Ashley Marie Holiday Edition 2022

W e l c o m e t o t h e f e s t i v e e d i t i o n o f A s h l e y M a r i e T h e h o l i d a y s a r e m y f a v o r i t e t i m e o f y e a r b e c a u s e o f f a m i l y t i m e a n d m e a n i n g f u l t r a d i t i o n s P l u s , I f i n d j o y i n g i f t i n g o t h e r s , w h i c h i s w h y I ’ m s o e x c i t e d t o l a u n c h t h i s g i f t g u i d e t o h e l p y o u s h o p f o r a l l t h e s p e c i a l p e o p l e i n y o u r l i f e . S h o p p i n g t h r o u g h m y l i n k s d i r e c t l y h e l p s m e , i a p p r e c i a t e t h e s u p p o r t . m y h u s b a n d a n d I a r e e x p e c t i n g t h e 2 n d b e s t g i f t w e c o u l d a s k f o r B a b y g i r l L e g g , d u e F e b r u a r y 2 0 2 3 h e r h o l i d a y l i s t , a l o n g w i t h r a n g e r ' s , a n d s o m a n y g i f t g u i d e s a r e i n c l u d e d P l u s h e a l t h y h o l i d a y t i p s a n d l o t s m o r e .

T h e p o i n t o f t h i s d i g i t a l m a g a z i n e i s t o i n s p i r e y o u t h r o u g h o u t t h e s e a s o n s . T o l i v e l i f e o n p u r p o s e t h r o u g h p e r s o n a l e x p r e s s i o n , c r e a t i n g y o u r s a f e s p a c e , a n d m a k i n g a c o m m i t m e n t t o y o u r h e a l t h a n d h a p p i n e s s . I f t h e r e ’ s a n y t h i n g I h o p e y o u w a l k a w a y f r o m r e a d i n g A s h l e y M a r i e , i t ’ s t o b e g r a t e f u l e v e r y d a y f o r t h i s l i f e w e ’ r e g i v e n , t o e n j o y a l l m o m e n t s s m a l l a n d b i g a n d t o c h a s e t h o s e t h i n g s i n l i f e t h a t m a k e y o u e f f o r t l e s s l y h a p p y . E n j o y a n d h a p p y h o l i d a y s < 3 A s h l e y L e g g

P R O F E S S I O N A L P H O T O G R A P H Y : W W W . C H R I S T I N A A N G E L I P H O T O G R A P H Y . C O M * S H O P S M A L L

HOLIDAYS ARE ALL ABOUT THE EXPRESSION OF GRATITUDE.YOU

To set yourself up for success, it's all about having a plan of action. Prepare to succeed. Sometimes our plans don't work out perfectly and that's OK, you adjust and adapt BUT having a plan in place will give you a sense of comfort and control going into the Holidays

For me personally, I love this time of year because I look forward to celebrating with a feast with loved ones, but there's a difference between abusing food for the Holiday and enjoying it mindfully and in moderation.

Going into any Holiday week, live life as normal Don't try to deprive yourself all week to stuff your face silly the day of. This can be a vicious cycle. Eat balanced meals throughout the week consisting of lean protein/complex carbs/healthy fats/micronutrients (which come from fruits/veggies).

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Also keep that water game on point Hydration is key before/during/after meals to help flush out our systems and to help keep us full. A lot of the times when we think we're hungry, we're actually thirsty! Plus water increases metabolism by 30%! SO step up that water game and aim to hit 60-100 ounces per day.

Focus on good activity throughout the week as well This will help keep you motivated all week, produce endorphins, and just keep you in health and fitness mode as you head into "food mode."

Lastly, STOP stressing. SERIOUSLY STOP. Stress produces the hormone called cortisol, which is linked to weight gain So be confident in your action plan and know you have a choice and are in control, NOT FOOD. A little bit of tough love goes a long way

You are stronger than you think! Making small sacrifices now will earn BIG results later.

CAN ENJOY YOURSELF WHILE KEEPING YOUR GOALS IN MIND.

THE DAY OF A HOLIDAY...

The day of, stick to your regular programming. Never let yourself go hungry. Eat your breakfast, have a snack or protein shake, then enjoy your festive meal. Don't not eat all day to go ham (no pun intended) at dinner. You will most likely overdo it and it will leave you feeling stuffed, lethargic, and uncomfortable.

Indulge in your favorites, pass over the rest Why waste calories on so/so foods?! Pick your favs and savor every bite On Thanksgiving for example, I typically load up my plate with turkey and then have about 1/3 cup of my top fav sides I'll be saving room for green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, stuffing and pumpkin pie! Yum!

Don't make yourself feel guilty. Holidays are meant to be celebrated with the people we care about. Enjoy your time and stop stressing about what you're eating. Everything in moderation!

Get back on track. Enjoy your meal, then move on! If you're going for seconds later on, opt for more turkey and vegetables and less carb/fat loaded sides Think balance and moderation

Do something active. It's always fun to relax and digest after a scrumptious meal However, it's also good to move that body too! I'm not saying you have to go to the gym, but a nice walk with loved ones can do the body good and help you feel not so full! A lot of families like to play touch football, tag or just wrestle around with the kiddos, trying to keep up with their energy. Every bit of movement counts. Be kind to yourself. Your mind hears everything that you tell it. So start telling yourself positive and uplifting things.

10 MORE HOLIDAY HACKS

1. Don't hang out by the food table! This makes it way too easy to continue the hand to mouth motion without even thinking. Win this battle by making a small plate of mostly healthy snack options with 1 2 small pieces of your fav indulgences, then walk away! Everything in moderation

2. Pick and choose when you want a real cocktail or when you want a mocktail. For the real deal go for lighter calorie options like vodka/soda, wine, low carb beer, tequila/soda. For mocktails, have a seltzer on the rocks with some fresh fruit in it or squeezed lemon or lime! Having a drink in your hand helps keep you occupied when being social, rather than reaching for food

3. Chew gum for part of the event/party pre main course! Seems simple but it helps prevent mindless snacking.

4. At dinner or a buffet style gathering, focus on filling your plate with protein, fruits, and veggies first. That way you leave little room for those high fat/carb foods like heavy dips, loaded sweet potatoes with marshmallows and brown sugar, bread and butter, and decked out stuffing. Be selective, pick your favs and have small samples of the higher calorie foods, to help satisfy those tastebuds without overdoing it.

5. Eat slow and chew your food, rather than inhaling it. Allow your food to digest before going for round two You may change your mind in the meantime and feel satisfied with plate #1.

It may not be easy, but it will be worth it!!

7. The day of and day after a Holiday, move that body! Activity improves mental clarity and mindset and produces endorphins which are those feel good feels. You'll never regret a workout. Commit to one and get it done! The day of a Holiday, you could go on a walk with the family.

8. Limit alcohol, eggnog, and other heavy drinks. Alcohol is empty calories. They add up. Plus, too much drinking can add to too much snacking. Seltzer, water, and coffee are great low cal options in between 1 2 alcoholic drinks.

10. Think BIG picture. How proud of yourself will you be if you can get through this Holiday feeling in control and closer to your goals? This is 100% possible. Remember, small sacrifices for BIG REWARDS. You got this!

11. Enjoy your day. Focus on the gathering and spending time with loved ones rather than obsessing over the food. Food doesn't control us. Celebrate you as you are in this moment. You are beautiful. You are worth it.

New Years Challenge January 1st-31st

MAIN COURSE

So Satisfying

RoastedCornishGame

HenswithPumpkinSeed Pesto

Ingredients:Extravirgin oliveoil,pepitas(green pumpkinseeds),salt, paprika,parsley,scallions, lemonjuice,Cornishgame hens,garlic

TenderloinRoast

Ingredients:Beef tenderloin,oliveoil,garlic, seasalt,coarselyground pepper

NoFailThanksgiving Turkey

Ingredients: 12 15lb turkey,oliveoil,black pepper,grannysmith apple,navelorange, yellowonion,rosemary, safeleaves,thymeleaves

BraisedShortRibs

Ingredients: Beefshort ribs,seasalt,blackpepper, chickpeaflour,oliveoil, yellowonion,carrots, shallots,redwine,low sodiumbeefbroth,thyme, rosemary,almondmilk, groundcornmeal,garlic powder,goatcheese

VeganButternutSquash andKaleLasagna

Ingredients: Butternut squash,avocadooil,raw cashews,lemons,garlic, salt,pepper,oregano,basil, nutritionalyeast,onion, kale,marinasauce,lasagna noodles,basil,pinenuts, garlicpowder

Quinoa AcornSquash

Ingredients: Dryquinoa, vegetablebroth,acorn squash,oliveoil,onion, celery,apple,cremini mushrooms,cranberries, garlic,sage,thyme, cinnamon,pinkHimalayn salt,crackedpepper,maple syrup

HerbButterSalmonwith BlisteredTomatoesand GreenBeans

Ingredients:Cherry tomatoes,stringbeans, oliveoil,seasalt,black pepper,wildcaught salmon,grass fedbutter, parsley,basil,garlic cloves

LambChopswithCrispy ShallotsandPomegranate

Ingredients:Rackoflamb, oliveoil,rosemaryleaves, seasalt,blackpepper, garlicpowder,shallot, balsamicvinegar,apple cidervinegar,honey, pomegranatejuice, arrowroot

SIDESSure to Please

Maple RoastedCarrots

Ingredients:Carrots, grass fedorganic butter,maplesyrup,salt, blackpepper,pistachios

GarlicParmesanBrussels Sprouts

Ingredients:Brussels sprouts,garliccloves, parmesancheese,black pepper,oliveoil

SweetPotatoBake

Ingredients: Sweet potatoes,unsalted grass fedbutter,garlic cloves,oliveoil,salt, blackpepper,rosemary leaves

CabbageSaladwithMiso Vinaigrette (useoliveoil insteadofcanola)

Ingredients:ricevinegar, redmisopaste,sesameoil, reducedsodiumsoysauce, honey,garlic,juliennecut carrots,redonion,nappa cabbage,daikonradish,salt, pepper,cashes,cilantro, toastedsesameseeds

EasyPumpkinSoup

Ingredients: Oliveoil, smallpumpkin,onion, chickenstock,garlic,salt, pepper,cinnamon,nutmeg, maplesyrup,cayenne,red chilis

HealthyGreenBeanCasserole

Ingredients: Greenbeans, unsaltedbutter,garlic,green onions,salt,pepper,half and half,slicedalmonds

RoastedRootVeggies

Ingredients: Carrot, goldenbeets,shallots, turnips,garlic,oliveoil, freshthyme,parsley, balsamicvinegar,salt, pepper

HarvestWildRiceSalad

Ingredients:Wildrice blend,acornsquash,olive oil,currypowder,salt, groundblackpepper, garlic,kale,pumpkinseeds, pomegranatearils

DESSERT

Hits the Spot

PaleoSnickerdoodles

Ingredients: Maplesyrup, pumpkinpuree,coconutoil, egg,eggwhite,Paleo bakingflour,bakingsoda, bakingpowder,cinnamon, groundginger,coconut sugar,

EasyChocolateMacaroons

Ingredients:Unsweetened shreddedcoconut,organic coconutflour,seasalt, coconutoil,honey,vanilla extract,maplesyrup,cacao powder

PecanPieBars

Ingredients:Maplesyrup, meltedghee,egg,vanilla extract,coconutflour, tapiocaflour,salt, coconutsugar, unsweetenedalmondmilk, choppedpecans,salt

AlmondJoyClusters

Ingredients:Organicdark chocolate,coconutoil, organicalmonds,shredded unsweetenedcoconut

PumpkinPie

Ingredients:Piecrust,can pumpkinpuree,eggs,pure maplesyrup,coconut sugar,unsweetened almondmilk,vanilla extract,cinnamon, nutmeg,groundginger, allspice,salt

FudgyChunkyChocolate Brownies

Ingredients:Almondbutter, coconutoil,coconutsugar, eggs,vanillaextract, almondflour,unsweetened cocoa,bakingsoda,salt, darkchocolate

HealthyAppleCrisp

Ingredients: grannysmith orhoneycrispapples,pure maplesyrup,cinnamon,old fashionedorquickoats, almondflour,chopped walnuts(orpecans),salt, coconutoil(orbutter)

WhippedPeppermintMocha Pudding

Ingredients: Coconut/Greek yogurt,unsweetened vanillaalmondmilk, instantespressogranules, chiaseeds,darkcacao, maplesyrup,vanilla extract,peppermintextract, salt,darkchocolatechips

Ranger's Wish List Ranger's Wish List

ranger loves to "go fast"

sand box

mommy's helper

Rose Quartz Jade Roller

fforthe orthe

Z E N L O V E R Z E N L O V E R

Cowboy Buck Cowboy Buck Cowboy Buck

Animal Animal Lovers Lovers

Festivestyle

Toys CozyPups

O n t h e g o

S t a y g r o o m e d

Party Gifts Party Gifts

Heading to a party? My mom always taught me to never show up empty handed. Be prepared and make your host feel special and appreciated. First, know your host and what they like. If you don’t know your host well, play it safe with a versatile option Check out my examples below

Wine lovers If it’s a more casual party I typically grab Duckhorn. If it’s a fancier dinner party, I bring Caymus. Beer lovers A beer variety pack could be a hit. My husband is very knowledgeable when it comes to beer. He picks out exotic beers that tend to be great conversation starters for those interested. Dessert lovers I have found success bringing a dessert tray with a variety of options, bound to please most people. Or, I bring my favorite cheesecake, hoping others enjoy it as much as I do I go for Junior’s cheesecake (Whole Foods has 6 inch ones) or you can order online for delivery.

Flowers Whether you’re a flower lover or not, a vibrant bouquet can brighten up any room. It’s a nice decorative gesture to say thank you. Candles I always think about the seasons here If I’m heading to a Fall party, I’ll bring something pumpkin or apple smelling. If it’s winter, pine cones or dessert scented. If it’s spring or summer, something flower based. You have options here and most people enjoy a nice candle in their home and/or bathroom.

If you have hosted a party, you know it can be overwhelming and stressful getting prepared, keeping guests happy, keeping the space clean and tidy during the party, cleaning up after and so on. Acknowledging your host is so important. Let them know you are thankful for their hospitality

HOSTEST WITH THE MOSTEST

Get crafty, head to your favorite grocery store (mine’s Trader Joe’s) and make a basket of your favorite snacks.

Here are my other top musts ready for guests prior to their arrival:

Wifi password (Print out and frame for presentation)

Extra blankets

Floor length mirror Water nearby Nice sheets

Same goes with toilet trees. Put together a basket or area with essentials guests could need like Kleenex, toothpaste, socks, eye mask, makeup wipes, Tylenol, tums, lotion etc.

Assorted pillow options

Phone Charger with extension cord

Hooks to hang bags and or clothes

Luggage stand Laundry basket or extra empty baskets around Sound machine Fan Lamp Candle Robe

Extra Towels, full size, hand and face towels

Hair towel Hair dryer

Plenty of toilet paper Plunger in bathroom

Wrapping up 2022 and looking ahead to 2023…

At the end of the year, I like to reflect on what I focused on in my life, and continue to build upon that list. All improvements that have changed my outlook on life and might just change yours too.

To practice a morning routine

To prioritize self care

To be more patient

To communicate better

To tell the people I love how I feel about them

To create magic for my kids

To be kinder to the person in the mirror, especially as I embark on another postpartum journey

To focus on strengths rather than insecurities

To work hard, believe in myself, and chase my goals

To turn setbacks into motivation

To embrace vulnerability

To say no to things or people who are not adding something positive to my life

To not seek approval and to be my authentic self

To live everyday as if it were my last

2023, I'm ready for whatever comes my way. I encourage you to reflect on your 2022, to be grateful in the present moment and to remain hopeful for the future!

UntilNext Year!