Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Quality Mornings & A Giveaway

This is sponsored content by BlogHer and Kelloggs.



If Mary Poppins had paid a visit to our home during the last school year, she would have declared us "an abomination". Each morning, we tore around the house at full speed, throwing supplies into our kids' backpacks, and urging them to eat faster. What a way to start the day! We would all walk...okay, run...out of the door in foul moods and try to mend the parent-child bond on the way to school.

This school year, I was determined to make a change. The key is simple, something I always knew, but did not put into practice. Organization. Every night before school, the boys and I make their lunches and set them neatly in the fridge so that can easily be placed into the waiting lunch boxes in the morning. The boys are also responsible for organizing their desks and insuring that all of their homework makes its way into the appropriate folders and backpacks.

When we wake up in the morning, leaving ourselves plenty of time, the boys get dressed, make their beds, and brush their teeth before heading downstairs for breakfast. By the time they appear, my husband and I have started making breakfast, which typically consists of cereal, bagels or waffles, and fresh fruit. Whole grain, high-fiber foods are a focus at our breakfast table since research shows that diets high in fiber help to address issues such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. For this reason, we choose cereals such as Raisin Bran and Smart Start.


With a hearty breakfast giving us the proper nutrients and energy for the day ahead, we spend our last few minutes together playing on the swings, shooting hoops, or kicking the soccer ball back and forth. The result? Happy, healthy kids and relaxed, stress-free (well, almost) parents. I think Mary Poppins would approve.

For a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card, please answer the following question in the comments section:

"How do you start the day on a positive note?"

Please, no duplicate comments.
You may receive an additional entry by linking on twitter and leaving a link in the comments.
You may receive an additional entry by blogging about this contest and leaving a link in the comments.
This giveaway is open to US Residents aged 18 and older
Winners will be selected via random draw, and will notified by e-mail, so please be sure that you leave an email address.
You have 48 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

Please head to the BlogHer.com Kellogg exclusive offers page for 24 additional chances to win a $100 Visa gift card.

This giveaway will run from 9/21 - 9/27/2010.

For more information on Kellogg's, head to www.loveyourcereal.com.

Please see the official rules for this giveaway.

Mom’s Breakfast Club was started to help educate moms and families about kids’ cereal and share the scoop on their nutritional benefits and ingredients. To learn more about the program, visit www.loveyourcereal.com.
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110 comments:

Mami2jcn said...

Hugging my children before they get on the school bus helps me start out the day with a smile.

mami2jcn at gmail dot com

Suburban prep said...

Sometimes it takes a bit of extra time to wake up but the most positive note Of starting the day is when I kiss my husband good Morning.
It is a great way of starting off the day. We also eat breakfast together.

msgb245 at gmail dot com

oneordinaryday said...

My husband is our pancake guru and he makes huge batches every couple weeks so we can freeze them. The kids start their days with whole wheat peanut butter pancakes every day. Full bellies make school better. And for me, I think the day starts best if all their papers and assignments are in their bags before bedtime. No rushing around in the morning!

Carolyn said...

Well, I will be honest...caffeine helps! But other than that, I try to get things together the night before so that the kids can sleep as long as possible and have a bit of playtime before we pile in the car for school.

carketch29 at yahoo dot com

Whats Cookin Italian Style Cuisine said...

Eating healthy heart smart grains, making sure my husband has his lunch packed with a heart healthy lunch, and my boys get all the best of the leftovers they come first and they love leftovers from dinner! lol

katie said...

I start the day with yoga! I do 90 minutes of yoga every week day, and then I'm off to a (usually) stressful day of work!

urban_katie@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I always start my day with a 30 minute yoga session. It gives me time to clear my mind, and wake up!

Amy B. said...

I start the day off right by reading to my son while I enjoy a cup of coffee.
Thanks for the giveaway!
Amy B.
adennispac@yahoo.com

Tabathia B said...

I try to get at least 5 minutes of me time so I won't get overwhelmed and I am good to go and a chocolate chip muffin helps also
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

Tabathia B said...

tweet'
http://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/25174449527
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

Shannon said...

Snuggle time with me in my bed helps get my day started right. I can be a bit of a grump so lots of hugs and kisses get things going right. :)

Unknown said...

I love to start the day with a run! It gives me energy to get through the day!

Liz said...

A little snuggle time and a good breakfast (coffee doesn't hurt either, for me not the baby : ) )

lizgiver at gmail dot com

Liz said...

tweet
http://twitter.com/lizgiver/status/25210064022

lizgvier at gmail dot com

Liz said...

i blogged
http://giveawayobsession.blogspot.com/2010/09/todays-great-giveaways_20.html

lizgiver at gmail dot com

Ruchika said...

Black Coffee with Splenda always does the trick

Aimee said...

I always try to spend a few extra minutes outside with my dog and horse before heading in to officially start my day.

Katie said...

Preparing as much stuff as possible the night before [laying out clothes, packing snack and backpack] helps the morning run more smoothly, so that definitely creates a more positive atmosphere!

kt1969 at comcast dot net

Ninja Panda said...

I start my mornings right by waking up to one of my favorite songs instead of an annoying buzzing alarm!

ninjapandawedding(at)gmail(dot)com

Just call me "B" said...

I wake up earlier than everyone else. And, I also make sure that the mornings in the car are NOT full of crazy radio. Usually just us chatting about the day, or Christian radio. Much better!

Anonymous said...

I wake up thirty minutes early so I can have some time to myself before the kids wake up!

MCantu1019@aol.com

Patricia C. said...

If I wake up breathing, that is all the positive I need!

Unknown said...

By waking up 15 minutes before my daughter so I can relax and wake up with a Diet Coke and some quiet before the mad rush out the door. Having everything done the night before also helps cut down on the morning chaos.

shel704 at aol dot com

Unknown said...

Tweeted;
http://twitter.com/auntiethesis/status/25253183891

shel704 at aol dot com

Betty N said...

I am a morning person so I am up before anyone else and have my bowl of cereal in peace and quiet. I can look forward to each new day and the joys and challenges it will bring

Deb said...

I have two small boys, so there is no possible way to ENSURE that the day starts off on a positive note. Little boys are prone to be unreasonable about the silliest things (I didn't want ketchup on my sandwich today, or a fight to brush their teeth). I try to stay on our tight schedule - not leaving much room for negotiation. Get them up and out the door quickly and efficiently. Avoid conflict. Never try to make any important decisions (like if a they can have a playdate this weekend) during our morning routine. Most important of all, we start with a kiss and hug!

Racingjourno said...

A strong cup of coffee gets me going and, usually, puts me in a good mood to start the day.


scoopster(nospam)at yahoo dot com

Shelly Leatham said...

I start off with prayer and then I have breakfast with my daughter and we chat about having great expectations for the day!
bleatham*at*gmail.com

Shelly Leatham said...

tweet
http://twitter.com/sleatham1/status/25285351470
bleatham*at*gmail.com

Kelly Massman said...

I start by trying to be quiet in the morning to meditate!
kmassman gmail

Brooke said...

Coffee. If there's another way, I need to know.
shutterboo at gmail dot com

Robin M. said...

It helps to do as much as possible the night before... get everything laid out and ready.

Karate Mom said...

I read to them while they eat breakfast, which is a fun start to the day. We go through various chapter books, and reading one chapter is usually about the right length so that we're not put too far behind on our schedule.

abitnerdy said...

First thing I do when I wake up sit up and do a great big stretch with arms raised in the air. I read somewhere that it does wonders and I've always done it since.

Also a sweet hug with loved ones feels fabulous.. :)

meeyeehere said...

A nice hot bubble bath and a strong cup of coffee,if I have those I am the sweetest morning person ever
jacksoncrisman@yahoo.com

meeyeehere said...

http://twitter.com/meeyeehere/status/25344831359
tweeted too
jacksoncrisman@yahoo.com

fostertam said...

I pray in my car every morning on the way to work--can't get much more positive than that!!!

fostertam said...

http://twitter.com/fostertam/status/25345311349

sisinpacific said...

breakfast together and walk to school together. Just being together for awhile seems to start it off right.

sodahoney said...

I walk 2.5 miles, shower, eat a protein enriched breakfast.

sodahoney said...

http://twitter.com/sodahoney/status/25357316495

jakiesmom said...

coffee or i'm a bear!
nannypanpan at sbcglobal.net

sy said...

in the morning i eat a banana while checking sample sites for samples to sign up.
songyueyu at gmail

sy said...

i tweeted http://twitter.com/syytta/status/25361550334

Eva said...

Some coffee and a good night's sleep!

evil_eva12 at hotmail dot com

Anonymous said...

I like to start my day out with a protein packed breakfast of 1/2 c. cottage cheese, fruit and cereal. Then it's off to the gym for me!

pattythequilter said...

Because I am NOT a morning person, I set my alarm earlier than I need to. I don't get out of bed, but listen listen to the news and snuggle with the dogs. Doing so allows my brain and my body the chance to wake up slowly, leaving less chance for grumpy and stupid.

Tracy R said...

Coffee before anything helps me start the day off right.

Jennai said...

Being organized helps start the day on a positive note. Everyone is happier after a decent breakfast also!
HobartsMama {AT} AOL.COM

Jen said...

Some quiet time in the morning is nice. Sit outside sipping your hot tea and enjoying the morning. Even if it's just 10 minutes!

Kerry said...

I try to make sure we all wake up with extra time to spare in the morning. We all get grumpy when we are rushed!
nuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net

Kerry said...

tweeted: http://twitter.com/KerryBishop/status/25459661362
nuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net

Leah @ A Butterfly In My Stomach said...

To start on a positive note, I have to pray. It gets me in the right frame of mind and I can teach them better.

leahforlove(at)aol(dot)com

Leah @ A Butterfly In My Stomach said...

http://twitter.com/leahforlove/status/25474245133

Henria O. said...

To add to our morning ambiance, we like to listen to music. I literally does start the morning on a positive note!
sazzyfrazz at gmail dot com

Amanda said...

We spent many years doing the same thing, rush rush rush! Then we got organized too. When the kids were younger, I would set out their clothes the night before, but now that they are older I don't have to do that anymore. I have the school hot lunch menu taped inside the cabinet door. t the beginning of each month we go through and decide what days they want hot lunch, i make out the check to the school, then I know which days I need to pack a lunch. A quick peek inside the cabinet door each morning tells me who needs a cold lunch, if any. I also freeze my peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. I make a loaf at a time and store them in sandwich bags inside the bread loaf bag. Just grab a sandwich and pack it. I also make up a bunch of sandwich bags with snacks (pretzels etc) and keep baggies of carrots and celery in the fridge. these little things have made a BIG difference for us :)

Amanda said...

Tweeted :)

susan1215 said...

I get up 1/2 hour earlier to get myself dressed and while my children are getting dressed I make breakfast. We are done in time with minutes to spare so we aren't rushing.

s2s2 at comcast dot net

susan1215 said...

http://twitter.com/susan1215/status/25538071433

Angie B said...

I try to give my hubby a kiss every morning before I go to work.
angiewith3 at live dot com

Angie B said...

RT'd giveaway: http://twitter.com/angiewith3/status/25538471903
angiewith3 at live dot com

Unknown said...

To make sure my day starts right - A smiling baby, a kiss from my hubby, a small prayer and a huge cup of coffee! Breakfast for the baby always - for me....well, that may be optional.

Melanie
mel2266@gmail.com

Unknown said...

How do we start the day in a positive way? Well, I know that most of it is in the TONE we set for our kids. We have some pretty lax-idaisy kids so THEY dont get too worked up about anything unless WE do! I try to keep myself in check (even if i am a bit rattled inside) I know that being hurried and anxiety laden is NOT the way to have kids start the day, so even when you dont feel like being positive or UP, I try to project that attitude to the kids nonetheless. Yeah, we have the time constraints and rushed mornings, but putting things into perspective makes your realize that the small stuff doesnt really matter and just trying to do the few things any of us CAN do to make it easier is all we can really do...prepare what you can ahead, and send them on their way knowing they are loved and you are proud of them!

ejrichter60 at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

Tweeted this too!
(Cant see my entry...hope it posted!)

http://twitter.com/2sic2mooov/status/25542146988

thanks!

ejrichter60 at gmail dot com

wigget said...

i start out on a positive note by having a cup of coffee

Amy said...

I get up in the morning and turn on my coffee pot. I try to sweep the floor and eat a little oatmeal before my baby wakes up. Then the fun begins <3

laprochaine at gmail dot com

Amy said...

Tweet!
http://twitter.com/laprochaine/status/25553112311

laprochaine at gmail dot com

LAMusing said...

I am NOT a morning person, but playing some upbeat music while I dress helps :)
adrianecoros(at)gmail(dot)com

LAMusing said...

Tweet! http://twitter.com/LAMusing/status/25556283141
adrianecoros(at)gmail(dot)com

Norma said...

Enough slepp and a good breakfast is key
bingomamanorma(at)gmail(dot)com

Angel Jacklyn said...

MCDONALDS IS ALWAYS A TREAT AND A START TO A "POSITIVE" DAY =) kytah00@yahoo.com

Angel Jacklyn said...

ALSO TWITTERED! http://twitter.com/kytah00/status/25557434367 kytah00@yahoo.com

Angel Jacklyn said...

ALSO BLOGGED! http://hypnoticblend.blogspot.com/p/sponsored-giveaways.html kytah00@yahoo.com

marybug2 said...

I stretch, shower and then comes my first of many cups of coffe.
marybug2@yahoo.com

marybug2 said...

I tweeted your giveaway
http://twitter.com/marybug2/status/25590358102
marybug2@yahoo.com

007blond said...

I never let anybody leave the house without a kiss and a hug.

Jennifer Hairstuff said...

Oddly enough, when i get up right away and start doing laundry, or cleaning, i am usually in a better mood then when i just lay around for awhile!
jenn14_85 at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

Hugs and breakfast for the kiddos and coffee for me! ;)

shevilkenevil1 at aol dot com

Anonymous said...

I tweeted:
http://twitter.com/lipstickncandy/status/25606006199

shevilkenevil1 at aol dot com

Dee said...

Saying good morning with a smile and eating a delicious and healthy breakfast such as oatmeal or cereal with fruit is a given. But I always play music to get out of bed and do a dance do one song. It energizes everyone for the day when you play a great positive song and shake it! :) deeg131 at gmail com

Dee said...

tweeted! http://twitter.com/DeeGee13/status/25607601801

deeg131 at gmail dot com

Dee said...

blogged :)

http://deegee13.xanga.com/733343845/breakfast-campaign-giveaways/

deeg131 at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

I make sure I always get a hug and kiss from my son to start my day off positive!

Unknown said...

Tweet

http://twitter.com/jillyrh/status/25638169079

Unknown said...

First of all, to bed early and a good snuggle and kiss to wake them up, then hot cereal with juice to help them concentrate.
gmissycat@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

Tweeted your giveaway!
http://twitter.com/gmissycat/status/25639636097
gmissycat@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I ensure a bright start by drinking a warm cup of coffee and reading the newspaper on the porch.

pauleyd68 (at) yahoo (dot) com

Anonymous said...

http://twitter.com/lpauld68/status/25640674464

pauleyd68 (at) yahoo (dot) com

bettycd said...

I make an effort to start everyone's day off positive by having stocked their preferred breakfast choices. My kids are older and each has their preferences. If the one does not have oj or the other a banana or hubby doesn't get a bagel, it throws their day off. Just as I need coffee to start the day off right, I make an effort to see none of the family get off on the wrong foot by not having their typical breakfast

bettycd said...

tweeted
http://twitter.com/bettycd/status/25641322479

swisspotluck said...

A strong cup of tea with milk in my favorite cup is a good way to start the day. A few quiet moments drinking it (and maybe reading the paper) helps drag me from my morning fog.

swisspotluck said...

I tweeted!

http://twitter.com/swisspotluck/status/25654517158

Ursula said...

I start my kids off with a healthy breakfast and an I Love you. uheeter at comcast.net

Maggie Smith said...

I start off my day by laying in bed and decompressing before letting my feet actually hit the floor. My 2 year old watches TV in his room (quietly) so I am able to get 15 minutes of me time in the morning!

newmommyin08 AT yahoo DOT com

Maggie Smith said...

Tweet
http://twitter.com/royaldixie/status/25686046471

Lori said...

There's always breakfast, always music and always compliments.
lkziegler[at]gmail[dot]com

won said...

Snooze button, coffee and an attitude of "get it done". That's it ;)

won said...

http://twitter.com/#!/won2x/status/25691532473

Thank you!

Barbarawr said...

After I have coffee, I go for a walk. It helps clear out the brain fog and put me in a good mood for the rest of the day.

bsw529 at gmail dot com

Barbarawr said...

I tweeted http://twitter.com/bsw529/status/25698213728

bsw529 at gmail dot com

tristatecruisers said...

my family loves cereal and we love corn pops and corn flakes. Best way to start your day :)

marci
tristatecruisers at yahoo dot com

Clarke & Lewis said...

I start the day with some quiet meditation to send positive vibes my way
rmartinclarke at gmail dot com

Clarke & Lewis said...

tweet @rsmc1
http://twitter.com/rsmc1/status/25707643775
rmartinclarke at gmail dot com

Hannah Q. Parris said...

I definitely have to have breakfast before anything else or I just cannot function the rest of the day. I also love to read the paper before getting started on real work.

Anonymous said...

I enjoy sitting in my favorite chair & having the sunlight shining in the window while I soak in the word from the Son of God...my personal devotions help to start my day right!

~eunice b
tigergal01 @gmail .com

Anonymous said...

http://twitter.com/tigergal01/status/25719713498

tweet

~eunice b
tigergal01 @gmail .com

Erica best said...

i try to start each morning off well aleast 10 mins of me just to think and relax because i woke up the kids

purple_lover_04 at msn dot com

Erica best said...

i tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/purplelover04/status/25736718307

JJ said...

I have a Moutain Dew before I wake the kids it helps me stay sane!

JJ said...

Tweeted
http://twitter.com/jjudy04/status/25742429022