A Lavender Latte

Featuring Kristen Tucker

Kristen ran her hands over the wood grain of her kitchen table, tracing the deep stains with her finger tips like she was reading the pages of a book. There was pride in her voice as she told me it was the same table she sat at as a child. I felt honored to sit and enjoy our lavender lattes at that table.

When I first met Kristen, we were a coincidental pair at a white elephant exchange. I remember leaning over my seat to see who I should thank for my guacamole grinder, and there she was, with her cute glasses and confident short hair. I instantly wanted to be her friend.

Now, after three years, we were standing over her Keurig as she showed me her favorite home latte routine. Kristen used a toothpick to add lavender oil to the vanilla brew, making sure the enhancement was just the right ratio not to overwhelm the senses. She nailed it! Lavender is known for its relaxing effects on the body. It may have been that, or Kristen’s smiling face behind her spunky Goddess mug, but I felt completely at ease.

Kristen’s Coffee Profile:

How do you like your coffee?
First thing in the morning I like a normal cup of joe with some half & half. In the afternoon, I enjoy treating myself to a latte. My current fave is a lavender vanilla latte. A barista at the Maddie & Bella coffee shop downtown introduced me to it, and I’m hooked. My mom recently gave me her Kuerig (score!), so I’m trying to make this delightful latte home. Obviously not as good but still. I use the Starbucks vanilla latte K-cup and a hint of lavender essential oil. Shout out to Jenn Kopp who has introduced me to essential oils.

First coffee memory?
My dad’s “diesel coffee” as we nicknamed his ridiculously strong stuff and watching him drink it throughout the day as if it were water.

What made you start drinking coffee?
College! Late nights followed by morning study sessions required caffeine. But I only drank white chocolate mochas then. Nowadays I enjoy the actual taste of coffee, sans chocolate. Perhaps I should also mention I worked as a Starbucks barista throughout college!

Favorite mug?
My “Goddess” polka dot mug from my dear friend, Shir. The handle cracked off, but I super-glued it together, and it still works. I don’t drink out of it as much in fear it will break again, so it was super fun to get it back out when Kristin came over.

Time of day you most need a caffeine fix?
Mid-afternoon – when I was wish I was napping alongside my younger kiddo.

If you could be anywhere in the world drinking a coffee?
I would be back in Seville, Spain (where I studied abroad) drinking a cafe con leche, accompanied by a chocolate croissant. But I gotta say, when I’m awake (for work) before anyone else in my house and get to peacefully enjoy my coffee, alone with the newspaper at my kitchen table, that’s pretty sweet too.

What does coffee mean to you?
Comfort and warmth (I prefer my coffee hot even if it’s 100 degrees outside) and energy (with the two littles, I definitely need the daily caffeine boost).