i'd rather be baking

Dear Target, if your (albeit ridiculously cheap) jeans are going to bleed all over my favorite orange sweater, even after they’ve been washed once by themselves, for the love of all that is holy, please label them as such.

Dear Clinique lady, please don’t tell me that the foundation I’ve been buying for ten years may have been discontinued, especially after saying that you’ve never heard of it. This disturbs me greatly.

Dear hair, you’re getting long again and I’m thrilled about that, but I have no idea what to do with you any more. I’m consulting the Internets. They say apparently these things are a lifesaver. Dear Amazon…

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Do you have a favorite Little Debbie? I always loved the oatmeal ones, but the Valentine ones are my favorite! They were special treats growing up and I honestly can’t remember that last time I ate one. And then I saw this recipe on Pinterest and lost my ever loving mind.

We don’t really celebrate Valentine’s Day — it’s just a week before my birthday and Ryan’s birthday comes afterward  in quick succession. But I do love a little bit of pink silliness this time of year. And I know I’m a little early, but I couldn’t resist!

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1.  It’s been raining in Portland for approximately 27 days straight. We had a few clear hours this morning and I couldn’t figure out why I suddenly felt so much more cheerful. My crazy brain is turning on its end…and I keep thinking to myself (broken record style), it’s fine, it’s totally fine. Dear sunshine, please come back soon.

2.  I started a new work gig last week and it’s unbelievably cool. But I’m still a little confused about what day it is. It’s a good thing (it’s fine, it’s totally fine).

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So, I made cinnamon rolls almost exactly this time last year. I guess my brain craves cinnamon come cold weather and dreary skies. Those cinnamon rolls were good, but these are (without a question) so, so much better. They’re the best cinnamon rolls I’ve ever had. I don’t say that lightly.

Kyong Millar, the sweet owner of my favorite boutique in Salt Lake City, graciously shared this recipe with me a few months ago, and I finally made it when we had some friends visiting just before Christmas. I couldn’t believe how good they were — satiny soft pastry wrapped around rich filling with the perfect vanilla-infused glaze on top. I dreamed about these cinnamon rolls for the next month until I had a chance to make them again and people, they are still so dang good.

This time around, I decided to make a half-batch of rolls, and made little miniature cinnamon rolls rather than big full-sized ones. Some late-night crazy brain and over-zealous dough rolling may have gone into that decision…but I’m totally happy with it! If mini cinnamon rolls means I can eat twice as many, I’m down.

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Oh, January: you’re a tough nut to crack. Do any of you love January? Please tell me your secrets. I’m just not a fan. It’s cold and dreary out; I’m staying in and cozy.

cozy candles on the mantle

apple bread mix: a christmas gift from my grandma

apple breads cooling, late afternoon light

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