#CeleneCuisine: Let's Have Coffee

Going Back To Your Basics

My daily routines + rituals ground me and are what keep me moving. Everyone processes their emotions or energy in different ways, so it's important to explore and figure out what your best tools are to help yourself when you need it. For me, some of these include:

- relying on the support + closeness from loved ones like family + friends

- moving my body even if I don't feel like it, for me it always helps

- being in nature in some way, even if its simply a view of trees or water, walking barefoot in the grass or at the beach

- staying hydrated + eating nourishing foods

- finding time to focus on your mind with prayer, meditation, therapy

- focusing on your priorities

- being at home cooking, arranging flowers, organizing or any small tasks that bring a sense of accomplishment

- taking breaks from scrolling on my phone

Morning Coffee

Lately I've been inspired to make my morning coffee using a Moka. My boyfriend is originally from Croatia and taught me how. It’s a very European/Italian method and it’s been a total game changer for me. It’s a slower way of making coffee and what I love about it is that it’s taught me patience and to be present in the moment. I used to want my coffee at the push of a button but this slow coffee method is truly worth the wait! It makes it a real experience.

Here's how to use a Moka:

- Fill the base chamber with cold water up to the level of the valve. Insert the filter.

- Completely fill the filter with ground coffee, but don’t pack it down.

- Make sure the filter and rubber gasket are in place. Screw the two chambers tightly together.

- Place the moka pot on the stove. Warning: keep the heat low.

- Remove pot from heat just when coffee starts to gurgle, before it starts to rise and bubble. You’ll be sure to extract only the best parts of the coffee.

- Mix the coffee with a spoon before pouring into cups.

- Rinse the coffee maker with hot water and let dry thoroughly before screwing chambers back together.

My Go-To Weekend Breakfast

I’ve been making my eggs slowly-scrambled. The trick is to cook your eggs on low to medium heat and gently stir them with a flat-top wooden spoon. The texture is fuller, creamier and feels more filling and satisfying to me. Like the coffee, it takes a little extra time but you'll be surprised how much fluffier, richer and delicious the eggs are. I love to have mine with avocado and finish it with JF Spicy Salt and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for extra B vitamins and flavor. 

My banana pancakes recipe is also amazing on days when you have more time in the morning and you want a filling and satisfying, sweet yet healthy treat. I love them on Sundays.

Here are few other wellness practices that I like to incorporate into my routine to feel centered and a little more taken care of:

Movement

Going for a long walk is simple but it really does benefit us in so many ways, like improved circulation, mood, energy, and digestion. I also love my Rachel Fitness workouts because the community is so warm and welcoming and the workouts are incredible and I love that you can do it from home.

Wellness

Speaking of keeping things moving, I’m focused on taking care of my circulatory system. Doing things like dry brushing, legs up on the wall, and lymphatic drainage with the new De La Heart Body Sculptor, drinking lots of water and walking. These things all help with our bodies natural detoxification process and keep energy levels maintained.

Get Together

Getting together with family and friends and spending time with people whose energy is aligned with you is important. Social media serves many purposes and keeps us connected, but personally I need to be mindful not endlessly scroll when I'm feeling anxious. Being around the people that are in your circle and community can help bring a greater sense of security and comfort. 

Take a break from social media and the current news cycle if you feel that it's becoming overwhelming. Stay up to date as much as you want to be but be mindful to take breaks. Whatever it is that keeps you moving, keep doing that.

Unplug, Distract, Take a Break

A few shows I’ve been watching over the past month - the new Beckham series on Netflix, Only Murders In The Building, as well as Love Is Blind, and The Super Models documentary on Apple TV.

Another great way to stay in the present is to listen to music that makes you happy. I love creating different playlists for different moods or occasions so having a few upbeat playlists to choose from will certainly give you a boost.

Keep Busy

Organizing keeps me present too and feeling productive. Decluttering your bathroom cabinet, kitchen, or sorting through clothes for donation makes me feel accomplished and focused.

If you're feeling overwhelmed or feeling like there isn't anything you can do, try to find a good deed to do. It could be donating your time to those in need or less fortunately, or simply giving a compliment, reaching out to someone, helping someone with something, Giving out good energy, care and love is important, there can never be too much.

Sending love,

xx Celene