Best Websites to Start Your Day

I have always said I think I would like to have a commute on my way to work.  A little time alone in the car to catch up on phone calls, listen to music, or just to think would be a nice way to begin and end each day.  Since I often work from home, though, I like to begin my morning with a bit of, shall we call it ‘productive procrastinating’.  As I sip my iced coffee and thumb through emails, I usually open several other windows on my computer. I browse the interweb for 30­-45 minutes as a way to get my feet wet for the day.  I always read up on current world news (including the world news of celebrity gossip), but also peruse a random assortment of sites and links.  

Here are my favorite websites I read to get ready for the day: 

Sweet Treats

I'm constantly being invited over to friends’ houses during the summer.  A homemade sweet is always appreciated, and Bakerella.com has tons of recipes for everything from pies to cake pops.  I can’t way to bring these mini fruit pies to the next cookout.

Transform Your Space

I am constantly redesigning my house.  Seriously, one minute my rustic round farm table serves as a kitchen eating spot, and the next it is adorned with coffee table books and garden roses in my entryway.  From simple projects like creating a perfectly staged set of shelves to more ambitious ones for a later time and bigger budget, I love looking through Freshome.com site for inspiration. I am currently uber obsessed with ombre wallpaper.  What an easy way to transform your space!

Motivational Video

For the most part, motivational memes and videos are a cause for me to roll my eyes.  However, a close friend sent me this video a few years ago when I was having a rough week.  I re­-watch it from time­-to-­time (like this morning) for a little extra fire under my butt.

Makeover Morning

Recently, I have been toying with the idea of getting bangs. iVillage.com let’s you play around with everything from styles, to colors, to makeup choices on a photo uploaded from your own library. Let’s just say that after seeing my virtual self with fringe across my forehead, I have decided against it. Before you take your deep chestnut locks to a bleachy blonde, try it out here.

Update Your Style

Sometimes choosing which seasonal trendy items to fork over the big money can be challenging. Should I by the $300 crop­top or head to Forever 21? Babble.com shows you a current trend and offers budget conscious options to get the look for less. 

What are your favorite websites for getting ready for the day?