Mostly Mornings: Week 1
The things I did before dawn
I’m incapable of sleeping in. And honestly, I don’t mind too much. Mornings are my favorite.
And lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about my morning staples. The things that really make me feel like wow this was a perfect morning.
Waking up before my alarm (within reason)
Completing the connections (with no mistakes) while I red light mask
Getting a pot of soup simmering before I sit down with my matcha
An empty inbox, giving me time to read Substack instead of emails
Baking something fun for baby’s breakfast. Specifically, something apple-y to make the kitchen smell intoxicating.
And the icing on the cake - something I’ve been meaning to do.
Some mornings are more hurried than others, and it’s not all sunshine and rainbows over here at 3am. (In fact, it’s no sunshine, and all 10,000 lux lamp).
But regardless of how my days start, I’m always grateful that they do.
The gift of an ordinary morning? Talk dirty to me.
And with that, welcome to Mostly Mornings.
Monday | 3:33 AM: Sheets and sourdough.
I am here to tell you: Sundays don’t have to mean chores. They don’t have to mean laundry and meal prep and cleaning.
Mine definitely used to, but I found that ever since I started allocating life’s demands across the workweek, my weekends have become infinitely more enjoyable. I’m able to actually relax and enjoy time with my baby boy. And I’m not running around like a crazy person during his nap times trying to fold towels or clean a toilet.
This Monday’s items: sheets in the wash, and sourdough starter(s) get fed. We’re also currently in the middle of yet another blizzard, so perfect excuse to crank the heat and get these babies bubbling. Breakfast soup is also on the docket.
Tuesday | 2:49AM: If you online shop before the sun is up, does it even count?
Not going to lie, I’ve been sort of beating myself up for essentially wearing the same pants everyday. I live in these. They’re perfect, wonderful, cannot say enough good things, etc. etc. But would I like some variety? Maybe. Should I fix what isn’t broken? Would I be a type A woman if I didn’t try?
Anyways, this morning’s readings to potentially inspire a bit of change in my wardrobe:
And because I’m always sort of shopping for a vacation that hasn’t been booked yet, I especially loved Holiday! by Tricia Torley.
Okay my moms, what are we wearing these days?
Wednesday | 3:45 AM: I am unwell.
A year ago, I walked into the hospital, 35 weeks and 3 days, thinking I was having Braxton hicks. They told me I was 7cm dilated, and I pushed out my son an hour later.
5 weeks early. No breathing tubes. No lung support. He was in our room that night.
We spent a week in the hospital because he was so small, a product of an unfortunate growth restriction diagnosis (stupid placenta). He came into this world less than the 1st percentile, and is now tipping the scale at the 63rd.
Reflections on my 1st year of motherhood:
Labor is the coolest thing I will ever do. Talk about primal.
Beware of 2am Reddit. But if it keeps you awake for midnight feedings, that’s okay too.
Don’t sleep when baby sleeps. Self care when baby sleeps.
Full-time moming is also full-time cardio.
Eat lots of butter, wash your hair once a week, and invest in loungewear that makes you feel good.
The snuggle me lounger was a game changer for us the first few months. And Roar Roar Lion was a game changer for us the last few months.
Don’t beat yourself up for literally anything, you’re already doing the most.
Thursday | 3:09 AM: A little bit of dinner prep
Cabbage is an underrated vegetable, and not just for slaws and summer bbqs. Recently we’ve been loving slow cooked cabbage in the oven. Tender, caramelized, a little umami, a little sweet. Our current favorite winter veg side.
To prep cabbage, cut lengthwise (once or twice), wash well and let dry thoroughly. Preheat oven to 375F. Disperse cabbage leaves (or hunks) onto a parchment lined baking sheet, and spritz liberally with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt + pepper + garlic powder. Flip leaves and repeat dressing. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Flip (remove leaves that already look super charred) and bake for another 15-20 minutes depending on doneness preference. Enjoy.
Friday | 3:24 AM: Shined my great-grandmother’s silver.
If I had a running list of things I find incredibly chic, at the top would be nice silver. Not just having it, but using it. Daily. I know Tita is smiling down, watching me polish her spoons while I sip my morning caffeine.
Here’s a super simple way to clean silver:
Line a bowl, pot, or rimmed tray with aluminum foil (shiny side up). Arrange silver on top of foil and sprinkle liberally with baking soda (add a touch of salt for an extra boost). Pour hot or boiling water all over the silverware, enough to fully submerge it. Let soak for 5-10 minutes, and gently massage the tarnish away with a cloth or paper towel. Voila. All clean.
Saturday | 3:53 AM: Snow day self care.
Is it just me, or do weekends with a one-year old feel like cardio? Gone are the days of relaxing everything showers. My son is in a fun phase where his naps are barely long enough for me to shave my legs. So we’re sneaking in little bits of self care when we can.
We woke up to a beautiful blanket of snow Saturday morning. It felt like a good day for a fun cozy breakfast, so I made sheet pan blueberry pancakes while my face mask fermented. Once baby was awake, we attempted to venture out for a sunrise walk. We didn’t make it on the full loop, but it’s the effort that counts (and the natural sunlight. I’m looking at you, Andrew Huberman).
Sunday | 2:57 AM: Soup preparation.
Sundays are for soup, and a little bit of reflection. One question I like to ask myself when looking at the week ahead - what would make this week feel successful? I keep a running list in my notes app of quick bullets that serve as anchors for my intentions. I jot anything top of mind, big or little, silly or serious,
Sometimes it’s a to do list, sometimes it’s a to be list. Either way, it guides me through the next 7 days of organized chaos.
Do something for yourself. Plan something to look forward to. And eat good food.
May your week ahead be filled with as much morning as possible.
XOXO, Natalie
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ooo adore your new substack journal name and this format too. it was such a cosy read, also thank you for nudging me to get my starter out the fridge and try and bring it back from the dead (its been rip since december so wish me luck). and yes yes yes to eating lots of butter 🧈🧈🧈 all.the.butter!