Friday Favorites: A fitness giveaway and more

ByAshley Hours
Comments 295 Comments

Happy Friday, indeed! Hello, my friends! After two weekends-in-a-row away, Dave and I will be staying in the Bay Area this weekend. That means, as usual, this morning I’m teaching BODYATTACK, working and hopefully fitting in some yoga at home, as well as a visit to the grocery store.

As for the rest of the weekend? Big plans on the agenda tonight call for a casual sushi dinner and perhaps giving Rudy a bath. Tomorrow, Dave will be golfing in a tournament, and I have plans to go on a hike with some girlfriends. Other than that, we’ll be hanging out with our puppy and enjoying some free time. The countdown is on for our Hawaii trip in less than two weeks. Now, let’s get to business …

My latest “Friday Favorites” of the week

On Fridays, we don’t want to have to think too hard, so these random and unrelated favorites are the way to go. Plus, they get to live on the blog all weekend, and they occasionally include a chance to win stuff …

My favorite surprise fitness delivery and A GIVEAWAY

I love to offer giveaways on A Lady Goes West so all of you lovely readers get a chance to win. Well sometimes I win giveaways too. A couple of weeks after IDEA BlogFest with Sweat Pink, I received an email that I had been one of a few bloggers chosen to win a giveaway from the Merrithew company. My big fitness prize package came in the mail this week, and the folks at Merrithew agreed to let me give away a similar prize package to you. 

Merrithew was a sponsor of BlogFest, and not only did they provide a “Tweet break” between our sessions, but they also gave us some takeaway loot and told us about their fitness programs like STOTT Pilates.

Merrithew prize package giveaway on A Lady Goes West favorites postColorful fitness equipment galore, which arrived at my doorstep this week.

I did a little research, and it seems that Merrithew began as a Toronto-based Pilates studio and has branched out into an international brand offering fitness-class curriculum, instructor training and of course, equipment. While I haven’t been lucky enough to take their classes, I did get to hear about them at BlogFest, and I’d love to experience them first-hand one day. As for the equipment? Seems pretty high-quality on first glance.

Now for that giveaway. One lucky winner will win a prize package, valued at around $150, featuring the following items:

Merrithew prize package via A Lady Goes WestMassage stick? Yes, please. That one is coming out of the box this weekend for sure.

To enter this giveaway, simply leave a comment on this post. For every comment, you get one entry in the giveaway. Here are all the things you can comment about …

This giveaway is open to readers in the Continental U.S. and Canada and will close on Monday night.

My favorite convenient snack of the week

True story: I broke into my first ever nut-butter packet last week. I had never used a convenient nut-butter packet and always relied on digging into a jar. Well thanks to my gift bag and swag from IDEA BlogFest with Sweat Pink in LA last month, I came home with quite a few nut-butter samples.

Wild Friends nut butters via A Lady Goes West favoritesThese Wild Friends packets are portable and oh-so-good — every single flavor. While I tend to choose almond butter as my favorite, the sunflower butter and peanut butter are delicious too.

These packets have just under 200 calories, so paired with some fruit they make the perfect snack. So far I’ve had packets with bananas once and with apples a few times (which you would have seen in my latest “What I Ate Wednesday“). I’ve also added the nut-butter to rice cakes. The best part? These puppies travel well and made the trip to Monterey last weekend. (Please note: An honorable mention goes to Barney Butter packets as well, which were also in my gift bag, but those were consumed and un-pictured.) Looks like Wild Friends is available at most grocery stores, including Sprouts and Whole Foods, so check them out.

My favorite furry traveling partner

As a newly converted “dog person,” I was so incredibly happy to be able to bring our puppy Rudy along with us on our two most-recent weekend trips. Rudy has now been on a plane, on a boat, in a convertible, in a hotel, walked along a pier in Monterey and been into Starbucks, and he’s only six-months-old.

Rudy adventures via A Lady Goes West blogAt first Rudy hated his traveling case, but as long as you let him stick his head out, he’s okay sitting in there and chilling during transport. However, when given a choice, he prefers to be held.

Sadly, the Rudster won’t be making the trip with us to Hawaii, but we’ll be sure to bring him back a souvenir. I mean, that little face …

My favorite links of the week

Did you miss some of the good stuff on A Lady Goes West this week? Here’s what happened …

Here are a couple of other links I really enjoyed reading …

Enter to win the big fitness giveaway 

Don’t forget to leave a comment on this post for your chance to win the Merrithew prize package shown above! Good luck!

I hope your weekend includes tasty food and fun, my friends! I’ll be in touch over the ‘gram, and see you back here on Monday morning! 

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, Clare and Katie. 

  1. A snack, a purse and a ritual
  2. A delivery, a bra and a guy
  3. A sweet, a wine and a read
  4. A drink, a gadget and a plan 
  5. A time, a bottle and a powder
  6. San Francisco edition
  7. Beauty edition
  8. Beach vacation edition
  9. Hidden meanings
  10. Kicks, a book and a bowl
  11. The very best sweatshirts
  12. Party hosting and froyo
  13. Fourth of July daytime activity
  14. Beauty basics edition
  15. Workplace edition
  16. Shopping, sales and a show
  17. The foods I always buy
  18. Sushi, a game and pants
  19. Fitness apps
  20. Delicious and healthy products
  21. Comfort, fitness and function
  22. Beauty, buddha and blog events
  23. Dining, the city and gift ideas
  24. POPSUGAR, sweets and such
  25. A bunch of fun stuff
  26. e-book, food, picnic and tunes
  27. A link, a superfood and a mask
  28. Pants, shoes, food and links
  29. Dining, protein and goodies
  30. Shopping, events and a book
  31. A gym bag, pumpkin and juices 
  32. Workout gear, a top and a massage
  33. prAna, a watch, tea and more
  34. Tasty stuff and gift sales
  35. Decor, bars, boots and a drink
  36. Flowers, music and more
  37. Coqueta, a brush and food
  38. My people and the holidays
  39. Beauty, bling and entertainment
  40. A hodge-podge of goodies
  41. Just a few special things
  42. Tasty food, drinks and moving
  43. A bunch of feel-good stuff
  44. Home, car and fitness finds
  45. Sweets, cooking, beauty and blog
  46. Gold, yoga, photos and more
  47. Celebs, scents, games and more
  48. Food, shoes, stretches and fun 
  49. Purse, snack, plant and more
  50. Fresh, healthy, clean and square
  51. Pilates, sneaks and much more
  52. Quite a few good things
  53. Food, jewels and sweat etc.
  54. Fun stuff and a giveaway
  55. Goodies and a yoga giveaway
  56. Orange, bikes and healthy food
  57. Food, tech, sparkle and more
  58. Clothes, home, a roller and more
  59. Florida, tech, tea and more
  60. Toiletries, gifts and more
  61. Fashion, food and a giveaway
  62. Events, surprises and a puppy
  63. Good stuff and a giveaway
  64. Bling, crunch and pet goods
  65. Fitness, fashion and food
  66. Health, food and grooming
  67. A case, sneaks and smoothies
  68. Tasty stuff and a giveaway
  69. Snacks, gold, clothes and more
  70. A healthy giveaway and more

*Please note: While this post is not sponsored, there are affiliate links included. Thanks for your support!

Questions of the day

What are you up to this weekend?

What’s something new you’ve been loving lately?

 Ashley signature

Follow along with me on Bloglovin‘, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.

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295 Comments

  2. Oh man that Rudy is just the cutest! Wish I could dogsit for you while you’re in Hawaii!

    Oh and I follow A Lady Goes West on FB, Twitter and Instagram.

    Happy Friday to you!

    Reply

  4. I didn’t know you’re going to Hawaii? That is so cool! Ok. I take personal Pilates sessions and it’s one of the few things I can do now as I’m healing. The circle is one of the few tools I do not own but could really use.

    Reply

  6. What a nice prize pack! Tomorrow is my birthday so this weekend includes going out with some friends tonight and hitting the beach for a few days! I recently bought those Wild Friends packets but haven’t had a chance to try them yet so I’m glad to hear they’re good!

    Reply

  7. I need that flex massage stick. And a puppy, but my husband says no because we are going to have a baby soon 🙁

    Reply

  10. I want to go to Hawaii!!! Your travel partner is sure cute 🙂
    Great prize pack! This weekend I’m hoping to hit the trails for a 20km run, but I’m moving Friday/Saturday so I’m not sure how that’s gonna go, haha. I work out at home (even though I train in a fitness studio??) so my go-to items are a pull-up bar, resistance band and dumbbells — it’s all you really need!

    Reply

  15. Woo hoo, I’m excited to get my STOTT Pilates prize pack too. Look at all that great stuff! Rudy is adorable, as always. He sure is getting spoiled with all of this traveling! Welcome to the club of ever-growing “dog people” that is taking over America. <3 Happy Friday!

    Reply

  17. The massage stick and travel mat look awesome! Thanks for offering the giveaway.

    I have tried that Wild Friends PB and it is really good :). I like the chocolate one.

    Reply

  19. This weekend I plan on getting some longer runs in! Working on mileage and I have my next Half Marathon on Sept 12th.

    I could most definitely use that roller for after my long runs!

    Yes, I follow Lady Goes West on both Twitter & Facebook!

    I also follow Merrithew on Twitter!

    Happy Friday!!! Such a great give away!

    Reply

    1. Hi Crystal! Great, thanks so much for entering and for the support. And YES, with a big race coming up, you need some recovery tools!! Have a great weekend. Good luck with your long run!

      Reply

  20. what Am I up to this weekend? Well, we are flying to Vancouver today so we can go on an Alaskan cruise tomorrow! With my parents, brothers, sister, their spouses an my nieces and nephews! 24 of us all together – it’s going to be awesome!

    Thanks for the great giveaway!

    Reply

    1. Oh my goodness, Christine! 24 people together on an Alaskan cruise? That sounds pretty awesome! I’ve always wanted to go on an Alaskan cruise. I hope you have a wonderful time!!

      Reply

  21. I was just researching massage sticks and foam rollers the other day. I love Beachbody workouts, and just started T25 on Monday… holy sore calves! I have never had tight muscles like that before.

    Reply

  23. That massage stick and the travel yoga mat look perfect for me! I could use them both right about now 🙂 Hope you have a nice, relaxing weekend! I think you need one of those after such a busy summer!

    Reply

  27. That flex stick would be awesome for all my tight muscles. I really need to make stretching more of a priority! The Wild Friends peanut packs are definitely delicious. I love how many different flavors and varieties peanut butter/ nut butters come in nowadays. Despite all my PB&Js as a kid, never would I have thought peanut butter would transform into such a diverse food.

    Reply

    1. Hi Carrie! Equinox is the only gym where I’ve gone that had a good set of foam rollers — all of the other gyms — NO GOOD! You need to win this! 🙂 Shame on Dane … hahah

      Reply

    1. Wow, Ken! Hope you guys have a great run. You’re a good hubby to run with her. Or is she a good wife to run with you? Thanks for following!

      Reply

  32. This weekend I have to train for my black belt tense for the majority of Saturday, and I am seeing my dad on Sunday!
    Also, I could definitely use a pair of dumbbells as I love working out from home!
    Thank you for hosting, and have a great weekend!

    Reply

  33. How amazing is wildfriends? I saw them on sharktank, and originally found them in NY – I think it was chocolate hazelnut flavored, and it blew my mind!! I’m in Toronto next week for work, too bad I won’t have time to check out this studio!!

    Reply

    1. Ummm I LOVE Wild Friends! That’s cool they were on Shark Tank, I watch that show fairly frequently with the hubs — one of the few reality shows we can both watch. Have fun in Toronto! You jet-setter. 🙂

      Reply

  34. Fun giveaway! I’d love the massage stick since I was just looking at them last week and would really like to try one out.

    Reply

  35. Plans this weekend? Orange theory on Saturday, long training run Sunday and taking care of kiddos! 🙂 Nothing too exciting;)

    Reply

  36. Oh man, I need a massage stick! That’s what I would use most. My three year old daughter would LOVE that yoga mat;)

    Reply

  37. This weekend I’m celebrating my brother’s birthday with a brunch party! 30 people, lots of food and lots of mimosas!

    Reply

    1. Hi Erin! Thanks so much for following, lady! And you need to UP your social media game … Instagram can be such a nice time-suck hehehe 🙂

      Reply

  42. Super excited to have stumbled upon your website. Love the Friday Faves! 🙂 I’m now following you Twitter & Insta. Fingers crossed for this super awesome giveaway! <3

    Reply

  45. The prize pack this week looks awesome, and I’ll definitely need to try the packets of peanut butter. Might make my snacks at work a little easier to pack every day 🙂 have a fabulous, relaxing weekend!

    Reply

  47. The equipment I need most is the Fitness Circle Flex. I think it would help me strengthen my pelvic floor, as well as the obvious other benefits. The pelvic floor is so important to running while pregnant and giving birth, that anything I can do to strengthen it WILL BE DONE!

    Reply

    1. Oh Heather, although I haven’t been pregnant, I did get pre-post-natal PT certified, so I’ve heard it all about the pelvic floor! You are so right — SUPER important. Happy Friday to you!!!

      Reply

  48. Thanks for hosting the giveaway! As a fellow Bay Arean, I enjoy your local insights and the in-depth fitness posts, including BodyPump! I follow on Instagram. This weekend we’re hiking in Marin Headlands and checking out the bar at Cavallo Point after! Methinks you should do more hiking! 🙂

    Reply

    1. Hi Buzibu! You are SO right, I need to do more hiking, and I haven’t been to Marin Headlands in too long. Tomorrow’s hike is taking place in the East Bay for me. Thanks so much for reading, fellow Bay Arean! Have a fabulous weekend!! Enjoy those views. We live in an awesome place! 🙂

      Reply

  49. Aww RUDY! Too fluffy and cute 🙂 This weekend I hope to take our dog on a few nice long walks, maybe relax at the pool, and put together a dresser from Ikea (so fun, I know).

    Reply

      1. Good memory! Yes we bought some random stuff (lights for the back of the tv (?? boys and their toys) and a dresser. I am hopeful that once it is put together, my boyfriend will put his clothes away.

        Reply

  50. I think the flex massage stick would be the most beneficial, I love the way they feel on my quads. After leg day… OH MY QUAD!

    Reply

  52. I follow you on Facebook! (Though my feedly probably would have told me too… Love rss feeds for following great blogs)

    Reply

  54. This weekend we are taking a quick overnight trip to Baltimore to visit our family favorites, the aquarium, kids’ science museum and a late O’s game. I think all of that should tucker the little guy out 🙂

    Reply

  55. I am really interested in the circle flex; I have never used one before but have seen lots of workouts using them.

    Reply

  60. I need the foam roller! I try to foam roll at least 3 times a week at the gym, but it would be nice to have one at home too.

    Reply

    1. Glad you like to roll (or do it, even if you don’t like it). It’s way better to have your own roller, Allison, so you can use it even when watching TV! Good luck in the giveaway! 🙂

      Reply

  62. I would LOVE to win this giveaway! I’m a huge Pilates girl. In fact, it is what started my journey through fitness and becoming a zumba teacher a few years back. I had a broken arm and thought that was the end and I found pilates videos which were perfect for me! I didn’t have to do HIIT workouts to feel fit. Plus HIIT workouts increased the swelling in my cast which was bad. I love love love this giveaway!

    Reply

  63. This weekend is all about relaxing for us! The only plans we have are happy hour tonight after work. We have had a crazy few weeks and are looking forward to a weekend without plans so we can just go with the flow.

    Reply

  64. Gah your puppy looks like a stuffed animal I’m in love! I am always up for adding any kind of massage tools to my running/fitness toolbox haha that thing looks killer! Thanks for the giveaway 🙂 have a great weekend!

    Reply

    1. Hi Lauren! He feels like a little stuffed animal too — and yes, he is sitting on my lap as I type this. Hope you have a great weekend and thanks for entering the giveaway! 🙂

      Reply

  67. I would love to pick up one of those folding travel mats! I travel a lot for work and when I fly I cannot fit my work out mat in my carry-on.

    Reply

  68. Welcome to the world of dogs. Wow, Rudy is quite the traveler so far in his short life. That is a big perk of having a small dog. He seems to be taking it all in stride. So jealous! Having a 77lb and a 90lb pup makes travel a little bit harder for us-lol. Have fun in Hawaii

    Reply

  69. I’d be most excited to try (or I need) the foam roller. I’m in the process of creating my own ‘gym at home’ and this would be a great little piece to help with the end of a workout 🙂

    Reply

  70. My weekend plans are to take a trip to the zoo with my husband, 3-1/2 yr old son and some of our friends with their daughter. Then a neighboring city fire station is hosting a “splash back-to-school” event where they open the fire hydrants for kids to play and there’s treats, face painting, touring an ambulance & fire truck and pictures with some of the Minions, which I think my son is most excited about, LOL! But the most exciting thing is we have a brand new king size bedroom set with plush new mattress being delivered that we cannot WAIT to sleep on….zzzzzzzz 😉

    Hope you have an awesome weekend! Recently discovered your blog from LifeinLeggings and the Fitnessista…really enjoying your posts so far 🙂

    Reply

    1. Hi Rebecca! I am SO glad you found me, and thanks for stopping by to say hello. Your weekend sounds like a lot of fun. I guess I have those cool events to look forward to when having little ones one day, right? Yay for a new bedroom set!! Happy Friday!!

      Reply

      1. You totally do!! It’s fun to watch them having so much fun and getting so excited by the littliest things. And I LOVE having a legit excuse to go to the movies & see all the cute kids’ movies with my little boy…totally not afraid to admit I love them all 🙂 🙂

        Reply

  75. I follow you on Twitter and just today started following you on Instagram.

    What I am loving lately is decaf black iced coffee mixed with vanilla flavored protein powder. I am leaving for vacation next Tuesday so plan this weekend is to pack.

    Love all the items in your give-away.

    Reply

    1. Hi Susan! Thanks so much for following. Okay — coffee and protein powder? Now that is a combination I haven’t tried. I don’t really drink coffee, but love the flavor. Thanks for sharing that! Yay for vacation! Where are you off to??

      Reply

      1. Headed to Saratoga Springs NY to go the races and play some golf and perhaps visit a few wineries.

        I substitute the iced decaf coffee for the iced water that I usually use. It really hits the spot on a hot day.

        Reply

  76. Up to this weekend? Les Mill Super Q in El Segundo (aka LA ;)). Shouldn’t that automatically make me a winner? Hahahahaha. 🙂 I’m so excited!!!

    Reply

  80. Awesome giveaway! This weekend I have a long training ride for my bike race, but as soon as I’m done with that I’m planting my butt on the beach and not moving!! 🙂

    Reply

  82. Ooh that massage stick looks awesome (as does the rest of the prize pack!). This weekend will be spent packing for 2 weeks with 3 kids in Florida!

    Following on Instagram and Bloglovin’! Love your blog!

    Reply

      1. We’re headed to Miami for a couple days (Marlins game), then to Orlando for eight (Tampa Bay Rays, Universal and Disney), then up to Atlanta for a Braves game! Yup, there’s a theme here 🙂

        Reply

  88. I could use a new foam roller, mine is all squished from use. The mat for kids would be great for my 4 yr old who loves to mimic my stretches after a run. I would love a massage stick – oh yeah to anything that makes me feel good. Have to admit that I’ve never used a fitness circle.

    Reply

    1. Hi Kristen! So many cool toys, right? How cute would it be for your little one to stretch with you on his/her own mat! 🙂 Have a great weekend. Thanks for saying hi!

      Reply

  89. Only plan so far this weekend is a hike tomorrow with my running partner. We’ve both taken most of the summer off from running but have been meeting regularly to hike.

    Reply

  90. The piece of equipment that I need most is a kettleball. They can be used in so many ways and are such a great strength and cardio workout!

    Reply

    1. Hi Taylor! Yes, for sure. I don’t have a kettlebell either, although I love to use them and am even certified to train with them too. Have a great weekend!

      Reply

  91. I would love to own the fitness ring! I have used it in pilates classes before and it is such a great tool to really feel the burn.

    Reply

  94. So I wound up in the hospital a week and a half ago due to food, so I have once again revamped my diet a bit, and I am feeling pretty darn good at the moment, so I am LOVING THAT! 😉

    And tomorrow… I am pool partying at Eddie Murphy’s house. And then eating a TON! Good weekend to me, lol!

    Reply

    1. Wow, Gigi! That’s a big report in your comment. SO sorry about the hospital time. But I mean, celebrity party? You can’t beat that. You sure do live up to your name!! Have fun! 🙂

      Reply

  95. Your pup is adorable and so well traveled!

    I am a big fan of foam rolling and using a lacrosse ball to target tough spots. It’s painful at first but so worth it! I have that Wild Friends Sunbutter in my pantry right now. SO GOOD. Thanks for sharing and the giveaway!

    Reply

    1. Hi Jessica! I have a lacrosse ball in my gym bag that I need to be better about using as well. And YAY for Wild Friends! Hope you have an awesome weekend. Thanks for saying hi! 🙂

      Reply

  100. I follow on FB and Insta. Liked on FB. I am a big Pilates fantiac so love this give a way!!!!!! I am finally moving into my new house this weekend. Have a nice weekend !!!!!

    Reply

  101. I’m definitely late to the party. Where do you get that Wild Squirrel nut butter? It looks really good! 🙂 New favorites are definitely more of the PB&Co Nut Butters. They are so good. They really know what they’re doing with nut butter. I also made some protein bars this week that were really good… I’d never made protein bars before, but these were particularly tasty!

    Reply

    1. Hi Emily! Totally cool! I’ve never made protein bars at home before either. Hope you had a nice weekend! And yes, you need to try Wild Friends nut butter!

      Reply

  103. i am most excited for the travel mat and the massager! I am really not doing much this weekend. Just hanging out and wishing I was up to something lol.

    Reply

  107. As a Canadian near Toronto, I have to look into Merrithew. I love promoting all things Canadian! I can use a foam roller! I have a travel sized one, but it’s too small to give my back a really nice massage!

    Reply

  109. Last night I went to a free outdoor concert of one of my favorite musicians when I was in high school (it was amazing and so nostalgic!), then out for drinks with a ton of people I haven’t seen in years. It was quite the night. Today was low-key…gym, errands, and now binge-watching Suits. Tomorrow will be gym and the beach. Great weekend!

    Reply

    1. Hi Jordan! I’ve heard Suits is good, but I’ve never watched it. And totally cool you went to a concert and got to see some old friends. Sounds like a pretty darn good weekend, indeed! 🙂

      Reply

  111. I need the Merrithew Flex Massage Stick because I don’t have anything like it and it would help me to not be sore after I run.

    Reply

  119. All these would be amazing to win!! And the kids may would be great for my son who always wants to “work out” with me. 🙂

    Reply

  124. Just got back from a mini vacay to Colorado so now the rest of the weekend we’ll be getting some rest. 🙂

    Reply

  142. The folding mat would be great for traveling! And I have been wanting to try out a massage stick. Seems like it would be easier to reach some of the areas you can’t quite reach with a foam roller.

    Reply

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