Friday Favorites: Quite a few good things
TGIF, party people! Because of a fun little mid-week excursion, I feel like we got to Friday very quickly this time. Thank goodness.
Today, after teaching a morning BODYATTACK class, I’ve got a lot of work to do for the rest of the weekend. You see, I’m debuting a brand new BODYATTACK release on Monday and a brand new BODYPUMP release on Tuesday, so I have to practice the new moves and memorize the new choreography. I’ve been doing this whole “learn and teach for launch” routine for a long time, and I’m pretty efficient, but it still has to be done. Outside of learning two hours of group fitness classes, I’ll also be going out to a couple of dinners with Dave, and maybe even enjoying some outdoor play. Our plans for Easter are up-in-the-air as of now.
Before I begin today’s standard Friday post, I’d like to highlight a NON-Friday Favorite, which took place yesterday. Taxes. Not cool. We owed. California is awful. Well, no it’s not. But ugh. Enough said. The entire thing was not pretty.
Moving on to something more positive, I really look forward to writing and choosing my “Friday Favorites” every single week. And guess what? Today marks ONE YEAR of “Friday Favorites” on A Lady Goes West. Wow! So let’s not waste any more time and get right to them, because we need to lighten the mood and celebrate.
My favorite activity of the week
A concert and dinner out on a Wednesday? Not exactly part of my weekly routine, but definitely a fun wrinkle. On Wednesday, Dave and I went out to dinner at Izakaya Kou, where we had some happy-hour hot sake and delicious food in San Francisco’s Western Addition near the Japantown neighborhood. Right after that, we walked over to The Fillmore to see the band, Guster.
I can never turn down sushi, especially not during happy hour. I enjoyed hot sake, a seaweed salad and a delicious mega-roll filled with spicy tuna and avocado and topped with salmon. And yes, the food and company was as good as it looked.
Dave and I have seen three Guster shows together over the years, and the band always puts on a good live concert. Guster isn’t super popular in California, but has a huge East Coast following, yet somehow their shows always sell out here too. The funniest part of our night out? The opening act. Some quirky guy named Kishi Bashi came on before Guster, and he played the violin, while rapping, beat-boxing, dancing, serenading and singing with a booming classical voice — all in the span of 15 minutes. At some points, it was so awkward I couldn’t watch. I’m sure he is talented, but I did not like what he did. Totally weird. But overall, we had a great night out on the town on a school-night, getting home rather late.
We had to wait in line before the doors opened, and it was pretty chilly in the wind. But of course, we had an excellent spot for watching once we got inside, and we also scored a free souvenir.
If you ever go to a concert at The Fillmore, there are a few things you should know. If you’re lucky, you’ll walk away with a free show poster, which we did (shown above). And make sure you grab an apple from the complimentary fresh-fruit bin in the entrance, because it’s such a nice touch. Also, do not bring any food or drinks in your bag (even reusable water bottles, as nothing is allowed in) and know that concerts are standing-room only. Overall, The Fillmore was a great venue for seeing a show. Lady approved!
My favorite goodies of the week
Last Friday, I was able to attend a portion of the LUNA Chix Summit in Berkeley and came away with some new techniques for my yoga practice, nutrition tips and an awesome swag bag of LUNA gifts. I love the LUNA merchandise, but I am absolutely elated with the amount of edible stuff.
Check out all those bars! The highlight has definitely been the Clif Bar Kit’s Organic Fruit and Nut Bars, because they are full of good ingredients and taste great.
The Clif Bar company makes a ton of different kinds of bars and products, and I snagged a bag full of all the good stuff, including new LUNA flavors, energy blocks and more. I had never tried the Kit’s Organic Bars before, and they taste like fresh and healthy Larabars, maybe even better! Every single day this week, I’ve had a bar, and it’s so fun to go to my big bag and choose which one suits my mood. Thanks, LUNA!
My favorite delivery of the week
Yesterday, I opened my front door to find the most cheerful arrangement. Leave it to my sweet Mom (and Dad) who sent Dave and me this Easter present. My Mom never misses a holiday and always sends us surprises. I just love this latest one. Doesn’t it make you want to smile?
What a treat to be greeted by that balloon and those fresh flowers?
Speaking of Easter, I make an Easter basket for Dave nearly every year, but I told him not to expect one this year. I end up eating many of the treats that are in his basket anyway, so he can just go without. This little arrangement will give us enough festivity to fill the weekend. Right?
My favorite recent toiletry purchase
Sometimes you’ve got to get back to the basics and keep it simple. While I do like nice things here and there, I also like tried-and-true products, which are budget-friendly. I go through phases where I shop in the baby section for various things — like using baby oil as eye-make-up remover, etc. And my latest find?
There’s just something so special about this “Honey Apple” Johnson’s Baby Lotion.
This delicious lotion is my current moisturizer of choice, and it’s such a treat to put on after the shower. Gentle. Great smell. Comes out easily with the pumping tube. And very well-priced. You don’t have to spend a lot on the essentials, if you choose the right ones. Sometimes I even go for the classic baby powder scent too. It just makes me happy.
My favorite links of the week
Hope you didn’t miss out on some of the good stuff from A Lady Goes West lately:
- Workouts and weekend — A weekend full of fitness, food and fun
- GIVEAWAY! — Win a ticket to a Les Mills event near you (Enter today!)
- Tips and meals — Smart training nutrition tips and my eats
- Listening advice — Do you need to become a better listener?
Survey Love
I’d like to send a big thank-you to all my lovely blogger friends (can I call you a blend?) who have done my 20-question “get to know you better” survey.
I’ve so enjoyed learning more about you and your life. Check out the interesting stories behind Megan, Katie, Chrissy, Paige and Hilary! (If I missed your post, please let me know, so I can give you a shout-out too.)
I hope you have a fabulous weekend, my 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 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
- 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
- Purse, snack, plant and more
- Fresh, healthy, clean and square
- Pilates, sneaks and much more
Questions of the day
Will you be celebrating Easter?
What are your weekend plans?
Have you been to a good concert lately?
Follow along with me on Bloglovin‘, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.
So many fun things! I can see why they’re all on your list of favorites.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Thanks, Jill! Have a lovely Friday and weekend:)
Looks like a good week! I especially love the Luna goodies and the Easter flowers from your parents. I just opened a box my parents sent over and was treated to some Reese’s eggs I can’t get here and some other treats. Yay for cool parents! 😉 Have a great weekend. Happy Easter!
Hi Diane! Oh how fun! I bet you look forward to American deliveries of goodies heheh! Have a great weekend! 🙂
Honey Apple lotion sounds amazing, and yes please to flowers and Luna and dates, but SAY WHHHHAT GUSTER?? OMG I adored them in college! That takes me back to first year in such a big way. awwwwwww Have a great weekend!
Hhahha Susie! I know! Guster’s old school, but still good! Hope you have a lovely weekend, my friend!! 🙂
LOVE Guster! They bring back so many awesome college memories!! Have a great weekend!!
Thanks, Sue! I know, Guster has been around forever!! Good stuff. Have a lovely weekend! 🙂
Ah man, I wanted to see Guster so bad when they were here. I’m loving the newest album. Also beautiful flowers! Good luck learning your routines and have a great Easter weekend!
Thank you, Carissa! I hope your weekend is just lovely and maybe you can catch Guster next time! They played a lot off the new album it seemed.
Honey apple sounds like it would smell so delicious! I might have to try that out 🙂 I love J&J products. I also absolutely love sushi and sea weed salad (yummy!) but I could never get into sake. It doesn’t work for me :/
Happy FRIDAY!!!
Hi Gretchen! People seem to love or hate sake heheh. A big happy Friday to you, my friend! Enjoy your day and weekend:)
Looks like so much fun! I remember seeing Guster when I was in college, I still love their music!
Have a great weekend!:)
Hi Lisa! I know! They’ve been around a long time and I hadn’t heard of the band until my husband introduced me years ago! Love them now! Happy Friday! 🙂
Oh my gosh, we had to pay in for taxes this year too– its awful! Guster is coming to Madison soon but probably not at as cool of a venue as that. And your mom is adorable!
Stupid taxes heehhe! And Guster can be entertaining in any kind of venue! Happy Friday to you, Katie! 🙂
That sushi looks amazing! Yay for concerts and exciting wrinkles that pop up in our weeks. 😉 It looks like you had a great time! Also, your parents are adorable. I love that balloon and arrangement. Thanks for linking up, and I hope you have a wonderful Easter weekend!
Thank you, Heather! Right back at you! Happy Friday and weekend:)
How sweet of your mom to send you that little Easter surprise! Fresh flowers always brighten my mood. 🙂
I should definitely try Johnson’s Baby Lotion for myself. We got tonssssss of it for baby showers back when I was pregnant with Hunter, and we still have several bottles left. I sure do love the smell!
Good luck learning your choreo this weekend!! Happy Easter! xo
Thanks, Ash! And yes, you should definitely break into the baby products stash ehhehe! Happy Friday! 🙂
I can’t wait to do the 20 question to get to know me better survey! I have it started in drafts 🙂 Happy Friday Ashley – have a great weekend!
Awesome, Sara! I look forward to reading it. Happy Friday! 🙂
Live music is my favorite thing to do! I never turn down an invitation. I saw Bleachers on Wednesday!
Can’t wait to celebrate Easter this weekend 🙂 family time is the best.
Those Luna bars look awesome — I love those!
I love live music too, Lauren! Any show is a good one (well most of the time!) Have a fun time with your family this weekend! 🙂
Happy Eastover! I love it when “school nights” turn into fun ones…it does break up the week nicely (even if you’re exhausted the next day).
Eastover? I like that one Alyssa! Right back at ya!! Have a great weekend:)
I went to the Guster concert too–was a great show, but completely agree with you on the opening act!
Hi Allison! No way! How awesome! Did you wait in the long line too? I really enjoyed The Fillmore and was happy to be so close to the band once inside too! 🙂
I’m so excited for the new releases next week! I hope they’re fun. 🙂
Going to dinner and a concert on a Wednesday sounds like a great way to break up the week. I’ve never heard of Guster but they must be good if you’ve been to see them three times. I’ll have to check them out!
I hope you have an awesome weekend!
Thanks, Sarah! Right back at ya!! 🙂
What a sweet Easter bouquet!
I know, Erin! So festive! Happy Friday! 🙂
Thanks again for the fun survey! I really enjoyed doing it. Good call on the Johnson’s! I use their baby oil all the time. I never thought to use it as eye makeup remover. My eyes are so sensitive to everything.
The baby oil gel is better for eye make-up removing because it’s less likely to get in your eye, but I use the regular oil too — just dab it on a cotton ball. 🙂 Happy Friday, Megan!
Johnson’s baby lotion must smell really nice and feel super soft… I might get one soon, thanks! 😉
Hi Lily! Yes, it’s quite lovely. Happy Friday! 🙂
Boo taxes. That is all.
Okay, that is not all. Why didn’t I think to use the kids’ baby lotion? It has such a nice scent, and does the trick.
I meant to get my survey posted today, but ran out of time. I hope to do it next week; those are so much fun 🙂
Happy weekend/Easter!
Hi Emily! Happy weekend! Yes, steal the lotion. And yes, I look forward to your survey answers!! 🙂
Happy Easter.. May God be with us always 🙂
Happy Easter to you too! 🙂
I have been such the sucker for sushi lately too! I don’t know why I haven’t been eating it weekly before now! And oh my gosh all the bars! I love trying new flavors, I am still in search of that chocolate cupcake one from Luna! Thanks for sharing my survey too! I loved filling it out 🙂
Hi Hilary! Happy weekend! And I LOVE to eat sushi, so we try to go once a week. It’s just so fresh and tasty — and sometimes healthy if you order the right thing. And the new LUNA chocolate cupcake is awesome! You’ve got to keep searching for it! 🙂
This Japanese restaurant sounds amazing! I love the pictures you posted, as well. I will absolutely add this to the list. My boyfriend and I make a point to make reservations every other Friday somewhere – keeps things fun and gets us out of the house!! We are also on the hunt for a great sushi place, so this is a must. Thank you so much for sharing – Enjoy your weekend!
Hi Shannon! Happy Saturday to you!! 🙂 Yes, it was a good one. Ozumo is another great sushi spot in SF, but a bit more pricey. I’ve always wanted to go to Elephant Sushi as well, but the line is long and they don’t take reservations. And I’m with you on going out to eat — I look forward to it! We go out to dinner once or twice a weekend, but got lucky and went out during the week too this time hehehe. Hope you have a fabulous weekend!! 🙂
it was such a fun survery! I am happy you put it up to begin with! That event sounds like it was a blast and all those bars look so good!
Hi Paige! They are good! I love them all so far. Hope you’re having a nice weekend. Thanks for doing the survey! 🙂
Oh em gee, Izakaya. I love that place, but have only been there once, because it’d take a small fortune to get me full, haha. That food looks amazing though!
That is an adorable Easter present! I don’t know of anyone who could receive that and not smile! :]!
Apple is probably one of my favorite scents out there, so that lotion looks awesome!
Hi Farrah! Oh yes, I forgot you’re a former Bay Area gal! I bet you miss it. And sushi is always delicious, but yes, usually not very cheap! 🙂 Happy Sunday!