Author Archives: Brittany

• Muscle Massage

  Posted at 7:05 AM by Brittany, on January 18, 2016

  Although I find myself running much less in the winter months, my desire for a good massage never dies. Maybe it’s the grey skies, or maybe it’s the cold weather, but I find myself hibernating more in the winter. I think my spirit animal is a bear because I’m all about facilitating tissue insulation through cookie consumption.

  

  

  I digress…

  When I’m running a lot my muscles become accustomed to the wear and tear I put them through, & when I run less I feel each mile much quicker. No surprises there.

  

  Is it just me, or does the map route of this run look similar to the shape of the state?

  While I was in Arizona I ran more in those two weeks than I had in the entire month of December. This meant my muscles felt the fatigue of my neglect. I use a foam roller, but these days I only use it for my back. Plus bringing a giant foam tube on an airplane just isn’t feasible when you need every ounce of space for snacks.

  

  Along with many sunny Arizona runs I also watched a lot of movies, spent new years eve volunteering the same way I did last year, went on a few bike rides, hiked a couple mountains, and had many lovely conversations with family.

  

  

  With all this adventuring my step mom was kind enough to buy me a massage that satisfied every fiber of my being, but massages aren’t cheap and my shoulders and neck resemble a field of clustered grape vines. Insert tiger tail, a small and easy way to bring my massage with me everywhere I go! 

  This hand held massage tool is SO convenient for spots like quads and necks. Or at least that’s what I’ve been using mine for. The euphoria I feel when I use this on my neck is like that of a monkey finding bugs in their fur. I have the classic, but there is an even smaller one for easier portability.

  While I base my muscle rolling on feel (hurtssss so goooood), it’s nice to have a reference of trigger spots to search for. The happy muscles book intrigued my inner science lover and was like a mini anatomy class.

  Nothing beats an actual massage, but at $80 a pop I find paying $35 one time for a muscle roller to be a much better option. Plus, I’m all about shopping local. Since being back home in Washington I’ve only run four miles (whoa there, slow down Brittany), but the knots in my neck are still large and in charge.

  

  Muscle fuel.

  Stretch more, eat green, drink water, roll muscles – the way to a happy body and happy mind. Oh and in my case, EAT. LESS. SUGAR. One day I’ll master that. 😉

  Q: Do you take care of your muscles like you should? I’m a work in progress.

  

  | 69 Comments Tagged Arizona, Muscles, Review, Run, Vegan

• May the Life Force Be with You

  Posted at 7:00 AM by Brittany, on January 11, 2016

  “Prana (प्राण, prāṇa) is the Sanskrit word for “life force” and the term refers collectively to all cosmic energy, permeating the universe on all levels.”

  Have you ever stopped to sit with your thoughts? No distractions, no deadlines, no where to be, just you and your brain noise. I’ve been more in touch with my thoughts lately than I ever have been, both good and bad.

  This energy pull within the universe can be controlled simply by the manifestations you project within your own head. My goal for 2016 was to honor my thoughts and focus more on paying attention to them, and so far I’m off to a good start.

  

  As I watched the Star Wars movies with my family in Arizona the last couple weeks (I’m back home now) I realized this principle of “controlling” your mind made its way to the big screen back in 1977 when the movies were first released.

  In order to be a successful Jedi, one must be aware their thoughts to prevent them from slipping over to the dark side. When we let our negative thoughts take over, life becomes somewhat of a spiral. If only we all had someone like Yoda to fall back on.

  

  I’m Brittany, and I’m 12 yrs old.

  Jedi’s remind me of Yogis in a way. Both have a peaceful way about them and enjoy helping others. I’ve been going through a bit of an odd spot in my life lately where I’ve had to work hard to ensure my thoughts stay on track. To facilitate this process I’ve been trying to become a Jedi incorporate more yoga into my days.

  

  To be a Jedi, one must have the proper gear. I took it upon myself to ensure I’m bundled and ready to get my zen on with none other than prAna clothing company. With a mission to inspire healthy, active, and free-spirited living, I knew I had to get myself some of their clothes. The holidays may be over, but sale items stop for no one.

  I’m usually all about comfort without caring about style, but with prAna the two worlds collide. Just like a Jedi and a Yogi. I’ve clearly been bitten by the Star Wars bug.

  

  

  

  

  I fell in love with these two items and haven’t taken them off. So soft, so cozy, fit like a glove, and perfect for work and play. A company that seeks out sustainable ways of life for products and people just screams positive vibes.

  Prana means life force, Jedi mind mastering uses the force, and when combined to ensure a happy and healthy life I leave you with this: may the life force be with you. 

  Q: How do you practice manifesting a life you want? I’m all about the hippie dippie vibes. Manifest your destiny, and life follows somewhere behind.

  

  | 72 Comments Tagged Arizona, Manifesting, Prana, Review, Star Wars, Yoga

• Early Morning Confessions

  Posted at 6:00 AM by Brittany, on January 5, 2016

  1. I’ve caught myself a dose of writers block. I want to share photos of my recent adventures, but I don’t have a segue that I’m happy with so that means I just have to jump into it, Early Morning Confession style.

  2. While I enjoy rest and relaxation, I struggle sitting still. This has resulted in a handful of hikes during my current trip to Arizona.

  

  

  3. I’ve enjoyed each adventure into the mountains with members of my family, and nothing beats discussing life, the future, and the color brown.

  4. With these discussions comes a lot of reflecting on life.

  

  

  5. Each winter when I visit Arizona my family and I watch a series of movies. Last year was a Marvel movie marathon, the year before was Harry Potter, and this year…Star Wars. Just when I thought I wasn’t a fan, I’ve succumb to the force.

  6. While on a run I tried to grab a dime that was stuck in the road and I cracked the cement. I then saw a three armed gingerbread man.

  

  7. Despite my failed attempt to grab the dime, I have found $0.32 on my trip thus far. I wonder how much of my plane ticket that covers.

  8. I miss my bike, but have been taking advantage of some temporary wheels.

  

  9. I start school next Monday. I have been in a cycle of start, stop, start, stop for years and I’m finally ready to finish. For real this time. 😉 More on this when I’m done.

  10. My friend makes the most EPIC Katniss inspired cowl scarves, and I am so in love with them. I’ll be buying one, and I think you should too.

  Q: What’s your confession?

  

  | 95 Comments Tagged Arizona, Confessions, Hike, Run, Squaw Peak

• Reflections over Resolutions

  Posted at 9:25 AM by Brittany, on December 31, 2015

  I fully understand the importance of having a full time job, saving for the future, using my resources to my advantage, and “adulting” in a responsible way. I take great pride in watching my IRA and 401K grow each and everyday.

  

  With that said, I also understand the importance of living life to the fullest, whatever that may mean for you. I write these posts once every so many months, and find they are predominently written when I am away from the high paced, somewhat high stress environment that comes with a job like mine.

  

  Don’t get me wrong, I am 100% aware that what I think I become, and what I feel I project. My stress is 100% self made and it’s my choice whether or not I have a smooth day or a tough day. I can manifest my own destiny day in and day out.

  How powerful is that?

  

  These posts flare up when I have time to reflect, to think, to just be. Vacation is a fantastic opportunity to not only reset your body, but reset your mind.

  I often leave my vacations with a better mindset on how I want to live my life, in and out of a 9-5 job scene.

  

  Granted I don’t work a 9-5 job, I have chump change for a daily routine, and some days are a cake walk, but you get the idea.

  

  The feelings I get after a great run are the feelings I want in life. A sense of accomplishment from something only I have control over. I am the one to determine the effort put into each and everything I do, and at the end of the day I am the only one with control over how I view what I’ve done to succeed in life.

  Success comes in many shapes and sizes.

  

  I take comfort knowing that I am setting myself up for a future I want, but I have also made an attempt to fully accept living each day for what it is. The stress of society is not something I want to be too caught up in, and as I reflect on my year, my life, and my being, I am discovering more of what I want in my life and what I view as success.

  I finally believe that when you quiet your mind of negative thoughts, allow your creativity to flow, and accept the present moment, life works the way it’s meant to.

  

  As my last post of 2015, I leave with a compilation of reflections. My only goal for 2016 is to further explore the power of my own thoughts, and how to start listening to them better. I want to take more risks, climb more mountains, eat more food, drink more coffee, and help more people. In sum I want to be fully and 100% alive.

  What good is a life spent in an environment where you don’t actually feel alive? It’s a waste of precious chromosomes if you ask me, and I’m not one to waste.

  

  Arizona, what is this bright thing?

  No questions, just spewing brain sludge today. Cheers to a happy, healthy, and successful 2016 – whatever that means to you!

  

  | 80 Comments Tagged Arizona, New Year, Reflection, Running, Vacation

• Bubble Jaw

  Posted at 9:10 AM by Brittany, on December 21, 2015

  Well my friends, the deed has been done. I am on day four of recovery after having oral surgery last week and things are looking up.

  

  The surgeon described the cyst in my jaw as looking like a bubble, hence the title of this post. For those of you that are just tuning in I had a mandibular cyst that was noticed back in March and has continued to grow. Naturally I got all kinds of curious about these things and decided to watch a YouTube video at 1am after my surgery.

  If you can handle guts and gore, and are as intrigued as I am LOOK AT THIS.

  OH. MY. GOSH.

  

  Soft food diet – oatmeal and ice cream at midnight.

  I’ll keep my words short, I had a video to share that chronicled my day, but I no longer have the footage. Basically it’s showing how whiny I get without food (I went 28 hours without as much as a crumb) and how swollen my face looked. Oh and my mom recorded me after the surgery. That was fun.

  In order to fully go to Infinity and Beyond while under anesthesia I wore the appropriate attire. I’m now thinking about turning this into a fashion blog.

  

  #ootd

  My only complaint aside from feeling like I was dying because I couldn’t eat (dramatic much?) was the pain…IN MY HAND. I had minimal pain in my mouth and didn’t even fill my prescription for pain meds, but my hand hurt like hell. I had an IV stabbed delicately placed into my vein.

  It’s still bruised.

  

  OK I’m done whining, the procedure went well, everyone did great, and I’m just nursing the remaining swelling. Life is good.

  

  Or maybe I’m hoarding chestnuts for the winter. One will never know.

  Q:  What’s the longest you’ve gone without food? Clearly I’m still dwelling on this…

  

  | 73 Comments Tagged Ice Cream, Surgery

• Customized iPhone Case for the Techie in Your Life

  Posted at 5:51 AM by Brittany, on December 3, 2015

  *This giveaway is now closed*

  I’m somewhat of a black and white person. I don’t stray far from routine (what little routine I have right now), I don’t like change (though I seek it because I know it’s good for me), and my style has tones of black and…black.

  I mean…just look at my blog layout. 😉

  

  With all that said, when I got an e-mail from Elin at CaseApp asking me to design my own personalized cell phone case, a case which would not only change my current one, but take it from black to something more lively – I was intrigued.

  Maybe.

  

  What do you mean it’s time for some color!?

  I don’t consider myself very creative in this way, and I initially had no idea what I wanted to put onto my new cell phone case. Attempting to keep things simple I dabbled in the idea of a white case, with one simple tree in the bottom left corner.

  

  Look familiar? What can I say, I have simple taste.

  

  After much deliberation (10 minutes of trying different designs) it came it me.

  This website allows you to upload photos you’ve taken to make your case a truly unique, one of a kind product. Sold.

  

  The cases have two layers to protect your phone when you trip on non existing stumps, which leads me to the photo I chose.

  After a quick photo library peruse, I found it. This image satisfies simplicity, change, and a separation from my black and white tendencies. Plus now when I look at my phone I’m inspired to get outside. A favorite photo from this hike.

  

  I admit I was unsure of how the quality would turn out, but I have no complaints. The case is sleek, smooth, and fit my phone like a glove. I also worried about the white picking up stains or scratches easier, because let’s be real – I’m not always careful.

  After using this case for more than two weeks I can say the coffee stains, and chocolate smears came off with ease. Must be the matte material.

  

  If you’re looking for holiday gift ideas I highly recommend CaseApp for an affordable and custom iPhone (OR LAPTOP, iPad or Samasung Galaxy) case! Or if you’re really lacking creativity, they have a handful of already designed cases that are great.

  

  Despite my black and white preference, I do like this one!

  The kind folks at CaseApp have offered you all a chance to win a free customized case design, along with a 20% off code. Everyone can use the code “BLISSFUL20” at checkout for an immediate 20% off, but if you want to play the cards first for a chance to win a free one simply leave a comment answering the question below.

  

  I’m also not very patient at times, so I’d probably just go design my own.

  Click here to get started making your own case!

  Q: What would you put on your case?

  

  | 41 Comments Tagged Christmas, Gifts, Giveaway, iPhone, Review

• Runners Trots

  Posted at 6:25 AM by Brittany, on November 30, 2015

  Working retail has given me a perspective on people that I am immensely thankful for. While you might think (and hope) people are kinder around the holidays, sometimes it’s the complete opposite.

  

  Serving impatient and sometimes unkind people has made me more compassionate, more understanding, and more willing to help others. I am thankful for this perspective because heaven forbid I loose my shit when a coffee shop runs out of cookies. OK so I kind of understand…

  

  I’ve worked the morning coffee crowd the last two Thanksgivings, so this year I was excited to have the entire day off. This meant I could participate in my first Turkey Trot. What kind of runners trots were you thinking?

  

  I dragged my family with me at 6:45 am to come stand in 30 degree weather while I ran 6.2 miles. The course was gorgeous, the sun was shining, and the hills kept me warm despite the cold temps.

  

  I didn’t see any other runners wearing Vibram’s, but I saw enough spit on the ground to worry about my feet catching hepatitis. I didn’t verbalize any goals, but secretly I wanted to beat my previous “official” 10K PR, and finish in under an hour.

  Turned out despite my lack of running lately I not only accomplished this, but I had plenty of wiggle room. 6.2 miles in 58 minutes and 11 seconds, plus an extra .07 miles due to spastic running tendencies.

  

  Post trot shenanigans I found my way into the kitchen to prep for the feast.

  

  

  What does a dairy, and meat free Thanksgiving look like? It looks like real food. I find great joy in making feasts from scratch. Everything was homemade, from the love of my fingertips. Like a wizard.

  

  Then of course, the real reason I ran…my version of pumpkin pie.

  

  I took this photo three years ago!

  With a full belly, and a happy heart it’s safe to say my Thanksgiving was fantastic.

  

  Q: How was your Thanksgiving?

  

  | 50 Comments Tagged 10K, Plant Based, Race, Running, Thanksgiving, Vegan

• Early Morning Confessions

  Posted at 8:35 AM by Brittany, on November 24, 2015

  1. As I write this my back is exposed to the public. My favorite standing table at my favorite Starbucks (other than my own of course) is occupied, thus I must be vulnerable until my table is available.

  2. It’s gotten cold in my woods. This means my favorite vest is worn…everyday.

  

  Creature of habit.

  3. OK, it’s not that bad. We’ve been hanging out between 35-45F.

  4. My nutrition has been on point lately.

  

  Carbs, on carbs, on carbs.

  5. What’s changed? I stopped eating so much fruit. I know, the horror.

  6. After two months of minimal running, I signed up for a Thanksgiving day 10K. I decided I should make sure I wouldn’t die and went for a 6 mile run. It was amazing.

  

  Fueled by oatmeal and coffee.

  7. I’ve never run a race on Thanksgiving, and I haven’t run a single race in 2015.

  8. I am obsessed with romaine hearts. Like, eat an entire bunch every day obsessed.

  

  9. I’m OK with this obsession, it’s like eating the sun for a natural and legal high.

  10. Speaking of high, I once ate a spoonful of catnip just to see what would happen. Turns out catnip is actually brewed like tea to help things like anxiety, indigestion, and stress. No wonder my cat loves it.

  

  Q: What’s your confession?

  

  | 60 Comments Tagged Coffee, Cold, Confessions, Food, Race, Running, Starbucks, Thanksgiving

• How Biking Differs from Running – Vol. 1

  Posted at 6:15 AM by Brittany, on November 18, 2015

  As I’ve spent more time riding my bike lately, I’ve noticed there are some solid differences between biking and running. Aside from the obvious, (one is on wheels and much, much faster, while the other is on foot and can be slow as molasses) I’ve compiled some things I’ve noticed over that last couple weeks of biking adventures.

  

  I was going to save this post until I had a decent amount of differences, but have instead decided to make it an ongoing post as I continue to discover more.

  Biking vs. Running – Volume One

  …according to an amateur.

  1. A snot rocket while biking, is NOT THE SAME as a snot rocket while running. It takes much more effort and planning while on a bike. Fast moving winds will either love you or hate you. You have been warned.

  2. Biking requires less wait time between meals and moves. Biking requires effort, but I find running to be more labor intensive. I can eat a carb heavy breakfast and be ready for a bike ride within 20 minutes.

  

  New waffle recipe that I can’t stop making.

  3. Biking makes you cry. Not emotionally, just physically. Going down a hill at 30 MPH (obvious exaggeration) makes you spit all the water from your eyes like you just rubbed them into a bowl of onions.

  4. Biking allows you to slow down and savory the scenery. When I run I’m much more focused on not dying, which makes biking a calming treat.

  

  Those COLORS!

  

  5. Biking hurts your loins. I don’t think this needs much more explanation.

  Must.Get.Acclimated.Faster.

  6. It’s easier to eat while biking. My mind is always occupied by food, and I’m a sucker for a good multitask so this is wonderful. I will eat on longer runs, but with this I risk choking on my food while gasping like a suffocating hyena.

  

  Banana lettuce wraps are a recent strange but good discovery.

  

  7. Hills are easier on a bike. Or perhaps I should say more tolerable. Unless the road looks like a 110 degree angle, then it sucks just as hard as running. Here I thought I’d never use my 3rd grade math lessons, hooray.

  8. Biking allows you to be more presentable in society. Don’t get me wrong, I give zero cares walking into a store dripping sweat and looking ratchet as ever after a good run, but biking to the store (or coffee shop) helps me look less like a tornado hit me.

  

  Until next time, happy pedaling. Not to be mistaken with peddling, which is known as selling goods. Usually drugs. Like cookies. Those are addictive.

  Q: What are some differences between two activities you enjoy?

  

  | 61 Comments Tagged Biking, Biking Vs. Running, Coffee, Explore, Larabar

• All Hallows’ Disney

  Posted at 10:00 AM by Brittany, on November 13, 2015

  Halloween has come and gone, but it seems fitting to share my Halloween adventures on Friday the 13th. I’d cue the spooky music, but my Halloween wasn’t spooky at all.

  

  For as long as I can remember Halloween has been one of my favorite holidays. I’m not one for dressing up, and parties aren’t my thing, but Halloween has always solidified the change of summer to fall and fall is my favorite season.

  

  

  It’s also no secret around here that I’m a big Disneyland fan, and ever since I ran my first half marathon through the park a few Septembers ago I knew I had to get back during October. It just so happened that Disney recently had a birthday too.

  Happy big 6-0 Disney. ❤

  

  

  I’ve seen the park decked out in pumpkins, but the one ride I had never experienced was the tricked out Haunted Mansion. Each year the ride shuts down during September to prepare for a Nightmare Before Christmas theme.

  This year I decided to go ON Halloween to get the full experience.

  

  

  

  The mansion was total sensory overload. I loved it.

  

  

  The sun was hot (bizarre sensation at the end of October, my PNW brain couldn’t quite compute), but the only long line was the first ride we went on.

  

  The only mountains I conquered while in California.

  

  This post is nothing more than an excuse to share my photos, my excitement, and the joy that comes with the magic of Disney. Even the bathroom signs are fun.

  

  

  

  You risk long lines when going on a holiday, but this year I was able to check another adventure off my bucket list, which made it all worth it.

  

  Next adventure: Mickeys Halloween Party, costume and all!

  

  Q: Have you been to Disneyland around the holidays?

  

  | 48 Comments Tagged California, Disneyland, Explore, Halloween, Vacation

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• BRITTANY- Self proclaimed minimalistic nomad striving to maintain a balanced, healthy life with good food, long hikes, deep connections, exploration, and lots of potatoes.

• If this blog does not meet your standards, please lower your standards.

• Contact: blissfulbritt@yahoo.com

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