READER'S ROCK LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE VOL 2 ISSUE 4 NOVEMBER 2014 Vol. 1 Issue 7 January 2014 | Page 59

your everyday routines, handbags
are one area of your wardrobe that
may just be the most splurgeworthy but make sure to invest in
something that is designed to last.
The latest look in handbags are
structured bags with an old
Hollywood feel inspired by the
looks of the silver screen. Shiny
metal chains, clasps and handles

are also all the rage but just make
sure to select a color that
complements your everyday
wardrobe.
The key to building a great
wardrobe is keeping it updated
with a few affordable trendsetting
pieces each season. But before
you go shopping, sort through

your clothes to determine what
still works and what should be
given away to charity or sold at
your favorite consignment store.
After all, any money earned on
things you no longer need can be
reinvested in new fashions to keep
you looking and feeling your best.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Six Simple Ways to Optimize Your Mornings
(Family Features) Even the most
chipper of morning people can
sometimes wake up groggy and tired.
And if their children wake up feeling
the exact same way, mornings can
definitely drag. There are, however,
little things you can do — from
scheduling exercise at optimal times, to
packing protein into breakfast, to
planning daily goals — that will make
a big difference.
The following tips will help put that
zing in your family's step.
Wake up and work out: Do you start
your morning with a healthy dose of
exercise? The time you begin your
workout matters more than you may
think. A study shows that those who
work out before eating in the morning
burned approximately 20 percent more
than those who wait until after
breakfast.
Rev up your metabolism: Allow a
little extra time in your morning to rev
up your metabolism. A short, 20 minute
weight lifting session can get your
blood pumping and help you burn
calories throughout the day. Of course,
if you're busy managing the kids in the
morning, you can still increase your
metabolism just by adding more
protein to your morning meal while
making sure it's low in calories and
carbs.
Make time for breakfast: Never skip
breakfast — not only will that deplete
your energy, but it can also negatively
impact your health. In fact, recent

studies show that
those who opt out of
breakfast time are at a
27 percent higher risk
of having a heart
attack. The same study
also finds that those
who eat breakfast are
likely to be healthier
eaters overall. This is
especially important
for children as they
develop habits over
time. So, help them
establish a healthy breakfast habit
early. If time is an issue, make
breakfast a priority (and a convenience)
by filling your pantry with quick,
healthy. low-fat options, such as Vi
Crunch™ cereal, which provides 12
grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber.
For more information, visit
www.ViCrunch.com.
Create a checklist: Think of your
entire day as a series of small goals and
write them down in the morning or the
night before. Then cross out tasks as
you complete them. Not only will you
reduce stress from having a better
visual of your family's day, you will
feel more productive as you progress
through your list.
Shake up the morning: Get out that
blender and toss in healthy foods.
Breakfast smoothies and shakes are a
fast way to get the essential nutrients to

jumpstart your day. Plus, they're easy
to pour, and they're mobile — throw in
a straw and sip while you walk. Recruit
your children to help, and let them have
fun mixing up their own tasty creation
with fresh fruit like pineapple, banana
and blueberries. Amp up your shake
with nutritious additions, such as chia
seeds, natural peanut butter or Vi
Crunch™ Fusions, which come in two
delicious flavors, Chocolate
Macadamia Granola and Tri-Berry
Puffs. Each makes a crunchy topping
for your favorite breakfast foods,
especially for the young, picky eater.
Pause: Before you leave the house,
take one minute to breathe. Feel good
you ate breakfast and warmed up your
body with exercise. And don't forget to
take your to-do list with you. You never
know what opportunities the day will
inspire.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images