Before Bed Routine

I don't know about you, but I love reading about others' daily routines. I think it's fascinating to find out what people do on a daily basis. I am a huge fan of routines, so I'm always looking to better mine.  I figured I would start my nightly routine in the afternoon (around 4:30), since this is usually when I get home from working (substitute teaching or working at my retail job). 

After I get a snack (popcorn or chips and salsa), I usually head upstairs to unload my bag and get changed. My go to outfit is usually some type of athleisure (yoga pants and a comfy sweatshirt). I then head to the bathroom to take off my makeup and wash my face. I usually use Burt's Bees Makeup Remover Wipes, wash my face with this Clinique face wash, followed by Clinique Step 2 toner, grape seed hydrating spray, and OSEA moisturizer. Washing my face after a long day is quite refreshing. I like to wash it earlier in the night because it ensures that I take my makeup off before bed. After washing my face, I usually end up throwing my hair up in a high ponytail or messy bun.

During the gap of time between getting changed and eating dinner, I like to unwind a little bit. I will catch up on any TV shows from the night before. Yes, reality TV shows on Bravo are my guilty pleasure.  I like to use this time to relax before getting things done. You can usually find me watching tv, knitting, reading, browsing pinterest, catching up on the social media I missed during the day, or taking a quick power nap. Anyone else a fan of a quality 20 minute power nap?

Prepping dinner. I usually make dinner or help my mom make dinner. Within the past month, I have taken on a larger role in the kitchen due to my mom's busy schedule/ post work long to do lists. I am a huge fan of cleaning up as much as possible before I eat dinner. It just seems to make things so much easier after dinner. 

At some point while making dinner, I take a break to feed Brody and let him out. Once dinner is cleaned up, I like to spend some time playing with him. He still has tons of puppy energy!

After dinner, I like to work on my blog while binge watching something on Netflix. My current show is Grey's Anatomy. I use this time to schedule tweets, draft posts, and read some of my favorite blogs.  I tend to be a more focused writer in the morning, so I try to use this time to edit my posts and schedule future posts. I know you're not supposed to eat after dinner, but I do love a small sweet treat after dinner.  I tend to snack on something small during this blogging time. 

After I put my computer away, I like to take out my agenda to make a game plan for the next day. I generally use this time to figure out what I'll be wearing, pack my tote, pack my lunch, and set my clothes out for the next day.  Doing this makes the following morning go much smoother, especially if I'm planning to squeeze in an early morning gym session.  When I feel prepared for my day, I then head to the bathroom to brush my teeth and remove any jewelry I might still be wearing.  

By this time, it's time for my favorite part of the night- before bed cuddles with my puppy. We usually lay in my bed and finish watching whatever episode of Grey's Anatomy is on, read, and then fall asleep. This is a typical work week night for me right now. I'm sure once I start teaching it will be filled with more school work than relaxing, but for now I am taking full advantage of this laid back nights. 

I'd love to hear if your nightly routine it similar or different than mine!

XOXO