Favorite things: Kitchen, healthy snacks and much more
Hi, friends! We’ve almost made it through another week! This week was a busy one for me. As usual, it included working at the job, teaching a BODYPUMP class, teaching a BODYATTACK class, playing with Rudy, watching a little TV, and spending a lot of time in traffic (double ugh). Speaking of traffic, does anyone out there use the Waze app? I’ve been using it this week to avoid some major delays on the freeways. I wouldn’t say it’s world’s best app at all, but it’s fairly helpful.
What’s in store for the weekend? Not a whole lot. I’m looking forward to some couch time tonight, a haircut, an outdoor lunch with some lady friends tomorrow, and that’s about it. Dave and I have been blessed to have four weekends full of visitors over the last month-and-a-half, and we have another visitor coming soon, so honestly, I don’t mind the downtime. (But don’t get me wrong, I sure love our visitors!) Now, let’s talk favorites …
This week’s “Favorite things”
Kitchen and Bar Gifts
You know I love to introduce you to cool companies. And today, it’s Uncommon Goods. Seriously, Uncommon Goods has the most unique selection of gifts, kitchen, bar, personalized trinkets — you name it. But what you really want to know is this company is helping talented people, who may not always have the resources, share their hand-crafted creations with a larger audience through a collection of specially curated items for sale online. The company let me pick out a few things in exchange for spreading the good word, and here’s what I chose …
The Sangria Pitcher, the Gold Leaf Upcycled Bowl, and the Row Boat Serving Bowl with Utensils. Such variety!
By the way, most of the products are made in the U.S.A., and the company donates to many nonprofits. If you want some awesome “uncommon” gifts for someone in your life (or for yourself!), check out Uncommon Goods today! *Thanks to Uncommon Goods for the complimentary loot. Love it!
Healthy Snacks
I’ve written about GoMacro Macrobars before, because they are just that good. I’m mentioning them again because I just ate a couple that were kindly sent to me in the mail to announce a new flavor made by the singer Ellie Goulding. Random, but cool. Right? I want to make my own flavor!
The Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip
is my favorite for sure. Vegan. Soy free. Non-GMO. USDA Organic. Gluten free. About 10 grams of protein. Basically awesome.
The ingredients are ones that you would recognize too. While the full size of these bars has a hearty 290 calories or so — it’s a good-size snack for when you really need it. If you’re out and about and looking for a quality bar, GoMacro is a good choice. By the way, there’s a giveaway running with the Ellie Goulding ones too. *Thanks GoMacro for the snacks!
And because food is always on my mind, here’s another good snack for your viewing pleasure. Seriously, this is the some of the tastiest trail mix I’ve ever had. I didn’t want the bag to end — one of the big reasons is that there are little white chocolate kernels in it that are just perfection. Melt in your mouth — in the most literal sense.
Introducing the Pistachio Berry Blend — full of California pistachios, almonds, cashews, cherries, cranberries and those little white chocolate chips. Divine.
I finished this package in just a couple of sittings and will gladly polish off another any time. A bag of this runs you around $5 and the brand can be found at most grocery stores, so check it out. It’s totally delish. *Thanks to the folks at Setton for sending. You guys make a mean bag of trail mix.
My favorite links of the week
Did you miss the latest on A Lady Goes West this week?
And from around the web worth checking out …
- I just love this well-written post by a new-to-me blogger named Jenna: “The Off-Season Mentality.”
- Great fitness-related post by my lovely blogger friend, Gina: “How Much Cardio is Too Much?”
- And this is one short and cute pet video, which I shared earlier this week on the A Lady Goes West Facebook page. (Are you a fan?)
That will do it for today, people! Enjoy your weekend!
Something to read? Check out these #fun #favorites ... Click To TweetRead more Favorite things
To see more favorites, visit Heather‘s blog or my older “Favorite things.”
*There are affiliate links in this post. Thanks for your support.
Questions of the day
What’s on your agenda this weekend?
What’s one cool thing you read recently? Place the link below!
Yum that trail mix looks delicious! Enjoy having some downtime this weekend, sometimes they are much needed. I have a bachelorette party this weekend, so I’m looking forward to that and then some chill time on Sunday. Happy Weekend!
Oh fun, Patricia! Have a wonderful time with the ladies!!
I’ve been wanting to try those macrobars they look so good! I love that sangria pitcher…i have similar style dessert plates that i love. I love that spanish vibe! Have a good weekend! This weekend I’m watching my niece while my sister and brother in law are away….cant wait 😀
Well you win the good aunt award, Heather!! Enjoy!
My niece put me on to WAZE about six months ago. It is helpful! Love ‘Uncommon Goods!’ It comes to my ‘Unroll.me’ account every day! Started using ‘Unroll.me’ after reading about it on your blog. Thank you!
Yay! I love to hear you are putting my recommendations to work! Hope everything is great with you. Have a good day!!!
I love Uncommon Goods! Tell them that if they want to help me furnish my new place, I would be very open to it ;D
That pistachio berry blend looks amazing. Freaking love pistachios. Have a great weekend, Ashley!
I’ll pass along your message hahah! Happy Friday, lady!!
Thanks for linking up Ashley! I actually used to use Waze back in Orlando. It was helpful! Enjoy your haircut and downtime this weekend – I need a trip to the salon very badly!
Thanks, Heather! Hope the weather is beautiful in your new neck of the woods!
I am obsessed with the Waze app! It saves me so much time and I love how it warns you about cops on the road haha!
I know! I actually need to figure out how to use it better, Diana! Happy Friday! Thanks for saying hi!!
When I had the grueling commute to Berkeley every morning, Waze saved my life!! Have a wonderful weekend. I hope it includes cheesecake, wine and lots and lots of puppy kisses!!
You know it will, Jacquelyn hahaha! I’m so predictable hehe! Hope yours is great too, pretty lady!
Girlfriend – you’re weeks are insane and I love it. I’ve picked up the mantra “better to be busy than board” – you can borrow it if you’d like!
Can’t wait to see your new ‘do! 🙂
Hi Jessica! You are telling me. I wouldn’t mind some free time— but busy is better! Have a fun weekend!
love that pitchers..all that pattern <3 <3
Thanks, me too! Happy Friday, Dixya!
I’ve never seen Go Macro bars before, I will have to look out for them next time I go shopping! Have a great weekend 🙂
You sure will. They are tasty and definitely better than many other packaged goods out there. Have a great weekend, Sarah!
I’ve seen those Go Macro Bars everywhere but haven’t tried them yet! Gonna pick them up next time 🙂
You totally should, Rachel. Hope you’re having a great weekend! 🙂
I’ve still never tried a macrobar! Those would make an awesome breakfast on the road paired with some fruit.
Sure would, and I know you need healthy eats for travel. Hope you have a great weekend, Dani!
YUM I love the GO Macro bars, I picked some up awhile ago at Whole Foods when I was trying bars out and loved them! Thanks for sharing <3 xo C
Yay! Have a great weekend, Courtney!
Mmmm I haven’t picked up pistachios in awhile. This nut mix sounds like the perfect blend!
Hi Cayanne! Sure are good. Happy snacking to you!