ChildProtect dna analysis review via US Family Guide

I recently wrote about a promotion via US Family Guide for a service from DNA called ChildProtect. Solving crimes is a complex thing that can be moved along and sped up by having certain tools on hand. A DNA analysis is one such tool. When minutes to hours are critical, having your child’s DNA markers ready for law enforcement helps them rule out DNA found at the scene and move on to identifying unknown DNA.

This kit that they send is simple. There is space to keep important information such as name, date of birth, physical markers (birth marks, scars, etc.), nicknames and so on. There is a diagram to mark places on the body that are identifiable. This part you fill out and keep on hand in a safe place (like the safe).

The other part that you send back is a detachable envelope. Inside there are cheek swabs. You swab inside of each cheek for a few seconds. Place it inside the envelope, making sure not to touch the wet end. Then you send it back.

They pay for return shipping. I was a little worried about the envelope as the saliva from the swabs was seeping through it. I don’t know how they protect to make sure that nothing seeps into the envelope and contaminates the samples. Another thing that bugged me, was how long it took. I sent it and waited the 7-10 business days and then waited some more. I checked online thinking I missed the email and needed to check the login page. Finally I received the email that my results were ready. I had an issue checking the results, but after emailing them they fixed it within a day and I got my results.

DDC emails a certificate with the markers outlined and the child’s name on it. I would prefer a real hard copy of the results, as it seems more professional than something I have to print out. They offer the service of having the DNA stored as well as keeping the results online and available for your access for a fee.
Fox News' own Dr. Manny Alvarez has shared information on the importance concerning DNA Fingerprinting. Information provided was, "DNA Diagnostics Center (DDC) uses our state-of-the-art, accredited laboratory to construct the DNA profile. Once completed, a certificate of results is created and signed by one of our PhD's. The certificate provides key genetic markers that police use for investigations."

It’s not that bad an idea and could be worth your while in case anything happened involving your child. They do have other services such as paternity tests, immigration DNA tests, forensic testing, adoption testing and more you could check into.  They do have the offer for $50 off using the code Family50. Leave me a comment and tell me what you think about this service.

Acure review

Having healthy, moisturized skin is just as important to me as having healthy, vibrant hair. Your skin protects you from the outside elements. In these summer months, I've let my face go a bit. And it's beginning to show. Florida is hot and very humid. Though there is moisture in the air, it dries out your skin. It's important to always stay hydrated and well moisturized. However, using just any lotions, cleansers, primers or products can be damaging to your skin rather than good. I recently received products to try for a review from Acure. They claim to have "ACURE for your skin * ACURE for the planet". They sent me a variety of things to try. Of course, the day or two before I get them, I get sunburned from a trip to the pool without sunscreen...

First thing I tried of course was the Oil Control Facial Moisturizer (which my face desperately needed after the burn). It didn't take a lot to douse my face with and the moisturized feeling stayed all day while at work. Normally my forehead would begin to oil up within 3 or so hours. Not with this stuff. I don't sport that shiny glow too when I use this. And even while walking about outside in the heat and humidity, it's still not drying out or oiling up. Its lilac scent is my favorite. It hydrates and prevents oil-causing sheen breakouts.
The next thing I used was the Facial Cleansing Crème in the Argan oil and mint scent. I love the fresh scent while I'm washing my face! I felt refreshed and clean. I’ve also noticed a good difference in my pores.

*After cleansing my face, before going to work*
I hate having to wash and then condition my hair. I know they are both cleansing and such, but it takes too long. I’m a home schooling mother of three who works part time, is now volunteering as an instructor for Sea Cadets and then I write this blog. Plus there are all the other daily needs I have to attend to. Showers are quick and practical. Conditioning is optional. I usually just want to use a 2 in 1. But I got to try an alternative that I really enjoyed. The Leave-In Conditioner is quick and easy to use. It comes in spray form so there is no worry of having oily, greasy, conditioned fingers afterward as some brands can leave you feeling. Just a couple quick squirts and I can be on my way. I also like that it has detangling abilities. My hair is getting longer and it's thick, coarseness makes it prone to knots. The scent I received is minty with a hint of the Argan oil.

*After being at work all afternoon/evening*

Lastly, I also had the seriously hydrating Facial Toner. It also comes in spray form. You simply mist your face with this and it begins hydrating throughout the day. Its scent is that of Argan oil with mint I believe. When you use this with the cleanser, they make a great pair. Clean and hydrated face that lasts all day!

Overall, I’m beginning to like the minty smell. I’ve gotten things with the Argan oil and thought, no way will I use that! But these were different. Its subtle and blended so well that you won’t notice it. Lilac is strong, but something I’ve always loved. Using it in the moisturizer is great. My favorite of these four would have to be the moisturizer followed closely by the leave-in conditioner.

These products are vegan, sulfate free, cruelty free, synthetic fragrance free, paraben free, petroleum free, phthalate free, silicone free, gluten free, won't clog your pores, 100% biodegradable, and made right here in the United States.

Check them out and don’t forget to leave me a comment about what you think. Acure provides products for your face, body, lips, and hair. I like the fact their website organizes the products by your skin type as well. If you want to find an online retailer, they have several listed or you can purchase directly from their website. You can also check them out on Twitter and Facebook.

Turketarians Unite Butterball party via House Party

Tonight was a huge success! Why? I hosted my very first House Party. It was from Butterball and all about Turketarians Uniting!

They sent a huge party pack filled with reusable bags, coupons,

magnet sets,

footballs, a recipe book, a turkey hat,

an apron, cards about the new app Butterball has, a timer that is magnetic so I can hang it on the refrigerator, a Frisbee, plates, cups, and even napkins.

And then of course there was the $40 gift card to buy Butterball products to prepare for my guests.

We planned everything out to maximize the fun and food experiences.

I used the reusable bags as goodie bags to put all the things for my guests in. My husband wore the apron and hat while cooking,

until the kids came and wanted to wear the hat (Mr. Gobbles). There are some amazing recipes both in the book and the app. I downloaded the app, which if you haven't checked it out - you should! You can pick recipes, save them, then it will create a shopping list for you so you know what to get next time you go to the store. I LOVE it!

The night before the party, we set up everything. We bought a blue table cloth and some yellow and blue streamers.

I printed out some of the Butterball logos and the Turketarians Unite logo to hang and post around as well.

The day of the party, we cooked everything we had made a menu for: spaghetti with turkey

(my meatballs came out poorly since I can't make meatballs to save my life), turkey bacon covered nachos

 turkey tacos

(one of the favorites), and cheesy turkey and rice casserole

(tied for first place with the tacos in the favorites).

Snacks for those waiting were crackers stacked with either deep fried deli turkey slices or garlic and herb chicken slices and cheese.

We had two families come with kids everywhere.

Everyone ate to their fullness and had a wonderful time.

We discussed recipes, tastes and surprise at some of the products they didn't know existed from Butterball.

When everyone was ready to head home (well after the planned 2 hours),

I handed out goodie bags to the adults and the footballs to the kids.

The food was great. The bacon looks strange but tastes pretty good still. The turkey breast cooks juicier than the chicken and tastes so good. Ground turkey is nothing new here. We actually prefer using it since it isn't as greasy as beef.

Don't forget to leave me a comment on what you think as I love to hear from you! Thanks for reading.

Pleygo via US Family Guide review

I recently spoke about a promotion that US Family Guide was hosting with its bloggers concerning Pleygo. It's a Netflix-like service but for Legos!

We signed up for our account and received our first set, the Friends City Park Cafe.

It's a wonderful Friends set that is incredibly detailed. We sat down as a family to put it together. It came with everything (even the spare parts) and the stickers.

Inside the box, there were instructions on how to play safely, how to use the set, and how to send it back.

We had to upgrade to the SuperFan plan since the regular Fan plan does not include the Duplo Lego sets. They hope to make it more affordable so that even those with the Fan plan can rent some Duplo sets for the younger builders. In the meantime, they were holding a promotion that allowed those with Fan plans to upgrade to SuperFan without adding a charge. Likewise, if you have the SuperFan, you can get a free upgrade to MegaFan but still pay the same price as Super.
My boys had an amazing time building this set!

Granted, their tiny fingers had a little trouble with some of the delicate maneuvers - but I didn't mind helping out.

Once completed, we could all sit back and admire it.

My husband and I have built our own Lego city that we would post updates about on YouTube. And we have decided that this is a set we would like to add to our own collection later on, but would modify to fit our City needs. It gave us the ability to test it out and decide whether or not it was something we liked. Plus, you pay a flat monthly fee and can build several sets whereas, were you to buy them... You'd be paying hundreds of dollars and may not want them afterwards. This way you can play for a time, save money and don't worry about having those dropped pieces underfoot later. Ever step on a loose Lego in the middle of the night? You also don't have to worry about having the extra space for the multiple sets. We currently have our office space overrun with the Lego collection we built up over the past few years. We had to stop since our place now is getting too small. And the Lego itch has taken its toll...

Our boys also have a Rubbermaid bin full of Duplo Legos that we have gotten them in the past couple years. They build their own cities, complete with trains, Disney Cars and all the little details a kid could want.
Pleygo is also having a cool contest. Winner gets a year of MegaFan subscription! That gives you access some to heavy Lego building fun. Also, you can give them your sets to add to their rentals and they will give you credit towards renting from them. So if you have sets laying around collecting dust but want to try out the service... maybe a trade?