A Lady Goes West

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Friday Favorites: Just a few special things

January 16, 2015 By Ashley 59 Comments

Today is a special day. On this day, exactly six years ago, my life changed forever. It was on this day, which was also a Friday, that I met a bunch of my friends at one of our favorite downtown bars in Orlando for happy hour after a long week of work. There was a group of about 10 of us, including my older brother, and we were all gathered at a table. I saw a guy walk in, he caught my eye, and I kept a watch on him for a little while, until our paths crossed and I decided to talk to him. Once we started chatting, we realized we lived in the very same high-rise building in downtown Orlando and shared a lot of common interests. We exchanged phone numbers and never looked back. As you may have guessed, that guy was Dave, who is now my husband of nearly three years. We had a chance encounter, which was clearly meant to be. Throughout the years, we’ve always tried to celebrate the anniversary of the day we met, because we’ve been together nonstop from that day forward. And here we are now in San Francisco all grown up.

In light of that, and the fact that it’s a Friday before a three-day weekend, I’m in very peppy spirits today, my friends. Dave and I have a lot of fun ahead, and for once, I’m not teaching any group fitness classes at all. We’re going out to dinner to a new restaurant with two of our friends tonight. And we’re taking a little trip up to Napa tomorrow to do some wine tasting. I must say that wine country is my happy place. Even though it’s only an hour drive from San Francisco, we haven’t been in far too long, so I’m eager to bask in the smell of grapes. However, you came by the blog today for some fun “Friday Favorites,” and so I’m going to give those to you right now. Let’s go!

My favorite domestic accessory

Leave it to my Momma to give me something so-very-domestic for my birthday this year — a polka-dot apron. Her vision behind this adorable item, is not only for me to keep my clothes clean while in the kitchen, but also to give me some extra culinary inspiration. I’m pretty good with cooking when I give it a shot, yet tend to stick to the same basics. But once I put this little number on, all of a sudden my ability to whip up masterpieces with many ingredients should skyrocket. Right?

Ashley in apronThe Martha Stewart Collection Polka Dot Apron displayed in front of my teeny-tiny kitchen.

Hopefully so, because I made a goal to cook one new-to-me recipe every month during 2015, and I haven’t done my first yet. Nonetheless, I love a thoughtful gift, and this is definitely a good one.

My favorite way to picnic

I think presentation of food is important. I always like to display my food nicely on my plate. And when I’m eating with others, hostessing or just putting together a meal for Dave and me, I like to spend even more time to get it looking just right. Who says you can’t enjoy the aesthetics of your sustenance? Dave and I used to be big on making “nibbly picnics” at home, which consisted of nothing but finger foods for dinner. We don’t do it as much anymore, but a couple of weeks ago, we had a few nice spreads two days in-a-row. Here’s a taste of what I put together …

Appetizers at homeA look at a few fancy trays of food I arranged, featuring various crackers, chopped-up apples, pears, salami, cucumbers, almonds, fancy cheeses, roasted cauliflower, pigs in a blanket, hummus, shrimp cocktail, more crackers, fruit, cheese and meat. Good stuff.

Finger foods may not be the healthiest way to eat, but they are certainly a fun way to eat, making it so you can taste all of the good stuff. But truthfully, even at restaurants, I really enjoy making a meal out of appetizers rather then ordering an entree, but we don’t seem to do that very much. Those pretty silver trays up there? Compliments of our wedding registry just a few years ago and still getting plenty of use. 

My favorite new glass

Another gift from my Momma. If you were reading A Lady Goes West back in December, you’d know that I received a cool wine glass at a Christmas party gift exchange and immediately dropped it, shattering all over the hosts’ apartment. Well my Mom remembered that story and came in with a much-appreciated substitution. 

Love my wine glassThis is the Lolita Love My Wine “Wine Tasting” Glass and it surely suits me.

I haven’t used this wine glass yet, because I’m saving it until we move. I don’t know why I do that, but a lot of times I save new things for a while before opening them up. Same goes with clothes. Nonetheless, I can just picture myself in my bigger apartment, in my leopard-print pajamas, feet up on the couch asking Dave to “bring me my wine” all the way over in the kitchen, which will be at least a few feet away more than it is now. Oh, domestic bliss. 

My favorite new piece of jewelry

I love a good long pendant necklace to dress up any outfit. I received this necklace in the December POPSUGAR Must Have box, which was so kindly gifted to me by the POPSUGAR ladies. There were a lot of great things in that box, but this necklace was my favorite thing. Speaking of the POPSUGAR Must Have Box, that’s something else I really enjoy. If you’ve never heard of the monthly subscription service full of curated goodies, check it out today. <<affiliate link!>>

Sparklepop necklaceA lovely shot of the Sydney Pendant Necklace by Sparklepop.

I had a few compliments on this little beauty while home in Florida over Christmas break, so I felt like it was worth sharing. So shiny and dressy. Maybe I’ll throw it on for wine country tomorrow? Who knows.

My favorite links of the week

I’ll admit it, I spend a lot of time online. But there’s a ton of good stuff out there to read. Here’s what happened on A Lady Goes West this week and some additional enjoyable links.

  • Fun and fitness – My weekend recap, weekly workouts and a review of CORE40 studios
  • Foam rolling 101 and a big giveaway – How to foam roll and a RumbleRoller giveaway (This giveaway closes tomorrow, so be sure to enter!)
  • Food and drink – Joining a healthy green movement and my eats
  • Fashion and thoughts – A Thursday well-suited for Thinking Out Loud
  • An awesome shout-out for A Lady Goes West by one of my blogger friends – Favorite Bay Area Blog Buddies
  • A FitFluential post featuring my recipe – 10 healthy green smoothie recipes to try

Okay, friends! After some work, I’m heading off to try out a new Pilates-based workout class, attend another laptop training session at the Apple store and start my weekend. If you want to see some pictures of wine and cheese from Napa, be sure to check me out on Instagram. Have a fabulous few days!

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

Questions of the day

Do you have any fun favorites to share today? What are you planning to do this weekend? Do you have Monday off of work? If you have a significant other, do you celebrate the day you met? Fill me in!

Filed Under: Apartment, Blogging, City Living, Friday Favorites, Weekends Tagged With: food, Friday Favorites, gifts, Martha Stewart apron, wine glass

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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. Sara @ Lake Shore Runner says

    January 16, 2015 at 3:39 am

    Your at home picnics look awesome – I am all about the cheese and meat board! Oh and I am the same way. I hold onto things before using. For instance I got a new Tervis for my birthday (in April) and haven’t used it yet. I told myself I would not use it until I got a new job 🙂
    Sara @ Lake Shore Runner recently posted…Friday Favorites & Friday Five: Items Im Loving LatelyMy Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      January 16, 2015 at 6:33 am

      Hi Sara! Okay, scary, because that sounds EXACTLY like something I would do heehe:) Happy Friday, my friend. Oh, and I drink water out of a Tervis EXCLUSIVELY. 🙂
      Ashley recently posted…Friday Favorites: Just a few special thingsMy Profile

      Reply
  2. Becky @ Olives n Wine says

    January 16, 2015 at 7:25 am

    Awww… happy 6 year “meeting” anniversary! I love that you two celebrate that occasion, it’s so sweet! I’m heading over to enter your giveaway now – This week has been busy and I haven’t had a chance to do my normal blog reading!
    Becky @ Olives n Wine recently posted…Friday FavsMy Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      January 16, 2015 at 8:43 am

      Hi Becky! Well thanks for entering! And hope you have a great weekend!
      Ashley recently posted…Friday Favorites: Just a few special thingsMy Profile

      Reply
  3. Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment says

    January 16, 2015 at 7:27 am

    The apron is super cute! I have aprons but I never wear them. I have to jump out of the way if coconut oil splatters. Dangerous for sure. 🙂 Love how you and Dave met – such a cute story. Enjoy the weekend! I so want to get to Napa Valley one of these days. 🙂
    Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment recently posted…Friday Faves {1.16.15}My Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      January 16, 2015 at 8:43 am

      Yes, Lauren! Wine Country is a must-do! Hope you make it out here one day. Happy Friday!
      Ashley recently posted…Friday Favorites: Just a few special thingsMy Profile

      Reply
  4. Bri says

    January 16, 2015 at 7:28 am

    Ohhh I love that apron! You look so adorable in it!
    Since I’m not married to my S.O., we celebrate the day we met in person (we met online).
    Happy Friday to you Ashley 🙂
    Bri recently posted…Best gift ever during birthday staycation week extravaganzaMy Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      January 16, 2015 at 8:44 am

      That’s awesome that you met your S.O. online, Bri! And of course, thanks. Have a wonderful weekend!
      Ashley recently posted…Friday Favorites: Just a few special thingsMy Profile

      Reply
  5. Carrie (This Fit Chick) says

    January 16, 2015 at 7:31 am

    oh my gosh I love that picnic spread!!! sent that photo to my boyfriend– we’re doing that!
    Carrie (This Fit Chick) recently posted…How You Can Survive the HolidaysMy Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      January 16, 2015 at 8:44 am

      Hi Carrie!! Ohhh good! I bet the boyfriend will like it! Have a great weekend! 🙂
      Ashley recently posted…Friday Favorites: Just a few special thingsMy Profile

      Reply
  6. Jessie R says

    January 16, 2015 at 7:43 am

    Love the apron and happy First Meet Dave day!

    I met my boyfriend at work, turns out we went to the same university, worked as graduate assistants on separate floors (in the same building!) during grad school, and we didn’t know each other at all!

    Have a great weekend in wine country!

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      January 16, 2015 at 8:45 am

      Jessie! That’s crazy! How funny, but sounds like you were supposed to get together with all those similar and shared experiences. Time for vacay yet?? Go have fun!! 🙂
      Ashley recently posted…Friday Favorites: Just a few special thingsMy Profile

      Reply
  7. Lizzie @ The Magic Tree says

    January 16, 2015 at 7:49 am

    I just adore that story of how you and Dave met! Have you ever shared wedding photos on here?
    Lizzie @ The Magic Tree recently posted…Favorite Finds Friday {1/16}My Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      January 16, 2015 at 8:46 am

      Hi Lizzie, Yes, On our two-year anniversary I shared some photos. Check it out: https://aladygoeswest.com/2014/05/26/two-year-wedding-anniversary/
      Ashley recently posted…Friday Favorites: Just a few special thingsMy Profile

      Reply
  8. Heather @ Housewife Glamour says

    January 16, 2015 at 8:10 am

    Aw, that’s such a cute story! I’m so glad you went out to that happy hour after work 😉 Oh, Napa Valley! So fun. I’ve never been, but Scott has a few times! I hope to get out there sometime soon. Enjoy the weekend to unplug and off of classes! <3
    Heather @ Housewife Glamour recently posted…Friday Favorites #72: Week of 1/16My Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      January 16, 2015 at 8:45 am

      Thanks, Heather! Yes, you’ve got to make it to wine country one day. It’s beautiful and always a good time. Have a fabulous weekend! 🙂
      Ashley recently posted…Friday Favorites: Just a few special thingsMy Profile

      Reply
  9. Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious says

    January 16, 2015 at 8:29 am

    Happy Anniversary! What I want to know is what did you say to Dave that night in the bar? I’m so bad at starting conversations with people. There’s a guy at my gym I have my eye on, but I’m not sure what to say which is funny because I don’t have that problem with anyone else. On another note, I love your apron. I need one of those! Enjoy your weekend Ashley!
    Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious recently posted…100 Calorie Double Chocolate Chip Greek MuffinsMy Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      January 16, 2015 at 9:23 am

      Hi Megan! Thanks! My opening line was about the fact that the happy hour only had 10 minutes left. He apparently liked that line. 🙂 heheheh When the time is right to talk to your gym guy, it will just come to you. I promise:) Happy Friday!
      Ashley recently posted…Friday Favorites: Just a few special thingsMy Profile

      Reply
  10. Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health says

    January 16, 2015 at 9:04 am

    Aw, I loved reading the story of how you and Dave met! It really was meant to be. 🙂

    And you look so cute in your apron! That was sweet of your mom to get you it and remember the story about the wine glass.

    Have a blast in Napa and drink lots of wine for me! Happy Anniversary!
    Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health recently posted…Fresh Orange Creamsicle SmoothieMy Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      January 16, 2015 at 9:22 am

      Thank you, Sarah!! Would love to hear your meeting tale one day too:)
      Ashley recently posted…Friday Favorites: Just a few special thingsMy Profile

      Reply
  11. Marielle says

    January 16, 2015 at 10:06 am

    Napa is the best, have so much fun! My favorite place up there is Domaine Carneros.Check it out if you have time, they have the best Pinot !
    Marielle recently posted…Survey TimeMy Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      January 16, 2015 at 11:33 am

      I haven’t been to that one yet believe it or not. We have two spots planned already for tomorrow so maybe next trip. Have a great weekend, Marielle! 🙂
      Ashley recently posted…Friday Favorites: Just a few special thingsMy Profile

      Reply
  12. Nancy says

    January 16, 2015 at 10:28 am

    That’s what I call a “snack plate” over here. I love eating a bunch of random finger foods for lunches or supper 🙂 So good.
    Nancy recently posted…POM Friday . 10My Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      January 16, 2015 at 11:32 am

      Great minds think alike, Nancy! 🙂
      Ashley recently posted…Friday Favorites: Just a few special thingsMy Profile

      Reply
  13. Melissa Burton says

    January 16, 2015 at 11:51 am

    I do celebrate the day my husband and I started dating (24 years ago this February – yes, I know that makes me OLD!). We always take the day off (if we can manage it) and do something special. Enjoy your big plans! I heart wine country too!

    My favorite post this week was my post today about BraveHoods, a one-for-one not-for-profit that gives a hooded t-shirt to a child with cancer for every t-shirt sold. This company was started by a mom whose child went through cancer treatment and I love that they’ve chosen to take their pain and decided to help others. BraveHoods is trying to win a contest to get them $10K via KINDSnacks to give 13,000 BraveHoods away in 2015 and I wanted to do anything I could to get the word out.

    Have a great long weekend!
    Melissa Burton recently posted…Friday’s Featured Female – The Ladies of BravehoodsMy Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      January 16, 2015 at 2:54 pm

      Hi Melissa, That’s so awesome that you’re spreading the word about Bravehoods. It’s always nice to do a little good with your influence! And, I’m also glad we’re not alone that we celebrate little anniversaries other than the wedding! It’s fun to do. Hope you have a great weekend! I’ll have a glass of wine in Napa for yoU! 🙂
      Ashley recently posted…Friday Favorites: Just a few special thingsMy Profile

      Reply
  14. Whitney @ French Fry Runner says

    January 16, 2015 at 12:48 pm

    What a great “first meet” story! 🙂 I love that apron too! I have two types of aprons: the “hard core, I live in the kitchen, stained ones” and the cute “special occasion” ones. Good luck with your recipe goal! 🙂
    Whitney @ French Fry Runner recently posted…Friday Five: What’s In My Gym Bag?My Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      January 16, 2015 at 2:51 pm

      Hi Whitney!! hahah good to know. I’ve never used an apron before, so this one will have to do for all occasions. Hope you have a fabulous weekend. Thanks for stopping by to say hello:)
      Ashley recently posted…Friday Favorites: Just a few special thingsMy Profile

      Reply
  15. Jess @hellotofit says

    January 16, 2015 at 1:26 pm

    Great apron, and happy meet-iversary! No plans yet for this weekend, and I’ll be working Monday. Hope you have an awesome holiday!
    Jess @hellotofit recently posted…Recipe of the week: Slow cooker spiced wheat berriesMy Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      January 16, 2015 at 2:35 pm

      Hi Jess! No plans is sometimes a good thing. Whatever you do, I hope you have a great weekend. Happy Friday! 🙂
      Ashley recently posted…Friday Favorites: Just a few special thingsMy Profile

      Reply
  16. Tamara @ A Side Of Dessert says

    January 16, 2015 at 1:38 pm

    Ok, I need the wine glass and necklace!! Love them!
    Tamara @ A Side Of Dessert recently posted…Fun Fact FridaysMy Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      January 16, 2015 at 2:31 pm

      Hahha thanks Tamara! I hope you have a great weekend! Cheers:)
      Ashley recently posted…Friday Favorites: Just a few special thingsMy Profile

      Reply
  17. Lauryn says

    January 16, 2015 at 4:06 pm

    What a sweet story!! Happy anniversary! I love when things are just meant to be like that 🙂 Also…huge fan of finger foods/snacking/meat plates. Can’t stop won’t stop!
    Lauryn recently posted…Down South in Charlottesville + a Healthy Comfort Food RecipeMy Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      January 17, 2015 at 7:14 pm

      Hi Lauryn, Thanks! And yes, finger foods are the best. I hope you have a great weekend! 🙂
      Ashley recently posted…Friday Favorites: Just a few special thingsMy Profile

      Reply
  18. Kaylin @ Enticing Healthy Eating says

    January 16, 2015 at 4:40 pm

    Well happy “meeting” anniversary to you and your husband! I also am loving the polka dot apron and the wine glass. My mother bought me an apron a while back from anthropologie online.
    Kaylin @ Enticing Healthy Eating recently posted…Vegan Banana Blueberry MuffinsMy Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      January 17, 2015 at 7:14 pm

      Hi Kaylin! Thank you! Moms are the best when it comes to gifts, aren’t they? Hope you have a great weekend!
      Ashley recently posted…Friday Favorites: Just a few special thingsMy Profile

      Reply
  19. Cassie @ Almost Getting it Together says

    January 16, 2015 at 5:20 pm

    Happy “meeting” anniversary! So cute you still remember the day! Have so much fun in Napa! xo
    Cassie @ Almost Getting it Together recently posted…Pressed Juicery Juice Cleanse ReviewMy Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      January 17, 2015 at 7:13 pm

      Thanks, Cassie! I do love me some wine country! Hope your weekend is full of fun! 🙂
      Ashley recently posted…Friday Favorites: Just a few special thingsMy Profile

      Reply
  20. Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes says

    January 17, 2015 at 12:27 pm

    OMG, I love that apron, so cute!!!
    Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes recently posted…Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Smoothie Recipe #foodiefridayMy Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      January 17, 2015 at 7:07 pm

      Thanks, Sue! Hope you have a great weekend:)
      Ashley recently posted…Friday Favorites: Just a few special thingsMy Profile

      Reply
  21. Beth @ Running with the Sunrise says

    January 17, 2015 at 5:34 pm

    Happy meeting anniversary! That’s such a sweet story. Your picnic layout looks fantastic! I’m a fan of finger foods, too. I tend to be more of a grazer, so finger foods work really well for me. Hope you have a great weekend!
    Beth @ Running with the Sunrise recently posted…Easy Blueberry Green Smoothie RecipeMy Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      January 17, 2015 at 7:06 pm

      Hi Beth! Thank you! The weekend is great so far. I’m glad you’re a fan of finger foods too, it’s just more fun to eat that way. Hope you have a lovely evening! 🙂
      Ashley recently posted…Friday Favorites: Just a few special thingsMy Profile

      Reply
  22. Chloe - A Latte Lipstick says

    January 18, 2015 at 9:11 am

    Aww I love celebrating romantic dates! Happy 6 year meeting anniversary! Adore that apron!

    XO Chloe
    A Latte Lipstick
    Chloe – A Latte Lipstick recently posted…Step Up Your PJ Game With NightiesMy Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      January 18, 2015 at 9:57 am

      Hi Chloe! Thank you!! I hope you’re having a great weekend:)
      Ashley recently posted…Friday Favorites: Just a few special thingsMy Profile

      Reply
  23. Kelly - A Side of Sweet says

    January 19, 2015 at 9:16 pm

    Happy anniversary! Pat and I do something similar! Love the apron – it definitely says, “I’m a serious chef making serious food”. 🙂
    Kelly – A Side of Sweet recently posted…Yogurt Brûlée Recipe (Opt. vegan)My Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      January 20, 2015 at 7:38 am

      Thanks, Kelly! I hope to become more of a serious chef in it! 🙂
      Ashley recently posted…VIP wine-tasting experiences in Napa ValleyMy Profile

      Reply
  24. Tricia @ A Couple of Dashes says

    January 25, 2015 at 10:21 pm

    Your apron is absolutely adorable! I really need to invest in one. I always spill things on myself or things splatter all over me. I’m a mess!
    Tricia @ A Couple of Dashes recently posted…5 Things Friday – Lady Dates, Ewok Dogs and A Hole In My Heart!My Profile

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. VIP wine-tasting experiences in Napa Valley - A Lady Goes WestA Lady Goes West says:
    January 20, 2015 at 2:31 am

    […] past Saturday, Dave and I took an adventure to Napa, and it was pretty awesome. Because last Friday was the anniversary of the day we met each other six years ago, we knew we wanted to do something […]

    Reply
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    February 18, 2015 at 8:22 am

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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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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!🎉 Who doesn't love a collagen g G.I.V.E.A.W.A.Y!🎉 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!
Good additions! Even though I'm all about simplify Good additions! Even though I'm all about simplifying life, I also like adding more good, if there's room for it. And the last year has given me ample opportunity to make some changes and add a lot of good. Here's my super-random list of things I've added to my life in the last year that I now love:
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-Using oat milk as my milk of choice (it's literally the creamiest, and I can’t go back to others now)
-Choosing to be outside as much as possible (can't believe I stayed indoors so much before, never exploring the beautiful Bay Area and now Charlotte until the last year)
-Teaching and taking virtual fitness classes (I was a gym rat for years, and now I actually love to work out at home with my virtual fitness friends)
-Wearing my Apple watch for notifications so I don't always need to be on my phone and tracking some beneficial metrics (I've only had my watch for about 9 months, and I love to check my heart-rate and close my rings)
-Appreciating the ability to work for myself and giving myself friendlier deadlines (I've been my own boss for several years and used to be so strict with my deadlines, until I realized it was stressing me more than it needed to, so now I say no to a lot of things and only do what works well in my life, without adding too much unnecessary stress)
-Shorter workouts (full-hour workouts are a thing of the past for me)
-Wearing more colors (no more black uniforms every day)
-And more!
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I wrote a whole post about this topic on A Lady Goes West this week if this is of interest to you, and you can head on over and check it out. I'd love to know: What's something (random or not) that you've added to your life in the last year that you now love?
Over the weekend, I stepped foot into a big-box gy Over the weekend, I stepped foot into a big-box gym for the first time in more than 11 months. How did I feel about it? Mixed ... When we left California, gyms were still closed, and once we got to North Carolina, I was so used to not going to the gym, I didn't even think about going. After being here a month, I finally decided to get a guest pass at a gym near me, and I went twice. Here are my thoughts on the experience: 
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At first, I felt so excited to drive up and go in and work out in a big space with a lot of equipment and not be at home. But then reality sank in: Even though masks were required and there were signs everywhere reminding people, about half the folks in the gym had their masks off or had them down around their chin. Ummm, not cool. I get it, working out with a mask on sucks, but rules are rules, folks. I also didn't like that it was busier than I expected, and quite a bit of the equipment I wanted to use was occupied. That never happens at home.
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Overall, I'm glad that those who need to get to the gym are getting the opportunity, but right now, I think I'll go back to sweating safely at home for a little while longer. But at least I got my first locker-room selfie in almost a year. I'd love to know. Have you been back to the gym yet?
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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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