LA

Locking Up Your Bicycle: Rules & Regulations in Los Angeles

June 23, 2020 By lyndsinreallife 1 Comment

So you finally purchased the women’s cruiser bike of your dreams and are headed down one of Los Angeles’ beautiful bike paths. Do you know and understand the rules of biking in LA? If not, take a moment to learn about the correct way to ride in the City of Angels.

Safety First

Before you start to ride, check LA’s rules for the safety equipment all bikes are required to have. Failure to equip your bike properly is not only dangerous, it can result in fines or citations. According to the law in LA, bikes must have the following:

• A brake that allows for a wheelskid on dry, level, clean pavement

• A permanent, regular seat

• Yellow or white pedal reflectors and a red rear reflector

• Handlebars that are not higher than the operator’s shoulders

• A white or yellow reflector on the front that is visible from the side

• A red reflector on the back that is visible from the side

If you plan on riding your bike at night, it must also have a white headlight. Alternatively, the rider can be wearing a white light that is visible from the front.

In addition, bicyclists may not wear earbuds in both ears or headphones that cover both ears. Riders under the age of 18 must wear an approved helmet, whether they are a passenger or the operator of the bike.

Security Second

A beautiful beach cruiser bike or trail bike can be a real temptation to bike thieves. Keep your bike locked up tightly to protect your investment. There is no such thing as a steal-proof bike lock. Any lock can be broken eventually. The object of the lock is to buy you time. The longer it takes the thieves to break the lock, the less likely they are to steal your bike.

There are four basic types of bike locks. Consider your options and choose the one that will offer your bike the most protectionfor your situation.

1. Chain locks. These have been around for a long time, and they’ve only gotten better. A strong chain that is at least 12mm thick will delay any would-be thieves the longest.

2. U-locks. These have the advantage of being the easiest to toss into a backpack or messenger bag. Be sure to use the U-lock on the wheel, not the top tube.

3. Cable locks. Lightweight and easy to carry, these are fairly easy to cut with bolt cutters, so they aren’t the best choice for most situations.

4. Folding locks. Another good lock to toss into a backpack, these locks are strong and designed to withstand cutting.

Remember, your bike lock is only as good as the pole you’ve attached it to. So when you’re trying to secure that electric fat tire beach cruiser, make sure the pole you’ve chosen is solidly in the ground and can’t just be lifted right out. Also beware of scaffolding as it comes apart quickly.

Do your research and invest in a quality bike lock to protect your fabulous set of wheels.

Thank you for reading!

Archie Events SoCal

LA Needs a Dog Beach; A Press Release from LAdogbeaches.com

April 29, 2016 By lyndsinreallife 1 Comment

Los Angeles – April 29, 2016 – An L.A. county ballot initiative is underway and gaining momentum to add 4 small off leash dog beaches across LA county.

They have collected nearly half the 200,000 signatures required to qualify for the Nov 8 election.

Jeff Douek & Jerry Teigen, the proponents of the county ballot initiative, are celebrating their 21st anniversary this Sunday, May 1 at noon at Pawsapalooza.

To celebrate their anniversary and to focus everyone’s attention on collecting the remaining 100,000 signatures needed before May 15, they will be offering the over 500 Pawsapalooza attendees free bread pudding from the nearby restaurant they own, WeHo Bistro.

Pawsapalooza / West Hollywood Park / Sunday May 1 from 10-3pm / 647 N. San Vicente Blvd. / Bread Pudding at 12:30

Angelenos are now demanding 4 small stretches of beaches in the L.A. area where dogs can roam off leash with owners to enjoy the California sunshine.

Together these 4 small stretches of beach would add up to only 1 mile of the 75 miles of LA county coastline.

Currently the most populous county in the country, has only 1 off leash dog beach and it’s located in Long Beach, California. The only other options for dog owners is to drive to Orange or Ventura counties, and that becomes an all day affair that is too far for most residents..

As ‘Pet Personification’ is no longer just a trend but a reality, and people today see their pets as children and part of the family, many residents feel an urgent need for dog beaches. By 2019, the pet industry is expected to hit $91.72 billion in sales. Peoples’ perceptions of pets have shifted from man’s best friend to man’s “surrogate child.” Today’s attitude and sentiment toward animals has changed in California, and there is now a call for a few small stretches of beach to be devoted to dog lovers.

For the last five months, two veteran West Hollywood business owners have spearheaded the LAdogbeaches.com initiative to great success. Stanford University graduate, turned hotel tech and restaurant entrepreneur, Jeff Douek, and his husband and restaurant co-founder Jerry Teigen realized the need for beach time, when many of their clients of their popular restaurant, WeHo Bistro (located in the heart of West Hollywood), would bring their dogs to the cafe and often spoke of the issue with great compassion and desire.

“Today people treat their dogs like family like never before, and Los Angeles is one of the most dog friendly places in the world. There is no question that a city like this must have a few small stretches of beach dedicated to off leash, in this day and age, as dogs are now such a part of so many peoples lives of all ages,” says Teigen.

The two men say that the simple ballot initiative will make a lot of people happy, while not disturbing others and at a very low cost.

“Instead of ballot initiatives for internet rates or sewer lines, this is a grass roots effort to simply enjoy our beaches with our dogs. Pets are now most popular among couples with adult children, unmarried professionals, and childless couples. They are a huge part of the population and the family. According to the American Pet Products Association’s annual report on pet industry spending, Americans spent $58 billion in 2014 on their 397 million pets, so they sure do love their pets. Since Los Angeles County owns and operates so many beaches, a few should now include man’s best friend,” says Douek.

“Today, over 5,000 Angelenos have over 10,000 petitions at their home and offices. Now we need these people to sign and mail these petitions to WeHo Bistro 1040 N LA Cienega Blvd (corner Holloway Dr) West Hollywood, California 90069. We are nearly halfway there.

If you don’t have a petition yet, you can probably find one at your local dog park or go online, print and hand-sign the petitions at LAdogbeaches.com,” says Teigen.

“For those who drop off their completed petitions at WeHo Bistro, we offer a complimentary soup or our signature dessert bread pudding, hands down best in the city, at what has become LAdogbeaches.com unofficial headquarters. We welcome all to drop by with their dogs anytime,” adds Douek.

Other Southern California Dog beaches are:

Long Beach: Rosie’s Dog Beach, Ocean Boulevard between Granada and Roycroft Avenues, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

Orange County: Huntington Dog Beach, 100 Goldenwest St., Huntington Beach, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

San Diego Ocean Beach Dog Beach, off Ocean Beach bike path, , open 24 hours daily.

San Diego Fiesta Island, off Fiesta Island Road, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Santa Barbara Arroyo Burro Beach, 2981 Cliff Drive, , 6 a.m. to sunset daily.

TV and radio producers, assignment editors, writers: To set up a news report shoot, or interviews on the beach with pet owners, the petition, Jerry Teigen, Jeff Douek and several residents who have signed the petition with their dogs in tow to meet you – please contact Jeff Douek at 323.668.0200. Thank you.

Health Nutrition Reviews

Live Better with Thrive™ Algae Oil + Recipe

October 26, 2015 By lyndsinreallife Leave a Comment

This post is sponsored by Thrive™ Algae. All opinions are my own.

Did you know, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States? It’s crucial that we supplement those high (bad) fats hidden in our food. There’s been a long time debate between olive oil and coconut oil (which one is healthier; better for your heart?). Olive oil is better for your heart, but still contains 2g of saturated fat. Luckily, there’s a new oil in town: Thrive™ Algae Oil.

Thrive™ Culinary Algae Oil contains only .5g of saturated fat (75% less than olive oil) and has the highest level of monounsaturated fat (the good fat). Cooking with algae oil also makes foods even more delicious. It has a light and delicate taste that lets the flavor of food shine through, and you get to taste the earthy, natural flavor of your ingredients, without heaviness or greasiness. I was worried it would taste like the ocean (I don’t like seafood), but it doesn’t at all. I don’t like the smell of olive oil, and my boyfriend strongly dislikes the taste of coconut oil, so algae oil is perfect! Plus, you can use it for literally any type of cooking. Up until now, an oil low in saturated fats, high in the good fats, that could also be used for frying and high-heat cooking was pretty much unheard of. Now, fried foods, crispy sautéed foods, baked goods, etc. all can be made better.

I decided to use Thrive™ algae oil for dinner this past evening. I’m a pretty picky eater, so I wanted to make something that was quick and delicious. I decided to make chicken parmesan (without the breading) and green beans with sliced almonds.

Follow the steps below to create your yummy chicken parm made with Thrive!

First, I poured 1 tbsp of algae oil in the pan, then added the chicken. I used fully cooked chicken, because that’s usually the kind we have in our freezer. 😉 You can use raw chicken, but I recommend baking it in the oven so it cooks thoroughly.

I LOVED using the algae oil. It covered the entire pan without forming a puddle (what olive oil tends to do for me), it barely had a smell, and it didn’t burn up! When cooking with olive oil, it tends to disappear or burn a bit. Nothing like that happened with the algae oil.

After the chicken was cooked, I added a bit of marinara sauce and provolone cheese to the chicken while still in the pan.

I also sauteed green beans with sliced almonds and a pinch of salt using the algae oil. They were SO delicious; definitely the best I’ve ever had! Plus, it only took me about 15 minutes to make this meal. Perfect for busy, on-the-go parents, students, or even those who dislike cooking.

Right now, Thrive™ algae oil is only available in Los Angeles (at Gelson’s), as it’s a brand new product. However, you can place an order online here (ships within 5-7 business days). I highly recommend ordering a bottle (or two!) for yourself and your family; you won’t be disappointed!

Stay connected with Thrive™ Algae on social media for updates, recipes, and more: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.

What kind of cooking oil do you use/prefer?
What is your favorite dish using oil?

Even my pup, Archie is intrigued! 😉

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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.

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

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

Image from KatieKActive.com

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

Signature Urban Capri in Yellow

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

Happy Shopping!! 🙂

Thank you for reading!

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Events SoCal

Father’s Day Plans? Celebrate At The 2015 Progressive San Diego International Boat Show

June 5, 2015 By lyndsinreallife Leave a Comment

This press release is from Synergy Communications, in partnership with the Progressive San Diego Boat Show. I received two free tickets to attend Media Day on June 18. All opinions are 100% my own.

The 2015 Progressive® Insurance San Diego International Boat Show® is almost here! It’s going to be the perfect family outing for Father’s Day weekend (June 18-21); especially if you’re in/near San Diego, Calif. I attended last year, and it was super fun! Check out my recap and see for yourself!

As the region’s premier summer boating event, the 2015 boat show provides attendees an all-access pass to discover the boating lifestyle and a chance to shop the newest boats and marine accessories. More than 120 vessels, from entry-level family cruisers and personal watercraft to sailboats and superyachts, will be docked in the marina and parked on land for visitors to browse, board and buy. The boat show also provides visitors of all ages boating chance to get their feet wet with a variety of activities including:

Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) and free sailing lessons aboard the Sailing Simulator.
Boaters can also sharpen their skills with boating and sailing lessons on the water or through complimentary seminars at Fred’s Shed Interactive Learning Center and the new Sportfishing Pavilion.
‘Be A Diver’ Pool
A variety of eats from the area’s popular food trucks, beverages and live entertainment are also available.

Show Details:

When:

Thursday through Sunday, June 18-21, 2015

Thursday, June 18 and Friday, June 19–Noon to 7 p.m.

Saturday, June 20–10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Sunday, June 21– 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Where:

Sheraton Marina on Harbor Island

1380 Harbor Island Drive, San Diego, CA 92101

Price:

Admission: $12 – Adults (16 years & older)

FREE – Children (15 years & under)

FREE with proper ID – Active military personnel, Fire and Police

Advance tickets can be purchased online at SanDiegoInternationalBoatShow.com

Visit sandiegointernationalboatshow.com; Facebook, Twitter and Instagram – #SDBoatShow

My boyfriend and I will be attending, and we hope to see you there! There’s SO many fun things to do and see; you’ll wish it was longer than a weekend. Share your posts with @sdintlboatshow and myself @balancebrunette (Twitter) & @thebalancedbrunette (Instagram)!

Will you be attending this year? Did you attend last year?
What would your favorite activity be: SUP, Be A Diver pool, kayaking, or checking out the boats?

*Media Contact: Preview photos, interviews and additional information are available upon request by contacting c3 Communications, Inc. at joice@c3publicrelations.com or by calling 858-794-6974.

*About the Progressive Insurance San Diego International Boat Show: The San Diego International Boat Show, in partnership with the California Yacht Brokers Association (CYBA) and San Diego Superyacht Association, is produced by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), the world’s largest producer of boat shows and the leading association representing the recreational boating industry. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, accessories and gear used by boaters and anglers throughout the U.S. and Canada. The association is dedicated to industry growth through programs in public policy advocacy, market statistics and research, product quality assurance and promotion of the boating lifestyle. For more information, visit www.nmma.org.

*About Progressive: The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies (collectively, “Progressive Insurance”) is a leader in boat insurance and the largest seller of personal watercraft insurance in the U.S. It offers flexible, year-round coverage so boaters can go wherever they choose, whenever they choose and have peace of mind they’re protected. Specialty coverages which vary by state include On-Water Towing, Roadside Assistance, Personal Effects, Total Loss Replacement and Pet Injury. The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies makes it easy to understand, buy and use auto insurance. Progressive offers choices so consumers can reach it whenever, wherever, and however it’s most convenient —online at progressive.com, by phone at 1-800-PROGRESSIVE, on a mobile device or in-person with a local agent.

Nutrition Reviews

Decadent Chocolate Deliciousness With Cocozia® Coconut Water

May 11, 2015 By lyndsinreallife Leave a Comment

Coconut water is my all-time favorite drink. Like, EVER. It’s a topic of discussion all throughout my blog. I drink it daily, especially in the summertime. But sometimes I get bored with the taste, and most nights, just like any other female, I want chocolate. What’s a girl to do?

Good thing Cocozia® coconut water has a brand-new chocolate flavor! Seriously, it’s amazing. You may be saying, “But [insert another brand here] already has a chocolate flavor; what makes this any better?”

Disclosure: I received a case (12 pack) of Cocozia chocolate coconut water in exchange for an honest review on my blog. I make a small profit of any purchases through my affiliate links. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.

I’m glad you asked (or at least I’m pretending you asked 😉 ). The other brand comes in a plastic bottle, which I despise. I should call myself an anti-plastic warrior. Ha! It’s terrible for the environment and anything that comes from a plastic bottle tastes weird. Plus this other brand is from concentrate, which I’m not really a fan of. Cocozia (affiliate link), however, comes in a biodegradable Tetra Pak, and it’s not from concentrate. Plus Cocozia is 100% organic and non-GMO Project verified. The chocolate flavor comes from light, all-natural chocolate.

I like to drink Cocozia for a few different reasons throughout my day:

To hydrate
To raise my blood sugar when it gets too low (hypoglycemia)
As a snack
As a replacement for not-so-healthy chocolate
As a nighttime snack (I probably used it mostly for this one!)

When I was craving something extra chocolaty, I would make this recipe:

For this recipe, I used PBZero powdered peanut butter and Navitas Naturals raw cocoa nibs (affiliate link). Of course, you can use whichever brands you prefer!

If you want decadent chocolate deliciousness in your fridge, you can order a case of Cocozia on Amazon (affiliate link)! A 12 pack case of 16.9 oz is $35. You can also find Cocozia on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

What is your favorite flavor of coconut water?
Are you a chocolate fanatic like me?
What was the highlight of your weekend? (I’m just curious!) :p

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Lifestyle Nutrition

How The Girls & I Celebrated National Picnic Day (With Subway)

April 27, 2015 By lyndsinreallife 2 Comments

This past Thursday, April 23, was National Picnic Day. I didn’t realize this was a thing (apparently there’s a food holiday every day!), but I am all about food and the outdoors. So naturally, I needed to get in on this.

When Subway offered to cater a picnic with the girls I nanny/babysit, I knew it would be a perfect way to celebrate!

Disclosure: Subway provided two $10 gift cards in exchange for a blog post and social media shares. No other monetary compensation was received. I only share about events and products I feel my readers would enjoy. All opinions are 100% my own.

I babysit a 9-year-old girl named Frances (I call her Fran) in West Los Angeles. We have so much fun together, so we were both pretty excited to have a picnic. She invited two of her friends from school, Gia and Mia. We also brought along our dogs, Archie and Little T. We were each able to get a full meal (6-inch sub, chips, and a drink) with the gift cards (I used some of my dollars for cookies #duh). Everything was SO good, even the dogs tried eating it. 😉

First, we stopped at the Subway on Washington Blvd in Culver City, Calif.

Then we had our picnic at the park in Playa Vista, Calif.

(Little T & Archie, respectively) (Mia is wearing blue tights, Frances is wearing a dress, and Gia is wearing a light blue top)

It was a GORGEOUS day for a picnic!

And of course I snapped a few selfies. 😉

It was an awesome day! The girls and I had so much fun; we will probably do it again soon!

A huge thank you to Subway for catering our picnic; it was delicious! Find Subway on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram.

How did you celebrate National Picnic Day? Did you know about this holiday?
Do you enjoy Subway? What’s your favorite sandwich?
Do you enjoy picnics? (trick question- who doesn’t?!) 😉

Thank you so much for reading!

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Ambassador Health Nutrition Reviews

Avoid Dehydration With The World’s First Alkaline Sports Drink, Phenoh

April 18, 2015 By lyndsinreallife 5 Comments

I suck at keeping hydrated.

Really, I do. I’m ALWAYS thirsty because of a medication I’m taking, I’m always walking/playing with the kids I babysit, it’s hot in LA, and then add in my yoga and stretching. You’d think I’d be better at it! Truthfully, no matter how much water I drink, I can’t seem to feel hydrated. It’s a never-ending battle and it’s severely hurting my health.

Disclosure: I received a 12 pack of pHenOH as part of my #SweatPink ambassadorship with Fit Approach. Monetary compensation was received. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.

I heard about pHenOH through Fit Approach (I am a #SweatPink ambassador) and thought I’d give it a try! It’s the world’s first alkaline sports drink, which aids in staying balanced during times of stress and exercise! Below is an excerpt from the home page of their website, explaining who they are and what pHenOH is:

A superior, healthy, ALKALINE alternative to conventional sports drinks. Phenoh has redefined the concept of a “sports drink” to reflect the needs of athletes and active individuals alike. Phenoh 7.4, with just 7 naturally healthy ingredients and a pH of 7.4, is everything that your body needs to stay balanced during stress and exercise. This is not an ade, this is pHenOH.

After a yoga sesh; ignore my sweaty selfie & super weird smile! 😉

What attracted me to pHenOH is the pH level. PHenOH’s pH level is 7.4 (alkaline) and is the biggest part of what makes them stand out. If you’re having difficulty recalling anything from your high school chemistry class (ahem, me), pHenOH gives an easy lamens terms summary of pH (website):

The body is naturally alkaline [7.4 pH] and it must stay that way in order to function properly. Stress and exercise cause the production and buildup of acidic compounds in our blood, contributing to fatigue and negative health effects.

Regular sports drinks have an excessive amount of sugar and extremely acidic pH levels. Did you know anything below a pH of 5.5 can cause tooth decay? Super gross. So not only am I not hydrating enough, I’m also most likely consuming things with too high of a pH. In addition to the things I’m consuming, I also have very high stress levels (I rarely have me time). I realized it was time to try pHenOH and see if it helped!

In a nutshell, YEP! After incorporating pHenOH into my daily routine (2 a day for 6 days), I felt more hydrated and balanced. Dehydration causes fatigue, so it was definitely awesome not getting tired a couple hours after waking up. For only have 7 ingredients, I wasn’t sure how it would taste. However, it is delightful! I love the hint of aloe vera and agave nectar.

The Ingredients:

the finest organic aloe vera
naturally low glycemic organic agave nectar
potassium (no added sodium)
magnesium
vitamin C
only 30 calories per 8 ounce serving

Research shows that pHenOH 7.4 (source):

Increases VO2 Max (oxygen metabolism) by up to 10%.
Boosts your endurance.
Enhances your peak athletic performance.
Offsets the effects of altitude on performance.
Buffers your acidic metabolic waste during exercise and stress.

If you’re interested in a Q&A with the founder Alex Schmotter (an avid outdoorsman and dentist), I highly recommend fellow #SweatPink ambassador Kinetic Fix’s blog post!

My honest opinion of pHenOH 7.4 alkaline drink:

Also after my yoga sesh; hydrating with pHenOH of course!

I love it! I’m an advocate for consuming only natural and organic foods/drinks (except the occasional cake from Susie Cakes), avoiding chemicals as much as possible, and easier ways to get hydrated. I can only drink so much water without getting bored; having a tasty, healthy drink like pHenOH is exactly what I need! Oh, and my boyfriend totally loves it. He’s a soccer coach, health coach, swimmer, and exercise enthusiast (he walked 12 miles today if that’s any indication of his enthusiasm), and he’s been stealing my pHenOHs (I caught him red-handed!). He never likes anything I like; so pHenOH and friends, know that this is a HUGE victory! Haha 🙂

Share on social media what you love about pHenOH 7.4 by using the hashtags #GoAlkaline, #FindYourPhenoh, #StayBalanced, & #Sweatpink! You can find them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.

To purchase pHenOH for yourself (or friends!), order on Amazon here (affiliate link) or their website. You can also use the store locator (scroll to the bottom). One case (12 pack of 16.9 oz tetra packs) is $28 plus free shipping.

So tell me,

how well do you stay hydrated? Do you drink anything other than water?
When would you incorporate pHenOH into your daily life?
Do you remember learning about pH levels in high school chemistry?

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Archie Events

Get Your Pup’s DNA Tested At A Swab-A-Thon Event With Wisdom Panel 3.0

April 13, 2015 By lyndsinreallife 1 Comment

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Mars Wisdom Panel 3.0. As always, I only share products or events I feel my readers would enjoy.

It’s simple: dogs are family. From the moment your pup is placed in your arms, he is your baby. Whether he’s a puppy, an adult, or a senior, he is your baby. Your kids recognize your dog as their brother. He sleeps in your bed, you take him on trips, and you love him unconditionally. That’s exactly how I am with my poodle puppy, Archie.

Archie, 8 months

We do genetic testing on our human babies to ensure they are as healthy as possible. But what about our fur babies? We want them to be as healthy as possible, too! Well, we now have that chance. Mars Veterinary, the industry leader in canine genetic testing, is launching Wisdom Panel 3.0; the next evolution of the canine DNA test. Wisdom Panel 3.0 also features the potentially life-saving Multi-Drug Resistance 1 (MDR1) genetic mutation screening.

Why is it important to understand the genetic makeup of my dog?

There are a vast amount of different breeds, and until now, we’ve been distinguishing the breeds by visualization. For example, I look at my dog Archie (pictured above). I was told he is an apricot toy poodle and would grow to be 5 or 6 lbs. He looks like a poodle, but only his ears are apricot, and he is full-grown at 10.6 lbs. I buy him food specifically for poodles, I get him groomed like a poodle, my vet has me pay more attention to health issues that poodles can develop, and so on. I have no way of knowing if he is actually a purebred poodle. Sure, some purebreds have papers, but I rescued Archie. Just like other rescue parents, I have no idea where Archie really came from. With a DNA test like the Wisdom Panel 3.0, I am able to find out his genetic makeup, allowing me to tailor his care to what he truly needs.

This is Troy, Archie’s best friend. It’s hard to tell which breed he is just by looking at him, right?

What about Archie’s other friend, Harvey? It’s a little easier to tell Harvey’s breed, but his parents still aren’t 100 percent sure.

How does Wisdom Panel 3.0 work?

The Wisdom Panel 3.0 begins when you use the cheek swabs to collect DNA from your pup’s cheek. The sample is sent to a lab and scanned into a database. Afterward, according to Wisdom Panel,

“The swabs then undergo processing to extract the DNA from your dog’s cells which are then examined for the 321 markers used in the test. The results of these markers are sent to a computer that evaluates them using a proprietary algorithm designed to consider all of the possible pedigree trees in the last three generations” (source).

Within 2-3 weeks, the results will show which breeds make up your dog’s genetic history! For more information on how it works, visit their website here.

What makes Wisdom Panel 3.0 different from previous versions?

Aside from expanding the breed screening coverage, the 3.0 has MDR1 genetic mutation screening. MDR1 (Multi-Drug Resistance 1) is a genetic mutation found in many mixed breeds dogs (some herding and sight hound breeds, as well). Dogs with MDR1 may have severe adverse reactions to some common drugs. Therefore, mixed breeds (and some purebreds with the high-propensity breeds) should be tested to hopefully prevent any of the adverse reactions. For more information on breeds and drugs affected by the MDR1 mutation, visit www.wisdompanel.com/MDR1_Disease_Screening.

Now through December, the WISDOM PANEL® “SWAB-A-THON” TOUR will visit various locations to offer swabbing for dogs. Through this tour, Wisdom Panel will strive to educate dog owners on the importance of genetic testing and how it will help them be better pup parents. By having better knowledge of their dog’s background, owners can better understand, take better care of, and build a stronger relationship with their pet.

Bring your dog to the Wisdom Panel booth at any Swab-a-thon event in your area, and get him swabbed on site for a special price ($39.99)! You can also take home a discounted DIY kit ($49.99; MSRP $84.99). About three weeks after the cheek swab test is received, you’ll be emailed an official Ancestry Report revealing your dog’s genetic background!

Swab-a-thon Events:

America’s Family Pet Expo – Costa Mesa, CA – (April 10 -12)
GoPRO Mountain Games – Vail, CO – (June 4 – 7)
Amazing Pet Expo – Austin, TX – (August 1)
Mars Pet Adoption Fair – Franklin, TN – (October – exact date TBD)
Amazing Pet Expo Holiday – Pomona, CA – (December 5)

For more information on Wisdom Panel 3.0, Swab-a-thon events, updates, and discounts, follow Wisdom Panel on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.

To purchase a Wisdom Panel 3.0 kit, please visit their website.

Image Courtesy of Wisdom Panel

I can’t wait to get Archie’s Wisdom Panel 3.0 done! Are you going to get your fur baby’s DNA tested, too?

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Health Reviews

How JLo and BodyLab Are Focusing On Women’s Health

April 11, 2015 By lyndsinreallife 12 Comments

JLo. Fitness. Nutrition. Energy. Weight Loss. What do these things have in common? BodyLab.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary BodyLab product kit in exchange for an honest review on my blog. I only share products I feel my readers would enjoy. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.

First, let’s come back to JLo (aka Jennifer Lopez). We all know her. Fabulous singer, awesome actress (Enough is a classic, I don’t care how old it is!), sexy mama, successful author (affiliate link), and a fitness/health guru. She created BodyLab, a line of health and fitness supplements made for women, by women. Here’s what JLo has to say about BodyLab:

“In all of my work—my music, my films, my book, my foundation—I always strive to inspire women to be the best and happiest versions of themselves. I joined the BodyLab family not only because of their commitment to creating great health and fitness products for women, by women, but also because of their approach to the holistic lifestyle. It’s not a solution-in-a-bottle. It’s not a fad diet. It’s part of a health regimen that makes your metabolism work as hard as you do. It’s a way to love your body” (website).

Photo courtesy of the BodyLab website

The rad thing (can you tell I live in SoCal?) about BodyLab is how great the products are for women! Here are a few facts:

No added creatine
No ingredients that wreak havoc on your hormones
Plant-based compounds to help you burn through excess body fat, get lean, and feel amazing.

BodyLab also offers workouts, challenges, recipes, and a great community (more details on their website). They’re not just a company that sells you a product and says, “Here ya go, good luck!” They truly go above and beyond to set you up powerfully for a healthy lifestyle.

Alright, let’s get down to the products.

Tasty Shake Thermodynamic Protein Complex

I used to drink protein shakes every day. I love the idea of them: simple, quick, nutritious. However, after years of the same shakes, I was over the taste. I got to the point where I couldn’t drink them at all. I was nervous to try Tasty Shake** for that reason, but obviously wanted to try it so I could give a proper review. With that being said, I LOVE this shake! I have the chocolate flavor, and it tastes like chocolate milk. Plus, it has a bit of caffeine, which is great for me since I’ve switched from soda to seltzer water and have difficulty getting the caffeine my body still craves. It’s really great as a pre-workout shake as well! Most of the products are plant-based, but note that the Tasty Shakes are whey protein. Each serving contains 15g whey protein and 90 calories. Side note: the label says to mix with water, but I mixed mine with almond milk for more flavor.

**Tasty Shake comes in regular vanilla, regular chocolate, and thermodynamic chocolate (with caffeine).

7-Day Ultra Fast Slim Kit

This kit is pretty awesome. I get nervous about “detox” kits because of how they tend to mess up the flora in our guts and cause more harm than good. They often don’t offer a probiotic with the detox. BUT, BodyLab does!!

For the first seven days, you take two of the triple process detox and cleanse capsules in the morning and two in the evening with dinner. These capsules help reduce belly bloat and waste buildup so you feel lighter and more energized.
In addition to the detox capsules, you take two of the thermodynamic Total Burn™ capsules in the morning and two in the evening with dinner. The Total Burn™ capsules are powerful fat burners that increase metabolic rate and enhance energy.
After completing the first seven days, you then take the probiotic replenishment capsules. You take one each day for seven days. The probiotics help to restore the natural flora in your gut, allowing your digestive system to work properly.

I really liked this Ultra Fast Kit! It didn’t cause emergency runs to the bathroom, but I could definitely feel a difference after the seven days! I felt lighter, less bloated, healthier, and more energetic.

I also received a full-size bottle of the Thermodynamic Total Burn™.

Endurance Boosting Deep Tissue Oxygenator

The deep tissue oxygenator enhances endurance, increases speed, improves VO2 max, and optimizes performance. It is stimulant-free! You take two capsules one hour before your workout. These capsules definitely helped me to have a better workout each time I took them! I especially love that they’re stimulant-free. The Total Burn™ has enough caffeine for me.

Advanced Joint Formula For Active Women

The joint formula helps reduce joint stiffness, and also increases range of motion. It is PERFECT for yoga! Well, for everything, but yoga is my fave. You take one capsule in the morning and one in the afternoon or evening. I didn’t realize I’d be needing a supplement for my joints at age 27, but I do. My hips and knees are in poor condition and are always really stiff and sore. The pain doesn’t go away with this supplement, of course, but it does help to diminish the pain! Yoga is a bit less painful now. 😉

BodyLab also has a Thermodynamic Pre-Workout Extender™ and a Total Shape Up Kit (All-in-One 30 day system).

How Do I Purchase BodyLab Products?

You can find BodyLab products in various retail stores or order them online.

I found these in Rite Aid in LA and got really excited haha

DISCOUNT!!

If you’d like to order online, BodyLab has graciously offered 25% off any BodyLab product + FREE shipping to my readers/followers!! That’s a pretty stellar discount if you ask me. Simply visit BodyLab.com and enter code tbb25 at checkout to receive the discount and free shipping. There’s no expiration date on this code, so be sure to use it any time you place an order!

Also, if you purchase the BodyLab Shape Up Kit, you’ll get a free signed copy of JLo’s book True Love (while supplies last; affiliate link). The Shape Up Kit is on sale for $99 right now, too. Awesome, right? Check out the YouTube video of this promotion below:

BodyLab creates their products with love for women, which is obvious when you look at the capsules:

How cute are these little hearts?!

Alright friends, it’s time for me to take my supplements and make my Tasty Shake so I can get my yoga on. Thank you as always for reading my blog! Don’t forget to follow BodyLab on social media (even for the workouts and recipes alone!). You can find them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Google+ and YouTube.

So tell me,

What types of supplements/shakes do you take?
Do you prefer/avoid certain ingredients?
Do you love the movie Enough as much as I do?
Do you prefer JLo or the classic Jennifer Lopez?

Share with me in the comment section below!

To peace & happiness!

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Pawsapalooza / West Hollywood Park / Sunday May 1 from 10-3pm / 647 N. San Vicente Blvd. / Bread Pudding at 12:30

Other Southern California Dog beaches are:

Even my pup, Archie is intrigued! 😉

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Wearing my KKA burnout tee with open back

Image from KatieKActive.com

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

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.

Thank you for reading!

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Show Details:

When:

Thursday through Sunday, June 18-21, 2015

Thursday, June 18 and Friday, June 19–Noon to 7 p.m.

Saturday, June 20–10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Sunday, June 21– 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Where:

Sheraton Marina on Harbor Island

1380 Harbor Island Drive, San Diego, CA 92101

Price:

Admission: $12 – Adults (16 years & older)

FREE – Children (15 years & under)

FREE with proper ID – Active military personnel, Fire and Police

Advance tickets can be purchased online at SanDiegoInternationalBoatShow.com

Visit sandiegointernationalboatshow.com; Facebook, Twitter and Instagram – #SDBoatShow

Will you be attending this year? Did you attend last year?

What would your favorite activity be: SUP, Be A Diver pool, kayaking, or checking out the boats?

I like to drink Cocozia for a few different reasons throughout my day:

When I was craving something extra chocolaty, I would make this recipe:

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Connect with me:

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First, we stopped at the Subway on Washington Blvd in Culver City, Calif.

Then we had our picnic at the park in Playa Vista, Calif.

It was a GORGEOUS day for a picnic!

And of course I snapped a few selfies. 😉

Thank you so much for reading!

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The Ingredients:

Research shows that pHenOH 7.4 (source):

My honest opinion of pHenOH 7.4 alkaline drink:

Why is it important to understand the genetic makeup of my dog?

How does Wisdom Panel 3.0 work?

What makes Wisdom Panel 3.0 different from previous versions?

Swab-a-thon Events:

For more information on Wisdom Panel 3.0, Swab-a-thon events, updates, and discounts, follow Wisdom Panel on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.

To purchase a Wisdom Panel 3.0 kit, please visit their website.

The rad thing (can you tell I live in SoCal?) about BodyLab is how great the products are for women! Here are a few facts:

Alright, let’s get down to the products.

How Do I Purchase BodyLab Products?

DISCOUNT!!

To peace & happiness!

Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

Thank you so much for reading! To stay in the loop, please subscribe to my blog here:
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