I’m late, I’m late, for a very important date!

Are you the type of person who runs late? I am, so I thought I’d share some common-sense ideas because being late isn’t an attractive personal trait.

Prepare ahead for an easier, stress-free morning by doing the following:

1. One Day before:

Put water in the tea kettle and prepare your coffee machine. Don’t buy your coffee on the way to work. It’s too expensive plus you lose time waiting in line.

Check the weather forecast the night before so you’re dressed appropriately. In fact, check it for the week.

If you have pets fill their water and bowl with food.

If you’re a gym person, have your bag ready to go

Pack all lunches the night before.

2. The Weekend before:

Plan what you’re wearing for the week and wash and iron what’s needed.

Get your grocery shopping done and plan those meals ahead for the week.

3. Don’t ignore your alarm clock when it rings in the morning.

A great tip is to move the alarm to another part of the room so you have to stand up to shut it.

A fun alarm clock is the Nanda Alarm clock. These are sold at Sears for about $65.00. This clock “rolls off your bedside table beeping and scoots away!” Yes, really!

Leave your curtains open because the natural light will wake you up.

4. Keep what you need by the door.

This includes your car keys, wallet, purse, etc.

If you have children, don’t forget these tips apply to them, too.

5. Don’t get sucked into the internet void.

Sure, you want to check your computer tablet and phone for emails, Facebook, etc. But you’re wiser to pass on the tech stuff until your day is organized and you’re ready to go.

6. Some of us are compulsive worriers.

Did I unplug the curling iron, shut the lights? Take a picture of your appliances unplugged on your phone as you’re leaving. Better to spend 2 seconds then 10 minutes rushing back into the house to check when you’re already halfway down the street.

7. Using public transportation?

A good rule which works in any situation, is to leave 15 minutes earlier than you’d planned.

You’re on your way to enjoying a punctual, stress-free life.
Special thanks to the editorial team at Houzz for providing these tips.

Multi-award winning author Josie Riviera and her family are transplanted NewYorkers now living in the sunny Carolinas. She writes character-driven novels filled with inspiration and emotion and combines her love of the Romany (Gypsy) lifestyle with historical and Christian romance.

Seeking Patience: http://tinyurl.com/a9nnbwy

Available on Amazon.com, this book is a Regency Inspirational romance exploring prejudice, forgiveness, and love.

Blurb:
Do people prove their self-worth by strength, or by character?
A Romany leader confronts the English heritage he has denied when he lands, beaten and powerless, in the path of a high-spirited young widow. Will the prim countess agree to hide the charismatic rogue in her home and jeopardize her safety while her stepson accuses her of murdering her elderly husband?