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  • Author Archives: Brittany

    • That Time I Crab-walked Down A Mountain

      Posted at 8:40 AM by Brittany, on January 6, 2013

      If anyone has a spare parka or blanket made out of seal blubber, I would gladly take it off your hands. That’s not very vegan of me, but it’s been very hard to get out of bed in the morning because it’s so cold. Inside AND outside. I’m in Arizona..what gives!?

      Iphone 546

      I know some of my Canadian readers are laughing at me, and anyone else that’s in weather wayyy below this. Laugh away, I am a wimp.

      Fortunately going hiking means the blood flows and helps with heating up the body.

      Iphone 560

      Iphone 552

      Ohh the beautiful red rocks of Sedona. What a lovely hike, UNTIL we reached the destination.

      Iphone 553

      This vertical wall of death was the scariest thing I have encountered all year. I was shaking, breathing heavy, sweating, and planning my funeral just looking at this. Finally after telling my brother I would do it if he did..he was gone in a flash climbing up like a spider monkey. Finally I climbed, all while breathing like a cow in labor. So scared. Luckily the view at the top was well worth it.

      Iphone 554

      What goes up, must come…falling down to a painful death  down.

      Iphone 556

      To ensure maximum safety, I put my 5th grade PE skills to use and crab-walked down.

      Iphone 559

      Oh and I was wearing jeans since it was so cold. BAD idea. I went against everything I have ever stood for when it comes to hiking. I will never do that again. NEVER EVER.

      I’m sure you can figure out by now I survived. Once I came back down, I was able to resume regular breathing and my armpits started to dry off. I was glad to say I did it. Accomplishing such a grueling task required some serious nourishment.

      Iphone 565

      While taking this picture of my beautiful black bean burger, I didn’t notice I was missing a bun. Come to find out I kinda liked it sans bread. The world was realigned once again.

      Q: Have you done any scary hiking before? I get scared all the time, it’s either vertical walls of death, or rustling bushes. Like I said, I’m a wimp. I also watch too much Animal Planet.

      brittany

      | 52 Comments Tagged Arizona, Cold, Hiking, Photography, Vegan, Wimp
    • Choo-Choo!

      Posted at 5:00 PM by Brittany, on January 4, 2013

      It shouldn’t take a neurologist to figure out this post is going to be about a train.

      20130104-165409

      A trip north to Cottonwood/Sedona area started with a train ride through the Verde Canyons in Clarkdale Arizona. This railway was built in 1912 as a support for the copper mines in Jerome, AZ, and it just so happened to be my first wilderness style train ride.

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      I started this adventure on the inside of the train, but quickly made my way outside with the big kids to get the full experience. Despite being a bit chilly, being outside was much better.

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      Who ever said there’s no water in the desert?

      The most fascinating thing about this train ride was seeing all the caves in the canyon walls that were used by Indians many years ago. The idea of living in a cave is wild to me. To display just how close the train drove by the canyons, here is a picture of a random old man.

      20130104-165615

      This two hour ride took us into a “town” called Perkinsville, where you have to be a Perkins to reside. There were maybe three people that lived here, and at least 10 farm animals. This is where I took my favorite photo of the day.

      20130104-165624

      One day I will frame this and hang it in my house. After a 15 minute break check, we headed back on the two hour ride into the train port. If you’re ever in this area of Arizona, I highly suggest taking this train ride.

      Q: Have you ever been on a train?

      brittany

      | 28 Comments Tagged Adventure, Arizona, Desert, Photography, Train
    • NYE-I’m Getting Old

      Posted at 9:03 AM by Brittany, on January 1, 2013

      I’m not one for New Years Resolutions, however I do think the idea of setting goals can be exciting. 2012 was my year of running. One race per month, with at least one half marathon. New Years Day last year included running and jumping into freezing water. Great way to start off a year of good running. This year my goal is to run four half marathons. No resolutions, no diets, just four half’s. Oh and I also have a goal of keeping my cool at the gym when all the resolutioners hog my spin classes. At least they only come to the gym for about a month.

      Enough about goals and running, you all want to hear about my wild night on the town for NYE!! Before I get to that, I’ll start with the beginning of my day. What better way to spend the end of the year than in a room full of half naked sweaty people?

      20130101-091127
      My first hot yoga class showed me beads of sweat on my skin in places I’ve never seen before. There is something magical about seeing sweat roll off your body, knowing that you are releasing stress and toxins onto your yoga towel. I did get dizzy a few times, and at one point felt a little queasy, but a few deep breaths and a burp cured that and the 90 minutes flew by.

      I was a little disappointed with how clothed everyone was. My yogi master (Manfriend) advised me to go with just shorts and a sports bra, so that’s what I did. There was only one other woman in there without a shirt. Once we started flowing, the heat really brought out my abs.

      20130101-091135n

      Don’t be jealous, it takes a lot of cookies and cake to achieve this ab perfection. I had a blast doing this with my aunt, and can’t wait to get home and do it again with boyfriend.

      After a much needed shower and refuel, I did some running around with my cousin to kill time before our big party of the night. On our way out of Walmart, some representatives were giving away free food. It’s always a good day when you get free food.

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      Four hours later, it was time for the main event.

      20130101-091204

      Once again, please hold back your jealousy for my night of Bingo. You know you’re getting old when you’d rather play 3hours of bingo and be home by 9:45 than go out and party. Unfortunately I didn’t win anything, but I got close. Next time..I’ll win the jackpot.

      Today is a day spent running, enjoying family time, and relaxing. Happy New Year!!

      Q: How was your NYE??

      brittany

      | 48 Comments Tagged Bikram, New Year, Running, Yoga
    • Fascinating Food

      Posted at 4:06 PM by Brittany, on December 30, 2012

      While playing a game with my younger siblings, I discovered that we are indeed of the same blood line. I asked a question, and my brother answered perfectly.

      20121230-162948

      I would have to agree to a degree, one of the most fascinating things about being a human is comprehending the amazing flavors of different foods. I’ve been away from home, but I haven’t been slacking in the food department. My Arizonian family agreed to go to a vegan restaurant with me and fortunately for me this restaurant is located in Seattle too!

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      Started with an Asian style soup, and a sip of my dads Indian style chai.

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      I love Asian food, but I like getting American style vegan food. I find it to be more fascinating and impressive when a vegan protein can resemble real meat. I went vegan because I love animals, not because I didn’t like the taste of meat! I got the Hawaiian burger with a side of steamed veggies.

      20121230-163032

      This burger was a mess, which lets you know it was delicious. Overall everyone approved..except the one that got the nasty vegan hot dog. It was rough, even I didn’t like it. Dessert always saves the day.

      20121230-163042

      I haven’t had carrot cake in years. This was delicious. An unpictured cheesecake was also annihilated.

      I’ve eaten a LOT of food, so I’ve been running a lot too. Today I had an amazing 8miler, and the previous two days I had comfortable 3milers. TOMORROW I am going to my first hot yoga class with my aunt and I couldn’t be more excited!

      Q: Does your family eat the same way you do? No, but everyone makes an effort to try my hippie fuel.

      brittany

      | 38 Comments Tagged Food, Rest, Running, Vegan
    • Holiday Spirit

      Posted at 11:37 AM by Brittany, on December 21, 2012

      This is the easiest/most adorable craft you could possibly do for a Christmas gift.

      20121221-100720

      Salt shaker from Bed Bath and Beyond, a mini tree from Joanne’s, glitter, glue, saran wrap, and some ribbon! Simply glue the tree to the bottom of the shaker, put in whatever kind of glitter/fake snow you want, saran wrap the top so that the glitter doesn’t fall out, and wrap the top with a bow color of your choice!

      20121221-100708

      I just can’t get over the adorableness.

      Q: Have you made any holiday like crafts recently?? Share them with meee!! 

      brittany

      | 39 Comments Tagged Christmas, Craft, DIY, Pinterest
    • The Grinch 10K

      Posted at 9:56 AM by Brittany, on December 16, 2012

      Last December I set a goal to run one race per month for an entire year. Overall I was successful with this goal. I missed one race in August, and in November I made my own Turkey Trot because I went to sign up too late. Ok so I missed two races, but I’m going to pretend that the T-Trot counts. The year has flown by, and if you asked me last year about all the races and runs I would have completed I would have laughed in your face. Yesterday I ran my last race of 2012.

      The day was cold. I mean really cold.

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      It also was trying to rain, but thankfully held off until the race was over. I always get to races extra early to avoid last minute crowds trying to get their packets. I don’t want any added stress, otherwise it would jeopardize my chances of winning. Joke..

      20121216-090948

      The 5K was called The Frosty 5K, and the 10K was The Grinch 10K. I’d rather be The Grinch anyway. I should have worn green. Instead I attempted dressing to the occasion.

      20121216-090931

      My shirt has candy canes and my socks are Santa-ish. I didn’t win best costume, but I tried. I wanted to wear my new leggings, but didn’t dare get them ruined.

      I'm in love

      I’m in love

      This race course was the same as the race I ran in March for St.Patty’s day. This meant the chances for a legit PR would be good. I have come to realize that no matter where I am when I run, whether it’s in a “race” or running on the road for fun I always have the same pace. I never try to actually “race.” Just keep that information in your frontal lobe, I’ll come back to it.

      Once the race started I warmed up pretty quick. For the first 3 miles the pace was a steady 10:30. This is my regular pace. I felt fine, and was enjoying the run. At about mile 4 I saw an older gentleman start to pass me. Something inside of me clicked and all of a sudden I was like, “No.” Just no..no this man is not going to pass me, and no I am not going to leisurely finish this race. So I turned on the juices. Right before the huge hill nonetheless. I turned the pace from 10:30 to 9:30 and held strong the rest of the race.

      Once I started to feel myself slowing down, another girl around my age came out of no where and had an amazing cadence and stride to her run. She started to pull ahead of me. Once again I said, “no.” I turned up the juices even more. At this point I wasn’t going for a PR, I just wanted to beat this girl. She was on my heels for over half of a mile. Right before the end another fatty hill reared it’s ugly face, and thankfully Manfriend was there to give me that extra push I needed. Once the end was in sight I ran as fast as I could and left her in my dust.

      Overall finish time was 1:01:32 with a 9:55 pace. EXACTLY 2 minutes faster than my last 10K. Literally down to the second. I shaved 2 minutes off, and if I had only “raced” from the beginning I could have gotten that sub 1:00!! Next time..for sure. I am more than happy with this race rounding out my year.

      Afterwards I stuffed my face with a vegan burger and brainstormed ideas for 2013 fitness goals. I see some more half marathons in my near future!!

      Q: What were your main fitness goals of 2012?

      brittany

      | 40 Comments Tagged Christmas, Race, Running, Vegan
    • Cupcakes and Lace

      Posted at 9:33 AM by Brittany, on December 11, 2012

      If I were more of a crafty fashionista I would use this title as a blog URL. Actually I couldn’t because I just Googled it and this blog name is already taken, so I will just use it as a title. Lately I have been clothes shopping a lot. By a lot I mean like 3 times. THAT IS A LOT for me. I never shop..I hate it. I hardly find anything I like, and when I do it’s workout gear.

      I own ONE pair of jeans, and these are frumpy jeans that I wore to work at TJ’s because leggings just weren’t going to cut it at this job. I kept the jeans in case I ever need to do yard work or something messy. I don’t do jeans, I just don’t. While shopping the other day I found the most adorable pair of skinnies. I bought them, and have worn them like everyday. I also found a dress that brought out my inner grandma and fell in love with the sleeves.

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      I had to snap a picture to prove that I was in fact born with two X’s. I just love those sleeves! Oh I also wanted to make up for the barbaric photo’s from yesterdays post! HA!

      More importantly, I am officially addicted and made a late night trip to The Bearded Lady. I went with the idea of getting ONE cupcake. I should have known, what a joke..ONE?!

      20121211-085743

      So I left with two cupcakes and a brownie. I wasn’t alone though, never do stealth operations alone.

      Gingerbread orange

      Gingerbread orange

      Gingerbread plum

      Gingerbread plum

      Blackberry chocolate brownie

      Blackberry chocolate brownie

      I need help.

      Q: Do you like shopping for clothes?

      atterned-n

      | 48 Comments Tagged Bearded Lady, Shopping, Vegan
    • No Shame

      Posted at 8:56 AM by Brittany, on December 10, 2012

      Saturday I went to Seattle with my mom.

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      We rode on this.

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      We sat up top, there was no heating, and middle aged women were talking louder than a howler monkey. The bus took us to Seattle to shop, so shop we did. Naturally the highlight of my shopping experience was the food. The Veggie Grill just opened up their second Washington location, which happened to be right where we were shopping. YES!

      If you live in Southern California, Northern California, Oregon, or Washington I suggest you eat here. It’s an all vegan restaurant, but don’t let that scare you. It’s delicious. Don’t believe me? Well I have some pictures that speak for themselves.

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      "This is dripping ALL OVER MY HAND!"

      “This is dripping ALL OVER MY HAND!” I also look like a small forest rodent.

      "I hope the table next to me isn't watching."

      “I hope the table next to me isn’t watching.”

      "This burger is a mess."

      “This burger is a mess.”

      "ANNND back for more."

      “ANNND back for more.”

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      "Is it too soon to want seconds?"

      “Is it too soon to want seconds?”

      I would like to thank my mom for capturing my true beauty in these photos. I clearly have no shame, and will do whatever it takes to convince my readers of a good foodie find. This place was good. Oh and in case anyone wants to know what I was eating, it was this.

      The VG Cheeseburger

      The VG Cheeseburger, El Dorado Style

      The bus ride home was filled with those same middle aged women, drunk, and dancing on the lower level of the bus. They are lucky I was sober or I would have pulled out my dance moves and their jaws would have hit the floor. I look identical to this guy when I bust a move. My hero is JT too.

      To Cliff Note this post I’ll say: I hung out with my mom for an entire day, I rode a double decker English bus, I froze, I ate a delicious vegan burger, and I experienced drunk older women. I slept well that night.

      Q: Have you ever ridden on/in a funky vehicle?

      atterned-n

      | 42 Comments Tagged Adventure, Vegan, Veggie Grill
    • Let’s Get Crafty

      Posted at 6:21 PM by Brittany, on December 5, 2012

      Being the Pinterest addict that I am, I found a craft on there I just had to make. Since I don’t know the exact website of origin, I can’t give credit to anyone other than Pinterest. So here’s my craft, courtesy of Pinterest.

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      Some of you may have seen this, and when I did I immediately fell in love with the idea.

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      A deck of cards, printed sheets with typed reasons of love, construction paper, two scrabble peices, a hole punch, glue, and binding rings.

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      This craft was so much fun. It was time consuming at parts, which helped to keep me busy. If anyone is looking for an adorably fun craft, this is it! I chose to not use the side of the cards with the jack, queen, or the king. These were too “busy” looking to me and I didn’t want the typed words to get lost in the chaos of the picture on the card. That’s the extent of my craftiness for the year.

      After my craft making I went on a 5mile run, and then had an amazing home cooked meal that was inspired by the lovely Amanda. I am already craving a second helping.

      Asparagus with peppers, onions, and garlic. Baked potato slices with thyme and salt. Brown rice with field roast holiday roast and some beets.

      Asparagus with peppers, onions, and garlic. Baked potato slices with thyme and salt. Brown rice with field roast holiday roast and some beets.

      The rest of my evening will be polished off with some popcorn and a holiday movie. I also see a vegan cupcake in my very near future.

      Q: Do you like to make gifts, or buy them? I like both..it depends on the situation. Homemade gifts are more rewarding, but you can’t craft up a dolphin giving you a ride into Narnia. That’s something only money can buy. 

      atterned-n

      | 43 Comments Tagged Craft, Pinterest, Running, Vegan
    • Car Talk

      Posted at 9:59 AM by Brittany, on December 3, 2012

      My ‘hood’ has had a few car break-ins over the last couple months. I decided to prepare myself should this happen to me. Once you have a break-in you are no longer a neighborhood..you are simply a “hood.” This is my car bag.

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      Inside the bag is: My licence, registration, insurance, GPS, wallet, and KEYS. Most important part of this car bag is the keys. This way I cannot drive off without all these driving essentials. Plus this gave me a perfect excuse to use the bag I got from this race. I bring the bag inside after I come home and hang it on my door to grab as I go.

      Now if anyone decides they want to mess with my car, the best they are getting are some spare tampons and a name tag from Trader Joe’s. Suckerrss!! Speaking of cars..check out my G-ride. This one’s for you dad..

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      What’s wrong with this picture. OHH, there’s a missing hubcap! I might have shed a small tear once I saw this for the first time. I suspect this was stolen when the theives were made they couldn’t get through my G-force protection layer on my car. Or maybe it flew off while I was speeding driving the speed limit on the freeway. Either way I am too cheap to go buy new ones, so for now I will be the classy driver with a missing hubcap.

      I made this recipe yesterday and it was a bomb. For those of you that are too lazy to click the link, it was pumpkin banana bread. I don’t know where I went wrong, but it was more like pumpkin banana mush. It tastes ok, but it’s definitely not “bread.”

      I found a half marathon I want to run in February. That’s pretty self explanatory.

      On that note I will leave you all with my biggest Christmas wish.

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      Q: Do you take any precautions to ensure you don’t get your car stuff stolen?? YOU SHOULD!! 

      atterned-n

      | 60 Comments Tagged Cats, Random, Recipe, Running
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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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