Life lately up north, summertime and gratitude.
1. Up North in Michigan. If you’ve never been, you must.
4th of July week Drew and I plus my little sister spent some time in the UP at Drummond Island with his parents, before making our way over to Taquemenon Falls and Pictured Rocks.
Drew and I realized we hadn’t been to the UP in about six years. Typically it would be a once a year visit, at the very least. But with us previously living in PA for the past four years, getting to the UP felt nearly impossible. Total trip time would be roughly 14 hours, YIKES. With this summer being our first back in Michigan for nearly five years, it made me appreciate our Great Lakes State more than ever.
It was my first time checking out the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, and possibly my first time ever actually touching Lake Superior <— it was effin’ cold.
We spent some time wandering on 12 Mile Beach at the campground we stayed at, before making our way over to Munising where the Pictured Rocks boat cruises were.
If you’ve never been up to Pictured Rocks, you seriously need to go and do the cruise. It’s the coolest thing.
And yes, the water is seriously that blue green color. I was in HEAVEN.
In other happenings as of late…
2. I haven’t been spending as much time in the kitchen as I’d like lately. But with it being summer and just wanting to make the most of my time, I am giving myself a little break from stressing out about it. It’s just not worth it you know? I can only do so much in a day or week without getting burnt out/stressed out.
3. Giving myself a break also allows me to actually be more present and just live in the moment. While on vacation last week I only had one blog post. At first I was a little annoyed with myself, but then honestly just accepted it and moved on. We were also without service a majority of the time so it forced me to let that shit go. It was actually rather liberating. Please, PLEASE, take a break from the internet once in awhile, people. And get outside. It does the soul good.
4. Being without cell service last week also meant I missed some major news while we were gone. I caught up last weekend on the various stories, and I just got so sad for our nation. My heart hurts. It was refreshing to read this post from Lindsay… but all in all it is still just unbelievable to me, after all of these years, the kind of hate there is in this world, and our country. Sorry that was a little sad, but it has been on my mind.
5. Two or three years ago at this time, I was in LA for a work trip. I remember seeing all of these girls in their fitness gear and telling my coworkers, “I want to go where they’re going!”. Well funny enough, I am there now. 😀 The IDEA World Convention and BlogFest are happening this week and I am attending through my ambassadorship with Sweat Pink. I get to see some familiar faces from the NOW Influencer Immersion trip, as well as meet in person some fellow BGB girls! Super (super) pumped.
6. I’m trying to actively practice having more gratitude. Between listening to various interviews on Blissful Bites, and reading You Are a Badass*, it’s a constant theme. And it is a game changer. I’m thankful every day for my marriage and the amazingly wonderful support I get from Drew, my friends, my health, being back in Michigan close to family… being thankful for these things help me move forward each day to living a more positive, happier and fulfilling life.
For some of you that may be easy to do. But I’m betting if you’ve been stressed lately or feeling anxious about anything at all, it is sometimes hard to remember that you have a lot to be thankful for. And finding that gratitude helps to ease the stress and anxiety <3
7. The number of times I’ve mistaken melted chocolate on my arms and hands for little new moles over the past week is comical and/or concerning… Don’t ask me how this happens.
What can you tell me about your life lately?
How is your summer going?
thanks to Amanda for letting me think out loud
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie says
Absolutely beautiful pictures! I just love our mitten state. I think I have been up to Pictured Rocks, but I was young so I really don’t remember it so I really want to go back there now that I can really enjoy it. And seriously does Lake Superior EVER get enjoyable?? Why that one lake? haha. Enjoy your time in Cali!
Ashley says
You should really get back up to Pictured Rocks, it is so so cool! And yes, Lake Superior. BURR. There were several kids swimming in it though! We could see from the docks of the cruises. Crazy kids!!
Stella @ Stellicious Life says
WOW these photos are gorgeous Ashley! The scenery looks breathtaking! Somehow I always feel more relaxed and grateful when I’m in such amazing places, don’t you?
Glad you enjoyed your vacay, the view from the cabin is stunning! LAst weekend I was away on a yoga retreat, 3,5 days away, it was refreshinga nd so relaxing. I’d love to return for some peace and quiet, enjoying the moment and hearing my own thoughts.
Ashley says
YES, I think it is easier to reflect on all we have when we are exploring places and getting outside.
That yoga retreat sounds awesome! I don’t know if I am “yogi” enough to attend one of those, but maybe someday!
Christina @ The Blissful Balance says
Holy crap these photos are stunning!!! I know nothing about Michigan, and apparently I need to go there. And about taking a break – all I gotta say is you go girl because although people associate a break with “slacking” or something like that, it’s actually so hard to take a break from something you are so attached to and feel its mandatory to be always on. So proud of you!!! So glad you are enjoying yourself <3
Ashley says
It is SERIOUSLY hard. I am still kind of half in that break mode because of other projects I need to work on, but I am just keeping positive and reminding myself that you only live once. And summertime is my favorite so I don’t want to miss out on all that this season has to offer. You should probably come up to Michigan during the fall and escape the Florida heat 😉 Although Michigan weather is crazy anyhow… either way, COME.
Emilie @ Emilie Eats says
You are so lucky to have all of that nature right there! Absolutely beautiful. I’ve never been anywhere up north except Chicago, but maybe I’ll have to come stop by Michigan. ?
I didn’t have cell service all last weekend, and while at first I was freaking out, it ended up being a really good thing to step away and enjoy quality time with loved ones. I need to learn how to do that IRL! Also, practicing gratitude – I feel like I struggle there, too. We get so caught up in wanting more, feeling like we need to do more, that we can’t even see what we already have. Thanks for the podcast recommendations!
Ashley says
Um YES come to Michigan it is so great here! Especially in summer and fall 😀
I would love to see you.
And I agree, “IRL”. I feel like we all need to get better about it and instead of using our circumstances of not having service or whatever be our excuse, just forget about needing an excuse and just take a day to do it regardless! One day a week would probably be perfect. We’ll see if that happens for me 😉
Jeni says
Beautiful pictures! I love traveling up north any chance that I can. I also live in the Mitten State! Last year I went to Pictured Rocks and it was truly breathtaking.
Ashley says
Up north is really just beautiful. It has this whole other atmosphere and nothing beats summertime up north in Michigan. Yay for our Mitten State! 😀 I want to go back to Pictured Rocks and do some of the hikes next time!
Emily says
Remembering what we have to be grateful for is such a good reminder to get us back to focusing on what really matters. The more we can love others and be grateful for them, the better!
And that vacation sounds exactly like the right thing to do Ashley. Don’t worry about the blog. I was really glad you were getting a break, and I definitely come back after your breaks, because that’s what friends are for.
Disconnecting and getting out into nature is always wonderful, and it always gives you a fresh perspective when you get back into the quicker pace of life. I’m thankful we can always go outside and just marvel at the peace and beauty.
Ashley says
I 100% agree about getting outside and just being in nature. It gives you a sense of perspective that is just not possible indoors, at least for me. Thank you SO much Emily, you are seriously the sweetest <3
Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday says
Michigan is so pretty and I think I’ve only been once when I was little. No idea WHY, since I live in Ohio, but there it is. I need to visit sometime! And yes to practicing gratitude and taking a break. I’m so glad you’re feeling more refreshed!
Ashley says
Ah you really need to get up to either the northern lower or the UP! It is amazing.
Thanks Ellen!!
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious says
When I saw UP on this post, I actually thought it meant SUP. Then I read the post and realized you meant upper Michigan. Haha! Have been away from the Midwest a long time.
Ashley says
lol! That is funny. 🙂
Marina @ A Dancer's Live-It says
Gorgeous photos, Ashley!! Taking a break is always necessary, I know exactly what you mean. It also saddens me to know about all of these world happenings. Thankful to be in a place of safety and freedom, but man, this stuff really freaks me out about the future. Here’s to a relaxing and happy weekend!
Ashley says
I agree. I think about it probably every day now <3 Thanks Marina 🙂
Dani @ Dani California Cooks says
Your vacation is gorgeous! And enjoy your vacation – we’ll be waiting for you when you come back! 🙂
Ashley says
Aw thanks Dani!