Good Morning

Working from home can mean many things - freedom, flexibility, distraction, low motivation, pyjamas… I’m trying to take a structured approach to my morning routine to make sure I get up and get things done, without rushing around or panicking about the work I have to do that day.

All photos were taken by the amazing Anna Harding from Hello Ding.

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Since I’ve been on the Gut Dysbiosis diet due to ongoing health issues, my breakfasts have been more of a focused part of my day. I’m terrible at waking up and up until recently very lazy when it comes to making breakfast (all meals actually), but now I make sure I eat properly. Normally it’s porridge, eggs or pancakes. These banana and blueberry pancakes are delicious and sweet, and only have five ingredients: blueberries, bananas, wholewheat flour, eggs and pumpkin pie spice mix from Trader Joe’s. No added sugar but super delicious.

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I used to work for a coffee roaster in London and can’t begin a day without coffee. Although I drink decaff, for me it’s much more about the taste - as well as the habit and routine of making it - than the caffeine buzz. We use a metal filter as it’s reusable and I swear by Oatly, it’s unbelievably good. The spoon pot was made by Pip Hartle and it’s perfect.

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I like to start my day by reading. I try and read before I look at my phone, but let’s be honest - this hardly ever happens. Margaret Atwood is one of my favourite authors and I’ve just preordered her new novel The Testaments which is due out in September. I’m counting down the days. The jumper is from Monki (thank you ASOS) and the playsuit is from Topshop via One Scoop Store, my favourite second hand shop that has amazing pieces at ridiculously good prices.

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A happy unintentional matching of vinyl to furniture - this Band of Skulls record is consistently playing in my house.

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After breakfast, I like to get ready as if I was going to work, I find it puts me more in the ‘office mood’. I wash my face with warm water and a Coco Shine pad (Louisa Revolta’s recommendation), before applying Rodial’s Dragon’s Blood moisturiser and eye cream. Then I use Boy Brow, Balm Dotcom and Lash Slick from Glossier, and when I’m feeling super fancy I use Fenty Beauty’s liquid liner, which stays on forever.

January So Far...

Here are a few bits and pieces from my January so far. You can also follow me on Instagram - I'm @CastlemanSings.

What I've Been Wearing

My man got me this t-shirt because he knows how much I love Margaret Atwood and The Handmaid's Tale. The TV adaptation is so good. The book is even better.

My man got me this t-shirt because he knows how much I love Margaret Atwood and The Handmaid's Tale. The TV adaptation is so good. The book is even better.

What I've Been Reading

Keeping on the Margaret Atwood theme, I started my 52 in 52 challenge by reading her newest novel Hag-Seed. It's brilliant.

Keeping on the Margaret Atwood theme, I started my 52 in 52 challenge by reading her newest novel Hag-Seed. It's brilliant.

Where I've Been Singing

The Spitfire Sisters performed at the beautiful Hall For Cornwall at the beginning of January - it was our last date of the 2017/2018 tour season. We start again in February, and I can't wait.

The Spitfire Sisters performed at the beautiful Hall For Cornwall at the beginning of January - it was our last date of the 2017/2018 tour season. We start again in February, and I can't wait.

Down For The Count had a sold out performance at Pizza Express Jazz Club and it was honestly a dream come true.

Down For The Count had a sold out performance at Pizza Express Jazz Club and it was honestly a dream come true.

Where I've Been Visiting

I went to Spain on New Year's Day to take a break with my boyfriend; it was perfect to reflect on the year we just had and to think about the year ahead.

I went to Spain on New Year's Day to take a break with my boyfriend; it was perfect to reflect on the year we just had and to think about the year ahead.

What I've Been Eating

At the start of this year I decided to do a 30 day vegan challenge. So far so good and pretty sure I'll be carrying on with it after the month is up. Louisa made this vegan noodle dish with Linda McCartney burgers to substitute the salmon the rest o…

At the start of this year I decided to do a 30 day vegan challenge. So far so good and pretty sure I'll be carrying on with it after the month is up. Louisa made this vegan noodle dish with Linda McCartney burgers to substitute the salmon the rest of the band were eating.

I've been enjoying how many vegan options there are at various restaurants - this was my dinner at Wagamamas a few days ago.

I've been enjoying how many vegan options there are at various restaurants - this was my dinner at Wagamamas a few days ago.