Friday Favorites: A healthy giveaway and more

Hello, my friends! We meet again, on what is hopefully the last day of the work-week for you. I’m going to start with a little story, get into the favorites, and today I’ve got an awesome (and healthy) giveaway for you!

A quick story about a day gone awry

This week was an interesting one around here. On Wednesday afternoon, as I was taking Rudy for a little walk in remnants of my gym clothes, our front door malfunctioned (normally you can open it with a code), and I got locked out of the house. I had no phone. No keys. Nothing but a publicly unacceptable outfit and a puppy on a leash. What to do? I knocked on the door of some neighbors and finally got someone to answer after a couple of tries. The nice lady invited me into her home to use her phone, and of course, when I called Dave, his phone was off because he was in a meeting. Over the next hour-and-a-half, I sat in the living room of a very nice family, watched the little girls who lived there perform hip-hop dances, laughed at YouTube videos that a fourth-grader thought I would like, enjoyed Moroccan hot tea, spilled it all over the table after my kind hostess prepared it for me, tried to keep Rudy calm in my arms as he struggled to get free, and waited for Dave to finally get out of a meeting so he could come home and let me back into our house. There are so many more elements to this story, which make it even funnier, but we’ll leave it at that. Dave came home just in time, so I could shower and be at Orangetheory Fitness to teach my evening classes. And suffice to say, I will not be leaving my house for “short little walks” without a few essentials from here on out. Thank goodness my neighbors were so hospitable, despite the fact that they had never met me before. It was quite the day.

But let’s get to the here and now. After teaching BODYATTACK this morning, I’ll be showering up, zipping my suitcase, packing Rudy in the car and meeting Dave at his office to drive down to Monterey. We’re attending a wedding tomorrow for one of his coworkers and will be down there until Sunday afternoon. This is our second weekend-in-a-row of fun after San Diego travels last week, and we can’t wait. 

My latest “Friday Favorites” of the week

Now it’s finally time for the good stuff. I mean, what’s better than reading about some unrelated awesome items? That’s why my weekly “Friday Favorites” is such a fun feature, giving me a chance to highlight whatever has been making me happy. Here’s the latest and greatest …

My favorite healthy products and a GIVEAWAY

When I was in LA for IDEA World Blogfest with Sweat Pink and IDEA World Fitness Convention, I stumbled upon the Healthy Skoop booth. I had the pleasure of trying a taste of Healthy Skoop several months ago and was eager to learn more about the company. Since that time, I’ve been working my way through a full spectrum of their whole-food, plant-based products, and I’m so impressed. After chatting with the lovely representatives, we’ve worked together to bring you an awesome giveaway — which is a prize package identical to the line of products that I’ve been enjoying.

Healthy Skoop product review via A Lady Goes WestHealthy Skoop products are aesthetically pleasing, tasty and full of the good stuff.

First of all, let’s talk about that red drink, Ignite. It’s an energy powder that I can actually enjoy. Healthy Skoop’s new Ignite Sweet Beet performance supplement is a rich red powder, which you add to water, shake it up and drink about 30 minutes before exercise. It tastes just like beets, and I love the flavor and consistency. Not to mention, it’s totally natural, featuring nothing but organic beets, d-ribose, organic pomegranate, organic agave and organic stevia. I definitely feel a little pep in my step after drinking it, although it does not give me the same effects as caffeine. I’ve never been able to drink “pre-workout” drinks because I can’t stomach them, yet I look forward to drinking this beet concoction, so that says a lot.

I also love the B-Strong protein powder for adding to smoothies and recipes, for its plant-based qualities and essential amino acids. And the Skoop A-Game veggie green powder? So much goodness in one scoop, as well as 10 servings of vegetables. Basically, this line of products from the Boulder-based company has a lot to offer. In addition to the fact that Healthy Skoop operates an awesome Buy One, Give One program, and for every serving of Skoop sold, Healthy Skoop donates one serving of fresh fruits and veggies to schools in America, through a program called Project Produce with the Chef Ann Foundation. You can’t beat (or beet) that.

Healthy Skoop product review and giveaway via A Lady Goes WestJust a taste of all you can win. And if you don’t win, you can purchase Healthy Skoop products on the company’s website or through authorized Healthy Skoop sellers.

Now that you’ve got the details on this awesome line, here’s a look at what one winner will be receiving …

  • One huge bag of Skoop B-Strong Viva-nilla Brown-Rice Protein Powder
  • One huge bag of Skoop A-Game Sweetgreens Veggie Powder
  • One 100-gram Ignite Skoop Sweet Beet Endurance Superfoods Blend
  • One 100-gram Ignite Skoop Berry Beet Endurance Superfoods Blend
  • A Healthy Skoop shaker
  • A 5-day Skoop-A game challenge packet

This giveaway is only open to those in the U.S., and the retail value is just under $200. Follow the instructions to enter the Rafflecopter form toward the end of this post, and I’ll randomly select a winner on Thursday of next week. Good luck!

My favorite recent eats

I pretty much take pictures of all of my food. It’s just what I do. Sometimes those photos end up on Instagram, in my weekly food recaps, or they just live on my phone until I need to delete them for new space. Here are a few recent things that I ate worthy of sharing …

My favorite recent eats via A Lady Goes WestA good mixture of healthy, not-so-healthy, packaged and not … you get the drift. 

What’s the story on these photos? I’m going to make it a mission to continue finding the best acai bowls in every city that I visit. Southwest is gaining even more favor with me now that they give out free honey-roasted-flavor peanuts, not plain. A huge slice of grocery-store carrot cake is always a good idea. And Tender Greens salads are my favorite fast-casual lunches in downtown Walnut Creek. There you go.

My favorite new shades 

I’ve been in need of new sunglasses for a while, because my go-to pair, which I’ve had for more than four years, is totally stretched out. That’s why I was certainly interested when Firmoo.com reached out to me about selecting a pair of their new line of sunglasses. Firmoo.com is a global online retailer of prescriptions glasses, which just started selling shades as well.

Firmoo.com sunglasses on A Lady Goes West favoritesI ordered this big cat-eye style, of course (bigger is always better when it comes to sunglasses), and I debuted them this past weekend in San Diego by the pool and walking around the beach neighborhoods.

The sunglass line from Firmoo is totally reasonable, and my non-prescription pair retail for just $39. The frames fit my face perfectly and have a cool reflective color in the sunlight. My only complaint would be that the case the glasses comes in is really tight, and it’s almost hard to close with my big glasses. Otherwise, I’m totally a fan. The best part about ordering from Firmoo is that you can see pictures of regular people wearing the glasses, as well as read their reviews. I find real reviews super helpful, and that’s what helped me to make my selection. And if you do need prescription sunglasses, this is the place to do it. Thanks, Firmoo

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 …

One more thing: Country fans anyone? I just love this song, and was able to see it performed in person just a few months ago too at Kenny Chesney’s big outdoor show at Levi’s Stadium, and it doesn’t seem to get old.

I hope your weekend is wonderful, my friends! Check me out on Instagram to see my adventures in Monterey. 

Enter the Healthy Skoop giveaway

Here’s your chance to enter to win a big Healthy Skoop prize package. Click on the image below, enter your name and submit as many entries as you want to increase your chances of winning.

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thanks for entering!

Read more Friday Favorites

If you’ve enjoyed browsing through this post, see below for previous editions or visit the the link-up hostesses, HeatherClare 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

**Disclaimer: A portion of this post and the giveaway are both sponsored by Healthy Skoop. While I was compensated and received products, all opinions are totally my own. Thanks for supporting my sponsors.

Questions of the day

What are you up to this weekend?

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

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129 Comments

    1. Hi Susan, Me too! I always blend it up with veggies and fruit in smoothies. Thanks for entering, and yes Skoop is great stuff! Hope you have a great weekend!

  1. Oh no! Getting locked out of your house with little Rudy sounds rough! Glad you were able to laugh and make the best of it though!

    I really really want to win this giveaway! I always enter, but haven’t won yet, so my fingers are crossed….

    1. Hi Courtney! Thanks for entering, lady — you’d love this prize package of Skoop. And yes, poor Rudy didn’t like being locked out, just as much as I didn’t. He wanted to run around in the neighbors’ house, and I wasn’t about to let that happen after I’d already spilled tea and been a complete mess hahah! Hope you have a nice weekend, my friend!

  2. Getting locked out is the WORST. Thank goodness for nice neighbors! 🙂 Those sunglasses are super cute. Mine are stretched out too so I’m in the market for a new pair! I’ll have to check out that brand!

  3. So glad your “lock out” turned out ok!
    I love to use protein powder mixed with a sweet potato and chilled. Awesome post workout treat!

    1. Hi Jen, Okay, I have mixed sweet potatoes with nearly everything but NEVER protein powder.I MUST try this. Do you just baked the tater and then sprinkle it on?? Tell me more!! 🙂

  4. Love the giveaway as I am severe hypoglycemic and this would help me so much as I have to refuel every 2 hours. I live in Monterey. Make sure you eat in downtown Pacific Grove and shop there, go to Carmel and see gorgeous Aislomar beach and recreational trail where truly beautiful breathtaking coastline you walk for miles on our coast. Do not miss the wharf and the pearl shop!

    1. Hi Lexie! Hi lady! Yay for Monterey! Thanks so much for the recommendations. We will have some free time tomorrow before the wedding, so we can explore. I love the sound of the pearl shop! 🙂 Hope you have a wonderful weekend!!

  5. I pretty much wear unacceptable clothes all the time, so you are fine. I have a phobia/OCD about getting locked out. It’s happened once here, and I knew it was happening as the door shut behind me. I have to double check my keys every time that I leave!

    1. Hi Susie. I had never been scared before because we always lived in a complex where the front desk had keys. Until we moved out of the City of course. Now I will be extra careful! Have a great weekend, Susie! 🙂

  6. Hi Ashley! You nabbed the first spot… WOOT! I’m loving those Firmoo shades. So cute!

    Oh my gosh, that’s totally happened to me before, only in Michigan when it was snowing. I quickly walked outside to let Roadie out in shorts and Ugg boots and got the surprise of the week when I somehow locked myself outdoors. Needless to say, it was a cold and unfortunate wait for help. I could have used some tea and entertainment. What sweet neighbors you have!

    1. Hi Heather! AHH! Getting locked out in the cold would be way worse. hahah I will be extra careful from here on out. Have a great time this weekend, lady! 🙂

  7. Oh I was lucky enough to splurge this week while my sister was in town to some speciality tea’s from David’s Tea (which is sneaking into the US so I hope you have one near you or get one soon..it’s sooo good) and have enjoyed Chocolate Macaroon tea every morning while the little Gremlin sleeps -This weekend we have zero plans but I’m sure it will include a trip to Babies R Us lol…Have a wonderful time at the wedding!

    1. Hi Fiona! We actually have David’s Tea in San Francisco, and I’ve been lucky enough to try it before. I love it! The store-front is so nice too. So glad you have no plans, so maybe you’ll get some sleep? I bet you need it, lady! 🙂 Yay for your Gremlin!

  8. YES! I did the SAME thing when my dog was a puppy. I started putting my apartment key on a tiny carabeener (I can’t spell and it’s not in spellcheck) and then i could take it off my car keys for the night and put it on to my dog’s leash for the rest of the day so it wouldn’t happen again.

    1. Hi Morgan, I will be bringing keys and a phone with me from now on! Or just not shutting my door heheh! It was NOT fun! Glad I’m not the only one to do it! Have a great weekend, lady! 🙂

    1. Hi Angie! hahah! At least you got back in. We don’t have any windows on ground level! Apparently locking yourself out is not uncommon. Makes me feel better! Have a great weekend, lady!

  9. I love to use Protein Powder to make energy bites. Sorry for your “ordeal” yesterday. I would have been extremely frustrated if that happened to me. Hope you have a great weekend.

  10. Crazy story about Rudy! That’s always been my biggest fear when I walk Selma- that I’ll forget my keys or drop them somewhere and be stranded outside. Luckily that’s never happened, but I can’t imagine that! Thank goodness for kind neighbors. Hope you have a great weekend and have fun at the wedding 🙂

    1. Hi Gretchen! I will always be prepared now! Let my story be a lesson heheh! Hope you have a nice weekend too, lady! Hi to Selma! 🙂

  11. I usually put protein powder in my smoothies with just water/milk, but that smoothie bowl creation of yours looks amazing. I need to work on perfecting those!

  12. I love coming up with new tasty shake and smootie recipes…I just can’t get enough! I also like putting protein powder in my oatmeal. Thanks for the giveaway ; )

    1. Hi Carrie! Sweet! Hope you choose some cute ones. And I also have put protein powder on yogurt and oatmeal. It adds a nice little flavor to basically anything. Hope you have a nice weekend, lady! 🙂

  13. I was working retail in college and I once locked my keys in my car at a gas station pump. It was around Christmas time so not only was it super late when I got off work (think midnight) it was freezing out. The gas station was closed, but luckily there was a Walgreens across the street where I waited for my parents to bring the spare key. Definitely not a fun night!!

    But protein powder is super delicious in smoothies and overnight oats. I am also super intrigued by the veggie powder…

    1. Hi Amanda! Oh man, at night it would be way worse, because you’d be scared. That’s too bad that happened to you. But hey, yay for protein powder hahah! 🙂 Thanks for saying hi! Hope you have a nice weekend!

  14. I’m still looking for the perfect protein powder for shakes and smoothies that doesn’t upset my stomach! That beet powder looks awesome too. So glad you had the hospitality of your neighbors for a bit 🙂

    1. Hi Ashley! I bet Healthy Skoop would work for you because it’s pretty clean and plant-based. And the beet powder? YES! Love it! I had some before teaching this morning. Hope you have a great weekend, lady!

  15. Oh no, so sorry to hear about your little incident the other day! Thank goodness for kind people that are willing to help us out, eh? I’m glad it all worked out ok!

    I’m a big fan of Skoop products. Their B-Strong protein powder is definitely one of the best vegan protein powders I’ve tried.

    That carrot cake… *drooool!*

    And lastly, super cute sunglasses! I have a pair of regular Firmoo glasses. I’ll need to check out their sunglasses line!

    1. Hi Ashley! I see more cake in my future this weekend with the wedding coming up. And yes, B-Strong is delish! Hope you enjoy your weekend too, lady! 🙂

  16. I love using protein powder in chia seed puddings! I also recently tried it in oatmeal and loved it. Thanks for the giveaway!

    1. Hi Brittney, yay! You know, I’ve never made chia seed pudding. I should get on that! Thanks for the reminder. Have a lovely weekend, lady!

  17. What an interesting story! That feeling when you realize you’re locked out with no key or phone is the absolute worst.
    I have heard great things about Skoop and would love to try their products!
    My favorite way to enjoy protein powder is in smoothies, oatmeal (especially OOIAJ), and strangely, with ice-cream!

    1. Hi Niki, Now I have used protein powder in many ways, but never with ice cream. But I don’t see why not? hahha! Thanks for the idea! You’d love Skoop. Thanks for entering and happy weekend to you, lady!!!

  18. I’m so excited about the Scoop giveaway! I’ve been looking for a new protein powder and have never been sold on a pre-workout supplement, but could use one before my 5:30 AM workouts! Have a fabulous weekend!

    1. Hi Mackenzie, Yes, this Skoop beet stuff is totally awesome, in fact I had it this morning before teaching. Hope you have a wonderful Friday and weekend, lady! 🙂

  19. Thanks for the giveaway! I’m at the beach this weekend trying to soak up some sun (basically means wearing SPF 50+ and attempting not to burn) and will be trying to do some SUP and yoga by the water. And yoga has been my newest favorite thing lately! Have a wonderful weekend!

    1. Hi Caroline, YAY for the beach! SUP and yoga? Sounds fun! Have you ever combined the two? Hhahah I’ve seen SUP yoga classes are a thing, and I’d love to try it. Have fun this weekend. Thanks for saying hi!

  20. Smoothies are my go-to for protein powder, but I also love mixing it into chia pudding, making protein pancakes, and adding it to my fave black bean brownies!

    1. Hi Annie! All of those items sound amazing! You have plenty of ways to use this Skoop if you win. Hope you have a nice Friday and weekend, lady! 🙂

  21. OH no! I forgot my house keys on the counter last week (no idea why I hadn’t put them on my keychain), so I had to call my boyfriend when I got home to leave work, and let me in. Sounds like you have another awesome weekend planned, and that carrot cake-YUM. I think we’re going to the movies tonight, Indian for lunch tomorrrow, followed by Ikea. Woot.

    1. Hi Jessie! Oh man … Ikea? Ugh. That’s never fun. So crowded and overwhelming. And how funny you got locked out recently too. hahah Hope your weekend turns out well, my friend! 🙂

  22. oh my gosh, I never leave without my phone for this very reason. Dave thinks I’m crazy but I refuse to be without a line if something comes up!! I’ve been locked out more times than I like to admit (especially when my sister lived with me and would stop by the house for just a second and lock the door as she left… so many times). But yay for awesome neighbors, hopefully you can send them a nice gift basket for the kiddos! Have a great time this weekend, sounds absolutely fantastic!

    1. Hi Sam! Yes, I was just thinking that I need to give them a little “thank-you” gift for being so kind to me. And hey, keep that phone handy! 🙂 Have a great weekend, lady!

    1. Hi Kristen! Thanks for entering and saying hi! Yes, you can make a bunch of fun things with this protein powder. Hope you have a nice weekend, lady! Loving your dance moves by the way!

  23. I’ve had moments like that followed by “How did we SURVIVE without cell phones?!” haha. No, but seriously, HOW?!

    I’ve heard a lot about Healthy Skoop, but haven’t had a chance to try it out.

  24. I love the giveaway. I recently started using plant-based protein powder…it tastes so much better and digests a lot more smoothly ;). I love heaping it in fruit & spinach smoothies to round out a quick but healthy breakfast!

    1. Hi Erin! I like the plant-based consistency of protein powders too, which I didn’t at first strangely enough. Now they’ve grown on me. Thanks for entering and saying hi! Have a great weekend! 🙂

  25. I have locked myself out with no phone and two kids before! That’s not a fun wait for the hubs to come home.

    1. Hi Suzie! Oh man, with two kids being locked out? That’s way worse than one small puppy. You poor thing. I guess we will both have to be more careful. 🙂 Hope you have a nice weekend!

  26. Oh no! I’ve been locked out before when I didn’t have a key & the battery died on the code box.. not fun:/ I love making protein smoothies!

  27. Those sunglasses are super cute! Thanks for the review – I am in need of some new shades.
    Also, I have just started trying out protein powders after my thought workouts. It is too early to comment on the effectiveness but I am interested in trying others – fingers crossed!

  28. I am so sorry to hear about you getting locked out! That is pretty much one of my biggest fears! It’s so great that your neighbors were so nice to let you and the pup hang out.
    By the way, I love your sense of humor. You always find a way to include dry humor. I love that.
    I have just started using protein powder as a post workout drink and I love it. I can definitely tell a difference in my energy. Skoop sounds like it has some amazing products. I would love to check them out.
    I hope you guys have fun on your latest weekend adventure. Can’t wait to hear all about it!

    1. Hi Heather! Thanks! And I’m glad you get my humor:) Skoop stuff is awesome! Thanks for entering the giveaway. And I hope your weekend was great too!

  29. I love the skoop A game powder! I add it too my smoothies! I also love taking a blender bottle with protein powder with my to the gym for when I run errands after.

  30. i keep seeing posts about Skoop and have been wanting to try it! i love using protein powder for smoothies and in oatmeal 🙂

  31. I’ve heard a lot about Skoop. I think it would be fun to try to think up ways to use the products. I’m not normally a powder mix-in sort of person, but I do like trying new things. Thankfully I’m not as picky as I used to be when I was younger. 🙂

    Question: Sometimes I feel self-conscious taking pictures of my food? How do you explain it to people who don’t know that you are a blogger?

    1. Hi Emily! hhaha! Yes, I know, it can be strange to take photos of your food. But at this point, everyone who is around me knows that I’m a blogger so I don’t mind, nor have to explain much. But you can do it quietly, and just say you frequently track your meals with pictures for your blog, and you hope it doesn’t bother those you are with. I promise, it will become second nature and you won’t think twice about it. 🙂

  32. I’m not a big Kenny Chesney fan, but I really love that song! Dierks Bentley and Eric Church are my favorite contry artists, I can’t get enough of them.

    I love experimenting with protein powder in baking, mixed into yogurt or oatmeal, or mixed to a frosting consistency to spread on rice cakes, but in the summer, super thick protein smoothie bowls are my favorite. Thanks for the giveaway!

  33. Yikes, it must have been so stressful to not be able to get into your house! Thank goodness you have sweet neighbors. Hope you can get your keypad fixed soon. My weekend schedule is pretty laid back–pedis with a friend and teaching a couple of barre classes on Sunday morning. Hoping to have a lot of time to be productive!

  34. Your puppy is so darn cute!!! I have had a similar experience except I was in our backyard having breakfast and reading the paper when my husband left for work and it was habit to lock the back door. Unfortunately there I was sipping my coffee in my pjs in the backyard sans phone or keys and he left. I had to go to the neighbors….barefoot too…to ask to use the phone. I was not happy but it only takes once to teach ya!

    1. That’s pretty cool you make your own protein bars, Brittany! I’ve never done that and need to try. Hope you had a great weekend! 🙂

  35. That happened to me right after we moved into our house when I went for a run-i met our new neighbors when I borrowed a pair of scissors to cut through a window screen! I love to add protein powder to my oatmeal!

  36. I would have been freaking out I would miss my classes! Glad it all turned out well for you. Love the sunglasses – I’ll have to check them out. Never heard of Skoop before!

  37. I love to mix it with almond milk, instant coffee and 1/2 a frozen banana. A sort of healthified “frappucino”.

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