Cinnamon roll cake ♥

Hello June ♥ Summer is in the air!

I'm starting to feel the excitement in the air that comes with early summer.  The school year is winding down for John and we are getting more and more excited for our summer vacation at the end of the month.

 Remember how I told you I hadn't bought a bathing suit in ten years? Well, I also haven't flown on an airplane in ten years either! I'm finding things have changed a lot since then.  What? I can't bring sunscreen in my carry on anymore? Gosh, I have so much to learn.  Yesterday I went shopping and stocked up on (clear) plastic, travel bottles for toiletries. They were labeled "carry on kit" so I think I'm on the right track. We shall see! Clearly I haven't vacationed in while, which is why I'm looking forward to this one so much. 

Homework and work seem to be the last things on peoples minds around here (at least they are the last things on my mind) as we ease into the new season.  We have fired up the grill, made corn on the cob, and the last two Saturdays we've had hot dogs for dinner.  Yup, It's Summertime!

This morning I put peonies on my nightstand because....why not? They don't last very long so why not take advantage as much as we can.  I have them all over the house ♥

The morning light in the bedroom has been bright and sunny. It makes getting out of bed in the morning a little easier.  I said a little easier....let's not get crazy ♥ 

And this..

Yes, so true! ♥♥♥

Meanwhile, back in the kitchen... 

A few weeks ago, my friend Shireen from Books and the Quiet Life very kindly sent me this book in the mail.  She had bought one for herself and loved it so much she gifted me with one.  All the recipes start with a box mix (which I loooove!) and most are meant to be made as bundt cakes. 

Mix & Match Cakes by Shay Shull

There are 101 cakes in here and I want to make every one.  It was tough to pick which one to start with, but I always seem to side with comfort food so I went with #51....the cinnamon roll cake!

It was every bit as good as it sounded! It has pudding in the mix which totally puts it over the top in my book~ 

If you love cinnamon as much as I do you must try this....♥ 

 1 box white cake mix

2 small boxes instant vanilla pudding

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 1/4 cups water

4 eggs

4 tablespoons cinnamon (divided)

1 cup brown sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a 10 inch bundt pan. 

In a mixing bowl, combine cake mix, puddings, oil, water, eggs, and 2 tablespoons cinnamon with an electric mixer.  Pour half of the batter into the prepared bundt pan. 

In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and remaining 2 tablespoons of cinnamon.  Sprinkle the mixture over the batter in the pan.  Pour remaining batter over the top. 

Bake 40-45 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean. 

Let cake rest on the counter for 10 minutes.  Invert cake onto serving plate to finish cooling. 

For the glaze, the recipe calls for 3 cups powered sugar mixed with 3-4 tablespoons of milk.  I cut this in half because I thought 3 cups of powered sugar seemed like a lot.  It came out perfectly and was just enough. 

Mix the powered sugar and the milk with a whisk and drizzle over the top. 

Divine!

This cake is so moist and cinnamon-y! It's delicious!

And the best part is that you can have it for breakfast or dessert...or both!

No judgments here : )

Thank you Shireen for this lovely book! You are a dear sweet friend!!! 

I can't wait to try another recipe! xo

By the way, I wanted you to know that  I found a bathing suit! I was so relieved to hear that many of you have the same dilemma as I do when it comes to bathing suit shopping!

#nightmare

Well, after ten years I got the courage to get back out there and I found one.  I got it at Khols (on sale!) last Saturday.  I didn't try it on until I got home and luckily it fit! Whew!

It has the retro feel that I love so much and I felt pretty comfortable in it. 

I'll be heading to Florida for vacation in a few weeks so I'm happy to check this off my to do list. 

 I kind of can't wait to wear it  ♥♥♥

Well, that's all for now.  It's time for more coffee and I'm off to work. 

I think we all should get summers off , don't you? 

Happy Days! xo 

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