My Morning Routine : Working From Home

For me starting having a positive start to each morning really is the best way to keep me on track for the whole day. That may sounds stupid but one lazy morning and unhealthy breakfast and I'm thrown. I work best by getting up and ticking things off a to-do list, and I'm sure I'm not the only one.

Since I started working from home morning motivation has definitely been something I have struggled back and forth with. With no immediate rush to get up, showered and ready I sometimes find myself lost and distracted - which is NOT good.
So I've taken it upon myself to set up a little routine for each morning to get me up, out, active and in the best mood possible to sit behind my desk for hours on end.

The thought of running the second I get up always has me with the same thoughts and response... 'nah'. So instead of pressuring myself to get up and run I've started to get up and head out on a walk. A power walk. Up hills, along the beach, round the park, you'd be surprised how much exercise walking actually is. Of course if I'm in the mood to run, I do - that's an extra bonus.
To accompany me on these walks/runs I thought it would be a great idea to download an audio book. I'm obsessed with reading but I find time runs away with me each day and I never really have a good amount of time to delve into a good story, so listening to one seemed to kill two birds with one stone. I still get to hear the stories, plus I'm out getting exercise and giving my body the best start to the day - win, win.

I'm currently on a 30 day free trial with Audible. I'm really enjoying the book I am listening too (After You, Jojo Moyes) and I think I may just become addicted to audiobooks at this rate. Do let me know of any of good apps or services for audiobooks though - I'm worried with Audible you only get one choice a month... that doesn't feel like enough!

Once I'm back from my walk/run/fresh air (I usually aim to go for around one hour but it does depend on what time I head out the door) I head for a shower and get dressed into some work clothes. 
By work clothes I mean leggings and a sweater. I work at home and there is noway I'm sitting around in jeans and a cami if it's not needed.... that's just insane!

It's then time for my hot water with lemon. There are so many benefits to drinking this each morning I've ensured that it has become a staple for me daily, followed by my regular 100 cups of green tea!

For breakfast most days I then fix myself a Protein World Slender Blend shake. I am trying to loose some weight that I seem to have gained over the last few months and I really love the products from Protein World, plus it really can keep me full until my lunchbreak!
I am currently obsessed with the Cinnamon Roll flavour! I usually have 4 scoops with either 400ml of cold water or unsweetened almond milk with a handful of ice cubes. (Protein shakes with ice are just a no-go for me!)

Ones I've had a little sit down and drank my shake it's time to make a green tea and head to my desk! Then work, work, work until lunchtime!

So there you have it - my weekday morning routine.... weekends usually start with a gym session, nail appointment or hangover, but that's another story!

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Day To Night in 4 Simple Steps

I love clothes which are really versatile! One of my favourites things is when items or outfits can be dressed up or dressed down making both perfect daytime and evening looks.

This dress from FD Avenue is one of those pieces! I love that it can be worn in the summer daytimes for a casual, fun look or be dressed up a little for drinks in the evening. This is the Denim Button Floral Lace Skater Dress and I have it in a size 10. 
I really like the mix of materials with this dress and that looking at it it could easily be a skirt and top aswell! The top is a denim type material and the bottom a cream lace and I think they work so so well together!
I'm just going to show you a quick look into how with just a couple of quick changes how I would turn my outfit from daytime sunshine to evening party.

Dress - FD Avenue

Bag - Zara

Sandals - Topshop

Bracelets - New Look & ASOS

Rings - Mixture

On My Lips - Revlon Lip Butter in 005 Sugar Frosting

Super casual, hair tied up in a messy bun, big bag for everything that I need and simple make-up. (FYI I do have eyes.... they are just very squinty, it can look very unfortunate like I have 2 mini black holes on my face...) 

Dress - FD Avenue

Bag - Matalan

Heels - Matalan

Bracelets - New Look & ASOS

Rings - Mixture

On My Lips - Rimmel Apocalips in Big Bang

I changed this outfit with 4 simple steps.

1. My Hair - taken down from the bun, given a bit of a brush, done. (I am aware that it looks super crazy messy but this was just a quick example of how to change a look and if I had lots of time to get ready I would curl it.)

2. My Bag - It is more than likely that I won't need as much in the evening and it's nice to take a clutch out, feels more formal and it is great if it's a pop of colour to the outfit like this one.

3. My Shoes - Flats to Heels, the number one day-to-night tip. Still summery sandals but a bit of a wedge/heel makes your legs look 100% better and makes you look ready for a night out.

4. My Lips - Red lips take your whole face to the next level. Totally transforms your face even with standard minimal make-up on. Just by changing your lip to a bolder colour (whether it is lipstick or a gloss) will give you a more "going-out" look.

I also added some eyeliner to my make-up as normally in the day-time I don't wear any. 

If I did have more time in the day to get ready I would, for example, like to add false eyelashes to my look, maybe give my legs a quick tan and like I said before curl my hair!

(***Disclaimer : This dress was kindly sent to me by the lovely people at FD Avenue.  All thoughts, opinions and ideas are always my own and I would never include an item or product on A Yellow Brick Blog that I didn't truly believe in.)