Friday Favorites: Toiletries, gifts and more

ByAshley Hours
Comments 57 Comments

TGIF! What a week! I started this one in Florida and am ending it back in the Bay Area after some unfortunate travel-related events. This morning’s agenda calls for teaching my first BODYATTACK class in a week-and-a-half, lots of catch-up work and perhaps some yoga. Tomorrow, I’m back at Orangetheory in the morning to teach a couple of classes and take a class. And we’ll just have to wait and see what the rest of the weekend entails. I sure hope that rest is a big part of it. I need it.

This week’s Friday Favorites

But you’re here today for some light-hearted chatter about the things that I’ve been loving lately. Ladies and gentlemen, here are my latest “Friday Favorites” … 

My favorite new toiletry

True story: The state of Maine has a special place in my heart. Dave grew up in Maine, and we’ve visited there together a couple of times, and I’m absolutely amazed by how beautiful it is. In fact, we got engaged just off the coast of Portland, Maine on a lovely little island called Peaks Island, and we still call that our “Maine-gagement.” Outside of wonderful memories for us, a lot of other great things are made in Maine, including incredible companies that give back. I was recently introduced to one of those companies, Tom’s of Maine, and its new line of Long Lasting Natural Deodorant. *(A big thanks to Tom’s of Maine for sponsoring this!)

Tom's of Maine deodorantTom’s of Maine and pool-time in Florida. It just works.

Tom’s of Maine has been making natural products for more than 45 years, selling natural toothpaste, deodorant, body wash, lotion and even baby products, while donating 10 percent of its profits to help the environment and the planet. And although I had heard of the company before, I hadn’t tried anything until this new line of deodorants came out. These new deodorants are free of aluminum, are not tested on animals, do not include animal ingredients, nor artificial colors, flavors, fragrances or preservatives. And they are also made using mostly recycled packaging, which is something I’m beginning to appreciate more and more. 

Idtomslogo_lg

I will say that natural deodorants aren’t exactly designed to keep you from sweating, but they do shield odors. When you switch to a natural deodorant, it may take a few days for your body to get used to it. I tried the “Natural Powder” scent during my recent trip in Florida and was very pleased with it. Right away I noticed that it glides on so very smoothly and clearly, and the scent is great. Also, it didn’t give me that stinging feeling that some regular deodorants do, which I absolutely despise. It kept me under control throughout the day, and the scent had some staying power, although I wasn’t maintaining my regular workout routine. Would this product work for my super sweaty husband? Probably not, but it’s sure good for me on a regular day when I’m not teaching BODYATTACK. 

While I’m enjoying using Tom’s of Maine natural deodorants, I’m most enjoying the fact that I know what I’m using is made with the environment in mind. The planet is a pretty important resource and any company keeping that in mind is a good one in my book. Check out Tom’s of Maine on Instagram too! 

My favorite new gifts

In case you missed it, yesterday I talked all about the fun wedding activities I was part of in Florida over the long weekend. I was a bridesmaid for my long-time friend Melissa, and it was a lovely experience during the three days of celebrations. I came back with some memories and some loot. Melissa gave her five bridesmaids some really cute gifts …

Bridesmaids giftsYes, I pulled it all out to stage a photo shortly after receiving my gifts! And then I put them all to good use.

This little gift set, which Melissa gave us at the rehearsal, included the following:

  • A monogrammed tote bag, which I used on wedding day and as a carry-on bag yesterday during my travels.
  • A silver clutch purse, which we all used at the wedding.
  • A monogrammed water cup with a straw, which I know I’ll get a lot of use out of.
  • A pair of silver dangly earrings for us all to wear during the wedding. So pretty.
  • A mini spa lotion. Who doesn’t need more of that?
  • A wedding koozie, donned with Melissa and Neal’s wedding logo and the date.
  • A seeing-eye bracelet, which I also wore during the wedding and yesterday.
  • A navy sundress, which we all wore on the day of the wedding to get ready.
  • A silky hanger for displaying our bridesmaid’s dress.
  • Some Greek cookies. And I probably had about a dozen of those over the course of the wedding events because they were always around.

All of these gifts were themed perfectly with the wedding, and I love that about them. A big “nice work” going out to the busy bride, who pulled it all together.

My favorite news of the week

Of course, I need to give a big shout-out to the Golden State Warriors, who are now officially in the NBA Finals, which start next week. As you can imagine, we’re pretty excited out here in the Bay Area, seeing as this is the first time in 40 years that the Warriors have made it this far. Dave changed his flight to fly back early from Florida, and he was glad he did, so he could experience the Warriors clinching a spot in the Finals in front of a sold-out crowd at home. Cool stuff! Being that many of our friends, as well as Dave, work for the Warriors, this is a big deal! I’m looking forward to going to a Finals game.

My favorite dessert of the week

Leave it to my wonderful Mom to have a celebration cake made for every occasion. Even though we didn’t get to do what we had planned on our three-year anniversary, Dave and I still commemorated the day with a cake and nice dinner at home with my family while we were in Florida earlier this week.

Anniversary Publix cakeSweet frosting, chocolate and vanilla on the inside and so much deliciousness. We had the chance to enjoy this cake two nights-in-a-row along with ice cream.

And of course, this cake is from Publix. My favorite grocery store, which I visited several times for sushi, subs and other things during my time in the Sunshine State. Publix rarely disappoints, and for those of who you have never experienced it, I hope you do one day.

My favorite links of the week

Did you miss out on some of the good stuff on A Lady Goes West this week? Even though I was in the midst of travel and family time, I tried my best to get you a fresh post each day. Here’s what happened …

I hope you have a wonderful Friday and weekend, my friends! See you soon!

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. 

  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

Questions of the day

What’s a favorite thing you’re loving this week?

What are your plans for the weekend?

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This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Tom’s of Maine for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.

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57 Comments

  1. LOVE that bridesmaid gift! I have my girls Toms to wear for the reception, their wedding earrings (each had something different) and an owl lip gloss pot (each different). I’ve gotten a gorgeous purse and a personalized bag and robe from my turns! Have a great weekend!

    Reply

    1. Thanks, Lisa! Yes, I tend to like things that I can use again, and the bag and cup are perfect examples of that. A very happy Friday going out to you too! 🙂

      Reply

  3. Yay for the Warriors! I’ve been watching their games and cheering for them (just happens to be the first time I cheered for them…coincidence??). I have lots of fun plans this weekend – summer is officially here in Pittsburgh and all of the fun summer activities are starting up 🙂 Can’t wait!!

    Reply

    1. Hi Gretchen! Yay! I’m SO happy you’re cheering for the Warriors! I appreciate it. And of course, enjoy your summer weekend in PITT! 🙂

      Reply

  4. Ohh love the swag gifts from the wedding you were in!! Love that dress and the tote!!! Weekend is pretty empty which is a nice change, hoping for a bon fire at a friends house and some baby nursery prep (things I should be doing!)…

    Favourite treat from this week was probably a stop at Dairy Queen last night, didn’t really need it but loved it none the less! Have a fab weekend!

    Reply

    1. Hi Fiona! A low-key weekend is always good. I would LOVE to go to a bon fire, so need. We don’t have a lot of those in the dry Bay Area heheh. Nursery prep. YAY! Are you having a boy or a girl?? 🙂

      Reply

      1. Boy!!! which is great because I”m not sure if my husband would know what to do with a girl!

        Oh yah no dice for bon fires with dry conditions, actually I think some of our areas have some restrictions too, I should check into that 😉

        Reply

  5. I use Toms off and on and my husband recently used it when his ran out. He won’t go back to his!! I love using it when I’m pregnant since it’s less junk I’m exposing baby to.

    Reply

    1. That’s such a good reason to stick to the natural products like Tom’s, Amy. Good choice! Hope you have a lovely Friday and weekend, lady! 🙂

      Reply

    1. Hi Morgan! How funny that natural and healthy products are more accepted today. Thank goodness! Hope you have a lovely Friday and weekend, lady! 🙂

      Reply

  8. So many fab things in this post- first of all, I love Tom’s of Maine deodorant and toothpaste! Secondly, I never got a chance to tell you how great you looked at the wedding. It looked like such a fun time with friends! Have a great weekend, Ashley!

    Reply

  10. Cake. Deliciousness. And I can’t believe I didn’t even think to eat my birthday cake with ice cream. Thankfully there is still one piece left with my name on it – so that is totally happening tonight!! Thanks for linking up. Have a great weekend and fingers crossed for some rest for you!!

    Reply

  12. So we’ve been rooting for the Warriors…my husband went to washington state which is where Klay Thompson went, so he’s a big fan! Ha! Love that navy dress btw!

    Reply

    1. Hi Sue! Yes the bride did great with our gifts. And of course, Tom’s deodorant isn’t for everyone, but I’m glad you like their other natural products. Hope you have a happy Friday and weekend, Momma! 🙂

      Reply

    1. Thanks, Carrie! I loved the blue too! And are you planning yours yet? Or do you have to get engaged first?? hahah Happy Friday to you, lady! 🙂

      Reply

  17. I use Toms at night and on days that I don’t teach during the winter. Sadly, it doesn’t do enough for me during the hot, sweaty months here in AZ and on my workout days, but I do like knowing that I’m using something natural some of the time.

    You got quite the haul from the lovely bride! Beautiful gifts!!

    Reply

  21. LOVE Peaks Island! That’s so fun that you got engaged there! I’m a Bay Area native myself, but lived in Maine to two summers interning at L.L.Bean (another awesome Maine company)! It’s such a gorgeous state!

    Reply

    1. Hi Annie! Oh yes, I know LL Bean! I’ve been to those stores in Freeport. My husband lived in Freeport when growing up actually. So cool you know Peaks Island — it’s a lovely and quiet place. We’d love to go back there one day. But it’s quite the trip from the Bay Area. Happy weekend to you! 🙂

      Reply

  22. Thank you for giving an honest review of the deodorant! I’ve tried so many natural deodorants and many of them are great for every day but not intense workouts so I appreciate that you were upfront about your feelings with that.

    That tote is SO adorable! I absolutely love the color!

    And congrats to the Warriors- woo hoo!! 🙂

    Reply

    1. Hi Sarah! Honesty always hhehe! And I actually do like Tom’s a lot for the day-time when I’m not working out, but switching to something stronger at gym time is ideal. And YAY for the Warriors!! Hope your weekend is great, lady! 🙂

      Reply

  23. Love this!! I’ve been using Tom’s of Main since I was 6 years old 😛 My mom has been big into natural products forever. I did try the deo and it didn’t work so well – but I work out everyday so that’s why! I think it would be a great alternative on non active days to cut chemicals!

    Reply

    1. Hi Jill! I definitely like the idea behind natural products and am just starting to try some! Glad you’re a fan! Happy Monday! 🙂 Hope your trip is going amazingly!

      Reply
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  25. Wait! Dave grew up in Maine? You got Maine-gaged (love it!) on Peak’s Island?! Ahhh! I used to live in Portland- went to grad school in New Hampshire! Ahh! SO FUN! (You never meet Mainers here in CA. :))

    Also- what a special and gorgeous bridesmaid gift! Lucky. 🙂

    Reply
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