Author Archives: Brittany

• Annette Lake

  Posted at 6:58 AM by Brittany, on July 2, 2015

  To beat the heat this past weekend I broke out of my comfort zone and embarked on a new solo hike. I hadn’t been to an alpine lake in nearly a year, and with temps in the 90’s I figured there would be a few other hikers there.

  No other hikers makes me nervous for animal encounters.

  

  I headed to Annette Lake, and the trail was more popular than I anticipated. Thankfully I arrived early enough to snag a parking spot and beat the latecomers.

  
  

  I only had to pass people a few times, leaving me alone with my thoughts the majority of the 7.5 mile round trip adventure. I adore solo hikes.

  

  Once I reached the lake I noticed a handful of campers. As I sat and ate my food I daydreamt about overnight hiking and waking up with the sun.

  Sipping my coffee with a view like this needs to happen soon.

  

  

  

  This trail has a great canopy cover making for a comfortable hike despite the heat. The elevation gain was a mere 1400 ft, but I definitely got sweaty. One of these times I will jump into a lake, I’ll be doing plenty more lake hikes this summer.

  

  

  My fuel of choice during the hike was a scone and some berries, and post hike I wolfed down some potatoes and veggies courtesy of Whole Foods. I haven’t been craving sweets much lately, and I think it’s because I’ve upped my protein intake (naturopath’s orders), but then I stumbled across something I couldn’t pass by.

  This old school VW travels around Seattle selling vegan ice cream sandwiches with unique flavor combinations. I’d heard about it, I’d seen photos of it, but just like a mystical unicorn I had never actually seen it myself.

  Then I drove by it and knew I had to stop.

  

  My heart was set on the snicker doodle cookie with coffee ice cream sandwich, but I was too late and there was only one option left. This would never have been my first choice, but trying something new was fun and it was delicious.

  It was a successful Saturday indeed.

  

  Want some more photos of Annette Lake? Check out this more recent post.

  Q: What’s your favorite solo adventure?

  

  | 62 Comments Tagged Annette Lake, Hike, Ice Cream, PNW, Solo Hike, Vegan

• Rock My World

  Posted at 6:07 AM by Brittany, on June 30, 2015

  I am 100% absolutely positively addicted to zoodles. How I ever survived without this simple yet delectable way of eating vegetables I do not know.

  Zoodles with pea shoots and cilantro…

  

  Zoodles with arugula and watermelon…

  

  Zoodles at the lake.

  

  Zoodles with carr…oodles?

  

  Multicolored carrots, zucchini, arugula, pea shoots, cilantro.

  My world is being rocked so hard.

  

  I’m obsessed with spiralizing all the things. Why dirty a bowl when you plan to eat the entire Costco sized tub in one sitting? If I could spiralize a cupcake I would, but I’m not sure how that would work. If you’ve never swirled and twirled a zucchini into noodles, do it. Do it now. I use this cheap spirazlier from Beyond.

  Also rocking my world? Berries, and hemp seeds. I’ve been upping my protein.

  

  30 G of protein right here. No protein powder included.

  I had this bowl of feel good before a solo hike last week. On this hike I stumbled upon a unique discovery that I thought was too cool not to share.

  

  At the top of the mountain was this Prayer Box. Just as the name implies, this box had a slot to stick prayers. Even if you’re not religious this is a great way to drop a thought for something that is weighing on your heart.

  Sometimes writing things on paper and letting them go is all we need.

  Some hikes I go on are purely sport and I’m fully in the moment of the burn. Other hikes are deeper than that and I encounter multiple emotions by the time I reach the top. It’s as if I’ve had my own therapy session in nature. From a long day at work, to a difficult phone call with a loved one, we all have our ways of working through emotions. This box is another, and I totally dig it. Definite world rocker.

  

  Other things that rocked my world last week:

  -Three legged cats.

  

  -Gregory Alan Isakov is coming to Portland in January to play with the Oregon Symphony. He was fantastic with the Seattle Symphony, so I purchased tickets quicker than a pigeons mating session. I can’t wait!

  

  – Free massages. Except my masseuse fell asleep on the job.

  

  -Coffee and chocolate…from Maui. My friends know me well.

  

  Dog is rolling around with his ball, I assure you he is fine.

  Q: What rocked your world last week?

  

  | 49 Comments Tagged Chocolate, Coffee, Gregory Alan Isakov, Hike, Vegan, Zoodles

• When I’m Not

  Posted at 5:47 AM by Brittany, on June 22, 2015

  One of my favorite things about blogging is having a space to purge all the random thoughts that swarm inside my brain. Doing this also allows me to connect with other like minded bloggers, forming lifelong connections and genuine friendships.

  

  My number one friend.

  Sharing my love for plant based food and cats allowed me to connect with Kayse, a creative girl with a green thumb and a hand for art. After lusting over her art work for months, she kindly sent me a customized dapper cat portrait of my dude.

  

  Words cannot express my gratitude. Please do yourself a favor and check out her online shop, the art she creates is so unique and fabulous.

  Ok, time to purge some thoughts.

  When I’m not blogging, or having a stare off with my cat, I’m usually eating. I haven’t posted a recipe on the blog in MONTHS, simply because I’ve been enjoying exploring OTHER peoples food. I’ve found a few companies that cater to walking science projects like myself, and I happily support them. Local eats are my favorite.

  

  Local pizza, I’m all about that pie life right now.

  When I’m not eating I’m running. 100 mile May gave me my recent running mindset. I’m in a fantastic routine where I am excited about my daily runs, and on the off chance I’m not I skip it for something else. It’s a beautiful thing.

  

  There’s also more room for cupcakes when I have a consistent running routine, that’s also a beautiful thing. Balance in bliss.

  

  You’d never guess these cupcakes were dairy free, gluten free, soy free, rice free, nut free, egg free, dinosaur free, spinach free, & broken glass free.

  They fall into the “if one doesn’t take up your entire hand you need two” category.

  

  Just like these donuts.

  I think I need to make these two hand treat photos a thing.

  When I’m not eating or running I’m playing with coffee at work. I haven’t created any of my own coffee tastings lately, but I have been putting together mini ones at work for my coworkers with featured coffee’s and Starbucks food. 
  

  

  This blend has a beautifully complex flavor of red currant, with a bright and sparkling acidity typical of African grown coffee. I don’t prefer these tasting notes, but I try to explore other options once in a while.

  When I’m not working I’m still spending time with my coworkers. We’re family.

  

  My fellow coffee master ❤

  We all love to drink coffee.

  

  When I’m not with other people I’m exploring alone.

  

  My happy place.

  I love blogging, but lately I’ve been enjoying life away from it all more. Eating, running, working, and exploring have taken top spot which is typical of the summer months. I just can’t soak up enough adventure fast enough!

  On that note, I’m off to explore. I mean…off to work.

  Q: What things take up most of your time?

  

  | 59 Comments Tagged Bloggers, Cats, Coffee, Coffee Master, Cupcake, Donuts, Plant Based, Running, Starbucks, Vegan

• Mount Walker – Summer Sun

  Posted at 6:44 AM by Brittany, on June 12, 2015

  The weather in Washington is starting to look like summer. The days are hot, and the lack of AC in most places means for sticky, sweaty conditions.

  

  Check that sweat curl of hair by my face. Earned it.

  My fellow coffee slangin’ brotha from anotha and I escaped to the mountains on Wednesday after work, and by the time we got there it was 80 and humid.

  Thank God for the canopy cover of trees because it was H O T. The once snow capped mountains off yonder were as blue as a Southern crowned pigeon.

  

  As always, the view at the top made the steep grade worth ever step. Summer hikes are some of my favorite, simply because they are the most rewarding. Great things in life don’t usually come easy, and hiking is a perfect example of this.

  The hike here at Mount Walker is another one of my favorite solo climbs. If you squint real hard, you may be able to see Mt.Rainier in all her glory in the upper/middle left corner of the photo below. Any hike that highlights her beauty is a favorite of mine.

  

  

  Once upon a midnight dreary I thought I wanted to move away from Washington. How sad that would have been, I cannot imagine myself without these mountains.

  

  

  The journey down the mountain is almost always filled with thoughts of the day, thoughts of the views, and thoughts of food. Actually, the entire hike is usually mixed with thoughts of food let’s be real.

  

  I must have been extra hungry coming down this mountain, because my first thought upon seeing the above photo was food related. They look like some kind of red asparagus species, don’t you think? I tried to look it up, but couldn’t quite find it.

  The wild asparagus like plant sparked a fire in my stomach that could not be put out until fed. This inspired the most random food haul.

  

  Which turned into this.

  

  
  

  

  And the world spins madly on.

  Note to self: Buying a pea shoot plant was the best idea you’ve had all week.

  

  Q: What’s the weather like in your neck of the woods?

  

  | 67 Comments Tagged Explore, Hike, Mount Walker, Olympic Mountains, Vegan, Washington

• Donuts and Coffee

  Posted at 7:33 AM by Brittany, on June 8, 2015

  National Running Day (NRD) and National Donut Day (NDD) were conveniently set within a day of each other. Coincidence? I think not.

  I logged 4 miles on NRD, 3 miles the next day, and 9 more miles between Sat/Sun . I wasn’t kidding when I said “I run to fit into my pants.” Thankfully I have a decent handle on the whole balance thing, and have been eating greens from my garden to counteract sugary donuts. Collards, and spinach, and rosemary – OH MY!

  

  I must be honest though and admit I did NOT actually consume a donut ON NDD. I ended up working later than planned, and good vegan donuts require a bit of travel. I instead daydreamt about the ghosts of donuts past.

  

  Specifically about this epic creation from VooDoo Doughnuts in Portland. Chocolate, Oreo’s, and peanut butter. So much yes.

  I don’t follow the rules, and despite the hype and excitement behind “national” anything day, I had no problems waiting until Sunday to embark on my donut quest.

  When I think donuts, I also think coffee. A piping hot cup of Joe as black as my cat.

  

  Meow.

  SO I ventured near Seattle, climbed a mountain, and got some donuts. Good things come to those who wait. I even risked tummy woes with the chocolate flavor.

  

  If a donut does not take up the entire space of your hand when being held, you need another one. Safe to assume you’ll always need two. If we’re being honest again I actually played too long in the forest yesterday and didn’t make it to the donut shop before it closed. I had to settle for the only two choices offered at Whole Foods.

  

  

  

  Worth it.

  What I really wanted was a maple bar and an apple fritter. Looks like I’ll be going back.

  I also didn’t have these donuts with coffee like I had planned…so this post has turned into a whirlwind of coulda, woulda, shoulda. I did have pizza and a jam filled scone though, and I have a new appreciation for geometry. Triangles = good things.

  

  I ❤ scones.

  Q: Did you celebrate NRD or NDD? Yes, yes I do fall prey to the made up holidays, but only when they support my addictions. In reality everyday is a good day for donuts and running. June 6 was national trails day…so I just clumped them all together.

  

  | 54 Comments Tagged Donuts, Hike, Pizza, Rattlesnake Ridge, Run, Scone, Vegan

• 100 Mile May

  Posted at 6:52 AM by Brittany, on June 3, 2015

  Last month I committed to running 100 miles. I think this is the most I’ve run in a single month, but my memory isn’t always the best. I ran everyday except for two, and took those two days off because my quads needed a rest day.

  To celebrate, I ran my final three miles and took myself on a date to the mountains.

  

  Running everyday wasn’t hard, and I think it’s because my usual runs were 3-4 miles, with a few longer ones in the mix. This made daily runs totally manageable.

  

  Per usual I learned some things the last month, and also reminded myself of things I already knew yet somehow forgot. It’s time for another round of running rambles.

  

  Recent Running Realizations

  1. Having a goal gives you motivation, like seeing a light at the end of the tunnel.

  2. Running makes you leaner, as long as you don’t eat cupcakes after every run.

  

  Though I’d sure love to have one of these every morning…and night.

  3. Running uphill is necessary, because life is all about steady progress towards a positive slope. No time for stagnant straight lines. Improvements spark success.

  4. Carbs….

  

  …on carbs…

  

  …on carbs…

  

  5. A run, is a run, is a run. I had complete peace about a couple “only two milers,” and never stressed about my pace. In fact my pace improved! Hard work gets results.

  6. Running makes you rich. Physically, mentally, spiritually, and sometimes literally.

  

  Always finding money on my runs.

  7. Running is the perfect way to de-stress. I’d be lying if I said this supervisor stuff wasn’t stressful at times during the learning process.

  8. Doing things with other people keeps you accountable. One of my coworkers was running allllll the miles too, and we would send each other completed run photos.

  

  Then we would go to Starbucks and Whole Foods, because runners need fuel.

  9. Running with short hair wins everything.

  10. Good shoes are like good friends. It’s always sad to say goodbye.

  I’ve been running in the same pair of shoes for…SIX years (with other shoes rotated in for a few of those years)!!! YEARS people. Runners know shoes need to be rotated every 5-6 months (or 500-600miles) so this is HUGE. Barefoot running has completed me in every possible way. The holes indicate it is now time for another pair.

  

  I think 100 mile months are a new thing.

  

  My last words of wisdom for the day are…

  You can do ANYTHING you set your mind to, so go out there and DO IT!

  Q: What have you set your mind to and accomplished lately?

  

  | 50 Comments Tagged Coffee, Cupcake, Garmin, Hike, National Running Day, Run, Vegan

• Keeping Busy

  Posted at 7:56 AM by Brittany, on May 26, 2015

  As I mentioned in my previous post I’ve spent the last couple weeks training to be a supervisor. This keeps me busy while I am at work, but there are things that have kept me busy when I’m away from work too. Things like…

  …house/Pet sitting. I spent last Sunday-Friday with the fluff ball shown below, and we spent a lot of time soaking up the sun. My Jun/Jul are both full of sitting.

  

  She’s much fluffier than the last time we spent time together.

  …running everyday. I’m feeling quite fantastic. I think once 100 mile May is over I’ll need to set another running goal for June to keep the party going.

  
  

  …putting time and effort into my dinners. Despite the fact that an apple and pretzels always sounds like a good option, potatoes are better.

  

  

  There are six in this photo, though hard to see. For those of you that wonder where non meat eaters get their protein, this meal had a solid 20 grams. 😉

  

  Potato heaven.

  …figuring out what to do with the growth atop my head. After realizing my mop was turning into…a mop, I chopped it off. Sometimes I’m very impetuous.

  

  View from the back..

  To keep it real though here is how I will look the remainder of my days.

  

  

  The above photo of it straight, along with my main blog photo were both taken the day I got it cut (blog photo was last May’s haircut) because my stylist straightened it. Then it never see’s the flat iron again. I don’t like it straight, and I’m lazy.

  …spending moneys. I never spend money, so this is a big one. Except on food, which I do plenty of. REI knows how to work a bargain though with their anniversary sale. I walked in for new running shoes, and walked out with a jacket, a bag, and no shoes.

  Both were on sale, and when you see a forest green back that doubles as a backpack and a handle bag, you buy it. It was time I upgraded my overnight bag from a reusable Whole Foods bag to something a bit sturdier.

  

  I like busy, busy is good.

  Q: What’s kept you busy lately?

  

  | 75 Comments Tagged Coffee, House Sitting, Potatoes, REI, Running, Starbucks, Vegan

• Bye Bye Barista

  Posted at 7:23 AM by Brittany, on May 21, 2015

  This past Monday I said goodbye to my job as a barista, and hello to my new job as a supervisor. In the Starbucks world once you become a supervisor you are no longer considered a barista. However, in the textbook world I will forever be a barista as long as I am with the company because I will still be making beverages for customers, but I now have a few extra tasks and responsibilities added to my day. I digress…

  

  In typical Brittany fashion I spent the days leading up to this change enjoying the “carefree” barista life both in and out of work. I spent my days exploring, eating, meeting blog friends, and drinking good coffee. My kind of perfection.

  

  { Exploring }

  A 9.5 mile hike through the Olympic Forest with perfect weather, and good company.

  

  

  

  { Eating }

  Whole Foods in Seattle carries baked goods from my favorite local bakery, and naturally I had to hoard them stock up.

  

  I balanced out the sugar with vegetable rolls.

  

  { Meeting Blog Friends }

  After years of blog reading, texting, letter writing, package sending, and patience, I finally got to meet my Canadian soul mate, Britta.

  We met up at the Starbucks Roastery, because…Seattle.

  

  What a gem. We drank great coffee and talked like old friends.

  

  Side note: The coffee I had at the roastery (photo above) literally blew my mind. This roast has a medium body, & a low acidity giving it a sensationally silky mouth feel. The chocolate notes were the strongest I’ve ever experienced in a coffee. It was like the beans were flavored, but they weren’t. What a beautiful coffee.

  { Drinking Good Coffee }

  Good enough segue? As if that Brazil reserve roast wasn’t good enough, I snagged myself a bag of Pike Place Reserve beans from the first Starbucks store in Seattle.

  

  Not to be confused with the traditional Pike Place roast served at any and all Starbucks locations, these beans are ONLY sold at this location, and one other store a block up from the original Starbucks. Darker than the standard Pike Roast and SO much better. It’s a real treat when I get this as my weekly coffee markout.

  Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a French press of Pike Place special reserve to drink while I enjoy my day off from training. Back to the grind tomorrow.

  Q: How do you like to spend your free time?

  

  | 68 Comments Tagged Barista, Bloggers, Coffee, Food, Reserve Coffee, Starbucks, Vegan

• Tic -vs- Toc

  Posted at 6:42 AM by Brittany, on May 18, 2015

  The last few months I’ve been paying extra attention to what foods make me tick, and what foods make me tock. I have become somewhat of a walking science project.

  All this time I just assumed the broccoli was to blame, and I learned to live with it. We all know what happens when broccoli and gut bugs dance together.

  

  Come to find out, it wasn’t just the cruciferous vegetables. I’ve been keeping my eats very simple lately while I try to decipher the codes my stomach bugs are trying to tell me. Fruits and seeds all morning, and vegetables galore at night.

  

  Typical dinner plate.

  This has made it easy to figure out what foods are causing problems. So far I’ve noticed problems with peanut butter, walnuts, most soy products, and chocolate.

  Hang on, I need a moment of silence for that last one.

  My simple eats have kept me feeling great, but once every few days I notice I need somewhat of a “refuel.” Different carbs, more protein, and some kind of treat.

  

  Like a cookie.

  I’ve been running every day this month, which has added to the insatiable hunger every few days. My lower mile days (3 miles) I get by just fine with fewer calories, but after a 5 miler last week I couldn’t get enough food in my face fast enough.

  

  

  I drove to one of my favorite lakes for this run, and the weather was perfect. The thing about running everyday is that it becomes somewhat…easy. My pace has already improved in the mere 18 days straight I’ve been running.

  

  Post run I had one thing on my mind: scones. I made my way to Whole Foods only to find they had no scones. My soul and stomach were empty and cold, like the inside of an ice cave. Instead, I ate potatoes and veggies from the hot bar, and braced myself for the tornado I would soon become in my kitchen.

  The moment I walked in the door it was game over. I ate enough to put my daily intake around 3000 calories, and I was completely satisfied. Refuel complete.

  

  It looked like this, multiple items sprawled in front of me, and pure determination on my face.

  It’s a magical thing when you discover what foods cause inflammatory, lethargic, and skin irritating reactions, like walking through the doors to Narnia. Does this mean I’m never going to eat chocolate again? Heavens no I still have my dignity, but it will be minimal and as close to raw as possible. Let the experimentation continue!

  Oh, and I finally got my scone. Plus another.

  Q: Do you stay away from certain foods that cause you problems? Knowing some of the culprits makes it much easier to stay away from them. 

  

  | 57 Comments Tagged Food, Running, Vegan

• Facts

  Posted at 6:00 AM by Brittany, on May 12, 2015

  Fact: A good human being gives you food. Lord help them if I get hangry…

  

  These CORE bars are complete meals on the go, and they are SO good! My favorite part? They perish. 1 week on the go, 1 month in the fridge, and 9 months in the freezer: Real food goes bad. Perfect for hiking, biking, or running late to work.

  These were gifted to me, but you can find them online or at a select handful of Whole Foods locations. Eat good, feel good.

  

  Fact: Potatoes are the essence of life. I cannot stop eating them. All of them.

  

  Sweet potato the size of a walrus with veggies. I then ate half with almond butter and honey.

  

  Sweet potatoes with rosemary.

  

  Russet potato along side this plate of color explosions

  

  Sweet potato with veggies. And then another one for dessert. Can’t stop, won’t stop.

  

  Gold potatoes with spinach and asparagus.

  Fact: I’ve become the Mary Poppins of pet sitting. Four pets in the last 2 months.

  

  Said goodbye to this guy…

  

  …and said hello to this guy (again)

  Maybe I’ll quit my day job….

  

  Maybe not. I did just get promoted after all. #ifinallysaidyes

  Fact: Summer is coming. I’ve started prepping for minimal clothing season by partaking in a running “challenge.” 100 mile May. Amateur stuff for those ultra runners, but it keeps me running daily even if just 3-4 miles.

  

  

  It helps balance out the potatoes…

  

  Fact: Bananas are under-appreciated. I’ve been dipping mine into a mix of seeds: hemp, sunflower, and pumpkin. Or with a Core bar…or both. 😉

  

  Scratch that…fruit in general. I’m literally eating at least 6-7 servings a day right now.

  Fact: I sometimes change out of running clothes, but it’s rare.

  

  Fact: This post was nothing more than a giant excuse to purge random photos I’ve taken the last two weeks in a format other than my usual Early Morning Confessions.

  I’ll leave you with a photo of some of the worst coffee I’ve consumed in months. Tasted like foot soaked bath water. I still drank it.

  

  Waiting for an oil change is a luxurious event. Fully equipped with PJ’s and terrible coffee.

  Q: What’s your fact for the day?

  

  | 59 Comments Tagged Cats, Coffee, Facts, Garmin, House Sitting, Random, Run, Running, Vegan

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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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