yogi

How I #LiveInprAna From Yoga to Work with #SweatPink

October 3, 2015 By lyndsinreallife 1 Comment

This post is sponsored by prAna and Fit Approach. All opinions are my own.

When I was in my early 20s, my favorite outfit to wear was jeans, a sleek tank, and heels. I wore gobs of makeup, made sure my hair was perfect each day, and was obsessed with designer labels. My love for these labels did not come from actually loving the designers; it was because my friends loved the designers and I wanted to be cool. I was the girl who cared more about beauty than comfort. I remember my going-away party when I was 24 (before my move from Cleveland to Los Angeles): it was 20°F outside, ice everywhere, cold as could be, and I was wearing bright red, 5 inch heels.

To that I say -_-

Now I’m in my late 20s, and a few things have changed. My days consist of meditation, yoga, nannying, and lounging/Netflixing. Heels and jeans are the LAST things I need. However, one thing has remained the same: the label. While I didn’t understand the quality of designer brands when I was younger, I’ve now learned to appreciate quality brands. One of those brands is prAna.

PrAna, meaning breath or universal life force, is an eco-conscious, sustainable, organic clothing company whose mission is to inspire healthy, active, free-spirited living. The clothes are incredibly comfortable, versatile, and chic. I love that I can wear any of the pieces practically anywhere! As I type this post, I’m wearing the Maison Leggings in plum baleen. Last night, I went to a taping and dinner with friends wearing my black Gabi Leggings. I wear my black Lahiri swimsuit when I go to the beach/pool with the girl I nanny (and I can’t forget my prAna chapstick!). I live in prAna every single day.

To celebrate how I #LiveInPrana, I joined the #sweatpink #7daystretch campaign with prAna and Fit Approach on Instagram! For 7 days, #sweatpinkers, yogis, climbers, and adventure enthusiasts posted how they lived in prAna. I received four items from prAna for this campaign.

How do you #liveinprana? @balancebrunette shares how she lives for comfort #sweatpink @prana @fitapproach #7daystretch http://ctt.ec/JCdR6

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These are my 7 posts for the #7daystretch (which you can find on my Instagram @thebalancedbrunette):

A few other ways I #LiveInPrana:

My favorite pieces are the Bourke Top, Marin Pullover, Dreaming Top, Misty Legging, and Gabi Legging.

Are you loving these prAna outfits as much as I do?! Because there’s great news: prAna is having a SALE! 40-50% off past season items (some of the pieces are fall/winter and do not qualify), which you can find here.

How do you #liveinprana? @balancebrunette shares how she lives for comfort #sweatpink @prana @fitapproach #7daystretch http://ctt.ec/JCdR6

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You can find prAna on their website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.

How do you live in prAna?
Which pieces are your favorite?

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Fitness Reviews

Get Your Yoga On From Anywhere With The Yogatailor App

March 1, 2015 By lyndsinreallife Leave a Comment

Did you know I am obsessed with yoga? Did you also know I’m a major homebody?

Well, now you do! Friends ask me, “Lyndsay, how do you practice yoga without going to a studio/class?” Well, friends, I have the yogatailor app (one word).

Disclosure: I received a free membership with yogatailor in exchange for an honest review on my blog. No monetary compensation was received. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.

Yogatailor is a website and app created by Ramesh Padala, a Stanford grad and high tech entrepreneur based in San Francisco, CA. After discovering that the online yoga videos at that time were ineffective, Padala set out to create something amazing for the yoga world.

“We at yogatailor.com have come up with a unique technology that enables us to create custom fit yoga videos that are fit according to your abilities, available time, restrictions etc. We then stream this yoga video to you instantly. We also change the video every time you start a new session so that you don’t get bored. The videos also adapt based on your progress” (website).

Here’s the lowdown:

Sign up on the website and/or download the iOS app on your phone. Create a user profile (or log in via your Facebook account). There are a few different packages to choose from (and you can’t beat these prices!):

15 day free trial
Monthly membership ($2.99)
6 month membership ($13.99)
12 month membership ($23.99)

Once you choose your package, you’re able to customize your profile. It’ll prompt you to choose your level and what to work on (beginner, intermediate, expert to back pain and pregnancy). You can also choose things for your mind like stress-relief and improved sleep. Once complete, you’re able to begin your videos! You can choose a single session, 3 day program, or 5 day program. The videos will walk you through what to do- it’s that simple!

*The following photos were taken as screen shots on my cell phone.

Day 2 is locked until you complete day 1!

The videos look like this on your phone:

I love yogatailor because I am always on-the-go. It’s hard for me to get in a full workout, but I usually have 20 minutes to myself while the kids (I babysit) are busy. Instead of sitting around, I am able to get in a quick yoga workout! When I am home, I can plug in my laptop to my TV and do a 15-30 minute workout. The yoga sequences are easy to follow, and also a great workout! Yogatailor has totally changed the way I do yoga.

Also, they’ll send you push notifications to inspire you to get your yoga on that day. 😉

If you believe yogatailor is for you, get more info and download the iOS app here (free)! If you’re not sure, you can read reviews and see who else is doing yoga on the home page.

I hope you love yogatailor as much as I do — If you do, share with me by commenting below and/or through social media! Find yogatailor on Facebook, Twitter, & their blog.

What prevents you from attending a yoga class, if anything?
Would you use an app like yogatailor? What do you look for in a fitness app?

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Bipolar Disorder Fitness Nutrition Personal SoCal

GetFitWithLynds is now The Balanced Brunette

May 19, 2014 By lyndsinreallife 13 Comments

I am sooo incredibly excited to announce that GetFitWithLynds is now The Balanced Brunette! I’m sure it has been a little confusing for some (even myself!), since the name change is so sudden and different, but I am beyond excited for this next chapter!

The reason behind the name change:

When my blog was GetFitWithLynds, it was geared toward fitness only (along with nutrition) and coaching. The more I wrote, the more I realized my passion isn’t only fitness, nutrition, and coaching. I am very passionate about sharing my experiences with bipolar disorder. I help myself by helping others know they are not alone. I am vulnerable and open for those who don’t yet have the strength. I also want to become more involved in the Los Angeles lifestyle, and share about that! There are so many amazing events that happen here, I would be silly not to get involved. 🙂

The meaning behind the name:

I chose The Balanced Brunette for a couple reasons. For one, it felt right. I kept thinking of other names, but this is the one I kept coming back to. For two, balance is the theme of my life (and many others, of course). I have always been attracted to the yin & yang symbol. Having a chemical imbalance, it’s only natural that I am attracted to balance. In my mind, body, and life. Mental, physical, and spiritual. For three, I’m a proud brunette! Haha, but seriously.

I’ve changed all my social media accounts to match my blog. I hope you will follow me on this amazing, exciting journey!

Twitter & Pinterest: @balancebrunette

Instagram: @thebalancedbrunette

Facebook: thebalancedbrunette

Blog: thebalancedbrunette.com

Xoxo,

Lyndsay

Fitness Nutrition

Energems Review + A Giveaway!

May 17, 2014 By lyndsinreallife 19 Comments

I had the wonderful opportunity of reviewing Energems and jumped at the chance! I have had issues with energy for as long as I can remember. I’ve tried (what feels like) everything, and wanted to see how Energems would work for me!

Not only are Energems effective, but they’re delicious! They are literally like big M&Ms®. And taste like it! There’s a bit of a weird aftertaste, but it only lasts a few seconds or so. There are three flavors: chocolate, mint, and peanut butter.

What I love about Energems is that they are convenient. I am always on the go (I nanny, dogsit, dogwalk, work at a wellness center, and more!), so convenience is perfect. Knowing I can wake up, eat some delicious chocolate, and get energy from that is perfect! Plus, they’re only 45 calories per serving (3 pieces). Love it! The energy burst comes from a proprietary energy blend of D-Glucuronolactone, Taurine, Caffeine, and Suntheanine® (L-Theanine), and also B-vitamins. Plus, it’s made with real milk chocolate!

I definitely recommend Energems for people who want an energy boost, especially on the go! With that, I am doing a GIVEAWAY for one winner! I tried all three flavors for myself, but saved the other three boxes for one lucky person!

To be eligible to win:

Comment below what you’ve tried for an energy boost
Follow The Balanced Brunette on Instagram
Like The Balanced Brunette on Facebook

Simple as that! The giveaway ends on Wednesday, May 21 at 9 p.m. PST. Good luck!!!

To check out Energems and purchase some of your own (you know you want to), visit their website here.

Thank you Energems for the opportunity to try and review your amazing product!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one the products mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Holistic Living Nutrition Personal

GAPS Diet Update – Week 3

May 11, 2014 By lyndsinreallife 10 Comments

A couple weeks ago, I posted about my new nutrition plan and why I was doing it. As a recap, I am following a plan called the GAPS diet, which basically means my digestive system is not a happy camper. The past four months have been very stressful, which led to an excess of cortisol being released (stress hormone), sugar and refined carb cravings, poor nutrition, and then an overgrowth of candida.

(Image Source)

Candida is a fungus/yeast that we all have a little bit of in our digestive systems. However, if it grows out of control, you get pretty scary symptoms. Since starting to detox from things like sugar, soy, dairy, gluten (grains), and refined carbs, these are the symptoms I have experienced:

hives (daily)
migraines (6 days in a row)
fatigue, no matter how healthy I eat
difficulty sleeping
abdominal/digestive pain/bloating
irritability, mood swings, depression
muscle pain, especially in my legs
weight gain
acne (I haven’t had acne in YEARS!!!!)
intense sugar and refined carb cravings

I could go on and on, but those are the ones that really stood out to me. It has been a rough 3 weeks! But I feel like I am finally getting over the hump of the worst part. I started a 21 day cleanse (through Herbalife), I’m taking a supplement called FloraFiber daily (probiotics), and I just ordered goldenseal root (to push the candida out) and another probiotic. I already feel so much better!! I definitely have a ways to go with getting healthy again, but I can already feel a difference, and it is soo comforting!

(Image Source)

Sugar addiction and sugar detoxing are no joke. I was blaming myself for having a hard time cutting it out completely, but I was reassured that it really is my body that craves the sugar! It’s so similar to a drug addiction, it’s crazy. Did you know sugar is 8 times more addicting than cocaine? There was a study done on rats, and the rats chose the sugar over the cocaine every time.

Anyway, I feel like I’m rambling. I wanted to share a little bit of an update about this sugar detox since I know a few of you are following my updates (which I so so appreciate!!). If anything, I have totally learned how essential it is to truly take care of our bodies. Yes, I knew it was important before, but I feel like now, I have a deeper understanding of why we need to nourish our bodies with real food and get those toxins out through exercise. So many of us are living with poor gut health, and we don’t even realize it! I can’t stress enough how important it is to take care of our digestive system. 90% of our immune system is in our gut.

Healthy gut = happy life. 🙂

Ambassador Fitness Nutrition

I Am A #SweatPink Ambassador!

May 10, 2014 By lyndsinreallife 9 Comments

A few weeks ago, I was accepted as a brand new #sweatpink ambassador with Fit Approach! It has been an amazing few weeks already!

This is the Fit Approach mission (borrowed from the Fit Approach website):

We believe that kicking ass is best done in pretty shoes. We’ve learned that real women sweat, and sweat hard. We know that assertiveness, strength, and ambition are the ultimate feminine qualities. We concede that sometimes it takes hours to get ready, but we’re also no strangers to just rolling out of bed and going. We’re convinced that we run faster in pink shoelaces. We believe in pushing ourselves, and we believe in giving ourselves a break, too. We’re all about the rush of endorphins and the thrill of the challenge. We’re all for looking great and feeling even better. We’re committed to finding our best fit, and making it stick.

How awesome is that?! The mission is what attracted me to Fit Approach in the first place. Pink is my favorite color, so this was a no brainer! I am all about pink shoelaces. As a welcome, I was sent a #sweatpink tank and some pink shoelaces:

Everyone in the #sweatpink community is SO welcoming! I love the feeling of being a part of a community of like-minded people, and knowing that I can go to any of them even though I don’t physically know them! I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity. <3

If you’re interested in becoming a #sweatpink ambassador, apply here! 🙂

Check out Fit Approach on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest!

Ambassador Fitness Nutrition

What Being An I’m Fit Possible Ambassador Means To Me

May 1, 2014 By lyndsinreallife 24 Comments

UPDATE: I’m Fit Possible ended their ambassador program in September 2014.

I announced this a few weeks ago on here, but I’m sharing it again: I am an I’m Fit Possible Ambassador!! I love the community of supportive, energetic, happy people who share the same passion of health and fitness. It’s an amazing feeling, being able to get online in the morning and have posts and comments from fellow ambassadors on Facebook, my blog, Instagram, Twitter, etc.! Who doesn’t love a supportive community?

One of the biggest reasons why I love I’m Fit Possible is because it’s all about being real. This is who we are (borrowed from the I’m Fit Possible website):

“We are social, big hearted, creative fitness enthusiasts.

We believe in unplugging and heading outside.

We believe that the best workouts are the ones done with family and friends.

We try and sweat every day, but if we don’t we won’t sweat about it.

We love to try new things and if we love something, you’ll hear about it.

Oh and smiles, hugs and high fives are not negotiable.

Most importantly, we agree:

Together is BETTER

Being SOCIAL is way cool

Real stories by real people MATTER

Opinions COUNT

YOU define what is healthy for you.”

Just like it says, to me, being fit possible doesn’t mean you have to have a 6 pack or a thigh gap, or can run the fastest mile, or whatever. To me, being fit possible means anyone can be fit. And that definition of fit is different for everyone! As long as we are trying to be a little bit better each day, and we’re moving our bodies and trying to eat healthy foods, then we are fit possible.

HOWEVER, if having a 6 pack or thigh gap or running the fastest mile is what makes you feel fit possible, THEN PERFECT!! That’s the amazing thing about the I’m Fit Possible community- we all have different goals, and we all support each other with those goals.

I want to shout out Tara, the founder of I’m Fit Possible. She is absolutely wonderful!! She is funny, witty, sassy, beautiful, inspirational, supportive.. I could go on and on. She has made me (and all the ambassadors) feel super welcomed since the very beginning! Tara wanted to do something nice for the ambassadors, so she sent out a gift to everyone:

How amazing is that?! It’s a tea bottle (has an infuser at the top) that obviously says I’m Fit Possible, a sample of Tisano tea (I received mint cacao!), a sticker (where should I put it?!), and a hand-written note welcoming me! It seriously made my day. And I use the bottle every single day! So Tara, THANK YOU so so much for allowing me to be a part of this family, and for recognizing that we can be “fit” even if we don’t have a 6 pack!

Check out I’m Fit Possible on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to see what all the ambassadors are up to!

Do you want to become an #imfitpossible ambassador? Apply here! 🙂