like one from Tiny Tags) or a great work-friendly backpack. Finish it with black pants, boots and a blazer for the office, or keep it casual with a denim jacket and easy flats for the weekend.

Must-Have Piece #2: A versatile dress

It’s helpful to have a dress that’s a stylish option for every occasion.

Gugu Guru loves: This sophisticated dress that’s elevated with a wear-everywhere vibe. Not only does it look and feel really good, it can dress you through all three trimesters—and beyond. With patterns galore to choose from, you can find one for meetings, weekend outings, your baby shower and more.

Must-Have Piece #3: Cozy, stylish pants

Find a pair that are effortless to make mornings ultra-easy.

Gugu Guru loves: These skinny ankle pants. Smooth, stretchy, versatile and flattering, we can’t get enough of them. Available in colors for every mood, this insanely popular pair will get more use than you can ever imagine. They’re stylish without effort and oh-so cozy—you cannot go wrong with at least one pair of these perfect pants.

Must-Have Piece #4: A chic, multi-functional diaper bag

You might want to save the big, bulky backpack for an all-day outing, and opt for something more chic-mama-friendly for days you want to feel like…you.

Gugu Guru loves: This desk-to-dinner-to-brunch-to-endless-kiddo-destinations cross-body diaper bag by Anjie+Ash. It’s sleek, vegan leather finish organizes all essentials while lending your looks a fashionable finish.

Must-Have Piece #5: A snug-as-a-hug sweater

And lastly, since it’s fall, we thought we’d round out our list with a beautiful, cooler-weather essential.

Gugu Guru loves: This beautiful and cozy v-neck shaker stitch sweater. From your couch to the corner office, we have no doubt will come in handy. Pair with Ilado’s beautiful maternity necklace as an effortless accessory. Hope this list helps, mama. Keep calm, dress on.

Thanks to Destination Maternity for making this sponsored post possible.

Working Mother Must-Have Backpack Diaper Bag from JuJuBe

by Gugu Guru 1 Comment

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.

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!

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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