Friday Favorites: Decor, bars, boots + a drink
Happy Friday! Well, looks like we made it through the week after Thanksgiving. It was touch-and-go there at first, but I’m back, energized and into my groove again. Thank goodness. I’ve got a few fun things to share with you today, in my favorite post of the week, “Friday Favorites.”
My favorite new piece of decor
There are endless reasons why I love this first “Friday Favorite.” First and foremost, I’ve been wanting a big conversational decorative pillow, which showcases something local, ever since we moved here. Second of all, I love hand-made pieces, which are bright and show their craftsmanship. Thirdly, I love to have things around my home (which is of course, a shoe-box apartment, not a full-sized home) that carry great memories. Ladies and gents, let me introduce you to the world’s best pillow and my favorite new piece of decor.
I don’t think this picture could possibly do this pillow justice. It’s completely hand-embroidered, taking more than 40 hours to create. Can you see San Francisco up there on the upper-left corner and all the other places Dave and I have visited over the past two-and-a-half years? I die.
What is ever-so-special about this pillow? It arrived in a box to our doorstep yesterday, sent to us from the lovely couple we met while tasting wine in Carmel on Sunday. A token of appreciation and a keepsake for us to remember that great, but short, stay. If you read my trip recap (and if you didn’t, that’s okay, because it’s still there waiting for you), you know that this nice couple was also from San Francisco and Dave was going to give them some Warriors basketball game tickets. You also know that the woman of this couple owned a cute boutique in Carmel, which I had walked by and admired. Out of the kindness of their hearts, they sent us this pillow, which I totally had my eye on in her boutique’s window. And upon some research last night, I found out that the boutique also has a location in San Francisco. It’s called Elizabeth W, and there you can buy some hand-crafted artisanal home-goods (i.e. this pillow) and unique bath and body collections. Basically, all the wonderful and fine stuff you hope to receive as gifts. I couldn’t find this exact pillow on the Elizabeth W site, in case you’re dying over it like I am, but you can find it on the maker’s site, the California hand-embroidered pillow from CatStudios. I can assure you that this pillow is going to make me smile every single time I see it.
My favorite nutritious treat
The nice ladies at LUNA Bar recently sent me a few samples to try in preparation for a big brand announcement. Just this month, all LUNA Bars are now officially gluten free. In my sample pack, I tried the Blueberry Bliss, Chocolate Peppermint Stick and Honey Caramel Peanut flavors and enjoyed them all. I think Chocolate Peppermint Stick stole my heart, but upon looking around the LUNA site, I’m pretty sure Iced Oatmeal Raisin would be my favorite based on the profile. Oh and the taste of the bars? I certainly didn’t miss the gluten. LUNA had some other big news break this week too. They are debuting a brand new flavor, Chocolate Cupcake, which I’m super excited to try.
The bars arrived in this fun box of yellow fluff, which I almost wanted to keep and re-purpose, but alas, we just didn’t have the space to store it anywhere.
I really like the consistency, taste and nutrition value of these bars. I also love that the company is all about women’s empowerment. LUNA is known for supporting female athletes, breast cancer research, independent films and so many more lady causes. But most importantly, these bars are healthy in terms of pre-packaged goods. Here are a few stats about LUNA Bars:
- Gluten free
- Low glycemic index (which is important for how the bar will affect your blood-sugar levels and energy after eating)
- Under 200 calories each
- 8-10 grams of protein in each
- 70% organic
- Made with no artificial flavors or preservatives
A bar made for women? A Bay Area company? Great tasting and gluten free? Sounds good to me.
My favorite new boots
If you’re a regular A Lady Goes West reader, you know I have a major loyalty to DSW for most of my shoe purchases. Well, because I haven’t been shopping as much this year, I received an email that my Premier Reward status was in jeopardy. So Dave and I went to the big DSW near our apartment the weekend before Thanksgiving and each bought a pair of shoes, giving me some extra points to get closer to keeping my status.
Not quite a boot, not quite a shoe, the bootie is perfect for semi-casual dressing.
I bought these Spendid Rodeo booties in black and wore them in San Diego, as well as Carmel. They are super comfortable and oh-so-cute. I love a good bootie, which I can get a lot of use out of in San Francisco while walking the hills and still getting a little lift with a heel to dress up my many pairs of leggings. I even wore these to a Christmas party Dave and I attended last night at a local beer brewery. While I didn’t exactly have space for these in my already crowded closet, I’ve made it work.
My favorite specialty drink
While everyone is dying over Pumpkin Spice and Gingerbread Lattes at Starbucks, I actually have a different favorite beverage that isn’t even listed on the menu at most places. The Matcha Green Tea Latte, served warm with soy milk. I’ve ordered Matcha Green Tea Lattes both sweetened and unsweetened and like them equally. Yes-oh-yes, this is a strange and tasty creation.
As green as can be, matcha is a powdered tea from Japan, which is packed full of antioxidants. Matcha is known to help detox the body, burn calories and increase your energy.
I wrote about Matcha tea powder once and nothing I made at home ever came close to the deliciousness of the Starbucks drink. Definitely worth a try. But beware, Dave claims it tastes like drinking a plant (another one of his kind assessments of my healthy tendencies). So you have to doctor it up with some Splenda if you’re not into the unique flavor and texture. Don’t get me wrong, I won’t turn down a PSL, but Matcha is my year-round jam.
My favorite links of the week
Here’s some more good stuff from A Lady Goes West this week:
- A scenic course and my 5K PR – Running a crowded Turkey Trot and workouts.
- Thanksgiving adventures across the state – Roadtrip to Southern California and goals.
- Food and Elf4Health – Healthy challenges and food from my day.
- A fabulous coastal overnight – One lovely night in Carmel-by-the-Sea. This is my most-favorite, and I’ll keep looking back at it and my new pillow when I need to think of that gorgeous place.
My favorite dorky, yet imporant, article
And one more link, which did not appear on A Lady Goes West. Some of you may know I used to be a copywriter and writing is in my professional background. That being said, I’m a stickler for grammar and word use. I definitely cringe at some of the stuff I see around the Inter-webs, while keeping my comments friendly. So here’s a good article about some commonly misused words out there “40 Incorrectly Used Words That Make You Look Dumb.” Knowledge is power, people!
Alright, everybody. I’ve got some work to do, a training session and am teaching BODYPUMP tonight. This weekend includes a whole lot of fitness for me and a holiday party with friends on Saturday night. We’re doing a White Elephant gift exchange, and I’m hoping to come away with something good. Now, go off and get festive, party people! Three weekends until Christmas!
More Friday Favorites
Want some more “Friday Favorites”? If so, see below for previous editions or visit the the link-up hostesses, Heather, Clare and Katie.
- A snack, a purse and a ritual
- A delivery, a bra and a guy
- A sweet, a wine and a read
- A drink, a gadget and a plan
- A time, a bottle and a powder
- San Francisco edition
- Beauty edition
- Beach vacation edition
- Hidden meanings
- Kicks, a book and a bowl
- The very best sweatshirts
- Party hosting and froyo
- Fourth of July daytime activity
- Beauty basics edition
- Workplace edition
- Shopping, sales and a show
- The foods I always buy
- Sushi, a game and pants
- Fitness apps
- Delicious and healthy products
- Comfort, fitness and function
- Beauty, buddha and blog events
- Dining, the city and gift ideas
- POPSUGAR, sweets and such
- A bunch of fun stuff
- e-book, food, picnic and tunes
- A link, a superfood and a mask
- Pants, shoes, food and links
- Dining, protein and goodies
- Shopping, events and a book
- A gym bag, pumpkin and juices
- Workout gear, a top and a massage
- prAna, a watch, tea and more
- Tasty stuff and gift sales
Questions of the day
What are your favorites from this week? Do you have any fun weekend plans? Have you gone to any holiday parties yet?
That pillow is awesome and I’m LOVING the Eiffel Tower ones. Totally not in my budget but they really are gorgeous. Tweeted about Catstudio 😉 Would make a great holiday gift
Hi Diane! I know! Such a gorgeous pillow. Thanks for sharing the love. I hope you’re doing well:) Maybe you can put it on your Christmas list?? 🙂
I’ll have to try that special drink! And I love a nice bootie 😉 They really are the perfect shoe. I have a pair I bought years ago and they’re my favorite!
Hi Ruthie! Yes, let me know if you like the drink. And you can’t go wrong with booties. Hope you have a fabulous weekend! 🙂
That pillow is so special! Love it. The boots are super cute too. I totally appreciate that article. I was an English major in college so grammar and spelling are so important to me. Hope you have a great weekend!
Hi Lauren! Well good, so glad to hear it. Poor grammar is a sad, sad thing. 🙂 Happy Friday to you!
Yummm definitely giving the matcha green tea latte a try! I really wish Starbucks listed ALL of their drinks on some ridiculously long menu because I feel like there is so much I want to try that I didn’t know existed!
Hi Christa! Well if you discover anything new and tasty that’s not on the menu, do share. I don’t get Starbucks but a couple times a month, if that, so I like to make sure what I order is worth it. Happy Friday!
I love matcha too, I didn’t know that Starbucks made them! I’ll have to try one out next time I’m there. Those booties are adorable too, I think they look so cute on other people but I don’t think I could pull them off. I used to be so fashionable, now I just live in my workout clothes, whomp whomp.
Hi Sue! Well, I only wear “normal” clothes a couple times a week, but I’ve somehow managed to wear the booties three times lately. And I’m sure they’d look great on you. Be adventurous and try some on! You may be pleasantly surprised.
I haven’t had the Matcha green tea latte from SB in years, but I’m ready for one this morning now! It’s amazing that Luna is totally GF now. It’s worth giving them another try.
Hi Tiara! For sure! Get yourself a Friday matcha treat! 🙂 And you should pick up the new Chocolate Cupcake LUNA and let me know if it’s good. Have an awesome weekend! Thanks for stopping by.
I really like Luna bars, the nutrition stats are some of the best out there, for a decent tasting bar at least ;). I like to keep a stash in my desk drawer, Chocolate Cupcake, I cannot wait to try!
Hi Jessie! You’re smart! Always good to have healthy snacks on hand. And I’m super excited about the new flavor too. Have an awesome weekend friend:)
ahhhh I love LUNA bars!! And that pillow is AMAZING. Such a cool piece for your place. Happy Friday and thanks for linking up!!
Thanks for hosting, Katie! And yes, yay for the pillow! 🙂
That pillow is just amazing!! Love it! And those Luna bars look pretty fantastic! I’m going to memorize this list of words that make you sound dumb. LOL thanks for sharing chick enjoy your weekend!
Hahhaha go for it Sam, it’s fun to learn something new. Hope you don’t spend too much time. I mean, it’s Friday, so have fun today! 🙂
Chocolate Cupcake Luna Bars?! Sound delicious, I will definitely be on the lookout for those soon!! My favorites from this week are holiday baking and moving forward in buying our home 🙂
Hi Kate! Buying a home is sooo exciting! Yay for you! Can’t wait to see the pics!
Such a lovely gift — I’ll have to check out Elizabeth W in the city 🙂 It’s a beautiful pillow (I’m really amazed by anyone who can stitch/sew/do anything crafty, really) and so cool how sentimental it is too 🙂
I’m looking forward to trying the new Luna Bars too — they kind of remind me of college, when I ate them ALL. THE. TIME. but I’m excited to give them another go. Also thanks for the matcha tip at Starbucks — I usually stick to tea or iced coffee, but I LOVE matcha (after drinking a ton of it in Argentina last year) so this sounds pretty awesome 🙂 Have a fab weekend!
Thanks, Lauryn! Argentina sounds like a fun trip. Hope you have an awesome weekend:) A stress-free one at that.
I’m glad you made it through the week 😉 And I LOVE that pillow. Like, I’m obsessed. Totally obsessed. What a nice gesture and it will most definitely be a great conversation piece!
Sure will! Thanks, Becky! Have a lovely weekend:)
Oh my gosh, that pillow is so sweet!! How nice of that couple to do. I’m dying to go to Carmel. It looks so nice!
And yes to matcha lattes! You’ve got me craving one now. 🙂
Hi Sarah! You would love Carmel. Especially after your Europe trip. Hope you get to go some time. 🙂
What a sweet gift- its beautiful! I just send your Carmel recap post to a friend who will be visiting next year by the way! Have a great weekend 🙂
Oh thanks for sharing it. Carmel is so wonderful. Happy Friday to you Katie. Go get those burpees and runs in. 🙂
Lots of great stuff here! That embroidered pillow is beautiful. And I love your new boots! Super cute. I’m intrigued by that matcha green tea latte. I use matcha powder a lot in my smoothies, but I’ve never tried it in a latte!
Hi Ashley! Well the Starbucks-made one is soo good. You should get yourself one as a treat. Hope you have a lovely day! 🙂
I’ve seen those pillows and I fall for them EVERY.SINGLE.TIME! how lovely the couple sent it to you as a gift! so glad your trip was (and still is) so wonderful! xxo
Hi Annie! Thanks! It’s always nice to get out of the city for a little relaxing and exploring. Hope you have a great weekend!
Ahhh, that green tea looks so good! I’ll definitely have to try that. Those booties are adorable (love DSW!) and I’m also digging that SF pillow. So cute. Thanks for linking up, hope you have a great weekend! xo
Hi Heather, I’m guessing from your eats that you’d enjoy the Matcha Latte. Let me know if you get one. Have a great weekend! 🙂
Love that pillow!
Thanks, Amy! Happy weekend to you! 🙂
Love that pillow! I saw it somewhere myself and am kicking myself for not buying it!
Perhaps you walked by the Elizabeth W SF boutique? Hope all is well, Jane. Happy weekend to you!
Wow, I love the pillow too! Especially since it’s handmade…jeez. Talk about detail. Where do they get that talent?! And is it a crime that I have yet to get the chance to try Luna Bars? Are they paleo? I’m trying to find paleo snack ideas for when I try my paleo month near the beginning of January. Trying this for the first time (and I’ll admit it’ll be hard for me to give breads and OATMEAL!) so I’m needing some snack ideas. 🙂 The Blueberry Bliss sounds heavenly! Have a great weekend!
Hi Kaylin, I don’t think LUNA Bars are paleo because of the oats and soy and all of the other stuff in there. Seems like most things “paleo” are not from a box or processed, however you can probably ask an expert, which I’m not. Good luck to you with the new paleo plan though. Hope you have a great weekend and thanks for stopping by! 🙂
Gotcha! Thanks for the tip, Ashley. I thought it was some sort of bar that was paleo, maybe it was the Larabar…
Wow that pillow is amazing! I wish I had that kind of talent!
Luna bars are my favorite!!!
Hi Amanda! Thanks for stopping by. Hope you have a great weekend! Maybe you’ll fit in one of your needed 30-minute sessions of activity?? 🙂
I love the chocolate peppermint luna bar too! They taste like the holidays 🙂 And that pillow is beautiful I like how colorful it is!
Hi Amy! Thanks, yes I love it too. And I love anything that tastes like holidays. Hope you had a great weekend. 🙂
I’m not sure which is more amazing – the look of the pillow or the fact that this sweet lady & her husband sent it to you. It really does show that theres lovely people out in the world!
Hi Jessie! I know. I love nice people. I’ll pass on the kindness to someone else for sure. Thanks for stopping by and hope you had a nice weekend.
It’s all about the booties here in SF! Love those. 🙂 Also, we have several dish towels just like your California pillow. They’re adorable, and make great gifts too!
Hi Elle! How did it take me so long to respond to this comment? Thank you for stopping by the ole’ blog. I hope you’re having a great week. And yes, the California theme/map pattern is one I’d like in more formats. Happy Wednesday!