Sound + Sip: A Night of Intention and Connection
A couple of weekends ago, a friend and I co-hosted a small sound bath gathering at my home. We had recently gone to a neighborhood pilates and yoga event that included a sound bath, and we left feeling so relaxed and inspired. We looked at each other and thought — we should do this at home, but with friends.
We each invited a few people, so not everyone knew each other going in. For some of us, it was the first time meeting. But somehow, it just worked. It turned into one of those rare and lovely nights where the conversation flowed, the energy felt easy, and everyone clicked. I genuinely enjoyed getting to know each of them. It was such a refreshing reminder of how good it feels to be around kind, open, down-to-earth women.
We started the evening in the kitchen — as most good nights do — chatting over a few light bites we had prepped earlier. It was laid-back and casual, just the kind of atmosphere I was hoping for. Later, we moved outside by the pool. A few women stretched out on loungers, and a friend and I floated quietly in the water while the sound bath played. I had copal incense burning in the background — one of my favorite scents — and it instantly transported me back to a trip my husband and I took to Tulum. That earthy, grounding smell always brings me a sense of calm. I had also chilled some small towels infused with eucalyptus essential oil for everyone to drape over their eyes or keep nearby. It was a simple touch, but it made the experience feel a little more special — like bringing the spa home for the night.
The sound bath was led by Rachel Coucoulas, who’s based here in Wilmington, NC. She was such a calming presence and brought such a peaceful energy into the space. She has the kind of warm, grounded spirit that makes you feel at ease instantly. If you’ve ever been curious about trying a sound bath but weren’t sure if it’s for you — she’s a great place to start.
What I Loved Most
The sound bath was beautiful, but honestly, what stuck with me most was the connection. There’s something special about sharing time with women you can be yourself around — especially when you’re meeting some of them for the first time and it still feels easy. I’ve been more intentional lately about the people I spend time with. I want my circle to feel like a soft place to land. That night did.
If you’ve been thinking about hosting a little something — this is your sign. It doesn’t have to be a big production. A few thoughtful details, some food you can prep ahead, and people you want to spend time with — that’s it.
Here are the recipes I made if you’d like to recreate the menu:
What I Served
Velvet Calm Cacao
This warm cacao drink is cozy and grounding — perfect for winding down.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsweetened oat milk (or milk of choice)
– 1½ tbsp raw cacao powder
– 1 tsp raw honey or maple syrup (to taste)
– ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
– ¼ tsp ashwagandha powder
– A few drops of lavendar extract
– Pinch of sea salt
Instructions:
Warm milk gently over medium-low heat.
Whisk in cacao, honey, cinnamon, and sea salt until smooth and steamy (but not boiling).
Stir in optional add-ins.
Pour into your favorite mug and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Verdant Granita in Lime Shells
These are light, refreshing, and a little unexpected. Fair warning — they’re not sweet. The cucumber and pineapple sage give them more of a garden-fresh, slightly bitter flavor that’s perfect between bites or as a palate cleanser.
Ingredients:
– 1 large cucumber, peeled and chopped
– 2 tbsp honey (adjust to taste)
– Juice of 1 lime
– Zest of 1 lime (optional, for garnish)
– ¼ cup water or coconut water
– 5–6 fresh pineapple sage leaves
– Pinch of sea salt (optional)
– 6–8 fresh limes, halved and hollowed
Instructions:
Blend cucumber, honey, lime juice, water, pineapple sage, and sea salt until very smooth.
Strain through a fine mesh sieve if you want a smooth texture.
Hollow out the limes (remove pulp, pat dry).
Fill lime shells with mixture and freeze for 4–6 hours.
Before serving, top with lime zest and a small pineapple sage leaf.
Rosewater Melon Spheres
These are simple and fresh with just a hint of floral — a great bite to serve chilled.
Ingredients:
– 1 small seedless watermelon or cantaloupe (I prefer a mix of Summer Kiss and Sugar Kiss melons)
– 1–2 tsp food-grade rosewater (adjust gently)
– Zest of 1 lime
– Optional: tiny pinch of sea salt
– Optional garnish: mint or edible flowers
Instructions:
Use a melon baller to scoop spheres into a bowl.
Drizzle with rosewater and toss gently.
Add lime zest and a tiny pinch of sea salt if using.
Chill until ready to serve.
If you’re local to Wilmington and curious about sound baths, you can check out Rachel Coucoulas here. And if you try any of these recipes or host your own night of connection, I’d love to hear about it.
Thanks for being here.
– Christie
