Back to School: Morning Time Savers

Summer's nearly over, and it's that time for the kiddies to get back to school. Once again, schedules are out of whack, alarm clocks are going off or not going off to no avail. The questions raise, to pack a lunch or not to pack a lunch. Did I do the laundry, do the kids have underwear, did I save the meeting agenda that I was toiling over for 3 hours off the clock last night? Not to worry, I have a few obvious, but forgotten strategies to help make your mornings a little less hectic. It's all about simple pre-planning. Easy? Yes. But do we often forget to do it? YES!! Here is a simple hour-before-bed to do list. Jot these down in your smart phone and even set a reminder an hour or two before bed so that you don't forget.


1. Make sure that the clothes for the next day are out, ironed, and ready to be jumped into (if not, add another hour to this list and toss a load of laundry into the wash while we work on the balance).

 2. Make sure that whatever can be packaged for lunch is already done. Make the sandwiches and put them in the 'fridge next to the juice-box that's gong to accompany it. This way you can grab them in the morning and toss them (lightly) into their lunch box or bag. Pack the box or bag now with non-perishable snacks, an apple, a bag of chips, that sweet snack...nothing to sweet though, we want the afternoon to be productive. We also don't want to bombard the teacher with sugar-wired kids. Have the lunch box or bag on the counter and waiting for the juice-box and sandwich. This alone will take 3 minutes off of the morning rush and and 15 minutes of stress off of your plate.

3. I like for my kids to take a bath or shower at night, so that in the morning, the only thing to do is brush their teeth and comb their hair after they wash their faces. My kids are small though, 3 and 7, so most of get-ready time is mommy's job. If you kids are older, have them shower at night. Girls will probably resist...so tell them got get up 15 minutes earlier for shower time. (Now you should be grabbing the laundry from #1 and tossing it into the dryer)

 4. For little ones, you can even get breakfast going late at night. A low-sugar, high in fiber cereal is your best friend in the morning. Pour the bowls and place them in the fridge next to a small glass of milk and a small glass of juice. For 5 year olds and above, this will again save you about 5 minutes of breakfast making time because they can grab it themselves. This is that 5 minutes you need in the morning for mascara and lipstick so that you don't run over the crossing guard trying to do it while you are driving- bad mommy!

 5. Now you should be hanging up the clothes from #1 so that you don't have to iron them in the morning. Put socks, and underwear out as well so that there is no confusion in the morning. If you have time on the weekend, you can do this for the entire week. Also make certain that respective book-bags are packed and by the door.

Finally, have yourself a relaxing cup of chamomile tea (or wine) before bed. This will help you relax and free your mind so that you are not as stressed out as the kids in the morning when you're yelling 5 more minutes...3 more minutes!!!

Trust me, these simple night time tips will save you time and stress in the morning. It may take a week or so for you to get it down to a 30 minute science, but it will be well worth it in the morning! Have an amazing week!!! Welcome back to the school year!

 -Dyna

Movavi

How do you guys edit your video for home or personal use? I had been using just the simple Microsoft program that comes with the original settings, but as my videos began to get more involved, and I realized that I needed more, I began using Movavi! Movavi offers so many options! You can do all of the basics, but your video, add audio,etc, but it also allows you to add multiple audio files. This way if you want to do voice overlay AND music, you can. The other program that I was using did not allow that. You can also add special effects, audio and video transitions...the options are endless, or should I say only as far as your imagination will allow! Be sure to follow Movavi Facebook. There you can network with other users, and even trade secrets!! What are you waiting for? You know that you've always wanted to do videos!! Get started today with Movavi!! xoxo D

Father's Day is coming...

As someone who's father was not very active (practically invisible) in her life, I found that this day really didn't mean anything to me. Now however, that I have a wonderful father for my children in my life, I look for wonderful ways to show him how much he means to us (when he's not driving me crazy). At a loss for ideas? Here are some thoughts...

If your father figure is into fitness...or just starting out, a great watch to help keep him on track would be ideal. Try a Polar watch!! This one is really cool...

If your guy is less into fitness and more into beer...a beer of the month subscription might be a cool idea...Check out Beer of the Month Club and see what I mean. 

If he's been working hard all year at being a great dad, then maybe a massage is what he needs. Yes, men need those too! Check out Groupon or Living Social for great deals on a massage in your area! Dad will thank you!!!

Don't forget to with that amazing man a Happy Father's Day for me!!

Shoe a Day...Sexy again!

Donald's daughter Ivanka has a serious eye for shoe design. Not only are the designs gorgeous...but she offers wide widths too!!! Thanks girl!! We love the Asteria at Shoes.com for a wedding or just to add bling to your cropped leggings...

shoe a day Summer Wedding!

Whether you are attending or a part of a summer wedding, Skylar by J. Renee is a total knock out. And yes girls, these come in wide widths too! The heel is high enough for sex appeal, but low enough that you can dance all night and keep the feeling in your pinky toes...don't miss out on these at SHOES.COM!

Shoe a day - Sexy Summer Shoes

What would summer be without some sexy after hours party so that you can show off those new shoes?!? I found these amazing Banolino's at one of my favorite spots, DSW! And guess what girls? They come in a wide sizes!! I love Bandolinos. They are so comfortable and well made.

Dance the night away in The Alelia Sandal!!

Shoe A Day Flats!!

So, in summer, running around is a must...but remaining cute is vital. Those stilettos that we love are only good for sitting pretty and possibly standing, but only for 2 hours.

To alleviate the need for $2 flip flops or wanting to chop your feet off at the end of the day, opt for adorable flats! Go for bright and vibrant colors or patterns to perk up your ensemble  Everyone has them, but for my wide doggies, the outside chunky part of my foot always looks like it's trying to escape. I found a really cute pair of flats from Rocket Dog that alleviate that with an outer rim that is higher than usual.

Happy shopping girls!