Here’s how this post is going to work: I’m going to randomly share a few updates in my life, because despite this article telling me I shouldn’t (number 2) this is my life and I do what I waaaannnt. Plus I disagree with that article.
Then I’m going to share a life tip related to the update. Got it? Good.
-Coffee. In the world of black crack things are smooth, pun intended. Starbucks has released Casi Cielo and I’ve had a few at work coffee tastings with the brew. My favorite tasting was one that my manager conducted. (Side note: I’m totally still sipping on Christmas blend while I write this post.)
Coffee and cookies.
She always goes above and beyond to ensure I can partake in things. These are vegan cookies, and the gingersnap flavors paired great. I love my people.
COFFEE TIP: When brewing your morning coffee, pour hot water into your mug while you’re waiting. This will warm up your mug (duh) and minimize heat loss.
-Running. My running has been fantastic. Like…I can’t believe it’s not butter fantastic. I’m going to blame the fact that I have an excellent balance in my life right now. It’s also hard to beat fantastic views and post run showers/feasting.
(Winter) RUNNING TIP: If you have the option, start your run inside. I despise running on my treadmill for long distances as much as I despise cold lungs. Combining indoor/outdoor helps my mental stability and gives me big fat warm lungs.
-School. Ohhh boyyyy, here we go. I’m a solid week into the next level of my chemistry class…and…it’s going OK. I’m knocking on every patch of wood I see after typing that out. I refuse to let this class go down in flames like the last class. I finished the last class with a B, so I’m hoping for AT LEAST a B+ this time.
For this I also blame life balance. Funny how switching things around to provide a routine can benefit the overall flow of life. If you can, I suggest you try it.
Usually the case for me.
SCHOOL TIP: This actually goes for school/work/anything really..PACK YOUR LUNCH. Seriously, you’ve all heard it before, so DO IT! Prepping your meals ENSURES a healthy intake which ensures my favorite word: B A L A N C E. It also helps your pants to fit despite sitting for longer periods of time. I like when my pants fit.
-Food. I’ve had the chance to get some baking in (there’s that balance again.) along with some solid meals. My current obsessions are: raw desserts, and anything with coconut flour. I’ve also been really into making things without refined sugars.
I made this…
Click photo for recipe.
…and these…
Cliccckkk.
I subbed flax eggs for both of those, and swapped sugars for raw honey. The muffins came out perfect, but my bread looked like a sunken ship. The icing was too watery and made my bread too moist. Waste not though, I turned it into more of a bread pudding because the flavor was still good!
FOOD TIP: Try using food to add sweetness to your baked goods. Dates, bananas, apples, raw honey, maple syrup, and more. All of these have helped satisfy my sweet tooth while allowing me to feel good about what I’m putting into my face hole.
CliffsNotes Version: When life is balanced, things work together like a beautifully harmonized song. All that’s missing is a mountain adventure. and cake.
Q: What’s your life tip for the day?
Blissfulbritt 
69 thoughts on “A Side of Tips”
briana1010
I also totally disagree w/#2 of that article. My favorite blogs to read are when I feel like I get to know the person a little bit AND get helpful info.
Also, re: packing your lunch for school, ABSOLUTELY! I start this week, and if I don’t start planning I end up at Popeye’s chicken. I’m not sure how many of these are vegan, but I just saw this great lunch recipe list on Buzzfeed – http://www.buzzfeed.com/mackenziekruvant/easy-healthy-lunches#.ccyNvnqyZ
Brittany
OMG #’s 3,5,6,7,10,12,17, and 21 have me DROOLING! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
kamillej2014
Totally pack your lunch – I even do at home so I’m not forced to eat something less nutritious.
Thanks for link!
Skinny Jeans Mum
megasaurusyoung
Awesome running tip! I’ll have to try it… I love running outside, but this cold man, it’s killing me. Slipping and breaking myself on ice is also an ever-present fear as well… my tip – if you have a list of things to do and “go to the bathroom” is one of them… do that one first, especially if “get some water” is on the list as well. ❤
Annie at TheLittleGSP.com
I agree that the blogging mistake #2 is way off base. Of course readers care about you, your life or your stories… that’s why we’re reading YOUR blog instead of a dictionary! (Also, ironically, the article ends with “What your readers need is you — your wisdom, your ideas, your unique stories on your chosen area of expertise.” so um… isn’t that the same as readers caring about you????) Silly article.
I have trouble following bloggers that never, ever mention random things about what’s going on in their lives. Even if I don’t relate specifically to what they’re saying I still have a much better chance of remembering who that person is which makes following them much more pleasant.
Also… good tip about starting your run inside. Then you’re all warmed up and ready to face the bitter, bone-chilling freezing January weather. (ugh) I’m looking forward to spring! 🙂
charissarunning
That tip to bring lunch – best one there is! I know this and yet, I typically don’t do it *sigh*. I should really make this a new year goal of mine!
Britta
Oh the best. You are going to kick Chemistry’s ass this semester! I can just feel it. Hmmm I just want all of the sweet things. Good sweet things (I ate the most unreal chocolate almond croissant yesterday, so.. no judging). Agreed to packing lunch – so helpful! But sometimes I get bored packing my own lunch, I don’t have variety, I just eat the same thing. So I need to get a little more creative 🙂
life tip of the day… erm….I think you already do this but: wake up 30 minutes earlier, sip coffee all by yourself, and I promise your day will start perfectly – in silence and peace before all the chaos of the day.
Brittany
You need to go to that link from the first comment on this post. So many yummy ideas.
I’ve adjusted my schedule so that I get ALL THE TIME IN THE WORLD for my morning coffee 80% of my week. It’s pure magic.
bobbyjessica2319
Haha. “I can’t believe it’s not butter good” lol. Too funny. Umm, my running has been sucking, food never sticks, but I have been reading way too unhealthy. So I think I need rebalance my life. Augh.
bobbyjessica2319
Wow fail. I need to proofread before I post. I meant “food never sucks” and I have been EATING not reading. . Augh sorry
Brittany
HAH! 😉
The Vegan 8
Haha…I read that article the other day. Agree with most points, but yeah #2 is not exactly accurate. Some of my most meaningful relationships and connections with my readers have come after I shared something personal on my blog, which I don’t do too often, but they say they feel more connected to me now and that my recipes mean that much more to them, so yes, personal is good. I don’t believe in getting TOO personal, but a good dose of showing your human is a good thing! Great tips girl!
thewhisperingpen
My life tip: Smile often!
Heather @ HeatherRunsFast.com
I REALLY want to attend one of your coffee pairings/tastings! I swoon every time you talk about them! I feel like I just went to a fun little elective class and learned so much through anecdotal evidence. My tip: Look both ways before you cross the road. Oh, and drink a shit ton of water 🙂 Does a body good!
Brittany
I’m glad someone enjoys them, cause I sure love writing those posts!! HAHA. I drink NO LESS than 90-100 oz a day, and even a pipette droplet less I feel like a fish out of water. Best tip.
SY
Great running tip….I never thought about that before….may have to try it today…and of course love the pictures of FOOD!!! Saving these for the future!!!
Sarah Herrin
Post-run showers are the bessst. I hate the treadmill with the fire of a thousands suns, too. I get bored after two seconds. Sometimes I warm-up for a mile on the tread and then take my happy feet outside. 🙂
Brittany
I’m pretty sure the phrase, “I hate the treadmill with the fire of a thousands suns” is my new favorite phrase. I died.
Amy @ A Desert Girl
Kevin is beyond excited for Casi Cielo. It’s his favorite. Your running views are the best! Great tip about starting the run indoors to warm the lungs and body up!
hellotofit
Oh, puh-lease don’t stop writing about your life! I love reading your updates. So awesome that your running is going well — the views in your pics are sweet! Best of luck on chem this semester…I was not as committed as I should have been and got C’s in both levels. Oops.
BabetaRuns
Hmm! Big time “NO” to rule number 2!
For me, this is what makes blogs interesting, fun and wanting to come back for me – when I think the person who writes it is interesting and fun! 🙂
Balance in life… I have been eating way too much sugar in the last two weeks and my face has now turned into one big spot. (And I always thought that when I’m over 30, spots will be over.)Grrr! So I may just look up some no sugar recipes!
Christie Wang
Hey Brittany!
Huge fan of this post! I agree with ALL of the above. I feel like as I get older, I learn more and more about BALANCE. Juggling school, fitness, wellness, spirituality, relationships, mental health etc. is a huge challenge.
http://www.theweekdaytable.wordpress.com
katalysthealth
Starting your run inside is a genius idea. I’m not a runner, but when I have soccer games in the cold it takes FOREVER to get warmed up. My feet literally are numb almost the entire first half! Man my sugar has been out of control lately, and my face is starting to show how much it doesn’t like it! Need to clean that stuff up asap. If only I could find a way to stop eating so much dang ice cream…. 😉
herbieontherun
That article is shit. No life stories What, like we all want to read a bunch of how-to blogs? I’ve made some damn good friends through the blogging community and it wasn’t because they posted countless “tips for running your first marathon” posts. You make connections through common interests and common lifestyles, and that’s what I love most about blogging. I actually stop following blogs when they get too big for their britches and switch to a format like what that article is suggesting. LAME!
Brittany
AGREED…to all of this!
Lauren @ ihadabiglunch
Glad to hear you’re feeling more balanced and in control of your time! I feel like succeeding in anything, especially a chemistry class, requires that haha. Those desserts at the end are mouth-watering. I love lemon desserts! You either love them or you hate them. And I’d definitely love running too if that was my view 😉 jk I still love running
Matt @ Runner Savvy
Yay for good runs 🙂
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets
Oh my gawd, that article was awful. I just read one which said you need to post in 500 words or less, and I was thinking what if the point of blogging was so you could write? What if that’s your creative muscle? Should it be limited to 500 words or less. I say hogwash, even though that article would disagree with that too. Also, I want to hear about you.
I’m so glad you’re getting your balance back. It does make a world of difference. Keep on baking, coffee tasting and running, even when chemistry tells you you can’t.
Brittany
Right!? What a joke article bahaha, so glad we all agree. I’m going to tell chem you gave me permission to do other things…which I’ve been doing anyway and still maintaining my feet. It’s a wonderful thing. I hope it’s going well for your hubby too.
Food, Booze, & Baggage
Pretty picture!! So glad things are balancing out for you, sounds like an awesome start to the new year!! I have not tried coconut flour. I also have wanted to try coconut sugar but haven’t done that either. Best of luck in your Chemistry class!
Ellie
My life tip of the day is to wear cute boots in the winter. It makes you feel 10 degrees warmer and much happier. Getting pretty makes the bad weather a bit more bearable.
P
I’m glad your running has been going so smoothly! I especially love it when I get to run outdoors as soon as I wake up in the morning. Makes the rest of the day feel much more balanced 🙂
kamillej2014
Loving coconut anything; such a subtle sweetness.
Great to be enjoying running; sometime I feel like I could fly!
Skinny Jeans Mum
Amy
You’re totally going to ace this chem class!! Which one is it? I’m mildly curious… 😉 My guy is TAing ochem this quarter, and he’s been using my old TA notes. We’re quite the couple! P.S. SO SMART about hot water in a coffee mug!! I need to try that!
Brittany
You two are adorable, I love it. How convenient for him to have you as a girlfriend! I’m just taking the next level of genchem, there are three levels and thankfully I only have to take two!! Then it’s onto the ochem, ojoy. 🙂
Amy
Let me know when you hit OChem, and we’ll be happy to help! 😉
Aja
Those are great tips and those treats look amazing. I’ve been itching to bake but it’s Monday and I probably won’t have time until the weekend. 😦 Good luck this quarter/semester!
Katie T
I love that you cast the article’s “advice” aside and owned you. You seem to embrace that life time well (most people, including myself at times, don’t!) Best of luck in school! As a Humanities person, all things related to chemistry are simply another language to me.
My life advice: never leave home without a book.
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
I’m already missing my beloved Christmas blend. It needs to be Christmas again — just for the coffee 😉 And that’s so awesome that things in your life are falling into place. I’m jealous 😛 My scales are tipped a little too far towards the work and school side, so I’m hoping to make some adjustments to that soon because all work and no play is… no fun.
kathy c.
i’m allllll about balance! you are 10000% right – when life is balanced, all is good. so glad that things are all in place for you 🙂
Laura @ the gluten-free treadmill
Yes! Love everything in this post! And hooray for people who support our food choices instead of judging them!
Brittany
It’s sad that there are more people that judge, but it does make moments like these extra special!! 🙂
Rach @ This Italian Family
You finished that class with a B?! Girl, that’s awesome considering how you felt about it! Way to go! Knocking on wood for you for this semester’s classes too!
Shawna
welp i’m apparently entirely self indulgent too, then. rock on with our fun selves. 🙂 love your blog, don’t change a thing!
Melanie
I love that your running is fantastic!!! I’ve been struggling with running, but I’m hoping to ramp it up soon. I’m hoping to be able to say running is fantastic for me too soon! I love your “split the run up on the treadmill and outside” tip. Such a great idea and I think it would make the run seem to go by quicker. I’m also dying over that lemon bread….paleo too!! Those muffins look heavenly as well. Yuuuummmmm.
An Unrefined Vegan
I’m in awe of the chemistry thing. A B grade sounds awesome to those of us who are scientifically-thinking challenged!
Nicola
Get up earlier than you need to and potter! No rushing out the door – gives you a little peace before the onslaught of the outside world.
earthzenmama
I love Casi Cielo! Good thing my mama bear manages a store and provides me with my black crack 🙂 Also, heck yes, pack your lunch!!! I have been doing this since I was a wee one and have never looked back. Tip of the day: When in doubt, run it out. Also, everything is better slathered in peanut butter.
GiGi Eats Celebrities
Copyblogger can suck a huge D and choke on it too because I CARE 1010001032938247239 % about you and your life!
Arman @ thebigmansworld
That article can kiss my latte coloured ass.
I legit had a sunken cake scenario too. I ate it on toast. It was THAT sunken.
Brittany
I like the way you re-purpose your bread into a spread…for bread.
Vanessa @ VeganFamilyRecipes.com
Christmas blend all the way! I stock up on that so I can drink until about April lol. I love that you shared these things about yourself. My life tip: Be yourself, life is too short to try to be someone your not. Embrace your weirdness 🙂
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy
I really hate articles that have “blogger rules”. Isn’t that the point of blogs, that they are our little space and we talk about what we want? You keep doing what you are doing!
Lucie Elizabeth (@CollectingLight)
Starbucks coffee, I JUST don’t like it! Maybe its different in the US than it is in the UK?! I hope so! Andddddddddd, that cake looks AAAAAAAAmazing! Please ship some over to England for me, thank =]
theglowwithin.com
Brittany
It’s alllll good, although I will say that Starbucks has SO many options other than the few that are brewed on tap. I had no idea how big the world of Starbucks coffee beans were until I started working there. I guarantee I could find a bag of beans you liked, but for now I support your decision against it. 😉
harveylisam
Totally with you on packing a lunch. I keep being too lazy to pack it at night and then don’t wake up in the morning with enough time, so I make terrible food choices during the day. No more!
Christina Does It All
One of my biggest pet peeves is blog lists telling people what to do. YOU DO WHAT YOU WANT GIRL. We all love your blog for it. 😉 As a side note, I am starting a petition to have all of my blogger friends who cook things and then post them and make me hungry come to my house and cook for me immediately. It’s only fair. 😛
Christina Does It All
I am the only one signing this petition but I feel like that should be enough.
Brittany
HAHA I was just on Rach’s blog and saw your comment and almost replied!! HOW FUN would that be to have a big party somewhere with all of us and ALL THE FOOD!!
Christina Does It All
UM. YES.
Lan | morestomach
i signed up for 3 halfs this year and i am constantly asking myself why. i hate running, i don’t get the high every runner seems to get. but i am getting older and i need to be able to keep my booty size in check, and so i run. it’s cold right now in MD so i do my running on a treadmill in my office building. i go during off peak hours, it breaks my day up and i’m not huffing/puffing/swearing with other people who are in there temporarily cus of their new year’s resolutions. my tip: middle of the day work out during the work week and longer runs on weekends so you can build your cold tolerance.
Brittany
My runners high usually comes the moment my run is done. The moment I am walking into my kitchen to eat whatever my heart desires. I do enjoy some runs in the moment, but I also despise some too. It’s all about the big picture. I run so I can eat and fit my pants, and you run for your booty!! I can’t deny the confidence that comes with running too.
foodielovesfitness
Oh yesss, I love using banana, honey, and dates to sweeten things! Glad to hear that running is going so well lately. YOU GO WOMAN!
Luv What You Do
Oh I hated chem! Hang in there!
Love your THM!
Choc Chip Uru
My life tip: Eat more study less 🙂
I feel that vibe from you hehe
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Nikki@will run for pizza
Balance is definitely key!!! Glad you found some balance for this chapter of your life! GREAT tip for winter running! Now that I have a TM, I think I will have use your piece of wisdom! My life tip: get off the computer about an hour before bed – it will allow you to actually sleep! 🙂
HappinessSavouredHot
Those are good tips! I’m always on the lookout for ways to simplify my life, especially this year with my Less is More project. Thank you!
cookingwithteamj
This looks delicious! I think i’m going to give it a try 🙂
di @ life of di.
Great tips Brittany 🙂 I have taken your advice and have been pouring hot water into my coffee mug in the morning! I can’t believe I didn’t think of that before. PS- Glad you have found balance during this busy time in your life. That’s what I’m trying to figure out right now. EEK.