Tag: Arizona

• Brain Splurge with a Side of Fun Facts

  Posted at 6:43 AM by Brittany, on December 30, 2014

  Whole lotta random coming atcha in 3…2…1…

  – Christmas was great this year, calm and casual just the way I like it. I gifted my mom tickets to see one of my favorite artists, because he happens to be playing with the Seattle Symphony. I knew she would like the symphony, and I would like him. Win.

  

  Fun Fact: I’ve never been to a concert. Unless you count a local radio stations throw together of artists that I went to when I was 12 with my friend and her dad. All I remember is a light up pin and ear plugs. I’m not going to count that.– I escaped to the mountains on another solo hike last week. I decided waiting on other people wasn’t worth it, so off I went with my Mace and kitchen knife.

  

  Fun Fact: I LOVE the look of rustic, old, and tattered things. Buildings, cars, boats, you name it. I drove past that boat pictured above many times and finally stopped to take a picture. Look close and you’ll spy a chicken and a cow.– I have officially entered the world of plant based caramel sauce. I hesitate to say “vegan” because I do use honey, but it’s close enough folks. Here is is pictured with a recipe I plan to share later this week. I’m absolutely obsessed.

  

  Fun Fact: This recipe inspired me to start making more raw like treats.– I’m in Arizona until the 4th of January. Mountains no longer look the same as the above photo from my solo hike. Not a green tree in sight, just red red rocks.

  

  Entering desert land, last of the white mountains.

  

  Fun Fact: Sunshine is a drug, and I’m prepared to overdose.-I’ve started training for my next half marathon in March. Running in Arizona has been an ego boost of sorts. FLAT lands mean quicker paces. Busting out an average 9:20 pace after taking months off doesn’t happen in my area, much too hilly.

  

  Fun Fact: Arizona is having one of its coldest winters. Almost feels like home.

   Q: What’s your fun fact of the day?

  

  | 72 Comments Tagged Arizona, Fun fact, Half Marathon, Random, Run, Vacation

• Early Morning Confessions

  Posted at 6:09 AM by Brittany, on December 22, 2014

  1. On Friday I went to my first spin class in weeks. I was quickly reminded why it’s important to stay on top of cardio. Holy tired sweat fest. So I went again yesterday for 90 min spin, and then went for a 2 hr hike. Time to get back in running shape.

  2. Last week I got an e-mail informing me that if I bought a $30 gift card at The Veggie Grill I would get a free entree. I bought the card…for myself. Then I ate a free meal.

  

  “BLT” with smoked tempeh bacon, avocado, and a garlic aioli on sourdough. Swoon.

  3. I balanced out my selfish gift card purchase by sharing a $5 oatmeal cookie with a stranger on the streets of Seattle. I hope she enjoyed it more than I did.

  4. I’ve been branching out of my drip coffee bubble and getting something different. Americanos have a caramel sweetness to them thanks to the espresso beans.

  

  This goes so well with my morning apple or banana.

  5. I have been driving my car without a hubcap for OVER TWO YEARS NOW. I inquired about a new one once, but decided I was too cheap to buy one.

  6. Looks like my patience payed off because my amazing coworker/friend (he chose me for his secret Santa) BOUGHT ME A NEW HUBCAP! SO JAZZED.

  

  7. I won a coffee selling competition at work, and the prize is a trip to the new reserve roasting plant with my boss and the aforementioned coworker (he won the following week.) Basically my boss is paying for us to go to Seattle and drink coffee.

  8. Lily…makes…gorgeous….things. Click here for adorable stuff.

  

  9. Once upon a time I used to drink one cup of coffee. One. And I wouldn’t even finish it. Lately I’ve been drinking nearly my entire morning French press. It’s soothing.

  10. FIVE MORE SLEEPS UNTIL I’M SUNNING MY SKIN IN ARIZONA!

  

  AZ MTNS

  Q: What’s your confession?

  

  | 68 Comments Tagged Arizona, Cardio, Coffee, Confessions, Spinning, Starbucks

• 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

• Home Again

  Posted at 9:38 AM by Brittany, on January 11, 2013

  My trip to Arizona was a short but sweet ten days. I had a lot of fun with family, running, eating, and adventuring. I rode on a train, I ran on new streets, and I tasted my first Moscato. For the things I haven’t mentioned, here are some bullet points for easy viewing.

  • I watched horses dance like people. 
  • I ate garden grown spinach the size of my hand.

  

  • I ran 26 miles in unknown flat land. The best part about running in Arizona is the lack of hills. It felt like a vacation from running too.
  • I tried new food.

  

  • I ate at Pei Wei.

  

  • I watched a new blogger blossom. My younger brother has started a blog, and I had a blast being around to watch him write a post.
  • I had awesome family time.

  I’ve been home for five days, and am missing the flat roads of Arizona. Running on hills is supposed to make you a better runner..right? It’s good to be home.

  By the way, I have become completely engrossed by Instagram. I think the only bandwagon I just can’t get on is Twitter. At the rate I am going I will have a Twitter by the end of the year. Ugh. 
  

  Q: Do you have all the bells and whistles of social media? I just can’t do it..

  

  | 41 Comments Tagged Arizona, Cats, Food, Instagram, New food, Running, Vacation, Vegan

• Wannabe Wino

  Posted at 10:05 AM by Brittany, on January 8, 2013

  

  I have finally earned my big girl pants and went wine tasting.

  

  I then took the big girl pants off because I made a stink face after every sip. I do not like wine. Between my dad, my step-mom and I we made enough wine waste to fill an entire glass. Finally when I thought it was too late for any hope, I found one that I liked.

  

  This Moscato tasted like juice. It was no surprise I liked the dessert wine, I am 12 years old at heart. Drink enough wine and the windows in the bathroom start to glow.

  

  After the tasting it was time to tour the land. No grapes on the vines because it’s winter. That just means I need to go back when it’s harvest time.

  

  This vineyard was beautiful, and the mountains on the horizon made this a place I would love to wake up and drink my morning coffee, or a bottle of wine (Moscato please.)

  

  Better yet, just put me in the production room and I’ll stick my head under the nozzles used to fill the bottles.

  

  In all seriousness this place was not only gorgeous, but it was very tranquil. Tucked into the hillsides of Sedona without knowing it was there, you would never find it. I think I could pretend to be a wino if it meant spending my afternoons here.

  

  Q: Have you ever gone wine tasting, or toured a vineyard? 

  

  | 55 Comments Tagged Alcantara, Arizona, Vineyard, Wino

• That Time I Crab-walked Down A Mountain

  Posted at 8:40 AM by Brittany, on January 6, 2013

  If anyone has a spare parka or blanket made out of seal blubber, I would gladly take it off your hands. That’s not very vegan of me, but it’s been very hard to get out of bed in the morning because it’s so cold. Inside AND outside. I’m in Arizona..what gives!?

  

  I know some of my Canadian readers are laughing at me, and anyone else that’s in weather wayyy below this. Laugh away, I am a wimp.

  Fortunately going hiking means the blood flows and helps with heating up the body.

  

  

  Ohh the beautiful red rocks of Sedona. What a lovely hike, UNTIL we reached the destination.

  

  This vertical wall of death was the scariest thing I have encountered all year. I was shaking, breathing heavy, sweating, and planning my funeral just looking at this. Finally after telling my brother I would do it if he did..he was gone in a flash climbing up like a spider monkey. Finally I climbed, all while breathing like a cow in labor. So scared. Luckily the view at the top was well worth it.

  

  What goes up, must come…falling down to a painful death  down.

  

  To ensure maximum safety, I put my 5th grade PE skills to use and crab-walked down.

  

  Oh and I was wearing jeans since it was so cold. BAD idea. I went against everything I have ever stood for when it comes to hiking. I will never do that again. NEVER EVER.

  I’m sure you can figure out by now I survived. Once I came back down, I was able to resume regular breathing and my armpits started to dry off. I was glad to say I did it. Accomplishing such a grueling task required some serious nourishment.

  

  While taking this picture of my beautiful black bean burger, I didn’t notice I was missing a bun. Come to find out I kinda liked it sans bread. The world was realigned once again.

  Q: Have you done any scary hiking before? I get scared all the time, it’s either vertical walls of death, or rustling bushes. Like I said, I’m a wimp. I also watch too much Animal Planet.

  

  | 52 Comments Tagged Arizona, Cold, Hiking, Photography, Vegan, Wimp

• Choo-Choo!

  Posted at 5:00 PM by Brittany, on January 4, 2013

  It shouldn’t take a neurologist to figure out this post is going to be about a train.

  

  A trip north to Cottonwood/Sedona area started with a train ride through the Verde Canyons in Clarkdale Arizona. This railway was built in 1912 as a support for the copper mines in Jerome, AZ, and it just so happened to be my first wilderness style train ride.

  

  I started this adventure on the inside of the train, but quickly made my way outside with the big kids to get the full experience. Despite being a bit chilly, being outside was much better.

  

  Who ever said there’s no water in the desert?

  The most fascinating thing about this train ride was seeing all the caves in the canyon walls that were used by Indians many years ago. The idea of living in a cave is wild to me. To display just how close the train drove by the canyons, here is a picture of a random old man.

  

  This two hour ride took us into a “town” called Perkinsville, where you have to be a Perkins to reside. There were maybe three people that lived here, and at least 10 farm animals. This is where I took my favorite photo of the day.

  

  One day I will frame this and hang it in my house. After a 15 minute break check, we headed back on the two hour ride into the train port. If you’re ever in this area of Arizona, I highly suggest taking this train ride.

  Q: Have you ever been on a train?

  

  | 28 Comments Tagged Adventure, Arizona, Desert, Photography, Train

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