Thursday

Welcome to another day of self-care! Today, we're talking about:

• Cooking for connection with yourself

• Using scents in the kitchen to explore self-care

• Hidden Amazon Prime perks

• What we're watching

• Sustainable summer swimwear

Cooking for Connection with Yourself

Cooking is so much more than a way to prepare food — it can be an incredible source of connection with ourselves.

From exploring specific dishes to learning more about what we enjoy, there are so many ways cooking can help foster a sense of self:

• Explore our culture and traditions: Cooking is an amazing way to explore our culture and heritage and enjoy family traditions that have been passed down.

• Learn more about ourselves: When we cook, we learn more about what we like and dislike and use that in our meals going forward!

• Dedicate time for self-care: Cooking is the perfect act of self-care and gives us an opportunity to nourish ourselves and practice mindfulness.

• Reconnect with our inner child: Do you have a favorite childhood meal? Making that favorite food is the perfect way to nourish our inner child.

How to Use Scents to Explore Self-Care in the Kitchen

Our five senses can be a fun way to explore self-care. And the kitchen is the perfect setting!

Here are a few different ways you can play with scents in the kitchen as an act of self-care:

1. Try a simmer pot as environmental self-care to freshen up the smell in your home and awaken your senses.

2. Cook with essential oils to explore the scent and flavor of food. (Be sure to use oils that are safe for cooking and not strictly for aromatherapy.)

3. Enjoy the scent of your meal spreading through your home as you cook! It's a great way to build excitement and enjoy the time you put into making the meal.

4. Cook with fresh herbs instead of dried ones as a way to treat yourself and show yourself love.

Discover These 10 Hidden Amazon Prime Perks

There was a time when we had to jot down our shopping lists with pens and brave the crowded malls. Then Amazon came along like a shopping superhero. You're probably enjoying free shipping and exclusive shows, but there's more benefits you might not know about.

Make the most of your membership with these 10 hidden perks.

Thank you to Brad's Deals for sponsoring Note To Self.

What We're Watching: Cooking as a Way to Express Love

We know that cooking can help us explore our connection with ourselves and practice self-care — but it's also a way to express love!

We've loved watching a TEDxBasel talk from Michelin star chef Tanja Grandits about how our days often begin and end in the kitchen, and when we prepare meals — whether for ourselves or others — it's an act of love!

Tanja mentions how cooking "connects the hands, the head, and the heart." Whether we're with others or on our own, it's a way to show that we care enough to spend a little time preparing a meal!

Check out "How cooking is a way to love yourself and others" from Tanja Grandits at TEDxBasel here.

Sustainable Luxury: Kenny Flowers' Swimwear Collection

Embrace sustainable fashion with Kenny Flowers' eco-friendly swimwear. From hand-cut designs to organic fabrics, their suits (trunks, tees, and dresses) take you from beach to bar in style. Made in boutique factories with eco-friendly practices, Kenny Flowers’ clothing is perfect for travelers who value style and sustainability. Look good, feel good, and make a difference.

Explore their newest releases and use code FLOWERS10 for 10% off your first purchase.

Thank you to Kenny Flowers for sponsoring Note To Self.

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ True or False: True! Research shows that cooking can help us engage in more mindful eating practices.

• 🙋🏼‍♀️ Snapshot Of The Day: We'd love to see moments from our readers lives that they are proud of! If you recently accomplished an achievement, experienced a joyful moment, or are proud of a picture you have taken, be sure to capture it on camera and send it to us for a chance to be featured next week! 

• 💭 Final Self-Care Thoughts for Today: See what ways you can explore self-care through cooking this week!

Enjoying Note to Self?

Know of a great self-care tip or article you'd love to share with the community? Want to send us pictures of you completing one of your self-care rituals? Email us at [email protected]!