Friday Favorites: Fun stuff and discount codes

ByAshley Hours
Comments 40 Comments

I’m super excited to tell you that this post is coming to you from Florida! I arrived in Southwest Florida on Wednesday evening and will be here for nearly two weeks hanging out with my parents. Dave will be joining me next week, but guess who made the plane trip with me? That’s right, it was Rudy! Traveling alone with my pup, Rudy, across the country with a stop in Houston was not super easy, but we made it in one piece.

I don’t have too much on the agenda during my visit, other than spending time with my family and relaxing. I’ll be around on the blog, but am pretty happy to have a reprieve from all of my other work, because I need it! Now, let’s get to the business at hand …

This week’s finds for “Friday Favorites” 

I’ve got some good things to share, so please enjoy today’s latest edition of weekly favorites and look out for a couple of reader discounts …

My favorite pampering of the week

Did you know that some people get regular massages and facials for their own health and benefit? Apparently they do. While I know that my body is certainly in need of recovery from all of my working out, I never thought about the fact that my skin could use some tender-loving-care on the regular as well. I’m pretty much a wash-and-go type of girl, but I love the feeling of having a more advanced routine — and that’s where the wonderful Kristen Irene Woods of Serene Vibrance in the Russian Hill neighborhood of San Francisco comes into play. Earlier this week, I had the supreme pleasure of visiting her unique and inviting spa space and getting some services …

Serene Vibrance in San Francisco via A Lady Goes WestKristen’s spot is an individually-owned room in Salon Village in Russian Hill. When I arrived there, she greeted me with warm tea and had cucumber-infused water and snacks on the ready, and then I jumped into this beautiful bed. It was the most comfortable thing I’ve ever encountered, and I didn’t want to leave. She basically had to push me out to get to her next appointment.

This was a fabulous way to spend a Sunday morning. Kristen was so incredibly professional, and my experiences took nearly two hours. She asked me a bunch of questions about my lifestyle so she could approach the facial services with a holistic approach, which I thought was awesome. In addition to the skin treatment, she also gave me a head, shoulder, hand and foot massage to top it all off and used all sorts of nice smelling potions and vibrating machines! My skin was so moist and glowing that day. I couldn’t recommend her services more, and if you’re in need of a little pampering — she does it all. READER DISCOUNT: If you book a service at Serene Vibrance by December 15, you get 25 percent off your first visit if you mention you heard about this on A Lady Goes West, then from there, you get 15 percent off any ongoing services. Sweet deal! Give her a call and treat yourself. 

My favorite workout apparel of the week

I mean, leg-warmers are back in a big way, my friends. I was so happy to receive some of these beauties from NicePipes Apparel in the mail a couple of weeks ago. I’ve worn the leg-warmers to two different barre classes and had them on all day on both days, wearing them to run errands, in addition to working out. First thought: They are so trendy. Second thought: They totally keep my legs warm. Third thought: I wish I was a ballerina.

Nicepipes Apparel Leg-warmers via A Lady Goes WestI chose the Heather Gray thigh-highs, and I’m glad I did. These pieces come one-size-fits most, have mild compression, sweat wicking and SPF. But beware, putting them on will make you feel like dancing.

The best part about NicePipes is that the company was started by a group fitness instructor out of a need. She wanted a way to keep her legs warm when wearing crop workout pants on the city streets and has since created a special fabric combination for a line of products, branching out from warmers all the way to tops, sports bras and even pants. The products are totally cute, and I love it all. In fact, I think I want arm-warmers next. READER DISCOUNT: For anyone looking for a fashionable gift or in need of some cool pieces for yourself, check out NicePipes. You can use the code ALGW15 to get 15 percent off your first order.

My favorite event of the week

The night before I left for Florida, I headed into the Potrero Hill neighborhood of San Francisco for a fun “Friendsgiving” event hosted by Whole Foods Market at Feastly. There were many wonderful things about this event. First of all, I got to bring along a guest, so I chose the beautiful Jill and hung out with her all night. Second of all, I got to make my own essential oil body-scrub courtesy of Aura Cacia, which was not only educational, but also a scent sensation. Thirdly, the gang at Whole Foods was totally fun. They even taught us how to carve a turkey, and one of them dressed in a Christmas-tree costume.

Friendsgiving by Whole Foods MarketWhole Foods knows how to put on an event, I’ll tell you that. Plenty of cheer going on at “Friendsgiving,” and apparently the spiced egg nog was to-die-for. I’m hoping I can recreate it at home this holiday season.

It’s no secret that Whole Foods has a lot of incredible products, and we were able to see some of the gift options up close, like body products, toys and more, which you can pick up while doing your grocery shopping. Sadly, I wasn’t able to stay late at the event, because I had to be up super early the next day, but I still had a good time. Thanks, Whole Foods Northern California! You are A-okay in my book. And my friends, if you are shopping for healthy and tasty food, don’t forget to check out the gift section. 

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 …

  • Bloggers: Have you ever checked out The Nectar Collective? I recently found this website thanks to another blogger’s recommendation, and the writer has so much good advice for building your brand, improving your blog and many other online tutorials. It’s an awesome resource. 
  • Too much cuteness: Okay, I’ve never done CrossFit before, but this just kills me. Check out the video of this little girl working hard. 

P.S. Thank you to everyone who entered the Sunwarrior giveaway last week. The winner is Charlotte from D.C., and she has been emailed.

That’s it for today. I hope you have a great weekend, my friends. If you need me, I’ll be lounging in the Sunshine State.

A fun read full of #fashion #fitness and more. Check out these #favorites 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?

Have you discovered a fun favorite lately?

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40 Comments

  3. Ohhh I love those leggings! They remind me of Alo Yoga leggings! Also is live to get regular massages and facials… If only it was covered by work!

    Reply

    1. Hi Bri! It totally should … I bet some tech companies near me give their employees facials and massages hahah. Sign me up. Hope you have a nice weekend, lady! 🙂

      Reply

  4. I’ve also been loving the Nectar Collective, and facials are amazing! I had my first one earlier this year, and it was the best experience ever. I think I might have to treat myself to another one when I’m training for my marathon next year!

    Have a great weekend!

    Reply

  6. I love pampering myself with a massage. I’m lucky because massages are covered through my work benefits so I get one every month at an Aveda spa that is across the street from my office. Hearing about your facial reminds that me that I should get one soon since it’s been far too long since my last one.

    Tonight I’m going over to a friend’s place for supper and then tomorrow I’m meeting a friend for a Starbucks and shopping. While hubby is away, I’m filling my time with lots of girl dates to make the time fly by.

    Happy Friday!!

    Reply

    1. Hi Catherine! Well, aren’t you lucky that massages are covered? And at Aveda? Awesome!! I hope you have been having fun with your girl dates. And please order a seasonal hot beverage at ‘Bucks tomorrow hehehe

      Reply

  7. Yay for going home to family! That’s so great that Rudy made the journey with you and those leg warmers, too cute!

    Saturday we’re getting Indian and drinks with friends to celebrate their engagement, and playing board games with other friends on Sunday. Other than that, just the usual and hopefully finishing up Mindy Kaling’s newest book- it is too funny! Have a great weekend!

    Reply

  9. I love Jill! So cool you two got to attend the event! Those leg-warmers are really cute and I always wear slightly cropped lulu’s for my workout pants, so those would come up just enough not to leave an awkward gap, haha…. never thought to use leg-warmers to make me warmer and add a little style!

    Reply

  10. How fun you go to bring Rudy home with you. Does he fit in a carrier? I’ve thought about flying with Otto but he’s 60 lbs. I can’t bear the thought of putting him under the plane so he goes to his VIP doggy day care that costs a fortune when we travel #spoiledpup #furbaby

    Reply

    1. Hi Anna! What we wouldn’t spend for our pets, right? Rudy flies in the cabin under the seat in a carrier with me (like carry-on luggage) and costs $95 each way to bring him on Southwest. Totally worth it to have him here.

      Reply

  13. Cute socks! I tend to stay away from capris for the same reason as that group fitness instructor – my lower legs get too cold! Now maybe I can start looking a cute capris again and pair them with some functional, fashionable thigh highs 🙂

    Reply

    1. For sure, Cayanne! It makes so much sense to use leg-warmers, I’m shocked they have not been in style for so long heheh! Hope you have a nice weekend, lady!

      Reply

  14. That’s great that you got to take Rudy! My dogs are too big to go for flights like that. The one time I had my dog fly for my move to Chicago was so stressful. I sat there worked the entire flight since she was down below with the luggage but everything turned out okay. We are driving up to visit my parents for Thanksgiving this weekend and I’m looking forward to that!

    Reply

    1. I have always wondered what the process was like for a bigger dog to fly. My Rudy just comes in the cabin like carry-on luggage — and he was a little unhappy this flight, whereas he did fine on flights previously. I bet you were a wreck knowing your dog was down below on the plane. I get it! Anyways, YAY for Thanksgiving! Hope you have a nice weekend, lady!

      Reply

  15. So jealous of your hot destination trip right now!!! I could use some warmer temperatures though for us up here it’s unusually warm!!!

    I’m so glad you mentioned your leg warmers because I’ve been dying to know where they were from and I’ve lost mine. Aren’t they the greatest going to and from the gym all the while keeping your legs warm! perfection!

    Have a wonderful relaxing couple of weeks! Glad Rudy was with you to make the travel that much sweeter 🙂

    Reply

  20. Hey Doll! I’m so happy to hear you made it home safely. How did things go with Rudy? Also – I could have SERIOUSLY used these leg warmers when I lived in NYC instead of awkwardly struggling in and out of two pairs of pants! Are you going to be carving the turkey this weekend? 😉

    Reply

    1. Hi Jill! Rudy was NOT excited about either trip this time. It was not fun. I found an herbal remedy I’m going to try on him for the way home hahah! 🙂 And I’m just EATING this weekend, not cooking!

      Reply

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