Easy-going Easter

Easter is a time to spend with family and friends.  It's an easy day filled with church {depending on religious background and preference}, egg hunts, candy, scrumptious food, fine wines, and delightful desserts.  

The Easter bunny made a stop at our house and the kids were super excited.  He even left a little something for Willsey.

 
For breakfast, I made Giada's Chocolate and Cheese Danish along with some fresh berries.  They were a sweet way to start the day.  

This Easter, I also started to think about the simple things in life.  Day in and day out, my life is crazy.  I try to balance a full-time teaching job, an active running career, my children, husband and dog, plus a household.  It's tough and I am usually exhausted by the end of each day.  

That said, I decided to do a few things this weekend that made me slow down and enjoy the things I have around me. 


First up...I decided to take an hour out of yesterday's events to drive to a path for a walk with my dog.  He was very excited to go bye-bye! 

  
We headed to a nice trail about ten minutes from our home.  

Willsey was all set to trek the trail...

We were out and about for a little less than an hour, but a little bit of fresh air and one very happy dog made it all worth it. 


Last night I made dessert for today's Easter feast at my parent's home.  Since my young nephews will be there, I wanted to make something they would enjoy and this bunny cake came to mind.

It's very simple:


Using a regular boxed mix, bake two, 9-inch round cakes according to the directions on the box.  Let cool.

Either buy two containers of icing, or make your own.  I used my favorite icing recipe and doubled the batch.


Once the cake cools, place one of them on a large, aluminum foil-covered baking sheet.  The other one gets cut like this diagram:

Lay all pieces on the cookie sheet and frost using the prepared icing.

Tip: Lay pieces of wax paper or parchment paper under the cake.  Once frosted, pull the pieces of paper out from under the cake and the tray will be icing-free.

Decorate using jelly beans and shoelace licorice.  I also used pink sugar sprinkles for the ears.  Again, here is the final product...

Today, I am just going to relax and enjoy my family.  No running, cleaning, or stress...just plain, old fun.  


What can you do to make your life stress-free?  Have you thought about it lately?  


Enjoy your Easter!


Tracy