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I have an entire post in my notes section on princess Diana’s fashion, but today I felt compelled to write about my morning routine.
I know I know, we’re all incredibly bored of reading about morning routines, especially those that include a $12 matcha, but I want to share mine because my situation is far from normal (again don’t we all say that?) but I don’t make such bold statements unwarranted. I say that as a woman who got diagnosed with a brain tumor in April of 2023. I wish I could say it was my wake up call to life but instead I was paralyzed by fear.
If you want the skim-notes version of what I have (and I assume you don’t because I’m a stranger on the internet who types her little life away) BUT I feel the need to share anyway given the lack of awareness around it: I have Paraneoplastic syndrome. In the most simplest terms, PNS (as I like to call it) is when the immune system has a reaction to cancerous tumors in your body. Instead of attacking the cancer cells, it attacks healthy cells in the nervous system.
The good news is I’m not dying. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. I have committed to living. I wake up every morning between 330-4am and live my fullest dreamiest version of life. I look forward to my morning Nespresso, Gua-Sha, and Red light therapy.
I also look forward to writing, creating content for brands, and making mediocre vlogs never to see the light of day. Why? Because it’s all a challenge that I’m determined to conquer. Along with the cancer. So let’s jump right in:
Morning non-negotiables
Gua sha: Remember when we were all getting Botox in our jaw to slim our face? Ok maybe you don’t but as somebody who is prone to inflammation this lymphatic drainage technique has been a real game changer. It’s also much less expensive and less painful than being injected in your masseter muscles every 3-6 months.
- Gua Sha Tool: Before you run to Sephora looking for the latest and greatest, just go to Amazon. There are so many great options that cost less than $15. My favorite is stainless steel linked or jade
- Vitamin C Serum: You use this to glide the Gua Sha on your face. Don’t be overwhelmed. There are so many amazing TikTok videos that show you how to Gua Sha In less than 10 minutes. Save them, practice them and rinse repeat until it becomes a part of your everyday ritual.
Red Light Therapy: Of course i’ve heard about this over and over on The Skinny Confidential and Arielle Lorre’s podcast. But it was my mum who really sold me on red light therapy. She said it really helped with chronic inflammation (which again is a big issue for me) so I decided to give it a try.
- Red Light: Initially I ordered the mask that everyone (and their mother) raves about, but I found it quite closterphobic and hated the way it felt strapped on my face. So ultimately I went with an open red light which I love. I try to use it about 3-4 times a week.
- After my 10 minutes of red light are complete, I continue my skincare with my ROC moisturizer and eye patches.
Nespresso: I went through a Keurig stage, but quite frankly it was very short lived and i’m back to my morning Nespresso.
- My favorite machine is currently on sale for $159 down from $270 (run to Amazon because i’m not sure how long this will last) and it’s worth every single penny. I often feature it in my TikToks .
- My favorite pod is the Bianco Doppio which I pour frothy 2% milk over and add two stevias to. You can also go to the Nespresso website and pick from a variety of pods. It may or may not be my guilty pleasure (or one of them along with Diet Coke)
Content creation: A few months ago I set up a pretty basic standing desk, walking pad, and laptop stand in my office to help me get more steps in. I love it because every morning I can walk and work before my 10 year old son wakes up and demands a full-on English breakfast.
A Hearty Breakfast: Controversial? One minute we’re being told that intermittent fasting is the way, the next it’s Keto and now it’s back to eating breakfast for hormonal health. So lets jump into my favorite breakfast
- Eggs: Ever since England I am an egg snob. I only buy pasture raised, organic brown eggs. My favorite brand is Vital farms. Before you judge me crack a normal egg and a brown egg into two separate bowls and compare yolks. Notice how one is yellow and one is orange? my point exactly.
- Sourdough bread: I honestly can’t deal with the fake 30 calorie bread full of fiber that will leave you bloated for the next 72 hours. I believe in minimal ingredients, and a slice of bread/toast that will leave you satisfied.
- Fruit: Remember when fruit was demonized for having too many carbs and too much sugar in it? I love melon, envy apples (yes i’m particular on the brand) and green grapes (which a self proclaimed “health coach” once demonized as sugar balls).
And there we have it. A high maintenance morning routing that doesn’t deplete your bank account. It’s really quite simple and quite lovely.
