Working Mom's Guide to: Organization

As a working mom, I have to make sure that I am organized on a daily basis to keep my household and my business in order. Being organized means less stress for me, more time with family, and a sense that I'm doing my job as both a business woman and a mother and wife. Here are some things I have made part of my daily life:

1. Calendars​: I actually keep both a calendar on my phone/gmail and on paper in a planner. I like to jot down my schedule and to-dos on my planner because I still like pen and paper. Then I'll enter things onto my digital calendar for quick access. 
2. Easy Meals: On most nights, I cook up a protein with a side of veggies. Nothing too complicated, and no fancy recipes. When I go to the grocery store for the week, I usually buy a chicken, a fish, and one other meat, as well as fresh spinach, a salad kit, and frozen veggies. Using just those things, I can make a variety of meals throughout the week in just a few minutes. I also love using a slow cooker. Just place everything in there, and when it's time for dinner, it's ready. On days when I have more time, I absolutely love any of Giada De Laurentiis' cookbooks. Right now, I'm loving Happy Cooking: Make Every Meal Count ... Without Stressing Out. Her recipes are uncomplicated, but full of flavor, and are on the healthy side. 
3. Spot Clean: I like working and living in clean environments. Visible clutter stresses me out! Obviously, we don't have time to do a deep clean every day (or even every week), but I keep all clutter under control by making sure I spot clean every evening. I go through the main areas of the house and put away everything back in its place. I wipe down kitchen counters and surface areas, and I'll do a quick Swiffer sweep of the main floors. That way the mess never builds up to a point where it seems overwhelming to clean all at once.
4. Know when you do your best work: I set my to-do list for the day in blocks of time, so I can balance out my day. I know I work best in the morning when I'm fresh, so I'll tackle my big design projects that require lots of creativity and focus before lunch. Then in the afternoon after I've picked my son from school, while he's working on his homework and after school activities, I'll work on my business marketing and smaller design projects. 

Those are just a few of ideas I've implemented into my daily routine that I've learned to finesse along the way. This is where I'm at right now, and it's working for me. What works for you? It's the start of a new year, and a perfect time to evaluate your routine and what works for you. Working moms all have our own way, but one thing in common – we are part of an amazing group of women who can balance it all.