Style | Layered Sweater Casual and How I Manage My Time

To say I have a lot on my plate truly is an understatement.  Between being a Mom, a Wife, my church calling, Tee-Ball (got suckered into being team Mom), Bunco, dinner group, Ballet (which I forgot today for the 2nd time), working, blogging, business building, birthday parties, meal planning, grocery shopping, school pick up and drop off (to 2 different schools), Kennie's auditions, keeping our home looking somewhat presentable, making sure we have clean clothes to wear (that don't smell like mildew because they got left in the washer over night) and some how finding time to fill up my own cup ... a girl can go crazy.  Like for real, crazy!  I've been trying a little harder to be a little better at keeping up on life.  As you can tell from the missed Ballet classes I haven't gotten it all figured out just yet, but I have come up with a couple things that really work for me as far as the whole not completely losing my mind thing is concerned.

Nordstrom Blank NYC Jeans

1. GET DRESSED

To start off my day right I get dressed.  Not like roll out of bed in my yoga pants dresses, like an outfit that involves a zipper and a bra dressed.  If I don't get myself together: hair, make up, deodorant, the whole shebang then I constantly telling myself, "I'll just do this then I'll get dressed, then just one more thing, hold on let me get to this."  Before I know it, it's time to do school pick up and I'm still in last nights jogger sweats.  Getting dressed just makes me feel like more than a Mom, I get to feel like Summer.  Bonus points: sometimes people tell you they like your jeans or sweater or make up and let's face it, who doesn't like a little compliment once in awhile.  You know you ain't gettin any from the toddler who's PB&J you just cut into penguins instead of elephants.  #cuemeltdown

To Do List

Photo Via

2. BE PROACTIVE IN YOUR DAY INSTEAD OF REACTIVE

Lists!  Lists are my life!  If it's not on the list, it's not getting done.  Shower? List.  Feed kids? List.  "QT" with the Hubby? List.  No really, Lennie put that on my list the other day.  Poor guy, I think that was one of the items that got pushed over to tomorrow's list.  The more you put on the list, the more you get the pleasure of crossing or checking off.  Doesn't it feel so good to cross something off?!  My very favorite part is looking at that list at the end of the day and appreciating the physical evidence that I freaking owned that day.  #killingit  I have found that the days where I don't make a list in the morning are spent running around without actually doing anything.  I feel scattered and stressed and spend day putting out fires (aka reacting), then at the end of the day frustrated with all I have left still to accomplish.  Lists friends, make it a habit.

treat yo self

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3. TREAT YO SELF

What's a goal without a reward?  It's really just a chore.  I always treat myself to something and the best part is that it doesn't have to be after every single thing on your list is crossed off.  Maybe it's after that one thing you have been dreading tackling or it's halfway through your day or it's after you drank your 24 ounces of water.  You make up the rules.  It's also fun to get the kids involved.  When I need them to keep themselves entertained while I work on a project I promise them something fun.  Whether it's a fun activity or a sweet, it helps keep me on task and I have something to look forward to as well.  The one thing that I have been trying to get better at is enjoying that reward without the guilt.  #thestruggleisreal  In the past I would work really diligently at getting everything done on my lists and being really productive for most of the week and then feel bad for taking the kids to Disneyland or the beach.  I felt like every waking moment was expected to be spent working or I wasn't earning my keep or pushing hard enough at my personal goals.  I've recently embraced the thought that "life is a journey that is and to be enjoyed".  I now crave the feeling of having accomplishment, it has been a huge driving force in my life because I can appreciate the rewards that come with it.

Target Sweater Casual

If you are looking for more inspiration on the whole "getting dressed" or "treating you self" concept I've got you covered.  You really can't go wrong with a good pair of distressed jeans (these ones are under $90).  You can run around after the kids and they only get better with time.  I have been known to treat myself with a little retail therapy from time to time.

Layered Sweater Distress Jeans

I snagged this pull over in the Target boys section during Christmas, but I also like to browse the Men's section too.  Their smalls are pretty slender so I can usually make it work.  For comfort sometimes a more relaxed cut like you find in their section is better.   Throw a chambray under and you are good to go!

Boys Target Sweater Look

I have to wear a comfortable pair of tennis shoes when I am running errands all day.  These are my very fave because the backs are elastic so they don't rub against the back of my heel.  I need to get them in every color really cause I am sure my husband is tired of seeing them everyday.

Summer Elevate Style

Who doesn't want to feel like this instead of super sad and stressed out at the end of the day.  Just takes a little effort on the front end of the day and the rest just flows so much better.  How about you, I'd love to hear how you tackle all the crazy that life throws your way!

Thanks to Travis for these pictures!Check out his work here and here.Makeup done by: Classy CosmeticsWearing: Laced Hair Extensions

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