As most of you know, we’re pretty obsessed with morning and evening rituals around here. In fact, it’s the inspiration behind our Wake Up Call series in which we uncover the simple daily habits of the women we admire most. I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how creating rituals in our lives enhances our experiences. Nowhere is this more true for me than when I greet the day—it’s those simple little cues that speak to my senses, reminding me to be present and acknowledge the moment as sacred. So, for today’s post on bringing more rituals into our mornings, we teamed up with Bonne Maman to create a mindful morning tea ritual. Their handmade herbal teas are so uniquely special they help turn a simple everyday act into something deeper.
There’s something so grounding about holding a warm mug of tea in my hands, especially during these colder months. The scent, taste, and beauty of the organic fruits and flowers in Bonne Maman’s loose tea make it feel like a little treat to myself. With my favorite mug in hand, a soothing playlist, and a favorite candle on my desk, the repetition of these small touches sets the stage for savoring simple moments throughout the day. Read on for a few ideas on creating a morning tea ritual, plus the Ricotta and Raspberry Toast that’s the perfect way to lift spirits (for yourself, or the people you love) on a winter day.
Step 1: Assemble an Herbal Tea Library
If you’re interested in starting a mindful morning tea ritual of your own, we suggest you pour, sip, and experience many blends to uncover the flavors you love to savor. This is one of the key reasons why we teamed up with Bonne Maman—each blend of their handmade herbal tea feels like a personal offering–like a bouquet of fresh wildflowers or a small treasure that was chosen with care just for you and those you love. Choose from five deliciously balanced blends each made with organic flowers, fruits, and herbs that are a balm for the soul, creating moments for you to connect with yourselves, your cherished ones, and the nature that surrounds us all. I added a few edible flowers to make it a feast for the eyes, too.
Ease into your morning with their Vitality blend with peppermint, hibiscus, rosehip, licorice, and marigold, or put your mind at ease with every sip of their relaxing Contentment blend featuring a poetic mix of star anise, blackcurrant, lemon balm, and marshmallow—and all made using organic, non-GMO, caffeine-free tea with no added flavors or aromas. There really is a tea for every desired mood and emotion that’s guaranteed to delight the senses and warm your heart.
Step 2: Make It a Mindful Practice
Now that you have an arsenal of delicious herbal teas, it’s time to create your morning tea ritual. This simple mindful practice is one small way you can slow down each day and be more present. Take your time choosing a tea that speaks to your emotional wellbeing that morning: How are you feeling? What do you want to achieve today? Close your eyes, take in the aroma of each blend, and see which one you gravitate toward. Once you’ve chosen your blend, pour the boiling water into your mug or teapot, and watch the tea leaves unfurl, feeling the steam against your skin as it steeps. You’ll know when the moment is right to pour your freshly made tea into your favorite cup.
Step 3: Sip, Breathe, and Savor
Tea is not just a drink, it’s a way to nourish and connect, so don’t rush it. This is your moment, so take five, 10, or even 15 minutes to relish in this practice without distractions or demands from the outside world. Resist the urge to look at your phone, instead, find a spot near a window and peer outside, enjoy the stillness, take a deep breath, read some poetry, write a gratitude list, dream, and really savor every sip because once you open that phone you will be at the mercy of everyone else’s demands. For now, this time is yours, so make it count.
Step 4: Pair Your Tea With Ricotta and Raspberry Toast
Creamy ricotta topped with delicious raspberry preserves, all spread onto crispy sourdough toast… it’s basically the best piece of toast you can imagine. This Ricotta and Raspberry Toast is special enough for a weekend brunch with friends, but I also can’t think of a better way to elevate a normal weekday morning—it’s simple enough to whip up any time. As beautiful as it is delicious, this toast is a feast for the senses and a perfect pairing for any of Bonne Maman’s herbal teas. Bonne Maman uses time-honored traditional French recipes with natural ingredients and the finest quality fruit for that real homemade taste, just how we like it!
Here’s how to make it:
- In a small bowl, combine a scoop of whole milk ricotta with a drizzle of honey, and mix well.
- Toast a piece of sourdough (or gluten-free bread) until crispy.
- Top toast with a slather of honeyed ricotta, then spoon a bit of Bonne Maman Raspberry Preserves over the top. Use the back of the spoon to lightly spread it into the ricotta.
- Top with fresh basil or mint leaves and a pinch of flaky sea salt. Savor!
