Friday Five #24

Fri-YAY! I’m actually writing this post on Friday, talk about procrastination 🙈

It’s been a bit of a rough week over here, namely because I found out that I’m basically gonna be forced to go back to work in the office after Labor Day, all because the district administration thinks it’s safe for students to return 🤦🏻‍♀️ I wish I were wrong, but I can almost guarantee they’ll be shutting down on-campus learning (and hopefully in-office working) by the end of September when cases inevitably go up again, and students or staff possibly get sick.

I really can’t believe how cavalier the leaders of not just my district but the state and the country are being about this virus. It really goes to show that people care more about “productivity” and profit over human life, which is just depressing.

Anyway, I don’t want to dwell on it too much because it gives me anxiety and I don’t want to think about that going into my weekend (I took Monday off as a mental health day, which I think will be much-needed).

1) Cherry Plums

I’m not a fan of plums, so I don’t know what inspired me to put these in my cart at Trader Joe’s, but I’m so glad I did because these are amazing!

They definitely taste more like a cherry to me, which is good because I prefer cherries to plums, but really, the flavor is hard to describe but really good.

They’re cute, too!

If you see these at the grocery store, GET THEM!

2) “Sabotage” by JAWNY

This song is a whole damn M O O D 🤘🏼JAWNY is fairly new on the music scene but I see big things coming from him, if this track is any indication.

3) Coyote Sightings

I do so much desert trail running, you’d think I’d encounter more animals than I do. I think I’ve only seen snakes 4 times (I see multiple lizards on every run) and deer occasionally, at least when I run at Usery.

I actually see coyotes a lot when I run at Veterans Oasis Park in Chandler, which is surprising since it’s in more of a suburban area. I saw a cute little one on Monday during my long run, and he/she started following me for a bit!

Hi, cutie 🥰

I also saw a mama and baby coyote when I ran the trails at Usery on Tuesday, but they were too quick for me to get a picture of video!

4) Aerie Happy Henley Hoodie

Aerie is the place to shop for cozy fall essentials! They have the cutest sweaters, hoodies and joggers right now, and always seem to have a sale going on.

I ordered the Happy Henley Hoodie last weekend when they had 30% off sweatshirts and I know I’ll be living in it later this fall into the winter! Mine is the heather frost color, which is a nice faded camo and it’ll look really cute with some bike shorts and later, joggers. I ordered one size down to the XXS because it’s very oversized and it’s still very loose on me but not overly baggy, so I’d recommend sizing down at least one size.

I could almost wear this as a dress 😂

I also love Aerie because they’re so body positive and inclusive. Go give them a follow on Instagram for some feel-good photos and style inspo!

5) Strong Roots Cauliflower Hash Browns

I saw these on Instagram somewhere and knew I needed to find them! Luckily for me, my Sprouts stocked them in the frozen veggie section and I grabbed a bag last weekend.

The directions say to bake it, but ain’t no one got time for that, so I sautéed it in a pan and it turned out just fine. You could probably also air fry it, which I plan to try next time!

Go getcha a bag of these!

I enjoyed it alongside a Beyond breakfast sausage patty and some sautéed greens for a breakfast for dinner situation. I’d love to try it on a breakfast sandwich too!

The ingredients are super simple: cauliflower, potato, potato flakes, sunflower oil, water, cornstarch, onion, salt and black pepper. Yum!

What kinds of animals do you see on your runs/walks? I’m jealous of everyone who’s seen a chuckwalla or Gila monster in the desert! What’s your favorite way to eat potatoes? I love hash browns or (sweet potato) fries 🍟

At Home With Ashley

Merry (almost) Christmas! As I’m writing this, I just got home from my last day of work for 2019! I felt like this day would never arrive and yet, here it is. Not that I don’t enjoy my job — I do — but I am definitely in need of a short break, and these 16 days off will be just the thing!

So this post was inspired by a feature in The Chalkboard Mag, an online publication about wellness I just recently stumbled upon. I think I’m going to become a regular reader because it seems right up my alley.

I have always loved “day in the life” posts (both to read and to write), and this is a slightly different twist on that. Using the article for inspiration, I came up with a list of questions that gives you a peek into my everyday life. Enjoy!

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Dream Breakfast: sweet potato waffle loaded with vegan butter and real maple syrup. Orrrr the vegan breakfast tacos from Chimera in Tulsa. Miss those!

I would make a trip back to Tulsa just for the breakfast tacos & potatoes (also to run on the river trail again).

This was actually not a sweet potato waffle (it was the cheddar & chive chick’n and waffles from Watercourse Foods in Denver), but I don’t discriminate when it comes to waffles!

Healthy Recipe You Love to Make at Home: not really a recipe, but my bowls loaded with sautéed veggies (cauliflower rice or shredded potatoes as a base + Cruciferous Crunch mix from TJs), a protein (tofu or beans or occasionally vegan bacon from Sweet Earth) topped with vegan cheese/cheese sauce, hot sauce and something pickled. 

How Do I Take My Coffee: ALWAYS iced, usually cold brewed at home, with stevia and a splash of Califia Farms creamer. 

Daily Supplements: Sundaily base layer gummy for AM, Pacifica Beauty Gummies(#NoFilter skin focused & Dream Sleep) for PM.

One a day keeps my skin looking healthy!

Kitchen Tool Obsession: air fryer! I’m late to the game but I love experimenting with it. The best thing I’ve had so far is air fried cauli gnocchi!

Favorite Daily Workout: this is a shocker to absolutely no one — run! I run 4-5 days per week. I used to run M-F, sometimes 2x a day, then I got injured (still nursing pain in my right ankle on every run) and now I try to only run 2 days in a row before I take a day off to go for a walk. Over the summer, I was running 30+ miles/week, now it’s closer to 20 miles.

The best part about morning runs and walks is getting to see the spectacular sunrises!

 Strange Wellness Habit: Using charcoal toothpaste. It looks scary (because it turns your mouth black) but I swear it works.

Three Staples Always in my Pantry: seeds/nuts (I’m obsessed with pumpkin seeds in the shell & macadamia nuts), seasonings (Everything But the Bagel, Kelly’s Croutons vegan parm) and alt pasta/rice (like Banza & Right Rice). 

Favorite Home Scent: depends on the season, but generally I like woodsy, musky scents. Right now I’m loving more holiday scents like peppermint, cranberry or balsam fir. 

Lately I’m Always Wearing: a dress or sweater & skirt with tights and my combat boots from H&M. Best purchase ever!

I wear these boots AT LEAST three times a week #noshame

At Least Once a Week I Cook: some type of cauliflower rice bowl, with a protein & veggies & hot sauce.

Wine or Cocktails: I love going to wine tastings & trying new wines but I gravitate toward unique cocktails when I go out (sometimes I even make them at home). I love a good drink made with mezcal, gin or bourbon.

I love mixing up my own cocktails at home, like this holiday-inspired one, with locally-made cranberry thyme mixer, mezcal & Zevia ginger beer!

My Best Health Advice: live well but enjoy your life. You might not like every vegetable, but I’m sure there are at least a few out there you do like! Eat nourishing foods that taste good, exercise in a way that lights you up and everything will fall into place. 

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What’s your dream breakfast? Share your best health advice with me!

Favorite Finds of the Month: September

Can you believe there are less than 3 months left in 2019? I feel like the first part of the year went by slowly, but the last few months have flown by!

So part of me is sad summer is over (except not really in Arizona, since it’s still in the 90s every day) but part of me is looking forward to the holidays coming up. I’m not the hugest Halloween fan, but it’s still fun, and obviously Thanksgiving and Christmas are great. But for now, let’s look back on September and check out my favorites from last month!

Favorite Food: Kashi Gluten Free Golden Goodness Frozen Toaster Waffles

Back in the early days of my eating disorder recovery, I was really into Kashi products. Cereal, bars, crackers, frozen entrees, you name it, I probably tried it.

Since going vegan, I kind of strayed from Kashi since some of their products have animal products in them but I always had a soft spot for the brand since I loved them for so long. So when I saw they had new toaster waffles, I knew I had to give them a try. I used to love their OG blueberry waffles, but TBH, I haven’t had packaged waffles in years because I try to avoid gluten when I can and many brands didn’t fit the new “clean ingredients” rule I’ve placed on my eating list. But I wanted to challenge those orthorexic thoughts, and when I spotted these new waffles in the freezer section at Target, I knew I had to get them.

These waffles are basically fall on a plate. They have absolutely no pumpkin in them, but their blend of hearty GF grains, sweet potato and warm spices (like ginger, turmeric cinnamon and black pepper) make them perfect for autumn. And sure, the ingredients list is fairly simple, making these not too big of a challenge, but still enough of a “F U” to ED.

Obsessed with these waffles!

I may try the berry bliss flavor next, though those may be more of a challenge only due to the fact that beets are an ingredient, of which I am not a fan.

I love topping these waffles with a bit of Miyoko’s butter (the BEST vegan butter, IMO), Trader Joe’s pumpkin butter and if I have some on hand, a sprinkle of Wildway espresso grain-free granola.

Favorite Drink: Homemade Aperol Spritz

ICYMI amidst the hype over White Claw hard seltzers, the Aperol spritz was also widely considered the drink of summer 2019. And for good reason — they’re damn refreshing, perfect for a sweltering summer day, sipped poolside.

I had had an Aperol spritz a handful of times before this summer, but I had never made one myself. I really love pretending to be a mixologist and making my own cocktails, since it’s more cost-effective and I know exactly what’s going into my drink.

The spritz is stupid easy to make, but there are so many variations to really make it your own. I’d love to try this fall version next!

So refreshing!

If you’re into herbal, citrus-forward drinks that are a bit bitter and a touch sweet, the Aperol spritz is for you!

Favorite Article: Are You Still A Runner If You Don’t Race?

Since I started running in 2014, I have felt a bit self-conscious about calling myself a runner when I have never toed the start line at a race of any distance. It seems that the vast majority of runners have participated in at least a handful of races, and take great pride in their times and training regimens.

For me, running isn’t about competing with others. If I’m being completely honest, I think it would ruin any shred of confidence I have in my running abilities if I were to race, as I know I’m not that fast. But running isn’t about winning, for me at least.

I run primarily for my mental and physical health. I run to clear my mind, to take out my frustration, to ease my anxiety, to boost my cardiovascular endurance. Since my first run, I have made what I believe to be incredible strides, in both my speed and the distance I can run. Even though I’m dealing with injury right now, and running less than 20 miles a week (which feels minimal, compared to the 30+ mile weeks I was logging all summer), I’m still a runner because I get out there and RUN.

I’m not officially training for any race, but that doesn’t mean my runs aren’t training. I’ve trained my body to be able to run longer distances and I can finally run 9 minute miles, which is much faster than when I first started, simply by maintaining a regular running schedule.

I may or may not ever run a race, but I’m still a runner!

Favorite Song: “Father of All…” by Green Day

If you haven’t heard…Green Day is BACK! Their new album isn’t coming out until next year, but this song is out now, and it is a banger. It doesn’t quite sound like OG Green Day, but I still love it, and will keep blasting it in my car on the way to/from work!

Favorite Beauty Product: Tarte Cosmetics Llama Lashes

I’m a sucker for a good pair of (vegan) lashes! I bought my first set (Tarte’s tarteist PRO cruelty-free lashes in little black dress) three years ago, and I’ve been loyal to Tarte’s lashes ever since. I love that they make my eyes pop, but not in an over-the-top, fake way (well, depending on the style of lashes). My real lashes are pretty short and sparse, so these are much-needed!

I love the Llama Lashes because they are bold, but not ridiculous. I love having super long, voluminous lashes and I don’t need to wear a ton of eye makeup when I have these on.

So full & fluttery!

One set is $12, but they always last me awhile (at least a month or two, if I take care of them) so they’re worth it! And like everything Tarte makes, they’re vegan & cruelty-free.

Favorite Outfit: Xhilaration Floral Jumpsuit (Target)

If you follow me on Instagram, you probably know I have a thing for jumpsuits & rompers. I may love them even more than dresses! But as a petite woman (I’m only 5’1), it can be tough to find jumpsuits that don’t drown me.

So I was surprised when I bought this floral jumpsuit off the rack at Target without even trying it on, and it actually fit! It’s not dragging on the ground, and it doesn’t overwhelm my frame.

Just loving my new jumpsuit!

I know floral patterns aren’t typically thought of as fall appropriate, but the mustard color makes it perfect for autumn.

I bought it for $30, but you’re in luck because it’s now on sale for $20!

Do you like rompers/jumpsuits? What is your favorite song right now?