A Lady Goes West

A healthy lifestyle blog by Ashley Pitt

Friday Favorites: Fresh, healthy, clean, square

By 60 Comments

Happy Friday, party people! Another week has come and gone. I think I’m finally over my post-travel bug and feeling great again. Tonight will be very low-key, and tomorrow, Dave’s parents are coming to visit us for the night. I’m quite excited that we’re all heading to the Warriors game together, which believe it or not, will be my first game of the year. On Sunday, I have a gym practice session with some fellow Les Mills instructors to begin preparing for the next launch, and that’s about it for the weekend. 

And because it’s Friday, it’s time for my favorite post of the week to write: “Friday Favorites.” This weekly post gives me the chance to share with you some unrelated things that have been making me smile lately, with no particular rhyme or reason. TGIF, and here we go …

My favorite new breath freshener 

There’s something pretty big I haven’t mentioned on the blog: I stopped chewing gum. Yes, almost six months ago, I decided to stop. I had been chewing gum several times a day, more than a few pieces at a time and just felt like I needed to back off. (I even wrote a post on whether or not it was bad to chew too much gum.) While I was hoping that eliminating gum would bring me a host of benefits, nothing has happened other than I no longer spend money on gum. I don’t miss it though. These days, to freshen my breath, I’ve turned to mints and most recently, a spray …

Hello breathsprayIsn’t is just the cutest thing? It’s like the little bottle is saying HELLO to you every time you pick it up.

A few weeks ago, I received the funniest news release about this Hello breath spray, explaining that Ross Matthews used this particular spray to give himself fresh breath before interviewing celebs at the Oscars on the Red Carpet. I thought, well then I’ve got to try it, so agreed to give it a whirl. This little spray is not only adorable, but is just under $4 and available at Target, Walgreens and online. I’ve got the Mojito Mint flavor, which is quite refreshing. It’s the perfect little purse addition, and it definitely gives me a nice taste in my mouth with just a couple spritzes. Oh and it’s also vegan, not tested on animals and made in the U.S.A. Not bad. 

My favorite new healthy treat

Wait a second. Haven’t I already shared my love of Arctic Zero’s Fit Frozen Desserts in a “Friday Favorites” post? Well, yes I have, but this is NEW Arctic Zero. After the kind folks at the company sent me the first care package of their creamy pints and found out I enjoyed it, they followed up with a second care package featuring their brand new chunky pint line. These pints have new flavors and as the description suggests, more chunks.

Arctic Zero chunky pints via A Lady Goes WestSee those chunks? That’s what I’m talking about.

I’ve already polished off a couple of them and definitely like these even more than the original creamy variety, because they are a little bit more rich, yet still super healthy. Arctic Zero is made from good and mostly natural ingredients, is lactose free, GMO free, gluten free, has a low glycemic index and only 300 calories per pint, which is double the calorie count of the original kind, but still pretty low in the grand scheme of desserts. My favorite flavors from the new line include Butter Pecan, Cookie Dough Chip and A Lil’ Bit Chippy. If you pass by Arctic Zero in your local grocer, give it a try. It’s a no-guilt dessert, which fills in the gaps for me between my far-too-frequent ventures to The Cheesecake Factory, that’s for sure!

My favorite beauty supplies of the week

Let’s be honest, I don’t actually use these things every day. In fact, most days I wear my hair in a messy ponytail or bun, smeared down with sweat and hairspray. But on the weekends, I do clean myself up a bit, and thus, was in need of some new tools …

New hair products via A Lady Goes WestI’m enjoying this Revlon Tourmaline Ionic Ceramic Dryer, CHI Keratin Shampoo, CHI Keratin Conditioner and CHI Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray, which working in concert, try to keep my mane in tact.

My blow-dryer broke this week, so I popped out to Target to get the shiny new one shown above. I also stopped by Ulta a couple weeks ago to buy some fancy hair products, which are supposed to be geared toward my keratin-treated hair. Even though I don’t spend a ton of time or money on beauty stuff, it’s nice to get a few new products every once in a while like this. And hey, it’s almost the weekend, so I’ll probably have to put this stuff to use as I change out of gym clothes and attempt to look presentable.

My favorite new app of the week

A couple of weekends ago when I was in Key West, one of the girls introduced me to Squaready. It’s a free app that can turn any photo on your phone into a square. And if you’re wondering why you’d want to do that — one reason — Instagram.

Instagram vertical photo

Squaready turned this photo into the perfect post in seconds, even while hanging out at a bar in Key West.

Speaking of Instagram, it has absolutely become my favorite social medium. I’d love to see what you’re up to on there too, so follow me at ashleypitt_aladygoeswest, and we can connect.

My favorite links of the week

Hope you didn’t miss out on some of the good stuff from A Lady Goes West:

That’s all for today, my friends! Have a wonderful weekend!

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, Katie and Clare. 

  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

Questions of the day

What are you up to this weekend?

Do you have anything fun to share that you are enjoying this week?

Are you ready for spring?

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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

    • Ashley says

      Hi Karina! I was chewing a few pieces at a time because I loved gum so much ahhaaa. It had to stop. And the app is so easy — I had always wondered how people changed the shape of pictures until someone showed me this one. Love it! Have a wonderful weekend, friend!

      Reply

    • Ashley says

      Hi Megan! Yes, it’s usually the WORST time, but this time wasn’t terrible, because I was only drying part of my hair to put it back in a messy bun hehehe. I once had one break when I had wet hair before an important PR meeting back in my corporate days. That was no fun. Anyways! Hope you have a wonderful Friday, my friend! 🙂

      Reply

    • Ashley says

      Hi Susie! You should get a new one, because the ONE time you need to use your old one, it will die. Hairdryers know how to time their demise like that ahhah! Happy Friday, friend!

      Reply

    • Ashley says

      Hi Gretchen! Some people feel TOTALLY different after cutting out gum, so if you do, let me know. I’d be interested to hear it. I just feel nothing, other than no gum hehehe. Hope you have a wonderfully fun weekend! 🙂

      Reply

    • Ashley says

      Hi Jill, That’s one of my favorite things about them – you can polish them off with no guilt. I like the mild-flavored ones because they didn’t leave me ravenous for more sweets, like super sweet things tend to do heheh. I stopped using Instacart now that we move and actually go the grocery store myself! It’s fun! heeheh! 🙂 Have a great Friday, Jill!

      Reply

    • Ashley says

      Hi Carissa! Well, as you know, you should probably quit the smoking! And gum — I don’t think it’s too bad for you, so if it helps you not smoke, then stick with it for a while. Hope you have a great weekend too! Do something fun!

      Reply

    • Ashley says

      Hi Katie! I haven’t even watched it yet – I tend to wait to the last minute, and we don’t launch until April 6, so these practice sessions are great to have to force me to get started! Have a nice weekend! 🙂

      Reply

    • Ashley says

      Hi Marielle, It sure is addicting! I sure hope you get some nice weather soon. Have a wonderful weekend with your new little bundle of joy! 🙂

      Reply

    • Ashley says

      Hi Rachel! Yes, it’s definitely a healthy frozen dessert, so I hope you can find it and buy it soon for you and your hubs. Have a lovely weekend!!

      Reply

  14. Kersten says

    Need to give Arctic Zero a try now when so many bloggers are raving about it!
    Oh and Instagram. I’m addicted. I have a bad habit of scrolling through Instagram right before going to sleep. And it takes way too much time…
    Have a fun Friday!
    Kersten recently posted…Eight Things That Make Me HappyMy Profile

    Reply

  16. Julia @ Lord Still Loves Me says

    Ashley- completely random, but I adore your header. Your blog is so clean, and I LOVE the feel of it.

    I actually have not heard good things about the Arctic Zero pints at all! But then again, if I were to purchase a pint, I think I would keep in mind that it is low calorie for a reason.

    Have a fabulous weekend Ashley!
    Julia @ Lord Still Loves Me recently posted…Redistributing the WeightMy Profile

    Reply

    • Ashley says

      Hi Julia! Thank you for the blog love. I like clean lines and am glad you enjoy them too! Also, as far as Arctic Zero, it’s NOT Ben & Jerry’s — it’s healthy, so you go into the experience expecting that. And when you can eat the entire pint and not feel bad about – now that’s awesome hehehe. I hope all is well with you, Julia! Have a fabulous Friday and weekend!! 🙂

      Reply

  17. Heather @ Life In Leggings says

    I absolutely love my CHI blowdryer and hair products. Mine went out last year and it was the longest two weeks while I had to wait for a new one to come in! Loving the looks of that ice cream. Enjoy the weekend with your parents and my gosh, the game! Ha. Lucky… how did you get out of going to them all season? 😉 Thanks so much for linking up your faves, and have a great weekend!
    Heather @ Life In Leggings recently posted…Friday Favorites #81: Week of 3/20My Profile

    Reply

    • Ashley says

      Hi Heather, Well, I am almost always working at the gym on weeknights when there are games, and quite frankly, I just haven’t wanted to go all that often. Dave’s parents live in San Diego now (they moved from Florida), so it’s nice they can come up to see us on the way to a little vacation. I wish my parents could drop in too! Go Warriors! Have a fabulous weekend, lady! 🙂

      Reply

  18. Sam @ Grapefruit & Granola says

    I have that exact same Chi hair spray! I like it when I flat iron my hair (which honestly isn’t too often). I think I have an issue with chewing gum as well. I spend all day talking to patients so I’m definitely conscious of whether my breath smells good. I don’t chew it when I’m actually talking to them but I keep a pack of gum at my desk and will chew it in between patients as I’m charting. Maybe I need to look into a spray instead…. thanks for the idea!!
    Sam @ Grapefruit & Granola recently posted…First Day of SpringMy Profile

    Reply

    • Ashley says

      Hi Sam! I did that at the gym two between personal training clients and spit the gum out at the last second hehehe. I feel ya with flat-ironing too much, because I used to have to do that when I had to look more presentable everyday. My current fitness line-of-work doesn’t require it hehhe. Hope you have a wonderful Friday and weekend, my friend!! 🙂

      Reply

  19. Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health says

    I had to give up chewing gum a long time ago because I have a habit of clenching my jaw in my sleep and it was causing my gums to recede. Not only can I not chew gum anymore but I also have to wear this really sexy night guard to bed now, haha. Le sigh.

    We have family staying in the city this weekend so we’ll be doing touristy things with them which should be fun. 🙂

    I hope you have a great weekend and we need to make plans for Wente soon! xoxo
    Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health recently posted…Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Cookie Dough BarsMy Profile

    Reply

  20. Nancy says

    This is so random! I first heard about ‘hello’ products a few years ago – completely forgot about it because it wasn’t available in Canada. Found it again this week and was trying to find it at Walgreens…. and I was JUST at Target, where apparently it’s sold! I forgot to go past the toothbrush section. I need to pick it up!
    Nancy recently posted…POM Friday . 19My Profile

    Reply

  23. Diane says

    I’ve seen Artic Zero on a bunch of blogs and my interest is piqued. Wished it was available here because I’d definitely try it! I’ll be picking some up next time I’m home 😉 On another note, I was sick on Friday and couldn’t go to BodyPump but my friend said the instructor did a preview of the new launch and it’s killer. Excited to try it out!
    Diane recently posted…Crepes & some spring bloomsMy Profile

    Reply

  25. Nikki says

    My weekend was nice. I’m not even sure what I did on Saturday, but Sunday, we ventured out to the flea market. I love Spring. It came early here.. It has been in the high 70s and low 80s all week.. even making it to the 90s one day.
    Nikki recently posted…Eats / La Costa, San Jose, CAMy Profile

    Reply

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