The Daily Valet. - 12/12/20, Saturday

✔️ Weekend Reading: The Actor's Morning Routine

Weekend of December 12th

Cory Ohlendorf, Editor in Chief of Valet.

Remember Lamar Johnson’s name. Because I think you’re going to be hearing a lot more about this guy. He’s someone who isn’t content just doing one thing. And he puts everything he’s got into whatever it is he’s working on. It’s inspiring. So is his morning routine.

Cory Ohlendorf , Editor ⋯ @coryohlendorf

Today's edition is presented by

Weekend Reading

My Morning Routine

Lamar Johnson, Actor & Artist

Lamar Johnson is an all-around artist. Creative to the core, he's got too many ideas and too much talent to stay in one lane. And he's got enough drive to pursue them all. If he looks familiar, that's because you've no doubt seen him before. The Canadian actor, classically trained dancer, photographer and model has recently been in cool indie movies (A24's Native Son) and film fest favorites (Kings) as well as the big franchises (X-Men: Dark Phoenix). Now, he's staring in the new Showtime limited series Your Honor, opposite Bryan Cranston. The compelling legal drama is about a New Orleans judge who's forced to confront his own deepest convictions when his son is involved in a hit and run that embroils an organized crime family. And while a pandemic has definitely postponed a few plans, that hasn't kept Johnson from working on himself and finding inspiration around every corner. Here's how he starts his day.

I’m a big believer in quality sleep.And this year has been great for catching up on my sleep. I try to get a solid six to eight hours every night.

I’m usually waking up around eight.I stretch, brush my teeth and wash my face. I'll make myself a cup of coffee and head to the gym. Maybe grab a piece of fruit.

Before I get out of bed, I might check my journal.I keep my nightstand pretty clean, but I've usually got my journal there to jot down thoughts and ideas before going to sleep or after I wake up. The other thing I need on my nightstand is a candle. Right now, I have a lovely one by Tom Ford.

I give myself a few minutes of silence in the morning.I like to sit in my thoughts, assess how I'm feeling, and what needs to be done for the day or the rest of the week. Could be in bed as I wake, could be in the shower.

That moment is important and quite grounding for me.The few minutes of silence is that awareness moment for myself. Assessing how I feel and how I will step into my day.

I’m definitely a coffee person.Nothing too fancy, I usually drink my coffee with just a bit of cream. My go-to has been iced coffee for a while now—at home or on the road.

But I’m not big on breakfast.I usually go with something light in the morning and then have a big lunch. That works well for me and my energy. But I enjoy a quick protein shake or some fresh fruit over yogurt and granola.

Fitness is pretty important to me. And I like working out before anything else.I usually workout three times a week. Always in the mornings. I think working out early really gives you energy, gets your mind right and is a great way to step into your work day. Plus, there are no excuses later when things get busy.

I’ve spent a lot more time inside lately.So I've learned to be resourceful and accomplish things remotely than to have to be right in front of it. Although I do love to be hands on with my work.

Lists are important, but so is spontaneity.I make to-do lists for the work assignments and projects that I'm personally working on, and calendar important dates and deadlines. But a lot of the time I like to go with the flow of life. Spontaneity has its benefits!

My grooming is a high-low mix. But these are products that work for me at the moment.

Clockwise, from top left: Castor hair oil, $11 by Allpa Botanicals; Coconut oil shampoo, $12.99 by Shea Moisture; C-Rush gel moisturizer, $46 by Ole Henriksen; Rosebud minted salve, $5.82 by Smith's; Glycerin hand cream, $3.99 by Glysomed; Professional T-Outliner, $60 by Andis; All-in-One shake, $54.99 by Vega Protein; AnOther 13 cologne, from $83 by Le Labo; Neroli Portofino candle, $98 by Tom Ford

I don’t shave often.But when I do, I shave with electric shavers. I give myself a touch-up fade when needed. But I usually go to the barber for proper grooming.

With clothes and dressing, it’s a feeling and about the silhouette.So in the mornings I usually feel out what I wear and put together. It can sometimes be quick, and other times ... not so much. But it's fun.

Before I leave the house, I grab my hard drive.I do a lot of creative work on my laptop, so at times I have to transfer files over to someone, or pull something to work on later at home.

↦ See him in action: Catch Lamar in Your Honor, airing Sundays at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Showtime.

Special Promotion

Little Boxes Hold Big Surprises

Not sure what to give this year? A piece of jewelry is always a welcome gift. Let them unwrap something timeless and luxurious after a year without much glamour. Born in Bali in 1975, John Hardy’s line embodies the very best of contemporary jewelry. It’s stylish, comfortable and luxurious—built to make an impression without standing out too much. Their giftable assortment for 2020 includes hammered silver and unique stones like black sapphires that really make an impact. To make it even easier, get 10% off with email sign up, plus free shipping and returns.