Finding My Way Back to the Kitchen
For a long time I thought I hated being in the kitchen at home. After leaving the kitchen professionally, I’ve learned I actually love it. My favorite thing? Don’t laugh—freshly folded and tucked-away tea towels. That is my jam.
If you showed up unannounced, you’d probably find me with a towel over my shoulder, three different beverages on the counter, and music playing just loud enough.
Is my kitchen Instagram-worthy? No.
Do I love it? More than just about anything.
Every visceral memory of both of my grandmothers centers in their kitchens—me at the table, or standing on a stool to shred cheese or roll pickle wraps. The smell of coffee and the sound of humming women are the foundation that built this love inside me.
Why a Clean Kitchen Feels Like Safety
My favorite feeling is walking into a clean kitchen in the morning with everything I need for the day.
In the evenings, especially when I feel anxious or overwhelmed, I turn on Gilmore Girls, light a candle, flip on the three lamps in my cozy kitchen, and start my reset—put away dishes, make tea, wipe counters, polish the sink.
Yes, I’m the oddball who can’t relax until the water spots are gone. We all have our joys in life.
I rotate décor with the seasons, throw together simmer pots of citrus and herbs, and make myself focus on whatever task is right in front of me instead of letting my brain spiral.
The more intentional I am with the spaces I spend the most time in, the more joy I find being there.
My Little Systems
I don’t have babies at home, but I’ve cleaned up after teenage boys, partners, and less-than-ideal roommates. This isn’t about perfection—it’s about making spaces functional and joyful enough to draw you back in.
I live for reset moments. As a kid, I stayed up late reorganizing my bedroom. That energy never left me, so now I do little kitchen resets weekly to keep things fresh.
Once a week I:
swap out my seasonal “pretty” towels—the ones no one’s allowed to touch,
change flowers (about $15 worth into tiny jars or thrifted vases),
and rearrange them through the house so it feels like new ones were just delivered.
(Possible pull quote)
“When you’ve never really stayed home, you need little things that make it feel lively.”
RO water, a pinch of sugar, and a drop of trace minerals keep those flowers alive for almost two weeks.
Meal Prep That Feels Like Care
Usually I start my reset after a little mise en place—everything in its place. I chop veggies for the week, make a protein for Monday morning when I break my fast, and cook a batch of potatoes or rice.
Cooked and cooled potatoes (and rice) are easier on blood sugar—PCOS ladies, that’s how you still get to have carbs—and they’re good for the gut.
(Affiliate note placeholder: link future magnesium trace minerals, RO filter, or kitchen tools.)
Creating Comfort, Not Clutter
I know the girlies love their chemically perfumed “holiday” sprays, but give me a simmer pot or a candle and I’m happy. I prep my RO water filter, set up my drink station with options that aren’t “just water,” and get the kitchen ready for service Monday morning.
Everything I once did for guests, I started doing for myself.
On days when I struggle to know how to take care of me, I think back to the little touches that made service special—and do them for her, the woman who forgot she was worth the same effort.
(Pull quote)
“I started treating myself as someone I’m joyful to bake bread for and host.”
Consideration as a Form of Love
How often do you forget to do the little things for you?
I honestly didn’t even know it was an option.
There are still moments every day when I say out loud,
“Chloe, you can…”
and insert whatever thing I’ve been denying myself because I forget I’m allowed to consider me.
And isn’t that the highest form of love—consideration?
So this week, I hope you find a way to love on yourself.
Even if just for a moment, consider how impactful it could be if you did.
(End image: folded tea towels, candle light, and maybe a little cup of tea steaming in the background.)
