ALMOND JOY

I do my best to stay away from the milk you find at grocery stores - even if they are organic. I have so many side effects from that junk it's ridiculous. I love drinking raw/local milk or alternatives like coconut, almond, or rice milk.

I never imagined being able to make my own almond milk. How could you possibly get milk out of an almond? 

Lo and behold, the impossible was accomplished! Who knew it would be this easy and fun?

What is needed: 

+  a good quality blender 

+  nut milk bag

+  1 c soaked raw almonds 

+  3.5 c water 

+  pinch of real sea salt

+  1 tsp vanilla extract/1 pinch vanilla powder/vanilla bean

+  sweetener (you could use: pitted dates, honey, 100% pure maple syrup, stevia, etc.) - this depends on how sweet you want it! 

+  love

Why these items for this recipe? 

LOVE: The reason i say "love" is because there is so much more energy in our food when we do it with a happy attitude and love! Cheesy right? Trust me. It makes a difference!

Blender: make sure you are using a GOOD quality blender. I use a Blendtec... aka my lover. Talk about amazing! I used to have a blender that was on sale for $49.95. It did its money worth (chunky green smoothies) and then started dying within a year. Put that fifty dollars towards a blender that will last you a long time and will get the job done. I promise you - you will not regret it!

Nut milk Bag:  You can find these online or in most health food stores. You could also place a cheese cloth inside a strainer if you do not have a nut milk bag. 

Soaked almonds: this is key for this recipe. They become easier to blend, eliminate toxins, makes it easier to digest... so many good benefits from soaking nuts, seeds, and grains! Even when eating almonds as a snack, they should be soaked - cool huh? If you like the crunchy part of eating almonds, go ahead and soak them and throw them in a dehydrator for 15 hours! 

Water:  I find that 3 1/2 cups of water is a good amount. However, if you want it creamier, use less water. If you want it watered down, use more water. The nice thing about this recipe is how flexible it is!

INSTRUCTIONS

I soak the almonds for at least 8 hours/overnight - 12 hours is perfecto.  Make sure to be rinsing them and pouring fresh water on them every now and then in their soaking process. Once my almonds have finished soaking, I drain and throw them in a blender along with the other ingredients: two dates, water, salt, and vanilla. Turn my blender on turbo for about 1 minute! Scary noises. AH! 

Once your mixture looks completely blended, place the nut bag over a medium sized bowl and pour the milk in the bag. Gently squeeze the bag to fully get the pulp and milk separated (make sure your hands are sparkling clean before doing this). 

The first time I made milk, I tried pouring the milk straight from the bowl into my milk container. Well, let'ts just say found a simpler and cleaner way! Rinse out your blender and pour the milk into the blender. Then pour the milk into your milk container. Got that?

Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

With the left over almond pulp, I made delicious RAW crackers! Fresh onion, fresh garlic, fresh herbs... amazing little snack! I will have to figure out the recipe another time since I threw it all together in the moment. 

I also made pistachio milk! IT'S GREEN! I have pistachio crackers sitting in my dehydrator as I type. I cannot wait to eat them tomorrow!

Next milk on the list is Brazilian Nut milk - yummay to the tummay

I am starting to discover healthier ways of eating and am so excited to share it with people. I can't emphasize enough how much better I feel every day!

Let me know if you have any questions! 

HAPPY 4TH

This weekend was much needed. Boat trips, barbecues, homemade root beer, crazy fireworks, ice cream cones, new nephew, naps, working in the yard, hanging out with the family - it was amazing! July is most likely one of my favorite months of the year. There are parades, fireworks, family gatherings, birthdays, summer sun... Some of my favorite things:) 

I wish i took more pictures from this weekend... oh well. It was nice to not worry about taking pictures so I could enjoy the moment more so. 

MY JOURNEY: MY HEALTH

6 years ago

Blood samples were taken and the results came back. I have Hypothyroidism. Nothing too serious - considering the symptoms I had were thin hair, sensitivity to cold temperatures, constant exhaustion, moodiness, dry skin, and irregular and incredibly painful menstruation (sorry, men). This is where my monthly visits to the pharmacy began. 

3 years ago 

We changed doctors due to insurance changes. We went to my new doctor to get a regular check up - more blood tests! Not even thinking that I had serious health problems, my doctor called us back into his office to discuss my results. He told my that I had Hashimoto's - an autoimmune disease that I will always have lingering inside my body. He then addressed that my adrenal glands were failing, my kidneys weren't functioning properly, my immune system was barely working, my blood pressure was abnormally low, and that was highly allergic to gluten and dairy. I walked out of the doctor's office feeling like I just heard the "you only have two years to live" news! The next day, I woke up to 16 different medications decorating my nightstand. 

For two months after starting the pills, each day felt like a battle to get up and live - I felt like I was enduring life just because of health. I was tired, depressed, couldn't eat what i wanted (gluten and dairy), my appetite was nonexistent, and anxiety attacks here and there. A trip to the ER was a call for change. I listened to my body and decided to go off the pills that seemed to make me worse than better. We decided to see a different doctor that we trusted (even though he wasn't on our insurance) to find some solid answers. After multiple blood tests were taken, the results came back along with some relieving news. He had now idea where my previous doctor came up with the results of failing kidneys, adrenal glands.. etc. The only thing he confirmed was my Hashimoto's. I will take Hashimotos over failing kidneys and adrenal glands any day!

Ever since then...

Hashimoto's didn't seem like an entirely big deal to me a couple years ago. I was told that it was just something that i will have to deal with - not much you can do about it. I was still experiencing my typical symptoms with hypothyroidism and to be honest - I've never been able to imagine differently. A life where I'm not tired, clear skin, regular and pain free periods, thick hair, always cheerful, the ability to not have a foggy mind, ill-free - that's just not who I am. What did I do about it? Nothing. I didn't care enough to make a change and that was my problem. 

So, here I am wanting change. A change for a better lifestyle. A change for a better me to realize the importance of bodies and our responsibility to take care of them. To come to know that I am beautiful in the imperfect body my soul lives in. I know that I cannot become perfect or obtain a perfect body in this life; but, i do believe that I have every responsibility and expectation to do the best i can. 

Cheers to a better lifestyle - a better me. My personal tale and journey of a fight against Hashimoto's.

Sincerely, Ashlyn

MOVING // EASTER

MOVING

Now that the semester is over, moving season rolls in. Packing up your belongings is kind of freeing. I see all the little things I've held on to because they meant something to me. That root beer bottle that was chipped, the paper airplane, the dream catcher, the dried rose resting in a glass jar... Now that my boxes are all packed up and ready to go, I only have two choices. Make this change a good one or be a bum and stuff. 

HAPPY EASTER - A COUPLE DAYS LATE 

(I'm still trying to figure out why some photos get a sepia tone once I upload to Blogger. Anyone know?)

NEW LENS

Buying a new lens is kind of exciting. It's like buying a new paintbrush and you can't help but wonder about all the exciting adventures and creations you will encounter. So here is me with my new lens:

I was originally thinking of purchasing the 50mm 1.4 because of how amazing it is (at least that's what all the reviews said). My heart was set on the lens and i couldn't wait to buy it once enough money was set aside. About two weeks ago, my sister and I were taking pictures at a wedding and I mentioned to her my plans for purchasing a new lens. She looked at me and and said, "you know the 50mm 1.8 is just as good as the 1.4, right?" I looked at her and said.. "ha, ya.. whatever." Once I got home to my apartment I threw open my laptop and began researching comparison reviews. Sure enough, the 1.8 came out on top. So here I am with a new lens, a couple hundred bucks richer, and happy as a clam.

I am not a professional photographer by any means or even skilled at taking pictures. But I love it. I love taking pictures because it gives me the opportunity to capture moments in a creative way and to expand my way of seeing things. I'm reading and watching video's daily and practicing taking photos as much as I can so that I can one day be the photographer I dream to be.

HOME

I love the smell of my home - it makes me feel safe and secure. I love walking through the door and having my dog Winston (I call him Winnie) run up to me with his whole body twisting and turning with excitement. I love the giggles and laughs that ring throughout every room and hallway. I love my home because of the people that fill it.

Trying to get Lincoln to cross his eyes. That face though...

My dearest mama cooking her famous oatmeal chocolate chip cookies

One of my favorites..

Freshly cut chocolate. Is that even a thing?

Whenever my mom is waiting for something to be done in the oven, she will spin the hot pad in the air. It's small memories like this i like to capture. They make me smile.

Playing through the glass door.

What makes a house a HOME to you?

Sincerely, Ashlyn

POSTING AT 3AM

I was babysitting my nieces and nephews a couple days ago and things started getting crazy or what some go to an extent to say "cray-cray." I decided to be original and flip on a movie for the children to watch. How many of you have seen "Spirit - Stallion of the Cimarron"? Before we go any further on this topic, note that i have not cried in a movie for quite some time. Well, we get to the scene where Spirit (the horse) is being tied down by these horrible humans. Then his mom see's whats happening and has this "Oh my goodness, they are taking my child" face. I lost it. I was bawling. Anyways. Thought everyone should know that I cried in a horse movie. 

Quote from my journal from 2011: "I should probably get a job. People are starting to hate me because they always have to buy me food."

A couple months ago, a came across a Facebook Page called "The Lucky Fin Project" - a webpage that brings awareness to those who have limb differences. I am so extremely grateful for coming across this page. It has subgroup pages for each state so those with limb differences can connect with those in their state (it's mostly mom's who have a child with a limb difference). We are currently planning a day where we will meet up with our families. I can't wait! If i cried in the movie Spirit, then i will most likely cry when i get to hold these precious babies who were born with some type of limb difference. I'm counting down the days!

Here are some photos of what's been happening lately:

My mom went to this event called Rootstech - a family history and technology conference. They kept emphasizing writing down our life events for record keeping. Whether it be on a piece of paper or on a blog - do it! So you may just be seeing more of my blog. I apologize.

Sincerely, Ashlyn

CLOSING REMARKS

When I stand next to someone about my height, there's often a competition of who is actually taller. We instantly stand back to back and find someone to be the judge of who is taller. I attempt to stretch every part of my body so I can be as tall as I can possibly be.

+ Why is it that only in that moment, that I try to stand my tallest? +

In every moment of our lives, we should should strive to stand a little taller. The famous words by President Hinckley say, “Let us stand a little taller, if you don't, you will never strengthen yourself.” How you stand taller is up to you to decide. Do not wait till the very moment that demands you to be your tallest. Stand tall now. 

Be better.

Be braver.

Be more. 

Be you.

   HERE GOES TO 2014 - a new and beautiful chapter to our lives.

Now that the year is coming to a close, we often reflect on the year and all the sweet memories it contained. For me, this year hasn't necessarily been a "big year" with huge milestone events that have changed my life for forever; but it it was full of simple/small yet incredible events that have changed me for the better. That is what has made my year "perfect." Sure, life could be dandier and brighter right now if it weren't for those certain trials, but that's what makes my life meaningful and all the more memorable! I am truly grateful for the trials I have experienced this year - without them, I wouldn't be the Ashlyn Ririe I am now. 

"Reach for the stars. If you touch them, great shall be your reward. If you stumble and fall while reaching upward, you will be happy knowing you have made the effort."
- President Gordon B. Hinckley -

Sincerely, Ashlyn

LIBERATING EXPERIENCES

I should very well be studying for finals (the murderer of sanity) but there are obviously more enjoyable things to do at the moment. Such as, writing in my blog about the good things happening in life right now! 

At the beginning of our date, we were so confident that our house would dominate Chelsea and Spencer's house. Thomas and I were terribly wrong. The graham crackers kept breaking and the walls kept collapsing - nothing was working! We laughed our way through the ugly mess and I still smile about the memory. After we finished the not-so-good-looking "graham house," we grabbed a couple (like 30) fire crackers and put them on the inside of the house and blew it to smithereens! Brilliant idea if you ask me. The night went on as they always do but it was no ordinary night; this night was filled with laughs and smiles that i deem particularly special. 

I love downtown Salt Lake City in the winter time. The lights, the cold, the snow, the city sounds - everything about it makes me feel alive! Especially with a hot cup of cocoa from Kneaders in your hands. 

Speaking of Salt Lake City, I have some news! I decided to take a leave of absence from my current job (which i am terribly sad to leave) and schooling so I could work for an amazing company located in SLC! I couldn't be more thrilled for this new and exciting journey. It takes courage to take a step toward something new, to have the faith and courage in knowing that the choice you made is the right choice. But if this choice is something that will help me be a better person, then i need to set fear aside and take this chance. It's liberating to know that I can choose my journey and that I can be happy while doing it. 

+So today, I challenge you to liberate yourself and choose to be happy. It's a liberating experience that will take you places.  

Sincerely, Ashlyn

HEE HAW FARMS & CURRENTLY

I got to spend a day at Hee Haw farms with some of my most favorite girls. Anyone can agree that anything that comes out of a two year old's mouth makes you smile/laugh. I loved listening to everything they had to say. Their words so simple yet so whimsically charming. Spending time with my two sisters and their kids was such a perfect break from my usual routinized life.

This is my nephew Easton - one of the happiest babies you will ever meet. He was born with a tumor on his face - luckily, theres no threat towards his health. It's slowly but surely disappearing! Hes my chubby lil' guy and i love him to pieces.

CURRENTLY I AM...

Wanting: to go to Italy through BYU's study abroad program. Italy has been my dream since i can remember! I just have to figure out how to plant a tree that grows money or become a hollywood star to afford it. 

Loving: CHEESE! Funny moment: whenever it's someones birthday dinner, we go around the table talking about the individual and their wonderful qualities. Well, it was my talented sister-in-law's birthday. I meant to compliment her on her domestic skills because she can make cheese but instead I said, "I think it's really cool how you make your own milk for people." Anyways, I want to learn how to make my own cheese! I think that would be wonderful!

Planning: a trip toVegas for my first business convention! My dad started a company called Avisae and i can't wait to be apart of it. I am SO thrilled! It's exciting to get involved with a great company at my age!

Feeling: happy as ever!

Searching: for my darn keys. I lost them last Thursday in my apartment somewhere. Why is it whenever i tell someone i lose something they always say, "Have you checked under your bed?" - Yes. I searched the microwave, the dishwasher, I pulled the stove and fridge out, and even searched inside my flour bag. I think I would've thought to check under my bed. But thank you for your sincere concern.

Wanting: a DSLR camera. gasp! As much as I LOVE film... well... I just want a non-film camera. 

Dear Santa, on a scale from 1 to DSLR-amazing, Ive been DSLR-amazing this year. 

I hope you all have a fantastic day:)

Sincerely, Ashlyn