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The other weekend it was raining almost non stop and I was getting cabin fever stuck in my house.  Luckily, I had a really fun craft activity to try out and I had a blast doing it! In fact I think I found my next crafting project hobby. Decorative Tile Art by Lydia D'Moch is an awesome kit that comes with an instructional booklet, all the supplies you need (except isopropyl spray which you get yourself at the drugstore) and 4 tiles to design.  The best part is these can be just for decoration around your house, used as actual tiling on wall, or practical usage like coasters!

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Burger Yum in Harrisburg [REVIEW]

Right on the corner of 2nd and South Street sits BurgerYum, a delicious little joint where you can get always fresh never frozen beef burgers that are antibiotic and hormone free!

Right when I walked in I was in love with the inside and the menu. There are plenty of options whether you want a veggie burger, beef burger, or gluten free (a green style burger using lettuce as a bun).  Actually, BurgerYum in Harrisburg is a great place for gluten-free dining because their fries are gluten free and their shakes (except cookies and cream) are also safe to eat!

Once you walk in, they take your order and you can wait for them to call your name while you find a seat outside OR inside.  There's a generous condiment station as well!

I love everything about the quaint burger joint décor inside, from the floor and walls to the tables and chairs.

We received our order in a little under 10 minutes and it was super fresh and warm!  James got the gluten free cheese burger with fries and I got a cheeseburger with parmesan and herb fries and a cookies and cream milkshake. 

It was delicious! Seriously I've never had a better burger and I've been to lots of burger joints. I also loved the friendly staff and the seating options.

It's so nice to have a place that is fairly priced for the quality and portions, has lots of seating space, and is gluten-free friendly.  If you haven't been to BurgerYum yet check it out!

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I Finally Used A DNA Kit || Here's What It Said (+ A MyHeritage DNA Coupon Code)

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You may have heard of them or even seen advertising for them.  There are several brands out there that offer DNA kits where you can submit a sample of your own DNA and wait to get the results back.  These results can tell you where all you're from.  I've always wondered what percent of different ethnicities I may be so I was stoked to get the chance to review MyHeritage DNA.

How It Works

Basically, you purchase a kit from MyHeritage DNA online.  Once it arrives you will send a DNA sample back to get analyzed in their lab and then get the results back in a few weeks.  You don't have to take blood or anything like that, you just give a saliva sample.  When the lab receives your DNA sample it gets processed to translate the biological information into digital data.  Then they use their algorithms to calculate your ethnicity and see which segments of your DNA come from which regions of the world.  They also compare the DNA to other people's DNA to find close and distant relatives. 

Your DNA and matches are only available to you.  Everything is safe and secure and they take this very seriously. 

The Kit

So when my kit arrived it came with an activation card that contained a number to use to register on the MyHeritage website.  It also came with 2 vials and 2 swabs that you use to get spit samples from inside your mouth.  And of course it had an envelope to submit my samples to the lab and a super easy instruction card inside.  All of the DNA collection items were sealed completely.

The Process

First things first, I registered an account and used my activate number to create my profile. 

The next step was to open the first swab, and get a sample. 

Yep, simple as that.

No pain at all. You just swab for a certain amount of time and then you're done!

Then you place the swab in the first vial, break it off, and then seal the container.  

You have to submit a second sample as well from the other cheek.  So I just repeated the super easy process.

Once both of the samples are sealed in the vials it's time to package them for mailing.

The kit comes with a sterile pouch with a little cotton pad inside to set the vials on. 

Once you seal the bag you place it in the envelope carefully and seal it for mailing.

And of course the final step is to drop the envelope into your mailbox.

Now you get to wait.  They send you a notification when the lab receives your sample and tell you a date that you should expect your results. 

The Results

On February 24th I received an email that my results were ready.  All I had to do was click the link and it took me right to my DNA breakdown.

So at first it shows you the general breakdown and the areas from which you may come from on a map.  It's crazy because I always thought I was mostly German and when I told my mom about the results even she had thought that.  But it turns out I'm 41.8% Scandinavian, 35.4% Irish, 8.6% Italian, 8.5% West Asian, and 5.7% something else.

Then they show you a more detailed breakdown within each ethnicity.  I was so shocked to see I was 2.3% Jewish!  This was actually really cool and I feel very connected with myself just knowing my actual roots.

I really liked the Family Tree part of the MyHeritage website because it allows you to create your family tree and enter specific (or vague) information about each person.  So after I got my DNA results it motivated me to fill out my family tree as best I could. 

The cool thing is that I actually had to do a family history project back in middle school so I ended up going to my parents' house and getting my project binder from them so I could use the information to add to my family tree.  After my tree was filled in as much as it could be I started receiving messages from people that somehow had a connection to me as either a 3rd cousin or something even more.  It was really cool to know that I can find more people that I'm likely related to in a way. 

MyHeritage DNA actually explains how DNA can be used to prove or disprove documented family tree connections. So on their website, when someone shares my surname or we have a match with a family tree owner we can both test ourselves with the DNA to see if we are related.  MyHeritage even helps find historical records based on your own family tree.  I already started getting notifications on results based on what I had entered.   I plan to continue using MyHeritage and I will likely pay for a membership so I can access even more. 

I HIGHLY recommend at least doing the DNA part of MyHeritage so that you can see where you actually come from.  It will definitely motivate you to learn more about those ethnicities and you'll end up learning a bit more about the world as well as yourself. 

And today I have an exclusive coupon code for my readers that is worth $12 Free Shipping.

Just visit this link and use the code ELLENROSS

 This is a great gift idea for Mother's Day, Father's Day and really any occasion. 

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November POPSUGAR Must Have Box

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You should know by now that my weakness is subscription boxes, especially the big ones packed full of goodies.  The POPSUGAR Must Have Box is one of my absolute favorite boxes ever.  I've got a few before but I started back up again and wanted to take you guys through what you'll get if you sign up.





For just $39.95 I got all of the awesome goodies you see here.

Knot & Bow Holiday Mint Newsprint Gift Wrap

Fun and festive, this paper is made with recycled paper and you get three huge paper sheets that were designed and printed just for this box! ARV: $6 

Tarte Cosmetics tarteist PRO Glow to Go Highlight & Contour Palette

I love this mini palette. It's perfect for highlighting and contouring even on the go! It's a great travel size but most of all I just love the shades. ARV $23

Hester & Cook Chalkboard Paper Placement Pad & Set of 4 Chalk Style Pencils

This is so cool especially for holidays because you can use it to decorate and label each place at your dinner table.   The pencils are really nice quality and makes for easy cleanup afterwards! ARV $25

Chloe + Isabel Jen Atkin x Chloe + Isabel Split Headband

This headband gives you a great modern look whether you have your hair slicked back or in a volumized ponytail.  Celebrity stylist Jen Atkin designed this and it can be worn 2 ways - the traditional top of head look and the more modern look towards the back of your head. ARV $22

Fatty Sundays Peppermint Chocolate-Covered Pretzels

Not only does this come with a coupon for more but these were delicious! They are covered with 70% dark chocolate and peppermint candy and it's perfect for this time of year! ARV $3.49

BLOOMTHAT $25 Gift Card

This is a great way to gift a hostess or even a loved one with a lovely bouquet.  If you're in the LA, SF, or NYC area you get same day delivery and if you're anywhere else it's next day delivery.  I was super impressed with the selection and love that they have an iOS app to make it even quicker to do this while on the go. ARV $25

Unqualified Book by Anna Faris

I think it's sooooo cool that they included a book in this box.  Anna Faris recently released this hilarious book full of personal stories and life lessons.  I love the advice she gives too! ARV $28

So yes, I got all of that awesome stuff for just $39.95.  This box is TOTALLY WORTH IT! Sign up for the next box here.

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A Delicious Surprise Each Month!

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I may be watching what I eat, but that doesn't mean I can't indulge once in a while.   And thanks to Sweets Gift Box, I can indulge on 4-5 goodies each month.  And these aren't just any goodies, they are things like artisan candies and gourmet chocolates!   I mean if you wanna embrace your sweet tooth you should do it with a touch of luxury right?  Each month there's a theme for the boxes.  The one I got was a New Year's Resolution theme - with the resolution being to eat more sweets!  

 

I love how everything was packaged so secure and carefully.  Inside I was so impressed by the treats I got.


Chocolate Brownie Crispy Cake - This was a fantasy of mine.  It was full of chocolate and marshmallow with the crunchy texture of a rice treat.  I seriously indulged in this one.


Peanut Butter Cups - These really hit the spot for my chocolate peanut butter craving.  I can't believe how delicious these were!


Bobo's Bites: Apple Pie - This would be a nice treat in the mornings with my coffee.  It was basically an apple pie snack with a hint of cinnamon.  I even added some vanilla ice cream to it. 


Lovely Caramel Chews - Okay, Lovely makes delicious candy so I was expecting these to be good but didn't realize how addicting they are.  It was impossible for me to have just one.  They are super buttery soft caramels and they are a nice after- dinner treat.


Chocolate Covered Potato Chips - Need I say more/ This is my favorite snack in the world and it goes great with a tall glass of milk!


Seriously, check out this monthly box.  It is SO WORTH IT!

PLUS - If you use the code SWEETSTUFF for one a one month box you get 40% off but if you use it for a full subscription you will get 50% off!!

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How I Give My Hair an At-Home Blowout

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You know why I love my hair salon appointments so much? Well, it's because after I get my color done, and my hair scrubbed, and then it's time to dry out, I always leave with a great blow out and I try to stretch my blowout as many days as I can until I have to watch it again.   There's just something about someone else being able to stand behind you and dry your hair and give it that extra volume so it stays full and shiny for several days.   I had questioned my stylist about how it's done, and she explained it to me so simply.   She said the more I do it, the easier it is.  So for weeks and weeks I began practicing.  It really did get easier over time, not to mention my arms were stronger and able to be held up over my head longer.   

So for today's post I figured I would let you guys know the simple method that works on MY hair. 


#1 Scrub
When I'm in the shower I really scrub my scalp to get all the product build up out of there.  Product build up can really make your hair gunky and greasy.


#2 Rinse
Sometimes I would be in a rush and I wouldn't properly rinse my hair out.  So when I say rinse, I mean really really rinse until your hair is squeaky clean with NO suds left.  I actually turn the water on to cold to help seal the cuticles in the final moments before I step out of the shower.

#3 Towel Dry
After I squeeze my hair out really well I wrap it in a towel and get dressed.  Then I usually dilly dally for 10-15 minutes on my phone until I realize it's that time.... time to dry the hair!

#4 Blot
When I take my towel off I gently blot the hair around my scalp.  I never vigorously rub it with the towel as that can actually damage it.  

#5 Comb and Part
I use a gentle comb to detangle my hair and then I use a fine comb to make my part.

#6 Product
If you use any product you can add some VERY lightly to your hair.  I never add anything near my roots though. 

#7 Dry & Finger Comb
I learned this by watching how my stylist does it, but basically the next thing I do is use the hair dryer around my scalp to dry the roots.  As I do this I use my fingers to move my hair around so that the air can reach all parts of my scalp.  I do this until my roots are left damp.

#8 Clip
This is the part where I clip up the top third of my hair so that it's out of the way I can get to the underside.  

#9 Dry with Round Brush
Now I take a big round brush and I take my hair in sections (about 2-3 inches wide) and hold it out and away from my head with the brush and blow dry it from root to tip.  Sometimes I have to repeat this on the same section of hair a few times.  When you are holding it away from your hair make sure you hold it straight up.   Then blast it with heat right at the root.  This is what gives my hair it's volume so it doesn't just fall flat against my head. 

#10 Repeat on Top Half
Once the entire bottom area of my hair is dried this way I release the clipped up top half an dry it the exact same way in sections.

#11 Flat Iron
Then I clip everything up again and flat iron both halves of my hair. 

VOILA!

This is done in the evening so the next day I am able to wear my hair down.   

The day after that I usually wear my hair half up in a little mini top knot to hide the grease and it keep it from falling flat.  Then that night it's time to do the whole process again.


The major thing to focus on for this process is having a great hair dryer. I use the Gold ‘N Hot Professional 1875 Watt Ionic Ultra-Lightweight Dryer with Tourmaline which costs $39.99 at Folica.com. 


 As I said before this process makes my arms so tired so it's a luxury to use this dryer because it's ultra light but it still has a huge output of negative ions to make my hair dryer faster.  It's less damaging in the long run and it leaves my hair shiny and gorgeous! 

Tourmaline conditioning emits negative ions heat to reduce static frizz and seal in moisture. There are 2 speeds and 6 settings for heat. 

So give it a try, be patient, and don't give up.  It really does get easier and easier over time.  Or, next time you're at the salon ask your stylist for some tips and watch her as she does it to your hair.

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Why I'm Obsessed With My Vacuum

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One of the perks of blogging is that I get to try out new products.   Usually it goes very well but from time to time there is a product or service that I am ecstatic about and I become so obsessed with it.  And right now, that product is the Shark Rocket Complete with DuoClean Technology.

When this beast arrived I immediately unboxed it and was pleased to find how easy it was to put it together.  There were literally just a few steps and the instructions were really easy to follow. I also realized how lightweight this vacuum is and it's REALLY nice because it makes it even easier to clean the house twice a week.



The size of the head of the vacuum is ideal for pretty much every room and corner in my home.  It bends and curves so smooth and easily which is great for getting in hard to reach spots.  I love that this isn't a bulky tool. It works so great when I have to go underneath tables and in between table legs. 

So the really cool thing is that the top park disconnects and can be used on it's own with the included attachments to clean bookshelves, vents, drapes, car interor,  ceiling fans, and upholstery. The attachments are amazing!  There's a dusting brush, a crevice tool, a pet upholstery tool, and an under appliance wand. 

And of course the Shark Rocket Complete has DuoClean Technology which means it has one vacuum but two brushrolls and it works on all sizes of particles on your floors whether they are large, small, or stuck-on.  The soft brushroll works on carpets and floors and does an exceptional job on each.  The bristle brushroll works amazing on carpets to deep clean and remove embedded fine dirt.  It also has a high-velocity suction channel for on floors.

I really love everything about this vacuum.  The pet upholstery tool is perfect for my furniture since I have 4 dogs that love cuddling on the couch with me.  I've never enjoyed vacuuming so much and I've never found it to be so easy.  There's even a wall mount to store the Shark Rocket Complete when I'm finished. 

Seriously, as a homeowner I am obsessed with this vacuum!   Make sure you put this on your Christmas list!   It's only $199.75! So worth the money for everything it does.

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