5 Tips for getting back into routine this Fall

Fall-tips-2017-routine

Routine…most of us have a “love/hate” relationship when it comes to getting back into a routine, particularly after a long Summer break. Our carefree days of not having a schedule have come to an end and we ask ourselves: how do we mentally jump start our minds, bodies and children back into a routine again? With these 5 helpful tips, your routine should be back on track and flowing smoothly in no time.

1. Have your weekly meals planned with a fully stocked fridge.

Prepare a grocery list and go shopping for the week ahead. Having healthy lunches, dinners and snacks on hand will save you time (and money) in the long run. Being organized with your food will clear the unnecessary clutter in your mind that happens throughout the day and there will be no need to scurry to the market to pick up any missed food items. Your family will not only eat healthier but feel more energized and you will have a little more time to spend with your children or on yourself. Winning!

2. Now that you have food in your fridge, it is time to prepare your weekly meals.

Gather your family members and spend a few hours every week prepping food together. Involving your children in the meal preparation will certainly speed up the prep time and ensure everyone is excited and “on board” about the meals. This opens a discussion about healthy food choices and why we eat certain foods. It also teaches our children about pitching in and helping as part of a family unit. Teamwork is the key to everyone’s success.

3. Regular bedtimes are for children AND adults.

We all know how tired or sleepy we feel if we don’t get a good night’s rest. Start your day off feeling refreshed and ready to tackle your day by having a regular bedtime for the whole family. If you have a young child, this may start half hour before their regular bed time with a bath followed by story time and cuddles. If you have a teenager perhaps you have a regular “shut down time” for all electronics, including cell phones and laptops. After some resistance, your teenager should eventually comply with your guidelines ?.

4. Set regular wake up times.

If you have younger children, set an earlier wake up time for yourself to get ready before assisting your youngster with getting dressed and any other morning chores or checklists. Giving a few warnings as to how much time they have left will also help keep things on track. Lastly, since there is more traffic on the roads give yourself a little more time to get to school and work.

5. Enjoy a weekly outdoor activity with your family.

As we transition into Fall, we need to ensure that we spend time with each other, breathing in the crisp air and enjoying what nature brings. Let your family choose the activity on a fair rotating bases to ensure everyone is satisfied and happy. Some suggestions may be: a leisurely walk, a hike, a ride to the beach to explore the sea life, a bike ride, a fun game of soccer or road hockey, etc. The idea is to reconnect with your children after a long week of responsibilities and accomplishments.

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Dollars & Cents

We have consistently been in the Tri-Cities “A-List”.

5 Tips for getting back into routine this Fall

3-tips-eating-healthy-vacation

Vacation is supposed to be a time to relax and rejuvenate and not make yourself crazy by calorie counting. Don’t be too hard on yourself (or your kids) if you don’t stick to your typical healthy eating plan. Just try to make the best food choices you can with these tips below and have a fabulous holiday with your family and friends!

1. Whether you are going on a plane or in a car the first secret to eating healthy is to plan

We all know that airplane food and fast food restaurants are not the healthiest options and cost you money, so pack along some healthy snacks to satisfy your hunger. Some great ideas: nuts or trail mix, apples, bananas, pre-cut veggies, low fat granola or protein bars, whole grain crackers, low fat cheese, hummus and sandwiches.

2. Resist the urge to splurge and make a better food choice at the Restaurant

It’s simple really! With the Gluten free and Paleo restricted diets these days, most Restaurants are used to modifying their menus. Ask if you can have Dijon mustard instead of mayonnaise, marina sauce instead of the creamy white one, more vegetables in lieu of the starch and request your dressing on the side. *Extra Tip: watch your portion size. You don’t have to finish your meal-stop when you are full and eat ONLY when you are hungry.

3. Eat breakfast

Still considered the most beneficial meal of the day for a reason. Eating a healthy breakfast jump starts your metabolism, gives you the energy you need for site seeing and stops you from over-eating later in the day. Stay away however from the bacon and pastries and choose egg white omelets, whole wheat toast, Greek yogurt and plenty of fresh fruit like anti-oxidant rich berries.

4. Allow yourself a small treat a day

How do you pass up on Gelato when in Italy (or anywhere for that matter?!) or strawberry crepes when in Paris? You don’t! Knowing that you will enjoy that sweet treat will hopefully keep you on track to make healthy food choices throughout the rest of your day. And you won’t feel deprived of not enjoying your vacation.

5. Limit your alcoholic beverages

Those hidden calories found in those happy hour bevies can add up quickly. For every drink of alcohol, have one non-alcoholic drink (preferably calorie-free, such as water). Consider opting for more diluted, mixed beverages in a tall glass, such as a white wine spritzer or a refreshing mimosa!

5 Tips for getting back into routine this Fall

newyears

Hosting a NYE party this weekend? We’ve got you covered with great tips to help you stay organized and host the perfect party.

1. Plan ahead

Once you have an idea of how many guests will be attending, start planning out your supplies: party favours, themed tableware, entertainment and food. If you’re hosting a large number of people, disposable glassware is your new best friend. Save time on dishes with disposable champagne flutes, cutlery, plates and napkins. Improve your party favour and décor this year with classy colour palettes such as black and white paired with metallic gold or silver. Noise makers, hats and confetti are always a must. Think about your entertainment for the evening – create a music playlist and source out some fun games for guests to enjoy together. When it comes to food, make it easier on yourself by asking friends and family to each bring an appy or if you’re supplying the food, BYOB parties are perfect to help keep costs down.

Shopping checklist:

  • Party hats – mix of hats and tiaras
  • Favours – noise makers + confetti
  • Décor – balloons, hanging signs, streamers
  • Themed tableware – plates, napkins, cups, champagne flutes, cutlery
  • Champagne for midnight
  • Appetizers – potluck style?
  • Drinks – BYOB?
  • Entertainment – game supplies

2. Set the mood

Greet your guests by exchanging their coats for a welcome drink. This is the perfect way to start off the evening and show appreciation for your guests. Champagne mimosas or punch are great options for easy welcome drinks. Be sure your music is already on before guests arrive and dim the lights slightly to set the mood. You may even wish to light winter-scented candles to make things even cozier. For your music playlist, start things off with a more festive theme and build up energy as midnight approaches. People love watching the countdown at Times Square – turn your TV to your favourite countdown channel and have it on mute so people can watch in the background.

3. Offer a safe ride home option

End the perfect evening with some safe ride options for your guests if they have too much to drink. Prepare your spare room just incase of an overnight guest and have taxi numbers ready (be sure to call cabs well in advance as it can take 1-2 hours on NYE). Consider other options like Operation Red Nose or Designated Driver Service.