Week In Review

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Amazon Headband (pack of 3 $15) | Lilla P Velvet Cami (old, similar) | cabi Poet Jacket (wearing XS) | Levi’s Wedgie Jeans (TTS, no stretch) | Louise et Cie Boots (old) | Kendra Scott Necklace & Earrings

Happy Friday and Happy Valentine’s Day! Whether you’re single or in a relationship, I hope you treat yourself today! Manicure? Latte? Sweet treat? Or dinner and drinks tonight? Whatever it is, I hope you enjoy!

This week was a busy one and a little unusual for me as I had a lot of out of office meetings this week. I met two new friends, Katie and Allison, for coffee, finally made it to the Social Security Office (one year after our wedding) to begin the name change (or really simply a name addition) process, and went to TWO wine tasting classes (one for work, one for play).

A quick note on the wine tasting classes. One was for work (although I’d hardly call that work). I attended a Lodi wine masterclass where, along with Houston area restaurant beverage directors, sommeliers, and local media, I learned about the Lodi region of California and the winemakers and wines that come from the region. I was definitely the newbie in the group as it relates to wine tasting! I was taking notes the entire time on all of the words the rest of the attendees were using to describe the wines. HA

The second wine tasting class was one Michael booked for us as an anniversary gift. It was at the Texas School of Wine. It was really fun and something totally different for us to do together here in Houston! We took the champagne tasting class, which was also really fun since neither of us really drink champagne all that often. There were about 10 of us in the class and everyone was pretty much on the same page in regards to wine knowledge. It was really fun and something I’d definitely do again!

This Week’s Blog Posts

My Review of Maelove Deep Exfoliator, Glow Maker, and Night Renewer! A New-to-Me Clean Skincare Brand // On Monday I shared a full review of the new Maelove products I’ve been trying out over the past couple of months! I loved chatting with you all on Instagram via DM and in the comments on this photo about the clean skincare brand and the products! If I was going to recommend one product, I’d say try out the Glow Maker vitamin c serum. It’s a great product at a great price. Check out the blog post for a full review!

UPDATED: What Credit Cards Are In My Wallet? // I’m sharing all the details about every single credit card I currently have in my wallet (all 11) and how I use them to accumulate points for FREE travel! I also included cards I’ve closed out in the past and why. Check out the post and email me at [email protected] with any questions!

Easy Weeknight Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe // I share most of my weeknight dinners over on Instagram Stories. After taking a poll earlier this week, the Stories audience voted for including the recipes here! Your wish is my command! 😉 I make this easy weeknight chicken tikka masala recipe often. It doesn’t take long to prepare, and it’s a crowd pleaser!

Weekly Workouts

This week’s workouts …

  • Monday: SoulCycle
  • Tuesday: Day off
  • Wednesday: SoulCycle
  • Thursday: Weight workout at Anytime Fitness
  • Friday: Weight workout at Anytime Fitness + Walk

Podcast Recs

Here’s what I listened to this week!

Bad on Paper Podcast: Being Single Doesn’t Have to Suck!

Second Life: Kristen Bell: Actor and Co-Founder of Hello Bello and This Saves Lives

A Drink with James: Vine returns as Byte, how to use micro influencers, and WOW at work

The Skinny Confidential: Dr. Harold Lancer Has All The Celebrity Skincare Secrets, Anti-Aging Techniques, Problematic Skin Solves, & Radiant-Youthful Skin Tips

Things to Note: Sales & Discount Codes

Beautycounter promotion: Receive a FREE full-size product when you purchase any regimen or collection.

I use a mix of Countermatch and Countertime.

I’m a Beautycounter consultant – feel free to email me with any Beautycounter/clean beauty questions – always happy to chat ([email protected])! And you can always shop Beautycounter with me here: https://www.beautycounter.com/ashleehightower

New Rent the Runway Unlimited discount code for you! Use code RTRASHLEE for $100 off your first month! It ends up being $59 for your first month! I love using RTR Unlimited! You can read all about my experience with the service here! The details: Pick 4 pieces from the Unlimited selection, rotate the 4 pieces whenever you choose, RTR covers the cost of shipping, returns, insurance, and dry cleaning.

Everlane Modern Loafers (almost) 50% OFF // Still in stock! Sadly, Everlane is retiring the first shoe it ever released. But the good news, they’re almost 50% off right now! And still in stock! I’ve had my pair of the Modern Loafers for almost 5 years! I purge my closet A LOT, so that’s saying something! They are the PERFECT loafer for work. The quality is amazing and they’re super chic. They run TTS and take about a week to break in (I kept mine at my office when breaking in and just wore them around during the day). Don’t miss your last chance to grab these beauties before they’re gone!

I currently have a few discount codes for some of my favorite services and products. I share these on Instagram Stories often (and try to save them in my highlights), but I figured I’d share them here too in case you missed them!

Winc Wine // I’ve been using Winc, a wine delivery service, for the last few months. I love that they essentially pick out wines for you, based on a fun quiz, and ship them straight to your door! I usually end up switching a bottle or two out for something I’ve been specifically wanting to try, which you can totally do too! You can use my link to get $22 off your first order, which equals out to $39 for 4 bottles of wine! Click here to place your order: winc.mivh.net/cobalt

Equilibria CBD // I dipped my toes into the world of CBD in 2019, and I finally found a CBD company that I really trust, and I ‘m excited to be partnering with them. Equilibria is a women owned CBD company based in Chicago. I’ve use the pain relief cream on my hips and calves and other sore muscles after workouts and also used it recently for the first time for period cramps (it really worked!). One of the things I love most about Equilibria is that when you make a purchase, you are put in touch with a dosage specialist who can help you figure out what CBD dosage is best for you and your needs! They have a handful of products like daily drops and gel caps so that you can choose what’s best for you. You can use code cobaltchronicles for 15% off your first order!

Daily Harvest// My go-to, easy to make, at-home smoothies! These are great and so convenient! I love that they help me to mix up my smoothie game. When I’m left to my own devices, I tend to make the same combination smoothie day after day. Use code COBALT for $25 off your first order!

Territory Foods // (Still) BREAKING NEWS! Territory now delivers in Houston! (I’m really working on getting all of my DC favorites to Houston … so far I’ve succeeded with Sweetgreen and now Territory!). The BEST already prepared, meal delivery service! Use my code – COBALT – for $50 off across your first two orders ($25 off each order). I love using Territory when I know I have a busy week ahead or when Michael is traveling. The meals are already prepared, delicious, and healthy too!

Weekend Plans

Michael and I are planning on checking out a restaurant that has been on our Houston list for a while – Giacomo’s – this weekend. I’m excited for (more) wine and pasta! I’m also FINALLY heading to Southern Flow Yoga for a class! I’ve been meaning to take a class there FOREVER! They have a live DJ at three classes on Saturday. Come join if you’re in the area!

My Favorite Things this Week

A few of my favorite things this week!

Nike Joyride Sneakers // On sale! I grabbed this new pair of Nike sneakers for gym workouts and running. I LOVE them! The colors are so fun (I really like the dark laces) and they fit perfectly. They’re currently marked down to under $100! Also, shout out to Nike’s customer service because when I purchased these kicks last week, they were not on sale. I called yesterday to ask if they could price adjust and refund the difference for me, and they did! Makes me want to shop at Nike even more often than I already do.

Amazon Beauty Blenders // I’ve been team real Beauty Blender for makeup application (concealer and cc cream) for years. However, Beauty Blenders are EXPENSIVE – $20 for one little sponge?! I finally found an alternative that works just as well! This 5-pack on Amazon is only $9! WIN!! Don’t forget to dampen the sponge prior to using. And never purchase a $20 Beauty Blender again. 😉

Amazon Slide Sandals // These sandals are so good! I recently got them in from Amazon, and they look one million times better in person than they do in any of the review photos – I’m not sure what’s going on there?! This is a pair I’ll be wearing on repeat all spring/summer! And they’re a steal at only $20!

Have a great weekend!