I don’t know about you, but I’ve definitely been doing a bit too much emotional shopping this year. Not being able to work or socialize has been very emotionally challenging for this chatty people-person, and unfortunately one of the ways I’ve been coping with all the sadness and gloom has been through shopping. Some of the things I’ve purchased turned out to be duds (oh, the pitfalls of online shopping). Fortunately, one of the purchases I made this year actually turned out to be one of the best purchases I think I’ve made in years. And that is…a milk frother!
Oh, my sweet, sweet, beloved milk frother, how I love you so! I have always had a weakness for London Fogs – a sweet, hot drink made with steamed milk, vanilla and Earl Grey tea – and being unable to visit my favourite local coffee shops was one of the most upsetting reminders of how much my life has been changed by this darn virus.
Now, thanks to my beloved, wonderful, darling milk frother, I can start every morning off with a hot, steamy, sweet tea latte, and to make things even better, I can experiment with different kinds of teas and flavourings. One of my new favourites is sweetened tea lattes made with bold breakfast black teas, so perfect for helping me wake up when my toddler starts partying at 5am.
It may seem a bit silly to get so excited about a milk frother, especially with everything that’s going on in the world right now. It’s really about so much more than being able to heat and froth my morning milk, though. Taking the time to make myself a special drink every morning is a real act of self-care. It serves as a daily reminder that I can adapt to changing situations, and make the most out of challenging times. I might not be able to get out and about and visit all my favourite haunts, but I’m clever and resourceful, and I can find a solution! When everything feels a bit too much, it’s so helpful to remind myself that I can handle the tough stuff.
It’s also a reminder to take time for myself, no matter how busy I can get as a partner and a mother. I spend so much of my life taking care of other people, but I shouldn’t neglect myself or my needs. A hot, sweet, steamy, frothy tea latte and I feel like I can take on the world.
Have you made any purchases this year that really stand out?
I would totally get excited about a milk frother – tea is happiness in a mug on many days!! As far as duds… my warning: I bought a well reviewed mug warming coaster (Salton). But though it is better than having cold tea after an hour, it merely keeps it at a “warm 117F” which is not actually hot tea at all.
oops, that was from me, Aidan Cassie, ha. Couldn’t log in
Oh no, lukewarm tea! 🙁 I’m the same way, I want my hot tea hot, hot, hot!