I debated turning this into another Early Morning Confessions post, but I settled on a “proper” post that will likely still be a bit sporadic. A few things have happened in my world since we last spoke, nothing crazy, but a few fun things I wanted to share with the three people who visit my blog (my grandpa, my dad, and my boyfriend.)
Speaking of my boyfriend, this cute mountain man turned another year older last month.
I was a hot mess in my kitchen trying to bake with butter for what felt like the first time. At the height of my baking days I was plant based, so butter did not cross my lips. These days, I am still dairy free (except for those blue moon splurges when I eat the three day old pizza in my fridge on the first day of my period), so I still do not bake with butter.
I found it surprisingly difficult to bake this cake, but after what felt like an entire afternoon the masterpiece was complete. Special shoutout to my mom and my cat for helping me. My mom with the KitchenAid, and my cat with emotional support. 32 going on 12 for me.
Speaking of going on 12, I have grown exceptionally fearful of the world around me. No amount of protection is too much these days.
I introduce to you my new running friend. I first discovered Go Guarded on Instagram, and I knew I had to have one of these mace/knife combos. I am extra alert these days while I run outside, but this tool helps me to feel a wee bit safer. Except for the constant fear of tripping and severing important arteries, but I’m more inclined to explore alone with this device.
Speaking of exploring, I went bird watching for the first time in my life recently.
Duncan and I went for a wetland walk, and he brought his binoculars with the hopes of seeing some birds. Birds we saw, but the highlight of this walk was a rogue seal who found his way to the inlands for some rest and relaxation. A pleasant surprise on this afternoon of adventure.
Speaking of adventure, I went for my first snow hike of the season last week.
Before 1/3 of my readers get upset (I’m looking at you dad), I did not go solo on this adventure in the snow. There were five of us who braved the lower temps with the hopes of awe and wonder. I will say, I was not expecting THIS much snow when I prepared for the hike, but thankfully a good base layer and an 850 down jacket kept me mostly warm.
I only lost feeling in my digits a few times, thanks to my good friend Raynaud’s. We hiked for around four and a half hours, and managed just under 9 miles. I had hiked the trail to Annette Lake before, but never in the winter. I didn’t recognize a single part of this trail – could be because it’s been six years since I’ve hiked it, or could be because of the snow.
Speaking of snow hikes, look at this gem photo I took of Duncan on my birthday back in February after a mass of snow fell on him.
Little did we know two months after I snapped this photo we would be like school children in his car after a hike confessing we had weird bubbly feelings in our bellies for each other. Life is weird.
That’s all for now.
Q: What’re your holiday plans?
Blissfulbritt 
38 thoughts on “Speaking Of”
Josh dV
Those are some lovely photos as always. I’m happy to hear you are staying safe and feeling safer, though I realize I have some feelings about the gear you carry.
Your snowy escape looks amazing. No snow here, just a burst of cold and wind. This had better change soon and for a while or we are going to have a nasty fire season again next year.
Happy Birthday Mountain man!
Brittany
I have some feelings myself about my gear, and it saddens me that I even feel the need to have this kind of protection. Alas, as a female you can really never be too prepared anymore.
I am ready for spring. This darkness is taking a toll on me!
Sheree
Great cake!
Brittany
Thanks! I didn’t get any good photos of it, but it was heavy as a bag of concrete!
Sheree
I’m sure it tasted better than concrete Brittany
sunsetdoc
Papa reads as well!Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
Brittany
Oh yes! Of course. I must update.
sunsetdoc
Amazed u could find a well insulated arctic style winter jacket for <$10$. U have always been frugal w your benjamins.
Love ya
Dad
Brittany
Courtesy of a 2018 REI gift card from you, purchased for life in DE. Love that jacket very much, has seen many new countries with me!
sixechojnz
I read it too!
>
Brittany
YES! I know, and I love you for it. I was making a funny, and then realized there are many people who read I should not have excluded. LOL. Including you. ❤
Honey
Your cake looks beautiful and Duncan sounds like a nice young man. He is quite handsome. I am happy for you.
Brittany
Thank you, it was very heavy too. And I am remiss I did not include you as my fourth reader. 🤦🏻♀️ you are more loyal than my own mother (love her very much regardless.) HA. It was more meant to be a funny joke.
Jessicaraye
Awww Happy Birthday to Duncan. Those winter hiking pictures are gorgeous, I am still waiting on more snow in Utah to do some winter hiking this season.
Brittany
I love a good snow hike once a season, and then I’m pretty much over it. Ha.
Peg
My partner has Reynaulds and she can’t even cut up an apple out of the fridge without her fingers going white. Do you have anything special you use when you are out in the cold?
Your pictures are gorgeous and that looks like a handy safety tool, where did you get it?
Brittany
Wow, I struggle pretty bad with Raynaud’s, but not THAT bad. Poor thing.
I keep my hands in my down jacket pocket and that helps the best. I still loose feeling often both in my fingers and toes. So I just have to wait for the blood to return. It’s a game I’m used to.
The tool is made by a company called GoGuarded. A Google search of their name will take you to their site, but I’ve also linked them in the post!
Peg
Thanks!
Rootchopper
Confession. When I hear the name Duncan I think of an old Paul Simon song and yoyos. And donuts. I blame the winter light.
Hope you never need that nasty little weapon of yours.
Merry Christmas.
Brittany
I call him donuts every blue moon, it’s my joke “pet name” for him.
I also hope I never need the weapon, it’s sad I even decided to start carrying it. An ugly world we live in.
Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Sanjeev
Happy birthday to the Mountain Man. Wishing him the best of health this coming year & for years to come.
Brittany
Thank you, as do I!
gpavants
HI Brittany,
We are home for the holidays but all the kiddos will be here. Have a Merry Christmas.
Gary
Brittany
How lovely, that sounds like a perfect holiday. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Pam
Your snow hike pictures would make great cards, as all Your landscape pictures….beautiful. Kudos to having fun out in this winter weather You are a brave warrior; but do stay safe and warm.
Holidays this year as with the past two will be quiet and reflective with hopes for longer days and more daylight.
All the Best to You and Duncan and family🌲🏔❤️
Brittany
Thank you, how fun would it be to make cards! I can’t say snow adventures are my favorite, but once in a while I enjoy.
All the best to you as well! Miss you lots.
mattsmishaps
The way you talk about your partner is so adorable. You two make a great pair. Also nothing wrong with splurging on cold pizza. Great post!
Brittany
Aww, how kind. Thank you! (Cold pizza is so, so good.)
Amy
Happy belated birthday, Duncan!!! I’m sure your cake tasted delicious! Even now, as someone who bakes for a living, baking layer cakes intimidates me. I stick with bundt cakes and loaf-style pound cakes… aka the ones that don’t need any frosting or decorating. Much easier, especially on my nerves! 😉
And I’m MAJORLY impressed that you did a snow hike!! Raynaud’s is no joke… I lose circulation in my toes on a daily basis, even when I barely leave the house. There’s no way I could survive a snow hike, but I’d be more than happy to greet everyone with freshly baked cookies and hot chocolate at the end!
Brittany
Not only was this layered cake a process because of the actual ingredients, but I baked it in a tiny countertop convection over. So one layer at a time.
It’s funny, I will loose circulation at my house too, but only when I am inactive. So I have to be moving constantly to get the blood flow. When I am on a snow hike I only hurt when we aren’t moving. SO MOVE WE MUST. HA.
Amy
I’ve done SO much countertop oven baking in my lifetime… There was an almost two-month period where that was the ONLY oven I had while full-time food blogging. 😳🙈 So I definitely have a soft spot for that kind of baking… And a GREAT appreciation for what goes into it too! 😉
kagould17
Winter hikes are the best, if you can stay safe and warm. Winter is too long to stay stuck indoors. Wishing you a Happy 2022, Brittany. Allan
Brittany
I agree! I would go crazy indoors all winter.
Allie Zottola
Nice work on that cake!!! Loved this post 🙂
Brittany
Thank you, it didn’t look good, but it sure got rave reviews!
rothpoetry
Beautfiul Shots! Happy Birthday to your husband!
Dwight
Brittany
Thank you. 😂
rothpoetry
You are welcome.