Blissfulbritt | Page 51

- Post Vacation Blues
  
  Posted at 9:40 AM by Brittany, on January 6, 2014
  
  I’ve always been fascinated by the ability of an aircraft to take me from a place that looks like this..
  
  Brown, dry land.
  
  To this..
  
  Green, snow-capped land.
  
  Airplanes are fascinating, but that is beside the point of this post. Despite the wonder that was the fog line on the evergreen trees upon my arrival in Washington, this post is dedicated to some of the amazing adventures I encountered while away in Arizona.
  
  This will never get old. Fog laying on the tree line is my favorite.
  
  One blogger meet up. I met up with a fellow plant based blogger and had a lovely time talking blogs, food, life, and of course…coffee. =)
  
  Two big decisions. I researched and purchased my first DSLR camera and it should arrive in my arms sometime this week. I also set up my 401K..boom, big girl pants ON.
  
  Three mountains climbed. Self explanatory.
  
  Four trips to Sprouts…in less than a week. We don’t have one in Washington!
  
  Five toppings on my grilled pizza. Spinach, pineapple, potatoes, rosemary, & brussels sprouts. It’s January and I was able to stand outside by the grill in shorts/tank top.
  
  Six packs of sugar in my dads coffee. I was one proud daughter when my dad attempted to get away from Splenda after I told him real sugar was “better” (your body recognizes real sugar and can properly digest it, fake sugar..not so much), however we need to figure something else out because six packs of sugar for one small cup of coffee is not good!
  
  This article breaks it down perfectly. I’m just happy he tried..baby steps. Love you dad!
  
  Seven family members attending The Sound of Music together.
  
  This is why I bought a DSLR..this quality is horrific.
  
  Eight Harry Potter movies watched. After a complete HP marathon, I have finally seen EVERY movie and after the last one ended I felt a piece of my soul die. I’m still recovering.
  
  Nine *plus six* miles run with my Garmin. Gary held out for 15 miles of casual running.
  
  Ten days without my retainers. If you know me, you’ll know I wear my teeth huggers EVERY. SINGLE. NIGHT. Very rarely do I miss a night, and when I discovered I left my retainers on my bathroom sink in Washington I was DISTRAUGHT! Convinced my teeth were being shifted by tiny gnomes every night, I was so happy to be reunited with them.
  
  Until next time Arizona, keep it classy.
  
  Q: What was the last vacation you went on??
  
  | 54 Comments Tagged Adventure, Arizona, Family, Hiking, Random, Running, Vacation, Vegan
- Exploring the Area
  
  Posted at 5:00 AM by Brittany, on January 5, 2014
  
  New Years day I had the joy of partaking in my third blogger meet up. I was able to sit and chat with Holly for over two hours!! She is just as gorgeous and lively as her blog portrays, and she is also very patient. I got lost on my way to Starbucks and drove to the wrong one.
  
  Holly knew how to make an impression because not only was our conversation wonderful, she also brought me a treat. Anyone that brings me treats gets an instant spot in my circle. Make it a vegan, GF treat and you get top spot. This apple spice like cake has sweet potatoes and two different gluten free flours. It was delicious and tasted like fall!
  
  No patience, had to bite it before the photo.
  
  If anyone is interested in transitioning to a plant based lifestyle Holly has a new e-book out with tips and tricks and even some recipes! Check it out here.
  
  After we grabbed coffee and parted ways, I decided to explore the area. I went to Whole Foods, World Market, and best of all..I found an amazing restaurant called True Food Kitchen. Upon walking in the doors it was as if the wind blew my hair back and I heard voices whispering, “Brittany, you’re finally here.” The drool was forming before I even sat down. If I lived here, I would apply to work at this place immediately.
  
  Juicing like a boss
  
  Fruit everywhere, veggies everywhere, earthy tones, grassy plants, bearded waiters..I sat at the bar to place a “to go” order and watched juice be made, fruits being chopped, and people buzzing loudly. While I waited for my order I was given an orange.
  
  It looked like this, except PACKED with people.
  
  Arrow points to what I ordered. With a GF pita bun.
  
  Sadly my kale salad was served with Parmesan cheese, and even when I tried to pick around the cheese the dressing tasted like a Caesar and I ended up not eating it. The sandwich more than made up for the lack of kale though, even for a whopping $12.
  
  This tempeh was AMAZING.
  
  I had a blast blindly roaming the area and discovering new to me places. Today I fly back to Washington, and Tuesday I go back to slangin lattes at Starbucks. I had a wonderful vacation, and I am now bracing myself for the colder temps.
  
  Q: Do you like to explore areas you are unfamiliar with? Most of the time yes, unless I am on foot and my magic wand is broken..I need that for protection.
  
  | 44 Comments Tagged Adventure, Arizona, Bloggers, Exploring, Random, Vegan
- Balance is Bliss
  
  Posted at 8:06 AM by Brittany, on January 3, 2014
  
  I have been running nearly every day since being on vacation in Arizona, if you could call it that. My runs have been getting progressively worse, starting at 4 miles and going down to 2 miles. My body feels heavy and I can’t really get into a groove. Thankfully I have found other activities to get me moving, so that I can eat my weight in these almonds.
  
  The mountains in Arizona are nothing like the mountains in Washington. I go from green- moss filled paths, to brown- dirt filled paths. The change up is fun though, and I love hiking in both states. I just love hiking in general. Give me a path that goes up and I am happy.
  
  I went hiking with my sister and my dad a few days ago and the weather was perfect.
  
  I have hiked this mountain many times, but it’s still just as exhilarating and exciting reaching the top. Looking down over the city is magical, and surprisingly peaceful.
  
  I had a sudden desire to partake in some mountain yoga, and thankfully my photographer was happy to oblige. Thanks dad, I never claimed to be normal.
  
  Close up
  
  Far away, and stamped with an Instagram filter
  
  Balance is bliss – this is clearly my phrase of the century.
  
  I’m amazed by the weather in Arizona right now, and going back to temps in the 30’s wont allow for leisurely bike rides in a tank top. I’m taking full advantage while I can.
  
  Q: What’s your favorite outdoor activity? Mine changes by season…and by day!
  
  | 50 Comments Tagged Arizona, Balance, Hiking, Mountain, Outdoor, Running, Workout, Yoga
- 57 Children
  
  Posted at 8:05 AM by Brittany, on January 1, 2014
  
  The older I get, the less interested I am in staying out late and partying with my friends. Don’t get me wrong..I love to go out with my friends, but it’s rare for me to want to stay out past 10PM. I like my sleep, and I like waking up feeling refreshed, not dead. Last year on NYE I went to my first hot yoga class, played bingo with some fellow old souls, and was back home by 9:45PM. All I was missing was some prune juice and pants up to my waist.
  
  I thought that was great, until this year.
  
  This year I went with my dad, and my two younger siblings to help package enough food to feed 57 children for an entire year in the Philippians. As Ron Weasley would say, that’s pretty wicked.
  
  A non-profit organization called Feed My Starving Children has multiple locations, with one location out of Tempe, AZ. I had never done this before, but my copilots had and said it was a lot of fun. For two hours we swapped stations and packaged around 20,000 meals.
  
  How’s my hair?
  
  I started with the rice and soy station, then moved to the bagging station, then found my way to the packaging station. We were tucked into a warehouse with music blasting and laughter all around. It was quite an experience and I would love to do it again.
  
  This experience challenged me to step outside of myself and think about other people. I’ve never been one for resolutions, and the last two years I only set small goals (2012 was the year I would run my first half marathon, and 2013 I wanted to run four. I ran three in 2013 and I am so pleased with that) that I knew were attainable.
  
  This year I want to not only continue to better myself in my fitness/nutrition endeavors, but I want to put my focus onto those around me. I started to focus on others throughout December and it was very rewarding..the perfect way to end one year and start another. My goal for 2014 is to adapt a lifestyle where I am more selfless, helping others whenever I can. The range for this is endless, anything from helping a family in need of Christmas dinner, to helping my mom clean the dishes when she feels tired. Anything that helps.
  
  2013 was the year I started to discover who I am, it was a roller-coaster of emotions for me and I was challenged to persevere when I felt like I was falling down a black hole. 2013 opened the door to many new adventures I have yet to discover, and I learned how to find peace withing myself when my mind felt like a stormy sea.
  
  I have a lot more to learn about myself, but 2013 was the push I needed to start thinking about how I want to live my life. I want to better myself as a person, and to accomplish this I want to take the focus off of me. I don’t mean putting my needs, desires, or goals to the side, but when I feel the internal “me, me, me” monster flaring up at any moment I want to handle myself better and think about those around me too.
  
  The more I take myself out of the center, the happier I feel. The less I worry, the happier I feel. The more I give, the richer I feel. Cheers to 2014.
  
  Q: What’s ONE big goal you have for 2014?
  
  | 55 Comments Tagged Adventure, Family, New Year, NYE
- To Each His Own
  
  Posted at 6:46 AM by Brittany, on December 30, 2013
  
  I’m a drip coffee lover through and through. Flavored coffee isn’t my thing, and don’t even think about adding any syrups to my black cup of bliss. Every so often I do branch out of my black coffee hole and I get a latte. A double short half decaf soy extra foamy latte to be exact. Oh yeah, I’m one of those people.
  
  How’s my handwriting?
  
  I am very aware that not everyone likes their coffee black as night. Strong, thick, dark, and intense doesn’t always suit everyone, but when I can see through my coffee something needs to be done. I usually make my coffee in a french press, so it’s easy to make strong.
  
  After discovering my family likes their coffee a bit different than me, I knew just what to do. I decided to go for a run, and you’ll never guess where I ended up.
  
  Oh look..Starbucks!
  
  I like my coffee dark, but I don’t always want a lot of caffeine (fun fact: the darker the roast the less the caffeine, the lighter the roast the more the caffeine.) so to get a richer flavor without added caffeine I got some decaf VIA packs to add to my morning brew.
  
  Perfect addition for a strong flavor, without the added jitters.
  
  Same cup of coffee, but with the added VIA packet. Dark and bold. Round trip the run was about 5 miles and I had some wonderful views throughout. I’m loving the sun.
  
  Living so close to not only Starbucks, but also to Sprouts is a perfect excuse for a run. I came home and enjoyed the great views from my dads back patio. Great place to enjoy a dark cup of coffee. Just enough to fuel me for a bike ride, and an afternoon hike!!
  
  Q: Do you like to run/walk/bike to the store for things you need? I LOVE to.
  
  | 52 Comments Tagged Adventure, Coffee, Hike, Random, Running, Starbucks
- 10 Minute Fudge Pie
  
  Posted at 8:14 AM by Brittany, on December 27, 2013
  With a need for dessert and drool in my mouth, I needed a recipe that wouldn’t add weight to my south. High in protein and all made from scratch, a pie from the heavens would soon be my match. A secret ingredient that was sure to fool all, a fudge like texture to make your knees buckle and fall. Sinful, and decadent, and well worth the wait, Christmas dinner was good, but dessert was like fate.
  
  The last two and a half weeks I didn’t eat any sugary cookies, candy, or cakes. As crazy as that sounds it wasn’t all that hard, and it was more than worth it for the decadent pie I made for Christmas dessert. This was the easiest pie I have ever made…ever.
  
  I had so much success with my pumpkin pie I knew it was time to try something similar, but with chocolate. This pie is so rich you won’t need more than one slice! Not only does this pie not need to be baked (nope, not even the crust) it literally took me around 10 minutes to throw together once I had all my ingredients set up! Talk about a perfect last minute dessert idea!! NO one will know you didn’t slave for hours with this beauty. My favorite part – FIVE ingredients, and 36G of protein! Have your pie AND eat it too!
  
  10 Minute Fudge Pie
  - 12.5 oz sprouted tofu
  - 2 tsp cocoa powder
  - 1 tsp vanilla
  - 2 tablespoons almond milk
  - pinch of salt
  - 1 2/3 cups semisweet chocolate chips (to tone down the richness, use 1 1/3 C)
  Mix your tofu, cocoa powder, vanilla, milk, and salt in a blender or food processor. Once mixed, pour into a large bowl. Melt your chocolate chips in a heat safe bowl on the stove, or in a microwave. Once chips are melted pour into the bowl with your other mixed ingredients and fold together until well combined.
  
  Once well combined pour out onto your pie crust. I’m a crust lover, and I made a graham cracker crust that was even easier than the pie filling! I used an entire box of GF graham crackers, which was a total of 8oz. You can do the math for that…
  
  These are what I used.
  
  Graham Cracker Crust (GF)
  - 8oz graham crackers
  - 3 tblsp almond milk
  Blend your graham crackers in a blender or food processor until powder like. Then add your milk and blend until combined. Once combined, pour into your pie dish and push the crust out onto the sides, make sure you push firmly. This is ready to use immediately.
  
  Once your fudge pie is poured onto your crust stick the pie into the fridge for at least 4 hours. The longer it stays in the fridge, the firmer it will be.
  
  I barely had enough patience to take these photos, hence the lack of quality. Pie before pictures this time! This pie was so durable, a hefty slice made it all the way to Arizona with me! I was able to share this with my family in the desert. I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas, and if you don’t celebrate I hope you had a wonderful Wednesday. My house was full of love and joy, and of course GREAT food!
  
  Q: Who wants to face plant into this pie with me?
  | 60 Comments Tagged Chocolate, Christmas, Pie, Recipe
- Relaxation Here I Come
  
  Posted at 4:01 AM by Brittany, on December 23, 2013
  
  This is what my Garmin has looked like for the last two weeks.
  
  Blank screen, dead battery, no sweat buildup, nada, zilch, nothing! I haven’t run over 3 miles since my last half marathon, and I have loved the break! I switched up my workouts to ensure I don’t get burned out. As for my Garmin, I think it’s burning out. Whenever I charge it, it will last for a day, then it will freeze, and then it dies. I will cry when this watch goes, it was my first ticket to the running big leagues!
  
  Along with a break from running, two work days stand between me and a much needed break from Starbucks. My muscles are starting to feel the repetitive movements that go into making ~~crack~~ lattes. Goodbye cold, hello warmth! I will be spending 10 lovely days in Arizona with the sun, and some cacti. Be ready for some adventure posts.
  
  I do see more running while on vacation, so Gary the Garmin better get his act together. No gym means using nature for my playground. I also see some good reading in my future. After dying and being reborn while watching Catching Fire I knew it was time to finally finish the last book of The Hunger Game trilogy. I’m struggling though..the read is SO SLOW compared to the other two books. I hope to finish Mockingjay along with a book my good friend Lily sent me. Perhaps it will inspire me to run run run while on vacation!
  
  Happy Holidays to all my amazing blog friends, and to my amazing family. I don’t know how I did it, but I have successfully cut out any added sugar in my daily eats for the last two weeks. I cannot wait to face plant into some sugar Christmas morning!
  
  Q: Are you taking any time off from work for the holiday?
  
  | 39 Comments Tagged Books, Christmas, Gym, Random, Reading, Running
- Surviving the Holidays
  
  Posted at 4:43 AM by Brittany, on December 20, 2013
  It’s no secret that many people gain weight during the holidays. I don’t have any spare weight I can afford to gain, so my secret to staying in my pants this holiday season is simple- high protein meals and high intensity workouts. I’ve also cut out sweets, but that’s a personal preference and I am not at all against eating sweets..balance is bliss remember?
  
  This week was my holiday work party, and it was potluck style. Being a vegan, I know ahead of time there aren’t many options for me at parties like this. It just so happens I don’t enjoy eating food made by other people very often, so it all works out! I brought a dish that allowed me to survive the night without looking twice at the cookies.
  
  Quintessential Quinoa
  - 2 cups quinoa (one red, one tan)
  - 2.5 tablespoons olive oil
  - 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice (AKA straight from the orange)
  - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  - 1 tablespoon lemon/orange zest (half of each)
  - 1/3 cup green onions
  - 1 cup pistachios
  - 1/2 cup crasins
  - 1/2 cup chopped mint
  - 1/2 cup chopped parsley
  Cook your quinoa as directed on your packaging. Once your quinoa is cooked and cooled add the ingredients in the order listed. Starting with the liquids, and ending with the herbs. DO NOT add the pistachios until you are ready to serve though, this keeps them crunchy and fresh tasting. Hence the cup full of nuts on the side.
  
  I featured this recipe on my blog many moons ago, but it’s so good I had to bring it back for its own post. This is a light, refreshing, but filling dish welcome at any party! I had to have some before I left my house, being full helps deter my sweet beast from rising.
  
  Delicious alone, or paired with a bowl full of beans and greens!
  
  The party was filled with laughs and I had a wonderful time. We did a secret Santa exchange and you’ll never guess what I was gifted…my secret Santa did gooooood.
  
  Q: How do you survive the holiday temptations, or do eat whatever you want around the holidays?
  | 38 Comments Tagged Recipe, Vegan
- The Gift of Giving
  
  Posted at 11:39 AM by Brittany, on December 18, 2013
  
  I can be difficult to shop for. I am a bit of a minimalist, and hate when my belongings get too cluttered. If I don’t need it then I probably don’t want it (unless it’s a camera..totally need that.) When my mom asked me what I wanted for Christmas this year and I said nothing, I meant it. I know she gets joy in buying things for her kids, so I obliged and went on a hunt for things I wanted, but that were also useful. Think workout clothes, future house decorations, and of course…coffee. Always coffee.
  
  I want to share a gift that I bought for myself, that my mom paid me back for, that is safely kept in my room, but will be given to me for Christmas….Don’t ask. If you have read my blog for a while you will know I ADORE a good, solid, wood box. Think wine box..hence the wine box garden. When I saw this at Starbucks I knew I had to have it, simply for the box..and for the adorable burlap bags. Reusable gifts are my favorite.
  
  Love this..
  
  I plan to decorate my future house with this adorable box and reuse the bags for something. I’m not sure what, but I will find something! Do I need these things? No..not really, so when something new comes in, something old must go out. I am constantly donating my slightly used items to others in order to justify my new items. Clutter makes me anxious and I don’t see the use in holding onto things that aren’t being used.
  
  All in all, I just love to give. I get a bit overwhelmed by the commercializing of the Christmas holiday. I think Christmas is about spending time with those that you love, and sharing what you have. Sharing your time, sharing your skills, sharing your money, all of it. I get the most joy in giving to those that are in need. While helping others is something I like to do year round, something about the holidays makes it that much easier to give.
  
  I bought this for my fellow cat loving friend. It’s a picture holder, and a fat cat..enough said. Small, yet meaningful.
  
  Don’t get me wrong, I love to receive gifts and I am very thankful when I do, but I get more joy when I give them. I also appreciate totally unnecessary gifts once in a while, but like all things in my life-balance is bliss.
  
  I challenge you to give something to someone in need this week. Give your time, give your skills (which includes time too, double whammy!), or share your wealth with someone less fortunate. If you need some ideas on how to give back this week, check out this website! It has some fun ideas! I guarantee that when you give big, you will get back even bigger!
  
  Q: What’s your favorite way to give back? I love new ideas!
  
  | 33 Comments Tagged Cats, Christmas, Giving, Holiday
- Not How I Used to Be
  
  Posted at 4:04 AM by Brittany, on December 13, 2013
  
  I am constantly in awe of how my life has changed over the last 10 years. I have completely settled into a life of coffee, early mornings, and NPR stories before work. I guess this is what the generation ahead of me would call growing up. Waking up early allows me to see the ice flakes on my windows before the day light melts them.
  
  I almost can’t believe I used to sleep until noon when I was in my early teens. Such a shame. Along with my natural alarm clock waking me up before 7, my decorative taste has matured as well. I find myself being drawn towards rustic, earthy, neutral items, and I constantly day dream about decorating whenever I wander stores.
  
  So simple, yet so wonderfully decorated.
  
  I’m discovering that my idea of a successful day is going for a walk with a thick jacket and wool socks. Wandering the market and enjoying a free cup of coffee. Daydreaming about decorating my own space, and brainstorming new craft ideas. Waking up before the sun, just to hear the stillness of the dark sky. Exchanging a smile with a stranger I’ll never see again, or stopping to savor a moment of quiet with a hot cup of tea.
  
  I’m quite content with the small things I find joy in, and have made it my mission to find something joyful in each and everyday. Chatting with a Starbucks customer about running, or buying someone in need a foot long sandwich, both provide equal feel good. Savoring a cupcake slowly, because these days I’m not sure when I’ll have another one.
  
  My older body doesn’t handle sugar quite like it used to, which has led me to another sugar detox. After one too many donuts and cookies this was necessary. It’s been four days and I thankfully haven’t had to shank anyone. Sometimes I get angry without my cookies. Christmas morning it’s game over and I plan to face plant into a pile of cinnamon rolls.
  
  Snack bowls instead!
  
  Balance is bliss, and one day I will find my balance when it comes to cupcakes…maybe.
  
  Q: What’s something that has changed for you over the last decade?
  
  | 59 Comments Tagged Cupcake, Random, Vegan
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