November has arrived. The US election week is here too. The leaves outside continue to fall. The temperature is chilly — and hopeful too. But first, before we head into this full and illuminating week, it’s time to fill our cup this Sunday morning.

I love to slow down and savor the early morning hours. The depth of quiet just before the world stirs. Admittedly, it’s taken years to become a morning person yet there’s something magical about this time of day. One favorite way to catch the sunrise is with a cup of coffee in hand.

For your next morning cup, enjoy one of my own recipes elevated with an alluring blend of dark roast coffee, Madagascar vanilla, and fresh rosemary. Top it off with homemade cream or cold foam for an extra treat. The full recipe is below; the coffee mug is available too.

Natural Vanilla & Rosemary Latte

Ingredients:

• Whole dark roast coffee beans (enough for two 8 oz mugs)

• 1 ½ cups whole milk (2% works too)

• 2 tbsp Madagascar vanilla syrup (I use this one)

• 2 fresh rosemary sprigs

• Optional: 1 tbsp raw honey, if desired

Instructions:

1. Freshly grind coffee beans & brew 16 oz of dark coffee (or more, if desired)

2. Simmer milk on medium-low heat for about 3 minutes separately on the stove

3. Add 1 - 2 rosemary sprigs, the Madagascar vanilla syrup, and raw honey (if desired) to the milk

4. Simmer milk and additional ingredients together for 5 - 6 more minutes

5. Pour ~8 ounces coffee into your favorite large coffee mug

6. Add steamed milk to the mug and froth blend with the coffee….or stir if no milk frother is available

7. Optional: Top off with homemade whipping cream or cold foam for an extra treat

8. Garnish the mug with any remaining rosemary sprig

9. Serve and enjoy!

10. Want the limited edition mug? They’re available here in 11 oz, 15 oz, or 20 oz sizes.

An early morning sunrise with coffee in hand is especially grounding on weeks like this one, even if the sky is overcast. If you’re reading this as a US voter, I stand with you in exercising our fundamental right to vote this week. If you’re reading this outside the US or cannot legally vote in US elections for a specific reason, I stand with you as a global citizen, a neighbor.

All eyes are on this US election for oh so many reasons. May we have the courage to vote for what liberates more than just ourselves and our own personal way of life. Because none of us are truly free until we’re all breathing more freely.

Join me in grounding yourself this morning before you head into the day, the week, this month of November. Just like courage, grounding practices look different for everyone. Nourish yourself with nutritious food, breath work, movement of your choice, healthy boundaries with screen time, and intentional moments in nature. We’ll all need it this week no matter where we live. Not sure how to begin a grounding practice? Catch my previous blog on the practice of grounding here.

Unrest is everywhere. Let’s be kind, honest, and take good, deep care of ourselves this month so we can care well for each other too.

From my heart to yours,