Friday Favorites: Good stuff and a giveaway

ByAshley Hours
Comments 148 Comments

What a week! I’ve been confused on the days all week, because there has been so much going on around here. And it’s all good stuff, my friends! I’d like to send a very big happy Friday out to you, and as always, thanks for stopping by to read today. In addition to my favorites, I’ve got a sneaky giveaway in here for some tasty bars. Don’t miss that.

Celebrating the Warriors’ win with a parade

Even though I usually teach BODYATTACK on Friday mornings, I have other plans today and got subs for the three classes I was supposed to be leading. You see, I get to walk in the big celebration parade in Oakland this morning honoring the Golden State Warriors and their NBA Champs title. Hundreds-of-thousands of people are coming together to line the streets, watch the parade and attend a pep rally in downtown Oakland. It was so nice of the Warriors organization to extend the invitation to employees’ immediate families to join the parade, and I’m looking forward to marching along with Dave and the team. Dave went out to buy a GoPro, so we can capture the 90-minute walk. Stay tuned for more on that!

I’m not sure what we’ll be up to after the parade and rally today, but I know we’ll have big smiles on our faces. Tomorrow morning, I’m back on the mic for a couple of classes at Orangetheory Fitness. Then, Dave and I are taking our little Rudy to his first vet visit. After that, we’re heading to watch the Oakland A’s play in a day game. The weekend will also include some relaxation and some sweating. (And sending some Father’s Day love to my dear Daddy in Florida, of course.)

My latest “Friday Favorites”

But you’re here today to look at some random “Friday Favorites” that are making me happy lately. I do this every single week, because it just feels like the right thing to do on the last day of the work-week. Let’s go …

My favorite new gift company

So get this — my friend from college is part of a cool company that sells all sorts of unique gift items, made in the U.S.A. and designed to make your home less “common.” He was kind enough to send me two Mason Jars and two Rocks Glasses from his product line, all featuring etched maps of my favorite city, San Francisco.

The UnCommon Green glassesHow much do you love these Map Mason Jars ($15 each) and Rocks Glasses ($12.50 each) with the Bay Area on display? And believe it or not, these are dishwasher safe.

His Boston-based company, theUnCommonGreen is hoping to launch a line of map glasswares featuring college towns to build on their arsenal of products available. They need a little support to get the College Town Maps Drinkware line up-and-running, so if you’re interested, help support them on their Etsy FUND raising page. They have plans for 60 college towns to begin and will expand after that. And yes, my alma mater University of Florida is one of them, so I’ll be sure to place my order once production is ready.

I think it goes without saying that anything from the company’s site would make an excellent Father’s Day gift, if you act quickly. And just to be extra awesome, follow theUncommonGreen on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. I wish Ben and his team the best of luck with their cool project!

My favorite championship team

It should go as no surprise that the Golden State Warriors becoming the 2015 NBA Champs is huge news for us in the Bay Area. I’m so proud of Dave and all of his coworkers for the time and effort they have put in, not only this season, but every season. Dave is coming up on three years with the organization and nobody deserves this recognition and moment of glory more.

Warriors NBA ChampsVarious moments of Warriors fan-dom throughout the Finals series shown above.

We celebrated the big win at a viewing party on Tuesday night with a few fellow Warriors employees and their wives, and it was awesome (please tell me you saw this hilarious picture I posted). A lot of work goes on behind the scenes of professional sports teams — late nights, business trips, weekend games and stress, stress, stress. But it all seems worth it when the title comes home. Go team! But hey, we’re totally ready for the off-season.

My favorite bite-size snack and a GIVEAWAY

Oh boy was I excited when a box of mini 100-calorie GoMacro Macrobars bars arrived at my door last week. This variety pack features all of the 11 delicious flavors, and I honestly can’t pick a favorite. These bars are super healthy and made by a family-owned company. Yes, they are organic, vegan, soy-free, kosher, non-GMO and are mostly made of raw ingredients. Nothing fake in these babies. My only beef with the bars? I want to eat several at a time, because they are so tasty, yet small, with a nice soft texture. But they do come in a full size, which would be a much more substantial snack.

GoMacro barsEvery single flavor is delicious. I dare you to have just one.

I would highly recommend picking these up if you’re in need of a healthy snack on-the-go, and you can find them at most grocery stores. Thanks to the folks at GoMacro for giving me a complimentary box. You know the way to my heart, people.

GIVEAWAY and DISCOUNT ALERT: And now for that sneaky giveaway. I’m giving away one box of GoMacro bars to a lucky A Lady Goes West reader. All you have to do to enter is leave a comment on this post. And to get additional entries, like any of GoMacro sites on social media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest) and leave a comment letting me know you did so. Leave a separate comment for each site you like. And if you don’t win, you can order some bars from the GoMacro site and get 40 percent off using the one-time discount code: BLOGGER. 

My favorite links of the week

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

And a personal favorite, check out this cool piece by Crunch Live featuring one of my fitness tips …

Crunch Live Summer Healthy Living Tips

I’m honored to be included with some other fitness blogger friends.

And that covers it for today!

Enter the giveaway and have a fabulous weekend 

Don’t forget to enter to win a box of GoMacro bars. Leave a comment on this post to enter, and you can get more entries by liking GoMacro social media sites and telling me that you’ve done so in separate comments. (Find GoMacro on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.) This contest is open to those in the U.S. and Canada only and will end on Monday night June 22.

Now go off and have a good one, my friends! And if you’re in the Bay Area, tune into the parade on TV and look for me. I’ll be the one in the Golden State Warriors shirt.

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

Questions of the day

Which city map would you like on your glass?

What are you up to this weekend?

Which GoMacro bar flavors would you most like to try?

 Ashley signature

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148 Comments

  3. I definitely saw that hilarious picture on Instagram and was so excited for both you and Dave! What a great way to end a season!!!

    Those GoMacro bars look delish! If I don’t win, I will have to pick up a few.

    Happy Friday Ashley!

    Reply

  7. I can’t remember if I’ve read what Dave does for the Warriors. Have you posted that before? Not many plans this weekend, just teaching my Saturday morning BODYPUMP class. Then, probably getting more stuff ready for our big move to Japan. Ugh, we have too much stuff. Those glasses are very cool. I am wondering if they will do a map of the college town we live in – Blacksburg, VA (Virginia Tech). We have lived here for 3 years now and it is an awesome little college town. However, we lived in San Diego for 10 years and I’d love that one as well. I’d love to try the peanut butter chocolate chip. Have a great weekend Ashley!

    Reply

    1. Hi Melissa! I haven’t talked about Dave’s job on the blog, but he is in Corporate Partnerships. Figure I better not always divulge EVERYthing on here, right? hahah! Enjoy BODYPUMP tomorrow, lady! I just looked it up and the company is doing a Virginia Tech map. I’ve never been there, but I’m glad you like your town. Happy Friday, my friend!

      Reply

  11. The glasses are very cool! Congrats again on the team win That must have been a great week of celebrating. The bars look very tasty! I have seen those at Whole Foods and have been meaning to check them out. Have a great weekend!

    Reply

  15. I would love to have Nantucket (is that even possible? haha) on my glass. It’s not a city, but has such a special place in my heart. I would LOVE to try the GoMacro sunflower butter and chocolate – sounds like an amazing dessert to me! No big plans this weekend, hopefully just relaxing and spending some time at the beach : ) Have a fantastic weekend!!

    Reply

    2. Hi Jamie,

      Love your Nantucket idea, As a past figawi racer and beachgoer I’m right there with you! We are constantly looking to expand our lineup to incorporate new cities and regions and we recently introduced a Hamptons glass so we are not opposed to working in iconic places not just cities. Right now we are all hands on deck with our expansion into college towns but stay tuned around the holidays as this is typically when we release new locales.

      Best,
      Ben

      Reply

  18. What a fun week you’ve had. We were pulling for the warriors…I usually don’t get that into basketball (more of a football person) but they were really fun to watch. Have a great weekend!!

    Reply

    1. Hi Marielle! Thank you for pulling for the Warriors. They were fun to watch. You should have seen all the players speak at the rally today — so funny! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

      Reply

  19. What a cute glass!! You know I would get Pittsburgh on mine 🙂 That’s such a cute gift idea. My sister and her husband have lived in a few different cities, so that would be cute to have a set with all the different places on it! Hope you have a great weekend girl 🙂

    Reply

    1. Hi Gretchen! Sure would! I love personalized and unique things like this — I’m sure your sis would enjoy receiving some (keep it in mind for her birthday perhaps??). And I hope you have a great weekend as well! 🙂

      Reply

    2. Hi Gretchen,

      We support your love for the ‘burgh! I have some close friends from McDonald and Sewickley, PA who have raved to us about these. We offer multiple styles of our Pittsburgh maps glasses from Rocks to Pints, even wine caraffes. Here’s a full link to our line up here :

      http://www.theuncommongreen.com/search?type=product&q=pittsburgh

      We also are carrying Pitt and Penn State related pint glasses for our College Town Maps Drinkware Campaign for the superfan in your crew. Go for whatever strikes your fancy : https://www.etsy.com/listing/231875465/college-town-maps-drinkware

      Best,
      Ben

      Reply

  24. Happy Parade Day, Ashley! Hope you and Dave have a blast 🙂 I’m going to try and watch some of it on my computer at work today. I’m loving those glasses from your friend Ben’s company. I may have to splurge on some Chicago wine glasses – so adorable. And those GoMacro bars look so tasty. I can’t even decide what flavor sounds best. Have a wonderful weekend and wish your Dad a Happy Father’s Day!

    Reply

    1. Hi Stephanie, my dear. The parade was so much fun! And you should totally get the Chicago glasses. Hope you have a nice weekend as well, lady! 🙂 Thanks for saying hi!

      Reply

    1. Hey, I have nothing against the city of Cleveland. Just glad the Warriors beat the Cavs heheh! Hope you have a wonderful weekend, Melissa! 🙂

      Reply

    2. Hi Melissa,

      As the saying goes…Clevland Rocks! We happen to allow you to keep up with the spirit literally with the Cleveland Street Maps Rocks Glass :
      http://www.theuncommongreen.com/products/cleveland-street-maps-rocks

      Any Buckeye fans in your life would love our Columbus glasses as part of our College Town Maps Drinkware launch as well : https://www.etsy.com/listing/231875465/college-town-maps-drinkware

      Hope this helps you round out your bartop.

      -Ben

      Reply

  31. GO W’s!

    I don’t think I realized Dave worked for them. I thought you guys were just huge fans!

    Enjoy the Parade! I got to walk in the Giants parade and it’s an awesome experience

    Reply

    1. Hi Sabrina! Yes ma’am. We moved from Florida to San Francisco so he could take the job with the Warriors — that’s why this Lady went West heheh! 🙂 The parade was so fun, and how cool you were in the Giants parade. Good times! Have a wonderful weekend!

      Reply

  34. I’d love to see Kansas City on a glass, they are too cool!

    Hanging out with the family this weekend, and trying to stay cool in the 100 degree heat index this weekend :).

    Reply

    1. Hi Ashley! Ohhh yes, the parade was a lot of fun. And you’d like the GoMacros, especially as a nut butter fan. Hope you have a wonderful weekend! 🙂

      Reply

  38. Go Warriors! I would totally be at the parade today if I didn’t have to work:( Those bars look tasty I will have to heck them out!

    Reply

    1. Hi Amber! I think a lot of people must have skipped out on work, because it was packed! It was hot though. Hope you caught some clips online afterwards, and I’ll post pics on Monday. Have a great weekend!

      Reply

  39. Even though I don’t live in the Bay Area, I’m a California girl and was very excited for the warriors’ win! Have fun walking in the parade. 🙂

    I’ve always wanted to try these go macro bars. Such a great giveaway!

    Reply

    1. Hi April! Cheers from one California girl to another. (Well I guess I’m a Florida girl by birth, but a California girl now!) Hope you have a wonderful weekend! Thanks for saying hi.

      Reply

    1. Hi Emma! That’s totally okay. I’m only a huge Warriors fan because of my hubs, so don’t worry. And the parade was quite crazy, it was so good to see so many people support the team. Are you a City or East Bay gal? Have a lovely weekend!

      Reply

    1. Hi Dani! Oh the parade was super fun! And Oakland is so proud of the team. It was a huge celebration. Hope you have a nice weekend! 🙂 Where do you live by the way??

      Reply

  45. I have seen the GoMacro bars at the store but have yet to try them. I will have to pick one up next time. The flavors look delicious!

    I went to a college in a rather small town (Tennessee Tech) so I doubt they would make a glass from there. However, I would love a glass with a map of Nashville, TN on it. I would live there if I could 🙂

    Reply

    1. Hi Amanda! I’d love to spend more time in Nashville, I only went once for work and it seems like a cool place. Hope you have a wonderful weekend! 🙂

      Reply

  47. Those classes are really cool! Tell him to make some for Bend, Oregon! There’s a really big beer scene here so I bet if he made some Bend beer glasses or mugs they would be a big hit!

    Reply

    2. Hi Lindsey,

      We are always looking to get new cities into our existing lineup. Right now we are fully focused on getting our College Town Maps Drinkware line up and running so Eugene has been put on the front burner.

      I will definitely pass along the Bend concept to our development team and stay tuned around the holidays we typically work to release more cities around then.

      Best,
      Ben

      Reply

  49. The unCommonGreen products are really neat! I had never heard of them and am definitely going to buy some as gifts. I would love to try the Go Macro bars!

    Reply

  51. Umm… you don’t have to ask me twice! That PB + Chocolate Chip flavor is totally my style 😉 This weekend we are celebrating Kyle’s first Father’s Day as well as his birthday on Monday. It’s also our first “free” weekend in quite some time so I am looking forward to having time to do more BODYPUMP and get a few things done around the house. Have a wonderful weekend!

    Reply

    1. Hi Becky! We haven’t had a FREE weekend in forever, but we’re looking forward to some of those now that basketball is over. Of course, I always teach on the weekends, but whatever. I hope you shower Kyle with love on his first Father’s Day! 🙂

      Reply

  53. I love those go marco bars! the minis are the best when it comes to bars! I like the cashew caramel and peanut butter chocolate chip flavors a lot!

    Reply

  59. I’ve seen those bars at Whole Foods but have never tried! They sound great.

    Love the map decorated mason jar-so cute!

    Reply

  60. Ah! Those mason jars are AMAZING! I’m going to head over to the site now to check out what cities they can do. I love mason jars too, so it’s a given these are right up my alley. I totally support a family-owned company, therefore I’d love to try those bars.

    Reply

  65. Love those bars. They’re not cheap, so I cringe a little when I buy one, but I’m always happy I did because they’re so yummy and worth it!

    Reply

  66. Those mason jars are so cute! I love them! I think I might have to make an order for one soon 🙂
    I have always wanted to try out the go macro bars, but for some reason I have yet too! That sunflower butter chocolate is calling my name! Do you have a favorite flavor?

    Reply

    1. Hi Hilary! I like ALL of them. But of course, the ones with chocolate may be the best to me. Hope you have a wonderful weekend!! 🙂

      Reply

  70. I love these etched Mason Jars!! They are oh so cool…I’ll definitely be hitting these up for gifts. I think my family would love some with the Bay Area motif. It’s funny because I’ve been giving everyone the SF starbucks cups 😛

    Reply

  74. I’m so glad the Warriors won! It’s felt like the whole Bay Area is celebrating!! 🙂 So awesome you got to walk in the parade!

    Reply

  76. Always looking for new snack options. And if it combines peanut butter and chocolate – so much the better!!

    Reply
  77. Pingback: Warriors parade, the weekend and workouts - A Lady Goes WestA Lady Goes West

  78. i’ve tried one or two of the full-sized flavors a long time ago, love that they have the minis now!

    Reply

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