Friday Favorites: Fitness, food and fashion
Happy Friday, indeed! If you’re in the U.S., you may have today off of work. If that’s the case, good for you! I don’t. In fact, this is just a regular weekend for me. I’m teaching BODYATTACK this morning and two classes at Orangetheory Fitness tomorrow morning. All the while, Dave is enjoying a five-day weekend thanks to the thoughtful ownership of the Golden State Warriors (yes, after winning the title, they deserve it!). But of course, festivities are ahead for us both after the work is done for me.
Our first Fourth of July in the East Bay
We’re getting together with some friends for a pool party at a hotel in the afternoon tomorrow. And we’ve got the after-party scheduled to take place at our house as well. Rudy (our little maltipoo) can’t wait to host for his first time, and he just may be getting a bath tonight to prepare for company. Although we won’t be taking in the amazing fireworks and fun of the City of San Francisco this year like year’s past, we’re going to make the day as festive as possible with some good friends.
But it’s Friday, so let’s get to business. I’m keeping it short and light today, so you can get on with your plans.
My latest “Friday Favorites” from the week
Here’s a look at the things that have been making me happy lately, in no particular order …
My favorite new healthy dessert
Truth be told: I don’t know how or why these were sent to me, because I don’t recall getting an email about it (but I think these may be a delayed delivery from a giveaway I won on another blog months ago), and I love them. Dark chocolate bars with probiotics? Yes, please. I’ve gone through half the box in about a week-and-a-half. I read up a bit on the health-focused company who makes these and found out the products are made in the United States and are all about supporting digestive health.
Seventy-two percent cocoa in these beauties, if that means anything to you.
I’ve always been a fan of dark chocolate, and the rich flavor of these Attune bars is quite delightful. You can break the bars up into little squares or eat them all at once. I’ve gone back-and-forth doing the two, most of the time with some warm soy milk to complement. Looks like they are available at health-food stores, so keep your eyes peeled.
My favorite new duds for cheap
I’m in need of new clothes. The weather in the East Bay is totally different from what we experienced in the City over the past few years. I don’t need all of my leggings, sweaters and boots during the summer like I did there. Right now, I need actual warm-weather clothes. That being said, I never shop and have been in a bind to find something to wear to recent outdoor events. So yesterday, in light of the upcoming holiday, I decided to drop by an ol’ favorite, Old Navy, for some cheapies to fill in the gaps in my wardrobe.
Can you see a theme among this clothing? Light, bright, summery and perfect for hot days in the East Bay. And my swimsuit? Only $20! Nothing I love more than a bargain for cute stuff.
I was in the store for about an hour, tried on about 30 things and came away with a ton, without spending much at all. I loaded up on solid color tanks, which were all on sale for $10 and less. I also got a tunic, some awesome cut-off shorts, a flowery shift dress and my outfit for Fourth of July, consisting of these shorts and this top and … an American flag swimsuit. Awesome deals, that’s for sure. I’m thinking about going back for this romper, but Dave is not a fan of rompers. We call them “girl pleasing,” if you know what I mean. Oh, and I scored a sweet patriotic tank for Dave too. Overall, a successful shopping trip, and you’ll be seeing these items on me throughout the warm months, because I don’t know when I’ll shop again.
My favorite new home-gym set-up
If you missed my post earlier in the week about learning Les Mills choreography, then you also missed out on a chance to see the fancy new Les Mills SMARTBAR that I’ve been using at home. The folks at Les Mills sent it to me for review, and I’m a huge fan.
It doesn’t exactly fit in with my decor in the spare bedroom, but I make it work.
Next week, I’ll start memorizing all of the new BODYPUMP and BODYATTACK songs that I need to debut and teach for our quarterly launch in the Bay Area, and I’ll be putting this SMARTBAR to use to practice. This is not your average barbell. It’s extra cool, because the weight plates easily slide on and off the bar, and they can be used as dumbbells without the bar as well. Nothing but the best from my friends at Les Mills.
My favorite links of the week
Did you miss out on some of the good stuff on A Lady Goes West this week? Here’s what happened …
- So much fun and fitness — Stories from my weekend and workouts
- Fitness preparation — How to learn Les Mills group fitness releases
- Food pictures and chatter — Random life updates and a look at my food
- Date-night and pizza — How to have the perfect date-night at home
And a fun one. Do you have an iPhone and find yourself talking to Siri? Here is a list of questions you can ask to get a funny response: “14 questions that get snarky replies from Siri.” Dave tried the zero one the other day with me, and it was pretty amusing.
I hope you have a wonderful and festive weekend, my friends. I’ll be checking in on Instagram until we meet again on Monday. Happy Fourth of July to my American brethren!
Read more Friday Favorites
If you’ve enjoyed browsing through this post, 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
- Decor, bars, boots and a drink
- Flowers, music and more
- Coqueta, a brush and food
- My people and the holidays
- Beauty, bling and entertainment
- A hodge-podge of goodies
- Just a few special things
- Tasty food, drinks and moving
- A bunch of feel-good stuff
- Home, car and fitness finds
- Sweets, cooking, beauty and blog
- Gold, yoga, photos and more
- Celebs, scents, games and more
- Food, shoes, stretches and fun
- Purse, snack, plant and more
- Fresh, healthy, clean and square
- Pilates, sneaks and much more
- Quite a few good things
- Food, jewels and sweat etc.
- Fun stuff and a giveaway
- Goodies and a yoga giveaway
- Orange, bikes and healthy food
- Food, tech, sparkle and more
- Clothes, home, a roller and more
- Florida, tech, tea and more
- Toiletries, gifts and more
- Fashion, food and a giveaway
- Events, surprises and a puppy
- Good stuff and a giveaway
- Bling, crunch and pet goods
Questions of the day
What are your plans for the Fourth of July, my U.S. friends?
What are you up to this weekend?
Do you have any recent favorites to share?
I love old Navy for inexpensive, summery clothes.
A favorite of mine recently has been Essie’s Haute in the Heat nailpolish. A perfect summer pink color.
Have a great holiday weekend!
Hi Sam! Very nice! I love nail polish and have been sporting bare nails for a few weeks. That will change today. I love the names of those polishes hhehe. Have a wonderful weekend! 🙂
Yum – that chocolate looks great! Love the Americana suit! Old Navy is a great store. I have lots of my participants who rave about their gym clothes, but I haven’t tried them yet. We will have a low key 4th of July. We will probably grill at home (trying to clean out our freezer!), and watch some fireworks. I will be teaching my last Saturday morning BODYPUMP class Saturday morning and I’m already sad thinking about it. My new favorite thing – my new MacBook Air! LOVE that thing! It’s great to have the digital releases on! Happy 4th of July!
Hi Melissa! I’ve never really tried the Old Navy workout wear either, but it sure looked cute. As far as your last class tomorrow — wow that’s tough. I’ve been there, but of course, know that good things are coming with the changes in your life and be happy you were able to spend time with those members that you enjoy so much. Crazy how we get to attached to our classes. And also, yay for your new computer! I have the MacBook Air too and LOVE it. Such a nice computer. Have a wonderful weekend grilling and relaxing, friend!:)
old navy is a go to for so many things, regardless of the season, but they really have the Americana holidays down pat! That swim suit is so cute! We have a lot of people coming in for the weekend, and we are going to the Cubs game, which is going to be a sh*tshow, but hey, you gotta throw yourself into the fray every now and then, right? Have a great weekend!
Ha! YES to that Susie! I do enjoy an occasional “thrown into the fray” event here and there. Rock it!! Happy weekend to you, lady! 🙂
I haven’t been to Old Navy in forever! I actually have a bunch of shorts from there that I’ve had forever. Good deals! Hope you have a fun weekend!
Hi Megan! They have a TON of shorts, so you should get it out. 🙂 Happy weekend to you too!
Happy Friday to you! Those all look like awesome fun things to enjoy. I’m all about Old Navy, especially their activewear. I go through clothes so quickly (I’m sure you understand) and Old Navy is a great affordable option to look cute in the gym! We are looking forward to a big weekend of family and friends 🙂 Hope you have an awesome weekend!
Hi Jenna! I have an Old Navy sweatshirt, but haven’t tried a lot of the other clothes for active-wear. You’ve got me interested to go back for more, now. And yes, I know we need a lot working in fitness! Enjoy your weekend with your loved ones, lady! 🙂
Have a great time celebrating with friends! And that smart bar looks super cool! Have fun learning the new releases – I am loving BP94 – especially the lunge track! Bounce!!
Hi Katie! Yes, ma’am. Can’t wait to teach it. Have a great weekend!:)
You scored some super cute stuff from Old Navy! Way to go! They’ve definitely stepped up their game in the last couple years. You should totally go back for the romper. 😉 I love them! So comfy and cute. I’m a fan.
Enjoy your holiday weekend!! xo
I think I need that romper, Ash. You’ve convinced me. Happy travels to you! 🙂
My student budget has so much love for Old Navy! :] That swimsuit is super cute!
I love Siri’s response for the 0 divided by 0 thing, hahaha. <3
Hi Farrah! I bet! You can find cute stuff for less than $10 at Old Navy on any given day. I bet you’re loving it. Hope you have a nice weekend, lady! 🙂
Old Navy is dangerous for me but I always try to make sure & buy things when they are on sale. I get all of my workout shorts from there because they are usually super cheap! I’ve never seen one of those smart bars before! How much does the actual bar weigh? We have regular old bars & plates (and dumbbells). I’m excited for a new release again! Have a great weekend!
Hi Megan! The bar weighs 7.5 lbs, which is more than the bars I’m used to using in my gyms. I love using the SMARTBAR at home and hope my gyms get this equipment one day. It’s almost crunch time to debut the new releases here! Hope you have a nice weekend!! 🙂
Probiotic chocolate? Yes, please! That sounds awesome! I am actually headed to old navy on a bit to get myself some new summery duds. Have a great holiday weekend!
Hi Heather! Yay! I hope you find good stuff!! Happy weekend:)
I’m at a lake house in Virginia currently! Unfortunately I still have work, but working from a beautiful place like this isn’t so bad 🙂 I hope you have a great holiday and enjoy your classes..plus a little fun afterwards!
Hi Gretchen! Oh man, a lake house sounds fun, even if you have to work. And yes, I’ll be sure to have a good time after working tomorrow too. Happy Friday, lady! 🙂
Awesome finds girl, Old Navy is super fab for all things cute and affordable! Those chocolates sound intriguing, no more fermented veggies and weird smelling yogurt for probiotics? Count me in! Hope you have an awesome fourth of July today <3!
Hhahaha, funny stuff, Niki. And thanks, the Fourth was great. I hope you’re having a wonderful weekend:)
That’s so funny! I had no idea you didn’t like shopping. Love the new finds from Old Navy – especially the bikini. -) Hope you and Dave had a great 4th! I am sure Rudy was a fabulous host.
Hi Lauren, It’s not that I don’t like shopping — I just don’t do it very often anymore. So when I go, I like to load up:) Hope you had a great Fourth!!
Hope you had a great 4th Ashley! Why are guys not fans of rompers? I hear that all the time. I have been on a romper kick lately ha
I don’t know why guys don’t like rompers, but girls do. Rock the romper! 🙂 hahah! Hope you had a great weekend too!