Friday Favorites: A giveaway and plenty of good stuff
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 …
Soy 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 …
Jewelry-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 …
Pellegrino 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?
- My weekend and my weekly workout recap
- Les Mills BODYATTACK 90 group fitness review
- A reader survey and a “What I Ate Wednesday” report
- A “thankful for fitness” workout you can do at home
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 TweetRead 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?
You always have so much fun going on! Have a blast with the girls tonight at the concert!
Thanks, lady! I can’t wait! Happy Friday to you too! 🙂
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!!
What a long day of travel, I’m sure. But worth it for the adventure!! Safe trip home to you, lady! 🙂
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.
I follow A Lady on Insta and FB!
Duh. Right back at ya. 🙂 hahah
This magical Black Forest is BDC. (I trust you know what that means, my friend.) heheheh Happy Friday!!
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!
Ohhh I bet there was a fun crowd at that one, Amy! 🙂
Hahhaha my dog used to attack everyone who walked into the room regardless of the last time he saw them, but he’s since mellowed out at the old age of 2.5. Now if he’s laying down, you’re lucky to get an ear lift in acknowledgement
An ear lift?? hahah that one made me laugh. I wonder if my Rudy will ever calm down … 🙂 Happy Friday, Morgan!
Stop going to such cool concerts and making me jealous 😀 Have a great weekend!
Sorry, Susie. The perks of the Bay Area I guess! 🙂 hehehe! Happy Friday to you, lady!
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
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:)
I follow on Insta. And Facebook. Thank you for the chance to win. Have fun at the concert!
Thank you for saying hi and for reading this blog, Lexie. I appreciate your comments!! 🙂 Hope your weekend goes well!
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 🙂
I AM SURE he will sing Low Places. I mean … he better. 🙂 hahah! Happy Friday, Gretchen!
I saw Garth Brooks in concert a couple months ago here in Dallas- he’s an awesome performer, you’ll have so much fun!!
Good!! I can’t wait! He has Trisha with him, so hoping they do some duets. Happy Friday, Marielle! 🙂
Ya she was with him in Dallas too!! She was great! Enjoy!!
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!
Well you are in need of a weekend then, Emily!! 🙂 Enjoy the nothing!
Garth Brooks was my first concert when I was in third grade, ha! Enjoy 🙂 Gorgeous necklace, by the way!
LUCKY! I’ve been listening to Garth forEVER. Happy Friday, lady!
Also, I follow you on Instagram 🙂
Yay, thanks Ashley!
I also follow you on facebook and twitter! 🙂
Thanks Emily!
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!
Relaxation is a good thing. Hope you get plenty of it, Brittney!
I also follow your page on Facebook!
Thank you Brittney! 🙂
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!!
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! 🙂
Wish we had a sprouts in Washington DC!
I feel like you SHOULD have one … rumor has it that DC and SF have a lot of similarities, by the way. Happy Friday, Charlotte! 🙂
I follow on instagram!
Woohoo! Thanks Charlotte! 🙂
I follow you on instagram!
Thank you, Kayla! 🙂
Absolutely love the necklace so cute
Thanks, lady! 🙂
Ahhh, GARTH! Have all the fun. 🙂
I WILL! hahah! I hope! Hope your weekend is great too, Courtney. 🙂
Enjoy Garth — sounds like a blast!
I hope so!! Happy weekend to you, Allison! 🙂
And I follow on Insta! @courtlux
Thanks Court!
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. 🙂
PS Just started following you on Insta ( @semisweettooth 😉 )
LOVE your engagement photos on IG! AHHH!!!
Registering is SO MUCH fun. I must say. And YAY for the holiday market. Oh I remember my days in the League … 🙂 Happy Friday!
Is it weird that I LOVE sparkling water too? I wish I had an unlimited supply haha
Totally. I could drink it on repeat! Hope all is well with the move, lady!
Following you on Instagram 🙂
Thanks, Brittany! 🙂
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!
I’m not gluten free, but I have tried a few of the breads, and this is BY FAR the best! 🙂 Happy Friday, Melanie.
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!
That sounds like a fancy MOCKtail, Emily! 🙂 heheh
…and on Insta!
Woohoo! Thanks!
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’.
I haven’t tried natural, but I can tell you that vanilla is fantastic! 🙂
I follow on instagram 🙂
Thanks, Katie! 🙂
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!
That sounds like a great line-up! I’ve seen some 90s bands … Sister Hazel is a personal favorite heheh! 🙂
I also follow you on twitter (I’m @Proudpatriot07)
Yay, thanks Amy! 🙂
I love Friday giveaways! Such a nice way to end the week.
Sure is! Happy Friday to you, Judith! 🙂
I follow on FB and Instagram
Thanks, Judith! 🙂
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.
Hi Gen! It’s so good! Happy Friday, lady! 🙂
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!!
You gangster, you ehhehe! And YES to a well-priced bottle of wine. I never turn that down! Happy Friday, Whitney! 🙂
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. 🙂
I would love to open a fridge and find a surprise Pellegrino heheh! I need to try La Croix! Love the hair tutorial lady!! 🙂
I love Sunwarrior products! What an awesome giveaway 🙂
Thanks, lady! Happy Friday!
And I follow you on Facebook!
Thanks, Brittany! 🙂
That necklace is so cute. I love love love La Croix that is my spirit beverage. Have a great time tonight at the concert!!
I guess I need to try out your spirit bevvie, Torry — people seem to rave about it … 🙂
I love that necklace!! 🙂
Thanks, Edye! 🙂
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!
Yes, I know — sometimes the plant-based ones can be gross. This one is good!! 🙂 Happy Friday, Christie!
So ready for the weekend!!
Ditto! Hope your weekend is great, Jenny! 🙂
Follow you on Facebook
YAY! Thanks! 🙂
Follow you on Instagram
Thanks, Jenny! 🙂
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.
I tend to enjoy the smaller more intimate venues as well!
I already follow you on facebook and insta. Thanks for the giveaway!
Thanks for following, Amanda! 🙂
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
You get it delivered? Totally cool, Cassie. And YES, I will be wearing cowboy boots!
Would love to win some sunwarrior! Dying to try the different types!
Thanks for saying hi and for entering, Sarah! 🙂
Oh my gosh, Garth Brooks! So jealous, have a blast!
Thanks, lady! Hope you have a great weekend! 🙂
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!
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! 🙂
I love cupcake wine! I haven’t tried sunwarrier, I usually stick to my vega one but I’d love to give it a try. Have so much fun at the concert 🙂
Thanks, Sarah! I hope you have a nice weekend! 🙂
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.. 🙂
I like the glass bottle too, James! Hope you have a great weekend! 🙂
I’ve heard a lot of great things about Sunwarrior, never have gotten around to trying it myself though 🙂
It’s good stuff! Hope you have a nice weekend, Sarah! 🙂
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!!
I bet you will, lady! 🙂 Have a nice weekend!!
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!
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!
A concert sounds so fun! For once this weekend I have no plans and am excited to just hang out at home for once!
Good! Enjoy that, Hilary!! 🙂
Yay! Love me some Sunwarrior! I actually need to order some more so thank you for the reminder 🙂 Gorgeous necklace!
You are welcome!! 🙂
AND… have so much fun at Garth Brooks! We went a few months back and it was AMAZING!!!! Best concert ever!
IT WAS SO GOOOD!!! Hope you have a great weekend too, Giselle! 🙂
Meant to tell you I bought the flat iron you suggested and LOVE it! Thanks for the rec!
Woohoo!!! SO glad you did, Sue! Hope it’s working out for you so far. 🙂 Have a nice weekend!!
That protein powder sounds great, I’d love to try it!
Thanks, Kalena! Have a great weekend! 🙂
I’d love to try sun warrior and I follow you on insta and FB.
Thank you, lady! Hope you have a wonderful weekend! 🙂
Have a great time at the concert! HAPPY WEEKEND! 🙂
Thanks, Mary! I hope you have a wonderful weekend too! 🙂
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!
Hi Audie! Some of the plant ones are totally gross, but you’ll be pleased with Sunwarrior. 🙂 Have a great day, lady!
You always have the BEST favorites!!! Hope you have an amazing weekend!! 🙂
Thanks, Rachel!! 🙂 Hope you’re having a great weekend!
I’ve seen so many great reviews of Sunwarrior. I’d love to win this prize pack!
It’s good stuff! Hope you have a nice weekend!! 🙂
I follow you on Instagram 🙂
Thank you!! 🙂
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!
Hi Ellie! I love country concerts too! Garth was amazing! Hope you had a nice weekend! 🙂
I follow you on insta 🙂 @fluffytohealthy
Yay! Thanks Katrina! 🙂
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!
Thank you, Emily! Hope you had a nice weekend, lady! 🙂
I follow on fb too!!
Woohoo!! Thanks!! 🙂
would love to win!!! 🙂
Good luck! Thanks for commenting!
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!
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! 🙂
I follow you on Instagram and Facebook.
Thanks, Jen! 🙂
I follow you on Insta! 😉
Sunwarrior has been my fave protein powder for the last 4 years! Amazing product! Would love to win this and get a free restock! 😉
For sure! Thanks for entering! 🙂
I follow you on Facebook! 🙂
Thanks, Annie! 🙂
I’m a big Sunwarrior fan but haven’t tried this new one yet — would love to!
Thanks for saying hi, Jen! I love Sunwarrior too! 🙂
Thank you for such a great giveaway!
Thanks for saying hi, Nicole! 🙂
I follow on Facebook
Id love to win this giveaway! I love trying new protein powders!
Thanks for entering, Melissa!
I’m sure you had a blast at the concert! A Garth Brooks concert is on my bucket list for sure.