Good morning!
It’s been a busy week over here, but a good one. Scott is still in London, so I’m holding down the fort and trying to give the fur kids extra snuggles for him when I’m home.
I’m currently typing this post up while watching this week’s Big Brother elimination. (We’ve been watching the show for ten years now … it’s time you tune in if you don’t already!) Since I usually open eeeearly at the studio on Fridays, I’m going to get right to the faves, enjoy the rest of the episode in bed, and get some much-needed shut eye.
Bloggers! I haven’t forgotten about you … there is a link up at the bottom of this post for you to share what you’ve been loving, too. I’m setting a goal for myself to check in with Friday Favorites on a regular basis again, so don’t lose hope! Enjoy reading other favorites around the Interwebs, and as always, I invite you to share some of your favorite things from the week in the comments section as well.
Happy Fri-yay!
Friday Favorites #178: Week of 8/11
• Anniversary Dinner at Mandarin Oriental Hotel
While taking a slight hiatus from the blog, Scott and I celebrated our sixth wedding anniversary on July 22nd! I didn’t post any pictures of how we celebrated anywhere, which is actually pretty surprising because the views were on point.
Scott made dinner reservations for two at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel at their main restaurant called Asiate. It’s an absolutely stunning restaurant with incredible surrounding views of Manhattan, and I felt fancy walking into such a luxurious hotel and dining space.
He was originally going to book a room for us to stay in the City that night, but prices … well … range from $800 – $15,000 a night right now. We were those “guests” who took two trains and an Uber (thanks a to a few rain showers) to Columbus Circle (Eighth Avenue and Broadway) just to eat and then Uber home afterwards, and we were both okay with that!
The restaurant offers a pre-fix menu with limited, yet fantastic options. Everything was extremely flavorful and delicious, including the extra dessert they surprised us with at the end of our meal.
The blogger/wife in me failed by not capturing a photo of the two of us on our anniversary. The one above of me awkwardly laughing with my food is the closest I have to document our big night out, so I’m making a promise to myself to do better next year. It was an extraordinary restaurant that is worth the splurge if you’re up for treating yourself while in New York City!
• Stella & Dot jewelry
I’ve been a fan of Stella & Dot jewelry since I hosted a jewelry party (<- holy throwback!) back in Orlando. Stella & Dot is a San Francisco based company that offers unique, fashionable, high-end looking jewelry at more affordable prices.
Their boutique-style jewelry and accessories are only available online, or through a Stella & Dot Independent Stylist. We had a wonderful woman named Lucylla set up a trunk show in the studio recently, and y’all know I couldn’t let her leave without ordering a few somethings.
I stuck to a budget, but earned enough dot dollars to get $50 off of a future order. I’d say that is a win all around!
There were a ton of great contenders, but I ended up selecting the Pavre Chevron Ring in gold, Silver Sculpted X Cuff, Silver Versatile Chain and Sparkle Studs in gold.
I bought the chain to replace one that broke on a Stella & Dot clutch/crossbody I purchased a few years ago, and LOVE that I can wear it as a necklace, too. I haven’t committed to hosting a trunk show at our apartment, but if you have the space and enjoy planning get togethers, I would recommend agreeing to host a trunk show if the opportunity arises to earn credit towards purchases. The line is great!
• freshly cut fruit
I’ve been completely obsessed with freshly cut fruit this week. I’ve always been a fruit lover, but as much as I am on the go lately, it’s usually only going with me or in my belly if it’s prepped and ready to go.
I’ve been mixing it up with a variety of different fruit bowls, and my favorites include watermelon, berries, and citrus. I’ve found decent prices for freshly cut fruit at Union Market, so my fridge has been stocked and restocked all week long.
• Fit and Fertile Ebook
I’m so proud of my good blogging friend, Ashley. She published her first eBook a few months ago and tells her story of battling hypothalamic amenorrhea along with what she changed in order to get pregnant naturally. It’s called Fit & Fertile and is a quick and interesting read filled with encouragement and tips on how to create a healthy, fit, and balanced life.
She covers tips on how to stay fit while trying to get pregnant, natural ways to balance your hormones, suggestions for supplements and products to support your fertility journey, and more.
While I have never suffered from hypothalamic amenorrhea, it’s no secret that I have been living my own fertility journey for years. I appreciate her words and think a lot of women can learn from her experiences. Whether you’re embarking on your own journey to start a family or not, this book is packed with great information on how to become your healthiest self. (Congrats, Ashley!)
• Aveda hair products
Some friends at Aveda sent me a care package a few weeks ago, and I finally cracked it open to test out the goods this week.
(woot!)
I haven’t made my way through all of the products, but I will say that what I’ve tried so far is great.
Some favorites include:
- Smooth Infusion Style-Prep Smoother ($25)
- Be Curly Curl Enhancer ($25)
- Damage Remedy Daily Hair Repair ($29)
The curly (former Floridian) head in me loves any product that de-frizzes and smoothes, so the first two were an obvious choice to test out during a rainy week. I probably loaded too much of the curl enhancer on because my curls didn’t seem to “dry” all the way, but that’s really my own fault. I loved the smell and will go a little lighter next time.
The smoother does wonders! My hair lies flatter (which is a good thing for me — humidity usually equals lion mane), and it feels super silky. That could also be thanks to the daily hair repair cream, too. I also got a fresh cut a few weeks back, so I’m on a roll for once in the hair care department. I’ve been loading the products up to protect my hair from the heat styling and weather, and it feels healthier than ever!
• Bloodline
Are you looking for a new, addicting series to watch on Netflix? A good friend of mine suggested we watch Bloodline, and I would be lying if I said that I didn’t watch a handful of episodes solo while Scott has been away. Whoops.
The story takes place in the Florida Keys and uncovers secret after family secret of a group of adult siblings. There’s a good amount of cursing and mature audience content, so it’s definitely one to put on after the kiddos go to sleep. That said, it’s a thriller/drama that has Scott and I on the edge of our seats. There are only three seasons, so don’t worry … you don’t waste too much time binging. You’re welcome.
• LIL favorites
» Dark Chocolate Bark With Toasted Almonds
An easy to follow, extremely addicting dark chocolate bark recipe with toasted almonds and dried blueberries!
» 30 Min. Stationary Bike Workout
There is a consistent low, medium, high intensity pattern that repeats a total of five times. The last interval climb is rough, but it only lasts a total of three minutes versus the normal six.
I love the challenging push at the end!
Your Turn

Have a great weekend!

Bloodline is SOOO good!! I flew each season when it came out. I am sad it’s over!
Sara @ Oats & Rows recently posted…Friday Favorites is BACK!
RIGHT?! I’m excited to see the story unfold!
I have that Aveda be curly and I used too much the very first time so my hair wasn’t really curly at all. Now I use just a little and have great curls! I’m a huge Aveda fan!
Sarah at MeetTheShaneyfelts
Great tip Sarah! Thank you for sharing 🙂
YAY so great to see you back for FF! I loved Ashley’s book too. Such an eye opener and loved how honest and open she got. That dinner looks so romantic and cute!
Carrie This Fit Chick recently posted…What I’ve Been Eating Wednesday
Ohhhh thanks, sweet friend!!! Glad you liked reading it!! 🙂 Happy Friday, Carrie!!
Ashley @ A Lady Goes West recently posted…My second trimester of pregnancy favorites
Thank you for coming over and reading Carrie! <3
Aw happy belated anniversary. Your dinner looks so fancy, I love indulging on special dates. And my hair salon uses Aveda products, they always smell sooooo good!
Patricia @ Sweet and Strong recently posted…Comment on Foodie Finds, Workout Apparel, Latest Rocksbox Set, and other Friday Favorites by Amanda @amanda-isms
Hi Patricia! Thank you so much. I appreciate you stopping by and linking up – have a great weekend!
Hooray for the return of FF! And Happy Belated Anniversary. What a setting and what a dessert! I used to love Aveda hair care products–used them for years!
Susie @ Suzlyfe recently posted…Racing for Donuts: Friday Catch Up 8/11
Woo HOO! Thank you Susie! It was a great night. Aveda has been my jam lately. Have a great weekend!
Heather! It’s so good to have you back! First of all, looks like that view at the Mandarin restaurant was worth the trip into the City. Wow! Second of all, I have never been to a Stella & Dot party or purchased any pieces, but they sure are cute. Oh and Bloodline is awesome — but it ends during a short third season abruptly because apparently their filming discounts ran out in the Keys, so they had to quick wrap it up. Overall, it’s still worth seeing through to the finish! I love Kyle Chandler all the back from his Friday Night Lights days! And finally, I cannot thank you enough for sharing about my ebook! It’s so important to me to spread the word on this issue. Wishing you a Happy Friday, my friend!! 🙂
Ashley @ A Lady Goes West recently posted…My second trimester of pregnancy favorites
Hi Ashley! Oh no! I heard that the third season of Bloodline wasn’t great. But I’m still going to watch it! Interesting to hear the reason! And happy to share the eBook love, Congrats again friend 🙂
Happy belated anniversary! Looks like a lovely dinner!
Emily @ Pizza & Pull-ups recently posted…Weekend recap – best-laid plans + super quick dessert recipe
I’m not sure whether to thank you or curse you (just kidding) for the dark chocolate bark link up. My sweet tooth / summer ending depression is in high gear. OH WELL! Definitely giving it a try, if it has almonds its healthy—right?
Scott did a great job on the birthday dinner. That view!
I’m watching Bloodline as well. Just started Se2. Se1 was gooooood! Enjoy!