I’ve written a lot about how dark winter can be. I guess the gray days get to me more than I’d like to admit. I do like rainy days but having so many back-to-back does get depressing after a while.
My grandson came over the other day and it was another dark day so we decided to color it up a bit. We made orange cupcakes! They were ridiculously easy to make and just looking at them cheered us up (but we ate them too!).
Ann Kirsten
Here’s the recipe:
Orange Cupcakes
- 1 vanilla cake mix
- 12 oz orange soda (1 can)
- Orange extract (optional)
- 1 cup Chocolate chips (optional
- Frosting (either premade or homemade)
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Empty the dry cake mix into a mixing bowl. Pour the orange soda and a teaspoon of extract (if using) over the dry mix. It almost seemed like a science experiment as it bubbled up.
Ann Kirsten
Beat for a minute and stir in the chocolate chips. Theoretically, the chips are optional but the combination of chocolate and orange is so good!
Bake in lined or greased cupcake tins for 15-18 minutes. They will end up looking like soft clouds.
Ann Kirsten
Let them cool and frost them!
Frosting
- 1 package of vanilla instant pudding (3.4 oz)
- 2 Tablespoons powdered sugar
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 oz tub of cool whip
Put all ingredients into a mixing bowl and beat until fluffy and combined. Frost your cooled cupcakes. This frosting is light so you can pile lots on top of the cakes!
My grandson and I had so much fun making and eating these cupcakes that we forgot all about the gray day outside.
If you want to add color to your décor, try making these branches.
Pom-Pom Branches
A few years ago I found a very simple way to brighten my mantle. All you will need is some branches from the yard, craft pom-poms, and a glue gun. Just glue the poms to the branches in random spots. Put the branches in vases and your home will be instantly filled with color.
Also, add color to your food! This winter salad is so yummy and easy. Pre-packaged veggies in bright colors make it a snap to whip up.
Ann Kirsten
Start with dark greens and add the colorful vegetables your family likes. The roasted squash was a brilliant addition as it sweetens when it is roasted and the kids actually liked it!
To roast: Place a sheet pan in a cool oven and preheat to 450 degrees. While it heats, pour the frozen squash cubes into a bowl with 2 Tablespoons of olive oil and some salt and pepper. Stir to coat. Pour this mixture onto your hot sheet pan in a single layer and return to the oven. Bake ten minutes, stir, and bake for ten more minutes. That’s it! You can roast carrots this way too or mix together a variety of veggies and roast them all at the same time.
Add all your vegetables to your greens, pour a bit of balsamic dressing over the top, sprinkle on some sunflower seeds and dinner is colorful and ready.
Ann Kirsten
We’ve added color to our taste and vision so far. What about smell?
I have a whole collection of soy scented candles to choose from. Lavender is calming and citrus wakes me up. Depending on my needs for the day, I choose a scent to enjoy and light that candle. Not only the smell but the flickering light brings me joy.
And now hearing. I have music that I listen to that brings me peace and music I listen to in order to get pumped up to clean. And of course SPIRIT 105.3 is always a wonderful way to brighten your day.
And don’t forget to add color to your soul! Read the Bible out loud. Put emphasis on the words. Raise your arms when you pray in your home and drink in the love of the Father. How could you feel gray after that?
I always feel brighter when I wear some color too. If you’re not a color-wearing person, simply add a splash of it. A colorful scarf or piece of jewelry goes a long way to not only brighten your day, but the day of others.
When we surround our senses with “color”, life just seems better.
“And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day.” Genesis 1:3-5
PIN THIS!
Read more of Ann’s contributions to AllMomDoes here.
