Blissfulbritt | Page 34

- 100 Mile September
  
  Posted at 8:25 AM by Brittany, on September 8, 2015
  
  Remember back in May when I decided to run 100 miles for the month? Well, I loved that so much I am doing it again for September.
  
  It gives me a great focus, and just enough of a “training plan” where I don’t get burned out. Sure I’m running nearly every day, but the miles are short which makes them manageable. I kicked off the month with a 4 miler that was SO CLOSE to being under a 9 minute average I could taste it.
  
  I’m not a fast runner, at all. I bounce between a 9:30-10 min pace depending on my mood, energy, and my food intake. Lately I’ve been bouncing around 9:45min/miles which I love. Anything faster and I’m usually chasing the ice cream truck or trying to get into a line at Disneyland.
  
  Where am I going with this, OH YES, my pace was a 9:03 average which has given me a new goal of breaking into the 8 min mile range. I don’t know when, but I know it must happen. I did run the last two miles of that 4 miler at an 8:40 pace, however my goal is for the overall average to be sub 9. Boom.
  
  My favorite part about running everyday is the carb destruction that follows. Run for carbs and carbs for run, thanks to this routine my runs have all been great so far, the kind that leave you on a natural high.
  
  I also attribute my success to good music, and good coffee. This song is fantastic for running. Obsessed.
  
  My current regimen.
  
  My run on Saturday was supposed to be 3 miles, but I wanted to keep going for one more because it was one of those “ponder life” runs where I was so lost in my thoughts I could have run all day. Then I got hungry. I also found a treasure.
  
  Perhaps somewhat ironic that the item found on this run (I find a lot of random things) was a symbol of death. Or maybe just a symbol of the upcoming holiday, Halloween is my favorite after all. I intend to leave this skull prize at my bosses house, where I am currently dog/house sitting. I wonder how long it will take for her to find it. 😉
  
  As large and cuddly as this lovely dog may be, I miss my cats.
  
  So, I went to visit them.
  
  My Halloween baby, I just love that yogic beauty.
  
  Q: What’s one of your goals for the month, week, or even just today?
  
  | 65 Comments Tagged 100 Miles, Carbs, Cats, Goals, Housesitting, Run
- No Bake Coconut Creme Breakfast Pie
  
  Posted at 7:00 AM by Brittany, on September 3, 2015
  Alternatively titled: Carrot Coconut Creme Breakfast Pie, until I realized this really had no flavor of carrot despite the full cup of shredded goodness in the crust. Believe it or not I am in fact sharing a recipe after a hard core hiatus. Not just any recipe, but one that requires putting the words “breakfast” and “pie” in the same sentence.
  
  It may be somewhat ironic that I post a pie recipe just a few days after posting about avoiding added sugars, but that’s the beauty of eating “real food,” no processed sugar necessary. Just turn your eye to the bit of honey used, at least it’s raw. 😉
  
  I tend to get on a solid raw food kick when the summer months hit, and this year was no exception. It’s easy to eat raw for most of my meals (don’t get me wrong, I’ll easily throw back a back of chips with a side of fresh baked scones) but for raw “treats” it requires just a bit more experimenting.
  
  After my lovely mother made a raw blueberry pie, I knew the time had come to start creating allthepies. I don’t typically go for carrot cakes or pies, but I wanted something different and carrots hold a natural sweetness that can’t be denied.
  
  Carrot cake turned into a coconut creme pie, but I’m not complaining. The crust is made from the natural goodness of nuts, dates, and carrots, while the filling rounds it out with a creamy combination of more nuts, coconut oil and cream, and sweetened with honey. Good enough to eat for dessert, but hearty enough to eat for breakfast.
  
  Boom…clap…BAM.
  
  No Bake Coconut Creme Breakfast Pie
  
  Ingredients
  
  For the crust:
  - 1 cup shredded carrots (pat with paper towel to remove extra moisture)
  - 1 cup medjool dates, packed
  - 1 cup raw pecans
  - 1/4 cup raw unsweetened coconut flakes
  For the filling:
  - 1.5 cup raw cashews, soaked for 2 hours and drained
  - 1/2 cup coconut oil
  - 1/2 cup full fat canned coconut milk, stirred well before measuring
  - 1/2 cup raw honey (sub maple syrup to make this completely vegan)
  - 1 tblsp vanilla
  Directions
  1. Combine all crust ingredients into a food processor and combine until sticky and malleable.
  2. Once combined, press crust evenly into a 7 in spring form pan and set aside.
  3. Combine filling ingredients in a high speed blender until well combined, and pour on top of crust mix.
  I sprinkled more coconut flakes on top before setting in the freezer overnight. I wanted this for breakfast, and that’s exactly what I did hence the “morning light darkness” in my photos. Sometimes when you don’t want to wait for the daylight you settle for semi decent photos. I just wanted the pie.
  
  I let mine sit overnight, but a few hours will do fine. This pie is softer than most raw pies so it will need some time to set. Once it was ready to eat, I felt it needed just a little something more….
  
  Ah there we go, and a sprinkle of cinnamon to boot.
  
  Next time you want to go for that breakfast pastry try this on for size instead. This pie fueled me on a handful of runs, including a solid 8 miler.
  
  Q: Pie for breakfast, yay or nay? BIG FAT YAY when it’s packed with goodness.
  | 54 Comments Tagged Pie, Plant Based, Raw, Recipe
- Real Food, Real Good
  
  Posted at 8:35 AM by Brittany, on August 31, 2015
  
  Seven days. It’s been seven full days since I’ve consumed any added sugars and I’m not only alive, but I’m alive and well. I’ve realized how easy it is for me to get complacent about the foods I put into my hard working machine of a body. It’s easy to fall off the wagon and a whole heck of a lot harder to get back on which is why finding a happy balance is key. For me that balance is all about a healthy mindset.
  
  Cauliflower rice, by far one of the easiest things I have ever made.
  
  Choosing to avoid certain foods that make me like a bag of flaming poo is just that, a choice. I’m not being forced and if I want to eat cookies for dinner every night I can. I will just have to deal with the consequences, which I don’t like. I play the “I’m not going to eat sugar” game all the time, back and forth I go until I find some solid ground. This time however, I’m doing things a bit differently.
  
  Along with avoiding the obvious: cookies, cakes, store bought chocolate, etc, I am also paying attention to the hidden sugars. You know, the ones you find in your store bought salsa and ketchup. Fortunately for me 95% of the food I eat is already in its pure unadulterated form, but my one go to has always been store bought salsa.
  
  Thanks to the abundance of tomatoes my garden has thrown at me, I have been making my own. Nothing beats the flavor of fresh.
  
  I find it powerful to be fully aware and present with what I eat. Distractions aside, and really stopping to savor each ingredient, texture, and flavor. In the past my sugar hiatuses left me like a rabid dog searching for blood, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on sugar. This time, I’m calm, peaceful, and I feel good.
  
  I voraciously tore through that book. I’ve always wanted to use the word voracious in a sentence about books, checking that one off the bucket list. I finished the book in three days, which never happens in my world. I’m usually distracted by other things, probably chocolate. I found the read to be inspirational and comforting.
  
  Staple meal. Everyday. Popcorn and salads in bowls fit for sasquatch.
  
  This is not to say I will NEVEREATADDEDSUGAR again, oh no, you bet your sweet britches that won’t be happening, but I intend to be mindful of my sugar. Avoiding it where it’s not necessary (salsa) and moderating it with simplified treats. Local, homemade, things like that. I owe a lot of my success this last week to bananas and almond butter. I ate an entire Costco tub of almond butter in five days. Five days.
  
  This specific brand of almond butter has given me ZERO troubles and the fats have helped curb my sweet tooth while providing me with sustainable energy. No crashing. I also think what’s made this so easy is knowing that I am honoring my body. Insert awkward hippie dance here. Raw cacao has been helpful too.
  
  What I love most about being fully aware and present with what I’m eating is that food becomes almost spiritual. It’s the foundation for our entire being, and should be treated with respect. We as Americans have become all too comfortable with convenience, but what happened to actually working for our food? Baking our bread at home instead of buying it with ingredients not meant for bread, whipping up cupcakes from scratch instead of staining our fingers with Red#40 and Blue#6.
  
  I’m inspired to not only eat the food I eat, but to be excited about it. Real food makes me feel real good. Also fall, fall makes me feel real good. The pumpkins and colored leaves have come out of storage. That was quite the sentence transition.
  
  FALL DECORATIONS.
  
  Alright, I’m done preaching. Long story short is that I’ve fallen back into my crunchy granola ways and am mindful of my food. Avoiding sugars has also inspired me to avoid things like processed oils. You get out what you put in so fuel yourself with whole foods and I assure you that you’ll notice the difference.
  
  Q: Do you notice when you’ve had too much of a good thing? To be fair, I’ve been having too much fruit so I’m going to start paying attention to that too. I think I need to start a fructose addiction support group. 😉
  
  | 52 Comments Tagged Almond Butter, Fall, Food, Fruit, sugar
- Early Morning Confessions
  
  Posted at 7:04 AM by Brittany, on August 24, 2015
  
  1. This post is being written because I feel like writing, yet don’t have anything of substance or structure to share. Story of my life.
  
  2. I got sick last week out of no where, and took three days off from running. I then lost all my morals and ate whatever the hell I wanted, because that’s obviously how you get better. The upside of it all was when I got back on track with running my pace had unexpectedly improved.
  
  Before the unplanned rest I was averaging 10min/miles. Proof that rest is key, and won’t destroy what you’ve built.
  
  3. Remember that time I talked about going to ASU through Starbucks? Yea, that ship sailed, was re-boarded, and then sailed again. I changed majors and have everything set up whenever I decided to bite that bullet. What I know for sure is I WILL have my degree finished before my 80th birthday.
  
  4. I still have the recipe for a delicious pie hanging out in my draft bin. Perhaps I need to share that. I ate the entire thing in like 3 days.
  
  5. I haven’t run a race in…ALMOST A YEAR!? I’m kind of in shock about that, but I haven’t had a desire to train for a half marathon, and haven’t found a 10K that aligns with my schedule. Anything less than a 10K I don’t like to pay for. Running has been very zen for me lately with no strict schedule, and I like it that way.
  
  6. Ever had cassava flour? It’s different, good, but different. It’s a great option for anyone that can’t have most traditional flours. It’s made from a root vegetable, so basically it’s friendly for all. I made pumpkin bread, and brownies from it and then proceeded to eat all of both.
  
  I used Otto’s cassava flour, which is different from others because it is said to be the closest taste and smell to regular flours. It’s a bit chewy, but flavor was fantastic.
  
  7. These next few months, are travel months. I’m going to Ohio in September to see Meghan, LA in October to see my twin, and Arizona in December to see my family. To ensure I am living life on my terms, this is a must.
  
  8. Once upon a a time I had a dream to run my first half marathon at Disneyland. I made this a reality, and it was absolutely magical. My next dream was to go to Disneyland for Halloween, because Halloween is my favorite. My trip in October is MAKING THIS DREAM COME TRUE.
  
  I did go last year JUST as they were setting up, but didn’t get to see it fully done.
  
  9. Starting today…I am going to try my damnedest to stay away from added sugars. That toxin is EVERYWHERE and I am straight addicted. Fruit is the only exception. Wish me luck, detox is an ugly beast.
  
  10. I’m currently drinking a ~~cup~~ French press of my favorite coffee, which is calming my soul about ditching sugar. On the flip side, I’m thinking about how well a piece of dark chocolate would pair with this. Thank God for raw cacao.
  
  Q: What’s your confession?
  
  | 67 Comments Tagged Baking, Coffee, Confessions, Disneyland, Run, sugar, Vacation
- Mount Rainier – Reflection Lake
  
  Posted at 7:35 AM by Brittany, on August 20, 2015
  
  My last trip to Mount Rainier was so monumental I couldn’t get back there quick enough. To round out the end of my 4 day weekend I wrangled up a hiking buddy and headed south. Hi-ho, hi-ho, it’s off to Rainier we go!
  
  The weather was a perfect 75ish in the mountain range, with sun sun sun. The only clouds in the sky waited to make an appearance until we were ready to leave.
  
  How kind, I made sure to thank them before we left. “Thank you clouds.”
  
  This time I took a trail that led away from the mountain through fields of wildflowers, marmots, and enough chipmunks to build me a Cinderella like dress. The destination was Reflection Lake, I’ll let you figure out how it got its name.
  
  Round trip we probably meandered for about 7 miles and ended up being spit out onto the road, where we discovered Reflection Lake was a spot most people drove to.
  
  What can I say, I like to do things the hard way.
  
  I’ve decided Rainier is one of my top spots for adventure these days. The endless trails enveloping this mountain require days of exploration.
  
  One of my goals is to hike up to Camp Muir, the highest point you can climb without a climbing permit. Muir sits at a lovely 10,080 ft, and is a grueling 8 mile round trip climb. I hear it’s harder than a half marathon. Perhaps it’s a good thing I’ve got six of those under my belt.
  
  After I accomplish Muir, to the top I must go.
  
  Post Rainier shenangans my hiking partner was hung-ray so we stopped for a road side burger. I noticed a guy picking what looked like small green chickpeas from a nearby flower plant, and naturally had to inquire about what he was doing.
  
  Turns out they were seeds for the above flower known as NASTURTIUMS. “One of the few edible flowers in this area.” And then he ate one…so I ate one too. Nothing like trusting a stranger at a small town burger stop eating flowers.
  
  HO-LY SPI-CY. Like, peppery spicy. I Googled the flower and sure enough the flavor is described as: “peppery spice similar to watercress.” I don’t think I’ll be sprinkling these on my salads anytime soon. First hiking to a location that you can drive to, second eating flowers with strangers, clearly I like to live my life on the wild side. 😉
  
  Q: Have you ever eaten edible flowers?
  
  | 43 Comments Tagged Adventure, Explore, Flowers, Hike, Mount Rainier, PNW, Washington
- Portland – The Land of Good Coffee and Cat Pillows
  
  Posted at 6:58 AM by Brittany, on August 17, 2015
  Though my recent trip to Portland was short, I managed to pack in enough adventure to highlight a few things Portland is best known for.
  
  A tiny home with giant Sunflower stalks. I want.
  
  I’m fortunate to live just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Portland which makes the 3 hour drive doable without much notice. I’d been spending a lot of time in Seattle lately, and needed a change of scenery.
  
  Can anyone guess where I stopped first upon arrival? After spending 3 hours in my car (with at least 4 bathroom stops) I needed a pick me up.
  
  On my last trip to Portland I was given this card for a free coffee because they forgot my moms bagel. I decided to cash it in, but because it was after 1pm I went with decaf. I told you in my last post what happens if I drink coffee after noon.
  
  I almost got a regular coffee, but these tasting notes were perfect.
  
  In true Brittany fashion, I needed something to pair with my coffee.
  
  What I’m about to say next requires no explanation because I feel no need to justify my decision, however a brief glance into my thoughts might help clarify why I paired my coffee with a non vegan donut.
  
  I’ve been having a lot of issues with food lately, as regular readers will know. It had come to the point where I felt like I had no control over what I was able to eat, and I was feeling immensely restricted and fearful of anything that I put into my mouth. I have my safe foods, which I enjoy, but after a while they get a bit old.
  
  Traditional vegan donuts are full of junk (well, I suppose most donuts are) that my body doesn’t like and my usual go-to’s for donuts are now off the table. Sure, I can make my own, and I plan to in the future, but after walking past Blue Star Donuts and reading their statement on simple, whole food based ingredients I knew I had to go in.
  
  They had one vegan option, but I had been lusting over one specific donut ever since I saw it online a few months ago. Blueberry bourbon basil. If that doesn’t catch your attention I don’t know what will. When I first adapted a plant based diet I always said when I traveled I’d become a “vegan with benefits,” and with French based recipes consisting of whole foods, I benefited that day.
  
  I was caught trying to take a photo of my donut and coffee when someone asked if I wanted my picture taken with them.
  
  So there you have it, I ate a donut that had NO soy, no nuts, no unrecognizable ingredients, but had eggs. I regret nothing. Will this happen again? Not anytime soon, and not unless I’m in Italy because you better believe I’m eating all the pizza.
  
  I don’t quite know why I had the urge to eat this donut, but my mind told me to eat it and I did. Plus, when the ingredients are locally sourced and I know the animals aren’t being harmed for their products, my morals aren’t compromised.
  
  I no longer feel restricted and the donut did its job. Moving on.
  
  Donut and coffee in one hand. Skillz.
  
  Oh and the verdict? Light, fluffy, but the flavor wasn’t what I was expecting. It was delicious, but I was hoping to feel like I took a bite of blueberry pizza (basil) with a swig of throat burning bourbon. It just tasted like an airy donut.
  
  I didn’t feel sick after so that was a win. It also paired beautifully with the caramel and buttery notes in my coffee. Total taste-bud harmonization.
  
  Post donut and coffee consumption, wandering was required. Powell’s bookstore is always a good time, mentally stimulating on so many levels. I’ve been in the market for a new pillow and almost purchased one I saw while perusing the store.
  
  I decided against the giant cat pillow after considering how my main man would react. He tends to get jealous, and these days I try to put others needs before my own.
  
  Even though he was busted ripping things off my wall so that he could lay on them, but I digress.
  
  “I do what I want”
  
  Next I ventured down to the water to soak up the last bit of the sun. I passed some solid cathedrals on my way there, and I’m a sucker for gorgeous architecture.
  
  The only thing that would have made my trip to Portland better would have been a solid hike, and a trip to Multnomah Falls. The falls are on my bucket list, and next time I intend to stare at them until my eyes hurt.
  
  My next trip to Portland will be mid January for round two of Gregory Alan Isakov, but this time with the Portland symphony. Does this make me a groupie?
  
  Not sure a visit to the falls will be a good idea when it’s freezing out in January, but nothing is off the table in my world.
  - Coffee scene – check
  - Foodie scene – check
  - Food trucks – check
  - Listening to street musicians – check
  - Tattoo’s everywhere – check
  - Exploration – check
  Portland in a nutshell.
  
  Q: How was your weekend? I have one more day of freedom, and today I’m off to Mount Rainier!
  | 60 Comments Tagged Cats, Coffee, Donuts, Explore, Portland, Stumptown
- Random Rambles
  
  Posted at 10:06 AM by Brittany, on August 14, 2015
  
  I ate a pancake and 7 tons of sweet potatoes last week. What’d they have in common?
  
  The prettiest darn berries you ever did see. Note, those blueberries on the tater were baked, giving them that purple color, and a gooey decadent flavor.
  
  I also ate at least 4 homegrown tomatoes.
  
  I didn’t see anything more beautiful that day.
  
  Seattle with two of my favorites for a Starbucks Roastery adventure.
  
  I decided to get a cup of tea because it was after 1pm, and if I drink coffee too late I’m like a lab rat that’s been injected with cocaine. My tea tasted like Thanksgiving and Christmas had an unwed lovechild. It was fantastic.
  
  I tried to learn how to play the piano a handful of times in my life, and never made it past the first few pages of the beginners book.
  
  Should I finally learn to play, I want a piano in my house with hand painted trees like the one I stumbled across at Green Lake in Seattle.
  
  I had no intentions of participating in National Smore’s Day until the monster in my stomach that starts to crave sugar after dark reared its head.
  
  My angelic mother not only had graham crackers tucked in the pantry, but vegan marshmallows as well. I of course had an 85% dark chocolate Theo bar in the fridge because these days I’m never without.
  
  The best part? This was ~~annihilated~~ eaten at 10:30….PM! I never used to eat that late.
  
  Funniest photo of the week goes to my dad.
  
  I sent him a birthday card with a cat because he ~~hates them~~ adores their independent way of life. This photo was sent with the words “negatory.”
  
  I have the next four days off from work.
  
  So much excitement. I see Portland, hiking, and sleep in my future. This mini break is the first of a few to come. Livin la vida loca.
  
  Q: What’s your random ramble for the day? Any Portland readers!?
  
  | 50 Comments Tagged Explore, Food, Gardening, Random, Seattle, Starbucks, Vegan
- Solo Hiking – Why and How I Do it
  
  Posted at 8:40 AM by Brittany, on August 10, 2015
  Escaping to the mountains is by far one of my favorite things to do. I have a lifestyle that allows me to up and go practically anytime I want, but for others that’s not always conducive. Sometimes I make decisions last minute.
  
  Brittany, party of one.
  
  Fortunately for me, I sometimes prefer embarking on my hiking adventures alone.
  
  Melakwa lake was my recent destination of choice for a solo hike, an alpine lake nestled comfortably at the end of a 4.25 mi climb, and at 4600ft. On the way up my mind was being used to tell my lungs to inflate and deflate, but on the way down my mind filled with thoughts of why I enjoy solo hiking.
  
  There are many reasons why I hike solo, and there are also a handful of ways “how” I hike solo. While I know it may not be for everyone, it’s something I’d encourage if the thought has every crossed your mind. My only advice is to be prepared.
  
  Here are a few of my how and why’s.
  
  How(H) and Why(W) I Solo Hike
  - H: I always eat a large balanced breakfast. Always.
  - W: I love being on my own schedule, moving at my own pace, and venturing off on any (well marked) path I want.
  - H: I always read up on whatever trail I’m interested in before I go. Things like trail reports/conditions, distance, path information, things to expect and so on. This helps reduce any unknown surprises.
  - W: I work a job that requires a lot of talking, sometimes it’s nice to not talk. Aside from the greetings I provide fellow hikers. I crave alone time.
  The common stop spot for families. Thankfully the rest of the hike I was to myself a lot.
  - H: I tend to go on Sunday’s, a day I know there will be other hikers. I also go to hikes I presume will be populated enough that I’m not completely alone, but alone enough to have long stretches without seeing others.
  - W: Being alone means I don’t have to shower before I go, despite all the onions I ate the day before seeping out of my pores. I can also let any air trapped in my stomach escape. Beans, beans, the magical fruit.
  Fungus umungus.
  - H: I ALWAYS let someone know where I am going, and when to expect me home. By someone I mean my mom.
  - W: There is something immensely freeing about being alone on a mountain. Not like being alone in sketchy woods, that’s different. Being alone with nature (and enough fellow hikers that I feel safe from boogie men) gives me so much peace and I feel more alive in these moments than any other.
  - H: I always carry the essentials. Food, water, a knife, mace, a whistle/light, a poncho, nun-chucks, matches, sunscreen, my phone, beef jerky for Sasquatch. The knife I carry could use an upgrade though, if anyone wants to send one my way I’ll happily accept.
  - W: Independence, mental clarity, accomplishments, learning new things about myself, inner strength, inner peace, inner love–I’m a crunchy granola.
    Always in my hand, just in case.
  - H: My head is constantly swiveling, and I don’t get too lost in my thoughts. It’s easy to get distracted by all the beauty, but being aware of my surroundings keeps me safe. Falling branches are my nemesis.
  - W: I am my best when I feel strong and confident. I’m also my best when no one hears how heavy I’m breathing while climbing hills in 90+ degrees.
  - H: I always go early, ensuring that I have plenty of daylight should I somehow get off track. I also try to never get off track.
  - W: Solo hiking allows me to practice my terrible selfie skillz.
  I was going for 1980’s solo prom pose.
  - H: I listen to the cricket in my head. Pinocchio taught me not to listen to talking foxes, but also to let my conscious be my guide. The voice in your head and the feeling in your gut–listen to it.
  - W: I can use the wilderness bathroom anytime. I can actually do this when I’m not solo too, but it’s a tad bit easier when I’m alone.
  I think that’ll do for now, but if you’re still not convinced solo hiking is for you I’ll leave you with this: No one will see you take the shoes you find mid trail.
  
  Just kidding, those weren’t my size.
  
  Q: Do you/have you/would you solo hike? If yes, what are your tips and tricks?
  | 65 Comments Tagged Adventure, Alpine Lake, Hiking, Melakwa Lake, Solo Hike, Washington
- Little Bits of Love
  
  Posted at 7:30 AM by Brittany, on August 3, 2015
  There are a handful of things I am loving right now, and not just watching my cats UFC fight while I dip popcorn into almond butter and mustard.
  
  SEPARATELY.
  
  Lately I’m loving…
  - Too legit to quit runs.
  Recipe to come for this pie.
  
  As you can see/know if you follow me on Instagram I ate a fat piece of raw pie last Monday and went for a run from my town, to the next town over. I had no idea if I’d make it as I haven’t run more than 6 miles (and only a handful of times) since March.
  - Creepin in a coffee shop
  I hadn’t spent time blogging in a coffee shop for…so long I can’t recall when the last time was. It’s always fun to be in a Starbucks that isn’t the one I work at.
  - Features on popular websites.
  Hey look, those are my balls!
  
  I am not a famous food blogger, nor do I aspire to be one. My recipes don’t travel the web at the speed of light, and I don’t have people knocking at my door begging to try my random creations. With that said, it has been like the work of a wizard adding coffee to the energy bite world. These bite sized balls have been a hit since the day I first shared them. Adding coffee to treats makes the world a better place.
  - New shewwwss.
  I stalled long enough with buying a new pair of Vibrams, so I ordered these online because they were on sale. I can’t say I love these yet because they haven’t arrived, but I’m hopeful that by sacrificing my pride with that “up the ankle” look they’ll be extra comfortable. If anything they won’t have holes in the toes like my current pair.
  - Coffee
  Is this a shocker? Do you know what I do sometimes with my days off? I drive out of my way to get a good cup of coffee. Yesterdays cup was Brazil Santa Ines, a Starbucks Reserve roast with tasting notes of milk chocolate and plantains. It sang in my mouth.
  - Blogging
  Despite today’s somewhat random attempt at a post, I have a few posts in the draft bin ready to go. One mountain adventure, one recipe, and one product review.
  
  Piggy backing off of that I also love blogging for the people I meet, and places I go.
  
  click image for photo source
  
  Like that time I went to Taiwan…
  
  Just kidding, but this girl did and she sent me that awesome mug with a bear on it. I am traveling soon though to visit this girl. I’m stoked to stomp all over Ohio and drink all their coffee, and eat all their food. All the all’s.
  
  Q: What is one thing (or five) that you’re loving right now? I’m loving how sore my legs are from yesterdays five hour hike.
  
  Disclaimer: No felines were harmed in the making of this post.
  | 66 Comments Tagged Bloggers, Coffee, Energy Bites, Pie, Random, Running, Starbucks
- Exceptionally Great Day
  
  Posted at 11:41 AM by Brittany, on July 30, 2015
  
  Last Thursday I had an exceptionally great day, and the moments just kept coming.
  
  Exceptional moment #1: I woke up with the sun. It’s ALWAYS a good morning when there are no alarms. I rose from the dead around 6am – my happy wake up time.
  
  Goodmorning sun.
  
  Exceptional moment #2: I made a French press, opened my computer, and sliced myself a piece of raw blueberry pie. I was sipping on some Organic Yukon, which has a smoothness that paired beautifully with this creamy pie.
  
  Recipe for the pie here. Exceptional moment #3: I took a drive a few towns over for a run along the water and across the bridge. Everything about this run was on point.
  
  Exceptional moment #4: Post run grocery haul, aka the two stores that are the Disneyland away from Disneyland. Plus Whole Foods had my favorite Theo bar.
  
  My bags indicate my two favorite states.
  
  Exceptional moment #5: Satisfying my week long burger craving, and remembering the beauty that is iceberg lettuce. I always opt for dark leafy greens because they have a higher nutritional punch, but all I wanted was a lettuce ball.
  
  Lettuce “bun” topped with roma tomatoes, oven roasted red onions and green bell peppers, artichoke hearts, mustard, turmeric, ginger, and an adzuki bean patty. With a side of salt and vinegar baked chips.
  
  It was like the 4th of July firework finale in my mouth.
  
  Exceptional Moment #6: Discovering a box of all things wonderful with my name on it. I had no idea this was coming, one of the many perks of blogging.
  
  More on that later…I think that’s enough feel good for now.
  
  Q: What kind of adventures constitute an exceptional day for you? Leisure mornings, hikes, good coffee and food pairings, running, food, more food, all the food.
  
  | 43 Comments Tagged Enjoy Life, Garmin, Run, Trader Joes, Whole Foods
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