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Budget-Friendly Baby Shower Ideas: Celebrate without Breaking the Bank

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Although we have been giving advice on Baby Shower Ideas, throwing a baby shower doesn’t have to break the bank. With a little creativity and careful planning, you can host a memorable celebration without sacrificing your budget. In this guide, we present cost-effective baby shower ideas, DIY decorations, and inexpensive yet thoughtful gift options that will help you celebrate the upcoming arrival without a hefty price tag.

Opt for a Co-Host: Consider co-hosting the baby shower with a friend or family member. Sharing the responsibilities and costs can significantly reduce the financial burden while ensuring a well-planned event. Nobody expects you to do it alone and the pleasure of sharing this experience with someone is also a bonus.

Choose a Budget-Friendly Venue: Instead of renting a venue, consider hosting the baby shower at a friend or family member’s house, a local park, or even your own backyard. Outdoor spaces can provide a charming and cost-effective setting for the celebration.

DIY Decorations: Get creative and make your own decorations. Use inexpensive materials like balloons, streamers, and tissue paper to create a festive atmosphere. Consider making a DIY photo booth area with props and a simple backdrop using fabric or a large sheet.

Potluck or DIY Food Stations: Instead of hiring a catering service, opt for a potluck-style baby shower or set up DIY food stations. Ask guests to bring a dish or assign them different food categories (appetizers, desserts, beverages) to contribute. This not only saves money but also adds a personal touch to the event. We know for a fact that some people love the idea of bringing a personal favorite dish or beverage.

Plan Simple Games and Activities: Organize simple and low-cost games and activities that don’t require elaborate props or materials. Classic games like baby-themed bingo, guessing games, or a diaper-changing relay can provide entertainment without straining the budget.

Digital Invitations: Save on printing and postage costs by opting for digital invitations. There are numerous free online platforms that offer stylish and customizable invitation templates. Send the invitations via email or social media to save time and money.

DIY Baby Shower Favors: Create DIY baby shower favors that are both thoughtful and budget-friendly. Ideas include handmade soaps, personalized candles, or small succulents in decorative pots. Package them with inexpensive materials like organza bags or mason jars tied with ribbons. It’s also an opportunity to support a small business in your area. Look for bulk deals and don’t be afraid to ask for a discount, if you are purchasing a large amount of items.

Inexpensive Yet Thoughtful Gifts: Encourage guests to bring budget-friendly gifts that are still meaningful. Suggest practical items like baby clothes, blankets, or diapers, which are often available at affordable prices. Alternatively, consider setting up a gift exchange where guests bring gently used baby items they no longer need. This is a great way to help the environment but at the same time to reuse some precious items that bring great memories to the giver and make new ones for the receiver.

DIY Baby Shower Diaper Cake: Instead of purchasing an expensive centerpiece, create a diaper cake as a budget-friendly alternative. Use diapers, ribbons, and baby essentials like pacifiers, socks, or small toys to construct an adorable and practical centerpiece. There are lots of helpful videos on all social media platforms. You will definitely not have a hard time finding inspiration.

Capture Memories with a DIY Photo Booth: Set up a DIY photo booth area with props and a simple backdrop. Provide a digital camera or encourage guests to use their smartphones to take pictures. This allows everyone to capture fun and candid moments without the cost of hiring a professional photographer.

We are confident that  hosting a baby shower on a budget is not only possible but can also result in a fun and memorable event. By co-hosting, choosing a budget-friendly venue, DIYing decorations, planning simple games and activities, and suggesting inexpensive yet thoughtful gifts, you can celebrate the upcoming arrival without breaking the bank. Remember, it’s the love and support of family and friends that make a baby shower truly special, regardless of the price tag. Not only will it add a personal touch to the party, it will also not make you feel like you just spent your entire savings on just one event and it will allow you to actually enjoy yourself.

Love, 

The Stork Bag Team

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Pregnancy Self-Care: Pampering Gifts for Moms-to-Be

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 Pregnancy is a beautiful and transformative journey that deserves to be cherished and celebrated. During this special time, it’s essential for expectant moms to prioritize self-care and well-being. In this guide, we will explore a range of pampering gift ideas designed to promote relaxation, comfort, and overall wellness for moms-to-be. From spa treatments to cozy maternity clothing and soothing products, let’s discover ways to indulge and nurture the incredible women experiencing the miracle of pregnancy.

Spa or Massage Gift Certificates: Treat the mom-to-be to a rejuvenating spa day or a soothing prenatal massage. These experiences can help alleviate pregnancy discomfort, reduce stress, and promote relaxation.

Maternity Clothing: Gift comfortable and stylish maternity clothing options that allow the mom-to-be to feel confident and at ease during her pregnancy journey. Choose soft fabrics, stretchy waistbands, and versatile designs.

Pregnancy Pillow: Provide the gift of restful sleep with a pregnancy pillow. These specially designed pillows offer support to the body’s changing contours, providing comfort and reducing strain on the back, hips, and joints.

Essential Oils and Aromatherapy: Create a serene atmosphere with essential oils and aromatherapy products. Lavender, chamomile, and citrus scents can help promote relaxation and reduce stress. 

 Classes Prenatal Yoga or Exercise: Support the mom-to-be’s physical and mental well-being by giving prenatal yoga or exercise classes. These classes are specifically tailored to accommodate pregnancy and help maintain strength, flexibility, and overall fitness.

Belly Support Bands or Wraps: Offer belly support bands or wraps that provide gentle compression and alleviate discomfort associated with the growing belly. These can provide relief for backaches and help improve posture.

Comfortable Footwear: Pregnancy can take a toll on a woman’s feet, so treat her to a pair of comfortable and supportive shoes or slippers. Look for footwear that offers cushioning, arch support, and room for swelling.

Pampering Bath Products: Encourage relaxation and self-care with luxurious bath products such as bath bombs, bath oils, or bubble baths. Ensure they are safe for pregnancy and provide a soothing experience for the mom-to-be.

Pregnancy Journal or Memory Book: Capture the precious moments and memories of pregnancy with a pregnancy journal or memory book. These thoughtful gifts allow expectant moms to record their thoughts, feelings, and milestones along the way.

Subscription Boxes for Moms-to-Be: Consider gifting a subscription box specifically curated for expectant moms. These boxes often contain a variety of self-care items, such as skincare products, healthy snacks, and wellness essentials.

While our pregnancy gift boxes cater to every trimester of your pregnancy, the 3rd trimester box gives our mom- to- be, a chance to have a spa day like, in the comfort of her own home. From bath teas to beauty care products, the 3rd trimester boxes are just what is needed to relax and have a day off from everything before the big day.

Our Diva and Luxe, 1st trimester boxes, come with a handy pregnancy journal that allows the parents-to-be, to record every step of the pregnancy and beyond.

 Pregnancy is a time of remarkable transformation and self-discovery. By giving pampering items that promote relaxation, comfort, and overall well-being, you can show your support and care for the mom-to-be during this special journey. Whether it’s indulging in spa treatments, embracing cozy maternity clothing, or enjoying soothing products, these gifts help moms-to-be prioritize self-care and nurture themselves as they prepare to welcome their little ones into the world. 

Check out some of the shops we use to purchase our goodies:

Shoplakeandoak.com for our amazing teas.

www.spalifebeauty.com for some of our beauty products

www.rebelsrefinery.com for some more beauty products

www.smartassandsass.com for our sassy tumblers.

These are just a few of the businesses we shop from while we support some smaller businesses as well.

We are always looking for that special, unique kind of item so if you know any businesses that we could purchase special products from, let us know in the comments section.

Love,

The Stork Bag Team

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Top 10 Must-Have Items for Your Hospital Bag

 Preparing a well-packed hospital bag is essential for a smooth and comfortable childbirth experience, and is a very important step in welcoming a new addition to the family. Having all the necessary items at hand ensures that you are prepared for various situations and allows you to focus on the joyous moment of welcoming your little one. In this guide, we present the top 10 must-have items to include in your hospital bag, covering essential documents, personal care items, baby supplies, and more.

  • Essential Documents and Paperwork: Don’t forget to pack your identification documents, insurance cards, and any hospital paperwork or pre-registration forms. It’s important to have these readily accessible for check-in and administrative purposes.
  • Comfortable Clothing and Nightwear for Labor and Recovery: Pack loose, comfortable clothing that accommodates your changing body during labor and postpartum recovery. Choose breathable fabrics and opt for items that are easy to put on and take off, such as loose-fitting nightgowns, pajama sets, or nursing-friendly tops. Nobody wants to think that a simple document can delay the process of bringing your baby home, but it does happen so better be prepared.
  • Hygiene and Toiletry Items for Personal Care: Include essential toiletries for your personal care needs, such as toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, facial cleanser, and moisturizer. Don’t forget items like lip balm, hair ties, and a brush or comb. Consider packing travel-sized versions to save space.
  • Our 3rd trimester pregnancy gift boxes offer an assortment of items that can help with taking a few items off your list. Every 3rd trimester pregnancy gift box includes non slip comfy socks, bath teas and our Diva and Luxe boxes even include a canvas bag to get everything in ahead of time. Some of the companies we work with provide some essentials for our moms: www.babyboosteethers.com   www.bathaccessories.com and www.mattercompany.com
  • Entertainment and Relaxation Items for Downtime: Labor and recovery can involve periods of waiting and downtime. Bring items that help you relax and pass the time, such as books, magazines, puzzles, or a tablet loaded with your favorite movies or TV shows. Consider including soothing music or a playlist to create a calming atmosphere.
  • Nursing Bras and Breastfeeding Supplies: If you plan to breastfeed, pack a few comfortable nursing bras that provide proper support. Include nursing pads to manage leakage, lanolin cream for nipple care, and a breastfeeding pillow or cushion for added comfort during feeding sessions.
  • Baby Essentials, Such as Diapers and Blankets: Don’t forget to pack essential items for your newborn. Include a supply of newborn-sized diapers, wipes, and a couple of receiving blankets. It’s also a good idea to have an outfit or two for your baby’s first moments and the journey home.
  • Snacks and Drinks for Energy and Sustenance: Labor can be a physically demanding process, so pack nutritious snacks and drinks to keep your energy levels up. Consider items like granola bars, dried fruit, nuts, and electrolyte drinks. Remember to check with your healthcare provider regarding any dietary restrictions during labor. Postpartum gift boxes include some essentials that can help make recovery easier. From our healing bath salts to nursing cream, we pack these boxes with healing and comfort in mind.
  • Essential Technology and Communication Devices: Bring your phone and charger to keep in touch with loved ones and capture precious moments. Consider packing a camera or a video recorder to document your baby’s first hours. Don’t forget to bring a portable phone charger in case electrical outlets are not easily accessible.
  • Postpartum Recovery Items for Comfort: Include items that aid in postpartum recovery, such as maternity pads, comfortable underwear, perineal spray or ointment, and a nursing pillow for proper positioning during breastfeeding. If you prefer, you can also pack a comfortable robe and slippers for easy mobility around the hospital. These essentials can be found in our postpartum gift boxes and much more.
  • Additional Personal Items to Consider: Depending on your preferences, you may want to include additional items such as a going-home outfit for yourself, a comfortable pillow, a favorite blanket, or items that provide you with comfort and familiarity during your stay at the hospital.

 Remember that you are the one needing healing, peace and comfort. Being in a good state of  mind, gives you the chance to give your attention to your baby and your recovery.

Preparing a well-packed hospital bag ensures that you have everything you need for a comfortable and smooth childbirth experience. By including essential documents, personal care items, baby supplies, and items for comfort and relaxation, you can focus on the joy of welcoming your little one into the world. Remember to tailor your hospital bag to your specific needs and preferences to make your stay as pleasant as possible.

The Stork Bag offers most of these items in our 3rd and postpartum gift boxes. We make sure to include items for mom but also for baby.

We wish you a smooth and easy experience.

With love, 

The Stork Bag Team

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The Essential Checklist for Hosting an Unforgettable Baby Shower

Let’s be honest, hosting a baby shower is a wonderful way to celebrate the imminent arrival of a precious little one and honor the expectant mother. It’s an opportunity to gather loved ones, create lasting memories, and shower the mom-to-be with love and support . On the other hand, this wonderful celebration can also be a bit of a task. So, to ensure your baby shower is a resounding success, we’ve compiled an essential checklist that covers all the important aspects of planning and organizing an unforgettable event.

  • Preparing the Guest List and Invitations: Start by creating a guest list that includes close family members, friends, and colleagues of the expectant mother. Consider the size of the venue and the desired atmosphere when finalizing the number of guests. Send out invitations well in advance to allow guests to save the date and RSVP. You can opt for traditional paper invitations or utilize digital platforms for convenience.
  • Selecting a Theme and Decorations: Choose a theme that reflects the expectant mother’s personality and preferences. Popular themes include “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,” “Jungle Safari,” or “Baby’s First Adventure.” Once the theme is decided, select decorations that align with it. Decorative elements such as balloons, banners, centerpieces, and table settings should complement the theme and create a visually appealing atmosphere. 
  • Planning Fun Baby Shower Games and Activities: Engage guests with entertaining games and activities that celebrate the impending arrival of the baby. Popular options include “Guess the Baby Food,” “Diaper Raffle,” and “Baby Trivia.” Consider the preferences of the expectant mother and choose games that are inclusive, lighthearted, and enjoyable for everyone.
  • Food and Beverage Considerations: Decide on the food and beverage menu based on the time of day and the theme of the baby shower. Opt for a variety of finger foods, appetizers, and desserts that cater to different dietary preferences. Consider having a designated beverage station with a range of non-alcoholic mocktails, infused water, and refreshing beverages.
  • Creating a Thoughtful Gift Registry: Encourage the expectant mother to create a gift registry to ensure she receives items that she truly needs and desires. Provide the registry information to the guests in the invitations or through a separate communication. Include a mix of practical baby essentials, sentimental keepsakes, and personalized gifts to cater to various budgets and preferences. The Stork Bag offers a very useful and easy way to buy a gift with our Baby Shower Gift Box. Comes with all the necessities a newborn would need and a little keepsake that will last for years to come. We can have it shipped to the person celebrating this wonderful time, or we can ship it to you to bring to the party.
  • Some of the items found in our Baby Shower Gift Boxes are from companies such as  Www.raisinghumans.co , www.rosetextiles.com, and www.tinyandtresuredclothing.com just to mention a couple of the wonderful companies we work with.
  • Choosing the Perfect Venue or Location: Select a venue or location that suits the size of your guest list and the desired ambiance. It could be a cozy backyard, a rented event space, or even the expectant mother’s own home. Consider factors such as accessibility, parking, and amenities when finalizing the venue.
  • Organizing Party Favors for Guests: Show appreciation to your guests by providing thoughtful party favors as a token of gratitude. Consider small, personalized gifts or themed items that guests can take home as a memento of the special occasion. Examples include customized candles, mini succulents, or handmade soaps.
  •  We love these adorable Pitter Patter Baby feet soaps from www.kateaspen.com. They also carry an amazing collection of Baby Shower decor items. How easy would it be to shop for almost everything you need in one place?
  • Selecting a Memorable Cake or Dessert: A beautiful and delicious cake or dessert is a centerpiece of any baby shower. Select a design that complements the theme and reflects the joyous occasion. Consider incorporating elements such as baby booties, pacifiers, or a cake topper with the baby’s name.
  • Thank-You Notes and Post-Shower Follow-Up: After the baby shower, take the time to send heartfelt thank-you notes to express your appreciation to the guests for their presence and thoughtful gifts. This simple gesture shows gratitude and helps maintain strong relationships. Additionally, follow up with the expectant mother to check if there are any outstanding needs or assistance she may require as she prepares for the arrival of her little one.

 We hope that by following this essential checklist, you can host an unforgettable baby shower that will celebrate the expectant mother and create lasting memories. Remember to tailor the event to her preferences, incorporate thoughtful details, and ensure everyone feels included and cherished. A well-planned baby shower is a beautiful way to honor the journey into motherhood and create a joyful atmosphere for all.

We wish you a wonderful time in celebrating this amazing event.

The Stork Bag Team

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Happy New Year!

As we all head into a brand new year, we wanted to wish all of you a healthy, happy and full of love year ahead.

As winter is still here for some of us, we thought that some reminders about driving safely on hazardous roads would come in handy, specially when driving with babies and kids.

Here is an article from one of the talented people at Porch.

Stay safe and enjoy your travels.

The Ultimate Winter Road Trip Safety Guide

November 16, 2022

Monica Villanueva

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Winter road trips are great — you can travel to some thrilling locations and have a fantastic winter experience. You might indulge in winter sports, such as skiing and snowboarding, ice skating, and curling. Perhaps you enjoy cozy winter holidays in snowy mountain cabins. Winter conditions are hazardous, so you need to be prepared to deal with anything that can go wrong. Snow and ice make it harder for you to slow your car down. Your car may lose traction on hills, or while starting from a complete stop. You’ll want to know what to do in the worst-case scenario and have the materials to help when needed. Winter conditions are livable if you’re a patient driver and prepared for the worst. You can have a safe, joyous trip by knowing the best practices for driving through the snow. 

Trucking companies take steps to prevent accidents, whether that be making sure truck drivers have proper safety information, pre-hiring training and tests, and rewarding drivers for safe driving.

Prepare your car for a winter road trip

Tires are an essential factor for a safe winter road trip. Ideally, you’ll have snow or all-season tires with a rating for mud and snow. The cold weather lowers air pressure in tires, so check and fill your tires if needed. Once your tires are winter-ready, you can outfit your car with supplies.

Winter driving and car safety are about preparedness. You’ll often use your windshield wiper fluid, so check that your tank is full, and keep an extra container on hand. Good sunglasses are also a game-changer to handle glares from the sun reflecting off the snow. Ensure your phone is charged, and keep it plugged in during the drive. Gloves and ice scrapers are helpful too.

It’s good to be prepared for the worst before you leave for your winter road trip. Have a large, thick blanket in the trunk and some emergency snacks. If you’re spinning your wheels on a slippery section, sand or kitty litter can provide traction to get you going. Finally, an emergency car kit that contains flairs, a flashlight, jumper cables, and other valuable items is wise to have on hand.

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What to do before the trip 

Before you leave, get an oil change, and ask them to ensure the car is ready for a winter road trip. The technicians will ensure all your fluids are topped off — including your antifreeze (which your car needs in the cold), windshield wiper fluid, and oil. They’ll check the tire pressure and will install winter windshield wipers if you need them. It’s always a good idea to have a paper map if the GPS fails. If the forecast predicts a blizzard, consider an alternative route, or travel on a different day.

How to drive on snow roads and ice

It’s vital to maximize your visibility in winter conditions. Scrape all the ice from your windows and the windshield. Brush all the snow from your car, including the sides and the back. Snow blows away in the wind, and the last thing you want is to suddenly have your vision impaired due to snow from your car.

There may be times you have to brake in slippery conditions. If you have ABS (traction control), push hard on the brake and leave it suppressed until the car fully stops. The ABS may make noise or cause the vehicle to vibrate, but it’s working to help you. If you don’t have ABS, pump the brakes so your vehicle continues to slow as it moves straight.

If you’re fully stopped and struggling to move, tap the gas repeatedly to get a rocking motion going. This method gives you momentum to help push you forward. Traction control can work against you if you’re struggling to get moving. Turn it off, and you should find it more manageable. Be sure to keep your tank over half full for the entire drive. The half a tank is a contingency if you need to pull over so you don’t lose access to heat.

On the road

The best thing you can do in the snow is drive slowly. Your vehicle will struggle to brake, and you may need extra clearance to avoid hitting the car in front of you. It’s best to give the car ahead a lot of distance. It’s also wise to stay in your lane and only pass if you’re sure it’s safe. Winter drivingis a hazard, but if you give yourself lots of time to arrive at your destination, you’ll maximize your chances of an uneventful drive.

If conditions are bad, it’s best to pull over rather than risk an accident. Avoid pulling over on the side of the highway if possible, as lanes can be challenging to see in snowy conditions. Oncoming traffic may not realize you’re unmoving on the side of the road.

Bridges and tunnels are likely to form black ice. Black ice is a term for ice that blends into the street. Do not slam the brakes if you see a black ice patch and the car loses control. Take your foot off the gas so the car slows, and tap the brakes in short pumps.

Keep your wheel pointed in the direction you want the car to go.

If you’re on a hill, try not to stop for any reason. You may slide backward, and climbing the hill from a complete stop will be challenging. Avoid aggressively accelerating up the incline, which can cause your tires to spin. Take it slow and steady. When the temperature is below freezing, it’s best to take the road slower than usual. The faster you drive, the harder it is to stop (especially in bad conditions).

Winter driving is all about maintaining control.

Ideally, you can avoid driving in a snowstorm altogether. If you are in one, avoid using the high-beam lights. While this seems counter-intuitive, the snowfall reflects the light and mitigates the efficacy of the high beams. Stick with low beams in heavy snow if you drive in heavy snowfall. In any winter conditions, avoid using cruise control.

How to make the road trip more comfortable

You’ll want to be relaxed and alert for your winter drive. Your comfort is a crucial component, so you can’t afford to focus on discomfort when driving in bad conditions. Choose a comfortable temperature for the vehicle, and keep your windows defrosted. You should also wear your jacket while driving. If you get in an accident, and the heat stops working, you’ll be glad you did.

Have a great playlist ready for your drive, and don’t fiddle with it once yourtrip begins. If you like snacks, set them up in advance so you can reach them without taking your eyes off the road. The same suggestion applies to coffee or water.

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Winter driving can lead to some enjoyable adventures. Winter conditions aren’t ideal, but if you take your time and go into the drive well-prepared, you’ll have an excellent trip. If winter driving makes you nervous, try finding a large empty parking lot, and practice losing control where you won’t hit anyone. Winter roads can be dangerous but can also lead to beautiful locations. By following the best practices, you’ll arrive safely and be glad you made the trip.

More:

Driveways & WalkwaysHolidaysMaintenance & UpgradesUncategorized

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Six Tips To Stay Organized And Avoid The Toy “Home Take-Over”

The Stork Bag - Six Tips To Stay Organized And Avoid The Toy Home Take-Over

 It starts from the beginning. You need bouncers and highchairs and a few rattles and before you know it, your home has been taken over by kid stuff. Every square inch has books, toys that make noise and everything else. It’s so easy to feel overwhelmed and just chalk it up to “We have kids, this is how it’s going to be for a while” but I’m here to reassure you it doesn’t have to be that way. You can have your house back and feel less take-over by using the six tips below.

  1. Think in zones: If you ask most professional organizers what tips they have for home organization, one of those tips will most likely to think in terms of zones. This basically means putting things that serve the same purpose all in one space of your house/room. This concept can be applied to kids toys too!
  2. Create a “parent zone”: We don’t have any toys on our first floor. I couldn’t handle always feeling like I had to be picking it up so I slowly purged or relocated all the stuff. This seems like an impossible task, but try and create a space that is toy/kid stuff free. Start small with a single room and enjoy having a space that doesn’t feel cluttered.
  3. Accessorize: Limited space? That’s ok!! Stores like Target and The Container Store are helpful with organization solutions like bins, baskets and drawers. Even using small bags (like our reusable Stork Bag!) to keep specific toys together is so helpful!
  4. Purge: This is easier said than done but I like to look at purging as not a once a year thing, but an ongoing process. Every few weeks, tackle a room that feels overwhelming and I bet you will find things that can go away or organized into a more optimal space.
  5. Plan Ahead: A great way to help with clutter is to avoid it when you can. When kids have birthdays or holidays coming up, try and brainstorm non-toy gift ideas like membership passes or a fun excursion. This helps cut back on extra stuff while creating meaningful memories!
  6. Teachable Moments: As your kids get older, have them help in the process. Start small with teaching them where toys go and build to full-blown team efforts of room organization. This can help kids be more vested in keeping their room and home clean, and know where things belong so you aren’t always cleaning up toys alone.

Have any tips to add? Let us know!

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Today Show Parent: How To Sleep When Pregnant

the stork bag - Today Show Parent: How To Sleep When Pregnant - image of pregnant woman sleeping

Pregnancy insomnia is REAL, especially during your 3rd trimester! Thankfully, Today Show Parents has a series called, New Baby Basics and they’ve shared some secrets to sleeping better while you’re expecting.

Click here to read more: http://www.today.com/parents/new-baby-basics-how-sleep-when-pregnant-t101516

Article credit: Emma Davis (Today)

New Baby Basics: How to sleep when pregnant

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Tips For Expecting Mothers With Toddlers

Tips For Expecting Mothers With Toddlers

*This guest blog was contributed by Dee Styles*

I’m scribbling and crossing out as I try to write my article for The Stork Bag – it’s a bit difficult to concentrate now as an expecting mother. And my 2 year old toddler isn’t helping at all, with her constant questioning; “Mommy what is this? Mommy what is that?”

One of the hardest parts of writing these blogs is finding the right topic, which my fellow moms will find fun and insightful. I was just about to grab my hair and start tearing it out, when I thought to myself, “exactly!” I’m going to write about how to get by as an expecting mother with a toddler! My hubby and I are expecting our second baby and we are super excited (well he is more excited than I am since I’m the one going through the discomforts that come with pregnancy!).


It’s been an adventurous journey so far, taking care of my toddler (a super hyper active 2 year old girl), my hubby and myself, plus the little one in me. Trust me, it’s no joke -sometimes I wonder how moms with twins get by!


But it’s not all bad, and below are some tips to make your journey through this phase a little more comfy.

  • First, you need to have a good support system.  Surround yourself with friends and family you can trust and that can cater to your needs or help you out when you really need them – especially on short notice. Maybe having a parent or sibling on standy if you need someone to watch your toddler for a few hours so that you can have a (much needed) break.
  • Second, talk to your toddler about the coming baby, prepare them mentally, and try engage them in DIY activities such as crafts. Fostering independence in your child will benefit both of you
  • Third, when you forget to take care of yourself (as we mothers tend to do every once in a while), remember the little one inside you. For their sake, you need to ensure that you are healthy and fit.

Try to eat a balanced meal each time whenever possible: infuse green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, cucumber, and fruits into your everyday meal plan. If you are a busy mom like me and you run around and driving a lot, it helps to have a water bottle or smoothie, along with a protein bar to take with you on the go.


Carry healthy snacks around like apples, dried fruits, nuts or a healthy sandwich. As the pregnancy progresses, I’ve discovered that I burn more energy quickly while catering to my toddler and the little one inside of me seems to want food more often than usual (especially when I am out!). Rather than get hungry and stop for some unhealthy fast food, I go to my pre-packed healthny snacks. Best of all, I can share these with my toddler if they are long.

Waking up in the morning has become a major chore as I am getting closer to my 3rd trimester and preparing my toddler for daycare every morning is always easier when I plan ahead the night before. I sort out her backpack with a change of clothes, ensure she has her snack and lunch for the next day available the night before, so all I have to do in the morning is warm it up and package it.  I also sort out her clothing for the day the night before. Being a fashion oriented mom, I’m kind of particular about what my kid wears to school.  

p.s. Remember to look after yourself! I can’t stress this enough. If I feel the need to rest I don’t push it. I found out the hard way during my first pregnancy that high blood pressure in pregnancy is not good for you or your baby. Relax, and take the time for some self-care.


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7 FREE and Fun Family Activities

The Stork bag - 7 free and fun famly activities - family at the park

With colder weather, it’s easy for cabin fever to kick in if we stay cooped up in the house too long. With that scary notion in mind, we’ve come up with 7 fun activities to keep your family busy without costing you a dime! Check them out:

Museums: Yep, believe it or not, some museums have free days or times for families to come and visit during the winter months. Although many of them have specific free times, this is still a great outing for the entire family. Pack a lunch and head out to your local museum!

Parks: I know, I know the park is outside but hear me out. In many of the colder states public schools allow the kids to play outside for recess anytime the temperature is above 32 so bundled those babes up and head out to your community park for some good old’ fashion fun. Pair your outdoor fun with some yummy hot cocoa and you’ve got yourself a free fun day!

Gyms: Have a gym membership? Bring the kiddos along for a family work out. Many families don’t think about this but imagine the fun games you could come up with by mixing your workout routine with some dance breaks!

Home Movie Night: Who knew the family room could be converted into a movie theater? Pop up some popcorn, grab some juice boxes and pull out that Halloween candy (I can’t be the only one still holding on to 3-month old candy)! With so many video streaming services and on demand movie access, you’re sure to find a movie that the whole family would love! This actvitiy is fun, free and convenient!

Rec Center/YMCA: This community gem is a gold mine for fun and free family adventure! From a friendly game of basketball to a little swimming time, there is all sort of fun to be had. Plan ahead and check out your local recreation center’s event calendar before you leave to avoid any disappointment.

Sightseeing: Pack everyone in the car and head over to the next town for some sightseeing. Live in or near a large city? Even better, there’s always so much to see in new or big cities. Even venturing to your local downtown area would be a treat; all the antique shops and old diners make for a good history lesson. Don’t forget to pack the snacks!

Your Local Library: This gem has so much free fun hidden away at your local library! From allowing the kiddos to pick out their very own book with their very own library card, to enjoying story time, arts and crafts and even movie time, the list goes on and on! Many local libraries have an event calendar as well with upcoming events they have, which are usually free of charge. The adventures tucked away at the library are endless and a true gem for the entire family.

These are just some of the great activities that you family can have for fun, and free – if you’ve got others, we’d love to hear about them!

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5 Secrets To Becoming A Successful Mompreneur … #3 Is Perfect

5 Secrets To Becoming A Successful ‘Mompreneur’ - Hustle Like a Mom

Welcome! This marks our first blog entry for thestorkbag.com – we’re super excited to share this with you! We always enjoy sharing learning tips and resources, especially so far as being an entrepreneur and a mom, so we’ve put together a few tips on becoming a successful mompreneur. You might currently be a mompreneur, or aspiring to be one; you may just be looking to improve transition careers and transform your family’s life.

As mothers, we face all sorts of demands on our time, along with family obligations. Adding the work of being an entrepreneur on top of all of this can seem overhwleming. It means facing many challenges, but the rewards can be well worth it!

Here are a few tips to help you get started:

Write Those Goals Down! Would you hop in the car and go on a road trip to a place you’ve never been without a GPS or map? No, so why would you venture into such a huge life decision without direction? Launching a business is a significant undertaking. Writing down your short and long term goals can make it much easier to decide on the strategy to take to achieve those goals. This may not be a BIG secret to some of you but just simply writing a list is the easy part: sticking with it, strategizing correctly to get to your goals and pivoting as needed is key.

Persistence! Firmly continue, even when you encounter difficulty. No explanation nis eeded for this one. The secret is to find out what your driving force is. What will keep you going when sales stop coming in consistently? What will keep you going when everything seems to be going wrong? If you’re driven solely by the money, you should pause and take some time to reconsider your motivations. Find your inspiration and recall that each time you want to quit – but always be sure to temper this with a realistic view about the risks of failure.

Share. There’s more than enough for you, your competitor and your community. The secret? Being an entrepreneur is NOT all about me, me, me. It is about connections, genuine connections. Share without oversharing.

Teamwork Makes The Dream Work! The secret: not everyone will make a good teammate: find the ones that you can trust and who aren’t afraid to use their voice.  You need go-getters on your team, especially in the beginning. You’ll encounter enough “yes men” as your success progresses.

Be Different. If social media is saturated with a plethora entrepreneurs in a particular field you want venture into, what are you going to do to stand out? What makes your brand more unique than theirs? The secret: have a unique story. Perfect your value proposition and illustrate it as best you can to your audience. Take it and own it.

This list certainly isn’t exhaustive, but we’re sure that it can help you get started. And remember, you don’t have to go it alone! There are many great learning resources for female entrepreneurs. The Stork Bag members are eligible for exclusive perks on female leadership courses from our learning partners at Sylibi.com.

Do you have questions or comments? Simply e-mail hello@thestorkbag.com.

-The Stork Bag Team