Hi friends! Happy Thursday!

Thank you all so much for all of the birthday wishes over on IG and FB. I am beyond blessed! I spent the majority of the day at work but was able to slide out a little bit early and spent the rest of the afternoon with the husband and my family. I couldn’t have asked for a better afternoon! The weather was beautiful, the conversation was good, the laughter poured over, the wine was refreshing, the food was delicious, the love was present and the company was the best!

And oh my goodness friends… my heart has been touched.

Birthdays always seem like a great time to reflect, and this birthday, gratitude has flooded my heart and mind. Another year older, I have so much to be grateful for.

A few days ago, my sister-in-law shared an article that I can’t help but reflect on and pass along to you. I had a summertime drink recipe planned (as mentioned a few days ago) and ready to share with you today, however, that can wait but this cannot.

Before we go any further, I beg that you read the article, How to Be an Optimist – Regardless of What You’re Facing published by Ann Voscamp on her site, A Holy Experience.

This article literally hits the nail on the head for me. As I was reading the article, there were several moments I felt as though the Ann Voscamp took the words directly from my mouth and heart. This is one of the very few pieces of writing that have ever given me chills nearly the entire time I was reading. 

I’ll do my best to summarize the article in my own words as well as share a few of my favorite quotes from Voscamp, however, there is no way my words will ever do this piece of work justice. Please, please take a few minutes and read it for yourself (either now or bookmark it for later; you won’t be sad you did).

Here we go…

Unlike my optimistic husband, many of us (myself included) have a natural tendency to look at the glass half empty rather than half full. Here are a few of my own examples (not necessarily personal to me):

• “Of course I’m running late” versus “Maybe God is trying to slow me down for a reason”
• “Of course my first career didn’t work out” versus “God has bigger and better plans for my life”
• “Of course he broke up with me” versus “God has someone far more compatible for me to come” or even “I must learn to love myself before I can even attempt to love someone else”
• “Of course I dropped my cell phone in a cup of water” versus “Now I will actually be able to give my full attention to my kids when they are begging me to read them a bed time story”
• Of course I fractured my ankle one month before my half-marathon” versus “Sometimes rest is all we need”

I love this quote from the article…

“Years are ridiculously short and minutes can be relentlessly long and failures can seem eternal.”

How true is that?

Have you ever stopped in the midst of a stressful moment (like a Monday morning when you woke up 45 minutes late, knocked over and shattered a glass candle votive, walked into your office only to realize that you forgot to put your mascara on, not only that but you also forgot your coffee, which by the way, is exactly how my Monday morning went this past week) and asked yourself, “How could/would things be different if instead of looking at the glass half empty, I choose to accept that all of this is happening for a reason and smiled and actually laughed about it?” I bet my morning would have gone a little bit differently, don’t you?

In the article Voscamp says,

“When we fixate on the worst in something, we render ourselves incapable of fixing anything.

But attend to the good in something — and we act towards the best in everything.”

Being an optimist even amongst trying times is key in maintaining a happy life.

She says,

“The cynics donning armor because they’re the aching, the afraid not wanting to be disappointed. It’s the cynics who have a limited, bruised vocabulary of no. It can seem easier to reject the world before the world hurts you again.

It’s the brave who say a prayerful yes, the brave and wise who believe that the faith-filled yes is what heals things.

It’s the brave and free who are the optimists.”

And then Voscamp got even more real.  She explains that in situations like these, it’s actually possible to be both an optimist and a pessimist. In order to be a long term optimist, we can actually use a pessimistic question to change our thinking,

“What is the worst thing that could possibly happen?”

Really though? What is the worst thing that can happen?

“And there aren’t any wolves, trouble, kids, hatred, debts, messes, betrayal, teenagers, disease, lack, hard times, untruths, diagnoses, or disappointment that can possibly separate you from the love of God. Nothing can separate you from Him.”

So what’s the worst thing that could possibly happen? As long as you want nothing more than Christ, the worst thing that could happen is that you, as Vancamp puts it best…

“Live — and He’s using everything to shape you more into Christ and abundant life in Him.

Die — and you have eternal life in Him.

Abundant life versus eternal life — it’s impossible to lose!”

Today and everyday, when things aren’t going your way, I challenge you to pause and ask yourself, “As long as I chose Christ, what’s the worst thing that can happen?”

(Not to be mortal but) I was actually just telling my sister the other day how comfortable I am with death because of this very concept; and although she didn’t like me talking about death (of which is something that I do not fear, nor do I want to happen anytime soon just for the record), it is exactly how I feel. I choose not to fear death because if the worst thing that happens to me is death, then eternal life with Jesus actually sounds pretty awesome.

Truth? Or truth?

How do you view the world? Is the glass always half empty? Or do you view it as half full? Either way, this article certainly makes us think!

Have an optimistic day!

Good health!

The post On being an optimist. Is the glass half empty? Or half full? appeared first on The Gypsy Dietitian.

Hi friends! Happy, happy Monday.  I certainly had a case of the Monday blues this morning because of a not so productive Sunday… well at least when it comes to prepping for the week.

I stayed up way too late on Saturday night (but well worth it!) chatting with my brother and mom, which lead to sleeping in a little later than I had planned on Sunday. Once I finally pulled myself together, I packed up the rest of our things from my parent’s house, and with their help, we loaded up the truck and trailer with a couch, desk and futon for the new place. Although I got a lot done on the house, I did zero prep for the week to ahead. 

All day yesterday I kept telling myself, “oh, I will be able to do that quickly in the morning,” therefore, I didn’t prep my breakfast, lunch, gym clothes or ANYTHING! Very uncharacteristic of me as a self-admitted type A person, but by the time I was finished up with home stuff, all I wanted to do was go to sleep. This lead to a very hectic morning (I even forgot to let one of my pups out, poor guy!) and reminded me of why I do all of this the night before. I will not let that happen again!

Anyway, on a more important note, tonight I want to leave you with a very simple message. 

Today is a hard but meaningful day for me and my friends… as this year, it marks six years that three of our dear friends died in a tragic car accident on the way back to school following an incredible engagement weekend for me and Dustin. Although the memories from that day are hard, the incredible lives that these three beautiful girls lived trumps any negative memory in my mind.

Because of this, my message tonight is short but meaningful: hug your family, hug your friends and tell them you love them every single day. Not a single one of us are guaranteed tomorrow or another minute for that matter, therefore, don’t let the small things in life get in the way of what really matters. 

Today and everyday we keep these three in our hearts as a reminder of the gift of life, as those three truly lived it to the fullest! 

I am so blessed to still have such an incredible group of friends and we have all been sending messages of love back and forth all day. Even though it is hard, not a single one of us forget the amazing friendships that we had and hold each other closely everyday because of what we have experienced together.

As it goes, only the good die young!

Have a wonderful evening my friends!

Good health!

The post Don’t Let the Small Things Get in the Way of the Big Things appeared first on The Gypsy Dietitian.

Good morning friends! Happy Friday! I am super pumped it’s Friday for a couple of reasons. First off, because my sleep deprivation is really kicking in. Ever since switching my workouts to the evenings, I just cannot force myself to go to bed early. I am vowing now that next week I WILL do better. There is nothing fun nor healthy about being tired. And secondly, I am excited because today marks mine and Dustin’s fifth year anniversary!

It’s hard to believe one of the most magical nights of both of our lives was already five years ago. They say that the older you get the quicker the time goes and I’m really starting to believe it!

I was going to write some sappy post about how much I love Dustin, blah, blah, blah but you and I both already know that (and hopefully he does to!) and I also know that is not something that you want to read! So instead of that, today I am going to share with you four important things that Dustin has taught me that I think you will find beneficial too!

1.  Kindness Makes The World Go Round

Day-by-day Dustin has shown and taught me that a little bit of kindness goes a long way. He truly has the kindest heart of anyone that I know, and through his actions and words, he has taught me the importance of being kind to others. Not in the way that you smile at someone’s face and talk behind their back, but in the way that you smile at their face because you truly accept who they are. Plain and simple, he has taught me to love people the way Jesus loves me. Not only that but he has strengthened my conscious so that when my words and actions do not align with the way I should be acting, I can quickly adjust and learn to show love and kindness again.

2.  Honesty Is The Best Policy

Along with his kindness, Dustin has taught me that being honest is always best – in every situation, no matter how big or small. Dustin has taught me that the honest way is the only way, regardless of how inconvenient it might be for me. He has shown me that honesty will take us a lot further in life than dishonesty, and that it’s just as important to be honest with yourself as it is with others.

3.  A Little Bit of Confidence Goes A Long Way

Growing up, I had the roaring confidence of a little kid. I was confident because I didn’t know anything else existed. A few years ago, something knocked me off my game however, and I began to doubt myself more and more. It wasn’t until Dustin showed me how far a little bit of confidence can take you that I realized this was something that I needed to work on. Although we all have our own insecurities and at times it is absolutely appropriate to show these, it’s equally important to hold your chin high, give it your all and know that God designed YOU to be YOU for a reason. After all, if you aren’t you, who will be? I rid myself of negative self talk, grew closer with God and realized that it was up to me to become more comfortable in my own skin. While this is still something I work on every single day, because of Dustin, I realized just how important this is.

4.  Positivity Is The Key To Life

I’ve talked to you about this quite a few times, but Dustin is actually the one that allows no room for negativity in our life. He always tells me that whatever I tell myself and whatever I believe… is. “Ashley, if you tell yourself everyday that you cannot do something, then you can’t. However, if you tell yourself that you can and you imagine yourself already doing it, then you will.” I really believe this to be true because of the many wonderful blessings that have occurred in our lives. The minute I start complaining, Dustin is quick to tell me that there is no room for negativity in our house. A few weeks ago we were arguing over an important decision that we had to make and I kept telling him all of the reasons why I didn’t like what he wanted to do.  As we stood there arguing, he stopped and looked at me and said, “Why don’t we tell each other 3 things that we like about each other.” At first I refused to participate until we agreed upon a decision (aka my decision – gosh I’m a hard wife), I took a deep breath and realized that he was right. We were focusing only on the negative and this small act quickly reverted our energy back to the positive.

If you are looking for a pick me up on this happy Friday, check out this video – this girl gets that positivity is the key to life!

Woman’s inspiring pre double mastectomy Beyonce dance

Anyway, after work we are off to celebrate this weekend with lots of fun things in store! What an incredible journey it has been thus far! I am a lucky girl to have him by my side!

Also, tomorrow is the 21st which means it’s time for another Recipe Redux post, so stay tuned for a delicious recipe that will keep you warm all winter long! Have a GREAT Friday my friends!

Good health!

The post 5 Years of Happiness appeared first on The Gypsy Dietitian.

Earlier this week I had a different post in mind when I thought about what I was going to write today, but life changed and I will change with it. Yesterday at 12:45 pm my grandfather went home to be with the Lord and my sweet grandmother, whom he has missed so much these past five years.

My grandfather was a family man. He took care of and loved not only us but every person that we ever introduced him to. If you were a friend of mine, you were a friend of Charlie’s.

It was my grandparents that taught me the definition of faith. Neither of them told you they loved Jesus, the showed you. They each lived a selfless life, serving others and giving everything they had.

Yesterday he was tired and ready to go home. With my mom and her sisters at his side, he closed his eyes for one last time, took one last breath and is now a happy and healthy man thriving in Heaven.

I am so thankful to have such a strong family during this time, and cannot thank you enough for so many of your kind words during this time. May God bless you all.

Why do goodbyes have to be so hard?

The post Goodbye appeared first on The Gypsy Dietitian.

Happy Friday! Wahoo! The weekend is here!

Today has already been an AMAZING day. I was lucky enough to work with an incredible photographer, person, friend (check out some of her amazing work) and the master behind Some Place Wild, LLC early this morning. Here is a sneak peak photo from on her Instagram account of just one of the locations that we shot.

She has so much talent and her passion shines through in each one of her pictures. I will wait to share what these photos are for but I can go ahead a say some things will be changing over here again soon. Get ready!

Also, in other news, I did a guest post for the Trainlete blog today, an awesome website linking sports trainers and athletes, on the importance of recovery nutrition for athletes. Even if your not an athlete per se but you do any form of exercise/activity you  should check it out. It has a delicious post-workout smoothie recipe if nothing else!

So on to today…

Yesterday, one of my friends shared this article titled “When Your Mother Says She’s Fat” by Kasey Edwards on Facebook and it seriously couldn’t have been more ironic. I have been thinking and talking about this topic A LOT lately and it’s as if the author and my friend that posted it knew my every thought – not in the way that the author wrote it to her mom but in the way I hope to never be toward my future daughter.

If you haven’t read the article, let me try my best to summarize it… (But seriously, my words won’t give this article justice. It is incredibly written and I highly recommend that if you don’t have time to read it now, bookmark it and read it when you do have time.)

Basically the article is written as a letter from the author to her mom. She starts off by telling her mom that as a child she only knew one thing: that her mother was beautiful. It wasn’t until one day when her mom looked at her as they were getting ready for a party and told the young-at-the-time author that she (the little girl) was “thin, beautiful, and lovely” and that she (the mom) was “fat, ugly, and horrible.”

She (the mom) was obviously having one of those self-doubting moments that we have all had when our favorite bathing suit doesn’t fit any more or when our white pants from last summer are just too tight this summer. We’ve all been there.

The author is telling her mom is that she (the mom), in this moment, taught her the meaning of beauty. This excerpt from the article says it best…

In the days that followed I had some painful revelations that have shaped my whole life. I learned that:

1. You must be fat because mothers don’t lie.
2. Fat is ugly and horrible.
3. When I grow up I’ll look like you and therefore I will be fat, ugly, and horrible too.

Wow. When we think of it like that, the words that we say mean a lot more than we might ever realize.

I’ll admit it: although I didn’t realize this until recently, I struggle with self-doubt and speaking negatively of myself.  A few weeks ago my sister-in-law brought it to my attention and I am so grateful that she did. She told me it had to stop and she was right. I am so thankful to have someone strong enough in my life to speak the truth.

We are all beautifully perfect however we are: whatever shape, whatever size, whatever height, whatever race, whatever. What if I had never realized this and raised a daughter saying some the things I used to say about myself in front of her? Thankfully, I have a mom that never spoke like this in front of me and my three sisters. She never put value in her or our appearance – it was so much more than that. We were beautiful when we were kind, loving, caring and giving, not when we had on our cutest outfit or had our best hair day. What a shame it would have been had I not realized this and not given my daughter this same gift?

I love these closing words…

The older we get, the more loved ones we lose to accidents and illness. Their passing is always tragic and far too soon. I sometimes think about what these friends—and the people who love them—wouldn’t give for more time in a body that was healthy. A body that would allow them to live just a little longer. The size of that body’s thighs or the lines on its face wouldn’t matter. It would be alive and therefore it would be perfect.

How true is that? Life is about living, loving, being, laughing, sharing, caring, and giving. Not about the way our pants hit our middle section, the way our arms look in our tank tops, the way our legs look on the beach, the way a wrinkle has formed on our face or any of that. While it’s important to be happy in the body we live in, it’s equally important to realize that beauty is far more than skin deep. Beauty actually is in the wrinkles on our face because it means we laugh and smile often.

Edwards ends the article perfectly…

Every moment we spend worrying about our physical ‘‘flaws’’ is a moment wasted, a precious slice of life that we will never get back.

Think about that and let it change your mind. We are all beautiful just the way we are. Let that soak in and have an incredibly beautiful weekend!

Good health!

The post What is Beauty? And Who Defined It For You? appeared first on The Gypsy Dietitian.

Hi friends! How are ya today? Things are movin’ and groovin’ over here.

In honor of Father’s Day this Sunday, today’s post is dedicated to my dad and my father-in-law who have both been incredible influences in mine and Dustin’s life.

These two men have a lot in common: they are givers, workers, encouragers and listeners, but most of all both of these men love their wives and our moms more than anyone or anything on this earth – and that I am most greatful for. They treat their wives as their daughters (and daughter-in-laws) want to be treated, and they are examples for their sons of how to love.

They are also both God loving and God fearing men – which is something Dustin and I were able to pick up on early on. They both taught us that life doesn’t go ’round unless God is at the center, regardless of the situation.

My dad taught me to shoot for the moon and to dream big. He taught me that hard work will always pay off. He taught me that life won’t always be easy, but it will always be worthwhile.

And I know that Dustin can say the exact same of his dad.

Thank you to both of the incredible fathers in my life – I will love you both forever!

And on the foodie side of things, I plan on making Spring Rolls on Sunday to serve while the grill is firing up and will return on Monday with what all was cooked up for our Father’s Day Feast!

I hope you have a wonderful weekend and to all dad’s out there, Happy Father’s Day weekend! I hope it is wonderful! I’m off to meet my mom for lunch at Roux and then running some errands this afternoon! What are your Father’s Day plans? Cooking for dad? Or meeting him at his favorite restaurant? Either way, I hope it’s delicious!

Good health!

The post The Happiest of Father’s Days! appeared first on The Gypsy Dietitian.

Good morning! I hope your day is off to a great start. My day started with some oats and a Pineapple Blueberry Green Smoothie. Pretty delicious if you ask me!

Speaking of green, today is going to be a rather green post too!

A few days ago I was reading an article sent to my inbox and one of the bullet points really caught my eye. The article was titled “10 Things I wish Every American Knew About Health” written by Dr. Lawrence Rosen. Naturally, this title caught my eye quickly and even more so, number 5. It read,

5. Time spent in nature is not a luxury, it’s a medical necessity. 

Very few interventions have as great a power to heal the mind and body. So I frequently prescribe nature. It’s proven to positively affect mood, focus, energy level and stress response with no risk of severe adverse effects. Sign me up! While more Americans than ever live in urban areas, we still have access to green spaces. Go visit your local park or nature center to experience what author Richard Louv calls the “transformative power of the natural world.” While you’re at it, don’t let our schools continue to eliminate free outdoor playtime. Too many are replacing recess with more time sitting at desks, and our kids are suffering from an epidemic of NDD – Nature Deficit Disorder. Stop the madness.

The post Get Out in Nature appeared first on The Gypsy Dietitian.

Good morning and happy hump day! This morning already started out a little crazy over here, as I was supposed to have an appointment an hour away but woke up exactly one hour before the appointment. No time to get ready, no time for breakfast … no thank you. Luckily they were able to reschedule for tomorrow. I hope your morning has been a little bit more smooth.

Anyway, something to take your mind away from any morning bumps and on to things like sand, waves, and warm summer nights is this healthy summer treat recipe.

Growing up, I was never really a popsicle kid… I’d rather have something like fresh watermelon slices ice cream, banana splits or blizzards. (Just kidding, I did love watermelon too!) Not Dustin. He’s always loved a good popsicle to cool him down on a hot summer day. Over the years, I’ve learned to love a tasty popsicle too, especially a healthy one! With summer in full force, give this recipe a try whether it be for your kids, your hubby or yourself. No one’s too old to enjoy a tasty summer treat! Not only are they easy to make but minimal on the ingredient list as well.

Pineapple Coconut Popsicles

• 2 cups diced pineapple
• 1 banana
• 2 cups unsweetened almond milk (plain, vanilla, or coconut will all work)
• 2 tbsp coconut oil
• 1 tbsp hemp seeds (optional)

Throw all ingredients into a blender. Blend until smooth and pour into popsicle molds.

Freeze until hard and voila! A healthy summer treat!

I hope you have a great day!

Good health!

The post Healthy Summer Treat: Pineapple Coconut Popsicles appeared first on The Gypsy Dietitian.

Good morning and happy Monday! I hope your weekend was wonderful. Coming home from the beach is never fun but necessary at some point I guess ;-).

I returned yesterday from the perfect beach weekend getaway. Continuous fun especially  since the theme for the weekend from the mouth of the bride was “do what ya feel.” A pretty awesome bride to say the least.

We enjoyed dinners out, dinners at home, long days on the beach, lots of laughter, lots of fun and very little stress, just as the bride wanted. It was absolutely great.

After coming home yesterday, I spent a little time thinking about what I wanted to talk/write about today. I thought maybe a Meatless Monday post would suffice but then I decided there was something more than a recipe that I wanted to share.

Throughout the past seven years, Dustin has been the preacher and my rock when it comes to the power of positive thinking. I mentioned to you a while ago that he read and then encouraged me to read The Secret, and if you ask him (and I certainly believe it), it truly changed his life. It took him from questioning why baseball didn’t work out to understanding that baseball didn’t work out for a reason. It took him from doubting to believing, regardless of the topic.

On that same note, this weekend I spent a lot of time thinking about the power of surrounding yourself with positive people – people that lift you up, make you happy and bring out the best it you.

Yesterday, as my sister-in-law and I were were driving home, we listened to our live church sermon and our pastor was talking specifically about leadership. He said that in order to be a good leader and lead like Jesus did then the people that you are leading have to know that you have their back – that you care about them like you want them to care about you. I think the same is true in all walks and relationships of life.  There is nothing greater than surrounding yourself with someone that brings out the best in you – someone that brings your gifts to light, challenges your weaknesses and encourages you to be the best you. By being the type of person that always lifts others up, the act will be contagious- those that we encourage will respond in a similar way. Like attracts like, remember? They too will encourage you.

So often we allow worldly things to get in our way of loving, treating and lifting up others the way we should – jealously, envy, entitlement, etc. A few years ago I was reminded of something that really changed the the way that I loved and respected people. I was reminded that there is enough of everything to go around. There is enough success, enough beauty, enough happiness, enough joy, enough power, enough whatever it is that you are looking for everyone. Not one person is able to take it ALL. By lifting each other up and being the encouragement that someone needs we can not only help them be their best but also help us be our  best as well – we can change everyday, every moment, every life.

Today, I encourage you to do both. Not only surround yourself with people that lift you up and bring out the best in you but also be that for someone else. Bring out the best in them and they will do the same for you – glorify their talents, help them with their weaknesses and encourage them to their best them. We all love to feel our best, regardless of which arena of life, encourage someone and they will return the favor. It starts with you.

{Photo Source}

Do you notice that the people that you lift up the most, lift you up the most? I certainly do.

Anyways, I hope you have a wonderful Monday! I am going to the airport to pick of the hubby from a weekend work trip to Seattle. So excited to see him!

Good health!

The post Surround Yourself with Positive People appeared first on The Gypsy Dietitian.

As most of you know, today marks the three year anniversary of the death of three beautiful friends, bridesmaids, and now angels.  Jessica Lynn Fulmer, Jamie Lynn Carter and Melissa Kristen Eustice lived rather short lives but full lives to say the least.  They were healthy, happy, and most of all loved.

Because of what today will always mean in my heart, I want to devote today’s post to life and what it means to truly live.

Over time, we have learned, or rather taught ourselves, that life is all about beating the clock – getting things done, checking off our to do lists, and moving on to the next task – or at least I know I do that.  I often forget to slow down and appreciate what life is really about.

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

— Maya Angelou

This quote always lingers in the back of my mind because it is so true.  Right now I don’t remember the exact words any of those three girls told me when I was upset about something, however, I do remember them comforting me and making me feel better about the situation. I remember how they made me feel.

I remember these girls making me smile and laugh, but I don’t remember exactly what they said to make me laugh.

We always forget the true meaning of life – it’s about living not rushing.  I understand degrees, salaries, positions, etc. are all important, but nothing trumps the importance of loving others the way God intends for us to – showing others the love that God shows us.

I just want to remind you to slow down (because so often I need reminded of that) and to show the people you love that you do in fact love them – that no job, no project, no degree, etc. will ever hold bar to the relationship you 2 share.

If these three didn’t define the meaning of life and living, than no one ever will.

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