Blissfulbritt | Page 32

- Reflections over Resolutions
  
  Posted at 9:25 AM by Brittany, on December 31, 2015
  
  I fully understand the importance of having a full time job, saving for the future, using my resources to my advantage, and “adulting” in a responsible way. I take great pride in watching my IRA and 401K grow each and everyday.
  
  With that said, I also understand the importance of living life to the fullest, whatever that may mean for you. I write these posts once every so many months, and find they are predominently written when I am away from the high paced, somewhat high stress environment that comes with a job like mine.
  
  Don’t get me wrong, I am 100% aware that what I think I become, and what I feel I project. My stress is 100% self made and it’s my choice whether or not I have a smooth day or a tough day. I can manifest my own destiny day in and day out.
  
  How powerful is that?
  
  These posts flare up when I have time to reflect, to think, to just be. Vacation is a fantastic opportunity to not only reset your body, but reset your mind.
  
  I often leave my vacations with a better mindset on how I want to live my life, in and out of a 9-5 job scene.
  
  Granted I don’t work a 9-5 job, I have chump change for a daily routine, and some days are a cake walk, but you get the idea.
  
  The feelings I get after a great run are the feelings I want in life. A sense of accomplishment from something only I have control over. I am the one to determine the effort put into each and everything I do, and at the end of the day I am the only one with control over how I view what I’ve done to succeed in life.
  
  Success comes in many shapes and sizes.
  
  I take comfort knowing that I am setting myself up for a future I want, but I have also made an attempt to fully accept living each day for what it is. The stress of society is not something I want to be too caught up in, and as I reflect on my year, my life, and my being, I am discovering more of what I want in my life and what I view as success.
  
  I finally believe that when you quiet your mind of negative thoughts, allow your creativity to flow, and accept the present moment, life works the way it’s meant to.
  
  As my last post of 2015, I leave with a compilation of reflections. My only goal for 2016 is to further explore the power of my own thoughts, and how to start listening to them better. I want to take more risks, climb more mountains, eat more food, drink more coffee, and help more people. In sum I want to be fully and 100% alive.
  
  What good is a life spent in an environment where you don’t actually feel alive? It’s a waste of precious chromosomes if you ask me, and I’m not one to waste.
  
  Arizona, what is this bright thing?
  
  No questions, just spewing brain sludge today. Cheers to a happy, healthy, and successful 2016 – whatever that means to you!
  
  | 80 Comments Tagged Arizona, New Year, Reflection, Running, Vacation
- Bubble Jaw
  
  Posted at 9:10 AM by Brittany, on December 21, 2015
  
  Well my friends, the deed has been done. I am on day four of recovery after having oral surgery last week and things are looking up.
  
  The surgeon described the cyst in my jaw as looking like a bubble, hence the title of this post. For those of you that are just tuning in I had a mandibular cyst that was noticed back in March and has continued to grow. Naturally I got all kinds of curious about these things and decided to watch a YouTube video at 1am after my surgery.
  
  If you can handle guts and gore, and are as intrigued as I am LOOK AT THIS.
  
  OH. MY. GOSH.
  
  Soft food diet – oatmeal and ice cream at midnight.
  
  I’ll keep my words short, I had a video to share that chronicled my day, but I no longer have the footage. Basically it’s showing how whiny I get without food (I went 28 hours without as much as a crumb) and how swollen my face looked. Oh and my mom recorded me after the surgery. That was fun.
  
  In order to fully go to Infinity and Beyond while under anesthesia I wore the appropriate attire. I’m now thinking about turning this into a fashion blog.
  
  #ootd
  
  My only complaint aside from feeling like I was dying because I couldn’t eat (dramatic much?) was the pain…IN MY HAND. I had minimal pain in my mouth and didn’t even fill my prescription for pain meds, but my hand hurt like hell. I had an IV ~~stabbed~~ delicately placed into my vein.
  
  It’s still bruised.
  
  OK I’m done whining, the procedure went well, everyone did great, and I’m just nursing the remaining swelling. Life is good.
  
  Or maybe I’m hoarding chestnuts for the winter. One will never know.
  
  Q: What’s the longest you’ve gone without food? Clearly I’m still dwelling on this…
  
  | 73 Comments Tagged Ice Cream, Surgery
- Customized iPhone Case for the Techie in Your Life
  
  Posted at 5:51 AM by Brittany, on December 3, 2015
  
  *This giveaway is now closed*
  
  I’m somewhat of a black and white person. I don’t stray far from routine (what little routine I have right now), I don’t like change (though I seek it because I know it’s good for me), and my style has tones of black and…black.
  
  I mean…just look at my blog layout. 😉
  
  With all that said, when I got an e-mail from Elin at CaseApp asking me to design my own personalized cell phone case, a case which would not only change my current one, but take it from black to something more lively – I was intrigued.
  
  Maybe.
  
  What do you mean it’s time for some color!?
  
  I don’t consider myself very creative in this way, and I initially had no idea what I wanted to put onto my new cell phone case. Attempting to keep things simple I dabbled in the idea of a white case, with one simple tree in the bottom left corner.
  
  Look familiar? What can I say, I have simple taste.
  
  After much deliberation (10 minutes of trying different designs) it came it me.
  
  This website allows you to upload photos you’ve taken to make your case a truly unique, one of a kind product. Sold.
  
  The cases have two layers to protect your phone when you trip on non existing stumps, which leads me to the photo I chose.
  
  After a quick photo library peruse, I found it. This image satisfies simplicity, change, and a separation from my black and white tendencies. Plus now when I look at my phone I’m inspired to get outside. A favorite photo from this hike.
  
  I admit I was unsure of how the quality would turn out, but I have no complaints. The case is sleek, smooth, and fit my phone like a glove. I also worried about the white picking up stains or scratches easier, because let’s be real – I’m not always careful.
  
  After using this case for more than two weeks I can say the coffee stains, and chocolate smears came off with ease. Must be the matte material.
  
  If you’re looking for holiday gift ideas I highly recommend CaseApp for an affordable and custom iPhone (OR LAPTOP, iPad or Samasung Galaxy) case! Or if you’re really lacking creativity, they have a handful of already designed cases that are great.
  
  Despite my black and white preference, I do like this one!
  
  The kind folks at CaseApp have offered you all a chance to win a free customized case design, along with a 20% off code. Everyone can use the code “BLISSFUL20” at checkout for an immediate 20% off, but if you want to play the cards first for a chance to win a free one simply leave a comment answering the question below.
  
  I’m also not very patient at times, so I’d probably just go design my own.
  
  Click here to get started making your own case!
  
  Q: What would you put on your case?
  
  | 41 Comments Tagged Christmas, Gifts, Giveaway, iPhone, Review
- Runners Trots
  
  Posted at 6:25 AM by Brittany, on November 30, 2015
  
  Working retail has given me a perspective on people that I am immensely thankful for. While you might think (and hope) people are kinder around the holidays, sometimes it’s the complete opposite.
  
  Serving impatient and sometimes unkind people has made me more compassionate, more understanding, and more willing to help others. I am thankful for this perspective because heaven forbid I loose my shit when a coffee shop runs out of cookies. OK so I kind of understand…
  
  I’ve worked the morning coffee crowd the last two Thanksgivings, so this year I was excited to have the entire day off. This meant I could participate in my first Turkey Trot. What kind of runners trots were you thinking?
  
  I dragged my family with me at 6:45 am to come stand in 30 degree weather while I ran 6.2 miles. The course was gorgeous, the sun was shining, and the hills kept me warm despite the cold temps.
  
  I didn’t see any other runners wearing Vibram’s, but I saw enough spit on the ground to worry about my feet catching hepatitis. I didn’t verbalize any goals, but secretly I wanted to beat my previous “official” 10K PR, and finish in under an hour.
  
  Turned out despite my lack of running lately I not only accomplished this, but I had plenty of wiggle room. 6.2 miles in 58 minutes and 11 seconds, plus an extra .07 miles due to spastic running tendencies.
  
  Post trot shenanigans I found my way into the kitchen to prep for the feast.
  
  What does a dairy, and meat free Thanksgiving look like? It looks like real food. I find great joy in making feasts from scratch. Everything was homemade, from the love of my fingertips. Like a wizard.
  
  Then of course, the real reason I ran…my version of pumpkin pie.
  
  I took this photo three years ago!
  
  With a full belly, and a happy heart it’s safe to say my Thanksgiving was fantastic.
  
  Q: How was your Thanksgiving?
  
  | 50 Comments Tagged 10K, Plant Based, Race, Running, Thanksgiving, Vegan
- Early Morning Confessions
  
  Posted at 8:35 AM by Brittany, on November 24, 2015
  
  1. As I write this my back is exposed to the public. My favorite standing table at my favorite Starbucks (other than my own of course) is occupied, thus I must be vulnerable until my table is available.
  
  2. It’s gotten cold in my woods. This means my favorite vest is worn…everyday.
  
  Creature of habit.
  
  3. OK, it’s not that bad. We’ve been hanging out between 35-45F.
  
  4. My nutrition has been on point lately.
  
  Carbs, on carbs, on carbs.
  
  5. What’s changed? I stopped eating so much fruit. I know, the horror.
  
  6. After two months of minimal running, I signed up for a Thanksgiving day 10K. I decided I should make sure I wouldn’t die and went for a 6 mile run. It was amazing.
  
  Fueled by oatmeal and coffee.
  
  7. I’ve never run a race on Thanksgiving, and I haven’t run a single race in 2015.
  
  8. I am obsessed with romaine hearts. Like, eat an entire bunch every day obsessed.
  
  9. I’m OK with this obsession, it’s like eating the sun for a natural and legal high.
  
  10. Speaking of high, I once ate a spoonful of catnip just to see what would happen. Turns out catnip is actually brewed like tea to help things like anxiety, indigestion, and stress. No wonder my cat loves it.
  
  Q: What’s your confession?
  
  | 60 Comments Tagged Coffee, Cold, Confessions, Food, Race, Running, Starbucks, Thanksgiving
- How Biking Differs from Running – Vol. 1
  
  Posted at 6:15 AM by Brittany, on November 18, 2015
  
  As I’ve spent more time riding my bike lately, I’ve noticed there are some solid differences between biking and running. Aside from the obvious, (one is on wheels and much, much faster, while the other is on foot and can be slow as molasses) I’ve compiled some things I’ve noticed over that last couple weeks of biking adventures.
  
  I was going to save this post until I had a decent amount of differences, but have instead decided to make it an ongoing post as I continue to discover more.
  
  Biking vs. Running – Volume One
  
  …according to an amateur.
  
  1. A snot rocket while biking, is NOT THE SAME as a snot rocket while running. It takes much more effort and planning while on a bike. Fast moving winds will either love you or hate you. You have been warned.
  
  2. Biking requires less wait time between meals and moves. Biking requires effort, but I find running to be more labor intensive. I can eat a carb heavy breakfast and be ready for a bike ride within 20 minutes.
  
  New waffle recipe that I can’t stop making.
  
  3. Biking makes you cry. Not emotionally, just physically. Going down a hill at 30 MPH (obvious exaggeration) makes you spit all the water from your eyes like you just rubbed them into a bowl of onions.
  
  4. Biking allows you to slow down and savory the scenery. When I run I’m much more focused on not dying, which makes biking a calming treat.
  
  Those COLORS!
  
  5. Biking hurts your loins. I don’t think this needs much more explanation.
  
  Must.Get.Acclimated.Faster.
  
  6. It’s easier to eat while biking. My mind is always occupied by food, and I’m a sucker for a good multitask so this is wonderful. I will eat on longer runs, but with this I risk choking on my food while gasping like a suffocating hyena.
  
  Banana lettuce wraps are a recent strange but good discovery.
  
  7. Hills are easier on a bike. Or perhaps I should say more tolerable. Unless the road looks like a 110 degree angle, then it sucks just as hard as running. Here I thought I’d never use my 3rd grade math lessons, hooray.
  
  8. Biking allows you to be more presentable in society. Don’t get me wrong, I give zero cares walking into a store dripping sweat and looking ratchet as ever after a good run, but biking to the store (or coffee shop) helps me look less like a tornado hit me.
  
  Until next time, happy pedaling. Not to be mistaken with peddling, which is known as selling goods. Usually drugs. Like cookies. Those are addictive.
  
  Q: What are some differences between two activities you enjoy?
  
  | 61 Comments Tagged Biking, Biking Vs. Running, Coffee, Explore, Larabar
- All Hallows’ Disney
  
  Posted at 10:00 AM by Brittany, on November 13, 2015
  
  Halloween has come and gone, but it seems fitting to share my Halloween adventures on Friday the 13th. I’d cue the spooky music, but my Halloween wasn’t spooky at all.
  
  For as long as I can remember Halloween has been one of my favorite holidays. I’m not one for dressing up, and parties aren’t my thing, but Halloween has always solidified the change of summer to fall and fall is my favorite season.
  
  It’s also no secret around here that I’m a big Disneyland fan, and ever since I ran my first half marathon through the park a few Septembers ago I knew I had to get back during October. It just so happened that Disney recently had a birthday too.
  
  Happy big 6-0 Disney. ❤
  
  I’ve seen the park decked out in pumpkins, but the one ride I had never experienced was the tricked out Haunted Mansion. Each year the ride shuts down during September to prepare for a Nightmare Before Christmas theme.
  
  This year I decided to go ON Halloween to get the full experience.
  
  The mansion was total sensory overload. I loved it.
  
  The sun was hot (bizarre sensation at the end of October, my PNW brain couldn’t quite compute), but the only long line was the first ride we went on.
  
  The only mountains I conquered while in California.
  
  This post is nothing more than an excuse to share my photos, my excitement, and the joy that comes with the magic of Disney. Even the bathroom signs are fun.
  
  You risk long lines when going on a holiday, but this year I was able to check another adventure off my bucket list, which made it all worth it.
  
  Next adventure: Mickeys Halloween Party, costume and all!
  
  Q: Have you been to Disneyland around the holidays?
  
  | 48 Comments Tagged California, Disneyland, Explore, Halloween, Vacation
- LA Eats
  
  Posted at 9:10 AM by Brittany, on November 10, 2015
  
  To be honest my latest trip to LA wasn’t very food oriented.
  
  I know…and no I’m not sick.
  
  I made it a point to try a few “firsts” starting with a trip to Spitz for their unbelievable falafel. I’d walk to LA just to eat that ball of fried chickpea goodness again. Plus I got to stuff my face while meeting new people. This girl is a gem.
  
  As for the treats (aka life as I know it,) the only planned pit stop was a visit to a bakery, and ohhh boy did I visit. Erin Mckenna’s Bakery was formerly known as Babycakes, which I had a negative experience with many moons ago. I’m not one to hold grudges, so I gave them a second chance.
  
  This was a good move on my part.
  
  I got chocolate all over my face with those treats, I had zero shame.
  
  Another local discovery was a post run acai bowl, $11 worth of fruity goodness. I’m glad the bowl was good, because my interaction with the cashier was less than stellar.
  
  “Does your granola have nuts?”
  
  “We have gluten free oats.”
  
  “OK, but does it have nuts?”
  
  “It’s gluten free.”
  
  “NUTS ARE NOT GLUTEN SHOW ME THE GRANOLA!”
  
  I digress…
  
  I spent more time making food than I did exploring new to me places, and I was OK with that. After a trip to a California pumpkin patch (which is nothing more than a plot of land with hot sun beating on your face and pumpkins placed atop hay, sorry CA, WA has you beat here) a new recipe was created with a white pumpkin.
  
  I also found my future tiny home, which was cool.
  
  White pumpkin pie, recipe to come on Gigi’s blog next Tuesday.
  
  Cooking food and making videos.
  
  In all reality I didn’t eat out a lot because I spent all my money on one banana at Disneyland. It’s OK Disney, I forgive you for your overpriced produce.
  
  Most expensive banana known to man.
  
  I then spent 1/3 of that on a banana twice the size the very next day.
  
  Gotta love amusement park prices. Hanger makes you do crazy things.
  
  Q: Would you pay $2 for a small banana? I’m not proud of this.
  
  | 54 Comments Tagged California, Explore, Food, LA, Vacation, Vegan
- Streets of LA
  
  Posted at 8:15 AM by Brittany, on November 5, 2015
  
  I can’t help but think back to this time last year when I was engulfed in Chemistry. Fall is my favorite season, yet 3/4 of my free time was dedicated to that class. Last fall flew by without so much as a hello, so this year I made it a point to enjoy each and every changing leaf.
  
  Not LA.
  
  This fall is flying by just as fast, but in a much more enjoyable way. I had a great trip to Ohio in September, just came back from California on Sunday (visiting this girl,) and am off to Arizona in just a month and a half.
  
  This is how I prefer spending my fall months.
  
  November means Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and I must admit I do enjoy the extra joy that comes from this month of celebration. I’m thankful for my adventures with Gigi last week, starting with exploring the streets of LA.
  
  I was able to explore the land by foot each day, which as most of you know is my favorite way to explore. This allows me to see things I’d typically miss.
  
  Like a gaggle of black cats painted on a wall.
  
  I had a handful of great runs, two of which ended at my “new favorite” California coffee shop – Alfred {Coffee + Kitchen}. When their slogan is “But first, coffee” you’re in good hands.
  
  As a drip coffee lover I was happy to discover Alfred Coffee uses their own blend, with the help of Stumptown. I also appreciated the price on this cup of coffee, although I did find over $2 in monies during my few days of running.
  
  Their brew is called Alfred, sometimes simple is better.
  
  This is real life, from ONE run.
  
  The $$ I found payed for at least one cup of coffee. That’s a win in my book.
  
  LA is a fast paced city, which I could never see myself living in, but it allowed me to slow down and appreciate my time away from “real life.”
  
  Sorry mom and dad, this was too good not to share.
  
  They also have a solid grasp on living in the moment, at least according to the streets.
  
  Q: Have you been to LA?
  
  | 62 Comments Tagged California, Coffee, Explore, LA, Run
- I Want to Ride My Bicycle
  
  Posted at 7:20 AM by Brittany, on October 27, 2015
  
  I highly recommend listening to this song as you read this post, which has become my theme song for life. At least for the moment.
  
  Last week I took myself on a date to Seattle with one goal in mind: buy a bike.
  
  As you can see from the above photo I was successful in this endeavor, but before I get to that I want to relive my Seattle adventure.
  
  Despite my many trips to the city, I can never take just one photo upon arrival.
  
  I may be bias, or just sheltered, but this is one of the most beautiful cities I’ve seen. If anyone wants to take me to Europe and change my perspective that’d be great.
  
  I had the entire day to myself so I wandered, wandered, and wandered some more.
  
  My first stop in Seattle is almost always the same, a trip to Pike Place Market for good coffee, fruit, treats, and entertainment.
  
  After I got my caffeine and sugar fix I headed to REI. On my way there I saw many signs I was doing the right thing. Not that I needed any convincing.
  
  I’m not an impulsive person, and most of the time I miss out on things because I am too afraid of making the “wrong choice” or because I don’t know enough about things.
  
  I’ve been planning to buy bike for years now, but wanted to do some research first. After no effort on my part to do so, I decided to buy a bike based on feel.
  
  Complete and utter impulsiveness. I regret nothing.
  
  A 15 minute test ride, 30 minutes of paperwork, and nearly 2 paychecks later I rode away on my brand new bike. The color was not at all what I planned on, but I love it.
  
  I made this purchase based on the feel of the bike, and partly on the brand name. Cannondale makes great bikes, this much I knew.
  
  My ride back to the ferry was a bit scary as it was getting dark and I didn’t feel comfortable riding in the road like all the other bikers. Total newbie over here trying to maneuver around walkers on the sidewalk.
  
  I had to ride my bike onto the ferry (back to my car) among a sea of commuters. I pretended I knew what I was doing, but really I didn’t.
  
  At least I wasn’t the only one wearing sandals.
  
  The cool kids.
  
  A successful trip to the city, and I now have a new mode of transportation.
  
  Now all I need to do is get my butt used to the seat, and figure out a better way to pack this into my car. For now, I’m content riding around my area.
  
  I also need a bike lock, a basket for my ~~cat~~ groceries, and strobe lights.
  
  Post purchase selfie after stuffing the bike into my car.
  
  Q: Do you have a bike?
  
  | 76 Comments Tagged Bike, Cannondale, Explore, REI, Seattle
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