Blissfulbritt | Page 30

- Manifest So Hard
  
  Posted at 5:00 AM by Brittany, on May 12, 2016
  
  I spent my Tuesday afternoon in Seattle, but this adventure was different than my usual Seattle trips. This adventure wasn’t based around coffee, food, or hiking (despite some of these activities finding their way into the mix later in the day), this adventure was based around business.
  
  There is something in the works right now that I have been manifesting SO hard, but I won’t share it until it comes true. Because it will. It will come true.
  
  My manifestations have been keeping me up at night, and have taken over my thoughts. If I haven’t put enough brain waves into the universe with all this positive talk, then it simply wasn’t meant to be. But it will..it will be. HAaa.
  
  Manifest so hard.
  
  After the necessary tasks were taken care of, it was time to play tourist – per usual.
  
  First stop: Pike Place. Also per usual.
  
  Next stop: Starbucks roastery.
  
  If you can get your hands on a cup of nitro cold brew, which is just how it sounds (nitrogen infused cold brew coffee) do it. This was life changing.
  
  Post refreshments my lovely copilots and I decided to partake in the ultimate tourist trap, we rode the duck. Half on land, half in water this tour takes you around some iconic Seattle locations.
  
  The weather was perfect, the positive energy was on point, and I found my future tiny home when the duck went in the water.
  
  Another Seattle adventure in the books, and I’m heading back today to see if all my manifesting payed off. Wish me luck!
  
  Q: What was something you wanted sososo bad that you couldn’t stop thinking about until you got it?
  
  | 60 Comments Tagged Coffee, Explore, Seattle
- Goal Getter
  
  Posted at 5:00 AM by Brittany, on May 7, 2016
  
  Things around here have been optimistically negative lately, and I’m here to say it’s time to move on. I’ve had a positive spin on all the “more serious” topics that I’ve shared, and it’s quite obvious to all my loyal readers that I’ve found myself in a wobbly life spot. I know that this has been a time of growth for me, and for that I’m thankful.
  
  Maybe if I just close my eyes everything will turn around on its own.
  
  No such luck. If life worked that way no one would ever appreciate anything. In order to manifest the life I want it’s about time I set some goals. No goals = no direction, no direction = chaos, chaos = sugar binges at 10pm, sugar binges = needing bigger pants, needing bigger pants = spending my traveling fund…and well, you get the idea.
  
  Or I could just vagabond my way around the world…
  
  If we keep talking about things that we don’t like, the energy from our words will keep us stuck. We must actively choose to speak positively and direct our mind in the direction that we want. This is something I must remind myself of often.
  
  Here are my current goals for the next few months.
  
  .
  
  1. Get my sh*& together with my diet. How I plan to accomplish this: avoiding processed foods/sugar and finding my way back into the kitchen. I feel alive when I’m experimenting with meals.
  
  It’s an ugly process trying to break a sugar addiction, and I’ve found myself deeper in the white powder than I’ve ever been before. The only way out is to go cold turkey, and green – lots of green.
  
  2. Get into a solid groove with running, and watch my time improve naturally. How I plan to accomplish this: accept that I’m starting at square one again, fueling well, and being proud of each run. Even the 2 milers.
  
  Slow and steady
  
  3. Finishing strong with school. How I plan to accomplish this: continue doing what I’m doing. I finished my first semester strong and couldn’t be more thrilled. Only one more year.
  
  4. Practice self love. How I plan to accomplish this: STOP TALKING NEGATIVELY. Accept where I am. Move forward. Highlight the positives. Chop off my hair. Run.
  
  5. Grow my own food. How I plan to accomplish this: Self explanatory, but by starting small. I have been growing lettuce in my kitchen window and it’s flourishing!
  
  5. Put my energy into helping others instead of dwelling on stupid things. How I plan to accomplish this: volunteering, staying positive at work, family time, and by finding my inner zen. When we take the focus off ourselves, life becomes much easier.
  
  6. Blog more consistently. How I plan to accomplish this: CONTINUE TO go on EPIC ADVENTURES that are blog worthy. This space is a huge part of my life, and I’ve been somewhat absent lately, but I want to get back into a blog flow.
  
  Latest mountain adventure.
  
  These goals are realistic and attainable, which is a great place to start.
  
  Q: What’s one of your current goals? Eyes on the prize!
  
  | 63 Comments Tagged Blog, Life, Running, School
- Multnomah Falls
  
  Posted at 5:00 AM by Brittany, on May 2, 2016
  
  I can’t remember the exact moment I first saw a photo of Multnomah Falls, but ever since then I’ve been daydreaming about it like it were a giant cinnamon roll.
  
  Seeing it in person was like seeing your favorite animal eating a burger in a baggy t-shirt with BBQ sauce on its face.
  
  It was amazing.
  
  With a forecast of 80 degrees and no post run activities, I decided the 30 minute drive outside of Portland was a good idea. It ended up being the best idea of the day.
  
  Even better than Blue Star Donuts.
  
  The park was crowded, but after going up a bit the people thinned out. My family wasn’t too jazzed about going to the top of the waterfall and although they told me I could go and they would wait, I decided not to.
  
  This gives me an excuse to go back. It was all part of my master plan.
  
  There are miles of trails all over this area and I must get back to explore for a handful of hours! Who wants to go back with me and stand at the top of the waterfall?
  
  I have to earn my new bag bling by standing at the summit.
  
  I can still feel the cold, wet air from the base of the waterfall hitting my face the closer we got. Nature in her true element, and boy was it great.
  
  Q: Coolest waterfall you’ve seen in person? This one..fersher.
  
  | 76 Comments Tagged Explore, Hike, Oregon
- Race for the Roses 10k
  
  Posted at 8:00 AM by Brittany, on April 25, 2016
  
  I survived my first race of the year, and it went better than expected.
  
  In an attempt to rectify my love affair with running I signed up for this half marathon back in January. After skipping one too many long runs and staying on the shitty diet train for too long I decided 13.1 just wasn’t in the cards for me.
  
  I decided to run the 10k instead which has always been my favorite race distance. It’s a happy medium for me that requires no training and somehow always sparks a fire in my soul for the sport. Something about being around other runners reminds me why I run.
  
  Normally when I sign up for a race it’s 100% based on location, course, and finishers medals. This time I was able to find one that satisfied all of that, PLUS benefited a good cause. It was a win win win win.
  
  The morning of the race I was a moody Mary and didn’t want to go. I didn’t sleep well, didn’t feel well, and dreaded the idea of running. Skipping the race wasn’t an option, and once I arrived my mood immediately changed.
  
  From moody Mary to glowing Glenda with two snaps and a twirl.
  
  It’s hard to be grumpy when 100% of the proceeds from a race go towards families and people with developmental disabilities. My sister has autism, so this cause was close to my heart. The crowd of people that participated were full of energy and inspiration.
  
  The course wasn’t as flat as I’d expected, but it was amazing. We ran through the city of Portland over bridges, along the water, and between skyscrapers. I found myself smiling more than expected.
  
  Obviously not my photo, but was taken the day of the race.
  
  I’m not exaggerating when I say my running has been awful lately. When I’m not running consistently, anything over 3 miles becomes difficult. I went into this race with no expectations, and told myself to just enjoy the miles as they came.
  
  Around mile 4 the sun started to hit me. I felt my brain pounding between my temples and decided to take a couple walk breaks for about 30 seconds each. Despite these stops I still finished with a time I’m proud of, and only 2 minutes slower than my PR.
  
  The finishers medal is a handmade slab of wood with the logo stamped on it, I adore the rustic look. I also got a fun swag bag that I stuffed full of post run snacks.
  
  Will run for carbs.
  
  Fast forward two hours: A trip to Blue Star Donuts and somehow two vegan donuts made it into my hands. A blueberry cake donut, and orange olive oil.
  
  I regret nothing.
  
  I balanced all these carbs with a hefty salad for dinner. I’d give away my bag of mini Clif bars (I hoard free race goodies) for that salad every night.
  
  So there you have it. Just like that, I feel inspired to run again. I often say running is 90% mental and it’s true. After turning around my attitude I was able to enjoy this experience and finish strong. Thoughts of donuts helped too.
  
  Q: What’s your favorite donut flavor? I’m a sucker for a good apple fritter, but that orange olive oil was so unique is swept me off my feet.
  
  | 88 Comments Tagged 10K, Donuts, Portland, Race, Running, Vegan
- Cinnamon Zen
  
  Posted at 7:15 AM by Brittany, on April 19, 2016
  
  Anytime I venture to Portland I leave early in the morning and skip breakfast. I like to save myself for a “welcome to Portland” feast, and this time I went hard.
  
  I’ve been craving cinnamon rolls for weeks, and the $6 giant vegan cinnamon roll from Blossoming Lotus did NOT disappoint. I’d like to say I ate this entire thing on my own, but I split it with my mom and my sister.
  
  That cashew cream cheese…
  
  I saved room for half of a breakfast burrito stuffed full of kale, potatoes, coconut “bacon”, tomatoes, and a tofu scramble. Plus a few bites of my moms vegan “eggs benedict.” Both were fantastic, but put me into quite the coma.
  
  I decided this trip was going to be stress free, and that included food related stress. I’ve had all these sensitivities that I’ve been ignoring for quite some time, tossing the word moderation to the wind, and this was my final hurrah for a while.
  
  Post feast it was time for a relaxing adventure.
  
  The weather in the PNW this week has been gorgeous.
  
  Hot, but gorgeous.
  
  The garden was lovely, and had me daydreaming of picnics, yoga, and things I need to adjust in my life.
  
  I have an all or nothing personality, and if I’m not careful it can get the best of me. When I first started seeing doctors for a hormonal imbalance, it led me down a negative path.
  
  I felt very restricted in my diet which eventually triggered the “eat all the gluten/sugar/things you don’t need” button in my mind. It’s been a slow process trying to break this cycle, but I take it day by day.
  
  The garden was packed full of people, and there were flower bushes and trees everywhere. I’m not typically a flower kinda gal, I’d much rather walk through evergreen trees and snow capped mountains, but it was nice to slow down and appreciate another type of beauty.
  
  With a belly full of cinnamon and a mind full of zen I was ready to start manifesting a new path to walk on, a path back towards a balanced lifestyle.
  
  If you’re in the Portland area and want a place to look at flowers and make friends with the local geese population this rhododendron garden is your spot. I promise you’ll find some inner zen, and if you’re lucky a goose will hiss at you.
  
  I got too close and this goose tongue out hissed at me like a cat. I screamed and laughed at the same time.
  
  Perfect afternoon adventure.
  
  Q: Have you ever been hissed at by a goose?
  
  | 82 Comments Tagged Garden, Portland, Vacation, Zen
- Discovering New Identities
  
  Posted at 7:05 AM by Brittany, on April 15, 2016
  
  Blogging has always been a fantastic outlet for me to share my self proclaimed creativity through adventures, food, coffee, and whatever else life throws my way. It’s been a huge part of my life for five years now (wow), but I’d be lying if I said it’s been easy lately.
  
  I’ve been sharing my love for vegan food, coffee, and running for most of those five years, and all of these things have given me a solid chunk of personal identity. I’ve been struggling with health issues lately that have caused me to give up coffee, take a vegan vacation, and step back from running – aka 90% of what I blog about/talk about/dream about/live about.
  
  To say I feel like my identity has been stripped would be an understatement.
  
  I’m still running…sometimes, I still eat predominately plant based…most of the time, and I still tried to drink coffee…until finally accepting that I just can’t. I still don’t know the underlying cause behind my symptoms right now (an ongoing process that’s been going on for years) but I’m determined to figure it out.
  
  I’m beginning to suspect that stress may be a large part of why I’ve been having issues lately. I’ve never thought much about it, but I do tend to let my mind take me down the rabbit hole if I’m not careful. I hereby declare that I will put my energy into things that calm me, and stop focusing on things that don’t.
  
  I’m not writing this seeking sympathy, but to simply share that I’ve felt like a blogging zombie lately. Although I’ve still had great adventures to share, I feel like I’m in a limbo right now where I’m trying to fit a square block into a hole for a circle block. I’m also a sucker for transparency, and I don’t blog for a job – I blog for connections.
  
  Plus I feel like getting this off my chest (as it’s been on my mind for a while) will help me feel more authentic with my blogging again.
  
  I know this isn’t forever, and I’ll find my way back onto the wagon soon enough, but for now I’m going to use this as an opportunity to add new things to my list of identity characteristics. I’ll still be sharing any runs I go on, plant based foods I eat, but coffee and I are on a solid break until I start feeling better.
  
  Thankfully my mountain adventures are still going strong.
  
  I’m always talking about how life is fluid and changes whether we are ready or not, and while it feels like my adventure has had constant twists the last couple years, I still have complete control over how I will use these twists to build an epic life full of experience and multiple identities.
  
  Not to be confused with multiple personalities.
  
  Overall life is good, and I’m extremely blessed. I’m off to Portland tomorrow to run this race and I’m excited to get away for the weekend. I’m not stressing about the run despite the fact that I haven’t had my heart rate out of the resting zone much the last couple weeks. I’ve always said running is more mental anyway so I’ll let you know if my theory is true.
  
  Wish me luck, and pray I don’t pass out on the side of the road.
  
  Q: What are your plans for this weekend?
  
  | 100 Comments Tagged Explore, Hike, Life, Plant Based, Portland, Running, Vegan
- Mount Zion
  
  Posted at 6:30 AM by Brittany, on April 12, 2016
  
  After searching for Mount Zion on the Google, I discovered this is a hugely popular name for a mountain. There is a Mount Zion in Illinois, Michigan, Georgia, California, Washington, and Jerusalem. While I’d rather have explored the hills of the latter location, I ventured to none other than Mount Zion in Washington.
  
  A new to me climb, this short and relatively easy hike was somewhat hard to find. I always make a pit stop at the ranger station and ask for directions to unfamiliar territories, and to use the bathroom. I drink a lot of water.
  
  The head ranger was on a bike run to the post office (small town living – I love it) and the ranger left behind was new. Like, brand new. He was unfamiliar with the area so I tried my best at following a drawn map, but as a woman I prefer verbal directions with step by step turns. Trying to follow drawn out lines and squiggles is like trying to decipher what Jabba the Hutt is saying without subtitles.
  
  After an hour of driving the area (and finding lovely sights along the way) we finally found our destination.
  
  This climb will be a fantastic addition to my solo hike list. The trail follows a ridge like edge with views of the surrounding mountains, all while maintaining a secluded canopy from the trees. The final view is only visible to those that can channel their inner billy goat. A scramble up a semi awkward rock provides a beautiful panoramic view of the surrounding hills.
  
  Oh me, oh my.
  
  Life doesn’t always go smooth, and we usually don’t have written directions for how things are supposed to be done. Life maps often look like a series of hieroglyphics and I was born in an era that uses words over pictures.
  
  Instead of focusing on the troubles of getting lost, it’s up to us to focus on the journey along the way. All we have is now, so why dwell on what we don’t have?
  
  Post climb and life reflection I had a void in my stomach that could be filled by none other than Vietnamese food. My third time in one week. I have no shame.
  
  My theme for this week is to stop focusing on problems I cannot fix. Without hoops of fire to jump through life would be rather boring, don’t you think?
  
  Q: Do you choose to enjoy the journey, or focus too much on the future? I’m all about the now.
  
  | 67 Comments Tagged Explore, Hike, Mount Zion, Olympic Mountains, Vegan
- Full Speed Ahead
  
  Posted at 5:00 AM by Brittany, on April 7, 2016
  
  Every so often I become obsessed with certain things. Its a constant rotation of phases that I go through, and when I get into a new routine of obsession I go full speed ahead.
  
  Case in point – I don’t eat out much unless it’s at the Whole Foods hot bar because I usually feel like I was hit by an airborne sword fish after I’m done. That being said, I tried a Vietnamese restaurant by my work on Monday and it was so good I did everything in my power to go back on Tuesday.
  
  Ob-sessed.
  
  To work up an appetite for the above bowl of tongue explosions I went for a hike. I went to the same mountain I hiked last time, because it’s quick yet steep. Not steep like this, but steep enough to show me how out of shape I am.
  
  Similar views as usual, but with a nice cloud cover. I love the way the mountains only slightly peek through under the fluff. I am planning to consistently do this hike because I want to watch my time improve.
  
  It’s been a while since I’ve set a physical goal and this seems like a good one. I may breathe like a labored baboon right now, but full speed ahead I go!
  
  When I’m at my peak with hiking obsessions I usually drive 2+ hours one way to get to a hike. Go big or go home. This hike is just under an hour away, making it more manageable for a last minute adventure.
  
  Spontaneity is my middle name when it comes to decisions. When I plan in advance I usually want to cancel, so sometimes being impulsive pays off. Like when I decided to finally finish school…again.
  
  I literally had a thought enter my mind one day in December, and by the next day I was registered. No time to think about it – full speed ahead.
  
  I regret nothing.
  
  If I could study how to make money by eating and hiking I would. It’s a good thing I don’t buy a lot of stuff because all my money goes towards gas and food.
  
  I think I’ll just keep running in mall parking lots because it’s almost a guarantee I’ll find a penny or three. Whatever it takes to fund my spontaneous adventures.
  
  After work today I’ll be going on a NEW to me hike, and I will neither confirm nor deny my plans to get Vietnamese foods post climb. Aye aye, full speed ahead.
  
  Q: Are you a fan of Vietnamese cuisine?
  
  | 54 Comments Tagged Hike, Hiking, Mount Walker, Running, Vegan, Whole Foods
- Springtime Sunshine
  
  Posted at 9:30 AM by Brittany, on April 4, 2016
  
  When the sun shines bright in the pacific northwest us Washingtonians come out from our dungeons like a zombie chasing human flesh. It doesn’t rain as much as people think, but it IS grey a lot. I’ve come to love the grey skies, they add to the lush green scenery, but this winter was much too long for me.
  
  I like to think I’m always butterflies and glitter, but this winter knocked me straight on my ass. I am more than ready for the sun to come back for the feel good vibes, but what I love most about this time of year is the way the sun hits the snowy mountain tops.
  
  Instant happiness.
  
  I’ve been soaking up my vitamin D with a couple hikes, and a handful of runs.
  
  I’ve been moderately lazy lately, and by moderately I mean immensely. My running has taken place inside on my treadmill because it’s more convenient, but I spent the last week house sitting which forced me outside.
  
  My house mate.
  
  My outdoor runs have been invigorating, but they’ve also reminded me of a few things. First and foremost I don’t love running the way I used to. I enjoy running 3-6 miles on my own terms, but the last two times I’ve tried to sign up for a half marathon in an attempt to kick my fanny into shape have backfired.
  
  I just don’t enjoy running longer distances on my own, and it’s time I accept that. Once every so often I’ll want to bust out an 8 miler, but that’s rare these days. Plus sometimes I would rather be doing things like hiking, biking or even just walking.
  
  Lucky for me I get paid to walk 3x a week with that good lookin cow dog.
  
  With all that said I look forward to more hikes and bike rides as the sun continues to fuel my cells with its power. I had planned to run a half marathon in Portland in two weeks, but my training has been inconsistent so I decided to run the 10k instead.
  
  Best decision I made all week. I get to go to Portland, I get to run a distance I love, and I get to breath easy knowing I can run 6 miles no sweat. OK, a little bit of sweat. It’s true that when you try to force something you end up avoiding it. When running is forced and I don’t listen to my desires for other movement I end up skipping all together.
  
  No bueno.
  
  It feels good to honor thoughts and feelings. Our bodies have a unique way of letting us know what we need. The signals start quiet, but if you ignore them (like I tend to do) eventually they scream at you. I must work on listening for the quiet signals before they come at me like a howler monkey in heat.
  
  On a less serious note school is great, work is the same, my need for a metal detector to find coins in the grass has increased, and I’ve finally bonded on a deeper level with my best friend. By swapping faces.
  
  I’m just gonna leave that there…
  
  Q: Did winter come in and steal your soul like it did mine?
  
  | 91 Comments Tagged Cats, Explore, Hiking, Mount Walker, Mountain, Running, Spring
- Minimalistic Easter
  
  Posted at 7:35 AM by Brittany, on March 24, 2016
  Long time readers know that I tend to lean on the simpler side of life. I have an aversion for clutter, waste, things in excess, and slugs. Mostly slugs. Thanks to my willingness to always reduce, reuse, and (mostly, but I could do better) recycle I was more than happy to help the folks over at gifts.com inspire others to find an Easter basket that could be reused.
  
  With a wide variety of gift baskets, I settled on a rustic picnic style basket filled with fruit. If you’re boring like me you could leave the fruit and call it a day, or you could eat the fruit while you stuff the basket with other Easter treats.
  
  I am one of those lucky souls that still gets an Easter basket from her mother. Born with wings of an angel that woman, she never skimps with the goodies. These days I try (key word) not to overdo it with the candy (I save that for Halloween and every other day of the year) and instead opt for non food related items.
  
  So what would I put into my basket this year? As with most gifts I receive (regardless of insisting I need nothing else added to my current lifestyle) I try to choose things I have a current use for. I hesitate to say things I need, because let’s be real we don’t really need half the stuff we ask for/receive.
  
  This year I don’t really need anything, so instead I’ll speak hypothetically.
  
  Easter Items I “Could Use Right Now”
  - A trip to Ireland, itinerary nestled inside a pale pink envelope in the center of my basket with an egg sticker sealing it shut.
  - A new cat wrapped in a blush blue bow to emphasize his snowy white fur. A friend to play with one of my current children, to match my black and white life.
  “It’s my CAT IN A BOX!”
  - The ability to rewind time. Not because I want to go back to my past, but because I want to tell people what I really think, and then rewind so I don’t get slapped. 🙂
  - Food, but not candy. Self explanatory, think staple items like veggies, nut butter, and oats.
  - A massage everyday for the next year, from the hands of Tom Hiddleston. <– Top priority please.
  - An iron gut to digest all the vegetables, and iron legs to get me through my half marathon next month. My training has been ~~God awful~~ less than stellar.
  “How about instead of running you just lay on this step and be a blob like me. Also, can you hand me that mouse?”
  - A TINY HOME!
  - A new Garmin because my current Garmin only tracks running. I want to explore the world of Garmin fueled biking, hiking, breathing, and scuba diving. My REI dividend is calling me to buy one.
  I dream about this beauty, and reaching rhino speed.
  
  Per usual there’s nothing I need, so a cup of coffee, bottle of Kombucha, and using my new basket for a picnic with my family suits me well. If my gift ideas don’t spark your fire check out Gifts.com for all the fanchy schmancy stuff.
  
  DISCLAIMME: I was not paid for this post, but I did get this basket o’ goods fo free to hippity hop my way to grandma’s house like I’m red riding hood. Can someone please knit me a cape for Easter?
  
  Q: What would you fill your basket with? Both realistically and hypothetically as I’ve done.
  | 85 Comments Tagged Basket, Cats, Easter, Fruit, Garmin, Gifts
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