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Ashley Gondek

Ashley Gondek

Realistic Holistic Wellness + Motherhood

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Ashley Gondek
Ashley Gondek
Realistic Holistic Wellness + Motherhood

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Come hang out with me on Instagram!

Where realistic holistic living meets real life.

I share whatโ€™s actually working in our home โ€” simple swaps, clean beauty, natural remedies, and honest motherhood.

vitalityash

Building vitality at home, not in a waiting room๐ŸŒฟ
Motherhoodโ€ขNatural Remediesโ€ขLow-tox livingโ€ขClean Skincare
๐Ÿ“ฉashley@vitalityash.com|โ†“Free guide+favs

โ€ฆ This is the world we live in When you outsourc โ€ฆ This is the world we live in 

When you outsource your safety, your health, your faith โ€” truly anything, you give up everything. 

You become reliant on others. You become fearful, you become anxious, you become panicked, you become desperate. 

Look around at the people who are getting their homes and spirit in order โ€” you wonโ€™t see fear there. 

Iโ€™ll do everything I can in a calm, calculated, and wise manner. And the rest is left to God. 

Steward what he has given you well and you will be blessed 

Love ya, friends! 

Side note - Iโ€™m so glad Iโ€™ve held onto this vintage @smithandwessoninc belt buckle for the past 15 years. I bought it when I went to work on a dude ranch in Colorado. Funnest summer of my life. Itโ€™s where I learned to fall in love with the outdoors - it was the first time Iโ€™d ever hiked and camped! ๐Ÿ”๏ธ 

#2a #holisticmotherhood #naturalremedieswork
Iโ€™ve lost over 40lbs in the last year (NATURALLY) Iโ€™ve lost over 40lbs in the last year (NATURALLY) and this snack is my current hyper fixation. 

If you love a good crunch, a vinegar tang, a savory blast, and a little spicy zing THIS IS THE SNACK FOR YOU. 

Lower cals, has a good amount of protein from the cottage cheese. Itโ€™s just SOOOO GOOD. 

If you want me to send you this recipe to your inbox, comment โ€œZINGโ€ and Iโ€™ll send it your way! That way you donโ€™t lose it/forget about it! 

Hereโ€™s the recipe 

1. 1 cucumber sliced 
2. Couple heaping tablespoons of cottage cheese 
3. Drizzle of sesame oil 
4. Drizzle of white wine or rice wine vinegar (both are delicious!) 
5. Everything but the bagel seasoning from @traderjoes 
6. Give it all a stir 
7. Top with crispy jalapeรฑo pieces from Trader Joeโ€™s
8. Adjust anything to taste 
9. ENJOYYYYY!! 

Let me know if you try it - tag me!! 

P.s. my toddlers LOVE THIS (minus the jalapeรฑo pieces) 
 
Follow @vitalityash for more holistic living + motherhood + and delicious toddler friendly Whole Foods ๐Ÿฅ’

#weightlossrecipes #highproteinsnacks #holisticmama
Prepared. Not scared. Drop a ๐Ÿ”ฅ๐Ÿ”ฅ๐Ÿ”ฅ if youโ€™re getti Prepared. Not scared. 

Drop a ๐Ÿ”ฅ๐Ÿ”ฅ๐Ÿ”ฅ if youโ€™re getting busy too. 

Follow to learn alongside me ๐Ÿซถ๐Ÿผ

#holisticmotherhood #naturalremedieswork #lowtoxliving
๐Ÿšจโ€ผ๏ธ BUY ONE GET ONE FREE while supplies last. โ€ผ๏ธ๐Ÿšจ ๐Ÿšจโ€ผ๏ธ BUY ONE GET ONE FREE while supplies last. โ€ผ๏ธ๐Ÿšจ

The skincare that radically transformed my skin is BOGO FREE right now. 

Organic, non-toxic, waterless, made in Europe (hello highest standard for ingredients!), packed with powerful plant botanicals that no other company has. 

365 day guarantee โ€” yes. 365 days. A whole year. 

Free shipping at $50 too! 

Comment NEED IT and Iโ€™ll send you my routine. But be quick. Itโ€™s only BOGO until we sell out of the bottles with the old logo on them. Then itโ€™s back to regular price ๐Ÿซถ๐Ÿผ
Your kids will actually ask for their vitamins whe Your kids will actually ask for their vitamins when they look like this. ๐Ÿซ

Want the recipe? Comment GUMMY below and Iโ€™ll send you the free recipe card to add to your home apothecary cabinet. ๐Ÿ’Œ

These elderberry gummies are one of the simplest things you can make for your home apothecary โ€” and one of the most effective.

Elderberry has been used for centuries to support immune health, and research backs it up. Itโ€™s packed with anthocyanins โ€” powerful antioxidants that have been shown to shorten the duration of colds and flu, reduce symptom severity, and help the body fight off viruses before they take hold. Made with grass-fed gelatin, every gummy also quietly supports gut health and joint health at the same time.

Three ingredients. No refined sugar. No fillers. Kid-approved.

Send this to a friend who needs a natural cold season staple in their fridge.

If youโ€™re already making elderberry syrup โ€” this is the easiest next step and such a fun activity to do with your kids!

And the gummy mold options are ENDLESS and SO CUTE ๐Ÿงธ๐Ÿฆ–

Follow @vitalityash for more natural remedies, low-tox living, and holistic motherhood.

#elderberrygummy #holistichealth #naturalremedieswork

*shared for educational purposes only. Not medical advice. Never give honey to babies under 12 months. Always consult your healthcare provider for health concerns.
Natural Popsicles for Cough Relief (Skip the Cough Natural Popsicles for Cough Relief (Skip the Cough Syrup) โฌ‡๏ธ

When my kids have a cough, the last thing I want to reach for is over-the-counter cough syrup loaded with artificial dyes, high fructose corn syrup, and ingredients I canโ€™t pronounce.

Instead, I make these simple pineapple honey popsicles that actually support their bodies while soothing their throats. They think theyโ€™re getting a treat, and I know theyโ€™re getting something that helps.

Why Pineapple + Honey Works:

๐Ÿ Bromelain โ€“ Pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme with anti-inflammatory properties that may help break down mucus and soothe respiratory discomfort. The highest concentration is in the core, so donโ€™t throw it out!

๐Ÿฏ Raw Honey โ€“ Research shows honey is more effective than some OTC cough medicines for reducing cough frequency and severity in children over 1 year old. It coats the throat and provides natural antimicrobial support.

โ„๏ธ Cold Relief โ€“ The cold temperature soothes sore throats and provides gentle numbing relief.

SHARE this with a friend whoโ€™s building her natural remedy toolkit ๐Ÿ

Simple Recipe Ingredients:
โ€ข  2 cups fresh pineapple chunks (include the core!) 
โ€ข  1 tablespoon raw honey
*If using the whole pineapple. increase to 2 tbsp raw honey

Method:
1. Add all ingredients to a blender
2. Blend until completely smooth
3. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed
4. Pour into popsicle molds
5. Freeze for 4-6 hours or overnight
6. Serve 1-2 popsicles daily when dealing with cough or sore throat

Want the full detailed recipe with variations, tips, and a free printable for your home apothecary cabinet? 

Comment โ€œPOPโ€ and Iโ€™ll send it straight to your inbox ๐Ÿ“จ

Make sure youโ€™re FOLLOWING so you can receive the message!

Follow @vitalityash for more natural remedies, low-tox living, and holistic motherhood. ๐ŸŒฟ

Not medical advice. Never give honey to babies under 12 months. Always consult your healthcare provider for health concerns.

#naturalremedieswork #coughrelief #sorethroatremedy
Natural Popsicles for Cough Relief (Skip the Cough Natural Popsicles for Cough Relief (Skip the Cough Syrup)

When my kids have a cough, the last thing I want to reach for is over-the-counter cough syrup loaded with artificial dyes, high fructose corn syrup, and ingredients I canโ€™t pronounce.

Instead, I make these simple pineapple honey popsicles that actually support their bodies while soothing their throats. They think theyโ€™re getting a treat, and I know theyโ€™re getting something that helps.

Why Pineapple + Honey Works:

๐Ÿ Bromelain โ€“ Pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme with anti-inflammatory properties that may help break down mucus and soothe respiratory discomfort. The highest concentration is in the core, so donโ€™t throw it out!

๐Ÿฏ Raw Honey โ€“ Research shows honey is more effective than some OTC cough medicines for reducing cough frequency and severity in children over 1 year old. It coats the throat and provides natural antimicrobial support.

โ„๏ธ Cold Relief โ€“ The cold temperature soothes sore throats and provides gentle numbing relief.

SHARE this with a friend whoโ€™s building her natural remedy toolkit ๐Ÿ

Simple Recipe Ingredients:
โ€ข  2 cups fresh pineapple chunks (include the core!) 
โ€ข  1 tablespoon raw honey
*If using the whole pineapple. increase to 2 tbsp raw honey

Method:
1. Add all ingredients to a blender
2. Blend until completely smooth
3. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed
4. Pour into popsicle molds
5. Freeze for 4-6 hours or overnight
6. Serve 1-2 popsicles daily when dealing with cough or sore throat

Want the full detailed recipe with variations, tips, and a free printable for your home apothecary cabinet? 

Comment โ€œPOPโ€ and Iโ€™ll send it straight to your inbox ๐Ÿ“จ

Make sure youโ€™re FOLLOWING so you can receive the message!

Follow @vitalityash for more natural remedies, low-tox living, and holistic motherhood. ๐ŸŒฟ

Not medical advice. Never give honey to babies under 12 months. Always consult your healthcare provider for health concerns.

#coughrelief #naturalremedieswork #holisticmotherhood #sorethroatremedy
Weโ€™ve been sold so many lies. To start, here are Weโ€™ve been sold so many lies. 

To start, here are the things I think are lies: 

1. Everything in moderation

2. Body positivity 

3. Treat yourself culture 

4. Being fit is vain

5. Iโ€™m too busy 

6. Just give yourself grace 

7.  You deserve it. 

And so many more. 

At the end of the day, your body is a temple. And it is a direct reflection of your habits. 

This was HARD for me to swallow. 

Since that first video Iโ€™ve lost over 40lbs. Iโ€™ve gone from size 11 pants to a size 4. 

And Iโ€™m not done. 

Was it easy? Absolutely not. It was HARD. But so was being overweight, feeling weak, and out of control. 

Iโ€™ll pick this hard over any other. ๐Ÿ’ช๐Ÿผ

Do you agree? Have you been waking up too? 

Let me know if you want me to break down the nuances of those lies. Because EVERYTHING has nuance. ๐Ÿซถ๐Ÿผ

#beingfitisbiblical #holisticmotherhood #weightlossbeforeandafter
I started writing this post 2 weeks ago when my ac I started writing this post 2 weeks ago when my account hit 80k. 

Now there is over 90k of you and it keeps growing every time I open this app. 

First, I am humbled and honored that you would choose to share your precious time with me in this little corner of the internet. 

Some days I wonder why God has given me this platform and other days I operate in complete clarity and alignment. 

It took me 2 weeks to write this because how do you organize what feels like a lifetime of lessons and unlearning and everything you believe in, into a few rectangles? 

Iโ€™m long winded by nature so this was hard. 

One reason I built out a website was because I wanted to be able to share ALL the details about ALL the things with you guys. 

I like knowing ALL the things about ALL the things and summarizing is very hard for me. I feel like Iโ€™m lying by omission if I donโ€™t share every single thing I know about every single thing. 

Some people love that. Some people are overwhelmed by it. Hence Instagram and the blog. I can now share one point on IG and if you want more info, deep dive into the blog. 

I try to share as much as I can as often as I can - but at the end of the day itโ€™s just me running this account, my website, and my blog.

Thank you all for being here, thank you for every comment, like, share, link click, coupon code use, etc. I appreciate you all. 

Without you, I wouldnโ€™t be able to do what Iโ€™ve been doing. 

And thank you all for walking this journey with me. Weโ€™ve been through so many stages and seasons together and Iโ€™m stoked to see what comes next. 

In love, health, and vitality, Ash ๐Ÿซถ๐Ÿผ
Comment โ€œHONEYโ€ and Iโ€™ll send you my complete ferm Comment โ€œHONEYโ€ and Iโ€™ll send you my complete fermented garlic honey recipe with step-by-step instructions ๐Ÿฏ 

This traditional remedy has been used for centuries for immune support, fighting off colds and flu, soothing coughs and sore throats, and supporting overall wellness. Itโ€™s antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and one of the simplest things you can make to have on hand during cold season.

What makes fermented garlic honey so powerful:

Immune Support โ€“ Garlic contains allicin, a potent compound with antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties that help your body fight off infections

Antioxidant-Rich โ€“ Both garlic and raw honey are packed with antioxidants that reduce inflammation and oxidative stress

Cardiovascular Health โ€“ Garlic may help improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels

Sore Throat & Cough Relief โ€“ Honey naturally soothes and coats the throat while providing antimicrobial support

Gut Health โ€“ Rich in prebiotics and probiotics from fermentation, supporting digestion and gut microbiome balance

SHARE this with a friend whoโ€™s learning to support her family naturally. 

Quick Recipe:
 โ€ข  Peel garlic cloves (leave whole or chop)
 โ€ข  Place in a clean jar
 โ€ข  Cover completely with raw honey
 โ€ข  Secure lid loosely and let sit at room temperature
 โ€ข  Flip/stir daily for the first week
 โ€ข  Ready in 2-4 weeks
P.s. If stored correctly, it will last for years!

Want the full detailed recipe with all your questions answered, tips for success, and a free printable for your home apothecary? 

Comment โ€œHONEYโ€ and Iโ€™ll send you the blog post link ๐ŸŒฟ

Follow @vitalityash for more natural remedies, low-tox living, and holistic motherhood. 

This post is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional for any health-related concerns.

#fermentedgarlichoney #naturalremedieswork #immunesupport #coldandfluseason #homeremedy
Comment โ€œONION SYRUPโ€ and Iโ€™ll send you the full r Comment โ€œONION SYRUPโ€ and Iโ€™ll send you the full recipe so itโ€™s in your inbox and easy to find when you need it. 

p.s. itโ€™s also posted on my blog with a free printable recipe you can add to your home apothecary cabinet. 

You would NEVER catch me taking or giving an over-the-counter cough syrup to my family. 

Theyโ€™re overpriced and loaded with horrible ingredients like high fructose corn syrup, food dyes like red 40 and yellow 6, artificial and synthetic flavors, and preservatives. 

Instead, I make this ancient recipe with just 2 simple ingredients when a cough or sore throat hits. 

Send this to a mama friend who could use this! ๐ŸŒฟ

Hereโ€™s the recipe, or comment ONION SYRUP and Iโ€™ll send it to you!

Ingredients:
1 medium-sized onion (preferably organic. I choose red or yellow. Red onions are higher in quercetin though.)
Approximately 1/2 cup raw local honey
*Want a smaller batch? just cut up the amount of onion you want and make sure itโ€™s covered with honey. 

Method:
1. Peel and slice the onion into thin rings or small chunks. The more surface area, the better, as this helps release the onionโ€™s natural juices (but donโ€™t mince because it may be harder to strain out unless youโ€™re okay with onion chunks).
2. Add to A Jar: place onion slices at the bottom. Pour enough honey to cover the onion.
3. Cover and let it sit at room temperature for 4+ hours or overnight. The honey will draw out the onionโ€™s natural juices, creating a syrup.
4. Strain: After the mixture has steeped, you can strain out the onion pieces or leave them in if you prefer. The resulting syrup will have a sweet, mild onion flavor and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week per some sources, but mine has lasted for months and months. You do you. 

Onions are rich in quercetin, a powerful antioxidant known for its anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting properties. When combined with raw honey, this blend can help alleviate discomfort associated with coughs and sore throats.

Follow @vitalityash for more natural remedies and holistic motherhood ๐ŸŒฟ

*not medical advice. just sharing what works for me and my family. ๐Ÿซถ๐Ÿผ
#naturalremedieswork #holisticmotherhood #coughremedy
Comment โ€œONION SYRUPโ€ and Iโ€™ll send you the full r Comment โ€œONION SYRUPโ€ and Iโ€™ll send you the full recipe so itโ€™s in your inbox and easy to find when you need it. 

p.s. itโ€™s also posted on my blog with a free printable recipe you can add to your home apothecary cabinet. 

You would NEVER catch me taking or giving an over-the-counter cough syrup to my family. 

Theyโ€™re overpriced and loaded with horrible ingredients like high fructose corn syrup, food dyes like red 40 and yellow 6, artificial and synthetic flavors, and preservatives. 

Instead, I make this ancient recipe with just 2 simple ingredients when a cough or sore throat hits. 

Send this to a mama friend who could use this! ๐ŸŒฟ

Hereโ€™s the recipe, or comment ONION SYRUP and Iโ€™ll send it to you!

Ingredients:
1 medium-sized onion (preferably organic. I choose red or yellow. Red onions are higher in quercetin though.)
Approximately 1/2 cup raw local honey
*Want a smaller batch? just cut up the amount of onion you want and make sure itโ€™s covered with honey. 

Method:
1. Peel and slice the onion into thin rings or small chunks. The more surface area, the better, as this helps release the onionโ€™s natural juices (but donโ€™t mince because it may be harder to strain out unless youโ€™re okay with onion chunks).
2. Add to A Jar: place onion slices at the bottom. Pour enough honey to cover the onion.
3. Cover and let it sit at room temperature for 4+ hours or overnight. The honey will draw out the onionโ€™s natural juices, creating a syrup.
4. Strain: After the mixture has steeped, you can strain out the onion pieces or leave them in if you prefer. The resulting syrup will have a sweet, mild onion flavor and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week per some sources, but mine has lasted for months and months. You do you. 

Onions are rich in quercetin, a powerful antioxidant known for its anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting properties. When combined with raw honey, this blend can help alleviate discomfort associated with coughs and sore throats.

Follow @vitalityash for more natural remedies and holistic motherhood ๐ŸŒฟ

*not medical advice. just sharing what works for me and my family. ๐Ÿซถ๐Ÿผ
#naturalremedieswork #holisticmotherhood #coughremedy
When my kids start showing signs of getting sick, When my kids start showing signs of getting sick, this is the FIRST thing I do. ๐Ÿ›

Comment DETOX and Iโ€™ll send everything to your inbox so you donโ€™t need to go searching when you need it. 

A detox bath (aka support bath) helps: 
โœ”๏ธ Soothe their body & promote relaxation 
โœ”๏ธ Support their natural detox pathways 
โœ”๏ธ Boost immune function when they need it most 
โœ”๏ธ Ease muscle tension & promote better sleep

The Recipe: 
* 1-2 cups Magnesium Flakes (or Epsom salts) 
* 1/2 cup Baking Soda OR Apple Cider Vinegar (pick one!)
* 1/4 cup Bentonite Clay (use caution, can clog pipes. I havenโ€™t had an issue though)

Add to bath, swirl, soak 15-20 minutes 

Why it works: Your body burns through magnesium faster when sick โ€” this helps replenish it while supporting circulation, reducing inflammation, and creating an environment where your body can focus on healing.
Baking soda alkalizes and neutralizes chlorine in your water. ACV restores skin pH and has antimicrobial properties. 
Bentonite clay binds to impurities and aids in detoxification.

Together they support your bodyโ€™s natural detox systems so it can fight illness more efficiently.

Your skin is also your largest organ and it is a detox pathway. 

โœจ PRO TIP: Add red light therapy during or after the bath for even deeper immune & inflammation support!

๐Ÿ’ฌ Comment โ€œDETOXโ€ and Iโ€™ll send the full recipe + instructions straight to your inbox!

๐Ÿ“– Full blog post with all the details, optional ingredients, and cautions at vitalityash.com/blog

SAVE this for cold & flu season and SEND to your mama friends! 

Follow @vitalityash for more natural remedies, low-tox living, and real life motherhood โœจ

Not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before trying new remedies, especially with young children.

#detoxbath #naturalremedieswork  #immunesupport #holisticmama #lowtoxliving
I knew this would be hard. But I had no idea it wo I knew this would be hard. But I had no idea it would be THIS hard. I havenโ€™t stopped crying and my heart aches. 

I know he is at peace but I feel panicked. 

Iโ€™ve had him since I was 20. That feels like my whole lifetime. 

It feels like a piece of me is missing. 

If you know us, you know that we planned our life around our dog, Spartacus. We declined countless job assignments because we couldnโ€™t bring him. 

He was the sweetest most precious little thing. Always a little neurotic,  but as I like to say โ€” โ€œnever been chill a day in his lifeโ€ and thatโ€™s why we got along so well. 

He was scared of menโ€”  and when my (now) husband came to pick me up for our first date, he sat on his lap while I finished getting ready. We joke that he picked him out for me. 

Thatโ€™s not a joke though. Itโ€™s the truth. He did. And Iโ€™m forever grateful. They had a special bond and Spartacus actually preferred to get attention from Rob most days. 

His favorite place in the world was running on a sandy beach. 
His favorite food was steak. 

He was so smart and knew so many fun tricks. He loved to race and knew to wait for the cue - โ€œwait โ€” ready, set, GO!โ€ And off heโ€™d run barking with a huge smile on his face.
He also seemed to always understand what we were saying. 

He was 14 years and 7 months old. And I know I was blessed with that much time. But it still doesnโ€™t feel like enough. It still feels like it happened in a blink. 

I agonized over this decision and selfishly, it feels wrong โ€” still. I know that sting will fade but I am just so so so so so sad. We all are. 

This grief is heavy. 

Our whole family is devastated. 

Iโ€™m so sad for my kids โ€” we just moved and had to get rid of our farm full of animals. And now, 5 months later, heโ€™s gone too. Their hearts still hurt from losing the other animals but this one hits even harder. This is extra tender. 

I love you I love you I love you, Spartacus. 

I will love you forever. 

I canโ€™t believe youโ€™re gone. 

You were the best boy, the best buddy, my special someone who loved me unconditionally. 

I will miss you forever sweet boy. 

Spartacus Gondek 
7โ€ข7โ€ข2011 โ€” 2โ€ข12โ€ข2026

I canโ€™t wait to race you on a beach again someday ๐Ÿชฝ
Want to drink your coffee hot? Comment CLOUD DOUG Want to drink your coffee hot?

Comment CLOUD DOUGH and Iโ€™ll send it right to your inbox so you have this saved when you need a quick activity! 

This 2-ingredient, taste-safe cloud dough kept 5 toddlers (ages 1โ€“4) busy for over an hour. And we could have kept going.

Hereโ€™s the exact recipe:
โ€ข ยพ cup plain Greek yogurt
โ€ข 1 cup cornstarch
Optional: food coloring (I used dye-free from @gosupernatural) 

Mix until it forms a soft dough. If itโ€™s too sticky, add a sprinkle more cornstarch. If itโ€™s too dry, add a tiny bit more yogurt.

But hereโ€™s how you make it last even longer ๐Ÿ‘‡๐Ÿผ
1๏ธโƒฃ Make a BIG deal about making it. Build anticipation.

2๏ธโƒฃ Let them help stir.

3๏ธโƒฃ Let them choose the color (I used a dye-free food coloring that washed right off their hands and didnโ€™t stain โ€” comment CLOUD DOUGH and Iโ€™ll send the one I used).

4๏ธโƒฃ Before itโ€™s fully mixed, portion some to each child and give them a โ€œjobโ€ โ€” mix their color until itโ€™s one solid shade.

They love having a mission.
Then let them play.

5๏ธโƒฃ When they start to lose interest โ€” 
Introduce cookie cutters. We used heart ones for Valentineโ€™s Day and it completely revived the activity.

I stored ours in the fridge, and later my girls asked to play again and we got another full hour out of it.

Simple. Cheap. Non-toxic. Actually works.

Share this with a mom who needs a 5-minute prep activity so she can drink her coffee hot โ˜•๏ธ

Follow @vitalityash for low-tox living made simple โ€” realistic wellness, natural remedies, and motherhood without the overwhelm.

#sensoryplaytime #holisticmotherhood #toddlermom
Itโ€™s been one year since I stepped away from bedsi Itโ€™s been one year since I stepped away from bedside nursing. 

Somehow, that year feels like an entire lifetime ago, and also, just yesterday. 

I vividly remember the agony of leaving my tiny babies for 14 hours. Having to hand them off to their (very capable and loving) dad and listen to them scream for me as I walked out the door. 

It felt wrong every time I left. Most mornings Iโ€™d drive in silence fighting back tears. Some days Iโ€™d bawl the entire way. 

My shift was actually 5am-5pm. I had to get up at 3:30am to leave my house by 4:10 to get to work on time, finish pumping, and get in the doors to clock in. 

My husband had to syringe feed our first daughter for weeks because she refused to take a bottle. Our second refused to sleep without me and also hated bottles. It was rough for a long time. 

I look back and wonder how we survived it. Me working 2-3 days a week, my husband working the other 3, and then going to school and doing clinical for the other 2 days. On top of that we had the farm and our Airbnb property. 

We never saw each other. But that was the choice and the grind we chose so that one of us was always home with our children and we didnโ€™t have to send them to a daycare. Plus there were no daycares open at 4:00am. 

It was our only affordable option. 

I am forever grateful that I get to be home with my girls. It was a long time coming and we continue to make sacrifices and smart decisions in order for me to stay home. 

If youโ€™re in the trenches and dreaming of making this your reality, I see you. Donโ€™t give up hope and donโ€™t stop grinding to make your dream a reality. 

The lord rewards the faithful and hardworking โ€” Matthew 25:14-30

Steward what you have well, have a grateful heart, AND actively work to expand your territory and multiply what he has given you. 

โ€œyou have been faithful over little; I will set you over much.โ€

I think thatโ€™s a part that isnโ€™t talked about often โ€” the action we must all take in addition to praying for our heartโ€™s desires. 

We canโ€™t just sit around and hope something will happen. 

Thoughts?
The duality of motherhood: Wishing time would sl The duality of motherhood: 

Wishing time would slow down while also looking forward to the next stage. 

Treasuring every second while also needing *just a second* 

Missing the baby they were while being so proud of the kid theyโ€™re becoming. 

Wanting to remember everything, document everything but also live in the moment. 

Itโ€™s mourning and celebrating at the same moment. Itโ€™s exhaustion and fulfillment holding hands. Itโ€™s โ€œdonโ€™t grow upโ€ and โ€œplease sleep through the nightโ€ existing in the same tired, but grateful heart. 

You donโ€™t have to pick a side. Youโ€™re allowed to feel it all. 

The hard and the holy. 

The chaos and the magic. 

The grief and the joy. 

And so, as Iโ€™ve come to realize: 

Thatโ€™s just motherhood โœจ

#holisticmotherhood #holisticmama #toddlermomlife
Comment โ€œMETHODโ€ and Iโ€™ll send you all the details Comment โ€œMETHODโ€ and Iโ€™ll send you all the details + socks straight to your inbox ๐Ÿ“จ (Make sure youโ€™re following so you can receive the message ๐Ÿซถ๐Ÿผ) 

When my child has a fever, I donโ€™t treat the number.

I treat the child.

Fever is the bodyโ€™s natural way of fighting infection. It enhances immune function and helps the body do what it was designed to do.

Before attempting to lower it, I support their body: Herbs, homeopathy, minerals, hydration, rest, etc. 

If theyโ€™re uncomfortable, congested, or restless and nothing else has worked โ€” THEN I reach for supportive remedies like this one: 

The cold wet sock remedy.

Hereโ€™s the concept:
Cold, damp cotton socks + dry wool socks layered on top โ†’ keep them on until DRY (morning/end of nap). Super simple. 

It can help:
โ€ข Support circulation
โ€ข Redistribute heat more evenly
โ€ข Reduce head and chest congestion
โ€ข Help kids sleep more deeply
โ€ข Provide comfort without suppressing the fever response

It works with the body, not against it. This is supportive care. 

There are absolutely times when medication is appropriate. There are times when medical evaluation is warranted. As a nurse, Iโ€™m always very clear on that. 

But a fever is not the enemy. 

Save this.
Share it with a mama friend.
Comment METHOD and Iโ€™ll send you my complete guide to this natural remedy + a print out.

Follow @VitalityAsh for realistic holistic wellness, natural remedies that make sense, and low-stress low-tox living โœจ

โ€ผ๏ธ Not recommended for newborns or very young infants. Always consult your healthcare provider if youโ€™re unsure, and seek care for fevers in young infants (less than 2-3 months), lethargy, breathing concerns, or if your gut says something isnโ€™t right.

**This post is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations, especially for serious illnesses or concerns.

#feverremedy #naturalremedieswork #coldwetsock
Comment โ€œMETHODโ€ and Iโ€™ll send you all the details Comment โ€œMETHODโ€ and Iโ€™ll send you all the details + socks I use straight to your inbox ๐Ÿ“จ (Make sure youโ€™re following so you can receive the message ๐Ÿซถ๐Ÿผ) 

When my child has a fever, I donโ€™t treat the number.

I treat the child.

Fever is the bodyโ€™s natural way of fighting infection. It enhances immune function and helps the body do what it was designed to do.

Before attempting to lower it, I support their body: Herbs, homeopathy, minerals, hydration, rest, etc. 

If theyโ€™re uncomfortable, congested, or restless and nothing else has worked โ€” THEN I reach for supportive remedies like this one: 

The cold wet sock remedy.

Hereโ€™s the concept:
Cold, damp cotton socks + dry wool socks layered on top โ†’ keep them on until DRY (morning/end of nap). Super simple. 

It can help:
โ€ข Support circulation
โ€ข Redistribute heat more evenly
โ€ข Reduce head and chest congestion
โ€ข Help kids sleep more deeply
โ€ข Provide comfort without suppressing the fever response

It works with the body, not against it. This is supportive care. 

There are absolutely times when medication is appropriate. There are times when medical evaluation is warranted. As a nurse, Iโ€™m always very clear on that. 

But a fever is not the enemy. 

Save this.
Share it with a mama friend.
Comment METHOD and Iโ€™ll send you my complete guide to this natural remedy + a print out.

Follow @VitalityAsh for realistic holistic wellness, natural remedies that make sense, and low-stress low-tox living โœจ

โ€ผ๏ธ Not recommended for newborns or very young infants. Always consult your healthcare provider if youโ€™re unsure, and seek care for fevers in young infants (less than 2-3 months), lethargy, breathing concerns, or if your gut says something isnโ€™t right.

**This post is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations, especially for serious illnesses or concerns.

#feverremedy #naturalremedieswork #coldwetsock
Comment โ€œMETHODโ€ and Iโ€™ll send you all the details Comment โ€œMETHODโ€ and Iโ€™ll send you all the details + socks straight to your inbox ๐Ÿ“จ (Make sure youโ€™re following so you can receive the message ๐Ÿซถ๐Ÿผ) 

When my child has a fever, I donโ€™t treat the number.

I treat the child.

Fever is the bodyโ€™s natural way of fighting infection. It enhances immune function and helps the body do what it was designed to do.

Before attempting to lower it, I support their body: Herbs, homeopathy, minerals, hydration, rest, etc. 

If theyโ€™re uncomfortable, congested, or restless and nothing else has worked โ€” THEN I reach for supportive remedies like this one: 

The cold wet sock remedy.

Hereโ€™s the concept:
Cold, damp cotton socks + dry wool socks layered on top โ†’ keep them on until DRY (morning/end of nap). Super simple. 

It can help:
โ€ข Support circulation
โ€ข Redistribute heat more evenly
โ€ข Reduce head and chest congestion
โ€ข Help kids sleep more deeply
โ€ข Provide comfort without suppressing the fever response

It works with the body, not against it. This is supportive care. 

There are absolutely times when medication is appropriate. There are times when medical evaluation is warranted. As a nurse, Iโ€™m always very clear on that. 

But a fever is not the enemy. 

Save this.
Share it with a mama friend.
Comment METHOD and Iโ€™ll send you my complete guide to this natural remedy + a print out.

Follow @VitalityAsh for realistic holistic wellness, natural remedies that make sense, and low-stress low-tox living โœจ

โ€ผ๏ธ Not recommended for newborns or very young infants. Always consult your healthcare provider if youโ€™re unsure, and seek care for fevers in young infants (less than 2-3 months), lethargy, breathing concerns, or if your gut says something isnโ€™t right.

**This post is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations, especially for serious illnesses or concerns.

#feverremedy #naturalremedieswork #coldwetsock
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