The Good Life Report 12/4/19

Super-Gooey Cinnamon Rolls

For the Dough:

• 1¼ cups milk, warmed
   
• ½ cup sugar
   
• 1 Tbsp. active-dry yeast
   
• ½ tsp. salt
   
• ½ cup butter, softened
   
• 2 eggs
   
• 4½ cups bread flour

For the Filling:

• ½ cup of butter, softened
   
• 1 cup sugar
   
• 1 Tbsp. cinnamon

For the Glaze:

• ½ cup browned butter
   
• 3 Tbsp. whole milk
   
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract
   
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
   
• 3½ cups confectioner's sugar

Directions

1. Pour the milk and half of the sugar (¼ cup) into a mixing bowl and stir together.
    
2. Sprinkle in the yeast and allow the mixture to sit until the yeast starts to bubble and foam, about 5 minutes.
    
3. Stir in the remaining sugar (¼ cup), salt, butter, and eggs. Mix until combined and begin adding the flour slowly to incorporate.
    
4. Once the flour is mixed in, knead it on a clean, lightly floured surface. Knead until smooth, about 7 minutes.
    
5. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean, damp towel, and let it rest until the dough has doubled in size, about an hour.
    
6. While the dough is resting, simmer both the butter for the glaze and butter for the filling (1 cup total) in a medium saucepan until brown, about 15 to 20 minutes.
    
7. Divide the butter into two separate bowls and let them cool for about 20 minutes.
    
8. In another bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon for the filling (1 cup sugar, plus 1 tsp. cinnamon).
    
9. Once the dough has doubled in size, punch down the center and turn it onto a clean, lightly floured surface. Roll out the dough until it's about ¼-inch thick.
    
10. Brush the dough with browned butter from one of the bowls. Dust with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
     
11. Roll the rectangle of dough until it's in the form of a log, and pinch the seam shut. With the seam side down, cut into 10 cinnamon rolls.
     
12. Place the cinnamon rolls into a lightly greased baking dish and cover with a clean, damp towel. Let it rest until the rolls double in size, about an hour.
     
13. Preheat the oven to 350° F and bake them for 25 to 30 minutes.
     
14. For the glaze, stir the milk, vanilla, cinnamon, confectioner's sugar, and remaining browned butter until combined. Slowly stir in the sugar.
     
15. Pour half the glaze over the cinnamon rolls as they cool for another 30 minutes, and save half for when they're ready to serve. 

Recipe adapted from Spoon Fork Bacon[2]

Stay Safe While Shopping Online

• Don't enter your credit card information if you're connected to an unsecure Wi-Fi network.
   
• Only shop at sites that you know and make sure they have an "https://:" URL (the "s" in the URL means that it's secure).
   
• Recognize phishing emails, never click on links you don't know, and report scams that ask for financial information to the IRS.
   
• Keep your computer and security software up to date.
   
• Use strong, long, and unique passwords. Use a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters.
   
• Use multifactor authentication when available. These sites, like email servers and banking websites, will require a code be sent to your phone number to be able to log in.
   
• Encrypt sensitive data on your computer.

Tips for Golfing in the Winter

December is officially here, which means winter play is also here. If you're planning on playing outside during the cold winter months, keep these tips in mind:

• Your ball won't fly as far in the cold, so be prepared to use more club than you might normally.
  
  
• If you can, choose to walk instead of renting a cart. Walking is a great way to keep your body warm.
  
  
• Play with two balls. Keep one warm in your pocket while you play the other one, and then switch them out every hole (just don't artificially heat the ball).
   
• Make sure to wear multiple layers to stay warm and take off layers as needed when you start to warm up.
   
• Softer balls will fly farther in the cold weather, so shop for balls that compress more than the harder ones you would use in the summer.

Playing in the winter can be just as fun as playing in the summer. On many courses, the fairways will be less crowded, and you can take your time. 

Tip adapted from Leading Courses[4]

It's Okay to Say No

With all the family gatherings, company holiday parties, and obligations every weekend, the holidays are exciting, yet exhausting. But believe it or not, it's okay to say no. This time of year, it's more important than ever to take time for self-care. In fact, learning how to respectfully say no is one important part of self-care. 

There's a difference between being agreeable and too agreeable. If you find yourself saying yes to things you don't have time to do, and continually putting yourself last, it might be good to take some time for yourself. Make sure to set healthy boundaries and politely decline invitations if it's too much for you. Don't feel bad about wanting to stay home and read a good book, take a warm bath, or meditate. Don't let the holidays overwhelm you, both mentally and physically. Taking time for yourself will benefit both!

Tip adapted from Rewire Me[5]

Have an Eco-Friendly Holiday

• Make your own wrapping paper or reuse gift bags. Most wrapping paper isn't recyclable because it has glitter, shiny patterns, and foils. Look for recyclable paper or use things like butcher paper or decorated newspaper.
  
  
• Buy energy-saving LED holiday lights. LED lights use 90% less energy, which means you save money and natural resources.
  
  
• Get a pesticide-free tree. Many Christmas tree lots grow pesticide-free or organic trees. Even more, look for trees that you can plant in your yard or a nearby park after the holiday.
  
  
• Shop small and support local businesses. Not only will you be making a difference in the lives of an individual or family, but these sellers usually rely less on the many forms of transportation that big box retailers use. Some DIY gifts even reuse materials, making them even more environmentally friendly.

[1] www.creditkarma.com/auto/i/credit-union-car-loan/
[2] www.spoonforkbacon.com/brown-butter-cinnamon-rolls/ 

[3] www.irs.gov/newsroom/follow-these-tips-to-protect-data-when-shopping-online 

[4] www.leadingcourses.com/blog/winter-golf-10-simple-tips/ 

[5] www.rewireme.com/happiness/okay-say-no/ 

[6] www.smallfootprintfamily.com/eco-friendly-holiday-tips