Ivy on 7th

People tend to get their feathers all ruffled when I say I don’t like breakfast. And that’s fine. I won’t go on a tangent about why, but what I do want to talk about is the super quaint café I stumbled upon on my solo trip to Denver.

Ivy on 7th was located a block away from my hostel, so it was a no brainer to go grab some grub. I was so close to making their daily happy hour (8-10am), and I missed it by like 2 minutes! Totally glad I stayed though. Walking in it’s a clean, welcoming feel with a semi open kitchen and friendly staff. I was greeted, seated, and starving! Gave the menu a quick scan and the “Brooklyn Bagel” immediately caught my eye. I am a sucker for a bagels and lox moment. Smoked salmon holds a very special place in my heart! My breakfast plate came with a choice of 2 sides, and I picked the arugula salad and a fruit cup to keep things light and fresh.

My server mentioned their bagels are made fresh in house, and when I took my first bite of my beautiful sammy it was love. Pure love. The fresh pickled red onions with the horseradish cream cheese, and salty smoky salmon made my mouth very happy. Of course I needed something to wash it down with.

Carboy Cold Vines (locally made) wine seltzer was advertized on my table, it was wine down Wednesday, so I followed suit. In true Georgia peach form, the peach seltzer had to be mine. The sweet smell of peaches, and tingly bubbly wine fizz kept me coming back for more. I wanted to order another actually, but I’d just arrived in the city and didn’t want to be drunk in those Denver streets.

Listen, if you’re crashing at the Ember Hostel, or passing through Denver and want somewhere cozy to eat with a familiar feel, highly recommend stopping by the Ivy on 7th. Maybe you’ll get there early enough to catch Happy Hour!

Thanks for stopping by! Follow along on my other adventures here 🤍 https://linktr.ee/AdventureswithAshlee

Be safe!

Be sweet!

Xoxo,

Ash

A Poké Appreciation Post

Loading my bowl with all of the free toppings first just makes sense. I always forget how good Poké bowls are until I get one! Like it hits all the notes: Proteins, Greens, Carbs and Deliciousness! My go to is Poké Works on Cobb Parkway here in GA. https://instagram.com/pokeworks_atl?utm_medium=copy_link

Say you aren’t in a carb loading mood, there’s salad options too! Which is what I ordered: what’s in my bowl you ask?? Greens on the bottom, salmon and shrimp, pickled ginger, seaweed salad (a MUST always), all the crunchiness, and any other veggies listed on their menu 😆 I’m veggie obsessed!

If you’re feeling like carbs after a good workout, or a crazy day at work, the kale noodles are *Chefs Kiss*😘, and there’s white/brown rice available!

This post is low key making me hungry! 😋 So off to lunch I go! Thank you for stopping by!

Come hangout with me on other platforms! It’s a safe space, pinky promise 🤞🏽💚

Be Safe,

Be Sweet,

Xoxo!

The Search for Perfect Workout Outfit

Listen, finding a cute gym fit that accentuates your body and stays in place during your 3rd burpee can be a task! Well, that’s why I’m here! My addiction to Athleisure is finally going to pay off!

If you’re on a wellness journey for the new year, and need some inspiration to workout I’ve got some good sets for you! They say when you look good, you feel good. So if you’re in to home workouts, or love a good gym sweat sesh I’ve got some of my favorite fitness sets below!

First place goes to this set! Something about wearing an all black workout outfit makes me feel like a ninja. It’s very form fitting, and holds everything in place.

I ordered a size L. Honestly if an XL was available I would’ve sized up, just for a little wiggle room. It’s also a set that I could “dress up” a little. Maybe a cute casual date night look with a cardigan and a cute boot. It’ll be linked in my Amazon store front below. This set was less than $40.

I’m a fan of the color green, I’m a St. Patty’s Day baby so what can I say. Anyway, back to the fit. The sports bra is my favorite! Like you could run a marathon and take a kickboxing class after, and they’d still be in place! They have adjustable straps, and adjustable clasps like a traditional bra. There’s various colors too; I ordered a L, I’m traditionally a size 38DD.

Remember those viral TikTok leggings? The ones that gave you a little booty, even if you didn’t have a little booty? Well, here they are. Squat proof, moderate compression, and figure flattering. I ordered a size L in these workout leggings because of my curves. I paid less than $20 for them together!

Ok I ordered this set in grey and purple. Both of them in a size L. Moment of honesty, I love the bra because it keeps all the things in place while I’m doing jumping jacks 😅. The shorts aren’t my fave because they roll down occasionally, but they do flatter my figure so I’m ok with that. They’re squat proof, so they’re good for a leg/glute day, but if you’re bottom heavy like me that roll down action might get aggy. These workout sets are each under $35!

Ok I’m obsessed with this hunter green set, same stats as the all black set above. It’s super sexy, squat proof, and good for low impact workouts.

If you like any of these sets, they can be found here https://linktr.ee/AdventureswithAshlee in my Amazon store front. Of course if you have any questions about the sets, Leave them in the comments and I’ll be sure to answer as best as I can.

Sending you all the love and positivity on your wellness journey. Stay strong, seek support if you need it, and be kind to yourself!

Oh, follow me on my other social platforms here ://linktr.ee/AdventureswithAshlee if you wanna!

Be safe, Be sweet

Xoxo,

Ash

Rest Days Be Like…

Today I reminded myself that every workout doesn’t have to be cardio. I don’t have to break a sweat from HIIT, or be sore from strength training to feel like I’ve accomplished something. Sometimes what my body needs, what my body deserves… is rest.

A stroll around the neighborhood on a lovely day, hydration and deep stretching are a few of my favorite rest day options. Walking outside tends to calm my anxieties when I feel like I need to keep up with others in the fitness lifestyle. We all know, sometimes social media can make you feel like you aren’t doing enough.

My journey is my own, and it’s not linear. It won’t look like yours, and that’s ok. Truthfully, resting for me can look like doing absolutely nothing. As a person that lives a pretty active lifestyle, doing nothing is so rewarding!

Combating those thoughts that “I’m not doing enough” is truly the hard part. Thankfully I have a therapist that helps to process those thoughts when they arise. She’s taught me deep breathing techniques, and journaling prompts to use when we aren’t in secession. I wish more people spoke about how mental & physical wellness go hand-in-hand.

To whoever reads this, sit down some where! Resting is ok! Resting is essential! There’s only one you. Love on you. 🤍

Thanks for stopping by! Come visit me on IG: https://www.instagram.com/foodiecutie/ or TIKTOK https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMRfuDs8K/

Be Safe!

Be Sweet!

Xoxo,

Ash

Wine Anyone!?

Let’s talk wine, you ready?! Are you a bottle, box or can fan?? Truly I don’t care how it’s presented, as long as it gets me tipsy 😆. Although I will say, I’m a sucker for a cute logo or label when I’m shopping for wine.

I’m no sommelier, but I can appreciate a good food and wine pairing. A decent bottle of wine with a nice dinner with friends makes for a good night!

In the summer I prefer a crisp Pinot Grigio ( cue Lady Gaga’s “Grigio Girls”). If I’m feeling jazzy, I’ll add a flavored seltzer water, some fresh mint and we have a White Wine Spritzer. It’s giving rich auntie on a boat vibes💅🏽.

Fall weather calls for more robust flavors like a sexy Shiraz or a seductive Pinot Noir. Both make me wanna lay up with somebody’s son on a fuzzy rug by a fire🥰.

Truth is, I’m not picky about wine. Tequila on the other hand, that’s my go to! We’ll have a tequila appreciation post soon.

Share your favorite wine with me in the comments!

Thanks for stopping by! Check out my Instagram for food, wine, and a dang good time! http://www.instagram.com/foodiecutie 💚

Be Safe!

Be Sweet!

Xoxo,

Ash

Crispy Cod Tacos!

Pork Rinds as bread crumbs is pretty genius right!?

Not to take away from the http://@porkpanko community, but you can totally make this at home. If you have a food processor, get a bag of cracklins (or “skins” as we call them back home) and pulsate away! These are great for Keto community, or our low carb cuties.

Let me tell you how I made these, the quick version because we know I’m not a recipe writing gal, and a semi how to is posted on my IG! Are you following me yet!? Here’s the link 😘 http://instagram.com/foodiecutie

Here’s what I did:

  • Cut my fresh Cod Filets into 2 inch pieces and sprinkle with/ salt & pepper
  • Scramble 1-2 eggs depending on how many fish nuggets you’re making
  • Season your breadcrumbs to the gawds! (I used garlic/onion powder, Adobo, cumin and paprika)
  • Toss filets in egg first then breadcrumbs, fry on both sides for 6ish minutes and serve them in the warmest corn tortillas you’ve ever had

That’s it! Kinda quick, kinda easy, very delicious!

Speaking of delicious, let me share with you some more yummy tacos!

Catfish Tacos from Minero in Ponce City Market!

If you try these Keto-ish Crispy Cod Tacos, or pay Minero a visit, slide in my DM’s and let me know!

I’ve held you long enough, thanks for stopping by! Have a great Taco Tuesday! ✌🏽❤️🌮

Be Safe!

Be Sweet!

Xoxo,

Ash

☀️Sunrise Smoothie ☀️

It’s Smoothie Time!

Here’s a quick smoothie recipe to get you going in morning, or whenever you’re in a smoothie mood!

What you need:

1 TBSP fresh chopped Tumeric Root

1 TBSP fresh chopped Ginger Root

1/4 of fresh Lemon (skin on)

1 C fresh or frozen Pineapple

1 C of your milk of choice ( I used almond milk)

Blend until smooth, and be your best self today!

Thank you for stopping by! Share this with some smoothie lovers! 💛🧡 and head over to my Instagram and say Hi! http://www.instagram.com/foodiecutie

Be Safe!

Be Sweet!

Xoxo,

Ash

Never Miss A Monday💪🏽

No one told me this Wellness Journey would be such an awakening that I’d have no choice but to transform, not just physically…but mentally and emotionally too!

See, I started a mental toughness challenge called 75 Hard around this time last year. I won’t break down the program, you can google it 😏, but it’s essentially 2.5 months of tough stuff lol. I completed all 75 days, and felt like the bravest most courageous woman on Earth! Like a total bad @$$ 💪🏽

I lost 40lbs, but gained the utmost confidence in the woman I am today! During this process I went through an array of emotions. I dove deeper into my spiritual journey which turned my world upside down. If you know you know. It’s been the most liberating, loneliest, scariest, humbling, rewarding experience of my life and I’m sure this is just the beginning!

To whoever is reading this, wherever you are… just start…start healing, start treating your mind/body like it’s a priority…start seeing yourself as the total bad @$$ you are! Maybe find a group of online accountability partners, maybe a therapist on a sliding scale, maybe sharing a few moments of vulnerability with people you trust!

If you want to follow along with my wellness journey, and I hope you do, you can follow my Instagram http://www.instagram.com/foodiecutie It’s a safe space, pinky promise 💓

Thanks for reading! Until next time…

Be Safe!

Be Sweet,

Xoxo,

Ash

Macaron Madness

Macarons deserve to be in a category all by themselves. Don’t you agree? Petite desserts that pack flavor have a special place in my heart. My absolute favorite place to get macarons in Atlanta is Saint Germain Bakery in Ponce City Market here in Atlanta,GA.

They’re opening a new location in West Midtown at the swanky new boutique hotel, The Bellyard. My favorite flavors so far are salted caramel, strawberry basil, and their classic vanilla.

This Giant Macaron is Goals😋

Honestly, I lie to myself regularly and say I’m going to attempt to make my own. I won a beautiful new Kitchen Aid mixer in a giveaway, and maybe…just maybe I’ll break it in with a new macaron recipe. Maybe 😏.

Thanks for stopping by! Don’t forget to to follow my IG https://www.instagram.com/foodiecutie/ for more food and travel adventures 🥳

As always,

Be safe… Be sweet🤍

Xoxo,

Ash

Salads Make Me Smile, Seriously!

I’ve been on a healthy lifestyle journey lately, and I’m making a conscious effort to eat what fuels me! It’s why I’ve been M.I.A.

Well that, and life. Life just shows up and sometimes shows out.

This Sweet Chili Salmon Salad is one of my personal faves! The Sweet Chili Glaze is so simple, no really… it’s just Sweet Chili Sauce (3 Tbsp), Fresh Lime Juice ( 1 lime squeezed ), a drizzle of Olive Oil and Sriracha if you’re feeling a little feisty!

The addition of fresh grapefruit brought a little balance of sweet, tart, and a little heat. Also, butternut squash and fresh peppers in a salad should be a thing. Roasted and fresh veggies add a nice little touch, and cashews for a quick crunchy moment set this salad up for a successful party in my mouth!

Would you try this?! Comment below and don’t forget to follow me on IG http://instagram.com/foodiecutie and TikTok https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMdshwuGv/

Yes, I have a TikTok 😆 it’s something I swore I wouldn’t do, but here we are! I mostly post Food and Fitness content sooo if you’re in to that, come following along☺️🤍.

As always,

Be Safe, Be Sweet!

Xoxo,

Ash