I love wearing high heels. Something about them makes me feel more…womanly…and girly…all at the same time. If the opportunity presents itself, you can bet that I’ll be sliding on 4 1/2 inch heels in some obnoxious color. My favorites? A ridiculously gaudy pair — glittery pink, with a chrome-looking heel and base.
There’s also a big obnoxious glittery pink bow.
I. Love. These. Shoes.
Seriously. It might be an issue. (An..Ish-shoe..if you will…*badum tish*)
Allow me to inform you that I’m not the girliest girl out there. I’ll choose my favorite pair of black jeans before ever even glancing at a skirt. Eight times out of ten, you’ll see me in flip-flops and a tank top. Oh, and a cardigan. I can’t possibly talk about my wardrobe without at least one mention of a cardigan.
What am I getting at? I’m glad you asked!
Sometimes, regardless of what kind of girl you are — sporty, punk, all-American, indie, sexpot, trendy, goth, hobo, dirty, closet-blind — there is a little voice inside all of us that craves a spark of girly-ness.
It’s fun, and you know it. (I’m talking to you, hobo-dresser!) Embrace it.
Barbie was never my doll of choice. Some chick-flicks bore the crapola out of me. I can’t even fathom the thought of pulling a Paris Hilton and carrying a tiny dog in my purse. Pink? Yeah, not my favorite color. But there is no denying the inner diva that lurks somewhere between category “Converse All-Stars” and category “Prom Dress.” She loves high heels and dresses. And I love her for loving them.
It’s this diva that reminds me why I love being a girl. Cyndi Lauper was on the right track…yes, we do just wanna have fun. But don’t forget, Ms. Lauper, that we also want to kick butt at work, nab a prince charming, and invent a way to eat a chocolate cake without having to yank and squeeze our way into skinny jeans…all while looking fab.u.lous. *snaps*
Okay, so maybe I got a little too girls-rule-and-boys-drool there. But I mean it! (Maybe minus the snap…that was a little embarrassing.)
That same diva wants me to me introduce you to this very feminine Strawberry Shortcake Cupcake. She’s beautiful on the outside — an airy strawberry buttercream on top of a yellow butter cake. And of course, a dollop of whipped cream. When you bite into her, she surprises you with…what? Oh yeah, strawberry jam! BOOM BABY.
Girls rule. Boys don’t really drool. Well some of them might…and I highly suggest you stay away from them.
Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes
2 sticks unsalted butter
2 1/4 cup sugar
1/4 packed brown sugar
1/4 tsp salt
4 eggs
3 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 cup milk
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 tsp butter flavoring
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a muffin pan with cupcake papers.
2. Whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
3. Beat butter on high until smooth and pale.
4. Add granulated sugar and beat until fluffy.
5. Add brown sugar, beat until combined.
6. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well between each addition. Add vanilla.
7. Alternately, add the milk and the flour mixture to the butter mixture, beating until just combined between each addition.
8. Add butter flavoring and beat until incorporated.
9. Fill cups 1/2 full and bake for 18-20 minutes.
Strawberry Buttercream
2 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature
4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
2 cups strawberries (measure strawberries before you puree)
1 tsp vanilla
1. Puree strawberries using a food processor or blender. Strain berries so there are no seeds.
2. Beat butter until pale.
3. Add one cup of sugar at a time, being sure to combine well between each addition.
4. Add vanilla and strawberries. Beat well.
If the consistency is not to your liking, add more sugar
5. Let set in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes.
Filling the cupcakes
1. Using a cupcake corer or small knife, cut a hole into the center of each cupcake.
2. Place jam in a pastry bag (for more control, and also, it’s neater) and fill each cupcake until jam is just below the surface.
P.S. Be sure and check out Kim’s latest post about the Girl Baby Shower Party Kits which you may purchase by clicking HERE! Aww, so sweet! (pun intended)
Bon appétit!
Sugar Therapy 
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