I’m sure we can all agree that waking up to moonlight isn’t
as romantic as it sounds. While my schedule is a bit different these days, I
still like to emerge from my cozy flannel Target
sheets with the rest of the active/working world to ensure I don't spend all my
living hours paralle to the floor.
So with that being said, I rise with a morning kiss from
Adam and a quick snuggle with Oliver. By this time, Oliver has already been
walked and Adam is prepping for his morning stroll to work. You can hear me
from our bedroom calling out, “ did you have a good sleep? Did you grab your
lunch? What are you taking for a snack? You put a hat in your gym bag right? Remember
your iPod!!!” To which he always replies, “ pretty good, yes, hummus and carrots
(or snap peas), no I forgot, can you do that, and, got it”.
By now I’ve made it to the washroom and know that in order
to have a productive day where I feel fresh and alive, I have to settle in to a
small but valued routine. I have loads of time on my hands right now but my
mornings are the kick start to my day so I’m keen on making them count.
Here are some simple but effective steps I take to launch a
great morning.
Steps 1: Wash face.
Over the past 4 months I’ve been delighted with the results
I get from using my Konjac
cleansing sponge by Boscia. I buy
them from Sephora (heart) and find they
leave my face feeling so soft. What I really appreciate about these sponges is
that they don't pull my skin. I’m now at
the age where I need to be aware of what I’m putting on my face and the
techniques I use when washing or hydrating it. Because the sponge is so gentle
on my skin, I actually love this part of my morning routine!
Once I’ve picked out a face wash… Really enjoying Soap
and Glory which can be found at Shoppers, I add a small amount to the
sponge and lather away. Just when I'm about to finish washing my face, I end by
applying a small amount of sugar into the mix. This helps by exfoliating the
top layer of skin as well as my winter lips. I massage this into my face and lips
for approximately 25 seconds. When done, I use my hands to rinse the products
off with warm water. From there I pat my face dry with a towel. Do Not rub… pat
!
Step 2: Hydrate and
eat.
Water. I love water! I love love love water! One of my
favourite things about H2O is the way it makes me feel. I feel healthy and
alive when I drink water. And the best part is that my skin also benefits. In
the mornings I usually have my first glass infused with fruit. I enjoy lemon, apple,
orange and cucumber with basil. I’m sure this is not for everyone but I really
look forward to that first glass and the hint of freshness it brings to my
tastebuds. I always incorporate fruit into my morning routine. It’s usually in
the form of a smoothie but on days when I’m headed to the gym or have somewhere
to go I rely on an orange, pineapple or cantaloupe. I also indulge in some
homemade granola with a splash of almond milk.
Step 3: Brush and
deodorize.
Another part of feeling fresh is obviously brushing your
fangs! ( my father always told us to brush our fangs growing up… Now it’s
stuck) after brushing I like to smell good so I add a little Vanilla solid
perfume by Lush (love this Canadian company) to my wrist
then add some deodorant. I’m currently using an all natural one by Lavanila. These deodorants smell delightful,
and are perfect for lounging around, however I smell NASTY ( foul, distasteful, revolting) if I even
attempt 1 push-up while wearing this deodorant !!! If I’m headed to the gym I
have to stay clear of Lavanila and go to something that has more staying power,
such as Lady speedstik or Secret.
Step 4: Moisturize
I’m all about moisture….. Damn that's a creepy word. Okay
not a fan of moisture but I do take pleasure in moisturizing… My face! For a
number of years I’ve been using Hope in a jar
by Philosophy because Oprah swears by it and I do what the Queen says. I’m a
fan of this moisturizer because it sits well on my face and I can use it all
year round. (Note: I have normal skin… Not dry or oily). Then I apply some sort
of lip product. I'm pretty plain Jane so I stick with the basics. Here
I’m using one by Sephora. Next I'll add some mascara. Honestly I’ve just recently
started wearing (2+ years) makeup. I love the appeal of makeup and all that it can do, it’s just that I’m makeup stupid. I’ll play around but I’m no guru, that's for damn sure! With that being said I
have fallen into the trap of not wearing waterproof mascara during a H.I.I.T session
( high intensity interval training), and I learned my lesson quick! Waterproof
from here on out for this girl. I acquired this sample size mascara
from Tarte and I’m in love. Never
have I found a mascara that lengthens like this bad boy does. She truly is a
beauty!
Step 5: Simple jewels.
And to top it all off I add a few of my favourite jewels. I
always wear my wedding rings (wear and tear baby) and depending if I’m going to
the gym or not I throw on a watch. My two go to’s are my Fossil
or Polar. I’ve been wearing a watch
quite often over the past 4 years, not because I feel “naked” without but
because I want to stop relying on my cell phone to tell the time. I have a
special watch that I inherited from my grandfather and when I wear it I often
think of him. No cell phone can do that!
I'm always seen wearing earrings and I'm loving these rose
gold heart shaped studs Adam gave me at Christmas. They are by a local PEI
artist that Adam picked up at a Etsy pop up market in early December. If I come
by her name I’ll add it into the comments. And lastly, I’ll tend to add another
ring. I found this plain stirling silver ring in an antique store in St Andrews while on a little
couples retreat last summer. I've always wanted an initial ring and took
matters into my own hands. I had a jeweller engrave the letter “E” and have
been wearing it ever since. Great find and buy!
My mornings really set the tone to my day so I seek joy in
starting them off with this satisfying routine.
