Self-Care, Sunshine, and Lemon Blueberry Cake

Spring has sprung, and it's time to celebrate! Let's focus on some self-care, creating sunshine memories, and (because why not??) a knock-your-socks-off cake recipe.

A Glorious Self-Care Sprummer (Spring + Summer = Sprummer)

When the seasons change, I am so humbly reminded of nature's power and beauty.

In times of change - whether the change is weather-based, involves personal circumstances, or there are changes felt throughout our community - I initially tend to get stressed. Change is inevitable, but it can also feel pretty disruptive. Even though I am SOOOOO HAPPYYYYYYY about the arrival of sunshine and warmer weather here in Western NY, I can't help but notice some internal resistance.

For better or for worse, I have gotten used to spending most of my days indoors over the last several months. It's easy for me to get into a routine, even if it's not the most enjoyable one. Now, I feel like I've been reborn and have won the lottery - going out with friends while it's still light out?! No more frozen toes and runny noses?? Incredible.

Nevertheless, my body is a bit unsure of what it wants to do first. I feel like I am in a rush to soak up all the sunshine and do every outdoor activity, like, this weekend. Even if this change in seasons is so welcomed, I need to remember to give myself an opportunity to recalibrate.

Instead of blaming myself for not automatically being happy-go-lucky at the sight of sunshine, this year, I am going to grant myself patience, acceptance, and lots of love. One of the few truths in life (in my opinion, at least) is that everything will change at some point. That truth doesn't make the change any easier.

So let's offer up lots of self-care, self-love, and self-respect as we begin our sprummer adventures :) This change is good, and we deserve to adjust in peace.

Don't Steal My Sunshine... I Need It

Post-yoga sunshine endorphins :)

I feel like we grow up hearing that going outside for "some sun" is really important. As a five-year-old kid, I don't think I questioned why the adults in my life told me that. However, as a 28-year-old curious human with a propensity to overanalyze everything, I am gaining a bit of clarity on the matter.

Vitamin D, Please?

Turns out, there are quite a few important reasons to catch some daily rays. One major reason relates to Vitamin D. When we are exposed to sunlight, we begin making Vitamin D. Especially living in Western NY, so many of us are Vitamin D deficient during the winter months, which can significantly impact our overall health and well-being.

Vitamin D is extremely important for our bodies to maintain a healthy immune system. As we know, a strong and healthy immune system keeps us safe from getting seriously sick. It also helps our bodies effectively absorb calcium, which is an essential mineral that helps make our bones strong and durable.

So clearly, Vitamin D is pretty up there in terms of importance level!

I Get SAD in the Winter

Many of us in Upstate NY experience Seasonal Affective Disorder, which is a form of depression that starts in the fall months and lasts throughout winter. One of the theories of SAD is that it comes from a lack of sunlight, which causes lower levels of serotonin. Low levels of serotonin can lead to depression.

So! When the sun IS shining this spring and summer, know that getting some sunshine can directly increase your serotonin levels. Self-care comes in many forms, and it doesn't have to be super expensive. Simply stepping outside for a few minutes on a sunny day can be an act of self-care. Just remember to wear sunscreen! :)

Lemon Blueberry Cake with a Blueberry Buttercream Frosting - Um, YES PLEASE!

Is this frosting color not out of this world?!

This recipe is courtesy of The Banana Diaries, and it was an absolute hit! Nothing says spring and summertime like lemons and blueberries, and the flavor profile of this cake was perfect! I shared the cake with several of my coworkers, and it was really lovely to get their feedback on this new recipe.

From the moist cake that tastes like a big blueberry muffin to the fresh and sweet frosting that is the most beautiful pinkish purple, this recipe will almost certainly require you to get a second helping. Since blueberry season will be upon us in a few months, I look forward to making this cake again with fresh blueberries that I'll pick!

I truly do love to bake vegan goodies, and it is an extra win when someone else likes what I make. I am excited to try out more recipes as the weather continues to warm. If you have any ideas of new cookies, cakes, pies, etc., to try, LET ME KNOW!!

A Gentle Reminder

A beautiful sunset in Rochester, NY, last week.

Take a moment to breathe. We all have a lot going on right now, and it is okay to take time to pause. Whether a pause looks like baking a cake, getting outside for some fresh air and sunshine, or taking a nap - it's all okay. Be kind to yourself. We deserve gentle self-love, always. Even though it isn't always easy, it is always worth it.