Let’s face it. Mornings are tough! Mornings with young kids are tougher and mornings with young kids when you need to get to work are near freaking impossible. Time seems to fly by at light speed and before you know it you’ve spent 45 minutes trying to put pants on your 2 years old.
Here are some simple tips for the super-mums out there to get you out the door and arriving at work looking fresh faced and fabulous, minus the stress.
Plan Your Outfits Ahead of Time
Those beautiful people who appear at the office looking effortlessly chic and “put together” have thought about their outfit ahead of time. Oh yes, mam, they have! They certainly weren’t rushing around in the dark at 6am trying to get dressed while the baby is screaming from the other room and your toddler is throwing cereal over her head like confetti. Set yourself up for success and spend 20-30 mins on the weekend putting your “work wardrobe” together. Making sure everything is ironed and ready to go, including accessories. If you have room, invest in a small portable clothes stand where you can hang your clothes & park your shoes underneath for maximum satisfaction and extra brownie points.
Get up BEFORE your Kids
This one is SO important and I personally swear by it. Set your alarm and give yourself 15-30 mins before your kids wake up to wash your face, moisturise, put your make up on, get dressed and even enjoy a quick cuppa in peace before the chaos begins. Having that small amount of time to quietly ponder and prepare for the day ahead with help you to feel calm and in control. Your outfit is already prepped and waiting so you can get dressed with ease and grace. No stress here! You be in charge. You set the tone for the day by being organised and amazing from the get go! Nice work, mama.
Add some Colour to your Face
You will never regret spending 5-10 mins each morning putting on a little make up to help you look a little more alive after what feels like a life time of broken sleep. Just because you feel like you’ve been hit by a bus, doesn’t mean you have to look like it. Think of it like a little mini pamper for yourself. If you’re new to makeup or don’t like to wear a lot, no problem, but a little can go a long way. Using a good under eye concealer that hides those dark circles is a non negotiable and an absolute must for any tired mum. A little blush on your cheeks, a sweep of mascara and a slick of your favourite lippy will have you feeling great and ready to slay your day!
Good Hair = Good Day
Consider washing and styling your hair on Sundays (or the night before your work week starts) to set yourself up for ultimate morning success. A quick restyle if it’s absolutely necessary takes only seconds and won’t completely derail your morning. Stock up on dry shampoo like the world is ending. It’s brilliant for creating volume and getting an extra day or two out of your do. If you find yourself in a situation where you only have seconds in the morning to get it together, tame those frizzes and go for a sleek ponytail, low bun or top knot for a quick and chic look. HOT TIP: If you have an important presentation, interview or business meeting, why not treat yourself to a professional blow-dry. You will feel like a million bucks and appear polished and professional – And BTW – you deserve it, Queen!
Don’t be SO Serious – Have Fun!
When planning your outfits, think outside the box a little and don’t be too serious. “Office attire” can easily become dull and boring with dark colours and power suits. *eyeroll*. Inject a little (or a lot) of your personality into your outfits to celebrate you. Wearing something you really love is a sure fire way to lift your spirits and will get you noticed for all the right reasons. Wearing a bright colour that speaks to you, a fun necklace, a bold lipstick or your favourite new pair of heels will put a little spring in your step. When you look good, you feel good and when you feel good, true magic happens!