3 Things I didn’t know about the Aegean Sea until I lived in Türkiye for 500 days

1. Location: Crystal Blue Embayment of the Mediterranean Sea between Greece & Türkiye 🇬🇷🩵🇹🇷

2. The waters are generally too warm for sharks to live & thrive so it feels safer than my personal ocean experiences 🦈❌

3. Still water glass days happen during perfect weather conditions seasonally & is some of the most magical experiences I had in Türkiye 🏖️ the water seems to only reflect & not move.  It’s silent, it’s vast, and it’s reflective ✨

About Together Textiles:

Cozy, sustainable, and versatile, Together Textiles designs robes and towels traditionally woven on looms in Turkey using the same techniques passed down four generations. Purchasing from Together Textiles means you are supporting an ancient craft, along with a budding family of five who loves connecting with the local communities while splitting time between Türkiye and our studio in Ohio. Follow the family business journey on Instagram @togethertextiles or read the blog togethertextiles.com/blog.

To shop Together Textiles, visit https://www.togethertextiles.com Or shop with us on Etsy or Faire.

Let’s Talk: Body Positivity

Body positivity has become a core value & has unlocked such a new euphoria.  It feels like NRE but for myself.

I always loved the idea of body positivity, I would sometimes believe in it, and always preached it, but most of my life I really, really, really didn’t like the body I was in.  No matter how young, little, strong, thick, pregnant, fit, sexy, swollen, bloated, hungry, tan: every day yielded the same terrible, UNTRUE, thoughts in my head.  Yuck!  I was disgusted with most of my appearance (except my hair..I have always honestly loved my hair ☺️).

So, what changed?  There’s a lot to unpack here but becoming a parent is prob No. 1 & needing to model my values 100% because there’s a full time audience absorbing every sound, action, look, and move I make 🤪.

These bodies we are wearing are earthly & flawed & the system is fkd & not kind & we’re all out here just trying to survive & find some joy & pleasure & connection. The weight of the world is so heavy.  What is happening in Gaza brings me to tears almost daily.  Trying to re-acclimate my family the past 6 months back to Ohio from Türkiye has been heavy too.  I miss Türkiye so much.  We all do, honestly.

Also being a caretaker of any kind of being: young, old, 1 kid, animals, 5 kids, twins, part-time, full-time, healthy, sick, disabled, abled, can feel so so hard in our modern system.

I have fantasized about not being responsible for anyone except myself.  What that life could be like.  Güven and I laughed about it a few days ago.  Flirting with the idea of our relationship without the parenthood.  I hope it goes without saying, but I’ll of course make myself clear that we are and plan to stay TOGETHER textiles HAHA. We love our kids, our partnership, our business, our life.  But it felt exciting to fantasize what that could look like with him & to remember who we were before we became who we are.

But my point is that I have enough going on 🫠.  I don’t have energy to waste on being mean to the way my body is existing in the moment.  That story is so old and I’m over it.

My body is changing constantly.  And I welcome whatever phase in the cycle I am.

I tell the kids all the time, “It’s okay to change your mind.”

I changed my mind about how I thought myself..

What should I change my mind about next? 🤭

I really love all of the bodies we are wearing.

I hope I’m late to the party and you’re reading this from that space, but if not, I hope you find your path to peace within the space you occupy during your earthly journey.

xx, Allie

Co-Founder & Creative Director & Copy Writer & Designer & Marketer & Buyer & Service & Sales & Mother & Employer & Restaurant Server & Dreamer & Yogi & BFF & Partner & Daughter & Sibling & Aunt

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To shop Turkish Towels & Cotton Robes for your home and outdoor body, visit https://www.togethertextiles.com 

About Together Textiles:

Cozy, sustainable, and versatile, Together Textiles designs bathrobes and towels traditionally woven on looms in Türkiye using the same techniques passed down four generations. Purchasing from Together Textiles means you are supporting an ancient craft, along with a budding family of five (+ our new au pair!) who loves connecting with the local communities while splitting time between Türkiye and America. Follow the family business journey on Instagram @togethertextiles or read the blog togethertextiles.com/blog.

Let's Eat: YOGHURT SOUP

In Nov, 2023, we added a new member to our family, Serap, pronounced “Sara-p” originally from Türkiye who lives with us (in Ohio) through a cultural exchange program called Au Pair International.  She provides childcare and we provide love and life experience.  A bonus to sharing a home with Serap is that she is passionate about making and sharing food.  We are fed a mixture of a vegetarian and animal protein diet sprinkled with some sweet baked goods but always made from locally sourced whole foods, plants, and spices that are in season.

She is making us new beautiful food everyday.

Most of them are (3) kids approved 😜!

Welcome to our kitchen.

Hoşgeldin 🤗.

Yoghurt Soup

materials ----------

6 glasses of water

6 tablespoons rice

1.5 cups of salty yogurt (aka Greek/Turkish Yoghurt)

1 egg yolk

1 tablespoon flour

recipe ----------

First, let's cook the rice in 6 glasses of boiled water. Then, in a separate bowl, mix the egg yolk, flour and yoghurt until smooth.

Let's put a glass of hot water in the yogurt mixture, stir it and put the marrow mixture into the soup pot. After it starts to boil, let's turn off the heat.

In a separate pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter, fry a little dried mint and add it to the soup mixture.

Afiyet olsun 😋

xx, Serap & Allie

Serap’s kitchen is housed in the Together Textile’s Ohio Head Quarters.

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To shop cotton goods for your home body, visit https://www.togethertextiles.com 

About Together Textiles:

Cozy, sustainable, and versatile, Together Textiles designs bathrobes and towels traditionally woven on looms in Türkiye using the same techniques passed down four generations. Purchasing from Together Textiles means you are supporting an ancient craft, along with a budding family of five (+ our new au pair!) who loves connecting with the local communities while splitting time between Türkiye and America. Follow the family business journey on Instagram @togethertextiles or read the blog togethertextiles.com/blog.

Let's Eat: Cheesy Makarna Lasagna

Baked minced meat pasta

In Nov, 2023, we added a new member to our family, Serap, pronounced “Sara-p” originally from Türkiye who lives with us (in Ohio) through a cultural exchange program called Au Pair International.  She provides childcare and we provide love and life experience.  A bonus to sharing a home with Serap is that she is passionate about making and sharing food.  We are fed a mixture of a vegetarian and animal protein diet sprinkled with some sweet baked goods but always made from locally sourced whole foods, plants, and spices that are in season.

She is making us new beautiful food everyday.  Most of them are (3) kids approved 😜!

Welcome to our kitchen.

Hoşgeldin 🤗.

materials ----------

calamarata italian pasta

*For internal mortar

-3 tablespoons of oil

-1 finely chopped onion

-1 finely chopped pepper

-1 finely chopped tomato

-2 tablespoons tomato basil sauce

-400 grams of ground meat

-one tablespoon of thyme, mint, salt, cumin

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*bechamel sauce

-two tablespoons of flour

-2 spoonful butter

-2 packs of cream

-half a teaspoon of salt a teaspoon of black pepper

recipe ----------

-First, we fry the onions well in oil, then we add the minced meat and continue to mix by slowly crushing them.

-After the minced meat changes color, we add pepper, tomato, tomato sauce and spices. We continue to stir until the ground meat absorbs its water. and we can close the bottom.

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bechamel sauce

-First, roast the flour in oil-free kava. then add the butter. and keep mixing. When the flour changes color, add the cream and continue mixing slowly.

-When it starts to boil, turn off the heat and let it cool.

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Cook the pasta in boiling water over high heat for 12 minutes. -Then arrange the pasta on the baking tray. Add minced meat mixture on top, béchamel sauce on top, and cheddar/mozzarella on top and 425 fh. Bake in the oven for 35 minutes.

Afiyet olsun 😋

xx, Serap & Allie

Serap’s kitchen is housed in the Together Textile’s Ohio Head Quarters.

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To shop cotton goods for your home body, visit https://www.togethertextiles.com 

About Together Textiles:

Cozy, sustainable, and versatile, Together Textiles designs bathrobes and towels traditionally woven on looms in Türkiye using the same techniques passed down four generations. Purchasing from Together Textiles means you are supporting an ancient craft, along with a budding family of five (+ our new au pair!) who loves connecting with the local communities while splitting time between Türkiye and America. Follow the family business journey on Instagram @togethertextiles or read the blog togethertextiles.com/blog.

Get Cozy: A Guide to Creating the Perfect Robe Ritual

Step 1: The Robe Rendezvous

First things first, pick out the coziest, most autumn-appropriate robe you own: think warm colors and soft fabrics. If you don't have a dedicated fall robe, a classic bathrobe will do the trick. Remember, it's all about embracing the chillier weather in comfort (& while maintaining aesthetic if that pleases you). Need a beautiful new robe? Got you.

Step 2: Coffee/ Tea Time Transformation

Next, brew yourself a steaming cup of your favorite fall tea – whether it's a spicy chai, soothing chamomile, or a classic pumpkin spice latte. Your robe ritual is all about sensory indulgence, so choose something that warms your soul and complements the season's flavors. Sip slowly and savor the taste of autumn.

Step 3: A Soundtrack for the Senses

Create a fall-themed playlist to set the mood. Think acoustic folk, soft jazz, or even the crackling of a virtual fireplace. The right tunes can transport you to a cozy autumn wonderland, enhancing your robe ritual experience. Not interested in creating your own? Listen to my personal Spotify fall playlist (<3 it to save it to your library).

Step 4: Seasonal Scents

Light some fall-scented candles or diffuse essential oils with notes of cinnamon, apple, or cedarwood. These aromas will envelop you in the essence of fall. Our friends at Hyggelight just launched an Apple + Pine scent to their collection. Shop it here.

Step 5: Nature Connection

If you have outdoor space, take your robe ritual outside. Wrap yourself in your robe, sip your tea (or PSL if you’re me!), and sit on your porch or patio. Feel the crisp air on your skin and watch the leaves fall. If you're an indoor enthusiast, simply gaze out the window or snuggle up by the window with a good book or your favorite magazine. I’ve got a new book arriving Monday I can’t wait to dive into: “Set Boundaries, Find Peace” by Nedra Glover Tawwab. The goal is to embrace the fall vibes from the comfort of your robe.

With these five steps, you'll create the perfect robe ritual to relish the chillier weather both outdoors and indoors making the most of autumn's cozy charm.

Enjoy! 🍂🍁🧥

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About Together Textiles:

Cozy, sustainable, and versatile, Together Textiles designs robes and towels traditionally woven on looms in Turkey using the same techniques passed down four generations. Purchasing from Together Textiles means you are supporting an ancient craft, along with a budding family of five who loves connecting with the local communities while splitting time between Turkey and America. Follow the family business journey on Instagram @togethertextiles or read the blog togethertextiles.com/blog.

Samos, Greece Getaway

Güven and I have made it our mission to go all out on life experiences and opportunities for connection and travel during our final chapter living in Bodrum, Turkey.  If you’ve been here a while, then you know that this experience moving our family of 5 to the other side of the world back in March 2022 has been some of our best days individually and collectively.  While we know life will look a lot different next month (we’re relocating back to Ohio!), we’re awake to the awesomeness of today and love these memories we’re designing and living out.

Last weekend, Güven and I drove 3 hours to a port village called Kusadasi, Turkey and boarded a (fast) 45 min. Ferry to Samos, Greece for a little honeymoon celebrating a decade of Güvie (Güven + Allie?!).

Our original plans were to Rhodes, Greece, but due to wildfires and evacuations, and with the recommendation of a close friend we rescheduled for the Greek island of Samos!

We arrived to the port in Vathy around noon on day 1 and after an hour and a half customs line 😑, we walked to Solid All Day Bar for a chill and design-y space with a delicious food and coffee menu.  The avocado toast and honey apple pancakes were the perfect start to our child-free getaway.

We walked around and found a car rental company (100 EUROS for 2 days), and drove 30 min. to the sweetest, yellow-est, greek village vibe-est airbnb in Mili.  After participating in the island honored siesta hours from 2-5pm, Güven and I dressed in our island linen outfits and had the most calm, beautiful, and delicious dinner at Pergamonto in Pythagoreio (15 min. drive from our airbnb).  Their special that night was the watermelon salad and those tastes were some of the highlights of the entire trip.

After dinner, we walked the streets and searched for the blue and white painted street on the edge of town.  We got there at night, and while it was lit up, the impact was different than if we had experienced it during the daytime of course.  At the end of the street, there was a little stoop where Güven and I sat and stared out at the reflection of the giant moon on the water.  It was windy but warm, dark but bright.  It was such a beautiful first day.

After a lazy (for us) morning waking up in our bright airbnb, we drove to a cute little coffee and brunch spot, Hygge* (@hygge_est2020) in the same town as our dinner the night before, Pythagoreio.  After a delicious breakfast burrito and red velvet pancakes, we drove 30 min to the north coast of the island to experience Tsamadou Beach.  It was a secluded pebble beach surrounded by forests and cliffs.  The water was deep, clear, and turquoise blue and had a white sandy bottom. Clothing and bathing suits were optional in this Greek paradise.  I’ll leave it at that.

Our amazing airbnb host reserved and decorated a table for us at her favorite seafood restaurant on the island, Nektarios in Iraion.  We enjoyed tasting the local mescal wine and eating sea food risotto.  We finished the night with some Greek coffees and hand holding through the streets sharing memories from our decade of life together.

The next morning we woke up super early to catch our morning ferry and drive home.  We left from a different port than we arrived so beware of that if you plan a trip!

Samos left me feeling so high on life.  I have been home for 3 days and I am still carrying the happiness from that trip with me all day.  I feel grateful for life experiences like these.  While listening to the Goop Podcast recently, Cleo and Rachel Cargle were discussing how they want to live in an expansive and abundant way.  The messaging resonated and also affirmed me in my own path to expansion.

Moral of the story: Visit Samos, Greece!

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About Together Textiles:

Cozy, sustainable, and versatile, Together Textiles designs robes and towels traditionally woven on looms in Turkey using the same techniques passed down four generations. Purchasing from Together Textiles means you are supporting an ancient craft, along with a budding family of five who loves connecting with the local communities while splitting time between Turkey and America. Follow the family business journey on Instagram @togethertextiles or read the blog togethertextiles.com/blog.

My Motherhood Journey

I am finally reaching a place in my motherhood journey that feels as good as it looks on Instagram.

Even though I have spent a lot of the past 5 years physically with my kids (thanks to entrepreneurship), being present to connect, feel and stay present with them hasn’t always felt available to me.

Did you know Güven and I had 2 kids under 2 years old, twice?

Reyla and Derya are 20 months a part AND Derya and Atlas are 21 months a part.  And while I had always been manifesting this “close in age, big family,” the actual making and raising of this family hasn’t been the fantasy that I was expecting.

The story actually starts before my oldest, Reyla, was born.  I don’t always acknowledge Toros’s life out loud in casual conversation because it can make people uncomfortable.  But, sometimes he feels really close, either because he entered my dream wearing an older body, or sometimes I hear him, (like its my voice in my head except its offering me a new perspective and I know in my bones that it wasn’t from me) hear him.

When he feels really close, I like to talk about him.

When someone asks how many kids I have, I mention him in the number.  Or sometimes share that he’s already passed but still part of my family.  And sometimes I remind Reyla and Derya that he came before sharing a photo of me cradling him in the hospital bed.

Toros was born at Cleveland Clinic without a bladder, stomach, and kidneys back in February 2017.  The medical world called it Bilateral Renal Agenesis.  At my 20 week ultrasound, instead of finding out what sex organs grew, we found out that Toros’s body lacked essential life organs.

I remember a lot from that day.

I remember feeling so excited to find out the gender because it would help me narrow Güven and I’s list of favorite names.

I remember feeling excited to have our “reveal” that was scheduled at a Turkish restaurant with friends and family 2 days later that people were scheduled to fly in for.

I remember the ultrasound technician making a joke about my baby’s legs being crossed already doing yoga poses in the womb (because I love practicing yoga).

I remember the technician having a hard time seeing things because there wasn’t a lot of amniotic fluid which helps makes the ultrasound picture clearer.

I remember it seeming like time was ticking in slow motion.

I remember the technician leaving the room.

I remember how cold it was.

I remember google searching “low amniotic fluid” and mentally preparing myself for some sort of bad news regarding the miracle growing inside my womb.

I remember Güven and I caressing each other’s arms reassuring each other that everything would be okay.

I remember the doctor pulling up a stool to sit, handing me a box of tissues to hold, and said my baby wouldn’t live after birth.

After the doctor left, I remember the first thoughts that my brain offered me being: Of course, the baby wouldn’t live.  I’d be too happy.  I don’t deserve to have a great life partner, AND a love child to raise.

I remember crying.

A lot of crying.

I remember the few days leading up to my scheduled labor induction for Toros (interruption of pregnancy aka abortion).  I had a handheld Doppler fetal monitor that I purchased on Amazon.  I would use it many times a day searching for a heartbeat.  I was obsessed with knowing if my body and Toros’s body would be able to keep him alive.

I wasn’t very good at finding his heartbeat in my belly using that little wand.  His heart was about the size of a thumbnail at 20 weeks gestation and I had a larger body than I was used to and feeling anxious.  Those seconds and sometimes minutes sliding the monitor wand all over the place while trying to stay calm were some really weird times.  My internal dialogues were unusually loud offering the dreadful thought that the place that Toros was supposedly safest (inside my womb) would be the place that he was killed by my moving organs and lack of amniotic fluid, and maybe worse that I wouldn’t even notice when it happened.

Toros was going to pass and that there was nothing I could do to change it.  It was heavy stuff.

I remember feeling a lot of shame; shame for my body, the situation, shame for the decision, for the sin, shame for having to tell everyone.

The shame.

I remember asking Güven on our drive home after giving birth and giving away Toros, if he thought God would forgive me?

I remember sobbing.

Together Textiles was born 5 days later and I was let go from my recruiting job at an agency 2 days after that (Feb 2017).

Reyla was born 11 months later (Jan 2018).

Then Derya was born 20 months after that (Sept 2019).

Covid stopped the world 6 months later (March 2020).

Then Atlas was born 14 months after that (June 2021).

I gave birth 4 times in 5 years (5 if you consider your small business also a child - lol).

I was active, strong, and healthy physically during those years.  I averaged 5-10k steps a day on long walks with a stroller, ate soo much fruit while snacking and smoothies, and continued yoga throughout most of that time.  I always strived to reach “pre-pregnancy” weight between pregnancies and didn’t find that to be too difficult to do honestly.  My physical self felt made to make children in that way.

But my mental self was a whole different story.

One thing that I didn’t give myself was time.  Time for rest, sleep, or alone time for reflection and processing.  I have mentioned before that I have been living my dream life but that it hasn’t always felt dreamy.  These pieces were missing and making my dream life feel awful a lot of the time.  I was too exhausted and deep in emotional bypassing to notice how much shame and unprocessed trauma I was carrying along with my changing body and responsibilities.

Although there were a series of reasons for us to move to Turkey (where I live right now) from Ohio, one personal reason for me was to create space in my life from being all the things (mom, wife, entrepreneur, friend, sibling, daughter, etc.) and sleep; and breathe, and read, and write, and lay under the sun, and walk.  I really needed time to be just me; whoever that was.

When we first arrived to Turkey, March 2022, I still struggled with finding space.  We weren’t able to find a school for the kids or a babysitter as easily as we had anticipated.  So my space was very limited in the beginning.  I remember I got a few hours on one Saturday and having an intense panic episode in the middle of the pazar (farmer’s market) because I was away from the kids and Güven.  I felt lost and dizzy and as if I couldn’t breathe without them.  My eyes couldn’t see the ground and my feet felt like they were walking up a wall.  The derealization was real.

I remember saying out loud how badly I needed a break, how badly I needed help, how badly I needed to sleep.  I also remember everyone around me trying to give me what I needed.  And they probably gave as much as they could (they were all struggling in their own ways too, of course), but it never felt enough; that I couldn’t reach the baseline I needed to reach.  It felt horrible and never-ending.  The weight was getting heavier and the distance between who I was and the relationships I had were getting bigger.  But I wasn’t feeling any closer to who I was becoming either.

All of it felt disconnected and distant and ironically simultaneously it probably looked beautiful from the outside.

Last September, my friend and life coach Steph, hosted a retreat in Turkey and it marked my beginning of finally reaching a baseline.  Where I had shed enough shame and processed enough trauma, AND caught up on sleep, AND rested, AND allowed time for reflection and processing.  My full time, live-in nanny began working for us around that time, the girls were in school, and Güven went to Chicago for a month to work for Together Textiles.

I could breathe.

Alone time began to increase.

And slowly, my alone time began to feel good instead of incite panic.

Actually, I began craving alone time.

I began protecting my alone time in a way I never had before.

And to my surprise, I began feeling good again.

I began feeling soo good.

I finally felt in control of my thoughts and my reactions.

I finally had enough space in my life to hold space for others including my children.

I finally felt like I wasn’t performing for anyone.

It all felt authentic.

I realized I wasn’t capable of holding space before because I didn’t have space for myself.

With space, I feel brand new.

I just want to be a mom who loves herself and her people with everything she has.

And I feel like I am doing that.

It feels wonderful.

I am finally reaching a place in my motherhood journey that feels as good as it looks on Instagram.

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About Together Textiles:

Cozy, sustainable, and versatile, Together Textiles designs robes and towels traditionally woven on looms in Turkey using the same techniques passed down four generations. Purchasing from Together Textiles means you are supporting an ancient craft, along with a budding family of five who loves connecting with the local communities while splitting time between Turkey and America. Follow the family business journey on Instagram @togethertextiles or read the blog togethertextiles.com/blog.

Wearing All The Hats

I wear all the hats.

In no particular order: I am a life partner, a business owner, a mom, a friend, a sibling, a daughter, an aunt, and an autonomous human being who used to struggle with juggling all of the hats. And while I can’t pretend I have it totally figured out, I can say that I stopped throwing the hats in the air and began wearing my own hat most.

I’ve been choosing to lean into what my needs are and accepting them as if they were meant for me.. because I believe that they are.

Committing to meeting my own needs as often as possible allows me to be the best version of myself as often as possible.  I like it here in this state.  I like spending time as my calm, joyful, and loving self.  It’s who I aspire to be for myself so that I can be it for the others in my life, too (and for my biz).

It needs to be said:

I am not this version of myself all day every day.

This past weekend was a national holiday for Turkey.  Schools were closed at noon on Thursday until Monday, and Reyla and Derya had a performance on Sunday at our village’s children’s festival to celebrate Children’s Day that is honored on April 23rd every year.

The long weekend was overstimulating and exhausting sprinkled with some really magical moments.  You don’t have to have 3 kids, like I do, to know what I am talking about.  Being in a caregiving role in any type of relationship can cause this type of overstimulation and exhaustion.

REAL TALK.

Some of what I experienced as a result of this long weekend:

-less sleep

I am still co-sleeping with Atlas while Güven co-sleeps with the girls.  Break up the kids’ normal routine while every body you know feeds them sugar (hello holiday time), and expect a peaceful bedtime and sleep?  It doesn’t happen, obviously.

-different diet

My days are centered around what, where, and when I feed these young mouths.  And I typically end up eating whatever they don’t eat off their plates.  Which sometimes is not a lot of food, and sometimes it’s too much food and I end up binging.  My body doesn’t feel it’s best after left over pasta, burgers, and pizza, obviously.

-less alone time

No meditating, no showering or using the bathroom without interruptions, no time to process my range of emotions, less time to connect with myself or my partner.  It’s  t o u g h .

What does all this lead to for me?

Disconnection.

It’s hard to enjoy the small moments with my kids, its hard to enter their worlds to communicate clearly, its hard to stay patient, it’s hard to not let my emotions take over while triggered, and really hard for me to communicate with my life partner.

I totally disconnect from my life and can sometimes forget happiness exists. But, those feelings are temporary.  They don’t last forever, thankfully.  And after moving through them, I can begin to reconnect again slowly beginning with myself first. I put my own hat back on before I put the kid’s hats on if we want to stick with my original analogy.

I look back on this past long weekend, and while I wasn’t  p e r f e c t (because I am never going to be that), I am super proud of how I showed up for myself, asking for rest, taking time away, requesting a NAP! .. past versions of myself would have  n e v e r  asked for a nap.

I’m doing some serious growing these days.

So proud.

So, while I wanted to spend today in creation mode and show up for Together Textiles enthusiastically, I am allowing myself to share this short story with you and catch up on some listening.  It’s important to care for myself right now because I only have until school pick up time to fill my cup before the next challenge arrives.

Some of the really magical moments I talked about earlier:

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About Together Textiles:

Cozy, sustainable, and versatile, Together Textiles designs robes and towels traditionally woven on looms in Turkey using the same techniques passed down four generations. Purchasing from Together Textiles means you are supporting an ancient craft, along with a budding family of five who loves connecting with the local communities while splitting time between Turkey and America. Follow the family business journey on Instagram @togethertextiles or read the blog togethertextiles.com/blog.

Together Textiles: Our Who and Why?

The moment I saw Güven walking into Abercrombie, where I was working in 2013, I knew he was the one for me. It wasn’t logical, it was almost impossible, and it was  e l e c t r i c .  It felt the way you feel when you know something was meant for you.

Güven and I literally grew up on the opposite sides of the world from each other (Turkey, in case you’re new here).  He had a perspective and set of life experiences that were profoundly different than mine and our communication was complicated due to English being his second language (and if I’m honest, learning and speaking English was not high on his priority list until we met although he did know some!).

Güven comes from a family of entrepreneurs.  Almost all of the men in his family had their own textile companies or worked for each other’s textile companies.  He experienced firsthand the good, the tough, and the great things entrepreneurship can offer a life.  Güven always assumed he would be an entrepreneur his entire life.

The beginning of our relationship were some of my best and  h a r d e s t  days.  We experienced some really high highs learning about each other and some really low lows when we weren’t understanding each other.  If you or someone you know is a first generation immigrant, then you know a similar experience I am sure.  I met Güven his 1st week after moving to America - so we went through it all together.

In the beginning, I asked Güven to commit to assimilation.  I thought that was the best idea at the time.  We were living in Ohio and I had a dream of a 401k retirement.  I wanted to show him the type of life and the standard of living I was working towards.  And, he did!  He worked so many jobs, acted and dressed the part, and gave all of his energy into learning and assimilation.  Ultimately though, that version of my life wasn’t working for him.

I can’t explain how we got through those first years going deeper into debt, unfulfilling jobs, suffering through the immigration process, resistance against our relationship, blatant discrimination, and a mental health crisis (my panic episodes from 2015).  But my connection with Güven was what I came home to every day.

It was time to try his idea and dream for life next:  e n t r e p r e n e u r s h i p .  We began Together Textiles, one week after we gave birth / lost our first born, Toros.  We were hurting, empty, in debt and felt really lost.  We had nothing more to lose and were ready to go  a l l  i n ; betting on ourselves, taking risks, and hustling beyond burnout (at times) to make something new, something ours.

Today, I am writing to you from a version of life where we are full time employed by our small biz while continuing to grow our family and live a life that doesn’t only look good, it feels good with almost a  d e c a d e  of togetherness.  I hope that as you’re reading this, it inspires you to take a baby step in the direction that will get you closer to that next version of life that  f e e l s  as good as it looks, too!

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About Together Textiles:

Cozy, sustainable, and versatile, Together Textiles designs robes and towels traditionally woven on looms in Turkey using the same techniques passed down four generations. Purchasing from Together Textiles means you are supporting an ancient craft, along with a budding family of five who loves connecting with the local communities while splitting time between Turkey and America. Follow the family business journey on Instagram @togethertextiles or read the blog togethertextiles.com/blog.

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To shop Together Textiles, visit https://www.togethertextiles.com 

We Went to Olympos, Antalya, Turkey!

Güven and I went on a weekend getaway to Cirali, Antalya, Turkey. Here’s a photo gallery from our Antalya adventures.

April 7-10, 2023

Where we stayed:

Cirali Hera Hotel

Where we ate:

Breakfast: Included and delicious at our Hotel

Lunch: Kara Kedi Beach Restaurant, Simge Kitchen + Bar

Dinner: Cirali Hera Restaurant, Karakus

Coffee + Ice Cream: The Beaver Coffee Shop, Santana Dondurma

Adventures:

Beach hike to Olympos Ancient City

Hiking Ancient Volcano Chimaera

Paddle Boarding on the Mediterranean Sea

LOOKBOOK / SPRING 2023

Poolside Turkish Towels with their Exterior Architecture Colorway Inspiration in Cihangir, Istanbul, Turkey.

A Still Life Photo Journal: Textiles, Fruit, Flowers & Vegetables

A still life gallery featuring our newest Turkish towel collection: Poolside and the beautiful flower, fruit and vegetable models.

POOLSIDE - ICY

POOLSIDE - PALM

POOLSIDE - GELATO

POOLSIDE - PUNCH

POOLSIDE - SHALLOW END

POOLSIDE - SHADE

POOLSIDE - FROSé

POOLSIDE - CITRUS

Photos & Styling by Steph Sheldon

WHAT ARE TURKISH TOWELS?

Authentically designed from organic Turkish cotton, Turkish towels are multi use companions at home for the bath, or a cozy throw blanket, and on-the-go ready as a warm wrap/scarf. Take the lightweight towels from the house to the stroller, picnic, festival, and everything in between.

Behind the scenes

About Together Textiles:

Cozy, sustainable, and versatile, Together Textiles designs robes and towels traditionally woven on looms in Turkey using the same techniques passed down four generations. Purchasing from Together Textiles means you are supporting an ancient craft, along with a budding family of five who loves connecting with the local communities while splitting time between Turkey and America. Follow the family business journey on Instagram @togethertextiles

The People of Together Textiles

A Spring Collaboration with Textiles, Food, and Home

While in Istanbul, I had the opportunity to collaborate with 3 other female entrepreneurs during an afternoon lunch party hosted in our amazing Rene Home designed by Rana Dilara Gork.  Our delicious Turkish food was prepared by Ayça Erdem, a food blogger based in Cleveland, Ohio, who was in Istanbul visiting family.  And Steph Sheldon, my creative partner and photographer was also there to capture the magic of the collaboration.

The textures, colors, smells, spaces, tastes, and human connections were electric.

Here’s a glimpse into that afternoon..

Why Every Season is Robe Season

Hi Robe Lover,

Güven (my life and biz partner) believes robe season is {almost} over. But I believe..

every season is robe season.

Of course it depends on the fiber content and weight of your robe.

You wouldn’t wear a wool blended (Lüks) robe in July in Arizona, but you could wear a short length, cotton (Kiss the Skin) or mid-length muslin fabric (Natural State) robe during the warmer seasons for sure.

My need to slide something soft and modest on to transition from my bed to my morning rituals doesn’t change based on the outdoor weather.

Which for me is immediately becoming a mom and being told how hungry everyone is and how I am not moving fast enough. #momlife

my need for something absorbent and cozy to transition from morning shower to glam and dressing doesn’t change based on the outdoor weather.

Which for me is braiding and brushing everyones hair, and cleaning everyone’s eyes and noses from sleep. #IYKYK

My need to remove my outdoor clothes from the active part of my day to transition to a calm and grounding evening doesn’t change based on the outdoor weather.

Which for me is after-school meltdowns and debates over dinner and bathing options. #parenthood

Last year, I designed and launched two robe collections with this in mind.  I wanted a robe that could transition through all of the seasons of life.  One that felt beautiful but {equally important} functional.

So, I’m asking you..

Do you wear your robe year-round?

if you answered no, do you aspire to have a robe to wear in every season?

I am on the forever mission to spread the good news that #robelife is the best life.  And you can live that life in every season if you want to.

Photos: Steph Sheldon

Flamingos Migrate to Turkey During the Winter

Have you ever had a pink plastic flamingo lawn ornament?

Be honest. My sorority annex house at Kent State had one outside for some time. Ahh, memories of college.

Have you ever seen a flamingo out in the wild?!

I never thought that I’d be sitting here on Monday morning in my co-working space (aka my favorite farm fresh market in my village), researching about flamingos on wikipedia.  Probably the last time I studied about flamingos it was in the third grade while attending Richer Elementary in Massachusetts.

Yesterday, my personal trainer (and close friend), Digba invited Güven, the kids, and I to seek wild flamingos that have recently arrived from Southern Africa to hang out and feed during the winter.  I actually didn’t really believe her but of course said yes to see what in the world she’s talking about.

Unfortunately, the flamingos are not GPS trackable and move around throughout the day feeding on the delicious shrimp in Güllük Bay (in Bodrum where we are currently living).  We saw hundreds of flamingos in some water off the road we were driving and began trying to get closer but the earth road we were driving began to get too rocky and slushy for our little white car to drive.  But after 2 more stops off the coast, we reached a place where we could see a flamboyance (new word for you, too?!) of flamingos resting as the day turned to dusk balancing on one leg to preserve body heat, and burying their faces into their bodies basically living their best cozy life.

After witnessing these calm and beautiful creatures living their best lives feeding off the most delicious Aegean shrimp, I was excited to share this experience with you!

It’s not my first time seeing flamingos (hello growing up attending American zoo’s), but seeing them being free and I know I said it already twice but they looked like they were living such a peaceful life in the wild.  I know how beautiful this place (Bodrum, Turkey) is because I live here too.  The sun comes out almost every day, the sea is gentle and sometimes resembles glass, and the land is practically empty (compared to summer time because a lot of people only live here seasonally).

It is peaceful. The flamingos get it!

I am so happy to have designed a life that supports myself and my family to be here during this time.  Weaving family, work, adventure and fun is something I am very grateful for these days.  I love doing this life together and taking you with us along the journey. I hope you get to experience witnessing flamingos in the wild some day too. If you come to Turkey, reach out to us!

From my flamingo winter sanctuary,

xx, Allie

About Together Textiles:

Cozy, sustainable, and versatile, Together Textiles designs robes and towels traditionally woven on looms in Turkey using the same techniques passed down four generations. Purchasing from Together Textiles means you are supporting an ancient craft, along with a budding family of five who loves connecting with the local communities while splitting time between Turkey and America. Follow the family business journey on Instagram @togethertextiles.

3 Tips To A Happier Winter Season

This colder season tends to make us humans expend a lot more energy in the pursuit of staying warm.   In the midwest, where I’ve spent a big chunk of my life, it is a time of grey and often wind, ice, sleet, and snow.  As humans, we clench our muscles and tend to stay indoors and inactive to hide from the elements more than usual.  Incorporating these 3 easy steps into my daily routine has had such a beautiful impact on my life, I want to share it with you!

The secret lies in reconnecting to my body and the earth in a literal way.

1. Move Your Body

Increase blood circulation at least once a day.  It can be as little as increasing your speed as you scale the steps to your home or office, or doing 5 push ups while your child is using the toilet and insists you supervise the event.  I believe all of it and any of it counts as long as it is intentional.

2. Drink The Wild Air (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

Breathe fresh air every morning even if you don’t typically have to leave the home or if you WFH.  Slow down to notice the weather, your body, and your mind.  Often my kids beat me there and begin reporting on our outdoor street animals.  This is my favorite morning ritual.

3. Dress For The Weather

This should be obvious but I am always surprised by the people that are unable to enjoy parts of their life because they simply won’t wear boots to keep their feet warm, or a scarf to keep their face warm during their DAILY outdoor commutes.  In fact, while doing No. 2 and breathing fresh air in the morning, take note of the things you will need to prepare yourself for your outdoor experience.  It is easier to have different and varied thoughts when you aren’t rushing and putting your body in survival mode while walking out to your car.

For me, this looks like waking up to Derya’s daily, “dud mornin, mommy,” and Reyla lovingly kicking me telling me “çiş geldi,” (aka potty time).  I wrap up in my wool robe, while the kids take turns using the toilet and I move my body (doing a few push ups with Atlas on my back).  Then we head to our sun room where I open the window to drink the wild air.  We prepare for our outdoor commute to pre-school by dressing appropriately for the weather and head off to the next part of our day (our pre-school feeds the kids breakfast FTW).

With the winter solstice coming next week (whaaat?!), it is important to take care of ourselves.  As parents, it is our most important job to be as healthy, happy, and well-rested as possible to be our best selves for our job to raise these beautiful young humans.  I’ve said it before, but I have to say it again: I am so proud to show my kids what it is like to love my partner, my career, and my life.  I wish all of those things for you too especially now during the grey months ahead.

From my cozy home office to yours,

xx Allie

Photos: Steph Sheldon

About Together Textiles:

Minimal, sustainable, and versatile, Together Textiles designs robes and towels traditionally hand-spun on looms one at a time in Turkey using the same techniques passed down four generations. Purchasing from Together Textiles means you are supporting an ancient craft, along with a budding family of five who loves connecting with the local community. Follow the family business journey on Instagram @togethertextiles.

Intentional Living Ritual for The Homebody

Are you someone who likes to design your space and create an ambiance just to relax comfortably?

For some people that means lighting a candle and turning on (and off) certain lights, and for some it might be a more detailed ritual of cleaning, skin care and robe wearing before settling into the calmer part of the day.

For me, scent has always been something I have enjoyed adding to my space. I’ve recently been introduced to Bodha, a therapeutic perfume brand based in Los Angeles run by fellow life + Business partners: Emily & Fred. They specialize in adding therapeutic scents to minimally and beautifully designed objects and ceramics.

I have been using the Ritual Oil Diffuser in Cloud Grey during my intentional living daily ritual. The smell of the Calm oil fills my space beautifully and helps to keep me in the present (I guess my kids also help with that, they aren’t often focused on the future or the past the same way adults tend to be!).

As a lifelong candle burning person, I wasn’t sure I was going to enjoy heating oil this way but I was pleasantly surprised at how much I loved the disbursement of scent and the containment of the flame. My kids always want to blow my candle out the moment I light it, but they don’t even notice the flame inside my oil diffuser! A mom win!

I love sharing brands and objects that enhance my homebody life. I know you’ll love this brand too - check them out here: https://bodha.com

From my cozy home office to yours,

xx Allie

Photos: Fleeting Fox Photography, Styling: Steph Sheldon

About Together Textiles:

Minimal, sustainable, and versatile, Together Textiles designs robes and towels traditionally hand-spun on looms one at a time in Turkey using the same techniques passed down four generations. Purchasing from Together Textiles means you are supporting an ancient craft, along with a budding family of five who loves connecting with the local community. Follow the family business journey on Instagram @togethertextiles.

Cappadocia: Our Romantic Getaway

The day I met Güven in a mall in Cleveland, I went to Barnes and Noble and began researching Turkey. When he mentioned that is where he is from in our short introduction, I realized I knew absolutely nothing about that country. As a college educated and (what I considered) well traveled human, I was excited to learn his language, culture, and land.

I remember seeing photos of 100+ hot air balloons over a rugged landscape with the sun rising and thinking what in the world?! That day, I couldn’t have conceived the fact that 9 years later, I would be standing inside one of those hot air balloons experiencing the start of a new day over such a mysterious and ancient land married to that guy I met in a mall in Cleveland that one random day at work.

This was our first kid free vacation as a couple in 5 years. Sure, we’ve done a lot of traveling in those 5 years but it has always been with kids (aka not a vacation from normal life) or for work (still great memories but again, not vacation).

Why did we choose Cappadocia?

This land is ancient. It has been home to humans for thousands of years and spans multiple empires. It was a destination along the Silk Road and is home to the church of St. John the Baptist!

I was never that big into history because my comprehension has always been a huge obstacle in my life. But as I get to live and travel on this land in Turkey, it’s easy to feel more curious about the people who came before me.

Cappadocia is listed as a United Nations World Heritage Site. 60 Million years ago, two large volcanos erupted violently. Over time, wind and water erosion sculpted the landscape forming the pinnacles and peaks known as ‘fairy chimneys’ which makes this land feel magical.

Where we stayed:

We booked a beautifully designed room at Serinn House in Ürgüp. It is along the mountain caves overlooking the town of Göreme National Park. The owner, Eren, was such a lovely host offering the best of Turkish hospitality. Serinn House has only five guest rooms, individually designed by Turkish architect Rifat Ergor. Our first night was a Tuesday and the hotel was nearly empty. I remember experiencing such a profound silence while inside our cave room. It was an overwhelming silence. I think I liked it but it took me some time to relax inside of it. It was unlike anything I had experienced before.

Day 1

Hot Air Balloon Ride:

We booked our hot air balloon for our first morning in Cappadocia because if the weather isn’t cooperative, the event could be delayed by an entire day for safe floating conditions. For us, this event was important to experience having never been floating in the sky before so be booked it for the first possible morning!

We booked with Royal Balloon. They have almost 900 google reviews with a 4.7 rating. For me, safety and the best experience were motivating factors for that decision, although there are soooo many other companies and options available too. Our guide spoke multiple languages, had witty commentary, was knowledgable about the land, and was an expert balloon pilot. Our weather was perfect for a slow and exploratorive trip through the Göreme National Park. We hovered between rock formations in Lover’s Valley and photobombed influencers and couple’s photoshoots. It was calm and exciting.

Biking Lover’s Valley:

We rented bikes in the downtown area of Göreme. There are many options along the main strip - I don’t remember our specific company we rented from. Unknowingly, we chose a tough route to the top of Lover’s Valley having to bike all the way up to the top of the cliffs. It was as exhausting as it sounds especially having not ridden a bicycle in over a year if not longer! The views from the top were similar to our hot air balloon experience so if we had the chance to do it again, we would choose to ride inside the valley through the phallic shaped formations to have a new view and perspective.

Dinner:

Ziggy’s Cafe

Seeking a beautiful and chill atmosphere with delicious fresh food, we went to Ziggy’s Cafe which was walking distance from our hotel. We shared a bottle of wine, appetizers and dessert over the course of 2 hours sharing and reliving the events of the day. It was an intimate evening setting - the perfect end to an eventful day. The evening walk home was chilly but I brought a wool blanket with me as a shawl and loved seeing the night sky shine so bright.

Day 2

Derinkuyu Underground City:

40 min. drive south from our Hotel

This multi-level underground city was carved out of the soft volcanic rock to house up to 20,000 humans + their livestock and food stores during the Byzantine and Arab wars. Later, Christians took refuge in this city hiding from Mongolian incursions in the 14th century.

Per wiki, It extends around 280 feet (80 meters) into the earth which feels claustrophobic if you ask me but was absolutely fascinating to experience firsthand.

The Greeks were the last population to live in Derinkuyu but left in 1923 during the population exchange of Greece and Turkey. If you’ve never heard about that exchange, basically it was a mutual agreement based on religion (not language or ethnicity) to restore peace in the land. Christian’s went to Greece and Muslims came to Turkey and the underground tunnel network and cities were abandoned.

They were rediscovered in 1963 during a home renovation project and have been open to the public since 1969. Güven remembers a trip with his Mom there as a child running and playing in the underground city!

Ihlara Valley:

40 min. drive southwest from Derinkuyu

This canyon was formed by the Melendiz river in prehistoric times. It is 500ish feet deep (150 meters) and 10 miles long (15 kilometers). Byzantine monks carved houses and churches in the stone in this giant valley to hide from the Roman Empire.

There was a beautiful floating restaurant in the (now) tiny river where we enjoyed the kebab that this central region of Anatolia is known for: testi kebab.

Testi Kebab:

Lamb meat and vegetables placed in a clay jug.

Sealed shut with fresh bread.

Cooked in coals in a clay oven in the earth.

Simmers for hours.

They open the clay jug in front of you.

Pour it into an iron plate.

It is soooooo hot. I did totally burn my mouth multiple times but it was as delicious as it sounds too.

Dinner:

Prokopi Restaurant

On our way to Ziggy’s for dinner the night before, I remembered passing a beautiful restaurant I wanted to return to named Prokopi. We enjoyed a chilly, candlelit dinner outside, and dessert inside by the fireplace. It was very busy, next time we will make reservations before arriving for sure.

As this vacation has come to an end, and this year is wrapping up, I sit here with so much joy and love in my heart. The things I am doing, the people I am with, the places I am going, I am treasuring this season of my life. It feels special that I get to share it with people I really love.

Hope you’re sharing joy with loved ones these days too.

Warmly,

xx Allie

About Together Textiles:

Minimal, sustainable, and versatile, Together Textiles designs robes and towels traditionally hand-spun on looms one at a time in Turkey using the same techniques passed down four generations. Purchasing from Together Textiles means you are supporting an ancient craft, along with a budding family of five who loves connecting with the local community. Follow the family business journey on Instagram @togethertextiles.

Sources:

https://www.serinnhouse.com

https://tr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derinkuyu

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cappadocia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ihlara_valley

LOOKBOOK / FALL 2022

A beautiful collaboration of friendship, love, and artistic vision dreamed and actualized this photoshoot for our Fall 2022 Lookbook featuring our newest Turkish Cotton Bathrobe: A Natural State.

Brand Vision: Allie Arpaci

Creative Vision: Steph Sheldon

Photography: Fleeting Fox

Models: Didem + Ercan

Location: Mountains in Mugla, Turkey