From the early morning hours to the final moments before going to bed we are all tasting the zest of LIFE.
Yes, taste is one of the five senses, which gives us ability to detect the flavor of ... everything.
Have you ever thought what life would be like without taste? 
Such a question always comes to mind when I am sick and have no senses. 
Awful! 
Food, for example, might be less tempting, but Life ...oh, life would be  b.o.r.i.n.g
Thereon, the right question is: when I feel well, do I pay attention to the taste and texture of the food I am eating?
You probably see where I am going with this.
I have read a lot of books about mindful eating and I understand the concept of it :
"Mindful eating involves paying full attention to the experience of eating and drinking, both inside and outside the body. We pay attention to the colors, smells, textures, flavors, temperatures, and even the sounds (crunch!) of our food. We pay attention to the experience of the body." Jan Ch. Bays, M.D. in Mindful Eating. 
Honestly, I can't always do that and it's not always so simple. However, after reading Donald Altman's One Minute Mindfulness, I found that there is some really simple, miniature step that I was willing to incorporate in my everyday life. 
Make the first taste of the day count and the last taste of the day special.  
I know, it may sound awkward, but believe me, it is easy, and makes a difference in experiencing life.
There is power 
in small things, 
right! 



   
When the alarm clock rings and I open my eyes in the morning, I think about this "first morning taste", I really do.
Not necessarily a pleasant one, but it gives me sense of presence and aliveness. It also helps me to slow down and not rush into the hustle of the kitchen and the day. 
One of the most delightful part of my morning is that first sip of my latte - 
not so sweet, 
mellow, 
soft and strong,
with a bitter after-note,
always being accompanied by the first ray of sunlight
bearing the beginning of a new experience.
I remember this taste and whenever I need a second of peace and gladness, I think about it. 
Yet, creating the last taste of the day gives me more delight. Donald Altman wrote: 
The last taste is an opportunity to acknowledge your fullness and satisfaction. It can signify finding balance. Don't take the last taste for granted. End your day by eating consciously and skillfully. What do you want your last taste of the day to be? A soothing cup of aromatic tea? A glass of chilled water?"
It has become kind of a ritual for me to prepare something delicious before going to bed.
My favorite last taste of the day is the flavor of 

                                  LAVENDER Sleep Tight MILK

The recipe is more than simple and I suggest to give it a try.
As you know lavender soothes the body and mind and makes it the perfect ingredient for a bedtime drink. This lavender milk leaves a sense of a delicate taste with a little spicy kick... not bad for the end for the day.






Ingredients:
2 cups milk
1 tbsp lavender flowers ( keep in mind dried lavender flowers are three times stronger than the fresh lavender )
2 tsp honey, preferably lavender
freshly grated nutmeg (optional) 

Put the milk, lavender, and honey in a saucepan and heat it gently until the milk just reaches boiling point. Remove from the heat and let it infuse for 10 min.
Strain the milk into 2 cups and serve dusted with a freshly nutmeg. 
I actually don't like nutmeg and sometimes I dust cocoa instead of it. 




But
don't forget to use your beautiful fine bone china cup. 
Everything tastes better in it :)
Then, with a book and a cup of hot lavender milk
take delight in a simple pleasure.
Pay attention to the taste of the lavender milk-
remarkably comforting in winter.



 Vintage Rosina Bone China made in England









Food and drinks not only nourish the body, but provide nourishment for the soul.
By allowing ourselves to consciously taste the flavor of what we eat and drink, we find the nurturing moments 
that make a life
and
we make more mindful food choices
throughout the day.


What do you want your first and last taste of the day to be, 
dear friend ?





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