Are you catching your Zzzzz's?

If you are like most of the population, the answer to this is probably no? So the question becomes: why not? Why aren't we catching our eight hours every night? Is it possible to actually get a full night of rest with such busy schedules?

So to attack this issue lets take a closer look at our  most traditional daily routines:

-Wake between 5am to 7am (on average)

-Office work or house work 9am to 5 to 7pm

-Dinner 7pm

-8pm Evening routine: homework with the kids, baths, getting ready for the next day

-Wind down  between 9pm and 11pm

-Now up again for the next day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The loop continues for the rest of the week , and most of us actually don't get to bed until after 12am! Yikes!  So how do we intervene with this vicious cycle?   Well let's just say that on the gloomy side, there is no way to end the cycle, but on the bright side there are some remedies to this age old issue. Keep your evening simple with my three step rule.  It takes practice, but it can be done. These are the 3 things that all of us should do every evening.  If we stick to these 3 steps we will be in bed in  a timely manner and catch our z's!!!!!

Step 1: Dinner cooked and eaten 1 hour

Step 2: Homework, prep for work for the next day (lunches, clothes and hair set/ready) 2 hours

Step 3: Wand down bath or reading 1 hour 

It's that simply.  Just prioritize your evening with these essentials and you will have balance and more importantly, get your rest! Sorry to break the news but there is no time for TV, internet surfing, or chatting on Face time or other social media outlets. Save those novelties for your weekends.  For instance, catch up on you favorite movies on a Friday night, this way you won't feel like your missing out.

It's up to you if you want to choose sleep or weep:)

Aniyah 

Resource guide for mommys on fashion, lifestyle and entertainment

Mood Boosters

Hey you, how are you feeling today?  Is your busy "must do" schedule dominating your life? Well your not alone! Most of us moms spend the majority of our time taking care of other people.  We have our checklist for our spouses, kids, relatives, friends or pets, but we don't include ourselves on this list.  I guess we forgot that there should be a box for ourselves.  Funny oversight right?   So let's turn this around and check in with ourselves starting today, yes don't wait until tomorrow, start today!  Did you know that making yourself a higher priority could boost your mood?  Self pampering can make us feel like we matter. When most people think of pampering they imagine a bubble bath, a day at the spa or maybe even a good workout.  These techniques are effective, but not solely tapping into our needs. Pampering also comes in the form of taking care of our personal business.  When we prioritize our lives we essentially are cuddling our inner psyche, thus resulting in a mood boost! So the next time you are feeling weighed down by the world, try some of these mood boosters to improve your sense of worth:

Meditate:
Start your day with a daily meditation. State what you'd like your day to look like.... If you have a few goals in mind for the day, specify what they are so you can commit to them. One source of stress stems from procrastination or from items on lists that remain pending. So knock out those items so they are no longer hanging over your head.  Do the things you like the least, first, this way you don't have to think about them. 
Note: if you are unable to meditate at home in the morning due to schedule restraints; take a 10 minute break at work and find a quiet meditative spot (the bathroom is a good source for privacy).

Organize:
After you've meditated, prioritize your task.  Don't just write down what you need to do.  Put a number next to the task.  Strategically plan out your day.  Doing this allows you to pencil in time for the things you enjoy:)

Manage your money:
When we take control of our finances we automatically put ourselves in the driver's seat of our lives.  Our money is the foundation of our livelihood.  Mismanaging our funds can add to stress and of course unnecessary debt. The anecdote is to plan ahead by creating a realistic financial budget. Allocate funds for each area: Bills, savings,emergency fund, spending and vacation. Seeing where our money is going can actually help us to find dollars we never thought existed. For instance, packing a breakfast, lunch and a snack can save us up to $20 a day! That is $100 a week, and up to $400 a month. Think of it this way, this $400 can pay your car note!

Hobbies:
I can not stress enough on how important it is to keep your hobbies and never neglect them.  Our hobbies feed our inner spirit and are indispensable outlets.  Whether your hobby is as simply as reading suspense thrillers, drawing, painting, or creating family photo galleries; they are important because they make us feel good and may even relax us.  So go ahead take that trip to the art supply store on your next day off and stock up on some apparatus for your next project.  Your safe to
stock up as long as it is within your budget!

So I hope these tips will prove helpful in boosting your mood. Remember you have to take the first step though!

Aniyah 

"Tips for moms on looking good on the outside and feeling good inside!"

Ready for the summer?

I know most of us panic when the temperature starts rising
in late spring.  The layers start to come off and we are afraid that
 we aren't ready to show some skin! We think, yikes another summer where I have to squeeze into those shorts, expose my arms and toss the hot and clingy Spanx ! 

Here are some tips so you can bare it all with confidence this summer season:

Step 1: Don't be so hard on yourself.  We are usually the ones who confirm what our flaws are. The rest of the world probably doesn't notice that birthmark you dread about, which is located slightly beneath your left calf.  

Step 2: Make a list of the things you feel you can realistically and comfortably change about your appearance. Be realistic, because
you probably don't have the budget for the cosmetic surgery that
your more affluent peers can afford.  The alternative is to work with what you have!
-A new hair cut or color can take years off of your face!
-Adding some brighter colors to your wardrobe can set a different mood (do a google search on colors that work for your particular skin tone)
-Invest in a waist clinching belt.  Accentuating your waist can give the appearance of significant weight loss. 

Step 3: If your not the traditional workout type, think of alternatives to hitting the gym:
-If you commute on the bus, get off a few stops sooner than your normal route. Try to get in at least a 20 minute power walk (don't forget your walking shoes!). 
-If you drive to work, park a few blocks further away from the job,
so you can get a quick power walk each morning.
-Join a hiking group (there are hundreds of hiking meet-up groups on the Internet).
-Purchase a few dance or exercise DVDs so you can work off some pounds during your own leisure time.
Step 4: Take inventory of what is in your closet that you feel flatters your figure and keep those key items! 

Rule to remember: Accentuate the parts you like and negate the parts you don't.  A good way to do this is; if you like the top part of your body, wear brighter colors in this area.  If you aren't comfortable with your bottom half, wear darker colors to play this area down.  Sometimes it is as simple as fooling the eye! 

I hope these tips come in handy so you can bare it all! LOL....

Aniyah 
" Tips for moms on looking good on the outside and feeling good inside"

The Perfect Tee!

 An Arduous Ordeal

    As most of us know getting dressed for a special occasion can be troublesome and quit time consuming.  In fact, the dread of having to put out the effort makes a special occasion into an arduous and unpleasant ordeal.  You may think to yourself "if only I had a stylist on call for these moments".  Well, guess what?, the solution to your dilemma may be a few feet away in your very own closet! You may not have to run the task of hitting the pavement in search of a shop that can offer you a fast solution for your hunt.  

    Finding an item from your wardrobe can cut down on investing in an entirely new ensemble.  For instance, a simply basic tee can be dressed up and take you to your next day or evening affair without breaking your bank!  Check out a few of my ideas in the captions, and get the tips you will need to make the perfect tee work for you!!!! Enjoy:)

Try this double layered split tee for your next day time spring event! Pair it with a stiletto heel and a palazzo pant or wide leg classic trousers, throw in a clutch bag, accessorize with a bold necklace piece and  matching earrings and your sure to have effortless style! 
JC Penny $19.99

Everyone looks good in Royal blue! It has a regal quality all of it's own.  Dressing up this scoop neck tee won't spin your wheels.  Wear it as a shell under a blazer (black or white) and a cropped pant with high heel pumps, and you will be the epitome of casual chic!
JC Penney $9.99

If you don't have an asymmetric tee in your closet, it is time you should.  Match it with your favorite black pencil skirt and you will have the silhouette that everyone desires, this combination sets the tone for undeniable:
style and sophistication !
JCPenney $12.99

I hope you've enjoyed my weekly Affordable Basics ideas.  Stay tuned next week for more fun basics that won't hurt your wallet!
Aniyah 
Tips for moms on looking good on the outside and feeling good inside! 

Add some spice!

Aniyah's closet: Polka dot A-line dress with mustard yellow pumps and leather belt. Accessorized with muted green tote. 

Most of us go into autopilot everyday, we are committed to our roles as parents, employees/employers, bill payers, and various other obligations.  Wearing this plethora of hats can take a toll on our spiritual, mental and physical well being. To relieve stress most of us invest in a gym membership, we learn yoga, meditate,

try eating right and getting our Z's, but another anecdote for the everyday can also be to simply add some spice to our wardrobes! Do you remember the last time you did some spring cleaning at home? Do you remember how good it felt? Well guess what?, changing your physical look can actually have the same effect.  Giving you a fresh outlook!  So the next time you are feeling overwhelmed or stressed, take a trip to the mirror and ask yourself? What do I want to say about myself this season?

Here's a few ideas for a quick change in your look:
Business:
-Add some color to your shell top and blazers. Try a muted orange blazer this spring.  Orange pairs well with earth tones and neutral colors.
-Explore your feminine side by wearing more dresses.  The A-line and Sheath dress are great for most body types. Explore which style works best for you.
Casual:
-Opt for more textures, lycra and cotton blends for comfort and style on those days off.
-Give yourself a signature weekend look to express yourself during your next kiddy or adult party, trip to the mall, movie or lunch date.  Do you want a classic, bohemian or chic look?
Play:
-Leave the work slacks at home the next time you meet up with the girls for a local drink at the pub or lounge.  Invest in a flattering denim pant that can take you from day to evening. The right denim/jeans can give you an effortlessly chic silhouette every
time!
-Go ahead and show some skin! Expose that awesome neckline and dismiss the notion that you need to have perfect arms to show them off!
-Buy that one pair of shoes that truly exhibits your personality! Wearing them will help you feel fun and playful!!!
Enjoy:)
Aniyah
"Tips for moms on looking good on the outside and feeling good inside"  

Yes Accessorize!

Accessorizing can change the theme of any of your outfits.   One thing I enjoy about accessorizing is that I can elevate my mood while making my outfit look like it took hours to create, though it didn't.  Recently I had to meet up with a family member on short notice.  I had under an hour to get dressed and travel.  Adding this hat as an accessory really set the tone for my outfit.  It was so fun getting head turning attention when I knew that I got dressed in a few moments.  As a mom I appreciate any short cut that I can get.  So say yes to accessorizing the next time you need to leave the house in a spin!!!

What better way to say hello to spring than with this vented white fedora from JC Penny, just $15.40. 

Wear this brown chocolate Fedora all year round and go at it in style! Just $52 at Fedoras.com

Why would you want to miss out this summer without making this statement?  The Fedora has become a classic,  The muted brown with white trim is sure to work with any of your earth tones! Just $15.40 at Manhattan Hat Company.

I personally love the fedora. It gives me style and let's me make a silent statement!
Aniyah
Tips for moms on looking good on the outside and feeling good inside

Affordable Basics

We all could use a "pick me up" when it comes to our everyday routines.  Why not do it in style!  Here are some affordable wardrobe basics I've selected that are sure to be eye pleasing without putting a hole in your pockets. Enjoy!!!

I couldn't resist adding this Jacquard Knit H&M Vest as one of our Must have basics!
The versatility is priceless! It also crosses seasons when you wear it as a pull over during the cooler summer evenings.
Pair with leggings, jeans, a maxi dress or skirt and you are sure to turn heads!
Just $24.99 (sizes XS - L) H&M.com

I'm sure that you'd agree that every women needs a pair of leggings in her wardrobe!  Try a textured pattern the next time you opt for the legging look.  Remember texture adds dimensions to your silhouette and gives you more variety.
So go ahead and try the H&M imitation suede pant for just $12.99 (up  to size 16).

How adorable is this 3/4 sleeve pattern dress? You can dress it up with an edgy stilettos or dress it down with your favorite wedges, booties, knee high boots or ballerina shoe.  So this small investment of  just $9.99 will pay off in numerous ways.
                                     H&M.com                             

Plus Sizes:
Every gal should look and feel her best. Plus size is no exception! Here are a few picks for plus size.

Ready for the summer? An asymmetric front wrap tank is an eye catching look for the upcoming seasons.  This day or evening wear topper is sure to become a classic staple for your wardrobe.  At just $55.90 you can grab both the aqua blue and black colors. (sizes 14-24)
Eloquii.com

Make a statement in this flare sleeve Tee dress! The flutter sleeve screams style and demands attention.  Works well for the office, play or a special occasion.
Eloquii-$89.90 (sizes 14-24)
Eloquii.com

Spring is in the air and wearing white sets the pace for the new season! 
An A-line dress flatters most body types.  Scoop into the white zone for a crisp work look or your next event.
  
$79.90 (Sizes 14-24)
Eloquii.com


I hope that you have enjoyed your weekly Affordable Basics by Aniyah!
Stay tuned for more tips on looking good on the outside and feeling good inside! 

Aniyah

Pay Attention to the inside!

Pay Attention to the inside!

Normally I get out of bed with a laundry list of things I'd like to accomplish and of course I have the right outfits! Since I am usually consistent with my routine, I figure that I don't need to make any adjustments right? Umm, actually, wrong, very wrong!! Most of us moms very easily get caught up in the rat race.  We put ourselves into full speed and Go, Go, Go! We rarely take inventory of what is happening on the "inside" until it is too late. 
I recently had to press pause on my To-Do list to take care of a health issue that I really didn't know was serious.  My ailment let it be known that I needed to start paying attention,
after an incident that drove me to the emergency room last month.  There I was "superwoman" (at least I thought I was prior to that day) mounted on a dense wooden chair in triage 
 gasping for air! The ordeal lasted endless hours and finally I was diagnosed with Pericarditis.  Umm, sure most of you never heard of this one. Neither did I.  Turns out it is a condition in which you have fluid around your heart sac due to leakage from the nostril passage.   All of this was due to my chronic allergies/sinuses.
The traditional anecdote is anti-inflammatory or simply put: Ibuprofen.  So I walked away from an overnight stay at the hospital with prescription in hand and figured I'd be back to normal in a couple of days. Guess what, I was wrong again! My sinuses decided not to give up and I ended up with a sinus infection one week after my discharge from the hospital.  At that point I was popping the 800mg Ibuprofen pills, ingesting some ineffective allergy medication and slurping cough syrup due to the sore throat the infection caused.  Between the antihistamines and codeine inactive ingredients I felt like a zombie.  I could not function my normal task.  I was forced to stay down on the couch and do absolutely nothing! 
Most of you know "Doers" need to do something! Doing nothing can drive a doer to insanity.  
So my edge of sanity self decided to do some research on natural remedies for my ailments, because I could no longer tolerate the side effects of traditional medicine.  
My natural Remedies:

• Herbal Tea
• Fresh Lemon
• Cayenne Pepper
• Ginger Root
• Raw Honey

Within days of taking the above all of my symptoms dissipated!  I have to say that this experience  inspired a movement for me and has taught me valuable lessons I'd like to share:

#1) Never ignore your ailments.  If you have any minor discomfort,  your body is talking to you.
#2) Be a skeptic.  Make sure you are properly diagnosed by a professional, and don't hesitate to get a second opinion. 
#3) Do your research.  Once you have been diagnosed with an ailment, find out if there are alternative medications you can use that are non-toxic.  Especially if you have a chronic illness. You want to avoid the side effects of traditional medications.  Sometimes the side effects can be more unpleasant than the actual illness!

Aniyah
Tips on looking good on the outside and feeling good inside!