Friday Favorites: prAna, a watch, tea and more
Do you look forward to “Friday Favorites” as much as I do? This is my favorite post to write each week, because it gives me a chance to share with you totally unrelated things that are making me smile. I do these posts to end every week, so you can have something fairly mindless to peruse on what is hopefully your last day of work for a bit.
Before I get started, let me just tell you that last night Dave and I attended a touring Cirque du Soleil show, and it was the greatest thing ever. If you have the chance to see Kurios, jump on it. I’ve seen four different Cirque shows, and this one was by far my favorite — not an easy feat.
And today, after some morning blogging, I have a lot of fitness planned, including some training and some teaching of BODYPUMP. As usual, tomorrow morning, I’m teaching BODYATTACK. The rest of the weekend should be fairly low-key, and that’s okay with me, because next week is a short one before Dave and I travel to Southern California for the holiday.
Now, let’s get to the favorites. And I warn you: This one is long, but I have a lot to say.
My favorite well-intentioned activewear: prAna
With so much workout attire to choose from, why not select what you wear from a clothing company that strives to do a little more than just make money? Enter prAna. Not only is prAna designed “for people who live life fully, play long, and travel well,” but much of the clothing is made with sustainable materials and methods aimed at reducing the brand’s impact on the planet. And even the company name is empowering — the word prAna means “breath, life and vitality of the spirit” in ancient Sanskrit.
Through my ambassadorship with Fit Approach and Sweat Pink, I was introduced to the prAna lifestyle brand and was sent a complimentary outfit to test out. In addition to the fact that both the top and bottoms fit me perfectly, this outfit also provided some inspiration for me. As a fitness professional who works out a lot, what I really need more of in my life is stretching, lengthening, breathing and yoga. So I took prAna up on it’s namesake and wore my fancy new and sustainable get-up to a brand new yoga studio this week, and I worked very hard in that class. I also took a moment to take some shots in the outfit on top of the parking garage of my building, so please enjoy these awkward beauties …
Shown above: Me posing in my new prAna attire, including the Kira Top and the Misty Leggings.
I received the Kira Top in Winter color ($65) and the Misty Leggings in Blue Twilight Diamond ($75), both in size small. And as you can see, this outfit is so very yoga, yet also cute. I love the way it fits, feels and moves. Both items have great details, as the Kira Top has a mesh twist-back and a shelf bra, and is made from stretchy quick-dry material. The Misty Leggings are made from performance knit and meet high standards of environmentally friendly production. So there you go, clothing that’s good for the Earth.
I felt comfortable, free and ready to do some good to my body when I slipped on these pieces. Something about environmentally friendly activewear just makes me want to be healthy when I’m wearing it. Wouldn’t you agree?
If you’ve never heard of prAna before, this 22-year old company has five flagship stores in the U.S., and its products are sold in other specialty stores throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe and Asia, as well. And you can take a look around the prAna site to find yourself the perfect well-made item from the early winter collection. If you choose to buy something, use this code “pspf14algw” to get 15 percent off your order. And don’t forget to breathe!
My favorite fitness gadget: G-Shock watch
Now that I’ve started to create and teach bootcamp classes and branch out from just delivering pre-choreographed Les Mills programs, I realized I was in need of a good time-keeper. On Saturday night, before teaching a Sunday morning bootcamp, I popped down to Macy’s for this little number …
That’s a look at the first wear of my new G-Shock Metallic White Resin Mirror watch on my arm right before instructing an outdoor bootcamp on Sunday in a park.
With some online research, I knew what I wanted and this white G-Shock watch did the trick. Armed with a coupon, I snagged this little gem for less than $100, and I’d like to guarantee it will be on my wrist every day from here until eternity. I just love a good chunky watch, so I can see myself wearing this even when I’m not keeping tabs on intervals. By the way, this watch also comes in a larger version for $130, which I tried on, but because these G-Shocks are unisex, it was far too big for my wrist. This one is perfect. And can you say tax deductible? All in my line of work, you see.
My favorite drink and gift idea: DAVIDsTEA
Sometimes you don’t know what you’re missing out on in life until you experience it for the first time. For me, that’s fancy and high-quality tea. This week, I was invited to attend a holiday tea tasting at DAVIDsTEA store in the Marina neighborhood of San Francisco. I thought I was showing up to taste a hot beverage or two, but in fact, I showed up to an eye-opening experience.
You see, I’m a tea drinker. I gave up coffee when Dave and I moved to San Francisco, because we didn’t have a coffee machine for the first few weeks. I started buying tea bags and never looked back. Well, thanks to DAVIDsTEA, I now realize there is a world of super amazingly-awesome tea out there, and it doesn’t come in little baggies from the grocery store. It’s loose-leaf.
Shown above from top left to right: Inside the Marina neighborhood DAVIDsTEA store, the Nordic mug, some loose leaf Forever Nuts tea, and a selection of tea tins at the store.
I had never heard of DAVIDsTEA before, but apparently there are 115 stores in Canada, where the company started, and 21 stores in the U.S. DAVIDsTEA sells more than 150 varieties of tea ranging from white, to green, too herbal, to rooibos, to oolong and a bunch of other fun stuff.
When I arrived at DAVIDsTEA, I was greeted by the friendly team and immediately introduced to one of the brand’s founders, who was visiting just for the event. She walked me around the store, showing me the adorable gift sets, variety packs of tea and tea accessories. My first thought was: This is the place to get really good Christmas or hostess gifts for people who are hard to shop for. There was even Christmas bark (yummy!) and cute little tea sets. I was in awe.
But what really blew me away was the tea itself. I had the pleasure of smelling about a dozen different teas and trying some as well. These flavors are nothing short of deliciously warm and oh-so-wonderful. I can hardly describe them, because they are like dessert, mixed with the best Yankee Candles you could possibly ask for. I came away with a little gift bag, including one of the bestselling mugs, the Nordic mug, as well as a variety pack of tea and a pot of Forever Nuts, which is to-die-for.
Honestly, I get nothing out of telling you to check out DAVIDsTEA, other than the pleasure that I may have introduced a new fan, because this stuff is truly fabulous. And as a real world example, I had Dave smell the tea I came home with and he was blown away. And he doesn’t even like tea. I think he could definitely get on board with a mug of this stuff though, so I’ll keep you updated if that ever happens. I feel like I may need to write a whole post about tea, because now we’re getting out of “Friday Favorites” territory here and I need to reign things in. Nonetheless, DAVIDsTEA is what I like to call the “BDC” — And that’s the Bomb Dot Com, for those of you who aren’t up on the lingo. Use it.
My favorite healthy treat: Coconut jam
Any Whole Foods shoppers out there? While I’m a big Whole Foods fan, I get the majority of my groceries from other stores these days. However, I love to browse Whole Foods and have been stopping in more and more. Have you ever had their quinoa sushi rolls? Now that’s the stuff.
I recently found out that Whole Foods has a new program in which every month they bring in local products with a theme. In Northern California during the month of October, the theme was healthy desserts. I popped into one of the big new Whole Foods on Market Street in San Francisco and came away with this Organic Coconut Jam and a huge caramel-covered pear, which had a bit of a tragedy, so is not pictured.
A little tub of Organic Coconut Jam goodness, which doesn’t even need to be refrigerated after opening.
This stuff is so good. I would compare it to apple butter, but with a coconut flavor, of course. I put it in my overnight oats and have livened up a few other dishes with it. I could also see adding it to a banana split or putting it on fruit for a sweet treat. Next time you’re in your local Whole Foods, pop over and check out the monthly specials, because you might find something good like this. Oh, and don’t forget to check out the quinoa sushi.
My favorite links of the week
While “Friday Favorites” is always super fun to look forward to at the end of each week, there are also some good posts going up Monday through Thursday here on A Lady Goes West. Hope you didn’t miss any of these:
- Fitness-related, but important for anyone who needs help loosening up – Change your world with two mobility moves
- Fashion and some positive thinking – Treat Yourself Tuesday and more LE TOTE clothing
- Pictures of food and a little chatter – A day of my eating and some commentary
- Class reviews from around San Francisco – Two very different fitness class experiences
Hey, want to keep in touch over the weekend? Check out my Instagram, where I tend to check in while out-and-about in the City. Now go off and have a good one!
More fun Friday Favorites
Do you like these “Friday Favorites”? If so, 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
Questions of the day
Do you have a favorite from the week to share? What’s up for your weekend?
I have two coupons to David’s Tea – I must go. The only thing it that I am not a huge tea person. But I want to try their pumpkin spice chai latte before it is done for the season. Happy Friday!
Also, you prAna gear is super cute! Love the purple leggings
I didn’t try the lattes, so I should go back for those. Hope you have a great weekend, Sara!
Love your Prana scores! Super cute! 🙂
Thanks, Ruthie! It’s really high-quality stuff, so glad I’ve been introduced to the brand. Happy Friday!
Awesome watch! I like how you can totally wear it for fitness but it will look cute with regular clothes too. Great score. Enjoy your Friday!
Ditto! Thanks, Lauren!
YES for David’s Tea!! I used to hit up the Kitsilano store in Vancouver when I lived there. So glad they’ve branched out and are here. Great list of faves, esp the prAna, I need new gear and love the sustainability factor. Definitely checking them out this week (have been postponing the shopping until BF! Haha). PS. You will LOVE SoCal!! Was there a few weeks ago and didn’t want to leave.
Happy Friday girl!!
Hi Jill! Thanks. Yes, hit up Davids Tea and let me know if you do. And I’m sooo excited to explore other parts of the state. Happy weekend to you!!
Love the prAna gear! I can’t believe you successfully gave up coffee and switched to tea. I’m a total coffee addict lol. I’ve tried to switch to tea so many times and it’s always an epic fail haha.
It was much easier than I expected. In fact, I don’t even miss coffee and I have it right in my face when my hubby brews it on the weekends. Have a good one, Chrissy!
Thanks for linking up – coconut jam looks super interesting and I love hearing about new workout gear. 🙂 Happy Friday!
Hi Katie! Thank YOU for hosting:)
Coconut jam?? I need my Whole Foods to carry that!
I know, it’s so good! It’s one of those things you didn’t think you needed until you tried it. Happy Friday, Stacie 🙂
Those workout clothes are too cute!
I’ve never had Davids Tea but I’ve heard great things. I’m a huge fan of Teavana.
You should check out Davids Tea … I mean SOOO good. Happy Friday, Erin! Thanks for stopping by:)
I totally LOVE that watch! Now I have something else to add to my Christmas list… 😉
Mmmm, that coconut jam sounds yummy!
Have a wonderful weekend! xo
Hi Ashley! Will you get this reply?? 🙂 Happy Friday to you. And I hope Santa is good to you this year.
YES! Got it. 😉 Yay!
So you asked about a lipstick I was wearing in a previous post (and since I answer EVERY comment and you may not have seen it) here it is again:
Ashley says:
November 18, 2014 at 7:10 am (Edit)
Hi Ashley! Oh how I love to wear some lipstick. What I’ve got on in these photos is Revlon Super Lustrious Fuschia Fusion.
Coconut Jam! O my…that is so my “jam” 😉
Hahaha, yes, Rebecca, it’s my jam too! 🙂
1. Yes! I LOVE Friday Faves. 🙂 I super dig hearing what others are loving.
2. How did I miss you at David’s this week? What a bummer. I feel like they spaced us all apart for extra special time since it turned out to be so welcoming and thorough. Wasn’t it FABULOUS? I’m hooked too.
xo
Hi Carla! Yes, I LOVE DAVIDsTEA now. It seems so fancy to brew loose leaf, but now I realize it’s not really that hard. Wish I had seen you!! Have a lovely weekend:)
I am dying to see Kurios… especially since it’s down the street from work. Dinner and a show in SoMa was never so easy! I adore those blue pants… will look into it and try to take advantage of that discount. Have a good weekend, Ashley!
Hi Catherine! You have to see Kurios. SOOO SOOO good. I loved it! And yes, it’s pretty close to you, so maybe you can pop on over. Hope your weekend is great! 🙂
I love all that prAna gear! I checked out the website, and now I want it ALL… No Davids Tea here in the MidWest, sadly, only Teavana.
Hi Jessie!! Well you can always order some DAVIDsTEA online. 🙂 How’s the weather in your neck of the woods? Hot tea is so comforting on a cold day. Have a great weekend!
I might have to order some after the holiday madness :). It’s been freezing all week here in KC with a bit of snow, but it is nice this weekend, upper 40s, I’ll take it.
The prAna gear is so cute on you!! Happy weekend!
Thanks, Annette! Right back at ya:) And now, I’m off to teach BODYPUMP.
My favorite for this week is all of the much needed rain we are getting. I love snuggling up with a good cup of coffee while it’s raining outside. I have never seen quinoa sushi at WF’s but now I have to go search for it!! Have a wonderful Friday!
Hi Lauren! Happy Friday to you too! I know San Francisco needs rain, but it’s sure not fun as a walker. And quinoa sushi is the best. Let me know if you find it and try it! Hope your weekend is great.
I LOVE Cirque du Soleil! Brandon took me to La Nouba in Orlando the first year we met and we’ve been to 3 other traveling shows since. I really wanted to check out that one too but we’re trying to minimize expenses right now. Boo… 😉
Your prAna outfit it super cute! I’ve heard of them before and I really like the brand.
Have a great weekend, lady!
Hi Sarah! Yes, I’ve seen La Nouba twice, LOVE in Vegas, and last year we saw Amaluna, another touring show. Seriously, Kurios is BY far the best. The music was so happy, everything was just so awesome. You’re missing out. Can’t you splurge on it before the run ends? 🙂 Happy weekend!
Yummm, must try that coconut jam! I’ve bought a coconut butter before (Nikki’s coconut butter) but was always annoyed that I couldn’t find something similar in stores. Will have to buy it and let you know what I think.
The prAna yoga clothes are so cute; you look great in them! Have a great weekend 🙂
Hi Alice! Thanks for stopping by. You know I’ve never tried Nikki’s before and heard that is good. But this jam is awesome! Hope you have a great weekend:)
Mmm, that coconut jam looks interesting and sounds like it’s the jam. Sorry…couldn’t resist. 😉 I wish we had a David’s Tea near where I live because I’m a HUGE tea fan. I also gave up coffee about 3 years ago and now can’t even stand the taste. I much prefer my teas!
Hi Kaylin, Happy Friday and weekend to you. I actually still like the smell of coffee, but don’t care to drink it. You can get so many more fun flavors with tea anyways. Tea drinkers unite!
I agree–I feel like you have more diversity with tea. Have a great weekend as well! 😀
I have the Kira Top and it is one of my favorites. It looks great on you! Love this collection of Prana gear!
Good morning Sandra! Thanks for stopping by. And don’t you love how soft the fabric of the Kira top is? Hope you have a lovely Sunday. 🙂
Just found your blog excited to peruse! Adore Body Attack, just did it for the first time and it was awesome! I hadn’t had that good of a workout in awhile, reminded me to change it up!
XO Chloe
A Latte Lipstick
Hi Chloe! Great to “meet” you. Thanks for stopping by, and I’m so glad you’re a BODYATTACK fan. I love it too! Have you ever tried BODYPUMP?
Yes, that’s another favorite! Trying to hit it up this week before the Thanksgiving food!
XO Chloe
A Latte Lipstick
Good plan!
I’m OBSESSED with David’s Tea! I drink it almost every night because they have the loveliest fruit teas. We should have a tea date in the Marina sometime soon!
Yes oh yes!! I’m in any time. 🙂
Yay! I’m so happy to read about your experience at DavidsTea! I wasn’t able to make it so I especially loved hearing all about your night there. I will sip multiple flavors of tea vicariously through you:) Thanks for sharing about it, Ashley!
Of course! Happy to go and do the fun stuff and report back. 🙂
Love that prAna top!! Like you said, so cute and–love it–“so yoga.” 🙂
Ummmm coconut jam exists??? Always something new and exciting in the healthy foodie world!
Hi Kim. Yes, so yoga is a thing. And there is always something new and yummy out there. I just learned about quinoa flakes today!