Have fun without the fuss
03:57 Share

You're listening to an iHeart Podcast. Hey, listeners. I am all about simple beauty routines. That's why I love Merit. Their products make looking put together effortless. For example, there's Flush Balm, which is a sheer, buildable cream blush that blends in seamlessly for a healthy, natural glow. And let's not forget The Minimalist, which is a two-in-one foundation and concealer that's perfect for those days when you need quick, natural coverage.

So if you're looking to streamline your beauty routine too, head to MeritBeauty.com. You'll get their signature makeup bag free with your first order. Simplify your routine and feel beautiful with Merit. Welcome to Before Breakfast, a production of iHeartRadio. Good morning, this is Laura. Welcome to the Before Breakfast podcast. Today's tip is to aim for fun without the fuss.

You don't have to do everything the hard way. If there's a shortcut to fun, take it. Long-time listeners know that I have a lot of kids and have therefore been in charge of a lot of birthday parties over the years. I'm a big fan of hosting birthday parties somewhere other than my house. It's fun for the kids and easier for me.

The people at the trampoline park, Chuck E. Cheese, or the paint-your-own-pottery studio are literally pros at throwing kid parties. So I leave the fuss to them and just show up with my family and my credit card for the fun. There are many times in life when you can opt for fun without the fuss. People sometimes see the need to plan as a barrier to fun, and then they miss out on fun as a result.

But there are plenty of ways to minimize the details. You can meet up at a park or the Children's Museum for a play date instead of at your home. No need to tidy up or provide snacks. You just show up. You don't have to cook and host holiday meals at home. You can go to a restaurant with extended family for a holiday meal or meet up at a resort hotel or vacation rental house in another location. Or if you find your home more relaxing, you can order in food for everyone.

and book a visit from the cleaning service right before and the next day after your event. If it is not fun for you to make Halloween costumes, just buy them. If finding a real Christmas tree at the lot, hauling it home, and stringing lights on it isn't worth it to you, buy a pre-lit artificial one. There are some pretty amazingly beautiful ones available these days. You could do a Rhodes Scholar or National Geographic trip instead of planning everything yourself.

Maybe for years, everyone in your book club has taken turns hosting the group and providing appetizers and drinks, but you're in a season of life when that has become cumbersome. Maybe you transitioned to meeting at a bar and just chatting about life. No need to involve books at all. If planning or preparation is part of the fun for you, that is wonderful. But if it is not, you can often enjoy the fun part with fewer transaction costs.

So if you want more fun in your life but can't bear to add one more thing to your to-do list, then make fun without the fuss your philosophy. Skip the hassle. Go straight to the happiness. If you have fun without the fuss, I'd love to hear how you do it. You can reach me at laura at lauravandercam.com. In the meantime, this is Laura. Thanks for listening. And here's to making the most of our time. ♪

Thanks for listening to Before Breakfast. If you've got questions, ideas, or feedback, you can reach me at laura at lauravandercam.com. Before Breakfast is a production of iHeartMedia. For more podcasts from iHeartMedia, please visit the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. Hey, listeners.

Walmart subscriptions help you stay stocked on the things you use most, like groceries, pet and baby supplies, cleaning products, and everything else you use. You can choose the date and time for everything to be delivered on repeat to your door. And if a last-minute trip comes up, you can edit the delivery schedule. Stay stocked with Walmart subscriptions. Welcome to your Walmart. Find everything you need for your home at Walmart. In stores, online, and in the app.

Hey listeners, I am all about simple beauty routines. That's why I love Merit. Their products make looking put together effortless. For example, there's Flush Balm, which is a sheer, buildable cream blush that blends in seamlessly for a healthy natural glow. And let's not forget The Minimalist, which is a two-in-one foundation and concealer that's perfect for those days when you need quick, natural coverage.

So if you're looking to streamline your beauty routine too, head to MeritBeauty.com. You'll get their signature makeup bag free with your first order. Simplify your routine and feel beautiful with Merit.