Lizzie's Strawberry Cupcakes

Over the weekend my mother-in-law and I were watching Trisha Yearwood's cooking show, Trisha's Southern Kitchen. On this particular episode, she was making dishes for a bridal shower. Of everything on the menu, the cupcakes caught my interest. If you know me, you know I'm a huge cupcake fan. And this recipe incorporates real strawberries and jello! I knew I had to try it.

For tonight's dessert, we decided to bake them. Oh-Em-Gee! This is probably the best cupcake I've ever tasted. The cupcakes are super moist and the icing is so flavorful! It is like biting straight into a fresh strawberry! The icing didn't quite turn out like the one in the picture below, but it still taste great. 

So now I'll leave you with the recipe.... I'm going to eat the entire tray of them after I publish this post. 

Nom nom nom nom!

(Photo courtesy of the Food Network website)

Ingredients

Cupcakes:

Cooking spray

1 standard box plain white cake mix

One 3-ounce box strawberry-flavored gelatin

2/3 cup vegetable oil

1/2 cup frozen sliced strawberries in syrup, thawed

4 large eggs

Icing:

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, at room temperature

1 cup confectioners' sugar

1 cup frozen sliced strawberries in syrup, thawed

Special equipment: two 12-cup cupcake pans

Directions

For the cupcakes: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray 2 cupcake pans with cooking spray.

With an electric mixer, beat the cake mix, gelatin, oil, strawberries and a 1/2 cup water until fully combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Pour the batter into the prepared pans. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cupcakes comes out clean, about 20 minutes. Let cool in the pan, and then remove before icing.

For the icing: In a blender or food processor, puree the butter, sugar and strawberries for the glaze until smooth; it may take a few minutes to come together. Poke holes in the cupcakes with a toothpick, then spoon the icing over, allowing some of it to seep into the cake. Store the cupcakes, covered in the refrigerator, for up to 2 weeks.

Link to recipe: Lizzie's Strawberry Cupcakes Recipe

Just Pinteresting the Time

I could sit on Pinterest all day long. It's a great place to find inspiration for all kinds of DIY's, kids stuff, fashion, recipes, home projects and more. 

Here are some of my recent pins to show you where my mind has been. I think Summer is on my brain...

floral print bikini

Not sure how I would look in this type of bottom but I am in love with the floral print!

backyard party shed

how fun would this be to have in the backyard? 

pioneer woman's salsa

I hear good things about this recipe...

doggy pool

Don't we all deserve to stay cool this summer? This pic made me smile. 

orange julius smoothies

This is supposed to taste like orange dreamsicles! Yummy! 

Happy Sunday and Happy Pinning! 

Cruzan Family Fun {Tampa}

Last weekend and earlier this week we took our first family mini vacation to Tampa, Florida! Nothing fancy, but still time for just the four of us. Here are some photos, the very few I was able to take.

We have another family vacation in June so I can't wait! I love family time! 

What I Wore Wednesday {wiww}

Hey friends! Happy Hump Day! I just got back from a mini vacation and if I have to come back to work its the best coming back on a Wednesday! Its a downward slope from here! Friday is just around the corner!

I came home last night and loved what was waiting for me-- A Stella and Dot package! One of the goodies in my box was the Kimberly necklace (seen in this outfit)! It is such a versatile piece and complements almost any outfit!

Today's Outfit details:

Shirt: Joe Fresh via JcPenney

Skirt: The Loft ($14.99!)

Flats: Forever 21

Necklace and bracelets: Stella and Dot

Watch: Michael Kors

One of these days I won't be taking selfies in the bathroom....

These two bracelets are also from the new spring collection from Stella and Dot. The Christina link bracelet and Artemis cuff. 

The only thing missing from my order was the navy striped tote. Its out of stock so I'm patiently awaiting... 

linking up with The Pleated Poppy

It's Friday, I'm in Love! {Looks I am Currently Loving}

Happy Friday everyone! Man, its been a busy week. I've had no time to blog and I've missed it dearly. I'm so happy to be off for the next few days and escape to Florida with my little family. Noah is travelling for work and his ladies are tagging along. Of course I take a look at the weather for the next few days and this is the lovely weather we have to look forward to... Hopefully they will be quick showers and won't negatively effect our plans. 

Moving on though... These are the looks I'm currently loving!

Look 1: Tulle Skirt, T-Shirt, and Jean Jacket

Photo Source: Style Rhapsody

Marisa is "Channeling Carrie" It is such a super girly look! 

Look 2: T-Shirt Dress, Converse Chucks, hair in a bun

Photo Source: Jazzabelle's Diary

I have all the elements to make this look happen! This outfit is super easy and super adorbs!

Look 3: White Jeans, Floral Shirt, Nude Shoes, Bold Bag

Photo Source: Kendi Everyday

I am pretty much obsessed with every single outfit Kendi puts together. This outfit is no exception. I recently bought a new pair of white jeans and I am always looking for ways to style it. Its going to be a key piece in my wardrobe this spring and summer. This emerald green is just gorgeous! And so is Kendi!

Look 4: Wide Leg Pants, Grey Shirt, Statement Necklace

Photo Source: My Blomquist via Breakfast at Zara's Tumbler

I don't own a pair of wide leg pants but this outfit makes me want to find a pair. I love how simple this is yet makes such a big statement too. 

Do you like any of these looks? Which look is your favorite?

It's Friday, I'm in Love {with Triangles}

Prints have been a popular trend. I remember last summer the chevron print was the big craze. I guess it still is really. But I am really liking the fun geometric prints lately, especially triangles! Let me help you fall in love! 

DIY Triangle Nail Art

Magical Thinking Triangle Chain Duvet Cover

Graphic Print Tee

Tiny Triangle iPhone Case

DIY Wooden Triangle Necklace

Shift Dress In Triangle Jacquard

Need I say/show more? 

What I Wore Wednesday {wiww}

Happy Wednesday! Every week I link up with Lindsey from The Pleated Poppy and other ladies to share outfit inspirations. It's been a great motivator for me to try new things and gain some confidence. 

Mixing patterns explosion happened on this day. Gingham, stripes, and leopard print. Not sure this was my favorite of the week, but sometimes you have to try things to know whether they work for you or not. 

 Outfit 1 Details:

Shirt: Marshall's

Belt: Kohl's

Shirt: Forever 21

Skirt: JcPenney

Boots: Target

Watch: Michael Kors (gifted)

Necklace: Fab Chic Envy

Outfit 2 Details:

Tank: TJ Maxx

Button-up and Pants: New York and Company

Necklace: Forever 21

bracelets: Stella & Dot and Juicy Couture

Outfit 3 Details:

Shirt: Old Navy

Pants: H&M

Necklace: Ily Couture

Bracelets: Stella & Dot

Watch: Michael Kors

Heels: Target

So sad. See that cute chevron necklace? Somehow from when I left work and leaving the dental office, I lost it. Boo :( Well at least I didn't lose my rebel pendant! 

Outfit 4 Details:

Shirt: Forever 21

Pants: Kohl's

Necklace: Stella & Dot

lost chevron necklace: Forever 21

Flats: Target

bracelet: Stella & Dot

This outfit is my favorite this week! I scooped this neutral and neon skirt over the weekend and I love it so! And handy trick: If you want to extend the length of your necklace, use a bracelet as an extender! Sometimes necklaces don't lay in the spot you want and I never thought to use my Christina link bracelet as an extender! Genius! 

Outfit 5 Details:

T-Shirt: JcPenney ($5!)

Skirt: JcPenney

boots: Target

necklace: Forever 21

bracelets: mint/chain link: Very Jane, Spikey gold ones: Stella & Dot, and last mint bracelet: gifted

See ya next week! Can't wait to check out everyone else's outfit posts! 

Joe Fresh So Fresh

Joe Fresh is a Canadian founded brand that offers fresh and stylish clothing, shoes, and accessories for men, women and kids at affordable prices. JCPenney has recently launched Joe Fresh boutique shops within their department stores. I haven't had a chance to check it out in person but I've been browsing the collection online and I've liked what I've seen.

Here are my favorites! 

Print Tee ($16)

Short Sleeve Silk Shirt ($39)

Slim-Flit Sateen Print Pants ($29) 

Two-Tone Pleated Skirt ($49)

Moroccan Print Dress ($29) 

Wow, You think I have a slight obsession with the color blue? It is my favorite color after all. I absolutely love how classic this collection is and the prices are at such an affordable price I could probably buy all these pieces!

Have you checked out Joe Fresh at JCPenney yet?

Spring and Summer Shoe Essentials

Today's post is about what every girl should own during the spring and summer months.

I am very much a flip flops kind of girl in the summer, but I like to change things up a bit. The shoes you choose to wear can really do just that!

Flats // Converse // Color Block Sandals 

Wedge Sandals // Ankle boots //Pumps

1. Colorful flats: Flats are my favorite go-to shoes. They can make a plain outfit pop! I would own one in every color if I had room in my closet! They are comfortable and stylish. 

2. Casual Sneakers: For the days I know I'll be running errands or chasing around my two girls casual sneakers are the way to go. I recently purchased some slip-on Converses and they are awesome. One- no tying involved, just slip them on and go. Two- they are both functional and fashionable. I also love my TOMS. Either one will work! Keds are making a huge come back too I see. I used to own a pair growing up so every time I see them they remind me of my childhood. 

3. Flat Sandals: Like I mentioned earlier, flats are my favorite go-tos. Gladiator sandals were a big trend last year and I'm seeing the trend go toward metallics and neons. There are so many options out there and it doesn't have to cost very much to build a fun collection! 

4. Wedge Sandals: Wedges are a great choice for adding a bit of height yet are still comfortable. They are perfect for spring and summer dresses and maxi skirts. Adding some height can really dress up an outfit and I always feel more girly. I own a neutral and black pair but I'd also recommend vibrant pair to make your outfit stand out. 

5. Ankle Boots: I love the way ankle boots look with short spring and summer dresses or with a pair of skinny jeans. I think a taupe or brown pair would work best during this season. 

6. Summer Pumps: Every girl should own a fun pair of summer pumps. Perfect for a girl's night out on the town or for a date night. I think they go great with skinny jeans or boyfriend jeans. They also look fabulous with a dress or pencil skirt! 

I hope you have fun shopping for new shoes this spring and summer. I know a new pair of shoes always makes this girl happy!