Busy Mom Essentials

I’ve spent enough time lamenting about the torturously early wakeup calls and nonstop busyness that started this fall, but I have to admit, it’s been kicking my butt big time. Most normal families start going to bed earlier and get on schedules before the school year starts, but we made a rookie mistake and did neither. We even went on vacation the week before school, meaning late bedtimes and no schedules. Lesson learned- it felt like we got hit by a freight train the week kindergarten started. We also just happen to have a lot of obligations this fall. Mostly good things, but sometimes you realize a little too late that you said yes to way too many things and find yourself running from one thing to the next day after day, trying to catch your breath. That’s where we’re at now. The good news is that as I muddle my way through the endless sea of activities, school events, volunteering and more, I’ve started to learn how to maximize my time and be more productive, less stressed and more organized (at least a little bit more!).

photo via pinchofyum.com

Make Ahead Breakfasts

This is a must for me now. Gone are the days of casually eating breakfast and getting ready before shipping the kids off to preschool at 9:30. We wake up super early and it’s go time. If I want a healthy breakfast, I’ve learned the only way is to make it the night before. Whether it’s a shake or overnight oats, I find that taking a few minutes in the evening to throw it together saves me precious minutes in the morning (and doesn’t it always take longer in the morning while you’re trying to get bags packed and kids dressed?). I usually do it when I’m making the kid’s lunches and make my son’s breakfast the night before too. Here are some of my favorites:

Green smoothies- I don’t have a standard recipe since I just throw in whatever I have on hand, but usually it’s something like frozen kale, half a banana, maca powder, chia seeds, apple pieces, and turmeric. I cut up the fruit and throw all the ingredients into a container the night before so I can just dump it into the blender in the morning.

Overnight oats- So easy and filling too. Simply fill a mason jar with however much oats you want and add in enough liquid to cover the oats (I give it a good stir to make sure there’s no dry patches). I like to use flax milk but any nut milk or liquid would work. Then add whatever you want- my most favorite is chia seeds, slivered almonds, shredded coconut and mini dark chocolate chips (it’s like an almond joy!), but when I’m pinched for time, I do just cinnamon and honey on top. Just pop in the fridge and it’s ready in the morning.

Chia seed pudding- I use about a 1/4 of a cup of chia seeds with 2 cups of liquid, like flax milk. I usually add pure vanilla extract and honey and then add some frozen blueberries or chopped fresh fruit. Refrigerate overnight and it will have a pudding constancy in the morning.

Breakfast Bowl- This one is a little more involved than the rest, but you can make a big batch and keep in in the fridge for a few days. I really love this recipe from Pinchofyum.com. It’s full of fiber, vitamins, and yumminess, and you can really customize it with whatever you want.

Pack Wisely

Since I’m often going from one thing to the next during the day, I have to really think through what I’m doing each day and where I’m going to be sure I will pack all the things I need. For me that usually means plenty of water, a quick snack- usually a banana or a SquareBar, any gear for the kids (ballet shoes, tennis rackets, etc), extra snacks for the kids, and my blog notebook. Yes, people.. I’ve even been blogging on my phone this fall while waiting at carpool or doctors appointments or sports meets or dance class or at the bus stop. I spend So. Much. Time. just waiting these days, I might as well be doing something! Packing water and snacks makes sure that I don’t have to stop and get something which is probably less healthy than I would bring from home.

Fake it till you make it..

Of course, a little faking it can help you put your best foot forward and make you at least look like a put together mom. I may feel exhausted these days (still working on an earlier bedtime for myself), but I try to look awake. I’ve really become addicted to 100% Pure’s Caffeine Masks. I try to use them a couple of times a week and even though I see the biggest difference on the days I use them, I have noticed some of the effects carry over to the next couple of days after. This mask definitely helps with puffiness and I can see a huge difference in my skin’s firmness after using it. The mask really plumps your skin and helps it to look smooth and radiant. I’m also a long time fan of 100% Pure’s Coffee Bean Eye Cream. It sits so well under makeup and knocks out puffiness under your eyes. Beyond puffiness, when I’m tired I just feel like my skin looks dull. I love Vapour Stratus Soft Focus Skin Perfector to make my skin look smooth and glowing (it was also just featured in a special box from Beauty Heroes!). Even when I don’t have time for foundation, this stuff works magic on my skin. Last, but not least, it probably goes without saying that dry shampoo is a busy mama’s best friend! My favorites are from One Love Organics and Captain Blankenship. 

As much as I hate to have every minute of the day planned out, I think planning ahead is key when you’re in a busy season of life. What are some of your tips for dealing with busy days or weeks? xo