Favorite Things: Shiny things, food, tech, body and more
Hello, my friends! I hope you’ve been having a great week! I’ve been down in L.A. since Tuesday morning, and let me tell you, the weather here is absolutely lovely. I’ll be back in the Bay Area for some weekend relaxing starting late tonight, and I can’t wait to get crawl into my own bed and sleep many, many hours. Now, let’s chat favorites …
This week’s finds for “Favorite Things”
It’s the end of the week, so we’re keeping it light with the latest edition of a few of my favorite recent finds …
My favorite home tool of the week
I cannot even begin to describe how much I love this particular favorite, which Dave and I picked up last weekend. Ladies and gentlemen, have you heard of the Nest Camera? It’s a web-based wide-angle mini camera, which you set up in your home (or anywhere you want) so you can see what’s going on when you’re not there. The first night Dave and I installed it and put the app on our phones, we went out to dinner for two hours. We spent much of the dinner watching our little Rudy pup sleeping on the couch on our phones. We also watched him run off the couch when he heard us getting home in real time. It was hilarious.
Instructions read like this… Buy camera. Set camera up. Download Nest app onto phone. Watch. Watch. Watch. Watch again. And if you want to spook the thing you’re watching, you can speak into your phone, and they’ll hear it. Rudy does not like that trick.
While I’ve been away a ton more than normal this week for the new job and a trip to L.A., it’s been an awesome comfort to be able to peek in on our little buddy. Four out of five times he is playing or sleeping on the couch with some toys and his blanket, and I giggle because it’s so funny to see him all alone. I just can’t get enough. If you have anything at home you want to watch, whether it’s a pet, or a child or even a plant, buy one of these cameras today, my friends. It just feels so good to see what’s happening.
My favorite jewelry of the week
Another successful Rocksbox jewelry delivery, which I had to share. I actually wore the necklace the first day of my new job and wore the earrings earlier this week. And I must say, getting these regular shipments just doesn’t get old. I typically keep one thing from every single box, because I like it so much. For instance, this ring is never coming off …
Latest box included … the A.V. Max Gold Square Studs, the Perry Street Abby Necklace, my favorite, the Gorjana Mave Shimmer Ring.
As always, if you’ve not been around seeing me post regularly about these Rocksbox jewelry deliveries I get a couple times a month, you can give it a try and get a first free month using the code aladygoeswestxoxo. Wear the stuff and send it back or buy it for a reduced price. No questions asked. Thanks, Rocksbox for keeping me styled!
My favorite convenient foods of the week
This week has been absolutely go-go-go from the moment I arrived in L.A. I’ve been moving from video/photo-shoot in one area, across town to another and back again. And eating has been interesting and sporadic. Thank goodness for convenient foods and drinks …
The protein box from Starbucks? I’ve had two. I mean, it’s quite delicious in a pinch. As are bottles of water, snack bars, hotel room service at 10 p.m. and all the caffeinated green tea I can get my hands on.
While I’ve done my best to keep it healthy, I’ve had at least a couple of protein/energy bars a day, multiple large teas and quite a bit of packaged stuff and greasy salads. And you know what, that’s totally okay. I will be happy to dig into a healthy home-cooked meal sometime this weekend. But hey, it’s nice not to have to do any dishes. Am I right?
My favorite beauty product of the week
This is hands-down the best self tanner that I’ve ever used. And I’ve used a lot. While I typically buy the cheap brand from Target, I was very impressed with this luxurious bottle of Vita Liberata Luxury Tan Fabulous, which some of my PR friends sent to me to try out.
Zero smell. Super moisturizing. Contains lychee, raspberry and grape extracts. Available at Sephora for about $30.
It goes on completely sheer and clear, yet develops slowly throughout the course of the day (about four to eight hours). That means it doesn’t stain your hands or clothes (which is something I’ve fallen victim to in the past). And it smells good, and it feels like a regular lotion. No greasy film left behind. The end result is a slightly sun-kissed hue. Perfection. Oh and its got organic ingredients. What’s not to like about this stuff.
My favorite links of the week
Did you miss the latest on A Lady Goes West this week?
- Firsts, the weekend and my weekly workout report
- Now trending: Why you should know about spirulina (This one has a little giveaway, which is open for a couple more days. Enter!)
And from around the web worth checking out …
- Thanks to the Healthy Living Blogs Community for sharing my post on “Blog Tip Thursday: Tips to Help You Improve Your Writing.”
- I don’t typically shop at dollar stores, and this list made me glad of that. Read this one: “The 10 most toxic items at dollar stores.”
- To all my pet lovers out there: This was a sad week for my family. My parents had to say goodbye to our faithful ol’ brown dog, Biscuit. Because it’s so fresh on our minds, my Mom stumbled onto this blog post someone wrote several years ago, which was so sweet and sad about the whole situation, I just felt like sharing.
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 are you up to this weekend?
What’s something cool you’ve bought or found lately?
That camera is so cool! It doesn’t cost anything for the app? I would like to get one of those!
The app is totally free, just have to pay for the camera. Happy Friday, Megan! 🙂
i love that necklace..im not much of a jewelry person but i do love statement pieces.. i hate doing dishes so yes, im all for convenience so do it till you can 😛
will check out toxic things for the dollar store..i get few things from there, esp gift bags/wrapping paper and paper supplies.
PS. I am starting a weekly link up series on my blog called – virtual coffee date (today is the 1st day actually), would love for you to join in 🙂
Thanks so much, Dixya! I’ll check it out. Happy Friday!! 🙂
Oh my, I totally need that camera and app. I’m always curious to know what our furballs are up to when we’re away. Do they sleep or go crazy and jump on everything? I have a feeling it’s a lot of both. Enjoy the L.A. weather for the both of us (ahhh, dreamy) and get the much needed rest you deserve when you get back! xo
Thanks, lady! L.A. weather is nice. L.A. traffic is bad. Enough said! heehhe Happy Friday! (or happier than last week, at least.)
We always laugh about how we wish we had a pet cam for Zoe, especially when we are on a trip. I would love to know what antics she gets up to! Have a great weekend, Ashley!
It’s SO fun to see what the pet is doing. You need one of these cameras, Susie! 🙂 Happy Friday!
Whenever I travel for work I always snatch up that protein box from Starbucks too- so yummy! Have a great weekend, Ashley!
I wish there was more in the box, but all the items are delish! Happy Friday, Katie! 🙂
Hope you have a great flight home ❤❤
Thanks, friend! Happy Friday! 🙂
That camera looks awesome. Adorable that you can catch Rudy’s reactions too lol. Made me think of the “Secret Life of Pets” movie that’s coming out…
Why have I not heard of that movie? I will keep my eyes open. Happy Friday, Gen!!
That camera is so cool! We always joke about getting something like that for my dog, but I’m 90% sure she just sleeps in various locations all day ?Have a lovely weekend!
Yup! They sleep a lot ehhehe! Happy Friday, Ellen. ?
That camera is too cool! I would love to see what our dogs do while we’re gone but we typically leave them outside. We have an indoor/outdoor room that they spend most their time in but it would be hilarious to see the “fun” they have 🙂 Hope you have safe travels and a great weekend!
Yes for sure! Happy Friday to you, Giselle. ?
Oh my gosh… Love the camera. What a great idea. We often wonder what our pups do when they are home alone. It would have been very helpful when they were in their destructive phase~especially with 2. We would know who ate some of the Christmas decorations – lol. Glad to hear the 1st week went well. Take travels back home and enjoy your own bed tonight 🙂
Hhaha it becomes addicting to watch, that’s for sure! Happy Friday, Dena! Hope your pups are well behaved this weekend!
I just got my first Rocksbox delivery and posted about it today too. I really only liked one thing though, so let’s see what we can get next time!
I also need to get that camera for my sister so she can watch her dogs when theyre home all day alone haha
If you go on and choose a few things you like in your favorites, they get a better idea of your taste. Keep at it! 🙂 Happy Friday, Erin!!
I buy those little protein boxes from Starbucks a lot- love them! We finally have some nice weather this weekend (sunny and 70’s)……so I can pretend like I still live in LA for a couple days, ha!
You sure can, Marielle! Enjoy that weather! Happy weekend, lady! 🙂
We got a similar camera at Christmas!! They just sleep all day, but it’s so fun to check on them from work :). Pretty chill weekend on the agenda, dinner with the bf and parents , lots of fun in the sun tomorrow. It is supposed to be very nice in KC tomorrow, so I’m excited!
Oh yay, Jessie! Enjoy the sun!! 🙂
I need to look into that camera! My husband and I are always saying that we’d love to see what our dog is doing when we are away from the house. We always close the bedroom doors and leave her the run of the rest of the house … well a few weeks ago she figured out how to turn the doorknobs and open the doors. I’d love to have had a camera to see how long it took her to do that and how exactly she managed to open them!!
I’m looking forward to a much deserved pj and movie night tonight and tomorrow I have a bachelorette party to go to. Enjoy your weekend!
Hi Catherine! YES, you need one of these cameras. It’s easy for us because Rudy stays in one place. Dogs are too funny though and smart. Have fun at the bach party! 🙂
I always thing those cameras are so cool! To be honest, I think everything Nest does is amazing, though, so there’s that too ahhaa
Nest is a pretty cool company for sure. It’s amazing all the ways we can connect our homes. Happy weekend, Morgan! 🙂
I have a PetCube camera, which is the same idea as Nest. I kept spying on Merlin when I was in Orlando, and once turned on the sound and poor guy woke from a dead sleep when he heard my voice. I felt bad, but it was pretty funny to see his head pop right up.
That’s what we were doing to little Rudy hehehe! Too funny, Ange. Happy weekend! 🙂
I have been searching for a self tanner and just haven’t found the right one! Excited to check this one out though!
Hi Hilary! It’s pricey, I know, but SOOO good! Happy weekend, lady. (And happy baking to you! Send me a sample of your goods!)
We definitely need that camera, when we first got our dog all we did was talk about her when we wen out to dinner and five years later very little has changed, lol. I think us talking to her would totally freak her out too. Enjoy your weekend back at home!
Thanks, Patricia! And dogs really seem to take up our attention in the best way possible eheh! I can’t wait to see my Rudy tonight:)
Funny story…When I was a teenager I used to babysit for this family who had one of those nest camera things. Except the dad was a cop and had it rigged to a remote control car…Needless to say the car moved around all night and I was so anxious knowing it was watching me (and saw the extra brownie I gave the kid before bed!!)
WOW! That’s crazy, Cayanne. I would have been totally uncomfortable in that situation. But I guess when you’re young and need the money … heheh! Don’t give my husband any ideas about what to put the camera on. hahaha
Starbucks can save the day when I’m on the road too! I love their zesty chicken salad – check it out next time.
I didn’t see that option. I know you are a PRO traveling eater, Dani heheh! 🙂 Happy Friday! Hope you get home in your own bed tonight.
Okay, I need to get one of those cameras! I know Coco probably sleeps most of the day but I think it would make me feel better to be able to see her when I’m not there.
I need to try that self tanner too! I found a few brands that I really love but they are really bad at staining my clothes/sheets so I stopped using them. That one sounds like a winner!
I hope you have a great weekend!
Yay for self tanner! Happy weekend, Sarah!!
I’m so sorry to hear about your family pet, Biscuit. In my world, pets are family members and it’s always so hard. Hope you make/made it back safely with all this yucky rain.
Thanks so much! Pets are definitely family. Have a great weekend, Mecca!
Yup….just ordered a Nest Camera for my brother and his wife. GIRL! You nailed it! They have a little fur child that they are obsessed with and their anniversary is next month so…..they are going to flip out over this! Soooooo cool thanks!
Also I thought of you the other day. I remember you had tried a GoRaw apricot sprouted seed bar a while ago and found it less than stellar. But someone gave me their GoRaw pumpkin seed sprouted bar to try. To say I was apprehensive is an understatement but it was SO GOOD! So if you see one (and you like pumpkin seeds!) you should give it a try! My next move is to try their sprouted spirulina bar…will report back!
Have a great weekend!
Okay, because you say so, I am willing to try those bars if I could across them! 🙂 Thanks for that. And you are a GREAT gift giver, Audie. Happy weekend!! 🙂
Omg! That camera!! So glad you posted about it – I’m going to check it out for my brother. And I love that you can talk into it. Brilliant! Thanks for sharing, girl! 🙂
You are very welcome! It’s a great gift idea for sure. 🙂 Hope you’re having a nice weekend!
It’s always nice when I don’t have to do any dishes!! I think the food you ate while traveling was great. Most of us usually eat waaaay worse on a trip! It’s great you’re showing people that traveling isn’t an excuse to totally jump off the heatlhy-eating bandwagon! Great post.
Well thanks for that! 🙂 Yes, eating could have been way worse on my trip. Hope you’re having a great weekend.
Love the Rocksbox set! I got that ring on my last box too and LOVE it!!
Twinsies! hehehe!! 🙂 glad you’re loving the jewels too, Sue! Hope you had a nice weekend!