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About

Hello and welcome to Cook Nourish Bliss!

I’m Ashley – a recipe developer and integrative health coach dedicated to all things dairy free living. 

Because after randomly developing a dairy allergy at age 30, I know just how difficult it can be to transition to a new lifestyle.

And while it may be challenging, especially at first, I FIRMLY believe that dairy free living can be just as satisfying and delicious as a life filled with loads of cheese. 

There’s no need to feel like you’re always missing out.

So here at Cook Nourish Bliss you’ll find hundreds of whole food based dairy free recipes, lifestyle resources, personal anecdotes and plenty of nerdy humor.

All designed to inspire you to fully embrace and enjoy your dairy free life. 

A woman sitting in a rocking chair and then at a table with coffee.

My Story With Dairy

Shortly before I turned 30, I randomly started getting stomach aches after eating certain rich foods.

It took a bit of tracking but I finally figured out that it seemed to coincide with anytime I ate heavy dairy products – i.e. ice cream, heavy cream or something loaded up with butter. 

I stopped eating all those things (but continued enjoying cheese and yogurt) and the stomach aches mostly disappeared.

I didn’t really think much more about it but then a few months later my skin started going crazy. We’re talking ridiculous hormonal acne (so fun!), horrible rashes and random patches of eczema.

During one of many trips to my dermatologist in an attempt to figure out what was going on, she offhandedly mentioned how dairy allergies (which can cause rashes and eczema, in addition to digestive troubles) are fairly common in babies and kids, but that she doesn’t see them all that often in adults.

It was a total lightbulb moment for me. And after she walked me through a careful elimination diet, we figured out that dairy was most definitely causing all my problems.

These days, in addition to all of the above symptoms, I also get this lovely all-over achy bones feeling if I accidentally consume even a tiny amount.

So yeah, no dairy for this girl.

A woman sitting on a couch and then pouring a smoothie into a glass.

About This Website

I started this website in 2012 and have been at it ever since developing recipes that are nourishing, simple and completely delicious. 

The recipes you’ll find here are largely healthy, mixed in with a few indulgent treats (because cookies are absolutely necessary in a life well lived). 

Please keep in mind that I started this website BEFORE I developed a dairy allergy, so there are still a few recipes that include milk, butter and cheese (as they’re popular with long time readers). 

All these recipes have a disclaimer at the top noting that they contain dairy so you’ll be able to identify them easily.

Facts About Me

  • Education: In 2006, I received my Bachelor of Arts from Wake Forest University. And in 2016, I completed post-graduate integrative health coach training at Duke University Integrative Medicine.
  • Sports: I used to be a competitive figure skater. We’re talking totally legit, sparkly costumes and all. The secret life of food bloggers, eh?
  • Favorite Dessert: This dairy free peanut butter pie. So dang good.
  • Foods I Couldn’t Live Without: Peanut butter, avocados and homemade bread.
  • Travel Bucket List: New Zealand, Ireland, Iceland

Let’s Connect

Thank you for taking the time to learn about my personal story.

And now, I’d love to get to know you!

I always enjoy hearing from you.

Until then,

Ashley 


Photos by Amy Rae Photography