Ali Wren

whole-hearted living, healthy-minded eating

Overcoming the Comparison Trap

There is something wrong with me, I used to think. Constantly comparing myself to everyone else–friends, family, colleagues, and even strangers on the internet, I was stuck in a trap. The comparison trap. Appearance, talents, status, possessions, relationships, money. You name it. I never measured up, always fell short, felt worthless, and wanted to be […]

Apple Pear Crisp

Last week I signed up for my first Green BEAN Delivery order* (I love supporting local farmers and artisans), and I decided to order organic red Starkrimson pears, golden delicious apples, gala apples, and honey crisp apples from the produce selection. (I guess you could say that autumn was on the brain!) This dessert is […]

In Real Life: The Influence Conference

I attended my second Influence Conference this past weekend. It was an unforgettable experience–one which I am still unpacking. I met some incredible women, and experienced deep, raw conversations with friends old and new. I kept saying, “I can’t believe we get to meet in real life!” Key points I never want to forget from this weekend:  A […]

Top 7 Allergy-Friendly Local Restaurants in Downtown Indy

My favorite healthy-minded and allergy-friendly local restaurants in the downtown Indy area.

A Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Review of Charleston

After Nashville, Adam and I drove to Charleston, South Carolina (check out #wrensflysouth on instagram). As you might guess, Charleston has a lot of southern comfort food, which is often not gluten-free or dairy-free. Here are a few food places we tried, from the perspective of a gluten-free and dairy-free foodie. Minero  Highlights: James Beard award-winning […]

A Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Review of Nashville

Adam and I went on a trip to explore the south (check out #wrensflysouth on instagram). Here are a few new places we tried, from the perspective of a gluten-free and dairy-free foodie. A Matter of Taste Highlights: crisp, clean, white + cool ambiance; sweet potato fries; everything is gluten-free. Lowlights: snippy, eye-rolling bartender; no […]

Strawberry Basil Salsa

Fresh strawberries. Pineapple. Mango. Basil. Lime. Tortilla Chips. Grilled chicken. Avodaco. Spinach… The flavors of summer. (Is your mouth watering yet?) This sweet strawberry salsa recipe was inspired by a spicy strawberry salsa at Whole Foods. Its sweet flavor combines great with something salty. I have a feeling that you won’t be disappointed with this recipe! […]

Colorado’s Tears

I don’t know about you, but whenever I’m around a lot of people, especially when I’m traveling, I love to people watch. I find myself wanting to know everyone’s stories. Not in an extroverted, small-talk kind of way. In a deep, get-to-know-you kind of way. In my head I’m asking, “What’s your story? How did […]

Artie’s Paleo on the Go!

The dirty little secret of eating clean, paleo, gluten-free, whole30, etc. is something not enough people talk about: food prep. That is to say, the hours upon hours of messy kitchens and meticulous food prep that go into preparing a meal. At the most inconvenient times, nonetheless. Often, the times you are most tempted to […]

My Prayer for All Women

This week I will finish supervising my third consecutive student teacher. Over the last three years, I’ve gotten to know several 22-year olds, and I’ve been thinking a lot about this generation of women. And I’ve been thinking about my role in their lives. I find myself praying for the next generation of women. Crying […]