Friday Favorites: A giveaway and plenty of good stuff

ByAshley Hours
Comments 170 Comments

To say that I’m ready for the weekend would be a bit of an understatement! In fact, I’m really looking forward to a couple of things I have lined up. First of all, tonight, I’m heading down to San Jose to see Garth Brooks in concert with some girlfriends. I’ve wanted to see Garth Brooks play live for my entire life, and it’s finally the night! As far as the rest of the weekend? I have plans to drag Dave to a very girly workout and begin packing for my trip to Florida, which is coming up very soon.

And today, I’ve got a giveaway for you, as well as some favorites. But first, did you get a chance to take my reader survey yet? If not, please do. It will only take you about a minute, and I have been reading every single response, so thank you. (Yes, I will share the results next week!)

This week’s finds for “Friday Favorites” 

The end of the work-week for most is a great time to keep it light with a random selection of things making my happy, especially when there is a giveaway involved …

My favorite new protein powder and a GIVEAWAY

When I attended IDEA BlogFest and IDEA World Fitness Convention over the summer, my new blog friend Giselle told me that she was a huge fan of Sunwarrior. Well, I had never tried it or heard of it, but kept the name in the back of my mind as a good one for the future. That being said, I was very excited when the team from Sunwarrior emailed me last month asking if I’d be on board to test it out. Of course! I’ve been using Sunwarrior Classic Plus Raw Plant-Based Vanilla as my protein recovery after workouts for the past few weeks and am a big fan. And to tell you the truth, I’ve received some less-than-stellar products recently, which I’ve not discussed, so this was a welcome arrival …

Sunwarrior Classic Plus review and giveaway by A Lady Goes West blogSoy free. USDA Organic. Raw. Gluten free. Dairy free. Vegan. Tasty. Amen. And at $30 a tub, the price is totally right.

This stuff is clean, and it tastes great. There is a bit of a chalky consistency, as you get with many veggie proteins, but it’s very pleasing to the palate. The best part is that one serving has 18 grams of protein, but only 100 calories. I definitely want to try more from the line!

GIVEAWAY ALERT: Sunwarrior has been so kind to let me give away a little sampler pack to one A Lady Goes West reader. The “Endurance Starter Pack” contains two kinds of protein powder, two kinds of veggie powder and a shaker bottle. All you have to do to enter the giveaway is leave a comment on this post. Any comment will do. And if you follow A Lady Goes West on Facebook or Instagram, you can leave a separate comment for that too. This giveaway is open to those residing in the continental U.S. only, and I’ll choose a winner on Monday evening. Good luck!

My favorite sparkly of the week

I have had no less than about five compliments on this particular piece of jewelry every single time I’ve worn it. This necklace is from online retailer, the Happiness Boutique, which is based in Berlin, Germany and has an amazing selection of sparkly things that are designed to make you happy …

Happiness Boutique necklace via A Lady Goes WestJewelry-care tips from Happiness Boutique: (1) Avoid contact with liquids. (2) Store in a closed bag or box. (3) Remove jewelry while sleeping, sweating, swimming or showering. Good to know!

The company kindly let me pick out a piece from its line of statement necklaces, and it was not very easy to do, because there is so much to choose from. I selected a black and white beauty, that is thick, heavy, high quality and is a great complement to any outfit. Anybody else out there love chunky necklaces? (P.S. the company’s Instagram is pretty fabulous, as well.)

My favorite grocery items of the week

I can’t believe I went for more than a year without hardly ever stepping into a grocery store, outside of buying sushi. When Dave and I lived in the City, for a long time we had our groceries delivered. But that meant we rarely tried anything new. These days, I’m stopping at more than one store to get everything I need, and here are some products that I’m loving lately …

Food and drinks I'm loving via A Lady Goes West blogPellegrino is my spirit beverage. I could drink it all day every day. That, along with this brand new red blend from Cupcake Vineyards called Black Forest, which I was so nicely gifted, and Dave and I enjoyed this past Sunday night — so rich. Bottom right: the vanilla almond milk from Sprouts Market is beyond delicious. Gluten-free bread? No thanks, unless it’s this dense and pleasing 7-grain loaf from Franz, which was just debuted by the Portland company and sent to me to try out. And I couldn’t possibly roast veggies without this Vita Coco coconut oil. I slather it on thick, and I’m almost out.

I’m really enjoying all of these grocery finds, and I wanted to share the good word with you. You can find most of these items at your average grocery store, so keep your eyes peeled. (Do you have a Sprouts? Love that place.) And be sure to let me know in the comments if you’ve come across something great worth sharing as well. 

My favorite links of the week

Did you miss the latest on A Lady Goes West this week? 

Also from around the web: Look at this adorable cat, who is excited to see it’s owner. This is totally my little Rudy, whenever I leave a room and come back. (I swear, it doesn’t matter if I’ve been gone for 30 seconds or three hours, he is pumped to see me return — but we’re not totally sure he is the sharpest crayon in the box!). And you MUST watch this amazing dance, which is just mesmerizing. I’ve watched it about five times. Finally, thanks to Healthy Living Blogs Community for sharing my post for “Blog Tip Thursday: Writing Better Blog Posts.”

That’s it for today. I hope you have a great weekend my, friends. I’ll be screaming country music at the top of my lungs tonight and maybe even posting a couple of pics over on Instagram. Enjoy your weekend!

Fun favorites and a chance to win. Check this out #Favorites #Food #Giveaway Click To Tweet

Read more Friday Favorites

If you’ve enjoyed browsing through this post, visit the the link-up hostesses, Heather and Katie, or check out all of my older “Friday Favorites” posts. 

*There are a couple of affiliate links in this post. Thanks for your support.

Questions of the day

What are you up to this weekend?

What’s the best concert you’ve ever been to?

What’s something good that happened in your week?

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170 Comments

  2. Love Sprouts, so much value! Cute necklace 🙂

    My favorite part of the week was relaxing on a beautiful beach in Vietnam, now I’m stuck at the airport for ages, but we get to see our cute pup in about 24 hours!!

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  3. I love the Cupcake Red Velvet blend, but I’ve never seen this magical Black Forest variety you speak of. I must find that soon!

    Have fun at Garth tonight! I have zero doubt it will be a fabulous show.

    Reply

  4. The best concert I’ve ever been to (not that I’ve been to that many!) was Rob Zombie a couple years ago. Have a great weekend!

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  7. Now I want that wine! The cupcake Red Velvet blend is one of my favorite reds, so I’m guessing this one is good too. BTW, I like your wine glasses!

    I follow you on Instagram ? @ momrdfit

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    1. Thanks Mo! We got these glasses are part of our wedding registry from Macy’s a few years ago. They are the “fancy” ones, not the everyday usage. heheh:)

      Reply

  9. So cool you’re going to see Garth! I respect him so much as an artist, person and father so I would love to see him in concert! That’s going to be a blast. I hope he sings Low Places!! Have a great weekend 🙂

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  11. What are you up to this weekend? Nothing!! and it’s much needed 🙂

    What’s the best concert you’ve ever been to? Ah that’s a really hard one! Possibly Modest Mouse or the Police!

    What’s something good that happened in your week? Wrapping up some of my Audit work at work!! this Audit has been taking FOREVER!

    Reply

  15. TGIF, I will be so glad once this workday is over. Nothing exciting planned, just ready for a little relaxation time! I’ve read about the Sunwarrior protein on a few blogs now so I guess I need to try it out!

    Reply

  17. I’m so jealous that you’re going to see Garth Brooks in concert … it’s on my bucket list!! Favorite concert I’ve been to is either Bon Jovi (seen multiple times) or Luke Bryan.

    I’m so looking forward to this weekend because this work week has been crazy!! Tonight I’m laying low with the hubby because tomorrow he leaves for 1 1/2 weeks for a work course (sad face) and then tomorrow I’m going out on the town for a friends birthday (supper & drinks).

    TGIF! Enjoy your weekend 🙂 And can’t wait for an update on the concert!!

    Reply

    1. Hi Cat! Yes, Garth has been on my bucket list too. And I bet Bon Jovi is pretty awesome too. Hope you enjoy your weekend and maybe you’ll be super productive while hubby is gone heheh! TGIF! 🙂

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  25. I saw Garth earlier this year in Denver and it was SO much fun! I’m pumped to try some of the products you mentioned, too. I’ve been looking for a new protein powder (my tastes are changing), so Sunwarrior might be one to add to the list.

    Have a great weekend! I’ll be volunteering at the Junior League of Denver Holiday Mart (GO if you’re in the Denver area!) and we’re finally registering. EEK! Wish us luck. 🙂

    Reply

  28. Hi Ashley! I love Sunwarrior Protein. I’ve never tried the vanilla, but the chocolate variety is awesome. It’s one of the few protein powders that doesn’t give me a stomach ache!
    I am always on the lookout for quality gluten-free bread! Most of them are way too light/crumbly. I guess I need to try Franz! 🙂
    Have a great weekend!

    Reply

  29. I love Pellegrino too! Lately, my favorite refreshing drink is Pellegrino with a splash of POM 100% pomegranate juice and a few frozen blueberries to float 🙂

    I follow you on Facebook!

    Reply

  31. I tried Sunwarrior’s organic powder for the first time last month and loved it. I’m not a huge protein powder person normally but when I was recently diagnosed with dairy and egg allergies I picked some up to make a smoothie with. I have only tried the natural flavor but am thinking of trying the vanilla next. The ingredient list is great as it is free of ‘junk’.

    Reply

  33. Thanks for hosting the giveaway!

    A couple of years ago, I went to see Hootie and the Blowfish here in Charleston, and I also got tickets to a concert that featured tons of 90s bands like Fastball, Sugar Ray, and Smash Mouth- that was fun too. I Hope you have a lot of fun at your concert!

    Reply

  37. Have an awesome time at Garth Brooks! I’ve never seen him live but I’m sure it’s amazing.

    Also going to go find that cupcake wine immediately. Love dark reds and haven’t tried that one yet.

    Reply

  38. What a fun weekend! I grew up listening to country with my Dad and Garth Brooks was obviously a fav! The best concert I’ve ever been to was probably Coachella the year Dr. Dre and Snoop Dawg had a Tupac hologram with them on stage – I’m a gangster at heart 🙂

    And thanks for the wine rec – I’m a sucker for a good, cheap, red blend!!

    Reply

  39. Ha! Pellegrino is my spirit beverage too. That and La Croix — can’t live without it! Something good that happened to me this week was when I found a bottle of Pellegrino at my in-laws right before a flight. It was the perfect pre-flight refresher. 🙂

    Reply

  44. I am excited to have read about your review of the Sunwarrior protein. I ran out of the product I was using and wasn’t impressed with it. So I’m anxious to test Sunwarrior out!

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  48. I saw Garth in Nashville a few years ago. I’m not going to lie though, country music is not my favorite, but I can handle some older stuff. Best concert I’ve ever been to would probably be Incubus and Deftones. Sevendust is definitely up there. I love seeing rock concerts in an intimate venue. The experience is so much more memorable.

    Reply

  50. Um I am so excited that you are seeing Garth Brooks! I think it’s awesome he’s still touring… please tell me you’re wearing cowboy boots!

    San Pelly is totally my spirit beverage too… except I have it delivered so I don’t have to go to Costco lol. 😉

    Have a great weekend, Ashley! xo

    Reply

  53. Ohh so jealous of your Garth Brooks concert!! I’ve always wanted to see him too! Ottawa doesn’t get a ton of big name country concerts, we do luck out on occasion but of course they go to the bigger cities, but I have seen Keith Urban at least 4 times (no exaggeration) and he is UNREAL….like would for sure travel distances to see him again..lol move over Nicole Kidman..kidding..sort of!

    San Pellegrino is sooo good…just takes sparkling water up a notch or two!

    I think we are going to end up having a low key weekend, was going to get my hair cut (I drive 2 hours to get it done if you can believe it..I know I know..crazy) but our little guy has his first cold and I just feel terrible leaving him plus it’s ugly weather out so staying close to home and snuggling up sounds like an okay weekend to me!

    Have a blast at the concert! Can’t wait to hear all about it!

    Reply

    1. I hope your little guy feels better soon! 🙁 And that’s a long way to go to get your hair done, but hey, a good hairstylist is hard to find. Happy Friday, Fiona! 🙂

      Reply

  55. Pellegrino is beautiful water… Although I only drink still, not sparkling. I am so fussy with water. People always say water is water, but it’s not. Still chilled Pellegrino in a glass bottle is one of my favourites.. 🙂

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  57. SOOOOOO jealous you’re going to see Garth Brooks!!! Hope you have a great time 😀 That cupcake wine looks so yummy! I’ve tried a few of theirs before and really enjoyed them…as soon as I have this baby you better believe I’ll be picking up a bottle 😉 Have a wonderful weekend!!

    Reply

  58. I’ve heard great things about the SunWarrior brand but have never tried! I think the best concert hands on I’ve ever been to was Michael Buble. Amazing! Have a blast at the concert!

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    1. Hi Alyssa! Yes, I saw Buble once before too and he was great! 🙂 Sounded the same live as he does on the records! Hope you’re having a nice weekend!

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  66. Cupcake wine is amazing! So glad you discovered it! And I’m so glad you like the Sunwarrior protein….I have been wanting to switch to plant protein (whey has started messing with my tummy!) but after trying a horrible hemp protein I’ve been scared to try another one. Seriously it tasted like a dirt smoothie! Lol maybe I’ll brave giving this one a try!

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  70. I think some of the best concerts that I have been to were Kenny Chesney and Eric Church! I love some good country music! I’ve never seen Garth in concert but have heard he is amazing!

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  72. Ooh protein powder sounds yummy! I always like adding it to my goodies. And I follow you on Insta and facebook!

    Best concert I’ve ever been to? It was probably the Messiah concert. 🙂 It’s my favorite!

    Reply

  75. I love your blog Ashley! You are so “real” and such a breath of fresh air! My family and I just moved to Miami last summer from Northern VA so we are trying to adjust to the lack of seasons. It is rough! Hope you have a great trip to Florida!
    Thanks for another great giveaway also!

    Reply

    1. Hi Jen! Well growing up in Florida, you know I know about that. And I’m sure your hair is a mess in the humidity too! heeh! But Miami has some major perks. Thanks for saying hi, lady! 🙂

      Reply

  78. Sunwarrior has been my fave protein powder for the last 4 years! Amazing product! Would love to win this and get a free restock! 😉

    Reply

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