Ancesory.com review

Disclaimer:  I was provide a free DNA test for the purpose of this review.  I used this site prior to this review.  All opinions are my own.

Ancesory.com review

A few months ago I discovered Ancesory.com.  At first I gave it a passing glance looked up some family members and made a small family tree.....  Now a few months later I am obsessed.

About Ancesory.com

If you are anything like me you are always wondering where your family came from.

 You may want to know about things such as was anyone in your family famous,  did your family members fight in any of the major wars heck I even wanted to know if I had any villains in my family.  I have a select few relatives that make me think their had to be some real bad blood somewhere in our family tree.

  I found myself fascinated by the whole thing.  My grandmother gave me the name of a few relatives and told me a little bit about our background, but like me her facts were limited. 

So I took what little information she gave me and got started.

 Its super easy to get started.  Sign up and do a few searches start a small family tree and watch it grow!

 And once you start you just can't stop!  I would sit down at 9 PM when the kids went to bed and at 2am I would look at my clock and be in complete shock I was on the computer that long!

~ The first step in tracing your history is building a tree. 

Begin with yourself then go back as far as you can.  For me that was very limited I was only able to go back to my grandparent's parents (My great grandparents)

It was enough though!  I was able to find out so many facts like census, death index, marriage, birth and I didn't find any but it is possible to find information about what wars your family fought in.

You find these out by wiggling little green leaves.  Every time you add a member to your tree they search millions of records to find out as much as possible.  You can see from part of my family tree below what the leaf looks like.  I blanked out some of my information, but if you look at my cousin Christopher's name you can see a green leaf in his top corner.  When I clicked that leaf it gave me hints about him.  

You then simply review the hint and if its right you can attach it to that person on your tree!  Wanted started off as a few names has now turned into a huge family tree.

So this is what I was able to do for free.  I wanted more though so I contacted Ancestry.com and wanted to know if I could do a DNA review.

Wondering what that is?

AncestryDNA is a new DNA testing service that utilizes some of the latest testing technology to improve the way you discover your family history. This service combines advanced DNA science with the world’s largest online family history resource to predict your genetic ethnicity and help you find new family connections. It maps ethnicity going back multiple generations and provides insight into such possibilities as: what region of Europe are my ancestors from, or am I likely to have East Asian heritage? Ancestry DNA can also help identify relationships with unknown relatives through a dynamic list of possible DNA member matches. Your AncestryDNA results include information about your genetic ethnicity predictions and provide you with DNA matches, linking you to others who have taken the AncestryDNA test. Your results are a great starting point for more family history research.

The AncestryDNA test uses microarray-based autosomal DNA testing, which surveys a person’s entire genome at over 700,000 locations, all with a simple saliva sample. Additionally, the new online interface integrates state-of-the art tools for you to utilize your DNA results for family history research.

The test itself was super east to take.

They sent me a kit

I then took a DNA sample (saliva),

I mixed my sample with a solution,

Stuck in in a provided packing box and sent it in.

With in a week I got an email saying my sample was received and a few weeks later I got my results!

From here I can click on my results and find out more about my genetic back round.

It was a lot of fun to learn more about my ethic background and history, but the best part was finding all my possible family matches!

I spent hours looking at others family trees and getting excited every time I found someone we had in common!

I was able to add others to my tree and doing the DNA test gave me huge look into my past.  

I'm going to spend the next few weeks building my mom's side of the tree so I can give her a family tree for mother's day!  I'm also thinking of getting her a DNA test.  I know she would love to learn more about her past.

I know from my DNA test that the Ireland results came from her side of the family.  It was only 9%, but my mom and her father have always been proud of their Irish background :).  

I can't even begin to put into words how exciting it is to find out more about my family and where I come from.  Every time I get a wiggling green leaf I get super excited and can't wait to find out more about my family.  Its as simple as starting with yourself and building a tree from there

If you wish to learn more or what to start your own history search please see my link below:

ancestry.com/

Just beware it is addicting and you may think your sitting down for a few minutes to do a quick search and hours later you will still be there!

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday 

Baseball season is here!!  

April 19 was our first game of the season :).  My Brandon is the smallest on the team if you are trying to figure out which one he is.

Quinn happens to be his #1 fan.

Milk-Bone Brushing Chews review and giveaway

Disclaimer:  The Milk-Bone® dog products, information and VISA gift cards have been provided by theMilk-Bone® brand

Milk-Bone Brushing Chews review and giveaway

My pets are family.  I have 3 dogs and 1 cat and each of them have their own personality and their own way of doing things.

Lucy is my brat.  She is my oldest and I tend to spoil her rotten.  I have no issue coming out and saying yes she is my favorite :)....  I know I just got a few shocked gasps lol.

Rufus is my naughty dog!  You know the one who destroys everything and then looks at you as if he in some way made it better.  Because pillows are always better with all the fluff ripped out.

Emma is my lazy pup she sleeps all day and doesn't like to be pestered.  To be honest the few times she comes to me to be pet is normally when I have food.  She does listen the best though....  But that could be because she is always sleeping and never awake to be naughty.  

And finally Jekyll the cat.  She is well she is a pain in the butt.  She knocks over all my stuff crawls in my bed when she knows she isn't allowed.  And to really top things off she keeps killing stink bugs....  Those things STINK lol

Those of my fur babies.  Each of them holds a special place in my heart and I want to do everything in my personal power to make sure they get the most out of life.

 With that being said oral hygiene is important, research has shown that it is just as important for our dogs as it is for us. Now, there is an effective, easy and affordable solution to cleaning your dog’s teeth daily, Milk-Bone Brushing Chews!

Veterinarians recommendation pet owners to practice regular brushing at home and schedule periodic professional teeth cleanings for their pets.  Despite this more than 80 percent of dogs develop periodontal disease by 3 years of age, according to the American Veterinary Dental Society. The all new Milk-Bone Brushing Chews make your dog’s daily oral care as easy a routine as your own. And the good news is, when fed daily, Milk-Bone Brushing Chews are clinically proven to be as effective as brushing a dog’s teeth twice per week based on reduction of tartar build-up and bad breath. With Milk-Bone Brushing Chews your dog can brush its own teeth!

I was amazed when I read this.  I don't know about your dogs, but mine tend to be hyper.  And I mean super hyper (besides Emma) there is no holding them still to get at their teeth with a tooth brush.  For me these brushing chews are a must and I'm excited that Milk-Bone a brand I know and trust now has their own Brushing Chews!

Milk-Bone Brushing Chews feature a specially designed 75 degree twist that helps the brushing nubs reach down to the gum line, even cleaning hard-to-reach back teeth.

 Milk-Bone Brushing Chews are clinically proven to reduce tartar build-up, as well as freshen your dog’s breath, bringing you and your dog closer together 

Milk-Bone Brushing Chews are so effective that they have earned the trusted Veterinary Oral Health Council’s (VOHC) Seal of Acceptance, similar to the American Dental Association (ADA) seal seen on human dental products.

Kidz Bop 25 review

Disclaimer:  I was given products in this post for the purpose for review.  I was not paid in anyway to write this review all opinions are my own.

 KIDZ BOP review

KIDZ BOP is the #1 music brand for kids in the U.S., featuring songs sung by kids for kids.  The newest release KB 25 came out January 14, 2014.  It has 16 songs on it…including roar, cups, safe and sound.  KB recently launched its own channel on SiriusXM, KIDZ BOP Radio on Channel 77.  And they are currently recording Kidz Bop 26 :)!!!!

Kidz Bop are a safe entertaining music choice alternative for kids.  They take the most popular songs of the year, remove ALL non-kid friendly lyrics and then have them re-sung by kids.
Music for kids sung by kids!  
The best part is its songs I LOVE!  I wont lie I was getting a bit sick of our Christmas CD it was the only kid friendly CD I had for the car.  And I don't care who you are Rudolf is not cool in April lol
Now we can all listen to music and enjoy it :).
My kiddos have a blast singing along in the car!

Here is a list of the songs on the Album. 

Roar

Best Song Ever 

Clarity 

Wrecking Ball

 Treasure 

Royals 

Applesauce 

Wake Me Up 

Love Somebody 

Still Into You 

I Need Your Love

 Cups

 Safe and Sound

 Cruise 

Summertime Sadness 

The Fox (What did the Fox say?) 

I have to be careful though when singing along sometimes I forget the kid friendly lyrics and sing the original!

You can find Kidz Bop 25 at most retailers nationwide, including your local Walmart!!

Walmart will be having some Karaoke fun during National Karaoke Week which is April 20-26!!

To here sample of the song check out the Kidz Bop Website:

Kidz Bop 25

Mommy dates

Mommy dates

My youngest is still home with me and gets to do all the fun stuff according to my oldest.  He always asks why I didn't take him with.

I feel bad so I have made it a point to set aside either Saturday or Sunday and have mommy dates with him :)

We both brained stormed and came up with a few ideas

1.  Movie night - We have so many movies at my house that there is an endless amount of movies we could watch!  Recently he started watching Little House on the Prairie with me!  All I do is go to the store grab 2 or 3 dollars worth of candy or popcorn and ta-da we have movie night :)

2. Nature Hike - My little guy loves getting out into nature and finding new things.   I live in the country so we have no shortage in places we can explore.  

3. Day at the park - I live in a great area and our favorite park not only has a play ground, but also a duck pond!  We take our stale bread and have a blast feeding the ducks

4. Ice cream - Okay half the fun of an ice cream date is going to the store together and picking everything out!  We always get neapolitan ice cream that way we both get our favorite.  Then we hit up the baking isle for sprinkles, syrups and everything in-between!   

5. Gardening - So I garden and my little guy just kinda digs random holes lol.  To be fair he does like to plant the seeds.  I can't wait for our corn to start growing so he can see what we planted.

6. Picnic - This is one of my favorites!  Nothing like packing up a lunch and eating outside.  We normally take his favorite book and I read to him after we eat  

7. Baseball - No we can't have a whole game with just the 2 of us, but my little guy and I enjoy playing catch.

  

8. Star Gazing - Now that its getting warm outside I take a huge blanket outside and we can look up at the stars.  We do have a telescope, but for the life of me I can't use it.  We play a game where we try to make shapes with the stars.  I have to laugh at some of the constellations my little guy makes up.  This is just as fun during the day, expect its clouds instead of stars.

Next time we do this I"m going to surprise him with smores :)

9. Scrapbook - We get old photos and put them into our scrapbook.  Not only is it fun to make a new page, but its also fun to look at past pages.

10. Day Trip - Most of our dates have been "cheap" ones, but every once in awhile its nice to splurge and go some where away from home.  At the end of the month we plan to go to the zoo and we are also planning a trip to Gettysburg.

The most important thing about these mommy dates is spending time with my little guy!  It doesn't have to cost a lot of money and we don't even have to go far from the house for most of them.  Its something both me and my little guy look forward too each week.

Toilet Tree The Oral Irrigator review

Disclaimer:  I was given products in this post for the purpose of review.  I was not paid in anyway to write this review.  All opinions are my own.

Toilet Tree The Oral Irrigator review

This review is part of my Mother's Day Guide!

Mom's come in all shapes and sizes.  We are all different and we are beautiful for it.  With that being said I think we can all agree what one mom may love for mother's day another may not.  I personally love the handmade gifts.  There is nothing more special to me then seeing the pride on my little guy's when he hands me something handmade.

Well my little guys are 6 and 3.  For those of you who are older (like me) and looking for a gift I made this guide for you.  To help pick out those one of kind gifts that would be perfect for the mom in your life.

This review is for the 2nd Generation - Professional Rechargeable Oral Irrigator with High Capacity Water Tank by ToiletTree Products.  As a kid I was never forced to go to the dentist.  I remember thinking it was funny when my friends would have to get out of school early to go to the dreaded dentist.  Years later I paid for my parents not taking me by having horrible teeth.  Every single one of my molars has a filling :(.  I spent endless hours being drilled and cleaned and to be honest it was pure he**.

After that I swore I would take care of my teeth and make sure every member of my family had healthy teeth.

I was intrigued by the Oral Irrigator.  It is less abrasive then flossing, helps fight plaque & gingivitis, promotes healthier gums and helps to flush out bacteria.  All of this from one easy to use product!  

2nd generation deisgn powered by rechargeable batteries - Universal Voltage: 100 to 240V~50/60Hz 

10% larger water tank than the original version. 

 Three operating modes for varying oral care needs: Normal Soft and Pulse 

Rotating interchangeable nozzles great for multiple users

 BPA-free and FDA approved.
My hubby left me take photos of him using it.  Don't mind his grumpy face he is not a morning person lol.

My hubby didn't realize to use warm water and used super cold water the first time!  He highly recommends you don't do this, he claims the cold water was to much and using room temp water is the idea water degree.

I love that its rechargeable so no cord getting in my way.  It holds the charge for a long time.  The water tank is the perfect size and last long enough to clean my entire mouth. 

 After using it for just a short time I can tell a huge different in how clean my mouth feels.  I go for my 6 month cleaning in July I can't wait to see if my dentist can see a difference.

If you wish to learn more or purchase for yourself please see my links below:

Toilet Tree The Oral Irrigator

The Ultimate Green Store review and giveaway

Disclaimer:  I was given products in this post for the purpose of review.  I was not paid in anyway to write this review.  All opinions are my own

The Ultimate Green Store review and giveaway

The Ultimate Green Store is your all in one go to place for eco-friendly products!  They carry everything from things for you, your home, office, kids and even your pets! 

 They carry products from many of the top manufacturers and designers of the most durable, natural, organic, recycled, eco-friendly goods.  Every product in their shop is made with your health and the health of our planet in mind.  To often people look at going green as giving up style, but The Ultimate Green Store proves that theory wrong.  I was able to review a Way Basics Storage Cube Plus.  Not only is my product eco-conscience, but its also super stylish and something I'm proud to display in my home.
About:

The Way Basics Storage Cube is stackable.  Meaning you can display it anyway you please.  Buy 1, 2 or even 5 the ways you can use this cube is unlimited.  The storage cubes plus are made from recycled content and are non-toxic. 

The one thing I struggle with each year is spring cleaning.  Not only do I want to clean my home, but I want to make sure I keep the earth clean too.  Organization just got easier with this eco-friendly  home organizer. They are slightly taller than the standard Storage Cube.  Stack them side to side, on top of each other or get creative and build a pyramid and ladder design. 

Mix and match colors to your taste. 

Oh and did I mention how easy it was to put together? To assemble: simply peel, stick, done!  Really all I had to do was peel back the 3M adhesive bond and stick my pieces together! 

 The process is tool-free.  All products are formaldehyde free and VOC free so it's safe for your family and our environment.

 PAvailable in Natural, Espresso, Black, White, Orange, Green, Blue and Pink. 

 Product Features:

 Sustainably made from 99% recycled paper and completely recyclable. 

Water resistant. 

Formaldehyde and VOC free. 

Super Stylish

Endless stacking/design possibilities 
I took a few photos to show you some of the possible uses:

In the end I decided to use it in my bedroom.  Below you will see the before photo of my dresser top

Yes I know crazy and chaotic!

Now lets see the after photos:

Not only is my dress organized, but now I am able to proudly display my leather bound book collection!!!

If you wish to learn more please see my link below:

The Ultimate Green Store

And now 1 very lucky The Simply Me Blog reader has the chance to win a $20 gift code to be used at The Ultimate Green store!
You must be 18+ and live in the continental usa

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Antboy Review

Disclaimer:  I was provided a copy of this movie for the purpose of review.  I was not paid in anyway to write this review.

ANTBOY

Based On Popular Danish Comic Book Anyboy Debuts In Theaters In Five Major Markets April 16

A young boy who yearns to be something “special” transforms into a mighty super hero in the quintessential family adventure, Antboy, exploding into theaters April 16 from Cinedigm. Hitting screens in Los Angeles, Dallas, Denver, Phoenix and Seattle, the highly acclaimed film, based on the popular Danish comic series by Kenneth Bøgh Andersen, premiered at the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival. Ordinary, overlooked 12-year old Pelle (Oscar Dietz) is transformed into an extraordinary superhero after he is bitten by a super-ant and inherits its abilities. Overnight, the boy who nobody noticed becomes a local hero as he is dubbed “Antboy.” With the help of his new friend and sidekick, comic-loving Wilhelm, climbing walls, flipping cars, stopping robbers and saving babies all become part of his new dream life. But all this changes when super-villain “The Flea” kidnaps a young girl, the subject of Pelle’s affection and terrorizes the citizens of Middelund. Antboy, with his sidekick Wilhelm and their friend Ida who won’t take no for an answer, must fight this treacherous evil, rescue the damsel in distress, save the town from a super-villain and be home in time for dinner. Full of heart, humor and one special hero, Antboy is directed by Ask Hasselbalch, and produced by Birgitte Hald, Eva Jakobsen and Lea Lobger.