Friday Favorites: Fitness fashion, sweet food and so much more
Hey, friends! Do you have a three-day weekend this weekend? I don’t! In fact, I’ll be preparing to debut and launch the latest BODYATTACK 91 on Monday, in addition to teaching at Orangetheory, etc. However, Dave and I do have some fun plans for the next couple of days, including hosting a dinner party at our place. Now, let’s chat favorites …
This week’s finds for “Friday Favorites”
Because it’s the last day of the work week for most, I’m keeping it simple with my latest edition of favorite recent finds …
My favorite new workout wear of the week
Last weekend, I headed into Lululemon on a mission. You see, I don’t shop there all that often, but this time, I arrived armed with not one, but two gift cards. I thought I could swoop in and out in 30 minutes, but ended up going back out to the street to add money onto my meter three times to fulfill the mission. True story. I tried on a ton of stuff and ended up with this …
I chose the Barre Star Pant and the Cool Racerback, and I’m loving them.
Of course, I went with classic black long pants, high-waisted with some fun meshing on the side. The top is long and lean and suitable for nearly any type of working out. I also picked up these for Dave, who already took them for a test run and was quite pleased. I’ve got to say that I would be happy to take home anything in Lululemon, but sometimes I just can’t stomach the price. Luckily, I get a 15 percent discount as a trainer, so I walked out of there spending very little, with the gift cards to help. Quality stuff!
My favorite new healthy treat of the week
It’s no secret that I have a love of dates (the fruit and the act of going out and socializing) as they are frequently on my “What I Ate Wednesday” posts. They are just so tasty, simple and healthy. I’ve always purchased the same brand of both coconut-covered and caramel-covered dates from Safeway, but last week picked up this new limited-edition variety at Sprouts Farmers Market, because I knew to look out for them. My friend and loyal reader, Courtney, mentioned there was a new flavor out, so I high-tailed it to the store to find it. Let’s just say, I am definitely enjoying these …
Limited-edition Dark Chocolate Orange Date Rolls are the jam. The jam.
Too much goodness, that’s all I’m saying. And as far as the coconut-covered dates from Bard Valley Natural Delights, which I also bought last week, Dave and I both agree that those are more coconut-y and better than our previous brand. We’re sold. A sweet pre-workout bite, a sweet post-meal dessert, dates are all good. If you can’t find the flavored ones near you, pick up some plain pitted dates and add a slab of almond butter. It works.
My favorite new top-for-a-cause of the week
When the CEO of UltraPress, a custom apparel shop, reached out to me about the company’s partnership with the Covenant House California, I knew I wanted to jump on board and support it. Together, they are selling a very special California-made custom-t-shirt screen-printed with “I Love You California” on the front. All of the proceeds go to supporting Covenant House California, a non-profit with a mission to provide shelter, help and other necessities to homeless youth.
I mean, the bear hugging the state? Doesn’t get much cuter than this top, which also happens to be made in California and sold for a good cause.
If even just 10 of you order one t-shirt, for the price of $20, those proceeds can be put toward helping one homeless youth get off the streets this year. The shirts come in this v-neck variety like I’m wearing above, as well as a regular crew-cut t-shirt. They come both for women and men and in several different colors. Totally comfortable, tagless, 100 percent cotton and a great casual get-up for a good cause. If you want to help, you can order a shirt here. To stay up-to-date with the campaign, follow Covenant House California on Facebook or UltraPress on Twitter.
**If you decide to buy a shirt, take a picture of yourself in it, use the hashtag #ILoveYouCA, like I did here, and make sure you tag UltraPress and me in the photo! Thanks, friends!
My favorite links of the week
Did you miss the latest on A Lady Goes West this week?
- Dinner date, dog date, group fitness and workouts
- How to beat the afternoon slump
- When in doubt, eat the rainbow
And from around the web worth checking out …
- This list of hashtags by POPSUGAR for every day of the week is awesome. I mean, #Caturday … that’s hilarious.
- Avocados can do no wrong. Try this simple snack, also from our friends at POPSUGAR, because it sounds delicious.
- How did I not start reading MindBodyGreen until recently? Perhaps my favorite article each morning is the “10 Things You Need to Know Today” the website releases. It’s always interesting and full of links to stories I will definitely want to read later.
And that’s all she wrote. Literally.
Sit back and enjoy this fun read full of #favorites #fitness and #ILoveYouCA ... Click To TweetRead more Friday Favorites
To see more, visit Heather‘s blog or check out older “Friday Favorites.”
*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?
Love the pants Ashley! I could shop at LuLu the rest of my life and be happy. 🙂
Me too, Megan! Happy Friday, friend! I’m dying over the truffled egg white/plantain combo!!!
The pants and that bear hug of a shirt. I love it! Have a fantastic weekend, Ashley!
You too, Susie!! Enjoy those sunrises and sunsets in beautiful Cabo! 🙂
Yay you found the new dates! So glad you scooped some up and are enjoying them.
Love your Lulu selections too. No one works a mesh legging quite like you, lady!
Happy Friday and good luck with the upcoming launch. You’ll do GREAT!!!
Xoxo.
I tend to gravitate to the mesh leggings… this is my third pair hahah. 🙂 Thanks so much, lady. I hope you are doing okay without almonds and eggs! Thinking of you!!
I love that workout outfit! I can never seem to justify buying lululemon unless it’s on sale! But I have been wanting a pair of wunderunders for awhile!
Yes, Hilary! I prefer to buy things on sale too, of course. 🙂 But honestly, the pants are SUCH high quality, they will last a long time so are pretty much worth it. Hope you have a great weekend!
Happy Friday Ashley! Love your lulu picks. Ha, I can totally relate to your indecisiveness. Don’t worry, I’ll be working Saturday and Monday, too. Ahh the life of a trainer/group ex instructor! 😉 Enjoy your dinner party and weekend!
I don’t even want to tell you how many pieces I tried on before deciding on this one outfit hahah! Happy weekend, Heather! 🙂
Love your lulu stuff!! That store is so dangerous, haha! But now that we sell apparel at Pure Barre I don’t have the urge to go there as often as I used to 🙂 I’m already getting excited for spring workout clothes to come out! Ha!
The Pure Barre stuff is so cute! I bet you have leg-warmers and all sorts of barre attire. 🙂
Super cute outfit!! I’ve never shoped at Lululemon but everything I’ve ever seen from there I’ve loved…maybe one of these days I’ll treat myself 😉 Those dates sound SO yummy!! Gotta love anything that’s chocolate/orange flavored 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend ♡♡
If you’ve never gone into Lululemon, you might as well hold off. While the clothes are SUPER quality, it’s very expensive. I’d suggest getting one pair of classic black leggings from there to last for a long time, and that’s all you need. Hope you have a fabulous weekend! 🙂
Love your lululemon outfit! I think shopping with gift cards is always more fun than shopping without them. I’ve never actually bought anything from Lululemon, but I do always love what they offer!
Hi Brie! If you could only buy ONE thing from Lululemon, I’d suggest classic black leggings, because they fit so well and will last you a long time. Hope you have a great weekend, lady! 🙂
Hey Ash! I’m finally back from my Christmas vacation and getting all caught up on your blog 🙂 Looks like you had a great time celebrating Christmas and New Years!
We had a great vacation and of course I shopped at Publix many times … oh how I miss it now that I’m back in cold, snowy Canada! While we were in Florida my husband and I went to Tampa and then to Ft. Lauderdale to see NHL hockey games and I passed by Port Charlotte … thought of you when we saw the turn offs. I had never driven through that part of Florida and loved the scenery.
Tonight I’m going to my friend’s place for a ladies night and tomorrow we have dinner and bowling for a friend’s birthday. I haven’t bowled since I was a teen so I’m sure that I’ll be throwing LOTS of gutter balls.
Enjoy your weekend!
Hi Catherine!! Did you get Publix sushi? A Publix sub? Oh that’s SO awesome you went all around the state. And how cool you saw Port Charlotte — it’s not the biggest place, but a wonderful area to grow up. And I bowled in December for a work party, and it was quite fun. So glad you’re safely back home. Back to the real world now, right? Have a great weekend, Catherine! 🙂
I got a sub but no sushi for me … I’m not a fan of it (I know you’re gasping). It was a struggle coming back to work but it’s nice to be back into a routine.
NO SUSHI? STOP READING MY BLOG! Hahahha totally kidding. But seriously, the subs are awesome. 🙂 And you’ll be back into the routine in no time. Then it’s time to plan the next getaway!
I love your new workout gear! I recently purchased a new pair of workout pants from Athleta during one of their big sales, and I totally took more time than I’d like to admit in deciding what to get 🙂 Something cool I bought recently were fresh apricots! I’ve had dried apricots before but not fresh ones , and they were delicious! Have a great weekend!
Hi Alyssa! Hey, when you are spending money, you want to make sure it’s on the right stuff. I get it! And I don’t even recall the last time I had an apricot! Delish! Have a great weekend, lady! 🙂
Great picks from Lulu! Unfortunately I have the shortest torso known to man, so their tops don’t work on me at all. I love their pants though!
You must LOVE all the crop tops out there from other brands then, Gretchen! 🙂 hehhehe! Have a great weekend, lady!
I just bought those lulu pants too and I LOVE them! That t-shirt is also very adorable. Have a great weekend!!
i need to get pants like that! they look so comfy! glad i found your blog through the linkup! hope youll stop by mine!
Hi Caitlin! Thanks for saying hi! Hope you have a wonderful weekend! 🙂
2 lulu gift cards… Omg! Amazing ? Love what you picked out.
I’ve been sick with the flu all week so I have to play catch up this weekend. Kind of a bummer.
Hope you have a good weekend, Ashley!
Oh man, Anna! I sure hope you feel better soon and can enjoy at least a little of the weekend. 🙂
Love the California shirt! And the Lululemon shirt is cute too. Have a great weekend!
Thanks, Allison!! Hope you have a great weekend too, lady! 🙂
Oh I liek the stripped shirt I have one just like it from Gap I got a few years ago and I’ve been on the hunt for another. I may need to hit up lulu …I should start apologizing now to my husband and bank account. 🙂
I have always enjoyed stripes! 🙂 Hope all is well with you, Renee. Enjoy shopping and maybe the hubs won’t notice? hhahha
Love the hashtag list! And the Lululemon outfit is super cute – I don’t think I have ever actually bought anything there, just got gifts! 🙂
Hi Sarah! Well you are missing out on some high quality workout wear. Especially the pants. But of course, your wallet thanks you for avoiding Lulu. Have a great weekend, lady! 🙂
Love those leggings. I have been on a hunt to find mesh leggings, but I do not want to pay Lululemon price. haha
Those dates look delicious. I need to go get me some now!
Have a great weekend!
Elizabeth
Hi Elizabeth!! I have two other pairs of mesh leggings — MUCH less pricey — from Fabletics. Have you ordered from there before? Check it out: http://www.fabletics.com/invite/ashleypitt/
Oh and have a GREAT weekend!! 🙂
I’m so excited for the 3 day weekend!! Tonight and tomorrow are busy but Sunday and Monday are RELAXATION STATION!
Jealous!! Enjoy your relaxing, Ashley!! 🙂
As a new Californian, totally hopping on that I love you California tee. Also, those date rolls look delicious and may just become my new go-to snack so I better stock up. Happy Friday!
For sure, Mecca! You definitely need your first California shirt! 🙂 Have a great weekend!
Your workout clothes are always so cute! 🙂 I love the stripey top. 🙂 And those dark chocolate date rolls look pretty yummy. 🙂
They are totally yummy! Should I put peanut butter on them? hahah! 🙂
I still haven’t had any of those XYZ covered dates and I totally need to check em out! Have a great weekend!
Yes, you certainly do, lady!! Make it your mission for the long weekend heheh 🙂
I have those pants and LOVE them! I have a gift card to Lulu and have been itching to go but since I’m only getting bigger don’t want to spend a ton of money on clothes I’ll only wear for a few months… So I’m saving it for post pregnancy. It’s so hard to wait so long!!!!
That makes total sense to wait, Giselle. Smart girl. Happy weekend to you! 🙂
Love the workout gear you picked. I can see why you went back to the metre three times! And those date rolls! I wish they had them here, they look divine! xx
You can always make your own date rolls, Krissy! I KNOW you are crafty enough for that heheh! 🙂 Have a great day!!
Such a cute workout outfit!!! I am a big fan of dates too but not sure if I’d like the new ones you got just because I don’t usually like orange things. All about the coconut ones though! 🙂 Happy weekend and great seeing you yesterday!
Hi lady!! SOOO good to have seen you!! Hope you are having a wonderful weekend. 🙂
I love that striped tank!! So chic! Um, and I’m a little embarrassed to admit I always wondered how you got the coconut to stick to the dates. Now I realize you buy them pre-coconutted it makes WAY more sense. Ha ha
Hi Carly! Yup! It’s no secret with the dates, just great store-bought items you need to find on the shelves heheh. Hope you’re having a great weekend, lady! 🙂
Love the Lululemon gear! I’m definitely relaxing this weekend after the launch of bodypump 96! SO sore!
XO Chloe
A Latte Lipstick
Love those leggings! What a great look. I’ve been loving the steel cut oatmeal at Panera lately 🙂
Hi Julie! Sounds yummy! I eat oatmeal almost every single morning. Happy Sunday, lady!
EEEK I am obsessed with that lulu outfit. I own like 3 things from there cause #broke lol but I want everythingggg
Hi Christina! I know, it’s pricey stuff. 🙂 I don’t have very much from Lulu either, but the pieces I do have, I enjoy. Hope you’re having a great weekend, lady!
I’m moving into my sorority house this weekend, so excited! I love your leggings too. I need to treat myself to some Lulu.
How fun, Sarah!!! Ohhh sororities are a good time! I was in one my first two years of college as well. 🙂
I’ve just recently jumped on the Lulu bandwagon after boycotting them for so long. Since I’m a trainer and an instructor, my Old Navy pants just weren’t really holding up anymore. Thankfully I have yet to pay full price for anything due to exchanges or sales or gift cards, so that makes me feel better. The fitness professional discount is ok too, but obviously I think it should be much more haha.
Totally agree, Erin! I only have a few Lulu pieces, and they are long lasting, that’s for sure. Apparently Athleta offers 30 percent for trainers, which is much better. 🙂 Hope you’re having a great weekend. Thanks for saying hi!
I’m hoping to get a Lululemon gift card for my birthday coming up so I can do some shopping.
I hope you get it, Sheena!! 🙂
I love those pants! I wear my workout pants out. Like to dinner. These would be perfect. LOL!
Hi Laura. Yup. I’ve worn my fancy LuLus to dinner too …. 🙂 hahaha
I have only just been introduced to the world of lulu since moving to Australia, we didn’t have a store in Scotland. I adore everything I see in there… Until I look at the price! Ouch! Then I am always toyed between spending a fortune on quality and long lasting kit vs cheaper and less hard wearing.
I did get a few pieces in the sales but the store was so manic and packed that I got frustrated and had to leave!
Definitely where I would like to recieve a few gift cards for though!
Yes! I think it’s good to spend a lot on staples, like sports bras and black workout capris, then go cheaper for tops you may not wear as much!