I'm a morning person. Annoying, I know. I simply cannot sleep in, even when I’ve been up all night partying/feeding a baby/thinking about something dumb I did 12 years ago. I really do love the alone time that comes with early morning darkness. I don’t always get it — especially when James decides he has a burning question about dinosaurs that MUST be answered before 6am — but when I do, my day goes a hell of a lot better.  

An ideal morning goes something like this:

My alarm goes off at 5:15am. I fling myself out of bed, throw on my workout clothes and tiptoe to the bathroom. Andy says I pound the floor like an elephant but he’s dramatic and I don’t buy it. I always brush my teeth (duh) and do my morning skin routine right away. Cleanse, face mask, treat, tone and moisturize. I never ever forget sunscreen because my horrid melasma face lives rent-free in my mind. If I’m feeling particularly ratchet, I’ll pop on a little Rose Inc. tinted face serum and brush my brows. 

Then I’m downstairs for COFFEE. My reason for waking. Maybe even my reason for living (don’t tell Andy). My go to is a double shot oat milk latte. I use this coffee maker, these pods and this oat milk. Do not start with me about oat milk. I can assure you that I don’t care. I spend the next hour or so sipping the nectar of the gods in silence. If I have a deadline, this is when I’m most productive. It’s game over once the wild things wake, so I cram in as much work as I can.  

Whenever I finish my to-do list, I head upstairs to my weird little folding desk covered in crystals and I meditate. I know they say to do it first-thing but I’m a rebel so I do it second-thing. About a year ago I became obsessed with meditation and all things woo-woo. I’d been searching for help with self acceptance and anxiety, and this is where I landed. I’m telling you, I’m a wayyyy better person because of it. I used to be super reactive and would beat myself up every time something went wrong. My brain constantly told me that I wasn’t good enough or hadn’t done enough. That I was a shitty mother, my career sucked, and that I was a loser. I was tired of feeling like my ego was in control, so I finally committed to meditating every day (plus therapy of course). The beauty of meditation is you don’t have to sit in silence for hours. Even a five minute guided meditation is enough. I could go on for hours about this but you’ve probably got shit to do, so I won’t.

These are a few of my favorite playlists on Spotify: Affirmations, Calming and Chakra Balancing Meditation for positivity. I also recently started using the app Insight Timer and it’s awesome. If you want a one-stop shop, I think it’s the best option. 

I always light a candle, say a prayer (I’m pretty spiritual but I know this is not everyone’s jam), meditate, and do some deep breathing. It only takes about 15 minutes but it’s changed my life. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still a people pleaser and I think everyone’s mad at me, I’m just not crippled by those things anymore. It’s pretty great.

At around 7/730 the bambino’s wake. Ok, James sleeps this late 1 in 365 days, but we’re talking about my ideal morning so let’s pretend. I’m really obsessed with this time with them. Since they’re not overstimulated or overtired, they’re delicious. We start with breakfast (always a negotiation with JJ, never with Elle). I love a smoothie (spinach, frozen berries, banana, almond milk, chia seeds, hemp seeds, and Truvani organic protein powder), and the kids do oatmeal or toast and berries. 

They always ask for these fun plates and these placemats. These napkins too. I’m into the Montessori method so we all sit together at this little table. 

After brekky we play a little (with the walkie-talkies if I get my way) and then we’re out of the house. Someone’s usually pissed about the color of their socks, or the fact that they can’t stay home and watch Frozen, but I handle the drama well because I’m zen now (see above). 

I do school drop off every morning and our car convos are lit. Nothing tickles me quite like a three-year-old sighing deeply and lamenting ‘Mum I had a real doozy of a night last night’. Despite the insane Miami traffic, I make it home without getting ragey (I meditate remember) and jump in the cold plunge. Yes, it sucks, but it makes me feel like a god afterwards. Since I’m no longer a marathoner and I don’t have to wake up at 430am to run one billion miles, I usually do my workouts after the school run. About 45 mins is where it’s at for me. These are my fave apps and virtual programs. I switch it up — dance, sprints, pilates, circuit training, or yoga. I don’t have much motivation anymore, so these classes keep me focused and entertained. A bit more food, another coffee and that’s my morning routine. 

In summary, coffee, cuddles and a side of crystals.

C x