Blissfulbritt | Page 49

- How to Make Coffee…Without a Coffee Maker
  
  Posted at 6:31 AM by Brittany, on March 7, 2014
  
  About two weeks ago my french press broke. Well, let me rephrase that. About two weeks ago I broke my french press. Apparently when compounds of glass collide they break…who knew! (Please sense my sarcasm.) 4AM is a rough time for making coffee.
  
  Yes, this is as detrimental as it sounds. To make matters worse, I broke it WHILE I WAS PREPARING my morning coffee!! ¡Ay, qué horror!
  
  So long old friend.
  
  I had to think of something fast, because there was no way I was going to waste all that hot water I worked so hard to prepare. I couldn’t fathom the idea of giving up that cup of coffee. My heart was set on it, and there was no way I was going to quit.
  
  So here’s what I did. I poured my coffee grounds in this Mason jar, and covered the top with a lid to minimize heat loss. I waited the allotted 3-4 minutes for my grounds to steep.
  
  Fun Fact: The amount of time for a standard french press to sit before “plunging and serving” is 4 minutes. The longer it sits, the sludgier it gets.
  
  I then grabbed this second glass cup, and used a basic small colander to “strain” out my grounds. Improvisation at its best my friends. This held back most of the ground coffee, but I strained it a second time right into my mug just to ensure minimal grit.
  
  I’ve never worked so hard for a cup of black crack. The overall time was at least double what it would have been with my french press, and TRIPLE the time it would have been using a standard drip coffee machine. You know what though, this has been the best coffee I’ve had in a long time. I find that when you work for what you have, it’s so much sweeter.
  
  I’ve been making my coffee this way for a couple weeks now. While I do find this coffee process to be enjoyable, there is a method behind my madness. Starbucks has so conveniently released a gorgeous new french press that I simply must have. Instead of spending $20 to replace the glass jar that I broke for my current french press, I’m going to splurge and spend $26 on a brand new, rustic, sleek, GORGEOUS french press.
  
  From the Starbucks website: A double-walled stainless steel coffee press with elegant details and an included timer.
  
  Ohh be still my heart. I am so excited this press comes with a timer, what wonderful marketing!
  
  I am waiting until the end of the month because I get an additional 10% off, making this beauty $26 instead of $43. It will be worth the wait. This photo doesn’t even show the small black timer, or the embossed Siren logo on the knob. Take my word, it’s beautiful. I did buy myself a new glass though, because I knew they would be gone quick.
  
  IT’S GLASS!! Recycled glass to be exact, I don’t do plastic. OHhhHHH SWOON. I love it.
  
  Call me desperate, or call me crazy…I’ll call me innovative.
  
  Q: What would you have done? Honestly, if I hadn’t had to work that morning I might have just gone out to buy coffee, but I am so glad I discovered this desperation.
  
  Oh, and I know what you’re thinking, “you work at a coffee shop, couldn’t you have waited until you got to work!?” No..I adore my mornings of peace and quiet with my coffee. It’s not the same sitting in a small back room at Starbucks. This was necessary.
  
  | 50 Comments Tagged Coffee, French Press, Random, Starbucks
- Mango Banana Smoothie
  
  Posted at 5:35 AM by Brittany, on March 5, 2014
  I like to visit Costco AT LEAST once every week and a half, sometimes every week. When I go I have a list, and I rarely deviate from it. I buy my produce in bulk because I eat enough of it to be confused with a growing teenage boy. Costco = happy wallet.
  
  Normally when I walk down the candy/chocolate/cookie/junk aisle, I don’t have to worry because everything is jam packed with milk chocolate, and other fun ingredients I can’t pronounce. This makes it easy to stay away from them. However, once in a while I am surprised by a vegan friendly treat that almost literally jumps out at me.
  
  The bag is nearly empty because I flew through it in like…a couple days. I needed an alternative to these enrobed (I just need to use this word, it sounds slightly scandalous) mangoes, and it just so happens that I’ve been obsessing over a random smoothie creation with only 3 simple ingredients (water doesn’t count.) Don’t let the ingredients fool you..this smoothie tastes like a creamy dessert. I was mind blown.
  
  Mango Banana Smoothie
  
  Ingredients
  - 1 overripe/frozen banana (the key is to let your banana get REALLY ripe, and then freeze.)
  - 1 HEAPING cup (about 16 pieces) frozen organic mangoes
  - 1/4 cup vanilla almond milk
  - 1/4 cup water
  Directions
  1. Let your banana and mangoes sit out for 20-30 minutes until they are soft, but still frozen. If you want to pre-peel your banana feel free, I leave the peel on until I’m ready to use it. I know my banana is thawed enough when I can easily peel it.
  2. Pour your ingredients into a high speed blender starting with the liquids.
  3. Blend until smooth.
  I don’t think smoothies ever really need a “recipe” and I feel a bit silly posting this as one, but this is for those of you that thrive off of precision. For realllll though, mangoes are naturally so thick and creamy that this smoothie tastes so much like a dessert. The only thing missing is some chocolate…
  
  Problem solved. A wonderful pairing for these brownies. This smoothie has become a daily occurrence, and I am one step closer to being ready for spring!
  
  Q: Do you like tropical smoothies? I used to be a berry smoothie fanatic, but I am now a tropical believer!
  | 45 Comments Tagged Chocolate, Recipe, Smoothie, Vegan
- Wanderer
  
  Posted at 3:58 AM by Brittany, on March 3, 2014
  
  I like to wander. I find it calming, peaceful, and the best way to discover new places. Last week I took one of my days off and headed to Seattle to wander. I’ve been to Seattle handfuls of times, but always with a purpose. This was one of the first times I went with no plan, and I went all by myself. It also happened to be the first sunny day in weeks.
  
  I got about 4 blocks from the ferry dock when I decided to stop for lunch.
  
  This picture was meant to capture my lunch date..with myself. Empty seat in front of me. It was awesome.
  
  After I face planted this “chicken” sandwich, I walked..and walked..and walked some more. The weather put me in such a fabulous mood, I turned left, then right, then left again.
  
  No matter how many times I have been to Seattle I almost always venture to Pike Place, just to wander some more. It was a slow day at the market, and sadly the vegan scone I had my heart set on was gone. I have been wanting to try this scone for a while now.
  
  Just when I thought my luck ran out after missing my opportunity with the scone, I wandered my way across the street from a place I had JUST seen on Cooking Channels show Unique Sweets (which I happen to be obsessed with.) I was sure they wouldn’t have any vegan chocolate, but I had to go in just to see what the hype was all about!
  
  The super tiny, smaller than a quarter sized truffles were $2..EACH. NO WAY. I was just about to walk out after reading milk chocolate, salted caramel labels when I saw this…
  
  4 minutes and $4 later I walked out with the most expensive piece of chocolate I’ve ever purchased. I blame my missed scone opportunity, and the fact that this place was on TV.
  
  I’m trying to live my life on the edge these days, and spending $4 on this tiny bar of chocolate is completely wild and crazy. The presentation was gorgeous, well done Fran.
  
  The story behind this store is exceptional quality products, from only the top chocolate producing countries. Fran’s passion for chocolate is like my passion for coffee, I dig it. Oh, and the verdict on my pistachio, toasted hazelnut, dark chocolate from Madagascar bar?
  
  Meh. It went well with my morning coffee, and had rich cocoa notes at the end of my bite, but it wasn’t worth $4 that’s for sure! I think I’ll stick to my $4 cupcakes.
  
  Q: Would you buy expensive food if it were on Food Network or Cooking Channel? Yes…yes I would.
  
  | 46 Comments Tagged Adventure, Chocolate, Seattle, Vegan, Veggie Grill
- Double Chocolate Banana Brownies
  
  Posted at 5:25 AM by Brittany, on February 28, 2014
  I read a lot of blogs, but only a handful of them are vegan blogs. I read running blogs, I read lifestyle blogs, I read random adventure blogs, and I read carnivorous steak eating blogs…I don’t discriminate! With that said, I rarely make any recipes posted on the blogs I read because while they may look good, they are definitely not plant based.
  
  Some recipes are easy to veganize, and others not so much. When I’m inspired by a recipe I love turning it into my own, but once in a while it’s nice to let someone else do most of the work. I found a recipe on one of my go to blogs that I knew I just had to make. Only one small tweak was necessary in order to make this a Brittany approved recipe.
  
  She called them muffins, I call them brownies. These are so simple, but SO delicious. With a prep time of no more than 5 minutes, there is no reason not to make these! Unless you don’t like bananas or chocolate, but in that case we can’t be friends. Kidding..kind of.
  
  Double Chocolate Banana Brownies
  
  Inspired by Amanda @ runningwithspoons
  
  Ingredients
  
  (these will be listed in the order I think works best in your blender)
  - 1 tsp vanilla
  - 1 ripe medium sized banana
  - 1 flax egg (1 tblsp fresh ground flax seed + 3 tblsp water)
  - 1/2 cup creamy almond butter ( self ground would not work here )
  - 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  - 1/4 cup raw honey (sub maple syrup for a true vegan recipe)
  - 2 tblsp fresh ground flax seed
  - 1 tsp baking soda
  - 1/4 cup chocolate chips & then some to top
  Directions
  
  1. Preheat your oven to 375F. Spray or line a muffin tin with 9 spots, and set aside. OR pour entire batter into an 8 x 8 pan for more of a “brownie” look.
  
  2. In your high speed blender or food processor combine the vanilla, banana, and flax egg and pulse until combined. Then add the remaining ingredients (except for the chocolate chips) in the order listed. Use the same measuring cup for the cocoa powder and the honey, the cocoa powder will coat the sides of the cup and the honey will slide right into your blender. Like magic. Blend until well combined, and then fold in the chips by hand.
  
  3. Pour batter evenly into the 9 spaces prepped. Don’t get overzealous or your brownies will be huge. I learned this the hard way.
  
  4. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the tops of your brownies spring back to the touch, or a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool for 10 minutes after removing from the oven.
  
  These are bursting with chocolate/banana flavor, and the texture is perfect. Soft yet sturdy and holds its shape. To see the original recipe, and Amanda’s amazing photos, click here. This recipe is one of my new favorites! As if they weren’t decadent enough on their own, try pairing with some vanilla coconut ice cream for an out of this word experience.
  
  Q: Do you make recipes off of the blogs you read? Very rarely!
  | 55 Comments Tagged Brownies, Chocolate, Recipe
- Discover Portland: Foodie Tourist
  
  Posted at 7:18 AM by Brittany, on February 26, 2014
  
  My trip to Stumptown coffee would fall into the playing tourist category, but was so monumental it deserved a post of its own. After my race I needed coffee, but I also needed something else…something sugary and naughty. I needed a VOODOO doughnut.
  
  Initially I went to the location downtown, but after seeing how long the line was I decided to drive to another location. Still a line, but not nearly as long.
  
  I would have waited, but my copilot said no.
  
  The wait time was about 15 minutes, not bad. I somehow pulled willpower out of my back pocket as if it had always lived there, and I saved my two donuts for later.
  
  I got a classic powdered doughnut with a raspberry filling, but you don’t want to see that. What you’ll want to see is the chocolate, Oreo, peanut butter doughnut that rocked my face so hard I kicked myself for only getting one. Seriously..unreal. I’d drive back just for this…
  
  iPhone photos
  
  I saved this treat for specific reasons, I had my stomach set on a Portland vegan meal. I’ve wanted to try Bye and Bye since reading about it in a blog post a yr ago. I’ve never been a fan of bars or pubs, but this place stole my soul. I would come here every weekend. With an all vegan menu, cute customers, and an even cuter bartender I was swooning..hard.
  
  Arrows point to what I ordered.
  
  The food was amazing, but my photos are terrible. It was dark and I used my iPhone, so I’ll spare you my atrocities and share these photos I found online. My meal was out of this world, and I could easily eat the same thing everyday. Photos linked to original source.
  
  I could meet my vegan/granola soul mate at this bar.
  
  With a full tummy, it was time to finally head home! I got about 20 minutes into my drive and it was doughnut time. My two day trip to Portland has been alive all week as I spaced out these blog posts, and I can’t wait to go back. When I do I’m grabbing a Voodoo to go with my free Stumptown coffee. Pure bliss.
  
  Q: What’s your favorite way to experience new areas? By foot, food, and exploration!
  
  | 53 Comments Tagged Adventure, Donuts, Portland, Run, Vegan, Voodoo donuts
- Heart Breaker Half…errr…10K
  
  Posted at 3:55 AM by Brittany, on February 24, 2014
  
  While searching for the race I wanted to run for my birthday, the heart breaker half was the first to jump out at me. Close to home, but far enough away to feel like I was traveling.
  
  The only problem was that I hadn’t run more than 2-3 miles since December. While I knew I could do it, I didn’t know if I wanted to suffer through the pain of pushing myself in a race that I hadn’t trained for. Lucky for me, this race also had a 10K option. Perfect.
  
  The race started right outside of Liberty High School in Hillsboro, Oregon. I was so thankful the gym was open for everyone to wait in, because it was so unbelievable cold I began to question why I ever signed up for races in the winter. My entire body hurt.
  
  After waiting for what felt like an eternity in the frozen tundra of Antarctica, we finally started the race. My legs were so heavy, and my fingers were numb. I was convinced I was just going to run this 10K with the hopes of not wanting to die. I had no intention to “race.”
  
  This was hands down THE most gorgeous course I have ever run. Rolling hills of farm lands, pigs and cows, and amazing trees welcoming the sun on the horizon. I didn’t stop to take any photos (sadly), but it was sort of like this.
  
  Actual photo from the race I found on IG! This lady was great.
  
  The course was enough to make standing in the cold worth it, and I was quickly reminded of why I decided to run. The joy I get from discovering new areas on foot is indescribable. I found myself comfortably running about a 9:30-9:50 pace and decided I was going to try and beat my previous 10K time. I decided I was going to “race” instead of just run.
  
  I’m growing another human out of my neck, to keep warm in winter.
  
  I beat my previous time by 1 minute and 28 seconds. Every second counts, if you’re a runner you will know what I mean. I was FOUR seconds away from getting UNDER an hour, but was still more than happy with my end time of 1:00:04. I stopped for about 10 seconds at mile 4 to get a drink…those damn 10 seconds..
  
  The race was amazing, but my favorite part was moments after I crossed the finish line. A woman came up to me and thanked me, I had unknowingly paced her the entire time. This was her first 10K, and the excitement just poured out of her. She thanked me over and over for helping her complete this race, and told me my pace was amazing.
  
  We matched..how cute.
  
  I am by no means a fast runner, but to know that my 9:41 pace inspired someone else to push it to the end was something I’ll remember for a while. She made my race complete. Needless to say, I was on a runners high the remainder of that day.
  
  One of the best medals I’ve received!
  
  Q: What’s your ideal scenery for a run? Or bike ride? Definitely this.
  
  | 49 Comments Tagged 10K, Nature, Portland, Run Happy, Running
- Discover Portland: The Coffee Scene
  
  Posted at 8:05 AM by Brittany, on February 20, 2014
  
  If you are a loyal blog reader, you’ll know I love coffee. I talk about it almost too much, and my day is not complete without at least one sip of the delicious dark drank.
  
  Having that piece of knowledge, I hope you won’t judge me too hard for what I am about to say next. After entering Portland I had one goal: find coffee. Not just any coffee, good coffee, and not just good coffee, Stumptown coffee.
  
  Sorry Starbucks, I cheated on you. Stumptown is to Portland as Starbucks is to Seattle.
  
  I drove around for a period of time I will neither confirm nor deny (you can thank the recent podcast on Radiolab for my use of the glomar response) trying to find this place.
  
  After navigating downtown Portland for over 10 minutes trying to find a spot to park while my cortisol levels rose, I called it quits and decided to try again the next day.
  
  Sunday morning rush.
  
  I ran my race (which I will recap in my next post) and made getting my hands on a cup of this coffee TOP priority. I was on a runners high, and needed caffeine to keep it flowing.
  
  MINE
  
  Not mine, but deserved a photo.
  
  I don’t know if it was because I had to wait a full 24 hours before having this cup of black crack, or because I was still elated from my run, OR because I had a delicious cookie to go with..but this cup of coffee was like biting into a cloud from heaven. The place was packed, but my patience levels were through the roof and I didn’t mind waiting.
  
  The barista forgot one of the items I ordered, and gave me a card for a freebie next time I’m there. That’s some good customer service. Looks like I’ll have to plan another trip!
  
  Q: Would you drive around to find a place you had your heart set on, or give up and settle for something else? I refused to give up.
  
  | 55 Comments Tagged Coffee, Portland, Stumptown
- Discover Portland: The Pittock Mansion
  
  Posted at 7:01 AM by Brittany, on February 18, 2014
  
  Thank you for all the birthday wishes from my last post. You are all too good to me!
  
  Upon my arrival in Portland, the weather was so atrocious I had to find something indoors to peak my interest. I didn’t have anything planned, the main reason for the adventure was to run my race, but that wasn’t until the next day. After sitting in a car for three hours I just needed to MOVE. I didn’t care where or how, so I Googled the nearest mall.
  
  While driving to the mall I saw this cemetery and suddenly got the urge to take some photos. The rainy, foggy weather made the perfect backdrop if you ask me.
  
  What a wonderfully eerie start to the trip.
  
  About a mile from this cemetery I found a sign that said, “Pittock Mansion next left.” Having no idea what the Pittock Mansion was, I decided why not follow the sign.
  
  This place looked straight out of a Steven King novel, so of course we went in.
  
  Most of my photos from inside didn’t turn out well enough to share, so if you’re curious you can click this Google link for some better photos. It was gorgeous, but creepy. Every room had something in it that made my neck hairs rise. I was expecting orbs in all my photos.
  
  It didn’t take long to tour the place, maybe 35 minutes. I couldn’t help but think about how epic this place would be for hide and seek. Except I’d never want to be alone in there.
  
  Orbs…or water drops on my lens. You decide.
  
  Perfect piece of Portland history. No need to tour a boring mall.
  
  Q: Do you like sticking to a plan, or jumping off the path to discover something new? Both..in different ways and at different times. So vague of me.
  
  | 37 Comments Tagged Adventure, Mansion, Nature, Portland
- 25 Things
  
  Posted at 6:15 AM by Brittany, on February 15, 2014
  
  Today is my 25th birthday, and I could go on and on about how I thought I would be somewhere completely different when I hit a quarter of a century. In reality, where I am right now is exactly where I am supposed to be. My path has gone many ways and at times I wish I had this, or I wish I had done that, but wishing doesn’t get me very far. What I do know is that in my 25 years of life I have learned so very much, more than any education or six figure job could teach or give to me. The journey of life tends to do that.
  
  My 22nd birthday…when late nights and loud music were “fun.” Oh, how things have changed. Except for my faces, those will never change.
  
  In the last couple years I blogged about the gifts that I had so graciously been given, and the activities I had planned for my birthday. This year I want to share something with everyone else. A list of things I wish I had known when I was younger. A list of things I have learned in the last 25 years. For those of you under 25, and even those of you over 25 this is for you. We are never too old to learn from our peers, and it doesn’t stop here.
  
  25 things I’d tell myself at age 15
  
  1. Always tell the truth. You will hurt people, it’s inevitable, but if you’re always honest they will have no choice but to respect you.
  
  2. Make mistakes..LOTS of them, and then learn from them.
  
  3. Don’t be afraid to fall in love. Deep, true love. If it fails just know that everything happens for a reason. Learn from the fail, and pick yourself back up.
  
  4. If something is important to you then work for it. Nothing worth having comes easily.
  
  5. Worry, stress, and over think things less. Sometimes when you let it be, things work themselves out. Never underestimate the power of a positive mind.
  
  6. Don’t let other people change your mind, and don’t let someone else’s influence make you feel bad about your feelings. Be confident in your thoughts and decisions!
  
  7. Be vulnerable, with friends, with family, and with lovers.
  
  8. Do not live your life on a timeline. Things have a way of working out when they are meant to.
  
  9. Travel more. Money is meant to be spent, you don’t have to hoard it all. Memories are priceless and photos are wordless.
  
  10. Spend more time with your family, you never know when you won’t see them as often.
  
  11. Don’t always listen to what other people say about you. People will judge you, it’s human nature. The ones that stick by your side regardless of who you are will be the ones worthy of your friendship.
  
  12. Be respectful to your body. Treat it well, and listen to its cues. Eat.Real.Food.
  
  13. Do more things that scare you, and spend more time alone.
  
  14. Find joy in each and every day, and do more things for other people.
  
  15. Listen to your parents. They know more than you, and only want to keep you safe. Most of the time. 🙂
  
  16. Don’t be afraid to walk away from people that don’t treat you well. Friendships sometimes end, and if someone doesn’t bring light into your life ditch them.
  
  17. Eat more cake.
  
  18. STOP comparing yourself to other people. Success comes in all shapes and sizes.
  
  19. Put your focus on yourself. What do you want, where do you want to go, what does YOUR future look like? Be selfish at times…it’s OK!
  
  20. Forgive often, and do not dwell. You are only hurting yourself if you continue to let other peoples actions affect you. Always move forward.
  
  21. Listen to Jiminy Cricket – Let your conscience be your guide. If you don’t have internal peace about doing something, DON’T do it.
  
  22. Don’t be afraid to say no. Don’t be afraid to say YES!
  
  23. 15 jalapeno poppers in one sitting probably isn’t a good idea, regardless of how high your metabolism is. Oh to be 12…
  
  24. When you discover your passions, grab them and run. Be true to you.
  
  25. Stop comparing your life to what “society” has deemed as success. Forget the molds, you’re free to do whatever you want with your life.
  
  I could keep going, but long lists get boring to read after a while so I’ll leave it at this. Despite feeling “lost in life” at times over the last 5 years, I am finally feeling content with “floating” so to speak. Life is too short to be unhappy, and sometimes you just have to live in the now!* The future will ALWAYS be there waiting for you, and it’s never too late.
  
  *I don’t mean sitting back and doing nothing with life, still gotta work! I’m accepting not knowing the final picture yet and living more for each and every day! Life wasn’t meant to be rushed through.
  
  I’ve always wanted to be a couch model…not really.
  
  As I publish this post I am on my way to Portland to run this 10K, and enjoy a two day spontaneous getaway in one of the most vegan friendly cities. Bring on the food and fun! Running a race for my birthday is the best gift I could give to myself. This will be the third year I have run a race around my birthday, and the tradition will continue!
  
  Now if you’ll excuse me, #17 is calling my name.
  
  This is how I double fist.
  
  My Valentines Day cupcake! I found it ironic that this had the word birthday in it.
  
  Q: What would you tell your younger self?
  
  | 110 Comments Tagged Birthday, Cupcake, Life
- Finding Beauty
  
  Posted at 6:25 AM by Brittany, on February 12, 2014
  
  I’m a snow hater. I think snow is gorgeous when it coats the mountains, or the trees near a cabin in the woods, but I hate when it blankets the streets near my house. I don’t know why, possibly because I’m too proud to ever call into work unless I am dying, and driving in the snow gives me premature hemorrhoids. That’s a joke, but you get the idea.
  
  When it snows and I have to drive (OK so I never HAVE to) my knuckles grip the wheel so hard they match the snow. I am one of few in my clan of friends and family, because most people around me get just as excited about snow now as they did when they were 12.
  
  When it snowed Sunday morning, my plans to go out were quickly changed. I got 2 minutes from my house and saw multiple cars in ditches, one sticking almost straight up.
  
  You better believe I turned right around and planted my fanny back in the safety of my house. Then I grabbed my jacket, my boots, and my camera. Snow may irritate and scare me, but it sure is pretty. The perfect excuse for some photography.
  
  This elementary school was the perfect spot to experiment with the ISO of my new camera. It’s like night and day (literally) with the different settings of light exposure.
  
  I stumbled upon some old pallets sitting in a yard, and this turned out to be my favorite shot. I am a sucker for all things wood!
  
  I had no where I had to be until 7 that night, so I made peace with the snow and enjoyed the beauty around my neighborhood. Until next time snow…this time you win.
  
  Quite frankly though, I am ready for spring. My skin can’t handle any more of this dry air!
  
  Q: Do you like the snow?
  
  | 47 Comments Tagged Adventure, Nature, Photography, Snow, Winter
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