Los Angeles

Locking Up Your Bicycle: Rules & Regulations in Los Angeles

June 23, 2020 By lyndsinreallife Leave a 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!

Personal

Las Vegas: The Next Chapter

May 3, 2016 By lyndsinreallife 8 Comments

It’s official: my boyfriend Tim and I are moving to Las Vegas, NV!

Photo courtesy of lasvegas.com

It probably comes as a surprise to many, as it’s very obvious how much we both love Los Angeles. I would live in LA forever if I could. However, this decision has been long-coming. Back in September (not even a full year ago), we had made the decision to move to Phoenix, AZ. We visited, found a place, I interviewed for a job, and we had a moving date set. I only told a few people, and I’m glad it was only a few- Tim and I decided not to move to AZ after all (for me, I wasn’t ready to leave LA, and Phoenix didn’t feel right at the time). However, the idea of moving had stayed in our minds for quite some time.

Fast forward to March of this year. We fell on some tough times. Tim finished school, which was a big source of income thanks to the GI Bill. While he continued working his courier job, I found it difficult to find a full-time job. LA just isn’t the place to (generally) start your career. I either didn’t have the experience or the right degree for many of the jobs I looked at. I’ve also been in the process of filing for disability (for bipolar disorder). It’s very difficult for me to work a full-time job due to the unpredictable episodes I experience. There will be times when I can’t get out of bed for a day (or longer), times when it’s very hard to shower, and times when I need to take weeks, or even months, off work. There’s also the episodes of mania, when I’m very impulsive, reckless, and dangerous.

With LA’s ever-increasing cost of living, Tim and I decided it was time for our next chapter.

The #1 thing we want to do in our lives is travel. When I’m on my deathbed, I won’t be thinking about the things I’ve owned, the tedious day-to-day life that is so accepted by so many. I’ll be thinking of the experiences I’ve had. Don’t get me wrong, many people love and thrive on that kind of work (office jobs, 9-5s, things like that), and we obviously need them for society to keep going. But I’ve known in my soul since I was in grade school that I was not meant for a life like that. There’s a quote from the book Walden by Henry David Thoreau that has stuck with me throughout the many years since I’ve read it,

Most men, even in this comparatively free country, through mere ignorance and mistake, are so occupied with the factitious cares and superfluously coarse labors of life that its finer fruits cannot be plucked by them.

What I take that to mean is that we’re so preoccupied with our day-to-day lives, that we often forget to truly live. And that’s where I’m stuck. They say to live each day like it’s your last, and if it was, would you be happy with how it was spent? I recognize that not every day is going to be amazing, but I also recognize that I’m not trying my best, and life is meant to be lived happily. While I know it’s a bit more challenging for me to feel happy often (due to bipolar disorder), I do believe pure happiness is real and I believe I can feel it more frequently if I’m living a life I love.

With all that being said, Vegas isn’t our last stop. Truthfully, it’s not even a destination. It’s a stepping stone. Vegas provides a much cheaper cost of living than LA. Tim can still work there with his courier job, I can continue to write for Locale Magazine, and we’re still within 4 hours driving distance of LA. By saving money, we’re able to have more choices. Financial struggles are such a huge cause of stress, and it’s not a way to live. It’s sad, stressful, and demeaning. I’m choosing not to live this way anymore.

By saving money, we’ll be able to travel. While I’m sure there are people who don’t support our decisions, we feel in our hearts that this is what we want to do. And it’s entirely possible! My aunt and uncle, upon retirement, sold their house, bought an RV, and now travel the continent. Yes, it’s a bit different because they’re in retirement, but they ignored the negative comments and followed their dream. They’re been traveling for at least 10 years, and I’ve never seen 2 people so happy in my life.

This quote pretty much sums up exactly how I feel, and why Tim and I are moving on:

I don’t owe anyone an explanation, but I love you all and I felt this was the easiest way to answers the questions our friends and families have. 🙂 Tim and I are really excited, and I can’t wait to share about our lives in Las Vegas with you! You best bet I’ll have posts about the parks, attractions, and awesome events happening in LV.

Thank you for reading & for your continued support!

If you want to follow along on my journey, please subscribe here:

[subscribe2]

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.

Events Health SoCal

Vinyasa to Vino with Grip The Mat Recap

April 4, 2016 By lyndsinreallife 7 Comments

Yoga? Wine? Charity? COUNT ME IN!

Last Wednesday, I attended Vinyasa to Vino: a yoga event hosted by Grip the Mat. The event took place inside C.A.V.E. Gallery in Venice, Calif., and as a one hour yoga session followed by wine tasting. AMAZING, right?! I attended the event on behalf of Time Out LA. The event was sponsored by Sweaty Betty, Beaming, and JustChill Drink.

How beautiful is the C.A.V.E. Gallery?! :: Please pardon my blurry photos; my iPhone camera is broken!

Grip the Mat is a group of half-selected yoga instructors that hold yoga sessions in various, unique locations. After the one-hour yoga session, the bar opens. This includes anything from locally-made juices, to wine, to champagne. They are located in DC, Boston, and LA.

We did a one-hour Vinyasa flow taught by Ben and Ari (wonderful, energetic instructors!), which consisted of a half hour sweaty sesh, followed by a half hour cool down. Afterward, we had a social hour and a wine tasting with ONEHOPE Wine. ONEHOPE Wine is a lifestyle brand with a world-class vineyard in Napa, Calif. They give back to the community through their brand. For Vinyasa to Vino, we sampled four wines, each of them giving back to different organizations. The wines we tried + organizations they benefit were:

California Brut Sparkling Wine / Each case provides 25 meals to a child in need
California Sauvignon Blanc / Helps save the planet
California Pinot Noir / Funds pet adoptions through the ASPCA
California Cabernet Sauvignon / Helps children with autism

A few bottles of ONEHOPE Wine; image courtesy of onehopewine.com

Light bites were also offered from sponsor Beaming. We had the opportunity to try banana bread and cookies made with Beaming’s superfood protein blend. We also got to try their green juice and a lemon/ginger juice. They were so good! I’ll admit, I took two pieces of the banana bread and two of the green juices. 😉

During the wine tasting, there was a raffle! There was one winner of the grand prize, and then six winners of an outfit from sponsor Sweaty Betty (a British activewear company that opened a store on Abbot Kinney in Venice). I was one of the lucky winners of the Sweaty Betty outfits! (I’m so excited to choose my outfit; thank you!)

I had such an awesome time! It was a great workout (I was sore for two days!), and the wine + food were really yummy. All guests even got a swag bag, complete with tea, chocolate, a coupon for a spa day, a Sweaty Betty water bottle, and more!

I highly recommend attending any Grip the Mat events in your area (again, DC, Boston, and LA only). You can find events and get tickets on gripthemat.com (the next Vinyasa to Vino in LA is April 27th fyi!).

Thank you for reading!

[subscribe2]

Insta | Twitter | Facebook

Fitness Reviews

My First Step to Becoming A Trainer: STOTT PILATES® Workshop with Quality MERRITHEW™ Equipment

February 11, 2016 By lyndsinreallife 6 Comments

This post is sponsored by MERRITHEW™.

Being a fitness fanatic, I’ve always entertained the idea of getting an instructor certification. One of the things that has held me back, though, is knowing where and who to get that certification from. It’s important to find a great studio with great instructors. I had the opportunity to take a one-hour Pilates trainer workshop using MERRITHEW‘s high-end equipment, at MERRITHEW licensed training center John Garey Fitness and Pilates in Long Beach, Calif. My instructor was Certified Personal Trainer (NASM) Jake Robinson, who’s also a Registered Yoga Teacher by the Yoga Alliance and is also SpinPOWER certified.

MERRITHEW provides equipment and educational materials to the fitness world. Their brands are STOTT PILATES®, ZEN•GA®, CORE™, and Total Barre™. John Garey Fitness and Pilates uses all MERRITHEW equipment in their studio, including reformers, stability chairs, and barrels. MERRITHEW offered me the chance to take a workshop; considering they’re considered the “Ivy League” of Pilates education, I couldn’t wait to give it a try!

I met with Jake: a chef-turned-Pilates instructor who trains at John Garey. He was informative, helpful, and positive. It was obvious Jake really loves Pilates!

First, we did some leg and ab work on the SPX Max® Plus Reformer:

[All photos taken by Tim Schneider]

Next, we added ropes/resistance:

We spent most our time on the reformer, because there’s seriously SO much you can do with it! It’s a magical piece of equipment. What’s great is that you don’t really have to work hard to get serious results. I mean sure, the more you put into it, the more you get out of it, but I was definitely feeling the burn without breaking too much of a sweat!

We moved from the reformer to the Split-Pedal Stability Chair™. Jake said this is his favorite piece of equipment. I say this is my least favorite (haha). Here’s why:

Jake had me step on the piece of wood that goes all the way to the floor. From there, I would use the handle bars to pull myself up (right photo). It’s an amazing core workout! I thought after a few tries, I’d be done. But nope! Jake had me try to pull myself up without the handle bars (left photo). If there is anything that’ll say, “you need to do more core work,” it’s this! Jake could pull himself up no problem, so it’s obviously a very effective piece of equipment.

After spending some time with the Stability Chair™, we moved on to the Ladder Barrel.

This was really fun! It really works the obliques. At first, I went side to side over the barrel. After that, I laid on the barrel (on my tummy) and did hundreds with my arms. Woo were my muscles feeling it!

The last piece of equipment was the Cadillac/Trapeze Table. Jake called it a “feel good” exercise. Here’s what it looks like:

It’s a great way to stretch your legs, hips, and obliques. After all the work we did, it felt really good to stretch those muscles! Stretching is a crucial part of any exercise routine. There’s so many things that can be done on the Cadillac/Trapeze Table; it’s amazing!

I learned so much about STOTT PILATES , MERRITHEW equipment, and tips for instruction during the one-hour session. I’ve always enjoyed Pilates, but I had never tried it using equipment (I’ve always done mat work). I cannot recommend John Garey Fitness and Pilates studio and MERRITHEW equipment enough!

Jake & I after our Pilates session

To learn more about becoming a STOTT PILATES® instructor, visit merrithew.com. From there, you’ll be able to contact an advisor.

To check out John Garey Fitness and Pilates, you can make an appointment/schedule a class by calling

(562) 598-8585 or visiting 6547 E. PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY, LONG BEACH, CA 90803.

Have you ever used MERRITHEW equipment? What do you think of it?
Do you have an instructor certification? Where is it from and what kind of fitness?

Thank you for reading my blog!

[subscribe2]

Twitter | Insta | Facebook

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! 😉

Thank you for reading! For more posts, please subscribe to my blog here:

[subscribe2]

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Events Fitness Nutrition SoCal

How I Champion Women’s Wellness with thinkThin® (+ Sunrise Yoga!)

August 27, 2015 By lyndsinreallife 3 Comments

This post is sponsored by Women’s Forum and thinkThin®. All opinions are 100% my own.

If I had to choose only one thing I am passionate about, it’s wellness. To me, wellness means feeling happy, healthy, energized, and having an all-around feeling of contentment. To obtain this, I balance nutrition, yoga, meditation, writing, and outdoor adventures.

I champion women’s wellness through nutrition with thinkThin® lifestyle bars and oatmeal! The bars are the perfect pick-me-up for my super busy days (which is practically every day). I’m not often in a place where I can refrigerate snacks or meals, so having a high protein, low sugar bar in my bag is essential. The best part? I don’t have to choose between healthy and delicious; these bars are both!

I had the privilege of trying the oatmeal at the Sunrise Yoga event with fitness expert Andrea Metcalf (hosted by Women’s Forum and thinkThin®). The Farmer’s Market Berry Crumble oatmeal was SO GOOD! It’s my new go-to breakfast. It’s seriously so delicious; the fact that it’s healthy makes it that much better! thinkThin® knows what’s up. 😉

So, more about this Sunrise Yoga event. It was held a few weeks ago (Thursday, Aug. 6) at The Fairmont Hotel in Santa Monica, Calif. Andrea led a 30 minute yoga session (starting at 7 a.m.) followed by breakfast and the opportunity to talk with Andrea/other yogis! Andrea is full of energy and happiness; she inspired us to thinkPostive®. She is the definition of the modern-day health and wellness woman.

How @balancebrunette champions women’s wellness w/ @thinkproducts + Sunrise #Yoga w/ @andreametcalf recap! http://ctt.ec/qSHcB+ #sponsored

Click To Tweet

The women who participated in the sunrise yoga event were confident, strong, positive, supportive, and full of gratitude. The atmosphere was uplifting and the view was beautiful!

It was such a privilege doing yoga with Andrea Metcalf and the beautiful LA yogis! I left feeling excited and optimistic about women’s wellness.

thinkThin® inspires (and nourishes) me to live a balanced lifestyle; after all, I am The Balanced Brunette!

What helps you live a balanced life? What does wellness mean for you?

#LiveLoveInspire

Follow thinkThin® on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and thinkproducts.com.

How @balancebrunette champions women’s wellness w/ @thinkproducts + Sunrise #Yoga w/ @andreametcalf recap! http://ctt.ec/qSHcB+ #sponsored

Click To Tweet

Thank you for reading!

Please subscribe to my blog here:

[subscribe2]

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

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!

[subscribe2]

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

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

Photo courtesy of lasvegas.com

With LA’s ever-increasing cost of living, Tim and I decided it was time for our next chapter.

Thank you for reading & for your continued support!

If you want to follow along on my journey, please subscribe here:

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:

How beautiful is the C.A.V.E. Gallery?! :: Please pardon my blurry photos; my iPhone camera is broken!

A few bottles of ONEHOPE Wine; image courtesy of onehopewine.com

First, we did some leg and ab work on the SPX Max® Plus Reformer:

[All photos taken by Tim Schneider]

Next, we added ropes/resistance:

After spending some time with the Stability Chair™, we moved on to the Ladder Barrel.

The last piece of equipment was the Cadillac/Trapeze Table. Jake called it a “feel good” exercise. Here’s what it looks like:

Jake & I after our Pilates session

Thank you for reading my blog!

[subscribe2]

Twitter | Insta | Facebook

Even my pup, Archie is intrigued! 😉

Thank you for reading! For more posts, please subscribe to my blog here:

[subscribe2]

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

What helps you live a balanced life? What does wellness mean for you?

#LiveLoveInspire

Follow thinkThin® on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and thinkproducts.com.

Thank you for reading!

Please subscribe to my blog here:

[subscribe2]

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

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!

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

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:

Thank you so much for reading! To stay in the loop, please subscribe to my blog here: [subscribe2]

Connect with me:

Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

Thank you so much for reading! To stay in the loop, please subscribe to my blog here:
[subscribe2]