It's Some Getting Ready Shortcuts, Honey!

Hi, my honeys! I mentioned on Instagram that I had some time and energy-saving shortcuts when it comes to getting ready in the morning! I have had to make these adjustments because my health has forced me to take it easier and conserve energy where I can. I find that these tips and tricks could also be useful for people that don't have chronic illness, but rather are busy moms looking to put themselves together in a hurry and save some energy for lifting kids all day! Here are the things I do to help me conserve energy and get ready faster:

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1) Get a shower seat and a sprayer fixture for your shower; if you have a tub, take a bath.

I have been taking what I call a bath/shower combo for two years now. I quick rinse my body off with soap while standing for a minute, and then I sit down and plug the drain and wash hair with a long hosed sprayer that's attached to my shower head. We originally had a rain shower head, but my dad replaced it with the sprayer so I don't have to stand in the shower. For many of us chronic illness sufferers, standing in the shower is not an option because we are faint/fall risks. For busy moms, this might be the only time you sit down today, so take a bath or use a shower seat to take a load off while you shower for the day.

2) Use a blow dryer and brush in one on mostly air dried hair!

I have been using the Revlon One-Step Volumizing Hair Dryer for months now, and I am shocked by the amount of energy I save with this tool. It retails for around $50, but I got mine for $30 last Black Friday! It is a hair brush and a blow dryer in one, so you only need one hand to style your hair instead of holding a brush in one hand and a blow dryer in the other. It seems like the energy saved would be negligible, but honestly, it is incredible how much this helps me get my long hair dried with way less energy. Be sure to let your hair air dry for a while before blow drying, so it takes less time to get it dry!

3) Embrace your hair's natural texture!

If you want to really save time in the morning, maybe it's time you stop fighting your natural curls or waves and work with them instead! Look for hair care products that will make the natural texture of your hair look great, so you can skip the blow drying and styling all together and let your hair air dry! It can also be helpful to rock a hairstyle that is easy and manageable to style. I have super long hair right now, and while it can be a lot to style, I love being able to throw my hair up in a topknot or braid with ease. A shorter hairstyle or a layered hair cut may help you achieve a cute look with minimal effort. My suggestion is to talk to your hairstylist and ask him/her what he/she thinks would be the best fit for your face shape and lifestyle. Express your concerns about styling, and ask for something low maintenance!

4) Wash your hair less, and make dry shampoo your new BFF!

Try to limit the amount of times you wash your hair in a week. This means less styling for you and less energy you have to spend on it! Use a great dry shampoo after the first few days of washing, and then wear hats or wear your hair in a topknot to get you through until the next time you wash. Use cute scrunchies in your topknot, so it feels more like an intentional style.

5) Try my five minute face makeup routine!

I will be re-filming my 5 minute makeup routine video soon, but for now, here are the products I use in my quick and easy makeup routine. You'll look put together with minimal effort:

- Primer

- CC Cream

- Cream Contour

- Concealer

- Powder

- Blush

- Highlight

- Mascara

- Lipstick

- Setting Spray

First I apply a primer, so my makeup stays on throughout the day. Next, I use a full coverage CC cream that covers redness and imperfections without me having to use a color corrector underneath. The CC cream I use has SPF in it too, to protect my skin from the sun throughout the day. You can apply it with a brush or damp beauty sponge, whichever is easier for you. I'll comb a tinted brow gel through my brows, and then I'll use a tiny bit of under eye concealer and a little over any blemish I see. I'll then apply a cream contour to the top of my forehead, around my temples, and just under my cheekbones and blend it real quick with a foundation brush. I'll set the concealer and the rest of my face with a little powder on a big powder brush.

After that, it's a little blush on the cheeks and highlight on the high points of my cheek bones, the inner corners of my eyes, and a dash on the center of my nose. Then it's two coats of mascara, a matte lipstick that will stay all day, and a quick spritz of setting spray. Notice I'm not using any eyeliner, eyebrow products, or eyeshadow. These are time consuming and energy suckers, so I let a good mascara and inner corner highlight open up my eyes and keep my eyebrows shaped nicely. I do also have micro bladed brows, which helps me save time and energy by not having to do my brows everyday! On days you really don't feel up to doing your makeup, you can totally still look put together with just applying a light layer of CC cream, some bronzer, and a lip balm.

6) Opt for slip-on shoes instead of laces.

There's nothing better than shoes you can slip on and head out the door in. I don't even bother with laced shoes anymore unless they're gym shoes. Even then, I make sure the laces are loose enough, so I can slip my feet right into them. Saves time and energy for me! I can't say enough good things about the shoes I'm wearing in this photo, and the price is so darn affordable! I have them in three colors!

7) Wear clothing and jewelry that easily comes on and off, and wear layers.

Avoid fussy or too tight clothing that you have to squeeze into or takes forever to zip up. You might not think this makes a huge difference but it does. When you're wearing easy, throw-on clothing in breathable fabrics, you will feel more comfortable, and you'll save energy while getting ready. It might only be a little bit of extra energy you'll retain, but every ounce of energy counts! Wear your clothing in layers, so if there's a change of temperature you can take a layer off so you don't overheat.

Many chronic illness sufferers have heat intolerance, and I know my mom friends out there can work up a sweat wrangling kids all day. Layer a cute, oversized cardigan over a basic tee or a flowy top! Lastly, wear jewelry that you don't have to spend 15 minutes trying to get the clasp to open. I can't tell you how many times I've been home alone trying to fuss with the clasp of a necklace. I now just wear oversized necklaces that fit over my head, and actually, I really like the look!

8) Make sure all of your makeup, beauty products, and tools are organized and have a place.

You'll spend less time cleaning up after getting ready in the morning if every one of your beauty items has a place. Pick out the products you use on a daily basis and put them in one drawer of your vanity, or keep them all together in some way. That way, when you go to get ready, you have everything you need right in front of you, and cleanup is a breeze. I love these Sonny Cosmetics organizers that fit perfectly inside my IKEA Alex drawers!

9) Hit up a salon on occasions to do the styling for you!

I know we're all not made of money, but sometimes, a great way to save energy is to go to the salon to get your hair and makeup done. Especially if you have a big day ahead of you or a weekend that's go-go-go, it can be nice to get pampered and have someone else do the work for you! You don't have to do this every week, but once in a while treat yoself, girl! If you're local, I highly recommend Charles Scott Salon and Spa with locations in Rocky River and at Crocker Park in Westlake. I've been going to them for over 8 years now, and I haven't had a single complaint about their services. They do makeup and hair plus a whole bunch of spa services including massages, nails, and facials!

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I hope these tips have been helpful for you; these methods certainly have helped me a bunch! There are some affiliate links included, but the point of this blog post is really to educate, so please don't feel any obligation to buy anything I've linked. If you do, though, I do appreciate it! Am I missing anything? Is there a getting ready tip you'd like to share? Let me know on here or on Instagram @peonyandhoney!