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Fitness Las Vegas Lifestyle

My 29th Birthday; A Hike Through Red Rock Canyon

April 8, 2017 By lyndsinreallife Leave a Comment

I turned 29 this past Wednesday (April 5); only one more year until 30! [eek!] I had the day off work and wanted to spend it doing something I haven’t done before. Last year was hard to top, because I spent it at the beach in Malibu (I lived in Los Angeles then). However, living in Las Vegas, we live really close to the infamous Red Rock Canyon (about 40 minutes from downtown Las Vegas; not to be confused with the one in the SaMo mountains). I love being outdoors and being active, so my boyfriend and I decided we were going to hike the Ice Box Canyon trail @ Red Rock Canyon!


   

These are the red rocks (created by sandstone peaks and walls called Keystone Thrust) that are seen when driving through the scenic 13 mile loop.

And don’t worry, we didn’t forget to bring our little poodle, Archie. 🙂

Archie loves to dig in dirt and sand.

We chose Ice Box Canyon because it’s mostly shaded, and it’s ideal for the summer, when the temperatures get above 100° F. It was about 76° on my birthday; perfect hiking weather! Tim (my boyfriend) had hiked this trail before, so he knew what to expect.

   

The trail was marked difficult, but I would rate it as moderate. On the way to, well, wherever our destination was, was a bit uphill. I definitely broke a pretty good sweat. There are a ton of big rocks to climb over. I was surprised at how well Archie could jump up and over the rocks! I’d rate it as moderate because I’m not in the best shape, but I was able to complete the hike without feeling like I was dying. Beginners can definitely do this hike, in my opinion.

I wanted to wear something that was going to provide compression, while not being too constricting. I wanted it to be moisture wicking for when I would inevitably sweat. I also wanted to look cute, because it was my birthday! So I chose to wear an outfit from Katie K Active, a company that makes all-inclusive women’s active wear (sizes S-3X).

    

I’ve been a brand ambassador with Katie K Active for 3 years; they’re hands down my favorite active wear brand. The cool thing about being an ambassador is I get to offer my readers a DISCOUNT! Go to KatieKActive.com, place your order in your cart, and use promo code LYNDSAY25 for 25% off your order plus free shipping!

We got to see so many cool things along the way, like cacti, wildflowers, and fun rock formations.

    

Tim and I were being silly, as we usually are. 😉

Oh, and we found a cute little pond!

The hike was so much fun, and I can’t wait to go back. 🙂


Later in the day, Tim picked up my surprise birthday cake from Freed’s Bakery. He knows I love when he gets me a cake as my birthday present. He even sat down with a cake specialist to design it! Freed’s Bakery has been voted Best Bakery in Las Vegas over 30 times; he did his research to get me the perfect cake.

  

Don’t you just love how Archie is looking at that beautiful cake? He knew it was going to be delicious! *I did not feed Archie any of the cake*

This particular cake was made with bavarian cream, vanilla cake, and buttercream frosting. It serves 6-8 people (but we definitely ate this just between the two of us, shhh).


I had such a great birthday, and if it’s any indication of how this next year will go, I am gladly looking forward to my 30th (but it can go slow!).

  • Have you ever hiked Red Rock Canyon?
  • What do you like to do on your birthday?

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Filed Under: Fitness, Las Vegas, Lifestyle Tagged With: #702, #definebrave, discount, Hike, Ice Box Canyon, Katie K Active, Las Vegas, Red Rock Canyon, Vegas, Vegas Living, Women Who Hike

Archie Beauty Fitness Lifestyle

Holiday Gift Guide 2016

December 16, 2016 By lyndsinreallife 1 Comment

The holidays are almost here, and if you’re anything like me, you’ve waited until the last 2 weeks to get gifts for your loved ones. I’ve made it simple to shop with my holiday gift guide for 2016!

For Fitness Lovers:

Katie K Active Fitness Outfit.

There are a variety of options, with sizes ranging from S-3X. Katie K Active is all-inclusive, meaning there is something for everyone! Their clothes are also incredibly comfortable and functional. I own at least 5 complete outfits!

Use code LYNDSAY40 at checkout for 40% off your order plus FREE shipping!

katie-k-active-workout-holiday

 

For Pet Lovers:

One Fur All Pet Candle. Scent: Holidays Fur All

As any pet lover will know, animals can be very stinky. From the natural scent to urine stains, One Fur All pet candles neutralize the odor with their 100% soy wax. The Holidays Fur All scent is perfect for Christmas time. Imagine what Christmas smells like, and it’s captured perfectly in this candle! These pet candles are the only ones that have been successful in neutralizing the odors in our home. Plus, they burn for 70 hours!

one-fur-all-pet-candle

Get free shipping on orders of $45 or more. Plus, right now, you can get a FREE mini candle with a purchase of a regular candle with code MYMINI!

 

For Friends Needing Happiness and Support:

Caring Crate Monthly Mental Health Box.

Caring Crate is a subscription box that sends you little goodies every month, all designed for wellness! It’s designed for those with mental health and/or chronic illness, plus anyone who needs a little happiness/wellness in their lives.

caring-crate-mental-health-holiday

In one of my boxes, I received a No Worries Journal, locally made blondie bar (from Vancouver, B.C.), relaxing bath salts, and stitch art! They’re all quality, full-size products that are designed to make us feel happier.

Shop 1 month, 3 month, or 6 month subscriptions here, and order now to get the Winter Indulgence Bonus Box!

For Beauty Lovers:

Believe Organics 3 Steps / 3 Giant Steps Skincare Set.

Believe Organics creates all-natural, organic, and vegan beauty/skin care products. I’ve been using them for at least a year! The 3 Step Skincare Set comes with cleansing caviar, clarifying toner, & facial elixir. They come in glass bottles and a reusable linen pouch. Perfect!

believe-organics-holiday-beauty-3-steps

Get free shipping on orders over $50 with code believe!


I hope this guide makes holiday shopping a little easier for you! I stand by all these products and your loved ones are sure to love them.

Happy Holidays!

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Filed Under: Archie, Beauty, Fitness, Lifestyle Tagged With: beauty, believe organics, caring crate, christmas, fitness, holiday gift guide 2016, holidays, Katie K Active, mental health, one fur all, pets

Ambassador Fashion Fitness Reviews

How I Workout in the Summer Heat with Katie K Active + Discount Code

June 30, 2016 By lyndsinreallife Leave a Comment

I recently moved to Las Vegas, NV, and if you don’t know, it is HOT here! It reached 122° earlier this week, no joke. When I lived in Los Angeles, Calif., I would wear leggings every day, and thick yoga/compression pants when I worked out. If I did that in Vegas, I’d probably pass out. Shorts are a necessity in the desert!

[Disclosure: As part of my ambassadorship with Katie K Active, I received a free outfit to wear and promote on my blog. I receive a percentage of purchases made using my unique discount code. All opinions are 100% my own.]

I’ve been an ambassador with Katie K Active for 2 years (going into my 3rd), and this summer is the first time they’ve had shorts in their active wear line. Talk about PERFECT TIMING! For years, the black pants (with pockets!) have been my go-to. Last year, the cobalt blue fleece-lined long sleeve shirt was my favorite piece. This year, my favorite are definitely the rush hour shorts in citrus!

Katie K Active Shorts Activewear Spring

Pictured: Rushhour Tunic Tee in Navy / Rushhour Short in Citrus Palm Print

A bit about Katie K Active:

Katie K Active is an all-inclusive active wear company/line. All-inclusive means they have sizes for everyone, ranging from S-3X. Most active wear lines only have sizes up to L or XL. How is that fair? Founder Katie Kozloff Banks recognized this and Katie K Active was born! The clothes are comfortable, functional, and stylish. KKA has been my favorite active wear line for over 2 years, and it no doubt will continue to be for years to come!

KKA’s new spring/summer 2016 line has tons of great pieces, ranging from pants to joggers (new!) to racerbacks. I’m super excited to wear the joggers, but knowing the desert heat, I wanted to try the shorts first. FYI- the shorts have built-in mesh underwear. I know some people don’t like it, and some do, so I wanted to give a heads up!

Katie K Active Wear Shorts Spring 16

Along with the shorts and navy tee, I received a tunic tee in lime that matches the shorts very well.

Katie K Active Citrus Shorts Active Wear

The colors are amazing, the tees are soft, and the shorts stand out. The spring/summer 2016 line is on point!

As an ambassador, I have a unique discount code I give to my readers/followers. To receive 25% off your order + free shipping, visit KatieKActive.com and use promo code LYNDSAY25!

For more info on Katie K Active’s active wear line, workout tips, and KKA’s self-love/body positivity movement, visit www.KatieKActive.com, join the Women Who #DefineBrave Facebook group, and like/follow their Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest.

  • What is your go-to summer exercise outfit?
  • What is your favorite workout routine?
  • How do you stay cool in the summer heat?

 

KatieKActive Ambassador Logo  209   KatieKActive Spring 2015 Active Wear   KatieKActive Leggings With Pockets   katie k active selfie

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Filed Under: Ambassador, Fashion, Fitness, Reviews Tagged With: #definebrave, active wear, athleisure, fitness, Inclusive, Katie K Active, workout

Ambassador Fashion Fitness

Katie K Active Spring 2015 Collection + HUGE Discount!

July 31, 2015 By lyndsinreallife 2 Comments

I have only three words:

Leggings. With. Pockets.

Okay, I have more words than that. I’ve been an ambassador with Katie K Active for almost a year and a half. The people are great, the clothes are all-INclusive (sizes S-3X), and the LEGGINGS HAVE POCKETS!! Can you tell I’m excited? Not only are the leggings/capris incredibly comfortable, the pocket holds my phone, keys, ID, and debit card while I’m nannying (I play on the playground a lot). I’m obsessed.

KatieKActive Spring 2015 Burnout

Wearing my KKA burnout tee with open back

Disclosure: As part of my ambassadorship, I got to choose three pieces of the Spring 2015 collection to wear, review, and keep. I dropped the ball on posting about my outfit during the spring, so forgive me for that. Regardless, these pieces are AMAZING, and they’re great for any time of the year!

Tweet: 3 words: leggings w/ pockets. See @balancebrunette’s @katiekactive outfit + 40% off w/ code LYNDSAY40! http://bit.ly/1JUTOgF #definebrave

 

Signature Open Back Burnout Tee

KatieKActive Open Back Tee  KatieKActive Spring 2015 Inclusive

Don’t you just love the open back?! I was hesitant about it because I’m not a skinny minnie, but I’m all for pairing it with a cute tank underneath!

Signature Urban Legging

KatieKActive Legging Pocket

Image from KatieKActive.com

You can see the leggings on me in the full-body photos above!

Signature Urban Capri in Yellow

KatieKActive Leggings With Pockets

These capris (+ the leggings) come in yellow (pictured above), blue, coral, and all black.

Do you see the size of that pocket?! My boyfriend’s cell phone is bigger than mine, so I tested it out. It fits WITH ROOM TO SPARE. What’s even better is that I can’t feel a thing! I often find myself asking where my phone is… when it’s in my pocket.

By now, I imagine you have the Katie K Active webpage open with multiple pieces in your cart. You may see the total increasing because it’s so hard to choose just one piece; but no need to worry! I have a promo code for 40% off + free shipping. Say whaaaatttt?!

Yep! Hop on over to katiekactive.com (and/or go to your already full cart), and enter promo code LYNDSAY40 to get 40% off + free shipping.

Tweet: 3 words: leggings w/ pockets. See @balancebrunette's @katiekactive outfit + 40% off w/ code LYNDSAY40! http://bit.ly/1JUTOgF #definebrave

Tweet: 3 words: leggings w/ pockets. See @balancebrunette’s @katiekactive outfit + 40% off w/ code LYNDSAY40! http://bit.ly/1JUTOgF #definebrave

Happy Shopping!! 🙂

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Filed Under: Ambassador, Fashion, Fitness Tagged With: #definebrave, activewear, Ambassador, curvy, fit fashion, fitness, Inclusive, Katie K Active, LA, Los Angeles, outfit, Plus Size, SoCal, Spring 2015, women, workout

Ambassador Fashion Fitness

Katie K Active 25% Discount Friday-Sunday ONLY!

September 10, 2014 By lyndsinreallife 1 Comment

Disclosure: As part of my ambassadorship with Katie K Active, I receive a portion of sales purchased with my discount code. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.


Don’t you just love sales?! I know I do. My grandma always taught me to buy things that were on sale, and I stuck with that philosophy (it’s served me well!).

This weekend ONLY (Friday, 9/12 through Sunday, 9/14), Katie K Active is offering 25 percent off all active wear (plus free shipping)! It’s usually a 15 percent discount, so this is super awesome! To redeem your 25% discount, go to www.katiekactive.com and enter code LYNDSAY25 in the promo box at checkout.

This is me sporting the signature black tee (comes in various colors). There’s also a ZIPPER POCKET on the back of the shirt that holds your phone, ID, debit card, keys.. you name it. Seriously awesome sauce.

Katie K Active Discount Promotion

A little bit of background about Katie K Active:

Katie, the founder of Katie K Active, used to be a personal trainer. She would be working with clients, and some of them would express their frustration with not being able to find workout gear that fit their curves. The shirts were too short, the pants were too tight, you name it. So Katie set out to start Taffy Plus Size Activewear and Katie K Active.

Katie K Active is an athletic apparel company that is all-inclusive, meaning sizes S-3X. The high-quality clothes are made to fit women of all shapes and sizes. And they do! They’re my favorite clothes to wear not only when I’m working out, but also for everyday wear.

Katie K Active Workout Hoodie Discount Katie K Active Capris Workout Discount

(Images Courtesy of KatieKActive.com)

In the photos above, you can see the white hoodie and the black/print capris. The hoodie also comes in black (I have it and LOVE it.. even my boyfriend said he wishes he had one for him!!). The capris come in plain black, or you can also get a pattern like the one shown above. There’s white zebra, blue zebra, and pink zebra. The best thing about the capris (and pants)? THEY HAVE POCKETS! Now that might sound like a silly thing to be excited about, but the pocket fits my iPhone, ID and debit card, and keys no problem. It’s seriously so perfect for when I am working out, going on walks, or simply don’t want to carry a purse (which tends to be almost all the time)!

You can also get a super cute headband to match (I have the coral one):

Zebra Headband Workout Katie K Active (Image Courtesy of KatieKActive.com)

Now that you know just how awesome this brand/active wear is, head on over to www.katiekactive.com and enter code LYNDSAY25 for 25% off + free shipping!! Remember, it’s ONLY valid Friday, 9/12 through Sunday, 9/14. You don’t want to miss out!


 

Find me on Instagram or Twitter to show off what you get- I’d love to see!!

And don’t forget to share with & follow Katie K Active:

  • Facebook
  • Instagram (side note: I’m co-hosting an Insta challenge starting 9/24.. stay tuned!)
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest

Katie K Active Workout Logo

  • Have you had issues with workout gear fitting right? What brand do you currently use?
  • Are you excited to try out Katie K Active?!

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Technorati Tags: Discount,Katie K Active,Sale,Workout,Fitness,Activewear,Curves,Plus Size,Inclusive,Athlete,Ambassador,Los Angeles,California

Filed Under: Ambassador, Fashion, Fitness Tagged With: #definebrave, activewear, Ambassador, athlete, California, Curves, discount, fitness, Inclusive, Katie K Active, Plus Size, sale, SoCal, workout

Ambassador Nutrition

Who Wants To Go Sugar-Free With IDEAfit & Katie K Active, & Win Prizes For It?

May 31, 2014 By lyndsinreallife 4 Comments

In the month of June, I am hosting a FREE challenge with IDEA Health & Fitness Association, sponsored by Katie K Active! The challenge is called the Sugar Free Challenge, and it’s going to be awesome!

Sugar Free Summer Cover Photo

It’s super easy to enter. Create a free account on Challenge Loop, then join the challenge here! The challenge starts June 1st and ends June 30th.

Rules:

  • Make/create a sugar-free snack, meal, or drink, and post a picture and/or recipe on Challenge Loop and Twitter (Instagram optional)! If you don’t have Twitter, no problem!
  • You must post at least 8 times in the month of June to be eligible to win the prize (a $25 gift card to Katie K Active!)
  • Sugar-free for YOU can either be no artificial sugar, added sugar, high fructose corn syrup, artificial sweetener, etc. OR no sugar at all. It’s up to you! (So fruit, honey, stevia are okay)

Prize:

  • One lucky winner will receive a $25 gift card to Katie K Active! #definebrave

I am incredibly excited to be hosting this fun challenge as an IDEA Inspired Blogger! I cannot wait to see all the amazing recipes you come up with!

Email me at lyndsay@thebalancedbrunette.com if you have any questions, or you can find me on Facebook! 🙂

xo, Lyndsay

Filed Under: Ambassador, Nutrition Tagged With: #definebrave, Ambassador, challenge, Challenge Loop, foodie, free, IDEA inspired blogger, IDEAfit, Instagram, JERF, June, Katie K Active, nonGMO, nutrition, paleo, prize, raw, sugar free, Twitter, vegan, win

Bipolar Disorder Fitness Personal

How Fitness Has Impacted My Bipolar Disorder

May 5, 2014 By lyndsinreallife 18 Comments

It’s interesting thinking back to all the times when my bipolar was unstable. There are many reasons why I cycle one way or another (mania or depression), but the biggest factor (in my experience) has been my nutrition/fitness.


Here’s a little bit of background on my disorder:

  • I currently take lamictal (mood stabilizer) and trazodone (antidepressant to help with insomnia) daily. I have taken almost every medication on the market, but this is what works for me right now.
  • My medications help me to function and focus, which helps me to have the energy to exercise.
  • My disorder affects everyone in my life, not just me. For example, my boyfriend (whom I live with) sees my mood go up and down every day, and is always the one who takes the “hit” when I am upset or depressed. He also has to deal with my mania when I am up until 4 a.m. He is extremely supportive, and he actually helps me to be more cautious of those around me.

When I am feeling manic, cardio is the best thing for me. I have a lot of energy, and usually have difficulty relaxing and sleeping, so it’s important to get my heart rate up. This way, I get rid of the energy and I am able to sleep. Plus it’s awesome, because I am able to stay fit! As opposed to depression, when it’s nearly impossible for me to exercise.

This is where yoga comes in.

Image

Yoga has been a life-saver for me! How I got through life without it, I have no idea. I tried yoga for my first time in 2013, and not only did I feel great physically, I felt great mentally. The yoga I do is perfect because I am able to go to a “happy place” mentally, but also get my sweat on. Because of this, it’s good for when I am depressed OR manic!

I must note that it’s important to wear quality active wear when doing yoga. Too many times have I been in a class where either I was wearing see-through pants, or my yogi friends were. Not cool. You want to be comfortable during yoga, so wearing clothes that fit well is really important too. I make sure to wear Katie K Active all-inclusive active wear during all my workouts! The pants, shorts, and shirts are soft, cute, moisture-wicking, and not see through! 😉

Katie K Active Citrus Shorts Active Wear

Visit KatieKActive.com and use code LYNDSAY25 for 25% off your order + FREE shipping (I receive a portion of purchases made using my code)! The shorts are brand new this spring/summer (2016) and they’re amazing.

How Yoga Has Helped My Bipolar:

I stated what fitness I like to do for bipolar, but I’ll get a little more vulnerable with how it’s helped me. I’ve been doing yoga recently and truly found a passion for it, so that’s my fitness of choice. I know for many people with bipolar, yoga isn’t enough– they need that fast-paced cardio. But for me, it’s perfect, no matter the mental state I’m in.

Since starting yoga, my moods have been more stable. Usually I am extreme one way or the other, but it’s sort of like yoga is my daily way to stay within the “normal” range (whatever normal is for you). When I start my day with yoga, I have a fabulous day! I feel calm, centered, happy, and clear. I feel awesome because I got my exercise in, but I also feel awesome because my mind feels clear and free.

Image

By adding in yoga with a healthy diet, I have learned to better control and manage my bipolar disorder. It’s a difficult disorder to manage, but I cannot stress enough how important nutrition and fitness are for overall, optimal health.

  1. What is your favorite fitness?
  2. Have you noticed a change in your mental health through your healthy, active lifestyle?

May is Mental Health Month.

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Filed Under: Bipolar Disorder, Fitness, Personal Tagged With: #definebrave, bipolar disorder, cardio, depression, fitness, health, Katie K Active, mania, mental health, mental health month, mental illness, workout, yoga

Ambassador Fitness Nutrition SoCal

I’m Going To IDEA World Fitness BlogFest 2014!

April 16, 2014 By lyndsinreallife 6 Comments

Image

 

Oh my gosh, I am beyond excited about this!! As a new blogger (started getfitwithlynds in December 2013), I’m clearly still learning so much about how to be an effective health and fitness blogger. Emily at Katie K Active and Taffy Activewear asked me if I was going to BlogFest, and I had absolutely no idea what it was. But of course it sounded awesome!

So I hopped on my computer and looked up IDEA World Fitness BlogFest with #sweatpink (Fit Approach) and saw that it is in Anaheim, California in August. Lucky for me, I live in Los Angeles, so Anaheim is super close! I actually travel there every quarter for Herbalife’s quarterly events. I just knew I HAD to go! I bought my ticket right then and there.

I’m so excited about this for two reasons:

  1. I get to learn about fitness blogging from the best fit bloggers out there.
  2. I get to meet fellow I’m Fit Possible Ambassadors, professionals in the IDEA Health and Fitness Association, health and fitness bloggers, and all the amazing people in the fitness/blogging community!

A good friend of mine, Jessica at Jessica Gets Fit, wants to go too, so we have been coordinating! Jess and I went to college together in Ohio (Cleveland area), and she has been a big help with my blogging! It will be so awesome if she can make it out here and we can attend this together!!

I have no doubt this will be a life-changing experience, and I cannot wait to immerse myself in everything BlogFest has to offer!

Are you going to IDEA World Fitness BlogFest this year??

Filed Under: Ambassador, Fitness, Nutrition, SoCal Tagged With: #IDEAworld, #imfitpossible, #sweatpink, #teamdeltalabs, 2014, active, Ambassador, Anaheim, August, blog, BlogFest 2014, blogger, California, classes, conference, Delta Labs, Fit Approach, fitness, fitness blogger, food, foodie, get fit, health, healthy, Herbalife, I'm Fit Possible, IDEA fit, IDEA World, IDEA World Fitness Conference, Katie K Active, learn, nutrition, school, SoCal, Taffy Activewear, workout

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