Your guide to treating yourself at home
Written by Chelsea Tromans
Ever since the coronavirus pandemic hit, our homes have felt more like a prison than a personal sanctuary. From one lockdown to the next, we never really know when we might be able to freely come and go from our adobe.
But instead of letting this ‘new normal’ get you down, reclaim your home as a place you are happy to be in. Voluntarily or forcefully!
Turn being trapped at home into a positive experience by taking the opportunity to indulge in some ‘me’ time. These are our top picks for how to treat yourself without leaving the house.
Cook a fine dining meal
Thanks to our hectic work and social schedules, we tend to favour quick and easy options when it comes to cooking dinner during the week. But on the weekend, when you have more time to dedicate in the kitchen, make the most of it by treating yourself - and your housemates/family - to something special. Opt to cook a multi-course meal that brings the fine dining experience into your home.
Cooking can be a relaxing affair for some, and there’s no denying that getting to consume the fruits of your labour makes the effort even more worth it. Challenge yourself with unique dishes you wouldn’t normally cook (such as swapping chicken for spatchcock, or splurging on scallops and lobster). Don’t forget to pay attention to your plating, too - fine dining is all in the details!
Pair your evening with a good wine
What’s an extravagant feast without a well-matched wine list? Bring out the best in your carefully developed flavours by pairing the right bottle with each dish. Also, tonight is not the night to skimp. Splurge on a good bottle - it can make all the difference to the taste and overall at-home dining experience. There’s a reason you’ll always find an exceptional wine list at all the top restaurants!
The good news is, you don’t even have to leave your home. With some pre-planning, all you need to do is shop our prestigious collection, add to cart, and wait for it to arrive at your doorstep, ready for your fine dining night in.
Our top picks?
*Vandenberg Jasmin Sauvignon Blanc 2020 when a stylish seafood spread is being served.
*Paulett Wines Helmsford Ripe Riesling 2020 to serve alongside chicken roulade.
*Robert Oatley Limited Release Assemblage Margaret River 2017 to complement an indulgent cut of Wagyu steak.
VTN Tip: If you want to really make it a night to remember, splash out on a bottle of Burge Family Draycott Shiraz 2014. The Barossa Valley Shiraz’s intense berry flavours, creamy oak notes and smooth rich finish is the perfect complement to fall-apart braised beef cheeks that have been cooking nice and slow all day long.
Give yourself a full body scrub
It’s not every day that we take the time to treat ourselves below our neckline. That’s ok - your body doesn’t need to be exfoliated daily. Plus, it makes those few times you do get around to scrubbing all your limbs even more indulgent.
Exfoliating can be a wonderfully pampering experience. The slow and steady massaging motion combined with the scrubbing sensation from removing dead skin cells can feel relaxing and invigorating at the same time. Add to the mix the smooth results you’ll achieve and you’ll feel pampered and productive in one.
Make sure you’re using two different products: one that’s formulated for use on your body, and another that’s designed to be gentle enough for your face. We like Bean Body Coconut Ruff Coffee Scrub and Savar Refining Revitalising Facial Exfoliator respectively.
Unplug and unwind
Back in the good ol’ days, if you wanted some peace and quiet you unplugged the phone. We can’t quite do that anymore, but switching our smartphone to silent and leaving it another room works just as effectively. While you’re at it, power down your laptop. A digital detox can do wonders for your mental health. Living in a state of being constantly ‘switched on’ and accessible, we don’t give our brains a chance to rest. Say no to technology for the night - TV included - and read a book, write in your journal, or take a moment to meditate. However you choose to unplug is up to you.
VTN Tip: You may even find you sleep better after your digital detox. Without the distractions and overstimulation, it can sometimes be easier to drift off and enjoy a quality night’s rest.
