Have you ever come across videos with headlines or captions like "Romanticising my life by..."? You probably have. Intentionally or not, it all starts with Greek philosophy and the beauty of idealism! Don't get bored; this is not a history lesson, I promise. But it’s actually kinda crazy how TikTok trends just appear and what they're made of. Even more interesting is what they can actually bring to our lives.
Romanticising your life, in any aspect, unveils the beauty of deepening the connection with yourself and the world around you by simply existing and being fully aware of it. No, it's not about being romantic or expressing love to someone at all.
Romanticising involves imbuing ordinary moments or activities with meaning and joy by viewing them through a romantic lens. It's a mindset shift that changes how you perceive things. I like to call it "Living my little life" – paying attention to and finding joy in the seemingly mundane aspects of our lives. And yes, we can apply it even while cooking!
So, how can we bring the aura of romance to the kitchen? Let me share some tips with you.
TIPS AND TRICKS
1. Set the Mood: Create a cozy atmosphere in your kitchen. Light candles, play your favourite music - imagine cooking like you're in a movie, perhaps an Italian Dinner Party or with some French accordion music in the background. And don't underestimate the power of a clean workspace to help you feel better.
2. Get Comfortable: Whether it's your favourite pyjamas or a cute dress and heels, put on whatever makes you feel best and let's start cooking. Feeling confident elevates the entire cooking process, making it feel more special.
3. Go Fresh and Local: Buying seasonal and local produce helps you tune into the natural rhythms of the seasons. Plus, you'll enjoy the freshest and most flavorful ingredients while supporting your local community and businesses.
4. Engage Your Senses: Focus on sight, smell, touch, taste, and sound. Appreciate the vibrant colours of your ingredients, the aromatic spices, the satisfying sizzle of food in the pan, and the mouth-watering flavours of your dishes.
5. Cook with Love: Approach each step of the cooking process with care and mindfulness, knowing that you're nourishing yourself and others with your culinary creations.
6. Experiment and Explore: Don't be afraid to get creative and try new recipes, flavours, and techniques. Let your imagination run wild in the kitchen; it's an opportunity for self-expression and exploration.
7. Share the Experience: Cooking together with loved ones can deepen bonds and create lasting memories. Invite them to join you in the kitchen or share your culinary creations with friends and family.
8. Embrace Imperfection: Remember that cooking doesn't have to be perfect to be enjoyable. Embrace mistakes and imperfections as part of the learning process, and celebrate the uniqueness of each dish you create.
9. Take Time for Presentation: Plate your dishes thoughtfully, using your favourite bowls and getting creative with arranging ingredients and designing the food on your plate.
10. Savour Every Bite: Take your time to enjoy each bite of your meal, paying attention to the flavours, textures, and sensations and be fully present in the moment of eating.
IT’S ABOUT KINDNESS
Romanticising your life and kitchen experience is also about showing kindness and appreciation to yourself. Finding joy in the act of cooking and appreciating your effort. With a change in your mindset, cooking becomes not just a task but a loving and fulfilling act of self-care.
Remember, it's about the little things. It's about living in the moment and cherishing it fully – mindfully. So, go ahead and put on that fabulous outfit or treat yourself to a little pampering before stepping into the kitchen – you deserve it!