Friday Favorites #176: Week of 4/28

Good morning and Happy Friday! It’s been an interesting week over here.

Thank you for all of the love on Monday’s post followed by well wishes for my birthday on Tuesday. I didn’t realize this until yesterday, but this was actually my third birthday in a row here in New York City! Scott surprised me with a trip to the City for my 30th birthday, and now I’ve officially lived here for two years of celebrations. Weird, right?

What made this week even more strange was my first time reporting for Jury Duty on Wednesday. Yup, they got me. I didn’t actually get to sit in on a trail (which I was kind of bummed about), and I ended up sitting around in the holding area waiting to be called all day. Eh, at least I served my time. I returned to work yesterday and then *poof* Friday showed up. I’ll take it!

I’m about to head out to close at the studio, so let’s get right into this week’s edition of Friday Favorites. Don’t forget to link up at the bottom, and as always, I’d love to hear what you’ve been loving in the comments section, too.

Enjoy!

 

Friday Favorites #176: Week of 4/28

 

• Brooks Launch 4 Running Shoes

I attended a preview of the new Brooks Running Fall line last week with a few blog friends and had a great time!

They filled the space with all of the new shoes and gear coming out in the next season, and the night included a private running strength training workout with celebrity trainer, Kira Stokes! (<- love her.)

(thanks for the photo, Ashley!)

Brooks outfitted us in a sea of pink, and I took home a small collection of new gear including the Go-To Running Capris and new Brooks Launch 4 Running Shoes.

I sported them on a run around the park and I really liked the natural, lightweight stride. I’m new to the Brooks line but have a feeling that I will be trying out more gear to share down the road. The new Fall line looks great and is filled with fun patterns and layers!

 

• latest Stitch Fix keeps

I usually share detailed reviews of my Stitch Fix boxes, but I’m keeping it quick and simple this time. The notables were two items I decided to keep and already wore out to a casual birthday lunch with Scott.

The Kut From The Kloth Kate Distressed Boyfriend Jean ($88) was an instant yes. My stylist pictured different ways of styling them including options that are dressed up and down. I’ve been looking for a pair of boyfriend jeans and these are ridiculously comfortable.

The Loveappella Pola Pocket Knit Top ($48) reminded me of spring in Michigan. I’m not sure why, but I’ll roll with it. I love the stripe details on the back and pop of color on the pocket. This item is also very comfortable, and I have a feeling that both will be worn a lot throughout the spring, summer, and fall!

Order your own fix here! (<- affiliate link)

 

• Aveda dry shampoo & dry conditioner

My friends at Aveda sent me a care package that gives back last week!

Check out the goods:

• Shampure Thermal Dry Conditioner is a thermal dry spray made with a blend of certified organic jojoba and sunflower oils to help condition, detangle and soften hair in between washes. It’s 97% naturally derived* and protects against heat styling. (Retails at $31)
• Shampure Dry Shampoo is a non-aerosol powder mist that absorbs excess oils and impurities, instantly reviving hair and style. It’s 99.8% naturally derived* and offers a refill option, too. (Retails at $30/$26 refill)
• Light The Way Candle is made of 100% certified organic essential oils including vanilla, cinnamon, and ylang ylang from Madagascar. 100% of the purchase will go to Global Greengrants Fund during its Earth Month campaign. (Retails at $12)

*from plants, non-petroleum minerals or water. Learn more at aveda.com.

Those who know me well know I appreciate a good dry shampoo and I am digging this set. I tried dry conditioner for the first time at Drybar and left obsessed. Also, the candle smells amazing. It’s almost too calming to light because I don’t want it to run out. I know, I’m weird.

Aveda is also celebrating Earth Month and has raised over $50 million to protect and help people gain access to clean water! The goal this year is to raise $6.5 million, and you can make a difference by posting a Earth Month selfie using the hashtag #AvedaCleanWater. For every picture posted, they’ll donate $1. <3

 

• OTbeat Flex heart rate monitor

Where are my Orangetheory Fitness fans at? Did you know that there is a *new* heart rate monitor out called the Flex?

They were just released, and studios across the nation have a limited supply to sell to members until later next month. I actually snagged one while they were testing the original version last year at the Orangetheory Fitness Convention! I finally started wearing it when our studio opened in January, and I have to say that the improvements are well worth the investment.

Any Orangetheory Fitness branded heart rate monitor syncs up to our OTbeat tracking system in and out of studio. You must wear an OTF heart rate monitor during workouts, and you can use them for any workout on your own with the OTbeat app, too.

I finally downloaded the app for myself and used the Flex on a jog outside with Roadie this week. I didn’t get too many splat points (total minutes spent in the orange and red zones), but that doesn’t surprise me with a pup who likes to stop and sniff every two seconds. The features I like specifically about the Flex is the improved battery life that lasts up to 8-hours, longer range of bluetooth capabilities, and the breathable, adjustable armband. You can wear it under the elbow or higher around the bicep.

If you currently have the Core (chest strap + pod) or Link (wrist monitor), don’t worry about trading it in for the Flex right now. While I think the technology improved with this model, why change what seems to be working for you? For the newbies, however, the Flex is my favorite monitor thus far, and since it’s priced the same as the Link, I would highly recommend going that route.

I’m here to answer any questions you might have!

• birthday celebrations

I ended up taking my birthday off on Tuesday! I had a conference call scheduled at Noon, but the rest of my work for the day was covered by my awesome, hard-working team. I’m so thankful!

After staying up way too late finishing a Netflix series, Scott and I slept in (which was glorious) and didn’t get moving until I was on my sales call while walking to lunch. We ate at Buttermilk Channel in Carroll Gardens, and I indulged. A lot.

I scheduled couples massages later that afternoon (which was also glorious), but had no idea that we had plans to attend to for the remainder of the night. I was told to bring an outfit for dinner and remembered everything but an umbrella (I picked up a cheapie from a local pharmacy), which was awful. It was storming all night, and I got completely soaked several times. It’s fine.

After our massages, we trained into the City and our friends, Lauren and Jake, surprised us for happy hour that included wine, oysters, and chocolate pudding at The Mermaid Inn. I really enjoyed the atmosphere and company! We hurried out of there to get to our next destination, which was even more of a surprise.

They bought tickets to the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Modern History. We were led through and interactive tour of the universe and a view of the constantly changing night sky. It was really, really cool.

After the show, we braved the weather and walked over to our final plans — dinner for two at ‘Cesca. It was a busy and fun birthday, and I am so grateful for all of the outings, calls, messages, and well wishes.

Thank you so much!

• favorite LIL posts

» Light & Healthy Pineapple Fruit Dip

 

» Back To Basics At-Home Dumbbell Workout

 

• Friday funnies

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Have a great weekend!

 

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. Friday Favorites is a series of posts that features items I genuinely want to share with you, and affiliate links may appear from time to time. As always, any support is much appreciated! <3