The Ultimate Laptop Bag

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

We are forever trying to find the perfect bag to suit everyone's needs and this one is pretty high on our list. This is a great backpack for toting your computer or computers around with you. Think remote learner, distance learner, college, work, home. It needs to make transporting your computer equipment easy while keeping high priced items safe. 

In reality I could transport my full size laptop computer, my daughters smaller school notebook computer, and both of our tablets safely all in this one bag and still have room for books, pens, pencils, and notebooks. If you hook up a power bank to the included built in USB port you have charging ability for tablets and cell phones which is nice to have on hand as well. 

This bag from Insavant is also water resistant and considered Anti Theft. It has so many extras side pockets for water bottles, a hidden anti theft area, key ring, sunglass holder, card compartment, luggage strap, etc. I love that the bag is padded so that you don't have a hard computer jutting into your back, which protects both wearer and items inside. This bag has just about everything you need to get your computer and other items from point A to point B safely. Check out all of my pictures below.

I really could go on and on about this bag. One of the other things I love about this bag is the padded handle, this is very important to me so that I can grab and go. Even though I love this bag dearly my daughter has called this for her own unless my husband takes it first. I guess we might need to get a few more to make everyone happy. Like I said there is a lot to love with this bag. 

 

3D Pen Filament

* Some of the links in the article may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive compensation.  

Our family is rather new to using 3D pens so I thought I should stock up on filament because I am not sure how much of a learning curve there is with creating with it. My girls were super excited to see we got one and are coming up with ideas for making their own creations in the next few weeks. 

School is almost over and having something fun to do while learning a new skill is great for rainy days. With this filament from CoolPlus you get all 20 colors and each color is 32 feet long. That is amazing. My girls have lots of colors at their fingertips for making some neat projects. I might even have to give this 3D thing a try. 

The CoolPlus 3D filament can be found on my affiliate link below.

Disclosure:  MarksvilleandMe received one or more of the products mentioned above as part of a promotion with Tomoson and CoolPlus. Regardless, MarksvilleandMe only recommends products or services we use personally and believe will be good for our readers. Some of the links in the article may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive compensation.  If you would like MarksvilleandMe to review a product or service please contact us at marksvilleandme@gmail.com. 

Family Game Night with Family Alias

We have always enjoyed playing games, but finding new games we haven't played yet to add to our collection is sometimes hard.

I recently went through our board games and have a list of older games that we have played so much that we are missing pieces or they are falling apart so I added those to our buy again list.

Family Alias is a great game for big or small families. Our family had quite a good time playing. At first my husband was not quite in it because he didn't think it would be fun but after a few turns he was right in the game like everyone else.

Easy to set up, play, and gives several options for play, and also a way to make it easier for children to play by giving them other options to get their points to move on the board. You can see in my picture one of my daughters helping out the other when she had to explain the picture without saying the word on the card.

This gives both children and adults a fun way to be able to explain something to someone else by using other words to get them to guess the right word. I have to warn you the adult cards are harder then you would think, at least the first card was for me. I told my husband I would have had to get a dictionary out for a couple of the words but the family cards are friendly for any age.

You also have wild cards that are just fun and silly ways to do things during the game and then kids cards that bring the game down a bit so that the youngest can play just as well as the older game players.

Slotted for ages 7 and up. 2-8 players. We played with 4 people and the youngest was 8. She loves family game nights.

Alias and other games made by Tactic can be found on Amazon.


What Tactic has to say about their product.

Family Alias ($20 for ages 7+) The Alias game that is equally challenging to both children and adults. In this game, players use a spinner to see who you partner is for that round. For grownups there are special explaining styles that make the game even more hilarious.

About Tactic Games:
Tactic Group® is an international and fast growing developer and marketer of board games in Europe, now launching in the U.S. and Canada.  For the past 48 years, the Finnish board game company has provided consumers with innovative, high-quality products that have been warmly received by the public, including award-winning Mölkky® and iKNOW®.  Their mission is to produce entertaining games that offer moments of genuine delight and entertainment to family and friends the world over. 

You can find out more about Tactic Games on:

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#tacticgames

Disclosure:  MarksvilleandMe received one or more of the products mentioned above as part of a promotion with Tomoson and Tactic Games. Regardless, MarksvilleandMe only recommends products or services we use personally and believe will be good for our readers. Some of the links in the article may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive compensation.  If you would like MarksvilleandMe to review a product or service please contact us at marksvilleandme@gmail.com. 

Adult Coloring Books

I have always loved to color, although I don't color nearly as well as my husband (he is so creative), I have yearned for a more intricate coloring book and this was just perfect for both myself, my older daughter, and husband.

We just copy these so that we can use permanent marker without worrying about it bleeding through to the other pages. Great for teens and children who have moved beyond regular coloring books and are ready for something a bit more.

You can find the Amazin Birds Adult Coloring Book on Amazon.


A collection of more than 30 birds from all over the world brings nature into your home and imagination, and nourish your soul with beautiful and magical creatures.
An additional interesting fact about each bird will allow you to expand your knowledge of birds while relaxing and enjoying coloring pictures.
You may know the bird, or you may not, in any case you can to use your own colors and coloring techniques and create beautiful expression of your imagination.
If you would like to share your colors with other people, you are welcomed to contact us and it will be presented on the author's website with your name and anything that you would like to add.

Tali Carmi has written other children's books such as :

About the Author Tali Carmi

Tali Carmi spent her childhood in the dessert, she memorized many of the books her parents read to her. She played with word and rhymes, writing her first book of songs at the age of 10.

As she grew she turned to other hobbies and a successful career.

Now she is back writing stories for young children.

You can find out more about the Author Tali Carmi on:

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Pinterest

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Google+

Amazon

Mailing List

YouTube

#Promotion

To read more about Snuggles and Stories with MarksvilleandMe 

check out my other Blog

Disclosure:  MarksvilleandMe received one or more of the products mentioned above as part of a promotion with Tomoson and Tali Carmi. Regardless, MarksvilleandMe only recommends products or services we use personally and believe will be good for our readers. Some of the links in the article may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive compensation.  If you would like MarksvilleandMe to review a product or service please contact us at marksvilleandme@gmail.com. 

Nitetime Badminton

How do you make a game of Badminton more fun? How about night time Badminton with some really cool LED Shuttlecocks. Oh Yeah! Super fun for the the whole family. 

Badminton used to be one of my favorite games to play when friends came over to our house. It was fun that is until sundown came and you couldn't see the shuttlecock anymore. 

I really like how it came with 4 for some reason I thought I was only going to get one. I must have read it wrong but sure enough there are 4 in a pack, 3 steady lights, and 1 that changes color. Anyone for a game of nighttime badminton? 

You can find the LED Shuttlecocks on Amazon.

~Enjoy playing badminton at night with these Ohuhu® LED Badminton Shuttlecocks!

Fesrures:
*4 x LED Feather Shuttlecock (Red, Green, Blue, and Color-changing) - Perfect for playing in the dark environment.
*LED lights installed in the back of the cork, with On/Off push button.
*Material: goose feather, feather, SMD lamps, electronic products.
*Cork ball head and each shuttlecock only weights about 6.7g/0.24oz.
*Economical shuttlecocks for beginners and amateurs.

Specifications:
-Package Dimensions: 7.3 x 2.5 x 2.5 inch
-Product Weight: 60g 

Package Includes:
-1 x Red LED Shuttlecock
-1 x Green LED Shuttlecock
-1 x Blue LED Shuttlecock
-1 x Color-changing LED Shuttlecock

#LEDBadmintonShuttlecock

Disclosure:  MarksvilleandMe received one or more of the products mentioned above as part of a promotion with Tomoson and Sunsella. Regardless, MarksvilleandMe only recommends products or services we use personally and believe will be good for our readers. Some of the links in the article may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive compensation.  If you would like MarksvilleandMe to review a product or service please contact us at marksvilleandme@gmail.com. 

Lost my Marbles

I played marbles as a child, along with jacks and other quite games. I wanted my children to learn these games and have as much fun as I did. I had purchased two sets of marbles for the girls during the Holidays but wanted my own set. Finding these marbles was really nice as I now had my own set.

My husband even got into playing with the girls. Of course I keep mine picked up a bit better then them but they are learning and pretty soon they will be able to play on their own without talking them through each move.

The girls liked that mine came with a nice pouch which theirs did not. Great for hand eye coordination, strategy, and sharing.

Learn how to play Marbles here.

You can purchase these marbles on Amazon.


What Lost my Marbles has to say about their product.

40 Marbles with 1 FREE Bonus Shooter Marble
Perfect For Marbles Games
Replacement Marbles for Marble Run Games - A perfect fit
These marbles are perfect for marble mazes
Comes in a velour flocked bag with double cord drawstring

#marbles

 #lostmymarbles

Disclosure:  MarksvilleandMe received one or more of the products mentioned above as part of a promotion with Tomoson and Lost My Marbles. Regardless, MarksvilleandMe only recommends products or services we use personally and believe will be good for our readers. Some of the links in the article may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive compensation.  If you would like MarksvilleandMe to review a product or service please contact us at marksvilleandme@gmail.com. 

Making Cinderella

In case you haven't realized Halloween is just a hop skip and away from being front and center. The stores are setting up their merchandise, some people have even already started to decorate. For our family the kids are picking out what they want to be. Sure I have lots of ideas what I would like them to be for Halloween, but it really comes down to what they want to be. 

MarksvilleandMe joined with Costume Supercenter to bring you a great idea. Instead of running out and trying to find everything you need for your costume in the stores, wasting precious gas, resources, as well as time, you can sit in the comfort of your own home and shop when it is convenient for your family. 

Costume shopping 101

1. Ask your child what they would like to be.

2. Shoot out some ideas of your own. 

3. Decide on what they will be.

4. Decide how much you can spend.

5. Look in your own inventory for products you might already have. 

6. Sit back bring up Costume Supercenter and start browsing. 

My 7 year old Dorothy settled on being Cinderella from the Wedding. We have the Tiara (borrowed from my older 12 year old Princess Deanna) and the shoes. All we needed was the dress.

Once it came in she couldn't wait to give it a whirl. This dress is super nice by the way. I would even let her wear this to a special outing because it just is that nice.

Even though she wears a size 8 in girls clothes I always order costumes a size bigger so we went with the 10-12 size. A little extra room so she can get more than one wear out of it.

All of my children have loved to play dress up so we have lots of props for different kinds of play. Imagination is something I love to instill in my children and their love for creating just fills my heart with cheer. Often when the girls aren't playing Princess, you will find them fighting crime and evil by being fully dressed in Superhero Costumes. In case you are wondering Costume Supercenter has those too check the Superheroes section out.

Yes your majesty I would be honored to dance with you.

Looking to make someone Cinderella? You can find some great costumes at Costume Supercenter. They have costumes for young and old alike. 

You can find out more about Costume Supercenter on:

Website

Facebook

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Pinterest

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Disclosure:  MarksvilleandMe received one or more of the products mentioned above as part of a promotion with Costume Supercenter. Regardless, MarksvilleandMe only recommends products or services we use personally and believe will be good for our readers. Some of the links in the article may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive compensation.  If you would like MarksvilleandMe to review a product or service please contact us at marksvilleandme@gmail.com. 

Wise Alec

From Griddly Games the makers of Wise Alec comes 

I have been working with Griddly Games for a while and our family really enjoys their games. We have lots of games and if you are like me you may be looking for something new and fresh to play with your family.

This is where companies like Griddly Games come in. They give options out of the box. Brand new ways to interact with family, friends, and your children.

Our girls are really enjoying both Wise Alec Junior, and Wisse Alec Sports Buffs. We not only have fun laughing, but we are learning, and generally having a great time.

Wise Alec Junior comes with 4 different games and believe me you can make so many other games from playing with these it is unbelieveable.

Flexibility is key while playing games with children. Sure they need to learn rules but sometimes changing up play just a bit can make a game go from ho hum to I love this game lets play again. As a parent this is what I want to hear. Money spent on toys that they truly enjoy and want to play with over and over again.

The Wise Alec Sports Buff set is actually an expansion pack for Wise Alec which we do not own, but we are able to play even with out the original game. Don't worry I am working on getting Wise Alec so I can review that for my readers as well. There are questions for young and old, believe me I think the kids knew more of the adult questions then I did. I will stick with the easy one for now so maybe I can look a little smarter next time.


You can Wise Alec Junior purchase here or on Amazon.



Griddly Games is turning kids into little Wise Alecs with a new game, Wise Alec™ Junior™.

The new Wise Alec Junior (MSRP $15.99 for 1 or more players ages 4+) is an edition that is set to follow the successful, award-winning family game path blazed by Griddly Games’ Wise Alec ($25.99 for ages 8+). The new Junior combines four game activities into one package: memory, counting, acting, and recognition. Like its older, but just as wise predecessor, Wise Alec Junior is a know-it-all game of hilarity that combines wit, skill, and action. Wise Alec Junior can be played independently or it can be combined into the full Wise Alec board game version.

Reisa Schwartzman, president and founder of Griddly Games, said. “Wise Alec Junior™ is a game that can bring multiple generations together. When people start playing Wise Alec Junior, they won’t realize they are learning and working on essential life skills because they are having so much fun. This is why it’s great for kids of all ages.”

Wise Alec Junior is an exciting and educational game pack for children ages 4 and up. The convenient, travel-size package contains 4 separate games that combine memory, matching, charades, counting, and storytelling. During the final step, memory and imagination combine as each player devises a story based on the cards that they have collected throughout the rounds.

A former educator, Schwartzman explains, “Teachers and parents love Wise Alec Junior because it focuses on the development of cognitive, motor, and social skills, which is an essential process for young children. For example, charades promotes emotion recognition, and the story telling promotes verbal and nonverbal communications skills. Additionally, Wise Alec Junior enhances problem solving skills, memorization, imagination, and social interaction. With Wise Alec Junior, parents can aid teachers in developing these skills by making ‘homework’ fun for the whole family.”

There are four games included in Wise Alec™ Junior. Memory is a classic scrambled card game that is simple, yet thought provoking. Matching is a “slap” game that combines counting with quick wit and action. The action game has players hilariously act out and guess clues in a charade-style format. The storytelling portion of the game is a collective process that allows players to take their imaginations wherever they may go as they devise a story based on their cards.   

“As we expand upon the original Wise Alec™ concept, we continue to stick to our goal of demonstrating how a great game can bring people together with wholesome fun. With Wise Alec™ Junior, we are incorporating the younger generations. As always, we try to encourage positive lifestyle habits and good manners throughout the game.”

You can find out more about Griddly Games on:

Website
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
Instagram

#griddlygames

Disclosure:  MarksvilleandMe received one or more of the products mentioned above as part of a promotion with Tomoson and Griddly Games. Regardless, MarksvilleandMe only recommends products or services we use personally and believe will be good for our readers. Some of the links in the article may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive compensation.  If you would like MarksvilleandMe to review a product or service please contact us at marksvilleandme@gmail.com. 

Two times the fun

Sensei Cube is a great cube for those who like to solve Rubic type cubes quickly as it is lubricated for quicker turns. For our family it is just a fun cube to try and solve.

My oldest child was the only one in our family to actually solve the cube and continued to do so until he could do it quicker each time. Matter of fact when there is a new cube like puzzle out there we usually buy him one if he hasn't already bought one of his own.

This set however I kept for the younger children to play with and I took the mini cube to have in my purse for times when we are out and about waiting for an appointment or for when the kids get board so they have something to keep them busy. The small cube is also great to attach to backpacks for kids to have something to do on ride to school.

I really like that this came with a pouch, it protects it from dings scratches when it is't being played with.

You can buy the Sensei cube on Amazon.


What Sensei has to say about their product.

SENSEI SPEED CUBE 3X3 with FREE playable Keychain & Pouch Are you ready to be the next Cubing Sensei Sensation? 

Get this unique Ultimate Cube Set and become the next best "Cubing Sensei"!
Sensei Cubes are designed and manufactured by expert engineers who are avid fans of the original Rubik's cube. Therefore we understand the many problems with the speed cubes that are currently available. 
Sensei Cubes are engineered to provide amazing corner cutting, greater stability and an optimized structure to prevent the cube from popping/locking.

Special Heat Transfer method 
-Colors are printed directly onto the tiles using the latest heat transfer technology. 
This is the end of stickers peeling off and colors fading.

New anti-Pop/Lock structure 
-Cube will never pop/lock no matter how fast you cut corners. 
-Sensei Cubes are engineered with cutting-edge, robust, lightweight composite materials which allow the cube to withstand larger forces when cubing at high speeds.

Adjustable Tensioning with easy-to-use configuration 
-Sensei cubes are constructed with the optimal standard tension. 
-If ever needed, easily open the centre piece and adjust the cube to whatever you are comfortable with.

Lubrication 
-Our cubes are lubricated to provide a silent, smooth and fluid experience. 

Ultimate Cube Set Gift 
Relieve those nostalgic moments of the Rubik's cube. 
Buy one or several for you and your loved ones today.

Package contains: 
1 x Sensei Cube 
1 x keychain cube 
1 x travel pouch

This set is a complete travel companion.
Cube wherever you are!

#senseicube

Disclosure:  MarksvilleandMe received one or more of the products mentioned above as part of a promotion with Tomoson and Sensei Cube. Regardless, MarksvilleandMe only recommends products or services we use personally and believe will be good for our readers. Some of the links in the article may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive compensation.  If you would like MarksvilleandMe to review a product or service please contact us at marksvilleandme@gmail.com. 

Portable Art Easel

What a wonderful to instill the love of art in your children or another adult. This easel is portable, had a drawer to hold your tools, and has a nice handle to carry it around with.

My daughter fell in love with this when it came in so I guess this will be hers. My husband loves the way that the easel can be positioned at different heights for your comfort, the drawer is really nice . The drawer even has a lock so that it won't come open while you are carrying the easel around.

Great product made from wood that will be a great piece for many years in your little or big artists life. Wonderful gift idea.


You can purchase US Art Supply Portable Easel on Amazon.
What US Art Supply has to say about their product. 

US Art Supply Solana Adjustable Wood Desk Easel with Drawers Features & Specifications:
- Portable tabletop storage box that converts to a painting easel with 1 easy adjustment
- The easel incline adjusts to four positions and will accommodate a canvas up to 11" x 14"
- An easel that adjusts to four different positions
- Has a drawer with three compartments to hold brushes, and other essential gear
- Cleverly designed and light-weight yet sturdy and portable
- The drawer latches securely for storage or travel
- Fully assembled
- Accommodates canvas art and prints up to 11 x 14 inches
Box Easel Size: 13-3/8"Wide x 10-1/4"Deep x2" High, (Adjusts to 11"High)

You can find out more about US Art Supply on:
Website

Facebook
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#usartsupply

Disclosure:  MarksvilleandMe received one or more of the products mentioned above as part of a promotion with Tomoson and US Art Supply. Regardless, MarksvilleandMe only recommends products or services we use personally and believe will be good for our readers. Some of the links in the article may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive compensation.  If you would like MarksvilleandMe to review a product or service please contact us at marksvilleandme@gmail.com. 

The new toy in town

Looking for a new toy for your family this year? Some think of it as a game, while others a toy. Great for hand eye coordination, while expanding the mind. Even adults will find this irresistible to put down because you want to be able to do all four sides. Kind of like a rubics cube meets the ball and cup game.

Great for birthdays, gifts, stocking stuffers, something for those who have everything. Go head give it a try, you will be hooked to or least find yourself coming back to it again and again to see if you can do better.

Simple enough for a child but nice enough on the eyes to keep out instead of stashing away in the toy box. Leave it on the coffee table sure to be a talk piece.


You can purchase the Woodtellect Toys Kendama on Amazon.

What Woodtellect Toys has to say about their product.

• Premium and original Woodtellect Kendama
  Pro style durability and traditional size
  Includes our how-to E-book!! Also backed by our satisfaction guarantee!
  Addicting Japanese game that tests your hand-eye coordination!
  Great gift for anyone looking for hours of fun!

You can find out more about Woodtellect Toys on:

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#kendama

Disclosure:  MarksvilleandMe received one or more of the products mentioned above as part of a promotion with Tomoson and Woodtellect Toys. Regardless, MarksvilleandMe only recommends products or services we use personally and believe will be good for our readers. Some of the links in the article may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive compensation.  If you would like MarksvilleandMe to review a product or service please contact us at marksvilleandme@gmail.com.