Dear Paricious Viewers,
Good Morning… Or, maybe, you are viewing this Lifestyle Blog at a later time of the day? Let me take you on a journey through my Sunday Morning Routine! For many, Sundays mornings represent “special days” for allowing their body to recharge and stay in bed for a longer time (especially, on cold winter mornings). BUT, being an early morning person (something that is truly in my DNA), my Sunday rituals begin at 6:00 am.
Once I get up, the first thing I do is make me and my Naani Ma (i.e. my maternal grandmother) some hot Indian tea. Honestly, in a reality where long commutes and distant relatives create geographical divides, this morning ritual serves as a heartfelt connection point between me and Naani.
The next step in my Sunday morning ritual involves a seemingly simple yet transformative act—making my bed and tidying up my room. Although I try to make sure that my room is tidy (i.e. everything is in its’ right place), it is still hard to do this every single night (especially when I have had a BUSYY Saturday). The morning energy allows me to reclaim order from the chaos of the week. There is truly a whole Psychology on House Cleaning that I have slowly become acquainted with, as I am a person who likes an ordered places (not that I have OCD). As a child, my mom always emphasized how a cluttered environment invited negative energy, which I personally thought of as superstitious. However, it is TRUE! During the pandemic and lockdown in 2020, I noticed how cleaning up my study space allowed me to maintain focus and a sense of control amid the uncertainty that surrounded us. I had created POSITIVE ENERGY! Often times, if I have time, I also organize any messy corners in my closet or make-up kit, removing clothes and other items for donation purposes.
After tidying up my living space, I have a good, warm bath. Then, the best part is skincare. Here are the steps and products I use for daily skincare (i.e. counting Sundays):
1. Facial Cleanser: I use the CeraVe SA Face Wash Salicylic Acid Cleanser with Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide. First of all, let me explain what the product and its MAIN ingredients are. I found the descriptions from the product descriptions on the Target (target.com) website. Salicylic acid is “a beta hydroxy acid (BHA), an effective exfoliator that removes dead skin cells and promotes radiance”. According to an article by Medical News Today, “salicylic acid works as an exfoliant to slough off dead skin cells.” Hyaluronic Acid helps skin stretch and flex and reduces skin wrinkles and lines. That is not my goal. Rather, I want to use Hyaluronic Acid products to hydrate my skin and as a humectant. Finally, Niacinamide is a type of Vitamin B3. I mostly want Niacinamide in my cleanser in order to maintain the smoothness in my face and add more radiance.
2. Rose Water: I use the Mario Badescu Skincare Facial Spray With Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater. Now, generations of women in India have used rose water for facial/skin care. This product helps remove dirt and oil in clogged pores, so I often use this in the evening. However, I mostly spray a little rose water in the morning because it radiates my skin and it is truly a mood enhancer (helping me on high stress level days, such as Exam Prep).
3. Moisturizer: I use the CLINIQUE Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator Moisturizer. This product also contains Hyaluronic Acid alongside a nice blend of vitamin C and E. As much as I understand, vitamin E acts as a stabilizer for vitamin C. Some of my facial skin gets pretty dry, so I like using this product on those specific patches more than the oilier portions.
4. Sunscreen: I use the Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen (SPF 40). Supergoop has become very trendy and the hype is legitimate. I really like to use this sunscreen because: 1) It does not stick to my face like other sunscreen products (allowing for my makeup to look smooth if I do applying any on a particular day), 2) It does not have a powerful smell (which often gives me allergic reactions), 3) It is a serum formulation (If I decide to skip the moisturizer, then it still gives a dewy finish).
5. Lip Gloss: I use the LANEIGE Lip Glowy Balm (Berry). My lips get pretty dry, but this balm has truly helped in moisturizing them. The best part of the balm is that it stays for a longer period of time than other lip balms I have tried in the past.
For Breakfast (which happens at around 9-10 am), I usually make myself one ghee parantha/chapatti (a kind of Indian flatbread) with some Sabzi (a kind of vegetable mixture which is cooked with spices, etc.) OR a Vegetable Grilled Sandwich (Comment Down For Recipe). While eating breakfast, I might just watch an episode of the Great British Baking Show on Netflix (even though I don’t bake as much).
For about one hour after Breakfast, I check my email Inboxes and other social media networks (especially Linkedin!). I believe Christmas Break (which is happening right NOW for me) is a great time to get yourself on track for the next semester/quarter of college/university. Therefore, I am refreshing my mind on Python concepts as wells as taking an introductory Linux course on Udemy.
After completing these tasks, I proceed to vacuum the house and ensure that any trash in my room is properly disposed of. My FAV part of the day, then, is (DRUMROLL!!) listing out ideas for upcoming articles. If you are a frequent viewer, then you may have noticed that the Paricious site also contains a “Shop My Outfits” Tab, which is something I am working with a lot of content on the way.
In Lunch (which happens at around 12-1 pm), I usually just have two chapattis with some Sabzi (SHOUTOUT To My Ma for making me amazing meals!).
Thank you for reading through this whole article (hopefully you stayed along). I hope you enjoyed this article and if you did, don’t forget to press the “LOVE” button below, share, and subscribe to my Youtube channel as well.
~ Paricious
Disclaimer: I want to clarify that the content above is not a promotion or a sponsored feature. I can not guarantee that the products I recommend will suit a particular person. All opinions are my own, and I can not assure you that these opinions or ideas will align with others.