One Productive Momma: 8 Steps to a Successful Evening Routine

A Good Morning Routine Begins with

1. Kitchen Clean-Up (Right After Dinner...Don't Put it Off)

Do all dishes (not just dinner dishes)-hand washed or run a load in the dishwasher
Turn dishwasher on, that way you can empty it when you wake up
Wipe down all surfaces (counters, table, chairs, etc.)
Quick Sweep and spot mop

2. Ten-Minute Tidy Up Around the House

3. Pack Your Bags

Stock the diaper bag with diapers, wipes, snacks, bottles, soppy cups...the works!
Clean out your purse and fill it only with what you need for the following day
Pack lunches if needed (park, play dates, zoo, school. Work, picnic, etc.)
Pack any extras you may need for your specific activities for the following day (ex: beach bag)

4. Hygiene Helps

5. Write it Down and Plan Ahead

Write down anything on your mind (reminders, upcoming events, to do items, shopping list,etc)
Prioritize the items you wrote down
Plan tomorrow's day out. (What do you want to get accomplished? What fun thing are you looking forward to? Who are you going to serve? When and where will you have quality time with your children & spouse? Etc)
Go over your schedule with your spouse and keep each other up to date on events and other items that they may need to know about
Plan your route: are you heading to the bank, grocery store, a friends house, the post office? Instead of running errands mindlessly- take the time to make a plan of action. Go to the furthest place away from your home first and the closest place to your home last to save on time and gas money.

6. Dress for Success

Pick your outfit out for tomorrow
Set it out along with shoes and other accessories
Choosing to get dressed for the next day and setting it out the night before helps you choose to be more proactive and productive.
"You are what you wear": if you choose to live in sweats and a baggy t-shirt all day...you might as well throw away your to do list and park it on the couch because you're dressed for sheer laziness. If you want to succeed in this life and go places, you need to dress for success. Choose an outfit that you wouldn't mind opening the door in, or seeing an old friend from high school in, always put your best foot forward and be confident in who you are. You are beautiful and have so much to offer...why hide your incredible self behind stained, baggy and holey clothing? This doesn't mean you need to wear business attire every day. There's nothing wrong with a pair of jean shorts and a t-shirt, just make sure to take a look in the mirror and if seeing your reflection of the outfit you chose to wear brings a smile to your face and helps boost your self confidence, then you've chosen to dress for success!

7. Take Time to Unwind

8. Early to Bed, Early to Rise

Getting to bed early (around 10:30pm or earlier) will help you get enough sleep to tackle the next day's itinerary
Waking up (around 6:30am or earlier...no earlier than 5am) will help you feel well rested and ready to start your day.
By doing this, you will get more done in your day. Not only because you've chosen to get a good nights rest, but also because you will get some time to yourself (as a mom) to get ready for the day/start your morning routine before your kiddos get up for the day. Believe me, this step alone will energize you and give you more reason to smile throughout the day. It's important to take time for yourself and get energized, so that you can then focus on helping others (like your children for example) through out the day.