My man had a scratchy throat the other night, so I came up with this concoction and made a double batch. His throat felt better afterward and even though I wasn’t detecting a hint of sickness in myself, I felt extra soothed for the evening. Also, I’ll jump on any opportunity to get some extra turmeric in. This tea has just the right mix of sweet, sour, and hot. Aside from the fresh turmeric, it’s all typical healthy pantry stuff. I’m mostly hunkering down and powering through some work this weekend so that I can be worry-free when we get on that plane next Thursday. I hope you’re all up to some things that are just a little bit more exciting ;) Here’s a few links and things that caught my eye this week. xo!
Write and meditate. Every day. Also, the part about trying to get people to think you’re cool so that you don’t have to like/love yourself is one big truth bomb just popping off.
An illuminating IKEA product name breakdown. Nätt!
These 3 ingredient sweet potato flatbreads are going to happen in my kitchen very soon. Also, I bought mini chocolate chips to make these peanut butter bites this weekend.
Bowl food (sorry #bowlfood) really is a certified social media sensation.
6,000 pounds of food grown on 1/10th of an acre. When the supply chain begins and ends with your own hard work, it’s total freedom.
All the coconut oil beauty hacks. I do 2, 4, and 9 (with a drop of peppermint essential oil in the mix) regularly.
I vaguely discussed my workouts in the last post, but my thing right now is HIIT (high intensity interval training). I feel like such a boss afterward. Plus I’m convinced that it’s keeping me a bit toastier/more glow-y on these cold days.
Speaking of working it out: this company sent me the best, most beautiful yoga mat I’ve ever used. The surface of it is so unique–almost towel-ish, which is great for the times where you’re really breaking that sweat.
A refugee cat is reunited with its family and don’t mind me, just crying at my desk now.
Overwhelmed by large scale/immersive art, and how Instagram brings the experience to people who would never step foot in a museum.
Next on my reading list. Eating that dirt!
On solitude, creativity, priorities, and giving your mind what it needs. “Thinking about one thing at a time. How often are you actually doing that?”
Behind the scenes at the Westminster Dog Show. That pug getting a jowl massage, seriously.
Feel Better Tea
Ingredients
- ¼ cup pineapple juice
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon maple syrup
- ¼ teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- small pinch of sea salt
- 1 inch piece of ginger, peeled + finely grated with a rasp
- 1/2 inch piece of fresh turmeric, peeled + finely grated with a rasp
- small pinch of cayenne pepper (or to taste)
- 1 cup boiling water
Notes
- I use a little bit of pineapple juice here. I keep it on hand this time of year in case of sore throats and other head cold issues because it really seems to tame the burn. You could use the same amount of unclarified apple juice in its place with equally delicious results.
- If you can’t find fresh turmeric, feel free to replace it with a 1/2 teaspoon of the powdered variety.
Instructions
- In your serving mug, combine the pineapple juice, lemon juice, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and salt.
- In a re-usable or disposable paper tea filter, combine the grated ginger, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. Place the filter in the mug.
- Pour the hot water over top of the filter and pineapple juice mixture. Make sure that the ginger mixture is submerged. Let the tea steep for at least 4 minutes. Serve hot.
Hi Laura,
I have been sick for weeks and with my scratchy throat I am definitely trying this tea. However I remember making a magic healing soup recipe of yours and now I can’t find it in the index. I know it had sriracha and was brothy with fresh veg but if you still have the recipe I would love it. Thank you as always for your healthy and gorgeous food inspiration.
Hi Oriana! Shoot me an email and I’ll send it to you :) laura@thefirstmess.com
-L
Just made this to soothe my throat. You’re right- pineapple juice works wonders! Thanks to your drink roundup for reminding me of this recipe!
Yum, I could drink this tea anytime!
Laura, That cat journey, what a story I can’t believe it, had to cry a few happy tears here too. Loved all the links, Some of the Ikea translations were even new to me I’m a born and bread swede :)
I just made this for myself and I’m digging it. I’ve been digging your links and posts lately. Your intelligence, humor and self awareness shine. I hope y’all are truly enjoying your vacay.
This is such a fab drink potion I love it! My Mum always used to put cider vinegar in tonic drinks she swears by it, and it works :)
Love this! It may be the saviour of some janky pineapple I have kicking around. Juiced + your additions sounds like the plan.
I’m keeping this one in the back of my pocket, as my man has a bad habit of falling sick this time of year. I love that you’re doing this feature- keep it up! And have a fantastic time in Hawaii.
Yay for featuring my flatbread recipe, thank you Laura! xx
I suffer from sore throats quite often. Will try this out and hopefully it helps. Thanks!
This is next level feel-good stuff!! My fave has always been steeping garlic/ginger/tumeric in hot water but this is waaaay more attractive for being in contact with other humans heh.
Love that meditating/journaling article!! They are things I know I SHOULD do and will improve my overall wellness, but I never seem to make time to fit it into my schedule. Also, that tea sounds so soothing!
I am loving the addition of pineapple juice in this feel better tea! I can just imagine the delicious melding of flavors. Will definitely have to make! :)
This is exactly what I need right now! I always have these ingredients on hand, and make a similar concoction for when we are feeling something nasty coming on. I never use pineapple juice though! I’m excited to try it out. Is the salt just for taste or do we actually benefit from it when we’re feeling rundown?
Also, I have to mention that I’ve been reading about mindfulness and meditation for a long time. Yeah, reading about it… I took a class back in university and really enjoyed it, but I was having such a hard time getting into a nice meditation routine. I downloaded the Headspace App, and it has helped so much! I love it and look forward to that time in my day. I was resistant to trying it, I mean, sitting on your phone while meditating, it felt ironic. But I finally caved and I recommend it to anyone who is looking for some support on getting started. (I’m definitely not getting any coin for mentioning that, I am just so thankful that I found it.)
Thanks for the recipe girl. Happy weekend!
I love this post! Excited to make this tea tonight & I love the lifestyle/health/reading links.
Looks just like what I make when I am sick!:) It really helps
This looks like exactly what I need right now!!
This is exactly what I need today- feeling under the weather, but emotionally, not physically! Can’t wait to dig into that solitude post…
Hi, I just wanted to say hi and thank you for your great posts! I love the recipes but find that I look forward to your musings even more :) You sound like you’re in a contented place – what could be more lovely?
I am really enjoying reading your happy hour posts. Especially the spiritual/Lifestyle ones. I’ve been using my mornings lately to write and extend it into a short meditation. It really clears my mind and gives me a calmness that I can carry with me into the day. Thank you for your continous inspiration.Have a woderful time in Hawaii.