Nudged: Make mulled Spiced Wine or cider
We’ve been having historic storms in California– there’s even been snow around the Hollywood sign–and it’s cold here! (Please, no judgment from my Canadian friends. 😉 ) This is the perfect time to warm myself up with some hot mulled spiced wine or cider.
Live in a warmer climate? Then maybe this is the week you experiment with a jazzed-up lemonade or limoncello. Make and pour yourself something that smells good, tastes yummy, and looks pretty.
Cheers!
What Happened: There was a part of me that wanted to wait until the weekend, when Thor and I will have the luxury to take our time with this and perhaps enjoy a couple of glasses of the wine. But after an especially chilling walk with Bear (the dog), I got inspired to complete this Nudge midweek.
Popped down to the wine closet and selected a bottle of what we call “DNS,” or “Do Not Share,” those items we splurged on* and have been saving for a special occasion. Here we go with that again. How about: TODAY is a special occasion!
Started the pot simmering with some Penzeys mulling spices, and had a mug ready for Thor as he walked in the door from a long day. I was a little worried the house would smell like Christmas, but it was simply warm and welcoming.
I sipped from my mug through and a bit after dinner, finding myself slowing down and savoring. Yum.
The Ah-Hahs: When something tastes really good, I sip it slowly. I enjoy and appreciate it. I’m not just taking in nutrients as fuel or rushing through a break to get back to my desk. This week’s Nudge served as a reminder to slow down. I remembered to enjoy it with all my senses: the scents of the wine + spices, the warmth as it moved through my body, the beauty of the deep red color. I took in deep breaths, and I could feel my blood pressure drop.
I thought this would be a simple nudge, a this-tastes-good-I-should-make-it-again exercise. Instead, I took full advantage of it. I paid attention, I delighted my senses, I enjoyed being in the moment. Bliss.
*I realized as I was writing this up that I kinda sorta broke one of The Rules. This wine def exceeded my $20 limit for a nudge. Oops! However…since I already had it (it was purchased years ago), I technically didn’t spend anything extra on this nudge. Let’s call this a win. 😉
Tim
Mmm, that sounds so good! It’s still raining down here, so today is a good day for a warm treat like mulled wine and two more Oscar-nominated movies to watch before the big day.