TCM GUEST EDITOR

6:30 a.m. — unless I’m going to an early morning spin class, which means a 5:15 a.m. wake-up call! (So painful, but worth it!)

Coffee and a few minutes of mindfulness to get myself centered for the day — deep breathing, prayer, and journaling, if I have time.

I rarely eat right when I wake up, but later in the morning I’ll eat something light, like a green smoothie, piece of avo toast or roasted sweet potato.

Coffee first, then an herbal tea, tons of water and maybe a green smoothie. I need lots of beverages to get me through the day!

I’m one of those annoying people who loves the sound of my alarm clock in the morning — the wonderful potential of a new day ahead makes me so happy! Sitting at my desk at home with my coffee, scanning the news and reflecting on what I hope to accomplish that day always gets me energized.

Lots of things to check off my list before we get out the door! Packing lunches, getting two kids dressed and ready and making breakfast for everyone equals extremely full and lively mornings.

Feel well rested and present in the moment.

Foam rolling! I got this really intense one called a Rumble Roller with raised bumps that go deep into the tissue to stretch the muscle and fascia. It’s even supposed to tighten and tone skin, and is really the next best thing to an at-home massage therapist. I’ve been using it every night and feel so relaxed when I climb into bed.

When I wake up, I try to spend a few minutes thinking about the one biggest creative challenge I want to solve that day. I’ll journal about it, read articles online or even scroll through my Pinterest feed to get ideas flowing.

Emailing and texting with faraway friends before the workday gets started.

I’m addicted to barre classes at MOD Fitness and spin classes at LOVE Cycling — and I swear by our family’s daily neighborhood walk as my most consistent way of working fitness into my life, even when things get really busy.

One of the “Chill” playlists on Spotify.

Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum.

Our company dress code is incredibly relaxed — especially since we’re based in casual Austin — so some days might find me experimenting with edgier styles, whereas other days I’m in leggings and sneakers so I can head straight to a barre class after work. Generally, my look is some combo of skinny jeans, blazer or tee and booties.

I’ve been so into documentaries lately. “Before the Flood” really opened my eyes to climate change issues, and last night I watched a beautiful surfing doc called “Bella Vita” that gave me loads of inspiration for an upcoming trip to Tuscany that I’m planning. I also really use Instagram as a place to get visually inspired. I’ve been following a lot of food bloggers out of Australia who are doing such beautiful things with raw, vegan cooking.

I love the rice bowl with roasted vegetables and avocado at Josephine House or the shredded kale and cauliflower salad at Cafe No Se.

This ahi tuna poké bowl has been on repeat at our house lately. I got the idea for the flavor combination on a trip to Hawaii, and it’s the perfect thing for when we’re craving something light yet totally satisfying.

Slow down, be open, stay present.