Friday Favorites: Health, food and grooming
I’m teaming up with Ricola® Herb & Throat drops, as part of a campaign with Socialstars, to bring you this sponsored post all about my latest favorites.
Hello, Friday! We meet again! I hope your week has been going along just wonderfully. This morning, I’m teaching BODYATTACK and then digging in to start learning the newest Les Mills BODYATTACK 89 group fitness release that I will be debuting in my Monday class. This has been the latest I’ve ever waited to prepare before the official gym “launch,” so I’ve got a lot of work to do. Luckily, I still have some time before I have to debut the newest BODYPUMP 94, and I have a plan on how to best learn my choreography.
Tomorrow morning, instead of teaching at Orangetheory Fitness, I’m heading to a fitness blogger event in the City and guess who I get to bring as a guest? Dave! Other than that, we don’t have any fun plans for the weekend, because I’m a bit busy. I’m not only preparing for Monday’s group fitness launch, but I also have a lot to do before flying down to Los Angeles on Wednesday for IDEA BlogFest and IDEA World Fitness Convention. An action-packed couple of weeks ahead. So let’s get straight to the good stuff …
My latest “Friday Favorites” from the week
Because it’s Friday, it’s time to take a look at a few things that have been making me happy as of late. I like to throw all these unrelated items together in one post at the end of the week, because it just feels right.
My favorite energizing daily treat
As you may know from reading A Lady Goes West, I’m working as a brand ambassador for Ricola this year. Ricola is a great company that I can get behind, and I’m a huge fan of the products. These Ricola Revitalizing Herb Drops have been a life-saver for me as a little jolt of energy between teaching classes when there isn’t enough time to snack. I also like them just to give my mouth something to do instead of chewing gum. And they’re always with me when I travel or hit the gym. Dave is totally addicted to them and continues to take some from my stash to keep at his desk at work.
These refreshing drops have vitamins and minerals and natural herbs from the Swiss alps, all designed to give you a pep of energy, with a little effervescence in the center. It’s a fun thing for the mouth, because when you least expect it, the fizz erupts.
If you need a little pick-me-up with natural nutrients, then these babies are for you. And thanks for supporting the great companies that keep the lights on here at A Lady Goes West and put food in little Rudy’s bowl.
My favorite recent special delivery
I can’t even begin to explain my excitement for the contents of a special delivery I received late last week. One of my lovely and long-time blog readers, Audie, who is an amazing person, sent me the ultimate care package. Ladies and gentlemen, a huge haul from my favorite grocery store Publix …
I was like a spoiled kid on Christmas morning digging into this box. I mean, all of my favorite healthy and tasty things delivered right to my home from across the country. Oh the joy!
Growing up in Florida, I always had a Publix around every corner, and I didn’t know what I had until I moved to the West Coast. Yes, living in the San Francisco Bay Area has tons of perks, but it does not have Publix.
Since receiving this package, I’ve been plowing through the fresh and organic trail mix, the flavorful granola bars, salsa, oats, dates and more. It will take a while to eat it all, and I’m trying to be generous to let Dave in on the action, but I tend to be stingy with my favorite food items. For those of you who live near a Publix — I hope you enjoy those “BOGO” sale bins and the fresh subs, because not all of us have access to that in our daily lives. No we don’t. Thank you, sweet Audie. You’re the best!
My favorite new hair supplies
I know, I know. I don’t talk much about “beauty” stuff on the ole’ blog, because it’s not my biggest interest. But when I find a product that makes me excited, that’s something to talk about. When I find two? Even better. I’ve been trying out a few lines that have been sent to me lately by one friendly PR company, and these two items are definitely worth sharing.
This shiny tub of luscious ReGenesis Detox Hair & Scalp Masque is super thick and creamy and one of those things you only need to use once- or twice-a-week. And this Wet Brush is gentle on my unruly mane, whether it’s fresh out of the shower or totally dirty.
The deep conditioner made my dirty hair feel like butter. The brush helps detangle the knots from the messy and sweaty bun that is constantly on the top of my head. Those are tough jobs. Yes, the conditioner is pricey at around $40 a pop, but the brush is reasonable at less than $10. Good stuff.
My favorite photo of the week
I mean, flowers and Rudy? Just needed to throw this one out there for you before I send you on your way to other things. I took this picture yesterday afternoon just as I was writing this post, so clearly it had to be added in for good measure.
Looks like someone is about ready for his first grooming appointment, because no matter how many times we brush him, his little fur falls over one of his eyes.
Dave sent the beautiful flowers to me as a little surprise, and Rudy was totally scared of them. I couldn’t help but laugh. This was the closest he came to them after much coercion. What a cutie.
My favorite links of the week
Did you miss out on some of the good stuff on A Lady Goes West this week? Here’s what happened …
- Holiday weekend fun — Fourth of July weekend and my weekly workouts
- A workout for home — A sweaty 25-minute total-core blast workout
- Travel and food — Travel plans and everything I ate yesterday
- Manners and etiquette — The art of having better table manners
Have a lovely weekend, my friends! I hope you enjoy some fitness, food and fun.
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, Clare and Katie.
- A snack, a purse and a ritual
- A delivery, a bra and a guy
- A sweet, a wine and a read
- A drink, a gadget and a plan
- A time, a bottle and a powder
- San Francisco edition
- Beauty edition
- Beach vacation edition
- Hidden meanings
- Kicks, a book and a bowl
- The very best sweatshirts
- Party hosting and froyo
- Fourth of July daytime activity
- Beauty basics edition
- Workplace edition
- Shopping, sales and a show
- The foods I always buy
- Sushi, a game and pants
- Fitness apps
- Delicious and healthy products
- Comfort, fitness and function
- Beauty, buddha and blog events
- Dining, the city and gift ideas
- POPSUGAR, sweets and such
- A bunch of fun stuff
- e-book, food, picnic and tunes
- A link, a superfood and a mask
- Pants, shoes, food and links
- Dining, protein and goodies
- Shopping, events and a book
- A gym bag, pumpkin and juices
- Workout gear, a top and a massage
- prAna, a watch, tea and more
- Tasty stuff and gift sales
- Decor, bars, boots and a drink
- Flowers, music and more
- Coqueta, a brush and food
- My people and the holidays
- Beauty, bling and entertainment
- A hodge-podge of goodies
- Just a few special things
- Tasty food, drinks and moving
- A bunch of feel-good stuff
- Home, car and fitness finds
- Sweets, cooking, beauty and blog
- Gold, yoga, photos and more
- Celebs, scents, games and more
- Food, shoes, stretches and fun
- Purse, snack, plant and more
- Fresh, healthy, clean and square
- Pilates, sneaks and much more
- Quite a few good things
- Food, jewels and sweat etc.
- Fun stuff and a giveaway
- Goodies and a yoga giveaway
- Orange, bikes and healthy food
- Food, tech, sparkle and more
- Clothes, home, a roller and more
- Florida, tech, tea and more
- Toiletries, gifts and more
- Fashion, food and a giveaway
- Events, surprises and a puppy
- Good stuff and a giveaway
- Bling, crunch and pet goods
- Fitness, fashion and food
*Disclaimer: As part of a Socialstars campaign, this post in sponsored by Ricola. I’ve really enjoyed learning about this family-owned Swiss company, its rich history and the product line available throughout this campaign. So thanks Ricola. However, please know that all the thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own, as they are during every single post. For more information on Ricola, you can visit Ricola on Facebook or on Twitter.
Questions of the day
What are you up to this weekend?
What’s one thing you’re loving lately?
Publix. Shopping is such a pleasure there…. OH I MISS IT
And you better be getting excited about seeing me at BlogFest 😀
Have a great weekend, Ashley!
I’m SOOO excited to see you at BlogFest!!!!!
Scared of flowers? That is wild! Dogs are goofy. Have a great weekend! Rest up for IDEA!
Hi Megan! I know, he doesn’t like big things he isn’t familiar with. Totally cute though! Hope you have a great weekend!
Rudy is the absolute cutest! Makes me want to get one of my own just like him.
I have a Wet Brush too and I love mine. My hair is so so thick and when I run it gets in a knotted up mess and the Wet Brush is the best thing I’ve found so far to work through those tangles.
What an amazing care package to get! Enjoy your Publix goodies and have a great weekend.
Thanks, Courtney! I think you’d make a good maltipoo mommy one day. 🙂 You better enjoy your ability to shop at Publix, lady. Happy weekend!
Wet brushes are the absolute best! You’re going to love it. And that picture just makes my heart happy. SO sweet! I hope you have a great weekend Ashley!!
Ohhhh thanks, Gretchen! Same to you!:) Enjoy your time with your furry friend too! 🙂
That is a serious haul from Publix! I’ve never had the chance to shop there…and now I REALLY want to! 🙂
Hi Courtney! You don’t know what you’re missing at Publix, lady! Next time you head down South, be sure to check it out! 🙂
I’m headed to the fitness brunch tomorrow too! Maybe I’ll see ya there 🙂
Hi Brittany!! YES! Can’t wait to finally meet you! 🙂
Ahhh that picture of Rudy. He’s so cute! And I’m super jealous of your Publix haul. What a great friend! Thanks so much for linking up. I’m excited to see you next week! 🙂
Me too, Heather!!! Can’t wait! But oh-so-much to get done before then. AHH!!!
Beautiful flowers! Too bad Rudy didn’t think so – lol. Here’s to a productive weekend, lady. Good luck getting ready for IDEA next week!
Thanks, Lauren! I need it! Hope you have an awesome weekend:)
I recently had a convo with someone about how Publix and Wegmans are both way superior grocery stores to anything we have around here… totally have to agree! Happy weekend, Ashley!
Hi Cassie! So you’re saying I need to travel and try out a Wegmans?? 🙂 I’m down for it! Happy Friday to you!
Nothing sounds better than digging into a healthy food package… much more exciting than christmas in my opinion ;)! Those were such beautiful flowers… love the dog photobomb as well.
Hi Niki! I know, I’d take a healthy food package over just about anything hahaha. Hope you have a lovely Friday and weekend, my friend! 🙂
I love that last picture! There is nothing better than receiving surprise flowers from your love and Rudy is just too cute-the scruffy-ness looks good on him 😉
This weekend we are finishing the kitchen- painting cabinets=fun times, and I am working on learning the newest BODYPUMP release for my upcoming training!
Have a great weekend!
Hi Heather! I know, I know! I need to learn BODYATTACK for Monday and then BODYPUMP for the week when I come back from my LA Trip. And yes, Rudy is a scruffy little thing no matter how much we brush him heheh! 🙂 Have a lovely time in your kitchen work AGAIN!
Great links and your pup is so adorable 🙂 I’m loving my new phone because it 1. works 2. isn’t totally shattered. No big plans this weekend – just looking forward to relaxing 🙂 Hope you have a great day!
Uh-oh, did you have a phone-droppage incident before the new one, Jamie? haha! Hope you have a great weekend as well! Rudy the pup says hi!
Wow, all that food from Publix looks amazing! I love that store- whenever we are in Florida we are so excited to go grocery shopping!
Have a great weekend!
Publix is SO good, Lisa. Glad you’ve experienced it! Happy Friday! 🙂
I miss Publix! What a delightful treat to find in the mail! I LOVE the Ricola herb drops – I’m officially addicted 🙂 I have been enjoying them on our very long drive west. I am really enjoying my Les Mills On Demand! I subscribed right when it came out and have not had a chance to use it yet. But, today after a very long day of driving, I got my mac out and started some BODYFLOW. I feel so much better! Love it!
I forgot to say how much I enjoyed seeing that picture of Rudy and the flowers – perfect! Also, with all the driving today, I learned BODYPUMP 94. Yay! Now, hopefully I’ll be able to teach it somewhere! 😉 I think I’ll learn BODYCOMBAT 64 on the drive to Amarillo, TX, tomorrow!
Hi Melissa! Thanks for the Rudy love! And nice work on learning BP! I will tackle that one after I get back from LA next week. But today, it’s all about BODYATTACK 89. I’m glad you’re making use of your time in the car. Safe driving and travels to you and your fam!!
Oh and yes, I plan to try out On Demand too, and I will most definitely be using it for BODYFLOW! I love that program!
Me too!!! I’m hoping to get certified in BODYFLOW soon! Are you going to get certified for it?
Hi Melissa! No!! No more programs for me right now. I’m constantly on prep-mode for all the things I teach, so I won’t get any more certs for a while heheh! You should go for it though!
Rudy is SO cute I can not even handle it! Great tip on the Ricola too — I need to pick some up for a little afternoon pick-me-up!
Thanks, Bethann. Rudy and his cuteness has officially taken over our lives. 🙂 heheh! Hope you had a nice weekend, lady!