Wishing For Spring!

Even though today {and the last SEVERAL days} does not feel at all like Spring, I can't help but get excited for Spring and especially Easter when I walk through the stores.  I LOVE Easter!  It's my favorite holiday.  I love everything about it.  I usually try to decorate about one month before an upcoming holiday - so, since Easter is on April 24th this year, I excitedly got out all my Easter/Spring decorations today.  They make me smile - even if it's barely 50 degrees outside, the wind is howling, and the sky is dark shades of grey! 
Blue skies will be here soon...

I found these cute metal pails ($2 each) and paisley bunny @ Target... 

Thought they'd be perfect for the mantle!  The bright Spring colors make me HAPPY!

Perfect For Spring!

These white cake cupcakes with fresh strawberry frosting are sooo yummy!  I think they'd be perfect for an Easter picnic, a Spring birthday party, a bridal or baby shower, or any other special occasion.  They are easy to make and turn out really moist & delicious!!  I don't typically buy Pillsbury brand cake mixes, but if you follow the recipe exactly, the cupcakes and frosting turn out perfect...

Cupcakes:

1 Pillsbury white cake mix

1 c. flour

1 c. sugar

1 c. sour cream

1 1/4 c. water

4 egg whites

1/3 c. oil

Mix together.  Fill cupcake papers 2/3 full and bake @ 325 degrees until lightly brown or the top springs back when touched.

Strawberry Frosting:

1/2 c. whole frozen strawberries, thawed

1 c. unsalted butter, firm & slightly cold

pinch of salt

3 1/2 c. powdered sugar

1/2 tsp. vanilla

Puree the strawberries in food processor then set aside.  Beat together butter and salt, then slowly add the powdered sugar.  Add vanilla and 3 Tbs. strawberry puree.