Blissfulbritt
  • All About Brittany
  • Blogging For Dummies
  • Coffee
  • DIY
  • Europe
  • iHike
  • North America
  • Work With Me
  • Tag: Giveaway

    • Just Do It – Giveaway

      Posted at 5:00 AM by Brittany, on July 27, 2016

      **This giveaway is now closed, and the winner has been notified**

      Before I started my new job I really wanted to prioritize a few more adventures, and I went on a marvelous 9 mile journey to the summit of Tunnel Creek Trail. I wrangled a buddy so I wasn’t alone (you’re welcome mom and dad), and despite having my bag full of essentials I was missing one thing.

      img_9764-1

      img_9760

      I forget this item often, despite the fact that I have three pair in my car – sunglasses. You see dear readers it’s mostly cloudy in my beautiful state, and the thought of sunglasses doesn’t pass my mind until it’s sometimes too late.

      img_9762-1

      I find that clouds, much like with snow, almost require sunglasses more than the actual sun. Almost. With that said I’m often prepared with 9/10 of the 10 essentials for hiking.

      Last year I snagged myself a fun pair of Ray-Ban’s which I adore, but I find that I need to wear a hat with them as they don’t provide proper coverage on the sides. If I wear them out and about too long my eyes will hurt, and I don’t always want to wear a hat when I run.

      img_9763-1

      Naturally this meant I needed another pair, so my friends over at Sunglasses Shop hooked me up! Say hello to the Nike Excellerate Sunglasses.

      img_9864
      img_9865

      img_9866

      I’m living for that case.

      These sunnies wrap around the side of my eyes so much better. I’ve worn them on multiple runs and they are SO lightweight I barely notice they are on. I also find that I don’t squint at all with these. They’re perfect for running! Or any other sport you partake in. A bit of info on this frame:

      Excellerate is made to fit women’s faces. Its frame is smaller. Nike MAX Optics allow eyes to see clearly without distortion. A polycarbonate lens gives crisp views and the greatest impact protection. Durable wrapped arms provide the best side protection. Plus it gives a comfortable fit. UV400 lenses. Nike sunglasses come with a two year warranty.

      But how do they actually look on a human face?

      img_9966

      img_9867

      My one and only critic of these shades is that I wish the lenses were darker. You can see my eyes, which means I can’t stare at good looking male runners without getting caught.

      They’re super comfortable though and do exactly what I needed. If you are in the market for a new pair of sunnies, check out Sunglasses Shop. However if you’re in the market for a new pair of Nike sunnies then it may be your lucky day because one reader will win a free pair.

      I can now venture back to the forest prepared for the overcast, or the sun.

      img_9758

      This was the summit, though you’d never know with those clouds covering the view.

      To enter the giveaway: go to Sunglasses Shop website and answer the question below. For additional entries follow Sunglasses Shop on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram (or all three, leave a separate comment for each follow for an extra chance to win.) Giveaway open for one week!

      Seriously, Just Do It.

      Q: Which style of Nike sunglasses would you choose??

      atterned-n

      | 62 Comments Tagged Giveaway, Hike, Nike, Running, Sunglasses
    • Customized iPhone Case for the Techie in Your Life

      Posted at 5:51 AM by Brittany, on December 3, 2015
      *This giveaway is now closed*

      I’m somewhat of a black and white person. I don’t stray far from routine (what little routine I have right now), I don’t like change (though I seek it because I know it’s good for me), and my style has tones of black and…black.

      I mean…just look at my blog layout. 😉

      IMG_5981-0

      With all that said, when I got an e-mail from Elin at CaseApp asking me to design my own personalized cell phone case, a case which would not only change my current one, but take it from black to something more lively – I was intrigued.

      Maybe.

      IMG_4683-0

      What do you mean it’s time for some color!?

      I don’t consider myself very creative in this way, and I initially had no idea what I wanted to put onto my new cell phone case. Attempting to keep things simple I dabbled in the idea of a white case, with one simple tree in the bottom left corner.

      10582

      Look familiar? What can I say, I have simple taste.

      IMG_5984

      After much deliberation (10 minutes of trying different designs) it came it me.

      This website allows you to upload photos you’ve taken to make your case a truly unique, one of a kind product. Sold.

      IMG_5983

      The cases have two layers to protect your phone when you trip on non existing stumps, which leads me to the photo I chose.

      After a quick photo library peruse, I found it. This image satisfies simplicity, change, and a separation from my black and white tendencies. Plus now when I look at my phone I’m inspired to get outside. A favorite photo from this hike.

      photo 4

      I admit I was unsure of how the quality would turn out, but I have no complaints. The case is sleek, smooth, and fit my phone like a glove. I also worried about the white picking up stains or scratches easier, because let’s be real – I’m not always careful.

      After using this case for more than two weeks I can say the coffee stains, and chocolate smears came off with ease. Must be the matte material.

      IMG_5986

      If you’re looking for holiday gift ideas I highly recommend CaseApp for an affordable and custom iPhone (OR LAPTOP, iPad or Samasung Galaxy) case! Or if you’re really lacking creativity, they have a handful of already designed cases that are great.

      template-87-800x800

      Despite my black and white preference, I do like this one!

      The kind folks at CaseApp have offered you all a chance to win a free customized case design, along with a 20% off code. Everyone can use the code “BLISSFUL20” at checkout for an immediate 20% off, but if you want to play the cards first for a chance to win a free one simply leave a comment answering the question below.

      IMG_5980

      I’m also not very patient at times, so I’d probably just go design my own.

      Click here to get started making your own case!

      Q: What would you put on your case?

      b

      | 41 Comments Tagged Christmas, Gifts, Giveaway, iPhone, Review
    • Fall FoMo No More

      Posted at 8:32 AM by Brittany, on October 20, 2015

      *This giveaway is now closed*

      Time out, how is it already October 20th!? YOWZA.

      Like many other souls on this earth, fall happens to be my favorite time of the year. I adore the pumpkins, the apples, the kiwis (did you know it’s kiwi season, because the kiwis are BANGING right now), and the cinnamon. All the cinnamon.

      cinnamon

      But seriously.

      Ah yes, I adore fall grown foods, but I also love the activities that come with fall. Pumpkin PATCH, apple ORCHARD, kiwi…picking up at the store, and cinnamon grinding. I had an epic adventure to an apple orchard/corn maze while in Ohio, but I haven’t done a single fall themed activity since and the months are slipping by.

      hannahvegan

      That’s where she comes in. This is Hannah, one of my adorable blog friends over at House Vegan. Hannah and I connected over delicious vegan foods and we share a love for all things fall. Including Disneyland at Halloween.

      Hannah wrote a very clever eBook titled Fall FoMo No More which stands for “fall fear of missing out.” Genius. In her book she gives tips, tricks, and shares delicious fall themed recipes in an attempt to help YOU avoid missing out.

      I am 2/3 of the way into October NEEDING her book to help me prioritize my fall activities. What’s doable, what’s not, write it down, cross things off, make it HAPPEN!

      IMG_4958

      You don’t have to be a vegan to enjoy the recipes shared in this book, in fact one of my favorites wasn’t even edible.

      IMG_5240

      Frozen shower melts..are you serious? Sold.

      Of course there are indeed plenty of edible treats too, my favorite being the salted ginger chocolate chip cookies. I’ll take them all please.

      Hannah's photo

      Hannah’s photo

      Or the chili con cashew queso. Straw not included.

      Also Hanna's photo

      Also Hanna’s photo

      Long story short: this book is adorable, it’s cheap, and it gave me warm and fuzzy feelings. You can buy a copy for less than the price of a Taco Bell combo meal (ew) click here, BUTTT you can also enter to WIN A FREE copy simply by leaving a comment on this post telling me your favorite fall activity.

      If you don’t like fall, well then I’m not sure how we’re friends. It must be because you love coffee, cats, or the great outdoors, and for that I can let it slide. As for the rest of you, share your favorites!

      Q: Favorite fall activity!?

      b

      | 41 Comments Tagged Fall, Giveaway, Review, Vegan
    • Crave, Eat, Heal – Blog Tour & Giveaway

      Posted at 5:00 AM by Brittany, on May 7, 2015
      This giveaway is now closed.

      When I first started blogging I didn’t eat a completely plant based diet. I didn’t eat meat, but it wasn’t until a year into sharing my life and my stories with the world that I dove head first into all things plants. One of the first blogs I started to connect with on this plant based adventure was Annie’s blog, An Unrefined Vegan.

      I mean, how adorable is she!?

      Annie Headshot

      Annie is the mastermind behind the popular biannual Virtual Vegan Potluck, an online plant based party I’ve participated in multiple times.

      065

      One of my potluck items, these were so good.

      Annie’s blog is original, unique, and full of wholesome plant based recipes. She is my kind of people. It was only a matter of time before Annie wrote her own cookbook, which I’m pleased to share with you today. To celebrate her hard work and gorgeous recipes, I happily agreed to share one of her many creations.

      I’m also offering you all a chance to win a copy of this book for your own home.

      CRAVEEATHEAL_Final CoverOnly

      When choosing which recipe I wanted to share I struggled between something chocolate, and something savory. After much deliberation, and realizing my blood was becoming tainted with too much chocolate I chose savory.

      I don’t eat cheese, but once every blue moon I get a desire for some kind of hearty nacho or mac and cheese dish. The prepackaged vegan options are usually sketchy, so I was stoked to find Annie created her own version from one of my favorite vegetables…

      Butternut squash!

      Photo cred: Annie

      Photo cred: Annie

      To get the full affect of this dish I tried it both with pasta, and with chips. Both equally delicious, and not a drop was spared. Below is Annie’s recipe, including the words directly from her book. Enjoy!

      This recipe was inspired by an appetizer at Matthew Kenney’s now-defunct “plant-based Mexican kitchen,” Tamazul, in Oklahoma City.  While everything I’ve eaten there has been delicious, fresh, and creative – their queso impressed me more than any other dish.  I was too shy to ask how they made it, so I set about creating my own version.

      This also makes a delicious sauce for mac ’n’ cheez.

      Gluten-free, Oil-free, Easy

      BUTTERNUT SQUASH QUESO

      Makes ~2 cups

      INGREDIENTS

      2 cups roasted* butternut squash

      1/2 cup raw cashews, soaked 8-12 hours, rinsed and drained

      1 Tbsp. white miso paste

      2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice

      1 1/2 Tbsp. nutritional yeast

      1 tsp. dried onion flakes

      1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard

      1/2 tsp. garlic powder

      1/2 tsp. smoked paprika

      1/4 tsp. cumin powder

      1/4 tsp. turmeric

      Water, as needed

      DIRECTIONS

      Add all of the ingredients to a high-speed or regular blender and process until very smooth.  You will need to tamp down the ingredients and add water – just a little at a time – during processing to get a very smooth texture.

      Transfer the mixture to a small saucepan and gently heat.  Serve warm with baked tortilla chips or fresh steamed vegetables. Store leftovers in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

      Prep time: 10 minutes

      Cook time: 5 minutes

      Suggestions:

      Try using pumpkin puree or roasted sweet potato in place of the butternut squash.

      Reserve 1 cup of the queso to make Cheddar Cheez (see recipe on page XX).

      If you like it spicy, stir in a 1/4 cup of fresh, diced jalapeño peppers (or pickled jalapeños) – or for milder flavor – stir in a 1/4 cup of roasted red bell pepper.

      *Here’s how I roast a butternut squash:  Preheat the oven to 425-degrees and line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil.  Cut off the squash’s stem and pierce the skin a few times with a knife.  Place the whole squash on the baking sheet and cook for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the flesh of the squash is very soft (I test it by inserting a knife).  The skin will be shiny and dark brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before handling.  Peel off the skin, then break open the squash and scoop out the seeds.

      Recipe reprinted with permission from Ann Oliverio and Front Table Books.

      Queso1 LR

      Photo cred: Annie

      I licked my bowl, because I have no shame and it was THAT good.

      For your chance to win a copy of Annie’s book simply leave me a comment telling me your favorite vegetable, and your favorite way to use it! If you’d like to purchase a copy of Annie’s book, you can find it here.

      BUT WAIT, there’s MORE! Four U.S. readers have a chance to win a signed copy of one of Jazzy Vegetarians cookbooks, 1/2 a pound of Sprouting Seeds Mix from Todd’s Seeds, FIVE items from NuNaturals products, and a copy of Annie’s book. All of this…you’d get ALL of it. Click the link below to enter that giveaway.

      a Rafflecopter giveaway

      Phewww…now I need a cookie…

      Double chocolate berry good cookie via Crave Eat Heal

      Double chocolate berry good cookie via Crave Eat Heal

      Q: What are you waiting for, GO ENTER TO WIN THIS BOOK! Winner will be notified by e-mail.

      b

      | 36 Comments Tagged Giveaway, Vegan
    • Ray-Ban’s for Me, Ray-Ban’s for You

      Posted at 6:37 AM by Brittany, on March 17, 2015

      **This giveaway is now closed**

      If I were to stand in a small room with hot pads covering my feet, and a heating fan blowing onto my face while I gazed out of a window the size of a mini home, I’d think I was in Arizona. My English teachers would cringe at that run-on sentence.

      The sun exposure we’ve had the last few weeks has been out of this world. Amazing.

      IMG_0700

      When it comes to sun precautions I tend to be a bit careless carefree. I don’t wear sunscreen as often as I should, I live for tank tops in the summer, and am often caught without sunglasses. This not only sets me up to look like a walrus by the time I’m 30 due to all the squinting I do, but my eyes aren’t being protected the way they should.

      IMG_0695

      Like our skin, our eyes are at risk of overexposure to UV rays. The longer our eyes are exposed to solar radiation, the greater the risk of developing conditions such as cataracts or macular degeneration. I don’t know about you, but I’d like to be able to see all my food before I stuff it into my face for the rest of my life.

      Blurry vision equals less tasty meals.

      I’ve been due for a new pair of sunnies to run/hike/explore in for a while now, and I finally got myself a pair of Ray-Ban Sunglasses. I needed something sporty enough to withstand my active lifestyle, but higher quality than a $10 pair of thrown together scrap metal. So I settled on the Justin frame and they’re absolutely perfect.

      justinframe

      For those of you that swear by online shopping you’re in luck. I got these from Sunglasses Shop and chose my shades from the comfort of my own home. Aka I was drinking coffee while petting my cats with my feet. Multitasking at its best. Their customer service was great, and their delivery was FAST!

      If you’re not into Ray-Bans, they also sell these name brand sunglasses.

      IMG_0698

      HOWEVER, if you ARE into Ray-Bans then today is your lucky day. Thanks to the kind folks over at Sunglasses shop one lucky reader will win a snazzy new pair of Ray-Ban sunnies. Like..fo free. No purchases necessary. WIN. ALL YOURS.

      You can choose a Ray-Ban frame from the collection – excluding Polarised/Titanium and Limited Edition frames.
      Say Whuuuuuuuut?!

      Say Whuuuuuuuut?!

      OK I’m done with the selfies, I think you get the idea of how these look on my face.

      Listed below are the ways to enter, be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry you complete for more chances to win.

      ENTER IF YOU DARE

      • “Like” Sunglasses Shop on Facebook
      • Follow Sunglasses Shop on Twitter
      • Follow me on Instagram 
      • Tell me what you ate for dinner last night
      • Go to Sunglasses Shop and tell me which sunglasses you’d buy if you had an endless supply of $$
      • Tell me how you protect yourself from the sun.
      • Share this giveaway on your blog, Facebook, Twitterspam, Instagoogle. Wherever.

      May the odds be ever in your favor.

      **I was given these sunglasses free of charge in exchange for an honest review**

      atterned-n

      | 143 Comments Tagged Giveaway, Ray-Ban, Sunglasses
    • “I Could See You From a Mile Away”

      Posted at 3:38 PM by Brittany, on August 23, 2012

      This is what my running shoes look like.

      The shoes themselves aren’t much, but the laces get me spotted from yards away. Multiple times now I have had someone tell me, “I saw your pink laces and knew it was you!” Or, “Those laces are hard to miss.” I like to think people driving in cars have this same thought, and notice me before they hit me.

      These laces were given to me when I became a Sweat Pink Ambassador, and I want to give some of you guys the safety of bright pink laces. I have my last long run before my half marathon this weekend. 10 miles!! In spirit of the 10 miles, I will be giving away 10 pairs of pink laces!!

      Don’t like pink?? Well…then I suggest you go to Walmart and get the color of your choice at an everyday low price. I know some of my readers are Sweat Pink Ambassadors as well, so for you ladies just leave me some comment love telling me about your experiences with your laces, tank top, etc..I won’t count your comments towards the giveaway!

      To make this easy, all you have to do to enter is tell me what you would do if you won a million dollars. I will pick my favorite 10 entries and call it a day!! Be creative! Giveaway is open until next Thursday!

      | 30 Comments Tagged Giveaway, Running, Sweat Pink
    • Runner’s High

      Posted at 4:35 PM by Brittany, on August 1, 2012

      I ran 7 miles on Sunday. I ran 7 miles. I ran one more mile than my longest distance to date. I ran 7 miles.

      Days have since passed, and I am still on a high from this run. I ran from one town to another, and this run FLEW by. This was one of the best runs I have ever had. Lately I have upped my carb intake BIG time. I am really focusing on eating a lot of carb heavy foods on my run days, and so far I haven’t felt the usual fatigue I was used to feeling! This was the first run where I genuinely felt like I was ready for my half marathon.

      My only complaint on this run was towards my running shorts. There is a band of elastic around the bottom of the leg holes, and it’s never bothered me on my shorter runs, but this  time around mile 6 I felt it…the rash!

      Ewww..seriously…so gross (name that commercial.) This is nasty, and it hurt like whoa. I had a hard time focusing the last half mile because my shorts were grinding on my skin. I will def be needing new shorts for the longer miles. Anyway, to end on a positive note I am looking forward to my 8mile run this Sunday!

      A warrior meal was needed after this run. I channeled my inner frat boy while preparing this meal. Manfriend found some awesome vegan dogs, and I found this vegan macNcheezzee.

      Do you know where this is going..oh yes. Macaroni and hot dogs!!

      I couldn’t completely abandon my vegetables. Plus, I don’t know how to eat macNcheese of any kind without spinach. It makes the meal. I felt rebellious eating a meal almost completely packaged. It literally took 10 minutes. Needless to say I could run 10 marathons, sweat out all of my sodium molecules, and still have enough left over to go about my daily tasks after these packaged meals. Whooaa sodium!

      In random news: Lately I have been enjoying some coffee shop blogging.

      There is something about drinking tea, free wi-fi, and people watching while blogging that makes it feel like an adventure. I think next time I will bring a bed sheet to make a fort and my Buzz Lightyear cape to disguise me. Whenever someone drops a crumb from their muffin I will swoop in for the kill.

      Q: Do you like blogging in public locations like bookstores, or coffee shops?

      | 30 Comments Tagged Giveaway, Half Marathon, PDR, Running, Vegan
    • BRITTANY- Self proclaimed minimalistic nomad striving to maintain a balanced, healthy life with good food, long bike rides, deep connections, exploration, and lots of cucumbers.
    • If this blog does not meet your standards, please lower your standards.

    • Contact: blissfulbritt@yahoo.com
    • Like my witty attitude and delightful charm? Enter your
      e-mail below for the party to come straight to your inbox!

      Join 4,384 other subscribers
    • my foodgawker gallery
  • Looking for Something Specific?

  • Stalk My Past

Blog at WordPress.com.

  • Follow Following
    • Blissfulbritt
    • Join 4,384 other followers
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • Blissfulbritt
    • Customize
    • Follow Following
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Report this content
    • View site in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar
 

Loading Comments...