Getting organized is one of the most important parts of being a mama. Thanks to ToteSavvy, everything in your diaper bag has its own place. Created by Lauren Kutting, a busy mama, ToteSavvy serves all of your organizational needs, in the colors you want to see them in. As a new mom, Lauren found herself disappointed with the selection of diaper bags available, so she opted to carry a favorite tote bag in lieu of a diaper bag (like us too!!). It was hard to keep her tote-turned-baby-bag organized, so she took matters into her own hands and created ToteSavvy. Every mama needs ToteSavvy in their life. Their newly launched clear bags are game changers as well, especially easy when you’re constantly on the go during the toddler phase.

ToteSavvy // www.totesavvy.com

NAME:

Lauren Kutting

PROFESSION:

CEO of ToteSavvy

WHERE DID YOU GROW UP?

Los Gatos, CA

WHERE DO YOU LIVE?

Los Gatos, CA. As a kid I didn’t appreciate growing up in such a wonderful town. After starting a family I knew it was the perfect place to settle down.

WHEN YOU’RE EATING HEALTHY, WHAT IS A TYPICAL…

BREAKFAST: I don’t drink coffee so I like to start my day with a hot cup of tea. My favorite easy and healthy breakfast is overnight oats with chia seeds.
LUNCH: I like to meal prep my lunches on a Sunday. My go-to easy meal prep is a vegetarian burrito bowl. The bowl includes roasted sweet potato, bell pepper, and onion, seasoned black beans, and spanish rice. I top it with fresh avocado, cilantro and a little hot sauce!
DINNER: My husband and I haven’t eaten meat in over a year but we do love fish. One of my favorite easy dinners is oven-baked salmon with a sweet and spicy glaze served with a simple salad and miso dressing. It’s so satisfying without any guilt.

SNACK: Popcorn! I tend to snack at night once the kids are in bed. I always reach for popcorn and some dark chocolate chips.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE SPOTS/RESTAURANTS TO EAT HEALTHY?

Mendocino Farms has been a lifesaver since we stopped eating meat. They have so many delicious salads that accommodate vegetarian and even vegan diets. The avocado quinoa superfood salad is my favorite!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE INDULGENCE?

Sushi! I love a good sushi roll with a spicy mayo sauce. It’s the ultimate comfort food for me.

WHAT WOULD BE YOUR LAST MEAL ON EARTH?

A six-course meal prepared by one of the Top Chef winners. During quarantine we started binge watching the show from about season 10 on. It’s addicting!

WHAT IS THE BEST DISH YOU COOK/ YOUR FAVORITE RECIPE?

I make a really delicious fish taco. I marinade the fish (halibut or mahi mahi) in a combo of lime juice, lime zest, sweet chili sauce, salt, and pepper for an hour or so before grilling it. The flavor is perfect for tacos! For toppings I make a light and zesty slaw (with cabbage, carrots, cilantro and more lime juice), fresh avocado, pickled red onion, spicy sriracha mayo, and a little hot sauce.

TOP 3 ITEMS YOU ALWAYS HAVE IN YOUR KITCHEN?

Sweet chili sauce, avocados, oat milk. None of those go together but all get used the most!

WHAT IS YOUR FITNESS REGIMEN? (how often & what you do)

I’ve been using the Sweat app. I do 3-4 workouts a week for about 30 min each. I love the app because it paces you through the workout but you don’t have to keep your eyes glued to it. Instead I’ll watch a show on TV in tandem. It gives me motivation to do my workout when I know I get to also watch a favorite show.

I also like to get outside and walk with friends. I try to do that at least once a week!

WHAT IS YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE? (products, facials, etc)

I do most of my skincare at night. I use a balm oil cleanser (Beauty Counter’s Lotus Glow Cleansing Balm) to remove makeup and cleanse my face. Next, I use a retinol serum (The Nightly by Beauty Bio) and their GloPro microneedling tool (every other night). I finish with Tula Cosmetics eye cream and Beauty Bio’s The Quench cream. In the morning I either cleanse with the Lotus Glow balm again or just refresh my face with some warm water. During the day the only product I use on my skin is the Perfect Glow BB cream from Purlisse. It includes a zinc SPF so it protects my skin on top of offering a balanced complexion.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE MAKEUP/NATURAL BEAUTY PRODUCTS?

The Purlisse BB cream is my all-in-one day cream. For a simple and natural makeup look I add a few products from Glossier. Boy Brow to add some umph to my brows, Lash Stick for mascara, and their Cloud Paint for some color to my cheeks.

IF YOU WERE STRANDED ON A DESERT ISLAND, WHAT 3 PRODUCTS WOULD YOU TAKE WITH YOU?

My Purlisse BB Cream, mascara and lip balm.

WHAT PROFESSIONAL BEAUTY/HEALTH/FITNESS/SPIRITUAL GURUS DO YOU SWEAR BY?

I recently came across Renee of Gothamista on Instagram and YouTube. Her recommendations are so helpful! For fitness I’ve been a fan of Kayla Itsines for a while. Once I started her BBG workouts I can see why she’s so successful. Her program really does work!

MOST-WATCHED MOVIE?

Father of the Bride. My 9-year-old daughter now loves it too :)

MOST LIFE-CHANGING BOOK?

Malcolm Gladwell Outliers.

FAVORITE SHOPS/BOUTIQUES?

I love Montiel for activewear. Their leggings are very comfortable and great for my workday or workout. I’m also a sucker for jewelry. My current favorite is GLDN. All of their pieces are so simple and delicate. Perfect for everyday wear.

COOLEST PLACE YOU’VE EVER VISITED?

A little farmers market in Venice, Italy. A horse farm outside of Copenhagen, Denmark. Lava tubes on the Big Island of Hawaii.

FAVORITE HOTELS?

The Mauna Kea Hotel on the Big Island of Hawaii has my heart. It’s the most beautiful setting in a tropical paradise.

WHAT IS THE BEST GIFT YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?

It sounds cheesy but definitely my kids. I’m blessed with 3 children including a set of twins. Though there are hard moments, I’m so grateful for my family and the ability to have carried twins.

MOST PROFOUND HEALING EXPERIENCE YOU’VE EVER HAD?

About 6 years ago I found out I was BRCA positive. That basically means I’m genetically predisposed for breast cancer and ovarian cancer. I made the decision to have a prophylactic double mastectomy with reconstruction 3 years ago. It was the most intense surgery my body had ever been through, but I healed. Looking back on the experience it’s truly incredible to see what my body was able to do.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST LEARNING EXPERIENCE YOU’VE HAD TO FACE AND WHAT DID YOU TAKE AWAY FROM IT?

I’ve had a lot of learning experiences while building ToteSavvy. One of the most important lessons I learned is to always form contracts when entering into any business relationship. No matter how much you trust the other party or even if you’ve worked with the vendor before, you can’t protect yourself without a contract. In no way is it offensive to have an agreement created and you’ll save yourself a lot of time and money by setting up the relationship this way.

DESCRIBE YOUR PERFECT DAY.

A family beach day with poke bowls and cocktails. Preferably at the Mauna Kea beach in Hawaii. My kids would play happily without fighting of course ;)

WHAT IS YOUR MOST VALUABLE GLOW TIP/SECRET??

Drink as much water as possible. It’s the easiest and least expensive thing you can do to better your body and skin.

FAVORITE QUOTE?

“Failure is another stepping stone to greatness” - Oprah Winfrey

WHAT ARE YOU GRATEFUL FOR?

The past 2 years has made me even more grateful for my family and our health. We will never take for granted our good health and ability to get through a rough time.