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Favorite Things: Healthy products, handbags, snacks and more

February 5, 2016 By Ashley 48 Comments

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 …

Favorite beauty products via A Lady Goes West blog

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. 

Canopy Verde Vegan handbag by A Lady Goes West

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 …

Larabar Uber snack bar by A Lady Goes West

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? 

  • A good weekend back in the Creek and my weekly workouts
  • Pictures of a full day of healthy food

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.” 
Take a minute and check out these fun #favorites ... Click To Tweet

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?

Filed Under: Beauty, Friday Favorites, Shopping Tagged With: beauty, Canopy Verde purse, face wash, Favorite Things, Friday Favorites, handbag, Larabar, snacks

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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. Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious says

    February 5, 2016 at 3:18 am

    I have never had a Larabar. I really need to get on it. As for makeup, I’m lazy. Mascara only for me!
    Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious recently posted…Baked Zucchini Parmesan Fries {GF, Paleo, Low Cal}My Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      February 5, 2016 at 6:07 am

      Hi Megan! That must mean you can get ready really quickly!! heheh! Happy Friday, Megan. 🙂

      Reply
  2. Gretchen | Gretchruns says

    February 5, 2016 at 5:13 am

    Excited for the Super Bowl! Hope you enjoy your weekend and get to relax a bit. Thanks for the mascara recommendation!
    Gretchen | Gretchruns recently posted…Top Five Friday #42My Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      February 5, 2016 at 6:07 am

      Hope you have a good weekend, Gretchen! Thanks, friend! 🙂

      Reply
  3. Susie @ SuzLyfe says

    February 5, 2016 at 5:29 am

    Love Block Island Products! Their moisturizer is killer as well. Have a great weekend!
    Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…Workout Motivation : 5 Ways to Get Your Butt Out the DoorMy Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      February 5, 2016 at 6:07 am

      Hi Susie! I need to try the moisturizer next. Happy Friday, lady! 🙂

      Reply
  4. Ashley says

    February 5, 2016 at 5:41 am

    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! 🙂

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      February 5, 2016 at 6:06 am

      YES! Hope you like this kind if you get it, Ashley. The wand is very cool. Have an awesome weekend! 🙂

      Reply
  5. Heather @ Life In Leggings says

    February 5, 2016 at 5:56 am

    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!
    Heather @ Life In Leggings recently posted…Friday Favorites #127: Week of 2/5My Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      February 5, 2016 at 6:06 am

      Thanks, Heather! I hope you have a good weekend too!

      Reply
  6. Morgan @ Morgan Manages Mommyhood says

    February 5, 2016 at 6:52 am

    I love Larabars, but I’ve never tried Uber bars – I need to! They sound a bit like Kind bars.
    Morgan @ Morgan Manages Mommyhood recently posted…Friday Favorites #39My Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      February 5, 2016 at 7:26 am

      They are super crunchy and delish! You will love them, Morgan! Happy Friday! 🙂

      Reply
  7. Jessica @ Semi-Sweet Tooth says

    February 5, 2016 at 7:05 am

    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! 🙂
    Jessica @ Semi-Sweet Tooth recently posted…Super Bowl Party Treat – Mom’s Easy, Double Chocolate, Fudge Brownies!My Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      February 5, 2016 at 7:28 am

      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!

      Reply
  8. Heather @ Polyglot Jot says

    February 5, 2016 at 7:20 am

    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!
    Heather @ Polyglot Jot recently posted…Foodie Friday: 5 Minute Creamy Avocado SauceMy Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      February 5, 2016 at 7:28 am

      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!

      Reply
  9. Jill @ Champagne for Everyday says

    February 5, 2016 at 7:30 am

    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.
    Jill @ Champagne for Everyday recently posted…Ultra Light Down by Uniqlo: The Best Winter Travel JacketMy Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      February 5, 2016 at 7:48 am

      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!!
      Ashley recently posted…Favorite Things: Healthy products, handbags, snacks and moreMy Profile

      Reply
  10. Hayley Blake says

    February 5, 2016 at 7:43 am

    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!
    Hayley Blake recently posted…Currently // February 2016My Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      February 5, 2016 at 7:48 am

      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!)
      Ashley recently posted…Favorite Things: Healthy products, handbags, snacks and moreMy Profile

      Reply
  11. Emily says

    February 5, 2016 at 7:51 am

    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. 🙂

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      February 5, 2016 at 7:40 pm

      I would totally agree, Emily. Have a great weekend!

      Reply
  12. Beverley @ sweaty&fit says

    February 5, 2016 at 8:01 am

    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
    Beverley @ sweaty&fit recently posted…Vancouver/Free People Recap Video + 3 Workouts!My Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      February 5, 2016 at 7:41 pm

      Great plan! Have a fun weekend! ?

      Reply
  13. Erin @ Erin's Inside Job says

    February 5, 2016 at 8:46 am

    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!
    Erin @ Erin’s Inside Job recently posted…Five Things Friday #72My Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      February 5, 2016 at 7:42 pm

      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!

      Reply
  14. Lauren says

    February 5, 2016 at 9:16 am

    I’ve been loving apples as an afternoon snack with some nut butter this week. The fiber is really filling!
    Lauren recently posted…Healthy Honey Banana Muffins {with Nektar Naturals}My Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      February 5, 2016 at 7:42 pm

      That’s a great snack for sure, Lauren. Have a nice weekend! ?

      Reply
  15. Anna says

    February 5, 2016 at 9:31 am

    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.
    Anna recently posted…GET REAL GUIDE to BloatingMy Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      February 5, 2016 at 7:43 pm

      I do the same, Anna! I definitely am going to start pay more attention! Have a great weekend (an animal friendly one of course!)

      Reply
  16. Jessie R says

    February 5, 2016 at 10:22 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      February 5, 2016 at 7:43 pm

      Enjoy the relaxation! And I have to hide my snacks too hehehe! ?

      Reply
  17. dixya | food, pleasure, and health says

    February 5, 2016 at 10:35 am

    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.
    dixya | food, pleasure, and health recently posted…Virual Coffee DateMy Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      February 5, 2016 at 7:43 pm

      Coconut oil on the skin?? How so?? Tell me more!

      Reply
  18. Marielle says

    February 5, 2016 at 1:55 pm

    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 🙂
    Marielle recently posted…Marielle’s MusingsMy Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      February 5, 2016 at 7:44 pm

      Ditto! Eyes are a must. Have a great weekend, my friend! ?

      Reply
  19. Giselle Schroer says

    February 5, 2016 at 3:09 pm

    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 😉
    Giselle Schroer recently posted…Friday Favorites #17My Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      February 5, 2016 at 7:44 pm

      You can blame it all on the bump, right?? Hahah that’s a very healthy craving! Happy weekend, Giselle! ?

      Reply
  20. Patricia @sweet and strong says

    February 5, 2016 at 3:31 pm

    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!
    Patricia @sweet and strong recently posted…Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken MeatballsMy Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      February 5, 2016 at 7:45 pm

      Hi Patricia! Well we’re more into basketball over here heheh. Happy weekend to you!

      Reply
  21. Julia @ Lord Still Loves Me says

    February 5, 2016 at 4:41 pm

    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!
    Julia @ Lord Still Loves Me recently posted…Currently: February 2016My Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      February 5, 2016 at 7:46 pm

      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! ?

      Reply
  22. rachel @ athletic avocado says

    February 5, 2016 at 5:47 pm

    I love those new Uber bars from larabar, they are so delicious and filling! They truly are a perfect mini meal 🙂
    rachel @ athletic avocado recently posted…Gluten-free Roasted Strawberry and Toasted Coconut SconesMy Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      February 5, 2016 at 7:46 pm

      Sure are! Happy weekend to you, Rachel! ?

      Reply
  23. Krissy @ Pretty Wee Things says

    February 5, 2016 at 6:22 pm

    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
    Krissy @ Pretty Wee Things recently posted…Raspberry Green Tea x50 spritzer {SF, DF, GF, V}My Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      February 5, 2016 at 7:46 pm

      Oh man! Enjoy the time indoors to relax I guess!! ?

      Reply
  24. Kalena says

    February 5, 2016 at 9:52 pm

    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!!

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      February 6, 2016 at 8:57 pm

      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!

      Reply

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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 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)
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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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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?
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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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