In a world that so often glorifies over-striving, over-achieving, grand adventures and impressive milestones, there’s a quiet magic in learning to romance the ordinary moments—the ones that slip by unnoticed unless we have the self-awareness to bring ourselves to stop and savour them.
It’s in the warmth of sunlight streaming through your window in the early morning, the smell of freshly brewed coffee filling the air, or the soft, comforting hum of an evening of solitude at home. When we take the time to fall in love with these seemingly simple parts of life, we discover that beauty and wonder are present everywhere – we just have to take the time to pause and look.
"In the ritual of savouring life’s simple luxuries, we find a pathway to peace—a quiet embrace of presence, where each small delight becomes a moment of pure, grounding joy."
When we take the time to savour the ordinary, our daily life transforms into a sacred devotion—a living prayer and a walking meditation. By slowing down and appreciating the simple moments, we drop fully into presence, and in this sacred state of being, we find ourselves connected to true joy, peace, and contentment.
For many years, I’ve been devoted to savouring the slow, mindful, and ordinary moments. Yet, in the busyness of daily life, it’s so easy to forget this practice and slip back into the cycle of over-achieving and over-striving. Coming to Italy felt like a reset, a gentle reminder of the healing, restorative power that comes from mindfulness, presence, and the sacred act of savouring life’s simple pleasures.
There’s something enchanting about lighting a candle at sun-down, watching the flickering flame cast a warm golden glow across the room. It transforms an ordinary evening into something almost sacred, a ritual of slowing down and letting the day unwind. These small acts, like wrapping yourself in a soft blanket or pouring a glass of wine at the end of the day, hold a charm of their own, filling life with a warmth that’s both grounding and quietly magical.
Imagine a chilly morning where you wrap your hands around a warm mug, feeling the heat seep into your fingers as you breathe in the rich aroma. This simple act, often hurried or done without thought, becomes a moment to romance—a chance to savour the present, to let the ordinary feel luxurious. Or consider the moment you pull on a favourite sweater that’s been freshly laundered, well-worn and soft, embracing you in familiar warmth. In these small rituals, there’s a sense of comfort and ease, a feeling of being deeply connected to yourself and the world around you.
Romancing the ordinary also means finding beauty in the objects that surround us—the chipped teacup that’s accompanied countless morning reflections, the faded book with pages marked by time, the plants you’ve tended that reach eagerly towards the light. These are the little things that carry pieces of our lives, that hold memories, and become our beloved life companions along the way. When we notice their presence, we invite them into the poetry of our days, seeing them not just as things, but as pieces of the story we’re living.
"To savour life’s simple luxuries is to create a sanctuary within; each mindful moment becomes a balm, inviting us into a calm and lasting peace."
There’s romance, too, in the quiet tasks we often rush through—folding laundry, preparing a simple meal, washing the dishes. What if, instead of hurrying through, we lingered a little? Imagine the feel of fresh linens, still warm, or the satisfying rhythm of chopping vegetables as you prepare dinner. These tasks, often seen as mundane, can become acts of love—ways of nurturing ourselves and those around us. It’s in slowing down that we allow each motion to feel like a moving meditation, a graceful devotion that brings us back to ourselves.
Even nature’s smallest gifts invite us to fall in love with the ordinary. The sight of raindrops slipping down a windowpane, the smell of wet earth, the delicate petals of a flower peeking through the sidewalk cracks—these moments, if we let them, become whispers of beauty, inviting us to pause and appreciate the world around us. When we tune into these details, life feels richer, more textured, like a well-loved story unfolding page by page.
To romance the ordinary is to fill our lives with moments of quiet reverence. It’s a choice to see beyond the routine and notice the gentle magic in every detail, to bring a touch of love to the daily rituals that shape our days. When we allow ourselves to fall in love with these small moments, life becomes less about waiting for the extraordinary and more about recognising that the extraordinary is all around us, woven into the simplest things.
So, let’s make space for these moments. Let’s light candles on ordinary nights, pour our coffee into our favourite cup, pause to watch the sunset even when the day has been long. In learning to appreciate the ordinary, we find that life itself becomes a little more magical, each day a love letter waiting to be opened and savoured.
Here are 26 things I savoured whilst in Italy:
Ceramics: There is a timeless enchantment in the beauty of ceramics, each piece shaped by hand and infused with the quiet artistry of earth, water, and fire. The smooth curves and imperfect edges tell a story of craftsmanship and intention, as if the potter’s hands left whispers of their touch in the clay. Glazed in soft hues that reflect the light, ceramics capture a gentle elegance in their simplicity—a bowl, a vase, a cup, each piece a blend of function and art. The textures, sometimes rough like stone or smooth as glass, invite us to run our fingers along the surface, feeling the history held in each groove and dimple. With colours that echo nature—blues of the sky, earth tones of soil, whites of morning mist—ceramics bring a grounded beauty to any space, reminding us of the artistry in the ordinary and the magic in the everyday.
Orange Trees: Orange trees hold a simple, radiant beauty, their vibrant fruit hanging like golden lanterns against a backdrop of deep, glossy green leaves. The air around them is sweet, filled with the soft, citrusy fragrance of blossoms and ripe oranges. There’s something magical about walking beneath their branches, sunlight filtering through the leaves, casting a warm glow that feels like a gentle embrace. The oranges themselves are small treasures, bright and cheerful, each one a burst of sunshine ready to be savoured, embodying the warmth and joy of nature’s simplest gifts.
Olive Groves: In Tuscany, I loved how olive groves stretch out in quiet elegance, their silver-green leaves shimmering under the sun. The trees are ancient and gnarled, with twisted trunks that tell stories of centuries past, their roots deeply entwined in the earth. There’s a serene beauty in their resilience, in the way they stand proudly in the landscape, weathered yet graceful. As a breeze rustles through the grove, the leaves catch the light, creating a silvery dance that is both calming and mesmerising. These trees, with their hardy branches and soft foliage, represent patience and abundance, offering up their small, glossy fruits that hold the essence of the Mediterranean, rich and timeless.
Juliet Balconies: Juliet balconies carry a romantic, enchanting beauty, as they perch gracefully on the facades of Italian buildings, each one a delicate stage for dreams and whispers. Framed by intricate wrought iron, often adorned with scrolling designs, they hold tiny gardens of potted flowers—geraniums, lavender, or trailing ivy—that spill over the edges, adding touches of vibrant colour against weathered stone walls. These small balconies invite the imagination, evoking scenes of quiet moments in the sun, of lovers leaning over the rail to watch the world go by, or of someone lost in thought under the evening sky. They’re a reminder of life’s gentler rhythms, a space to pause and breathe in the beauty of the present moment.
Italian Window Shutters: Italian window shutters add a touch of rustic charm, their wooden panels painted in soft greens or earthy blues, faded slightly by the sun. Closed tightly against the midday heat or swung wide open to let in the morning light, these shutters create a sense of privacy and warmth, protecting the secrets of the rooms within. Their simple design gives them a rustic elegance; whether cracked open to reveal a slice of sunshine or flung open to frame a view of rolling hills, they invite a world of stories. The shutters, like the balconies, add depth and character to each building, grounding them in the timeless romance of Italian life, where beauty can be found in the everyday acts of opening, closing, and simply being.
Flower Boxes: Window flower boxes in Italy are like miniature gardens suspended in midair, each one a burst of colour and life against the soft, warm hues of terracotta walls. Overflowing with cheerful red geraniums, delicate pansies, or trailing ivy, these little boxes bring a touch of nature to even the smallest windows, creating a delightful contrast to the stone and stucco. The blooms sway gently in the breeze, their fragrance mingling with the sun-warmed air, inviting passerby to pause and admire. Each box is a unique expression of care and joy, lovingly tended and arranged, a quiet reminder that beauty can thrive in the simplest spaces.
Balcony Gardens: Just above the cobblestone streets, small balcony gardens bring a magical touch to Italian life, transforming even the tiniest balconies into lush retreats. Here, pots of rosemary, basil, and lavender sit beside clusters of colourful flowers, their leaves spilling over the edges, cascading like soft green waterfalls. Vines wind up the wrought iron railings, creating a veil of greenery, as if these balconies are portals to secret gardens. These petite sanctuaries offer a peaceful escape, a place to sip morning coffee, read a book, or simply breathe in the beauty of nature within reach. Together, window flower boxes and balcony gardens infuse Italy’s streets with vibrant colour and the scent of blooms, celebrating the art of savouring life’s simplest, most enchanting moments.
Sunflowers: Fields of sunflowers in Italy are a sight of pure, radiant beauty, stretching as far as the eye can see, their golden heads turning to follow the sun’s journey across the sky. Standing tall and proud, these sunflowers seem to glow with a warmth that mirrors the Italian sun, creating waves of yellow that dance softly in the breeze. Walking through these fields feels like stepping into a painting, with each flower a brushstroke of joy and light. Their simple yet striking beauty embodies the heart of the Italian countryside, where nature’s artistry is at its most generous.
Vegetable Gardens: In the Italian countryside, small vegetable gardens add a touch of rustic charm to village homes and farmland alike. Tucked beside stone walls or nestled in terraced hills, these gardens are a patchwork of green, vibrant with the earthy abundance of tomatoes, basil, zucchini, kale, pumpkin and peppers. Each plant is carefully tended, revealing the pride and patience of the hands that nurture them. There’s something enchanting in the rows of leafy greens, the scent of fresh herbs, and the glimpse of ripening tomatoes that gleam like jewels under the sun. These humble gardens are a testament to the Italian way of life—a celebration of self-sufficiency, of flavour and tradition, and of the joy found in cultivating life’s simplest pleasures.
Croissant: There’s something luxurious in savouring a croissant, a moment that invites you to slow down and enjoy the delicate artistry of something so beautifully made. As you take your first bite, the golden, flaky crust crumbles softly, and the buttery richness melts in your mouth, filling your senses with warmth and comfort. You notice the layers, each one a tiny masterpiece, the result of time, patience, and care. With every bite, you let yourself linger, appreciating the subtle sweetness and the crispness that gives way to an airy, tender centre. In that moment, the world quietens, and you feel wrapped in a sense of calm, savouring not just the taste, but the ritual of it—a small indulgence that makes the morning feel like a gift.
Morning Coffee: A ritual that begins the day with warmth and intention. As you wrap your hands around the cup, you feel its comforting heat seep into your skin, grounding you in the moment. Bringing the cup to your lips, the rich aroma fills your senses, and with that first sip, a deep warmth spreads through you, awakening yet calming. The coffee’s bold bitterness, balanced with a subtle hint of sweetness or cream, is a reminder to slow down and appreciate this quiet, unhurried time. Each sip is like a small, grounding embrace, a few moments just for you before the day unfolds. In that pause, you find a rare peace and contentment, savouring the simple elegance of beginning the morning with something both familiar and deeply comforting.
Lace Curtains: Lace curtains hold a timeless charm, their delicate patterns casting a gentle veil over the world beyond the window. In the soft morning light, they glow like gossamer, with each thread and intricate design telling a quiet story of craftsmanship and grace. As sunlight filters through, lace curtains transform the room into a dance of light and shadow, dappling walls with soft, lacy silhouettes. There’s a softness in the way they sway with the slightest breeze, as if breathing life into the space, offering glimpses of the outside world through their delicate weave. Their beauty lies in their simplicity—an understated elegance that brings warmth and romance to any room, inviting a sense of calm and timeless wonder, like a gentle whisper that lingers in the air.
Lemon Trees: Lemon trees possess a simple, enchanting beauty, their glossy green leaves a vibrant contrast to the soft yellow glow of ripe fruit nestled within. Each lemon, like a drop of sunshine, hangs from delicate branches, its fragrance filling the air with a refreshing, citrusy sweetness that feels like a breath of summer. The blossoms, small and pure white, add a touch of elegance to the tree, with their petals unfurling like little secrets whispered to the warm breeze. As sunlight filters through the branches, casting dappled shadows on the ground, the tree becomes a symbol of life’s quiet abundance, its roots grounded yet reaching skyward, offering a beauty that is both humble and rich with the promise of warmth, zest, and renewal.
Roses: In Italy, roses bloom with a timeless, enchanting beauty, their petals soft and lush, unfolding in shades of blush pink, deep red, and creamy white. These roses seem to hold an old-world romance, climbing over wrought-iron gates and spilling gracefully down ancient stone walls. Their scent lingers in the air, rich and velvety, mingling with the warmth of the sun and the soft rustle of leaves in a gentle breeze. Each rose is a tiny masterpiece, a whisper of elegance against the rustic charm of Italian villages, bringing a touch of magic to garden paths, balconies, and quiet corners.
Rosemary: Rosemary thrives in Italy, its deep green sprigs resilient and earthy, releasing a fresh, herbaceous fragrance that fills the air with a grounding warmth. Rosemary grows in abundance here, lining garden beds, adorning terracotta pots, and cascading over rocky terraces. Its simple beauty lies in its rugged, unassuming grace—a hardy plant that thrives under the Italian sun, adding its herbaceous notes to the landscape. When brushed by a passerby or warmed by the afternoon light, rosemary’s aroma drifts gently, infusing the air with a scent that is at once invigorating and comforting, capturing the essence of Italy’s earthy, rooted soul.
Cannoli: A cannoli, where each bite is a sweet indulgence steeped in tradition. As you pick up the delicate pastry, you feel the crispness of the shell between your fingers, dusted with just a hint of powdered sugar. Bringing it closer, you notice the rich, creamy ricotta filling peeking out, flecked with tiny bits of chocolate or perhaps a touch of candied citrus. The first bite is heavenly—the shell shatters lightly, giving way to the smooth, sweet filling that’s perfectly balanced, not too sugary but rich and full of flavour. Eating with presence and mindfulness, letting the textures and tastes linger, savouring the contrast between the crunchy shell and the velvety ricotta. Sitting at a small café, watching the world go by, you feel deeply connected to the moment, indulging in the simple, luxurious pleasure of this classic Italian dessert.
Terracotta: Terracotta has a simple, rustic beauty that radiates warmth and charm across Italy, its rich, earthy tones reflecting the sun-drenched landscape of this timeless land. The soft, reddish-brown hues of terracotta roof tiles, pots, and tiles add a grounded, natural elegance to villages and countryside alike, blending seamlessly with the rolling hills and olive groves. Each terracotta piece feels as though it holds a little of Italy’s heart—whether it’s a pot cradling vibrant geraniums, or a weathered floor tile worn smooth by generations of footsteps. There’s a grounding comfort in the presence of terracotta, a quiet reminder of the land’s enduring grace, baked by the sun and molded by hands with love and care.
Medieval Castles: Looming proudly in the distance, Italy’s old castles rise from the landscape like guardians of history, their stone walls aged with centuries of stories. These castles, draped in ivy and surrounded by fields of wildflowers, hold an enchanting mystery within their ancient stones. The towers and battlements stand tall against the sky, a testament to the artistry and resilience of a bygone era. Walking near them, you can almost hear the faint echoes of medieval life—the whispers of knights, the rustle of flowing gowns, the flicker of torchlight in stone corridors. These castles are more than just structures; they are timeless symbols of Italy’s storied past, their beauty rugged and majestic, capturing the imagination and inviting you to dream of love, adventure, and lives lived long ago.
Seasonal Produce: The beauty of seasonal produce in Italy is a celebration of nature’s rhythms and the art of simplicity. Markets overflow with vibrant tomatoes in summer, their rich, sun-ripened scent filling the air, while fall brings deep purple figs, plump and sweet, alongside earthy mushrooms just harvested from the woods. Each season unfolds its own palette of colours and flavours—spring’s tender artichokes, winter’s hearty greens, all grown with love and tended by local hands. There’s a humble magic in these fruits and vegetables, each bite a taste of the land’s essence, capturing the very soul of Italian soil and sun. When enjoyed in their peak, these ingredients transform even the simplest meal into something timeless and deeply satisfying.
Ravioli: My favourite meal in Italy was Porcini ravioli filled with spinach and ricotta, where each bite felt like a tribute to the season and the art of Italian cuisine. As the plate is set before you, you notice the delicate parcels, handmade and filled with care, draped in a light sauce—perhaps butter and sage, or a simple, fresh tomato. The aroma rises, rich and inviting, filled with hints of herbs and the warmth of fresh pasta. You take your first bite, and the ravioli yields easily, revealing a creamy filling of ricotta, spinach, or perhaps a seasonal ingredient, like mushrooms, kale or truffle. The flavours are balanced to perfection, each mouthful a blend of softness, richness, and subtle seasoning that feels both comforting and indulgent. Sitting at a sun-dappled table, surrounded by the hum of Italian conversation and the clink of wine glasses, you savour this quiet, luxurious moment, grateful for the simple beauty of a meal that feels like a celebration in itself.
Wooden Hutches: I love wooden hutches, always have. So it is no wonder when I visited Italy I was in heaven. Inside cosy Italian kitchens, wooden hutches stand like guardians of tradition, their shelves filled with hand-painted plates, ceramic bowls, glass jars of dried beans or stacks of linens passed down through generations. Each hutch, crafted from rich, dark wood and polished by years of careful use, holds an understated elegance. Drawers filled with heirloom cutlery, doors that creak with age—these hutches are more than furniture; they are storytellers, holding within them the essence of family gatherings and countless meals. Their worn surfaces, carved details, and quiet strength lend a warmth to the room, a comforting reminder of heritage and the joy found in life’s simple, enduring rituals.
Italian Wine: Verdicchio, Vermentino, Montepulciano, Sangiovese or Nebbiolo; no matter your wine of choice there is a simple elegance in savoring a glass of wine in Italy, where each sip feels like a connection to the land itself. As you raise the glass, the light catches the deep ruby or golden hues, hinting at the richness within. You take a slow sip, letting the flavours slowly reveal themselves on your palate—a balance of fruit, earth, and a touch of acidity that speaks to the sun, soil, and tradition that shaped it. The wine is both bold and subtle, perhaps a smooth Chianti or a crisp Pinot Grigio, each taste revealing layers that invite you to slow down and appreciate. Seated at a rustic outdoor table with views of rolling vineyards or an ancient piazza, you let the wine linger, feeling a warmth that goes beyond the drink itself. In this unhurried moment, surrounded by the quiet beauty of Italy, you savour not just the wine but the sense of history, craft, and passion poured into every glass.
Pennichella: Similar to the Spanish "Siesta", the Italians [especially in hotter months] like to take an afternoon nap to recharge and savour the rest of the day. There’s a simple luxury in taking an afternoon nap in Italy, where the pace of life invites you to slow down and embrace rest as part of the day’s beauty. You stretch out on a cool bed, an outdoor chaise or perhaps a sun-dappled lounge by an open window, the warm Italian air drifting softly around you. Outside, the gentle hum of distant voices and the occasional clang of church bells lull you into a sense of calm. The world beyond quiets, as if the entire town has paused to breathe with you. You close your eyes, feeling the weight of the morning’s adventures slip away, allowing yourself to sink into a blissful state of relaxation. In this peaceful stillness, you surrender to the moment, savoring the restful luxury of a true Italian pausa, a pause that feels as nourishing and essential as any meal or glass of wine.
Tuscan Sunset: A sunset in Tuscany is like a painting brought to life, an enchanting display of colour that sweeps across the sky and casts a golden glow over the rolling hills. As the sun sinks lower, it bathes the vineyards and olive groves in warm, amber light, transforming the landscape into a sea of dusky greens and soft purples. The sky melts from fiery orange to tender pink, then fades to a deep, tranquil blue, each hue reflected in the distant, sleepy villages perched atop hills. It’s a moment of pure magic, where time seems to slow, inviting you to breathe in the earthy scents and feel the gentle caress of the evening breeze. In those final moments of twilight, Tuscany feels suspended in a soft dream, a quiet reminder of life’s profound beauty.
Chantilly Lace: I have always loved Chantilly lace, and dream of the day I can afford a doona cover and curtains in this lace that is like a delicate whisper woven into fabric, its intricate patterns and fine threads capturing a beauty that feels almost ethereal. Each thread seems to tell a story, looping and intertwining to create patterns of flowers and vines as light as gossamer, as if spun from the air itself. The lace’s sheer elegance lies in its soft, almost translucent quality, inviting light to pass through and cast gentle shadows, revealing hints of the skin beneath. Running a hand over Chantilly lace, you feel the craftsmanship, the artistry of generations who mastered the art of weaving beauty into something so fragile yet enduring. It drapes with a natural grace, imbuing everything it touches with a sense of romance and timeless allure, like a secret language of elegance whispered through time.
Old Brass Keys: One of my favourite books was C.S Lewis's The Lion. The Witch + The Wardrobe so there is no wonder I find a quiet allure to old brass keys, their warm, worn surfaces gleaming softly in the light, hinting at stories hidden within their metallic curves. Each key, with its intricate cuts and uniquely shaped teeth, feels like a secret waiting to be unlocked, a link to a forgotten world of rooms, doors, cupboards and mysterious places that once held life and memory. Running a finger over their smooth, timeworn edges, you can almost imagine the hands that held them before, the lives they were part of. These keys carry with them the elegance of purpose and mystery; their weight, their gentle clinking sound, and their subtle patina create a sense of timelessness, as if they are whispers from another era, inviting us to dream of the stories they guard.