A Lady Goes West

A healthy lifestyle blog by Ashley Pitt

Friday Favorites: Back to business

By 42 Comments

Another Friday! Here we are! I hope your week has been going along just great. After arriving back in the Bay Area mid-week, Dave and I are basically back to business with life. And while a lot of people in the U.S. will be enjoying a three-day weekend for Labor Day, I’m still teaching classes at the gym on both Saturday and Monday, so it’s just a regular couple of days for me. Except for the fact that we’ll be having a little get-together on Sunday with some friends, which should be fun.

My latest “Friday Favorites” of the week

Is it bad that every time I open up my blog to write this weekly post, my first instinct is always to put pictures of my little Rudy? So true. But really, this post is just a chance to pull out a few unrelated items and talk about them in one big post, and no dog pictures today. Even though I want to start sharing all of the fun favorites I discovered in Maui on vacation, I’m saving that all for next week. Right now, let’s get to some things I’ve been loving lately on the home-front … (By the way, if you didn’t stop by last Friday to see what I had for you, I suggest you check out “Dave’s favorites” as well.)

 My favorite book of the week

True story: I haven’t been reading much lately. While I read a couple of books at the beginning of the year, I took a break for a few months. It seems like every time I lay my head down to read I fall right asleep, so I stopped trying. Well of course, going on a five-hour flight without WiFi gave me the perfect opportunity to get a new book last week.

Big Little Lies book via A Lady Goes WestLiane Moriarty writes a good story. Big Little Lies kept me entertained on the flight to Maui and back, and I was instantly hooked.

I always like to drop into the airport bookstore just before a flight to make a quick reading decision, and I ended up with this book in about two minutes. I didn’t really know what it was about but had seen the cover around before, so went for it. And let me tell you, this book is good. The characters, the writing, the flow, the way the story is told. I love it. I’m about two-thirds of the way through and am totally enjoying the domestic secrets and drama. If you need a new book, check this one out.

My favorite new workout outfit of the week

When I came back from Hawaii, I was very excited to see my latest Fabletics delivery <<—-referral link>> on my doorstep. I picked out these two items, because I was drawn to the color and style, and I’m happy to report that they both fit great.

Fabletics outfit via A Lady Goes West blogI don’t think I will wear these pants to teach Orangetheory though … that would be far too much orange.

Whenever I have a new workout outfit, I like to save it for a special occasion. Well, I’m subbing a big BODYPUMP class tomorrow morning at my favorite gym, so that will give me a chance for a debut of this little number to see how it moves.

My favorite delicious treat of the week

This stuff is good. I had this in my pantry for weeks-and-weeks before opening it up. Well, I’m sure glad I finally did. This hazelnut spread is smooth, tasty and goes well on nearly anything. I’ve mostly been adding this to the top of dates for a quick dessert, but I could even see putting it on toast for a sweet breakfast.

Nocciolata spread via A Lady Goes West favoritesBelieve me, this Rigoni Di Asiago Nocciolata Organic Hazelnut Spread jar of goodness is totally tasty.

Nocciolata Organic Hazelnut Spread with Cocoa and Milk is kosher, non-GMO, gluten free and made of high-quality organic ingredients, so you can be sure you’re eating the good stuff. And the Nocciolata spread is just one product from the Rigoni di Asiago company, which was one of the first companies in Italy to go organic. It looks like you can find their line both online and in markets and various grocery stores. Thanks to the folks at Rigoni di Asiago for sending me a sample, because I’m a big fan.

My favorite links of the week

Did you miss some of the good stuff on A Lady Goes West this week? Here’s what happened …

And here is my current favorite song, which I heard for the first time last week at a concert at Wente Vineyards. The beautiful melody just speaks to me. Check out Rachel Platten’s “A Better Place” and try not to weep! 

That’s it for today, my friends! As always, I hope your weekend is fabulous. I’ll see you back here on Monday with tales from my trip to Maui!

Read more Friday Favorites

If you’ve enjoyed browsing through this post, see below for previous editions or visit the the link-up hostesses, Heather and Katie. 

  1. A snack, a purse and a ritual
  2. A delivery, a bra and a guy
  3. A sweet, a wine and a read
  4. A drink, a gadget and a plan 
  5. A time, a bottle and a powder
  6. San Francisco edition
  7. Beauty edition
  8. Beach vacation edition
  9. Hidden meanings
  10. Kicks, a book and a bowl
  11. The very best sweatshirts
  12. Party hosting and froyo
  13. Fourth of July daytime activity
  14. Beauty basics edition
  15. Workplace edition
  16. Shopping, sales and a show
  17. The foods I always buy
  18. Sushi, a game and pants
  19. Fitness apps
  20. Delicious and healthy products
  21. Comfort, fitness and function
  22. Beauty, buddha and blog events
  23. Dining, the city and gift ideas
  24. POPSUGAR, sweets and such
  25. A bunch of fun stuff
  26. e-book, food, picnic and tunes
  27. A link, a superfood and a mask
  28. Pants, shoes, food and links
  29. Dining, protein and goodies
  30. Shopping, events and a book
  31. A gym bag, pumpkin and juices 
  32. Workout gear, a top and a massage
  33. prAna, a watch, tea and more
  34. Tasty stuff and gift sales
  35. Decor, bars, boots and a drink
  36. Flowers, music and more
  37. Coqueta, a brush and food
  38. My people and the holidays
  39. Beauty, bling and entertainment
  40. A hodge-podge of goodies
  41. Just a few special things
  42. Tasty food, drinks and moving
  43. A bunch of feel-good stuff
  44. Home, car and fitness finds
  45. Sweets, cooking, beauty and blog
  46. Gold, yoga, photos and more
  47. Celebs, scents, games and more
  48. Food, shoes, stretches and fun 
  49. Purse, snack, plant and more
  50. Fresh, healthy, clean and square
  51. Pilates, sneaks and much more
  52. Quite a few good things
  53. Food, jewels and sweat etc.
  54. Fun stuff and a giveaway
  55. Goodies and a yoga giveaway
  56. Orange, bikes and healthy food
  57. Food, tech, sparkle and more
  58. Clothes, home, a roller and more
  59. Florida, tech, tea and more
  60. Toiletries, gifts and more
  61. Fashion, food and a giveaway
  62. Events, surprises and a puppy
  63. Good stuff and a giveaway
  64. Bling, crunch and pet goods
  65. Fitness, fashion and food
  66. Health, food and grooming
  67. A case, sneaks and smoothies
  68. Tasty stuff and a giveaway
  69. Snacks, gold, clothes and more
  70. A healthy giveaway and more
  71. A fitness giveaway and more
  72. Samples, workouts and more
  73. Dave’s favorite things

*Please note: While this post is not sponsored, there are affiliate links included. Thanks for your support!

Questions of the day

Do you have a fun recent favorite to share?

What are you up to this weekend?

Do you have a three-day weekend?

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About Ashley

I'm a mom, writer and group fitness instructor, and A Lady Goes West is where I share fitness and wellness tips, as well as stories and learnings from my life in the San Francisco Bay Area.
 
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Comments

  4. Renee @Bendifulblog says

    I like the ORANGE, Syracuse U! How did I miss those in my quest for the perfect fabletics outfit? I actually skipped this month, I’m in a workout gear over load and realized I have no fall work clothes….priorities right? Boo. I still think my office should have a wear your workout gear to work day…I would ROCK that day!
    Renee @Bendifulblog recently posted…Fashionable FridayMy Profile

    Reply

  5. Melissa says

    I LOVE to read. I used to read 1-2 books a week. Then I started teaching group fitness and had a 3rd baby. So, reading was put on the back burner. I still managed to read, just not as much. Since we have been in CO, I have been reading a lot more and it makes me happy. I get a 4 day weekend! I was tempted to sign up to sub some classes, but decided to make sure I didn’t want to do something else. I’m glad I didn’t sign up because I am headed up to Wyoming to visit my sister and her family. We will be back Tuesday because my kids have Monday and Tuesday off from school! Happy Labor Day weekend and have fun teaching!

    Reply

    • Ashley says

      Three kids and group fitness classes is ENOUGH! Wow, Melissa. And yes, it’s good to get away when you can on the weekends, so it’s nice you are off from the gym. And Tuesday off of school too? How awesome! Enjoy all those free days with your kiddos, my friend!! 🙂 I’m doing BODYPUMP 91 this week, by the way… not my favorite squat track ever… hahahah

      Reply

      • Melissa says

        Are you doing Hey Brother for triceps?? I haven’t been able to teach that again since I first launched it – I actually hate it. Funny story, the friend I went to Chicago with is from Sweden and the group who sings that song – Avicii – is Swedish. Needless to say she loves every Avicii track we have and she is really good at teaching it But, I am sure you are too! I really like that lunge track and shoulder track…and the ab track.

        Reply

        • Ashley says

          Hi Melissa, yes, I really don’t like the beat of Hey Brother, but I am doing the full release right now including that track. 🙁 And as far as Avicii, I love most of their songs, except for this one. hahahah Oh well!

          Reply

  6. Jamie says

    LOVED Big Little Lies… Husband’s Secret was also really good 🙂 Total beach reads! I cannot wait for this three day weekend, an extra day of relaxation, and some more time to catch up on some sleep! Hope you have a fabulous weekend!!
    Jamie recently posted…Last Weekend StandingMy Profile

    Reply

  8. Susie B says

    I LOVE Liane Moriarty’s books! Big Little Lies is the book that got me hooked, but I think I’ve read them all at this point. Besides Big Little Lies, the Husband’s Secret is awesome, and I loved What Alice Forgot as well. I need her to come out with more! Haha, have a good weekend!

    Reply

    • Ashley says

      I am totally loving the way she writes, so I will have to check out her other books. Thanks for the tips, Susie! 🙂 Happy Friday to you! I hope you have a nice weekend!

      Reply

    • Ashley says

      Hi Sarah! We loved Maui!! Stories and pictures coming next week. Hope all is well with you, lady!! Happy Friday!! Ohh… I’m subbing BP at Walnut Creek SS tomorrow at 8 a.m. COME JOIN!! 🙂

      Reply

  10. Gretchen | Gretchruns says

    I love everything Rachel Platten comes out with! Such a great singer! I love your Fabletics outfit and can’t wait to see what it looks like on you. I’m so excited to have a 3 day weekend and have a few things planned 🙂 Hope you enjoy your time with friends!
    Gretchen | Gretchruns recently posted…Top Five Friday #25My Profile

    Reply

  11. Heather@hungryforbalance says

    I haven’t had much time (or energy) for reading lately either, but I did read that book (and The Husband’s Secret). I love them both! I think our weekend will be pretty low key. It’s just what I need as I have been fighting a cold for the better part of the week! Have a great Friday!
    Heather@hungryforbalance recently posted…Friday Favorites: #?My Profile

    Reply

    • Ashley says

      Oh don’t worry, Jill … I’ll keep that Fabletics outfit on ALL DAY until I shower up for the night. hahaha I have a habit of staying in my gym clothes. 🙂 Happy weekend, lady!

      Reply

  14. Jessie R says

    Big Little Lies- SO GOOD! You’ll love the ending 🙂 I’m liking that new top as well, cute, cute :). I’m loving Seagram’s Diet Ginger Ale and that it’s a long weekend! :))) YAAAY Have a good one!

    Reply

    • Ashley says

      Diet Ginger Ale? Sounds refreshing. Have you heard of that La Croix water? That’s some fancy stuff I want to try too. hahhaa Happy weekend, Jessie! 🙂

      Reply

  15. Gen G. says

    Happy Friday Ashley!

    Always love book recommendations- keep ’em coming

    Literally scouring the internet for the CX program color orange for when I go to training- will now be buying those off Fabletics. How’s their sizing run?

    Reply

    • Ashley says

      Yes, Gen! They are great pants! And yay for CX training — it was the easiest of the LM trainings I’ve done thus far. As far as size for Fabletics – they run pretty normal (a little big). I wear a Small in the pants and an Xsmall in the tops.

      Reply

  17. Shian- The Fashion Investigator says

    Hi there! First off I wanted to say this is my first stop by your blog, (I stumbled on it from Champagne for Everyday) and I LOVE your layout/color scheme. It looks mad professional. I’m actually revamping some things on my site right now and your header provided some legit inspiration.

    Also, digging this post. Love that mesh top-top and going to check out that song right now 🙂 Thanks for sharing and I look forward to stopping by again!

    Xoxo,
    Shian | http://www.TheFashionInvestigator.com/

    Reply

  18. Shian- The Fashion Investigator says

    Hi there! First off I wanted to say this is my first stop by your blog, (I stumbled on it from Champagne for Everyday) and I LOVE your layout/color scheme. It looks mad professional. I’m actually revamping some things on my site right now and your header provided some legit inspiration.

    Also, digging this post. Love that mesh top-top and going to check out that song right now 🙂 Thanks for sharing and I look forward to stopping by again!

    Xoxo,
    Shian | http://www.TheFashionInvestigator.com/

    Reply

    • Ashley says

      Hi Shian! Yay! I’m so glad you found my blog and stopped by to say hello — happy to connect with you. Best of luck with your blog redesign as well! Hope you have a great week!

      Reply

  20. Bea says

    I read a different book by the same author called “The Husband’s Secret.” I also picked it up at the airport and it was one of those read and return (you get 50% of your money back). I was sure to read it by my next flight two weeks after. I loved her writing and that the characters were all from Australia! I may have to get that one as this one was really good!!

    Reply

    • Ashley says

      Hi Bea! Oh good, yes I will probably want to read that one as well, because I love this lady’s writing and the Australian flare! Yay for airport bookstores heheh! 🙂

      Reply

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