Diaper Bag Essentials of a Mompreneur

This post was sponsored by Balance Bar and while I was compensated for this post all opinions on this deliciousness are my own,
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As the countdown to Baby P draws to a close we are wrapping up all the finishing touches to be best prepared for our new "day to day" routine and that includes my business affairs.

Working from my home office as an editor, journalist and nutritionist, I found it tricky to choose my dates for maternity leave, as stopping at any point left me feeling like I'd leave loose ends, and I have a feeling it may be equally hard to decide the right time to go back to work. Not knowing what to expect from raising our first newborn and inevitable sleepless nights that lie ahead, mixed with the need to create and get back to my clients, I'm interested to see how it will all play out. 

I have had an amazing response from talented guys and gals who have stepped in to guest blog for me and the magazine's Fall issue wrap came right before my due date, giving me some time to step down from my roles and enjoy baby cuddles and some time away. And what I am learning most about all of these new transitions is that balance is key. 

I wanted to take this into consideration as I packed our new diaper bag. Mr. Charming and I each purchased our own, and each have our own packing system and needs when it comes to venturing outside of the house with Baby P.  Mine is equal parts baby and me, as I love to get outside of the house and work from local coffee houses and cafes and take meetings when I need to. 

Wanting to have all baby essentials on hand, it was also important for me to be able to function outside of the house with baby as I ease back into work and I feel I was able to strike a nice balance between baby mama and business woman with my selections - so I wanted to share below my necessities to packing the perfect Momprenuer diaper bag. 

Diaper Bag Essentials
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• Diapering Essentials - It's a good rule of thumb to have one diaper for every two hours you are out, plus a couple of extras for emergencies or if you are held up and end up being out longer than planned. In addition, you will want to have a changing pad, plenty of wipes (they are great for little hands and sticky faces as well!) and your ointment if you use one. 
• Feeding Supplies - As a breastfeeding mama I have my accessories and scarf with me at all times. If Mr. Charming and I are out for multiple hours or if I have a networking event I can pump ahead of time and supply him with bottles of my milk for the baby. No matter if you're feeding baby breast milk or formula, have enough to match how long you will be out, again, keeping in mind emergencies or extra time. I also invested in a bag that came with insulated bottle pouches with removable freeze bags to keep the milk chilly until it is needed. 
• Change of Clothes - There are many reasons (some of which I'll spare you, if you're a mama, you're familiar) your little one may need a change of clothes. I always keep two extra onesies in the bag at all times. As the weather starts to cool in the fall I will add a small cardigan, extra socks and a little hat for added warmth if we venture outdoors. 
• Linens - As we are in the middle of a very hot summer here, linens are kept to a minimum when it comes to what I need to venture out with. But a lightweight blanket for swaddling and a few burp clothes will always be with me. 
• Planner - My planner is one of the items that keeps me sane and keeps my business, and daily schedule, running smoothly. Running two businesses, a household and now preparing to become a mom, it's nice to have a place where I can keep all appointments, posts, clients, feedings and chores in one place. 
• Snack - Quick, portable and nutritious options are my go-to. Aside from bags of mixed nuts, fruits and veggies, Balance Bars are my snack of choice because they feel indulgent while giving me filling fiber and lean protein for under 200 calories. The balance of the fiber and protein sustains my energy and helps me when I'm on the go or when I'm working away from home while also playing the mom role. They also pair so well with a mug of tea at the local cafe when I want to have a little "dessert" in the middle of my day.

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• ​Tech - I bought a small laptop just for blogging on the go a few months back and it fits nicely in the diaper bag along with baby's things. That way, I always have access if I need to write a post or respond to emails. I also have my phone, an extra portable charger and USB flash drive for photos. 

I am pretty picky with what goes in my bag so it's not too cumbersome or over-packed. I try to pack just what we need, including my favorite brands of what I need. From the diapers I choose to the lotions we use, it's planned in advanced before it's packed up. 

When it comes to my noshing, I'm able to crave freely and Balance Bars are perfect because they are easily portable, pack a ton of protein and nutrients and now have a line, Balance Bare, that is completely dairy-free and gluten-free so that I can pack a couple of extra to share with special-diet clients that I meet with for coffee. As a nutritionist, it's important to me that my food is as balanced as my day and Balance gives me something decadent to enjoy while supplying me with fiber ( a MUST for a postpartum diet) and vitamins to give me energy as a new mama.

​Along with Balance, I am hosting a giveaway, so you busy mamas too can score some snacks for your on-the-go lifestyle!

I would love to know your packing tips, mompreneur tips or just a comment on how you'd pack up this delicious snack if you win the 6 pack. 
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Win A Balance Bar 6 Pack

Comment Below For A Chance To Win!

Prize Details: Prize: 1 6-pack box of Balance in  Chocolate Caramel Peanut Nougat, Chocolate Peppermint Patty, Dark Chocolate Turtle orDulce De Leche & Caramel varieties. We cannot guarantee flavor preference.
ARV: $7.74. Contest runs 8/12-8/15. 

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​Balance is available at CVS, Amazon and select Walmart stores nationwide.