Friday Favorites: Food, fashion and more

Hello, my friends! A very Happy Friday going out to you. How has your week been? Mine has been fine. Lots of work, blogging and teaching group fitness, of course. I subbed an extra three BODYPUMP classes this week, which has made the days even busier than usual!

Unfortunately, this weekend is going to be full of more work than play. I’ve got to start preparing to debut a brand new BODYATTACK group fitness release on Monday, so I have a lot of choreography to learn. (Yes, I’ve put this off for far too long and am now doing it at the last minute again, but at least I have my plan on how to do it.) In addition to that, I’m going to be in an all-day training tomorrow at 24 Hour Fitness to learn to teach a totally new program. More details coming on that soon! But today, I’ve got my latest favorites for you in a typical light-hearted post, so sit back, relax and enjoy.

My latest “Friday Favorites” of the week

Every week, I like to showcase a few things that have been making me smile, with absolutely no rhyme or reason. Here we go … 

My favorite treat of the week

You can imagine my delight when a box of these much-coveted Limited Edition Natural Delights Pecan Pumpkin Pie Spiced Date Rolls arrived at my door. If you’ve ever popped over to A Lady Goes West before, you are well aware of my love for the date. It’s one versatile fruit …

Natural Delights Pumpkin Pie Spiced Date Rolls via A Lady Goes WestThis box is going to go quickly. I’m trying to keep Dave’s grubby hands off of it. And Rudy’s paws too.

These are just as expected. Pumpkin pie. Date-like. Soft and chewy. Totally tasty. Seasonal. Fall-like. Enough said. If you’re a date fan, be on the look out for these beauties at your local grocer (or they are available online with no shipping charges, by the way). And thanks to my wonderful friend and reader, the dear Audie, for sending these to me. You know the way to my heart!

My favorite fashion find of the week

I’ve been getting regular deliveries from the Rocksbox jewelry subscription service for months now and every order gets even better. I couldn’t resist sharing my latest box …

Another lovely Rocksbox delivery via A Lady Goes WestSo pleased with this Perry Street necklace, these Sophie Harper stud earrings and this gorgeous Loren Hope cuff, which I just had to purchase right away! Even Dave likes it.

In case you’re interested in signing up to get jewelry delivered to your door, which you can wear and return, or wear and keep, then check out Rocksbox. If you use my code aladygoeswestxoxo, you’ll get a first month free, and I’ll get a little credit. Thanks for that, and thanks to Rocksbox for sending these shipments to me complimentary for so long. I’m a fan! I just wish I dressed up more than once-a-week to sport this stuff. It doesn’t really go well with gym clothes. You know?

My favorite little pick-me-up of the week

Because I don’t currently drink coffee, outside of one mug of hot green tea in the morning, I rarely consume much caffeine. And when it comes to most energy drinks or “pre-workouts,” I cannot stomach them at all. That means there is rarely anything I can turn to when I need some extra energy. Well, I had heard good things about this particular pick-me-up, and they were all true …

Celsius sparkling wild berry via A Lady Goes WestThe Sparkling Wild Berry from Celsius is tasty, effective and does not at all have that weird “energy drink” feeling. In fact, it’s made with green tea extract, contains vitamins and goes down quite smoothly.

For the past few weeks, I’ve had one of these little cans before teaching a morning BODYATTACK class, and I can totally feel the extra kick of energy in my system within 20 minutes of drinking it. And the best thing? Only 10 calories per can. These drinks are apparently considered “negative calorie” because they help you to burn more once consumed. While I can’t speak to that, I do know that I liked the taste, and it pepped me up for tuck jumps and high-knee runs on several occasions. Thanks to the Celsius team for sending me some samples.

My favorite links of the week

Did you miss some of the good stuff on A Lady Goes West this week? Here’s what happened …

Oh and one more favorite: Dave and I have been totally into the show “Narcos” on Netflix lately, which was recommended to us by friends. It’s pretty gritty, but a very enjoyable drama and based off of a true story of a drug cartel in Colombia. If you need a new series, put it in your queue.  

That’s it for today! I hope you all have a great weekend!

A few fun things to brighten up your day! Check out these #Favorites #Fun #Fall #Food ... Click To Tweet

Read more Friday Favorites

If you’ve enjoyed browsing through this post, visit the the link-up hostesses, Heather and Katie, or check out all of my older “Friday Favorites” posts. 

*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?

Do you have any fun finds to share?

What’s your favorite show right now?

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47 Comments

  1. I’m loving this, and am definitely going to have to be looking out for a Celsius in the near future! This week, I’m all about learning to optimize Instagram (@semisweettooth). I’m totally late to the party and just started my account, so it’s time to see what it’s all about. 🙂

    1. If you can’t find them in your grocery store, then order them online. You must get them before the season is over, lady! 🙂 Happy Friday, my friend!

  2. I don’t know the last time I had a date, but everytime you post them I want to try them right away! I’ll have to keep an eye out at the store next time I’m there! This weekend I have a race that may be rained out (stupid storms) and also a wine festival at my coworker’s house. Can’t wait! Have a great weekend 🙂

    1. Hi Gretchen! Yes, you need to grab some dates! And YAY for a wine festival — I’m jealous of that hehe. Anything with wine is a fun time in my mind! Have a wonderful day, my friend!! Hi to your pup from Rudy and me! 🙂

    1. Hi lady, Me too! I guess it’s just part of the job of fitness though — sometimes you don’t get your weekends off. I hope you have a fun weekend too! 🙂 Thanks for saying hi, as always!!

  3. Ooh, those date rolls look really good! I need to find something like that. And the Rocksbox jewelry sounds like a neat idea, but I’m not very good at not losing my jewelry or not breaking it, so it probably wouldn’t be a good idea for me.

    1. Hahha Emily, yes I can understand that with jewelry. And the dates are AWESOME! I just love dates as a healthy treat and snack. I hope you have a wonderful Friday, my friend. Thanks for always saying hi and checking in! I love your comments!

  4. That necklace is so pretty! Gosh, I can’t believe I STILL have my first Rocksbox several months later. What’s wrong with me? (Mental note to send it back today… ;)) Thanks for linking up Ashley! Enjoy the weekend!

  5. Oh my goodness, those date rolls! Ive gotta get my hands on some of those! Although let’s be honest, I’d polish that container off in a day easy. Ive never tried those Celsius drinks – Im always wary of those things! I drink so much coffee already I dont want to freak my body out!
    Thanks for sharing all your favorites with us! Happy Friday! 🙂

    1. Hi Kat, I’m trying to make these pumpkin dates last a little longer than the weekend, but we’ll see. And yes, if you drink coffee, you probably don’t need an energy drink before a morning workout. Hope you have a wonderful Friday, lady! Thank you for saying hi!! 🙂

  6. I am getting ready to go teach BODYPUMP class #3 this week in about an hour! Had to read your blog first 😉 WHAT?! New training?! Can’t wait to hear! Love that jewelry – I would sign up right now – but I don’t have an address 🙁 Maybe they will ship to an APO address once I have one in Japan. I’ll check into it. I don’t watch a lot of tv – I prefer to read – but I really do like to watch NCIS every now and then. I’m starting at season 1 on Netflix and slowly watching a show every now and then. Happy Friday friend!

    1. Hi Melissa! Happy pumping! I’m teaching PUMP today too. My fourth this week! And I’ve never watched NCIS actually. Hope you have a wonderful Friday, lady! And yes, one day soon you’ll have a more permanent address heheh

  7. Totally adding Narcos to my cue. I’ve been trying to catch up / binge watch Boardwalk Empire. I just finished the first season, and while I like it – I don’t think it’s a fave. No big plans this weekend – just lots and lots of sleeping, football, and eating! : )

    1. Hi Jamie! I’ve heard good things about Boardwalk Empire but never watched it. I hope you have a lovely weekend — sounds like a nice set of plans to me heheh! 🙂 Thanks for saying hello, as always!! Love your comments!

  8. I’m going to sound like a dork, but a recent favorite of mine is dryer balls instead of using dryer sheets. Much cheaper than single use sheets, better for the environment and less harsh on clothes.

    My husband and I are having a date night tonight to celebrate my birthday this past Wednesday and tomorrow we’re having a few couples over for drinks, cards and catching up.

    Enjoy your weekend 🙂

    1. You do NOT sound like a dork, because I’ve actually always wanted to try those dryer balls. heheh. Thanks for the reminder. Little things like that can totally make the week. Happy belated birthday, Catherine! I hope you have a WONDERFUL weekend, my friend! 🙂

  9. Those dates look so good! I am not a huge pumpkin spice everything fan but there are certain pumpkin spice things I have been loving, such as flavored coffee! Its slowly growing on me, and I bet these would too.

    I am currently obsessed with Grey’s Anatomy! I started watching from the beginning on Netflix over a month ago and am slowly working me way through all the seasons, it is so addicting and now I see what all the fuss is about!

    I don’t have any crazy plans this weekend, but possibly may go to a “fright night” event in my area tomorrow night if the weather holds up 🙂 Hope you have a great weekend Ashley!

    1. Hi Stef! Fright Night sounds fun! Very seasonal. And it’s okay if you’re not pumpkin obsessed like so many of us hehe. I watched Grey’s for a few years long ago, but have no idea what’s happening now or even if it’s still on! Glad you’re enjoying it. Thanks for saying hi, and have a wonderful weekend!! 🙂

  10. I’ve never seen the Celsius drinks before, I’ll definitely have to see if I can find them. I get bored of water and coffee all the time haha. And I should back away from the coffee I suppose 😉 Have a great weekend!

  11. My hubby tried to sell me on Narco but I went with Bloodline instead. AND am loving it! It’s been awhile since we’ve both been into the same show so it’s fun to sit and watch it together. I bet you’d like it! Have a great weekend!

    1. My husband and I can watch Million Dollar Listing on Bravo together, and then we usually have one drama at a time. I like it when we share shows, because I rarely watch TV alone. I hear Bloodline is good too! 🙂 Happy Friday, lady!

  12. Those dates sound amazing! I need to keep an eye out for them.

    And I got a sneak preview of a couple of the new ATTACK tracks and I LOVE it. The music is awesome. I’m hoping I can get my butt out of bed tomorrow morning to do the whole thing!

    I hope you are able to get in a little rest in between all of your work this weekend! xo

  13. I’ve seen the Celsius drink and wondered about it. Will have to give it a go!
    I’ve got my last long run on tap tomorrow morning for the NYC Marathon. That’s the biggest plan for the weekend. ☺

  14. Ooh, Ashley, those date rolls look amazing! And you got some awesome stuff in your Rocksbox! I felt like I had a couple of lackluster boxes so I cancelled my subscription. Love that bracelet! My weekend sounds similar to yours–blogging and memorizing choreo for barre classes. Isn’t being a fitness instructor exciting? 😉 Have a fantastic weekend, friend!

    1. Hi Beth! Yes, a similar weekend we are having for sure! 🙁 And I finished up that box of date rolls already too. hahaha Hope your classes go well this week!!

  15. I totally agree with you about loving dates! Those pumpkin ones sound so good too! I’m watching Bachelor in Paradise while I ride my bike trainer in the morning. It’s not my favorite but somehow I just love it and have to watch it secretly because my husband makes fun of me for watching it!

    1. Hi Sheena, I haven’t watched a Bachelor show since college, but I know it can be entertaining! Perfect for taking your mind off the cardio. 🙂

  16. The date rolls look delicious and I’m all about pecan anything for fall! This weekend has been spent exploring Chicago for future blog content and preparing for job applications. It has been busy, but productive! Hope you have a great week.

    1. Hi Brooke! Cool! Sounds like a nice weekend. I’ve never been to Chicago but would love to check it out one day. Thanks for saying in! Good luck with your job hunt!

    1. Hi Mattie, yes, I don’t really care about the calories either, just glad it tasted good and gave me energy! 🙂 Hope you had a nice weekend!

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