Friday Favorites: Purse, snack, plant + more
This time last week, I was road-tripping down to Key West from Fort Lauderdale with a bunch of girls. Today, I’m up early to teach BODYATTACK in San Ramon and work on the computer for the rest of the day. I guess every Friday can’t be a laid-back vacation day, or we wouldn’t appreciate those times as much when they come around. Right?
The good news is that last week I had to pay for expensive WiFi to create this post on the plane, but this week, I’ve done it at home. Thank goodness. I must admit, although I’ve been back in my regular routine this week, I still came down with a little post-travel bug, as I sometimes do. The worst of it was Wednesday, a day in which I had to teach a grueling hour of BODYATTACK. And do you know how hard it is to teach BODYATTACK with a side stitch and feeling short of breath? Well, let’s hope you never do. Because of the energy of my wonderful members, somehow I made it through and seem to be on the mend.
Now back to the positive! Below is a look at my recent favorite recent finds — all worthy of becoming “Friday Favorites.” Please enjoy scrolling through, and feel free to let me know in the comments if you have a fun favorite to share as well.
My favorite new purse
There were many years in which I would save up to buy one super-nice designer bag and use that for months. While I still have a decent collection of fancy bags that I can rely on, I haven’t bought a designer bag in many moons. Partially because I don’t use purses as much as I did when working in the corporate world, and partially because I’m not as into the whole designer scene. My latest purse purchase is far from designer and certainly not an investment piece. It’s a cheapie, and it’s awesome.
Introducing the Crown Vintage Quilted Clutch from DSW, which I got for less than $30.
I bought this little gem to take with me to Key West and used it day and night. I used it as a side-purse on one shoulder and as an across-the-body bag as well, and it also converts to a clutch if you remove the chain. It’s the perfect color (I love ivory) and the perfect size (fitting a phone, some cosmetics and money) and may become one of my regulars — unless it falls apart, which is always a possibility.
My favorite new healthy snack
Yes, I’m Greek-yogurt obsessed. I eat Greek yogurt every single day and love to try new varieties. Last week during “Friday Favorites,” I shared that I did a little shopping at a new-to-me store, Sprouts Farmer’s Market, with a gift card. I picked up a couple of Voskos Greek yogurts and am incredibly impressed with them.
Another week, another delicious Greek yogurt. Oh how I would be very sad if I ever had to give up dairy.
I usually buy Fage or Chobani, but Voskos is noticeably thicker and creamier. I mean, yum. I haven’t seen it available everywhere, so perhaps it’s not as popular. Nonetheless, give it a try if you see it in your local grocer, because it’s good stuff.
My favorite new home addition
A potted plant? Yes, Dave and I received this lovely succulent from a friend for our housewarming party, and I’m loving the addition of real-life greenery in our living room. Outside of the occasional flower arrangement, we have never had live plants in the several homes we’ve had together.
Here she is, sitting right in a sunny spot. And a special shout-out to Amanda who gave us this plant. I know you’re reading this, and we love it!
I did a little perusing online and it looks like I only need to water it once a week, so I’m crossing my fingers I can keep it alive. As a city slicker, I don’t exactly have a green thumb, but so far so good with this little beauty.
My favorite apps of the week
Did you know you don’t have to go to the bank to deposit checks? I finally jumped on the bandwagon to upload and deposit all of my print checks directly from my iPhone after some urging from Dave. I now use the Bank of America app to do it, and it’s super easy. Total game-changer, because I still get a lot of print checks in the mail, believe it or not, and don’t always want to go to the bank.
In addition to taking selfies in the group fitness studio, the iPhone can also handle nearly all of your finances.
And sending money to friends? It’s never been easier than using Venmo, which is what I used to pay for my spot in the hotel room in the Keys this past weekend. I will definitely be using it again, because there are no fees involved at all for either party. Technology is awesome, my friends.
My favorite links of the week
Of course, make sure you didn’t miss any of the good stuff on A Lady Goes West this week:
- Weights workouts – A “lift some weights” workout round-up
- Key West recap – A super-fun Key West bachelorette party — MY FAVE!!
- Food and a giveaway – MealEnders giveaway and back to healthy food — ENTER!
- Balanced routines – How to structure a great week of workouts
- All the fun on my Instagram feed
And here’s a cool post I wrote for the Wine Sisterhood blog, “New Year. New You. Create the perfect, relaxing night at home.”
Pretty low-key weekend plans
After two fun-filled and super-busy weekends with a wine event, housewarming party and travel, I’m actually okay with the fact that there’s not too much on the calendar this weekend. Dave and I will be joining some friends to watch the Warriors play an away game tonight, and that’s about it. I’ll be fitting in a weights workout and hopefully playing outside a bit. Have an awesome weekend!
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
- Gold, yoga, photos and more
- Celebs, scents, games and more
- Food, shoes, stretches and fun
Questions of the day
Do you have a recent favorite to share? What’s in store for your weekend? Do you have any useful apps to share with the group?
That purse is so cute. I bought designed purses years ago, and now I just go with cheap ones. I typically get sick of the purse by the time it starts wearing and tearing, anyway! I love how functional that one is, though! This weekend I have a baby shower for a cousin and I think that’s it! I’m a-ok with a lazier weekend. Hoping warmer temps stick around and I can get a good house cleaning done.
Hi Heather! Showers are fun, so I hope you get some good eats at the one you’re going to this weekend. House cleaning? Not fun, but necessary. Have a fabulous weekend! 🙂
Technology really does have its bonuses, doesn’t it? That’s a super cute purse – I recently scored one like it (OK fine, not JUST like it – it’s bedazzled with gold thingies – but it was $5!! Sold.
Hi Ruthie! I think a bedazzled cheap purse sounds awesome! $5? That’s less than a smoothie hehhe!! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
I have no idea what I’d do without technology. I probably wouldn’t be able to blog or to the extent that I do. I need to check out that app. Sounds co! Have a great low key weekend!
Thanks, Megan! I hope you have a lovely weekend as well!
I love that purse! It’s such a fun spring color that goes with everything! I am all for keeping my purse purchases under $50. I think the one time I broke this rule was when I splurged on a Milly purse in NYC. I love that purse for that reason alone, but I think I’ve used it like five times?
Hi Stacie, And you have to be extra careful with nicer purses — with the cheap ones, you don’t even worry if it sits on the floor! 🙂 hehehe Happy Friday!
That cell phone case.
THAT is my favorite!
I got it from a mall kiosk, and it continues to be flashy. 🙂 Happy Friday, Susie!
Love the jersey pic! How crazy about that BOA app. I’ve heard of that before, but have never taken the plunge to give it a try. Glad to hear it’s not a scam! 😉 I’m glad to hear you are feeling better. Teaching when you’re not feeling well is never fun. I hope you enjoy your weekend!
Hi Heather! I always get sick after cross-country travel, so it was bound to happen. And go Warriors! Guess who they played and beat the night I wore that jersey?? 🙂 Happy Friday!
I’m also loving greek yogurt lately! I picked up some berries at the store, and each morning have been having my yogurt with honey and berries. So delicious!
I actually work for a bank, and was on a project that worked on a similar app (not for BOA though!) You can also deposit checks in ATM’s and they’ll take a snapshot of the check for you to keep as a receipt. Technology is so cool! I love hearing new pitches on services or products we’re coming up with 🙂
Hi Gretchen! Technology is awesome! And berries in your yogurt is a healthy way to start the day. Hope you have a wonderful weekend! 🙂
Loving your new purse! The ivory is beautiful for spring and summer. I just bought a new blush/nude cross body purse for the warmer months, and I’m loving it so far. I’m with you – I used to be all about the designer handbags, but they’re just not practical for me anymore, and I have other things to put my money into. 😉 Plus, there’s so many stores now that have great choices for a much better price.
I’m intrigued by that Voskos Greek yogurt! I’ve always been incredibly impressed with how thick and creamy Fage yogurt it, so I’m surprised to hear it’s even thicker than that! Must be amazing. 🙂
Enjoy your low key weekend, and I hope you get to feeling 100% soon!
Thanks, Ashley! I hope to be back up to 100 percent soon! Hope your weekend is just lovely! 🙂
You’re such a champ, getting through that Attack class after a long flight home. That takes some serious commitment and strength!
And I’m a huge fan of indoor plants. They’re nature’s air purifier! 🙂
Have a great weekend!!
Hi Sarah! Thank you! And it’s SO hard to teach ATTACK when I’m well, so as you can imagine, the other times are tortuous! Hope you have a lovely weekend! 🙂
Hi Sarah! Thank you! And it’s SO hard to teach ATTACK when I’m well, so as you can imagine, the other times are tortuous! Hope you have a lovely weekend! 🙂
Love DSW! I definitely have to pry myself away from that store. I’m in the same camp too.. I rarely use a purse anymore. I just have a wallet-phone case that holds my ID and credit card.
Good luck with the plant! I kill everything green that crosses my path.. Maybe I’ll see how your succulent goes and then try my hand at it 🙂
Hi Courtney! I’ll let you know how it goes with the plant. And I think I might head to DSW again this weekend for more. I can’t stop either!! 🙂 Have a good one!
Oooooh your purse is so cute! I love having a weekend that is lower key after busier ones too, so enjoy!
Thanks, Annette! Relaxing is always good! Happy Friday! 🙂
That purse is super cute! It’s the perfect size.
Sure is … I could probably fit a protein bar in there too, or maybe a shake. Whichever I’m craving. 🙂 Happy Saturday, Laura!
Cute purse! I love being able to deposit checks on my phone. I don’t have a physical bank that’s local (I have USAA) so I had to mail all of my checks. This way is a million times easier and faster!
Hi Lisa! I can’t believe I waited so long to start using my phone for deposits! Hope you have a great weekend!! 🙂
I love Voskos! I like their vanilla and adding a little almond butter! Mmmmm. Hope you’re feeling better!
Xo Chloe
Thanks, Chloe! I’m on the mend! Have a great weekend! 🙂
I have the exact same plant at home hehe. That’s cool!
I hope you are taking good care of your plant too, Kelsey!! 🙂 Happy Sunday!
Love the succulent, Perhaps I should have opted for one of those too, as I fear my herbs are slowly dying. NO green thumb here either.
Love the purse too xx
Hahha Krissy! It’s not easy, I know!! Hope you’re having a lovely weekend! 🙂
You just blew my mind with that phone app! I wonder if my bank has that. What a brilliant idea! Technology will never cease to amaze me. (I love your phone case too!)
Thank you!! Hope you had a great weekend!! 🙂