Not just any Pop it

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

So the girls and I mean all of the girls in our family love these Pop Its, so when I saw it in a game form I knew we needed to have one so I placed it on my wishlist. Low and behold one of the companies wanted a review so who am I to turn them down when I knew this would give some cheer to two of my favorite girls. Luckily my granddaughter was over this weekend so they both were able to open this surprise together. They were really excited, just check out my video here.

Years ago we had a small circle pop it game, you know way before they became popular. Now we see them everywhere but there are only a few that caught my eye. This one is one of them. I am so glad they are enjoying the time together while playing a new game together.

Being only three years apart they still like a lot of the same things which makes gift-giving really easy. I like easy and I love making them smile.

If you are interested in this pop it game which included a set of dice check it out below.

Most Popular Fidget Toy of the Year

 

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

We are always on the look out for new games and toys that stand the test of time. These push pop fidget toys hit the mark. They are very popular right now and I was super excited to find this two piece set for my daughters. Years ago we bought a game that was a silicon circle with the pop-its inside. Even though we have played the game many times and had to replace it, I am pretty sure the kids spent more time just popping the little circles over and over again. 

Toys like this are great for kids who have autism, have adhd, or just need something to keep their hands busy with while they are learning. My daughter was remote learning this year and she would drive me crazy popping ours over and over again. I know it relaxed her when the teachers would frustrate her but for me it was just too much. 

This set has one side that is louder and the other side is quite. I love it and think I can deal with that because there would be a pause between the louder side and the more quite side. I love the colors so that one could be given to each of my two girls still at home. The set comes with a rainbow and marble colored fidget toy and it is surrunded by a hard plastic.  Check it out here http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0913FTKPQ .

Easter Basket Idea for Toddlers

Today I am talking about this set of toddler puzzles you see above. Isn't the lady bug puzzle adorable?  My grandsons are still quite young so these will be going into my oldest grandson's Easter basket this year with a few small treats. In a few years his little brother will be able to play with them too. He loves back packs so I was really excited to see that this set of 4 puzzles comes with a little draw string back pack so they can be toted along for fun on the go. 

My suggestion once opened as long as you are keeping an eye on your child is to put the puzzle pieces to each puzzle in a zip bag so when playtime is open you can hand the board and pieces and they can put the puzzle together and not worry about mixed up pieces. Also as they get quicker at doing the puzzles you can add two puzzles and their pieces to make it a bit harder and keep adding till they have all four empty puzzles, as well as all of the pieces to challenge them even more. 

These are rated for children three years of age, but my son who is my grand sons father was doing 25 piece puzzles by the time he was 18 months old, so depending on my grandson who seems to be following in his footsteps these may be too easy. I always say go with caution. A parent knows their child best, if using with younger children make sure to be watchful and not leave your child alone while playing with small toys. 

Each puzzle board is 5.8 inches by 5.8 inches. Perfect for toddlers and a great gift idea.

Check them out at Amazon. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Disclosure: MarksvilleandMe received one or more of the products mentioned above as part of a promotion. 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 or promote a product or service please contact us at marksvilleandme@gmail.com.

Learning while playing Games

There is no secret our family loves to play games. As a parent I also like learning games, and games that can be played in different ways like this Magnetic fishing game. I absolutely love that it comes in a package that can house the whole game in between play. First of all it is a fishing game where you can fish for numbered magnetic fish. This can be changed up many ways, as well as a set of alphabet magnetic letters. Use them in the game on a magnetic board etc. 

Then you have the card set which teaches animals, the alphabet, and matching. I love the simple design and how much I can see this being played with by my grand children. 

Check them out at my affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.


Disclosure:  MarksvilleandMe received one or more of the products mentioned above as part of a promotion. 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 or promote a product or service please contact us at marksvilleandme@gmail.com.

Puzzles to Go

Today I am talking about the super cute toddler puzzles you see above. Aren't just the sweetest? My grandsons are still quite young so these will be going into my oldest grandson's Easter basket this year with a few small treats. In a few years his little brother will be able to play with them too. He loves back packs so I was really excited to see that this set of 4 puzzles comes with a little draw string back pack so they can be toted along for fun on the go. 

My suggestion once opened as long as you are keeping an eye on your child is to put the puzzle pieces to each puzzle in a zip bag so when playtime is open you can hand the board and pieces and they can put the puzzle together and not worry about mixed up pieces. Also as they get quicker at doing the puzzles you can add two puzzles and their pieces to make it a bit harder and keep adding till they have all four empty puzzles, as well as all of the pieces to challenge them even more. 

These are rated for children three years of age, but my son who is my grand sons father was doing 25 piece puzzles by the time he was 18 months old, so depending on my grandson who seems to be following in his footsteps these may be too easy. I always say go with caution. A parent knows their child best, if using with younger children make sure to be watchful and not leave your child alone while playing with small toys. 

Each puzzle board is 5.8 inches by 5.8 inches. Perfect for toddlers and a great gift idea.

Check them out at Amazon. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Disclosure:  MarksvilleandMe received one or more of the products mentioned above as part of a promotion. 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 or promote a product or service please contact us at marksvilleandme@gmail.com.

Family Fun Days Announcement

Come and have fun at the Palace Theatre

Family Fun Days 

are part of the CDPHP Movie Series

  &

 Sponsored by 

Stewart's Shops.

School is closed – so bring the family to the Palace Theatre for a movie everyone can enjoy!

Doors open at Noon for crafts, games and fun activities and each movie starts at 1:00pm.

*All Kids 12 & Under get Free Popcorn.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

2001, 152 minutes, Rated PG

Sunday, October 20 at 1:00 PM

Based on the books by J.K. Rowling, the Harry Potter movies are some of the highest grossing

films of all time and this is the one that started it all. Harry Potter is an ordinary 11-year old boy

raised by his cruel aunt & uncle, until a surprise visit from a half-giant named Hagrid changes

everything. Soon he finds himself enrolled in Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

where he begins to learn the truth about himself, his family and the terrible evil that haunts the

magical world.

Moana

2016, 113 minutes, Rated PG

Thursday, December 26 at 1:00 PM

In Ancient Polynesia, a terrible curse befalls the people of the island of Motunui and only

Moana, the chief’s daughter, can set things right. Starring Auli’i Cravalho & Dwayne “The

Rock” Johnson and featuring a hit soundtrack with songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda, this is a

perfect movie for the whole family!

Frozen 

2013, 102 minutes, Rated PG

Tuesday, February 18 at 1:00 PM

This wildly popular 2013 Disney animated movie is the tale of Elsa, princess of Arendelle, who

possesses the ability to produce frost and snow at will and her younger sister Anna. When Elsa is

forced to flee their castle home after an accident involving her powers, it is up to Anna to make

the perilous trip to her rescue. Featuring a hit soundtrack filled with wonderful songs, Frozen

will keep the kids singing along!

Lilo and Stitch

2002, 85 minutes, Rated PG

Tuesday, April 14 at 1:00 PM

A tale of a young girl's close encounter with the galaxy's most wanted extraterrestrial. Lilo is a

lonely Hawaiian girl who adopts a small ugly "dog," that she names Stitch. Stitch would be the perfect pet, if he wasn’t an escaped alien genetic experiment that crash-landed on Earth. Through her love, faith and unwavering belief in ohana, the Hawaiian concept of family, Lilo helps

unlock Stitch's heart and gives him the ability to care for someone else.

Family Fun Day tickets are $5 and are available in person at the Palace

Theatre Box Office - located at 19 Clinton Ave. Albany, NY. Tickets can also be

purchased by phone at 518-465-4663 or online at palacealbany.org.

Groups can reserve tickets by calling the Palace Group Sales Dept at 518-465-

3335 ext. 128. For more info, call 518-465-4663 during regular business hours

(9am – 5pm, Monday through Friday).

My readers, family, and friends can also win 4 free tickets to a show. One winner will be chosen for each show time. Please keep an eye out for the giveaways that will be announced here on my website and on my facebook page. 

Zapzapmath through the Summer

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

Summer vacation is just around the corner for my children while others are well into their vacations. As a mom I don't want my children to fall behind with their math or reading skills so I like to keep things on hand so they stay on level and maybe gain a few things too. The object for me is to make it fun as well as educational.

I found a great Math app to add to our lineup called Zapzapmath which you can find out more about here. I have a list of specs below for you as well. I was able to get ZApzapmath Home Premium to try for my girls and so far my oldest is loving it but have to wait for my grand daughter to get her so she can check it out as well. Make sure to read below for a nice discount on this app before buying.  

What I love most about this is that one account can hold up to 3 children so you save even more if you have multiple children. I downloaded this on my Apple system, and it can also be downloaded on Android but please be aware that they do not support Kindle which was a bummer for us because they are the tablets we ended up going with when we upgraded everyone. 

This is great for both the child who loves math and those who need to like it more then they do. While playing each child can accessorize their Avatar and build their own little world. Just think while they are having fun they are also learning which is a win win. 

With zapzapmath home you will also get fun learning & math tools which are awesome to have on hand too. This is my opinion and one I think most parents will share with me. If you make learning fun then a child seems to learn better and they retain it much longer then if they just are working through something they don't like or do well at. Giving your child the right tools to succeed is so important in today's society, so why not make it fun too.

Zapzapmath goes from grades K-6 so this will take your little scholar a long way. You get 10 apps with over 180 games.

Check out the video below to find out more about Zapzapmath

Looking to give your kids quality screen time while having fun learning and practicing math? Zapzapmath Home comes to the rescue!  With Zapzapmath Home, you can enjoy:

• Enjoy over 180+ math games from K to Grade 
  Add up to 3 kid profiles
  With just one Zapzapmath Home Premium Membership. You get full access to all 10 apps:
  • Grade K to Grade 6  (7 Apps )
    • Over 180 fun math games covering all math topics
    
    Fraction Basics App
    • Learn fractions easily from all 12 animated videos
    
    Fraction Calculator + Decimals App
    
    • Check your fractions homework easily and speedily
    
    Multiplication Flash Cards 
    • Practice your multiplication in a fun and engaging way
    
    Download all of Zapzapmath Home apps here: https://www.zapzapmath.com:443/home
  
  “BestAppsForKids.com Review: 4.5 Stars - Excellent App!”
  All these for just USD19.99/year  
• but my readers will get 10% off  which brings the price to 17.99 USD at this link.

Find out more about ZApzapmath on:

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Disclosure:  MarksvilleandMe received one or more of the products mentioned above as part of a promotion. 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 or promote a product or service please contact us at marksvilleandme@gmail.com.

Summer Slime Fun

Looking for a great gift idea or something to keep the kids busy this summer? Look no further. Slime is in. Check out this set by Explorer's Choice which has everything included in the description below. You can also see the link where to find this awesome slime kit.

The first thing my daughter pulled out was the clear crystal slime and the fruit pieces to make this awesome slime which she called the fruit bowl. 

Later she also mixed some crystal slime with the foam beads that are included to make what she calls the fun-fetti slime. I can't wait to see all of the slime creations she is able to make. I love that the crystal slimes are already made and ready for mix ins.  

This is the galaxy egg that was included with our kit. At first we thought the egg was colored, but once opened the egg was clear and this was the color of the slime. I love how interesting it is when light hits it in different places. 

This is the slime my daughter made with the crystal grey slime and a little of  each of the three colors of the glitter she choose. So beautiful. We love how easy it is to incorporate add ins. Some slimes will not pick up glitter or foam balls well but this slim makes combining items easy so kids can enjoy their masterpieces.

There are so many options. Just pick a slime add in glitter, foam beads, and or fruit pieces for your own slimy fun. Great for parties, classrooms, playgroup, camp, home. Sure to make a some kids giggle with excitement when they get their hands on the hours of fun this box holds. 

INCLUDED:
- 24 color Crystal Slime (2.65 pounds)
- 1 pcs Galaxy Egg Slime (.13 pounds); An Explorers Choice Exclusive
- 6 Vials Glitter
- 6 Bags Foam Beads
- 1 Bag Fruit Slice
- 3 pcs Straws
- 3 pcs Slime Tools
- 1 Fruit Slime Mold (random)
- 6 Animal Molds (random)











- Letter from Explorers
NOTE:
To keep slime moist always keep in a tightly-sealed container after use.

WARNING:
- Always wash hands after use.
- Not suitable for children under 6 years old. Presence of small parts. Choking hazard.
- Slime may stick to a stain carpet, wood or other surfaces.






Explorer's Choice Slime Kit can be found at the link below.

Find out more about Explorer's Choice on:

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Disclosure:  MarksvilleandMe received one or more of the products mentioned above as part of a promotion. 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 or promote a product or service please contact us at marksvilleandme@gmail.com.

The Floor is Lava

 In our family we love when new games come to our attention and this game is no exception to the rule. This games get everyone moving and grooving because The Floor is Lava.

Each player has to keep moving from tile to tile to keep from melting in the lava but watch out if you land on a question mark you will have to also do a little extra something while trying to keep steady on your stone to keep from melting in the lava and being taken out of the game.

My daughter played this at her Birthday Party and you can see that she had a ball. You can see just how much she and my grand daughter had fun by the smiles on their faces.

Easy to set up just place the 25 tiles around on the floor inside or outside on the ground, gather your players, yell out the floor is lava, and start playing. The directions are easy to follow.

Check out The Floor is Lava and other games by Endless Games below.

Find out more about Endless Games on:

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Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Pinterest

Youtube

Disclosure:  MarksvilleandMe received one or more of the products mentioned above as part of a promotion. 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 or promote a product or service please contact us at marksvilleandme@gmail.com.

Camping Fun all Year Round for the Kids

Looking for a great gift for a child this Holiday Season? Look no further then this 20 Piece Camping Adventure Kit from Picasso Tiles. This is slotted for 3 years and up. We had children up to ages 15 playing with this and even the adults thought the pieces that came with it were awesome.   

There are 20 pieces in all 

• Camping Tent
• Gas Stove (2 AA Batteries required)
• Oil Lamp (2 AA Batteries required)
• Water Bottle
• 2 Walkie Talkies (3 AA Batteries required for each)
• Pan
• Shovel
• 2 Hot Dog & Steak
• 2 Plates
• First Aid Kit Box
• Binoculars
• Multi-function Whistle
• 2 Utility Knives
• Watch

The tent is great for having a little space for quite time in the corner or your child's room anytime of the year, and can be played with outside during nice days too.

We really liked the accessories and how easily the tent pops up and down for use as well as storage. We do however wish the tent was more resistant to stains. Although ours has not stained yet we know what we like in quality of items like this and had just wished for more parachute like quality of fabric for this, with that being said this is a fun product and well worth the price and wow factor in our child's eyes. Those are the real people who have to be happy with the product when the day is over.

Adventure is just around the corner. The tent pops up quickly as well as  folding down just just as easily and everything fits back into the bag that it was packaged into to store away in between use.




For real camping fun check out A Complete Camping Guide for Beginner

Disclosure:  MarksvilleandMe received one or more of the products mentioned above as part of a promotion. 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 or promote a product or service please contact us at marksvilleandme@gmail.com.

MEMORIAL DAY OUTDOOR GAMES FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS

Bring the fun to your backyard this Memorial Day weekend with yard games for all ages. While you’re grilling up hotdogs and hamburgers, friends and family will be striking up friendly competition – and an appetite.
Here are a few of our favorite backyard games.

I have seen my family play this at our 4th of July parties but have never really played myself.

Wild Gate Sports Stars and Stripes Cornhole Tailgate Toss
You can’t beat a classic! Not only is cornhole a universally appealing game, it’s also easy to teach new or young players – less time teaching, more time playing. Plus, this set features a stars and stripes design that is perfect for your Memorial Day cookout and other events all summer long. Pull it out again later in the summer for the Fourth of July!



Croquet was one of my biggest summer activities with my father, every now and then we even got my mother out to play with us. This is a game I would teach all of my friends how to play when they come over. It is time to buy a set and teach my own children how much fun this game is.

Baden Champions Series Croquet Sets
A croquet set is a summertime staple for backyards large and small. Designed for 2-6 players, we especially like how this set features hardwood mallets with soft rubber grips for comfort. It even comes with a complete croquet rulebook, perfect for new players or rusty ones.


This is another game I would like to add to our outside games. Again I have seen my family play this at parties but have never played myself.

AGame 2017 Classic Ladderball Game 
If you’re looking for a new backyard challenge, this ladderball game fits the bill. Friends and family will appreciate the easy learning curve to this game, but the extra skill involved to getting the golf tosses around the ladders.

Keep kids occupied and active this summer with this selection of our favorite backyard games from DICK’S Sporting Goods. Until 7/29, buy one game and get the second for 50% off. No code needed.

Poleish Sports Bottle Bash Game 
This unique game will put your kids’ skills to the test. Filled with competitive fun and excitement that the whole family can enjoy, Bottle Bash combines the games of disc golf and horseshoes with a few new twists.


MashBall Game Set
This game set offers competitive fun in the backyard, the park, or the beach. Create two teams of two and take turns throwing the ball into the holes. The first team to get to all 10 holes win.


This is another of our favorite beach and backyard games.

OrgoSport OGODISK-XS Game Set
From pool parties to backyard fun, this game set combines all of your child’s favorite games into one. Safe and fun to use, it’s perfect for playing disc golf, catch, baseball, or badminton. Kids can play in teams or individually.

You can find out more about Dicks Sporting Goods on:

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Disclosure:  MarksvilleandMe may have received one or more of the products mentioned above as part of a promotion. 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 or promote a product or service please contact us at marksvilleandme@gmail.com

Word Rush

Recently our family was able to try out a new board game from Tactic called Word Rush. I thought it was going to be too hard for my 10 year old to play with us but it was much easier then I expected. After setting up the board as instructed, the first player flips over the sand timer as well as a category card and answers the card with one of the letters showing on the board. It has to be the first letter and has to fit the category. Once they are done they flip the timer over and set it on the letter they used and the next person tries to beat the first players time. If they don't they move ahead one spot on the game board. 

The last person to NOT reach OUT is the Winner. This game is recommended from 2-6 players, ages 8 and up and considered a family game, which is right up our alley. Lots of fun for family or a fun game night with friends. 

What Tactic has to say about Word Rush

The Rush is On for Tactic Game's new WORD RUSH game.
Think of a word before time runs out.
In this new fast paced, quick thinking game, place nine letter cards on the game board, turn a category card and set the timer in motion! Players think fast to come up with words that start with one of the letter cards AND match the category for that round The sand timer is flipped with every new word, so you'll need to hurry up before the time runs out, or you can wait and make the next player have even less time. Strategy of answering starts to get more intense as the sand timer can be flipped fast or slower.
The simple game play and clear rules make Word Rush an instant classic!
The sand timer makes sure that the players have to stay on their toes. Word Rush will keep you guessing in a fun flurry of letters and words!.

Word Rush can be found on Amazon and many other sites.

Find out more about Tactic Games on:

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Disclosure:  MarksvilleandMe received one or more of the products mentioned above as part of a promotion. 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 or promote a product or service please contact us at marksvilleandme@gmail.com.

Keep your Wii controllers ready to go

My husband has always been a gamer even though he took off years while we were raising our children, we kept up with most of the new systems out there. Once he fell at his job and was recovering before we found out he would be disabled he got into gaming again to pass the time. 

We like to have items that are rechargeable so that we are not throwing away tons of batteries as they aren't good for the earth so recharging packs like these from Sminiker are just the answer. This set is charged through USB which is the only thing I would change as I like things that charge by regular cord but with an adapter which we already had I have the best of both worlds. 

This set comes with 4 battery packs and a charger that can charge up to 4 remotes at the same time. Wii remote not included. Easy to set up and use and will keep you playing for hours on end. The Sminiker charger for Wii can be found at my affiliate link below.

Disclosure:  MarksvilleandMe received one or more of the products mentioned above as part of a promotion with Tomoson and Sminiker. 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 or promote a product or service please contact us at marksvilleandme@gmail.com. 

Rally Roll

* 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.  

Are you looking for a cool new game to play that can be taken on vacation and takes up pretty much no room? Then this game from Blue Orange Games might be a good one to get. It comes with a travel bag to store the dice and directions in between play. This is great for on the go fun, vacations, game nights, sleep overs, etc. Think camp where electronic devices are not allowed. 

Easy to play, slotted for ages 8 plus. You just roll and decide if you want to risk it all and roll again or pass. I can see over time our family modifying the game a bit too. The only downside is that it is such a small game that we actually misplaced ours but I know we will find it sooner or later and when we do I will post better pictures of it played in action. 

Rally Roll can be found on the affiliate link below.

You can find out more about Blue Orange Games on:

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Disclosure:  MarksvilleandMe received one or more of the products mentioned above as part of a promotion with Tomoson and Blue Orange 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.