Seriously though, the weeks go by quickly, don’t they? We’re already a few days into May, the sunlight is lasting longer, and the weather is getting warmer. In no time, we’ll need to start planning summer getaways. Right?
So did anyone out there do anything fun for Cinco de Mayo? I did. Sort of. I got a pedicure and manicure after work, which gave me time to read a book in silence without staring at my phone or computer. Good times.
What’s up for the weekend? We’ve got some good plans! Tomorrow, Dave and I are heading into the City to run around Uncorked Wine Festival at Ghirardelli Square. My lovely friend Jill and her man are meeting us there to hang out, so I’m definitely looking forward to sipping and chatting. Other than that, we’ll be watching the Warriors away playoff game and sending love to all the Moms in the world on Sunday. (Especially mine!!) Now, let’s talk favorites …
This week’s “Favorite things”
Fun snack foods
The other day, I opened my front door to see a bright orange soft cooler from Whole Foods Northern California waiting for me. While I was excited about the container itself, when I opened it up, I was beyond amazed. It’s a custom outdoor summer essentials kit, full of Whole Foods products. And with food, sunscreen and more, it would be the perfect pack to bring hiking or camping. Speaking of the Great Outdoors, Whole Foods Northern California is teaming up the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy to celebrate the National Park Service’s Centennial this year in 2016. If you’re not up to speed on all the things that the park service does, you should totally check this out. But back to the loot …
My friends at Whole Foods NorCal wanted me to tell you that if you want to support the parks, check out the Centennial Adventure Packing the Parks event taking place in July, which features a backpacking adventure for youth, culminating in a public celebration in Crissy Field on July 24. Support the parks! (Oh and yes, in case you’re wondering, I’ve been sampling everything seen above and have some favorites I’ll share more about soon.)
Little jewels
You don’t have to spend a lot to find something really special. While my Mom and I were at Canvas and Cabernet a couple of weeks ago when she was visiting, we used the “drying breaks” during our wine and painting session to search the store’s retail. Well, look what I found …
This little “R” ring makes me smile. The “R” is for Rudy of course, my only child. And boy, do I love it. Little rings have totally been my thing lately, and I typically have one to two on at a time. Remember when big cocktail rings were the thing? Who would have thought it would switch to these little guys. Oh and the best part? My “R” ring only cost $3.
Daily Activity
It’s no secret that I’ve made the big leap back into an office job after several years away as a writer and fitness trainer. Well, wouldn’t you know that the transition to being behind the desk isn’t the greatest change for me movement-wise. I’ve fixed that by getting a standing desk. And most recently, I’ve added a lovely highlight to my day …
Every day after I eat my lunch in the lunch-room (which I always pack bring from home, prepped on Sunday), I’ve been putting in my earbuds, grabbing my sunglasses and going outside my building for one to two loops around the office-park complex. One loop takes about 12 minutes, but I don’t know the exact distance. (Boy I need to get another step counter soon.) Nonetheless, I listen to my Les Mills music to practice for teaching classes, I listen to podcasts or talk on the phone. Whatever I do, I soak up the fresh air and enjoy the steps. If you need a break during the day, may I suggest a stroll? It’s awesome! The longer, the better!
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 …
- Read these “6 Subtle Ways You Could be Sabotaging Your Workouts“
- Oh I love the argument for bringing pets to work. I wish I could!
- Need of inspiration? Try these make-ahead breakfast ideas by Julie.
That’s all I’ve got for you, my friends! Enjoy your weekend! And happy Mother’s Day to all of the Mommas out there!
Learn something or just skim. Check out these #fun #favorites ... Click To TweetRead more Favorite things
To see more favorites, visit Heather‘s blog or my older “Favorite things.”
Questions of the day
What’s something you’ve been loving lately?
What are you up to this weekend?
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
Um, I hope that package shows up at my (new) door! That + gorgeous weather would be a surefire way to get me outside!
Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…5 Ways Exercise Helps Depression and Anxiety
Ashley says
Yay for your new place, Susie! Happy Friday, my friend! 🙂
Hilary says
I love getting out and taking a stroll after lunch as well. Listening to podcasts is one of my favorite things, it also seems to prepare me for the second half of the day!
Hilary recently posted…Learn To Be Better
Ashley says
Hi Hilary! I know you love your podcasts too! I’m so glad they are popular again. 🙂 Have a fab weekend, my friend!
Heather @ Polyglot Jot says
oh wow love all of those snacks from whole foods! I love taking an after lunch walk too–its hard working a desk job when you just want to be moving around! Do you like it or do you miss the freedom of the other type of work?
Heather @ Polyglot Jot recently posted…Foodie Friday: Spicy Garlic Wine Zoodles
Ashley says
Hi Heather! There are many benefits to what I’m doing right now, that’s for sure. And I owe you all a post on that, so expect more. But yes, getting up for walks is a MUST. Happy Friday, gal!
Heather @ Polyglot Jot says
Glad to hear that! Thanks, you too!
Heather @ Polyglot Jot recently posted…Foodie Friday: Spicy Garlic Wine Zoodles
Emily says
Ooh, an afternoon walk sounds absolutely lovely. It must feel good to be out in the sunshine. 🙂
Emily recently posted…Freedom From Bondage
Ashley says
It sure does, Emily! I hope you get some sunshine this weekend, lady! 🙂
MaryAnn Campbell says
Hi! Love your blog BTW. Where did you get the eye bracelet? It’s super cute!
Ashley says
Hi Mary Ann! Thanks so much for saying hi! My bracelet was actually part of a bridesmaid gift I got last year, so I’m not sure where it is from. Sorry! 🙁 Have a fab weekend!
Erin @ Erin's Inside Job says
I found a whole stand of little rings like that when I was in LA and I wanted all of them. I’m obsessed with these little delicate ones and I don’t even wear jewelry that much!
Erin @ Erin’s Inside Job recently posted…Five Things Friday #85
Ashley says
Hi Erin! They are totally in, and they are much more “wearable” than chunky rings, which get in the way. You know? Hope you have a great weekend, lady!
Jessica @ Semi-Sweet Tooth says
When I was working in an office, afternoon strolls or runs were my JAM. I felt so cooped up after a couple of hours at my desk. Love the idea of a light stroll to clear the mind though, rather than just switching you mind from focusing on work to fitness. Great idea to take a step away. 🙂
Lovin’ your new accessories. 🙂
Have a fantastic weekend… and a happy Mother’s Day with little Rudy!
XO, Jessica
http://www.semisweettooth.com
Jessica @ Semi-Sweet Tooth recently posted…Friday Favorites #1
Ashley says
Hi Jessica! The walk is a must! How’s the home-gig working for you now, lady? 🙂
Heather @ Life In Leggings says
Hi Ashley! It looks like you had a great week. That jewelry is adorable! I would totally get a “R” ring for Roadie, too. <3 Enjoy the weekend!
Heather @ Life In Leggings recently posted…Friday Favorites #140: Week of 5/6
Ashley says
Hi Heather! Totally jealous you are in FLORIDA! Enjoy! And YES, you need an “R” ring. Come visit me, and I’ll take you to the wine and painting place where I bought it. Deal?
Morgan @ Morgan Manages Mommyhood says
Uh, that bag is absolutely epic! So much great stuff! And such a great cause. Have a great weekend, Ashley!
Morgan @ Morgan Manages Mommyhood recently posted…Friday Favorites #51
Ashley says
I know! I’ve been slowly plowing through the snacks. So many good finds! Hope you have a fab day and weekend, Morgan. 🙂
Dani @ Dani California Cooks says
I love all of your stacked bracelets!
Dani @ Dani California Cooks recently posted…Zucchini Turkey Burgers
Ashley says
Thanks, Dani! Plans tomorrow? Come to Uncorked!!
Julia @ Drops of Jules says
I’ve always wanted to try a wine and paint session! Just a year and a half left until I can do so! Your post reminded me of it. Hope you have a lovely weekend!
Julia @ Drops of Jules recently posted…Welcome to Drops of Jules! (Update on my Religion/Faith)
Ashley says
Hi Julia!! Loving the new name!! So good!! Hope you have a lovely weekend. 🙂
Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment says
Whenever I have worked at a desk position I have found that daily lunch walks like you are doing turn out to be everything! Just the movement changes your day. Have a wonderful weekend girl!
Ashley says
Thanks, lady! Hope your weekend is great too!
Krissy @ Pretty Wee Things says
I wish we had a Wholefoods in Australia! They always seem to have the best convenient health foods! I love those jewels too! So cute and dainty! xx
Krissy @ Pretty Wee Things recently posted…7 healthy breakfast ideas for mum this Mother’s Day
Ashley says
You are definitely missing out on Whole Foods! Hope you have a wonderful weekend, Krissy!
Fiona MacDonald says
Love that little R ring..so cute!!! Also love me some lunch walks, at work we try to go out every day (weather permitting) just to stretch our legs and get some fresh air and man does it help make the day seem so much more doable! Hope you had a great weekend!
CARLA says
OH!
I must find me some of that TOM TOM TURKEY JERKY!
I wonder if it is at whole foods austin?
CARLA recently posted…10 Ways To Practice Self-Care With Kids.
Ashley says
I hope so! Go look for it! Thanks for saying hi, Carla! 🙂
Grant Williams says
I found your blog while looking up snacks I might buy.
Two ideas:
1. Clif Bars are pretty good for travel and keeping in a bag, and are about $1.99 at Wal-Mart, I think. More substantial than junk in convenience stores – I stopped buying snacks in those while traveling because of how terrible the selection is and how unhealthy the choices are.
2. Large individual coconut juice drinks like in your pic can sometimes be bought for around $.99 or so, depending. I live near Atlanta so I can shop at asian supermarkets and find things like those there (I buy a lot when I go, like 24! )
Nice bracelets, by the way. Very tasteful.
Ashley says
Hi Grant! Thanks for saying hi — and you are so right about those little markets — stuff is so much cheaper. Agreed!
Grant Williams says
My pleasure. Also growing up we went to the flea market locally just for kicks. As well as doing so as an adult, too, has proven fun a few times.
Sometimes you never know what you’ll find!
Grant Williams recently posted…Which Air Purifier Is Best for Dust?
Ashley says
I haven’t been to a flea market in forever! That does sound like fun! 🙂