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Current faves: Moving day, easy breakfasts, TV and workouts

February 12, 2021 By Ashley 4 Comments

Greetings from moving day! Yesterday, we closed on our house, and today, we will be reunited with all of our belongings during our official move. We’re pretty excited to get settled and officially begin being Charlotte residents. We found an awesome house in the Ballantyne area, south of the city center, and I’ll share some pictures of it soon. It’s totally different from our California house, which is exactly what we were hoping for.

But, let’s talk about this week: This week, I worked, taught classes, did a virtual tour of a potential preschool, had a welcome call for a new Beautycounter team member and friend (hi Nicole!) and did all the potty training with Brady, which means we didn’t get out of the AirBnB all that much to explore.

I mentioned the potty training on Instagram stories last week and had an outpouring of advice and support from you. I truly appreciated it all, as I found potty training to be incredibly frustrating. But we followed the advice from this book, and we’re making good progress now. I’ll get back to that topic one day soon. 

Say hello to our potty trainee … 🙂

Ashley and Brady at William Davie Park by A Lady Goes West February 2021

Now, let’s do some faves …

Current faves

Food

RX A.M. Oats

I had totally forgotten about this one until now (note the Christmas tree in the first picture below for time reference). A couple of months before we moved, I received a care package from RXBar with the brand’s new RX A.M. Oats cups, and let me tell you: I quite enjoyed them.

These are single-serve oats in a little cup, and all you do is add a hot liquid, let them sit, then enjoy. You can also add a cold liquid and put them in the fridge overnight, but I never tried that method. Here are some of my IG stories about these oats …

RX AM oats by A Lady Goes West February 2021

RX AM oats breakfast cup by A Lady Goes West February 2021

I thought all the flavors were pretty good, but Apple Cinnamon was my favorite. Instead of water, I added oat milk, a banana and Brazil nuts to most servings for a little extra oomph. I definitely enjoyed them and felt like they filled me up as a decent and super-easy breakfast.

RX AM oats breakfast by A Lady Goes West February 2021

The nutritional content is pretty good, and they have 12 grams of protein. I feel like eating this sort of breakfast is very convenient, but for the long-term, I would only eat them every once in a while, because it’s a lot of waste to have an individual container, if you know what I mean. But for times like I’ve been in, this type of breakfast is exactly what I needed. Worth a grab at the store.

Entertainment

“Designated Survivor” on Netflix

This is one of those series that Dave had to convince me to watch, because I didn’t think I’d be interested, then I was totally pulled in. I had never heard of “Designated Survivor” with Keifer Sutherland before, but apparently it was on ABC for two seasons, before being grabbed up by Netflix, who produced the show’s third and final season. It’s a drama — not even slightly a comedy — and if you read the description, it’s coined a political thriller.

There are a ton of episodes, and the first two seasons are amazing. I will admit the last and shortest season isn’t the best, and the ending leaves a lot of questions. But both Dave and I were totally into this show.

Here’s the basis: There is someone called a “designated survivor” who has to remain at a safe undisclosed separate location when all members of high-ranking government gather in person, so that if there is an accident, that designated person is left to govern.

Designated Survivor by A Lady Goes West February 2021

(Image source: ABC)

Kiefer Sutherland is the low-ranking designated survivor. And he gets thrust into the presidency after a bombing of the capitol building, which killed nearly all of congress and the executive branch.

Everything in the show is so believable, and makes you wonder if crazy things like it happen in real life in politics. And we just happened to be watching the show during the presidential election too, which made it that much more entertaining.

This type of show is not my normal choice, but I really enjoyed it. The episodes are super stressful, and they are 45 minutes long. If you’re into that sort of thing, go for it on Netflix. We need to find a new series now, any suggestions?

Beauty

Last chance deals on some brushes, powders and more

Who doesn’t love a deal? Beautycounter has quite a few big product launches coming up this year, so they are making room by discontinuing some items, like the older lipgloss, the kids’ body wash, makeup brushes, eye masks, liquid eyeliner and more.

These items are super discounted on final sale right now. Shop the Last Chance section here.

Last Chance by A Lady Goes West February 2021

Workouts

Weekly workouts 

Here’s a look at my workouts from last week …

Weekly workouts by A Lady Goes West

  • Monday: 40-minute BODYPUMP via Les Mills On Demand, 6 p.m.
  • Tuesday: Taught 45-minute barre class on Motus, 3 p.m.
  • Wednesday: 30-minute full-body weights via Peloton, 6 p.m.
  • Thursday: Taught 45-minute barre class on Motus, 3 p.m.
  • Friday: 20-minute lower-body weights, 15-minute Pilates via Peloton, 3 p.m.
  • Saturday: 40-minute weights circuit at gym, 11 a.m.
  • Sunday: Rest day

This past week had something different. I got a guest pass to try a gym. It was my first time back in a real big-box gym in more than 11 months. I had mixed thoughts on it, to tell you the truth (and you can find some of them in this post on Instagram).

I didn’t love working out in a mask, I didn’t love finding that equipment I wanted to use was occupied, and I didn’t love feeling concerned about others around me not wearing their masks properly. But other than that, I did get in a good workout. Here’s what I did …

Gym workout by A Lady Goes West February 2021

The rest of the week included variety, so I’m good with it.

Discounts 

A Lady Goes West recommended favorite products

I only share what I use and love in my own life, and here are some of the brands I swear by. And when you use my discount codes and links, you support me, so thanks for that …

  • Fit Revolution. Get a 14-day trial and 33 percent off your first month of this amazing workout platform (where you can take my classes on demand) with the code ASHLEYPITT3PC1.
  • Carbon38. The coolest activewear around. Get 15 percent off your first two orders of $100 or more using the code ASHLEYPITT. 
  • G2G protein bars. I love these tasty and minimal-ingredient protein bars. You can get 15 percent off your order on the G2G Bar site with the code ALADYGOESWEST. 
  • Organifi superfood supplements. I’m all about the Organifi Complete Plant-Based protein powder. You can get 15 percent off your order on the Organifi site with the code ALADYGOESWEST.
  • Four Sigmatic. These superfood coffees and teas are so good — I especially love the Cacao Chill and Lion’s Mane Latte. Get 15 percent off your order on the site using the code ALADYGOESWEST.
  • Beautycounter. The best safe skincare and makeup. Send me a message, and I’ll share a 20 percent off code for your very first order.
  • Les Mills On Demand streaming workouts. My favorite fitness brand. You can do a whole month of workouts during a free 30-day trial by using my special referral link here.
  • Les Mills Coach program. You can get 15 percent off a 4-, 8- or 12-week guided coaching and accountability program with the code ASHLEY15.

Best reads

A few things from around the web 

  • Praise for the Clean Deo. Beautycounter’s new clean and refillable deodorant is making so many headlines for good reason. All of my clients who have bought it have loved it, and even celeb Jennifer Garner said it’s the best she’s ever used. Check out this praise. And shop the Clean Deo with me here.
  • Podcast with Autumn Calabrese. This was a long, but very informative, podcast interview with popular Beachbody trainer Autumn Calabrese on “The Model Health Show” (which is the first podcast I ever listened to and one of the best there is). The episode covers listening to your gut, eating good food and how your palate can change over time and much more. Really enjoyed it.

Here’s the quote of the week from the Calm app, which I use to do my daily morning guided meditations. I can’t believe I’ve been meditating regularly for two years now …

Calm quote about presence by A Lady Goes West February 2021

A Lady Goes West favorite archives 

  • Additions. This was a random, but fun, one to write … “Five new things I’ve added to my life in the last year that I love.”

Five new things I've added to my life in the last year that I love by A Lady Goes West

  • Weights workouts. Here’s a round-up of what my solo weights workouts look like … “Super short resistance workouts you can do in less than 30 minutes.”

Super short resistance workouts you can do in less than 30 minutes by A Lady Goes West

Thank you for clicking over to read A Lady Goes West today! Have a wonderful day and weekend, friends! I’ll be checking in from the new house on Instagram, so join me there for a preview. 🙂 

Questions of the day

How was your week?

What TV series are you watching right now that you’d recommend?

What do you usually eat for breakfast?

Filed Under: Food, Friday Favorites, Weekly Workouts Tagged With: Beautycounter, breakfast, Designated Survivor, Netflix, RX A.M. Oats, weights workouts

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About Ashley

I'm a mom and fitness instructor in Charlotte, North Carolina. And A Lady Goes West is where I share fitness, wellness and clean beauty tips, as well as stories from my life.
 
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Comments

  1. Alexa says

    February 13, 2021 at 9:22 pm

    Congrats on the new home! Good luck unpacking and settling in!

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      February 14, 2021 at 8:41 am

      Thank you, Alexa! It’s so nice to have a spot to settle, but boy is unpacking exhausting! Hope you are doing well! 🙂

      Reply
  2. India says

    February 27, 2021 at 12:23 am

    Oh my gosh! So many big things. You are amazing for handling all of them and getting some self care in too. What’s your Peloton username? I just ordered my bike! Can’t believe it. We have 2 kids now & it seems the time to workout is so limited. But I’d love to see the classes you do for recommendations! I don’t know where to start…

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      February 27, 2021 at 8:35 am

      Hi India! That’s so great — I hope you love your Peloton. My name is AshleySuzi — and I would HIGHLY recommend choosing beginner classes and going into the programs/collections and following one of the getting started plans to do a mixture of cycling and strength and stretching. You’ll love it!!

      Reply

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Hi, I'm Ashley. I'm a mom and fitness instructor living in Charlotte, North Carolina. I love to help you live a balanced life with no extremes, making sure you never skip a rest day. A Lady Goes West is where I share my workouts, simple meals, clean beauty tips and wellness insight with you. Find out more about me and stay awhile!

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Brady was all smiles for his first official day of Brady was all smiles for his first official day of preschool as a Charlotte resident (while wearing big-boy undies, BTW). And let's be honest, I was all smiles too. Although I love spending every waking second with this adorable curly haired boy, I also love some time to myself, so I can fit more work into the regular workday and maybe a workout too. Fun fact: Even though I'm an extrovert, over the last year, nothing seems to recharge me like some time alone to think and just be -- and that's not always easy to come by as a mom of a toddler during a year-long pandemic. What recharges you, friends? Hope you can get some of it this week.
G.I.V.E.A.W.A.Y! 🎉 Who gets excited for protein G.I.V.E.A.W.A.Y! 🎉 Who gets excited for protein powder like I do? I've tried so many protein powders over the years, and this is hands-down my favorite -- Organifi Complete Plant-Based Protein. It's 100 percent organic, has no soy, no whey, it's vegan, gluten free and dairy free, and each serving has 20 grams of plant-based protein. But the most important part: It tastes delicious mixed with nothing but water. I'm a fan of the chocolate flavor, but the vanilla is good too. I drink this protein powder several times a week, and I look forward to it after a tough workout. As a little thank-you for following, I'd love to give away one tub of @organifi protein to one lucky winner. And if you want to try out anything from Organifi in the future, my code, ALADYGOESWEST, gets you 15 percent off on the site, and I highly recommend the GOLD powder for a nightly relaxing treat too.
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Here's how to enter to win:
(1) Like this post.
(2) Follow @aladygoeswest and @organifi.
(3) Leave a comment on this post telling me which flavor you want to try and tag a friend.
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Each comment is an entry, and you can leave more than one. This giveaway is not associated with Instagram and will close Saturday, March 6. You must live in the U.S. in order to win. Thanks for playing and good luck!
I've got to be honest, I'm much more of a writer t I've got to be honest, I'm much more of a writer than an Instagrammer and many times I feel like what I want to share doesn't fit well into a grid. But I'm able to bring much more long-form content to my blog each week. Speaking of that, this week, I debuted a new series called "A Lady Goes West Advice Corner" which has been something I've wanted to put together for a while. In this series, I'm taking totally anonymous questions from YOU and giving you some neutral third-party advice on it all. Here are the questions I addressed in the first advice corner edition:
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-“I became a first-time mom last spring and am currently dealing with all things motherhood. How do I deal with my expectations vs. reality of being a mom?" (such a good one, and I've been there)
-“How do you deal with days when you don't love your body? I think we can all relate to looking in the mirror and being disappointed with what we see?" (this happens to us all)
-“How do you deal with comparing yourself to others on social media and not feeling like everyone is doing things better than you?" (spoiler alert: everyone has their issues that you don't see)
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The answers are long, they come from my heart, and I hope they can provide some value to you! If this is something you're interested in, head over to A Lady Goes West today to check it out, and you can submit a question for the next edition.
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Here's the direct link: https://aladygoeswest.com/ask-me-anything-a-lady-goes-west-advice-corner-first-edition/
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Have a great night, friends! And when in doubt, talk it out.
G.I.V.E.A.W.A.Y closed! 🎉 Who doesn't love a co G.I.V.E.A.W.A.Y closed! 🎉 Who doesn't love a collagen giveaway? As a little thank-you for following, I wanted to do a giveaway of one of my favorite products. I've been using Vital Proteins collagen in my morning tea latte for years, and not only does the collagen creamer add a great taste, but it also supports healthy hair, skin, nails and joints too. Today, I'm giving away not only one canister of collagen creamer, but also a canister of collagen peptides to one lucky winner.
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Here's how to enter:
(1) Like this post.
(2) Follow @aladygoeswest and @vitalproteins.
(3) Leave a comment on this post tagging a friend who wants healthy skin and joints.
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You can leave as many comments as you want, and each one serves as an entry. You can earn an additional entry by sharing this post to your stories and tagging me. This giveaway closes on Saturday, February 27. The winner must live in the U.S. And this giveaway is not associated with Instagram. Good luck, and thanks for being here! 🙂 xoxo
HOME! We closed on and moved into our home in Char HOME! We closed on and moved into our home in Charlotte over the weekend, and we're so excited to get settled in our new neighborhood, city and state after many weeks of transition. In honor of this momentous occasion, I thought it would be fun to look back at the places Dave and I have lived together over the last 12 years. Here's what it has looked like -- and each place has been special for different reasons:
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-2009-2012 in a high-rise condo in downtown Orlando, where we lived when we got married.
-2012-2013 in a one-bedroom apartment in South of Market in San Francisco, which was always freezing no matter the time of day or year.
-2013-2014 in a tiny studio apartment in Nob Hill in San Francisco, which was only 550-square-feet, but we could hear the cable cars out of our always-open windows, so that was cool.
-2014-2017 in a two-bedroom townhouse in Walnut Creek, where we brought home both Rudy and Brady and had many sleepless nights.
-2017-2021 in a house that we owned in Pleasant Hill outside of San Francisco, which was across the street from a Starbucks so we went there way too often.
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And now we're here in Charlotte. It's good to be home! I'd love to know: Where do you call home?
Soulmates. ❤️ Whether you’re loving on other Soulmates. ❤️ Whether you’re loving on others or just yourself today, my little crew is wishing you a wonderful Valentine’s Day!
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A Lady Goes West is a personal blog meant for entertainment purposes only and does not serve as a substitute for professional advice from your own doctor, trainer or nutritionist. While I'm a certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor, the workouts, food and plans I post are what works for me and may not work for you. Please enjoy these stories and tips from my life, but proceed with caution. Also, know that affiliate links and sponsored posts appear from time-to-time, and I appreciate your support. For more information about how your data is stored, visit my Privacy Policy. Thanks for reading!

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