My name is Ashley, and I’m the girl behind AlmostVegGirlie!
I started this blog in May of 2011 as a way to chronicle my journey into vegetarianism and finally veganism. I’ve changed a LOT since I started the blog. Back then, I was just finished with my freshman year of college and had moved back home for the summer. I was excited about having a few months ahead of me to do some recipe experimenting, and hopefully develop my passion for fitness. Oh, yeah…and I was just two years into recovery for an eating disorder (AN).
Me during my early recovery days in 2009.
Long story short, I still struggle from time to time with anorexia and orthorexia. I may never be fully recovered, but I’m done with letting my ED define me.
So what does define me? I was born in Arizona (I will always be a desert rat at heart), Colorado was my home for 19 years, and now I’m living in Oklahoma for my first post-grad job. I went to college two hours from home in the best small town where I made lots of friends and memories and discovered who I want to be. I graduated in 2013 with a degree in broadcast journalism, and I currently work as an associate producer for a TV station. I’ve been dreaming of a career in TV news since I was a senior in high school, but sometimes it takes a little experience to actually know what you want to do. I plan on shifting into a position where I can do more lifestyle/entertainment journalism or possibly getting a certificate in meteorology so I can be a weather anchor!
Maybe someday you’ll see me on TV in front of the green screen!
Oh, and I’m also vegan and mostly gluten-free. I’ve been eating plant-based since 2012, and I haven’t looked back. This way of eating has changed everything for me. It inspired me to work harder at recovery so I could be the best advocate possible for the vegan lifestyle. It’s made me passionate about animal rights, my own health and the environment. It’s turned me into a creative chef, who can whip up just about anything out of plants.
What do I do when I’m not working or cooking? I have a new-found love for running (but only outside!), a huge obsession with fashion and shopping, playing tennis, alt rock music, yoga, being out in nature and all things social media.
I love my sweaty post-run selfies.
I have big dreams for myself, some of which may never happen, but I’m a believer in having goals and dreams to chase after. I want to live in California or Arizona again. I would love to run a raw vegan cafe. I want to be an anchor on The Today Show. I’d like to own Italian greyhounds. I want to travel to every state in the U.S. and visit every continent. I want to work with others who’ve struggled with eating disorders.
I have a shameless obsession with selfies, specifically those of the ‘outfit of the day’ variety. Just look at my Instagram. I like to take on taboo topics and rant about them in my posts. I share my random insights on Twitter. I’m very honest on my blog about my struggles. I read and try to reply to every single comment I get because they’re all so important to me. I know my blog isn’t the most popular, and that’s okay with me. As long as I have 1 reader, I know I’m making some kind of difference.
I also like to take photos of my food.
If you’d like to get in touch with me, email me at ashlauren711@gmail.com, hit up my Twitter or comment here!
almostveggirlie 