Dear L,

You truly do predict all the trends. . .  braided beards included (I’ll admit here that I was wrong, click to see why).

With LFW just underway and NYFW just behind us, the blogging sphere has been going a little crazy, and in line with this week being non-stop posts, I was reminded of Manic Mondays. You may remember that last year I kept exhaustive to-do lists, some which were day-based, some week based, and some ‘miscellaneous’. On the weekly list, I used to give each day a descriptor, based on its events. Mondays were, without exception, manic.

Everybody has their version of a Manic Monday; a day so stressful you begin to hyperventilate just thinking about it. Whilst we at The Tea Club are the first to recommend a cup of tea on such days, sometimes you need more than a little literal hot water, to help you deal with your metaphorical hot water. . . In English, spend 5 times longer than you usually would in the bathroom.

Step 1 – Schedule it in.

Manic Mondays, or their equivalent, are manic for a reason. You can’t seem to squeeze another moment into them, and spending more time on simply getting ready sounds ridiculous. But remember: “Everybody should meditate for 20 minutes a day. If you don’t have the time, you should meditate for an hour”. I know what you’re thinking. I’m not talking about meditation? I know. But I feel like the rituals of getting ready is just its fun younger sister. So get up an hour earlier or skip that late night re-run episode of CSI. I know you’ve seen it already, L.

Step 2 – Everything has to smell amazing.

One sure fire way to relaxation, is making sure that you, and everything around, smell amazing. Two birds one stone; putting in the effort to light a candle will entice you to spend more time enjoying it.

My Manic Monday scents. L’Occitaine Fleur d’Or Candle, and Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne

Step 3 – Take the time to condition everything

For me, this means layers of deep conditioning masks for my long hair. I start with an in-shower mask, then move onto Kérastase’s leave in conditioner, before brushing through Balmain mousse. Even though I’m taking my time, there’s still no need to waste time, so in between letting each conditioner sit, I’ll do my make-up.

An accidentally-taken photo which actually perfectly depicts me letting my hair air dry slightly. This photo would have been useless in absolutely every other context ever.

Some Balmain hair product – Photo credit My Daily Edition

Step 4 – Plug in your earphones, listen to whatever makes you feel like facing your day, and dry the hair out. Make sure to blow hot air along the roots, backwards, to make sure it doesn’t fall flat.

Step 5 – Leave, feeling like the goddess you are (must be. To face the trials and tribulations of your day).

Monday level ready.

Hope this post helps you get through your imminent, first week of uni, L. Me, still in limbo, had time to make Gwyneth Paltrow’s vegan gluten free dumplings last night. Worth the four hours work, but I wish I hadn’t shared them. Lesson learnt.

Love, B

xx