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Le-Vel Thrive Pro Review: How This Protein Bar Changed My Snacking Habits

October 6, 2018 By lyndsinreallife 1 Comment

Le-Vel Thrive PRO Bar Review

It’s incredibly easy for me to grab whatever snack is around when I’m on-the-go. That usually means something filled with sugar, simple carbs, and junk. Nothing nutritious. When I eat crummy, I feel crummy. I need to have energy throughout the day, especially when it comes to making sure the girl I nanny gets to her activities and gets her schoolwork done. I realized I needed a snack that would give me protein and complex carbs. That’s where Le-Vel THRIVE PRO premium lifestyle nutrition/protein bars come in.

This post is sponsored by Le-Vel. All opinions and verbiage are my own.

Here’s my Le-Vel Thrive PRO Bar Review

Here’s the thing: I have a really hard time making sure I get enough protein. I’ve always been a (simple) carbs kind of gal. I’ve found it’s crucial to carry a protein bar in my purse or gym bag. Lately, I’ve been loving my THRIVE PRO bars. They contain 20 grams of a proprietary sequential protein, with only 2-3 grams of sugar, and the carbohydrate to protein ratio is perfect for a healthy snack!

THRIVE PRO bars also double as a pre and post-workout snack, providing just the right amount of fuel and recovery. I was struggling to provide my body with the nutrition it needed for my runs, and you wouldn’t believe how much better I felt (and feel)!

Le-Vel THRIVE PRO protein bars are especially popular in my house because they’re gluten free.

THRIVE PRO bars come in 4 flavors: birthday cake (my favorite), lemon meringue, cinnamon roll, and cookies & cream. Le-Vel makes many other products including their 3 Step Thrive Experience. If you’re interested, check out this review on the Thrive Experience.

I definitely feel like a healthier, happier athlete + person with THRIVE PRO protein bars. Thanks Le-Vel!

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Las Vegas

Monopolies Are Bad For Nevadans, Here’s Why

September 11, 2018 By lyndsinreallife Leave a Comment

This post is sponsored by Nevada Speaks.

I have loved living in Nevada for the past 2 years. It’s such a cool state, full of beauty, history, recreation, and of course, Las Vegas (where I’m living currently)!

visitlasvegas.com

The cost of living is relatively low (at least compared to where I lived before moving to Nevada). I’ve lived in a few apartments here, and my boyfriend and I are currently in the process of moving into a house. It’s exciting!

But, there’s a problem. Monopolies. And I’m not talking about the board game. You don’t get to collect $200. It’s more like you have to give away that $200, to the ONE energy company available in Nevada.

With the energy monopolies, Nevadans have no choice in which company/service they use. Without competition, Nevadans have to pay whatever the energy company says. Don’t want to pay it? Fine, but you won’t have any power. The options are: pay what you’re told, or live in a powerless apartment/house.

Let’s be real, that’s not a fair choice. So we are stuck paying possibly hundreds of dollars a month on our electric bill. With no competition, this energy company is free to charge whatever they want. They don’t have to worry about us going to a different company… because there isn’t one!

It’s clear: more competition = lower rates.

#YesOn3 #YesQuestion3

What are your thoughts on monopolies? Are we better with them, or without them? Comment below!

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Ambassador Health Reviews

How I’m Getting Healthy in 2018 with Great Lakes Gelatin® Collagen

February 14, 2018 By lyndsinreallife 6 Comments

This post is sponsored by Great Lakes Gelatin and Fit Approach.

Every new year, I tell myself I’m going to get in shape and get healthy. Well, 2018 is definitely the year!

I have a few things on my side for a healthy 2018: I’m running (and training for my first half marathon), I’m eating healthier (and eating for MY body), and I’ve started using Great Lakes Gelatin® collagen hydrolysate.

What is Collagen Hydrolysate?

“Hydrolyzed Collagen is a unique protein devised of a combination of amino acids. It is the nutritional link in supplying amino acids like glycine, proline and lysine that are required by the body to build connective tissue. Science says that up to 30% of all the protein in the body is collagen and up to 70% of the proteins in the connective tissues are composed of collagen.” – Great Lakes Gelatin® website.

I recently learned that these amino acids are important because our bodies can’t produce as much connective tissue after age 25. Well, I’m about to turn 30, so I very clearly need to take collagen!

Collagen has been and will continue to support my half marathon training. It promotes growth in our muscles, cartilage, ligaments, and blood cells. There’s a huge difference in my running and recovery since taking collagen. I love it! My mile time is getting shorter, and I’m not in as much pain as I previously was. The collagen hydrolysate has been perfect. It’s odorless and tasteless, plus soluble in hot and cold liquids, so I mix it in my coffee. And I never have to worry about not having collagen, because it comes in easy to-go packets!

I’ve also been cooking healthier dishes! I’m excited to spend the year trying out recipes and coming up with fun food ideas. I’m also getting back into green smoothies/juices. I found a great recipe for a green smoothie on the GLG website: the LEAN AND GREEN SHAKE WITH GREAT LAKES GELATIN® COLLAGEN HYDROLYSATE.

Photo Credit: GreatLakesGelatin.com

Getting healthy in 2018 is really important to me. Like I mentioned before, I’m turning 30 this year. Eek! I can definitely feel my body aging, and it’s not only frustrating, but also very eye-opening. I’ve realized that I need to take my health seriously. By using GLG collagen, I’m taking the necessary steps to be my healthiest yet!

Check out my Facebook Live review + how GLG is helping me reach my 2018 goals here!

I can’t forget to mention GLG Collagen Endurance. Collagen Endurance provides amino acids, vitamin B’s, natural flavor, and colors. They are used in a variety of necessary cell reactions and can be metabolized to provide energy! I love the product not only because it gives me a boost of energy (that I desperately need), but it also tastes amazing!

Great Lakes Gelatin®, in partnership with Fit Approach, is graciously offering a 20% discount on GLG products! Simply enter code GLGLife20 at checkout. This code expires March 15, 2018.

Follow GLG on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

How would you incorporate collagen into your daily routine?
What would you use collagen for?

LEAN AND GREEN SHAKE WITH GREAT LAKES GELATIN® COLLAGEN HYDROLYSATE

[Found on GreatLakesGelatin.com]

Ingredients

2 Tbsp. Great Lakes Gelatin® Collagen Hydrolysate
1 tsp. Natural Vanilla flavoring
1/4 small avocado
2 cups baby spinach
1 Tbsp. raw almond butter
1/8 tsp. ground cinnamon
8-10 ounces unsweetened almond, coconut or cashew milk
5-6 ice cubes

Directions

Combine the Great Lakes Gelatin® Collagen Hydrolysate, fiber blend, avocado, spinach, almond butter, cinnamon, milk.
Mix on high until smooth.
Add ice cubes.
Mix on high until smooth.
Thin with additional cold water, if desired.

#LifewithGLG #GLGtheOriginalCollagen #GreatLakesGelatin #sweatpink #sweatpinkpartner

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Reviews

Why Trees & Plants From Commercial Silk Are The Way to Go

November 21, 2017 By lyndsinreallife 10 Comments

This post is sponsored by Commercial Silk Plants.

I’m terrible at keeping plants alive. Like, the worst. The only thing I’ve kept alive is my cactus from 2015, and even then, it doesn’t look great! I heard about Commercial Silk Plants and decided silk plants are perfect for me!

I decided to order a bamboo tree. I’m really into trees and plants from other areas, because desert plants in Las Vegas can be so boring (except the saguaro cacti!). I wanted something that would stand out a bit. This tree stands about 4 feet tall and fits perfectly on my balcony.

The tree feels so real! It’s unbelievable. I’ve seen artificial plants before, and it’s so obvious that they’re artificial. But this tree, this SILK tree, looks and feels real. It’s amazing! Just look at these leaves and the bamboo stalks:

I’m not getting a Christmas tree this year, so I’ve decided to decorate the bamboo tree and have a festive, fun Christmas! Why not create my own traditions, right?

About Commercial Silk Plants

Commercial Silk Plants is the leader in the manufacturing of indoor/outdoor boxwood and hedge panel related products exclusively for commercial projects and the wholesale trade.

Our goal has always been to produce the world’s finest, most authentic artificial trees and silk plants for commercial projects. Our broad experience in the interior landscaping business has enabled us to build and install the most natural looking artificial plantscapes in the industry (website).

I highly recommend Commercial Silk Plants for your wholesale needs, and Silk Plants Direct for direct retail!

Do you use artificial plants?
What kind of tree/plant(s) would you like to have in your home?
Comment below!

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Archie Reviews

A Dog’s Purpose; How The Film Made Me Realize #MyDogsPurpose

May 2, 2017 By lyndsinreallife 3 Comments

This post is #sponsored by Universal Studios Home Entertainment.

I’m what some people like to call a “crazy dog mom.” I have a 3 year old toy poodle, Archie, whom I love and adore. After adopting him, my life changed in the most wonderful way. When I saw the trailer for A Dog’s Purpose (2017), I knew it was a must-see for any dog parent/lover/admirer! It truly got me thinking about #MyDogsPurpose; what is Archie’s purpose in this world?

**Some spoilers ahead!

For our partnership with Universal Studios Home Entertainment, we were able to get the Blu Ray disc of A Dog’s Purpose a few days early. So, Archie and I decided to have a movie night together! I made a pizza for me, and shared chicken jerky treats from Emma Lou’s Kitchen with Archie (use code BAILEY for 10% off your order!).

I could give my review of the film, but that wouldn’t be in true nature of a film told from the perspective of the dog. So instead, I bring you Archie’s review of A Dog’s Purpose:

“Mom made the dark square bright, and all of a sudden, there were creatures like me! There were dogs and humans, running and playing and laughing. I like to do those things with my humans.

—

The first dog was a red retriever (my mom likes these kinds) named Bailey who became best friends to a boy named Ethan. Bailey stayed by Ethan’s side throughout his whole boy/teenage life, up until Ethan was 18. Bailey helped Ethan meet girls, deal with family issues, and go through heartbreak. I think Bailey’s purpose was to be a best friend to Ethan and help him grow into a man.

—

The fluffy retriever disappeared from the bright square, and there was a German shepherd on the screen. This version of Bailey was a police dog (and a girl this time!) named Ellie. Ellie’s purpose was to help the sad man feel less lonely, and also help him catch bad guys. I liked Ellie.

—

The big German shepherd went away, and there was a tiny corgi named Tino. He looked like my friend Troy. I was excited to see Tino. Tino was owned by a beautiful college student who didn’t have any friends. She wanted to have a boyfriend, but didn’t know how to meet someone. Tino helped her when he found a dog at the park whom he liked; and that dog’s owner was an old college buddy of hers. Everyone was in love, and it made me think of all my girlfriends who live past the big door. Tino’s purpose was to help his owner find love and happiness.

—

Lastly was Waffles, who then became Buddy. Waffles was a stray, but then he smelled and found Ethan. Ethan called him Buddy. Buddy seemed happier than ever, and was on a mission. I don’t want to spoil it, but Buddy’s purpose was to help Ethan find love and happiness (just like he did as Tino), and bring old friends together.” ~Archie

After watching A Dog’s Purpose, I thought about what Archie’s purpose is in this life. Archie came to me at a time when I was really lonely, and I needed a friend. I needed someone to love me unconditionally, and give me puppy kisses at any time.

Archie teaches me to love and be kind to everyone. He teaches me to live in the moment. He helps me make friends. He shows me what it means to care about someone/something other than myself. That’s #MyDogsPurpose.

Image Source

A Dog’s Purpose is available now on Digital HD and is coming to DVD & Blu-ray on Tuesday, May 2nd.

Share your dog’s purpose using the hashtag #MyDogsPurpose & #ADogsPurpose to the official A Dog’s Purpose Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Get more info on Emma Lou’s Kitchen Chicken Jerky on their Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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Nutrition Reviews

Get The Benefits of Olive Leaves by Drinking Olife

October 4, 2016 By lyndsinreallife 1 Comment

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by EVERGREEN LIFE.

Many of us use olive oil when cooking. Not only does it taste good, but it’s good for you! Olive oil contains monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) are considered a healthy dietary fat, as opposed to saturated fats and trans fats. But did you know there’s another way to get the benefits of the olive leaf without using olive oil? It’s called Olife.

Olife (1000 ml), created by EVERGREEN LIFE, is a liquid drink that is made of pure olive leaves. It contains 93% of (OLIVUM®), EVERGREEN LIFE’s exclusive olive tree leaves’ water infusion is rich in Oleuropein, Elenolic Acid, Rutin, Tyrosol, and the antioxidant Hydroxytirosol. Olife also contains Calendula Officinalis, which fights menstrual cycle cramps and it improves the functionality of the digestive system. It’s concentrated, so you only have to drink a little bit at a time (recommended half a glass, of 70 ml). You can also drink it diluted in water. I really like it!

I like to drink Olife every day as part of my healthy lifestyle. I take a glass bottle of water with me to work every day, so I started adding Olife to it. That way, I make sure it becomes a healthy habit. I like to dilute it so it’s not as strong of a taste.

I love the benefits of olive leaves: it improves blood circulation, lowers cholesterol, metabolizes lipids and carbs, and also improves my hair and skin. But honestly, I don’t like olive oil. My boyfriend cooks with it all the time, but I don’t like the smell. So finding Olife was awesome! There’s really nothing easier than drinking the benefits.

It’s recommended to drink 1/4 cup (60 ml) of Olife before breakfast every day. Always ask your doctor before starting any supplement regimen, especially if you’re pregnant or nursing. Store in the refrigerator after opening and use within 15 days. Olife is certified vegan.

Follow EVERGREEN LIFE/Olife on Facebook and Twitter, and on their website. You can buy Olife for $50 USD here.

Have you tried Olife? Is it something you’d add to your daily routine?

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Ambassador Nutrition Reviews

How I #FeelAmazingEveryday with Amazing Grass Protein Superfood + GIVEAWAY

July 12, 2016 By lyndsinreallife 25 Comments

Disclosure: As part of my #sweatpink ambassadorship with Fit Approach, participating in the Amazing Grass campaign, I received a full-size Amazing Grass protein superfood canister and monetary compensation. All opinions are my own.

I try to be active and #FeelAmazingEveryday, even in the Las Vegas heat. I really enjoy yoga and Pilates, and running in the evening (after the sun goes down). Now that I have a pool at my apartment complex, I’ve taken on swimming. I love it!

I like to wake up every day and throw on my prAna bathing suit. Then I make my Amazing Grass smoothie. I need to make sure I get all the fuel and energy I can before swimming; it takes a lot out of me, and if I don’t fuel myself properly (or hydrate!), it’s easy to get dizzy, pass out, or even suffer from heat exhaustion.

I’ve tried numerous protein powders in the past, but none like Amazing Grass. What makes it so different? Here’s a few reasons:

AG is a protein superfood: 20g of plant-based protein with greens, fruits, and veggies (with only 110 calories per serving).
Superfoods are nutrient-rich foods high in antioxidants, polyphenols, vitamins, and minerals, and are considered to be especially beneficial for health and well-being (health.com).
AG is USDA organic.
AG is non-GMO.
AG is gluten-free.
AG contains no added sugar.
AG contains 7 alkalizing greens (wheat grass, barley grass, alfalfa, spirulina, chlorella, broccoli, &spinach).
AG contains pea, chia, quinoa, & hemp protein, making it plant-based and vegan.
AG contains fruit & veggies such as beet, carrot, sweet potato, goji, acai, banana, & more.
AG is made in the United States, with select ingredients carefully curated from around the world.

Amazing Grass makes it super easy to get all the nutrients I need to fuel my body throughout the day. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, right? So why not have a breakfast full of protein, fruits, veggies, fiber, vitamins, and minerals?

I like Amazing Grass, but it’s important to note that since it contains superfoods, it has a bit of a plant taste. The powder I received is vanilla flavored, and you can definitely taste the vanilla, but the superfood taste stands out. It’s a different taste than powders with soy or whey protein, but Amazing Grass powder has so many superfoods (and is vegan), so it’s to be expected! The benefits definitely outweigh the plant taste.

Amazing Grass and Fit Approach have teamed up to offer a canister of Amazing Grass protein powder to one lucky person! I am hosting a giveaway (below), and whoever wins gets a canister of Amazing Grass in the flavor of their choice (original, vanilla, or chocolate peanut butter)! Residents of the US; 18 & older only.*

a Rafflecopter giveaway

For those who don’t win the giveaway, or if you’re really excited to try it out before the giveaway ends, all my readers/followers get 40% off by entering 40SWEATPINK2 at AmazingGrass.com! (By the way, aside from full canisters, they also have single shake packets!)

To receive updates, info, deals and more, visit Amazing Grass’ website and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and YouTube.

Have you tried Amazing Grass before? What’s your favorite thing about it?
What do you look for when choosing a protein powder?

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Events Fitness Nutrition SoCal

How I Champion Women’s Wellness with thinkThin® (+ Sunrise Yoga!)

August 27, 2015 By lyndsinreallife 3 Comments

This post is sponsored by Women’s Forum and thinkThin®. All opinions are 100% my own.

If I had to choose only one thing I am passionate about, it’s wellness. To me, wellness means feeling happy, healthy, energized, and having an all-around feeling of contentment. To obtain this, I balance nutrition, yoga, meditation, writing, and outdoor adventures.

I champion women’s wellness through nutrition with thinkThin® lifestyle bars and oatmeal! The bars are the perfect pick-me-up for my super busy days (which is practically every day). I’m not often in a place where I can refrigerate snacks or meals, so having a high protein, low sugar bar in my bag is essential. The best part? I don’t have to choose between healthy and delicious; these bars are both!

I had the privilege of trying the oatmeal at the Sunrise Yoga event with fitness expert Andrea Metcalf (hosted by Women’s Forum and thinkThin®). The Farmer’s Market Berry Crumble oatmeal was SO GOOD! It’s my new go-to breakfast. It’s seriously so delicious; the fact that it’s healthy makes it that much better! thinkThin® knows what’s up. 😉

So, more about this Sunrise Yoga event. It was held a few weeks ago (Thursday, Aug. 6) at The Fairmont Hotel in Santa Monica, Calif. Andrea led a 30 minute yoga session (starting at 7 a.m.) followed by breakfast and the opportunity to talk with Andrea/other yogis! Andrea is full of energy and happiness; she inspired us to thinkPostive®. She is the definition of the modern-day health and wellness woman.

How @balancebrunette champions women’s wellness w/ @thinkproducts + Sunrise #Yoga w/ @andreametcalf recap! http://ctt.ec/qSHcB+ #sponsored

Click To Tweet

The women who participated in the sunrise yoga event were confident, strong, positive, supportive, and full of gratitude. The atmosphere was uplifting and the view was beautiful!

It was such a privilege doing yoga with Andrea Metcalf and the beautiful LA yogis! I left feeling excited and optimistic about women’s wellness.

thinkThin® inspires (and nourishes) me to live a balanced lifestyle; after all, I am The Balanced Brunette!

What helps you live a balanced life? What does wellness mean for you?

#LiveLoveInspire

Follow thinkThin® on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and thinkproducts.com.

How @balancebrunette champions women’s wellness w/ @thinkproducts + Sunrise #Yoga w/ @andreametcalf recap! http://ctt.ec/qSHcB+ #sponsored

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Ambassador Health Nutrition Reviews

Avoid Dehydration With The World’s First Alkaline Sports Drink, Phenoh

April 18, 2015 By lyndsinreallife 5 Comments

I suck at keeping hydrated.

Really, I do. I’m ALWAYS thirsty because of a medication I’m taking, I’m always walking/playing with the kids I babysit, it’s hot in LA, and then add in my yoga and stretching. You’d think I’d be better at it! Truthfully, no matter how much water I drink, I can’t seem to feel hydrated. It’s a never-ending battle and it’s severely hurting my health.

Disclosure: I received a 12 pack of pHenOH as part of my #SweatPink ambassadorship with Fit Approach. Monetary compensation was received. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.

I heard about pHenOH through Fit Approach (I am a #SweatPink ambassador) and thought I’d give it a try! It’s the world’s first alkaline sports drink, which aids in staying balanced during times of stress and exercise! Below is an excerpt from the home page of their website, explaining who they are and what pHenOH is:

A superior, healthy, ALKALINE alternative to conventional sports drinks. Phenoh has redefined the concept of a “sports drink” to reflect the needs of athletes and active individuals alike. Phenoh 7.4, with just 7 naturally healthy ingredients and a pH of 7.4, is everything that your body needs to stay balanced during stress and exercise. This is not an ade, this is pHenOH.

After a yoga sesh; ignore my sweaty selfie & super weird smile! 😉

What attracted me to pHenOH is the pH level. PHenOH’s pH level is 7.4 (alkaline) and is the biggest part of what makes them stand out. If you’re having difficulty recalling anything from your high school chemistry class (ahem, me), pHenOH gives an easy lamens terms summary of pH (website):

The body is naturally alkaline [7.4 pH] and it must stay that way in order to function properly. Stress and exercise cause the production and buildup of acidic compounds in our blood, contributing to fatigue and negative health effects.

Regular sports drinks have an excessive amount of sugar and extremely acidic pH levels. Did you know anything below a pH of 5.5 can cause tooth decay? Super gross. So not only am I not hydrating enough, I’m also most likely consuming things with too high of a pH. In addition to the things I’m consuming, I also have very high stress levels (I rarely have me time). I realized it was time to try pHenOH and see if it helped!

In a nutshell, YEP! After incorporating pHenOH into my daily routine (2 a day for 6 days), I felt more hydrated and balanced. Dehydration causes fatigue, so it was definitely awesome not getting tired a couple hours after waking up. For only have 7 ingredients, I wasn’t sure how it would taste. However, it is delightful! I love the hint of aloe vera and agave nectar.

The Ingredients:

the finest organic aloe vera
naturally low glycemic organic agave nectar
potassium (no added sodium)
magnesium
vitamin C
only 30 calories per 8 ounce serving

Research shows that pHenOH 7.4 (source):

Increases VO2 Max (oxygen metabolism) by up to 10%.
Boosts your endurance.
Enhances your peak athletic performance.
Offsets the effects of altitude on performance.
Buffers your acidic metabolic waste during exercise and stress.

If you’re interested in a Q&A with the founder Alex Schmotter (an avid outdoorsman and dentist), I highly recommend fellow #SweatPink ambassador Kinetic Fix’s blog post!

My honest opinion of pHenOH 7.4 alkaline drink:

Also after my yoga sesh; hydrating with pHenOH of course!

I love it! I’m an advocate for consuming only natural and organic foods/drinks (except the occasional cake from Susie Cakes), avoiding chemicals as much as possible, and easier ways to get hydrated. I can only drink so much water without getting bored; having a tasty, healthy drink like pHenOH is exactly what I need! Oh, and my boyfriend totally loves it. He’s a soccer coach, health coach, swimmer, and exercise enthusiast (he walked 12 miles today if that’s any indication of his enthusiasm), and he’s been stealing my pHenOHs (I caught him red-handed!). He never likes anything I like; so pHenOH and friends, know that this is a HUGE victory! Haha 🙂

Share on social media what you love about pHenOH 7.4 by using the hashtags #GoAlkaline, #FindYourPhenoh, #StayBalanced, & #Sweatpink! You can find them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.

To purchase pHenOH for yourself (or friends!), order on Amazon here (affiliate link) or their website. You can also use the store locator (scroll to the bottom). One case (12 pack of 16.9 oz tetra packs) is $28 plus free shipping.

So tell me,

how well do you stay hydrated? Do you drink anything other than water?
When would you incorporate pHenOH into your daily life?
Do you remember learning about pH levels in high school chemistry?

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Archie Events

Get Your Pup’s DNA Tested At A Swab-A-Thon Event With Wisdom Panel 3.0

April 13, 2015 By lyndsinreallife 1 Comment

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Mars Wisdom Panel 3.0. As always, I only share products or events I feel my readers would enjoy.

It’s simple: dogs are family. From the moment your pup is placed in your arms, he is your baby. Whether he’s a puppy, an adult, or a senior, he is your baby. Your kids recognize your dog as their brother. He sleeps in your bed, you take him on trips, and you love him unconditionally. That’s exactly how I am with my poodle puppy, Archie.

Archie, 8 months

We do genetic testing on our human babies to ensure they are as healthy as possible. But what about our fur babies? We want them to be as healthy as possible, too! Well, we now have that chance. Mars Veterinary, the industry leader in canine genetic testing, is launching Wisdom Panel 3.0; the next evolution of the canine DNA test. Wisdom Panel 3.0 also features the potentially life-saving Multi-Drug Resistance 1 (MDR1) genetic mutation screening.

Why is it important to understand the genetic makeup of my dog?

There are a vast amount of different breeds, and until now, we’ve been distinguishing the breeds by visualization. For example, I look at my dog Archie (pictured above). I was told he is an apricot toy poodle and would grow to be 5 or 6 lbs. He looks like a poodle, but only his ears are apricot, and he is full-grown at 10.6 lbs. I buy him food specifically for poodles, I get him groomed like a poodle, my vet has me pay more attention to health issues that poodles can develop, and so on. I have no way of knowing if he is actually a purebred poodle. Sure, some purebreds have papers, but I rescued Archie. Just like other rescue parents, I have no idea where Archie really came from. With a DNA test like the Wisdom Panel 3.0, I am able to find out his genetic makeup, allowing me to tailor his care to what he truly needs.

This is Troy, Archie’s best friend. It’s hard to tell which breed he is just by looking at him, right?

What about Archie’s other friend, Harvey? It’s a little easier to tell Harvey’s breed, but his parents still aren’t 100 percent sure.

How does Wisdom Panel 3.0 work?

The Wisdom Panel 3.0 begins when you use the cheek swabs to collect DNA from your pup’s cheek. The sample is sent to a lab and scanned into a database. Afterward, according to Wisdom Panel,

“The swabs then undergo processing to extract the DNA from your dog’s cells which are then examined for the 321 markers used in the test. The results of these markers are sent to a computer that evaluates them using a proprietary algorithm designed to consider all of the possible pedigree trees in the last three generations” (source).

Within 2-3 weeks, the results will show which breeds make up your dog’s genetic history! For more information on how it works, visit their website here.

What makes Wisdom Panel 3.0 different from previous versions?

Aside from expanding the breed screening coverage, the 3.0 has MDR1 genetic mutation screening. MDR1 (Multi-Drug Resistance 1) is a genetic mutation found in many mixed breeds dogs (some herding and sight hound breeds, as well). Dogs with MDR1 may have severe adverse reactions to some common drugs. Therefore, mixed breeds (and some purebreds with the high-propensity breeds) should be tested to hopefully prevent any of the adverse reactions. For more information on breeds and drugs affected by the MDR1 mutation, visit www.wisdompanel.com/MDR1_Disease_Screening.

Now through December, the WISDOM PANEL® “SWAB-A-THON” TOUR will visit various locations to offer swabbing for dogs. Through this tour, Wisdom Panel will strive to educate dog owners on the importance of genetic testing and how it will help them be better pup parents. By having better knowledge of their dog’s background, owners can better understand, take better care of, and build a stronger relationship with their pet.

Bring your dog to the Wisdom Panel booth at any Swab-a-thon event in your area, and get him swabbed on site for a special price ($39.99)! You can also take home a discounted DIY kit ($49.99; MSRP $84.99). About three weeks after the cheek swab test is received, you’ll be emailed an official Ancestry Report revealing your dog’s genetic background!

Swab-a-thon Events:

America’s Family Pet Expo – Costa Mesa, CA – (April 10 -12)
GoPRO Mountain Games – Vail, CO – (June 4 – 7)
Amazing Pet Expo – Austin, TX – (August 1)
Mars Pet Adoption Fair – Franklin, TN – (October – exact date TBD)
Amazing Pet Expo Holiday – Pomona, CA – (December 5)

For more information on Wisdom Panel 3.0, Swab-a-thon events, updates, and discounts, follow Wisdom Panel on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.

To purchase a Wisdom Panel 3.0 kit, please visit their website.

Image Courtesy of Wisdom Panel

I can’t wait to get Archie’s Wisdom Panel 3.0 done! Are you going to get your fur baby’s DNA tested, too?

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This post is sponsored by Nevada Speaks.

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What is Collagen Hydrolysate?

Photo Credit: GreatLakesGelatin.com

Check out my Facebook Live review + how GLG is helping me reach my 2018 goals here!

LEAN AND GREEN SHAKE WITH GREAT LAKES GELATIN® COLLAGEN HYDROLYSATE

[Found on GreatLakesGelatin.com]

Ingredients

2 Tbsp. Great Lakes Gelatin® Collagen Hydrolysate

1 tsp. Natural Vanilla flavoring

1/4 small avocado

2 cups baby spinach

1 Tbsp. raw almond butter

1/8 tsp. ground cinnamon

8-10 ounces unsweetened almond, coconut or cashew milk

5-6 ice cubes

Directions

Combine the Great Lakes Gelatin® Collagen Hydrolysate, fiber blend, avocado, spinach, almond butter, cinnamon, milk.

Mix on high until smooth.

Add ice cubes.

Mix on high until smooth.

Thin with additional cold water, if desired.

About Commercial Silk Plants

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The Ingredients:

Research shows that pHenOH 7.4 (source):

My honest opinion of pHenOH 7.4 alkaline drink:

Why is it important to understand the genetic makeup of my dog?

How does Wisdom Panel 3.0 work?

What makes Wisdom Panel 3.0 different from previous versions?

Swab-a-thon Events:

For more information on Wisdom Panel 3.0, Swab-a-thon events, updates, and discounts, follow Wisdom Panel on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.

To purchase a Wisdom Panel 3.0 kit, please visit their website.