These Boots are Made for Walking

Boots make me happy. As a shoe lover, I want my feet to look just as stylish in the winter as they do in the summer. Boots give my feet added warmth during the winter, but they also all chic and trendy. Paired with slim fit pants or a short skirt, boots take an outfit from cute to attention-grabbing. Plus, boots never go out of style.

Today, there are more styles than ever before giving you multiple options. They come in various heights and heel styles. Add in all the different fabric and color choices, and you can practically have a different pair of boots for every outfit.

Why Every Woman Needs a Few Pairs of Boots

Every woman should own at least one pair of boots, but truly, women need more than one pair. With their versatility, you really need boots of different styles. The right pair of boots can dramatically change the overall look of your outfit. Any excuse for more shoes is reason enough, am I right?

Some of My Favorite Winter Boot Styles

Today, I’m sharing some of my favorite winter boot styles. They vary in style, designer, and cost. Browse through the pics and let me know in the comments which ones are your favorites.

Knit Grosgain Booties from Chanel

Winter White Boots by Gianvito Rossi

Gianvito Rossi Boots

Black Combat Boots by Chanel

Fendi Boots

Tory Burch Slouchy Boots

Christian Louboutin Animal Print Boots

Isabel Marant Dicker Suede Ankle Boots

Tory Burch Brooke Booties

How to Store Your Phenomenal Boot Collection

After browsing the above pics of fabulous boots, I bet you are thinking about how to make room for all the new boots you are getting ready to purchase. Naturally, boots take up more closet space than your strappy stilettos. But the space issue is worth it for the perfect pair of boots that will warm your toes and make your heart happy.

First things first, boots need to be stored in a position that ensures they stay straight and shaped. You can do this by stuffing your boots yourself or by purchasing boot shapers. If you cannot fit your boots in your closet shoe organizer, consider purchasing boot hangers. Boot hangers work as boot fillers, but they have a hanger so that the boots can be hung from your closet rod.

Finally, find ways to store your winter boots in the offseason. Purchase storage boxes designed for boots. For example, the Container Store sells a clear plastic boot box. These boxes are large enough for boots of all heights, and they have room to fit boots that have been filled so they won’t lose their shape while in storage.

My New Year’s Resolution for 2019 – Be More Selfish

The end of 2018 and the beginning of 2019 is the perfect time to reflect and make changes. It is for this obvious reason that many people make new year’s resolutions. But, we all have had a year when we’ve made too many resolutions (or just the wrong ones) and failed miserably.

So, this year I am going in a different direction. Rather than making resolutions to lose X number of pounds, work out X number of times a week, or save X amount of money, I’ve decided to resolve to do something for me. This is the year I am going to be more selfish. I am making resolutions to help me be my best self. And, to be my best self might mean I need to make some selfish choices - choices that prioritize my own needs.

Hear me out – I do not think we should aim to be selfish people. That isn’t exactly a good quality. However, there will be years when you are simply tired after juggling so much. And, this year I am ready to let go of some of the busyness that comes from doing so much for so many. This is the year of me.

I’m going to quit my full-time job.

My major goal for this year is to quit my full-time job. I love to work, but I am at a point in my life where I would like to work a bit less. I want more space in my schedule to do things. Even better – I believe this is a goal I will achieve.

I’m going to a take a long vacation.

This will be the year I take a true, long vacation. On my longer vacations in the past, I tend to end up having to do some work — not this year. I will find time to take a true vacation that will leave me feeling completely rejuvenated.

I’m going to practice radical self-care.

This year I am going to prioritize my own health. That means if I have to let someone down because it is more important for me to go to yoga, so be it. If I feel overwhelmed, I will say no easily and readily. I am stocking up on self-care supplies – everything from healthy options to wine and chocolate – and using these things whenever I am feeling depleted.

I’m going to do more of what makes me happy.

In 2019, I want to spend more time doing things that make me happy. I am going to invest in experiences that make me smile and laugh. I am going to go places that leave me awestruck. I am going to enjoy the hobbies I love.

I’m going to prioritize spending time with my family.

I am going to prioritize spending time with my family – even when that means saying no to a work requirement or an added event on the calendar. I plan to spend time with my loved ones doing the things that remind of us of the best things about family life.

I’m going to let go of guilt.

Finally, I will not feel guilty for being selfish. I will not feel guilty for politely saying no when something asks me for something that I cannot give. I will not feel guilty for loving my “me time” or my time alone with my family.

What is your 2019 resolution? Let me know in the comments1

I Took a Mental Health Day and It Was Glorious!

Life is crazy. This is why I think it is important every now and then to totally check out and have a day away from everything. I’m not talking about a vacation – I am talking about a day for you to take care of yourself. Some people refer to these as “mental health days.”

As more professionals are stressing the importance of self-care, it is more acceptable to take mental health days than it was before. Now, employers understand that if they want their workers to do their best work, they need downtime to get refreshed.

As a working mom, it is super important that I practice self-care. I have to take care of myself so that I can take care of my family. And, there is absolutely nothing wrong with taking a day to myself. Recently, I took a mental health day, and it was glorious!

Here is What I Did on My Day Off

Below, I am recounting some of the things I did on my last day to myself. I hope these inspire you to take your own day off and enjoy some much-needed time for yourself.

Let the in-laws handle the kids.

As a mom, I rarely ever have true “days off.” Moms are always on duty – even when we have a day off work. However, it is important now and then to take a mom break, too. On my day off, my in-laws generously offered to take the girls for the day. That even included them handling school drop-offs and pick-ups. It was ah-mazing!

Ate lunch and dinner with my husband.

I enjoyed grown-up meals with my hubby without having to rush. I didn’t have to choose a restaurant that was kid-friendly. My husband and I ate leisurely and enjoyed great adult conversation.

Went for a massage and facial.

While my husband took a much-needed nap, I headed to the spa for a massage and facial. It felt wonderful to have someone taking care of me for a change! With a busy work schedule and family events, it can be difficult to squeeze in time for the spa, so it is always a special treat when I get to go.

Sat in the coffee shop.

Most moms know the difficulty of enjoying a hot cup of coffee. With everything on our plates, we seldom get to simply sit and enjoy a cup of coffee – let alone in a coffee shop! On my off day, I made sure to go to my favorite coffee shop and enjoy my drink while it was still hot.

Did not check in virtually.

The whole point of a mental health day is to take care of your mental health by stepping away from work. For me, this means I need to check out virtually. On my day off, I made sure I left my devices at home. I did not check my phone, my email, or my social media. And, you know what? It was awesome!

Enjoyed the world around me without rushing.

Finally, I simply took the time to enjoy the beauty of the world around me. I stopped and smelled the roses. Too often, we get too busy to look around and admire the beauty surrounding us. On this day, I took my time and looked around with eyes and heart wide open.

Better-for-You Holiday Entertaining Tips and Recipes with Almond Breeze

The holidays are coming! Are you ready?

I feel more prepared than ever before thanks to a special event I recently attended sponsored by Blue Diamond Almond Breeze – the Blue Diamond Holiday House. With Thanksgiving fast approaching and Christmas right around the corner, I was delighted to attend an event designed to help attendees plan festive, merry, and better-for-you holiday events themselves. And, they succeeded!

I left the Blue Diamond Holiday House with tons of Thanksgiving and Christmas entertaining tips and plenty of inspiration for insta-worthy memories. As we look towards the upcoming holiday rush, I am here today to share all the holiday entertaining tips I gleaned from Blue Diamond that you can easily incorporate into your holiday meals and parties.

My Visit to the Festive Blue Diamond Holiday House

Walking into the Blue Diamond Holiday House thrust me headfirst into the merriment of this special time of year. The event space was beautifully decorated with multiple Christmas trees, and simple but elegant décor. The tablescapes were to die for. The food spreads were elaborate and tasty. And, the Almond Breeze Almondmilk beverages added to the holiday cheer.

What’s not to love? Blue Diamond did a fabulous job of showing how to create festive meals using their almond-based products. But, unlike some events I attend where it is just pretty to look at and something I would not dream of recreating, this was different. I left feeling inspired and ready to create beautiful and better-for-you holiday memories with my family.

Why This Event Has Me Ready to Ring in the Most Wonderful Time of Year

The Blue Diamond Holiday House nailed it when it comes to entertaining inspiration. The various tablescapes were beautiful, and ones that would be relatively easy to recreate. Ultimately, when it comes to holiday meal planning, a big part of what makes the meal from different from every other meal you eat around the table is the décor. The event showed how to pull it all together. Plus, as an Instagram-lover, I could envision insta-worthy shots in my own home using their tablescape inspiration.

Plus, I learned that I can plan a holiday meal that is both tasty and better-for-you. With family and friends who have dietary restrictions and unique food preferences, it can be challenging to design a menu that will make everyone happy. This event showed me this is not the case! By using Almond Breeze Almondmilk, I can plan a menu that everyone can eat and enjoy.

How I am Using Almond Breeze to Create Better-for-You Holiday Memories

While I certainly walked away from this special event with loads of entertaining tips, I am most delighted to share all the things I learned about how to use Almond Breeze Almondmilk to create better-for-you holiday memories.

We all know the holidays involve a lot of socializing and eating. However, most of that eating is not so good for you. Between the desserts and drinks, it is no surprise that many people pack on the pounds over the holidays. But the holidays are a time when we should get to indulge a little bit! That’s why I was so happy to discover I can use Almond Breeze Almondmilk and enjoy the same tasty holiday treats without the guilt.

First things first, I plan to stock my pantry with Blue Diamond shelf-stable Almond Breeze Almondmilk. This means that not only will I have what I need on hand whenever the mood for a holiday treat crosses my mind, but I will also be prepared if a holiday visitor with dietary restrictions joins us for a meal.

Next, I plan on eating and drinking all the holiday treats I usually feel guilty for indulging in without the guilt! By substituting Almond Breeze Almondmilk, I can indulge without fear. My belly won’t bloat, and my scale won’t start to tip. Even better, I can rest easy knowing I am making better-for-you choices for my family as we gather around the table.

And, gather around the table is just what I plan to do! The holidays are best spent with the ones you love, sharing food, and making memories. I can’t wait to bake holiday cookies with my daughters and eat them together around a table as we ring in the holiday season and the new year.

Ways to Use Almond Breeze to Make Delicious Better-for-You Holiday Treats

While Almond Breeze Almondmilk can be used to make a ton of delicious treats, I am just going to share with you some of my favorite ways to use it. By playing it smart with Almond Breeze Almondmilk, I can enjoy all these treats guilt-free (and so can you!).

Eggnog Made with Almond Breeze Almondmilk

 Eggnog is one of my family’s favorite holiday indulgences, but it is not the lowest calorie drink to guzzle. A better option is to make eggnog using almond milk. This recipe has been adapted from Dave Zinczenko at ABC News.

Ingredients:

• 40 fl oz Almond Breeze Almondmilk

• 6 large eggs

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 2 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon allspice

• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Directions:

• Crack and open 6 eggs. Place in a bowl.

• Whisk together almond milk and spices in a medium-sized saucepan.

• Heat the liquid over medium-high heat for approximately five minutes or until steam appears. Whisk occasionally.

• Slowly (very slowly) pour ½ cup increments of the heated liquid into the egg bowl. Do not pour it too fast or it will cook the eggs rather than combining. Whisk to combine.

NOTE: If you are in a rush, Blue Diamond also makes Almond Breeze Almondmilk Nog. Hooray!

Holiday Sugar Cookies with Almond Breeze Almondmilk

Holiday sugar cookies are the best! Not only are they tasty, but it is also a fun tradition to make them with my kids. Fortunately, by using Almond Breeze Almondmilk, I don’t have to worry about my family eating too many over the holiday season. This recipe comes from Blue Diamond.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter flavored vegetable shortening

• 1½ cups sugar

• 1 egg

• 1 tsp. vanilla

• 2¾ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp. baking soda

• ½ tsp. baking powder

• ¼ tsp. cream of tartar

• 3 to 4 Tbsp. Almond Breeze Original Almondmilk; divided

• Decorator sugar or sprinkles

• 4 cups powdered sugar

• ¾ cup vegetable shortening

• 1 tsp. vanilla

• 3 to 4 Tbsp. Almond Breeze Vanilla Almondmilk

• Food coloring

Directions:

• Heat oven to 375°F. Line cookie sheets with wax paper.

• In a large bowl, beat 1 cup shortening, sugar, egg and vanilla with an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy, scraping sides of bowl if necessary. Add flour, baking soda, baking powder and cream of tartar. Mix on low speed until well mixed. Add 2 tablespoons of the almond milk and beat until smooth.

• Form into 1¼” balls, using rounded tablespoonfuls of dough. Place 2 inches apart on cookie sheets. Spray flat bottom of measuring cup or drinking glass with cooking spray; dip in sugar. Press each cookie flat, dipping into sugar every other time.

• If desired, lightly brush tops of cookies with remaining almond milk and sprinkle with colored decorator sugar or sprinkles or leave plain and frost when cooled.

• Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until edges start to brown. Cool on cookie sheets 2 minutes. Remove to cooling racks.

• In a large bowl, beat powdered sugar, ¾ cup shortening, vanilla and 3 tablespoons of the almond milk with electric mixer on low speed until moistened. Beat on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy, adding almond milk for desired spreading consistency. Tint as desired with food coloring.

Plus, it is a better-for-you option alongside that morning coffee

Finally, I have discovered the joy of using Almond Breeze Almondmilk instead of creamer for my coffee. During the busy holiday season, I need all the coffee I can get. Now, I can still enjoy a rich and delicious coffee without all the dairy creamer I usually add. Now I wish that Almond Breeze would come out with a coffee creamer that would be the perfect complement to my morning cup.

Stock your pantry with Blue Diamond products to prepare for a merry and festive holiday season!

Why Grown-Ups Should Make Christmas Wish Lists Too

Have you ever received a bad Christmas gift? Or a duplicate gift? Or a gift that made it seem like the gift-giver did not know you at all? This happens all the time! I have received questionable gifts even from the people who know me best! This is just one of the reasons I believe we should keep making Christmas wish lists – even as adults!

After years adulting, I am at a place in my life where I basically have all I need. And, I often just got to the store or online to buy the things I want. I’m definitely not the only one! Our generation is used to getting the things we want when we want them – without waiting for Santa to place it underneath the Christmas tree.

But, this kind of takes the fun out of receiving gifts at Christmas time. Not only does it make it especially difficult for others to buy you gifts at the holidays, but it also takes away the fun of receiving gifts. Instead, I have started making my personal Christmas wish list alongside my daughters each year. Here’s why.

Your Wants Change Overtime

As the years go by, what you want as a gift will change. When you are just starting out, you will want to fill your home with the basics. When your home has all the basics, you’ll want things that are more personalized. And, when your home is simply filled with things, you’ll want fewer things and more gifts of experiences (such as tickets to Paris). To help the people in your life know what you want this year, fill them in!

No More Guessing

Having a Christmas wish list takes guessing out of the equation. If you are married or in a relationship, you have no doubt hinted at the things you want for Christmas. But, as any woman can tell you, just because you hint doesn’t mean your man is going to get it. You know what he will get? A wish list in writing.

No More Filling Your Home with Stuff You Don’t Love

I try to fill my home and closets with things I love. However, at Christmas, I receive gifts that I am less than crazy about, but then I feel guilty about not using them. This is another reason why I craft a wish list that covers a small variety of things I truly love to share with my family and friends. This helps them find something I will love and use rather than having to guess and purchase something that isn’t my taste.

No More Unnecessary Stress

I love to shop, but Christmas shopping can be stressful. As a shopper, I love to shop and find the perfect presents for the ones I love. But this is a busy time of year and the less time I have to spend browsing the racks to find the perfect present, the better. If someone gives me a wish list, it makes my holiday shopping so much easier. I figure I am doing the same by giving my loved ones a wish list.

The Best Ways to Make a Grown-Up Christmas List

Now that you understand my reasons let’s talk about the appropriate ways to make a grown-up Christmas list.

1. This is not a kid’s wish list. It should be tasteful and brief. Do not list a ton of things. Stick to the items you would really love to receive as a gift.

2. With that being said, try to cover different budgets and leave the more extravagant items to those you know can afford it and are likely to make these types of big purchases.

3. It is perfectly acceptable to ask for gift cards, but you should specify the stores or restaurants you frequent (or those you wish you could).

4. Use a service such as Giftster. Giftster is a free online gift registry that makes it easy to share your wish lists with family and friends. (Plus, this service can be used for any occasion – think birthdays, too!)

Where to Shop This Black Friday - WINNER ANNOUNCED!

While Thanksgiving is all about being thankful for what you have, Black Friday is all about shopping for what you don’t have. For those who love to shop as much as I do, Black Friday is our true holiday! It is a day when the rush of shopping is celebrated – and no one bats an eye when you walk around carrying tons of shopping bags. Shopping mavens, rejoice!

To help guide all my fellow Black Friday competitive shoppers, I am highlighting my picks for the best places to find great deals on Black Friday.

The Best Places to Find Deep Discounts

First, let’s tackle the staples in the industry. You want to head to the department stores offering the biggest discounts. According to Wallet Hub, the store offering the steepest discounts is Belk. Belk has a 2018 average discount of 68.9 percent off regular prices. Kohl’s and Macy’s department store are also in their top ten list. Also, you can expect to find great discounts (and big crowds) at Walmart, Target and Old Navy.

Where to Shop in Your Pajamas

For those of you who do not enjoy the Black Friday frenzy or the large crowds, you can find excellent Black Friday deals online. Even better, many of the major online stores (such as Amazon and Walmart) are offering free Christmas shipping or competitively low shipping costs. You will find the best shopping deals on Amazon and Walmart with Best Buy rounding out the group.

Be aware that online sites will run specials beginning at certain times similarly to actual storefronts. If you know an online retailer will drop the price of an item you have to have, then you might want to set up a notification or alarm. For instance, Amazon will run lightning deals for certain products which will likely sell out in a matter of minutes.

If You Want to Shop in NYC, Here’s Where You Should Go

For those of us who call NYC home or those who will be visiting the city that never sleeps over Thanksgiving, you can head to high-end retail stores to find exceptional Black Friday sales beginning on Thanksgiving. Macy’s Herald Square will be open from 5 pm – 2 am on Thanksgiving, and it will reopen on Black Friday at 6 am. Saks Off Fifth and Bloomingdale’s will also have offer Black Friday deals. If you want to finish your Christmas shopping all in one upscale place, head to Brookfield Place luxury mall.

I’m Going to Make One Reader’s Christmas Wish Come True!

While you are spending your Black Friday shopping for those you love, I want to do something special for one lucky reader. What do you want for Christmas this year? Tell me in the comments of this blog. I will choose one commenter and send her what she wished for! It’s really that simple.

So, what are you waiting for? Tell me what you want this Christmas below. I will choose the lucky Christmas wish winner after Black Friday and send the present her way.

UPDATE: THANK YOU FOR ALL THE COMMENTS. I WOULD LIKE TO ANNOUNCE THE WINNER IS AMY - WHO WOULD LIKE A GIFT CARD TO HELP HER BUY SOME THINGS FROM HER DAMAGED HOME FROM HURRICANE IRMA. PLEASE SEND ME AN EMAIL!

Simple Ways to Cultivate an Attitude of Gratitude

With Thanksgiving coming next week, I’ve been thinking about a lot about gratitude. I want to be a person who is known for her attitude of gratitude. But, that’s easier said than done, right? We live in a time where it is becoming easier to be self-sufficient and also selfish. As we strive to do things on our own, we should not forget to thank those who helped us get where we were.

That’s one of those things that sounds good, and we know it is right, but something we don’t put into practice as we should. I can admit that there are many days when I focus more on the negative than the positive. I see the thorns instead of the roses.

And, it is time to stop. I want to be a person that strives to live out Thanksgiving not only on the holiday but throughout the year. I want to extend gratitude and thankfulness to others and to pass this trait on to my kids.

Here are just a few of the things I plan to do to cultivate an attitude of gratitude.

Write it down.

Let’s bring back the practice of writing thank you notes. Writing a thank you note forces you to think about what someone else has done for (or given) you. This practice inspires gratitude. While there are all sorts of etiquette rules about formal thank you notes, I say let’s simple embrace writing someone a simple thank you note – even if it is a quick thank you on a post-it note.

Additionally, try keeping a gratitude journal. Rather than writing about the various things that happen in your day, a gratitude journal is a place where you record the things you are grateful for. This is another great way to inspire grateful hearts.

Say it aloud.

The easiest way to become known as a grateful person is to express thanks aloud! By simply saying, “Thank you” when it is deserved, you can make a big difference. Your thank you may be just what the person needs to hear, and it will help you to focus on others instead of yourself.

Give and serve.

We all take things for granted. Maybe the best way to cultivate an attitude of gratitude is to serve those less fortunate. In doing so, we will see how much we have to be thankful for. During the holiday season, there are numerous ways to give back in your local communities.

Make it part of your routine.

Add intentional moments of gratitude to your daily routine. This will look different for everyone. Some women use a time of meditation or prayer to reflect on the things they are thankful for in their lives. Others take time to name something they are thankful for with their families around the dinner table. There are also women who make finding gratitude a part of their daily exercise routine by thinking on the things they are grateful for motivation. The point is to make it normal and natural to reflect on the things you have to be thankful for each day.

Create a gratitude jar.

For the Pinterest-crowd, you can create a gratitude jar. A gratitude jar is simply a jar that you fill throughout the year with written tokens of gratitude. For instance, some women place a small notepad and a pen next to a jar. Then, they write down something they are grateful for and drop it in the jar whenever the mood hits. At the end of the year, you can dump the contents and reflect on the many reasons you are grateful.

For those of you who would rather buy a gratitude jar, you can purchase Gratitude Glass Jars which were named one of Oprah’s Favorite Things in 2017. In addition to the beautiful jars, they come with 365 gratitude cards.

What are some ways you are striving to create an attitude of gratitude?

How to Take Control of the Holidays

The holidays are upon us, and if you are like most of the women I know, you are already stressing out. Even the American Psychological Association have studied the stress of the holidays on women in particular. According to their findings, “Women say they have a harder time relaxing during the holidays and are more likely to take on all of the tasks associated with family celebrations, such as shopping, cooking, and cleaning.” Sound familiar?

If so, you are not alone! They even made a film about this exact thing last year called Bad Moms 2. The film is all about how to take back control of the holiday season. Knowing that we are heading straight into what is the most stressful time of year for women, let’s talk about how to de-stress your holidays.

Manage your expectations.

First, you need to give yourself a reality check. As much as we all love Insta-worthy holidays, we need to manage our expectations. The table settings may not look just like they did on Pinterest, but let’s choose to focus on getting the meal on the table and the family and friends gathered around it.

We all get caught up dreaming of perfect Christmas moments, and then we end up let down when reality doesn’t line up with our expectations. Instead, embrace the fun and the faults of the holidays. My biggest tip - Do not expect anything to be perfect.

Less is more.

It is so easy to get caught up in the more, more, more mentality of the holiday season. There are so many events, so many decorations, and so many presents to buy. But, here’s the thing. When we just do more and more, we wind up loving the holidays less and less.

Attend fewer events and spend more time in your Christmas pajamas watching movies with the ones you love. Put up fewer decorations and feel less cluttered – and less overwhelmed when it is time to pack it all back up. Don’t go crazy buying presents. It’s better to buy something that will be well loved than a bunch of things that will only last a season.

Do what you love.

If you want to take control of the holiday season, then do what you love. This also means not doing what you hate. So, if your family and friends want you to host and cook an elaborate Thanksgiving dinner and you despise cooking, just say no. Find a compromise, such as you will host and decorate, but someone else can cook the meal. If you love Black Friday shopping, then make it a priority to go! If you love to go look at Christmas lights, then add it to the calendar.

The point - Every yes is a no to something else, so choose wisely.

Have a plan. And a plan to toss your plans.

If you don’t want to lose your sanity between now and the New Year, it is a good idea to have a plan. However, this is a plan written in pencil, not in permanent marker. Write down the events you want to attend foremost, and then see if you have space to add anything else to your busy holiday calendar. Make a Thanksgiving menu and plan your table settings in advance.

But, be prepared to make adjustments. Something will go wrong, and your plans will go out the window. If you go into the holidays with this in mind, you won’t melt down when it actually happens.

What are your tips for taking control of the holidays?

15 Ways to Achieve a Healthy and Happy Work/Life Balance

As a working woman, I learned early on the importance of maintaining a healthy work/life balance. If I don’t, it becomes very obvious that I am juggling too many plates at one time. So, I have worked hard at trying to be the best at my job when I am at work and the best mom and spouse I can be when I am at home.

Here’s the thing. Nowadays, I am proud of my work/life balance. However, it didn’t happen naturally. I had to be intentional. Here are the things I do that help me be my best self at home and work:

1. Plan ahead.

Calendars and planners are your friends. Use them. Make a note of when you have big work projects on the shared calendar, so you know not to schedule important family events during this same time.

2. Talk with your spouse at the beginning of each month.

At the beginning of each month, look over the calendar together with your spouse. Many families use family calendar apps. While these are great, I find it is still helpful to actually talk about what lies ahead and make plans for childcare, date nights, and me time in advance.

3. Change your clothes.

Your work wardrobe should not be your all-the-time wear. As soon as you get home from work, change into lounge wear. This signifies to your family and your body that you are off the clock.

4. Have designated hours at home for work.

Most people will be required to do some work at home. The problem is too often we lose control of the amount of time we are working at home. Instead, have a set time to do work-related tasks at home.

5. Enjoy your weekends.

To maintain work/life balance, you have to have a life! So, enjoy your weekends! Find ways to relax and do things you love with the people you love on your days off each week.

6. Take vacations.

Speaking of days off, you absolutely have to use your vacation days! More than half of Americans leave vacation days unused. Don’t let this be you. You must take vacations with your family. And, those moms reading this post should take kid-free vacations throughout the year to stay sane.

7. Use alarms.

Time can easily get away from us if we let it. Instead, make use of the alarm on your phone. Whenever you have a small work task, set the alarm so you don’t wind up doing more than you should.

8. Stay healthy.

If you want to be your best self at home and work, then you have to prioritize your health. Eat well, sleep well, and exercise.

9. Learn to say no.

Ladies, I cannot say it enough – you have to learn to say no! If the boss asks you to do something that is not part of your job description, say no. If your family asks you to handle one more thing, say no.

10. Have set “me time.”

Add “me time” to your calendar and do not feel guilty about it! You need time for yourself. Period. Whether this is time in the evening for a glass of wine and a bath or a night out with your girlfriends, it is important.

11. Leave work on time.

This is a hard one for many of us, but you should make it a habit of leaving work on time. Again, set an alarm that reminds you it is time to wrap things up. Announce to colleagues that you will be leaving at 5 pm so if they have anything pressing, they need to tell you beforehand.

12. Escape the office.

As often as possible, escape the office for your breaks. Eat lunch outside or in a totally different setting.

13. Set work boundaries.

Good bosses know you have a life outside of work, but they still may need a reminder that when you are on vacation, they need to leave you alone. For instance, tell colleagues you will only be checking email in the morning and not taking phone calls.

14. Make time for the things you love.

Nothing will make you feel more like yourself than doing the things you love. So, it is important to look at the calendar and see where you can squeeze in time to take part in some of your favorite hobbies.

15. Give your loved ones some attention.

Last but not least, make every effort to give your loved ones your full attention for a little bit of time each day. It is so easy to try to multi-task when you are busy, but for a few minutes, put the phone down and look your loved ones in the eye.

9 Time Management Tips to Help Busy Moms Avoid Burnout

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Mom friends, do you feel like there just aren’t enough hours in the day? It is totally normal to feel this way! We all go through a season where we never have enough time to get everything on our to-do lists checked off. But, you don’t have to live that way forever.

Here’s the truth. I am not the best mom, wife, employee, or friend when I am burnt out. When I am exhausted, everyone is affected. As a result, I have had to learn to manage my time before that happens.

All moms need breathing room. They need space in their days – even if it is just fifteen minutes here and there. But, if you don’t learn to manage your time, you will struggle to find even fifteen minutes. Don’t let this be you! Instead, here are some tried and true ways to help busy working moms avoid burnout.

Look closely at how you spend your time.

Before you come up with a whole new time management plan for yourself, you have to evaluate how you actually spend your time. For the next week, chart what you do hour by hour. Then, you can begin to see where you need to make some changes.

If you are like me, you will discover that there are huge chunks of wasted time in your day. You may also be relieved to find you aren’t crazy – you really do spend hours in the car driving your kids from school to practice to play dates.

Avoid the social media time suck.

I know I am not the only mom who has fallen victim to the social media time suck. Without even realizing it, I waste so much time scrolling through Instagram or watching other people’s stories. While I love social media, I have come to realize I need to limit the amount of time I spend on it. Need help with your social media addiction? There are apps for that.

Set daily goals. Set weekly goals. Set monthly goals.

If you are not in the habit of making goals or creating to-do lists, that has got to change. One of the most effective ways to manage my time comes from setting goals and using lists to reach these goals. But, be realistic. What can you actually accomplish today without burning out? What can you put off until later in the week?

Prioritize your health.

Moms, we are so bad about prioritizing our health. But, when mommy doesn’t feel good, everyone in our home suffers. So, try your hardest to get enough sleep and exercise – and make healthy eating choices. Choose the food that will give you lasting energy instead of the caffeine that will give you a short burst.

Learn the power of the word NO.

Here’s another hard one for moms. You have to learn to say no. You cannot do everything for everyone. It is okay to say “no” when the PTA comes calling, or your neighbor needs a favor. Saying “no” does not make you a bad person.

Ask for (and accept) help.

Likewise, you should learn to ask for help when you need – and then accept it! If you want to manage your time, you will need to delegate tasks to the rest of your family. As your kids get older, they can help you out even more. But, in the meantime, ask friends and family for help when you feel like you have reached the end of your rope.

Outsource whatever you can.

If it is in your budget, outsource whatever you can. Choose a meal delivery service or use a grocery delivery service. You will be amazed at how much time you save by simply not having to do the grocery shopping!

Organize your daily routine.

We all have time management issues that occur over and over again. For example, do you have a hard time finding your keys or purse in the morning? Do your kids always seem to be losing their shoes? Create a station by the door with the things you need to grab right before you walk out the door. This also becomes the landing spot when you get home. Purse, keys, bookbags, all go in the same spot each day. Simply getting rid of the morning search and rescue for necessities will be a major time saver.

Use time management apps.

Before we go today, I encourage you to invest in a time management app. You know what works best for you. Some moms find using timers for everything helps to keep their families on task. Other families use list sharing apps. Find an app that works for you – and use it!