My Stomach Is Full of Pavolva
Isabel’s love for coffee started early and grew stronger during her college years. Laurel’s is setting out to make a coffee experience worth looking forward to!
Happy Tuesday! Last week was so busy as I was catching up on work after being sick. My one reprieve was pulling out all of the pink in my closet and snacking on pavlova 24/7. It was a busy week but I also found time to try a pilates class. I loved it. My hamstrings were definitely on fire the next day but I had a blast.
For lack of a better phrase, I’ve really had to lock in these past few weeks to push through project deadlines. Usually when I go through crazy busy periods it seems like the rest of my life gets put on the back burner but I’ve really turned a corner this time around. Maybe its because I’ve had enough of the ups and downs or I’m getting older, therefore finally getting a grip on life. Time will tell.
I’m on a mission to clean out my fridge of all the random ingredients that live in there from recipe development projects. It has helped my brain relax and find creativity in food when it doesn’t pertain to work. I was in a serious food slump a few weeks ago.
This week’s podcast guest is Isabel, founder of Laurel’s, aka the person who introduced me to A2 milk. I’m forever grateful. Such a lovely conversation about the dairy industry, why canned coffee typically sucks, and Isabel’s mission to provide a better beverage that doesn’t hurt your stomach. More on that below <3
🎧 Isabel Washington of Laurel’s
Isabel’s love for coffee started early and only grew stronger during her college years at USC. Mornings began with a fitness class, followed by a latte on the way back to her dorm—then another on the way to class, and often another in the afternoon. When she transitioned into the fast-paced world of consulting, coffee became even more essential, fueling long days that started at the airport and ended late at client sites. But finding a great grab-and-go latte was nearly impossible—most were filled with artificial sweeteners, unnecessary oils, and ingredients that didn’t sit well with her dairy sensitivity.
Everything changed when she discovered A2 dairy. Unlike conventional dairy, A2 was creamy, indulgent, and easy on the gut. That revelation led to the creation of Laurel’s—a line of simple, high-quality canned lattes designed for life on the go, without the downsides. Now, coffee lovers can enjoy a rich, barista-level latte anytime, anywhere, without compromise.
With Laurel’s, Isabel set out to make a coffee experience worth looking forward to—because a grab-and-go latte should be just as satisfying as one from your favorite café.
IG drinklaurels | drinklaurels.com
Listen to the episode:
Recipe Recap
This na negroni is so good that you could enjoy it anytime of day. Why stop at 5pm cocktail hour?! This drink comes together so fast with fairly minimal effort that you’ll be the talk of the town. Plus, anytime I have an excuse to crack open a Curious Elixir, I’m going to take it!
Try to convince me that pavlova is not a top tier Valentine’s Day food. Something about the labor of love and all the toppings just makes it so ~romantic~. Now that Vday is over, I implore you to romanticize every single day with a cheeky dessert. I topped this pavolva with pistachio butter, raspberry jam, and whipped cream but you could do anything your heart desires.
Weekly Favorites
I took a mat pilates class for the first time last week and it was really fun!! I promise I won’t become one of those girls but I have to say, the urge to buy new activewear is strong. I’m really interested in just about everything Halfdays makes and I can’t wait for their eventual Spring line.
We all know and love the Tower28 rescue spray but this (much cheaper) alternative has *saved* my skin recently. Thank you TikTok for the recommendation.
My current breakfast hyperfixation is SO good that I wake up looking forward to it. It goes as follows: sheep’s milk yogurt, spoonful of raspberry jam, sumo orange broken down into tiny pieces, strawberry salt, and dried mullberries and apricot kernels*.
*Use code CITRUSDIARIES for 10% off on Bubble Goods
I used to be obsessed with tea before I got into matcha and coffee. I remember one time my friend rattled off exactly how I enjoy my tea and I’ve never felt more seen. My usual bev was 1 mint bag + 1 chamomile bag + a dash of milk. I was developing a recipe last week using chamomile tea and I’m happy to announce that I’m right back in my circa 2018 tea era.💋
Three items I want to call out are 1. this oversized hoodie that I can’t stop wearing 2. I really want to pick up some rubber clogs for Spring and am eyeing these 3. I just picked up this wallet and I’m obsessed with the color + sleekness.
Two media items: Kylie Kelce on Call Her Daddy was so refreshing and such a great listen. ROLE MODEL’s cover of Somebody Else has been on repeat.
ICYMI
Eat well, Lauren
Dear Citrus Diaries | IG citrusdiaries.studio | Citrus Diaries Studio
If you’re interested in working together, drop me a line: hello@citrusdiaries.com 🍊