Friday Favorites: Toiletries, gifts and more
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 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.
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 …
Yes, 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.
Sweet 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 …
- Short and sweet — Summer-time smoothie round-up and my weekly workouts
- A special day — Sunshine State fun and celebrating three years
- My eats — What I ate yesterday in the Sunshine State
- A trip recap — A Big Fat Greek wedding and some Florida fun
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.
- 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
Questions of the day
What’s a favorite thing you’re loving this week?
What are your plans for the weekend?
Follow along with me on Bloglovin‘, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Tom’s of Maine for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.
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!
Hi Susie! Good gifts! You know, I’ve never worn Tom’s and need to get on that! Happy Friday, lady! 🙂
Those bridesmaids gifts are great! I love practical gifts, like the bag. And a few cute items are always nice as well! Have a great weekend!
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! 🙂
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!!
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! 🙂
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!
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?? 🙂
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 😉
BOY! Congrats!! When are you due?? This is your first, right? 🙂
Yah! Due July 21st! coming along! Not ready yet! lol
Yay for you!! It’s coming up! I’m sure you’ll be a wonderful Momma! 🙂
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.
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! 🙂
I am so excited about the Warriors! The Giants won the World Series my first night in SF so I’m hoping I’m good luck for our sports teams 😉 Have a lovely weekend, Ashley!
Thanks, Cassie! So glad you’re cheering for the Warriors. Hope you have a lovely weekend as well! 🙂
What an awesome bridesmaids gift!! Love it! i remember my uncle using Tom’s toothpaste when I was a kid, before it was cool to do the all natural thing and I thought it was so weird! But now I love it!
Hi Morgan! How funny that natural and healthy products are more accepted today. Thank goodness! Hope you have a lovely Friday and weekend, lady! 🙂
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!
Ohhh thank you so much, Katie! You’re too sweet! TGIF to you!! 🙂
You look gorgeous!!!!
Thanks, Brittany! It felt good to get all dolled up outside of gym clothes heheh! 🙂 Happy Friday!
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!!
Eat up, Katie! hehehe! I always add some ice cream to my cake. 🙂 Happy Friday!
That has to be the best bridesmaid swag bag I’ve ever seen. You came out good. I haven’t tried Toms bit I’ve seen it at Sprouts and thought about checking it out. Have a good weekend!
Hi Megan! I agree, the bride treated us well! And yes for Tom’s! Happy Friday, lady!! 🙂
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!
Sweet! Klay Thompson is awesome!! I went to UF and David Lee went there too. Happy Friday, Marielle!! 🙂
Super cute gift bag from the bride! You have a nice friend! I haven’t tried Tom’s deodorant because I’m a heavy sweater and need something with an antiperspirant 🙁 But love Tom’s toothpaste! Have a great weekend!
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! 🙂
Publix’s bakery is where it is at!! I always get any big life event cakes from there.
Hi Stacie, I know! I love everything from Publix. 🙂 Happy Friday, lady!
I love the wedding swag! That blue is gorgeous– I’d want that color for my wedding! Store bought cakes… always for the win!
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! 🙂
Great bridesmaid gifts! Glad you had a good trip. Enjoy the weekend!
Thanks, Lauren! It’s always good to have some girl time. Hope you have a good weekend too!
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!!
Thanks, Ash! I know, she got us amazing gifts! Happy Friday! 🙂
What a wonderful bridesmaid gift bag! I love all the personal touches she incorporated!
That is so sweet of your mom to get a cake for you guys!
Have a great weekend!
Thank you, Heather! Yes, lots of good gifts and eats on my Florida trip! Hope you have a nice weekend as well! 🙂
Where’s your dress from? LOVE! 🙂
Hi Amanda! The navy dress is from Forever 21 — it was part of the bridesmaid gift. Happy Friday!
ha! I must of totally missed that part! You look fab!
Hahha that’s okay, and thank you! 🙂
I can only imagine that that cake tastes as good as it looks 🙂
It sure did, Sara! I love cake 🙂 heheh! Happy weekend to you!
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!
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! 🙂
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!! 🙂
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! 🙂
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!
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!
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. 🙂
Yes! We’ve been to Maine together twice. I LOVE Maine. Portland is such a cool city! How neat that you lived there:)