Friday Favorites: Tasty stuff and a giveaway

ByAshley Hours
Comments 204 Comments

Hello there, my friends! We made it to Friday, thank goodness. I hope your week has been going along nicely. And I also hope you’re in a good “TGIF” type of mood today.

This morning, I’m not only teaching my usual BODYATTACK class, but I’m also teaching a BODYPUMP class at the same gym with a one-hour break in between. I launched BODYPUMP 94 last night and will be repeating the new release this morning (more than 1,000 repetitions in one class, by the way!). After teaching, I’ll be heading home to do some work, jump on a conference call about an upcoming project, shower up and then meet some girls for a wine date in downtown Walnut Creek.

This weekend will hopefully include a lot of relaxing. As I’ve alluded to lately, I’ve been busy, busy, busy and am in need of a little breather. That being said, I have decided to stop teaching regularly on the weekends for a while. With so much travel coming up, it just didn’t make sense for me to keep my weekend classes and continue to search for subs.

As far as other plans for the weekend, Dave and I have a double-date on Saturday night, and that’s about the extent of it. But today, I’m here to give you my “Friday Favorites,” and this is a bunch of good stuff with a special giveaway mixed in!

My favorite group fitness company and protein powder (and GIVEAWAY)

Several months ago, I was super excited to be able to announce the launch of Les Mills Good Protein. You know my love for the Les Mills company runs deep, and I’m also a huge fan of the company’s products, like the protein powder and even the SMARTBAR. When Les Mills creates something, they go for high-quality all the way. And today I’d like to give two readers the chance to win a small bag (which includes about 12 servings) of this protein powder in either chocolate or vanilla flavor. Spreading the Les Mills cheer!

Les Mills Good Protein powder giveaway via A Lady Goes WestThis casein and whey protein powder is delicious, the short-list of ingredients are clean, and it’s made by Les Mills. Enough said.

Speaking of Les Mills, I ran into the program director of BODYATTACK, Lisa Osbourne, at IDEA World in LA last week and was so excited to see her in person, because I see her so often on my instructor videos. I also ran into some of my favorite Les Mills ladies in the expo hall as they were hanging out at the Good Protein booth. Love it!

GIVEAWAY ALERT: All you have to do to enter to win is leave a comment on this post. You can leave an additional and separate comment if you (A) like A Lady Goes West on Facebook and (B) follow A Lady Goes West on Instagram. So the more comments, the more chances you can win. It’s just that easy! And if you don’t win and would like to try out Les Mills Good Protein yourself, you can visit the online shop and use the code GOWEST15 for 15 percent off your order.

My favorite goodies of the week

As you can imagine, from walking the IDEA World Fitness Convention expo hall and being an attendee and speaker at IDEA BlogFest, I came away with a lot of loot. Yet I planned ahead and knew to keep some extra space in my suitcase for all the goodies I would bring home.

BlogFest and IDEA World swag via A Lady Goes West Friday FavoritesLike a little kid on Christmas, I’m always excited to get free stuff like this spread!

Various snack bars, hummus, healthy protein powders, a prAna workout outfit, a Sweat Pink hat, shoelaces, ditty bag, water bottle, hand-weights, massage balls and more. I love all the stuff I was given and have been making my way through the snacks already. Perhaps the best thing I discovered at the expo hall? Quest bars! True story, I had never had one until this past weekend, and they are divine. My favorite flavor so far is the Banana Nut Muffin … yum-central.

My favorite outfits of the week

It’s not often that I get dressed up outside of workout clothes more than a couple of days in-a-row. Yet, while in LA for IDEA BlogFest, I dressed in normal clothes four nights in-a-row, and it was awesome. Here’s just a sampling …

BlogFest outfits via A Lady Goes West Friday FavoritesOn the left, this GB Lace Yoke Shift Dress in Hot Pink is so comfortable, and because the color is so bright, it really popped in the pictures. Upper-right corner is a loose Drapey Jersey Tank and Lululemon leggings, and on the bottom-right corner is a Lush Sleeveless Henley Blouse and faux leather pants, similar to these. 

Needless to say, I really enjoyed getting cleaned up each night after a ton of sweat sessions. But really, all things IDEA BlogFest could have made up my “Friday Favorites” today, so we’ll leave it at that.

My favorite links of the week

I hope you didn’t miss some of the good stuff on A Lady Goes West this week. Here’s what happened …

Have a fabulous weekend, my friends! I’ll be checking in on Instagram until we meet again. Talk to you soon! 

Enter the Les Mills Good Protein giveaway

Don’t forget to leave a comment to enter the Les Mills protein powder giveaway. (If you don’t know how to leave a comment, just click on the title of this post and then scroll to the bottom of the page — you’ll see some fields open up for you to put your name, email and comment.) You can earn additional entries by liking A Lady Goes West on Facebook and following A Lady Goes West on Instagram. Leave a separate comment for each thing you do. Two lucky winners will be selected randomly on Monday night via the comments. This giveaway is open to those in the U.S. only, sorry to my international friends. But good luck to everyone else!

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
  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

Questions of the day

What are your plans for the weekend?

Do you have something new in your life you’re loving lately? 

Do you want to win some Les Mills Good Protein?

 Ashley signature

Follow along with me on Bloglovin‘, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.

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204 Comments

  1. Your outfits are adorable! Where did you get the sandals in the bottom left picture?
    Thanks! Enjoy your weekend! 🙂

    Reply

  3. I’m always down to try a new protein powder! I can’t believe that it has been a full week since Blogfest wrapped. I’m totally in denial about it. And girl, you made OFF with the samples, which you know that I totally respect! Well done! Have a great weekend, Ashley!

    Reply

    1. Hi Susie! I sure did get some good stuff. And I really wish there was another BlogFest this year. Let’s tell the Sweat Pink ladies to get on that!

      Reply

  4. Happy Friday! I hope your classes are great today! I would really enjoy trying Good Protein. I’ve heard so many awesome things about it and lets face it I love any Les Mills product. If Glinn and Lisa like it, I’m sure I will too!

    Have a great weekend 🙂

    Reply

    1. Hi Jenna! That’s right, if it’s good enough for the Les Mills people, then it’s good enough for us! 🙂 Happy Friday, lady! Hope you have a good one!

      Reply

  5. My Mom is flying in tomorrow to help me recover. I hate that feeling of needing a babysitter but I guess I must swallow my pride. Loved your IDEA dresses! I’m so sad I didn’t get my swag, really wanted the SWP hat!

    Reply

    1. Hi Megan! Oh how nice that your Mom is coming. Enjoy the time and let her spoil you and baby you! We all need that in our lives at times. 🙂

      Reply

  6. Holy samples! Haha. I guess I totally dropped the ball there. I came home with maybe 5 Larabars and a couple from Fiber One? Get it! I loved your outfits at IDEA, and I’m already wishing we could be back in L.A. to dine out and explore more.

    Thanks for linking up. Happy (almost) Weekend!

    Reply

    1. Hi Heather! You know I was loading up! Happy weekend to you too! It’s clear that a full couple of days off are in order for the both of us. TGIF!

      Reply

  7. Your wine night tonight sounds like so much fun! This weekend Kyle’s mom and grandma are visiting so Dean will get to meet more of his grandparents! As for the protein, I’m always for trying new brands! Thanks for the giveaway:)

    Reply

    1. That’s so great Dean will be meeting more family members! They will love that little guy! Your pictures are so cute. Happy Friday, Becky! 🙂

      Reply

  9. What a fun weekend planned ! We have nothing planned but Baby snuggles ! Our little guy came into the world last week and we’ve been enjoying the slowness of going with the flow ! It’s been nice to not have a schedule and just have people come to us ! Hope you have a great weekend – wine sounds nice lol

    Reply

    1. AHHHHHHHH Fiona!!!! Congratulations!!!! I’m soooooo happy for you!!!!!!!!! YAY!! How wonderful!!!!! Thank you for telling me. I hope you are feeling strong and enjoy your snuggles with your new little one!

      Reply

  12. Ooh yummy! I love swag, and it looks like you got a good variety of fun snacks to fuel all your workouts and outings for a while. 😉

    Reply

    1. Hi Emily! Yes, it’s so fun to reach into my bag of stuff now to choose a snack or protein hheheh! Happy Friday to you! Hope you have a lovely weekend!

      Reply

  13. Hi! As I was just making my morning smoothie, I realized that my vanilla tub is getting low… Good timing to win some protein! Love your dress, super cute!

    Reply

    1. Hi Suzie! Thanks for entering and saying hi! I get so nervous when my protein stash is low heheh! Happy Friday!! Hope you have a wonderful weekend! 🙂

      Reply

  16. TGIF! I’ve been loving the recaps Ashley! That swag bag is insane & you know we need reviews on your faves. I have yet to try the LM good protein (even though I know I should & I see it promoted in the education vids every release.)

    Reply

    1. Hi Gen! Yes, I will let you know the best items from all of my swag. So far the Quest Bars are winning! 🙂 Happy Friday to you!!

      Reply

  17. Wow look at all those goodies! 😀 That protein sounds amazing. I am constantly trying to find a protein powder with short ingredient lists but still tastes great, their hard to come by!

    Reply

  24. Yehhh! lisa Osborne! She’s so cute & friendly! I met her a few years ago at our Can Fit Pro LMI event (same thing as the One Live events now). I’ve released BodyStep 100 a few times this week, and will get BodyPump 94 out to my classes next week for the first time. Happy Friday, and have a great weekend!!

    Reply

    1. Hi Ashleigh! I got to try BODYSTEP 100 at the Super Q and was in LOVE with the new athletic vibe of the program. So cool you’ve also met Lisa!! Have fun launching BODYPUMP!! 🙂 Happy Friday!

      Reply

  25. I’d love to win some protein. BodyPump is one of my favorite classes and all the Les Mills ones are great workouts, so I’m sure their protein will be good for refueling after the classes. Looks like you got a TON of goodies and I’m kinda jealous of those little single nut butter packets too- love those :).

    Reply

    1. Hi Amy! So any goodies, I know! I haven’t broken into any of the nut butters yet, but I will. And I’m so glad you’re a BODYPUMP fan, lady! Happy Friday to you! Thanks for saying hi! 🙂

      Reply

  27. I can’t wait to read your review on the new Bodypump release. My gym just released it last weekend. I like hearing it from an instructor’s point of view.

    Reply

    1. Hi Amanda!! Yes, I will definitely share my thoughts after I teach it a couple more times!! I hope you’re enjoying it!! Happy Friday! 🙂

      Reply

  30. No big plans this weekend which I am a.ok with. Is it weird to want to rest up before a week vacation? Haha. I totally want to win some protein! I’m all about trying new products !! : )

    Reply

    1. That’s awesome Christine! No, I haven’t tried that Larabar, but now I MUST get my hands on it! hahah! Thanks for the tip! 🙂 Happy Friday to you. Thanks for saying hi!

      Reply

  37. Looks like the conference was a lot of fun – cant believe how many samples they give everyone they all look amazing

    Reply

  38. Oh my gosh, you look fantastic in that pink dress! I think it contrasts so well with your dark hair and it’s adorable. SO glad you linked to it so I can copy you 😉 I’m happy you can enjoy a low-key weekend and hope you can relax with Rudy!

    Reply

    1. Hhahah thanks, Gretchen! You know I’m looking forward to my quality time with the Rudster. I hope you get some dog snuggles in as well! 🙂

      Reply

  39. Awesome haul you came home with! I’d love to try the Les Mills protein, I’m always on the hunt for new proteins as a lot of them leave me with an upset stomach. Have a great weekend! 🙂

    Reply

    1. Hi Ashley! Oh that’s too bad that some protein powders hurt your stomach. Hope you get a chance to try the right one soon! Happy Friday to you, lady! 🙂

      Reply

  40. D-damn, that’s a lot of samples! 😛 Good goin’! I hope you have an awesome weekend! I would’ve been all over the wild friends nut butters, hehehe. :]

    I love trying out new protein powders! 😀 Still on the hunt for my perfect one! :O

    Reply

    1. Hi Farrah! I haven’t tried the nut butters yet, but I’m excited to dig in. Maybe Les Mills Good Protein will be your perfect protein powder? Happy Friday, lady!!! Hope all is well!

      Reply

    1. Ha, Jill! What a breakfast! I love it. Rumor has it I need to heat them up and they’ll be even tastier! Happy Friday, pretty lady! 🙂

      Reply

  45. Love reading your posts every day! I love quest bars! You should also try their new protein powder line-super creamy even when mixed with just water. The salted caramel is to die for!

    Entering this Les mils competition to try their line of protein powders out!

    Reply

  48. I am always in a search for a good clean source of protein so I would love to try the Les Mills product.

    My weekend pland are low key I am getting together with some friends to play cards and drink some wine.

    Reply

    1. Hi Susan! Can I come? I love to play cards and drink wine ahaha!! Thanks for saying hi! Have a lovely low-key weekend, and good luck in the giveaway!

      Reply

  53. I know how you feel about never getting to dress up! I practically live in workout clothes. Glad you got a chance to fancy up and have fun. Your outfits were super cute!

    Reply

    1. Thanks, Lindsey! It’s funny, because when I had to dress up every single day in the corporate world, all I wanted was to put on workout clothes heheh. Anyways! Happy Friday to you!

      Reply

  54. Yay, giveaways! 😀

    I have yet to try a Quest bar, too. Everyone says they’re awesome, I should probably join the cool Quest kids’ club one of these days!

    Reply

    1. That’s how I felt, Emily. Like I was totally un-cool. But now I know why they are so hyped up. Pretty darn tasty. Happy Friday!!

      Reply

    1. Hi Jessica! Wow! That’s a big deal! Enjoy your trip to Aspen! I hope you get all things squared away with your venue. How exciting! Happy Friday!

      Reply

  56. OH MY GOSH, ALL that Swag! Sounds like you definitely need a break this weekend, hope you have a relaxing one :). I’m hoping to get some rest as well, I did a Pilates class before work, and a Speed & Agility class at lunch, boy I’m tired! Pup has his yearly vet appointment tomorrow, other than that, hopefully a pretty low key weekend of reading, de-cluttering, food prepping, and hopefully a nap or two.

    Reply

    1. Hi Jessie! Rudy went to the vet yesterday! Sounds like you have a pretty nice weekend ahead. And nice work on the multiple workouts today. I did the same!! 🙂 Hope you get a nap in!

      Reply

  57. I would eat ALL the Quest bars all day if they weren’t over $2 each… eek! So good. I follow you on Instagram, let’s see more Rudy 🙂

    Reply

    1. Hi Deborah! That’s how I felt last year with all the BlogFest pictures, so I’m so glad I was there this time. Hope you have a wonderful weekend! 🙂

      Reply

  63. I’ve never tried protein powder so I am curious how I would like it. I would love to try the Les Mills protein powder! I am awful about consuming protein right after working out in the morning since I have to rush to get ready for work so this could be my solution!

    Reply

    1. Hi Reid! Happy Friday! I know it can be hard to make yourself have something when you’re in a rush and not thinking about eating, but a tasty Les Mills Good Protein pack mixed with water would be just what you need to restore. Thanks for saying hi and entering! Have a wonderful weekend!

      Reply

  68. Hey Ashley – just recently started reading your blog after a few instructor friends shared your confessions of a group fitness instructor. I’m also a Les Mills instructor: I teach BodyPump, BodyFlow, BodyCombat, RPM and CXWorx. I’ve seen their ads for their Good Protein but haven’t tried it yet. Would love to get some for free!

    Reply

    1. Hi Julie! Thank you so much for saying hi!! Wow, you’ve got five programs?? Nice!! I don’t currently have a CXWORX class, although I’m certified in it, so I typically just do that one at home. I’d love to do BODYFLOW if I ever get the energy to have more choreography to learn hehe! 🙂 I’ve tried SO many protein products, and I really think Les Mills has created a top-of-the-line protein powder with this one. Good luck in the giveaway! Have a wonderful weekend, tribe friend!

      Reply

      1. Well I only currently teach Pump, Flow and RPM. But I miss Combat terribly. And I’m like you with CX. I don’t currently teach it, but it’s something I love to do at home. It’s such a great workout!

        Reply

  69. I stopped teaching on the weekends about a year ago and it was a really good decision. I needed my weekends for me. Plus, I was exhausted. We all need a break from our jobs. A pretty mellow weekend here, because it is hot as heck in Houston, and like you I have lots of travel coming up. Enjoy yours! XOXO

    Reply

    1. Free weekends for you too? That’s the way to do it. I’m excited to see the beauty of not having to wake up and prepare for classes every Saturday morning!! 🙂 Enjoy your weekend!!

      Reply

    1. Hi Ashley! It sure is tough! I need to teach it a couple more times before I review!! Happy weekend to you! Thanks for saying hi! 🙂

      Reply

  72. I love me some Good Protein! It’s seriously the best. Both flavors. I still can’t believe you’d never had Quest Bars before! I brought a whole box on my NY/Boston trip to have on hand for breakfast or while out and about just in case. 🙂

    Reply

    1. Hi Breanne, Yes, but Quest Bars are expensive. So I’m glad I didn’t know how good they were until now. Because I want MORE!!!! hahahah!

      Reply

  75. Man, I am LATE in commenting today! I was team teaching BODYCOMBAT again and didn’t have time this morning! I love Les Mills protein! We are going to take our kids on a hike and a picnic tomorrow. Hopefully it doesn’t rain! That’s a bummer you had to give up some classes, but it does make sense. I am sure there is a very excited instructor right now getting a new class 🙂

    Reply

    1. Hi Melissa!! I TOTALLY miss team teaching! I’m jealous you get to do that, because my gyms don’t allow it. I hope the weather is good for your hike today, lady! There must be pretty areas to explore in your new (temporary) ‘hood! ENJOY!!!!

      Reply

  83. I haven’t tried the Les Mills protein powder yet but loved that they used very clean, natural ingredients and whey from grass-fed cows! Huge bonus in my book 🙂 Our snack drawer is so full of goodies from the expo. It’s going to take us a year to get through it all!

    Reply

  84. I didn’t know Les Mills made a protein powder. Sounds awesome, I hope I win so I can try it 🙂

    Reply

  87. I have been wanting to use protein powder and trying to find a brand to try. I would love to win this and start using it everyday. I just recently came across your blog and I have really enjoyed reading about what you have to say.

    Reply

    1. Hi Ashley! Ohhh thank you so much! I’m so glad you found me, and I truly appreciate your readership. Let me know if there are topics you’d like to see more of. Have a wonderful weekend!! 🙂

      Reply

  88. Wow, look at all those samples! I haven’t tried Les Mills protein, but I’m always up for trying new more “natural” powders. I find they work better with my gut and don’t make me as bloated. Thanks for the giveaway.

    Reply

    1. Hi Jess! You’re so welcome. Thanks for saying hi! And yes, Les Mills protein is the good stuff for sure. Hope you’re having a great weekend! 🙂

      Reply

    1. Hi Nicole! It was great to meet you too! And no, I totally respect digging into the samples right away hahah! Nice work!! Happy Sunday!

      Reply

  93. I just found your blog through you review on Orange Theory Fitness – just got back from my second class and I think I’m hooked : ) I’ve really enjoyed catching up on all your posts – lots of really good info and reviews.

    Reply

  97. Hello Ashley! I’ve been following your blog for awhile but I think this is my first time commenting. I couldn’t resist entering for a free sample! I’d love to try this protein. I know you said it has a short list of good ingredients, but can you say exactly what the ingredients are?

    Reply

    1. Hi Stephanie! Thanks so much! I’m so glad you’re a reader, I really appreciate that. And I’m glad you said hi as well, feel free to do so any time! Yes, Les Mills Good Protein has six ingredients only: milk protein concentrate of whey and casein, guar gum, stevia leaf extract, natural vanilla (or chocolate) flavors, sea salt. Clean! 🙂 Happy Sunday, lady!

      Reply
  101. Pingback: A wonderful weekend and a big fitness giveaway - A Lady Goes WestA Lady Goes West

  102. Awesome giveaway! I’d love to try the Les Mills protein! I’ve been a huge fan of their fitness classes for years, so I’m sure they’ve created an awesome protein product!

    Reply

  104. I would love to try the yoga videos. Yoga is something I’ve been saying I want to get into for years and for some reason I just haven’t taken the plunge yet!

    Reply

    1. Hi Reid! Yes, I was hesistant to get into yoga for years but am so glad I now do it regularly. You’ll love to learn from the beginner videos on Grokker! Thanks for entering! 🙂

      Reply

  105. You got so much swag filled with snacks! I love all your outfits! I’ve actually been following you for a while now, but this is my first time commenting haha. I couldn’t resist this giveaway!

    Reply
  106. Pingback: Just a little chatting and some food pictures - A Lady Goes WestA Lady Goes West

  108. I would love to try a new protein powder, I used to drink syntha-6 stuff but it was upsetting my tummy, tried plant based ones with less crap but they taste like dirt. I need something different! Lol

    Reply

  109. Responses to Favorite Things Friday Jamba Juice Giveaway! I make smoothies for breakfast every morning since I m always worried that if i buy them at a place they ll put extra sugar and nonsense in them.

    Reply

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