Author Archives: Brittany

• Rok Espresso Maker

  Posted at 6:41 AM by Brittany, on November 25, 2014

  About a week ago I hopped onto Instagram and saw this photo

  

  1. Scott Jurek and I are basically best friends, we’ve eaten at the same restaurant and probably sat at the same table. He is also a fantastic runner, so I follow him.
  2. This espresso contraption intrigued me more than salt on chocolate.
  3. I now have an overwhelming desire to visit Yosemite.

  After seeing this espresso maker, I knew I had to have my own.

  

  Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love my job at Starbucks, but the automatic aspect of the espresso machines makes it feel a bit…mainstream. I’ve longed to make espresso the “real” way by tamping coffee grounds into a finely packed puck fit for a portafilter.

  

  This unique device allows me to practice pulling the perfect espresso shots at home, and experiment to find the perfect water to coffee ratio. It’s modern, yet traditional in a hands on way. No plugs or batteries needed, just your favorite coffee, hot water, and a good squeeze of the handles.

  

  So how does it work? The hardest part is making sure you get your grounds packed properly. In order to ensure a tight packed puck your beans should be ground specifically for an espresso maker. If the grounds are too coarse they won’t pack as tight, which will affect your flavor and more importantly your overall pull.

  Once you’ve packed your puck simply attach your portafilter into its designated spot, pour hot water into the top of the machine, handles DOWN. Slowly lift the handles, and then slowly press down, pausing at first to infuse and swell the coffee. Ideally your extraction should take around 20 seconds. Here, he explains it better.

  I’m officially obsessed with making at home espresso. I’m not usually a latte drinker, but I now have the ability to drink them anytime I choose. There’s just something about this hands on technique that makes you feel connected to your coffee.

  It’s magical.

  

  I do love dense, fluffy, and stiff foam, but nothing beats the purity that is a solo espresso. Who wants to come over for an americano and cookies?

  

  P.S. Now you see why I was so excited to buy this demitasse!

  

  Q: Do you own an espresso maker? If so which one and how do you like it? The simplicity of this one has me hooked. 

  

  | 57 Comments Tagged Coffee, Coffee Master, Espresso, Rok Espresso, Starbucks

• Elastic Pants, Here I Come

  Posted at 4:01 AM by Brittany, on November 21, 2014

  I’m always craving sweets, always. I eat 75% plants and 25% sweets which usually keeps me satisfied and in balance. On the off chance I don’t get my full 25% portion of sweets, I may splurge to a solid 30-40% instead. This is not a pretty sight.

  I successfully avoided the seasonal Bark Thins at Costco, until yesterday.

  

  Don’t ask how many servings I ate upon opening this package. I will lie to you and say less than one. OK I had more than one…more like..three. I then proceeded to run, do a Jillian Michaels workout, and cool down with an incline walk. If you’re looking for a way to ensure you want NOTHING TO DO WITH all the chocolate this is it.

  I felt sick for hours, resulting in plants on plants on plants for dinner.

  

  I ate 213874 lbs of spinach.

  You win this round Bark Thins.

  Speaking of food, I’m still super jazzed for Thanksgiving. Can we just take a moment to talk about how cute, perfect, and TRUE these cards are!?!

  

  The inside says: “And you. Happy Thanksgiving.”

  Seriously, get these in your life ASAP. Buy them here. Elastic pants, here I come.

  In completely unrelated news I made a smoothie a few days ago that I thought had the taste and texture of butterscotch pudding. I had my mom try some so I could gather information for scientific research(aka an outside opinion), and she said it tasted like a candle. This was moments after my sister said her cereal tasted like dog poop.

  Either my taste buds are skewed, or I should be concerned about what my family does when I’m not around. Or both. Happy Friday!

  Q: Have you had any of the Bark Thin flavors? They are all CRACK, crack I tell you!

  

  | 64 Comments Tagged Plants, Random, Run, Smoothie, Vegan

• Christmas at Starbucks

  Posted at 6:18 AM by Brittany, on November 19, 2014

  I’m not one to spend my money on random items. I have been known to hoard my pennies which has allowed me to have a comfortable pillow to sit on should any emergencies arise. I’ve never felt a strong pull towards impulse purchases, and will usually only buy something if I really, REALLY love it. Or if it’s food…

  I spend all the pennies on food.

  

  $3.00 for one cupcake, sure take my money.

  With that said, I try to balance things out every so often by buying something for myself…just because. I usually end up buying a Starbucks mug, but only when they go on sale. I cannot justify spending more than $5 on a mug, so I wait.

  This Christmas season Starbucks has over 100 different mug designs, and while I see many that I adore, none spoke to me enough to purchase. Except this one.

  

  This 3 oz demi cup is the perfect addition to my collection. Once I saw the trees I knew I had to have it. I also decided to buy this years advent calendar. I wanted it regardless, but really jumped on the opportunity when one wound up having a broken package.

  

  The merchandise itself is 100% in tact, but with a broken outer shell it was “un-sell-able.” I got it for 80% off, meaning I spent a whopping $6 on it. OH and it comes with a $5 gift card, so I spent $1. I didn’t want this for the chocolate treats that I won’t be eating, but FOR THE MAGNETIC REUSABLE CHALKBOARD!!!

  Ready or not it’s Christmas at Starbucks. This is my favorite time of year and all the Grinch’s that come in complaining about the decor make me want to pull them a decaf shot faster than Mary Poppins can pull a tree out of her purse.

  While I love the holidays, I don’t love the temperatures that come with it.

  

  Who needs feelings in their fingertips anyway?

  

  Time for 3987238957 layers.

  Try not to be envious of my selfie photo quality. This is why I don’t take selfies.

  Despite all my Christmas talk, I’m so excited for Thanksgiving and I’ve got my stretchy pants ironed, pressed, and ready to be worn for approx. 15 days post feast. I’m going to need all the help I can get with that elastic waistband. Real talk in 3..2..1..

  

  Q: Who’s ready for the holidays!?!?!

  

  | 46 Comments Tagged Christmas, Mug, Starbucks, Thanksgiving, Vegan

• No, I Don’t Even Lift

  Posted at 7:47 AM by Brittany, on November 15, 2014

  It’s cold. Not Midwest cold, but IT’S COLD!

  

  Elsa, is that you?

  The drop in temps has resulted in any running being swapped out for spin classes and a Jillian Michaels DVD. I’m being a wuss and staying inside.

  I follow a good number of people on Instagram that lift weights. They are toned, tiny, and pack away a solid amount of “comfort foods.” I on the other hand lift nothing but my cats, and the occasional cookie to my mouth. After seeing bowls of nut butter cereal cookies with ice cream and so on, I decided to make my own version.

  I took my morning oats and jazzed them up a bit with some toppings.

  

  Whole grain oats with pumpkin, cinnamon, a blob of peanut butter, and CINNAMON PUFFINS! How I’ve never experienced this cereal is beyond me, this is my new favorite breakfast combo. This is as crazy as I get though, the thought of eating Oreo’s everyday makes my brain go into a diabetic coma.

  

  No…no I do not.

  I also lift 5lb bags of coffee daily, real talk.

  Speaking of coffee, I was so jazzed by a coffee tasting my coworker put together. I delegate one barista a week to do a coffee tasting with the crew in an attempt to broaden coffee knowledge. This barista took it to the next level and I was so proud.

  

  He made a poster board, and bought VEGAN cinnamon donuts from a Seattle company to pair with Christmas Blend. I usually have to make my own treats for tastings, so this was a real treat having him buy something Brittany friendly.

  Terrible paragraph transition in 3…2..1…I discussed my love for curled up chips a few posts back and discovered many of you also enjoy the curled chips. I thought about how genius it would be to create an entire bag that was just curled chips.

  Well, Target stole my idea. Rude.

  

  I “lifted” this entire bag to my face in less than 2 days. So good. Also good…

  

  This also finds its way into my morning oats sometimes.

  Q: Is it cold yet where you are? Did I mention how excited I am to escape to Arizona next month!? GIVEMEHEAT

  

  | 63 Comments Tagged Coffee, Nog, Starbucks, Vegan, Winter

• Does it Make Me…

  Posted at 8:01 AM by Brittany, on November 10, 2014

  Does it make me out of shape if after doing one day of week one “Ripped in 30” with Jillian Michaels, I was sore for two days? Don’t ask me to pick up dropped items.

  

  My cat has the idea.

  Does it make me a grown up if the thought of having a dog no longer disinterests me? I’m house sitting again, this time with a VERY WELL BEHAVED DOG.

  Does it make me unmotivated if I am counting down the days until I am done with the chemistry class I am taking? I’m going to say yes. Arizona/freedom is calling me.

  

  Can’t.Wait.For.This

  Does it make me soulless if I compare babies and puppies interchangeably? Both I cannot stand, unless well behaved like the aforementioned dog. I don’t do drool.

  Does it make me addicted if all I can think about is sugar? I may be eating my feelings towards school. Just a little. Also, Thanksgiving cannot come soon enough.

  

  

  Face plant

  Does it make me ambitious for walking to the store when I’m fully capable of driving? I didn’t think anything of it until I was asked TWICE by people driving by if I needed a ride. No, I just like to walk? Cars are overrated.

  Does it make me lazy if I’d rather walk than do any other kind of exercise right now? I’m soaking up all the fall colors while I can before the white blanket of death arrives.

  

  Does it make me a bad blogger if this is the best I could come up with for a post?

  Q: Fill in the blank: “Does it make me ________?”

  

  | 60 Comments Tagged Does it Make Me, Fall, Random, Run, School

• A History of Memorable Events

  Posted at 3:49 AM by Brittany, on November 6, 2014

  – 1989: Shot into the world, or “birthed.”

  

  Note: I did not come out looking like this. I was 8 mo. here, and already loving everything Halloween.

  – 1991: Stepped on a giant slug, proceeding to give me a life long phobia. Real talk.

  – 1992: Had the best hair I’ll ever have, this cannot be repeated.

  

  – 1997: Became the coolest kid on the block with my authentic Japanese Pokemon cards. Thank you dad for living in Japan and sending me this gold.

  – 2000: Hit puberty, tried to fight it by wearing the same soccer shorts and Old Navy tech vest…everyday. This lost me my title of coolest kid on the block.

  I also had a hair cut like this for years…thanks mom.

  

  – 2004: Introduced myself to coffee at the orthodontist (totally ironic.) Put enough cream and sugar in my cup to give five people diabetes for life.

  – 2005: Got braces. This sparked my fascination of teeth.

  

  16 yr old black haired Brittany.

  – 2007: Became a carbotarian by giving up meat, but eating all things bread and chips.

  – 2009: Got a job at a smoothie shop and found my love for veggies, and wheat grass.

  

  – 2011: Started this blog, ran my first race, unleashed the (slow as molasses) beast, got a job at Trader Joe’s, and met a boy.

  – 2012: Gave up all animal products, and perfected the art of roasted vegetables. Ran my first half marathon through the happiest place on earth.

  

  – 2012: Sparked my insatiable appetite for cupcakes.

  – 2013: Had a life changing breakup with aforementioned boy, which taught me peace, patience, and balance. I’m now very (possibly too) comfortable being alone.

  

  Balance is bliss.

  – 2013: Got a job at Starbucks. Cracked out on coffee even more than at the orthodontist when I was 15. Discovered a new passion for the bean.

  – 2014: Fell in love with the mountains and with my life, despite my always changing path. Learned that change is constant and adaptation is key.

  

  – Yesterday: Reminded myself why I never wear LOOSE fitting cotton bottoms while running. Everything moves. Everything.

   Q: What was a memorable moment in time for you?

  

  | 64 Comments Tagged Mountain, Random, Running, Starbucks, Trader Joes, Vegan

• Running Thoughts – Take Two

  Posted at 6:02 AM by Brittany, on November 3, 2014

  Sometimes when I run I think about dancing sugar molecules in the form of cookies making their way into my mouth. Actually let’s keep it real, the only time I’m not thinking about food while running is when I’ve eaten too much before the run, and I have to distract myself with other thoughts to prevent myself from stopping.

  

  Truth

  I haven’t been running as much as I’d like the last few weeks, and my clothes have let me know it’s time to put down the fork and put on my Garmin. While on a run the other day (one I had eaten enough pumpkin and beans beforehand to fuel a small village) I had empty brain space to think about things other than cookies.

  My Thinks 

  1. “There are three of you, and one of me..I would love if you shared this sidewalk. Then again, you are all around age 12 and haven’t grown into your naturally occurring hormones known as “manners.” It’s OK, but not really…MOVE or I will hit you.”

  2. “Oh man, the yellow light is flashing. I’d better slow down, I don’t want to get a ticket.”

  3. “I wonder if I’ll ever have to use my MACE.”

  4. “I feel like a busted can of biscuits. Too many chips.”

  

  5. Meghan. <—-Post inspiration right there.

  6. “The seasonal Clif Bar I ate yesterday was as soft as my under-run midsection. Usually I’m putting my jaw through the wringer to eat one of those.” I love this flavor, makes me warm and fuzzy inside like swallowing a caterpillar.

  

  7. “I’m going to blog about this. I’ll call it running thoughts.”

  8. “Oh look, a chubby kid with a cupcake. I wonder if he would share that with me. Doubtful, chubby kids don’t share. I speak from experience.”

  

  I laughed waaayy hard at this.

  9. “I feel haggard, but those guys just whistled. They must have been warning traffic a train was coming. And by train I mean me.”

  10. “That run was at a quicker pace than I thought…hmm…GIVE ME CAKE!”

  

  Blogging Thoughts: This post was way cooler in my head.

  Q: What do you think about when you have open brain space?

  

  | 69 Comments Tagged Food, Garmin, Running

• All Hallow’s Eve

  Posted at 8:20 AM by Brittany, on October 31, 2014

  Halloween – You either love it or you hate it. I happen to love it, but not for the reasons that most people do. I associate Halloween with October, and October with fall, so when these are all wrapped together I love Halloween just by fate. I also don’t complain when there is a holiday dedicated to candy.

  I’m not one for dressing up, and parties aren’t my thing. The last Halloween party I attended was in 2009 and I was a pepper shaker. I know, I’m wild. The year after that I dressed up as my cat. Last year I wore a mask and went trick or treating. Yes, I am 25.

  

  No, not “a cat,” but “MY cat.” There is a difference. A regular cat is too cliche.

  

  Twins

  These days I stay home and try to earn the title of “best house” by giving handfuls of candy to undeserving children. Whatever it takes to get the candy out of my house. Not that I am tempted by it, we usually buy candy I don’t like anyway. Plus, Halloween candy is usually filled with milk and other junk so I don’t eat it.

  Or so I thought…

  

  

  I stumbled across these two vegan friendly Halloween treats and about lost my marbles. I bought both bags. While everyone is out strolling the streets for free candy, I’ll be tucked inside my house with too much candy to handle, and a box of Halloween Joe-Joe’s I’ve been patiently waiting to open. I should probably go for a run today…

  On a somewhat related note, Halloween is the one time of year I haven’t been to Disneyland, but MUST. I missed the start of all things Halloween by ONE DAY this year!! I still got to see pumpkins everywhere, but the main Halloween celebration didn’t start until the next day. That’s OK..just another excuse to go back.

  

  Q: What’s your favorite Halloween candy? I still have a spot in my heart for the pumpkin shaped Reese’s PB cups even though I don’t eat them. 

  

  | 48 Comments Tagged Candy, Halloween, Vegan

• Starbucks Christmas Espresso Coffee Tasting

  Posted at 3:42 AM by Brittany, on October 28, 2014

  Over the summer I took a general biology class to kick start my back to school adventures. It was the first of four classes I needed to take in order to apply to a holistic nutrition program, and it was a fantastic class. It wasn’t easy, but it also wasn’t hard. I learned a lot and had plenty of free time to spend my summer in the mountains.

  

  

  

  Fast forward to now and my life consists of chemistry and Starbucks. One of these is not like the other. By that I mean I love my job, and I hate my class. I’m in a constant mood of “blah” and I miss my mountain adventures. Things feel chaotic and I am no longer in a constant place of zen.

   

  

  I’ve realized spending each and every day stressing over one class is doing nothing but damage. My grade isn’t benefiting from my stress, and my happiness is nonexistent. In an attempt to balance my life again I’ve decided to focus on myself, and not feel guilty about it. When I’m done with my school work for the day – I’ll be done. I will do something for myself and not think twice.

  OK I may think twice at first, but in time I hope to balance out my work and play. I started with an at home coffee tasting pairing Starbucks 2014 espresso blend with a pumpkin fudgy cookie.

  

  Life is too short to be miserable, and this class is not worth my stress. If I do the work, I know I will be fine. So I put away my books and turned on my oven to create this mouthwatering pairing.

  These cookies are VERY rich, but mildly sweet. Think of them as a breakfast cookie, making them an acceptable pairing for your morning cup of coffee – specifically this espresso roast.

  Pumpkin Fudgy Truffle Cookies

  

  Ingredients

  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup almond butter
  • 3/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/3 cup raw/organic cacao nibs

  Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350F
  2. Combine all items except the nibs in a food processor or large bowl and mix until well combined. Add in the nibs and scoop each cookie onto a lined baking sheet, or use a pizza stone like I do. This made 12 cookies.
  3. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until tops are firm and center isn’t mushy.

   

   

  

  These cookies are soft like a truffle, fudgy like a brownie, and round like a cookie. It’s the best of all three worlds. The raw nibs balance out the sweetness of the maple syrup, but for a sweeter cookie use regular chocolate chips instead. I’m trying to behave with my sugar intake. Trying.

  Tasting Notes: The espresso blend has a caramel sweetness to it that pairs beautifully with flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, and spices. The acidity is low and the body is full helping to enhance the pumpkin flavors of these cookies. Each bite and each sip came together holding hands like two preschool kids on the playground. Two thumbs way, WAY up for this blend.

  

  This coffee will be available to the public sometime next month. I know it’s not even Thanksgiving yet, but I just couldn’t resist this deliciously smooth coffee. A warm cup of the holidays is the perfect way to slow down & appreciate life one day at a time, wouldn’t you agree?

  

  Q: What are your go to activities when you’re in need of some balance? For me I need to explore, bake, run, blog, or simply enjoy a good book or tea with a friend. 

  

  | 62 Comments Tagged Coffee, Coffee Master, Coffee Tasting, Gluten Free, Recipe, School, Starbucks, Vegan

• Early Morning Confessions

  Posted at 6:12 AM by Brittany, on October 24, 2014

  1. They’re baaaaccckkk…

  

  Coming to a Starbucks near you after November 1st.

  2. I kind of want to run a marathon..but I’m really scared.

  3. My typical grocery haul is what I like to call balance.

  

  4. I dislocated my elbow last week (at 4am), and spent 15 minutes trying to put it back in its socket. Sadly this has happened a handful of times before, but not recently. I cried, yelled for my mommy, pulled it back into place, and then went to work. Damn you yoga planks…

  5. Still obsessed with fall squash. 6. I really miss hiking, and being active all day. I’ve been so sedentary with school lately I’m starting to grow another human off my backside.

  7. Folded/curled chips > flat chips. I will dig throughout an entire bag searching for all of the folded chips. Don’t even get me started on when 5 chips are baked on top of each other.

  I guess once a digger always digger.

  

  8. I rarely have enough free time to spend reading blogs. Have I mentioned how badly school is cramping my style? Is it December yet??

  9. I don’t even have time to focus on creating tastings with my one true love – black crack.

  

  10. I want a new iPhone (I’m still rocking the iPhone 4 I got in 2011)…and the Garmin 220….and a trip to Ireland…and room filled with coffee and chocolate.

  Q: What’s your confession?

  

  | 92 Comments Tagged Coffee, Confessions, Random, 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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