Summer is officially over, and the busy that comes with fall is here. This time of year can be crazy. Not only is fall what photographers call "busy season" but also when sports and school functions seem to dominate my schedule as well. Not to mention holiday season is just around the corner ( YAY!) I'm not complaining, just like I love the downtime of summer, I also love the hustle of the fall. I enjoy the different seasons of my life but I do have to be strategic in the fall to make sure everybody gets where they need to be every day, and we all get everything done, oh and that we all eat. I am SOOOOO not an organized person or what you would call a " Pinterest mom" but for 18 years I have been a mom and the 9 years I have been a Family Portrait photographer I have figured out how to get everything done and here is what works for me...
Crockpots are life!
There are some days that I leave my house at 7 am and don't return home until 10 pm on these days I depend on my crockpot! I either make multiple crockpot meals ahead of time and threw them in the freezer so they are ready to be dumped in my crockpot whenever I need them, or just in the morning I throw something together while we are getting ready for school/work. Here is a great resource for meal plans for the crockpot https://store.laurengreutman.com/collections/meal-plans
and great tip too, purchase the crockpot liners so after you're finished with your crockpot cleaning up is sooo easy!
Planning/scheduling
In the fall I really depend on my calendar, I use google calendar and have linked it to my phone... I put everything on my calendar. From studio appointments to kids games, if a kid needs to stay late, reminders to make phone calls, even bill due dates. EVERYTHING goes in my calendar and it goes in my calendar immediately so I know I will not forget anything. My calendar is probably my most valuable tool, without it, I would be lost.
Sometimes you need help.
I am so blessed to have a support system. With family, friends, and neighbors.. there are some days where I just physically cannot do it all. This is when my village comes to my rescue every single time! I could NOT do this without my people, four kids who all have their own busy schedules AND being a business owner.. not possible for me without my village. If you don't have a village GO FIND ONE. Make friends with your kids friends moms, or their teammates' moms. Reach out to your neighbors and get to know them your village is so valuable and everybody needs support!
Teamwork is the dream work.
In my family, we are a team. We all pitch in. Its important to delegate out chores and yard work... I'm hoping to one day to hire a maid as well there is NO shame taking something off your plate.
Dry shampoo!
Y'all might laugh at this, but for real Y'all. I get a good half hour if not more of extra sleep when I dry shampoo! Its sleep in a can and I NEED it! I have tried all kinds but this one is my favorite https://jenniferbraly.mymonat.com/the-champ-conditioning-dry-shampoo/
Day of rest.
You guys you HAVE to rest.. Sunday is my day of rest and I take that day very seriously. It doesn't matter how busy my schedule is or what I haven't got done I close the studio on Sundays and I rest my body and soul.
I hope these tips help you guys enjoy the fall hustle as much as I do!!
xoxo
Jenny =)
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