Monday, October 15, 2012

Finding Balance {In the Kitchen}


For the past few monthsI've been struggling to find balance in my life. I felt overly tired and burnt out on things I typically enjoy. I've stopped posting as often on this blog, and while it's sad for me to see it slowly become less relevant in my life, it's been opening up time to focus on other things. You may remember a time when I would share new recipes. The truth is, I've never been a great cook, and that brief exploration was cut short by budget and time constraints. 

For the past month, I've actively tried to take more time out for myself. It's definitely a struggle to break away from my livelihood, but in order for me to grow as a business owner (and as a person), I need to have space from it. 

One way I'm working on balance is by getting back in the kitchen. I approached it with trepidation, knowing that I'm practically a beginner. I ordered about 20 new cookbooks from Amazon (no joke) and started watching reruns of my favorite Barefoot Contessa episodes. I shut down the computer at 5pm (with the occasional setback), turn on Food Network, and clumsily cook a new recipe. The odd part is, I use to feel nervous in the kitchen, but now I find it relaxing. It's turning into an escape that I thoroughly enjoy and look forward to everyday. 

To see what inspires me and what I am cooking follow my Tumblr


images via 1, 2, 3,

26 comments:

Erin said...

that is AWESOME, taylor! i totally agree with you. there is something calming about just settling into a recipe. ina garten is so inspirational - giada is another fave of mine... i actually made her turkey chili with quinoa last night. good luck on your kitchen adventures!

http://www.thesparkle.net

Taylor Sterling said...

Thanks, Erin! I love Giada, too!

Vonae Deyshawn said...

Taylor, I totally get where you're at. I too have been absent for the past 5 months, trying to find balance. It seems like things are slowly returning to some sort of normalcy. Hope things continue to improve for you.

Vonae Deyshawn
www.myvirtueplace.com

Kisses Aren't Contracts said...

this is great! congrats on finding balance in your life & a new hobby! thanks for the insporation!

xoxo Shauna

kissesandcontreacts.blogspot.com

The Glitter Life said...

Thanks for the inspiration, Taylor!

Check out my October Birchbox on The Glitter Life: http://the-glitter-life.com/2012/10/15/october-birchbox/.

Anonymous said...

Good luck Taylor! :) I also love using Pinterest as recipe inspiration...I need to check out some cooking shows too.

Amberly
www.asliceofglam.com

Unknown said...

When you are in the right mood , kitchen can be very calming and inspiring :)



XX Luba
Well Living Blog

Michael Kors :: bag :: GIVEAWAY
http://very-well-living.blogspot.com.es/2012/10/worldwide-giveaway-michael-kors-bag.html

Soulofashopper said...

that´s great!!!! just show as some of your results in the kitchen once in a while ;) good luck..xo, ALma
http://www.soulofashopper.com

Liz said...

it often feels like there just aren't enough hours in the day. we've all been there - take care of yourself, and do what makes you happy!

I never used to cook, and just started getting more and more into over the last couple years. I, too, used to feel extremely nervous in the kitchen, and would put so much pressure on myself to get it right the first time. Now, I know that it's practice that makes perfect, and I really enjoy the experimentation of it all. Good luck! :)

thankfifi said...

I can't even imagine how you managed glitter guide and sterling style simulaneously for so long! You sound sad to take a step back from this blog but you should remember that the only reason you have to is to make way for other successes (and I'm sure your husband appreciates not only your cooking but also the time - I find it so hard to find a good balance too).

♥ ThankFifi

Danielle said...

That sounds like a fantastic way to spend an evening! I know how hard it can be to just shut down the computer. Good luck in your cooking adventures!

Emily said...

It is so easy to forget to make time for yourself - I am guilty of it too. I love "trying" to cook new recipes - this is such a great release. I can't wait to hear what your favorite finds are! x

www.glittersgold.com

Sandra Bendre said...

awesome pictures dear<3
SandraB.ro

ellen. said...

I think it's good to weigh what is important to you and what is not. It's okay to take a break from things...kudos to you for just doign what feels right

http://slidingdrawersblog.blogspot.com/

Jennifer said...

I really admire this Taylor! Cooking and baking are both things I am passionate about but find hard to find the time (and budget) to really explore it. I hope that you inspire me to take little steps to get into it more :)

xo Jennifer

http://seekingstyleblog.wordpress.com

Zoe Alexander said...

Taylor, I can see you have a real passion the cooking! I'm the same! Although working 24/7 I don't get time to really enjoy it as I should! Will look your recipes up on tumblr

Zoe xxx
http://www.zoealexanderuk.com

Unknown said...

Sometimes it is nice to take a break from things and try something new! I am enjoying the yummy food IG's! Keep it up, the hubby must love it!
xo Katie

www.SuburbanSparkle.net

Lindsey said...

I think it is great what you are doing. Cooking can really be intimidating! Good luck!

Wedding dresses said...

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LEIGH said...

I am the same way when it comes to cooking experience! Very little! But the more I spend time in the kitchen, the more relaxed I become, and the more I enjoy it! This even makes it so that others want to help! "Others" being my husband... But last night we had a nice little bit of time together as we prepared beef stew! He never helps, but we both loved that little bit of 45 minutes together.

Also I love leaving the food network on in the background as I'm blogging or cleaning! The more I do that, the more I understand about cooking and the terms used in the cookbooks! My favorites are Giada and the one lady who calls her food "sexy"... short blonde hair... I can't remember her name! I have two favorite cookbooks right now. I'll tweet them to you when I get home!

L J said...

Cooking is my outlet as well! I'm so busy during the week that I rely heavily on a good ol' crockpot. I get a lot of wonderful ideas (and laughs) from paleomg.com - even if you don't adhere to a paleo diet, her dishes are delicious!

This weekend I am attempting these lovely lavender macarons : http://plantfoodfabulous.com/2012/07/lavender-macarons.html

I'm not what will be better - their prettiness or their taste :)

best,

lindsay jo
www.acupoflindsayjo.com

Nav said...

stunning past!

http://navlandstyle.blogspot.ca/

Stylishly in love said...

Gorgeous table setting.

Sofia

stylishlyinlove.blogspot.com

FierceandFashionable said...

Aw, I can relate to feeling tired & burnt out! I feel like I'm always taking on more then I should. I'm not great at cooking either but have been practicing and it is sooo relaxing!! Hope you continue to enjoy it :)

Michelle

Fierce & Fashionable

Sofia said...

I love these food photos, personally I think those are the hardest to make.

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