This is sponsored content by BlogHer and Kelloggs.
Psst...Be sure to keep reading 'til the end for a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card! Contest is now closed.Lately, my key to a good morning is this...
That's right--a computer that's turned OFF. It's amazing how I can think, "Oh, I'm just going to check one thing on the computer..." and two hours later, I'm still sitting there still staring at the screen!
So lately I've started most mornings by doing something productive, usually something I'm not too excited about and want to get out of the way...like cleaning bathrooms or dusting or starting laundry. After that, it's time to get myself and the kids ready for the day. I like to get some quiet time to nurture my spirit. And then it's time to sit down in front of the computer.
It's amazing what a difference this little change has made for me! I'm less stressed out and feel better about myself on the days when I get moving and get something done.
Of course, in the midst of all this productivity, the kids and I still need to eat! We are not the type of family to skip breakfast. Sometimes I eat breakfast early; sometimes I grab something when I'm sitting down to relax after getting things done. Zoodle's usually hungry soon after getting up; Chickie sometimes waits a little longer. Whether it's Kellogg's Frosted Flakes or toast or granola bars...the kids and I nearly always eat breakfast!
Now it's your chance to win a $100 Visa gift card! For all the fine print and official rules of the contest, visit this link. Here's how to enter:
You can enter up to 2 times. Choose up to 2 of these 3 entry methods:
- Leave a comment here sharing the best way you've found to keep your mornings positive.
- Tweet about this contest, and leave a comment with a link to your Tweet. (Sorry, Tweets only, not Facebook posts.) To link, post your Tweet then look directly underneath it. It'll show when you Tweeted ("less than a minute ago" or "5 minutes ago"). Click that; it's a link to your Tweet!
- Post about this contest on your blog, and leave a link to the blog post.
Remember, you can only enter twice, and you need a separate comment for each entry. The contest will close next Monday. Good luck! (And to improve your chances, enter at the other blogs involved in this series--just click here!)
Last week's winner:
The winner of last week's gift card was determined by my trusty friend random.org....
Congratulations to commenter #72, jillyrh! Jilly wrote, "We usually hit the alarm a few times, eat something quick like cereal and head out the door. LOL "
*****
Mom’s Breakfast Club was started to help educate moms and families about kids’ cereal and share the scoop on their nutritional benefits and ingredients. To learn more about the program, visit http://www.betterbythebowl.com.
110 comments:
Hugging my children before they get on the school bus helps me start out the day with a smile.
mami2jcn at gmail dot com
wow, that is a hard one! Mornings are usually not positive because you have to get out of bed! But I do LOVE my coffee!!! If I don't have one, I am usually a little cranky....
A good start to my morning is to eat breakfast with my husband and a good morning kiss. Also not turning on the news. The paper is fine but the tv shouts what is going on in the world good or bad and sometimes in the AM it isn't necessary.
smgb245 at gmail dot com
well, getting enough sleep is usually the best way to cope with morning...and COFFEE!! Also, I always like to get up a while before the kids and get cleaned up, and breakfast on the go before they get up, less stressful...morning sare usually pretty easygoing around here!
-karasceviour at hotmail dot com
I try to start my day with a bagel and fresh seasonal fruit! tracietrump@yahoo.com
I like to wake up slowly, even on workdays. The alarm goes off early enough that I can spend about 15 minutes snuggling with my husband or the kitties (depends on who's around) before I have to rush into the day.
Also - I'm not sure my laptop has that "closed" position. Very odd.
Weekdays: Its hard to keep mornings positive. I don't wanna go to work! (Yes, I whine every morning about it.)
Weekends: They are the best! Every Saturday we take the dog on an outing. We are regulars at Red Bud, an off-leash dog park where our golden retriever can play with other dogs and swim to his heart's content. With the recent flooding in Austin, I've moved our doggie destination to Auditorium Shores. (At the moment, it's water is cleaner than Red Bud, as its further downstream from the dam.) Its been a nice change of scenery. Still water access, but lots more interactions with playful dogs.
Tweet tweet! http://twitter.com/showmyface/status/25129904555
Best way to keep my mornings positive are to get some accomplishments under my belt pretty early.
I tweeted!
When each of my children get up I greet them with an enthused "Good Morning!!" and a big smile and it never fails to be returned on their faces. If they, or I, wake up grumpy I tickle a smile out of them. Then we always read our Bible for daily encouragement and a reminder we're alive for a reason and how much God loves us.
Linked on my blog
www.fatwuzhere.blogspot.com
Mornings are rough...i am not a morning person, but trying to become one. I try to get ready faster so that I can help my little guys get ready with out having to rush them. They don't fush!
I've found getting up long before my kids is a great way to have some time to myself and be ready for them. Otherwise I am guilty of staring at the computer screen too!
I linked up!
http://thefarmerswifetellsall.blogspot.com/2010/09/no-news-is-no-news.html
My routine is very similar to yours Beth. We all eat together, and while Brody is still in his high chair munching away I unload/load the dishwasher, sweep, mop whatever, but I get some important stuff done and out of the way. Then we have the rest of the day to spend as we please :) I'm on the computer more than I want to be, but that's where I have to be to edit.
-Claire
I try to get out of bed as slowly as possible (wake up, stretch, cuddle with the husband, sit up, and finally put my feet on the floor). This sounds odd, but I enjoy my day so much more if I don't have to jump out right away. You know, like when you hear your kid say, "Mama! Potty now?"
:)
A list of the kids' morning tasks on the whiteboard calendar so they can be sure everything is done instead of me remembering to check that they've all brushed their teeth, combed their hair, have backpacks ready, etc.
I like to start my morning with checking my email, Twitter, or feed reader. It is something I like and enjoy so I find it a nice way to ease into working mode in the morning.
Tweet! https://twitter.com/mstacer/status/25159023230
I keep the morning's positive by making sure the kids get a good breakfast. Makes them less crabby!
Thanks for the giveaway!
Amy B.
adennispac@yahoo.com
I keep the morning positive by leaving plenty of time to get everyone up and out the door on time!
I try to get 5 minutes to myself alone and have to have a mt dew to boost me awake and then I will be ready for the morning
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
tweet
http://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/25176596710
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
Actually, eating a decent breakfast always starts my day out on a positive note. When I have to eat on the run, or worse skip breakfast, I spend the whole day feeling rushed.
adrianecoros(at)gmail(dot)com
tweet!
http://twitter.com/LAMusing/status/25194762312
adrianecoros(at)gmail(dot)com
Making sure I prepare what I can the night before makes my morning more positive and less stressed
bingomamanorma(at)gmail(dot)com
Hmm, yeah, I could probably use some help with this! :P We're in crazy mode in the morning so it's not always as positive as it could be. I try to remember to kiss my daughter goodbye and tell her to have a great day, though!
kt1969 at comcast dot net
Growing up my Mother packed my lunches everyday and never let me walk out of the house without eating breakfast. <3 Her! =)
ninjapandawedding(at)gmail(dot)com
I try to get up earlier than they do, and get my morning all sorted out...before everyone wakes up!
I wake up thirty minutes early to have some time to myself before anyone wakes up.
MCantu1019@aol.com
I am a morning person so I am up before anyone else and have my bowl of cereal in peace and quiet. I can look forward to each new day and the joys and challenges it will bring
I have two small boys, so there is no possible way to ENSURE that the day starts off on a positive note. Little boys are prone to be unreasonable about the silliest things (I didn't want ketchup on my sandwich today, or a fight to brush their teeth). I try to stay on our tight schedule - not leaving much room for negotiation. Get them up and out the door quickly and efficiently. Avoid conflict. Never try to make any important decisions (like if a they can have a playdate this weekend) during our morning routine. Most important of all, we start with a kiss and hug!
I start off with prayer and then I have breakfast with my daughter and we chat about having great expectations for the day! And the last thing we say to each other is Have a great day and I love you!
bleatham*at*gmail.com
tweet
http://twitter.com/sleatham1/status/25286982649
bleatham*at*gmail.com
I start by trying to be quiet in the morning to meditate!
kmassman gmail
Java. It's the only thing known to have magical powers in my possession.
shutterboo at gmail dot com
Do as much as possible the night before!
I stretch immediately upon waking up, not a wimpy stretch... a great big arms in the air stretch. then being able to hug and kiss your loved ones... not always possible, but the extra effort is felt. :) I also dislike being startled awake so I dont set an alarm. . I'm lucky to have an overactive internal clock ;)
abitnerdygirl [at] gmail [dot] com
I keep my morning positive by having protein for breakfast - eggs!
urchiken at gmail dot com
tweet
http://twitter.com/Grandma3710/status/25352609107
I have always had difficulty sleeping so when I wake up, I wake up happy the night is over, and I can get out of bed. So I guess every morning is started with relief, if not postivity.
quitecontrary1977@hotmail.com
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we wish each other a good morning, hug and say i love yous..then get some coffee and apple juice and we're both happy
nannypanpan at sbcglobal.net
i check sample sites in the morning and try to sign up for some samples while eating breakfast.
songyueyu at gmail
i tweeted http://twitter.com/syytta/status/25363204110
Make sure to get enough sleep the night before!
evil_eva12 at hotmail dot com
My kids are grown so I can do what I want and I want to walk 2.5 in the norning
http://twitter.com/sodahoney/status/25371894910
When I start my day in prayer, my morning goes smoothly. I need to do it more often!
http://twitter.com/leahforlove/status/25373300511
I like to start my morning off with fruit, cereal and cottage cheese, then it's off to the gym for me!
Coffee first helps keep things positive!
I keep my mornings positive with a healthy breakfast! I know it sounds stupid on a breakfast blog, but it's true! Pancakes, homemade granola bars, fruit, or even dinner leftovers put me in a great mood!
I keep my mornings positive with a healthy breakfast! I know it sounds stupid on a breakfast blog, but it's true! Pancakes, homemade granola bars, fruit, or even dinner leftovers put me in a great mood!
To keep things positive, we make sure to get up with extra time to spare in the morning. We all get really grumpy if we are rushed!
nuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net
tweeted: http://twitter.com/KerryBishop/status/25462439890
nuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net
We make sure to share hugs and kisses! scg00387 at yahoo dot com
http://twitter.com/DesMoinesDealin/status/25463022380 scg00387 at yahoo dot com
The best way I've found to keep my mornings positive is start with a good breakfast and a whole lot of caffeine!
Tweeted the giveaway:
http://twitter.com/calidreamin87/status/25491007598
The best way I've found to keep my morning positive is to Count my blessings, have a great cup of coffee and to take time to eat breakfast and enjoy it=)
Luvdaylilies at bellsouth dot net
The best way to keep things sane in the morning is to be organized and have things ready the night before, then have an nice relaxed breakfast together!
HobartsMama {AT} AOL.COM
I posted about this on my blog!
http://jennaiscorner.blogspot.com/p/kelloggs-moms-breakfast-club.html
HobartsMama {at} aol.com
I try to kiss my hubby good bye each morning before I leave for work. angiewith3 at live dot com
Rt'd giveaway: http://twitter.com/angiewith3/status/25540156374
angiewith3 at live dot com
I get myself up 1/2 hour before the children so I can get ready without any interuptions. While they are getting dressed I make breakfast and we eat together getting down with some minutes to spare.
s2s2 at comcast dot net
http://twitter.com/susan1215/status/25541289792
To make sure my day starts right - A smiling baby, a kiss from my hubby, a small prayer and a huge cup of coffee! Breakfast for the baby always - for me....well, that may be optional.
Melanie
mel2266@gmail.com
i start out on a positive note by having a cup of coffee
I keep my mornings positive by being thankful to the Lord for my baby, my husband, our home, and the millions of other graces that he has bestowed upon me.
laprochaine at gmail dot com
Tweet, http://twitter.com/laprochaine/status/25555799354
laprochaine at gmail dot com
TO STAY POSITIVE I TRY TO REMEMBER HOW GRATEFUL I AM TO HAVE ALL THAT I HAVE kytah00@yahoo.com
TWITTERED http://twitter.com/kytah00/status/25559819188 kytah00@yahoo.com
I think the best way to keep my mornings positive is to think positive and do positive. To be thankful for another day, thankful for my job, my son, his school. to be thankful for food in the fridge, and the roof over my head. To be thankful for another day.
Mel4Him777{at}gmail{dot}com
I positively start with a bowl of frosted flakes or mini wheats and lots of coffee.
marybug2@yahoo.com
I tweeted your giveaway
http://twitter.com/marybug2/status/25599731233
marybug2@yahoo.com
Nobody leaves my house without hugs and kisses.
Coffee for me, and breakfast and hugs and kisses for my family :)
shevilkenevil1 at aol dot com
Tweet:
http://twitter.com/lipstickncandy/status/25607375191
shevilkenevil1 at aol dot com
Saying good morning with a smile and eating a delicious and healthy breakfast such as oatmeal or cereal with fruit is a given. But I always play music to get out of bed and do a dance do one song. It energizes everyone for the day when you play a great positive song and shake it! :) deeg131 at gmail com
tweeted!
deeg131 at gmail com
http://twitter.com/DeeGee13/status/25608246477
A strong cup of coffee gets me going and, usually, puts me in a good mood to start the day.
scoopster(nospam)at yahoo dot com
Tweet
http://twitter.com/LuigiFranco/status/25608859759
scoopster(nospam) at yahoo dot com
I am so not a morning person. When I want to have a good day, I wake up 15 minutes before I get my 14 year old daughter out of bed and have a Diet Coke and relax before the chaos starts. My daughter is not the most pleasant person in the morning and it's a bad combo if I'm cranky too....much better for me to psych myself up for 15 minutes before she gets out of bed.
shel704 at aol dot com
Tweeted:
http://twitter.com/auntiethesis/status/25613629394
shel704 at aol dot com
After a good breakfast and before heading out the door, we exchange hugs and kisses. I make sure to tell my children that I love them to start the day off on a positive note!
sazzyfrazz at gmail dot com
I pray in my car every morning on the way to work--can't get much more positive than that!!!
http://twitter.com/fostertam/status/25622880876
http://twitter.com/fostertam/status/25622880876
Plenty of sleep first of all, let the kids pick out what they like to wear and also what they want in their lunches always helps get them ready for the morning.
gmissycat@yahoo.com
Tweeted giveaway here.
http://twitter.com/gmissycat/status/25644903039
gmissycat@yahoo.com
I always tell my son "I Love You" every morning no matter how grumpy he or I are feeling to stay positive and start the day out right!
Tweeted
http://twitter.com/jillyrh/status/25648718832
We make sure we get up early enough to not be rushed through a healthy breakfast, sitting down together and an I Love you. uheeter at comcast.net
I start off my day by laying in bed and decompressing before letting my feet actually hit the floor. My 2 year old watches TV in his room (quietly) so I am able to get 15 minutes of me time in the morning!
newmommyin08 AT yahoo DOT com
Tweet
http://twitter.com/royaldixie/status/25687749703
newmommyin08 AT yahoo DOT com
I think of all the things that I'm thankful for- it helps get me off on the right foot
rmartinclarke at gmail dot com
We keep our mornings positive just by forging ahead. We have to do what we have to do...and since we are not morning people, we just accept that and make the best of it!
http://twitter.com/#!/won2x/status/25695176693
Thank you!
Music is key! We dance, sing or just listen to music post well-rounded breakfast.
lkziegler[at]gmail[dot]com
Step 1 - insert caffeine
Step 2 - go for a walk by myself.
That's as positive as I can get until afternoon. Just reading the post above me makes me want to go back to bed. Dance? Sing? In the morning????
bsw529 at gmail dot com
I tweeted http://twitter.com/bsw529/status/25701331276
bsw529 at gmail dot com
I ensure a bright start by drinking a warm cup of coffee and reading the newspaper on the porch.
We try to share breakfast as a family, but the weekdays get hectic and we usually sit together on the weekend.
pauleyd68 (at) yahoo (dot) com
http://twitter.com/lpauld68/status/25715342132
pauleyd68 (at) yahoo (dot) com
I enjoy sitting in my favorite chair & having the sunlight shining in the window while I soak in the word from the Son of God...my personal devotions help to start my day right!
~eunice b
tigergal01 @gmail .com
http://twitter.com/tigergal01/status/25721197984
tweet
~eunice b
tigergal01 @gmail .com
i try to start each morning off well aleast 10 mins of me just to think and relax because i woke up the kids
purple_lover_04 at msn dot com
http://twitter.com/#!/purplelover04/status/25745064714
Plenty of Sleep but since that never happens I make sure the kids have plenty of sleep
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