A Morning In Her Shoes

A morning in her shoes…

It’s been said time and time again that attaining a morning ritual or taking solo time before the pressures of the day begin, can truly help success, productivity and happiness.

Call me nosy, but i’ve always been curious about how other people spend their mornings before they arrive in the public eye polished for their day.

I wonder, how did their day start…have they eaten breakfast yet? Did they meditate? Did they already run 8km? Find out…

We will be asking a range of successful ladies from all over to find out what habits put the spring in their morning step.

This week we have the lovely Jacqui Wales behind the gorgeous organic tea company, Libertine Blends.

Jacqui is the Mamma of Tennessee, and the Master Blender at Libertine Blends, an organic tea company, based in Berhampore, Wellington.

Tell us – what does your morning look like as you roll out of bed…What habits or rituals do you have that keep you on top and in the game?

Mornings are a golden time for me – I’ve always been an early riser, so my ritual is to be up before everyone else and into the day in a peaceful way.

Also, a nice passage of music on my iPhone alarm helps me start the day in a calm way.

What do you Drink?

Always hot water – I’m naturally cold blooded, and I always need some warmth in the morning. Also my dentist frowned upon me for drinking hot water with lemon first thing as it’s bad for tooth enamel, so I start with plain hot water. Then tea! Kapow is a blend of Kawakawa, Chilli, Cardamon and lemongrass and my morning kickstart.

What do you Eat?

Eating properly first thing in the morning is the best way to keep me focused for the day.

Banana porridge with LSA, coconut oil and stacks of cinnamon (really, an obscene amount) is a winner at our house.

Also, love love love eggs, especially scrambled eggs with toast and masses of parsley.

How do you Move?

Since my early 20’s I’ve exercised in the mornings and now swimming or power-vinyasa yoga is part habit – part addiction.

Do you have a practice of stillness or quiet?

Swimming is my quiet practice. Even in a busy pool on Wellington’s waterfront you’re insulated by the water and soothed by the rhythm of your stroke and your breath.

Can you share your favourite go-to morning breakfast recipe?

I make porridge on work days because my daughter loves it, the prep is best the night before and any extra is always added to a smoothie in the afternoon with some coco powder and vanilla and syrup.

Mama’s Nana Oats

Before you go to sleep combine:

3 cups of warm water – lots, but trust me
1 heaped cup of rolled oats – with a night to load the texture is fab
2 tablespoons of LSA – which absorbs a tonne of water
2 tablespoons of cinnamon – because cinnamon is a fantastic spice, warming and blood sugar regulating.

In the morning add: