3 Little White Dresses For Summer

Lace Detail Sundress / Embellished Shift Dress / BB Dakota Dress
In my opinion every girl should have 3 different types of little dresses: a little black dress, a little pink dress, and a little white dress. Above I have found 3 affordable little white dresses with this one being only $23. These dresses are perfect for summer and look so fresh and crisp. Do you have a little white dress in your closet?

Stylish for Less: Prints Under $50

Betsey Johnson Floral Baseball Cap $28 gorgeous print - Mint Polka Dot Scarf $7.99 - Steve Madden Animal Print Sunglasses $38 - Leopard Print Flats $24.99 LOVE these - Marc Jacobs Geometric Print iPhone Case $40.97 - Floral Sneakers $14.99 Floral Canvas Backpack $39.90 adorable - Floral Jumpsuit $29 - Jungle Print Dress $29 - Black Floral Print Jeans $5.99 check out that price!

Several years ago I did not wear very many items with prints. Other than the basic polka dot and the striped print, I did not branch out. Now, I love all prints. To me it doesn't matter if it is polka dots, stripes, floral, jungle, animal, or geometric. This week's #stylishforless is all about prints that you can add to your closet for less than $50. Did you notice those prices above? I mean floral jeans for only $5.99! That is a steal! I believe everyone should have a variety of prints in their closet that they can count on as go to pieces. What are your thoughts?

6 Tips For An Amazing And Successful Staycation

I love to travel but cannot get away nearly as much as I would like due to a variety of reasons including watching my budget and time constraints. When I need a break but cannot get out of town for a vacation I have established the habit of having a staycation.

Although I will always likely have a permanent case of wanderlust I have come to appreciate the perks of a staycation. A staycation allows me to save money, explore my local area, avoid the hassles that accompany traveling, and end my holiday well rested. Over the last few years I have discovered a few helpful tips to fully enjoying a staycation.

Tip #1 // Start off in a vacation state of mind. Mark your staycation on your calendar. Wrap up any work that needs to be done before your staycation starts and do not bring any work home. Also in the days leading up to your staycation make sure your house is clean and you have all of the errands you need to do for the next few days complete. You don’t clean or run to the drycleaners while on vacation so you shouldn’t during your staycation either.

Tip #2 // Unplug. Turn off your laptop and cell phone off. I suggest spending most of your staycation avoiding social media. Don’t let anyone know you are staying home for your vacation.

Tip #3 // Have a plan. I cannot stress the importance of having a plan. Preplan meals, choose a couple activities you want to do each day, have a book to read and some movies chosen to watch, and block out time each day to relax.

Tip #4 // Explore your local area. Do some research on what is available in your area. A few activities of my favorite staycation activities are: visiting a local pool, taking a day to explore a museum, going to a drive-in movie, and shopping at a farmer’s market for picnic necessities. There are some beautiful parks near my home with a lot of trails for hiking and some parks even have events like Free Friday Flicks or Shakespeare in the Park. During my next staycation I plan to visit the planetarium. Consider even taking a mini roadtrip to a nearby town.

Tip #5 // Treat yourself. Although many times staycations are meant to save money it is important to splurge a little so it feels like an authentic vacation. Before your staycation set aside a budget for splurging on something like a spa treatment or an amazing meal at an upscale restaurant.

Tip #6 //Document your staycation. Take pictures, send postcards, and pick up a couple souvenirs during your outings. You want evidence of all the great memories you created.

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Summer Blacks

Pom Pom Cami / Scallop Trim Cami / Ruffled Romper (only $26!) / Midi Dress / Lace Tanktop / Burnout Midi Skirt (ladylike with a little edge) / Lace Insert Tee / Black Dress with See Through Sleeves (great with jeans) / Textured Peplum Cami / Zip Side Shorts / Fringe Clutch / Sandals
Ever since I saw Lydia wearing black on black last week I have been obsessively looking for black pieces for my summer wardrobe. I am typically a girl drawn to colors but it is undeniable how chic and sophisticated black is. I even have a Pinterest board for All Black. Two of my favorite pieces I have spotted in the last few days are this cami with pom poms and this cami with scallops.

What to Wear: Stripes on Stripes

Lime and White Striped Top - Black and White Striped Blazer - Black Skinny Jeans - Spiked Gold Bangle - Yves Saint Laurent Bleu Majorelle Nail Polish - Ted Baker Bow Blue Clutch - Black Flats

I am a huge fan of prints and wearing multiple prints at the same time. Stripes just happen to be one of my favorite prints. That's why this week's #whattowear is wearing stripes with stripes. When wearing multiple items with the same print, my rule is to wear them in different colors or different sizes or both. I think this top and blazer go perfect together. With a bright, bold color like the lime and white top I like to wear neutrals like the black and white in the rest of this look. For another pop of color I chose the blue because it looks great with lime. Do you like to wear stripes with stripes?

Summer Tablescape Ideas

Summer is the perfect time for getting together with friends and family. Whether you are inviting them over for brunch, lunch, dinner, snacks, etc. you need to keep the tablescape in mind. If you are providing delicious food, don't you want to present it in beautiful surroundings? Summer is also the perfect time to make a table setting. All the fresh flowers, fruit, and produce can help make excellent centerpieces for the table.
When it comes to creating a table setting during the Summer I love to utilize certain things. While fresh fruit and produce are beautiful to display, I am a sucker for fresh flowers. They don't have to be bought, they can be beautiful wildflowers that you pick. I am also all for bright, bold colors on a Summer table. Add texture and layers with fabric, table runners, and place mats. Remember to keep everything from being flat by adding height to some of your features. Maybe have a tall vase of flowers or some tall candles. You do not want everything at the same height. What are your opinions on a Summer tablescape?

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Chit Chat: Failing To Meet Expectations

We have expectations for everyone but it is the expectations we have for ourselves that are the most important. Usually those expectations are very high. We typically expect much more of ourselves than we do from others. Up until I graduated from law school I always met those expectations and sometimes even exceeded them. However, for years now I have struggled.

I have expectations that I have built up centered on what kind of life I would live, what I would do, and my future goals. I have worked hard toward these goals for a very long time but despite the effort I have put forward I have been unable to accomplish most of my expectations. Where I stand today the reality of my life does not come near to meeting the plans I had for myself and the goals I had set.

I once read that disappointment is the difference between reality and expectations. I put a pressure on myself to perform and my expectations have led me to feeling like a failure. I set goals, I believed certain things would happen, I spent many years putting in the time and the work, I invested myself, and I did everything I thought I was supposed to. I have still fell short.

My failed expectations have lead to an immeasurable amount of time spent worrying, beating myself up, and unhappiness. I have reexamined my goals and where I thought I would be by now. If the things I had anticipated were unrealistic I could accept that and refocus my energy. Instead, I think that I have merely misstepped somewhere along the way and have been unable to find my way back on track.

Until I can get back on the right path I am trying to accept that life has thrown me a curve ball and that I need to use this as a learning experience to better myself and to hopefully realize what achievements would really bring me happiness. Seeing this as the end of the world is wrong. Mistakes and failure happen. It is part of being human. Right now my focus needs to be on bouncy. I am not sure how that will happen yet but giving up cannot be an option.

How do you deal will failing to meet goals or expectations you have set for yourself?

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The Sunday Edition

In case you missed it: Jessica's beach bag essentials.

Also, make sure you check out our easy DIY floral napkin rings.

These have became a staple for me. And they are on sale!

Definitely a big splurge but this is unbelievably adorable.

I love the embellishments and it would be a great piece for fall.

Polka dots. Need I say more?

Diana styled one dress three ways.

Salted Caramel Crunch! Yes, please.

I love Jessica's short suit.

I very much need one of these pretty coffee mugs in Brittney's roundup for my morning coffee.

Vogue article on Blake Lively. Have you heard about her new lifestyle website?

19 Things Remarkable People Think Everyday.

A fascinating cover of Lorde's Royals.

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On The Menu: Fresh Fruit Salad With Honey Lime Dressing

We have been eating a lot cleaner lately and as a result I have been relying on fruit for a lot of my snacks and desserts. This fruit salad is easy to modify by using whatever fruit you like. I made my salad with my favorites. The honey lime dressing was delicious and made this fruit salad seem more like a decadent dessert.

Ingredients:
1 lb Strawberries
3 cups Pineapple
1 cup Mandarin Oranges (packed in their own juice but drained)
1 cup Green Grapes
2 cup Red Grapes
3 Kiwis
2 Limes
1/3 cup Honey

Directions:
1. Clean all fruit and cut it into bite size pieces.
2. In a large bowl mix together all of the clean fruit.
3. Make the dressing by mixing together the zest of one lime, the juice of two limes, and the honey.
4. Toss the fruit with the dressing.
5. Chill.

Friday Favorites

Crystal Embellished Hair Clip - Starfish Statement Necklace - Lime Chiffon Pleated Dress love this color - Oscar de la Renta Dare Nail Polish - Kate Spade Striped Sneakers so adorable - Fossil Sky Blue Satchel - Light Wash Boyfriend Jeans currently on sale!

This week my favorite items are items that I could see myself wearing constantly. This dress is so feminine and such a bold color. I would want to wear this everywhere. I mean everywhere to work, out to lunch with friends, to the grocery store, etc. Wouldn't you? I just love the pleated details. These jeans are the perfect color! I have been looking for a beautiful pair of light wash jeans. Usually, I go for dark wash and that is all I currently have. What items would you use constantly?

Tulip Inspiration

Black Tulip Dress - Tulip Shift Dress - Tulip A-Lined Dress - Tulip Cardigan - Tulip Camisole

I love flowers so it comes as no surprise that I love all things involving floral prints. From dainty and feminine florals to bold and bright florals, you can do no wrong. One of my favorite flowers is the tulip. The huge variety of colors are wonderful. These flowers are stunning in a yard, field, or a vase. I would love to walk through a field of tulips like we see above. You would definitely have to be in a cheery mood there because who could be gloomy when surrounded by such beauty? Tulips are also stunning as a print. I think a tulip print dress would be just perfect for me. What about you?

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Stylish for Less: Best Beauty Buys Under $10

Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush / Maybelline Volum' Express The Rocket (love the large brush) / Not Your Mother's Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray / Neutrogena Oil-Free Cleansing Wipes / Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Oil (a little miracle worker for your nails) / L'Oreal Paris EverCreme Intense Nourishing Conditioner / Supergoop! Lip Balm / eos Ultra Moisturizing Shave Cream / Almay Intense i-Color Shimmer-i Kit / Neutrogena MoistureSmooth Color Stick / Essie Bikini So Teeny / Almay Makeup Eraser Sticks (amazing for tiny touch-ups) / Rosebud Salve / Maybelline Baby Lips / Clean and Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets
Since we didn't get around to doing a beauty lineup post for this summer I thought I would share a few products that in my opinion the best beauty buys under $10. They include a product that gives my hair that I just left the beach look even though I live hundreds of miles from the beach and my favorite go to nail polish for summer (I promise it will get you so many compliments). If you have any great beauty products that are a real steal please let me know.

Easy DIY Floral Napkin Rings

This easy DIY has to be one of my favorite things I have ever made. Jessica and I made these pretty floral napkin rings, that are perfect for summer, during a rare free evening while also enjoying a Netflix marathon. For less than $3 we made a complete set of 6 of these fun, colorful napkin rings. We have already used them several times and I can imagine them being a charming addition to brunches with friends and outdoor dinners.

Supplies:
Faux Flowers
Green Floral Tape
Wire Cutters

Directions:
1. Use the wire cutters to remove each flower stem from the base.
2. If you have any unwanted leaves remove them. I kept all of mine.
3. At the base of the flower begin wrapping the stem with the floral tape very tightly. As you continue working the tape will become more sticky. Cover the entire stem.
4. Cut away any remaining tape.
5. Roll the stem of the flower up to for the ring shape.
6. Holding the stem securely in place begin tight wrapping the entire stem once again in floral tape.
7. Repeat steps 3-6 for each flower stem.

The floral tape gets very sticky when you are working with it. This was my first time working with floral tape so I was a little worried while making the rings but the stickness goes away soon after you finish making the rings and stop handling the stem.

These napkin rings would make a great hostess gift, especially if you paired them with a set our Easy DIY Polka Dot Napkins.

P.S. You can find DIY Pom Pom Napkin Rings here.

Live in the Pastel Home

These rooms with their pastel colors look like such great places to relax. I could see myself coming home after a stressful day at work and walking into one of these room and instantly feeling more relaxed. Pastels are such feminine, soft colors that look great with a wide variety of colors. I would pair the pastel colors with neutrals to keep the calming atmosphere. The home office above also adds in some touches of neon which would be perfect for that room. I love everything about the home and the rooms above. The pastels offer a touch of romanticism to the places. I wish I could just jump into these room right now. What do you think about pastel rooms like these?

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What To Wear: A Work Uniform

Lace Front Cardigan (for chilly offices) / DVF Wrap Dress / Coach Satchel / Pearl Bee Pin / Marc Jacobs Lip Stick (for sassy red lips) / Tory Burch Demi Wedges / Earrings / Slim Runway Watch (classic gold watch)
A couple months ago I shared my casual go to uniform for those days when I need to get dressed in a hurry or when it seems like I have nothing to wear. Today I wanted to do the same thing for the office. On days when I need to look my best for meetings with clients or in court and I need a look that is reliable I always turn to a wrap dress. Wrap dresses (a pretty bargain version can be found here) are simple, comfortable, sophisticated, and stylish. I also believe it is important to have a few other high quality, dependable pieces in your closet for work like a nice cardigan, dressy shoes that are also comfortable, a chic satchel, and a gold watch. What does your go to uniform for the office consist of?

Stylish Vases

Quartz Grand Vase (love the gold) / Prism Vase / Scalamandre by Lenox Zebras Vase / Kate Spade Daisy Dots Vase / Barnacle Vase / Waterford Vase / Yellow Ceramic Vase (love the texture) / Celestial Vase / Gem Oval Vase / Copper Vase / Stoneware Vase / Blue Ceramic Vase (so pretty) / Metal Vase / Jonathan Adler Vase
Flowers are a household staple for me. I am always picking up inexpensive bouquets at the grocery store (Trader Joes has the best). Recently I realized that although I have numerous vases each of them are clear crystal. In an effort to change that I have been shopping around for a few alternatives. I recently picked up this tiny gold bud vase for only $11. I also think any of the above would be a great addition to my tiny collection.

Chit Chat: Loyalty

I happen to have an amazing group of friends. In fact, they have to be the best friends that a girl could possibly have. One thing that makes them such great friends is that they are very loyal. They really know what it means to stand by a friend and to offer support. Even when you are not around they stand up for you when it is needed. They support you and your decisions because they are your friend and they are loyal. Now, just because they support you doesn't mean they won't give you their honest opinion. If they think you are making a mistake they are going to point this out, but because they are loyal they are going to be right there with you.
I know these girls, my best friends, have my back no matter what. They know me. They know who I am and what kind of person I am because we are such close friends. When someone tried to spread lies about me, they stood up for me and told everyone the truth. Some people are so quick to be friendly to your face but the moment you are out of the room they become your worst enemy. My best friends are quick to step up and say that they do not agree with this person. Loyalty is about being my friend all the time not just when I am around. These girls have definitely displayed this on multiple times.
Being loyal to each other means we stick with one another through thick and thin, through the good times and the bad. Sometimes they are the ones offering me support and standing beside me when I am having a rough time and sometimes I am the one standing with them when they are having a tough time. Being loyal goes both ways. Being loyal friends means we offer support and time when one of us needs it. When a friend if having boy troubles we have the time to listen to them and offer our advice. When a friend is having problems with a family member or with school we are their to offer our help. To me loyalty is one of the most important characteristics that a friend can have, maybe the most important. What do you think?

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On The Menu: Sparkling Cranberry Lemonade

This drink is perfect for a hot Summer day. It is so simple to whip it up in a minute and then let it chill in the fridge or go ahead and serve with ice. I find most cool drinks to be too sweet tasting and this was just perfect.


Ingredients
12oz Frozen Lemonade Concentrate (thawed)
2 quarts Cranberry Cocktail Juice
1 quart Sparkling Water

Directions
Mix the lemonade concentrate and cranberry juice together. Chill. Add the sparkling water right before serving.

Happy Weekend!

After a week of training for work, I'm glad it's Friday. This weekend I plan to try a few new recipes and maybe do some shopping. What are your plans?

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Friday Favorites

Star Cluster Headband / Mini Pom Pom Flower in Pink / Stripe Straw Tote (on sale!) / Chambray Dress (adorable) / Summer Food: New Summer Classics / Daisy Dream Fragrance / Gorjana Midi Ring Set (only $35!) / Open Pave Ring / Gold Watch
My favorites today remind me of summer. This dress from Gap would be an easy summer staple. I love Marc Jacobs fragrances. I have not tried Daisy Dream yet but I am headed to Sephora this weekend. I love food and summer food is the best. I eat way more than my share of fresh veggies and fruits straight from the garden during the summer (my current obsession is watermelon) so this book with its refreshing recipes is great. I suggest also picking up a copy to be a hostess gift for the next summer party you attend.

Fringe Benefits: Fringe Handbags

Metallic Shoulder Bag / Fringe Bucket Bag / Red Fringe Bag / Crossbody Bag / Maxine Crossbody Bag / Clutch
To be honest I am not really the biggest fan of fringe. However, I have been spotting handbags embellished with fringe everywhere lately and they are starting to win me over. I have rounded up a few of my favorites above. This beauty is my favorite. What are your thoughts on fringe?

Stylish for Less Than $100

Crystal Studs love these! - Ruffle Blouse - Lauren Conrad Teardrop Necklace ONLY $10! - Rose Print Skater Skirt beautiful print - Sephora Nail Polish Jacuzzi - Nude Flats
We all want a few new outfits from time to time. This #stylishforless post is all about creating a whole look for less. This stunning look is less than $100. I am loving the skirt. The big rose print is absolutely gorgeous and perfect for Summer. This feminine look will definitely make you feel like a million bucks. What are your thoughts on the look?

Beach Bag Essentials

Hibiscus Print Beach Towel - Striped Beach Tote - Neutrogena Face Sunscreen - Neutrogena Body Mist Sunscreen - Supergoop! Lip Balm with SPF 30 - Jane Eyre - Michael Kors Sunglasses - Aquafina - Meadow Hair Ties - Metallic Flip Flops - Dunes Radio

I would love to be back at the beach this week instead of at training for work. Relaxing in the sunshine while listening to the waves crashing on the beach would be perfect. A must for the beach is a pretty beach bag of course. What do you pack in yours? My beach bag essentials are below.

STEP 1 // Beach Towel If you want to lounge on the beach a towel is a must. Plus before you leave the beach you are going to need your towel to dry off.

STEP 2 // Sunscreen I think too many people think they do not need sunscreen but you actually need more than one type of sunscreen. You need sunscreen for your body and your face. Plus you will want a lip balm with SPF.

STEP 3 // Water It can get hot at the beach and you need to stay hydrated.

STEP 4 // Reading Material The beach is so peaceful that it is a great place to relax and read. A book or a magazine is a must have for me at the beach.

STEP 5 // Sunglasses We need to protect our eyes from the sun and we actually need to be able to see when we are out in the bright sunshine.

STEP 6 // Hair Tie These are definitely a must to pull your hair back out of your face, especially if it is a windy day.

STEP 7 // Sandals Easy slip on sandals are necessary for being able to slip in and out of the water whenever you want.

STEP 8 // Radio A radio or iPod is essential to relax to some great beach tunes.

Tassel Envy

Tassel Top in Arrow Print (would be adorable with white jeans) / Oscar de la Renta Earrings / Backpack / Bikini Top / Beaded Tassel Necklace / Pink Tassel Necklace / Flower Bud Tassel Earrings / Colour Block Purse / Jumpsuit / Layering Tassel Necklace (love the gold) / Tassel Slippers (on sale!)
Just a few pretty tassel pieces today that I would love to own. I am especially loving these earrings. My obsession with tassels lives on. Happy Tuesday everyone.

What to Wear: Sunhat

Straw Sunhat perfect for blocking the sun - Givenchy Beige Mousseline Nail Polish - Kate Spade Earrings adorable! - Floral Skater Dress love the colors - Kate Spade Palace Gems Necklace - Nude Envelope Clutch - Lavender Flats
During the warmer months everyone is spending more time out in the beautiful sunshine. One thing we all need to keep in mind is to protect our skin from the sun. SPF is a must and not just during the warmer months. Another way to block the sun is with a beautiful sunhat. I am a huge fan of the straw sunhats. They can be casual or more formal. I love the idea of wearing a gorgeous sunhat with a cute dress. It seems so feminine and girly to me. A sunhat would be perfect with this dress. What are your thoughts?

Fashion Inspiration from Lemon Breeland

I am absolutely in love with the tv show Hart of Dixie. It is a show that I have been missing because it is on its Summer break. My favorite character on this show is a true southern belle by the name of Lemon Breeland. Not only does she speak her mind and stand up for herself and her friends, but she has the best clothes on the show. Now, I think all of the ladies on the show dress very well, but I just adore Lemon's style on the show. She is almost always in the prettiest skirts or dresses and she always has some kind of sparkle be it a gorgeous necklace, a sequin skirt, or an embellished sweater or cardigan. Plus, she constantly has the most beautiful headbands! Have you seen the show? Is Lemon your favorite character too? What do you think of her style?

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Chit Chat: Clutter Free Living

A couple weeks ago I posted my Summer To-Do List. One item on that list was to finally spring clean and over that last two weeks I have been devoting a little time most days to doing exactly that. The progress has made home feel surprisingly refreshing, especially my bedroom where I have managed to do the most decluttering.

Over the last two weeks I have packed up so many boxes of clothes, shoes, handbags, and books that I have since given away or donated. I am amazed at how much I accumulate. There is no denying that I am a collector beautiful trinkets and baubles, that I enjoy surrounding myself with pretty items, and that I may care just a little too much about fashion but I had arrived at a point where I had to realize that surrounding myself with so many items not only added too much clutter to my life it also added stress.

We live in a world where continuously buying more and more is not only the norm but mass consumption is celebrated. I had accumulated so much stuff that I was drowning. My closet door would barely shut, there was not a single drawer that had any empty space, handbags were scattered everywhere, and I was basically tripping over shoes each time I entered my room because I had long ago ran out of shoe storage. My solution was to ruthlessly purge. I spent hours going through my closet, under my bed, every drawer, every basket, every tray, and even my jewelry box. If something didn't have a large amount of sentimental value or I hadn't used it recently it got boxed up to be given away.

And what did I learn? Reducing clutter is so freeing. My bedroom feels so much more calm and serene. I actually think I sleep better. Spending time in my bedroom is much more enjoyable since I am not surrounded by so much stuff. My clothes and accessories are neatly put away and organized in places where I can actually find them quickly and I still have plenty of pretty baubles and sparkly things to make me happy plus now I can enjoy them more because they are not hidden by items I never really loved.

Getting rid of excess items took effort but it has definitely simplified my life and made my home more peaceful. Next up I plan to tackle my other favorite room, the kitchen.

Am I the only person who didn't actually manage to have the time to spring clean in the spring?

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The Sunday Edition

A bold clutch is a must for Summer. I love this color!

This statement piece is gorgeous and it's currently on sale!

Winter White Cake is delicious!

Looking for some inspiration? I love these!

Great tips for blogging, I really agree with these.

Beautiful gilded accessories are a must have! That clutch is wonderful.

I'm definitely going to have to give this DIY involving pom poms a try.

3 Summer Nail Ideas

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Winter White Cake

If you are looking for a white cake and frosting recipe this is it. I searched forever to find the perfect white frosting recipe so I almost rejoiced when I discovered this recipe a couple years ago. After I first made this cake for Christmas dinner it became our mom's favorite cake so we made it for her birthday this year and I decided it deserved a repost to show you how pretty it could be with tiny sprinkles and some gel food coloring. Oh and just look at that thick layer for frosting!

Ingredients for Cake:
1 cup milk
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 cup butter, softened
2 cups sugar
3 cups cake flour
1 Tbsp. baking powder
5 egg whites

Ingredients for Frosting:
2 cups shortening
1/2 cup non-dairy powdered coffee creamer
1/2 tsp. almond extract
1/4 - 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 (32 ounce) packages confectioners' sugar, sifted
1/2 - 3/4 cup water

Directions for Cake:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 3 (8-inch) round cake pans; line bottoms with parchment paper, and grease and flour paper. We only made a two layer cake.
2. Stir together milk and vanilla.
3. Beat butter at medium speed with a heavy-duty electric stand mixer until creamy; gradually add sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Sift together flour and baking powder; add to butter mixture alternately with milk mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Beat at low speed just until blended after each addition.
4. Beat egg whites at medium speed until stiff peaks form; gently fold into batter. Pour batter into prepared pans.
5. Bake at 350 degrees F for 20 to 23 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks 10 minutes. Remove from pans to wire racks; discard parchment paper. Cool completely (about 40 minutes).

Directions for Frosting:
1. In a large mixing bowl beat the shortening creamer and extracts.
2. Gradually beat in the confectioners sugar.
3. Add in enough water (starting with almost 1/2 cup) until frosting reaches desired consistency.
4. Optional add in food coloring until the desired shade is achieved.