Hello, my friends! And a very happy end-of-the-week going out to you! I hope things have been going well in your world. Between blogging, working a lot of hours, hitting the gym and taking care of all-the-things in life, my days have been a big blur. This weekend is full of activity once again for Dave and for me. We have a double date for dinner tonight, a concert in the City tomorrow and hopefully some fun Valentine’s plans on Sunday. Now, let’s get right to a few little things making me smile this week …
This week’s finds for “Favorite Things”
We’re keeping it light with the latest edition of my favorites …
My favorite new bag of the week
Would you believe that I used to collect designer purses? Then I went for nearly three years without ever getting a new purse. That lull in purse shopping was directly related to the fact that for a long time I was walking to get around everywhere in San Francisco and had no desire to carry anything other than a backpack. Well fast forward to now, and I’m back in the car world and have recently purchased or received as gifts a few new purses. I’d like to introduce you to my new sturdy work bag …
Would you believe this Kate Spade fits a laptop, a notebook, a wallet, sunglasses, healthy snacks and even a little bit more? Sure does.
I searched several stores for just the right bag, and this one has been perfect so far. It goes with everything, fits a lot and stands up on its own. Oh and the inside has a black and white striped fabric, which — along with the tassel — is quite fun.
My favorite delivery of the week
Ladies and gentlemen, I printed pictures! Yes, I did. For the first time in what may be more than a year, I decided to order some photos from Target.com, and then, I put some in frames to decorate my cube at work …
Dave and I sure did a lot of traveling last year. I forgot just how much until I began searching for pictures to print from many of our destination cities: Orlando, Port Charlotte, San Diego, Maui, Columbus, Monterey and more!
While I already knew which photos I had chosen, when they came in the mail, it was still really cool to flip through the pictures in my hot-little-hands. I don’t know if I’ll find a place for them all, but it feels good to have them off the screen and in my life. Good memories!
My favorite snack of the week
I would be very sad if I had to give up dairy. Greek yogurt has been a main-stay in my diet for many years. Outside of the hearty protein and probiotics, I just love the taste. And Fage yogurt has always been one of my favorite brands, which you’ve definitely seen frequently in my “What I Ate Wednesday” recaps, but this tub is different …
Have you ever tried Fage Total? It comes in both the flavored and plain varieties and is TOTALLY delicious.
Over the weekend, and for the first time, I found this full-fat Total plain Greek yogurt in Safeway, and I scooped up several individual servings. It’s so creamy, thick and tasty, you really don’t need to top it with anything at all. Full fat = full satisfaction. You’ll never want the zero or two percent again after trying this. True story. Don’t fear the fat.
My favorite links of the week
Did you miss the latest on A Lady Goes West this week?
- Super Bowl weekend in San Francisco and my weekly workouts
- A busy girl’s three-move total-body dumbbell workout
And from around the web worth checking out …
- How many of these foods are you eating on a regular basis? Check out “12 Super Nutritious Foods to Eat More Of.” I just love lists like this.
- This is a good one full of tips you may need for taking selfies, typing, etc. “Four Ways You’re Using Your Tech Completely Wrong.”
Read more Favorite Things
To see more favorites, visit Heather‘s blog or my older “Favorite Things.”
*There are a couple of affiliate links in this post. Thanks for your support.
Questions of the day
What are you up to this weekend?
Do you have a Valentine?
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious says
That bag is adorable. I have a Kate spade laptop case but a purse may be needed to add to the collection because you can never have enough of them!
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious recently posted…Healthy Raspberry Oatmeal Cookies {GF, Low Cal}
Ashley says
A Kate Spade laptop case? Perhaps I should get one of those to match my purse hehe! Happy Friday, Megan!
Patricia @sweet and strong says
Loving that bag! So nice to splurge on something you’ll use everyday. My husband and I hope to have dinner out one night this weekend and then a big trip to IKEA to look for some office furniture. Oh and Fage is my favorite!
Patricia @sweet and strong recently posted…One Year of Blogging and a few GIVEAWAYS
Ashley says
Very true. I wasn’t too worried about spending a lot on the bag, because I want it to hold up, and I know I’ll get my money out of it! 🙂
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
LOVE that bag. It looks so soft and supple (can you tell I used to ride horses and that I like leather??). Some things are worth the purchase price–high quality things.
Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…Friday Favorites! I RAN!! (ish)
Ashley says
HHHAH totally, Susie! It is supple. And I LOVE that you RANish. LOVE IT!
Mo says
I love your purse! I also love Fage Total. I only like full fat yogurt, and especially full fat cottage cheese. Nonfat varieties taste so fake and processed to me now. Have a great weekend!
Ashley says
I definitely won’t be able to go back to the reduced fat any time soon. Full fat all the way! 🙂 Speaking of which, I haven’t bought cottage cheese in a while … Happy Friday, Mo!
Catherine Cormier says
I love your new purse. Tonight my husband and I are taking advantage of having no plans and we’re spending the evening with our pjs on watching tv. How romantic – lol!! Tomorrow we’re going to a wedding for two of our close friends … can’t wait!!
Do you find you get more excited for the weekend now that you’re working different hours?
Have a great weekend!
Heather @ Polyglot Jot says
hahaha–thats like my favorite thing to do with my husband too!! 🙂 Glad I’m not alone!
Heather @ Polyglot Jot recently posted…Foodie Friday: Southwestern Salad with Spicy Cilantro Sauce
Ashley says
PJs and TV is what I look forward to every night. 🙂
Ashley recently posted…Favorite Things: A big black bag, photos, snacks and more
Catherine Cormier says
Ok, ok … I’ll admit we tv and pjs do it pretty much every night lol!
Ashley says
Nothing wrong with that!
Ashley says
Oh gosh, Catherine. I can’t tell you how much I am excited for the weekend. And YES, perhaps more now. Although I’m more tired now. That’s for sure. Hope you have fun at the wedding! I wonder if it will be all red and pink in honor of Valentine’s??
Catherine Cormier says
Yes, they’re definitely having a Valentine’s theme 🙂
Heather @ Polyglot Jot says
yum I love that kind of yogurt too–Ive been using it a lot for cooking. I cant have a lot of dairy but greek yogurt is usually very safe for people who are lactose intolerant…hallelujah! 🙂
Have a great weekend!
Heather @ Polyglot Jot recently posted…Foodie Friday: Southwestern Salad with Spicy Cilantro Sauce
Ashley says
That’s good to know, Heather! I feel like everyone should be able to eat Greek yogurt heheh. 😉 Hope you have a great weekend too!!
Gretchen | Gretchruns says
Love that purse! I’m in the market for a new one for work and that might be perfect 🙂 Have a great weekend!
Gretchen | Gretchruns recently posted…Top Five Friday #43
Ashley says
I found it at Nordstrom Rack on sale! 🙂 Happy weekend, Gretchen!
Kat says
THAT BAG! I’m a purse collector as well. I used to have 3 boxes worth of them, but had to scale back when I moved. That was one of the hardest things ever. It was like trying to pick a favorite child 😉
I hope you have a fun weekend! It sounds like there will be plenty of awesome things planned!
Kat recently posted…Fudge Truffles [Vegan & Paleo]
Ashley says
Hi Kat! I will always love purses … more than shoes … so I get it! 🙂 Happy Friday to you too!
Jen @ Pretty Little Grub says
That bag is beautiful. I love large bags that can carry all my things, despite it hurting my shoulder.
Jen @ Pretty Little Grub recently posted…Live Fit Trainer Week 7 and Toronto Marathon Training Recap
Ashley says
Hi Jen! Happy Friday! Thanks! And I try not to pack it too full, even though it will fit a lot. Shoulder pain is real! Avoid it at all costs.
Jessie R says
Cute purse and picture collage! Plain full fat yogurt is the best, it doesn’t need anything else to make it taste amazing. YUMMmm. My sister is coming into town to celebrate my dad’s birthday, so that will be fun! Otherwise a pretty chill weekend 🙂 Have a good one!
Ashley says
Have fun with your sis, Jessie! 🙂
Giselle Schroer says
Love the purse! Did you get it on the surprise sale? I just ordered a diaper bag from there and am contemplating another purse. Just such great deals!
Giselle Schroer recently posted…Friday Favorites #18 and Super Easy Granola Recipe!
Ashley says
Hi Giselle! Nope! I picked it up in Nordstrom Rack. It was on sale, but not super sale. I wish! I love a good deal. 🙂
Anna says
Full fat fage is delicious! I ate the low fat kind for years before I realized 1., eating the full fat version wasn’t “bad” for me and 2., the total is absolutely delicious! I love the split tubs with honey or cherry. It makes me want to go to Greece and eat real greek yogurt lol
Anna recently posted…Grass-Fed Beef Stew Recipe
Ashley says
Yes, honey and cherry are my favorite of the split tubs too! And Greece is on my bucket list! Happy weekend, Anna! 🙂
Carly @ Fine Fit Day says
YES for full-fat yogurt!! Brava, lady. 🙂 Also, I love that Kate Spade bag, such a classic.
Carly @ Fine Fit Day recently posted…High Five Friday – Marathon Training Begins!
Ashley says
Thanks, Carly! 🙂 Happy weekend to you!
Julia @ Lord Still Loves Me says
Hope you have a wonderful weekend, Ashley! I love that bag, so stylish! 🙂
Julia @ Lord Still Loves Me recently posted…Friday Favorites: Lent, Ice Cream, and a Boy
Ashley says
Thanks so much, Julia! Happy Friday and weekend to you too, pretty lady! 🙂
Tillie says
Cute blog! How do you like living in the Bay Area? That’s my home area but I actually live in NYC now. I’m sure you love the weather!
http://mystilettolife.com/2016/02/08/self-portrait-dress/
Tillie recently posted…February Instagram Round Up
Ashley says
Hi Tillie! Thanks for stopping by! I’ve been here 3.5 years and love it. The weather is great. So much to see and do! I’m in the burbs now, but was in SF for 2.5 years. Why did you move??
Hilary says
I love that bag! I have been looking for a laptop bag for awhile and that one would be perfect!
Hilary recently posted…Whole 30 Weekly Favorites #2
Ashley says
Hi Hilary! 🙂 Yay for big black bags! Hope you have a good weekend, lady!
Hayley Blake says
Love that Kate Spade bag!!! I need a good black bag and am always on the hunt for one. Have a fun weekend, lady! <3
Ashley says
Thanks, Hayley! Hope to see you soon!! 🙂
Amy says
I love hearing about collections—ha, purses, there are so many choices! I should gather mine and decide if some can be donated–I use the same one until I’m tired of it—which takes a while! I do have a valentine:) we got married last June and he has been traveling this week for work, so it’ll be great to have him home and probably a low key day-eve on Sunday. Love is so fun! I sent my mom a Valentine’s card in the mail:) she appreciated that.
Ashley says
Ohhh yay!! Enjoy your time with your MAN!! 🙂 Happy Friday, Amy!
GiGi Eats says
Kate Spade was the first designer bag I ever had! I should look into them again because that bag is PRETTTTYYYY!
Ashley says
Ha! Ohhh the memories of your first designer bag … 🙂 Happy weekend, Gigi!
Kris | iheartwellness.com says
Ahhh the Kate Spade bag looks like the Celine!!! SO gorgeous…..you had me at the bag 😉
xxoo
Kris
Kris | iheartwellness.com recently posted…Pineapple Popcorn!
Ashley says
It totally does look like one, but WAY cheaper. 🙂 Celine is way above my price range hehehe. Happy weekend, Kris! Thanks for saying hi!
Allison says
Love the bag! I’m going to concerts in SF this weekend too … Guster at the Fillmore tonight and Saturday 🙂
Ashley says
Ahh! I’m going on Saturday too??!!??!!
Morgan @ Morgan Manages Mommyhood says
Love getting pictures printed! I could sit for houuurss staring at old pictures!
Morgan @ Morgan Manages Mommyhood recently posted…Friday Favorites #40
Ashley says
Me too, Morgan!! 😉 Happy weekend, lady!
Heather @ Life In Leggings says
Printed pictures are so fun! I honestly can’t remember the last time I did that. I think I’ll get back to printing and decorating our walls in a new environment. 😉 Loving that Kate Spade bag!! And, of course, I love Fage yogurt. Enjoy your weekend! xo
Heather @ Life In Leggings recently posted…Friday Favorites #128: Week of 2/12
Ashley says
YES! New pictures fill a room up nicely! Happy weekend to you, Heather! 🙂
jacquelyn says
I am a purse fanatic. I don’t know what it is about them, but ever since I was younger I’ve been obsessed with purses. You have to go to the Kate Spade outlet. Although I wasn’t a huge fan of the bags in the outlet I loved all the accessories they sell in there. Have an amazing weekend. I hope there is huge slice of cheesecake in your near future 😉
Ashley says
I haven’t been in the Kate Spade outlet in forever. In fact, I haven’t been to the outlets in a while. Ummm, you know I’m having some good sweets this weekend! Hope you do too! 🙂
Dani @ Dani California Cooks says
A work bag that can stand up on it’s own was such a big requirement for me too! It will never lose it’s shape. But I have to say, within the last month, I’ve totally converted to being a backpack carrier in SF. I never thought I would retire my Tumi, but I have!
Dani @ Dani California Cooks recently posted…Spinach and Artichoke Chicken + Safeway Giftcard Giveaway!
Ashley says
Backpacks are the best choice for city walking so you don’t hurt your shoulders. Happy weekend, Dani!
Emily says
Ooh, is Fage Total not ‘fat free?’ Also, that black bag looks SO NICE, so compact and easy to use. It doesn’t look clunky at all.
Emily recently posted…Guest Post: Almond Chocolate Squares
Ashley says
Total means TOTAL fat. 🙂 heheh! Happy weekend, Emily!
Emily says
YAY. In some ways, I feel kind of dumb for asking that question now… I don’t have the most logical mind all the time.
Emily recently posted…Last Minute Valentines Day Desserts
Ashley says
There is no such thing as a stupid question!
sarah says
Oh I want that bag! It would be perfect for taking around campus! It’s my boyfriend and I’s first Valentines Day together, we are going to the fair 🙂 Enjoy you day!
sarah recently posted…Favorite Pins Friday #4
Ashley says
Hope you both have a WONDERFUL day together! 🙂
Jessie @ The Acquired Sass says
Confession : I have a Shutterfly cart FULL of pictures I’ve been meaning to get printed for ages & just haven’t. No real reason why except I feel like I don’t have a good place // frames for them.
I baked some delicious banana chocolate chip muffins this morning & the BF & I had a lazy breakfast, it was the perfect Valentine’s celebration!
Jessie @ The Acquired Sass recently posted…Friday Five : Meal Prep + tips on cooking for one
Ashley says
Muffins with the BF? Sure sounds good to me! Get those pics printed, Jessie! 🙂 hehehe Thanks for stopping by to say hello, by the way.
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes says
Fage total is the only greek yogurt I will eat! Love it! And that Kate Spade bag?! Oh, If I get into grad school I will definitely need a bag, and that looks amazing!
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes recently posted…Learn to love the treadmill with The Ultimate Treadmill Workout! {Giveaway}
Ashley says
Yes you will need this bag! Good luck!!
Jen @ Chase the Red Grape says
Yes I am with you on the total Greek yoghurt! So unbelievably tasty and I could never ever go back to low fat now – it’s tasteless!
Jen @ Chase the Red Grape recently posted…5 Top Tips on a Tuesday – How to give yourself a pep talk!
Ashley says
I know, Jen!! 🙂 Three cheers for the full fat!