Privacy Policy – CookSmartly
Legal

Privacy Policy

πŸ“… Last updated: January 2025
🌐 Applies to: FixMyKitchen.blog
βš–οΈ Version: 3.1
Section 01

Introduction

Welcome to CookSmartly, operated at FixMyKitchen.blog (“we,” “us,” or “our”). We’re committed to protecting your personal information and your right to privacy. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, who we share it with, and your rights regarding that data.

By visiting our website, subscribing to our newsletter, or interacting with any part of our platform, you agree to the practices described in this policy. If you disagree with any part of this policy, please discontinue use of our site.

Plain English Summary: We collect minimal data, we don’t sell it to anyone, and we use it only to improve the experience of visiting our site. Our affiliate links to Amazon may result in us earning a commission if you purchase something β€” this is disclosed clearly throughout the site.

Section 02

Data We Collect

We collect two categories of data: information you provide voluntarily, and information collected automatically through your use of the site.

Information You Provide

  • Email address (when subscribing to our newsletter or submitting a contact form)
  • Name (optional, when provided via contact forms)
  • Comments or feedback you choose to submit
  • Any other information you voluntarily include in communications with us

Information Collected Automatically

  • IP address (anonymized where required by law)
  • Browser type and version
  • Device type and screen resolution
  • Pages visited, time spent on each page, and referring URL
  • Date and time of each visit
  • Approximate geographic location (country/city level only)
Section 03

Cookies & Analytics

We use cookies β€” small text files stored on your device β€” to improve site functionality, understand how visitors use our content, and maintain your preferences between visits.

Types of Cookies We Use

  • Essential Cookies: Required for the site to function. These cannot be disabled without breaking core functionality.
  • Analytics Cookies (Google Analytics): Help us understand traffic patterns, popular content, and how users navigate the site. Data is anonymized and aggregated.
  • Preference Cookies: Remember your settings (such as cookie consent status) across sessions.
  • Affiliate Tracking Cookies: Set by Amazon when you click our affiliate links. These are governed by Amazon’s own privacy policy.

You can manage or disable cookies at any time through your browser settings. Note that disabling analytics cookies will not affect your ability to read content or follow affiliate links.

Section 04

Affiliate Disclosure (Amazon)

CookSmartly is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

What this means for you: When you click a “Check Latest Price” link on our site and make a purchase on Amazon, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Prices on Amazon are the same whether or not you use our link.

Our editorial rankings and product recommendations are never influenced by affiliate relationships. Products are ranked purely on performance, as determined through our independent testing process. We have never and will never accept payment from brands to rank their products higher than they deserve.

This disclosure is made in compliance with the FTC’s guidelines on endorsements and testimonials (16 CFR Part 255) and Amazon’s Operating Agreement.

Section 05

How We Use Your Data

We use the data we collect exclusively for the following legitimate purposes:

  • To deliver and improve the content and functionality of FixMyKitchen.blog
  • To send the newsletter you explicitly opted into (with easy one-click unsubscribe on every email)
  • To respond to questions, feedback, or support requests you send us
  • To understand which content is most valuable to our readers so we can produce more of it
  • To detect, investigate, and prevent technical issues or abuse of our platform
  • To comply with applicable legal obligations

We do not use your data for automated profiling, targeted advertising, or any purpose beyond operating and improving this site.

Section 06

Data Sharing

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal data to any third party β€” full stop. We share limited data only with the following trusted service providers, strictly for operational purposes:

  • Google Analytics: Anonymized traffic and behavior data for site improvement
  • Mailchimp / Email provider: Email address and name for newsletter delivery
  • WordPress / Web host: Infrastructure and content delivery
  • Amazon Associates: Click-tracking data for affiliate program compliance

Each service provider is bound by their own privacy policy and our data processing agreements where required by law. We will disclose data if legally compelled to do so by a valid court order, subpoena, or government request.

Section 07

GDPR & International Protections

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), United Kingdom, or California, you are afforded additional rights under GDPR, UK GDPR, or CCPA respectively.

Our Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

  • Consent: Newsletter subscriptions and optional cookies
  • Legitimate Interest: Analytics to improve content quality
  • Legal Obligation: Compliance with applicable laws
  • Contract Performance: Responding to requests you initiate

California residents have the right to know what personal information is collected, the right to opt out of sale (we do not sell data), and the right to non-discrimination for exercising CCPA rights.

Section 08

Your Rights

Regardless of where you’re located, you have the following rights with respect to your personal data. To exercise any of these rights, email us at the address in the contact section below.

Right to Access

Request a copy of all personal data we hold about you.

Right to Rectification

Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data.

Right to Erasure

Request deletion of your personal data from our systems.

Right to Restriction

Request that we limit how we process your data in certain circumstances.

Right to Portability

Receive a copy of your data in a portable, machine-readable format.

Right to Object

Object to processing based on legitimate interests or direct marketing.

We will respond to all verified data rights requests within 30 days. We may need to verify your identity before processing certain requests.

Section 09

Data Retention

We retain personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy, or as required by applicable law:

  • Newsletter subscriber data: Retained until you unsubscribe, after which it is deleted within 30 days
  • Contact form submissions: Retained for up to 12 months for reference, then permanently deleted
  • Analytics data: Retained for 26 months on a rolling basis (Google Analytics default)
  • Server access logs: Retained for 90 days for security purposes
Section 10

Security

We implement industry-standard technical and organizational measures to protect your personal data against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These include:

  • SSL/TLS encryption for all data in transit
  • Encrypted storage for subscriber data at our email service provider
  • Access controls limiting data access to authorized team members only
  • Regular security audits of our hosting environment

No method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your data, we cannot guarantee absolute security. In the event of a data breach affecting your rights, we will notify you as required by applicable law.

Section 11

Policy Changes

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, legal requirements, or site functionality. When we make material changes, we will:

  • Update the “Last updated” date at the top of this page
  • Post a notice on our homepage for 30 days following any significant change
  • Send a notification to newsletter subscribers for changes that materially affect how we handle their data

Your continued use of FixMyKitchen.blog after any changes to this policy constitutes your acceptance of the revised terms. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

Questions About This Policy?

We’re happy to explain anything in plain language. Reach out directly.

πŸ“§Privacy inquiries: privacy@fixmykitchen.blog
πŸ“¬CookSmartly LLC Β· FixMyKitchen.blog
⏱️Response time: Within 5 business days