5 Things I Prioritize Daily —
Every day starts anew, and sometimes our routines work, and other times we just have to throw our hands up and be okay with an alternate day. Because who has time to get it right every single time?!
I certainly don't, but I do have a very beloved general routine that helps me love my days — even those less than perfect ones. Here’s some insight into what works best for me, and if it can help you make your days better – great! Send me a message, I’d love to know.
x Lieve Saether
My Skincare Routine
*I've been doing this for over 20 years - I promise, it's deeper than just topical skincare.
In The Morning…
1. Eat blueberries, or whatever fruit or veg you love that's high in antioxidants every morning. I've been at this for decades and I swear by it.
2. Alternate between gently exfoliating one day and easy face washing the next. Your skin won't like an aggressive scrub each day, but sloughing off dead skin cells is key to a healthy and consistent glow.
3. On a clean face, always, always start with a good Vitamin C, preferably one that comes in a dark glass bottle to keep its’ stability. This protects skin from free radicals and helps you start fresh.
4. Slather on a highly protective sunscreen, even on your neck and ears. I prefer something with Zinc to keep me protected and worry free throughout the day.
At Night…
1. Wash your make up off EVERY day, no matter how tired you are.
2. Use whatever strength of prescription retinol you can handle, but be patient with your skin if it hasn't yet built up tolerance to this miracle Vitamin A derivative – it’ll get there, I promise.
3. Massage in a clean coconut facial oil to ease away the day and get your circulation going.
4. Top it off with whatever eye cream or night cream you love and keep it clean and simple. Your skin gets recovery time at night, so choose simple products to set it up well for that.
2. Getting Dressed
Play, stray and create your day!
When it comes to getting dressed in the morning, I choose to look at it primarily as a joy. Yes, there are days when I feel rushed or where something doesn’t fit me quite like it used to, but I opt to push those moments aside and instead make it a possibility for enjoyment.
By playing with my pieces – through color and fit, I get to create combinations that feel new and fresh. By putting on something I have not worn in ages, I stray into new perspectives and by adding a great piece of jewelry or scarf, I create and set a mood I’ll feel good in all day. Take pleasure with what you wear; it’s worth it!
3. Design
Naturally, I find that discovery and using my hands are the most nourishing outlet.
Given the multitude of projects over the years, I now find the most intrigue and challenge in looking for new inspiration in strange places as fuel. That, along with finding any small moment to get my hands dirty and work in physically shaping, creating or building something, make for the simple and memorable moments.
4. Exercise
At least four times a week, come rain or shine, I love to get physical exercise in.
Sometimes it’s running, other times it’s tennis, but most of the time it’s my absolute favorite body technique called Lagree — a balance of stamina and strength building exercises surrounded by a great group of people.
5. School Pick Up & Family Dinner
If I could only pick one of my daily priorities, I have to admit, my mothering side would win out. Despite the fact that my kids are teenagers now (and not yet driving teenagers at that), I love doing the afternoon school pick-up. It’s my moment to hear their excitement about the day – for them to claim what’s their own in progress, and accomplishment and often these conversations continue into dinner.
I like to cook dinner most nights, so we have had family dinners pretty much every night since they were born. Of course, some nights might need to be as easy as sandwich night, but nothing can get in the way of my love of good conversation and catch up with my family. It’s my favorite and something I hope to keep going into my old age where possible.
