Thursday, August 29, 2013

A PERSONAL SEPTEMBER CHECK LIST

fall checklist


Summer days are quickly approaching their end. The transition into September for most is not always welcomed with the same excitement as summer but for me … I just love it! September marks  new beginnings  and for most with school starting it adds more to an already full plate.

I want you to try to look at September as a fresh start and go into the month with the same energy you put into May and June. The weather is cooler (most of the time here in the Northeast) and the fashion…..oh the fashion! Plus....classes start for me today and I’m ready to buckle down. I consider it a plus b/c I just love learning....
 
If school is not part of your routine, than some of you are returning from vacations and slow business days and getting thrown back into your busy 5 day week. I've compiled a checklist that can definitely be used for just about anyone to help create a more balanced, productive and fresh start to a beautiful new season. 


 
& Here you are:

Organize your closet. You can start by taking anything to the dry-cleaners that you’ll be wearing for fall (coats, tops, dresses, skirts, sweaters, etc) & pack up your summer wardrobe in wardrobe boxes. Keep your closet clean and organized. Click here for a closet organization post.

Plan a regular fitness routine that works with your daily work/school demands. Be honest with yourself about what you can achieve and most importantly treat your workouts like important meetings. Remember it is consistency that will make the difference so choose your workouts wisely and have fun so you wont burn out.
 
Plan a home pampering kit to be readily available at all times (bubble bath, truffles, wine, candles, music, etc). There will be days when your heels are ready to be taken off, your mind is fried and emotional stamina has been tested. Be prepared in advance and have what you need to relax stocked and ready to go. For me it’s night of face and hair masks, a hot bath with music and candles light. A glass of red wine and a good book cuddled up in my favorite blanket on the couch to cap off the night.

Schedule your pedicure and/or manicures in advance.

Clean your make-up brushes, hair brushes, etc. & reorganize your beauty products. I personally do this every 3 – 4 weeks and clean all of my makeup brushes, containers and organize by usage.

Visit your hair dresser for a trim and color touch-up.

Clean your home/office/bedroom/car and reorganize. It will simply make you feel better when you enter each and every time. A clean space is a happy you.

Balance your budget and know where you stand financially. Due to your schedule potentially changing, financial expectations may change as well, so know exactly where you are and how much you can spend. Click here for a financial post....

Plan and shop for healthy snacks to help keep you energized throughout the day (almonds, fruit, raisins, veggies, yogurt, cheese, peanut butter)

Plan a weekly menu for your meals at home and stock your refrigerator with the necessary supplies. Click here for my weekly food routine.

Be sure to have ample tea, coffee or whatever you enjoy to begin your day.

Reading material. Since many of us are going back to school, one might assume we have more than enough reading material that is assigned, but it is always nice to have something solely selected by ourselves waiting on our nightstand before turning in after a long day. Be sure to have a lovely book ready to dive into. Click here for my current read...

Refresh your fall wardrobe. Assess your closet. Toss what hasn’t been worn in 1-2 years, fix what needs to be fixed so you can enjoy wearing it and ascertain what your closet is missing to create your ideal wardrobe. Make a list, and diligently go shopping. Check out my style inspiration series for ideas.

Make sure you have a journal to write down thoughts, ideas, etc either at the end of the day or during.

Purchase any necessary supplies for your office/desk/tote/binder

Do you have a travel coffee mug that works?

Double check all of your subscriptions (magazines, newspapers, etc) to make sure they are up-to-date and won’t expire. One of my simple pleasures after returning home from a long, exhausting day is discovering the latest Vogue issue sitting in my mailbox or any other publication that is a pleasure to read. Reading these publications help me step away from my daily stresses if only for thirty minutes or so.

Schedule and indulge in a seasonal facial from your favorite spa. Your skin will thank you, you’ll glow even more and the hour of relaxing will certainly be beneficial. Click here for my skin routine.

Everyone most likely has their own back-to-school rituals, but the first person to tend to is you. Make sure you schedule time for things that need to happen to help you feel your best and have enough energy to get through your busy schedule. Exercise, good eating and a bit of pampering isn’t a luxury, but a necessity to maintain balance in a dynamic world that is always asking more of us. When you feel prepared, your confidence will show and you will be further gaining ground toward the goals you are already trying to achieve which makes us more enjoyable colleagues, friends, and loved ones to those around us.
 
May you have a wonderful first day back at school, at the office or at home helping your children begin the year. 

(thank you via TSLL)
 

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