I had an amazing opportunity this weekend to spend time with my best friend from college. We met half-way and stayed at a hotel where we wore ridiculous animal print rompers (PJ’s), giggled, ordered in Indian food and talked for HOURS. For me, that kind of connection, with someone I trust and can be vulnerable with and share anything with, is the deepest form of self-care.
Since I just got back, this is going to be a bit more of a short, “just the facts” kinda post today.
Taste:
Can we please talk about Indian food for a few minutes?
It took me 30-years to start enjoying Indian cuisine and once I delved into the flavors and textures of the food and its magnificent array of vegan and vegetarian options, I was hooked. I was also regretful that I hadn’t tried it earlier.
Here’s what we had for our Vegan Indian Feast
Mushroom and Pepper Pakora - Pakoras are Indian vegetable fritters. They are crispy, spicy and delicious. I dipped mine in the spicy green chutney that it came with.
Spring Dosas - Dosas consist of a fermented rice flour dough and then filled with potatoes or veggies. They are naturally gluten-free and usually vegan.
Garlic Naan - The pillowy, garlicky, carbolicious bread is always a fan favorite.
Bangain Bartha - This is a tasty eggplant dish made from grilling and mincing eggplant and then mixing it was onions, tomatos, herbs and spices.
Basmati Rice - Perfect side dish for the Bangain Bartha.
Medhu Vada - This was the first time I tried this and I loved it. It’s basically a savory donut made with a black lentil batter and plenty of beautiful Indian spices. It’s is unctuous on the outside but a bit soft on the inside. Many Southern Indian communities enjoy this dish for breakfast.
Tell me. Do you like Indian food and if so what are your favorite dishes?
Scent:
I’ve got 2 for you today!
Floral scents have been studied and are shown to strengthen cognitive functioning and memory and has the power to calm the mind and help us feel lucid and content.
The company Gamescent has come up with an AI powered scent device to help enhance, heighten and amplify the gaming experience. Some movie theaters and shows have experimented with this as well. Much like how enhanced surround sound can make us feel more a part of the experience, haptics and aromas do much of the same.
Sound:
Did you know that attending live music performances and concerts make people get into their feels much more than recorded music?
Perhaps there is something about the immersive experience of live music that helps tap into regions of the brain that connect us to our deepest emotions. Maybe it’s the undeniable sense of camaraderie that you feel with other concert-goers at one of your favorite artist’s shows. (Phish and Taylor Swift come to mind here). Whatever it is, I know its true because I feel very connected to my feelings and other people at Phish shows. I have middle-age friends who have become Swifties, groupies for Yacht Rock bands, and late-in-life Duran Duran devotees and follow them all over the world.
My very first live concert was the Thompson Twins in 1983. I was 10 years old and accompanied my brother who was a devout fan of the band. It was an experience I’ll never forget and forged the way towards my love of live music. For context, my career for a few years in the 90’s was a talent scout for MCA records. My literal job was to go to concerts and find local bands to sign. It was unforgettable.
I’d love to know. What was the first live concert you ever attended? Let me know in the comments.
Touch:
Did you ever watch Nickelodeon as a child or with your child? One of their shows was all about getting “slimed.” Now, for some of you this may look disgusting but for me, it was a sensory delight.
When I was a child, I begged my Mom to throw a pie in my face like they did on all the old laugh-in type comedy shows. I know it’s absolutely ridiculous, and my Mom made me wear a garbage bag so I wouldn’t get my outfit dirty (lol).
Thanks for letting me indulge you in that bizarre memory - now back to slime.
My kids and their friends are obsessed with slime. They make it at home (still, and they’re in high school now) and watch endless ASMR slime videos. Turns out that playing with slime can help reduce stress and anxiety as well. The kneading and manipulating of slime is a sensory and tactile experience that keeps us grounded
Now, there is a new SLIME museum opening in LA. Check this out and let me know… who wants to go on a field trip?? 😄
Sight:
Fiddleheads
At the first fits of Spring we’re bound to see the first fiddlehead ferns emerge. Their delicate spirals unfurling as Spring arrives is as delightful as the Cherry Blossoms arriving. Because they are only around for a short time, they have become a bit of a delicacy. Its taste is grassy and has similar qualities to asparagus. (without the acrid remnants stinking up your pee).
I like to go foraging in the woods to find them and they are delicious sautéed, grilled or fried. Here are 15 ways you can cook with and prepare fiddleheads.
Tell me.
What is rocking YOUR five senses this week?
Jenny, SO much goodness in this post, my mouth is watering for Indian food (baigan barta and garlic naan are my faves), I'm dying over the pie in face and your early career was definitely cooler than mine!