I have a hard time parting with Valentine’s Day. My family has never met a holiday they didn’t like. Any opportunity to eat and be together and give gifts is a winner in my household. While this past Monday I wasn’t with my immediate family, I did my best to celebrate and avoid lapsing into a sugar coma.

This was made a little more difficult as I was running errands earlier this week. I passed by a place on Pine Street I’d never noticed before and had to stop in. The bakery, called Sweet Celebrations, instantly brightened my mood. The scent of cookies and cupcakes immediately overtook me, and glass cases as far as I could see were filled with pastel-colored pastries.

Their baked goods are very reasonably priced. Cookies range from 35 to 65 cents, and their pies, cobblers and cakes are no more expensive than one purchased from any  non-specialty grocery store. I didn’t realize until I picked up a menu on my way out that Sweet Celebrations also bakes sugar-free and gluten-free deserts, and serves lunch specials weekdays.

The shop reminds me of my favorite bakery in the downtown area of my hometown, which I frequented in the summertime with my grandmother. She, like me, has an adoration for all things pink, and was as excited as I was when I called her to describe the new place and the giant Valentine-themed cupcake I purchased.

I couldn’t resist taking one (or three) bites out of it before I thought to snap a picture.