Mastering Your Morning Routines

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I’m so excited to be partnering with White House Black Market today to talk about my tips for making your morning routine as quick and easy as possible- while still managing to make it out into the world with style!  I’m fortunate that my schedule usually allows for me to ease into my day, but there are mornings when I’m rushing out the door straight away and don’t return until dinner time, and when those days (or weeks) come I’ve learned that it’s all about the art of preparation!

So today I have two recipes for you- one for a quick and healthy breakfast, and another for a hearty lunch to pack that’ll keep you going until dinner!

But FIRST, here are a few style tips to make getting dressed for your day something that feels easy and fun instead of stressful and rushed (we’ve all pulled on shirt after shirt only to toss them onto the floor in a heap of frustration when we find they don’t work, haven’t we?!)

Tip 1:  Clean out your closet!  Make sure you truly love AND WILL WEAR every piece that’s in it.  Seriously- if you don’t love it, love-it love it, it’s gotta go.

Tip 2:  For your work wardrobe it’s really helpful to stock up on neutrals- this makes mixing/matching so much easier.  Yes, color is amazing.  And yes, you should wear it if you love it.  And hey- color goes with neutrals…..so don’t discount them entirely!  Like the patterned pants I’m wearing- I can throw them on with a white top, a black top, I can dress them up or down- they’re a great example of a versatile color/pattern.  Having a closet full of options that work together will make outfit planning that much easier!

Tip 3:  Pick out your outfit the night before.  If you’re exhausted at night after you’ve put the kiddos to bed, or spent too many hours on Pinterest (GUILTY), try setting aside some time to outfit plan on the weekends.  The last thing anyone should be thinking about before they’ve had their coffee/tea/breakfast/first conversation of the day is what to wear!

What I’m wearing:  Printed pants, White top, Shoes  {Sponsored by White House Black Market}

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Ok, now onto mastering your morning routines for breakfast and lunch!  I think my biggest piece of advice for this is to PREP ON SUNDAY!  I make a big batch of granola, roast a ton of veggies, make a dressing or pesto, cook up some grains, wash my fruits and veggies and have everything at the ready to start the week.  This way on those mornings I’m rushing out the door, I’ve just got to get the granola, fruits and almond milk into the bowl.  I can always manage at least that.  And knowing it’s homemade and full of nutritious goodness makes me feel that much better about it.

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Easy Morning Granola

Ingredients

  • 4 cups rolled oats
  • 1 1/2 cups walnut halves
  • 1 cup shredded large flake coconut
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/3 cup dried apricots, chopped
  • 1/3 cup goji berries
  • 1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup, coconut nectar, honey or any combination of the three

Instructions

  • Preheat to 300°F
  • Combine oats, walnuts, coconut, salt, and apricots in a large mixing bowl.
  • Heat coconut oil and sweetener of choice in small saucepan. Whisk until thoroughly combined and then pour over oat mixture stirring until mixture is thoroughly coated.
  • Divide into two cookie sheets and spread a thin layer.
  • Bake for about 30-40 min stirring a couple of times and adding goji berries half way through ( they'll burn otherwise)
  • Remove from oven and press with a metal spatula to encourage good clumping
  • Let cool completely and store in an airtight container.
  • Enjoy!
http://ahouseinthehills.com/2015/04/06/mastering-your-morning-routines/

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As for lunch:  that’s when the grains, veggies and pesto I’ve prepped on Sunday come in handy.  I can toss them in a bowl together and be on my merry (healthy) way!  They’ll be yummy eaten at room temperature or I can heat them up if I’m somewhere that allows.  Most importantly they’re filling and nutritious- I’m not going to be stopping at a convenience store to grab a snack at 3 pm!   Below you’ll find recipes for both the granola and the quinoa/veggie bowl.  I hope all of this helps makes your mornings just a bit more breezy!  xx- Sarah

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Reader Comments

  1. Denise|

    Love the recipes! I’m excited to try out the quinoa, veggies and pesto recipe. I can’t agree more – a well curated closed is a must. Having only a coat closet to fit the majority of my clothes has been very helpful for me. It has forced me to clean out a lot of things I simply didn’t wear or love. Getting dressed now is definitely easier than it was in the past when I had more ‘options’.
    http://www.equaluprise.com

    Reply
  2. Jeanine|

    You’re so gorgeous! I love everything about this post including that salad and the to-die-for herringbone backsplash.

    Reply
  3. Charell|

    Sarah–I made your lunch bowl idea last night to stock up for the week and it is so good! I may have cheated and added a little feta cheese, but roasting everything in the coconut oil is such a good idea! I love it! I hope you are feeling a little less underwater soon :)

    Reply
  4. Sharda|

    Such a great post thanks Sarah.. Just a question how long do your veggies and quinoa last in the fridge if you make them on the weekend?
    Thanks xx

    Reply