Tab's Tips: a smooth morning starts the night before

It’s something I preach often…

a smooth morning starts the night before.

I’m not a morning person so I have to take as much of the guesswork out of my mornings as possible. Maybe you can incorporate something new to ease you into your day, too.

tabithadumas.com "smooth mornings start the night before" blog post — Outfit, bag, breakfast, directions…ready for me in the morning!

Tab’s Tips: THINGS YOU CAN DO THE NIGHT BEFORE

For working women:

Pre-set your coffee maker. I like to wake up to the smell of coffee. Set out your mug, spoon and/or travel mug, too, while you’re at it.
Think about breakfast. Set out as much of it as you can–including any meals, snacks or drinks you’re taking with you for the day.
Pack your bag with your laptop, files, mail, etc. and leave it near the door along with anything else that needs to leave with you. Tab’s Tip: if you have ever forgotten your lunch in the fridge, leave your car keys in the fridge WITH it!
Charge your phone.
Check your calendar. Do you need to print out directions for a meeting? Do you need to write down the code for a conference call? I write it on a sticky note and put it in my day planner for reference.
Set out your outfit, down to the underwear and jewelry. There’s nothing worse than scrambling for an errant earring or sock at the last minute.
Think about dinner and make sure you have what you need–or make a grocery list (or plans for eating out!)

For busy moms:

As CEO of your family, most of the above applies to you, too
Set out breakfast, lunch and snack items for the kids
Lay out your kids’ outfits (or have them do it themselves) WITH the shoes to avoid last-minute chaos.
Pack up backpacks and leave them by the door.
Look at your calendar and plan your day. Make a list of what needs to get done and map out where you need to be and when.

For ALL women…it’s also important to have a relaxing nightly routine and get a good night’s sleep.

P.S. The bag is the Zip-Top Organizing Utility Tote from Thirty-One Gifts in “citrus medallion” and you can check it out on my friend Ashleigh’s Thirty-One Gifts website.

For more ideas and inspiration, check out

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