The sun is shining today at the Grimoire Cafe, and Tini is celebrating the gorgeous arrival of deep spring with a vanilla lion’s mane latte. The scent of coffee and scones intermingle with the scent of the sunshine that’s streaming through the tall, mullioned windows at the front of the shop. A group of teens are clustered in the antique livingroom style furniture that’s been moved away from the cold fireplace area, to perch in front of the windows. They’re laughing and discussing a book you’ve never read. In his customary corner, Vlad is reading and chuckling to himself. The energy is lively and calm, the way only sunny spring mornings can feel, as you sip your lion’s mane latte and catch up on reading of your own. (Read to the end for a recipe of this week’s coffee special – the Vanilla Lion’s Mane Latte)

Take Time Out For Pure Joy

Have ya’ll seen the videos of author JR Ward meeting the actors who will be portraying her characters in the adaptation of her Black Dagger Brotherhood series on Passionflix? Honestly, you don’t even need to be a fan of the series to revel in the unhinged delight of her reactions. (So many Fucks!)

I just fking love how real and genuinely weird she is. I got the chance to see JR Ward speak at a conference in 2019 and it remains one of the highlights of my author life.

I got to tell her (very quickly, because there was a line of people to speak with her) just how much her books have meant to me. Her writing has helped me become a better writer, and the thoughts she’s shared about life as an author have shaped how I think of my own career (and how I’ll approach it if I ever get a chance at traditional publishing). JR Ward is unapologetically herself.

I want to be like that, too. Don’t you? Just all in, self-love, do it scared, do it open, learn in front of the world, fuck up, fix it–and fuck anybody who doesn’t like it.

That’s #GOALS.

Anyway, if you’re feeling down about *waves arms at everything* take a minute and watch JR Ward meet the actors portraying the characters in her books on screen. You will not be disappointed.

Oh! And here’s the release schedule for season 1! I’m already planning a watch party with my sisters. More on that later 😉

Tini’s Vanilla & Lion’s Mane Latte

1-3 ounces espresso of your choice

Lion’s Mane mushroom powder

(Optional) Chaga mushroom powder

1-4 pumps Vanilla Syrup, to taste.

Milk of your choice, to taste

This latte is incredibly flexible. If you’re new to mushroom powders, I recommend trying this iced first (especially if adding the chaga mushroom, as it has an earthy flavor that’s stronger when hot.)

Here’s how I make mine:

Pull 2 shots espresso (I prefer Kaladi Brothers, Triste Roast)

Add 1 level scoop Lion’s Mane powder, and 1 level scoop Chaga powder; whisk to dissolve.

Add 2 pumps vanilla syrup, whisk to incorporate; set aside.

Fill a tumbler 3/4 full of ice

Add soy or oatmilk to 2/3 full, stir

Stir the coffee mixture into the ice + milk. Add ice or milk, if needed.

Voila!

NOTE: Only buy your mushroom powders from a reputable source, preferably one that has been reviewed by a third party for efficacy and safety. Make sure to only add as much powder as recommended on the packaging (they generally come with a measured scoop.) And, of course, if you have a condition that could be exacerbated by functional mushrooms, speak to your healthcare provider first.