Taste:
Maple
Maple has a deep, earthy sweetness with hints of caramel, vanilla, and a subtle smokiness that makes it both comforting and complex. Its flavor is rich and golden, reminiscent of the forest and autumn warmth. Maple syrup pairs beautifully with flavors that balance or enhance its sweetness, such as cinnamon, ginger, or nutmeg for warmth; savory elements like bacon, nuts, and sharp cheeses; and fruits like apples, pears, and berries that bring a bright contrast. It's equally at home in breakfast classics or more adventurous culinary combinations, adding a natural sweetness without overpowering other flavors.
Lately, I’ve been loving adding a little maple syrup to my coffee in the morning. Maple syrup, though still a sweetener that can raise blood sugar, is a better alternative to table sugar because it contains antioxidants, minerals like zinc and manganese, and has a lower glycemic index, making it a more nutrient-rich option for adding natural sweetness.
Scent:
Perfumes that smell like your corner bakery? Yes please!
Sound:
Loving this chill, ska-inspired playlist.
Touch:
When it comes to the sense of touch, our skin is more than just a barrier between us and the world—it's a gateway to emotional calm. We've got these amazing little sensors called C-tactile afferents that are like emotional air traffic controllers, especially responsive to gentle, skin-to-skin-like contact. It's why a warm hug or the soft brush of a hand can instantly ground us, ease stress, and make everything feel a little more manageable. Sometimes, it’s not just about what we feel—it’s about *how* we’re touched that truly speaks to our nervous system.
Source: McGlone, F., Wessberg, J., & Olausson, H. (2014). "Discriminative and Affective Touch: Sensing and Feeling." Neuron, 82(4), 737–755. doi:10.1016/j.neuron.2014.05.001.
Sight:
Apparently, this is the new “Is this Dress Blue or Gold”
Let me know what your results are. Here’s mine!
Tell me. What is rocking YOUR 5-senses this week? I’d love to hear from you in the comments.