June 11: National German Chocolate Cake Day and National Making Life Beautiful Day

I can easily get high off of life.

A lot of people tell me that I am a really happy person. And it's true. I am really happy!

When I worked at Disneyland, quite a few guests told me that I was really happy. I never really knew how to respond to that. Do I tell them "thank you?" Sometimes I responded with, "Thanks, you seem really happy too." Which was probably awkward.

So how do you Make Life Beautiful?

I think it starts with being happy, and radiating that happiness out.
And being thankful. There really is so much to be thankful for.

Like a day spent at the coast with a good friend of yours.

And these clouds!

I was obsessed with these clouds for some reason.

And selfies with cute dogs!

I think a great way to Make Life Beautiful is to compliment people. Or give them chocolate. Chocolate is always a good decision.

It's also National German Chocolate Cake Day.

German Chocolate Cake is my dad's favorite. I found a tasty low-fat recipe.

JazzyJ's Low-Fat Yet Still Delicious German Chocolate Cake:

Ingredients for cake:
- 4 oz. German sweet chocolate
- 1/2 cup boiling water
- 4 large egg whites
- 2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup applesauce
- 1 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1 cup buttermilk

Ingredients for frosting:
- 1/2 cup chopped cans (optional)
- 1 cup coconut flakes
- 12 oz. can fat free evaporated milk
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (or other thickening agent)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions (for cake):
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9" by 12" pan.
2. Melt chocolate and stir in boiling water, until smooth, set aside.
3. Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form, set aside.
4. Mix flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
5. In a large bowl beat applesauce, sugar and vanilla together. Add in melted chocolate.
4. Add in the beaten egg whites and stir gently.
5. Pour into pan and bake 30 -35 minutes.

Directions (for frosting):
1. Spread pecans (if you are using them, I did NOT) and coconut on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees until lightly browned, only a few minutes.
2. Whisk together evaporated milk and cornstarch (or thickening agent) in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat and whisk constantly until it is thick. Be careful not to overcook.
3. Add in sugar, butter, salt, and vanilla and cook for just 2 - 3 minutes. Cool to room temperature and mix in coconut and pecans.

Even though it was low-fat, you couldn't even tell. My dad was happy (even though it didn't have pecans in the frosting.) I can't stand pecans and since I was the one baking it, I catered it to meet my taste.

I think my dad's Day Was Made Beautiful by eating this German Chocolate Cake! It was a win-win for everyone. 

How do you make your Life Beautiful?