Monday, March 14, 2011

Help me find the good in Mornings!

This is a sponsored post from BlogHer and Tropicana.

- This is a long post, but you'll want to read it all... at the end there is a chance to win a good prize!

Okay,
I have a confession to make:

I am NOT a morning person...

you may all gasp as I hang my head in shame.

{I had contemplated inserting a photo of me in the morning here, then I realized I'm not that brave}

With friends at one of our favorite morning haunts


Actually I think this is not much of a confession as I have shared this fact before here on my blog, but here I am sharing it again.

You see, the fact that I am not a morning person has bothered me ever since I can remember. You've all heard the saying I'm sure "early to rise makes a man healthy, wealth and wise."  Well not me.

It's one thing that I would like to change about myself, but have tired numerous times in the past and have come to the conclusion that I am wired to be a night owl. However I am not willing to give up.

It's okay...

Since I have become a Mom and my kids have gotten older I have noticed that I've gotten "better" at mornings.  I have a teenager that gets up every morning and goes to early morning seminary for church, (she is not a morning person either, I wonder where she inherited that trait ? *wink*) and 9 yr old twins that need to be up, dressed, fed and ready to go when the bus comes to pick them up.

I tell all of you this because, I've been asked to write about mornings AGAIN!  I have to laugh because I think that someone is trying to tell me something. So now for the 2nd time you get to hear about my struggles with the "a.m.".

Tropicana asked me to write a bit about how I put the "good" in mornings... Since I'm not a morning person I've had to make a little extra effort to make my mornings GOOD... I have 3 kids that need me at 6:30 am  so I had to figure something out.

Before I tell more about my mornings, I thought I'd share with you a couple of things I learned this week from the good folks at Tropicana...

-Did you know that every 59 ounce Tropicana bottle contains the juice of 16 oranges? I didn't...

-Did you know that the ONLY thing in Tropicana Pure Premium orange juice is ORANGE JUICE? I didn't know this... I was under the mistaken presumption that grocery store juices had loads of added sugar.. Tropicana does not.. there is NO added sugar or artificial sweeteners!!

-Did you know that it only costs .50 cents for an 8 ounce glass of Tropicana juice and that 8 ounces give you TWO servings of fruit for the day? I didn't know this either...I hate to admit but I rarely get all of my recommended fruit servings in per day. (I don't really like fruit, I'd rather drink it that eat it).

-Did you know that a glass of OJ contains, Vitamin C, Folate, Potassium, & Thiamin?  Yep, there is a FULL days supply of vitamin C,  and as much potassium as a banana.

Pretty cool I think... I was really most surprised about the no added sugar, and the fact that for only .50 cents you can give your family 2 of their servings  of fruit a day.

I thought I'd share just a bit of what our family likes to do for breakfast... then ask for your ideas and suggestions!

note the OJ in the photo

We LOVE to go out to breakfast... We are lucky that there are a couple of fun places where we live with excellent breakfasts.  Now it's not really practical to do this more than once every couple of months, but it makes for a fun weekend activity when we do get to go.

Christmas morning 2008
I also like to try to make breakfasts on Holidays extra special. We set the table, make a fun breakfast and all sit down and eat together. My husband makes great waffles! We also like to do this on Sundays when our church is not until the afternoon. It's a fun break from our normal "rush out of the house" morning routines!

So now here is where I need your help!

Not every day is a Holiday or practical for a breakfast out... so for those of you that ARE morning people, how do you do it? Please tell me, help a girl out!

What's your best tip for me to make for a good morning???   After I get the kids all off to school, I tend to crash a bit... so what's your trick or your routine? Do you make the beds, jump straight in the shower, or head to the gym?

What's the thing that you do to put the GOOD in morning???

Leave a comment HERE with your anwer and you will be entered to win a

$100 Visa Gift Card from Tropicana!!!

Rules:


No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry
methods:

a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post

b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment
on this post

c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on
this post

d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about
an alternate form of entry.

Sweepstakes dates 3/14/11-4/11/11

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older

Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail.

You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be
selected.
Official Rules


Also be sure to check out Tropicana on the web!!




Check out what more bloggers are doing to put the good in mornings on BlogHer's roundup page

Oh and keep an eye out here!! In two weeks there will be another opportunity to win a $100 Gift Card!


I wrote this post while participating in the Tropicana Pure Premium/BlogHer program on behalf of Tropicana Pure Premium. I received product information to facilitate my post and monetary compensation for the time to write my post.


355 comments:

1 – 200 of 355   Newer›   Newest»
Amy at Ameroonie Designs said...

I find it easiest to just keep going when the kids head out the door. If I let off the gas, things putter out pretty quickly. I move on to the pick-up from the morning rush, bed-making, breakfast dishes clean up. If I can force a smile, it makes the day go much better too!
xoxo,
Amy

Mami2jcn said...

I start the morning off with hugs from my husband and kids and a breakfast of fruit and yogurt.

mami2jcn at gmail dot com

Mami2jcn said...

tweet:

http://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/47316829537968129

mami2jcn at gmail dot com

Jen said...

Thanks for the opportunity!
I start my morning with a prayer and a great cup of coffee!

Bree said...

I'm a tropicana fan. We live in sunshiney FL :)
One of my favorite morning drinks: Tropicana OJ mixed with a smidge of milk and ice, blended up to a smooth icey confection of goodness. Stick in eco-friendly reusable cup, drive forth towards workplace! I need something perkier than just a cup of juice to get going, so that extra boost with the milk and ice helps!

Lee Ann L. said...

Wow! I didn't know that about Tropicana OJ either! Glad to hear that it doesn't have added sugar or artificial stuff!

Patricia Newhouse said...

My littlest son (4 years) is not a morning person either, but I have found that the best way for both of us to start the day is for him to crawl out of bed and he sits in my lap and we just hug for awhile. That's the best way to start the day and our sessions always end with a smile!

Thanks for the giveaway!

plnewhou(at)juno(dot)com

Kathy said...

My mornings start early with 3 kids under the age of 5 and then I watch 3 other kids every day. I get up eat breakfast and keep going. I just right into my cleaning and getting the kids ready. I don't get to crash until 1 pm when everyone is napping.

I would much rather stay up late than get up early.

Heidi said...

I am not a morning person by nature, but my kids make it much easier. My 7 year old daughter is naturally a morning person who loves to snuggle in the morning...how can you not love that? My 5 year old son is like me, we would prefer to ignore the rising sun. However, he gives me a groggy "Good Morning Mommy" that just puts everything right with the world.

incahgneetoh@yahoo.com said...

First thing I HAVE to visit the bathroom. Once there, I wash my hands and face without warm water to get me started (I shower at night). Next my bed gets made. Once I'm perked up from cool, fresh water, the made bed sort of triggers in my mind that sleep time is over and the day has begun.

And....once I win this visa card, my day will be much better.

Whitney Miller said...

I work much better if I keep my shoes on. Don't ask me why. I also work faster if I turn on some music. It also makes me work much longer.

Nancy said...

I try to exercise first thing. Before I do anything else. Sometimes this means that I have to get up at 5 am, but it is worth it to me to get my day started. And when I'm especially tired I am not above laying back down when my daughter goes down for her morning nap. Thanks for the great giveaway!

Megan said...

Mornings are tough... but a little prep the night before makes things so much easier in the AM. My kids love egg bake, so I'll make one the night before and just pop a piece in the micro in the morning. It's a quick way to eat a healthy breakfast!

marissa | Rae Gun Ramblings said...

I"m so not a morning person but it's when I let myself peek at the blogs I like, it kindly wakes me up and gets me excited to do things and ready to work

sb said...

Well, I don't have kids in school, so my mornings can be a bit relaxed. In order to allow myself time to wake up and have a happy morning, I don't go get my toddler when I first hear her. I let her play and talk in her crib for 20-30 minutes while I de-groggify :) and check my email and such. It makes my mornings much happier!

mommy Orkid Belle said...

I do admit I don't wake up in the morning that early, but when I do get up so early in the morning, I always like to wash my face first. For some reason, it keeps me awake and alive and ready to make breakfast. I like to make a huge breakfast with rice, bacon and eggs or sometimes I like to have some soup in the morning. (I am a Filipino so I am used to having a huge meal in the morning). Since my boy is still 2-yr. old and at home with me, I do some chores little at a time, then take him outside so he could play, then that would be my time that I can do my workout by running/walking around our huge yard. :) Great giveaway!

Adin B
myholypondhill(at)yahoo(dot)com

mommy Orkid Belle said...

My family loves tropicana as well. Whenever I go grocery shopping and wants to buy some juice, I always read the label to make sure it doesn't have added sugar or fructose syrup in it. Juices don't last in this household and so as fruits as well. We love our fruits! :)

Adin B
myholypondhill(at)yahoo(dot)com

Clyda and John said...

The Good in my mornings (I am not a morning person either) is taking the time to cuddle with my kids while we all try to wake up, before we start the morning rush. Those cuddles are what get me motivated to get out of bed.

mommy Orkid Belle said...

I twitted about this giveaway at https://twitter.com/mommyAdin.

Adin B
myholypondhill(at)yahoo(dot)com

Celeste Louise said...

you know, I'm not a morning person either. Total night owl. But I've found that the only days I have a "good" morning are the days where I go for a run. it changes my whole day.

thanks for the chance to win!

speaking of exercise, my word verification is flababs. LOL

The Clines said...

I'm not a morning person either, but I am much better after my shower!
teresacline2001(at)yahoo(dot)com

Anita said...

I try to wake up about 30 minutes before I need to wake up my daughter for school. I like to spend those 30 minutes catching up on email and blogs with a warm cup of coffee. It is just a nice quiet start to my day. thank you for the chance to win!

Wendy said...

Get a good sleep! :)

The College Knitter said...

As soon as I get up I make sure to take some vitamins and wash my face with a face wash that has morning beads in it to allow me to get a head start in the morning. I always have a banana and orange in the morning as well.
Thanks for the chance to win.

Ann said...

First thing I do is hop in the shower. Then I have my breakfast, peanut butter toast and a glass of tropicana OJ (with added calcium).

Nadilah Sungkar said...

I'm not a morning person either, but I have to get up early to get all my 3 kids to school. So, once my alarm on, I have to get up and have a cup of tea, and keep moving don't stop or back to bed.

gigi said...

I love me some Florida O.J. I grew up in Florida and there is nothing like Tropicana O.J.!!!

Kira said...

Aerobics in my basement or getting out of the house is the only way I can keep myself awake.

Barbie said...

I like to do a good workout session and then hop in the shower and get going!
I try to keep going most of the morning and not sit still much!

barbieaford @ yahoo.com

Lotte Lu and Brother Too said...

I get going in the morning by standing in the shower and planning out my morning moves. I think, "pack kids' lunches, make hubby coffee, finish getting myself ready for work...etc, etc, etc." It makes my mornings a little more "do-able" when I have a set plan!

A.J. Dub. (Amy) said...

If I don't shower right away I tend to slug around all morning and eventually go back to bed. Showers wake me up and get me motivated to do something or go somewhere.
I am dreading early morning seminary that will be coming up in a year or two. It's tempting to move to Utah just to avoid it. :)

Student Entrepreneur said...

I like to lay in bed before anyone wakes up and just take a few min by myself - that might be the only time all day I get to myself!!

suzannebake@gmail.com

Student Entrepreneur said...

tweeted -
http://twitter.com/#!/sahmof5kids/status/47361545000333312

suzannebake@gmail.com

Are we there yet? said...

I like to wake up before the rest of the family and have a little me time before starting the day.

Darcy said...

I have to have a cup of coffee, and after my daughter heads off to school, I always take my other kids on a walk...keeps me going!

Andrea said...

a good breakfast! w/ grapefruit. :)

Kelli said...

I need to get up earlier than my kids so I have time to get myself going. Otherwise we're all rushing all the way to school. I also like to bake my kids simple muffins or pancakes for breakfast when I can. It's a homemade treat that's better than anything they can get out of a package and it shows Mama loves them. Then we often take some of the extras to their teachers to get their morning started right too. All from a little flour, eggs, and usually a little chocolate! Chocolate chip muffins...mmmm!

Anonymous said...

I start my day off with my little one year old. She is just a smiley baby and loves to be hugged and kissed. Then we sing, "this is the day the lord has made..."
Donna A

Andrea Bateman said...

If I don't get up and get going right away in the morning, I'm doomed. I have found that if I get up, jump in the shower and get the kids all ready for school then start right away on my "to do list" that I my day seems so much easier. If I sleep in or drag around in my pjs - I seem to not get as much done during the rest of my day.

Stohl Family said...

I start the day by showering before my kids wake up. That way I am ready for whatever happens next!

Julie Weaver said...

I wash my face and brush my teeth...very first thing! Then I feel fresh and ready for the day.

Danielle Strong said...

well with a newborn the only good mornings I have are the ones after I go to bed early :( no fun and then I have my big glass of chocolate slimfast yum.

Natty said...

Breakfast and a quiet moment. :)

Unknown said...

I start the day with a short jog and a shower! Helps to get the endorphins pumping!

Eleanor said...

I too struggle with mornings. I have 4 kids whom I homeschool, so I move directly from breakfast to schooling. The main thing that helps mornings go smoothly is to go to bed on time. And wow is the time change messing us up.

JustPam said...

My preference is to be a night owl too. The only way I can handle getting up early is to be in bed and hopefully sleeping by 11 and try not to vary that routine too much during the weekend.

Amy said...

Mornings. Yikes! The 'good' is added into my morning by singing loudly in the car with my kids. It's a great way to wake yourself and your kids up especially if you try to sing in funny accents.

aly said...

I love mornings! And our family LOVES Tropicana!
Mornings are a great time to find quiet and stillness...perfect for thinking and pondering.

A. Scott said...

I've found that the more light in my room the less I'm apt to hit the snooze button. Same with heat, if I have a fleece blanket on my bed I just want to snuggle in he warmth. Best tips I have for getting UP: use less blankets (not so few that you freeze...), open the shades. Don't forget a quality breakfast sugars and carbs digest quickly but leave that afternoon slump throw in some protein and the energy should last a bit longer!

Lisa said...

I like to get a few minutes before the kids so I can get myself ready before I need to get them ready. Breakfasts are usually cereal, a muffin or the occasional breakfast sandwich, which we make in large batches, then freeze to microwave when needed; anything to make the mornings easier.

Nicole-Lynn said...

I like to make breakfast once a week for my fiance and I. We always have a full glass of Tropicana No Pulp OJ at the table! That always puts the "good" in our busy mornings!

Thanks for the opportunity to win!

Seasidesmitten@aol.com

Sewcando said...

I get up early and I mean really early. My best suggestion. Take a nap. Yep. I'm a napper and it works. Just 15 minutes can make a huge difference. And well if that doesn't work or seem feasible you can always break down to suggestion #2.....pull out the stash to play.

Amy @ Increasingly Domestic said...

I am also a night owl who wishes to be a morning person. When you figure it out will you please let me know? Thanks;)

Rhonda the Rambler said...

When I was a stay at home mom I found the best thing I could do was "get ready" everyday. After the kids were gone, I would immediately get in the shower and prepare for a day at work. I would do makeup, hair, dress...it made me feel better about myself. AND it made me feel motivated.

Autumn Bertram said...

I always start the morning out with a hot shower. I am such a night owl too! As a teacher, I have to be at school early so I have to do anything to get motivated in the morning. Hot shower and breakfast on the run :P

Rhonda the Rambler said...

I tweeted about your post.s

Shannon Wallace said...

Starting the day in the Word of God puts the good in our morning. I'm refreshed and equipped for the day ahead of me. Also inportant is an healthy breakfast, which ALWAYS includes Tropicana Pure Premium O.J. My 5 year old gets his O.J. every morning along with his cod oil mixed into the juice (omega-3's). Thanks for the giveaway!!!

Jen said...

I'm also not a morning person - I look for ANY excuse to go back to bed after I get the kids to school... So I have a couple of tricks that I pull on myself - 1. I schedule myself to do something first thing in the morning - whether it's working in the classroom, or visiting teaching, or primary board meeting, or grocery shopping, or running other errands.... that way I'm much less likely to crawl back into bed. 2. I pre-cook breakfasts.... Whenever we have pancakes for dinner, I make a few extras and freeze them - then when we need a quick breakfast, I can pop them in the toaster and have them ready in just a minute.

I don't believe that we can overcome our nature, tho.. if you're not a morning person, you're just not!

Jamie said...

Oh Melissa, I feel you. I am NOT a morning person. If you saw how I handle mornings with Walker, you'd think you were doing pretty good!! I think I'm wired as a night owl as well. I've been a night owl for as long as I can remember. But I do have to say that when I do get out of bed I make sure I don't stop. I usually don't sit back down until after lunch. There's something to that not stopping, but my afternoons are less than productive. I should just never sit down until I go to bed, but that's asking way too much. :) Good luck with the morning thing. I'm right there with you. Oh and I have started making a green smoothie every morning and I LOVE it. It keeps me satisfied until lunch.

Kate S. said...

I take the time to kiss my baby's cheeks and make him squeal! But honestly, nothing can really make my mornings 'better'... Especially since they start at 4 a.m. after I've been up twice in the night to feed my baby. :)

Kristen said...

I find that if I go to the gym first thing in the morning, it drastically affects my day. I have a hard time doing it but getting my heart going in the morning is the best! And some sleepy kisses from my daughter!

Laura said...

I find that saying Good Morning to my husband first thing, gets my morning off to a good start.

Amy said...

I read on another blog (sorry, can't remember which) that getting up before your kids so you can do dishes or run or read or whatever is beneficial so I would like to try that. I'm not so good at mornings either so I've only done it once so far (and that was on accident) but I liked it that day!

KatieQ said...

My children are grown now, but when they were little I would put a load of wash in after they went to sleep. I would stick it in the dryer while they were eating breakfast. I always felt that it helped me hit the ground running in the morning. Once they were on the bus, I got into the shower, by the time I was dressed, the wash was ready to come out of the dryer. I folded and put it away and then ran my errands for the day.

Laura said...

I blogged about your giveaway at http://lauralovesquilting.blogspot.com/2011/03/visa-gift-card-from-tropicana.html

Julie said...

I put the GOOD in the morning by trying to calm myself and relax when I'm getting ready. i try not to think about all the things I have to do that day.




juliesimpson73(at)hotmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

When I get up early with the kids, I start up the coffee pot, pour a BIG cup....and after I take them to school, I find I set the tone for the day if I make myself workout. :)

ecisley at comcast.net

Rachel said...

I like to sit quietly after the kids are done with breakfast and eat alone. Then I hop in the shower. I feel like a better person after my shower.

Lynnette said...

I am not a morning person. I never get much accomplished before noon. I need to re-learn how to start my day!!
nettecan at hotmail dot com

Alyce Unger said...

I have always done better in the am if I get up a little earlier to spend time with ME! I craft. surf the net, answer emails etc..So quiet and peaceful!!.When my kids were small one was a morning and 1 was a night person....this allowed me special time with each one..just at oppisite times of the day..this was important since I owned a day care and had a housefull of kids all day!They are grown and gone now and Im still a morning person and hubby is an evening guy.....but now we keep whatever hours we want....whenever we want!!

melissamo1 said...

Music, music, music! Music sets the whole mood and will really get you going if you are listening to something energetic. Oh, and openning up the curtains helps too!

Nicole said...

Get up on time - immediately get ready while my husband fields breakfast requests.

Kelly Massman said...

We usually eat something with protein to get our bodies going!

thanks!
kmassmanATgmailDOTcom

Tara said...

I try to eat a bowl of whole grain cereal and a banana or yogurt...keeps me full until lunchtime!

Anonymous said...

I usually just start the day a little earlier with a good cup of coffee.
MCantu1019@aol.com

Mommy the Milk Wagon said...

I put the "good" in morning by taking care of the baby so my husband can get ready for work, doesn't sound like much unless you have met my husband! haha
naomi . renbarger @ gmail . com

Anonymous said...

I'm not a morning person either, so in order to make my morning good I like to allow a little time for myself to watch one of my favorite TV shows while I eat breakfast. It allows me time to wake up and plan my day as I watch TV and eat. LPoser1 [at] gmail [dot] com

Bombtastic Belle said...

I start off my good morning with a smile from our 3 month old, and a hug/kiss from the husband :) And a chocolate chip muffin doesn't hurt either.

Debbie C said...

I try to put some Good in my morning by eating some whole grain of some sort and some yogurt.

dchrisg3 @ gmail . com

Debbie C said...

Tweeted
http://twitter.com/#!/DchrisG3/status/47873450899025921

dchrisg3 @ gmail . com

Stephanie said...

really it is the caffeine but turkey cheese omelettes often work as well
tvollowitz at aol dot com

Anonymous said...

The good in my morning is a glass of orange juice and a granola bar.

rhoneygtn at yahoo dot com

MTgunfighter said...

I am definitely a night owl. So, to make the morning good, I make a nice cut of espresso with a OJ chaser!

mtdoonmeister at gmail dot com

MTgunfighter said...

YAT

http://twitter.com/#!/mtdoonmesiter/status/47958174782861312

MOMFOREVERANDEVER said...

watching the sun rise gets me going...alot of talking to and listening toGod

Mysharona said...

we have OJ,eggs and toast almost everyday.

peg42 said...

I get in the shower before anyone is awake and have a cup of tea, while making breakfast.
Thanks so much.
rickpeggysmith(at)aol(dot)com

Kiersten @ Oh My Veggies said...

I make sure to shower & get ready for the day right away. If I sit around for a while, I lose the momentum.

ohkeeka at gmail dot com

sweepmom said...

I make sure I get some form of protein in, usually cottage cheese, eggs or greek yogurt.

Janice said...

I get good with a bowl of oatmeal and diet pepsi :)
whit1966@gmail.com

The Sunshyn said...

I'm not a morning person either. I struggle to make a good morning, most of which involves arranging my life so that I have a couple hours after I get up without pressing obligations.
chainmail (at) iwon(dot) com

The Sunshyn said...

I tweeted
http://twitter.com/The_Sunshyn/status/48039100061724672
chainmail (at) iwon(dot) com

Robin M. said...

I wish I could head to the gym... instead I head to work.

shelley said...

My family loves Tropicana Orange Juice we drink it everyday! It gives us our vitamins and helps keep us healthy! Thanks for the great giveaway!

shelleymikey at gmail dot com

buzzd said...

fresh fruit puts the good in our morning

buzzd said...

tweet
http://twitter.com/buzz8/status/48060471516995585

Taylor Kowallis said...

definitely working out in the a.m. and having a protein filled breakfast wakes me up and sets me on my day right! Except when Im 8 months preggo... cant really work out like I used to but I get going anyway :)
taykowallis@gmail.com

Unknown said...

I put the good into my mornings by drinking a glass of tropicana oj and having a bagel with cream cheese.

kport207 at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

I put the good in my morning by starting with a yogurt, whole grain toast and a glass of OJ.

Unknown said...

I tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/eyzofblu63/status/48094872783171584

kdkdkd said...

I make sure the whole family gets a good start with a high fiber cereal, skim milk, and a glass of 100% juice.

kdkdcats at yahoo dot com

Kelly said...

I work out first thing every morning. It wakes me up and gives me energy for the rest of the day. I always eat a good breakfast with lots of protein after I'm done with my workout. :)

krtrumpet [at] aol [dot] com

Scott said...

Actually, the “good” in my morning starts with waking my kids and seeing their smiling faces. It doesn’t get better than that.
THANKS for the AWESOME GIVEAWAY!!!

Scott Martin
spmartin122@gmail.com

Unknown said...

take a little time to yourself to do something easy but still semi-productive to start your day casually. i use this time to check my email

rewcath said...

I have to keep going in the morning after the breakfast rush, I always have another cup of coffee and my best tip i walk the dogs, I'm wide awake when i get back

rewcath said...

http://twitter.com/#!/rewcath/status/48139299551580160

Patrice said...

An early morning walk in conjunction with a nourishing breakfast is a good way to start the day.

cdabs said...

My "good" is sleeping in!

Ellie Wright said...

After I get the kids off to school I like to sit down at the computer with a bowl of oatmeal and a cup of tea. Although sometimes I do give in and lay down for about an hour's nap.
I'm not much of a morning person, either.
Thanks for the giveaway!
eswright18 at gmail dot com

Ellie Wright said...

tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/eswright18/status/48159487718207488

Leslie said...

The best thing that I can do is have a balanced breakfast, with raw fruit and veggies included. I feel so much better...and usually avoid an afternoon crash. Products like Tropicana's help me to do this more easily.

Annie said...

I LOVE morning and juice! I know my son who turns his nose up at straight oj will happily drink Tropicana! Who knew it was so good for you?! Thanks for the info and the giveaway!

kyl neusch said...

have a cup of coffee

heatherzilla said...

I am totally like you -- I am not a morning person at all. Luckily, my husband is. He brings me a cup of coffee 15 minutes before I have to get up. That is the only thing that helps me. Good luck!

Email is in profile. :)

heatherzilla said...

Tweet:
http://twitter.com/heatherzilla8/status/48263239838089216

Denise Donaldson (MistySunrise) said...

I always make sure I have breakfast ready for my daughter in the morning. I feel better when I know she eats healthy

itsjustme62613 at gmail.com

Denise Donaldson (MistySunrise) said...

tweet

http://twitter.com/MistySunrise/status/48298233184792576

itsjustme62613 at gmail.com

Unknown said...

I start nearly every morning at 4:30 a.m. I am a morning person! Coffee, emails, blog reading, and then shower. Love Love my mornings.
letsgosew@yahoo.com

deserae said...

I always have a good breakfast to start the day right!

clc408 said...

I get up extra early and start out with my coffee. Then I make my breakfast of oatmeal and relax with it.

clc408 said...

Tweet:
http://twitter.com/clc408/status/48431155883687936

hale2005 said...

I usually make some eggs with english muffins. A cup of O.J. is good too.


hellrzr(at)juno(dot)com

hale2005 said...

tweet

http://twitter.com/mrcheapo/status/48446495447465984

hellrzr(at)juno(dot)com

Deborah said...

I find I have a better day if I do all the "have to" tasks...breakfast dishes, bed making, housework, dinner prep...right away. Then, the rest of the day can be set aside for "would like to do" or "do nothing" time. asthenight at gmail dot com

Amy said...

To put "good" in the morning, I always make sure my kids get a well balanced breakfast. That usually includes fruit, either freshly cut or juice such as Tropicana OJ, good protein, and healthy carbs.

Amy
http://utry.it

Unknown said...

I used to sit after getting the kids off to school. I had to breathe in the mornings just to gather my thoughts.

gmissycat at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

Tweeted here too

http://twitter.com/#!/gmissycat/status/48514535094632448

gmissycat at yahoo dot com

elle.paisley designs said...

I'm not much of a morning person either....but I have found if I cook myself a healthy breakfast it helps aid my transition into the day without being grumpy. I set my alarm earlier than i need to get up so i can lie in bed through the snooze at least once. That breakfast food is my motivation to start the day!

lisa said...

I take five minutes to go through my emails with a nice hot cup of coffee and chocolate. msmith572@yahoo.com

lisa said...

Tweet: http://twitter.com/samasam/status/48524404870746112

msmith572@yahoo.com

lisa said...

Blogged: http://insanityisforthelame.blogspot.com/2011/03/polka-dot-chair-too-help-me-find-good.html

msmith572@yahoo.com

ohstac said...

Definitely start with some coffee! When I was a SAHM, I made an effort to get dressed (not sweats!) and do my hair & make-up. I was always more productive when I started the day with some exercise also.
nrdunningATgmailDOTcom

Tabathia B said...

I read for at least 15 minutes and then wake the kids up
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

Tabathia B said...

tweeted
http://twitter.com/#!/ChelleB36/status/48554223650082816
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

I start my good morning with a glass of orange juice and bowl of oatmeal. Then I take my dog KC for
a walk that she relly enjoys it makes my day good to see her happy
Thanks
Cathy Truman
kbtruman(at)aol(dot)com

JC said...

A great breakfast (oatmeal, juice, and egg) and hugs from my family are how I put good in the morning.
tcarolinep at gmail dot com

JC said...

http://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/48597467893219328

Anonymous said...

While I am not good at eating a good breakfast, I do like cooking one for others, and then I sit back with my coffee and mull over the coming day. On my good days I get down a glass of oj. spiersrp at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

I start every morning with a hearty bowl of oatmeal and blueberries.. It gives me the energy I need and fills me up until lunch time!

Catherine (cathermk@usc.edu)

wigget said...

i try to buy cereals with whole grain for the boys

Unknown said...

I love morning I start he morning taking the dog out and enjoying the sunshine in the back yard with a cup of tea then I go inside and have the rest of breakfast usually orange juice ans a bagel that I eat while I read emails and blogs

Holly said...

Aw, the first thing is to sit down with a warm cup of coffee (by a window if I can't go out) on my porch, take in some deep breaths and watch nature unfolding it's day. It clears my head and gives me energy for the rest of the day.
Holly (hollydvd@hotmail.com)

Veronica said...

As a non-morning person myself, my favorite thing is to play some happy morning music.

dustyperle said...

Hmmmm this is a very good question. I think about the thing that gets me up in the morning, as I am NOT a morning person. I think you need to have another baby. Yup she is the only reason I get the gusto to get up and stay up. So there you have it good luck!!!! <;

deb126 said...

I get up with my husband very early (4 am) every day and have done this since we've been together -(its been a long time)and to get started I have to coffee so I always set it up the night before so all I do is pour in the water & its done 3 min later, after a few cups of coffee I am ready to get started, depending on the day of the week I will make big breakfast otherwise its just oatmeal, juice and maybe granola bar but my kids arent babies anymore so they pretty much take care of their own breakfast on days I dont make it,Tropicana Orange Juice is a staple at my house, I buy the extra calcium with no pulp because thats what they like. We've all been trying to drink more oj so we can get our daily requirements orange juice is such a easy way to get it and its healthy too
thanks for the great giveaway

deb126 said...

tweeted giveaway here

http://twitter.com/#!/deb126/status/48904303116681216

Katie said...

I jump right into a workout because otherwise I crash too and it would never happen!
katiekarr at gmail dot com

jennB said...

I've always been a morning person. When my alarm goes off I'm almost always awake and out of bed. Never needed coffee or anything like that, but I DO love OJ, so if I have it, thats what I grab first thing. For me (last few months anyway) I get up early before the rest of the family and go for a run/walk for a few miles around my neighborhood. It's usually dark, quiet, and it gives me time to exercise, and I think, plan my day, make mental lists, spend some time talking to God, and just sort of prepare myself for the day ahead. I always feel better on the days when I get to do that.

Raine said...

I like taking a nice long walk in the am before work. Puts me in a good mood for the rest of the day.

Anonymous said...

I get the good in by waking up early, giving thanks for the day, and doing a bit with my jumprope before I start breakfast :D

Please feel free to contact me at:

sales4545 at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

I just tweeted this giveaway here :D

https://twitter.com/#!/TimboSquad/status/49062050848190464

Please feel free to contact me at:

sales4545 at gmail dot com

KowgirlsRule said...

I just keep going in the mornings. If I sit down or stop I tend to crash so I just keep moving.

Wanda McHenry said...

I get the good in my morning by a wake up kiss to my husband, a hug to my dog and a cup of coffee! Then I jump on the computer :)

wbailey113 at hotmail dot com

susan1215 said...

I don't like being rushed in the mornings so I wake up early, get myself read, get breakfast done and then wake the children up. We have breakfast together.

s2s2 at comcast dot net

susan1215 said...

http://twitter.com/#!/susan1215/status/49276763271991297

s2s2 at comcast dot net

hendy said...

Well it's not easy but I usually jump in the shower before I feed the kids, eat with them, and then spend some alone time reading to make a "good" morning.
hendymartin1 AT yahoo DOT com

hendy said...

tweeted
http://twitter.com/#!/HendyMartin/status/49356472324329472
hendymartin1 AT yahoo DOT com

Peggy said...

I love a glass of oj - anytime of the day!
pegalina1@yahoo.com

samdaleo said...

I try to just make sure everyone (including me) starts the day smiling. None of us are morning people in this house..so sometimes it takes a few minutes and some creativity, but I can usually pull it off...be it a good breakfast...a special surprise message on the mirror..a funny moment or two..smiles start the day off right.

Thanks!
Samantha
Jamesmadison1974@gmail.com

bikeohio said...

Exchanging "I love yous" is always the best way to start a morning off good.

bikeohio said...

tweet http://twitter.com/bikeohio/status/49616637246185472

elizabeth p said...

Once a month I make up some great omelets and whole grain breads to pop in the freezer. Then I have a quick ready and wholesome breakfast. I am queenesperfect at yahoo.com

Lauren @ Love, Water and Wine said...

Oh goodness; I am definitely not a morning person either! And being a middle school teacher definitely doesn't allow me to sleep in! I usually have my breakfast on the go during my 20 minute drive to work consisting of some sort of beverage and something I probably shouldn't be eating. :)

Thanks for hosting a great giveaway!

youngnester(at)gmail(dot)com

Cecilia said...

The best thing for me in the morning to get me going is to take a long shower. I think it's one of my favorite things to do each morning! It wakes me up and the small bit of time to myself gets me ready for my day and my family of six.

Bentleys said...

We turn up the music and dance while getting ready!

Anonymous said...

We put the good in our morning by always having breakfast, and saying we love each other, and giving hugs.
maddiemb {at} comcast (dot) net

B. Edge said...

I used to be a bear in the mornings and it took time and practice to change my surly ways. With all my kids off to school every morning it's become a special time to share together. I've found by focusing on helping them have the best morning possible I'm usually in a better mood and ready to face my day by the time they're all off.

Anonymous said...

i always start with a hug! scg00387 at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

http://twitter.com/#!/DesMoinesDealin/status/49868660386435073 scg00387 at yahoo dot com

Denise S. said...

I get up 90 minutes before the kids to and get a head start on them and have some peace!
lazybones344 at gmail dot com

fostertam said...

I put the "good" in my morning by being the first one up--the pups and I have some quiet computer time and LOTS of coffee. Then I have a healthy breakfast with oatmeal and mix in some walnuts--and often I follow with a quick Tropicana chaser!

fostertam said...

http://twitter.com/#!/fostertam/status/49963032834609153

Renee Simmons said...

My getting up "good" thing in the morning is turning on my puter & turning on my email, facebook & twitter to start my morning with my friends & family

Renee Simmons said...

Tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/bearabledeals/status/50087995956666368

Unknown said...

I too AM NOT a "Morning Person" . However, after 3 kids you learn that you MUST become a morning person. I must admit, I didn't realize all the good stuff you said about Tropicana but will be sure to add this to my shopping list. Great information, glad I read your blog!!

Anonymous said...

I've made my bed every morning for the last
35 years... Then do my 17 min workout..works for me:)

Unknown said...

I tweeted this on Twitter under Susan051. susan_wilder59@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

I exercise!!
thanks for entering me!
Janna Johnson
jannajanna@hotmail.com
www.FeedYourPigBlog.com

Tammigirl said...

To thine own self be true! Being a morning person is overrated, in my opinion. I mean, there's nothing wrong with it, but we don't ALL need to be morning people. That's why there are morning people. We're all oxygen people. That's why you don't hear people wishing they were more of an 'oxygen person'.

I'm down with the Tropicana myself, for the past few months. I bought it at Sam's Club and there was no turning back.

Mornings are alright if there's a couple of good options and a glass of orange juice.

Tonight, as I drink my midnight glass of juice, I'll toast you!

Tammigirl said...

I tweeted:
http://twitter.com/#!/tammigirl/status/50180575016910848

Tina said...

I get my good in the morning with a bowl of cereal and a glass of OJ
merleandtina@yahoo.com

Tina said...

http://twitter.com/#!/HappyTina0115/status/50214837057359872
merleandtina@yahoo.com

smilekisses said...

I work the graveyard shift so my do "good" is walking out that factory door!
dolniaks[at]consolidated[dot]net

Anonymous said...

I eat oatmeal or have a latte
robinlscott4@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

tweet
robinlscott
http://twitter.com/robinlscott/status/50696281412222976
robinlscott4@hotmail.com

Valerie Taylor Mabrey said...

I start out with Oj and vitamins gives that boost

tiff said...

I have to have my coffee and about 15 minutes to myself, then I get my husband and son out the door and then I can usually go snuggle with one of my 2 toddlers for 30 min., or so till they wake up.

Unknown said...

I am very slow in the mornings so my trick is a yogurt with fruit (preferably a Greek yogurt),whole grain toast and a glass of orange juice. I sometimes change the orange juice to a grapefruit juice.

Anonymous said...

Does it really matter what time you start your day??? I like to start off with a good stretch helps get the blood flowing.
s barrett 92 at yahoo dot com

clynsg said...

I don't think it matters how you start--everyone has their own rhythm, and as long as things that need to be done are done, what's the difference. Of course, I am more of a morning person, so maybe that colors my perception!

cgclynsg0 @ gmail dot com

Unknown said...

I say take some quiet time for YOU.

rugerpuppies at hotmail dot com

Deb Anderson said...

http://twitter.com/tnshadylady/status/51828552924016640

Deb Anderson said...

http://tnshadylady.blogspot.com/2011/03/you-could-win-100-visa-gc-from.html

Janice said...

I sing along to music on my morning drive to work to brighten up my mood

m8usi@yahoo.com

Janice said...

tweeted:
https://twitter.com/cappytweet/status/51834822431223808

m8usi@yahoo.com

Lexiquin said...

I'm afraid I don't really have a good suggestion for you--because, I think some of us are just naturally "morning people" I know I am! Three of my kids are, also. I don't like to talk to anyone until I've had my first cup of coffee, tho (which isn't until after I brush my teeth). I'm usually up before anyone else, so I'm pleasant by the time they come around. Thanks for the giveaway.

Lexiquin said...

Tweet! http://twitter.com/#!/lexiquin/status/51836253527748608

Anonymous said...

breathe
timgus(at)cox(dot)net

Libby's Library said...

Now that my children are grown, and have children of their own...I have a lazy routine to put the GOOD in my Good Morning! But when the grandchildren are visiting, I go all out...pancakes, eggs, bacon, and of course oj!

Thanks for the great giveaway.

Libby's Library said...

Oops - for got that all important email address:-)

libneas[at]aol[dot]com

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