Favorite Things: Healthy products, handbags, snacks and more
Hey, party people! We’ve just about made it to another weekend. I’ve got to be honest and tell you I’m exhausted from this week. While I’d like to say that I have a relaxing couple of days ahead, that’s not the case at all. Dave and I are going to a big Super Bowl-related event in the City tonight, have a bunch of activities tomorrow and then a Super Bowl-watching party with friends on Sunday. Good thing it’s all fun stuff ahead. Now, let’s chat favorites …
This week’s finds for “Favorite Things”
We’re keeping it light with the latest edition of a few of my favorites …
My favorite beauty products of the week
I can remember Shannon from “The Real Housewives of Orange County” telling her daughter that our skin is our biggest organ, and we have to be careful what we put on it, because everything applied to the skin enters our system. Well, many years later, I’m starting to listen to that, and thank goodness there are companies out there making it easy for us all, like the creators of this facial cleanser …
A vegan face wash? Some seriously plumping BlastPro mascara by CoverGirl? Hi-def tinted brow gel by Revitalash? You can find all three of these items on my current must-have beauty regime.
Above you see an awesome Organic Purifying Face Cleanser, sent to me by the family-owned Block Island Organics company out of Rhode Island, and because of them, my skin and insides are safe. Right, Shannon? This cleanser is like a gentler, more pleasant Cetaphil-type of product, but also organic, vegan and full of good-for-you antioxidants. (And yes, it totally gets your make-up off after a long day.) If you’re interested in supporting this company, you can visit the website, make purchases and read more about the family’s mission. (Use the code ASHLEY for 20 percent off until February 10.)
And by the way, I leave the house without full make-up quite often (actually, it’s less and less these days, now that I’m working at places other than gyms), but I always make time for two cosmetics before I head out the door: mascara and eyebrow gel. Why? Because putting something on my eyes makes me feel a little less naked. Anybody agree?
My favorite bag of the week
Speaking of good products, have you ever heard of vegan leather? It’s just like regular leather, but is totally animal friendly, and I just received my first piece. Today, I’m excited to introduce you to a company called Canopy Verde, based out of Brooklyn and owned by a woman. Canopy Verde makes chic handbags and accessories, designed to be friendly to the environment using organic cotton and non-toxic materials. The owner of the company, Linda, reached out to me and let me choose an item to test out. I selected the Bergen Vegan Tote, which you see below.
How cute is this bucket tote? Perfect for a water bottle, shades, a wallet, snacks and maybe even a little bit more.
My favorite parts about this bag are the space inside and how comfortably it fits on my arm. It’s the perfect casual weekend bag to use for running errands, and I love the bright orange pop. Oh and those vegan leather handles? They are so soft. Anything from this line would make a great gift idea for an eco-conscious friend, so you should check out some of the cute clutches and unique bags on the Canopy Verde site today.
My favorite snack of the week
Other than breakfast, lunch and dinner, snack time is definitely my favorite time of the day. Are you with me? I picked up a bunch of little convenient bites to have at work, and here’s my best combination thus far …
Crunch. Fruit. Nuts. I’ll take it. This is an ideal mini-meal in my book.
I’ve always loved Larabars for their totally natural and real-food ingredients, and these Uber bars are just as clean, but have an added structure and nutty crunch. I bought a box at Target and will clearly be heading back for more. Uber delicious.
My favorite links of the week
Did you miss the latest on A Lady Goes West this week?
And from around the web worth checking out …
- Still need some inspiration for an appetizer for a football party this weekend? Thanks to Laura for including my prosciutto-wrapped brussels sprouts in this list: “Super Bowl Party Playbook Recipes.”
- If you need some structure for your next cardio session, check out this one I created for the MyFitnessPal blog: “Burn Big Calories with this 30-minute Treadmill Workout.”
- Did you know that I started my career as a communications coordinator at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando? True story! That’s why this list of little-known facts about Disney really entertains me, and I only knew about half. Scroll through “Disney World Facts that Even Die-Hard Fans Don’t Know.”
Read more Favorite Things
To see more favorites, visit Heather‘s blog or my older “Favorite Things.”
*There are a couple of affiliate links in this post. Thanks for your support.
Questions of the day
What’s on your agenda this weekend?
Do you plan to watch the Super Bowl?
I have never had a Larabar. I really need to get on it. As for makeup, I’m lazy. Mascara only for me!
Hi Megan! That must mean you can get ready really quickly!! heheh! Happy Friday, Megan. 🙂
Excited for the Super Bowl! Hope you enjoy your weekend and get to relax a bit. Thanks for the mascara recommendation!
Hope you have a good weekend, Gretchen! Thanks, friend! 🙂
Love Block Island Products! Their moisturizer is killer as well. Have a great weekend!
Hi Susie! I need to try the moisturizer next. Happy Friday, lady! 🙂
I completely agree about mascara making me feel less naked! I’m always on the lookout for awesome mascaras so I will have to give that a try. Have a great weekend! 🙂
YES! Hope you like this kind if you get it, Ashley. The wand is very cool. Have an awesome weekend! 🙂
Oh, I love Larabars. Pair a granola bar with fruit and you’ve got a fantastic snack there! (Although, sometimes I prefer cheese sticks) 😉 It sounds like you have a lot to look forward to this weekend. Have fun!
Thanks, Heather! I hope you have a good weekend too!
I love Larabars, but I’ve never tried Uber bars – I need to! They sound a bit like Kind bars.
They are super crunchy and delish! You will love them, Morgan! Happy Friday! 🙂
Those totes are adorable! On the vegan topic, while I haven’t seen that “Real Housewives” episode, Linz over at http://www.itzlinz.com actually said something similar recently. It’s definitely something I’ve thought about lately when I’m running out of products and am re-stocking.
Sounds like a great weekend coming up. It’s already pretty crazy out here in Denver, so I can’t wait to rock my orange with pride this Sunday. GO GO BRONCOS!!
Have a great weekend! 🙂
Ha! Oh yes, you must be totally into this game! I’m indifferent on who wins hehehe. 🙂 YAY for vegan products, thanks for letting me know about Linz’s thoughts. Have a great weekend, Jessica!
Ive been so into Larabars this week…the peanut butter chocolate chip is so delicious!! I agree with you on the eye make-up. If I dont have mascara and a little eyeliner I feel naked! Hope you enjoy all of your weekend festivities!
I have a peanut butter chocolate chip bar in my bag for a snack today! 🙂 Thanks so much, Heather! So glad we’ve connected. And happy Friday to you!
Love the bag! Are you still on the hunt for a work bag? Also I must add – I JUST bought the same Mascara! I have been a die hard LashBlast fan since I graduated from college, because it does great things for me. I decided to shake it up – at first it was too “wet” but after a few tries, it gave me LONG eyelashes!!! Love it.
Actually, I found a perfect big Kate Spade at Nordstrom Rack on Sunday, so I’m all good with work bags. Thank you!!! 🙂 Happy Friday, Jill!!
I love those honeycrisp apples right now (I think that’s the kind you had?). So good! I have been on the hunt for really good natural skincare stuff for a while, as every brand I’ve tried I haven’t loved. I’m going to check out the one you posted!! Thanks lady 🙂 Happy weekend!
Hi Hayley, This is my first foray into natural products, and the face wash is good! I’ll let you know if I find more! Happy Friday. 🙂 (Loved your yoga post, by the way!)
Larabars are some of my favorites too, because the ingredients list is so short, and the satisfaction factor/nutrition factor is pretty high for a bar. 🙂
I would totally agree, Emily. Have a great weekend!
cool! i didn’t realize Lara Bar expanded their already awesome line of bars. I gotta check those out.
I plan to watch the super bowl at a bar, which will likely mean getting there like 2 hours before… i will literally bring a book while i wait
Great plan! Have a fun weekend! ?
Once I moved to Chicago I stopped carrying a purse altogether because I hated having one with a giant coat. Thankfully I could shove everything I needed into my pockets. It’s been interesting in the summer, but it’s been over a year now and I haven’t looked back!
I never used a purse during the day when I lived in downtown SF either. But now that I drive– a shoulder bag works fine! I used to be all backpack all the time hehe! Happy weekend, Erin!
I’ve been loving apples as an afternoon snack with some nut butter this week. The fiber is really filling!
That’s a great snack for sure, Lauren. Have a nice weekend! ?
As a devoted (okay, obsessed) puppy mama I’ve been thinking a lot lately about animal products (leather, animal testing for makeup etc.). I go to such efforts to eat “happy” animals but then don’t think twice about my new leather sam edelman booties. I’ll definitely check out Canopy Verde. Thanks for sharing, Ashley. Hope you guys have a great weekend.
I do the same, Anna! I definitely am going to start pay more attention! Have a great weekend (an animal friendly one of course!)
Cute bag! Snack time, and really any time to eat, is the best! I have to hide my snacks from view or I’ll eat them too early (and get hungry later). My afternoon snack has been a serving of cashews and a banana, spaced out an hour from each other, I love love bars, but can’t justify the price tag. No big weekend plans, hopefully just relaxing and helping the boyfriend find some new jeans.
Enjoy the relaxation! And I have to hide my snacks too hehehe! ?
apples + nut butter is my go to snack as well..and for the skin, i have been into coconut oil lately and kind of love it.
Coconut oil on the skin?? How so?? Tell me more!
Enjoy your super bowl party, how fun!
I don’t wear a ton of makeup everyday but I have to do something with my eyes, otherwise I feel like I just look asleep. Mascara and some blush are a necessity 🙂
Ditto! Eyes are a must. Have a great weekend, my friend! ?
LOVE that bag! I’ve been obsessed with organic fuji apples lately in particular the ones from Costco. I even made my husband go to two different Costco’s to find the specific ones I wanted. Pregnancy cravings 🙂 Could be worse right?!? Oh wait, there are worse ones too 😉
You can blame it all on the bump, right?? Hahah that’s a very healthy craving! Happy weekend, Giselle! ?
I need to try those new Larabars! I love the normal ones, but would really love a crunchy snack! Also totally with you on the mascara. It’s the one make-up essential I refuse to go without. I’m excited for the super bowl this weekend, I love all the hype. But it is sad to see football season come to an end. Enjoy your weekend!
Hi Patricia! Well we’re more into basketball over here heheh. Happy weekend to you!
I’m a diehard Disney fan, so I love articles like that! Also, SO cool you had the opportunity to work there!
Have a fabulous weekend, Ashley!
Yes! I worked at Disney two separate times, it’s a very interesting company to work for! I have some stories hehe! Happy weekend, Julia! ?
I love those new Uber bars from larabar, they are so delicious and filling! They truly are a perfect mini meal 🙂
Sure are! Happy weekend to you, Rachel! ?
How good is tinted brow gel! I’m absolutely hooked on the stuff. No major agenda items this weekend, it’s raining here in Sunny Queensland, Australia, which means pretty much all activities are cancelled (as almost everything is outdoors). A quiet one indeed! Hope you have a lovely weekend xx
Oh man! Enjoy the time indoors to relax I guess!! ?
I’d love a post on how you’re transitioning into being at a full time/structured job! I recently started working full time after being free to workout for 1+ hours/daily to now working out~4x/week. I can’t stop gaining weight! I think part of it may be stress weight + lack of sleep. I’m continuing to eat clean, and possibly a couple hundred calories a day more (as my hours are have been close to 14 hours days so I need an extra snack to keep my energy up). But any tips would be helpful!!
Hi Kalena! I hope you are enjoying your new job — sounds like you have long days, so good work getting in four workouts a week. Do you get up from your desk to walk around? Take the stairs? Drink enough water? I will be sure to share a few tips and tricks as I keep transitioning into my desk job. You are right that your weight gain could be based on lack of sleep, stress and hormones. Make sure you relax, stay hydrated and try not to worry too much!