Monthly Archives: December 2013

• To Each His Own

  Posted at 6:46 AM by Brittany, on December 30, 2013

  I’m a drip coffee lover through and through. Flavored coffee isn’t my thing, and don’t even think about adding any syrups to my black cup of bliss. Every so often I do branch out of my black coffee hole and I get a latte.  A double short half decaf soy extra foamy latte to be exact. Oh yeah, I’m one of those people.

  

  How’s my handwriting?

  I am very aware that not everyone likes their coffee black as night. Strong, thick, dark, and intense doesn’t always suit everyone, but when I can see through my coffee something needs to be done. I usually make my coffee in a french press, so it’s easy to make strong.

  

  After discovering my family likes their coffee a bit different than me, I knew just what to do. I decided to go for a run, and you’ll never guess where I ended up.

  

  Oh look..Starbucks!

  I like my coffee dark, but I don’t always want a lot of caffeine (fun fact: the darker the roast the less the caffeine, the lighter the roast the more the caffeine.) so to get a richer flavor without added caffeine I got some decaf VIA packs to add to my morning brew.

  

  Perfect addition for a strong flavor, without the added jitters.

  

  Same cup of coffee, but with the added VIA packet. Dark and bold. Round trip the run was about 5 miles and I had some wonderful views throughout. I’m loving the sun.

  

  Living so close to not only Starbucks, but also to Sprouts is a perfect excuse for a run. I came home and enjoyed the great views from my dads back patio. Great place to enjoy a dark cup of coffee. Just enough to fuel me for a bike ride, and an afternoon hike!!

  

  Q: Do you like to run/walk/bike to the store for things you need? I LOVE to.

  

  | 52 Comments Tagged Adventure, Coffee, Hike, Random, Running, Starbucks

• 10 Minute Fudge Pie

  Posted at 8:14 AM by Brittany, on December 27, 2013

  With a need for dessert and drool in my mouth, I needed a recipe that wouldn’t add weight to my south. High in protein and all made from scratch, a pie from the heavens would soon be my match. A secret ingredient that was sure to fool all, a fudge like texture to make your knees buckle and fall. Sinful, and decadent, and well worth the wait, Christmas dinner was good, but dessert was like fate. 

  The last two and a half weeks I didn’t eat any sugary cookies, candy, or cakes. As crazy as that sounds it wasn’t all that hard, and it was more than worth it for the decadent pie I made for Christmas dessert. This was the easiest pie I have ever made…ever.

  I had so much success with my pumpkin pie I knew it was time to try something similar, but with chocolate. This pie is so rich you won’t need more than one slice! Not only does this pie not need to be baked (nope, not even the crust) it literally took me around 10 minutes to throw together once I had all my ingredients set up! Talk about a perfect last minute dessert idea!! NO one will know you didn’t slave for hours with this beauty. My favorite part – FIVE ingredients, and 36G of protein! Have your pie AND eat it too!

  10 Minute Fudge Pie

  

  • 12.5 oz sprouted tofu
  • 2 tsp cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 2 tablespoons almond milk
  • pinch of salt
  • 1 2/3 cups semisweet chocolate chips (to tone down the richness, use 1 1/3 C)

  

  Mix your tofu, cocoa powder, vanilla, milk, and salt in a blender or food processor. Once mixed, pour into a large bowl. Melt your chocolate chips in a heat safe bowl on the stove, or in a microwave. Once chips are melted pour into the bowl with your other mixed ingredients and fold together until well combined.

  Once well combined pour out onto your pie crust. I’m a crust lover, and I made a graham cracker crust that was even easier than the pie filling! I used an entire box of GF graham crackers, which was a total of 8oz. You can do the math for that…

  

  These are what I used.

  Graham Cracker Crust (GF)

  

  • 8oz graham crackers
  • 3 tblsp almond milk

  Blend your graham crackers in a blender or food processor until powder like. Then add your milk and blend until combined. Once combined, pour into your pie dish and push the crust out onto the sides, make sure you push firmly. This is ready to use immediately.

  Once your fudge pie is poured onto your crust stick the pie into the fridge for at least 4 hours. The longer it stays in the fridge, the firmer it will be.

  

  I barely had enough patience to take these photos, hence the lack of quality. Pie before pictures this time! This pie was so durable, a hefty slice made it all the way to Arizona with me! I was able to share this with my family in the desert. I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas, and if you don’t celebrate I hope you had a wonderful Wednesday. My house was full of love and joy, and of course GREAT food!

  Q: Who wants to face plant into this pie with me?

  

  | 60 Comments Tagged Chocolate, Christmas, Pie, Recipe

• Relaxation Here I Come

  Posted at 4:01 AM by Brittany, on December 23, 2013

  This is what my Garmin has looked like for the last two weeks.

  

  Blank screen, dead battery, no sweat buildup, nada, zilch, nothing! I haven’t run over 3 miles since my last half marathon, and I have loved the break! I switched up my workouts to ensure I don’t get burned out. As for my Garmin, I think it’s burning out. Whenever I charge it, it will last for a day, then it will freeze, and then it dies. I will cry when this watch goes, it was my first ticket to the running big leagues!

  

  Along with a break from running, two work days stand between me and a much needed break from Starbucks. My muscles are starting to feel the repetitive movements that go into making crack lattes. Goodbye cold, hello warmth! I will be spending 10 lovely days in Arizona with the sun, and some cacti. Be ready for some adventure posts.

  

  I do see more running while on vacation, so Gary the Garmin better get his act together. No gym means using nature for my playground. I also see some good reading in my future. After dying and being reborn while watching Catching Fire I knew it was time to finally finish the last book of The Hunger Game trilogy. I’m struggling though..the read is SO SLOW compared to the other two books. I hope to finish Mockingjay along with a book my good friend Lily sent me. Perhaps it will inspire me to run run run while on vacation!

  

  Happy Holidays to all my amazing blog friends, and to my amazing family. I don’t know how I did it, but I have successfully cut out any added sugar in my daily eats for the last two weeks. I cannot wait to face plant into some sugar Christmas morning!

  Q: Are you taking any time off from work for the holiday?

  

  | 39 Comments Tagged Books, Christmas, Gym, Random, Reading, Running

• Surviving the Holidays

  Posted at 4:43 AM by Brittany, on December 20, 2013

  It’s no secret that many people gain weight during the holidays. I don’t have any spare weight I can afford to gain, so my secret to staying in my pants this holiday season is simple- high protein meals and high intensity workouts. I’ve also cut out sweets, but that’s a personal preference and I am not at all against eating sweets..balance is bliss remember?

  This week was my holiday work party, and it was potluck style. Being a vegan, I know ahead of time there aren’t many options for me at parties like this. It just so happens I don’t enjoy eating food made by other people very often, so it all works out! I brought a dish that allowed me to survive the night without looking twice at the cookies.

  Quintessential Quinoa

  

  • 2 cups quinoa (one red, one tan)
  • 2.5 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice (AKA straight from the orange)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon/orange zest (half of each)
  • 1/3 cup green onions
  • 1 cup pistachios
  • 1/2 cup crasins
  • 1/2 cup chopped mint
  • 1/2 cup chopped parsley

  Cook your quinoa as directed on your packaging. Once your quinoa is cooked and cooled add the ingredients in the order listed. Starting with the liquids, and ending with the herbs. DO NOT add the pistachios until you are ready to serve though, this keeps them crunchy and fresh tasting. Hence the cup full of nuts on the side.

  

  I featured this recipe on my blog many moons ago, but it’s so good I had to bring it back for its own post. This is a light, refreshing, but filling dish welcome at any party! I had to have some before I left my house, being full helps deter my sweet beast from rising.

  

  Delicious alone, or paired with a bowl full of beans and greens!

  

  The party was filled with laughs and I had a wonderful time. We did a secret Santa exchange and you’ll never guess what I was gifted…my secret Santa did gooooood.

  

  Q: How do you survive the holiday temptations, or do eat whatever you want around the holidays?

  

  | 38 Comments Tagged Recipe, Vegan

• The Gift of Giving

  Posted at 11:39 AM by Brittany, on December 18, 2013

  I can be difficult to shop for. I am a bit of a minimalist, and hate when my belongings get too cluttered. If I don’t need it then I probably don’t want it (unless it’s a camera..totally need that.) When my mom asked me what I wanted for Christmas this year and I said nothing, I meant it. I know she gets joy in buying things for her kids, so I obliged and went on a hunt for things I wanted, but that were also useful. Think workout clothes, future house decorations, and of course…coffee. Always coffee.

  I want to share a gift that I bought for myself, that my mom paid me back for, that is safely kept in my room, but will be given to me for Christmas….Don’t ask. If you have read my blog for a while you will know I ADORE a good, solid, wood box. Think wine box..hence the wine box garden. When I saw this at Starbucks I knew I had to have it, simply for the box..and for the adorable burlap bags. Reusable gifts are my favorite.

  

  

  Love this..

  I plan to decorate my future house with this adorable box and reuse the bags for something. I’m not sure what, but I will find something! Do I need these things? No..not really, so when something new comes in, something old must go out. I am constantly donating my slightly used items to others in order to justify my new items. Clutter makes me anxious and I don’t see the use in holding onto things that aren’t being used.

  All in all, I just love to give. I get a bit overwhelmed by the commercializing of the Christmas holiday. I think Christmas is about spending time with those that you love, and sharing what you have. Sharing your time, sharing your skills, sharing your money, all of it. I get the most joy in giving to those that are in need. While helping others is something I like to do year round, something about the holidays makes it that much easier to give.

  

  I bought this for my fellow cat loving friend. It’s a picture holder, and a fat cat..enough said. Small, yet meaningful.

  Don’t get me wrong, I love to receive gifts and I am very thankful when I do, but I get more joy when I give them. I also appreciate totally unnecessary gifts once in a while, but like all things in my life-balance is bliss.

  I challenge you to give something to someone in need this week. Give your time, give your skills (which includes time too, double whammy!), or share your wealth with someone less fortunate. If you need some ideas on how to give back this week, check out this website! It has some fun ideas! I guarantee that when you give big, you will get back even bigger!

  Q: What’s your favorite way to give back? I love new ideas!

  

  | 33 Comments Tagged Cats, Christmas, Giving, Holiday

• Not How I Used to Be

  Posted at 4:04 AM by Brittany, on December 13, 2013

  I am constantly in awe of how my life has changed over the last 10 years. I have completely settled into a life of coffee, early mornings, and NPR stories before work. I guess this is what the generation ahead of me would call growing up. Waking up early allows me to see the ice flakes on my windows before the day light melts them.

  

  I almost can’t believe I used to sleep until noon when I was in my early teens. Such a shame. Along with my natural alarm clock waking me up before 7, my decorative taste has matured as well. I find myself being drawn towards rustic, earthy, neutral items, and I constantly day dream about decorating whenever I wander stores.

  

  So simple, yet so wonderfully decorated.

  I’m discovering that my idea of a successful day is going for a walk with a thick jacket and wool socks. Wandering the market and enjoying a free cup of coffee. Daydreaming about decorating my own space, and brainstorming new craft ideas. Waking up before the sun, just to hear the stillness of the dark sky. Exchanging a smile with a stranger I’ll never see again, or stopping to savor a moment of quiet with a hot cup of tea.

  

  I’m quite content with the small things I find joy in, and have made it my mission to find something joyful in each and everyday. Chatting with a Starbucks customer about running, or buying someone in need a foot long sandwich, both provide equal feel good. Savoring a cupcake slowly, because these days I’m not sure when I’ll have another one.

  My older body doesn’t handle sugar quite like it used to, which has led me to another sugar detox. After one too many donuts and cookies this was necessary. It’s been four days and I thankfully haven’t had to shank anyone. Sometimes I get angry without my cookies. Christmas morning it’s game over and I plan to face plant into a pile of cinnamon rolls.

  

  Snack bowls instead!

  Balance is bliss, and one day I will find my balance when it comes to cupcakes…maybe.

  Q: What’s something that has changed for you over the last decade?

  

  | 59 Comments Tagged Cupcake, Random, Vegan

• String me Up

  Posted at 8:06 AM by Brittany, on December 9, 2013

  It had been a while since I crafted, so last week I decided it was time to make something new and exciting. I had pinned a few things on Pinterest that I wanted to make, and I just had to choose which to make first. I settled on a bowl..made of twine.

  

  This took me maybe 3 days total due to laziness, losing my glue, and allowing some of the twine to dry before I added more on. All in all this craft was crazy easy and I love it! Since the bowl is somewhat delicate, I decided to put dried rose buds in it for an elegant look.

  

  All you need for this craft is a large bowl, some twine, fabric glue, saran wrap, and scissors. You will also need some patience, and perhaps a glass of wine..this is quite the classy craft.

  

  Everything is fairly self explanatory, you will wrap the bowl in saran wrap and then cut your twine different lengths to cover the bowl. I poured my glue out onto a plate and got each strand of twine wet with it, and then wrung it out with my fingers. I put my twine in all different directions, and the bottom looks completely different from the sides.

  Note: When you’re done adding the twine, let the bowl sit overnight to fully dry before attempting to disconnect the twine bowl from the original bowl. Mine just popped off.

  

  Once I started this craft, I was worried it would be another three month project, but was jazzed that it only cost me three days. I had plenty of twine left, but not enough patience to make another bowl. I’m one of those, “make it once and love it forever” crafters.

  After showing one of my friends the outcome she was frothing at the mouth to make one, and I gave the rest of my twine and glue to her. She made a bowl in one night! I get just as excited when craft items get used up as when food gets used up. NO WASTE!

  

  To view the photo I was inspired by on Pinterest click here!

  Q: Do you like to craft?

  

  | 48 Comments Tagged Craft

• The Aftermath

  Posted at 7:44 AM by Brittany, on December 5, 2013

  Most of you know by now I ran another half marathon this past Sunday, and most of you know that I didn’t really train for it. I ran maybe three times within the month leading up to the race, the furthest distance being 5 miles. I am here to share with you what follows after a half marathon that you don’t really train for (strictly from my experience.) I will note that I did run a half marathon October 13, so I wasn’t completely at square one.

  First and foremost this was the first half that I ran with hunger pangs. I tend to not be hungry for hours after a long run, but I started to feel my stomach beast knocking around mile 9. Surprisingly I only ate two of the six Shot Bloks I had with me, I was more in the mood for real food. I already shared my decadent donuts with you all, but for good measure I’ll show them again…mainly because I just love looking at them.

  

  Directly after the race I ate a donut. Not the smartest idea, but I earned that shiat and I wolfed it down like a dog protecting his kibble. Once I made it home I was so hungry I was loosing my vision. OK not really, but I nearly fought my cat for a scrap of PB. Not really again..I don’t know where I am going with this. OH yes, after the race. I ate this..

  

  Plus another basket of fries. I was in such a carb coma I thought I was seeing unicorns made out of bread. It was pure magic. After walking around a bit I came home and ate more sugar. Clearly my body was saying, “HEY, I was not prepared for over two hours of running..fuel me up NOW..with sugar..and carbs.” Now I must detox from sugar.

  The real fun part of the aftermath was the next day. I woke up and nearly fell out of my bed. I was SO unbelievably sore it wasn’t even funny. Every time I had to bend down at work I let out a loud moan that sounded like I was being stabbed in the back. Note to self: recovery is SLOW when you are under-trained!! PREPARE TO BE SORE! I was sore through Tuesday, but somehow managed to go to spin class. It totally helped.

  

  Long story short here is what I learned going into a half marathon unprepared:

  1. It’s possible. You CAN run a half marathon unprepared. It will hurt, you will want to die, and you will want to stop..but you won’t and you will get donuts when you’re done.
  2. You will immediately be sore, and continue to be sore for DAYS after your race. MAJOR DOMS up in this biatch.
  3. You will be hungry all day compared to having a minimal appetite. This part I loved.
  4. You will feel like a boss, because you pulled 13 miles out of your back pocket.
  5. You will realize anything is possible.
  6. You will walk like a pregnant turtle with baby eggs stuck to her backside.
  7. You will decide it was all worth it, and you will want to look for another race just like you do when you train.
  8. Water helps…DRINK IT. Oh and stretch, a lot.
  9. The runners high of finishing a race is still amazing, if not better.
  10. Did I mention donuts?

  Q: Now who’s ready to sign up for 13 miles of pure awesome pain bliss?!

  

  | 59 Comments Tagged Half Marathon, Running, Vegan

• Seattle Half Marathon

  Posted at 8:35 AM by Brittany, on December 2, 2013

  I am here to write this post, which means I didn’t get lost somewhere on the course. Despite feeling like I wanted to die at times (OK, so that’s a bit dramatic) I survived and am very happy with my overall experience!! First, I must rewind to the day before the race. I was so jazzed to venture to Seattle, because I was able to meet MEGHAN!

  

  If only her co-blogger Rebekah came too!

  This unbelievably gorgeous gal (seriously..she was a babe) KILLED the FULL marathon and has a shiny new PR tucked into her back pocket!! Way to goooo M! We got lunch at The Veggie Grill, because I am obsessed and like to drag all my blog friends there. I had a blast with this girl, and we chatted as if we were long time friends. I love blogging!

  ONTO the race!! 3 AM came quick, but I was able to roll out of bed and get all my stuff together. I was running with one of my longtime friends, and she was picking me up around 3:40. I got my coffee and we hit the road!! We got to our parking spot EARLY, just how I like it. This left lots of time for bathroom breaks and photo ops.

  

  

  When you let someone else take your photo, 90% of the time it comes out blurry. OH and it was cold.

  7:30 came and we were off. Now let me just say..my friend up there..on the left…is a bit of a speedy-gon-haul-ass. Her pace is at least an entire minute faster than mine for most runs, but I ended up running with her for the first 4 miles. Finally, when I looked at my watch and saw I was running sub 9 min miles I knew I needed to calm down. I didn’t train for this race, and if I kept up this pace I’d never make it. I gave her my blessing and she took off. She ended up owning this race and finished about 15 minutes before me.

  The first half of the course was fine, I felt OK..not great..but OK. I hit mile 7 and my hips suddenly felt like they were carrying 10lb bags of sand. UGH. I was way too far from the end to feel like this. This is when I knew the remainder of the race was going to be almost 100% mental. I had to push..hard. This is also when the hills really started to show their ugly faces. Damn you hills, you killed my hips and lower back!

  

  but I don’t wanna!!!

  I ended up walking..A LOT. In fact I was shocked by how many OTHER people were walking as well. I have to admit I was easily influenced by others walking. I walked some of the hills that I just couldn’t fathom running up. In all reality it wouldn’t have been running anyway, more like an injured looking mouse hobbling away from a fox up the hill.

  The course was stunning, and I wish I would have appreciated the scenery more instead of focusing on my legs aching. We ran though woodsy trails, neighborhoods, and over the city. I felt like I was on top of the world at one point. My Garmin lost satellite around mile 4 so it was completely off, and I was convinced my time was going to be awful. I was shocked when I finally made it to the finish and saw that my time was 2:15, a 10:19 pace.

  

  I walked a lot, I didn’t train, the hills kicked my ass, and my legs felt like lead…but somehow I still managed to complete a half marathon FASTER than two of the three previous half’s I trained for. This time is 6 minutes slower than my PR, but I have NO complaints and I was more than jazzed about my finish.

  After the race I was walking like I just gave birth. My legs were like jello and any stairs I saw were quickly cursed at and made me want to cry. I sucked it up though, because I was on my way to Mighty-O to get myself some DONUTS! Will run for donuts..

  

  Overall I would say this race was a success. I’ve run a handful of race in Seattle, but this course was one of the prettiest. I would love to do it again next year..with proper training of course. Despite feeling like I was dying for 1/3 of the race it still went by fast and I earned my medal, and I destroyed an apple fritter.

  

  Q: How do you refuel after a long workout? After regular workouts I like to eat a healthy meal, but after a race I love to eat poison sugar! DONUTTT. 

  

  | 74 Comments Tagged Donuts, Half Marathon, Mighty-O, Race, Running, Seattle, Vegan

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• Contact: blissfulbritt@yahoo.com

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