The transition from working for myself to being a stay at home mom, was a funny one at first.  If I’m honest there are parts about working I miss.  My initial reaction when people ask me if I miss it is always to say “no!” but that’s definitely not the whole truth.  That quick “no” comes from insecurity I’m sure.  But overall I know this was the best decision for our family.  The reason for this post isn’t to go on and on about that transition, but to tell you what’s helped.  Specifically, habits and routines that have helped.

Meal planning.  I resisted this for soo long.  Trader Joe’s has helped because it makes me more excited about cooking than publix.  I love Publix, but for whatever reason I almost always pick the exact same things to cook every time I’m there.  I used to go to grocery shopping several times a week, but now I just go to Trader Joe’s on monday morning.  This has given me so much time throughout the week as I’m not constantly running to the store for dinner, I’m not worried about what I’m cooking every night, I enjoy cooking more, and it’s A LOT cheaper.  It’s also right near the children’s museum, so since we have a membership, we just pop in for an hour before heading back home.

Take a shower every day.  This is a non negotiable for me.  Usually it’s with the kids because that’s the quickest and easiest (though least relaxing) way to get it done for all of us.

Put at least a little make up on.  It was tempting for me to forgo this at first.  I thought, why?  What’s the point? But I find that I’m a more enjoyable, confident person if I have a little on.  Even if it’s just under eye concealer and some blush.  I can face the day better, and not scare anyone too much in the process.

Devotionals.  another non negotiable for me and for the sake of my sanity.  I read one in the morning that I keep near my bed.  One I keep in my car, and I read (before checking my phone) at pick up line.

Audible.  Wes has always taken a pretty long nap in the morning, so if Tuck is at school or with grandma, I have time to clean up, laundry, blog, etc.  I always listen to an audible during this time.  I’ve always been obsessed with reading, and of course right now I don’t have a ton of time to do it.  This helps me feel like my brain isn’t completely turning to mush (:

Setting a schedule and routine.  I am spontaneous by nature, so this was not an easy thing to stick to.  But it’s best for all of us.  The kids generally know what’s next, and nap time is less of a battle.

Look into getting a museum pass.  We have a couple different yearly passes but they’ve each covered the cost ten times over due to the reciprocals, and many come with free passes for our friends as well.
Finding other moms with similar schedules.  I map out my week based on what we’ve got going on and who is available.  And someone, either mine or their kids, gets sick and throws a wrench in it.  lol (: So that’s where it helps to be flexible.

Speaking of finding other moms… I used to think that wasn’t all that necessary.  Mostly because I have amazing friends that haven’t had kids yet, who are so involved with ours, but it is nice and valuable to have friends who know what you’re going through first hand.  Find other moms you can be honest and real with, and hold onto them.

Invest in a good hair dryer!  My ten + year old one broke a while back, and now I have this Conair one.  Which has been a game changer, as far as the time it takes me now versus before!

maintain relationships.  With your spouse of course but also your friends.  A night or lunch out with them is so life giving.  I feel like I treasure that time so much more now that they’re not as frequent.

I don’t let the sun go down on a dirty kitchen.  The rest of my house can be filthy with toys in every room strewn around, but my kitchen sink and counters must be clean before I go to bed.  This gives me a little piece of sanity to hold onto.

Do a load of laundry every morning.  This helps it not get completely out of control.

I’m sure most of these work whatever kind of mom you are.  Just thought I’d share what has helped me over the course of a year.  I’d looooove to know any tips you have that keep you sane, your kids mostly happy, etc.  (: