Drink and Read of the Month: February 2022

Well, this month seems to be flying by, just like January did! Maybe it’s because I’ve been sticking to a solid routine with client work, but either way, here we are almost through February…

I’m proud to say that I’ve really stuck with reading regularly. This may be thanks to a principle from The Slight Edge (which I featured in May’s Drink and Read of the Month!). One practice Jeff Olson recommends is to read ten pages of a good book every day. It’s pretty easy and doesn’t take up much time, but it allows you to be making constant progress on a book. 

So, nearly every day this month I’ve taken the time to sit in my papasan chair by the window with my coffee (or the occasional smoothie if I’m feeling #healthy) and read at least ten pages or one chapter. It’s worked quite nicely and I’ve enjoyed it! I managed to finish this month’s book slightly ahead of schedule, so I’m pretty proud. And I’m so excited to share it with you! 

Stay tuned for a delish coffee recipe and stellar book recommendation. There’s just something about this month’s selections… Enjoy!

Drink

Although I’ve experimented with my Nespresso machine and tried many different drinks this month, there is one that I can’t get enough of. I have four words for you: salted honey white mocha. White chocolate, honey, sea salt, and oat milk combine to become the most delicious start to my day or pick-me-up in the afternoon. 

I’ll start by giving credit where it’s due. I found this particular drink online. I’d say around 75% of my time on TikTok is spent watching people make coffee and looking for new recipes. I have way too much fun watching coffee videos… This drink I’ve been obsessed with is from this TikTok by @cafehailee. I was intrigued when I saw this, and I had all the ingredients so I tried it. And, as they say, the rest is history.

I start by adding some white chocolate chips to my trusty little glass measuring cup, then drizzling some honey, and topping it off with a bit of flaky sea salt. Next, I choose my espresso of choice. My very favorite is probably Nespresso’s double espresso Chiaro. The espresso goes directly into the measuring cup and immediately starts melting everything together.

Pro tip: I usually microwave the white chocolate chips for 20-30 seconds before doing anything so they are already softened and it all melts together better later on. Then I stir and stir and stir until everything is combined. I grab a glass and fill it halfway with ice and oat milk, and add the beautiful salted white mocha espresso concoction to the milk. 

Give it one last stir and that’s it. Morning starting off beautifully. Couldn’t be happier. All I really have to say now is thank you to Hailee from the coffee side of TikTok. Let me know if you decide to try this lovely creation. I don’t think you’ll regret it!

Read

If you’ve never heard of Marie Forleo, here is your introduction. She’s an inspiring entrepreneur, author, and just an all-around amazing human. I spent this month reading her book, Everything Is Figureoutable. I had high expectations for this book because it seemed like it would be uplifting and something good to read for my career. 

Let me tell you, this book exceeded my expectations! It was everything I needed to hear and remember. If you have a dream or idea that you’ve been wanting to bring to life, but you think you don’t have what it takes, read this book. If you’re not satisfied with your job, or you don’t know what you want to do, read this book. If you want to start your own business, whatever it may be, read this book. If you need more confidence in yourself or you want to learn how to adopt the attitude that “everything is figureoutable”, read this book.

Marie Forleo’s main mantra for work, relationships, and life is: “everything is figureoutable”. It’s just how it sounds: the belief that in any situation, even if it seems impossible, there is always something you can do to figure it out. “No matter what you’re facing, you have what it takes to figure anything out and become the person you’re meant to be,” she writes in the first chapter.

There are ten chapters and an epilogue chock-full of useful information and inspiring reminders that you can do so much more than your doubts will have you believe. At the end of each chapter, there is an “Insight To Action Challenge” with questions and prompts to apply the ideas to your own life and aspirations. Writing down the activity questions really helped me solidify all of my thoughts.

It’s difficult to fully express how much helpful and amazing information and stories are in this book. Some of the chapter topics include: training your brain for growth, eliminating excuses, taming fear, striving for progress instead of perfection, and the secret to lasting success. If you’re even a little intrigued by this book, go get it! It’s one that has definitely had a real impact on me and how I view my life and my work.

As always, if you have any drink or book suggestions for me, feel free to DM me on Instagram @ashlyncarmichaelcopy. Happy sipping!