Getting Ready As A Working Mom

Before I had Piper I would ‘get ready’ i.e. do my hair and makeup a handful of times a week. Since I work from home I have the huge advantage of not always having to get myself totally put-together at a certain time. I do find I’m much more productive when I feel ready to face the day — so I try to manage at least a little mascara most days. Now that my mornings are full of nursing, cooking breakfast for Piper, getting her ready and down for her first nap all by 9am — I have much less time for myself, obviously! I’ve been having more and more meetings which require me to get out of the house on time and so today I’m going to share a few tips that have helped me and my morning routine!

Summer Work Wardrobe

Tips for getting ready as a working mom:

Pre-plan as much as you can. Select your outfit the night before, pack your lunch, snacks and even get your coffee pot ready (this always makes me so happy to wake up to). I pack my bag, print anything I need to, look up directions etc. I try to do literally everything I can for myself the night before – then I can focus mostly on Piper knowing I’m not forgetting anything of my own.
Enlist help. Whenever I need to be out of the house at a certain time I be sure to talk with my husband the night before, I let him know what time I need to be out the door and how long I need to get ready and from there we make a plan. After way too many arguments over morning routines we’ve found that being open and clear about our needs helps start the day off on the right foot. If my husband has to work early I’ll ask our nanny if she can arrive earlier so that I can have time to get ready!
Tame your mane. Doing my hair is the biggest time suck when I’m getting ready, so I’ve not only found great products that make the job quick and easy but I’ve gotten into the routine of only blow drying my hair twice a week and making that blow out last. It saves a ton of time and hassle. I recently discovered the 1907 by Fromm Zero7 Air Lightweight Dryer which has made my blowouts faster than ever – it’s also so quiet and light. I’ve also been using the 1907 by Fromm Glosser Paddle Brush which leaves my hair so silky thanks to the 100% boar bristles which distribute the natural oils from your hair. It’s so shiny and soft after I use these two products and I’ll use a little dry shampoo in the days following my blow out to make it last until my next wash.
Streamline your beauty routine. In the same vein, I’ve really streamlined my beauty routine – I enjoy listening to a podcast while I do my makeup and stick to a tinted face serum, bronzer, blush & mascara. I’m always looking for new multi-tasking products that make this process take even less time!
Get up earlier. I know it may sound unappealing especially if you have an early riser like Piper but if I set my alarm to get up just even 30 minutes before her to shower, check email or meal prep it makes me feel so much less rushed. I wish I did it more often.
Busy baskets! I know this won’t work for all age children but I’ve recently been giving Piper a ‘busy basket’ in the morning right after she nurses to keep her occupied while I work on our breakfast and checking in on email. I put random things from around the house in a basket and she loves exploring each item and will occupy herself for a good 20 minutes. As she gets older I’ll need to find different morning activities to stimulate and interest her, but getting in the habit of having something planned is something I’m starting now. Not only is it great for her, but it allows me to get a few things done!
Create a capsule work wardrobe. I have a few pieces of clothes I rotate for meetings and work functions, it makes getting dressed so much easier. This summer I’ve been wearing a breezy shirtdress and white jeans with a variety of different blouses. I have a trusty work tote and a few pairs of shoes I keep in rotation.