A Morning Routine to Try + LINK UP

Last week in THIS post, I talked about simple changes that can make a big difference. I was talking about clothes, but there are also simple changes that can make a big impact way beyond clothes!!

One of the biggest changes I made last year was waking up an hour earlier than my kids. During the school year, this means 5:00am. Before you pull the "i'm NOOOOT a morning person" line on me, let me be honest with you: I am not a morning person. Ask my parents--they still tease me about how awful I was in the morning growing up!

But! I am telling you, this extra hour has been such a Godsend to me...and my family! It makes SUCH a difference! I'm more focused, less crazed and since I can drink my coffee uninterrupted, I already have the caffeine flow going if all else fails!

Below I'll tell you each of the things I do from 5:00-6:00am. I do not, in any way, think you should do exactly what I do, so I have also included suggestions on how you can adapt this to your own life and make it work FOR YOU! Here we go.....


1 - GET THE BLOOD PUMPING {20- minutes} ~ Exercising releases endorphins which research has proven to make us happier and more productive. Who doesn't want to start out their day happy and productive?! Plus, if you workout in the morning it's DONE and you have no other excuses not to work out later in the day (too tired, soccer practice, family time, etc).

How I do it: Since I stay pretty busy with 3 little ones, I have been all over the home workouts. Honestly, some of these videos I have seriously kick my butt--way more than I'd push myself at the gym. I literally walk downstairs, turn on the video and in 20'ish minutes I am DONE.

I'm a Jillian Michael's girl and rotate doing the following videos. {Note: You might feel like you're going to DIE at first, but they are ALL under 30 minutes (some are 20) and like Jillian says, "You can handle anything for 30 minutes!"} In a couple of weeks, I'll be starting 21-Day Fix so stay tuned for that!!!

30 Day Shred

Ripped in 30

Cardio Kickstart

Killer Buns and Thighs

Other Ideas: I've also heard great things about Shaun T's T25, but I have yet to try it. If workout videos are not your thing or you aren't ready, try a simple circuit. In one minute intervals try ~

- Jumping jacks (1 min)
- Run in place (1 min)
- Push ups or sit ups (1 min)
(repeat 3 times)

In 9 minutes you are DONE! And I guarantee your heart will be pumping and the endorphins released!

2 - QUIET TIME {5-15 minutes} ~ After you get your blood pumping, it's time to take a break, wipe off the sweat, drink your coffee, and have some quiet time. If you're a crazed parent or have a stressful job, you know that quiet times are few and far between. Savor this!!

How I do it: During my quiet time, I read Jesus Calling, a daily devotional. They are short passages, so I'll read the passage for the day, reflect on it, pray and drink my coffee. I always pray for each of my kids, my husband, for patience, strength, and to demonstrate grace throughout my day.

Other Ideas: Quiet time does not have to mean a devotional. If that's not your thing, coffee/tea and a great book, a book of motivational quotes or even peruse Pinterest's "motivational quotes." Anything that feels calming and helps you relax for a few minutes. Just a note: this might be hard for some people at first. We have SO MUCH going on in our brains that when we do have an extra minute or so, we have a tough time relaxing. It really takes practice for some of us to relax!

3 - A LITTLE PRIMPING {20-30 minutes} ~ You'll have a more productive day and feel better about yourself if you make an effort to look nice, even if you aren't going anywhere. This doesn't have to be an elaborate routine. Shower, hair and little makeup is all you need!

How I do it:  I shower every morning and do my hair and makeup. My makeup routine is pretty basic, I use these products  (you can click on any image for more info) ~

Moisturizer with SPF, CC Cream (LOVE Supergoop!! You don't even need foundation!), fill in my brows, light blush, mascara and a swipe of lip gloss. I'm done in about 5 minutes.

Other Ideas: You don't have to wear a lot of makeup!! It's just all about feeling good and put together. I love the Supergoop CC Cream because it has SPF and light coverage--it's really all you need. That and some lip gloss and you're ready to go, girl!

4 - GET DRESSED {included in Primping above} ~ This means not putting back on your PJs or workout clothes :) An actual "outfit" will make you look and feel your best. And if you completed the previous step, you can't skip this one! This in no way has to be elaborate, either. Just outfits that look pulled-together.

Cargo Vest: TJ Maxx (LOVE this one on sale, similar, similar)
Jeans: Old Navy (exact)
Tee: Express (sold out-similar in Neon Berry)
Necklace: Stella and Dot (exact- you can wear it a few different ways!)

I have several easy outfit formulas in these posts:

Getting Dressed, Mom Style
7 Pieces, 11 Outfits
Spring Outfit Formulas
Summer Outfits

How I do it: I typically choose my outfit the night before so I just throw it on and go! If you have been following this blog, you know that I participate in Style Challenges with Alison from Get Your Pretty On. From these challenges, I've gotten so many ideas for easy outfit formulas and a closet full of clothes I love. I never "have nothing to wear" anymore! The Work Wear Challenge registration is open now (click HERE to learn more) and perfect if you work outside the home. The next challenge for more casual outfits is Fall so STAY TUNED! It's my favorite challenge!

Other Ideas: A great fitting pair of jeans, tee shirt you love and a fun necklace is all you need to feel put together! Here are 4 of my closet staples (click on any image for more details) ~

So that's it! My morning routine has looked like this for the past school year. In the summer, I scaled back just a bit but still woke up an hour before the kids at least 3 days a week. I just got used to having that time all to myself! It's precious. Is it tough when the alarm rings at 5:00am? Absolutely. But it's so worth it. YOU are so worth it!!! (that's what Jillian tells me anyway).

So tell me--do you have a morning routine like this? Or does this sound completely crazy to you??!

Just a reminder~ If you are looking to update your work wardrobe, join me for the work wear challenge with Get Your Pretty On! Registration closes this Friday! Click HERE to read my post about the challenge and HERE to sign up!!

Time to link up!

Hosted by ~

Carrie/A Lovely Little Wardrobe ~ Bloglovin/Facebook/Instagram

Whitney/Whitney à La Mode ~ Bloglovin/Instagram

Casey/A Little Bit of Cheer ~ Bloglovin/Facebook/Instagram

Each week we choose a favorite...check out Carrie and Whitney's blogs to see if it's you! Here was my favorite this week ~ I am absolutely loving Jessica's look from Jeans and a Teapcup! Blush and white is such a pretty color combo for summer and early fall. She looks beautiful! See original post HERE.

Now let's get linking! We like to keep things simple around here. Just link up your favorite posts--fashion, beauty, food, DIY, anything goes! Follow your hosts on social media, have fun and be inspired! Thanks for linking up!

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