Happy Friday! After 10 days in a row of teaching yoga and strength classes and leading yoga teacher training, I am ready for a few days off this weekend! I’ll be hanging out with Finn, working on recipe development for some partnerships and watching the Georgia Bulldogs. This is also the last weekend that the pool is open so if the weather is nice, we’ll definitely head over there for one last swim.
It’s been quite some time since I shared Friday favorites so I have a few for you today!
THE FIRST TWO WEEKS OF THREES WERE A SUCCESS!
I’m happy to report that the first two weeks of preschool were a hit with Finn. He was excited to go to school every day and had nothing but good things to share when he came home. Just cannot get over his little clasped hands in this picture.
NEW lululemon ALIGN COLORS AND STYLES
I am on team Align everything. It is my favorite style from lululemon. I wear the leggings or joggers every single day and have become a big fan of the tanks as well. I was excited last week to discover that they are not making the Align Tank in a waist length (the original was cropped…almost like a long line sports bra). Bonus: they added this lovely lavender color. I also ordered a new pair of the 25″ Align leggings in this really pretty dark red color. It seemed perfect for fall.
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GREEK MARKET FINDS
I pass by a Greek market regularly when I’m driving on Independence Boulevard in Charlotte. I have stopped in there once before but it was a couple of years ago. Something made me stop in yesterday when I was driving home from a photoshoot for an upcoming project and I picked up a lot of great stuff! One of the owners was working and gave me tons of tips about his favorite products and brands.
I got pita, spinach and feta triangles, a few kinds of pasta, feta, kalamata olives (he got them for me out of the back and they are sooooo insanely good), dolmas, avgolemono soup, gyro meat, big white beans with tomatoes and garlic, olive oil, baklava and tzatziki. I got into the tzatziki last night and it’s the best store-bought tzatziki that I’ve ever had. So fresh and flavorful and not overly garlicky.
The market is Agora Greek Market. The owner told me their main business is distributing to local Greek restaurants but they also have this storefront.
THREE MONTH BRUNETTE BALAYAGE UPDATE
I saw Terra at Salon 42 last week to do roots and a cut. We haven’t touched my balayage since she did it in early June. No toner or anything. I am still loving it! We are going to do a little more at my next appointment in six weeks but I would also be fine with leaving it as-is. Nice to have something so low-maintenance!
I HAVE A PERFECT BAR PROBLEM
I don’t think I’ve ever loved a bar as much as I love Perfect Bars. I have a drawer full of them in my fridge! They are a great easy breakfast (and pair so well with coffee) and I like them for an afternoon snack. My favorite flavors are salted caramel (but hard to find), peanut butter and peanut butter chocolate chip. I also love the seasonal lemon poppyseed (I think that was a summer thing) and the pumpkin pie that is out this fall. The only flavor I really don’t like is almond butter.
You have to store them in the fridge and they’re good for a week on the go once you take them out of the fridge. I like them best when they have the soft/gooey texture they get out of the fridge.
I buy my Perfect Bars at Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Harris Teeter, ALDI and Target most often.
GRATEFULL BOX
I recently received a complimentary Gratefull Box to sample. It’s an “Intentional Gift Box” that includes six premium food products from small-batch artisans. The products are packaged beautifully in a reusable birch plywood box. And I know you guys will love this…with each purchase of a Gratefull Box, a bag of dog food is donated to a community-based animal welfare organization in the U.S. There is a personalized card in each box that is printed on plantable seed paper. It includes information on the taste experience, the makers and why the box matters.
My Gratefull Box included the following:
- Truffle Balsamic Vinegar by The Truffleist
- Akron Bourbon Barrel Honey
- Girl Meets Dirt Rhubarb Lavender Preserves
- JEM Cinnamon Maca Almond Butter
- Mama O’s Kimchi Paste
- One Stripe Chai Co Masala Chai Concentrate
If you’re looking for a unique gift idea for foodies and dog lovers, definitely recommend considering sending a Gratefull Box!
QUESTIONS
What do you have planned for the weekend?
How’s back to school going for you?
Do you like gift boxes that introduce you to new products/brands?
