And just like that, it’s time for my favorite post of the week. As far as weekend plans are concerned, Dave and I actually ended up saying no to a few things in order to have some free time. Outside of buying a Christmas tree this evening and hanging out with Rudy, we don’t have a lot on the agenda for the next couple of days, which sounds just perfect. We’re still getting back into the zone after Thanksgiving travels, that’s for sure.
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 …
My favorite purchases of the week
I had a few successful shopping trips while at home in Florida. Nothing fancy, folks, but some good stuff, which I genuinely needed. I bought this sweater dress, a denim jacket and a few more fall-ish goodies at Old Navy. I also popped into my favorite shoe store, DSW, for these …
These Audrey Brooke wedge booties were the winners for me, but I also had my eye on these and these.
Yes, I already have several pairs of booties, but the wedge differentiation makes these stand out from the pack. They are comfortable, fashionable, functional and have already been worn out on the town in Orlando earlier this week. Definitely my fall/winter staple shoe. And if you’re in need of some reasonably priced cute clothes for the season, head into your local Old Navy. I could have bought the entire store.
My favorite people of the week
Visiting home in Florida was just the best. While it had nothing to do with the setting (although the sunshine, ability to pop into Publix, numerous meals at First Watch and weather didn’t hurt), it had everything to do with the people. It’s no secret that I miss my family and friends in Florida, even though life is good out here on the West Coast.
Just a few shots from my nearly two weeks in Florida for Thanksgiving. So many awesome folks, so little time!
Spending the days with my parents, my brother, his girlfriend and so many of my long-time people was just fabulous. I wish there had been more time. I saw four of my five bridesmaids, met new babies and children and visited new homes. All around good stuff. Here’s hoping that some of those people come visit me again one day! (I mean, I finally have a second bedroom that’s ready for business, just sayin’ … ) Moral of the story? Hold your loved ones close, if they live near you.
My (Rudy’s) favorite pet things of the week
When I did my reader survey several weeks ago, I was shocked at how many people asked to see more pictures and hear more about my little maltipoo poochie, Rudy. Well, ask and you shall receive, pet lovers …
Whether he is sleeping on my arm at the table, playing with his ball in the kitchen, moving from lap to lap or sitting on structures outside, Rudy is always one happy pup.
Of course, Rudy came with me to Florida, and it comes as no surprise that he was well received by my family and everyone who met him. He got extra treats, extra walks and even extra attention (if that is possible) during the entire two weeks. I think it’s safe to say that Rudy is a fan of visiting his Grandparents’ house. And because he is so cute, I figured Rudy deserved a chance to share some of his favorites with you today …
He doesn’t need much. This plain ol’ tennis ball keeps Rudy totally entertained. He also loves Paul Newman heart-shaped treats and his new bottle of pet medicine.
My Mom’s friend recommended the beauty that is this yellow bottle of goodness called Rescue Remedy. It’s a totally safe, all-natural plant-based liquid drop, that you put on your dog’s treat, and it calms him/her down. After a pretty rough cross-country trip with Rudy on the way to Florida, I administered this to Rudy on the way back to California and it was a LIFE-SAVER! I gave him four drops on a cookie right before the flight, and he was a little angel for five hours. I gave it to him again during our layover, and once again, he kept quiet and calm in his little pet carrier all the way until we got back home. I cannot believe it. My vet had told me to give Rudy Benadryl, but that didn’t work the first time we tried it, so we’ve been going drug-free for our numerous flights, and he’s been a fairly good boy. But for some reason, the flight to Florida was terrible, and I was not wanting to repeat that on the return. I will now totally swear by Rescue Remedy. And it makes the list as one of Rudy’s favorites today, because he enjoyed taking a nap rather than being nervous. He told me so. Rudy approved.
My favorite links of the week
Did you miss the latest on A Lady Goes West this week?
- A beautiful Thanksgiving weekend and my weekly workout recap
- A quick three-move resistance band workout
- A short and sweet stay in Orlando and some food pictures
- Signs you’re taking a class from a bad group fitness instructor
And from around the web worth checking out …
- This one I wrote for the MyFitnessPal blog: “5 Ways to Burn More Calories on a Walk” because walking is the best!
- And Men’s Health is killing it lately with awesome videos. Check out this one showing “5 Most Common Form Fails” and this one showing “13 Exercises That are Better than Burpees for Fat Loss.”
- For my aspiring food blogging friends, or anyone looking to share a good shot on their socials, check out this one “10 Super Simple Food Photography Tips for Beginners.” Yes, you can use your phone.
- And following up on that one, a post I wrote featured on the Healthy Living Blog Community about how to work with those photos, “Blog Tip Thursday: Free Photo Apps and Websites.”
That’s it for now. I hope you have a great weekend, friends. You know my radio is already programmed to all the Christmas tunes. How about yours?
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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.
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Questions of the day
What are you up to this weekend?
Have you discovered a fun favorite lately?
Do you have any cool video links to share with the group?
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious says
I adore the booties! The wedge definitely makes them stand out. And poor Rudy! I’ve done a lot of flying but I don’t think I ever encountered a puppy that was upset. Glad you found something to help!
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious recently posted…Grain Free White Chocolate Pecan Cookies {GF, Paleo, Vegan}
Ashley says
Well only my direct seat-mate would have heard his little whines. He isn’t all that loud. 🙂 Hope you have a nice weekend, Megan!
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
Love me a wedge bootie. I’m getting pretty tired of wearing tennis shoes everywhere (and not having the option to wear boots) because of this injury (anything with a heel exacerbates it). So I can’t even do jeans and boots!
Have a great weekend, Ashley!
Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…Penguin Holiday Gift Guide
Ashley says
Oh no, Susie! Not the right season for that injury then. 🙁 Hope you have a nice weekend regardless!
Ros Emely@stressfreemommies says
Love the booties and the sweater dress! Your maltipoo Rudy is adorable, we have a Maltese name Casper…my family loves dogs 🙂
Ashley says
YAY for dogs!! Casper and Rudy share a breed!! 🙂 Have a great weekend, lady!
Gretchen | Gretchruns says
Those boots are so cute! I’ve been all about boots this week, so I can say they’re a favorite 🙂 Hope you have a great weekend, girl!! 🙂
Gretchen | Gretchruns recently posted…Top Five Friday #35
Ashley says
Me too! Can’t have enough boots! Happy weekend to you, my friend! 🙂
Jessica @ Semi-Sweet Tooth says
Adorable wedge bootie! Love the idea of a more natural medication for the pup. I’ve, for whatever reason, always disliked giving them human medicine, so this sounds like the perfect combo. Thanks for the tip!
Have a fantastic, relaxing weekend with your new tree. 🙂
Jessica @ Semi-Sweet Tooth recently posted…Black & White & Suede All Over
Ashley says
Yes, my vet said we could give him a prescription drug to calm him down, but I didn’t want to. So the natural stuff is an awesome choice. Hope you have a nice weekend, lady! 🙂
Anna says
I need to get that rescue remedy… My dog is a wild boy! 🙂
Anna recently posted…Friday Favorites Wedding Registry: Kitchen Edition
Ashley says
Yes you do, Anna! It works!! 🙂
Ashley recently posted…Friday Favorites: Shoes, people, pets, links and more
Heather @ Life In Leggings says
Those wedge booties are adorable! LOVE them! Also, First Watch and Publix… you have me drooling over here. So glad you were able to have such a great trip home. We need to get down there soon! Thanks for linking up your faves. Have a great weekend and fun decorating your tree!
Heather @ Life In Leggings recently posted…Friday Favorites #118: Week of 12/4
Ashley says
Thanks, Heather! Hope you get back to Florida soon. 🙂
Ashley recently posted…Friday Favorites: Shoes, people, pets, links and more
Katie @ running4cupcakes says
#1 Love those booties and #2 your weekend sounds like perfection to me. Enjoy!!
Katie @ running4cupcakes recently posted…Friday Favorites: Life helpers
Ashley says
Thank you, Katie!! Cheers to you!
Ashley recently posted…Friday Favorites: Shoes, people, pets, links and more
Jessie R says
Love the booties and First Watch- yum! Old Navy has been pretty great lately, and they have tall sizes for tops online- yay! Rudy is too cute :), on our way back from Vietnam, there was a pup on our flight from South Korea to Detroit- 12 hours! I only heard a few peeps from it right before takeoff and when we landed. No idea how that works.
Ashley says
Hi Jessie! Yes, Rudy’s little whines are low enough that only my immediate row could really hear them, so perhaps that pup was keeping to it’s area only? But wow, 12 hours is a long time for a dog to hold their potty. Maybe they figured out how to let them go? hahhah! Happy weekend, lady!
Ashley recently posted…Friday Favorites: Shoes, people, pets, links and more
Cassie @ Almost Getting it Together says
Yay thanks for shopping at Old Navy this weekend!!! What did you pick up? So much cute stuff there right now!
Cassie @ Almost Getting it Together recently posted…Now Trending – Best Links Week of 11.30
Ashley says
Two dresses, a jacket and some tights! Love Old Navy! 🙂 Happy Friday, Cassie!
Ashley recently posted…Friday Favorites: Shoes, people, pets, links and more
Catherine @ foodiecology says
I love those booties! I need some similar and I’m liking that price range.
As for the weekend, we’re taking professional Christmas photos with the babe. Hoping for gorgeous weather!
Catherine @ foodiecology recently posted…How To Navigate (& Enjoy!) The Holidays
Ashley says
Good luck to you with your photos, Catherine!! 🙂 I’m crossing my fingers for beautiful skies!
Whitney @ To Live & Diet in L.A. says
Super cute booties! DSW is the best! Thanks for sharing those links – can’t wait to check out the 13 exercises that are better than burpees…I hate burpees haha.
Whitney @ To Live & Diet in L.A. recently posted…The Balanced Blonde Talks Burgers, HIIT + Her Weirdest Fitness Habit
Ashley says
I hate burpees too. Have a great weekend, Whitney! 🙂
Ashley recently posted…Friday Favorites: Shoes, people, pets, links and more
Elizabeth @ Push Ups & Pajamas says
Rudy is adorable! Love seeing bloggers pets on their page 🙂
Ashley says
Ohhh thanks, Elizabeth! He is quite cute! Hope you have a nice weekend! 🙂
Ashley recently posted…Friday Favorites: Shoes, people, pets, links and more
Giselle Schroer says
I love seeing pics of Rudy! He is just so cute! I’ll have to remember those Rescue drops for our next road trip. Our dogs get a little anxious and tend to pant the whole time which drives me crazy! Those might solve the problem 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Giselle Schroer recently posted…Send Holiday Love via Photobooks
Ashley says
Hi Giselle!! YES, you’ve got to give the Remedy a try — it totally worked for my Rudy. Have a great weekend! 🙂
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes says
Those booties are adorable. I just bought a pair of black wedge booties and I love them!
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes recently posted…Running Survey
Ashley says
It’s wedge bootie season, SUE!! 🙂
sarah says
Rudy is such a cutie! I like those booties, I bought a similar pair from Lulus a few weeks ago, I just need it to get a little cooler in Florida so I can wear them! The struggle is real lol.
sarah recently posted…A New Protein Source Reviewed
Ashley says
Oh I know, Sarah. I packed jeans for my trip to Florida … and well … I didn’t wear them heheh! 🙂
Emily says
Lol, they should make Rescue Remedy for humans! But I think that’s the in-flight purchases of alcohol 🙂
We’re getting a tree this weekend too! Also it’s St. Nicholas Day on Sunday. I grew up Catholic and like to share the tradition of leaving your shoes out to receive gifts and candy from St Nick; for us it was always a new tree ornament to commemorate the past year. It’s fun to carry on childhood traditions!
Emily recently posted…Always a Bright Side
Ashley says
That’s a lovely tradition, Emily! I hope you have a wonderful weekend! 🙂
Sheena @ Paws and Pavement says
Thanks for sharing Rescue Remedy. One of my dogs is having terrible car anxiety. She was shaking and seemed to be scared the whole 7 hour drive home from our Thanksgiving trip. It was so heart-breaking to see her in such distress. I will give the Rescue Remedy a try since Benadryl does work for her.
Ashley says
You should totally get some, Sheena! Sorry to hear your little dog was not loving the Thanksgiving roadtrip! 🙁
Julie says
Oh I need a pair of boots like that – I never look for them!
Julie recently posted…Currently: December
Ashley says
Hi Julie! Well it’s definitely boot season, so you should go find some, lady! 🙂
Jenn@Mark My Miles says
How cute are those booties?! We are attending church and small group today and then I’ll be going to my marathon training Launch party while the little ones nap : )
Jenn@Mark My Miles recently posted…I didn’t always know that I wanted to be a mom or even a wife.
Ashley says
Hi Jenn!! Very nice! Good luck with marathon training! Thanks for saying hi!:)
Cayanne Marcus says
Okay this is like tooooo perfect. I have been looking for something natural / safe to give my kitten to calm him down when I take him to the vet to get his soft paws put on. He hates getting in his crate and freeeaks out. Thank you for sharing Ashley!!!
Cayanne Marcus recently posted…Arm Candy Cardio Workout
Ashley says
Hi Cayanne! I was skeptical of this remedy at first, but it TOTALLY works for my pup! Hope you had a nice weekend! 🙂
Beth @ Sublimely Fit says
Loving those booties, Ashley! Now I want to go shopping. 😉 I hear ya on needing a quiet weekend after holiday craziness. Sometimes it’s nice to just relax! I’ve been lying low this weekend, mostly to rest an injured toe, but it’s also nice to be able to nap and just veg out a bit. Hope you have a great weekend! 🙂
Beth @ Sublimely Fit recently posted…Friday Favorites #59
Ashley says
Oh no, Beth! I hope your toe gets better soon! 🙂 A low-key weekend is never a bad thing!
Ashley recently posted…Friday Favorites: Shoes, people, pets, links and more
Judy @ Judy Saves the Day says
So great seeing you, Lady! I really need to set up a price alert for cheap tickets out to San Francisco or something!
Judy @ Judy Saves the Day recently posted…My husband, the graduate
Ashley says
Um YES! You need to come soon. 🙂 We’d LOVE to take you around, my friend!!