Friday Favorites: Tasty food, drinks and moving
TGIF! Where did this week go? Because Monday was a little bit of a holiday, it seems like this week just flew by. As I mentioned a couple of days ago, Dave and I are in moving mode. We have boxes everywhere and are currently existing in a small space that isn’t super comfortable. This time next week, everything we own will be on a truck heading to our next place, so not long to go in this state of disorder. Never have I “counted down the days” quite like this.
Before I get to my “Friday Favorites” selections, thought I’d catch up with you on some happenings. Last night, I subbed a BODYPUMP class, and I must say, I’m still thinking that the latest BODYPUMP 92 release has some of the most challenging tracks in a long time. I’ll do a full review soon, but wow, it’s a workout. With my teaching class-load a bit lighter right now, I really miss having multiple BODYATTACK classes a week. I went from teaching three down to one in an instant due to scheduling, and that’s uncool. But, I think I’ve got a couple new classes secured starting in February, so fingers crossed for that. Today, after finishing up some work, I’m going to an outdoor yoga class, which I’m pretty excited about. This weekend? Well outside of Dave working a lot, we’ve got plans for some moving-related errands and a nice date on Saturday night. And of course, more packing.
Now, let’s get to the good stuff. And forgive me if this isn’t the most riveting collection of faves, but see my reasoning above in the introductory paragraph of this post. Can we still be friends?
My favorite recent meal
I can just hear Dave saying “I told you so” about this one, folks. This is a long story, so let me make it brief. Whenever Dave and I play Scrabble, we bet. I always bet the same thing, and that is if I win, Dave has to come take one of my group fitness classes. Dave always bets the same thing, that is if he wins, he gets to choose the restaurant for dinner, and it’s usually a local pizza place in our neighborhood. Why does he bet that? Because I’ve been avoiding going to this spot. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE pizza. It’s one of my favorite foods. But for some reason, I have not wanted to go to this one little hole-in-the-wall for a weekend meal. Maybe it’s the fact that there are so many other awesome places we’ve never been, or maybe it’s the fact that he has made such a big deal out of it, so I was enjoying the refusal. Well …
Shown above: A medium Red-Eye pizza topped with pepperoni, roasted red peppers and red onions, a generous pour of red wine and a huge house salad filled with all the good stuff. We finished every bite of food between the two of us.
Uncle Vito’s, an unassuming little pizza joint on the border of Union Square and Nob Hill, is totes amazing. Last Sunday night, Dave and I finally went there for dinner, and it was absolutely a great experience. We had no problem getting a tiny table and had very quick service. Here are the wonderful points about Uncle Vito’s:
- The price is right. I got a small carafe of house wine for $5.75. Do you know one single glass of wine usually costs $11 at most of the places we eat? What a deal.
- The service is quick and efficient. Within seconds, we had menus, water and a waiter ready to take our order. That’s not always the case.
- The smell is divine. Dough, cheese, wonderfulness. Everything you’d expect.
- The price is just so right. Like the cheapest place we’ve ever eaten in San Francisco, including fast casual places.
- The lighting is good. It’s casual. It’s laid back. It’s comfortable.
- The food is on point. We got a huge salad and thick pizza pie, and I couldn’t have loved either of them any more.
- Did I mention a small carafe of house wine was only $5.75?
San Franciscans, I know we’ve got a lot of uber-cool restaurants and so it’s hard to devote a night to a place like Uncle Vito’s. But you won’t be sorry. You won’t. Oh, and I’m pretty sure we’re going back this weekend to try another pie. Yes, Dave was right.
My favorite new sweet
Well we are really on the healthy train today, aren’t we? Sorry about this, but apparently it’s what I’ve been enjoying lately. So this stuff is new. This stuff is dangerous. Even though I already shared a picture of this on Instagram, it is still so incredibly worthy of making it to “Friday Favorites.”
Hot off the presses, Reese’s Spreads are out there, and they’re calling your name.
I got this little tub in the mail to try out as part of the Influenster program. While I wasn’t that excited about receiving it, once I opened it, smelled it and tried it, I quickly realized this was a good score. Actually, I almost wish it hadn’t arrived. This spread has the consistency of a good peanut butter, but tastes like Reese’s. I mean, what more could you ask for? So far I have put it on bananas for a nice little treat, eaten it alone, as well as slathered it on dates. It’s sooo yummy. We’re almost half-way through the tub in just one week’s time. Uh-oh.
My favorite new beverages
I went to a yoga conference on Sunday and came home with a pretty good bag of gifts. My absolute favorite part of the bag was a huge selection of new-to-me Pukka brand teas. I’m not a coffee drinker and drink green tea in the mornings and some afternoons, so I have plenty of opportunities to enjoy a nice hot beverage. I always switch the brands of tea that I drink, and I love trying new flavors. Well as you can imagine, this selection was music to my ears …
What a fun spread? And that’s not even half of it. All week, every morning I just dug around the bag to find what looked good to me in that particular moment to brew up.
Many of the teas are caffeine-free, so I’ve been trying those in the afternoon. My favorites so far are the Pukka Mint Green Tea
and the Pukka Revitalise, Organic Cinnamon and Ginger Tea
, both of which have caffeine. So hearty, flavorful and delicious. I’ll be working my way through this bag for the next few weeks, but suffice to say, I’m now a fan of Pukka teas.
My current favorite service
Do you have a Craigslist story? I feel like a lot of people do. My Craigslist story? I love to use it , and I’m a sales shark on there. I’ve sold thousands-of-dollars of stuff in my lifetime on Craigslist. And this week, I added to that total.
Hey, there’s Dave! This is an old photo from the summer on a night we had a little wine and cheese get-together with friends. But it shows you our living room, so that was the only point of bringing it back.
I sold that couch, those green pillows and the area rug in the span of two days on Craigslist. We are planning to get new furniture in our next place, so it was time to part with what we had. It’s been good to us these two-and-a-half years in the City, but with a larger place, comes larger furniture. Nonetheless, Craigslist makes it so darn easy to sell things. I’d like to think I can write a pretty good ad (being that I was once a professional copywriter and all), and I’ve had nothing but success unloading things over the years — almost always for my asking price too. Before Dave and I moved from Orlando, I sold lamps, a grill, a bedroom set, a living room set and even some random decor through various transactions. I have so much fun selling stuff. Must go. Like new. Pick up only. Cash only. Email with questions. That’s how it’s done.
My favorite links and reads
And before you go, just a few good reads from A Lady Goes West that I hope you didn’t miss …
- Yoga and workouts – What I learned at Yoga Journal LIVE! in San Francisco
- An amazing day in wine country – Two VIP wine-tasting experiences in Napa Valley
- Food pictures and a recipe – Must-try veggie pasta tip and my eats
- Healthy living and vitamins – The one thing I’ve always done to be healthy
And this one I wrote for the Wine Sisterhood blog, which I think you’ll like – Healthy Girlfriend Date Ideas for a New Year. New You.
Okay, my friends! Have a fabulous weekend. And check me out on Instagram to see if I have anything fun to share before I see you back here on Monday. TTYL! (Yes, I started and ended this post with acronyms. What has the world come to?)
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
Questions of the day
What’s on your agenda for the weekend? Do you have any favorites to share? Coffee or tea? Craigslist?
That pizza is everything! Good luck with the move – PS moving totally counts as a workout. 😉
Hi Ruthie! No kidding, especially with the amount of stairs involved in both our current and new apartment. That will be my workout for the weekend! Too bad it’s the least fun workout ever. hahahah 🙂 Oh, and did I mention Happy Friday? Oh and did I mention my husband is from Maine and so I get a kick out of the term “wicked”! 🙂
You are the second person to post about that Reese’s spread….I think it’s a sign I need to try some! Ha. Good luck lacking this weekend!!
Hi Marielle! You’ve gotta dig into this goodness of Reese’s spreadable delight hehe. You can put it on anything. And you’re pregnant, so it’s totally okay to eat it at random times. Right? hahah Hope you have a great weekend!
I am scared to sell things on Craig’s List! I am sure it is an easy process, and I have sold things on ebay, but Craig’s List overwhelms me. Lol. No idea why! Glad your sale went through so quickly. 🙂 Good luck on getting more fitness classes for next month. Happy Friday!
Hi Lauren, Thanks! Yes, I know, some people have horror stories, but knock on wood, I’ve had nothing but success on Craigslist. And I JUST got an email that some more classes are coming through for me soon. Yay!! Happy Friday!
I’ve seen that Reeses PB spread floating around on multiple social media sites and it looks absolutely delicious. I love Reeses PB cups so I am sure that I would fall head over heels for that peanut butter haha. Have a wonderful weekend!
Hi Brie! Yes, you would. It’s like a spreadable Reese’s cup hehehe. Stay away from it!! Hope you have a great weekend! 🙂
ohh that Pukka tea is SOO good. My friend bought me ‘love’ as a wedding shower gift and I used it up so fast! I’ve never seen it again so I must start looking for it!!! So jealous you have so many options to try!!!
Hi Fiona! What a sweet gift! I haven’t tried the Love flavor yet, but maybe I will this afternoon. I hope you’re doing well! And have a great weekend!
Not surprised you are a Craigslist pro. I have never used it, but I have several people who swear by it for selling stuff. Way to go on your sales! Happy Friday to you!
Thanks, Courtney. It feels good to get cold hard cash for a sale hahah. Hope you have a great weekend! 🙂
OMG, I got the Reese’s spread too and it is sooooo good!! I can’t get enough, too bad it’s so bad for you 😉
Hi Sue! I know, but whatever. That makes me want it even more hehehe. Hope you have a fabulous Friday! 🙂
That Reese spread looks amazing but could be dangerous! No self control with that stuff. ha ha
Hi Jen, Yes, it’s tough. But when you want a sweet, go big, right?? 🙂 Happy Friday!! 🙂
Mmmm that pizza!!! I’ve been loving Yogi Tea Vanilla Spice lately for mornings (it has caffeine) and Celestial Seasoning’s Sugar Cookie Sleigh Ride for night time 🙂
Hi Christa! Thanks for the tips. I’ve tried some Yogi Green Tea before, but not the flavor you mention. I’ll look for it once my current stash is finished. Happy Friday! You’re getting so close to the big day!
ahhhh good luck with moving and packing. I am going thru the same thing right now so I totally feel your pain. 🙂 And 100% agree that Reese’s spread is dangerous. Happy Friday! Thanks for linking up. 🙂
Hi Katie, When the stresses of moving get too high, seek comfort in your Reese’s Spread. I sure will! 🙂 heheheh
Oh man… that pizza! Looks delicious! I bet you’re happy Dave won that bet now, eh? 😉
I included that Reese’s spread in my Friday Favorites post today too. It’s daaaangerous, but in a good way. Reese’s are my favorite chocolate bar, so naturally it’s right up my alley.
Nice job on selling your stuff so quickly! Craig’s List kind of overwhelms me! I don’t mind selling stuff, but looking for stuff is so time consuming and makes me nervous with all the spam stuff.
I’m sure you’re getting anxious to move! Good luck with the last of your packing!
Thanks, Ash! I need it! When I get stressed, I’ll just reach for the Reese’s Spread to calm down heheh 🙂
I have sold a few things and bought some things on Craigslist and it has always turned out well.
I am excited about spending some time relaxing this weekend!
Hi Carson, Glad you’re a Craigslist believer too. Hope you enjoy your relaxation this weekend! 🙂
Here’s the real question, did you put that Reese’s spread ONTO your pizza?! Maybe the crust? HAHA.
Ohhh Brittany! Now THAT would be a combination. Sadly, I haven’t been traveling with the Reeses’s Spread in my bag, but don’t give me any ideas. hehhe Hope you have an awesome weekend!
Okay, I should not have read this post right now. I haven’t eaten lunch yet and I’m about to start chewing on my computer monitor in hopes to get a taste of that pizza. Holy yum! It looks SO good. And you can’t beat the cheap wine either. 🙂
Nice work selling the couch on Craiglist! I hope you’ll give us a tour of your new place once it’s all set up!
Ohhh you know I will do a home tour. I never did one of the current place because it’s only one room hehehee. Hope you have a great weekend! Oh and hope you finally had some lunch!
I absolutely LOVE Uncle Vito’s! Their pizza is amazing and they make the best caesar salad in the city! Glad to hear another blogger is a fan! Good luck on your move!
xoxo,
Andrea
http://www.andreaeveryday.com
Hi Andrea, Well I didn’t try the Caesar salad, so even more of a reason to go back. Thanks for stopping by, fellow blogger!! 🙂 I bet we could talk for hours about Bay Area restaurants. Hope you have an awesome weekend. Any fun plans??
Oh I bet we could…food is one of my favorite discussion topics! I’ll be doing my weekend runs…nothing too exciting but definitely necessary! 🙂
I am a huge tea lover too! All those flavors sound amazing!
So far, they are all good! Thanks Hilary. Hope your weekend is just great:)
Ooooh that pizza crust looks amazing!!!
Good luck on the move!
It was amazing! I need more pizza in my life this weekend too. Have a lovely Friday, Annette!! 🙂
This is awesome!! I’ve never heard of Uncle Vito’s but trust me, I’m ALWAYS down for cheap wine!! I thought maybe you were going to say you went to Za in Russian Hill, but I’m excited to try a new spot 🙂 Happy weekend!!
Hi Lauryn, No, I’ve never done Za … is this something I need to add to my list? hehhehe cheap wine is always good with me too. Let me know if you check out Vito’s! 🙂 Happy Friday!
Moving is the worst! Getting a new place is exciting, but the actual packing and lugging -ugh! Hope it all goes smoothly! I did body pump after work today and man that squat track is killer! I agree 92 is intense.
Hi Delia! All of BODYPUMP 92 is killer! Great job getting your workout in on a Friday. Now you can enjoy the weekend. And yes, I agree with all your comments about moving. AHHHH! Happy Friday to you:)
Definitely coffee, but I must say, the Pukka teas are pretty awesome! I tried the night time blend the other day and it was lovely.
Hope you have a relaxing and wonderful weekend!
Hi Krissy! Coffee girl? As are so many others! I used to drink coffee as well. I stopped drinking it during my cross-country move because I got sick of buying coffee every morning before we had a coffee maker. I switched to tea and never looked back. Hope your weekend is great!! 🙂
I moved last year and Craigslist was a lifesaver. I sold so many things very quickly. Thred Up was another one I was able to sell old clothes. Good luck with the move next week and happy weekend!
Hi Megan! I’m using ThredUp for clothing as well!! Awesome! 🙂 Happy Saturday to you!
that pizza looks amazing 🙂 the reeses spread looks to amazing for my liking…..maybe its a bonus that I cant get it here in Ireland 😉 xxx
Hi Lucy! Yes, stay away from that dangerous spread eheheh! Hope you have a wonderful weekend. Get some good eats! 🙂
That Reeses spread looks divine and so does that pizza. I am going to try to avoid both until post FW. Haha. I NEED to take one of your classes though!! On my 2015 To Do List! <3
Yes, ma’am. How about Wednesday night! 🙂 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. back to back cardio and strength at 24 Hour Fitness Marathon Plaza. You can get a free guest pass at 24hourfitness.com. 🙂 Happy weekend, lady!
I agree about this Body Pump!! It’s super challenging, especially the chest!
xO Chloe
Hi Chloe!! So glad you’re a BODYPUMP fan. And yes, the current chest track is super hard!! Hope you had a great weekend:)
Hope you are having a great weekend! That tea looks great. I’m such a sucker for a great glass of tea!
Me too, Kelly!! And I hope your weekend was/is great too! 🙂
Another SF cheapie I discovered tonight… Cha-Ya in the Mission. It’s vegetarian Japanese but soooo good!!
Vegetarian Japanese? I mean, what CAN’T you find around here? ahaha Thanks for sharing!! I’ll put it on my list, Cassie! 🙂
Great Friday favorites!! That pizza looks divine! Wowza, that’s quite the spread of tea flavors. I’m interested!!
Thanks,
http://www.playingforeats.com | Carly
Hi Carly! Thanks! It tasted even better than it looked. Hope you’re having a wonderful weekend! 🙂
Congrats on move! are you still going to be in the city? I’m hoping to sell a gently used treadmill on Craigslist, wish me luck!
Hi Alexa, Oh wow! Good luck with that sale. I have faith. Write a ruthless ad! And yes, we’re moving out of the city! More details to come:)
Nice Ashley! Good luck with your move! luckly the treadmill is a non motorized one and we are hoping to get $50 🙂
I really wish I could unsee that picture of the Reese’s chocolate peanut butter spread…Now that I know something like that exists, I probably won’t be able to sleep until I find it.
Hi Stacie! I’m so sorry. It’s very dangerous stuff. Pretend you didn’t see it … 🙂 Hope you had a great weekend!
Eek… if Joshua were right about the pizza I’m afraid he’d never let me forget. Haha!
Hi Jessie! I know, right? But they are right sometimes … 🙂