1. Welcome to another dump of information about what’s been going on in the world of Brittany lately. I don’t know how, but it’s already July. My life has been very simple these days. I use simple instead of boring because I am trying to be mindful of my verbiage.
Life isn’t boring just because it’s slower paced. It’s simply…simple.
2. Duncan and I celebrated another year of partnership at the end of April. We had planned to go to Leavenworth, but after driving that direction the weekend prior for my half marathon I didn’t want to drive that way all over again so soon. We decided to spend the day in Seattle instead, something I haven’t done since 2021.
We went to the Pacific Science Center, somewhere I grew up going often. Sadly this place is a shell of its former self. It wasn’t worth the price, but I did get photographic evidence of my Raynaud’s which was pretty funny. Note the color of my hands next to Duncan’s “normal blood flow” hands.
3. It’s no secret around here that I love coffee. After working in the coffee world for seven years I think it will forever be part of my inner being. With that said, I am starting to get more into tea as well. I have always been a big fan of peppermint tea, but I have been somewhat obsessed with learning more about herbs and flowers so I can make my own loose leaf blends of medicine in a cup.
Loose leaf blends make me feel like I’m brewing a potion. My inner child loves it.
4. Speaking of coffee and tea, a new cafe popped up in my town recently. Duncan and I decided to try it, and upon entering I immediately knew I was going to enjoy sitting inside. The ambiance was top notch. Plants EVERYWHERE. The coffee was good (Duncan said best espresso he has ever had), and we were there during happy hour so I got a gluten free slice of cake for 1/2 off!
OH, and they had so many board games to play!
5. My last haircut was back in October. I have not gone more than 5 months without a haircut since December of 2017. My hairstylist moved, and my backup hairstylist is no longer at my backup salon. A mix of overwhelm at the idea of finding a new stylist and stress in life has caused me to let my hair get to a length I cannot stand.
The feeling of it on my neck and ears makes me want to shave my head every single day.
6. I am surprised by how many hikes I have already managed to squeeze in since May started. Not all of them are blog worthy, some are worthy of their own post, and a few are worthy of just a snippet of information with some photos. I’ll share two of the latter.
I hiked to Lake Angeles with my pals Caitlin and Jackie on a very blustery day. This was my third time hiking here and it’s always a good time. Just over 7 miles, about 2300′ of elevation gain, and a beautiful lake at the end.
I also hiked to the plane wreck on the Tull Canyon Trail – somewhere I tried to hike to last summer, but missed the turn off. This wreck is extra sad because the plane was sent on a SAR mission to rescue people who had already crashed in ANOTHER plane. Five of eight in the Tull Canyon crash survived. There is good information here if you are interested in deep diving.
This trail is moderate until the turn off to Tull Canyon, then it gets steep. The hike was around 9 miles with 1500′ gain (all in one spot.)
7. I’m moderately ashamed to admit that I have been hyper aware of my skin lately. My face looks like it aged 10 years seemingly overnight. Stress is likely a big contributor to this, but I’m also getting older and that’s just life. With that said, if anyone has any skin care recommendations let me know.
The caveat is that the products have to be “clean.” I’d sooner let myself look 20 years older than use toxic products.
8. One of the perks of my job is having first dibs on all the gear people return. With a one year return policy, people return nearly new items all the time simply because they didn’t like them. Sometimes after just one or two uses. We then reprice the items that are still able to be sold and put them into our “garage sale” type area.
I was able to snag a two person tent recently for a FRACTION of the cost. The people who returned it literally used it once and thought it was too heavy (they likely wanted it for backpacking.) I set it up in my backyard to see how Little liked it. He approves.
9. Little and I are in a bit of a weird limbo. We switched to a new vet two years ago after some struggle with his vet of many years, and I just discovered a few weeks ago that our new vet is leaving the clinic. I am hoarding his medications like a squirrel preparing for winter because I am so overwhelmed to find a new vet.
We might just ride the wave for a while, and I will take him somewhere new in 6-8 months just to establish a relationship.
10. Duncan and I went for our first bike ride of the year last week. We parked the car at one end of an island nearby, and biked 7.5 miles to the other end for coffee and a baked good. The weather was perfect, and I hope to do this ride again soon. We then biked the 7.5 miles back for a 15 mile jaunt, and I stopped at probably six Little Free Libraries.
I commandeered two new to me books, and it was so fun to see what each little box of books contained.
Give me a good bike ride or a good hike with food and coffee mixed in and I am a happy gal.
Q: What’s your confession?
Blissfulbritt 
51 thoughts on “Early Morning Confessions”
lifeat6mph
All in all, it sounds like life is good!
Brittany
I’m trying to see it that way too. 🤪
StoryhengeArt
What a lovely way to spend a morning with you and a cup of coffee. Yes. This is one of my favorites because of the honesty and joy of “simple”. I love simple.
On skin care? Baby shampoo to clean it (especially around the eyes) and 150 sunscreen in summer. Jason’s vitamin E cream at night and (day in winter).
Fear not the wrinkles as they will come if one is lucky enough to have vintage. I love my face at 72 because I get to have one.
Little looks fabulous – I am SO SAD to hear that the Pacific Science Center (I loved that one as well and it was GREAT no matter how many times I went!)
Keep “dumping” because I can tell it is very much a wonderful part of this life in these times.
Lorna
Brittany
Such a wonderful comment, thank you! I actually have Jason’s Vit E and I use it sporadically, but you’ve influenced me to use it more. Thank you for the reminder!
I have been working through the reality of life and wrinkles. I never thought I would be one who cares (truth be told I think it’s because Duncan is younger than me hah.) I love the perspective of having a wrinkled face meaning we get to have one. It means we’re alive and we have stories to tell.
The science center was honestly devastating. Duncan had never been and I was hyping it up to him. When we got there I was shocked. I’m glad they are still around, but for those of us who went in the 90’s and early 2000’s it will never be the same.
Sarah W
Lovely post and beautiful pictures too😊
Brittany
Thank you! These help me get my random thoughts out in a somewhat organized manner. 🤪
Sheree
Bike ride obvs
Brittany
The most beautiful bike rides!
mariezhuikov
I have Raynaud’s too — funny to see it on film! That view of Lake Angeles is spectacular. Not so simple, after all!
Brittany
I know Raynaud’s can be gnarly, I feel the tiny knives in my hands and feed everytime I loose and regain blood flow, but seeing this photo really puts it into a new light. I was cracking up, my lower arms look like a corpse. I love finding other people who know the struggle.
Liz H-H
No confessions, but I love that someone put a wooden chair by the Little Free Library!
Brittany
ME TOO! That’s also why I took a photo of this specific one. Such a fun touch.
Bonnie Rae
I pretty much love this. All of it. The hike looks wonderful and a better option these days than the grueling (but rewarding) Klahhane Ridge. My RA has been challenging as I step away from biologic hell. I’m down the Happy Healthy Hippie rabbit-hole and will have another chat with my naturopath. Congrats on the blog, what a lovely little portal to joy!
Brittany
Ohhh yes, Lake Angeles is sooo close to the Klahhane Ridge. I love that area of Hurricane Ridge, so incredible.
I’m so sorry about your RA, I don’t feel your literal pain, but I feel your pain in my own way with my Sjögren’s. Sometimes I just want to rip off my skin and start over with a fresh body. Lol. Sorry that was dramatic and graphic. I hope you can find some relief with your naturopath.
EJ Blogs
You’ve done so much! Loved that coffee shop with all the plants. We’ve really gotten into mountain biking this last month or so and tbh I think that’s all we’re going to do for the foreseeable, my boys are obsessed with it 😂
Brittany
That’s awesome about the mtn biking! I’m too much of a wimp to do that. I’ve tried very mild trails, but I definitely feel better on wider paths. You and the boys are brave!
Rootchopper
Plane crash sites give me the heebee jeebees. I ride by two frequently. I am thankful there are no plane parts. In high school I witnessed a crash. The plane flew overhead and crashed into a house about a minute later.
Brittany
They give me the heebie jeebies too. I tend to spiral in my mind about what happened and then go down rabbit holes trying to learn about them which sometimes makes it worse.
Duncan
I must admit, I was disappointed by the science center. But capturing that thermal image was interesting, and no one can go wrong with the butterfly exhibit. I still think we made it a fun day all in all. I stand by my recommendation of that espresso, it was fantastic! I cant help but notice in your picture that your destroyer appears skewed on the board. I will promptly mount a full inquiry to get to the bottom of this. The bike ride was a blast after the first 30 minutes and I would happily do it again, even if it means stopping by 4 free libraries every mile. The hyperlink regarding the Tubal Cain crash site is excellent, that’s the one I read as well! Here’s to the health of Little, and to more excursions in the future!
xoxo
Brittany
It was absolutely a fun day. I’m glad we went to Seattle.
We won’t talk about the battleship. I’m still salty about your win.
Bike rides this month, Caitlin will be gone all month essentially. Buckle up.
XxOO
Arctic Hare!
For non-toxic skincare suggestions – Pangea Organics or 100% Pure are currently what I am using for my face. I sometimes use Desert Essence too. Pangea is my skin’s favorite but unfortunately they are out of stock of the moisturizer that was working for me (and will be for the foreseeable time). So now I am searching for a replacement on EarthHero which pre-checks out items and companies for earth-friendliness etc, before adding them as an option on the site, and I am excited about some of the options!
Brittany
Thank you!!! I used Desert Essence once a long time ago for argan oil, and now I just buy it at Trader Joe’s. My face loves that oil. I will look into these suggestions thank you so much. I recently tried a Cocokind moisturizer and it’s “ok”, but it didn’t do much. EarthHero sounds awesome, just the kind of resource I’m looking for. 🙌🏻❤️
Arctic Hare!
Yay! So glad that resource may help! ^_^
Atheria
I didn’t know you deal with Reynaud’s besides Sjogren’s. I totally understand hoarding Little’s meds and worrying about finding a good vet. We have a horrible vet shortage here in Santa Fe. I found a blessing of a man, Dr. Phil Hinko, a few years ago, but he’s VERY elderly and could retire at any minute. I don’t know what I’ll do. He’s more affordable than most others (Euthanized and cremated Chakra for only $100 and did prior dental work on her for $350 when others wanted to charge $1,300-$1500!). He also will prescribe natural things when he can. He put Bleu, with his liver issue, on Denamarin (was able to find a cheaper generic version on Amazon) that is just milk thistle and SamE. Regarding shaving your head, since I’ve lost at least 60% of my hair now and am tired of wigs, I’ve thought about it. Washington is SO gorgeous! I’ve not been to Seattle in eons. It’s a great city. The cafe was lovely…very cozy.
Brittany
I’ve had Raynaud’s as long as I can remember. Growing up playing soccer was the worst in the cold months. I had no idea it was an autoimmune issue all these years though. 🤣
You have what sounds like the best vet. Anytime you talk about him I am equally happy you have him and jealous. He’s been such a blessing to your babies! But it’s also unsettling knowing he might be leaving soon. I definitely have an unsettled feeling right now.
Hair is such a pain sometimes. I wish more women would rock the shaved head, but also I know it’s scary. I’m scared too! 🤣
Kat
Hi! I, too, am becoming hyper aware of my skin. I use Brazilian Bum Bum Cream in Cheirosa 62 on my face. It took me an absurd amount of time to realize it is in fact supposed to be for your bum, but, if it can lift there, it can lift elsewhere 😂 I love the scent, but it is pretty strong. It doesn’t have SPF, so I use it in the evenings mostly. My skin is super sensitive, and I don’t break out with it. You look great in the biking picture, though! Definitely not like you aged 10 years overnight.
Brittany
LOLLLL I loveeee that you use a bum bum cream, but you’re right – if it is good for the bum it has to be good for all skin! I’ll check this out thank you for sharing.
Amy
2. I was wondering where you took this picture!! Crazy Raynaud’s… Still so funny seeing the difference in your hands! 😉 My mom and I took her dog for a walk at sunset last week, and the second toes on both of my feet turned white within two minutes of leaving the house in flip flops. In 70°F weather. 😂
4. What a fun spot! I love places with tons of plants and really wish I had a green (not black) thumb. Hooray for deals on desserts too!
5. I have yet to find a hairstylist that I fully trust and love where I live, so I usually schedule an appointment when I go back home to visit my parents with my childhood stylist. Because of the timing of the pandemic and our schedules, I went 2+ years without a haircut… Don’t exactly recommend — but at least it lead to a Locks of Love donation! 😉 I hope you find someone new soon!
6. I always love seeing the scenes from your hikes. Everything looks so picturesque and serene!
8 + 9. Little!!! He looks so happy in the tent. Finding a trustworthy vet can feel just as hard (if not more so!) than a trusted hairstylist, and I completely understand how Little’s age and needs could make it even more difficult. It’s emotional — and a roller coaster some days! Sending you big hugs and Little big ear rubs. ♡
Brittany
I hatteee when I loose blood flow when it’s warm outside. It happens to me too, and my main trigger is coffee. I refuse to give it up though. It happens overtime I got for a hike specifically if the car ride there is long.
I never realized how hard it was to find a good hair stylist until I chopped my hair off and had a few bad cuts. You can’t hide a bad pixie cut in a ponytail, so it’s traumatizing having to wait for it to grow. LOL
I admit I feel very unsettled right now not having a vet, but I am just trying to stay calm and keep him happy and healthy until it’s time to take him back in. If he didn’t get so stressed going to the vet (multiple drugs can’t calm him down) I would find a new one now, but since we just went I need to give him a break.
Amy
Our bodies can do such crazy things! I haven’t noticed any food or drinks that trigger my Raynaud’s yet, but I haven’t exactly paid very close attention. Now that I know that about you and coffee (and long car rides!), I wonder if there’s anything I’ve been missing!
Totally get it!! Traumatizing might even be an understatement… 😉 Although I’ve shed substantially more than an acceptable amount of tears after bad haircuts, none of mine have ever been as short as a pixie cut, so I can imagine how much worse that would be! Maybe it’s time to start stopping random strangers that you see with a haircut that you like and ask who their stylists are??? 😜
You sound like such a good cat mom!!! Taking a break until it’s necessary sounds like a really smart approach. At this point in our pets’ lives, their comfort and emotional stability is worth so much. (My dog hasn’t quite been the same since I took her in for her overdue shots last month, so I think you’re doing the right thing, for whatever that’s worth!) ♡
Brittany
I only recently (last five years or so) noticed the correlation between coffee and my Raynaud’s. I don’t notice it with any other food or drink. I haven’t tried decaf to experiment, but I presume it’s something with the caffeine and blood flow. But who knows!
I do ask women who cuts their hair! I haven’t done it for a while, and I do have a couple recommendations from other people, but I’m still scared? I don’t know. I think too much external overwhelm makes that very simple change task feel too much in a way. 🤣 good idea and good reminder.
Thanks for the reassurance about Little. I’m sorry to hear about your dog! I worry about shots and such with senior pets. Granted if your pup had them regularly I don’t worry as much, but my cat hasn’t had a shot or vaccine since he was a kitten (I actually had no idea they needed to be done regularly for indoor cats, my previous vet never mentioned updates), so when my new vet (the one who is now gone) told me I’d need to get a vaccine I was panicked. There is a risk with Little being so old and his body not used to the drug that I have chosen not to get the vaccine. I’m praying your doggo keeps chugging along and can get back to the same or a good baseline, even if just a wee bit longer! She’s such a fighter, our similar aged babies. ❤️
Amy
The caffeine and blood flow correlation would make sense! I’ve noticed that I experience a huge caffeine crash whenever I drink coffee, but I don’t notice a crash when I drink any other caffeinated beverage, even if their overall caffeine content is higher than coffee’s… So I’m willing to bet that there’s something unique about coffee’s caffeine and maybe its other chemical compounds that get extracted as well — and perhaps those are contributing factors?? (Now the ex-chemist in me is extremely curious and dying to know! 😂)
YES AND AMEN. I tried two different stylists after moving eight years ago, and after both butchered my hair, it took me another six years to find the courage to test another new one. I kept putting off haircuts and kept returning to my original stylist 500 miles away where my parents live instead. 😜 So there’s nothing wrong with being scared or feeling overwhelmed — I’m right there with you!
If I were in your shoes, I’d panic too! I’ve intentionally decided not to get my dog’s teeth cleaned for multiple years now, even though the vet both chastises and tells me “it’ll be fine” at every appointment, because I’m worried about her and the anesthesia. It used to take her weeks to act like herself again after going under, and even then, she didn’t seem to fully bounce back to normal. It was almost as if it sped up her aging process. All of this rambling is to say… You’re just as in tune with Little’s body and needs — if not even more so! — and you have an incredible intuition. If choosing not to get the vaccine feels like the right thing, then trust yourself!! You’re such an amazing cat mom and doing exactly what’s best for your precious Little. ❤️
Amy
PS Happy (belated) partnership anniversary to you and Duncan too!!!!!!
Phil Lengthorn
I’d say a great life, not ‘simple’. Cafe looks fab!
Brittany
Thanks Phil, I need to tell myself this more.
Allie Zottola
Little in the tent!! So cute. I cannot.
I love that cafe you guys went to. It’s sooo my vibe!
Happy (belated!) anniversary of partnership to you and Duncan!
Brittany
I wish Little could have stayed in the tent longer. He kept trying to stand on the side walls to look out the window, but he would have ripped the text with his claws. 🤣
stewedpears.com
The photo of the lake is so beautiful, that glacial green.
Brittany
I agree! It’s such a little gem. Worth the hike.
grimfoot
Living your best life! Some great photos and that coffee shop looks like a good place to get lost in a good book 🙂
Brittany
I think you’re right about the coffee shop. Just enough background noise, but not too much to be distracted!
Grace @ Cultural Life
I know what you mean, doing the same-old same-old can feel boring (I mean, simple). But I actually really like the simple life! Feeling that acutely now as May/June brought plenty of events with it and no small amount of work stress.
Happy anniversary to you and Duncan!
The hiking and biking routes you have on your doorstep look sooo beautiful! I wish I lived closer to mountains and nature than I currently do (but alas, jobs and stuff).
My confession is that, if I could, I would give up this corporate gig and work in a nature-based/sustainability field – maybe as a horticultural therapist or something akin to that.
Brittany
I’m happy things are calmer for you right now, after big bouts of stress a simpler life is absolutely necessary. I think for me it’s more I am not living where I want to be, so that means I feel more of an itch to travel, but my sweet baby kitty takes priority over that.
I am thankful I have routes to bike like this, I wish they were a tad closer. I have to drive 40 minutes to get somewhere I feel comfortable biking. I miss living in Germany where I could walk out my door and get right onto my bike. It has spoiled me for life!
Love your confession. I hope one day you can make that dream a reality. Life is too short!
Grace @ Cultural Life
Ah yes I understand what you mean. It’s really hard to feel settled if the place isn’t quite right. But you are doing your best for Little. And I hope you find a sympathetic new vet soon.
Having routes literally outside the door would be wonderful. My brother lives in a place like that (in Scotland) and has acres of forest to walk into. He can see it from his house. So lucky! I love it for him but also want that for myself haha.
Thank you 😊 I’d love to move into that field, I’m trying to figure out how to ‘pivot’ in the future. Maybe by starting out with some volunteering. I fell into my job (as a content writer for a research agency) almost by accident 10 years ago after I finished my university degree and have never worked anywhere else. Quite scary to think I’ve spent almost a third of my life so far working there!
Diana
I’m glad I’m not the only one who was bummed by the Pacific Science Center. I definitely remembered it being better in the past.
Brittany
I was truly shocked. I had been hyping it up to Duncan, telling him how amazing it was. When we got inside, I was looking everywhere for the featured exhibit (I remember these sometimes taking up entire building’s), but sadly discovered the featured exhibit was a small corner in one of the already established buildings. So many cool things were gone (like the shadow wall!) It made me a little sad to be honest. It was such a big part of my childhood.
Travelbloggingacademy
Very inspirational blog post! What is your favourite destination?
Brittany
Oh gosh, like in the world? I don’t know if I can choose just one, but if I had to it would be Garmisch-Partenkirchen. And I of course love Washington State which is my home state.
Travelbloggingacademy
That’s so awesome! I still didn’t explore the Garmisch-Partenkirchen. I start by the way a Master Program of Travel Journalism. Maybe cool for you to check it out? https://perutours.nl/academy/
Brittany
I will, thanks for sharing.
Travelbloggingacademy
Of course Brittany, we start this Sunday at 8 pm (Amsterdam timezone). Please share your email with me in case you want to join the intro lesson. 🙂