Each week I sit as a spectator to the most beautiful display of a free spirit. On one side of the glass sits a pool of stereotypical moms with cell phones plastered to their faces. There’s the glamour mom who showed up looking flawless as if she just left the local dry bar – which she probably did. She sits next to the fitness mom who is wearing head to toe Lululemon who sits next to the perfectionist mom vicariously living through her daughter by mimicking the motions and giving inaudible instructions.

And on the other side of the glass are kindergarten-aged girls boasting brightly colored leotards and wide eyes. They listen to the instructor intently and follow the directions precisely. They are structured and disciplined and leave the impression they might be training for the next Olympics. And then there’s Lakyn.

She’s bee bopping around the mat, laughing and without a care in the world. Her heart is as wild as her ponytail. Her technical abilities may not hit the bar but her spirit takes home the gold after every single class. In this crazy, hyper-competitive world we live in, I sit proudly that my daughter marches to the beat of her own drum. She plays by her own rules and every Thursday night she shows me the soul of a gypsy and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

In two days we’ll celebrate the sixth birthday of my little gem and in honor of her, we’re featuring this Birthday Cake Popcorn recipe. Is there anything more scrumptious than popcorn smothered with cake batter and marshmallows and topped with sprinkles? Or anything more representative of someone who lives her life according to her own wishes and beliefs? Happy Birthday to a little girl as colorful as these kernels.

Ingredients:
2 Tablespoons Butter
6 Cups Popcorn Popped
3 Cups Marshmallows
2 Teaspoons Vanilla
1 Tablespoon Milk
1 Cup White Cake Mix
Sprinkles

Instructions:
1. Take kernels out from popcorn and pour into a bowl.

2. In a medium pot, melt marshmallows and butter on medium heat, stirring constantly.

3. Once marshmallows are completely melted, remove from heat and add vanilla, milk and cake mix. Stir until well combined and pour over popcorn.

4. Stir until the popcorn is evenly coated and top with sprinkles. Let set. Enjoy!