Happy new year friends! It’s so nice to be back here in this space.
I do love a fresh year full of possibility, new beginnings and intentions. I tend to not make resolutions but rather be a bit more mindful and open to trying new things that will bring me joy and health. January, being a quiet and slow month, always feels like the perfect time to reflect on how I want to make change or continue with what feels good.
Making time for health of mind and body is at the top of my list these days and I have already begun to make an effort for self care through diet, exercise and good quality, well made products. I am striving to shift my mind around issues that challenge me. Steering away from comparison and resistance and working hard at staying in my own lane as a mother, a partner, a businesswoman and overall human being is an important goal this year. I am ready for you, 2018!
One of my self care goals is hydration. It has been bitter cold here this past month and my body has been feeling parched. My skin is dry, I wake feeling a bit shriveled up and I am thirsty. Thanks to the many wonderful recommendations from friends over on Instagram, I have purchased some new and natural skin care products. This and this to soothe my dry cracked hands and this for a more supple face. I have been keeping a tin of water on my radiator next to my bed each night with a few drops of lavender to keep from waking up feeling like a dried out prune and I am working on drinking more water. I am not a big drinker of anything really but I know when I do make an effort to consume water on a daily basis I feel so much better! Adding citrus to my water (some thing I crave in the wintertime) makes it easier to drink more. I like to start my day with a hot cup of lemon water. It warms me up and it gets the digestive juices going. I have also been filling a large pitcher with water each morning and dropping in slices of lemon, orange or grapefruit with the goal of finishing it by the end of the day.
I recently have been working on replicating a hot lemon frothy drink I first tried at a local coffee spot . I am not a coffee drinker but I love coffee shops and it’s sometimes hard for me to find something hot I actually want to drink. I have found a few places that make a tasty homemade chai latte (stay tuned for my own recipe soon!) but this hot lemonade left me craving for more. I am embarrassed to admit just how often I would find myself driving completely out of my way just to get one until I realized I could just make it myself. After many trials I am quite happy with my own version which I call “The Lemon Drop” because that is exactly what it reminds me of- that little tin of lemon candy I would find in my Christmas stocking as a child.
The beauty of this drink is that you can tailor it to your own taste buds. Up the ginger for a little more spice or cut back on the honey for a little less sweet. Play around with it and make it your own. Pucker up and enjoy!
The Lemon Drop
1 1/2 cup water
Juice of 2 lemons
1 teaspoon fresh minced ginger (a quick and easy ginger for when I don’t have fresh on hand)
1 1/2 tablespoon local raw honey
A dash of lemon zest
A pinch of cayenne pepper
Heat water, lemon juice, ginger and honey and simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes. With an immersion blender blend until frothy and pour into your favorite mug. Dust with lemon zest.
If wanting a bit more of a kick or if you are feeling like you are coming down with something add a dash of cayenne pepper.
Going to try this! Maybe with minced crystallized ginger I have on hand. Korean markets often sell packets of lemon ginger tea that is also good, but strong! Good to hear from you, keep hydrated inside and out!
I’ve been making something nearly identical to this for years now. My kids love it! We drink ours cold though, I’ll have to try it warmed up. Thanks for sharing!
We often make a honey-lemon-ginger drink, but I have never thought to froth it! What a fun idea – we’ll try it soon!