Latte First, Conquer Later: My Morning Rituals in the First Hour of Chaos & Clarity

Daily writing prompt

What are your morning rituals? What does the first hour of your day look like?

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Let’s be honest—how you start your day sets the tone for everything that follows. And in my case, that first hour is a beautiful blend of chaos, clarity, concealer, and caffeine. Heavy on the caffeine.

Now, I don’t rise with the sun singing like a Disney princess. No woodland creatures bring me my robe. What I do have is a set of non-negotiables that help me wake up, center myself, and prepare to run this Voguegenics empire like the sequined boss I am.

So if you’ve ever wondered what that first hour of my day looks like, here’s a peek behind the curtain. Spoiler: it’s not perfect. It’s real. It’s lived-in. And it works.

1. The Wake-Up Negotiation (a.k.a. The Groggy Scroll)

Before my feet even hit the floor, I scroll. Yep, I said it. I check emails, peek at Instagram, glance at X (formerly Twitter), maybe even TikTok if I’m feeling reckless. It’s not revolutionary, but it’s how I re-enter the atmosphere. Consider it my soft launch into existence.

2. Hydration—Because Apparently That’s a Thing

I chug a tall glass of water like I’ve just emerged from the desert. I know it’s not glamorous, but it’s the unsung hero of my glow-up. If the Voguegenics glow is going to happen, it starts with hydration… and possibly prayer.

3. Skincare Meets Self-Affirmation

As I glide on my serums with the dedication of a woman who knows her way around an ingredient list, I throw in a little self-talk. Something like:

“You are powerful. You are glowing. You will not spiral when the WiFi goes out again.”

This combo of skincare and sanity keeps me centered—even if I’m still mentally deciding whether I’m in the mood to be fabulous or feral.

4. Five Minutes to Reboot the Mind

If I have the time (and the willpower to not open 47 tabs), I sneak in a quick meditation or set a simple intention. Recently it’s been:

“Today, I choose progress over perfection.”

That, and “Don’t forget to take the meat out of the freezer.”

One grounds me. The other prevents dinner disasters.

5. Family Cameo: Love in Grown-Up Form

Now that Zayne, Zarek, and Zavary are adults, the mornings are quieter—but not without love. Sometimes it’s a group chat lighting up with inside jokes before 8 a.m., other days it’s a call to check in or a random drop-by that turns into a full conversation before I’ve finished my latte.

And Derek—if he’s feeling up to it—we’ll share a quiet moment, a few laughs, and maybe a little plotting for the day ahead. It’s not chaotic anymore, but it’s rich. Meaningful. And beautifully grown.

6. Wardrobe Vibes & Latte Time

Now comes the most sacred part of my ritual: outfit + latte.

My closet is a glorious riot of vibes. Sequins? Maybe. Neutrals? If I’m trying to look like I have jury duty. I dress for how I want to feel—which is usually one part glam, one part cozy confidence.

And the latte? She is the heartbeat. The non-negotiable. The moment of stillness before I jump into emails, caregiving, content creation, and launching a hundred Voguegenics-related things by 10 a.m.

Real Talk: Why It Matters

Is it a perfect routine? Nope.

Is it an intentional one? Absolutely.

That first hour may look different every day—but it belongs to me.

Even in the middle of caregiving, deadlines, and grown-up kids popping in with news or needs, I’ve carved out moments that refuel me, however imperfectly.

So no, I’m not gliding through the morning in a silk robe and hair rollers. But I am showing up for myself—one latte, one serum, one pep talk at a time.

☀️ Ready to Create Your Own Morning Ritual?

Whether you’re rising with intention or just trying to find your left slipper, your mornings matter. Want a little help making them more magical?

🎁 Start with the FREE Mindful Morning Routine Kit

Design a morning flow that fuels your glow-up—from skincare to mindset—with ease and elegance.
✨ Grab it here → voguegenics.com/product/mindful-morning-routine-kit/

🧘‍♀️ Need a mantra to ground you?
Snag the Personal Mantra Quick Guide to help set the tone for your day with powerful words that reflect you.

💫 Get your free guide → voguegenics.com/product/personal-mantra-quick-guide/

Because how you start the day? Sets the vibe for everything.

Want to build a ritual that fuels your glow-up?

✨ Check out the Self-Care Tip of the Day series
☕ Or try the Voguegenics Lunar Glow Latte™ to bring a little magic to your morning.
📩 And if you’re craving more support, sign up for V’Empower—because self-care is more than bubble baths.

It’s how you rise.

Dorey Duncan Scott Senior Litigation Paralegal

Hi! I’m Dorey Duncan Scott, a mother of three, wife and fashion entrepreneur. I started my career in fashion back in the early 90’s when I did print, still and runway modeling. I studied Fashion Merchandising, Music Business and Marketing, while also obtaining certificates in such industry-necessary areas such as make-up, styling and runway choreography. In addition, I had work as a spokesmodel for several brands, appearing in print and in person. As a former model, turned senior litigation paralegal, artist manager and on-air personality with a passion for fashion, beauty, and personal development, I bring a unique combination of style, strategic thinking, and legal expertise to my work. My years navigating the legal world have sharpened my attention to detail, while my experience and passion for fashion, beauty, and personal development drives my desire to help others feel empowered and help them in their journey toward self-empowerment. My experience in the fashion world has taught me the power of confidence. 

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