The Ultimate Guide: Never Be Late Again
Strategy, strategy, strategy. Time management and preparedness are the keys to success in Operation: Ready. There are four prospective components we'll be paying attention to today. Study these tips, put them into practice and amaze your friends at how quickly you put yourself together.
STRATEGY #1 Be Prepared
Try choosing your outfit in advance. It is not impossible and most of us do think of outfit possibilities beforehand. Whether it's the office or a party, you should get yourself familiar with the environment you are going to face. This makes the outfit choices that much easier.The location and weather will most likely limit you to either the heel or flat, jacket or bare shoulders and skirt or pant option. If you can, try on the outfit beforehand - sometimes things tend to fit differently in our head than in reality. When you have the outfit ready, put it all aside, from where your only worry at the time of rush will be to slip it on.And if you are a smart woman, try to have an option 'B'. Let's not forget, accidents and weather changes do happen.
STRATEGY #2 Do the Math
Math may not be everyone's strong suit but a quick calculation can and will help us figure out when we need to start getting ready. My biggest fault is that I always start too late, thus I can never be ready on time. What you need to focus on is the time needed to shower/bathe, put on makeup, do your hair, and whatever other rituals you have. Always make sure you know of an alternative for every step in your process. Here are some tips to that end:If you have planned on a bath but time is scarce, opt for the shower. It is quicker and rejuvenating. Are you having a bad hair day and it seems like your locks will not co-operate? Opt for an up-do or a sexy ponytail. Usually these hair options look amazing and hide the stubbornness/faults of your hair. Always do your hair beforehand. If you are leaving early in the morning, wash and style it the night before - this way it will only need some casual touch-ups.For a major event, do not hesitate to ask for help from someone who knows what they are doing. It is even okay to have your hair all done before getting in the shower - just put on one of those ridiculous looking shower caps. Surprisingly they do their job rather well. Whatever you do, never rush your makeup. It is your face, the part of your body that, not all people - but most people - will be focusing on. If you can, exfoliate and moisturize your skin before you apply your makeup. This way the base will sit smoothly and look natural.Also, when you are doing that math, allow five extra minutes for 'screw-ups'. It happens to the best of us, that the mascara runs or the shadow just won't sit where it should. Those extra minutes will prevent you from having to rush through the makeup phase.
STRATEGY #3 Have a Routine
The moments before leaving can feel rushed and messy. But if you work out a routine and try your hardest to keep to it, the time you allow for each step will come naturally. You will no longer have to keep your eye on the clock.My routine is as follows. Shower, makeup, hair and get dressed. It is obvious that we would all shower before the hair and makeup - no need to explain that one. The makeup and hair should be next since this way I won't stain my clothes and it gives me more freedom to move. Then finally come the clothes just before I leave the house.Let the guys read this: Gentlemen, here comes your role. Instead of nagging, if she needs to clean her shoes, iron her shirt, pants, dress or has had any mishaps you could resolve, please do offer your help (if you are ready to go, of course). This way she can continue her battle with the hair and makeup and make progress towards being ready. Your gesture will be appreciated and remembered - trust me!
STRATEGY #4 Train Your Beloved Other-Half
After doing everything right, do you still manage to run out of time? That's alright. Five minutes before you need to leave the house stop doing the makeup and stop worrying about the hair. Jump into your clothes and let your significant other do the driving. You can always finish up in the car.
Strategy, strategy, strategy. Time management and preparedness are the keys to success in Operation: Ready. There are four prospective components we'll be paying attention to today. Study these tips, put them into practice and amaze your friends at how quickly you put yourself together.
STRATEGY #1 Be Prepared
Try choosing your outfit in advance. It is not impossible and most of us do think of outfit possibilities beforehand. Whether it's the office or a party, you should get yourself familiar with the environment you are going to face. This makes the outfit choices that much easier.The location and weather will most likely limit you to either the heel or flat, jacket or bare shoulders and skirt or pant option. If you can, try on the outfit beforehand - sometimes things tend to fit differently in our head than in reality. When you have the outfit ready, put it all aside, from where your only worry at the time of rush will be to slip it on.And if you are a smart woman, try to have an option 'B'. Let's not forget, accidents and weather changes do happen.
STRATEGY #2 Do the Math
Math may not be everyone's strong suit but a quick calculation can and will help us figure out when we need to start getting ready. My biggest fault is that I always start too late, thus I can never be ready on time. What you need to focus on is the time needed to shower/bathe, put on makeup, do your hair, and whatever other rituals you have. Always make sure you know of an alternative for every step in your process. Here are some tips to that end:If you have planned on a bath but time is scarce, opt for the shower. It is quicker and rejuvenating. Are you having a bad hair day and it seems like your locks will not co-operate? Opt for an up-do or a sexy ponytail. Usually these hair options look amazing and hide the stubbornness/faults of your hair. Always do your hair beforehand. If you are leaving early in the morning, wash and style it the night before - this way it will only need some casual touch-ups.For a major event, do not hesitate to ask for help from someone who knows what they are doing. It is even okay to have your hair all done before getting in the shower - just put on one of those ridiculous looking shower caps. Surprisingly they do their job rather well. Whatever you do, never rush your makeup. It is your face, the part of your body that, not all people - but most people - will be focusing on. If you can, exfoliate and moisturize your skin before you apply your makeup. This way the base will sit smoothly and look natural.Also, when you are doing that math, allow five extra minutes for 'screw-ups'. It happens to the best of us, that the mascara runs or the shadow just won't sit where it should. Those extra minutes will prevent you from having to rush through the makeup phase.
STRATEGY #3 Have a Routine
The moments before leaving can feel rushed and messy. But if you work out a routine and try your hardest to keep to it, the time you allow for each step will come naturally. You will no longer have to keep your eye on the clock.My routine is as follows. Shower, makeup, hair and get dressed. It is obvious that we would all shower before the hair and makeup - no need to explain that one. The makeup and hair should be next since this way I won't stain my clothes and it gives me more freedom to move. Then finally come the clothes just before I leave the house.Let the guys read this: Gentlemen, here comes your role. Instead of nagging, if she needs to clean her shoes, iron her shirt, pants, dress or has had any mishaps you could resolve, please do offer your help (if you are ready to go, of course). This way she can continue her battle with the hair and makeup and make progress towards being ready. Your gesture will be appreciated and remembered - trust me!
STRATEGY #4 Train Your Beloved Other-Half
After doing everything right, do you still manage to run out of time? That's alright. Five minutes before you need to leave the house stop doing the makeup and stop worrying about the hair. Jump into your clothes and let your significant other do the driving. You can always finish up in the car.
