How to feel put together as a mom
It is not just the kids that are back in school learning, so are you! I am starting a new series for moms who want to start finding who they are again, and showing up as their best selves. Not just for their families, but for themselves. Class is in session! 📝
I wish someone had put something like this together when i was a young, confused, and struggling new mom. There was a time in my life when i had 3 children under the age of 4 and i didn’t even know who i was at that time of my life. I didn’t know what i liked, and i didn’t know how to get back to that ‘put together’ version of me.
Now, it’s not that i yearned for my old life, i just wanted to be me, but in this new phase of life. So, if this sounds like you, you will love this series!
There is something incredibly appealing about a woman who always seems put together without looking like she spent hours getting ready.
Her hair isn't necessarily perfect. Her outfit isn't overly complicated. She's not wearing anything uncomfortable or impractical. She simply looks fresh, polished, feminine, and like she made an effort.
And as a mom, that can sometimes feel much harder to achieve.
Between getting everyone where they need to be, making meals, keeping up with the house, working, homeschooling or school drop off, errands, appointments, and everything else that fills a day, getting dressed can easily become an afterthought.
But looking put together doesn't have to mean spending an hour on your appearance or having a completely new wardrobe.
In fact, I think the secret is almost the opposite.
Being put together for me is also not just about how i look. It also includes things like: being on top of my housework, and even knowing what to make for dinner. It is deeper and includes many things.
Let’s get into it!
Start with a simple outfit formula.
Trying new styles of clothing is fun, but for everyday, having a simple outfit formula will make getting ready a breeze.
Some examples:
Jeans + fitted sweater + loafers + simple jewelry
Straight-leg pants + button-down shirt + cardigan + ankle boots
Midi dress + boots + cardigan
Leggings + oversized sweater + structured coat + sneakers
Jeans + white T-shirt + blazer + loafers
You can change the formula for each season. For example: in the summer i like to throw on a dress with sandals.
Create a simple signature makeup look
Don’t over complicate this. It is meant to be simple and easy.
My make routine consists of:
Light foundation.
Filling in my brows.
Neutral eyeshadow.
Mascara.
Bronzer on the cheeks.
In that order. I sometimes use a setting spray if my day will be long. This routine takes me 10 minutes and makes me feel put together.
Know what you are cooking.
This maybe a funny one but, not knowing what i am making for dinner causes me stress, which then doesn’t make me feel put together!
Seriously, it can sometimes make me rush home from spending time with my children and can even make me panic. Creating a plan for meals makes me feel in control of my life. It makes me feel put together and like i have my life in order.
I also like to start making breakfast before my children are awake. This just gives me a better head start on our day.
You don't need an elaborate meal plan.
You could simply have five or six dinners that your family loves and rotate them.
Maybe Monday is roasted chicken.
Tuesday is tacos.
Wednesday is pasta.
Thursday is soup and homemade bread.
Friday is pizza night.
The meals can change seasonally, but having a basic framework means you're not standing in front of the refrigerator at 5:00 wondering what on earth everyone is going to eat.
My Nutella breakfast muffins for the win!
Neat and tidy nails.
When my nails are a mess with chipped nail polish and oddly shaped, i don’t feel put together at all.
Now, i don’t enjoy getting my nails done. The process for me takes too long and i don’t like all of the chemicals. I maybe go to the nail salon twice a year. But, i do like to have my nails painted, or if i am leaving them bare, i will make sure they are a pretty shape and they are shorter.
If you love getting your nails done, i think that is amazing and you should do more of what makes you happy!
These days you can also get some great press on nails which i think is a good alternative option to the salon.
Jewelry.
Jewelry can make an outfit look amazing. You could be wearing a simple sun dress and add the right pieces of jewelry to make it pop.
I like to have a few staples for my daily outfits: wedding ring, necklace from my daughter, and my watch.
What could this look like for you?
I didn’t wear my wedding rings for years. They had gotten too small after my children were born and then i just never made the time to go and get them sized. When i finally did and started wearing them, i feel like every outfit i put on instantly got an upgrade.
Create a simple morning routine.
A powerful morning routine can make your whole day different in the best way.
I wake up at around 5:30am. This is my favorite time of the day. I journal my thoughts, make a delicious coffee, pray, meditate, and squeeze in a quick 20 minutes on my walking pad.
My children usually wake up around 9am, and they get a calm, grounded, and happy mommy!
This is one of my key secrets to feeling put together.
Create a morning routine that works for you. You don’t have to wake up before 6am. It could even just be 20 minutes before your house wakes up where you just sit with your morning coffee. Whatever works for you.
Journaling has truly changed my life. I sometimes just free write any thoughts i have that are filling my mind or sometimes i will journal about things i would love to manifest. There is no wrong or right way to journal, i highly recommend it.
Hair.
My hair used to take me hours! Now i have a simple routine that takes me less than 10 minutes.
I like to wash my hair every other day, it is just what works for me. I have naturally curly hair but i like to straighten it. It takes around 8 minutes to dry and then i spend another 7 minutes straightening it.
On the days i don’t wash my hair, i just brush it and leave it out.
If i am trying a style, i like to get good at doing 2 or 3 of them so that i know what i am doing and it doesn’t take too long. 4
Don't make your hair a daily battle. Find a few hairstyles that work for you and learn to do them quickly.
A smooth low bun.
A ponytail.
Soft waves.
A claw clip.
A simple blowout.
Have a signature everyday bag.
A good everyday handbag can make life feel surprisingly organized. Choose one that is large enough for your essentials but not so large that it becomes a portable junk drawer.
Keep the basics inside:
Your wallet.
Keys.
Phone.
Lip balm.
Hand cream.
Sunglasses.
A small pouch for personal items.
Then clean it out once a week.
There is something strangely satisfying about opening a handbag that contains exactly what you need and nothing else.
My new everyday bag that i love so much!
Know where your things are.
I can’t tell you how much better i felt about my life when i just knew where everything was in my home. Living in chaos is not chic and will not make you feel put together.
Have a place for everything from your car keys to your favorite frying pan. I can promise you it will bring you more peace.
You don’t have to have a fully organized, Pinterest worthy house, just a few systems that work for you.
This could be:
A pretty bowl at the front entrance for your keys
A designated spot for mail
A kitchen cupboard with all of your baking supplies
A coat rack to hang up jackets
A shoe rack for your shoes
Take care of your body.
I feel like i learned this at a late age but honestly, it is never too late. Plus, feeling put together doesn’t work when you are dehydrated and running on empty.
You don't need an extreme wellness routine. Just remember to:
Drink enough water.
Eat nourishing meals.
Go for a walk.
Stretch.
Get outside.
Get enough sleep when you can.
Take a shower.
Moisturize your skin.
It may seem like a lot but you will feel your best everyday.
Plan tomorrow before you go to bed.
Not a set in stone plan, just a rough idea for the day. Jot down any appointments and any important things that you need to remember.
We have a large dry erase calendar in our kitchen, but use a system that works for you, and one that will help you remember.
There is nothing that feels more put together than knowing where you need to be and when.
You will notice that feeling put together is more than just how we dress and what we look like. There is so much more that goes into it.
I hope you can take something from this that helps you in your everyday life ❤️
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