I've always wanted to be a morning person. I, however, also adore sleep. You can see the dilemma.

I must say, though, in my old age (I am in my late twenties now...) I've gotten a lot better. But there's still room for improvement. Lots of room. So, when I saw this article on Bustle on how to have a positive morning I thought - genius! Thanks, Bustle :)

http://www.bustle.com/articles/102899-7-ways-to-start-your-day-positively-so-you-feel-happier-healthier-and-more-productive?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=owned&utm_campaign=bustle

My favourites from the list include taking a moment for personal gratitude and nurturing yourself. I love waking up (after a good sleep) and taking a moment to lie in bed before getting up to work out. Of course I don't do this every day, I'm not superwoman. The gratitude idea is a nice way to transition from dreamland to reality, allowing me to really wake up before subjecting my body to an immediate sweat session. Cuddling is another nice way to start the day :)

In an ideal world I would always wake up after a nice 7-8 hour deep sleep, cuddle and think of all I'm grateful for, work out, have a delicious and nutritious breakfast before hopping in the shower. A face or eye mask thrown in wouldn't hurt either. I think this is very doable - but how nice would it be to also have time to light a candle, do some reading, go for walk to get some fresh air or even do some writing? THAT would be a positive morning. I plan on working my way up to that point as right now I'm only somewhat successful at getting up early enough to allow for a short workout before the workday. 

I find morning "routines" fascinating. I love learning how people start their days - including you! Please leave some comments or suggestions below  :)

My name is Anna and I am a skincare junkie.

My favourite thing to buy at Sephora is (shock, horror) not makeup, but skincare. I've loved pampering myself for as long as I can remember and started buying Lancome face cream when I was in high school. They discontinued my favourite moisturizer (still not over it) and since then I've been experimenting and searching for my ideal regimen.

I thought the best way for me to introduce my love of skincare would be to show you my tried and tested daily routine.

I should specify: I have dry, sensitive skin. The term "sensitive" in skincare kind of annoys me because a lot of people use it as a synonym for "sensitive to acne breakouts." I have sensitive skin in that many products give me a rash or a reaction. So, it's been an interesting journey on the search for the perfect routine.

But, alas, I believe I've found it (at least for now ;)

My most important tip in regards to skincare is to listen to your body. Not everyone needs a routine. Some people have great, fuss-free skin. They can literally splash some cold water on their face and call it a day. Some people can sleep in makeup and totally be fine with that. I enjoy taking care of my skin. I find it relaxing and it makes me feel pampered. So, I do the whole nine yards.

I cleanse with a balm. I find it the best for my skin. However, skincare guru Caroline Hirons would suggest it is a great method for anyone with any type of skin. It involves massaging the balm into dry skin and removing it with a muslin cloth (a softer version of the terry facecloth). I simply adore this method of cleansing. The best balm I've found is by Antipodes (I've also tried Clinique, Liz Earle, Eve Lom, Ren and Josie Maran). 

I recently tried two samples from Sephora that I immediately bought in full size. They are a skin oil (I apply after cleansing - I don't really need to "tone" but do sometimes) from Fresh and a face cream from L'Occitane. They are game changers. My skin is no longer tight and feels amazing after I use both these products. They might not be needed in the summer, but they have been essential this winter.

 I have yet to find the perfect eye cream but I do enjoy both of the ones pictured above. The Avene is for "sensitive" eyes (lovely and gentle) and the Origins sample is for brightening. I have bought the full size version of this in the past and have tried a bunch of different kinds since then. The hunt continues!

Lastly, I use the Clarisonic every now and then for a deep clean/exfoliation. I used it more often when I worked in TV and wore tons and tons of makeup, but I still enjoy using it every week or two. The Korres lip butter pictured is also gorgeous. I keep it in the skincare drawer in my bathroom for a final step. 

Of course, as a true junkie, I also use serums, masks, toners, etc. etc. but I don't use them daily and I don't want to overwhelm you, my dear readers. Skincare "add ons" can be saved for another post on another day :)

Do you have any skincare questions or recommendations? 

This week I took ill. It wasn't that bad, but it wasn't pleasant. I work from home so I was still able to work, but I was just feeling miserable. So, when I'm not feeling well I take comfort in a few things that make the misery a little more bearable. Since this time of year is quite germ infested, I thought you could use a little comfort, too. 

1. Kleenex Cold Touch Tissues

• Obviously one needs tissues when one is ill. I promise, once you try these you will never go back.

2. Gingerale

• Must be Canada Dry. Preferably in a glass bottle.

3. Cough Drops

• I like Halls cherry flavoured. I am not a fan of the weird syrupy centred ones.

1. Haagen-Dazs Strawberry Ice Cream

• Vanilla is also a good choice. Stay clear of the ones with too much stuff. Simple is best.

2. Green Smoothies

• Any recipe you like. My go to? Unsweetened almond milk, lots of fresh spinach, banana, frozen pineapple and frozen mango.

3. Chamomile Tea with Honey

• Any tea is lovely when ill. Chamomile is soft and naturally decaf so you can get your much needed rest.

4. Netflix

• Currently re-watching Scrubs from the beginning (LOVE. One of my favourite shows ever) and moving onto season 3 of Damages.

Now for the fun part :)

I personally need to shower when under the weather. I know sometimes you are too sick to get out of bed, but that's rarely the case for me. I think there is nothing better than a hot shower to sort yourself out. 

I crave extra moisture when I'm sick. So, a moisturizing shampoo, a hair mask and a lovely skin conditioner make me feel pampered and refreshed. Make sure you wash your face and use a good lip scrub. Eye cream, face oil and moisturizer finish off the face while a nice body butter soothes your achy limbs. A moisturizing face spray can also be used as needed (consider this a prescription ;).

So, the sick day routine goes as follows. Have orange juice in bed while groggily waking up. Open the windows to get some fresh air while you are still cozy underneath the covers.

Get up and brush your teeth (floss and use mouth wash while you're at it) and then shower with all of your favourite, but not too elaborate, products. Throw on a face mask and rinse off at the end of your shower if you're really feeling miserable (your skin, like the rest of you, isn't looking its best — show it some love). Slather yourself with face oil and body butter. 

Get dressed (if you have to leave the house, leggings, fuzzy socks and your coziest sweater are essential) and make yourself a green smoothie and some tea. Fill a tumbler with water and fresh lemon slices. Gotta get your fluids!

Carry on your day as you see fit (whether that is working, laying on the couch, being taken care of by someone who loves you, or what have you) and, most importantly, 

FEEL BETTER :)