I am a big fan of planning and organizing (hence most of this blog) because I truly think it makes my life easier. So one thing I wanted to share was my Menu for the Week.

I love seeing what other people enjoy and I like gathering menu ideas from other sources.

Bon Appetit!

Picture a morning where breakfast is already prepped, coffee is waiting, and no one is fighting over clothes and shoes because everything was laid out the night before. Your bag is packed for work, keys are on top of the magazine that came in the mail (because you sorted the mail after work yesterday). Lunches for the family are waiting in the fridge. You’ve already done a load of laundry, so you don’t have that waiting, and possibly dinner is cooking in the Crockpot. It’s almost annoying to read how lovely that sounds, because essentially, you’ve just wiped out all your morning stress.

All the experts agree (truly, this is scientifically proven – as if Real Simple magazine wasn’t enough proof) that a organized morning (and evening) routine is a stress reliever.

There is one catch – just one – to making this happen. You have to actually do it. You may have to get up a solid 30 minutes earlier (maybe not – see what you can get done the night before), but you just have to do it. It takes 30 days to develop a habit; however, I bet you’re sold within 5 working days.

Over the past few years I have streamlined my morning routine, and made some necessary changes (for significant other’s schedules, work, family events, travel – things come up, right?). And when I am training for a marathon, sure, I have to tweak some, but the overall routine, that stays the same (I’m just up earlier!). I am going to share with you my routine and tricks to encourage you to create your own.

The first trick to have an awesome evening routine. You can read more about mine here. Basically my evening routine ensures that I have a gym bag packed, my lunch made, clothes laid out and anything extra I need for the day is ready to go by the back door.

When I wake up, I immediately feed the dog and let him outside. Next I press start on prepped coffee maker, start a load of laundry (if necessary), and make the bed.

Coffee’s ready.

On gym days, my coffee is to-go. I throw on a jacket and head to the gym, grabbing my pre-packed bags by the door, flipping on the Crockpot if I have dinner prepped. (Ha, and I let the dog come inside!)

On rest days, I get dressed, eat a snack and grab the dog for a walk.  When I get back, I shower, put the now clean clothes in the dryer, and get ready for work. Because I have already snacked, I take a pre-made breakfast to work (I’m more hungry later in the morning – is that just me?). Same deal with the Crockpot and often I have enough time to flip through a magazine.

I would venture that I need no more than 45 minutes to get this done (but again, I don’t have children). And I am set for the day. Often, I have enough time to stop at the store or dry cleaners before work to finish errands before I even start work. This means that immediately after work I can head home and relax.

What simplifying tools and tips do you use to make your mornings run smoothly?

This should not take very long. Empty everything in your purse our on the dining room table or your bed (hopefully, your made up bed). Take a damp facecloth and wipe your bag thoroughly inside and out (I mean, not if your bag is a $2400 leather “allergic to water” bag). Carefully pick through the pile of stuff you have accumulated and really question whether you need all of this stuff in your purse. Throw away unnecessary receipts, business cards, junk mail, crumpled tissues or makeup just wandering around.

I posted before about an intriguing article on how a disorganized wallet can wreak havoc on your financial life. Some of it is pretty obvious – okay most of it – but I think it brings up an interesting topic. Messy receipts, random dollar bills folded this way and that and store discount cards everywhere? Sound familiar? Start September off right – keep your bag streamlined and meticulous. It will change your life. This is a super small step that will go a long way. I mean, we carry our bags everywhere with us – sometimes we forget how much our living habits trickle down into the handbag. And when it does dawn on you, it’s like a reawakening. You feel so much better buying an iced coffee with fresh dollar bills you didn’t have to scrounge around for – not to mention returning those mugs at TJ Maxx with a receipt you knew exactly where to find.

I make it a point to keep my wallet as organized as possible. And as an extension of that, my handbag too. I keep a wallet, my phone, and two small Vera Bradley make up cases. That’s it. One case is all my makeup and in the other case are some necessities I can’t part with (hair elastics, tissues, tampons, a small sewing kit, and mini-toothbrush and toothpaste.) Sounds like a lot, but not if it’s all mini-sized and tucked in a cute bag. This makes it so much easier to change handbags, as well, let me tell you. As for my wallet, I always separate the receipts from my actual cash. And I don’t have discount savings cards. If I need the discount I ask the cashier and tell her I left my card at home. It works every single time.

A couple of products you might want to try to keep as organized as possible:

Coach Wallet (excellent for endurance, strength and organizing capabilities) Style and color should be to your own taste, of course.

Moleskine Folder for Receipts and paper documents fabulous idea for keep your receipts and tickets organized and it fits into a small purse or even better a glove compartment. You can also store the discount store cards here (if you must).

Walker Bags to keep your purse organized the most successful and organized business woman I know (think Harvard, MBA and serious money) swears by these bags.

Yesterday at work I had run out to my car to grab something and I saw two women pull into parking spaces. The two women, literally almost at the same time, parked so crookedly that together they ended up using the parking spot between them, in which case no one would be able to park in the middle spot.

Now, the parking lot, so very early in the morning, was pretty much empty. No one was was in a wheelchair and needing extra space, no baby carriages, etc.

Nope. What we have here is pure, unadulterated selfishness. Why do they care that in about an hour, the parking lot would be filled and someone would have to wait for a spot, because these jerks where to lazy and stupid to park correctly. Talk about inhospitable times.

I understand that really, it’s none of my business, but I am so offended by such blatant rudeness, that I stopped both of them and said “no.”

That’s right, “no”. Not today, not in my parking lot, no. I told them that if they didn’t immediately re-park there cars correctly and legally, in one single spot each, I would have them ticketed and towed right this second.

And they did – they went back and fixed their car. And you know what? A few minutes later another guy who had seen all this actually thanked me for caring enough to do something about it other than shrugging my shoulders and letting them get away with it.

The moral of this story is: sometimes you have to pretend that you own the parking garage to get things done correctly. And you know what? That’s okay.

In honor of my parking dictatorship skills I leave you with some of the funniest things I have read all day: http://www.happyplace.com/4134/worlds-most-entertaining-windshield-notes

I love September.

For me, September means the start of a new year. Maybe not officially, but lots of people use September as a blank slate to start a new project. When you’re younger, each new school year is a new project, and a blank slate. As an adult we can still choose to make September a fresh start.

I am working on 3 things this fall, my back to school projects if you will.

First, I am going to be writing more on this blog; I have a ton of great ideas to share with you all and I am going to try to post every day.

Second, I am going to work on becoming a better, stronger runner and get my rear back in shape (it’s been a lazy, margarita-filled summer folks). I am on the look out for a used bike too to incorporate some biking in there…

Third, I am going to try to make September a generally happier month for myself, and for people around me. Simple things like sending cards to far away friends, hosting a few wine tastings at my house, organizing some group outings for apple picking and just longer walks in the evening with my dog.

These are my September goals – what are you planning to do to make this “school” year a good one?

Now, I realize that on a sunny, 55 degree days in New England, baking is the last thing you’re thinking about. I am totally with you, really I am thinking about a margarita on the porch. But I started thinking about baking while looking up Martha Stewart’s recipe for Irish Soda Bread, which I am eager to make for my co-workers at some point this weekend.

Baking is creative and scientific – it can encompass both sides of the brain. Pulling a loaf of freshly baked bread (or cake or pie) out of the oven is heaven: the smell, the heat, the taste. Over Christmas, my mom gave me a fabulous booking on housekeeping. It was a cute book, just some decorating/style ideas, very simple. But it touched on the art of baking; the satisfaction of creating something with your own hands. How true, right? The satisfaction that you made something with your own two hands!

But the munchies…

In order to circumvent the problem of eating what you have created, I try to be an active participant in the art of giving freshly baked goods as a gift. This runs the gamut from simply baking cookies for co-workers (and I totally endorse store bought cookie dough for that) to making bread from scratch – with yeast and everything.

If I am being a particular superior gift giver, I present my homemade edible gift on a plate that the recipient can keep, or in a basket lined with new hand towels, all of which are part of the gift. I find stuff like this all the time at the Christmas Tree Shop and Marshalls, anywhere really.

In my own home, I bake for other primarily. When I have stuff I want to keep, I try to display it in attractive glassware. This just makes it look extra special (which it is!) and helps remind me that the baked goods are a treat to be savored (perhaps not just gulped right out of the pan, super hot, slathered with peanut butter. Don’t judge me.)

Any favorite recipes that make you feel particularly Martha Stewart-esque?

Growing up my mother was not as strict on cleanliness, but she did describe to 5 home keeping rules that she insisted we all follow. These small things just made her life a little bit easier.

1. Taking our shoes off before we walked in the house. Keeps the floors clean, scratch free, and there were never any shoes wandering around the living room. This doesn’t mean you have to go barefoot – you can keep a pair of indoor shoes for around the house (or slippers, whatever).
2. Sweeping & mopping the kitchen floor before bed. My mother mopped. I think just sweeping is good enough.
3. Make the bed every morning. Starts the day off on the right foot.
4. Sort the mail when you get home. (Why is this one so hard?) Let’s be honest, if you don’t do it immediately, it’s just going to pile up more and more.
5. Go to bed with an empty sink. I love this one, if only because waking up to dirty dishes is just overwhelming…

What are you must-do’s each day to keep your space looking great?

I found this article while at work tonight and I just had to share. I honestly have to say I read this article 3 times before deciding that the idiot who wrote this was not in fact, making sarcastic suggestions. Some idiot (and no offense, but probably a male in touch with his feelings) actually thinks that on top of a new baby (maybe more kids), dinner, cooking, cleaning, laundry, oh and work, you will have time for a single of these brilliant suggestions (and yes brilliant is said with dripping sarcasm). Never have I seen anything like this, and I encourage mothers everywhere to revolt. You can see my comments in italics.

15 Soothing Steps to Combat New Mommy Stress

Stressed out? Join the club! With a baby to care for, as well as dinners to prepare, a house to clean, emails, cell phones and seemingly endless commutes, it can feel almost impossible to find time in your day to just kick back and relax. And if you do happen to find a few minutes, you’re at a loss for what to do.

Kicking back and recharging your batteries is just what you need, especially when raising little ones. What’s stopping you? Leave your problems behind, for a short while at least, and give yourself permission to take a much needed time-out. Get started now with 15 easy stress-busting tips. Seems innocent enough to start. I mean, who doesn’t want to recharge there batteries?

Keep a Journal
Find a quiet place and time, and begin your journey within. There are no rules when writing in your journal, except to be honest with yourself. (Lock your journal, if necessary, to maintain the privacy you need to feel totally free to express yourself.)

A journal helps you to process the experiences in your life. Buy a journal that you’ll enjoy writing in each day. Invest in an assortment of pens to fit your various moods. You can write about anything that pertains to your life. Write your feelings. Talk about your dreams, your plans for the future, the books you love, your favorite quotes … Anything that has touched your life.

Try not to edit your thoughts. Some people prefer journaling on the computer because they can type more quickly than they would write. Let your words just flow.

Are you f***ing kidding me? Journaling? With a baby? I think it’s safe to say that journaling with children is almost impossible without a maid and a nanny involved. I mean, because you’re a new mom. So you are probably busy, um, I don’t know? Feeding your child? Trying to take a shower during baby’s nap? Journaling?

Exercise
Get moving! We can all benefit from the stress reducing and energy enhancing benefits of moderate exercise in our lives.

It has been found (in hundreds of studies) that exercise is one of the most beneficial stress-reducers around. It can improve blood flow to the brain, increasing the brain’s alpha waves (this is associated with calmness and relaxation), reduce blood pressure, decrease muscle tension, and raise endorphin levels.

A flow of endorphins following exercise leaves you with a feeling of well-being. Walking is a great exercise that can be done alone, with your partner, and even with kids in tow.

Dear New Mom,

Look, you’re fat. I mean, the baby has been out of you for a month now and to be honest? You? Do NOT look like Nicole Kidman. What I would like to suggest is preferably a personal trainer, yoga consultant and a heavy dosage of nicotine and booze to curb the hunger pains that accompany this beauty regimen. Start shaking that ass.

Dear iVillage,

I too have read (in hundreds – hell, if not thousands of studies) that exercise improves blood flow and your mood. But so does sleep. And a vibrator. Dig it?

Enjoy Some Music
Allow your tensions to melt away with the music. Play music that fits your mood. Sometimes you’re in the mood for a relaxing instrumental, while other times, the hard beat of rock n roll will be just what you need

Sing.

Dance.

Let the music soothe your soul.

I mean, sure, you are trying to get the baby to sleep, but damn it, if you feel like heavy metal, bring it on – blast that Bose sound system, mama. After all, you totally DO NOT have a migraine from the colic screaming all day and night over and over and your ear drums are totally not bleeding. Yes. Let’s Sing and Dance and NOT assassinate Big Bird.

Laugh
Put on a funny video, sit back, and laugh your way to good health.

A good laugh is a potent stress reliever. Laughing stimulates the body to produce hormones that cause the brain to release stress-reducing endorphins.

Even putting a smile on your face when you aren’t feeling so happy causes your body chemistry to change for the better, helping to create within you a happier mood.

This whole article is a laugh – so thanks for that.
Comfort Yourself with Rituals
Turn the ordinary into the extraordinary.

Rituals are comforting. Begin to introduce rituals into your everyday life.

A ritual can be as simple as sitting down with your partner and sharing your first cup of coffee in the morning.

Would a screwdriver in the morning be considered a ritual? How about Valium? Because baby screaming? That ritual? Is difficult.

Savor Good Food
Feeling frazzled?

Foods affect us emotionally. Low-fat, high carbohydrate foods (such as bagels, popcorn, pretzels, rice cakes) trigger brain chemicals that help to soothe us when we are stressed out.

Eating wellis one of the basics of self-care. Busy moms often forget to eat or they skip meals and then eat whatever is handy.

Complex carbohydrates(whole grain bread, pasta, fruit) gives long-lasting energy, as do protein foods that are low in fat (like broiled chicken or fish.) Foods that are high in fat can be draining because they take more energy for your body to digest.

Feed your soul.

Clearly, after yesterday’s birth you are in the mood to exercise, so giving in to food cravings shouldn’t be an issue for you; you are working the weight off ! I totally didn’t know that eating well was healthy for you (and plus, forget college tuition, you should totally indulge in organic free range cauliflower in season). And can you even imagine the money I waste at Weight Watchers? I never knew that high carb foods “soothe us when we are stressed out”. Really? ‘Cause chocolate cake and peanut butter out of the jar? I thought that was to prevent me from picking up the gin.

Take Time for You
Allow yourself time alone. Time where you are focusing on yourself.

Find a place in your house where you can go and find solitude. It might be an entire room, or just one area that you have set aside.

Ask your partner to take the rest of the family out for the morning while you stay home and begin to remember what it’s like to be all alone.

Do nothing, sleep, watch a love story that nobody else wants to see, read old letters … Just enjoy your solitude.

Let the day unfold, totally unscheduled.

Please, and I mean this, do not leave your child(ren) alone while you take time for yourself, if they are under the age of 12. Cause I think it’s illegal and could possibly be considered abuse. But if you can get your significant other to help, definitely read old love letters…from that old flame, the hot one that got away, and remember how easy it was before that bastard knocked you up. Google the ex. You have my permission to cyber stalk and dream of what could have been…

Celebrate Your Friendships
Sit down and indulge in some meaningful conversation with your best friend.

Women find great comfort, support and intimacy in the company of their inner circle of friends.

Friends share not just the triumphs, but the heartbreaking times and the ordinary day-to-day moments that become woven into the fabric of our lives.

Except, and hi? I hate to be negative? But your friends are at work or picking up single people at a bar. Without you. And they aren’t leaking milk on anyone.

Catch a Few Rays
Grab some sunlight. Spend some time outdoors each day. The seasonal slump that can result from inadequate sunlight can cause depression and fatigue. Even on cloudy days, a walk outside will help to recharge your batteries.

This is actually possible in nicer weather. I don’t really have anything bad to say about this.
Schedule Your Worry Time
Have lots of worries and concerns?

Schedule 30 minutes of worry time into your day. Save all your worries for that time.

If worries begin to creep into your thoughts at other times of the day, mentally file them away.

You’ll be surprised at how much time this can free up, and how much better you will feel.

Therapy – insurance will cover it. And even better: anti-depressants. Dig it.

Play!
Design a castle

Paint a picture

See how high you can swing.

As adults, we sometimes forget the therapeutic value of play. Play stimulates our imagination, encourages our creativity, boosts our energy, and best of all, is fun.

Put the drugs down, and step away from the crack pipe. Seriously. Kiddie Ritalin is NOT FOR ADULTS!
Try Water Therapy
Let your troubles float away.

Showers and baths are high on the list of best stress relievers. Climb into a warm shower and bath. Make it long and luxurious.

Visualize your cares just going right down the drain.

This sounds suicidal to me, but maybe I am just being negative. A better suggestion would be a swim lesson for you and your baby – that way there are some sane, childless adults there to keep an eye on you. And possibly jump in to save your drowning ass.

Meditate
Slow down. Take a 20 minute time-out.

Meditation reduces your blood pressure, and helps to dramatically reduce your stress level. Meditation or prayer can help bring you back in touch with your spiritual side. It is a very effective method of relaxation, reducing your blood pressure, slowing your breathing, relaxing muscles, and helping to clear your thoughts (resulting in improved concentration.)

To meditate, quiet your mind and allow yourself to focus on one thing, such as your breath, or the flame of a candle. Find a relaxed position where you can remain comfortable. You might try visualizing health and renewal with each inhalation, while you are breathing out all your stress on the exhale. Take in just what you need, and let go of the rest. Bring yourself slowly back, becoming aware of your body and your surroundings, with a sense of peace and renewal.

Too many curse words involved in commenting on this. If you have time to meditate, you may as well watch Oprah or take a cat nap or hell, shower for the first time all week.

Take a Much-Needed Nap
Sleepy?

Find a quiet, comfortable spot and take a short snooze. Allow yourself to really get comfortable.

Even 20 minutes of napping will leave you feeling renewed, focused and more energetic.

Don’t nap too late in the afternoon, or it may interfere with your sleep at night.

Studies have shown another extra health benefit. People who spent 30 minutes each day napping had one third less heart diseasethan those who didn’t nap.

Too many curse words involved in commenting on this also. I mean, there is just no time. Sometimes you have to choose doing laundry so that you have clean underwear, finally, over taking a nap that you may or may not wake up from.

Make Love
Jump in bed.

Making love is often overlooked, especially by tired moms, as a great way to relax. Satisfying sex leads to a deep relaxation. If you feel too tired, how about massage?

Touch is a powerful healer.

I would love to get my hands on the fool who wrote this. And heal them for sure with my “powerful touch”.

Car:

Keeping a pen and a small notebook in the glove compartment. Hopefully you’ll never use it, but I can’t count the times I was glad I had a pen and paper in the car.

Never let your gas tank get below ½ full. Ever been super late and realize that you don’t have enough gas and are going to have to stop somewhere? Exactly. This will never happen to you again.

Home:

Always keep a frozen meal in the freezer at home (and at work) for the days you either forgot lunch or just can’t cook dinner.

Put a load of laundry in your washer before work. When you get home put it in the dryer and by the time dinner is ready your clothes will be too. Your laundry will never get out of hand. Promise.

Work:

Keep spare, cheap sneakers at work for beautiful days, so you can walk during your lunch. You’ll feel better for the rest of the day.

Keep thank you cards at work for people who do you favors. You will brighten their day by dropping a note of thanks on real paper. Much more meaningful than just an email.

You:

One really nice tote bag with shoulder handles that can hold everything you need for a day, without looking sloppy. Mine is a solid black bag I purchased for $29.99 at Target. Looks way more expensive. It has separate holders for keys, cell, pens, odds and ends, my laptop, papers, wallet, and small umbrella. It’s the ultimate bag.

A manicure/pedicure. Even a cheap every other week. You will feel so much better with colored toes and clean fingernails (even if just a clear coat is all you can handle). Taking the 45 minutes to treat yourself like this can save your sanity.

Real Life:

Set up an account on Amazon.com, enter all your close friends and family’s names and addresses and save your credit card information. While this sounds frivolous, my amazon.com account has saved birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays more times than I can count. You can buy everything on amazon.com, but a book is a classic, thoughtful gift for any occasion.

A bottle of champagne in the fridge. Sometimes a Wednesday just needs to be celebrated. Good news at work? Cleaned the house from top to bottom? Someone stop by to chat for a bit after work? Running out to a dinner party at friends and not sure what to bring? Champagne always works. You can have it before dinner, during or after.

What are you best hints to making your life easier?

When the weather is this nice, especially in New England, you really have to get out and take advantage. Sunny skies and warm weather is such a great combination.  I love the idea that soon the winter coats are going into hibernation and all my cute spring clothes get rotated in…

I posted earlier today about keeping a spare pair of sneakers at work – today is a perfect reason why. You can slip on your sneakers and go for a walk outside during your lunch break and use the time and exercise to just clear your head. I love walking with my co-workers and catching up on what happened this weekend. It’s also nice to walk by yourself and just relax. Or even grab an iced coffee. Just a 30 minute walk can cover a solid mile and a half. That’s a nice chunk of exercise to break up the day.

What’s your favorite outdoor spring activity?