On this calm and rainy day, I find myself reflecting on spring, on the goings-on of the season and in the world lately, while sitting by the fire and sipping my green tea. These types of days are reflective for me and it gives me repose to what’s been happening in our lives and helps me gather my thoughts at what needs to be done in our cottage, in our lives and in our future. We get caught up in the day to day, that we don’t take enough time to breathe and relax a bit. We usually think about what needs to be done around our homes and in our lives. I admit, I’m very blessed to be able to work from my home with my own schedule that I can afford to take my time. For me, for my health, it’s very important that I work this way. I am lucky to have the luxury to take my time and gather my thoughts and work at my own pace.

While thinking about our projects here, I’m happy to say my husband and I have learned to slow down a bit as we get older and take our time. There is no need to rush. In that time frame, I have realized that everything turns out better because we took our time, not rushing to get a project done, we use better materials and have become much more patient. Sometimes I battle with my old impatience and want to see instant results, but for the most part, patience is indeed a virtue.

We are most definitely taking our time with the projects going on, making sure we are using materials that are better for the environment and are more quality products. I have not been disappointed. The journey has been enjoyable too. I noticed a more calming atmosphere around our home as well, even our dog feels it.

Being less anxious and taking more time to relax has been beneficial to me, and I’ve noticed improvements in my overall health. It’s very important to take time for yourself, whether it’s a little time everyday or once a week, the weekends or whatever works for you. I do feel that it’s always best to get a little time everyday, even for 15 minutes, for yourself. It helps you reflect and relax.

This past weekend we slowed down a lot, even in between projects and things went smoothly. The days seemed longer, which was lovely. We enjoyed delicious foods, games, as well as getting some outdoor projects finished and others started. I feel like more gets accomplished and yet everything feels more relaxed this way.

Lemon cupcakes:

Ingredients:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature

1 cup organic granulated sugar

2 eggs, room temperature

1 1/2 tsps vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups gluten free all purpose flour

2 tsps baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk

1 1/2 Tbsps lemon zest (about 2 lemons)

1/3 cup lemon juice (from those 2 lemons + half of another lemon)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray muffin pan with coconut oil spray. Set aside.
2. Using a handheld mixer, cream together the butter and sugar for about 2 minutes, scraping down the bowl as needed.
3. Add the eggs and vanilla extract and beat on medium- high speed for a minute. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Set aside.
4. In a medium sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt. Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and mix on low speed.
5. Slowly add the almond milk, lemon zest and lemon juice, while mixing together on low speed. Do NOT overmix.
6. Scoop with a 1/4 cup the batter into the muffin tins in pan.
7. Bake for 18-22 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Place on a cooling rack until completely cooled.
8. You can make or buy a lemon-flavored frosting for the tops, but I prefer then without frosting. Or you can sprinkle on powdered sugar, if you prefer. They’re very moist and don’t really need any topping.

Remember to take time for yourself when you can. Love yourself. Enjoy your week ahead!