Deep Connection, Vanilla Spice Latte, and Soothing Joint Relief

Personal reflections, comforting aromas, a soothing balm, and a cozy tea latte recipe—everything you need to ease discomfort.

Hello Friend!

As summer fades and autumn begins to settle in, life has been wonderfully full. Amid the shift in seasons, I took a moment for something I rarely do these days—I visited my bench in the woods. It’s just a short walk from my cabin, nestled among towering Ponderosa pines and Douglas firs. The trail winds through soft needles and fallen leaves, leading to a sturdy wooden bench with two carved bears holding up the seat. Their weathered expressions always bring a smile. It’s a wide, welcoming bench—perfect for quiet reflection.

I sat down, no plans or agenda, just listening. The air was crisp, the kind that whispers of change. Birds sang their melodies, and a hawk circled above, its piercing cry echoing through the trees. In that moment, it felt as though the hawk's call lifted the weight of the day from my shoulders, leaving me lighter. I stayed there, soaking in the stillness, when my daughter Jenny called. We talked about something close to my heart: the people we choose to have in our lives.

Have you ever noticed how the right people bring a sense of peace? They inspire growth in us, gently pushing us toward change that feels encouraging, not overwhelming. It’s like the comfort of sitting in a familiar spot, feeling completely at ease. The people who truly belong in our lives lift us up, even when we’re navigating something challenging. That’s how it should be. 

We deserve to feel amazing around our people. And I feel that way about you. I’m so grateful to have you on this journey with me.

As autumn deepens, I’ve been drawn to oils that offer the same warmth and comfort I felt on that bench. Scents like vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, and grounding woods, all brightened with a hint of citrus, envelop you like a cozy conversation or a moment of peace in nature. Speaking of warmth, I’ve got a special drink recipe for you this week. It’s perfect for those deeper talks that leave you feeling connected and fulfilled—just like my time on the bench.

Vanilla Spice Tea Latte Recipe 

Ingredients

  • 1 tsp loose-leaf Puerh black tea (or your favorite black tea)

  • 2 clove buds

  • 1 piece of cinnamon bark (or a pinch of cinnamon chips)

  • 1 tsp (5 g) dried orange peel

  • 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) vanilla powder

  • 1–2 tsp (5–10 g) pure maple syrup (to taste)

  • 8 oz (240 ml) boiled water

  • Almond milk (or your favorite milk/creamer)

  • Cocoa powder (for sprinkling on top)

Instructions

  1. Boil 8 oz (240 ml) of fresh water. Add Puerh tea, clove buds, cinnamon bark, dried orange peel, and vanilla powder.

  2. Let it steep for 5 minutes, allowing the rich flavors to blend beautifully.

  3. Strain the tea and spices, then stir in the pure maple syrup.

  4. Froth almond milk (or your favorite milk/creamer) and pour it over the tea.

  5. Top with a sprinkle of cocoa powder for that final, cozy touch.

It’s the perfect drink for slowing down, savoring the season, and enjoying those special, deep talks that make life a little richer.

P.S. I have a really in-depth 3 part video series about how professional aromatherapists use essential oils chemistry to craft blends that get results. Just click the button below to join!

As autumn invites us to slow down, Juniper Berry essential oil offers natural support for easing muscle and joint discomfort.

Here’s why it’s so effective:

  • Anti-inflammatory properties: Contains α-pinene, which helps reduce inflammation, especially for conditions like arthritis.

  • Pain relief: β-myrcene modulates pain perception, acting similarly to NSAIDs by inhibiting pain-inducing enzymes.

  • Mind-body balance: With physical relief, Juniper Berry oil promotes a grounded, calm state.

  • Safe and simple: A roll-on blend of 6 drops of Juniper Berry and 10 ml of jojoba oil can ease neck and shoulder tension. (The recipe is in the blog)

With Juniper Berry, you can naturally soothe discomfort and embrace the peace that autumn brings.

Click here and read the full blog!

Kpangnan Butter (Pentadesma butyracea) is from the lush forests and riverbanks of Togo, West Africa. While it may look similar to shea butter, kpangnan (pronounced “pan-ya”) has a unique texture and benefits.

When you scoop a bit of kpangnan butter and feel it melt between your fingers, it’s like a slow sigh of relief for your skin. The subtle, nutty aroma feels grounding as if you’ve stepped into a quiet forest clearing.

This rare, pale yellow butter is rich in oleic and stearic acids and deeply moisturizing and nourishing for the skin. But what sets kpangnan apart is its high content of natural plant sterols—primarily stigmasterol, known for its potent anti-inflammatory properties. I love using it in blends for those achy, stiff joints! It works beautifully to help loosen tension in painful areas, offering relief and comfort.

Kpangnan butter has a firm, almost powdery texture at room temperature but melts effortlessly on contact. Its mild, nutty, and slightly smoky aroma—reminiscent of a blend of cocoa and shea butter—adds a soothing element to any blend. Kpangnan butter is also more deeply moisturizing than shea butter and has a gentle warming effect—another reason it’s a popular choice for joint and muscle butters.

Here is the link:
Kpangnan Butter

Ingredients:

This soothing Juniper Berry Balm is like a little jar of relief. Whether it’s for stiff joints or tired hands after a long day, just a few minutes of massage with this balm will make all the difference. The slow release of essential oils provides deep, long-lasting relief, making it ideal for soothing chronic aches. Your joints will thank you as the cooler weather sets in.

Yield: 2 oz (56 g)

  • 10 drops Juniper Berry essential oil (Juniperus communis)

  • 7 drops Balsam Copaiba essential oil (Copaifera officinalis)

  • 7 drops Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)

  • 1.0 oz (28 g) Kpangnan Butter (Pentadesma butyracea)

  • 0.5 fl oz (15 ml) Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia chinensis)

  • 0.5 oz (14 g) Cocoa Butter (Theobroma cacao)

Instructions:

  1. Weigh the cocoa butter and jojoba oil and melt them in a pyrex measuring cup over low heat.

  2. When almost melted, add the kpangnan butter and continue to melt gently.

  3. Once everything is fully melted, remove from heat and stir in the Juniper Berry, Balsam Copaiba, and Lavender essential oils.

  4. Mix well with a metal spoon or glass stir rod.

  5. Pour the mixture into two 1 oz (30 ml) glass jars (or one 2 oz/60 ml jar), filling them to the top.

Tip: This balm is perfect for massaging into stiff or painful areas like hands, wrists, or knees. It’s a soothing companion for the cooler weather—ideal for those evenings when you just want to relax and unwind.

Join me as I walk you through how to make this soothing balm by clicking the video thumbnail below!

From the Vine

Q&A on Kpangnan Butter

Question: How do I keep my kpangnan butter and shea butter from becoming gritty?

Answer: A smooth, velvety balm or body butter feels incredible! Butters like kpangnan and shea can sometimes become gritty due to the different cooling rates of their fatty components. When the butter cools unevenly, it can crystallize, leading to that grainy texture.

To prevent this, after you melt all the ingredients and mix in your essential oils, pour the blend into your glass containers (or molds). Then, place them in the freezer!

-Karen

It may sound unconventional, but this ensures the butters cool evenly and solidify without becoming gritty. Once fully solidified, remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature. When they’re ready, you'll have a beautifully smooth and luxurious balm or body butter that feels amazing on the skin.

As the leaves fall and swirl around us, it’s a beautiful reminder to let go of what no longer serves us—just like nature does. Take a moment this week to enjoy the season’s dance, and let that gentle breeze bring you peace.

“Anyone who thinks fallen leaves are dead has never watched them dancing on a windy day.”

Shira Tamir

Stay inspired & keep blending!
Karen Williams

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