Hello and happy weekend!!!
I’ve struggled with creating a focused morning routine for years. But it feels like I’m constantly shuffling my morning habits to create a better work flow.
One constant I don’t deviate from is I always write out the 5 top things to accomplish for the day first thing in the am, or better even, the night before. But after that, things can head to a state of flux.
For a while there I was in the habit of waking up, fumbling for my glasses, and picking up my computer to check email and schedule Facebook before I’d even stepped foot out of bed. But then I read I should swear off email ’til later in the day, so I did.
I’ve made exercise my a.m. priority.
I’ve eaten my scrambled eggs breakfast first thing and I’ve also waited until 11 am.
I’ve journaled before doing anything else.
I’ve tried meditation.
I’ve showered and gotten ready for the day and I’ve also gone straight to work in my bathrobe.
I try and I try and I try. Achieving focus to be more productive and achieve life balance isn’t easy.
Then I adopted this productivity tip: Do creative work first and reactive work second. The most important work, not the most urgent.
Lately I’ve rejiggered my schedule to do the tasks that require the most focus first thing in the morning. It’s that one time I have fewer distractions and a more clear head. Supposedly. So once my daughter walks out the door for school at 7:10 a.m., I gather my cup of coffee, my planner, my phone, and head to my office. I don’t open email. I don’t check social media. I put my head down and give myself two hours to complete the one task I must have done that day.
So far, my method seems to be working and I’m striking things off my to-do list early in the day before life’s interruptions occur. Is my method foolproof? No. But I’m keeping at it.
What’s your secret to staying focused? Leave a comment below, we all want to know. Maybe your method can help someone else.
But enough about me, let’s dig into this week’s Friday Faves.
No, you aren’t dreaming! You really can stay in the real life Malibu Barbie’s airbnb dream house for $60 a night.
or…
Stay in one of these haunted airbnb mansions. spppppoooooky
Did you see the farmer who grew a 910-pound pumpkin and turned it into a boat?!
A must-read for parents: “The allure of independence, so powerful to previous generations, holds less sway over today’s teens.” Has the smartphone destroyed this generation?
On another note:
Selena’s new music video was shot entirely on the iPhone 11. V. impressive.
My husband fell in love with this hot sauce while in Carmel. Yep, we brought it home.
17 fall centerpieces to elevate your table.
Pumpkin dream cake. Making.
Fall flavored cinnamon roll recipe alert from the queen of cinnamon rolls as witnessed in this recipe.
Crispy Korean bbq wings. Hot to it!
Lemon cake is my kryptonite.
This pasta is all sorts of healthy creamy deliciousness.
Warm up the Crock Pot, this vegetarian stew is ready for it.
This shrimp and rice sounds exotically nice.
I LOVE a good frittata!
Donut pumpkin muffins…roll me in cinnamon sugar and feed me.
6 things that are normal in other countries, but not in the U.S.
This travel recap is making me want to go back!
This is for you mom: Everything to watch on Netflix for November. It’s greased lightning!
Clueless is getting a reboot, but original fans may not be happy.
The best podcasts for discovering new music.
A good read and lesson in understanding: I’m never having children—why does that make you so upset.
15 things you could do instead of comparing yourself to others.
Got my hair did this week and my hair stylist had this deliciously smelling diffuser in her salon. I had to order it for myself.
Did someone mention Advent calendars?
- These advent calendars are always a classic for the kiddos.
- Or, my favorite candle just got promoted to a daily advent open. YES!
- Go low budget with one of three exclusive $112,000 advent calendars from Tiffany’s. (I wonder what’s the psychology of pricing it at $112K instead of rounding up to $115K?)
- Or get realistic with 16 advent calendars especially for that special someone.
How to wear 7 of this fall’s fashion trends.
Keeping fall alive with these basics:
- My hipster niece loves these leggings so naturally, I want to too.
- Or, just cuddle up in this comfy sweater.
- This coat is a classic and never goes out of style. Lovely.
- This basic sweater with just the right touch of embellishment.
And something to think about with wonder: What’s your Sliding Doors moment?
That’s it for this week. I hope you find time to get outside and live, and also into the kitchen to make real good, real food with friends and family you love. XO!
We send good emails. Subscribe to FoodieCrush and have each post plus exclusive content only for our subscribers delivered straight to your e-mail box.
Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter for more FoodieCrush inspiration.
Craving more life balance, less stress, and better health? Check out my Nourished Planner, the daily planner to help create simplicity and under-schedule your life.
As always, thank you for reading and supporting companies I partner with, which allows me to create more unique content and recipes for you. There are affiliate links in this post of which I receive a small commission. All opinions are always my own.
Patti
I love Foodiecrush and Friday Faves Thanks for the Nov. Netflix schedule.
Ashley @ Foodie Crush
You bet! Thanks Patti!
coco
I do something similar than you but in the office. I arrive, write down priority tasks, then dive into them with door closed. Usually I’m done in 1 or 2 hours, then I’ll have my first meal of the day without having things in my mind. :)
Ashley @ Foodie Crush
That is a great idea!
Shadi Hasanzadenemati
Love these and so excited about the spooky airbnbs!!
Ashley @ Foodie Crush
So fun!