When I was getting ready this morning (oh, I even took a shower, oh yes I did), I started thinking about a few of the simple, everyday items that make my mornings a little easier and a little bit more pleasant. These things aren’t necessities by any stretch of the imagination, but they’re helpful. Maybe even a tiny bit comforting.
You know, stuff like Eucerin moisturizer. Because it prevents my skin from cracking and falling off of my face. So in that sense the Eucerin performs a vital role in my skin care regimen.
Or Maxwell House French Roast coffee. Because it’s strong without being bitter. Inexpensive. And delicious, too.
Or my beloved Mentholatum, which costs all of $2, soothes my chapped lips and makes my sinuses snap to attention as soon as I remove the top from the jar. I’ve even used it to minister to some deeply resistant under-eye bags, and it did not disappoint. I heart it deeply.
None of these things are fancy. You can buy them at any drugstore (or, as we say in the South, AT THE WALGREENS). But they’re my early morning support network – I use each of them every single day before I snuggle into my spot on the couch and start what Alex calls “Mama’s quiet time Bible study.” They help me to wake up, feel reasonably presentable, and face the day.
So, internets, what are your everyday favorites? What inexpensive treats make your mornings a little easier? And for the sake of clarity, let’s classify “inexpensive” as less than $10, though I think my Eucerin costs $10.99, so CLEARLY I AM DISQUALIFIED.
Comment away, girls (and guys!). Can’t wait to read about your faves.
Coffee is my first must have and then after that, I use whatever is around or has been given to me. I know, I know… I’m a mess, but at least I have coffee to get me through the day.
Softlips chap stick.
Toothbrush & Colgate.
Coffee.
My Bible.
Aquasmoothers from Cover Girl! It is 7.99 at Walmart (as we say in the North), and is a quick jog across my face to make the dark bags and uneven skin tone disappear. Can I tell you how many people have told me that I have wonderful skin? I don’t. I have my mom’s skin. I just have this great make-up to cover up the yuckiness with. Set it with the cheap Cover Girl compact (3.99), the twist up eyeliner in charcoal (4.49 maybe) and a lovely hint of blush (3.00). Make-up is done in about 3 minutes flat. And yes, I skip mascara. I have long dark eyelashes that only make me look like Tammy Faye if I do wear it. (No offense, Tammy.) :)
AvoJuice SkinQuenchers Lotion made by OPI is my absolute favorite thing…They have all kinds of scents and the lotion is a great one…Jasmine Juice is my favorite…OPI is excellent…NailPolish and Lotion!!!
English Breakfast Tea from Trader Joe’s with a teaspoon of honey. It makes the voices in my head stop so I can get my kids off to school.
Burt’s Bees Almond Milk Beeswax hand creme. It makes my hands nice and soft and my cuticles quit crumbling when I use it. Plus it smells divine. My husband says it reminds him of a car trip we took to Florida when I would pull it out and use it from time to time. He really likes that smell because it’s a nice memory. Not that you need to remember our car trip to Florida to enjoy it, it still smells good.
http://www.burtsbees.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=-76&categoryId=10006&subCategoryId=-98&catalogId=10051&storeId=10001&langId=-1
And then, of course, there is DIET COKE IN A CAN. And that’s all I have to say about that.
For starters, the alarm function on my cell phone. I can choose the tone I want to use, and I’ve chosen one that is MUCH kinder and gentler than the panic-inducing shriek of my clock radio.
Some good, strong black coffee, the Beaumont brand from Aldi’s, ready and waiting for me thanks to my coffee maker with timer that I set up the night before. (Yeah, the coffee maker was more than $10. But if an old one dies and you have to get a new one anyway, the timer is TOTALLY the way to go.)
Olay foaming face wash, St. Ives apricot facial scrub, Curel moisturizer, Maybelline Great Lash, Chapstick.
A few minutes on the couch with my coffee, the Weather Channel, and my lovey-dovey dogs.
I am going to break the rule, but I don’t care because what I have to share is so great! My new favorite part of my daily routine is Aveeno Continuous Radiance lotion. I think it was $12 at Wal Mart. It has a dial on it so that you can deepen you faux color throughout the year. Plus, it smells so wonderful-all day. It doesn’t get that self-tanner smell like the other tinting lotions do.
all of you cherry chapstick folks need to try strawberry flavor instead. it smells like cotton candy. yummy!
Diet Mountain Dew—it’s like a shot of optimism first thing in the morning
Diet Mtn. Dew and a bowl of Smart Start with fat free organic milk. It works for me.
Oh and after my shower, I sprinkle on Johnson’s Baby Powder (Lavender and Chamomile)!! Perfume is too much for me so I love the soft powder scent.
A lint roller. I feel more ‘put together’ when I don’t have fuzzies, dog hair and even my own hair sticking to my clothing. I keep one hidden in a decorative jar near the front door and another one tucked in the pocket of my car door.
I have off-the-charts sensitive skin and have spent lots of money on products made “especially for sensitive skin.” My response: “It Burns! It Burns!” So after a few days of burning redness I repent from my foolish ways and return to my inexpensive standbys: Good old-fashioned Noxzema Cleansing Cream in the blue jar and Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion.
I used to be a Burt’s Bees Chapstick junky but then I found Nicole Miller lipstick and my lips heart it! Fave color is Mauveless and it is so gentle that my lips no longer feel like I’ve been sucking on a jalapeno!
I’m with Bailey’s Leaf… I love the CG Aquasmooth make up. I also need my bronzer, Great Lash, and Mark lip gloss.
For me–a spritz of Brighton “Laugh” perfume on the back of my neck. I do this even if it’s one of those days when we stay in our PJs and I don’t even brush my teeth or wash my face.
I also love the way the Living Room looks early in the morning when no one’s up yet as I go in the kitchen to get my first cup of coffee. I turn one particular lamp on, and the little soft glow in our quiet house just makes me smile! It’s so peaceful for that brief period before everyone gets up.
First off, The ONLY lotion I even use it Eucerin. It’s the BEST hands down.
But the Maxwell house?
OMG girl — you’ve never had real coffee have you.
The only thing worse would be Folgers. Or instant.
Oh my. Just plain YUCK.
Then again, I AM a coffee snob..
Right now I’m enjoying…
Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste in Clean Mint
Reduced Fat Ritz crackers with slices of Kraft 2% mild cheddar cheese slices
Slim Fast Carb Control shakes in Vanilla
Clinique Long Pretty Lashes mascara
Origins Sunny Disposition bronzing powder
Thin Mint Girl Scout cookies
Anything Chick-Fil-A
Everyday with Rachael Ray magazine, Paula Deen magazine, Taste of Home magazine
the new Enchanted DVD
(not sure about some of these prices…I’m probably disqualified too!)
creme brulee coffee creamer in my maxwell house.
Bath and Body works body butter, any flavor on my feet every morning and everynight.
Burts bee’s or bath and body works lip gloss/chapstick
Diet Coke(s)with capital “D”s
The Daily Newspaper
Crumpetts with Lemon Curd from “The Fresh Market” (yumo)
~The Healing Garden~ Relax Therapy~ White Tea ~All Day moisture Shower Gel and Body Lotion (about 5.00 each at your local drug store)
PedEgg for those inbetween pedi times (9.99)
Arm & Hammer Advance Clean toothpaste with Peroxide and Baking Soda
I drink a diet Coke while listening to and/or watching the morning news. Then I must have these items:
Gold Bond Ultimate Healing Lotion (Aloe)
Oil of Olay facial moisturizer
Aveeno Essential Moisture Lip Conditioner
CHI Straigt Guard Hair Styling Cream
Imju Fiberwig Mascara (the BEST mascara..a little costly, but worth it. Can get it from Sephora.com)
Lollia Dusting Powder (No. 035 “INSPIRE”)– I know! Sounds like something my great-great grandmaw would have used, but I’m funny about perfumes and often get headaches. This is light and fresh.
And speaking of Mentholatum…I recently purchased some, because I received an e-mail stating you can put it on the bottom of a child’s feet and cover with socks at night to stop a nighttime, nagging cough. I haven’t had to use it yet, but I’ll definitely give it a try. Who knew?!
Carmex. Can’t live without it on my person at all times!
Pantene Always Smooth shampoo & conditioner (separate, not the 2 in 1). Without them, my hair is a frustrating, tangly mess all day.
Salada black tea (hot) with sugar and a little milk. (Coffee once I get to work, because I can’t brew decent pot of coffee myself to save my life.)
Two pods of Senseo Dark Roast coffee,
a sprinkle of sugar,
a dash of hazlenut creamer,
and a spoonful of non-dairy creamer.
Perfect and ready to drink is less than 3 minutes.
I LOVE my Senseo!!!
Oh, and a bowl of Grape Nuts Cranberry Vanilla cereal with skim milk.
Alesha
Alesha
I was coming to tell you that Dunkin Donuts coffee is weak, and lame, but then I noticed you normally drink Maxwell House. Soo…. carry on ;)
Love,
A NW girl who then lived in France and loves her espresso straight up black and strong.
Hm. A hot shower to get me good and awake. Redken’s Spray Starch to get my hair ready for any kind of weather, even rainy and humid. Clinique face wash followed by Oil of Olay’s SPF moisturizing lotion (not just for old ladies). A big cup of Tazo’s AWAKE tea with cream & sugar. A simple bowl of Cheerios with skim milk. And my Bible. That, combined with sitting at the breakfast table with my two children and wonderful husband, the Today show on in the background, equals a perfect morning every time. :0)
Oh. And one weird thing about my family and Mentholatum. My mom tells me that my great-grandmother on her mother’s side used to put some on her tongue every night and swallow it. Perhaps the jars didn’t used to say “for external use only.” (shudder.)
The newspaper (mainly for the obits & crossword puzzle)
Stash Chai Tea, milk, no sugar
Hair products,,,,i’m addicted
Hands down a big bowl of Special K’s Chocolatey Delight. It is chocolatey and it is delightful.
Herbal Essence Moisturizing Shampoo
Smoothing Hair stuff (its in the other room and I’m too lazy to go get it!)
Goody’s Barrettes that they apparently don’t make anymore, so I panic if I misplace one!
Diet Coke or Diet Dr Pepper
and I’ll second Special K’s Chocolately Delight!
St. Ives collagen elastin lotion is a must-have/can never run out of in my house.
Splenda!
Kona Coffee in Vanilla Macadamia Nut.
And, yes, this is so odd, but I could never be without my Mr. Clean Magic Erasers or my Swiffer Dusters.
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Lip Balm – It is the absolute best lip balm in the world. The tube is big – someone once asked me if I was using a glue stick on my lips. It’s fabulous and smells great too.
Coffee with sugar free French Vanilla Cream.
Japanese Cherry Blossom shower gel and lotion from Bath and Body Works.
-A thick rubber band to pull my hair back in a pony tail (Goody brand)
-D.D. coffee in my “SHHhhh, I’m Reading” Mug”
-Cinnamon Crest toothpaste
– Experiencing God devotional
For all of you chapstick fans, hands down THE best lip balm is Whole Foods. I love the tangerine and peppermint flavors. At $1.99~ $1.79 on sale, I’m HOOKED!!! I have so many tubes ALL over the house. It’s the BEST!
Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Lavender Mint Moisturizing shampoo and conditioner at $10 a bottle, I’m squeaking by. THE best for my naturally curly hair and the scent makes me feel like I’m in the salon.
Worth the splurge.
Twinings English Breakfast Tea with half and half and raw sugar or Swiss Mocha Int’l coffee.
Warm sweats for the drive to my daughter’s school. Oprah would call me a “shluppadink” (not how she spells it, but I’m too lazy to look it up) but I’m warm and cozy for the ride. I change later when I get back and I’m warmed up.
I’ll have to try the orange Emergen-C
In an effort to save $ on Starbucks, but still get the sweet morning fix, I’ve resorted to powdered coffee. (No!) I’m lovin’ it now, though. So here it is, powdered International Cafe Vienna. So quick & easy, helps me with those early mornings that my boys love so much. (…ugh!)
P.S. I want to thank you for your previous post. Upon reading it, I told my niece we need to go to the Outback. Yesterday, the TWO of us headed over there for lunch. We couldn’t decide between the bloomin’ onion or the cheese fries, so we odered BOTH (extra ranch!) We did, of course, order side-salads to make ourselves feel a bit better about the whole thing! :)
i absolutely HEART, HEART, HEART to infinity my avon moisture therapy lip balm. i buy them in bulk from my friendly avon lady, and they are about fifty-nine cents a piece.
i currently have three going in my desk at work at once. i think i have an addiction, frankly.
oh. and i also really HEART general foods international coffee’s iced cappuccino in hazelnut flavor.
except that i can’t have it right now, since i am six months pregnant.
but that’s okay, because the dunkin’ donuts people are kind enough to not laugh and snicker at me when i roll up, order my large, iced, decaf, light and sweet hazelnut coffee.
and, even though this costs more than the allotted $10, i MUST have my philosophy purity made simple face wash. i truly believe that this product, along with bare escentuals makeup, has eliminated my rosacea.
do this more often! i have to tell you, i have been able to put off doing laundry for a LOOOOOOOOONG while thanks to your idea, and to all of the wonderful products that i now have to research because of all the great comments!
This post didn’t show up in my Bloglines! Had you not mentioned it in two subsequent posts, I might have missed out on my chance to chime in! :)
Only one thing can make my mornings worthwhile:
a nice, tall glass of Sunny Delight.
Morning goes like this …
Coffee .. only with 1/2 & 1/2 or evap milk
Check in on blogs/email
Bowl of Raisin Nut Bran is my favorite and if I’m feeling like I need a twist, I add a Tbsp. of the Blueberry Cobbler coffee mate creamer! Which I’m finding uses for every where … like YUMMM french toast I blogged a recipe for recently!
Love the Neutrogena Sesame body oil
And a tip I read about shaving your legs with hair conditioner …. (you know how the bottle is the same size as the shampoo but you use so little of it?) Makes for some really soft legs!! and no nics! Helps to use up all that extra! Love it!
I enjoy a dose of BooMama. You’re cheap. :)
Kiehl’s Lip Balm #1. It’s the only thing that defeats the African sun.
Give me my Burt’s Bees Lemon Poppy Seed facial cleanser and Burt’s Bees Beeswax Moisturizing Cream, Some Tom’s of Maine unscented deoderant and a clean panti liner – and I can face anything!
Oh, and my bad, I forgot the Tim Horton’s coffee, extra strong. 2 cups. EVERY morning.
I’m late on this one but I will share. All of mine are fully qualified because I’m cheap!
Orange Juice (Tropicana Low Acid because this child in my belly doesn’t like the regular kind)
Suave Natural Oatmeal Body Lotion
Maybelline Mineral Power Concealer
Chicken Poop Chapstick (great stuff, google it)
Well I have been traveling so I am late to the party but I fully support your purchase of the Dunkin Donuts coffee. It’s the first thing I would have thought to recommend.
Instead of flying home for the weekend as originally planned I am in St. Louis at my in laws. Lucky me. Thank goodness I read your post before heading out to Traders Joes for my quarterly purchase of three cases of two buck chuck (yummy cheap wine). The citrus body was $1.99 and it smells divine. I went ahead and loaded up buying 10 bottles and 3 of lotion. (All that was left on the shelf.) I can’t find who recommended it but thanks for the tip!
ghiradelli (sp?) chocolate carmel coffee (freshly ground is best) with vanilla creamer. NUMMY!!!!! hard to find though.
Oh my gosh, I can’t face the morning without my Publix automatic drip coffee – several cups; scrambled eggs, buttered biscuits and honey, then LOTS of hot water on the poor ole neck and back. It’s a little more than $10 but I can’t face the morning without my Mary Kay TimeWise Firming Eye Cream, 3-1 Cleanser, SPF bazillion Day Solution and Age-Fighting Moisturizer; then check the Tales from the Delk Side blog (my eldest young’un); then I can face work (here at home on my computers) for 8 hours plus.
a cup of ice water and then a cherry coke zero over ice with a straw.
A hair tie for my mop and I am up and running.
Seattle’s Best Organic French Roast.
My favorite new quote:
“I have a hectic schedule, but my mind seeks simplicity. If I wake up and have a great cup of coffee first thing in the morning, I have pegged the Thrill Meter for the day.”
Thank you, God for the amazing coffee and thank you, Amy Grant for the words of wisdom that ring so true…
I realize you’ve already gotten eleventyseven comments on thishere post but I still wanna play. :)
Mornings are my natural born nemesis. So, to make them less traumatizing for me, I like to have these things on hand.
1. Pure coconut oil on my face – antioxidant, antibacterial, delicious food for my face. The only “moisturizer” I will ever use again. I’m in love.
2. Community Coffee (it’s a La. thing) with half n half and sucanat
3. Cover Girl lipslicks – in cutie. You and Big Mama got me all hooked on this stuff. Y’all should be getting some royalty checks from them, for real.
4. Ouchless pony tail holders a few bobby pins.
5. Earrings and big black sunglasses.
If I get all of that, I feel that I just might make it, me and the day.
church in the shower – thanks, praise, acknowledgment, forgiveness, requests, prayers, Lord’s prayer, doxology, Apostle’s creed, gloria patria; followed by coffee & chicory.
I’m late but will share.
*Oil of Olay Facial Wash followed by their facial moisturizer w/SPF
*Tinted Moisturizer (I know, I double on the moisturizers but I feel “dewey” all day)
*Soft Lips
*Mascara
*A bowl of Honey Nut Cheerios
*Ice Water
*Diet coke over ice w/straw (by 8:30)
*Hugs and Kisses from my daughters and husband and an “I Love You” to start the day
Pantene two-in-one shampoo and conditioner. Because I’m lucky to get in the shower at all, and two different hair products would be one too many.
Love me some Dunkin Donuts coffee! I hope ya’ll liked it!! :-) I adore Oily of Olay body wash, Loreal Volumninus waterproof mascara, and gotta say…Burts Bees chapstick IS the best. :-)
Also wanted to say HI, been coming here since you went to Uganda, found you through Flowerdust and keep coming back!
Bath and Body Works Sweet Time almond body scrub, Neutrogena Clear Lipgloss, and an arsenal of franceluxe hair elastics, headbands, and jaw clips. If the little tornado is agreeable, I also find my mornings so much nicer when accompanied by a bowl of frosted shredded wheat with skim milk. A tip for dry skin (I live in Idaho, y’all), I dab pure vitamin E oil on my face at night a little before bedtime. Makes a huge difference!
instant breakfast milk chocolate flavor with skim milk
bacon – gotta have it- baked, not fried
tres emme shampoo
system biolage conditioner
dial soap
burt’s bees lip balm
and the absolute BEST mascara is Borghese
it can be bought at costco, now… go figure. oh well, keeps me out of neiman marcus!
and for the day i drink half diet dr. pepper/half regular pepper when i’m out
when i’m home it’s english breakfast tea with skim milk and sugar
yumm-0!
Bath and Body Works’ Look Ma New Hands, hand lotion-travel size. It truly takes care of the “I have washed my hands too much and now they look like a lizard” thing.
LOVE IT!!!
It’s free and involves standing on my back porch while my boys (aka: the dogs) take care of business and while I’m not a beer drinker, I breathe in the smell of hops from the Anheuser Busch brewery about a mile away. It’s actually a great smell. You too can experience this kind of magic as there are homes for sale in my neck of St. Louis city…but they would cost more than $10.00 :-)
Coca Cola Classic goes just right with any lunch meal. I never drink Diet Coke. Never.