Blissfulbritt | Page 41

- No, I Don’t Even Lift
  
  Posted at 7:47 AM by Brittany, on November 15, 2014
  
  It’s cold. Not Midwest cold, but IT’S COLD!
  
  Elsa, is that you?
  
  The drop in temps has resulted in any running being swapped out for spin classes and a Jillian Michaels DVD. I’m being a wuss and staying inside.
  
  I follow a good number of people on Instagram that lift weights. They are toned, tiny, and pack away a solid amount of “comfort foods.” I on the other hand lift nothing but my cats, and the occasional cookie to my mouth. After seeing bowls of nut butter cereal cookies with ice cream and so on, I decided to make my own version.
  
  I took my morning oats and jazzed them up a bit with some toppings.
  
  Whole grain oats with pumpkin, cinnamon, a blob of peanut butter, and CINNAMON PUFFINS! How I’ve never experienced this cereal is beyond me, this is my new favorite breakfast combo. This is as crazy as I get though, the thought of eating Oreo’s everyday makes my brain go into a diabetic coma.
  
  No…no I do not.
  
  I also lift 5lb bags of coffee daily, real talk.
  
  Speaking of coffee, I was so jazzed by a coffee tasting my coworker put together. I delegate one barista a week to do a coffee tasting with the crew in an attempt to broaden coffee knowledge. This barista took it to the next level and I was so proud.
  
  He made a poster board, and bought VEGAN cinnamon donuts from a Seattle company to pair with Christmas Blend. I usually have to make my own treats for tastings, so this was a real treat having him buy something Brittany friendly.
  
  Terrible paragraph transition in 3…2..1…I discussed my love for curled up chips a few posts back and discovered many of you also enjoy the curled chips. I thought about how genius it would be to create an entire bag that was just curled chips.
  
  Well, Target stole my idea. Rude.
  
  I “lifted” this entire bag to my face in less than 2 days. So good. Also good…
  
  This also finds its way into my morning oats sometimes.
  
  Q: Is it cold yet where you are? Did I mention how excited I am to escape to Arizona next month!? GIVEMEHEAT
  
  | 63 Comments Tagged Coffee, Nog, Starbucks, Vegan, Winter
- Does it Make Me…
  
  Posted at 8:01 AM by Brittany, on November 10, 2014
  
  Does it make me out of shape if after doing one day of week one “Ripped in 30” with Jillian Michaels, I was sore for two days? Don’t ask me to pick up dropped items.
  
  My cat has the idea.
  
  Does it make me a grown up if the thought of having a dog no longer disinterests me? I’m house sitting again, this time with a VERY WELL BEHAVED DOG.
  
  Does it make me unmotivated if I am counting down the days until I am done with the chemistry class I am taking? I’m going to say yes. Arizona/freedom is calling me.
  
  Can’t.Wait.For.This
  
  Does it make me soulless if I compare babies and puppies interchangeably? Both I cannot stand, unless well behaved like the aforementioned dog. I don’t do drool.
  
  Does it make me addicted if all I can think about is sugar? I may be eating my feelings towards school. Just a little. Also, Thanksgiving cannot come soon enough.
  
  Face plant
  
  Does it make me ambitious for walking to the store when I’m fully capable of driving? I didn’t think anything of it until I was asked TWICE by people driving by if I needed a ride. No, I just like to walk? Cars are overrated.
  
  Does it make me lazy if I’d rather walk than do any other kind of exercise right now? I’m soaking up all the fall colors while I can before the white blanket of death arrives.
  
  Does it make me a bad blogger if this is the best I could come up with for a post?
  
  Q: Fill in the blank: “Does it make me ________?”
  
  | 60 Comments Tagged Does it Make Me, Fall, Random, Run, School
- A History of Memorable Events
  
  Posted at 3:49 AM by Brittany, on November 6, 2014
  
  – 1989: Shot into the world, or “birthed.”
  
  Note: I did not come out looking like this. I was 8 mo. here, and already loving everything Halloween.
  
  – 1991: Stepped on a giant slug, proceeding to give me a life long phobia. Real talk.
  
  – 1992: Had the best hair I’ll ever have, this cannot be repeated.
  
  – 1997: Became the coolest kid on the block with my authentic Japanese Pokemon cards. Thank you dad for living in Japan and sending me this gold.
  
  – 2000: Hit puberty, tried to fight it by wearing the same soccer shorts and Old Navy tech vest…everyday. This lost me my title of coolest kid on the block.
  
  I also had a hair cut like this for years…thanks mom.
  
  – 2004: Introduced myself to coffee at the orthodontist (totally ironic.) Put enough cream and sugar in my cup to give five people diabetes for life.
  
  – 2005: Got braces. This sparked my fascination of teeth.
  
  16 yr old black haired Brittany.
  
  – 2007: Became a carbotarian by giving up meat, but eating all things bread and chips.
  
  – 2009: Got a job at a smoothie shop and found my love for veggies, and wheat grass.
  
  – 2011: Started this blog, ran my first race, unleashed the (slow as molasses) beast, got a job at Trader Joe’s, and met a boy.
  
  – 2012: Gave up all animal products, and perfected the art of roasted vegetables. Ran my first half marathon through the happiest place on earth.
  
  – 2012: Sparked my insatiable appetite for cupcakes.
  
  – 2013: Had a life changing breakup with aforementioned boy, which taught me peace, patience, and balance. I’m now very (possibly too) comfortable being alone.
  
  Balance is bliss.
  
  – 2013: Got a job at Starbucks. Cracked out on coffee even more than at the orthodontist when I was 15. Discovered a new passion for the bean.
  
  – 2014: Fell in love with the mountains and with my life, despite my always changing path. Learned that change is constant and adaptation is key.
  
  – Yesterday: Reminded myself why I never wear LOOSE fitting cotton bottoms while running. Everything moves. Everything.
  
  Q: What was a memorable moment in time for you?
  
  | 64 Comments Tagged Mountain, Random, Running, Starbucks, Trader Joes, Vegan
- Running Thoughts – Take Two
  
  Posted at 6:02 AM by Brittany, on November 3, 2014
  
  Sometimes when I run I think about dancing sugar molecules in the form of cookies making their way into my mouth. Actually let’s keep it real, the only time I’m not thinking about food while running is when I’ve eaten too much before the run, and I have to distract myself with other thoughts to prevent myself from stopping.
  
  Truth
  
  I haven’t been running as much as I’d like the last few weeks, and my clothes have let me know it’s time to put down the fork and put on my Garmin. While on a run the other day (one I had eaten enough pumpkin and beans beforehand to fuel a small village) I had empty brain space to think about things other than cookies.
  
  My Thinks
  
  1. “There are three of you, and one of me..I would love if you shared this sidewalk. Then again, you are all around age 12 and haven’t grown into your naturally occurring hormones known as “manners.” It’s OK, but not really…MOVE or I will hit you.”
  
  2. “Oh man, the yellow light is flashing. I’d better slow down, I don’t want to get a ticket.”
  
  3. “I wonder if I’ll ever have to use my MACE.”
  
  4. “I feel like a busted can of biscuits. Too many chips.”
  
  5. Meghan. <—-Post inspiration right there.
  
  6. “The seasonal Clif Bar I ate yesterday was as soft as my under-run midsection. Usually I’m putting my jaw through the wringer to eat one of those.” I love this flavor, makes me warm and fuzzy inside like swallowing a caterpillar.
  
  7. “I’m going to blog about this. I’ll call it running thoughts.”
  
  8. “Oh look, a chubby kid with a cupcake. I wonder if he would share that with me. Doubtful, chubby kids don’t share. I speak from experience.”
  
  I laughed waaayy hard at this.
  
  9. “I feel haggard, but those guys just whistled. They must have been warning traffic a train was coming. And by train I mean me.”
  
  10. “That run was at a quicker pace than I thought…hmm…GIVE ME CAKE!”
  
  Blogging Thoughts: This post was way cooler in my head.
  
  Q: What do you think about when you have open brain space?
  
  | 69 Comments Tagged Food, Garmin, Running
- All Hallow’s Eve
  
  Posted at 8:20 AM by Brittany, on October 31, 2014
  
  Halloween – You either love it or you hate it. I happen to love it, but not for the reasons that most people do. I associate Halloween with October, and October with fall, so when these are all wrapped together I love Halloween just by fate. I also don’t complain when there is a holiday dedicated to candy.
  
  I’m not one for dressing up, and parties aren’t my thing. The last Halloween party I attended was in 2009 and I was a pepper shaker. I know, I’m wild. The year after that I dressed up as my cat. Last year I wore a mask and went trick or treating. Yes, I am 25.
  
  No, not “a cat,” but “MY cat.” There is a difference. A regular cat is too cliche.
  
  Twins
  
  These days I stay home and try to earn the title of “best house” by giving handfuls of candy to undeserving children. Whatever it takes to get the candy out of my house. Not that I am tempted by it, we usually buy candy I don’t like anyway. Plus, Halloween candy is usually filled with milk and other junk so I don’t eat it.
  
  Or so I thought…
  
  I stumbled across these two vegan friendly Halloween treats and about lost my marbles. I bought both bags. While everyone is out strolling the streets for free candy, I’ll be tucked inside my house with too much candy to handle, and a box of Halloween Joe-Joe’s I’ve been patiently waiting to open. I should probably go for a run today…
  
  On a somewhat related note, Halloween is the one time of year I haven’t been to Disneyland, but MUST. I missed the start of all things Halloween by ONE DAY this year!! I still got to see pumpkins everywhere, but the main Halloween celebration didn’t start until the next day. That’s OK..just another excuse to go back.
  
  Q: What’s your favorite Halloween candy? I still have a spot in my heart for the pumpkin shaped Reese’s PB cups even though I don’t eat them.
  
  | 48 Comments Tagged Candy, Halloween, Vegan
- Starbucks Christmas Espresso Coffee Tasting
  
  Posted at 3:42 AM by Brittany, on October 28, 2014
  Over the summer I took a general biology class to kick start my back to school adventures. It was the first of four classes I needed to take in order to apply to a holistic nutrition program, and it was a fantastic class. It wasn’t easy, but it also wasn’t hard. I learned a lot and had plenty of free time to spend my summer in the mountains.
  
  Fast forward to now and my life consists of chemistry and Starbucks. One of these is not like the other. By that I mean I love my job, and I hate my class. I’m in a constant mood of “blah” and I miss my mountain adventures. Things feel chaotic and I am no longer in a constant place of zen.
  
  I’ve realized spending each and every day stressing over one class is doing nothing but damage. My grade isn’t benefiting from my stress, and my happiness is nonexistent. In an attempt to balance my life again I’ve decided to focus on myself, and not feel guilty about it. When I’m done with my school work for the day – I’ll be done. I will do something for myself and not think twice.
  
  OK I may think twice at first, but in time I hope to balance out my work and play. I started with an at home coffee tasting pairing Starbucks 2014 espresso blend with a pumpkin fudgy cookie.
  
  Life is too short to be miserable, and this class is not worth my stress. If I do the work, I know I will be fine. So I put away my books and turned on my oven to create this mouthwatering pairing.
  
  These cookies are VERY rich, but mildly sweet. Think of them as a breakfast cookie, making them an acceptable pairing for your morning cup of coffee – specifically this espresso roast.
  
  Pumpkin Fudgy Truffle Cookies
  
  Ingredients
  - 1 cup pumpkin puree
  - 1 cup almond butter
  - 3/4 cup cocoa powder
  - 1/4 cup maple syrup
  - 2 tsp cinnamon
  - 1/3 cup raw/organic cacao nibs
  Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 350F
  2. Combine all items except the nibs in a food processor or large bowl and mix until well combined. Add in the nibs and scoop each cookie onto a lined baking sheet, or use a pizza stone like I do. This made 12 cookies.
  3. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until tops are firm and center isn’t mushy.
  These cookies are soft like a truffle, fudgy like a brownie, and round like a cookie. It’s the best of all three worlds. The raw nibs balance out the sweetness of the maple syrup, but for a sweeter cookie use regular chocolate chips instead. I’m trying to behave with my sugar intake. Trying.
  
  Tasting Notes: The espresso blend has a caramel sweetness to it that pairs beautifully with flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, and spices. The acidity is low and the body is full helping to enhance the pumpkin flavors of these cookies. Each bite and each sip came together holding hands like two preschool kids on the playground. Two thumbs way, WAY up for this blend.
  
  This coffee will be available to the public sometime next month. I know it’s not even Thanksgiving yet, but I just couldn’t resist this deliciously smooth coffee. A warm cup of the holidays is the perfect way to slow down & appreciate life one day at a time, wouldn’t you agree?
  
  Q: What are your go to activities when you’re in need of some balance? For me I need to explore, bake, run, blog, or simply enjoy a good book or tea with a friend.
  | 62 Comments Tagged Coffee, Coffee Master, Coffee Tasting, Gluten Free, Recipe, School, Starbucks, Vegan
- Early Morning Confessions
  
  Posted at 6:12 AM by Brittany, on October 24, 2014
  
  1. They’re baaaaccckkk…
  
  Coming to a Starbucks near you after November 1st.
  
  2. I kind of want to run a marathon..but I’m really scared.
  
  3. My typical grocery haul is what I like to call balance.
  
  4. I dislocated my elbow last week (at 4am), and spent 15 minutes trying to put it back in its socket. Sadly this has happened a handful of times before, but not recently. I cried, yelled for my mommy, pulled it back into place, and then went to work. Damn you yoga planks…
  
  5. Still obsessed with fall squash. 6. I really miss hiking, and being active all day. I’ve been so sedentary with school lately I’m starting to grow another human off my backside.
  
  7. Folded/curled chips > flat chips. I will dig throughout an entire bag searching for all of the folded chips. Don’t even get me started on when 5 chips are baked on top of each other.
  
  I guess once a digger always digger.
  
  8. I rarely have enough free time to spend reading blogs. Have I mentioned how badly school is cramping my style? Is it December yet??
  
  9. I don’t even have time to focus on creating tastings with my one true love – black crack.
  
  10. I want a new iPhone (I’m still rocking the iPhone 4 I got in 2011)…and the Garmin 220….and a trip to Ireland…and room filled with coffee and chocolate.
  
  Q: What’s your confession?
  
  | 92 Comments Tagged Coffee, Confessions, Random, Running, Vegan
- Squashed
  
  Posted at 3:46 AM by Brittany, on October 21, 2014
  A few weeks ago I purchased “all the squash.” I wanted to do something fun with each of them, and I think I accomplished just that. Below are the random creations I came up with for five different types of squash. I don’t have recipe measurements because I usually just throw things together, but this will give you an idea of different flavor combinations to experiment with!You’ll see I used the outer “shell” of each squash as my bowl. Eating directly out of the squash shell is almost more fun than tormenting small children. Almost.
  
  Spaghetti Squash
  
  Named for its string like consistency, this squash is a fun substitute for noodles.
  
  In the mix: olive oil, nutritional yeast, pepper, jalapenos, broccoli and cauliflower.
  
  Butternut Squash
  
  The squash with a funny name and an equally funny shape. Borderline inappropriate for both…
  
  In the mix: Sauteed kale, cubed/roasted butternut squash, cranberries, cashews, olive oil, salt, pepper, and (un-pictured) quinoa.
  
  Leftover butternut squash was consumed for dessert with almond butter.
  
  Kabocha Squash
  
  The squash I want to wear as a hat.
  
  In the mix: Quinoa and gluten free penne pasta with tomatoes and brussels sprouts, topped with a vegan “cheese” sauce.
  
  For the sauce
  - 1/2 cup almond milk
  - 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
  - 1 tblsp gluten free flour
  - 1/2 tsp yellow mustard
  - 1 clove (chopped) garlic
  - pinch of salt
  Combine all ingredients into a sauce pan and heat on low for about 4 minutes. Stir often until sauce becomes thick. I paired this with 1/2 cup (precooked) quinoa, and 1 cup (precooked) penne.
  
  Acorn Squash
  
  A squash that resembles an acorn. Ever seen a squirrel try to eat one of these?
  
  In the mix: Cinnamon topped honeycrisp apples baked right into the center of the squash. Drizzled with a dash of raw honey to bring out the sweetness of the apples.
  
  Pumpkin
  
  October would not be complete without pumpkin, the quintessential fall squash. Pie pumpkins are perfect for making a meal or a treat. Naturally I chose treat.
  
  In the mix: Pumpkin Joe’s O’s, cashew butter, cinnamon, and vanilla coconut ice cream.
  
  Perfect ending to the squashed adventures.
  
  Q: What’s your favorite squash recipe? INSPIRE ME, leave a link in the comments!
  | 49 Comments Tagged Fall, Pumpkin, Recipe, Squash, Vegan
- Poulsbo Half Marathon – Take Two
  
  Posted at 3:59 AM by Brittany, on October 16, 2014
  Last Sunday I completed my sixth half marathon, and it was absolutely fantastic.
  
  This was my second time running the Poulsbo half, and it is the only half I’ve repeated thus far. This is also the course that holds my current PR from last year. Everything about this race is my favorite from the course to the time of year. October makes for perfect running weather.
  
  This year Lily was in town to run it too, and she took second female overall. No big deal.
  
  As for me, the race was just what I expected. My training was on point, and although I didn’t get a PR I was CLOSE. I felt strong the entire race, and didn’t feel the desire to walk despite the massive hills throughout the course. My time was about 2 minutes and 23 seconds slower than last year (and my current PR,) which I was more than OK with.
  
  I finished with a time of 2:11:52, a 10:03 pace.
  
  I wasn’t sure what to expect with this race because despite finishing all my long runs, my mid week runs were slacking the last couple weeks because I was so wrapped up with school. I also didn’t have “fresh legs” because of all the exploring/hiking Lily and I did the two days prior.
  
  I think I’ve come to a point where running half marathons are not longer a “big deal.” I didn’t feel nervous, and I was only moderately tired/sore after. I did run this entire race in my Vibram’s, which I had never done before. This contributed to some sore calves, but otherwise they were great. I couldn’t be happier with the outcome of this race.
  
  I’d also like to thank my giant spaghetti feast and this Texas sized cookie for my prerace fuel.
  
  My mentality throughout my entire training process and the race itself was they key to my successful run. I smiled, I laughed, I cheered on other runners, and I knew that I had the ability to finish strong. I’m still on such a runners high, & I’m searching for half marathon number #7!
  
  I didn’t stop my watch at 13.1 so this is my time for an extra .04 of a mile. Every second counts.
  
  Q(s):
  - Runners, what’s your favorite time of year to run?
  - Non runners, what’s your favorite time of year to do outdoor activities?
  | 54 Comments Tagged Fall, Half Marathon, October, Race, Run, Vegan
- Adventures with Lily
  
  Posted at 3:40 AM by Brittany, on October 14, 2014
  
  I had the pleasure of spending last Thurs-Mon with a dear friend I met through blogging. Lily and I became friends through blogging wayyy back when this little blog first started, and our friendship has blossomed more and more as each day passes. I went to her wedding before we actually met in person, because blogging has a magical way of bringing people together.
  
  When deciding what to squeeze into the few days she was here, this is what I came up with.
  
  Hiking
  
  A four mile hike in the heart of the Olympic Mountains. The views were stunning as per usual.
  
  Playing Tourist
  
  Deciding what baked goods to purchase is serious business.
  
  I took Lily to Pike Place Market for baked goods (for both), beer (for her), coffee (for me), salmon (for her), and a day of Seattle exploration. I also got a cookie the size of Texas to split.
  
  Half Marathoning
  
  We both ran the Poulsbo half marathon. A separate post dedicated to this race will come later this week, but I’ll just say the race was fantastic, and Lily got 2nd female overall. She is a beast.
  
  Coffee Dates
  
  Lily humored my love for coffee and went on multiple coffee/tea/beer dates with me. I got coffee every time because I am a square and I like square things. Like black coffee.
  
  Random Activities
  
  Building a sad yet epic looking haunted house.
  
  Carb loading on pasta and bread pre race.
  
  I got Lily to try a handful of vegan items. The success rate was about 50/50.
  
  CliffsNotes Version: We ate, we drank, we laughed, we hiked, we ran, and we explored.
  
  A fantastic weekend with fantastic company.
  
  Q: Have you made any friends through blogging? I’ve made a handful of solid friends that I cannot imagine my life without!
  
  | 47 Comments Tagged Bloggers, Half Marathon, Run, Seattle, Vegan
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- Contact: blissfulbritt@yahoo.com
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