When I was pregnant with George, I searched high and low, long and hard for a diaper bag that I would be proud to tote once he arrived. I wanted a bag that said “Look, I’m a happy mom carrying my baby and my bag!”, but that also said, “And I’m also really fashion-forward and awesome.”

You know me.

And while David may have implied that I was being overly-picky with my list of diaper bag must-haves, I knew I would only be satisfied with a bag that met the following criteria:

  • Really cute
  • Big, but not too big
  • Lots of pockets for storage
  • Washable
  • Quality material
  • Easy to carry

So despite spousal taunts and 4,000 urgent texts from my mother reminding me that I needed to hurry and choose a diaper bag before my baby shower, I stuck to my list. And I’m super glad I did.

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When I  discovered Lily Jade (thanks, Grace!), I quickly realized that their bags meet and exceeded my criteria. They thought of things that never crossed my mind but that I now realize are vital to my sanity. The “diaper” bags are so beautiful on the outside, and they don’t easily give away their true identity. It’s made of quality leather that smells and looks fantastic. On the inside, you’ll find 16 pockets. Sixteen! Dave calls it my Mary Poppins bag because I am able to fit so many things in there! There’s also a changing pad (alleluia, sing to Jesus), a special pocket for nursing covers (which I appreciate greatly because I’m just now starting to be semi-comfortable nursing in public and would be frantic and lost without easy access to my cover), and an entire insert that can be removed. The whole shebang is washable because the designers know what kind of crap can fill a bag quickly.

Pun intended, so intended.

So while this bag serves as an awesome diaper bag, you can remove the insert with all your kiddos’ stuff if you get a chance to galavant without the brood. Ditch the weight of wipes and rattles and just enjoy a light and adorable load 😉

Another great feature of this bag in particular is that it can be carried three ways: on the shoulder, cross-body/long strap, and on your back. This is just one more small detail that makes a world of difference! The back carry is clutch, y’all, especially while shopping or carrying groceries inside.

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I had the pleasure of meeting the founders of Lily Jade, Landon and Meggan, at the Hundred Event and they are good people. The kind of people you want to sit and chat with for hours. They solidified my love for these bags and this company even more. Anyway, Meggan told me all about the inspiration behind the business name. Her mother always loved jade, and Meggan told stories about her house being filled with collections of jade. So when she and Landon were brainstorming names for this proprietary diaper bag style, they knew they wanted jade to be incorporated somehow.

Meggan then explained that as a mom, she perceived all moms as women who must be nurturing and comforting, but also valiant and unshakeable. Mothers are called to be soft like a lily and strong like jade. Thus, Lily Jade was born. I love that reflection and description of motherhood; and now when I pick up the bag each morning, I’m reminded of this dual mission of mine.

I never go anywhere without this bag. I might have a conniption if I left the house without it, which I never would because I cannot be separated from it. It is the perfect carrier of all things baby and mama.

Lily Jade is spreading the Christmas spirit early and offering one of you fine folks a chance to win a Madeline in Red Canvas.

Y’all, I can’t encourage you to enter enough. Is it a little dramatic if I say this bag is life-changing? If so, then call me maybe because it is totally life changing.

Enter below with Lord Rafflecopter and I’ll be crossing my other appendages that YOU will be crowned the winner.

Update: It seems that there are some broken links in the entry form, but I’m hesitant to edit it because I don’t want to lose the entries we have! So, just in case, here are the links to Lily Jade’s site, Lily Jade’s Facebook page, Lily Jade’s Instagram, Lily Jade’s Pinterest, my Facebook page, my Instagram, my Twitter, and Bloglovin’. Thanks for being the best readers EVA!

a Rafflecopter giveaway