Ahhh, finally a little about ME! I have been putting this off because I wasn’t sure where to start. I’m going to just dive right in and see where it goes. Leave comments for more detailed info!
Part 1 – Growing UP
- born in Marshall, MI – July 3rd, 1983
- I’m 5’4″
- I have an older brother, [by 3.5yrs] Josh
- moved to an eastern suburb of Cleveland, OH when I was 7 with my parents + bro
- played the flute for 5yrs [also tried the cello, oboe, and piccolo for 1-2yrs each]
- played softball my whole life and through high school, also played volleyball during high school
- been snowboarding since 10th grade in high school
- have always been interested in health, fitness, + food
Part 2 – I’m a NUT!
I went to Ohio State for my undergrad and was undeclared my first quarter. The mascot is a Buckeye…hence the “I’m a nut” reference 
During my 2nd quarter I decided Architecture was the right fit for me. I knew I loved architecture since about the 7th grade when most of my friends were subscribing to TeenBOP, I was subscribing to Architectural Digest [NERD!] It was the perfect blend of creativity + practicality. I was accepted into the program after the summer before my sophomore year and finished in 4yrs total.
Being an architecture major is quite different than most others. You are expected to produce quality work 24/7 and be able to stand up in front of people, talk about it, and then get critiqued ridiculed. You have a studio space [desk in a large room] where you spend more time than where you live and you spend more time with your studio-mates than with your friends or significant other. There were more late nights/all nighters than not. It was an experience. An intense, life changing experience, that I hated at times but wouldn’t change for anything. I could go on for days about undergrad…maybe I’ll post about that at some point 
Part 3 – Where I Found My Passion
I wasn’t happy with my job and had planned to attend grad school when Chris was done at Ohio State, so I started applying. I was accepted to a few different schools and finally decided on the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, after receiving an offer that was too good to pass up. It basically meant I would have no loans and have an awesome opportunity within the Architecture department. I would be working with and researching for the Digital Design Center.
We moved to Charlotte, NC after Chris graduated and I was back to slaving away in studio! I was a full time student and worked part time for the Digital Design Center, which encompassed a fusion of the digital world with the architectural. My main job was helping collaborate with the opera department for their yearly performances. I know it sounds crazy, but we turned them into crazy-techy-computer-opera fuzed shows!
My real passion finally became clear in my last year of grad school. I was trying to figure out my thesis topic and kept coming back to issues that the food-world and architecture-world both shared. The main issue I found – Industrialization. It goes hand in hand and has basically done the same thing to both industries. The focus on quality completely vanished. Everything became about HOW fast? HOW many? HOW much? The cheaper + quicker the better, who cares if the quality is not as good. I will go into this more on another page at some point “Food + Architecture,” so stay tuned for that. When I tell people my thesis topic, no one can see how the 2 are related, but then quickly realize they have more in common than not!
Three books that really changed my thought process on life:
The Omnivores Dilemma – Michael Polan
In Defense of Food – Michael Polan
Slow Food Nation – Carlo Petrini
I could go on for days about these books, but I won’t All I can do is pass along the recommendation and tell you how they changed me.
- They opened my eyes to how our food system works. I could ignore it, or educate myself and be changed forever.
- They made me realize spending more money on my groceries will benefit my well being and the food system.
- Quality meat is not expensive, it’s just that low-quality meat is insanely cheap, skewing everyone’s view. Consuming meat on a daily basis is completely unnecessary, in my opinion. Lessoning my consumption has allowed me to buy with quality in mind.
- Noticing the details in daily life that are usually overlooked. It is amazing what is noticed when I started documenting what I made/eat on a daily basis. I started this during my thesis, over 2yrs ago.
- The idea of “the table” needs to make a comeback in American culture. As in, gathering and eating together, at the table, with no noise coming from a large box
- I eliminated any type of corn syrup, processed corn products, soy, artificial sweeteners, and all hydrogenated oils from my diet. It is hard to truly eliminate all of these because they are hidden in so many things. I would say I am 95% successful.
- I learned what “real food” is.
- Putting more focus on reading ingredient labels and not as much nutrition labels.
- We are what we eat.
- The importance for supporting local farms and businesses.
Again, that is a brief list of what I took away from these books.
Upon completion of my thesis, and 4 super intense reviews, I graduated. That summer, I married the half that makes me whole [Chris!!] and we traveled to Ireland on our honeymoon. It was amazing and adventurous and I wouldn’t change a single thing about it. We were there for 10 days with only 2 nights of hotel reservations before we got there. We rented a car, Chris drove [on the right hand side..eek!] and we hopped from city to city. It was perfect!
Check out Fast Forward, where I talk about the past 1.5yrs of my life.
PDF 
I also found you on Kath’s blog, as many of your other recent commenters did…so glad she linked to you! Quick question – why no soy? I have read the bad press, but also the good press and was wondering why you made that choice. Thanks!
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Ashley Reply:
January 26th, 2010 at 12:47 pm
Hi there! Click on the “my story” tab at the top and look for a comment I left another reader regarding the use of Soy. In my continued research on soy, I have learned a few new things and am giving fermented soy [like tempeh] a try. I will talk about this more soon! It will probably go in my FAQ page when I create it in the next few days
Thanks for reading!
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Hey Ashley!
Thanks for the comment on my blog. I loved reading about your LIFE and all the interesting tidbits. I feel like I can relate to lot of your feelings/thoughts. Great blog name! Love the photography too.
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Ashley Reply:
February 21st, 2010 at 12:19 am
Thanks so much Allie!!
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Congrats on graduation and marriage! What a great About page. I love learning new things about people. I’m off to check out “fast forward” now. Just thought I’d say hello!
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[...] My Past [...]
A few things:
I LOVE your blog, it’s so pretty and the photos are gorgeous and I just want to look at it all day because of those things.
I love your Architecture + food project in progress–let us know how that goes. my sister is getting her Masters in Architecture and doing her thesis on Wellness+ Architecture…I think I sent her your link a while back bc i thought she would find it interesting….she has a blog too for the thesis, its: http://holisticarchitecture.wordpress.com/
AND I love that you really got inspired to eat better from those foods, I just finished Omnivores Dilemma, but I have been following the slow, local food movement for a while now (my blog is all about it, I’m doing an independent study on sustainable food production and my blog highlight its intersection with making us healthier)
OK thats all for now, I’m adding you to my blog roll!
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you and your blog seem awesome! i am an avid snowboarder as well. i live in salt lake city, so i kinda have to be. look forward to reading more!
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Ashley Reply:
March 31st, 2010 at 6:43 pm
Thanks Janetha!!
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Wow I can so relate to this story! I am 5’3 and am trying to lose my university weight which peaked in the 140s! I am down in the 130s and continuing to try and eat healthy and stay active and get back to my normal pre-university days weight. Your story will certainly be inspirational for me in my journey!
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You sound like a fascinating gal. I had a friend who was in architectural school (at Ball State) and ended up becoming quite successful until the housing market crashed in Phoenix where he lived. I remember how much he studied and how hard he worked. It blew my mind.
I’ve actually never read one of Michael Pollan’s books although every one tells me I would love them. Someday I will.
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my roommate was an undergrad in architecture and now shes doing her master’s in architecture and urban planning. you’re right. there is ZERO sleeping. she eats 1 big meal a day and thats it. its crazy how much the program expects of you guys.
im glad you found your passion though. you have a great story!! i’ve been meaning to read michael pollan’s books too. i did watch food inc not long ago and it is so eye opening.
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1. i was born in 83, as well.
2. and im originally from the midwest, as well. Illinois & Wisconsin.
3. im a big ten fan, like oh. And although Bucky Badger will always have the #1 spot in my heart, I have been known to cheer for the Buckeyes from time to time.
4. freshman year diet – jimmy johns – um YES. only at the time we had Big Mikes (now Milos) in madison.
5. ummm….there are 1247831984713 more. but i will spare you
xoxox
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Ashley Reply:
May 14th, 2010 at 12:41 pm
Thank you for this
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You can read more articles on ezinearticles.com regarding anti cellulite
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You went to Ohio State? I lived in Cincinnati for 11 years growing up, so I’m making candy Buckeyes for our wedding favors!
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Just came across your blog from reading Angela’s! I’m from Columbus and have been a Buckeye my entire life, although didn’t go to OSU. Looking forward to reading more on your blog!
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Great story! I love the connection between food and architecture. My husband and I had a similar honeymoon- we booked 3 nights at a nice hotel in Boston, and then road-tripped around New England for about 7 more days, figuring out day by day where we would stay that night. It was so fun!
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Ashley Reply:
June 15th, 2010 at 3:18 pm
Thanks!! Your trip sounds awesome!
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Love this site! I was lead to it from Angela’s. I can’t wait to read more!
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I just stumbled upon your blog and it’s beautiful! As a fellow Ohio State Alum I will be following it daily & love your success. Go Bucks!
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i just wanted you to know, that your blog influences a lot of people in my home town (i live in germany) and is regularly discussed. many of them (including me) admire your attitude towards food…
we love your site, so keep going girl!
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Ashley Reply:
July 14th, 2010 at 12:22 am
Thanks so much. This really means a lot!
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hey Ashley! I linked over here from Teri’s blog … love what I’ve read on your blog so far!!! ironically, I was born in Kalamazoo, but I’m still in MI and a huge U of M fan. will you still let me read your posts? :p
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Cool time line! It’s interesting to look at things that way and recognize how life events impact our health choices.
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I don’t know how I missed your about section before. Sometimes I tend to get overwhelmed when I find a site that I like . . . and I really want to get caught up on all your stuff. It’s one of my new missions
Because EP is AWESOME. Anyway, I love how comprehensive and informative this post is. I love knowing your journey with health. I’m actually planning to write something similar for my healthy living week — to show my progress and wake-up call. I LOVE that you are a musician . . . and I love that you snowboard. See, I don’t . . . but Stephen LOVES to. Do I smell a ski trip? 
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I just found your blog through kerf. i am also an osu grad! and right after graduation, i lived in steamboat springs, co for a while. colorado is beautiful and amazing. i have since returned to columbus and ive also gotten very interested in my health and cooking and organics
.
go bucks!
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Ashley Reply:
August 24th, 2010 at 10:22 pm
Go bucks!!! Thanks for saying hi!
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Hello! Love your blog, and not surprised such quality work is coming from a fellow Buckeye!
OH-IO!
Janene
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Ashley Reply:
August 28th, 2010 at 2:55 pm
Thanks for saying hi Janene!!
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hey! i recently just discovered your blog and i’m in awe and, for lack of a better word, obsessed.
aaanywho, you mentioned you eliminated soy from your diet. why is this? i’m just curious because i’m recently lactose intolerant (weird and not by choice, iknow) and i want to know if soy isn’t very healthy.
thanks a bunch of oats and you’re some kind of wonderful!
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Ashley Reply:
September 15th, 2010 at 1:20 pm
Wow, thanks Taylore. Check my FAQ page for the answer to the question about Soy!
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Hey, a fellow nut! Go Bucks!
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Ashley Reply:
September 22nd, 2010 at 9:35 pm
Woohoo!!! OH!
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which CLE suburb did you grow up in!?
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HI, I NOTICED YOU WENT TO OSU, THAT’S WHERE I AM NOW, I’M SUPER EXCITED. [:
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Also wondering what suburb you’re from!? I’m from Shaker Heights, Love the blog!!!
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Hey doll! Just came across your blog not too long ago… Had to share that I am from Ohio (but went to school down South)… and now I live in Charlotte, NC! A lot of my friends did architecture at DAAP in Cincinnati. Suuuch a neat profession, and I know exactly by what you mean when you talk about your late nights at the studio. They’d go for days without sleeping at home, and only come home to shower! Anywho, excited that I found your blog, and even excited to read more!
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Ashley Reply:
January 10th, 2011 at 2:27 pm
Too bad we missed each other in Charlotte! Thanks so much for saying hello.
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I went to Ohio State too!!!! Are you from Columbus? I was born and raised there, but recently moved to Richmond, VA
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Ashley Reply:
January 14th, 2011 at 11:39 am
GO BUCKS!! I’m from Cleveland
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Your story is SO inspiring! Thank you so much!
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Ashley Reply:
January 21st, 2011 at 11:24 am
Aww, you’re welcome. Thanks for saying hi Kathleen!
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What an awesome story! Thanks for sharing! And it excites me to no end that you’re a fan of Michael Pollan! I can’t get enough of his books. I’m a big big believer in the slow food movement.
Thanks for sharing! I’ll be around. : )
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Ashley Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 9:00 am
Awesome..thanks so much for saying hello!
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this is why i have a blog, because connecting with ppl like you who also have also read michael pollen’s life changing books excites me!!
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I love how you found your way to eating whole and healthy foods! Thank you also for including the books, I’ve been sneaking around them and they’re still on my to-read list!
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So you have to forgive me but where on the east side of the Cleve did you live? I was on the west side for a couple of years (Lakewood), and there are not words enough to describe just how much I miss the Cleveland metroparks. Lots of blissful running happened there.
Oh yeah, and the Michigan (Kalamazoo and now north of Detroit) and since you went to OSU I went to MSU, I am guessing that we share a mutual dislike of all things Maize and Gold… (bleh, UofM)
So I just had be lame and say “hi” and if you want to offer any snowboarding tips…
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Ashley Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 11:05 pm
Mayfield Heights area.
GO BUCKS!
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I love your blog…amazing recipes and great content as well as a fabulous ‘About’ story! You are an inspiration to so many people and I really enjoy your recipes n’ tips!
Keep up the great blogging.
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Ashley Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 4:21 pm
Thank you so much. What a sweet comment.
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First, O! H!- you fill in the rest. Second, GO BUCKS, third,You should really see “King of Corn”–really great movie. Very fitting with your book choices.
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Ashley Reply:
June 2nd, 2011 at 2:20 pm
Yes! That’s been on my “must see” list!
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Ashley Reply:
June 2nd, 2011 at 2:20 pm
I-O!
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[...] Adapted from Angela / Ashley [...]
Oh cool!!! I went to Ohio State too, so I am ALSO a nut!
My parents still live in Columbus so I’m actually going back there next week 
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Ashley Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 10:19 pm
YEAH!! GO BUCKS!! How about that game tonight???
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Hey, happened upon your site through Pinterest, and started to follow and read. Thought it was great that the same books changed my life, too.
I will keep reading!
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Ashley Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 3:40 pm
Awesome!! Thanks for saying hello.
I want to go back and re-read them now!
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Wow, your passion for Architecture is just fabulous. I am enrolled in Medicine now, and it’s easy to lose motivation when there is just so much to do everyday, but this just got me inspired again! Thanks
I am also trying to eat clean as much as possible, and your blog always provides me with great recipes and ideas 
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Ashley Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 9:34 am
Thanks for this comment, Asuma!! Best of luck to you!
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I just found your blog and I have to say.. GO BUCKS!! I am a senior studying Nutrition at OSU and LOVE blogs, so it was awesome to find one written by a past buckeye!
Your blog is amazing and I love how much you care about the food going into your body!!
P.S I am moving to Charlotte, NC after graduation. WERID!
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Ashley Reply:
February 10th, 2012 at 12:56 pm
Woohoo!! Go bucks!!
Thanks so much for your sweet comment. Do you think you’ll end up in Colorado in a few years? 
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