Time-Saving Tips to Transform Busy Moms into Beauty Queens

Moms these days are strapped for time, balancing everything from children with complicated schedules, keeping the home from looking chaotic, and often working on top of it all. It's no wonder we always come last on the list of chores and appointments. But no more! Recharging yourself will provide your children with a happier mom, and in turn, a happier family.

But when time is limited, what's a woman to do? Here are some time-saving health, beauty, and fashion tips that any busy mom can fit into her routine.

1. Bathe at night.

Showering at night will save you precious time in the morning. It will also help you to relax after a long day, allowing the woes of Cheerios to wash down the drain. You will also fall asleep faster and more deeply.

After towel drying, try applying one of the delicious Avojuice Skin Quenchers from OPI ($7.95 for 6.6 oz.; see scents at www.opi.com) to your entire body. You'll be feeling so sexy, you might decide to search under the laundry for that man of yours.

2. Lay out your outfit, starting with the shoes.

Rather than throwing on the old, faithful jogging suit and sneakers in the blurry hours of the morning, choose an outfit the night before, yes, starting with cute shoes, like patterned flats, and then work up. If you start with the shoes, you'll hopefully avoid the sneakers and instead choose shoes that would look ridiculous paired with sweatpants. You may just have to wear something trendy for a change to match your fancy flats.

Rich, bold colors are hot, especially deep blues and purples. Shirts with umpire waists or satin-sheens flatter moms who are still fighting the tummy bulge. Add sparkling studs to your ears to bring attention to your eyes, or finish the ensemble with a long, chunky beaded necklace. A colorful beaded necklace will not only keep you in style, but will keep babies occupied when you're waiting in line with a cart filled with groceries.