My Monday Morning Routine + GIVEAWAY

With a little sparkle and shine from VO5.

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I've realised that for a while now my Monday mornings seem to be the same each week. For me, the beginning of the week is all about prepping for the week ahead, from my hair and beauty routine to work and running errands. So, I've teamed up with one of my all-time favourite haircare brands, VO5, to share with you my Monday morning routine, as well as a massive giveaway over on Instagram (trust me, you won't want to miss out!).

Brad wakes up super early every morning (I'm talking the 5:30AM kind of early), so I tend to wake up then as well, especially now it's not as dark as it was in winter. While Brad rushes out the door for work, I prefer to snuggle up for a little longer. If it's cold, Indi (our ragdoll cat/daughter) cuddles up with me, but most mornings she goes absolutely crazy, jumping on me and attacking any part of the doona that moves in the slightest. To be honest, I'm pretty sure she just wants me to get up and feed her. Now that is true love. [Insert heart eyed cat emoji here.] I also spend some time checking Instagram (obviously!), Facebook and Twitter.

After feeding Indi, I jump in the shower and wash my hair, a ritual to freshen up after the weekend for a new week. I have been using VO5 hair washing products for ages, but I'm really loving the Nourish My Shine Shampoo and Conditioner for my hair at the moment. It makes my hair feel soft and healthy, which is exactly what I need considering I rarely get my long hair trimmed and use heated styling tools regularly.

Slipping on my new luxurious bathrobe from Bras N Things, I towel dry my hair before spritzing on the VO5 Nourish My Shine Bedazzling Oil Heat Protector. Not only does it speed up the blow drying process (that alone would be enough to make me use it after every wash), but also makes my hair feel even more silky smooth, as well as protecting against heat damage. I like to brush the product through with my Tangle Teezer as well, just to make sure it's distributed evenly. There's no blowdrying without the Oil Heat Protector now; it's become an absolute essential when it comes to haircare.

Since my hair isn't already shiny enough at this stage (heh-heh-heh), I rub a small amount of the VO5 Nourish My Shine Miracle Illuminator on my hands and then lightly work it through my hair. I'll admit that I don't usually like creamy products, as too often they weigh down your hair, but this one is most certainly an exception. Then I blow dry my hair, making sure to face the nozzle down to smooth down hair.

Check out those super straight strands! And to think my hair is actually naturally wavy, ha! Depending on what I'm feeling, but I'll either wear my hair straight or curl it, or in this case, use my Halo wand to wave my hair.

The finishing touch is, of course, the VO5 Ultimate Hold Weather Resistant Hairspray, which I spray through the brushed waves so they hold for longer. This Hairspray is perfect for waves or curls, as it still gives movement, yet protects against humidity (aka. the stuff that ruins all our hard work!).

GET THE PRODUCTS:

After hair and makeup, I venture into my wardrobe and try to choose an outfit (first time lucky, hopefully). Not surprisingly, my go-to is usually a classic combination, like my white boyfriend shirt, a pair of blue denim jeans and some gold jewellery to finish it off. Plus, they're super comfy for girls that spend a lot of time in the office. Oh, by the way, wants to see a wardrobe tour? #justsaying

After making myself a ridiculously large cup of the good stuff (ahem, coffee), I venture down to our home office to get stuck into some work, after all, it is Monday. One of my favourite things to do is read everyones comments on the weekend posts (you guys are the best!). I also check my emails and reply to the most urgent ones - I get hundreds every week, so this takes up a lot of my time.

When I'm finished in the office for the morning, I head out to run any errands for the week, but not before chucking on a blazer (it's still a bit chilly in the mornings) and a swipe of bold lipstick that makes me want to sing "Who run the world? Girls.", am I right?! Oh, and I never leave the house without giving my girl, Indi, a kiss goodbye. What can I say? She's just so damn cute!

The wind is so annoying this time of the year (it's enough to make me not wear any lipgloss whatsoever), yet when I jumped back in the car after going to the post office and supermarket, my hair was still intact, thank goodness, or I should say, thanks VO5!

And so, that is my typical Monday morning!

I've teamed up with VO5 to share with you the biggest giveaway we've ever done on Lion in the Wild. We're giving one lucky Instagram follower and their best friend the chance to win a years supply of VO5 products! Be sure to follow @VO5LovesHair and @lioninthewild on Instagram and enter here (trust me, it's super duper easy!). I told you this was going to be the most amazing giveaway ever! Open to Australia only. Ends midnight, 28/09/2015 AWST.

Thank you VO5 for sponsoring this article!

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