Tag: Random

• Cardio Conundrum

  Posted at 8:43 AM by Brittany, on January 23, 2014

  Over the last few weeks I’ve noticed some changes in my every day life. My mood has elevated, my hunger is under control, and best of all…my pants are fitting better.

  

  So what’s my secret? I’ve stopped doing intense cardio..and continued eating cookies and chocolate. OK so that is an exaggeration, but I do have a good balance with sugar right now, along with food as a whole. Intuitive eating has a whole new meaning for me.

  

  After my recent trip to Arizona I had somewhat of a small epiphany if you will. I was anxious about not having access to my gym, but instead of dwelling I focused my thoughts onto what I was eating. Hunger cues became my friend, and with no access to my gym I was forced to get outside and run. I ran short miles, and tried to run for the simplicity of the run itself. I was forced to step away from my routine. Hence my last post.

  

  I didn’t do any intense cardio workouts, instead I ran a few 3-4 mile runs, I hiked, I biked, and I listened to my body cues on when I needed to eat. I didn’t worry about burning calories and I finally just…relaxed. This is when I realized nothing I’ve been doing has worked. The intense cardio has not been working, and a couple weeks ago I decided it was time for a break. Are we noticing a trend with my constant breakups?

  The only problem was that I LOVE intense cardio. It feels like a waste of motivation, but with nothing to loose I decided to give it a shot. This has allowed me to eat smaller, more frequent meals which has helped my digestion and overall I feel better. With minimal cardio in my daily routine, it was time to start some new workouts.

  

  Along with casual runs I’ve been doing yoga, walking, hanging with Jillian, and Pilates. Let me preach for a moment..Pilates is a dirty demon that I can’t get enough of. My legs have never hurt so good. After a class I can’t walk right for days. The weight work that I’ve been doing through Pilates and my Jillian DVD have already started making small differences. I’m still doing intense cardio here and there, maybe once a week, but earlier in the day and I’m fueling accordingly.

  So why am I sharing all of this? Well, for starters it just feels good to purge all the chaos that swirls in my brain from time to time. As a devout cardio junkie…I am admitting to the world that cardio is NOT all there is to life, I’m officially a strength training believer. I honestly don’t feel like I was fueling properly for the workouts I was doing, and since I don’t want to change my intake, this was the solution I needed.

  

  I still love you spin class…

  As humans we are constantly changing and growing, reinventing and reevaluating. The trial and error with my workouts, and finding my perfect balance can relate to my personal life too. I am at a place of peace, and all the mental hurdles I’ve overcome within the last year have givin me the ability to switch my mindset when it comes to lower intensity workouts. It sounds ridiculous, and makes more sense in my head (per usual) but I’m saying it anyway! It feels good to start gaining back my confidence in a round about way.

  Q: Do you feel that confidence in your workouts helps with confidence in your life? YES!

  

  | 51 Comments Tagged Cardio, Gym, Life, New, Random, Running, Spinning, Workout

• Early Morning Confessions

  Posted at 7:14 AM by Brittany, on January 15, 2014

  1. I have a new favorite snack/dessert obsession, originally inspired by Britta. I’ve taken it to the next level..dates OR figs, dipped in peanut OR almond butter. Plus 2lbs of cinnamon.

  

  Photo taken with my new camera, more on that in my next post!

  2. I’m trying to figure out new workout ideas in an attempt to maintain my weight. I’ve gained about 12 pounds the last year and would love to shed that. I’m thinking runs between 3-5 miles, walking, yoga, Pilates, and LESS cardio. Yes, I said less. Ideas?

  3. I finished Mocking Jay..but I wasn’t blown away.

  

  4. I haven’t been to the dentist in over a year. Did you guys know I was going to school in hopes of becoming a dental hygienist?! Not very hygienically savvy of me. Speaking of school, I have a new direction. More on that..in…the future. I do still love teeth though…

  5. I went out after the sun went down for the first time in..forever. I had one drink, which left me completely sober and completely bored. I don’t like being out late, and I don’t like missing my sleep..that wont be happening again anytime soon.

  

  I’m squinting because my eyes are BURNING FROM LACK OF SLEEP!

  6. I would really like to hang out with Jillian Michaels..maybe get some cupcakes or something. I bought one of her workout DVD’s, we’ll see how that goes.

  7. I am LOVING spending one or two days a week at Starbucks in the morning when I have a day off. The atmosphere is just amazing.

  

  Last red cup of the season!

  8. I successfully wandered World Market on Monday and didn’t purchase a single thing.

  9. I am missing the warm temps in Arizona, and really missing the outdoor adventures I went on. The cold air in Washington makes me want to curl up and not move.

  

  10. I never updated all you loyal readers about my end of the year haul I found using my coin counter app (scroll to the bottom of that linked post, number 10.) From March-December I found a whopping $9.37. That’s $4.37 MORE than I predicted! SCORE!

  Side note: Rereading that post I linked to made me laugh because not only was it another confession post, but it included food I was obsessing over, something I finished reading, something about sitting in a coffee shop, and something about the coin counter app. At least I’m consistent…We won’t talk about the other things in that post…haha.

  Q: What’s your confession?

  

  | 59 Comments Tagged Confessions, Random, Starbucks, Workout

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Early Morning Confessions

  Posted at 4:51 AM by Brittany, on November 19, 2013

  1. After what felt like the longest day of my life I allowed myself to spend $9 on a pound of food. It was pure vegan awesome, and I finished the entire thing in less than 3 minutes.

  2. I’m listening to Christmas music as I write this post, and I have no shame.

  3. Speaking of Christmas, I’m wayyy too excited about the red aprons at Starbucks.

  

  4. I had a dream I was exploring Ireland, when pirates started to attack the boat I was on. Thankfully my cat had a hairball (in real life) and his convulsing woke me up. Actually, it ALWAYS wakes me up..this is the first time I was thankful.

  5. My workout clothes are still a bit snug, and I have resorted to wearing my over sized race shirts when I go out for a run. I went from looking like a streetwalker with clothes too small, to a 12 yr old boy with no female anatomy. I just can’t win..haha. Time to shop!

  

  DISNEY HALF MARATHON shirt…that made me excited.

  6. I’m also baking while writing this post. Christmas music, blogging, and baking. I am baking this pumpkin bread for my mom and her friends. I’m such a good daughter.

  7. I went to the grocery store at 9pm to get fixings for my breakfast the next day. It was 100% worth it. I called it breakfast in a bag.

  

  

  I’m including this after some readers requested more photos of my “boring” meals!

  8. More Starbucks talk, OH MY GOSH I want SO many things in the new Christmas product line. A gold french press, a wooden coffee sampler box with burlap sacks, a chalkboard advent calendar, and a crystallized cup ornament!? I WANT ALL THE THINGS! I can’t justify the french press because I have one, but it’s GORGEOUS!

  9. My “non running”/ running schedule is going well. Lots of spinning and cardio at the gym..and minimal running. Two is still better than zero…right? I’m so gonna rock my next half marathon…gulp. 11 more days…

  

  10. I have the most ridiculous fan girl crush on Tom Hiddleston. Ohh I just swoon. If he could find my blog and enjoy my quirks, I’d love to eat pasta under the moon together. I’d bake him barrels of cookies…

  Q: What’s your confession?

  

  | 63 Comments Tagged Coffee, Confessions, Random, Starbucks

• Variety is the Spice of Life

  Posted at 4:52 AM by Brittany, on November 11, 2013

  When I first started increasing my running mileage I was all about long runs and slow paces. I was not a fan of the short sprint style runs, and swore I would always rather run 10 miles at a slower pace than run 2 miles at a quick pace. Well, that’s changed. Lately I dread longer runs, and have been avoiding them at all costs. What I am loving are shorter speedier runs (speedy for me..think 8:35min/mi) and LOTS of spin classes.

  

  May 2013 – 9 slooww miles.

  After my half marathon in October I was going to take a running break. By this I mean a scheduled running break, running only when I felt like it. Then I thought about running another half on December 1st, so I started training again a week ago. I’ve found myself skipping mid week runs for spin classes and cutting my long runs short. I just don’t have the desire to train for this race…at all. I need a break from the schedule, I need variety.

  

  Fast forward 4 months, and I chopped an entire minute off my 9mi pace. September 2013

  I am still going to run the half (as long as I can get the day off) but I am going to just have fun with it. I don’t really feel like “training” so I’m not going to. Forcing a run is NOT a good idea, so instead I have been switching up daily workouts and it’s been a blast! I hope that by continuing to do cardio and shorter, speedier mid week runs that I’ll be OK during the half..if I don’t post for a week after Dec 1st come looking for me.

  

  Ok, deal.

  Call me crazy, but I am really excited to run a half without much training. I think my foundation is solid enough that I wont hit the wall…I hope. As for speed, I’ve been running 2-4 milers and pushing myself to break into the 8min/mile range. I don’t know why I stayed in my comfort zone of 10min/miles for so long. About 6 months ago I pushed into the 9min/mile range..and then that got comfortable too. Short speed runs are fun!

  

  PLEASE, NO!

  In completely unrelated news I baked the most epic dessert the other day, but cannot show you until November 16th. The Virtual Vegan Potluck is back and I’m so jazzed for my addition to the party. The entire “thing” was gone in one night (I shared with my coworkers haha.) Also, I’ve been working A LOT lately and haven’t had much time to read blogs, my lack of comments on posts is simply due to being busy! I still love you.

  

  Mad love for you all. Hawaii 2009

  Q: Do you ever feel the need to take a break from certain workouts? I still love my short runs, and love all things running, but just don’t want to force the “long” runs right now! I’m A OK WITH THAT! Besides, I’m planning to run another half in March.

  

  | 48 Comments Tagged Asics, Garmin, Random, Running, Vegan, Virtual Vegan Potluck

• Rainbows and Glitter

  Posted at 7:19 AM by Brittany, on November 6, 2013

  The support I received on my last post was amazing, and very appreciated. After reading through the comments and hearing some feedback, I think perhaps the post came off a bit heavier, or more depressing than I intended it to. Clearly my thoughts are still somewhat of a jumbled mess, and my transportation onto online paper was not a complete success. Overall my last post was meant to be a positive one. Despite some of the emotions I am still working through, I am optimistic and calm. I said I wasn’t good with these things!

  After attending another amazing spin class last night I think my words may have come to me in a way that makes more sense. Long story short is this..when I was in those moments during spin where I was pushing my body to its limits I realized how resilient I really am. Mentally, physically, and emotionally. This was the first time in months I felt my life having some kind of order, and the best way to continue is with these small routines.

  BOOM, OK I hope that came off more positive because despite the overwhelming support from my blog family on my last post, I did NOT want to be a Debbie downer! AIN’T no body got time fo dat! Now I want to list some things that make me happy. I want to puke rainbows and glitter in this post and make it disgustingly positive.

  • Leaf littered benches. Fall, you continue to steal my heart. ❤ swoon.
    

  

  • Balanced meals. It may be hard to believe with all the sweets I post, but this is the majority of what I eat. I don’t post my meals because they are boring, but man are they tasty. I would eat cupcakes all day if I could though..

  

  

  • Starbucks red cups. Everyone and their mom has posted about these, but my coffee really does taste so much better out of a holiday cup. It’s a scientific fact.

  

  • Spin. Well…duh.

  

  • COFFEE. I love everything about coffee, it just makes me feel so fuzzy inside and reminds me of crisp mountain mornings with a small layer of fog hiding the sun.

  

  I think I’m going to talk to my boss about becoming a coffee master at work! WHOOOO!

  • Cats. Call me crazy, but I feel like I’ve grown closer to my two cats the last 6 months. HAHA I have to laugh as I type that, but I am so serious! They are with me everywhere when I am home and they snuggle every night. It’s wonderful.

  

  

  Failed attempt at a cat beard. I promise I am not hurting him..

  • BLOG FRIENDS AND MY FAMILY! You all rock my socks and make me smile. Thanks for always hanging out with me during all my crazy blog shenanigans!

  Q: What makes you most happy right now??

  

  | 80 Comments Tagged Coffee, Emotions, Random, Spinning, Vegan

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• Contact: blissfulbritt@yahoo.com

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