December Top 10 + Q&A

my goal for the new year: slowing down

Good morning friends!!! I hope you are having a beautiful weekend.

These days in between Christmas and New Years Eve can always feel like such a weird limbo phase — so I am right there with ya. I am really taking this time to allow myself to slow down and rest. Reset my brain, energy and creativity.

Before I get into my Top 10 this month & answering all of your Questions — I want to share this quote that deeply resonated with me:

“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” - Lao Tzu

Let’s get into it —

My December Top 10

10 of my favorite things this month that brought me joy & nourishment

1. Bev Setup

I am really making an effort to notice the small things more — moments of joy & serotonin throughout the day. I feel it is so easy to just go down a spiral of negativity — and I am doing my best to avoid that.

Since I just moved into my new apartment, one of my favorite morning rituals that brings me joy is making my morning bevs. Tea, coffee, matcha, lemon water…etc…so I thought I would build a lil Bev Hutch for those moments. It is now one of my favorite spots in the apartment — a lil escape filled with my prized mug collection. I have also been loving filling my mug collection with small batch ceramics from talented artists.

2. Organic Comfy’s

My uniform is a crewneck and sweats. Lately some fuzzy socks. I live in it. It is rare you will see me in a dress or a pair of jeans — I just love being cozy. So recently I invested in some really good quality comfy cozy sets — Organic Fleece sweatshirt & sweats. I wake up and put it on, after going out I shower and put it on, get ready for bed with it on….I rarely take it off it’s so cozy.

One of my missions this past year was moving forward to consume less, and what I do consume ensure that it is good quality. So when it comes to clothing — organic materials like cotton, fleece, linen, have been my go to. These are breathable materials that are so much better for our bodies.

3. Morning Reading

I love a slow morning, it is one of the things that grounds me most, starting my day slowly instead of hastily. One of the ways I have been doing that lately is as soon as I wake up, brush my teeth, etc…I sit down to read. No phone, no technology. Just peace, quiet and my book. This was inspired by my mom (if you missed it she answered a bunch of Qs here), she rarely ever goes on her phone first thing in the morning and always spends time starting the day slowly. It sets up the theme for the entire day.

I truly feel such a difference on my nervous system as a whole and my mood when I choose to spend my time slowly as soon as I wake up. There is a calmness and a peace to it. PS — I am building my reading list for 2025 so let me know your fav books in the comments!!! Need recs because I am almost done with Throne of Glass (sob.)

My goal in the new year is to really romanticize my reading. Make it an activity that I love (I already do but even more so), just like I have my coffee nook, I want to create a cozy reading nook for myself.

4. Egg Yolk Lattes

If you have never had an egg yolk latte — you’re prob looking at me like I am crazy right now. But egg yolks add this incredible creaminess and froth to lattes, and not to mention incredible nutrient content (an instant energy boost). In the beginning of this year (as a California gal) I was making iced egg yolk lattes daily — now as an East Coaster cold weather has changed me so warm bevs always it is. Making egg yolk lattes warm is a bit trickier, but barely. You just have to make sure to temper the egg before completely immersing it. I have a video tutorial here in my egg-nog latte.

Hot bevs have been everything to me lately — keeping me nice and warm and cozy. I have been drinking more tea than ever (mostly spearmint, ginger, earl grey), tons and tons of broth, and lots of coffees and matchas. My newest and most used kitchen appliance has been the Moka — makes the best cup of coffee, and it is so cute on my stovetop.

5. Aged Parm

Sprinkled. On. Everything. Literally. I have spoiled my taste buds too much that nothing feels complete without being finished off with a bunch of grated parm. It is truly the best cheese. Raw. Gorgeous aged crystals in the cheese. The best flavor. Full of quality nutrients — and easier to digest!!!

Tastes good on everything, or just by the chunk (drizzle with a lil EVOO YUM). I always have a big hunk of it on hand, Whole Foods actually has some pretty good prices on it!

6. Food from Scratch

There is something about the slowness of making a recipe across the span of a couple of days that really just allows me to slow down and be more present. Forces me to move slow instead of be rushed. In a world where everything is a quick fix and a 5 minute meal — I like actually taking the time to do something that has no shortcuts: sourdough & bone broth are my favorite. They are both so incredibly rewarding. I learn so much while making them, and I get delicious and nourishing food after making them. I am so excited to start making sourdough in my new kitchen.

I also have been wanting to cook more things out of my comfort zone. Recently experimented with Challah — and it was okay, but definitely need to try again lol.

7. Magic M&M Face Mask

The best face mask of all time. Only two ingredients. Edible if you want it to be lol. First ingredient is high MGO Manuka Honey — which is incredible for skin health because it has powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to soothe irritated skin, promote healing, and hydrate deeply. It also supports the skin's natural barrier and reduces redness.

Next ingredient is Ceremonial Grade Matcha — which is packed with antioxidants that help fight free radicals, reduce signs of aging, protect against UV damage and improve skin elasticity. It also calms the skin, reduces puffiness, and can brighten the complexion for a radiant glow.

Both of these ingredients combine help so much with any acne or scarring flare ups I have, if my skin is ever feeling dull and dry it instantly rejuvenates.

Ingredients:

• 1 TBSP high MGO manuka honey (800+ or higher)

• 1 tsp organic & ceremonial grace matcha

• optional: 1-2 drops pure organic tea tree and/or frankincense essential oil

method: mix together with a clean wooden spoon in a clean bowl and apply all over skin, neck and optional declotagge. I keep it on for 2+ hours sometimes, but up to you how long you wanna keep it on. I like to let it melt into my skin in the evening and then I shower it off before bed. instant glow!

8. Pomegranate Juice

The juiciest juice of all. Pomegranate juice is so delicious — and especially during peak season (crying that the season is almost over). If you do see a pom at the market — get it!!! Pomegranates are full of incredible antioxidants. Pomegranates are traditionally known by many cultures as a symbol of fertility, abundance & life — and they can help to support a healthy balance of hormones, and support overall fertility in men and women.

The seeds are so good, but you can also juice the seeds — I use a cast-iron juicer cut it in half and then juice like an orange! The leftover pulp & even the skin can be dried out to make pomegranate tea so there is no waste.

9. Coconut Matcha

Bringing this one back because …. it is just too good and I have been sipping on it every single day.

Ingredients

• 1-2 servings ceremonial grade matcha (I like a lot but this is up to you!)

• 1 tbsp coconut butter

• 2 tsp raw honey

• 1-2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup coconut milk

• 1 scoop collagen (optional)

• 1/2 cup + extra filtered HOT water (about a half cup more), the temp I use is ~155°F to blend, ~175°F+ to top off

Recipe

1. Heat up coconut milk over the stove top, continuously mixing until warm-hot

2. Blend together matcha, coconut butter, raw honey, vanilla, collagen and coco milk and 1/2 cup hot water in a blender

3. Once combined, pour into a mug of choice and top with extra hot water until your bev reaches temp of choice

4. Enjoy the silky smooth and frothy perfectly light and sweet heaven in your mouth!!!! PS: top it off with some toasted coconut flakes for a lil something extra

10. Kefir

I have been starting to drink a lil kefir in the mornings. I prefer fresh from the farm A2 or I get this delicious low-pasteurized, non-homogenized A2 kefir that is delicious.

Drinking kefir on an empty stomach can provide numerous benefits. Its probiotics help restore gut balance, improve digestion, and enhance nutrient absorption. Starting the day with kefir can also support the immune system, reduce inflammation, and promote overall digestive health. It is also a great source of essential vitamins, minerals, and protein, which gives me a nice boost first thing in the morning.

It has been making me feel great — looking for all the extra nourishment I can in the winter. I love topping it off with some Heal+ Extra Virgin Olive Oil (the best evoo — so good for skin and gut — my discount is glowwithella20) & a dash of mineral salt as well.

I have linked most things I mentioned here.

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Q&A with Ella

Each month I post a thread in the subscriber chat where you can ask questions!!! Here was December’s thread — answering every question below x! Let me know if there are any follow-ups, and stay tuned in the chat for January’s thread.

Q: What are your goals for the new year

My number one intention is to enjoy life. Be more present. Move slow and find gratitude and positivity daily.

As I mentioned above — the note on my tea the other day said, “Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” - Lao Tzu — and I feel like that perfectly encapsulated my mindset for the new year.

I want to spend more quality time with friends and family. Experiment more with cooking & baking. Explore and adventure more. Living alone last year I feel made me a bit more introverted, so I would like to say yes more often to new experiences. I want to seek out the joy and wonder in life.

I also really want to spend any free time I have learning & diving into creative hobbies. I want to start crocheting, doing pottery, and maybe even starting a beginner level class to piano or learning Italian. Why not?? I want to do more things that allow me to express my creativity when I have down time versus completely just shut off my brain through scrolling & couch rotting (which I also appreciate that time but sometimes it drains me more than anything).

I want to be gentler with myself, giving myself permission to embrace where I am right now without the constant pressure of judgment or self-criticism. It ties back to living in the present and allowing myself to move at a slower, more natural pace. Too often, I find myself caught up in worrying about the future or stressing over whether I’m where I “should” be in life, rather than truly savoring the beauty and possibility of each moment as it unfolds. By focusing on the here and now, I can create space for gratitude, self-acceptance, and a deeper sense of peace.

Q: How did you get rid of your histamine intolerance? I have done soooo much and still can’t get rid of it.