Friday Favorites: Celebs, scents, games + more

ByAshley Hours
Comments 61 Comments

TGIF, party people! And when I say party, I mean party. In addition to the fact that I always enjoy sharing some fun “Friday Favorites” with you on this day each week, I also have some awesome things to look forward to this weekend, which are making me very excited.

Tonight, Dave and I are going to a wine-tasting event in the Presidio neighborhood of San Francisco. We were lucky enough to get special VIP tickets from one of my college girlfriends, who just happens to be in town working at the event. And tomorrow, we’re hosting our big housewarming party. What started out as a small get together to show off our new digs has turned into an evening gathering of about 30 people. Let’s just say, I’ve spent a lot of time looking for appetizer recipes on Pinterest, making shopping lists and coming up with some special touches. Dave and I are seasoned party hosts, who had to take a small break from group entertaining while living in small apartments in the City for a few years, but baby, we’re back!

Now it’s time to get to my latest set of “Friday Favorite” finds. Sit back, relax and enjoy this light-hearted post.

My favorite recent event

Remember that time I met Lorna Jane last week? I never filled you guys in, but here’s the low-down: I attended the “Move Nourish Believe” tour, in which Lorna Jane, the founder and namesake of the fitness and lifestyle brand, was visiting a few retail locations around the U.S. signing her books and chatting with fans. During the event at the Union Street store in the Marina neighborhood of San Francisco, I not only had my picture taken with her and chatted with her, but I also took a cycle class at Equinox (where I used to work as a personal trainer), which was the “move” portion of the event.

Move Nourish Believe with LJ at Union Street store via A Lady Goes WestShown above from top left to right: Me towering over the beautiful Lorna Jane (who was in high-heeled sneakers), a look at the healthy “nourish” goodies offered, the indoor cycle and me with fellow healthy-living blogger Cassie.

The best part of the night? When I was telling Lorna Jane about my blog and fitness background, I mentioned that I teach Les Mills classes, and she said she used to love to take BODYPUMP. Awesome! Oh, and I walked away with a little gift bag and a beautiful new Lorna Jane top. It was a late night for me during the week, but it was well worth it to meet an inspiring fitness celeb like Lorna Jane Clarkson. 

My favorite game

This one is hilarious, but not for the faint of heart. Dave and I first played this card game during our group camping trip in the redwoods last year. Well, I finally ordered it for us to have ourselves, so we can pull it out at any time. Yes, it’s on deck in case there is a need for it at the housewarming this weekend.

Cards Against HumanityThis is by far the funniest card game I’ve ever played. Cards Against Humanity does not disappoint. But it does make you cringe.

If you’ve never played this game, believe me, it’s pretty raunchy. I tend to think this game pairs best with wine, because you need to be loosened up to read some of the phrases on the cards. There are definitely words that I wouldn’t normally say on there, but in the heat of the moment, you just go with it. You probably need to play this with a group of friends you’re comfortable with. And yes, this is one of those games that will make your cheeks hurt, because you laugh so hard for so long.

My favorite healthy treat

Yes, I love almost all Greek yogurt. And I must say I’m very pleased with this latest limited-edition flavor from Chobani. If you recall, the Green Tea limited-edition flavor made it into one of my favorites just a few weeks ago. Well now, its purple cousin is the belle of the ball.

Chobani Concord Grape FlavoredThis little tub of goodness is packed with protein and has a tasty grape-jelly flavor.

It’s super grapey. Like super grapey. Funny story: I bought one of these to try at home and ate it when super hungry, nearly chugging it in the kitchen before even closing the fridge door. After tossing it in the trash, I realized I should have taken a picture for this post #BloggerProblems. Therefore, I went back to Target this week and picked up more to have for this photo. Guess that’s good, because now I can eat it more of it.

My favorite beauty indulgence

I love perfume. Just love it. But I don’t buy it as much as I used to, because it’s so darn expensive. Back when I worked in an office every day and spent more time in nice clothes than gym clothes, I wore a rotation of several fancy perfumes. These days, I choose to forgo strong scents while working in the gym, so I don’t stock up like I once did with the latest scents. However, I recently ran out of my last drop, so I was in need of something new.

The One PerfumeDescribed as a warm, oriental floral with vanilla musk, just a couple spritzes of “The One” for Women will make you feel strong and fancy.

Over the weekend, during a little shopping trip, I sampled a ton of perfumes and ended up with this one — The One. I actually had previously owned and used up this perfume about six years ago (right around the time I met Dave actually), and when I smelled it again in the store, I knew I wanted to get it for the second time. It’s pretty strong, but I’m in love with the smell. 

My favorite tune of the week

I’m always switching between stations on the satellite radio and my latest favorite is “Cheerleader” by OMI. It’s a good one, and the chorus is so happy and catchy. Have you heard it? I really like the singer’s voice. So I ask you, who is your cheerleader?

My favorite links of the week

Hope you didn’t miss any of the good stuff on A Lady Goes West this week:

And make sure you enter the Coco Libre Coconut Water Hydration Package giveaway before it closes on Sunday!

Major weekend plans

After teaching an early BODYATTACK class, I have some work to do and party prep before Dave and I head off for our wine event tonight.

I hope you have a great weekend! Check me out on Instagram to see party pics! Bye friends!

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, Katie and Clare. 

  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

Questions of the day

Do you have plans for the weekend? What’s your favorite appetizer to eat at a party? Any recent favorites to share?

Ashley signature

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61 Comments

  1. Hello! Happy Friday! The wine event sounds like a lot of fun. I think I’m doing a solo wine event tonight from my couch. 😉 After I take BODYPUMP of course. And I have to ask, is Lorna short or are you really tall?

    Reply

    1. Hi Diane! I’m 5’8, and was much taller than her when she was in heels. I’m guessing she is 5’1 or 5’2, not totally sure though. She’s little, but looks great!! 🙂

      Reply

    1. Thanks, Chrissy! I love making meals out of appetizers too. I’ve got a lot of work to do in the kitchen before the guests arrive, and some snacking will definitely take place during prep. Happy weekend to you too! 🙂

      Reply

  3. I love cards against humanity! It’s awesome to play with close friends but also such a great icebreaker in a new group because everyone is pretty much forced to get comfortable with each other right off the bat! Who knew that talking about the raunchiest things ever was such a good way to bond?

    Reply

    1. I know Ruthie! You feel close to someone after saying some of those things off the card aloud in front of them hehehe. Hope you have a great weekend! 🙂

      Reply

  4. Cards against Humanity is the best game ever. Although, I guess it depends on the group you play with. One time I played with people I didn’t really know that well and it was a lot harder/not as funny just because we didn’t quite “get” each other’s personalities yet.

    Reply

  6. I love the taste of grapes so I’ll have to look for that yogurt..sounds delicious!

    I’m recently obsessed with snicker doodle coffee from my neighborhood coffee shop. It tastes so delicious and I don’t even need cream or sugar in it!! So goooodd.

    I love to host parties as well and always try out new recipes from Pinterest. A recent crowd pleaser is lil smokeys wrapped in bacon and baked for a while, then topped with a tiny bit of brown sugar. I couldn’t make them fast enough, but they’re not the healthiest treat!

    Reply

    1. Hi Gretchen, I will admit that many of the things I’m making are not the healthiest either, but it’s a party and I’m not worried about it. Yes, those smokies are always crowd pleasers. Thanks for sharing. And your coffee sounds yummy, even though I don’t drink coffee!! 🙂 Have a great weekend!

      Reply

  16. First off, I LOVE Cards Against Humanity, it’s the ultimate ice breaker! And I, too, have been living on the appetizer section of Pinterest for the past few days. I need to come up with something for a game night this weekend, myself, so I’d be curious to see what you decided on! Have a great party and weekend 🙂

    Reply

  17. I love Cheerleader, too! I was playing it in our apartment the other night and my husband came in and was like, “What is this? It’s kind of weird sounding but I really like it!” Haha. 🙂

    Reply

  18. I love that perfume! I’m also a big fan of Calvin Klein Eternity. Big plans for the weekend – watch the new Les Mills I just downloaded! Have you watched BodyPump yet?? And favorites – I just found Jamberry nails and am in love!!! Have you heard of them??? So amazing! I’ll send you a sample of you want!

    Reply

    1. Hi Melissa! I haven’t downloaded any of the new releases yet, but will do that soon! I LOVE watching them for the first time. And I have heard of Jamberry before but never tried them – I have a sample already that I haven’t used because it’s just for one finger hehehe. Hope you have an awesome weekend!! 🙂

      Reply

  19. How awesome you got to meet Lorna Jane!! What a fun opportunity.

    Glad to hear you love the grape Chobani! I’ve seen it, but I’ve been hesitant to get it. You’ve convinced me though…I’ll grab it next time! I loved the green tea flavor too!

    Enjoy your weekend! Sounds like you have a fun one ahead! xo

    Reply

    1. Hi Kersten! Yes, definitely a fun weekend ahead! No, I’m not working as a trainer at Equinox anymore. After we made plans to move outside the City (too far to make it in), I decided to give that up and focus on group classes. I’m teaching a bunch of classes right now and am about to start something new soon too!! I’ll tell you all once it’s official! Hope you have a wonderful Friday!! Go have some fun! 🙂

      Reply

    1. If I can sense your personality from your writing, you would DIE over this one. Buy it soon and invite someone over to enjoy it with you!! Happy weekend, Brittany! 🙂

      Reply

  26. by far….CAH. yes yesyes. I’m down to grab a group of friends to play any night of the week….although, people usually don’t get my humor, so I either win by a landslide or bomb terribly. ha!

    Reply
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