This time of year can be hard on a lot of us. The increased volume of social engagements, the pressure to buy a bunch of stuff, the seeming lack of quiet in public spaces, the disappearing daylight, and the tendency to slip into less supportive modes of living because everything and everyone is just so busy.
As we dive into the season of parties, the fastest of paces, and outright exhaustion in some cases, I want to empower some of you to say no or to pull back and really think about how a certain convention or line of thought makes you feel. I don’t want you to think that I dread this time of year or anything. I just think that almost anyone, at any level of mindfulness/wellbeing, could do with a bit more introspection these days–even if it’s just for 5 minutes.
So with all of this in mind, I present to you a lovely bedtime/chill time sip along with a bunch of links that might help you calm the eff down as this season ramps up. Also, if valerian root tea doesn’t give you weird dreams (I don’t drink it for this reason), feel free to infuse some of that in here as well.
Instant Calm Latte
Ingredients
- ¾ cup water
- 2 chamomile tea bags OR 2 teaspoons loose chamomile tea
- ½ teaspoon dried lavender buds
- ¾ cup almond or other non-dairy milk
- pinch of vanilla powder OR splash of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon virgin coconut oil
- stevia, maple syrup or honey, to taste
Equipment
Notes
- If valerian root tea doesn’t give you messed up dreams, feel free to incorporate it here.
- I’ve also tried steeping the tea with a pinch of fennel seeds and it’s quite good if you like that mellow anise flavour.
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Place the chamomile tea and lavender buds into a tea strainer in a mug. Pour the boiling water over the tea and steep for at least 4 minutes.
- Pour the almond milk into the saucepan and gently bring it up to a simmer. Carefully transfer the warm milk to an upright blender along with the vanilla, coconut oil, and sweetener of choice. Blend the warm milk mixture on high for 20 seconds. Pour the frothed milk into the cup with the tea. Enjoy immediately.
this is my second sunday making this brew. it’s delicious and works the magic you say it does. thanks for this voice of yours all year round, the great links and the solid kitchen inspo.
i love all of these links so much! and valerian gives me freaky weird dreams too. i always love all of the links you post in these happy hour posts, they’re always gold. that tranquility mist sounds wonderful. love the whole shebang of this drink too. and thanks for the link to WFFF, lavender bud :)
This is great timing. I always end up with a bunch of new tabs to read when you publish these posts!
I remember as a kid, I would look at my parents during the holidays and see that they were unhappy, and I’d think, “Why? This is the best time of year!” I wish I could still say I don’t understand it, but the chaos really gets to me. Just this morning I snapped at two of my favorite coworkers! Sometimes I think, why do we try to jam in all these social events into the span of one month when we all know that each of us is tired and over-socialized. Why not spread them out over the year and offer forgiveness and space instead? It seems like that would be a true gift.
Sorry for ranting! Lovely post!
I made this last night! So cozy and calming, it was exactly what I needed dealing with school + world stresses <3
What a lovely little collection of links – and a beautiful looking latte too! Thanks for sharing. xx
Laura, you’ve hit the nail on the head. I feel like year’s end always initiates such a tornado of celebration, emotion, and yes, flat-out exhaustion. It’s easy to shift off balance (me all the way) – thank you for this. Lavender is the best.
loved this post, thanks so much Laura :) the photos are gorgeous and so is Cleo, what a cutie! xo
Timing is bang on…and your advice too. Thank you for this winter warmer, of body and soul!
I’m all about that extra nap or bath these days too. Self care is something we often overlook in our society out of some weird guilt, or what have you, but I can’t wait to try this drink. I’m with you there on the Valerian Root (and passion flower…even worse). Also, I LOVE the Cleo pics. More pup pic please
This is such a lovely post, Laura! Thank you so much for all these links and the drink :)