Earlier this week, as a break from the stress of school in general, and research papers specifically, I found myself walking around the grocery store trying to figure out something fun to make and share with friends. I wound up deciding to make a really simple cake that my grandmother taught me years ago. 

Zebra Cake, which in one form or another I'm sure almost everyone has tried, is nothing more than plain chocolate wafer cookies and whipped cream. The most complicated part of this is making the whipped cream at home with heavy cream, vanilla extract, and sugar. It only takes a few minutes to turn this mixture into a light, sweet whipped cream that is so much better than the grocery store type. 

This has been one of my favorite cakes since I tried it for the first time, and I was excited to make it and share it with my boyfriend and friends. I can honestly say though, that I was surprised by their reactions. It's pretty easy to assume that everyone's going like something with chocolate and whipped cream, but to see people truly enjoying something so uncomplicated is a little bit different. It was definitely gratifying to know that they loved the cake as much as I do. 

More than that though, it got me thinking. As we get closer to the holidays, especially with Thanksgiving fast approaching, it's important not to let ourselves get caught up in the commercial hype, or to forget what a great time of year it is because of the stress of finals. Instead my goal, and what I'd encourage others to do as well, is to remember the zebra cake, and truly enjoy the simple pleasures that surround us.