Structure, Self-Care & Roses at the Table: How We Keep Life Balanced

My son is a lot like me—we thrive on structure and routine. It's how we function best! And truthfully, when we feel centered and organized, life flows more easily. That’s why daily self-care and a consistent schedule are non-negotiables in our household.

It All Starts with the Morning

The way you begin your day sets the tone. A solid morning regimen you actually enjoy makes all the difference. In our house, weekday mornings go something like this:

Breakfast together

Walk the dog

Make lunches (sometimes the night before—pro tip!)

And now that he’s a teenager—coffee time together (yes, I said teenager and coffee!)

First things first for me: banish that dreaded morning breath—brush your teeth, you filthy animals! (And yes, I’ve got a killer toothpaste rec if you need one.) Then it’s on to my skincare: face wash, SPF moisturizer, under-eye cream, and makeup. From there, we’re off—school, work, life.

Move That Body—Every Day

After school and work, it’s homework and exercise time. I cannot stress this enough: movement is essential—for your mind, body, and soul. It helps manage stress, supports your weight, improves sleep, and boosts your mood. Don’t overthink it. Walk your neighborhood, stretch, dance—just move.

Dinner Table Tradition: Rose & Thorn

Dinner is sacred in our home. We actually sit at the table together (yes, it still happens!) and go around sharing our “Rose” and “Thorn” of the day. I picked up this tradition from Reese Witherspoon, and it’s become a beautiful way to connect.

Rose = the best part of your day

Thorn = the part that was tough, annoying, or didn’t go quite right

It’s simple, but it opens the door to deeper conversations.

Nightly Wind Down or WINE down for some us!

After dinner, it’s showers, then we regroup for a family movie or game night—something light and fun to close the day together.

And then...it’s beauty sleep time. But first, wash your face! Get that dirt and stress off from the day. I like to use @Clinique Gentle Cleanser followed by a clean hydrating toner (@Neutrogena), a rich night cream (@L’Oreal Midnight Cream) for my thirsty skin, and eye cream. Your skin does its best healing while you sleep, so don’t skip this step.

Final Tip? Power Down.

Before bed, ditch the devices. Instead, pick up a book, listen to calming music, meditate—anything that helps your mind and body unwind. Aim for at least 7 hours of sleep. Trust me, your brain (and your mood) will thank you.

Bottom Line: Routine isn’t boring—it’s freeing! When you care for yourself daily, you show up as your best self for everyone else. So brush your teeth, move your body, sit down for dinner, and get your beauty rest. You’ve got this!