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3 Ways To Boost Your Blog’s Traffic

October 28, 2020 By lyndsinreallife 1 Comment

Having a blog is an amazing hobby which can eventually lead to a lucrative side hustle. Writing about your life and experiences helps you to relate to others in similar circumstances to you, create community, and provide a voice for yourself which resonates online. One struggle of blogging, which every blogger can relate to, is driving traffic to your site. You might be pouring your heart out into your blog, but with no readers, it can feel a little like you’re keeping a very time consuming diary. Successful bloggers have all sorts of tips and tricks up their sleeves, and it’s time to reveal three of those in today’s blog. So strap in and prepare for the top three ways to boost your blog’s traffic. Let’s go!

Image credit

Specialize

Writing about your life and experiences is amazing, but if your blog is too generic, you might lose followers. Unfortunately there are thousands of generic lifestyle blogs out there, so it’s time to specialise in something you know best. This could be specializing in something personal, such as being a working mother, running a hospitality business, having a chronic illness or a particular passion you have cultivated over the years. Your special subject could be in a specific exercise or product, such as blogger Katie Rollins who writes about her experience and journey with ketones drinks. Whatever your subject, make sure you specialise and get specific – this will direct people more clearly to your site and peak their interest more easily.

SEO

If you don’t have an SEO (search engine optimisation) strategy, start today. SEO essentially works with search engine algorithms to help users locate sites which will satisfy their search request. If a user searches for ‘lifestyle blog USA’ they will be met with thousands and thousands of similar results, so how can your site stand out? SEO is the solution to this issue.

So how can you implement SEO? This is achieved through keyword research, backlinks in your content and other means which can either be implemented yourself, or using a specialist SEO service who will help achieve your blogger dreams. An SEO strategy is far more cost-effective than pay per click advertising, and its success can be measured using analytics from your site to see how traffic increases over time.

User-Friendly Layout

Creating your website without professional knowledge can be very hard, but it is important to get your layout right. Use a site design company such as Squarespace or WordPress (which is what I use for this blog) who have pre-set layouts to choose from, which are all designed with accessibility in mind. Your site might house amazing content and beautiful images, but if your visitors find it confusing or inaccessible, they are more than likely to just click away. Prioritise your site’s user-friendly layout and success will follow.

To conclude: having an amazing and popular blog isn’t rocket science, but it does take some research and optimization skills. Make sure you prioritise increasing traffic using these three simple steps and achieve your blogger dreams in a highly efficient manner!

•How do you boost your blog’s traffic? What do you need help with the most?

Thank you for reading!

3 Ways to Make Your Blog More Professional and Profitable

January 16, 2019 By lyndsinreallife Leave a Comment

Blogging is a great hobby, or a way to make some extra money on the side. If you build a big enough following, you can easily make a full-time living out of it. If your blog has been going for a while and you’re thinking about taking it to the next level, you should look into finding collaborations with other bloggers and seeking out companies that are willing to pay you to review your products. But if you’re going to do that, you need to consider how you’re presenting yourself online.

If people don’t think that you’re professional, they’re not going to trust you to review their products. Having a big following is a part of that, but there are plenty of other things that you can do. These are some of the easiest ways to make your blog look more professional.

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Fast Loading Times

There’s nothing worse than a website that doesn’t load quickly. People are only willing to wait around for a few seconds before they’ll get fed up and go elsewhere. If you’re approaching people about collaborations or reviews, the first thing that they’re going to do is have a look around your blog. If they’re waiting for ages for it to load and it runs really slowly, that tells them that you haven’t invested much money in good web design or hosting. They’re also going to assume that you’ll struggle to get new readers because of the slow loading times. There are a couple of different reasons for slow loading times. Sometimes it’s because you’re not using a very good hosting service, but it can also be caused by the theme that you’re using. Some of them simply aren’t built very well and they cause slow load times. It’s worth trying a few different ones to see if it makes a difference.

A Virtual Office

There’s no need to rent out an office space if you’re running a blog, but it doesn’t look that professional if you’re asking people to send things to your home address. Luckily, you can get a virtual office with a mailing address and then have the mail forwarded on to you. This gives the impression that you’ve got a much larger operation than you have and gets rid of any stigma about running the business from home.

Proper Editing

This is such an important part of blogging, but you’d be surprised how many people forget it. If you’re posting articles that are filled with spelling and grammar errors, it’s frustrating for your readers. But more importantly, it shows a lack of care on your part. It doesn’t take that long to read through your posts a couple times and check for any mistakes. If you can’t even be bothered to do that, it gives the impression that you don’t put much effort into the blog. If you’re trying to convince people to sponsor posts and send you products to review, they need to be confident that you’ll write a well crafted, quality post that is going to help them sell more products. If you’re writing badly edited articles, that reflects badly on the company and they won’t want to work with you.

If you follow these basic rules, you can make your blog look much more professional, and find more sources of income!

•What tips or tricks do you have for bloggers trying to make an income? Comment below!

Disclosure: This post was a collaboration.

Thank you for reading!

Lifestyle Nutrition Reviews SoCal

Are You Too Busy To Cook, But Still Want Healthy Meals? My Fit Foods Has A Solution For That

February 16, 2015 By lyndsinreallife 8 Comments

Let’s face it, we live in a pretty fast-paced world. We are constantly on-the-go, whether it’s for work, school, parental responsibilities, and so on. One of the first things to fall by the wayside is cooking, let alone healthy cooking. Of course we want to be healthy, fit, and fueled by good nutrition, but what are we to do when we don’t have the time to meal prep?

The answer? My Fit Foods.

The My Fit Foods Store in Studio City, California

Disclosure: A My Fit Foods PR representative contacted me to visit a MFF store, and share my experience on my blog. I received one day’s worth of food for free so I could offer my honest opinion. No other compensation was received. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.

What is My Fit Foods?

Created by personal trainer and former Marine Mario Mendias, MFF is “a revolutionary new way to enjoy fresh, great tasting, and healthy food on your schedule.” Mendias started cooking meals in his home for his clients in 2006. His concept then grew into what My Fit Foods is today. There are various stores throughout Texas, Arizona, Oklahoma, California, and Illinois (Chicago). I visited the store in Studio City (Los Angeles), California. Each store is stocked full of healthy, pre-portioned meals. There are several options, such as gluten-free (note: the kitchen is not certified gluten-free), sodium sensitive and calorie controlled, low glycemic grains, fresh produce, and antioxidant rich spices.

How Does It Work?

You walk into a MFF store and tell them what you’re looking for (quick meals, dinners only, etc). There’s an entire wall of refrigerated food: snacks, breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks and desserts. You can either look at the meals and choose what you would like to purchase, or ask for the on-site nutrition coach (Studio City’s coach is Natalie). The customized nutrition coaching is complimentary, meaning FREE! Each coach is highly-trained and certified.

Here’s A Walk Through Of How I Started:

I met with Natalie (and MFF PR representative Whitney) to talk about what MFF offers. I shared my struggles and my goals with Natalie. For example, I’m always on-the-go, 7 days a week. I know how to eat healthy (I used to be a health coach), but I don’t know what my body specifically needs. Should I be gluten-free? Is red meat really going to give me a heart attack? There are so many fad diets out there (especially in LA), that I feel like our perception of good health gets skewed. Also, I really dislike cooking.

Natalie told me about their 21 Day Challenge. Basically with this challenge, Natalie (or that store’s nutrition coach) puts together a customized 21 day meal plan based on your health goals, lifestyle, occupation/schedule, and what your body needs. She tailors it to your likes; for example, I don’t like seafood. So she was able to put together a plan that didn’t contain seafood, but still offered enough calories, vitamins, and so on for what my body needs. Natalie printed out a form that has your meals/snacks laid out for 21 days. It’s awesome, because you won’t really have to think about what to eat and when to eat it. I’m sure some people want to have the freedom to eat what and when they want, but for people like me, I want whatever is the simplest option! I would then pick up my food in the store twice a week.

Photos courtesy of MFF’s website

When doing the challenge, Natalie recommends a multivitamin (there’s one for men and one for women) and a liver cleanse to clear the toxins out of your liver. I’m not doing the 21 day challenge at the moment, so I did not purchase either of these. However, I did purchase their raspberry B12 liquid supplement (my body is severely lacking in B vitamins). It comes in a dropper bottle, so I mix it with my Drip Drop hydration drink. It’s delicious! I also purchased a bottle of probiotics, which my body desperately needs as well.

Does The Food Taste Good?

Yes! So good. I am a very picky eater, so I was happy to see how many options there were! I took home a one day supply of fresh meals (never frozen and cooked/delivered every morning) and tried each of them three hours apart (Natalie’s recommendation). My boyfriend, Tim, also tried the meals/snacks. Tim tends to be skeptical of things that cost money when he can just do it at home. He tried the meals thinking he wasn’t going to like any of it; he LOVED all of it! And I agree. Everything was super delicious! The meals range between $5 and $12 (each). The snacks range from $1 to $4.

My First Day Consisted Of:

Breakfast: Oat Bake (my favorite meal)
Snack: Protein Bar (their brand)
Lunch: Gimme More Chicken Wrap
Snack: Veggies In The Raw
Dinner: Asian Flat Iron

MFF Oat Bake

I purchased these absolutely DELISH raw cacao truffles (60 calories for one) because I like to have a piece of chocolate after dinner. I definitely need some more! 😉

I’m excited to begin my 21 day challenge with My Fit Foods! Like I said before, my schedule makes it hard to eat healthy consistently. Since the meals can be microwaved (or cooked on stove top for a bit more flavor), I can definitely take them with me. The snacks can either travel in an insulated tote or simply in your bag if they don’t need refrigerated. If you don’t have a tote, they have ones in the store! And they’re big enough to hold a day’s worth of meals/snacks. I will definitely be going back to pick up food for myself and Tim, and probably this week!

To find a My Fit Foods store near you, visit their website –> locations (or click here).

To check out their entire menu, visit their website –> menu (or click here).

There’s also a list of 101 reasons why MFF helps you lose weight and live healthier that’s pretty awesome!

Follow My Fit Foods on social media to keep up-to-date with the company:

Website – Facebook – Twitter – Instagram – YouTube – LinkedIn

What is the hardest challenge you face while maintaining your healthy lifestyle?
Would you be interested in a store like MFF? What do you like/dislike about it?

Thank you for reading my blog! I love chatting with people, so please leave a comment below. 🙂 Thank you to My Fit Foods for the opportunity!

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XO

Lyndsay

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

Ambassador Fitness

Take The Leap Into Yoga With prAna & Sweat Pink (Challenge)

February 2, 2015 By lyndsinreallife 8 Comments

When I think about yoga, the first thought that comes to mind is pushing beyond limits. Yoga tests me and makes me feel strong.

That’s why I am SO pumped to participate in prAna’s Take The Leap 30 days of Yoga Challenge with Sweat Pink. I plan to camel pose my way to a more strong and stress-free 2015!

For me, the biggest challenge when it comes to yoga is doing poses while having chronic pain. Taking the Leap with prAna and Sweat Pink is a great way for me to conquer the obstacles of not being able to complete certain poses.

My favorite place to yoga is outdoors (secluded) because it is so peaceful and rejuvenating.

Here’s a photo of me in my very best tree pose:

I tag:

Christiana from Spilling Coffee N Dropping Things
Jessica from Healthy = Happy
Amber from Bold Fit Mom.

I want these fabulous bloggers to share their very best yoga pose photos, this fun madlib and of course, I challenge them to join me on this fun 30 day yoga journey!

Come on y’all, Take the Leap with me!

Join prAna’s & Sweat Pink’s #TakeTheLeap 30 Days of Yoga Challenge (starts Monday, Feb. 2) and be eligible for a chance to win $500 worth of new prAna gear from their latest collection as well as gift an additional $500 worth of prAna gear to the person of their choice… because isn’t giving as important as receiving? They just launched their new Spring Collection so you best get on it!

If I win, I would gift the $500 to Jessica (http://healthyishappyblog.com) because she is one of my closest friends & deserves it!

Join the Take the Leap with prAna and Sweat Pink Facebook group / event which we’ll use for updates, sharing, and inspiration:

Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1525412337742204/
Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/423377431152799

And join the challenge on Instagram, Twitter, and your blog using the hashtags:

#TakeTheLeap

#prana

#sweatpink

And of course, tag @prana @FitApproach (Insta & Twitter)

YOGA ON!

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XO

Lyndsay

Ambassador Fitness Reviews

The Perfect Stocking Stuffer For A Fitness Fanatic + Discount

December 18, 2014 By lyndsinreallife 2 Comments

If you’re looking for the perfect stocking stuffer for your fitness-loving friend, look no further! I have been introduced to a product that will change your fitness lifestyle forever.

ShowerPill.

Disclosure: I received a free box of ShowerPill wipes as part of my #sweatpink ambassadorship with Fit Approach, plus compensation. All opinions are 100% my own.

What Is ShowerPill?

“ShowerPill is an antibacterial wipe for your body (NOT a pill). It is like wiping down with soap and water which leaves skin feeling clean, fresh and moisturized. One wipe cleans your entire body. It will save you time, decrease chance of skin infections and keep you fresh & clean when a “traditional shower” is not possible” (website).

Why Is It Called ShowerPill?

“The word “ShowerPill” is directly from the locker rooms of college athletes during training camp double-days who jokingly wished for a hypothetical “pill” to instantly clean themselves after a long exhausting workout” (website).

A Few Facts:

Extra thick like a washcloth
Kills 99.99% of germs including Staph
Aloe Vera & Vitamin E
Quick dry solution, no sticky residue
Light fresh scent
Hypoallergenic & Gentle on Sensitive Skin
Paraben & Alcohol FREE

Each box contains 10 individually-wrapped wipes, so it’s easy to stuff in your gym bag, purse, or even your pocket! There’s also a package that contains 250 wipes, so if you’re a gym or yoga studio owner (for example), you can provide wipes for everyone.

With the individual wrapping, they fit perfectly in a holiday stocking! I would LOVE to receive ShowerPill wipes this holiday, because it is irritating and gross to go from yoga to babysitting to the grocery store without a shower/wipe-down in between. ShowerPill works for my lifestyle because I am always on-the-go. Plus, when I babysit, we play outside and sometimes get muddy. Being able to wipe down before my next babysitting job is super refreshing! And like I said, on the days I do yoga, I definitely need ShowerPill. Even if it’s just stretching, I sweat!

My boyfriend, Tim, especially loves these wipes. He had knee surgery right before Thanksgiving, and he needs to clean his surgical site after each workout. His gym is 20 minutes (or more, depending on traffic) away from our apartment, so ShowerPill wipes have been a life-saver!

After using the wipes, Tim said,

“These wipes are alright. Like, I spent most of the time figuring out what I wanted to wipe off first. Like you don’t go [privates] to neck, but you also don’t want to wipe your arm pits then go everywhere else. A bit of a struggle. I’d probably use 2 wipes if I was a regular user.”

Let me add that Tim is a pretty goofy guy who likes to make jokes. 😉

And guess what? You can get 20% off 2 boxes of ShowerPill with code holiday20 through Jan. 1 (2015) at www.showerpill.com! Holiday shopping on a budget? This is perfect for you, friends, and family! (Must purchase 2+ boxes for discount to apply).

Check out ShowerPill on their website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube!

Do you use any type of shower wipe? When do you use it?
What is your favorite gift to give to your fitness friends?

Thank you for reading!

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XO

Lyndsay

Twitter | Instagram

Personal

It’s My First Blogiversary!

December 11, 2014 By lyndsinreallife 9 Comments

Yesterday was a very exciting today — It was my blogiversary! (Although I am celebrating today)

I started blogging one year ago (December 10, 2013) mainly as an outlet to express my thoughts and feelings on the connection between physical and mental health. I was health coaching at the time and found that the people I wanted to help most were those struggling emotionally/mentally. I have this desire to “save” people who need guidance, mainly because when I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder 6 years ago, I needed saving. It was an incredibly difficult and lonely time. But I got through it. And now, I want to help everyone I can! I realize this is not possible, but even if I can help one person, it’s definitely worth it.

As my blogging progressed, I started looking at it more as a business than a hobby. I love writing — I’ve been journaling and writing stories/poetry since the third grade. My original major in college was journalism (I switched due to lack of jobs). So I joined blogging/fitness groups like Fit Approach (#sweatpink), I’m Fit Possible (which is no longer around), Fitfluential, and so many more. It opened up a new world for me!

Prior to these groups, I didn’t have many friends because I was (and still am) fairly new to LA. Even though it was online, it was great having a community of such wonderful people! I was involved with an MLM (multi-level marketing) for a year and a half prior, and even though I had lost my passion for it, I was afraid to leave. I didn’t want to feel like I didn’t belong anywhere. But these groups helped me leave, and I’m forever grateful! Plus, the opportunities I’ve had have been life-changing.

Now that my first year of blogging has passed, I feel like it’s time to step it up. I’m not totally sure how yet, but I’m excited to create it! Maybe it’ll be posting more regularly, or DIY/crafts, or printables, or how I manage bipolar with a positive outlook. Clearly I have many ideas! My mind is flowing with creativity — now to bring that to light!

Thank you to everyone who has helped make my first blogging year so amazing and memorable! I appreciate you all so, so much. <3

What inspired you to start blogging?
What would you like to see on this blog?

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XO

Lyndsay

Twitter | Instagram

Events Races

Spartan Race Giveaway + Discount

November 23, 2014 By lyndsinreallife 2 Comments

Have you ever heard of the Spartan Race? It’s similar to the Tough Mudder, but more challenging. A few of my friends are running the Malibu Sprint on December 6.

Disclosure: I was asked to share about the Spartan Race on my blog. No monetary compensation was received. As always, all opinions are 100% my own. All images and videos are from their media kit, with permission.

According to their website, “Spartan Race is on a mission to get you active, healthy, excited about change, and return to our ancient roots where running through woods, getting dirty, and facing adversity was part of everyday life. Our events are all about challenging today’s perception of normal.”

Check out the official Spartan Race video!

If it seems intimidating, never fear! “Spartan Race now introduces a level for everyone beginning with the entry level Spartan Sprint, intermediate level Super Spartan, the advanced Spartan Beast, and the ‘99.9% need not apply’ extreme level Death Race. Whatever your level, Spartan Race will test your strength, stamina, and sense of humor” (website).

Spartan Race isn’t the type of race I would usually do, mainly because of my tachycardia. However, it seems like an awesome way to challenge yourself mentally and physically, and I could see myself working toward it in the future!

Giveaway + Discount Code!

The people at Spartan Race have graciously allowed me to give away {ONE} free entry to any continental US Spartan Race in 2014/2015 (any open-heat; non-confirmed start time)! The giveaway ENDS Sunday, November 30 at 11:59pm PST. You must be 18 years of age or older. The winner will be notified via email. Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below & good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I am also offering a 10% discount on any US race with code SPARTANBLOGGER! You can find the calendar for all upcoming + 2015 races here.

A Few Upcoming Races:

12/6 – Malibu Sprint
1/17 – SoCal Beast
1/18 – SoCal Sprint
1/24 – SoCal Super
1/25 – SoCal Sprint
2/7 – Arizona Sprint
3/7 – Atlanta Sprint
4/11 – Charlotte Sprint
4/18 – Las Vegas Super

Get more information on the Spartan Race on their website, and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram!

Have you ever completed a Spartan Race?
Is this a race you would like to complete in the future?

Thank you for reading my blog! If you want to receive my new posts by email, you can subscribe here:

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XO

Lyndsay

Twitter | Instagram

Ambassador Fashion Fitness Reviews

Live The Luxx Life With Live Well 360 + Discount

November 20, 2014 By lyndsinreallife 4 Comments

I have a confession to make.

I am obsessed with bags. Totes, clutches, shoulder purses, messenger bags, gym bags.. even the reusable bags from the grocery store. You should see my closet. I love it (boyfriend hates it)!

So when Fit Approach offered me the opportunity (as a #sweatpink ambassador) to use and review a Live Well 360 fitness bag, I said yes as quickly as I could! Seriously, I had poor internet at the time, but I was determined to hit reply. Disclosure: **I received a Luxx bag from Live Well 360 at no cost to review on my blog. No monetary compensation was received. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.**

Live Well 360 is a Santa Monica-based company that has reinvented fitness bags.

“Getting yourself to the gym is complicated enough. You want a quality fitness bag that knows what you need before you do and will stand up to your active lifestyle. Live Well 360 bags simplify your routine and your life” (website).

They currently offer four different bags:

I have the Luxx bag, so that’s the one I am going to focus on in this post.

I am IN LOVE with my Luxx bag!! It comes in black, grey, or purple (I have grey). It has 11 compartments, which includes a fleece-lined pocket for your phone and keys, mesh compartment for your shoes, and a padded compartment for your laptop. Along with that, it has a mesh holder for your water bottle and straps on the front for a yoga mat.

It doesn’t stop there. You can wear the Luxx as a short shoulder bag or a long shoulder bag (there is a removable long strap). Plus, the inside is lined with inspirational words!

(Please disregard the excessive blurriness of this photo- I use my iPhone 4S!)

It wasn’t long before I took my bag everywhere with me. My first stop? The gym. I packed that baby with everything I could potentially use. There was A LOT in there, but it didn’t feel too heavy or uncomfortable!

This past weekend, my boyfriend (Tim) and I went hiking for our two year anniversary, and we took our puppy Archie. The hike through Eaton Canyon was going to be a little over 3 miles (we were also completing our #definebrave virtual 5k with Katie K Active), but we needed essentials for Tim, myself, and Archie. So we took the Luxx bag – packed with snacks, water, Archie’s food and potty bags, our phones, etc. – on our hike, and it was perfect!!

Again, it didn’t feel too heavy or uncomfortable. I was able to adjust the length of the strap, which was really helpful because Tim carried the bag a bit, too, and he is taller than me. It worked out great!

All in all, I am VERY satisfied with my Live Well 360 Luxx bag! It honestly exceeded my expectations. I didn’t realize how much easier certain aspects of my life would become with this bag.

So here’s the deal:

Live Well 360 has partnered with Fit Approach (for this campaign) to offer a 15% discount on your purchase at livewell360.com! Whether you want something simple like the Tote, or something more “complex” like the Luxx, you’ll automatically get 15% off! You must go through this link to get the discount.

By the way, Archie says you should get a Live Well 360 fitness bag:

Do you have a Live Well 360 bag? If not, which one would you want the most?
What are your “must-haves” for a fitness bag? Comment below!

Want to keep up with Live Well 360 on social media? You can follow them on their website, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook.

Thank you for checking out my blog! If you would like to follow my future posts, you can subscribe here:

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XO

Lyndsay

Twitter | Instagram

Events Lifestyle Personal

It’s My SITS Day; Welcome!

November 10, 2014 By lyndsinreallife 20 Comments

Today is my feature day on The SITS Girls! I am SO excited, and wanted to welcome everyone who stops by! 🙂

My name is Lyndsay, and I’m a 26-year-old writer living in Los Angeles, CA (originally from Cleveland, OH). I’m also a nanny, dog-sitter, brand ambassador, and affiliate marketer. I love keeping busy, what can I say? 🙂

I’ve been blogging since December 2013, but writing since age 8. I originally went to college for journalism, and was the editor-in-chief of my college’s newspaper. I loved it! I ended up graduating with a BA in speech-language pathology and audiology.

The Balanced Brunette is a blog that focuses on health, nutrition, fitness, mental health, and SoCal living. I started this blog as an outlet to share my thoughts about the correlation between mental and physical health. That is still the primary focus, but I’ve added in product reviews, events in Southern California, things to do in Los Angeles, and so on! TBB is sort of in a transition phase, as I’m going through a transition in my life.

I like to blog about bipolar disorder, as well. I was diagnosed in 2008. I am very in-tune with it, plus I am a pretty positive person! I’ve found that I connect with people the most when I share about my experiences, and it’s one of my favorite topics to write about.

Thank you SO MUCH to everyone who stops by The Balanced Brunette today!! Leave a comment on this post or any other post, and I will be sure to check out your blog and return the love! 🙂

Have a wonderful Monday!

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XO

Lyndsay

Twitter | Instagram

Lifestyle Nutrition SoCal

Giving Back Has Never Been So ‘Fresh and Easy’

November 9, 2014 By lyndsinreallife 2 Comments

When I first moved to Pasadena, California, Fresh and Easy (F&E) became my all-time favorite grocery store. Healthy foods at great prices; what more could someone ask for? Now that I live in West Los Angeles, it’s a bit more of a drive, but completely worth it!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. I received monetary compensation in exchange for promoting Fresh and Easy’s giving back bags. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.

The F&E Express in West LA

Fresh and Easy prides themselves on having healthier options (all F&E foods are free of high-fructose corn syrup, added trans fats, artificial colors or flavors) for less cost. They’re able to offer their foods at low-cost because all their stores are designed to save money! All stores use LED lighting and energy-efficient refrigerator doors. Plus their checkouts are all self-checkout, which means they save money by only hiring a few workers to help customers. It’s perfect because the shopper gets great products at great prices, plus there are just enough associates to help the customers!

My favorite thing about F&E is their prepared meals. I’ll admit cooking is not one of my hobbies. Between measuring the ingredients and the amount of time it generally takes, I am all for meals that just need heated up in the oven or microwave! F&E offers tons of options in the prepared-meal department; from Asian, to American, to Mexican, they pretty much cover it all!

A few of the prepared meals at F&E

This holiday season, Fresh and Easy is giving back through their Giving Back Bag program. Here are the details:

Purchase a Giving Back Bag at any F&E for $10
Every bag contains 13 essential, non-perishable food items, such as cereal bars, canned tuna and canned green beans.
You can either leave the bag at F&E for them to donate to a local food bank, or you can take it with you and donate the bag to a charity of your choice!
The program runs from 11/5-12/25 (2014).

In the F&E Express

It is that simple! Giving back has never been so easy. F&E does all the work for you, and you get to help people-in-need this holiday season!

In addition to my love for F&E, I love donating to people who need it. I’ve been donating my clothes to a community that’s less-fortunate for as long as I can remember. So of course I needed to head to my nearest F&E store and purchase a Giving Back Bag!

I went to the F&E Express in West LA. The express store has fewer items, but it still has everything I need! They even have organic dog treats and food, which is perfect for my puppy Archie. They had a great deal on coconut water (which is my favorite drink ever), but I settled for coconut flavored water because I wanted to try something new!

The Giving Back Bags were at the self-checkouts, and were already packed with goodies. F&E truly made it as easy as possible for people to donate. So we purchased our dinner (prepared fried chicken and garlic bread- SO good!), coconut flavored water, and a Giving Back Bag! All for under $25.

If you live near a F&E store, I definitely recommend getting some (if not all) of your groceries there, and purchase a Giving Back Bag (or two!) to donate to a local food bank! It truly is a fresh and easy way to give back. You can find store locations on their website here.

You can find Fresh and Easy on their website, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube!

Share your photos of your Giving Back Bag on social media by tagging @freshandeasy!

So tell me,

Do you shop at Fresh and Easy? If so, what is your favorite F&E product?
Would you purchase a Giving Back Bag? Who would you donate it to?

Thank you for reading my blog! If you want to receive new posts by email, subscribe here:

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What is My Fit Foods?

How Does It Work?

Here’s A Walk Through Of How I Started:

Does The Food Taste Good?

My First Day Consisted Of:

Follow My Fit Foods on social media to keep up-to-date with the company:

XO

Lyndsay

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Come on y’all, Take the Leap with me!

Join the Take the Leap with prAna and Sweat Pink Facebook group / event which we’ll use for updates, sharing, and inspiration:

XO

Lyndsay

What Is ShowerPill?

Why Is It Called ShowerPill?

A Few Facts:

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Lyndsay

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What inspired you to start blogging?

What would you like to see on this blog?

XO

Lyndsay

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Check out the official Spartan Race video!

Giveaway + Discount Code!

I am also offering a 10% discount on any US race with code SPARTANBLOGGER! You can find the calendar for all upcoming + 2015 races here.

A Few Upcoming Races:

XO

Lyndsay

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They currently offer four different bags:

So here’s the deal:

By the way, Archie says you should get a Live Well 360 fitness bag:

Do you have a Live Well 360 bag? If not, which one would you want the most?

What are your “must-haves” for a fitness bag? Comment below!

XO

Lyndsay

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XO

Lyndsay

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This holiday season, Fresh and Easy is giving back through their Giving Back Bag program. Here are the details:

It is that simple! Giving back has never been so easy. F&E does all the work for you, and you get to help people-in-need this holiday season!

Share your photos of your Giving Back Bag on social media by tagging @freshandeasy!

So tell me,

Do you shop at Fresh and Easy? If so, what is your favorite F&E product?

Would you purchase a Giving Back Bag? Who would you donate it to?

XO

Lyndsay

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