hiking in stilettos

A Season

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 15:49:00 +0000

To everything there is a season, and this season of my life has me refocusing on what is really important, what I am truly passionate about. I have decided that the season of Hiking in Stilettos has come to a close, a bittersweet one. But that doesn't mean I won't be around.

With a new year freshly before us, I'm excited to share my new site with all of you, sweet friends.

Apothic Holistic will focus on my passions: health, wellness and natural practices. Everything from raising tiny humans and Christ-centered families to nutrition and meal plans and the beauty of essential oils. I do hope you will join me!

http://www.apothicholistic.com/

A Paleo Thanksgiving

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 20:47:00 +0000

Holidays can be tough when you and your extended family have different ideas about food. Having been through multiple holiday seasons being paleo, I think that we have a good balance figured out, so I thought I'd share it with you. Note that this is what works for us and that things are a little different on the years that we are hosting. Honestly it's easier to stay paleo when we do host, but here are my tips for a healthy, paleo Thanksgiving.

1 - Bring your own dishes

When we are going to another family member's home, this is sides and a small dessert. Bonus points if you get to bring the turkey! We take two side dishes that we like and are also crowd pleasers and if we want it, some cranberry relish.

Here are some of my favorites:

Maple sage roasted butternut squash

Brussels sprouts with bacon (I add dried cranberries)

Paleo green bean casserole

Cranberry orange relish (so much better than canned cranberry sauce!)

Paleo dinner rolls

Paleo pumpkin pie

Skillet apple pie from this book - a favorite!

I also make a grain-free stuffing to take to my mom's. This recipe is pretty killer as well.

And if you're interested, my favorite turkey recipe and cranberry butter.

It is definitely more work to make a few of your own sides or rolls, but we leave our extras at home and eat them over the weekend! You can find some of my favorite paleo holiday recipes here.

2 - Plan ahead

We go in knowing that our meat is going to be cooked in less than ideal ingredients and isn't going to be the best quality. This is just a concession that we make. We don't partake in the Honeybaked ham/turkey since they are laden with sugar and additives, but will definitely eat an oven-roasted variety. If we are going somewhere that we know there won't be anything we would eat, we eat at home beforehand and have a cup of coffee or cider at the gathering.

We also talk about what, if any, things we want to eat that are not paleo, and limit ourselves to one thing.

3 - Take a walk

It feels so wonderful to get outside and move around, especially after a day of indulging, sitting and chatting with family and watching football. Even if you don't feel like it and even if it's just for a ten minutes, go outside and take a walk. You will feel so much better!

Happy Thanksgiving week! Wishing you a wonderful week and a happy and healthy Thanksgiving!

xoxo

Blueberry Avocado Smoothie + Ginger

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 16:08:00 +0000

I don't typically jump on the smoothie bandwagon, but sometimes I just don't have time for a full-on meal. So it's nice to be able to throw something together than can be consumed with one hand while driving and still provide all the nutrient-dense foods my body needs. I do have to say though, that I definitely don't recommend smoothies for breakfast, as that is pretty much a mainline of sugar to your liver first thing in the morning. And also make sure not to overdo it! Only put as much in the blender as you could eat comfortably on its own.

Blueberry Avocado Smoothie:

2/3 frozen banana

small handful frozen organic blueberries OR 1/2 a pear

1-2 scoops Young Living Pure Protein Complete

handful fresh organic spinach

1/2 an avocado

1 drop ginger essential oil (optional)

almond milk to desired consistency

This is also delicious with a drop of ginger essential oil and a drop of tangerine essential oil!

xoxo

For information on how to get your own oils and Young Living products at a 24% discount, click here.

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Right Now...

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Sat, 22 Nov 2014 15:44:00 +0000

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people will not feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone and as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give others permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." -Marianne Williamson

{via}

Life, Lately

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Wed, 19 Nov 2014 15:24:00 +0000

Since coming home from Wyoming, life has been moving at warp speed with little to no breathing room. I feel like it's been a whirlwind of working, managing a household, taking care of a babe, and (not enough) sleep. On a happy note, today is my Thursday since I have a long weekend coming up, and I just. cannot. wait! I have so many recipes and DIYs I want to share with you, and I'm itching to start some holiday decorating and make some paleo peppermint hot chocolate. Yes, you read that right, but let me just repeat... paleo peppermint hot chocolate.

Here's a little peek into our trip to Wyoming and the last week of craziness.

{my happy little reindeer! this kid is so awesome, you guys.}

{my boss brought us bags of apples from the north Georgia apple orchard - score!}

{I could hike all day in the beautiful Wind River Range.}

{We had the best burgers & sandwiches on gluten-free buns in Jackson.}

xoxo

The Anatomy of a Wall Collage

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Mon, 10 Nov 2014 12:00:00 +0000

I love a good collage. Mixing prints, textures and colors is a general theme around our home. And whether small or large, a good wall collage adds personality and depth to any room. Here are some of my tips for achieving your perfect mix.

1. Make it personal

Use items from your life - your wedding, your adventures, meaningful quotes -- something from your favorite novel, a line or two of poetry or even an entire poem, or song lyrics -- perhaps the song you danced to at your wedding, or the one your mother used to sing to you as a child.

2. Find a common theme

Make one element of the collage cohesive -- perhaps a color story {I went with neutral colors in my living room collage}, using the same frame for each piece, a wall of only poetry or song lyrics, pictures from your honeymoon or a favorite trip. Find something that ties a common thread between all pieces.

3. Plan it out

I like to lay the collage on the floor to get the perfect arrangement, then cut out shapes from paper that match each piece. Lightly tape each piece of paper to the wall and tweak the placement as needed. It may seem like extra work, but I guarantee you it is far easier than rearranging things after you've already made holes in the wall. I especially suggest this if you are trying to hang multiple things in one straight line.

4. Don't be afraid to switch it up

Changing out pieces in the collage helps keep things fresh, especially during the holiday season. I like to add silver Christmas balls to the antlers in our living room or string garland across the frames to make them more festive. Also, if you find another piece of art that you love, find a way to incorporate it into your collage.

xoxo

Hello from Wyoming!

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Sun, 09 Nov 2014 16:01:00 +0000

Life has been so crazy lately that when given the chance to visit family out west, husband and I gratefully accepted. We are spending a long weekend exploring Wyoming and Utah, hiking through the wilderness, eating gelato in bed and catching up on some sleep.

Fun things next week when we get back!

Motherhood // Thoughts of a New Mom 03

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Thu, 23 Oct 2014 01:02:00 +0000

Grace was enough and grace is enough and grace always will be more than enough to change an old man young and an ankle deep stream to a sea. Grace can't be bought and grace can't be sold, not for the wages of a thousand days. Grace is the gift of a King who longs for His children to see they're not slaves.

I would have never considered myself as someone who struggles with anxiety. During high school and even college, school and studying were my focus but were like second nature to me. I dealt with the typical last minute project stress or worried over a big final, but that was the extent of my anxious thoughts. Studying comes somewhat naturally to me, and I honestly enjoy it. Pharmacy school was a bit different since the stakes are higher, but even then I was able to leave my worries at the door after completing and exam or even a difficult or stressful week.

Looking back, I think my anxiety actually began in the final months of my pregnancy. I was so ready for the 'new normal' and was actively preparing myself mentally and emotionally for the process of labor and delivery. What I didn't anticipate was the amount of tender healing that my own body would require. There was the learning curve of nursing, the sleepless nights and the fact that this perfect, tiny being was completely dependent upon me for survival. It can be so overwhelming.

Then I started back to work at only six weeks postpartum, which came with its own set of stressors. Juggling all the hats was, and still is, pretty exhausting sometimes. Work full-time, commute, make dinner, workout, spend time with my husband, oh yeah and take care of that babe. Not to mention sleep, shower and try to find a sliver of downtime to keep the anxiety at bay. The struggle is so real. There is a constant stream of thoughts in my head that I just can't shake. I worry about Elliot, how much he's eating, whether I'm pumping enough. I worry about vaccines and infections and his exposure to germs. I worry about my own health, lack of sleep, headaches and almost nonexistent workout schedule. I worry about my husband, and I miss him. I worry about money and jobs and health and all of the other things.

So apparently, mine is a story about anxiety... but it's also one about grace. And I share this to encourage all of you who may be dealing with the same thing. It's ok to be joyful about your new family and your role, but also be tired and overwhelmed and frustrated. It's ok to not be on the top of the mountain all the time. My son is the most wonderful thing that has ever happened in my life, second only to the day when I married his papa. But that doesn't mean that some days with my precious child aren't incredibly hard, or that I don't stay up way later than I should trying to put tomorrow's dinner in the crockpot or that I don't have sleepless nights that have nothing to do with a babe. Because I have all of those things. But I also have grace.

And sometimes grace takes clearing stones with a weary heart and aching bones to prove to you child that it was worth it all.

This season is most certainly a difficult one, but I have no doubt that it will be one of the most rewarding times of my life. My sole purpose during these days is to be an encouraging and faithful wife and an uplifting and caring mama. This will be a story of struggle but also one of great love.

Grace gets deeper the more you trust that the King is good and the King is just. And that forgiveness is stronger than the grave. Sometimes grace takes clearing stones with a weary heart and aching bones to prove to you child that it was worth it all.

Roll away the stones, roll away the stones.

Roll away the stones and come alive.

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lyrics: Clearing Stones by John Lucas

Creamy Roasted Winter Squash + Kale Soup

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Mon, 20 Oct 2014 11:00:00 +0000

I really love simple, one dish meals. The ease, the simplicity of flavors, and the ability to prepare a large pot of something delicious over the weekend then enjoy it all week. This soup was inspired by one that my mother makes which contains milk and great northern beans. Substitute a little coconut cream and roasted winter squash, and you have a paleo and vegan-friendly fall soup that is equally as good for breakfast as it is for dinner. The healthy fat from the coconut and the good carbohydrates from the squash and sweet potato make this soup incredibly filling.

The first time I made it I left out the meat, and we ate it for breakfast for a change from our usual egg + vegetable scrambles. I made it again yesterday and added some shredded chicken for us to have for dinner, and it was just as delicious and filling.

You will need:

bacon grease (or olive or coconut oil if veg/vegan)

one medium yellow onion

one tsp minced garlic

one small delica squash

one small carnival squash

one or two small organic sweet potatoes

--- note: the roasted vegetables added up to about 3-4 cups total ---

one large bunch of organic kale or about 3/4 a bag of kale, washed & chopped

32 ounces (1 box) of organic vegetable broth

4 cups of water

salt + pepper to taste

one can full fat coconut milk or coconut cream

Preheat oven to 375. Saute your onion and garlic in the bacon grease or olive/coconut oil until fragrant and translucent. While onions are cooking, dice squash and sweet potatoes, toss with olive oil and roast for about 35 minutes on 375. Add in chopped kale and saute until slightly wilted. Add in vegetable broth and simmer on low. When squash and potatoes are finished, add into the pot with enough water to cover, as desired. I added the water one cup at a time until it was a thick soup consistency. You may want more or less. Let the soup simmer on low for about 10 minutes, then add in shredded chicken, if using, and one can of full fat coconut milk or coconut cream. Simmer for 10 minutes until flavors are combined. Serve with a dollop of coconut cream.

xoxo

Weekends + Wishlists

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Sat, 18 Oct 2014 11:00:00 +0000

Lately I've been compiling a small list of items that I would love to own. Husband and I didn't do anything for each other for our birthdays this year or for our anniversary, so I am thinking a few select gifts may be in order for the Christmas season. Also, considering the fact that last year every single gift I received (not exaggerating!) was for Elliot, a couple indulgences would be nice. Here is a carefully curated list of lovely things that would make excellent gifts, in my opinion:

This Pendelton blanket is at the top of my list. I have been wanting one for years now, and since we are finally at a somewhat finished place with our master bedroom renovations, it may be time to invest. The one I originally wanted is no longer available in the size we need, but I really like the pattern of this one as well.

These grey and white striped napkins would be nice. We don't use paper towels too much in our house, but I'd like to limit our use even more by having some lovely but practical cloth napkins on hand.

A few new linen kitchen towels would be nice as well (perhaps this one, this one and this one). Because I typically buy white ones, but they become discolored too quickly, and honestly it's time to do some replacing. (But don't worry. Those old, discolored towels will be disinfected and transformed into dust rags and baby wipes.)

And maybe one of these lovely trays... to corral the random items on our coffee table and because I have a soft spot for trays

This stain remover bar. I am a recovering Tide pen-aholic, but since removing chemicals, etc from our home, I haven't looked back. Nonetheless, this is a great thing to have on hand, especially when the tiny being in your house has a penchant for spilling your coffee on the beige sofa.

A pair of short, colorful rain boots. Because they are practical.. and cute.

A pretty pair of kitchen scissors and a magnetic knife block.

And if we are dreaming big.... this beautiful essential oil organizer.

Happy weekend.

xoxo

Birthdays + Marraige

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 10:15:00 +0000

Today is my husband's birthday.

I just have to tell you that I simply couldn't live without this guy. He is so strong and supportive of me and our little family, even when I have the worst attitude and feel completely overwhelmed with life. Motherhood is a difficult transition, but this man of mine has stood next to me, supported me and encouraged me even on my darkest days. He takes care of me in ways that are expected of a leader, but also in ways that are quiet and small and often unseen. It is these that I am most grateful for.

I would not want to share this life or this amazing journey of marriage and parenting with anyone else.

Happy birthday K.

xoxo

A Weekend in Pictures 03

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Tue, 14 Oct 2014 12:50:00 +0000

I just never want our weekends to end. The moments we spend as a family, the lower stress level my husband and I feel, not constantly rushing here and there and worrying about messing up Elliot's sleep patterns in the process. Weekends provide so much more room to breathe. So I have officially decided that weekends should last five days and the workweek should only last two. I'd even compromise to a four day weekend and three day workweek. Any suggestions on how to go about getting that changed? ;)

This weekend was especially fun since we took E camping for the first time. I have to say though, that things definitely did not go as planned. Between the rain, wet ground, unseasonably warm daytime weather and a babe who wouldn't nap, it was a little rough. We will probably wait until the spring for our next trip when E will hopefully be walking. Nonetheless, it was a good weekend and one that I am sad to leave behind.

Here's to never ending weekends, or at least dreaming of them!

xoxo

Homemade Baby Wipes & Wipe Solution

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Mon, 13 Oct 2014 11:00:00 +0000

Whether you cloth diaper or use traditional disposables, this homemade wipe solution is so great. It it cost-effective, safe and gentle on little bums, and smells so sweetly of herbs. We prefer to make the solution and use it as a spray, but you can also make homemade wipes using this same recipe. We use these flannel wipes instead of disposables and most often just wash our little man's bum with plain old warm water. Sometimes, though you need reinforcements, and the essential oils I use are great for this!

Simple Wipe Solution:

1 cup filtered water

1 tablespoon liquid castille soap (I like Dr. Bronner's Baby Mild)

1 tablespoon organic oil (olive, coconut or a mixture like this one)

4 drops lavender essential oil

2 drops melaleuca (tea tree) essential oil
*two 4 ounce glass spray bottles

*This makes 8 ounces, so I divide it between two 4 ounces bottles and keep one on the changing table and one in our diaper bag. Alternatively, you can store in an 8 ounce glass spray bottle.

To make the solution:

Place ingredients in a small glass bowl in the order listed and mix well. Pour into your glass bottle and keep at room temperature. I like to divide it between two small bottles and keep one in Elliot's room and one in the diaper bag.

To make wipes:

Simply place cloth wipes or washcloths in a container of your choice and pour the solution over them. Alternatively, you can cut a roll of paper towels in half and place in a container and cover with the solution, if that suits your preference.

Happy diapering.
xoxo

To learn more about Young Living Essential Oils and/or to get a starter kit of your own (and a 24% discount on all oils!) click here.

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Any suggestions made on this blog are very specific to Young Living essential oils and should not be used with oils from another source. Statements made on this website about Young Living Essential Oils have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products and information are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Anyone suffering from disease or injury should consult with a physician. Keep out of reach from children. If you are currently on medication, please DO NOT STOP

copyright Hiking in Stilettos

Sunday Truths

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Mon, 13 Oct 2014 00:23:00 +0000

{via}

Yes, just yes.

Hello Weekend 02

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 11:00:00 +0000

{Side note: this is my new favorite outfit, one that I bought for myself for my birthday (from Target if you're interested). It's been so long since I actually bought clothes for myself! Maternity wear, then a babe will do that ;) I'm so in love with these pants though!}

We are signing off for the long weekend to celebrate birthdays and focus on spending some much needed time disconnecting from technology and reconnecting with nature and each other. Picture day hikes, mountain tops, evergreens, mountain side sunrises, campfires, warm snuggly blankets, roadside produce stands and spiced apple cider.

And finally finding some room to breathe.

Other things...

top

similar pants

obsessed with oregano oil for the winter

excited about this class

Be back early next week with more fun things.

xoxo

Cleaning with Lavender

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 11:00:00 +0000

Oh, lavender. It's probably my all time favorite scent. If an item comes lavender-scented, I would purchase it. Dish soap, laundry detergent, candles, you name it. However, for about the last year or so I have been on a mission to get rid of all the harsh synthetic chemicals in our daily lives and replace them with natural counterparts. Goodbye bleach, hello lemon! One of my favorite ways to control our exposure to chemicals is to make things myself. Also, I save a lot of money! Baking soda and white vinegar are much less expensive than some of my old go-to cleaners. Add in some lavender or lemon essential oil, and voila! Homemade cleaners. Here are some of my favorite uses for lavender for cleaning your home:

HOME:

-- All purpose cleaner --

3/4 cup baking soda

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice OR 3-4 drops lemon essential oil

3 T natural liquid soap -- I use Dr. Bronner's Baby

1/2 cup white wine vinegar

10 drops lavender essential oil

Mix together in a ceramic bowl to make a paste and scrub surfaces, rinsing with a damp cloth or water. Use to clean counter tops, stove tops, bathroom counters and floors, tubs & sinks and kitchens! Store in a large glass spray bottle.

Simply add a few drops of lavender essential oil to a damp cloth and wipe across any surface.

-- Glass & mirror cleaner --

1 cup white vinegar

1 cup distilled water

10 drops lavender essential oil

Combine in a glass spray bottle and use as you would any glass cleaner! You can also use the all purpose cleaner for windows and mirrors

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FLOORS:

-- Floor cleaner --

1/4 cup white vinegar

a bucket of water

a few drops of liquid soap (optional)

10 drops of lavender essential oil

Mix together in your mop bucket and clean away! If your floors are really grimy, add a couple drops of liquid soap. Safe for hardwood or linoleum. Other great oils for cleaning floors include lemon, spruce (think Pine-Sol), purification and melaleuca (tea tree).

-- Carpet freshener --

1 cup baking soda

18 drops of lavender essential oil

Mix well and place in a covered container (I like mason jars) and let sit overnight to make sure the baking soda absorbs all the wonderful lavender oil. Sprinkle on carpets just before vacuuming. This is also great with lemon or peace & calming!

Simply add a few drops to a cotton ball or tissue and place in the bag of your vacuum cleaner. I alternate doing lemon and lavender!

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LAUNDRY:

-- Simple linen spray --

Fill a 4oz glass spray bottle about halfway with distilled water and add about 10 drops of lavender essential oil. I spray this on our sheets, blankets, upholstered chairs, couch, Elliot's bedding, our pillows, the dog bed (purification is a good oil for this!), camping linens, etc. Use pretty much everywhere!

-- Add to basic laundry detergent --

Add 3-4 drops of lavender essential oil directly to the detergent in the detergent compartment of your washer. I like to use free & clear detergent, and I have an HE washer, so it's safe!

-- Homemade fabric softener --

1/2 cup white wine vinegar

10 drops lavender essential oil

Use the same way you would store-bought fabric softener to soften your laundry and make it smell wonderful at the same time! Store in a small glass jar.

-- Wool dryer balls --

I switched over to using wool dryer balls when I was pregnant with E and researching homemade cloth diaper detergent. Absolutely love them! Natural, inexpensive and the lavender makes our clothes smell divine. Place 3-4 drops of lavender onto each wool dryer ball and place into the dryer with your clothes.

To learn more about essential oils or to purchase your own, click here.

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Any suggestions made on this blog are very specific to Young Living essential oils and should not be used with oils from another source. Statements made on this website about Young Living Essential Oils have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products and information are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Anyone suffering from disease or injury should consult with a physician. Keep out of reach from children. If you are currently on medication, please DO NOT STOP.

Thirty-two

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Tue, 07 Oct 2014 10:00:00 +0000

Today is my thirty second birthday.

Not gonna lie, just typing that made me feel pretty old. Something about becoming a mom {maybe lack of sleep?} makes this year feel different. This year I can finally feel the distance between my life and that of my twenty-something friends. I actually mentioned to one of them the other day that I feel every bit of my thirty two years this year. And while part of me is nostalgic for those feelings of freedom and possibility, I wouldn't want to go back. Thirty and thirty one were some of my happiest years, and I know that there are so many happy memories in this next year just waiting to be made.

So here's to another year, a life that looks totally different than it did one or two years ago, being a supportive wife and an encouraging mama. Here's to a life so full of love that it overflows all around, one full of adventure and awe, one that writes a beautiful story of grace and mercy.

Here's to thirty two.

xoxo

Paleo Basics // Coconut Cream

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Mon, 06 Oct 2014 14:00:00 +0000

Coconut cream is one of my favorite products.

You can get coconut cream two ways: take a can of full fat coconut milk and refrigerate it upside down overnight or longer. When you're ready to use it, take it out and turn it right side up. When you open it, the cream will be on the top and the milk will be on the bottom. Scoop out the cream and put the milk in a mason jar to use for later! As the cream sits in the fridge it continues to thicken slightly, so you may need to add a little of the milk to get it the consistency that you want.

You can also buy coconut cream from Trader Joe's! This is what I do (convenience is key when you have an infant!). If you open it at room temperature, it is a liquid and will thicken in the refrigerator even after opening. It becomes a greek yogurt consistency.

Here are a few of my favorite uses for coconut cream:

-- Spoon into a bowl and top with fresh fruit and almonds/pecans/walnuts and cinnamon (and a drizzle of honey if not Whole30ing). My favorite combination is strawberries and pecans! Cinnamon + bananas is another good combo.

-- Add a spoonful to your morning coffee (amazing with a little grass-fed butter).

-- Use in Thai chicken soup or coconut curry stew or use in this creamy roasted tomato soup (one my favorite fall recipes!).

-- Add to a post-workout shake for good carbs and fat. My favorite combination is 100% whey protein powder + coconut cream + 1/2 a frozen banana + one tablespoonful cocoa powder + almond milk + ice (Not Whole30 compliant!)

How do you use coconut cream? I'm always looking for new recipes!

xoxo

Thoughtful Gift Giving

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Wed, 01 Oct 2014 20:10:00 +0000

I love giving gifts.

I love seeking out that one thing or things that someone in my life really wants or needs or loves and being the person to give it to them. I think part of this is because I love to receive thoughtful, well-planned gifts. When it comes to giving gifts, I think the more personal the gift, the better. Case and point: two of my absolute favorite things that I wear daily are my tortoise and gold watch that K gave me for our anniversary and the aquamarine band that he gave me for my very first Mother's Day (it's Elliot's birthstone). Knowing that he thought about what I would really like and what I would use on a daily basis and that it was meaningful, that's the best.

I take notes (mental and literal!) all year long about things that I think the people in my life might enjoy. I have a running list in my phone of items or ideas that my mother, sister, husband and friends mention throughout the year -- everything from tickets to see a show or concert to the compliment they gave me on something I'm wearing or something in my house. Then, when the time comes, I know exactly what to get them and know they will love it. Also, whenever I am out and about, if I see something that screams someone's name, I get it regardless of whether or not a gift-giving opportunity is in the near future.

Here's a good example. My girl Kindredly just moved into her dream home (which is gorgeous, btw), so when our little family went over for Brooks' birthday I took her the following house warming gift:

I saw this print at TJ Maxx and knew that she needed it somewhere in her house. It's just so AG. As for the fiddle leaf fig, she mentioned a while ago on Instagram that she really liked the plant in my bedroom. Which, as you have probably already guessed, is a fiddle leaf fig, Viola! A gift she loved and one that I loved giving her! Not to mention that the fig tree looks amaze next to the super chic white washed brick wall in her living room. Win. win win.

{I also threw in a few samples of essential oils because I'm just so in love!}

Happy Gifting.

xoxo

A Weekend in Pictures

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Tue, 30 Sep 2014 11:00:00 +0000

I feel like every weekend I try to soak up as much time with husband and E as I possibly can. The weeks are usually pretty hectic with work schedules, making dinner and bedtimes, so carefree time together is so precious to me. We spent the weekend at home, simultaneously saying goodbye to summer and hello to fall. We dined al fresco on our patio, sipped on white sangria, swayed in the hammock swings and talked about history, science and upcoming adventures. We stayed in our pajamas a little longer, left the beds unmade and made paleo waffles (as has become our weekend custom), and played in the dirt. We went for a long walk on the wooded trails and dreamed of all kinds of things.

I wish weekends could last forever.

xoxo

Fall Colors + Front Porches

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Sun, 28 Sep 2014 11:00:00 +0000

I mentioned last week that I wanted to spend some time cleaning and updating our outdoor spaces to bring a bit of fall, and this weekend I was able to do just that! My dear mama came over on Friday to lend me a hand (I'd be lost without that woman. #thankGodformoms, can I get an amen?) and we set to work arranging mums, scavenging for branches and doing some good old fashion piddling. (That's Southern for rearranging/decorating if you're stumped.) I am beyond pleased with the simple, rustic result and the red, orange and purple hues of the coming season. Elliot and I spent the majority of Saturday on the porch swing enjoying the breeze.

A quick tip about the mums that my wise mama passed down to me: leave them in their plastic containers instead of actually planting them in pots! You can surround them with dirt (see the pot to the right of the front door) or just place in a larger container. They will be fine for the month or so that they are out on the porch, then I will plant them in a flower bed beneath Elliot's window. The ones from the past two years have come back and are flourishing!

Happy porch weather!

xoxo

Hello Weekend 01

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Fri, 26 Sep 2014 14:05:00 +0000

Oh hello weekend, it's good to see you.

I am off work today (praise!) so we are spending some extra time at home in our pajamas. We had a lot of early mornings this week -- out of the house by 6am -- so I feel like little bit needs some time to roll around and play at home. (And so do I!) Also, I have decided that there is nothing cuter in this world that babes in footie pajamas.

A few things for your weekend:

I'm in LOVE with these leather plant hangers.

In keeping with a plant theme, these fall flowers are gorgeous. I'm particularly smitten with the arrangement in the test tubes, naturally.

Also, gilded terracotta pots because, hello!

My fall wardrobe will consist of leggings, long sweaters & sweatshirts, topknots & boots.

Who wants to buy me this bag for my birthday? ;) Or this one, I'm not picky. Ha!

Elliot's favorite hymns are It is well with my soul and How great thou art, so he loves this song.

Happy weekend.

xoxo

A Weekend in Pictures

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Tue, 23 Sep 2014 11:00:00 +0000

This past weekend went by in a blur of laughter and stories, baby smiles and squeals, so much good food, two parties for two sweet babes, porch swings, and wonderful moments with friends.

So so good.

{high school buddies + our friends amazing new home. hello! that wall!}

{#reallife: pjs, an unmade bed & no makeup}

{obligatory first birthday cupcake face!}

xoxo

Roasted Winter Squash + Onions*

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 11:00:00 +0000

*Alternative titles include The Easiest Recipe Ever and My New Favorite Side Dish for Every Meal, Including Breakfast

I've been trying really hard lately to increase my vegetable intake, which for me pretty much means adding something green to breakfast. Lunch and dinner are pretty easy to get the veggies in since we usually do salads or soup for lunch and meat + veggies or a one pot dish for dinner. So, on my last trip to the farmer's market I picked up a couple winter squash on sale with the intention of doing something with them for breakfast. Then, the weekend got busier than expected, the tiny being in our lives required more attention than usual & I ran out of time for food prep. BUT, the result was pretty stellar.

You will need:

one medium acorn squash

one small to medium delica (kabocha) squash

1/2 or so red onion

olive oil

salt + pepper + garlic

How to:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Wash the squash and cut in half. Scoop out the seeds, then cut into chunks or quarters or slices, whatever suits your fancy! Cut your red onion in to triangle size chunks. Add all vegetables to a bowl and drizzle with olive oil (about 2T). Toss, then sprinkle with salt + pepper + garlic.

(I don't measure these things, sorry! But really who has time to measure when your six month old is barreling head first through the living room in pursuit of everything that is not a toy and immediately putting said items into his mouth?!)

Roast for about 25 minutes or until the squash is tender. Cool for 15 minutes and eat! Or place in the fridge and reheat in a toaster oven or on the stove as a quick and delicious side for any meal.

These were just the ones that I found at the market, but you could use any winter squash - acorn, delicata, autumn cup, butternut. The flavors are great, and the squash is super filling. Win, win!

xoxo

September Whole30 Meal Plan // Week 4

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Sun, 21 Sep 2014 10:30:00 +0000

Week four!

How are you feeling? I'm going to be totally honest here and tell you that I ended my Whole30 early*. I didn't cheat, slip up, or break the rules, either. I made a conscious, adult decision to eat some chicken and potatoes that had been cooked in peanut oil and some vegetable soup that contained corn. The decisions I made aren't that terrible, but they will definitely require me to restart my Whole30.

Nonetheless, we are still following the meal plans since we eat 99% paleo anyway!

You can find the meal plan here and the shopping list here.

Happy Whole30.

xoxo

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*In an effort to prevent any hateful comments, I made this decision because I was totally overwhelmed, my husband was out of town, my poor child was teething and tired, and I had absolutely zero meal prep done. I also had no time to do any meal prep, so I ate what I had access to. Sometimes something just has to give, know what I mean?