Morning Espresso

November is here. Mornings are frosty and dark. Getting out of bed is slow and so sleepy. How about a piping hot espresso to start the day? Don’t wait until you’re halfway through your commute to spend money on a coffee to-go. Slipper shuffle to the kitchen and get set for a java jolt in style. Save your pennies because Christmas is around the corner.

This gorgeous stovetop espresso maker from Gnali and Zani makes me smile every single time I get it out of the cupboard. Storing on the counter-top or a kitchen shelf are also great options to display the happy duck egg blue and soft wood-effect handles. Matching espresso cup is optional.

Opt for fairtrade coffee. Lately, I’ve been savouring the full-bodied Machu Picchu from Café Direct. Dark chocolate notes linger and the aroma is irresistible. Go on. Stick your nose in the bag and have a good whiff.

There’s no need to compress the coffee in the funnel filter. Stovetop espresso makers don’t create the same high pressure as a counter-top espresso machine. Fill loosely, level and clean the rim of coffee grounds.

For safety’s sake, don’t overfill the boiler. Place the funnel filter in the boiler and screw the coffee pot on securely, creating a good seal.

Keep the handle away from heat source. Confirm with your espresso maker manual that your hob or stovetop is appropriate.

Your espresso maker will fill the kitchen with its special brand of music: gurgles, sputters and hisses. Don’t be alarmed. When it dies down to a steady hiss, the coffee pot is full. Promptly remove from heat to prevent burning the espresso.

Smells so good!

Remember we’re getting this caffeine kick in style? We need some dainty cookies and candlelight.

All smiles in no time. Shine bright today.

Add Light to Your Day

There is a tiny, bright spark of the infinite and eternal within you.

Your potential. Your passion. Your purpose.

Do all you can to discover the source of this light.

Nurture it.

And shine!

I’m a huge fan of the Scandinavian concept of hygge. Hygge is that indescribable feeling and atmosphere of cozy, heart-warming and happy. The Good Simple Life is all about getting more of this! One of the quickest ways I can inject a little hygge into my day is with candles.

Tea lights and an assortment of scented candles are always on hand at home. For my morning espresso and all meals at home, the flickering glow of candlelight makes a special moment of what so easily becomes rushed and mundane. At the end of the day, my room is lit with only one or two candles; the dim light slows everything down and eases me into a restful night of sleep.

I invested in this beautiful Lavender Scented Candle from L’Occitane en Provence. It comes in a hexagonal glass jar with a metal lid. The lilac design on the lid turns the candle into a beautiful Art Deco object d’art when the candle isn’t in use (and hides the charred wick). Lavender has soothing and relaxing properties and the scent of this candle is just right in terms of strength.

L’Occitane Lavender Candle

If you’re not quite yet ready  to splurge on this beauty, don’t worry. TK Maxx has great deals on Sand and Fog candles right now. I got the Pumpkin Spice mini candles for less than £3.00 each. They come in white glass with a lovely carved wood lid.

Sand and Fog Pumpkin Spice Candle

Candle light is mesmerising. As I light my morning coffee candle and think about the day ahead, I’m inspired to let my light shine.

It’s good. It’s simple.