The other day I was having a conversation with a friend about something I do in real life that I don’t blog about. “That’s surprising,” she said, because you write about a ton of other stuff that I would never ever put on the internet!” Like how I’m writing this post about showering. Don’t get too excited, though, this is a G-rated mommy blog. Okay, PG-rated. Fine, PG-13. Sometimes I use pseudo curse words. Oh, crumb.
I don’t shower anymore. I mean, I bathe. I don’t not cleanse myself. But these days my showers consist of hurriedly washing while trying to make sure that my child is not removing all of the makeup from my vanity drawer and throwing it in the toilet. I realize they make toilet locks but, let’s be honest here, I’m never going to figure out how to use one of those, and then I’m going to end up peeing in a sink. I do not want to be that woman. Also, that sentence? That is probably what my friend is talking about.
In order to entertain Scarlette and keep her out of trouble I spend my time in the shower singing “Down By The Bay.” The acoustics in my shower must be amazing because Scarlette will stand with her little face pressed against the glass the entire time I am singing. I plan on filming this and using it as my audition tape for “The Voice.” Olay sent over their new Ultra Moisturizing Body Wash for me to review because it’s meant for busy women, to allow them to skip an extra moisturizing step. If you even try to infer that being a WAHM means I am not a busy woman, I will cut you*. This is why I appreciate working with Olay, because they respect how busy moms are. I’m all about skipping lotion because you should see what happens when my child gets her hands on a bottle of lotion. This kid is running me ragged. I love that she is so energetic and full of personality. I just need a nap. And a longer shower.
Jeff committed the cardinal sin of using the body wash before I got a chance to. Everyone who knows me knows that you don’t use my new stuff first. Ask my sister what happened when she read my Seventeen magazine before me. Anyhow, he commandeered my body wash. Apparently he likes it. Which is okay, because it’s shea butter and doesn’t smell girly, unlike that time I accidentally bought him glitter lotion. On second thought, maybe I can forgive him for the body-wash poaching.
There is a full jar’s worth of moisturizing cream in the bottle of body wash and you can tell. Pro? It kind of feels like you are slathering your entire body with night cream. Con? While you might be able to get away with not lotioning your arms/legs afterwards, really dry areas like, say, your elbows, definitely still need a touch up. Another pro: it works really well as shaving cream, which is my true test of a body wash because I never, ever remember to buy that stuff. Another con would be that, in our family, we prefer to use bath and body products with all-natural ingredients when our budget allows for it. When we don’t, I typically run our products through the Environmental Working Group’s database — the Olay body wash came back with an overall low hazard, which I was very pleased to see.
*legal disclaimer: I won’t really cut you; I only pretend to be hardcore.
Olay has generously offered to give a $50 Visa gift card to one of my readers! To enter for a chance to win the gift card, leave a comment letting me know how you simplify your morning routine!
About Kayla Aimee
I save time by eating breakfast while my hair is drying
I lay out my clothes the night before. I have a hairstyle that doesn’t require blow drying or any hair products. I don’t wear any makeup either so that saves me some time.
I simplify my morning beauty routine by really keeping makeup very simple. I only wear blush and lip gloss on any given day, sometimes concealer if my skin needs it, and mascara only on special occasions!
mami2jcn at gmail dot com
tweet–https://twitter.com/#!/mami2jcn/status/182109921859485697
I wear my pj’s all day long.
just kidding, kind of.
I save time by showering at night, and eating breakfast at my desk at work.
Great giveaway!
I simplified it by just getting up earlier! Amazing what you can get done before the kiddos are up.
I remember what my mom taught me and wash my face BEFORE going to bed at night. If/when I forget, scrubbing the dried on caked on mascara and eyeliner takes an extra 5 minutes in the morning…messes my whole morning up!! Not to mention I usually break out when I forget, so then I have to add 5 more minutes to try and cover up the monstrosity that has grown on my face overnight!
How do I simplify my morning routine? Well…I am still trying to establish a semi-functional routine. I am a working mom to a 7 month old little boy and my mornings are hectic. Seriously, we would probably qualify for our own reality show. One of the things I had to give up is my morning shower. I shower at night right before bed and that just has to do.
I don’t really have a morning routine except to make sure I put on proper shoes because showing up at work in your leopard print slippers is never a good thing.
I simplify my morning routine by trying to get as much stuff together at night before I go to bed.
I am not a morning person so I got my morning routine down to 30 minutes. One thing that really saved me time is using a leave-in conditioner. Shorter time in the shower and my hair dries faster because it isn’t as soaking wet when I get out.
We’ve simplified our morning routine quite a bit in the recent months. Clothes are laid out the night before; bags are packed and are by the front door; lunches are assembled on the top right shelf in the fridge with notes, if anything needs to be taken out of the freezer; breakfast is either in the crock pot cooking overnight or cereal is poured in covered bowls with the rest of the food items prepped in the fridge. We’ve started our own menu plan for the week, by using the crock pot as often as possible or for this week, since it is salad week, we cooked all the proteins that needed to be cooked, chopped measured and stored for easy use. I also use the lysol wipes to wipe down the sink and counters after getting ready in the morning. I also spray the shower with vinegar while brushing my teeth and change out the hand towels in the bathroom and the kitchen dish cloth and towels at this time too.
I simplify my morning by showering the night before and laying out clothes the night before as well.
i simplify my routine by blowdrying my hair at night
https://twitter.com/#!/aes529/status/182132020477042689
I don’t think I could skip lotion as I have really dry skin, but the more moisturizer, the better!
https://twitter.com/#!/cmastr/status/182132061325361152
I’ve found that if I braid my hair at night then it doesn’t tangle as much and it is a ton faster to comb out before my shower. Also, I trained my husband (who leaves an hour later) to pack lunches while I’m getting ready.
https://mobile.twitter.com/dvmkat/status/182134846162874368
Kinda gross, but… I brush my teeth in the shower. I’m also about as “no-maintenance” as they come.
I make pack luches the night before, try to lay out my clothes, and I have an area near my frint door where everything we need to get out the door lives… keys, bags, purses, ect. – otherwise we spend way too much time looking for things!
Honestly- I just don’t brush my hair. I have a huge mane, and it just gets tied up in a knot in the back of my head halfway through the day, so, start off that way!
2 words. dry shampoo.
it has changed my life.
thanks for the chance to win!
I simplify my routine by keeping my skin well moisturized, and when in a hurry, I apply a little blush.
https://twitter.com/#!/roso1946/status/182147166146539521
Generally I simplify my routine by not wearing make-up and throwing my hair into a ponytail. What can I say, I like my sleep!
I set my coffee pot the night before. I love having fresh coffee as soon as I wake up. That little bit of caffeine is my get up go juice for the rest of the day!
I love the Olay body wash! It was the only thing that kept me sane when I had intense itchy skin when pregnant. I rarely dry my hair. It’s stick straight so I just let it air dry and then I flatiron it to finish it off if I’m going somewhere. Saves some time.
While I brush my teeth at night, I lay out my clothes on my husbands side of the double sink. My hair is curly so I just towel it, scrucnch with morrocaan oil and go! Out of bed to car in 20 minutes flat…
I try and do everything I can before we go to bed. Lunches, bathes, clothes picked out/ironed if needed…. that away I can sleep in the morning until the very last minute before I HAVE to get up!!!!
i use tinted moisturizer instead of foundation to speed up my routine
tweet
https://twitter.com/#!/MeandBells/status/182165265147105280
Great giveaway! I simplify by using tinted moisturizer and tinted chapstick. They’re magical.
I choose my clothes the night before. Tinted moisturizer speeds up my minimal make up routine in the morning. I’ll have to try the Olay body wash soon.
Being an anti-morning person, I simply my mornings my getting everything ready the night before when I’m cognizant of my actions as opposed to mornings when I resemble a Walking Dead extra!
tweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/happyenchilada2/status/182169766058921985
i let my hair air dry as much as possible while I put on makeup, eat, dress, read email, etc. Also, the last one out of the bed makes it, so I make sure that I’m the first one up!
I save time in the morning by trying to do as much as possible the night before. Sounds simple enough, right?! But when the kiddos his the hay, I want to do the same which means I don’t always prep the night before.
I sometimes try to shower at night so I don’t have to in the morning. I also try to have all lunches packed at night. (These things don’t always happen.)
I get my clothes ready the night before (that sometimes doesn’t help because the choice the night before sometimes just doesn’t work for me the very next morning). I also do not iron!!! I choose fabrics that will easily lose the wrinkles when I through the clothes back in the dryer with a damp washcloth.
I simplify my routine by showering at night.
I simplify my routine by using 2-in-1 products
https://twitter.com/#!/ElenaIstomina/status/182197242701160449
I try to get my breakfast prepped the night before, and make it something I can take with me if I’m really running late.
I have not figured out how to simplify my mornings……….. Maybe when they are all in school!
i just starting using dry shampoo.. it says me time
https://twitter.com/#!/akronugurl/status/182213299314753536
I save time by not having any hair at the moment. Saves a TON on time & money! But I am anxious for it to grow back.
I save time by showering at night. I also choose my clothes the night before. Finally, my routine is quite simple since I don’t wear makeup and usually put my hair in a simple ponytail. Thanks for the giveaway!
I stopped curling my hair on most days. I have bought this great leave in creme from Umberto at Target that you use before blow drying and it really helps tame my crazy frizzy pieces
I lay my clothes out the night before, mush some mousse in my hair, put on moisturizer with spf and call it a day! No makeup, no fussy hair. I’m still cute and smell good, too.
)
i use a tinted moisturizer
thepryfamily@gmail.com
https://twitter.com/#!/thepryfamily2/status/182270465237200898
thepryfamily@gmail.com
I save time by having what I want to wear planned out and watch the weather so I dress for it!
https://twitter.com/#!/tannawings/statuses/182275913076056065
tweet
I simplify my morning routine by eating breakfast at work.
I usually get to work early anyway, so I don’t feel too badly about it.
I save time by showering at night, and then in the morning, I put my hair in hot rollers and then get dressed and put makeup on before taking them out.
I drink coffee every morning so I streamlined my coffee drinking supplies near the coffee pot.
I’m a Mommie to a one year old so my routine has gone through some changes. I now shower at night, have all my clothes ready for the next day before bed and make sure both her and my breakfast are ready and waiting with minimum prep for the next morning.
I’m a relatively new follower and can I say I love reading your posts. When you show up in my email box I smile.
I shower at night to save time in the morning.
I don’t dry or straighten my hair. I scrunch it , spray and go! I also lay out my outfit and jewelry. Nothing special!
I eat breakfast at work while reading email to save time.
I use less and less make up. Maybe not my best choice but I am getting faster.
I shower the night before.
I simplify my morning routine by having everything laid out for me. I work at a bakery, which means I have to be there by 5am! And let me tell you, it really hasn’t gotten any easier for me to wake up that early! So, my clothes are laid out the night before, my makeup is simple, but even so, I have it organized on my counter in the direction I use it, breakfast is generally leftovers, then I’m out! I also don’t worry about organizing it after I’ve used it, that all gets done the night before/when I get home!
Does no makeup, no lotion, and no shaving count as simplifying? I have 10 kids, I’m just happy when no one has poured out the shampoo before I get a chance to use it.
Because I work from home, I stay in my pjs. My sweet boyfriend would have already been up about an hour earlier having left enough coffee and breakfast for me before heading off to his work. I do not simplify mornings for myself but I do so for him the night before by ironing and laying out his work clothes as well as making and packing his lunch.
I tweeted – https://twitter.com/#!/Lyndadawinda/status/182320807710695424
Simple – I shower at night! I let my hair air-dry for awhile before I go to bed. Then when I wake up, I just smooth some shine serum over my hair, put on a little makeup, and find the cleanest clothes I can.
It works out best if I can shower the night before, but if not I’m good at taking the 3 minute shower in the morning. My hair is short and I also only have to shampoo every other day or so which cuts down on time, plus I don’t have to blow dry if I don’t want to and only wear makeup sometimes. When it comes to getting the kids ready, I definitely need to have their clothes and shoes ready the night before to make a big time saving difference.
I make my lunch the night before as well as a PB&J for breakfast. I then eat the PB&J in the car while driving to work. Protein and easy to eat one handed! Most of the time I manage to NOT drip the jelly on myself!
Mix the PB & jelly before spreading it on the bread. No jelly drips!
I shower at night to save time in the morning, and I just bring my 20-month-old son in there with me. I’ve had him in the shower with me since he was a newborn (as soon as his belly button thingy fell off), and he just squats in there and plays with cups and a little car. He loves it, and I think that’s why he has absolutely no fear of water, even when it’s squirted in his face!
I always shave at night so I never have to spend time doing it in the morning. I don’t wear a lot of makeup, and I use minimal hair products. And, I always eat breakfast at work!
I really have a very simple routine in the morning. I get a shower while my 3 kids watch a DVD.
a shower cap and dry shampoo save me several precious minutes each morning! who ever invented dry shampoo should win a nobel prize!
*
With three kiddos 3 and under, mornings are crazy! I save time in the morning by keeping make-up simple and pulling my hair into a ponytail. Then in the afternoon I shower and primp and dress up while the kiddos are napping, so I am fresh and lovely and relaxed when hubby walks in the door. He’s the main one I care to impress.
That lotion sounds amazing, I need to give it a try!
I usually eat breakfast while putting on my makeup or I eat it while driving? I know that’s bad but you gotta do what you gotta do.
I just had my first baby 7 months ago, and like you I’m still trying to figure out a routine that works. It’s funny because right when I think we have a routine down, my little one changes things up on me and I’m left trying to figure out a new routine that works for us. I just go with the flow and try and have fun during this time because when my baby is all grown up I know I’m going to miss her babyhood.
I do not wear makeup, I think God gave us a nautral beauty that should be embraced by everyone.
I simplify by showering @ night.
family74014 at gmail dot com
lemme tell you a liddle sumthin bout my morning….hhhroutiiine!
Trying to get everything organized the night before, so my mornings won’t be so hectic. I shower/bathe at night with my little one, it saves so much time. Great giveaway!
As I would rather spend time playing with my son or sleeping, I just sort of cut out blow drying my hair unless there is a pressing need (note that a snowstorm on a workday does not constitute a pressing need). In order to make myself look halfway decent, I splurged on getting a good haircut that could handle not being blown dry. Apparantly my stylist can remember I bought an iPad but not that I am a busy working mom, so instead of getting me out of there quickly she tried to keep me at the salon for over 2 hours. for a haircut. I haven’t resolved this one beyond never going back there, but I am working on it.
I quit washing my hair after I had my baby 10 weeks ago. I have curly hair. I usually don’t get a shower every day. I figured out that I could just condition it and deal with the tangled mess once. so no shampoo. and you know what? it still looks just fine
I simplify my routine by organizing more. I lay out the clothes that I plan to wear. Print off to do lists.
I pick out my clothes the day before and take my showers at night.
I wash my hair every other day to save time. I have long hair so it really helps.
I shower at night after the kids fall asleep. Then I fall asleep with wet hair, which I attempt to fix in the morning. I don’t know that I would actually recommend that as an option…
To save time in the morning I don’t let my kids watch cartoons. This way they don’t get stuck in front of Spongrbob!
I have a nice vanity area in my bathroom that I’m able to keep everything organized and ready for my morning routine. Showering at night helps saves time in my routine as well
I don’t really have any tricks for saving time in the morning. Enjoy the craziness while you can..I am facing the empty nest and it isn’t pretty.
here is the link to my tweet:
https://twitter.com/#!/bellows22/status/182685945060012032
I spend about an hour on Sunday afternoon making lunches for the kiddos to take to school…I make 35 pb&j sandwiches {wrapping them individually in one of those fold the flap kinda baggies} and throw them in the freezer {pulling out 8 each night before I go to bed and popping them in the fridge to thaw}. I also prebag all snacks {grapes, carrot sticks, pretzels}. This one hour makes for five much smoother mornings
I try to be as simple as possible in the mornings… just a little lip gloss and mascara! I also shower at night too so I can spend more time sleeping
tweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/jfong1130/status/182710770470109186
I shower with my 13 month old! Saves time and she loves it! I also have the same problem…. All of my make up lotion, toilet paper and whatever else she can get her hands on would end up in the toilet! I have to admit when I need to get in and out quickly I pretend like I don’t see her playing in the toilet! :0
I started showering at night instead of in the morning before leaving for work. This way I can wrap my hair (ala sock bun) and just run my fingers through it as we’re running out the door. I’m going to give this product a try (and send some to my mama).
BTW – check out iherb.com for fantastic pricing on those natural products. Use my referral code – they reward referrals (GOZ448). They have excellent customer service!
I do a lot of the things the other creative ladies have posted… but I just recently started putting my long thick hair up in a sock bun at night so I don’t have to spend FOREVER on it straightening or blowing out the next day. I highly recommend it to any busy woman who wants no-fuss hair!
Hmm… simplify… I shower after I workout – which is sometimes in the morining, sometimes in the afternoon, and sometimes not at home at all (at the gym!) Saves times some mornings. I also don’t blow dry every day – maybe once or twice a week.
I’d LOVE to win the $50 gift card for sure!
i simplify my morning by having my husband shower while i deal with the dog, and then he makes me breakfast while i shower
I have to simplify so I gather everything up before bed..I can’t remember everything in the morning ..I would get out half dressed..I have 3 children so most of my brain cells are gone..lol..Thanks for the chance!!
Hi, I am a new reader and I just cried my eyes out from reading your “birth story”. Your baby girl is so beautiful!!
I am a mom of four and over the years I have learned to skip blow drying my hair and I put on my makeup to music…it can make you move really fast!! Kind of like makeup aerobics!!!
i use a tinted moisturizer to eliminate a step in my routine
tweeted
https://twitter.com/#!/karinaroselee/status/183171408573112320
I ready everything the night before so I can get up and go
I simplify my routine by wearing my hair curly on days when I workout; it’s much easier to do that after I get a shower than taking the time to blow it dry and straighten it.
I simpify my routine with a daily checklist, tracietrump@yahoo.com
I use the cleansing cloths to save time
tweet
https://twitter.com/#!/rjs682/status/183578337057320960
To simplify my mornings, I pick out my outfit the night before and iron everything. I also keep my hair simple so I won’t have to fuss with it all morning.
https://twitter.com/#!/disneyfan40/status/183735659041792001
I cleanse my face in the shower then add moisturizer a bit of mascara and out the door!
https://twitter.com/#!/tmc480/status/183779111293038593
I’ve had to cut back on my daily maintenance routine since becoming a mommy of 2, blow drying and straightening hair and a full face of make-up was my past life haha these days life is pretty simple with a quick shower, let my hair do what it wants, throw on a bit of mascara and we’re out the door!
At night, I shower and let my hair dry naturally…In the morning, I just refresh the curls with a little spritz. I put on lotion right after the shower too to help moisturize
I simplify my beauty routine by wearing a minimal amount of makeup and letting my hair dry naturally.
https://twitter.com/#!/susan1215/status/184081481667325953
i wash my face in the shower!
https://twitter.com/#!/DesMoinesDealin/status/184123305819770881
I simplify my routine by using tinted moisturizer and lip gloss in order to save time in the morning.
tcarolinep at gmail dot com
https://twitter.com/#!/tcarolinep/status/184137363520368640
Some of the ways that I’m able to simplify my morning beauty routine? I put less make ups. Yes, it took me a while to get used to it but I’m loving it so far.
amy [at] utry [dot] it
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/uTry_it/status/184188750492991488
amy [at] utry [dot] it
i shower in the evenings so i don’t have to in the morning
nightly showering!
I shower and blow dry at night, use tinted moisturizer instead of foundation, and eat a Luna bar while running out the door!
I skip shampooing daily! No really.
prepare the night before
I use tinted moisturizer to help save time
https://twitter.com/#!/ryanac32/status/185098078603325440
I simplify my morning by pulling my hair up in a sleek bun or wearing a headband. If I have to straighten it, it’s an extra 30 mins! I don’t have that time everyday.
I use 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner! I also cleanse my face while showering instead of doing so at the sink.
tweeted https://twitter.com/#!/DeeGee13/status/186284080915156992
Some days I just wash my face and put on moisturizer if I am just running into town to get the mail.
https://twitter.com/#!/elliebunny24/status/186506010758885376
I simplify my morning routine by preparing everything I need to do the night before & I make a “to do list” to guide me for the rest of the day
I tweeted the giveaway — https://twitter.com/#!/cheeta_kat/status/186853971921612801
I simplify my morning routine by setting out everything I want to wear the night before.
tweeted
https://twitter.com/#!/kellysaver/status/187187262218452993
I save time by skipping makeup – I just apply moisturizer and lipgloss and I’m ready to go!
https://twitter.com/#!/dmarie824/status/187221944347795458
I simplify by not using much body wash so I don’t need to moisturize, but body wash with moisturizer sounds better. Thanks for the review and giveaway.
songyueyu at gmail
tweet: https://twitter.com/#!/syytta/status/187408480594964480
songyueyu at gmail
I always shower at night before bed and just wash my face, put on facial moitsurizer, and basic make up in the morning.
wolverina401 at gmail dot com
I simplify by using the basics – a good tinted moisturizer, lip gloss, and mascara. Thanks for the chance to win!
gina.m.maddox (at) gmail (dot) com
tweet-https://twitter.com/#!/CrazyItalian0/status/187974082434838528
gina.m.maddox (at) gmail (dot) com
I simplify my morning beauty routine by using 3 in 1 day cream
https://twitter.com/#!/HappyTina0115/status/188037001205911553
Ive simplified my routine in order to save time by moisturizing at night and by prepping all I can the night before – ie coffee maker is set so it automatically starts with my wake-up alarm!
https://twitter.com/#!/mermont84/status/188066277686902785
I save timeby putting on my makeup while I blow dry my hair.
I simplify my morning routine by applying moisturizer and foundation follow by blush and lip gloss. It saves me time in the morning.
ctong2[at]gmail[dot]com
I tweeted about this giveaway: https://twitter.com/#!/ctong2/status/189147400307347456
ctong2[at]gmail[dot]com
I wash my hair every other day instead of daily.
tweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/KerryBishop/status/189352494726529024
I shower @ night and use all in one products
family74014 at gmail dot com
I use products that do double duty like moisturizing body wash or gels. So when I put on moisturzier, my skin is already halfway there with smoothness and it glides on better.
amwiden at aol dot com
I simplify by using 2 in 1 products
https://twitter.com/#!/ajoy1332/status/189926742171987968
I save time by letting my hair air dry while putting on my make-up and eating breakfast. I have been using Olay Shea Butter BW for awhile and I LOVE it!
I wash my hair at night and then in the morning I just use moisturizer on my face.
I do simple make-up & put my hair in a ponytail.
Tweeted:
https://twitter.com/#!/calidreamin87/status/191120116275089409
I try to do as much as I can the night before. That way I’m not rushing around in the morning trying to get backpacks together, lunches made, and everyone dressed and ready to go!
coriwestphal at msn dot com
I SHOWER AT NIGHT SO I DON’T HAVE TO IN THE MORNING!
2ND ENTRY TWEET https://twitter.com/#!/kytah00/status/191314291662663680
Tweet: http://twitter.com/coriwestphal/statuses/191314954316554241
coriwestphal at msn dot com
I simplify by having wash & wear hair.
Thanks for the contest.
blogged: http://slehan.blogspot.com/2012/04/win-50-visa-from-olay-blogher.html
I use very little makeup and have very short hair to speed up my routine.
I keep my hair in a simple style and keep the make up to a minimum.
Tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/chipdip2010/status/191846903745482753
I simplify by not wearing makeup and having a natural hair style that does not require product or styling, so its just dry and go!
I tweeted here: https://twitter.com/#!/MsTofuFairy/status/191881545538224129
I sometimes take my shower at night to save time in the morning.
Tweet – https://twitter.com/#!/willitara/status/192270279521730560
I have an easy to care for hairstyle, take a shower at night, wear little makeup of a tinted moisturizer and lipgloss.
tweeted
https://twitter.com/#!/winsome6/status/192384030086402048
I apply sunblock as my moisturizer.
I skip blow drying my hair.
tweet https://twitter.com/#!/mssluna02/status/192757070364282881