Friday Favorites: Gold, yoga, photos and more
Friday Favorites are here again! I hope your week has been going along nicely, and perhaps you’re just a few hours away from starting your weekend.
Last night, I went to a fun fitness event hosted at the Lorna Jane store in the Marina neighborhood of San Francisco, and I got to meet the woman behind it all — Lorna Jane. It was pretty awesome, and I’ll tell you more about it soon. But right now, it’s time for my favorite post of the week to write. Every Friday is a chance for me to share some fun and unrelated items that have been making me smile. I truly enjoy throwing these together, so I hope you enjoy reading them. Here we go!
My favorite new goodies for the home
If you live with a significant other or a roommate, I bet you have to blend your design styles. Dave and I usually don’t have trouble agreeing on things that we put in our house. However, we both have to compromise to make those decisions. Of course, if it were up to Dave, we’d have a lot more modern, clean-lined furniture and decor. And if it were up to me, our entire place would feature super-feminine mirrored pieces with gold accents. Clearly, it’s a good thing we have to balance each other out, otherwise we wouldn’t have a very welcoming and comfortable home. That being said, I do get to pick out a few sparkly pieces to pepper throughout our digs.
Gold, bold and just my style. Shown above is the Greek Key Table Clock and Ming Candle from Z Gallerie.
Upon the recommendations from a few readers, Dave and I went shopping on Fourth Street in Berkeley this past weekend for house stuff and came away with only two things, but they were good things. I just love this stuff. And the best part? Both of these items were on sale for 50 percent off. I must say that I wanted nearly every single thing in Z Gallerie, but it’s not exactly affordable, so these two pieces will have to do for now. I’ve put them both in the living room for a little extra bling.
My favorite recent sweat session
You guys know I strive to do yoga once a week. I’ve gone from absolutely hating yoga, to sort of liking it, to now looking forward to it. And last week, I had the awesome opportunity to attend a grand-opening, friends-and-family party at the new CorePower Yoga Walnut Creek. I reviewed CorePower San Francisco a couple of months ago and was very pleased with the classes I tried, so had a good feeling I was in for a strong yoga class here in the East Bay.
The street-view of the new CorePower Yoga in downtown Walnut Creek, a shot of me after class and some refreshments provided to celebrate the new studio.
Not only did I get a great stretching and sweating session done during the one-hour class, but I also got to chat with the studio manager and enjoy some post-class treats with an excited group of Walnut Creek yogis. A good yoga session truly invigorates me, and I hope to go back to CorePower again soon.
My favorite new cheap beauty find
Pink polish! While looking for home stuff at Target last week, I stumbled into the beauty department and decided I should get pink nail polish in honor of Valentine’s Day weekend. I picked up this bottle on sale for less than $3.
Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear, Fuchsia Power
is bright and cheerful.
Hot pink nails are definitely making me happy. In fact, I’m going to repaint them the same color today. I have had my nails every color under the sun except for pink over the past few months, so this was a nice change. And nothing beats a manicure for under $3.
My favorite new pictures
So if you’ve been around the blog this week, you’ve seen some pretty nice photos. All of these pictures were taken by a very sweet lady named Leah Bentley. Leah just moved to the Bay Area from Utah and is currently building her photography business here.
That’s me, posing for the camera in the middle of a park.
She was so kind as to take a few shots of me on a nice Saturday morning, and I was more than pleased with how everything came out. Thanks, Leah! Bay Area friends, Leah does all sorts of shoots, so look her up if you need to get some photos done for a special occasion.
My favorite tune of the week
Just loving this song “Sugar” by Maroon 5. Have you heard it? So catchy. And the video is pretty cool too. Could you imagine if that happened to you at a wedding? Any song that mentions “red velvet” is a winner in my book.
My favorite links of the week
Hope you didn’t miss any of the good stuff on A Lady Goes West this week:
- Fitness – Eating, exploring, exercising and enjoying life
- Fashion and a giveaway – An inspiring story and an activewear giveaway
- Food – On Wednesdays we look at pictures of food
- Getting active – How to start moving more every single day
And make sure you enter the activewear giveaway before it closes tomorrow!!
Weekend plans
As usual, this morning, I’m teaching an early BODYATTACK class, then I have a little work to do. Dave and I don’t have anything major on the agenda for the weekend, outside of me teaching a bootcamp on Sunday morning. I’m pretty sure we’ll go out to dinner, and I’m pretty sure we’ll try to get outside for some fresh air.
I hope you have a great weekend! Be sure to follow me on Instagram to see what I’m up to, and I’ll look for you there as well. Peace out, friends!
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, Katie and Clare.
- 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
Questions of the day
What are you doing this weekend? Do you have a recent favorite to share? What’s your design style in your home?
Happy Friday!! Love the new pictures and wish I was out there to use the same photographer! I always enjoy a fun studio opening and it looks like Core power is the place to be! I have learned so much about your area since I started reading! My designer style at home is efficiency with shabby chic. In another year or two we are buying our forever house and until then, it’s about storage and movable furniture. I’m waiting to buy all my nice pieces until they will be in their forever home and I don’t have to worry about them bouncing around on a moving truck. I do enjoy a classy, cottage feel and hope to transfer that to my decorating. I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Hi Jenna! Yes, we have started to buy nicer pieces (like a good couch) now that we’re in a bigger and better space. I definitely agree that you wait like you are doing right now! And as far as classy and cottage? That’s my SECOND favorite design aesthetic, and it’s one I hope to have in a couple rooms one day. You’d love the Bay Area, by the way, LOVE IT! 🙂 Happy Friday!
Great photos Ashley! Love the Maroon 5 song.
Have a fabulous weekend 🙂
Thanks, Jill! Same to you!! 🙂
I’m equally obsessed with Z Gallerie. I have a silverish/gray rug from there in my living room. Everytime I walk in that store I feel like I just want to move in there! Happy weekend to you. <3
Hi Courtney! Well, I figured we would both like it! They have some amazing teal and red pieces right now, which I LOVED. I could have stayed in there all day. Your rug sounds lovely. Hope you have a wonderful weekend, my friend. 🙂 LOVED that your salon featured a pic of you! 🙂
So jealous you got to meet Lorna Jane!! So cool! Yay for yoga:) Gorgeous pictures! Have a great weekend!
Thanks, Karina! It was a pretty cool experience. And I hope you have a lovely weekend too! 🙂
Your pictures look great! I need some new photos for my website. I’m always changing my hair colour so people see my blonde picture and are confused if its me!
That nail polish is fabulous, I love bold colours like that. Super pretty and feminine.
Hi Jen! I feel ya, I used to be blonde too! I feel like I shouldn’t even use old photos of me with the blonde hair because my hair is SO dark now. Hope you have a great weekend, lady! 🙂
That song Sugar is SO catchy. Always stuck in my head!
Hi Lauren! I know! I love it! I’ll probably get sick of it in about a week, because it’s all over the place. But for now … I jam! Happy Friday! 🙂
Love your head shots!! And the gold accent pieces for your home 🙂 I love gold! Happy Friday!
Thanks, Sara! Same to you!
Love the headshots… the engagement photos on Leah’s site are so gorgeous, too!!! Have a great weekend, Ashley!!
Thank you, Cassie! You too! 🙂
I’m headed to Disney this weekend to “drink around the world” at Epcot. I can’t wait! I feel like a kid going to Disney for the first time 🙂
Hi Pragati!! Awesome!! I love Disney and even having been a “cast member” there, I still believe in the Disney Magic! Epcot is definitely the best place for adults. Have sooo much fun!! And it won’t be hot either. I hear from my parents and from Facebook that Florida is cold right now!!
It’s true! We’re quite chilly and even had freezing temps last night. Luckily we’re headed right back to the 70’s where we belong 🙂
The house decor is looking good! It’s so much fun to shop for that stuff!! Hope u are getting more settled.
Hi Marielle! We sure are! We have most of the living areas all set up. But of course, that second bedroom has nothing in it yet! In due time. I hope all is well with you, friend! 🙂 Happy Friday!
I’ve been thinking about getting a new head shot done so I might have to contact Leah. She did such a great job with yours!
And I haven’t gotten around to incorporating yoga into my routine but I did try a Barre class recently and it made me realize that I am ridiculously inflexible. Eeesh.
Have a great weekend, lady!
Hi Sarah! I’m so glad you tried a barre class!! Nice job!! Well I’m crossing my fingers we can figure out a way to get you into some of my classes regularly! Enjoy your weekend, I hope you get a break from the kitchen again eheheh!!
I have been that way with yoga, the oh my gosh this is boring half way through. I feel like I need to give it more of a chance because clearly there is more to be discovered!
I love that hot pink nail polish too! So cute! Just as I was about to paint my nails too 🙂
Hi Hilary! Even though it’s February and cold many places, pink seems right! ehhehe so rock it! Hope you have a fabulous weekend!! 🙂
Your nails are super cute! Perfect for Spring!
Thanks, Erin! I’m a bit early, but ready for spring to hit! Hope you have a great weekend! 🙂
You’re photos look beautiful! XOXO
Thanks, Rebecca!! Happy Friday!! 🙂
LOVE your sparkly phone case! I really need to find a new one for my phone before I drop it and break it!
Hi Jessie! Thanks! That case is from a mall kiosk! I don’t know how safe it keeps my phone, but it sure keeps it looking good. 🙂 Happy Friday!
Great photos! I always feel so self conscious taking selfies out in public, but when there’s a legit photographer involved, it’s a whole different story! Beautiful. Have a wonderful weekend 🙂
Hi Amy! Yes, sure does help to have someone official looking with you. And that NEVER happens for me except this once. 🙂 Hope you have a great weekend!!
Your new pictures look great Ashley, you’re so pretty and have a fantastic smile!
I’m really loving the Sally Hansen nail polish too! It is super cheap 😉 BUT doesn’t chip and crack like others! Have a fantastic weekend!
Hi Karen! Thank you so much for the kind words. And you know, I’ve been quite impressed with the staying power of this cheaper polish! Hope you have a great weekend! 🙂
Love all the gold! Can you come decorate my new place? LOL!
Sure thing! You provide the wine and cauliflower crust pizza, and I’ll bring some decor. Send me an evite. 🙂
So very, very tempted… if I could remember where I packed the glasses… Solo cups ok? 😉
I’ve never turned down a red solo cup! 🙂
I love Sugar by Maroon 5! It’s so fun and catchy! I love playing it when I’m cooking in the kitchen haha! Pretty pictures 🙂
Thanks, Emily! Glad you’re enjoying that tune too. Hope you have a great weekend! 🙂
Those are some fun accents for the house–love it!
And those photos of you are gorgeous–well done to Leah & obviously to you for being naturally pretty 🙂
Thanks, Annette! 🙂 Happy Friday to you!
The photos of you are lovely!
I really like that gold candle! A change from the usual glass jar, and I like it! I also love the Xtreme wear nail polish…it does last a bit longer than regular polish, and it seems to dry quickly too, which is a bonus if you are impatient (that would be me).
xx
Hi Krissy! Thanks! And yes, the nail polish did dry quick, which I also really enjoy. I hope you have a wonderful weekend!! Good food and good fun, okay?? 🙂
So great that you’ve started enjoying yoga! 🙂 I love that hot pink colour too, I’m obsessed with pink for nails. My decorating style… I’m not too sure but I’d say pretty calm? I like whites and yellows and not much clutter 🙂 the good items are lovely, I bet they will look awesome! Very Gustav Klimt-ey 🙂
Hi Jessica! Thanks! And yes, if I could, I think I’d hit up yoga MORE than once a week these days, which is a huge change. And a calm decorating style sounds like a good one! Hope you have a fun weekend, friend!! 🙂
Lovely new photos you got there! Stunning! And you got to meet THE Lorna Jane?! That is like meeting the Angelina Jolie of fitness…so cool! Oh, trust me, I understand blending the style preferences for couples. I like vintage, rustic, and outdoorsy looks. While my fiance?….Sounds very similar to your man as well. Modern, clean-lines. Drastically different styles. But we will make it work because we are moving in for the first time in our over 4 years of being in a relationship together this Summer! Moving to Texas!
Hi Kaylin! Wooowwww! Huge news! That’s so awesome you and your man are moving in together in Texas. I guess you have a lot of style blending decisions to make, and it won’t be too bad. I believe homes probably look a lot better when one style is merged with the other. Thanks for the kind words on my photos. Hope you have a wonderful weekend!! 🙂
Your blog is becoming my go-to for inspiration. Thanks for keeping me moving & motivated! <3 <3 <3
Hi Caity!! You are soo welcome! Thanks for stopping by to read. 🙂 Hope you’re having a wonderful weekend!
I’m loving that Maroon 5 song too! It’s so catchy.
I also got to meet Lorna Jane last year – isn’t she so cute and little? She was so sweet!
Hi Nicole! Happy Sunday to you! Thanks for stopping by to say hello. Yes, Lorna Jane was smaller than I expected — and very cute! Hope you’ve had a wonderful weekend!!!
I’m convinced that Adam Levine is going to show up at any given wedding I attend in the near future. How great is that?! <3 Love the gold accessories. Beautiful photos!
Hi Heather! I know — that would surely be awesome to see Maroon 5 at a wedding. Hope you’re having fun in Florida! 🙂
1- The new pictures are GORGEOUS, I LOVE them!!
2- I didn’t know there was a new CorePower location! YAY!
3- LOVE the candle. And the nail polish! PRETTY!