“Ain’t nobody dope as me I’m dressed so fresh so clean
(So fresh and so clean clean)
Don’t you think I’m so sexy I’m dressed so fresh so clean
(So fresh and so clean clean)
Ain’t nobody dope as me I’m dressed so fresh so clean
(So fresh and so clean clean)
I love when you stare at me I’m dressed so fresh so clean
(So fresh and so clean clean)” – Outkast So Fresh, So Clean

It has taken three months to get accustomed to showering at Equinox and then heading straight to work, but as Outkast would say, these days people are complimenting me because i’m “so fresh and so clean clean.”  If you’ve been reading my blog from the beginning, you know that Bo and I joined Equinox in January to bust out of our honeymoon/holiday workout rut. This was exciting, BUT this also meant that everyday i’d have to shower and get ready at Equinox versus the comfort of my own apartment.

How does one do this without looking like a wrinkled, rushed mess? As I was showering for Easter Sunday at Equinox I realized that it would probably be helpful to share some of the tips and habits I have learned after 3 months of morning workouts. The picture below was taken 45 minutes after ending Sunday’s spin class at Equinox. I think it’s safe to say I’m slowly mastering it!  

Wear Your Work Clothes to the Gym: If you wear your work clothes to the gym then you don’t have to worry about looking like a wrinkled mess. Bo and I each wear our suits/work clothes to the gym in the morning and then hang it in our locker when we arrive. This insures that you don’t leave any integral pieces at home such as a bra, tie, belt, etc.

Keep a few basics in your gym bag: I keep a spare pair of underwear, socks, barrettes, and rubber bands, in a zipper section of my Lululemon gym bag. I hate when I get to the gym and can’t find a rubberband  for my workout.

Bring your own toiletries. You know the products that work best with your skin, hair, and face. Why would make life more difficult by relying on your gym’s sketchy all in one body wash/shampoo/conditioner if you know your hair requires a moisturizing shampoo? Why would you trust this same soap to remove the grime of your workout if you know you have sensitive skin? You can find almost ANY product in a small size which makes it convenient to take to the gym. Bo and I each have a Ziplock bag which holds our razor, shampoo, conditioner, and face wash. Even though Equinox stocks their bathrooms with amazing Kiehl’s products I still bring my own face wash and conditioner. I use their body wash and shampoo but see a difference in my hair and the final product if I use what I know. If you’re having a hard time finding a small size of your favorite product hop over to Sephora’s Beauty to Go site or think of investing in some mini plastic containers to carry your product.

Make sure your gym beauty routine includes the KISS principle My makeup bag for the gym is basic but it gets the job done QUICKLY each morning. I use lots of makeup that multitasks. The makeup worn in the picture above is as follows:

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer: This provides a smooth, moisturized base with a hint of color.

Bare Minerals Mineral Veil: I put this on over the moisturizer for a finished look. This also helps stop the shine and sweat that can sometime continue after a hard workout or during the hot blow dry session. I use the mini on the go version at the gym and in my purse since it keeps powder from spilling all over and takes up less room.

Covergirl Smoky Shadow Blast: This great tool allows you to line and fill in your eyelid with vibrant color!

Covergirl Lash Blast Length this product in black adds enough darkness to my eyelashes that it looks like i’ve taken the time to get dolled up while also adding a bit to the edge of my eyes to give a liner effect

Bare Escentuals Buxom Lips This great gloss adds a rich coat of color while also moisturizing and plumping lips.

Brit Sheer EDT Rollerball: Nothing makes you smell fresher than your favorite fragrance. Most perfumes are available at Ulta and Sephora in a handy travel spray or rollerball. These won’t leak in your purse or take up space. In addition, the mini size allows you to try a new scent without investing too much money since most are under $30!

Keep your toiletries, makeup, and lock in your bag at all times! It’s easy to take items out of your bag at work or when you get home but it’s hard to remember them at 5am when you’re half asleep. Therefore, I spent the few extra dollars to buy duplicates of some items. It may seem like a pain to buy an extra foundation or frizz crème but what happens the day you forget it in your other purse or in the bathroom? Trust me, you don’t want to be messy and stressed before that big 8am meeting!

Thanks to everyone for the great business card suggestions! I spent some time at Zazzle today and produced this beauty.

(I’ve cut off half to protect my privacy but you get the idea.)

I also purchased the domain www.healthyhappierbear.com today. I’m going to work on transitioning over the next week or two but will keep you posted. I’m excited about all the positive change taking place.