Isn't this backpack cute? I thought so too. It comes in 7 designs and is available at the links below. This one is great for ages 18 months and above and also has the safety harness leash so when you are out and about your newly walking toddler can have a little freedom while you have the security of knowing they are within a safe range.
I love the backpack idea because I love giving my child something of their own. With this they can carry something to snack on, a drink, and something to play with, not to mention a favored lovey, or change or clothes for when trips take a bit longer then expected.
We also like to call them quite bags for when we are going to appointments filled with items the child only gets on those trips that they look forward too because it is the only time they come out. The size on this is about 9 inches high 7 inches wide and 3 inches front to back.
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.
I was recently able to view Making Babies thanks to Huber Bros. Productions so that I could give my honest opinion of the movie. Both my husband and myself are avid movie viewers. We loved them growing up, our first date was at a movie theater, our children grew up going to movie theaters as a family, and us for date nights, we even worked for a movie theater before, we enjoy seeing movies as often as we can, we even quote movie scenes in daily life when they fit the part.
I viewed this movie on my own and I went through a roller coaster of emotions. It could be my age I happen to be 46 going on 47 but I hit happiness, hope, joy, sadness, excitement, and utter amusement to name a few. This movie deals with real issues of struggling to have a baby before your time runs out and making choices with health insurance, finances, dreams, all while family, friends, and everyone in between is giving you advice on how to do it.
There is humor. I didn't find it gut breaking humor but it is there in a sweet way and sometimes strange way at least to me. I encourage those who are struggling to have a baby to watch this movie as well as those who aren't struggling so they know the other side and what their friends, neighbors, and not so good friends might be going through.
Coming from someone who had an easy time having children it really opened my eyes and I hope it will for you too. It isn't always easy to have children. Sometimes it is a struggle from the very beginning, but can be so worth it.
Is it a chick flick? Yes I guess it is, but if you are trying to get pregnant it is also a couples flick, so fellas give it a chance. By the way you would want to miss the funny scenes with guys in it anyways so go along just for that if not for anything else. See ladies I had you covered. wink wink So I hope you enjoy it as much as I did check out the trailer below and let me know what you think.
Distribution Company: Huber Bros. Productions
In Theaters: March 29th
Directed & Written by: Josh Huber
Starring: Eliza Coupe, Steve Howey, Bob Stephenson, Elizabeth Rodriguez, Ed Begley Jr, and
the late Glenne Headly
Running Time: 86 minutes
Katie and John Kelly (Eliza Coupe and Steve Howey) are ready to settle down and have kids but
five years later, all they have to show for their efforts is a mountain of negative pregnancy tests
and an increasingly elaborate home micro-brewing rig, which John hopes will launch his
company. As they run out of traditional options and their window closing, the couple explores
the daunting world of medical, spiritual, and homeopathic methods to conceive a child. With an
ensemble cast that also includes Bob Stephenson, Elizabeth Rodriguez, Ed Begley Jr., Jon Daly,
and the late Glenne Headly, MAKING BABIES puts a couple through the ringer of modern
infertility treatments and questions whether their marriage will withstand the ultimate test.
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.
Fitness trackers seem to be everywhere and to be honest I have been against them because of the high prices I don't know how people afford all of these high priced items. I really don't. I won a nice fitness tracker a few months back falling in love and really wanted to get some for my girls. I wanted an affordable but quality product.
Trendy Pro wanted my daughter to try their's out which is slotted for both children and adults alike. This fits my youngest daughter who is 11 as well as my grand daughter who is 7 and surprisingly even fits my husband large wrist on the very last slots. We usually have to buy special bands to fit his big wrists so this is amazing in itself.
So with the Trendy Pro Fitness Tracker set you will get one rechargeable fitness tracker one black band and the choice of an extra band a wall charger but I just charge ours in our computer, a instruction manual, this tracker is super easy to set up, and a double sided reward chart to get you started on counting your steps.
What I love most about this tracker is the ease of setting up. I could do it all on my own without my husband's tech help. The next best thing would be tracking the sleep. Don't judge please this was a weekend and we were up super late but I am able to see exactly when she goes to sleep and gets up in the morning.
Yes it is a bit like spying but I get to see my girls sleep quality and hers is pretty good. On the other hand I have to talk to my Dr. about mine I am yet to hit more then an hour of deep sleep in over months of monitoring my sleep. My sleep is mostly in the awake sleep. Oddly enough I dream every night so as soon as I hit REM I must dream like there is no tomorrow.
As for her steps well she hits well over 10,000 steps without blinking an eye so we don't have to worry about that, as for me I am have not been working and am now disabled and my steps are no where near 10,000 but I am working on getting more steps each and every day. Some days I don't reach my goal but by the end of the week I usually reach my weekly goals so it all evens out. I raise my goal each week so together as a family these fitness trackers are making a difference.
So my final decision on Fitness trackers in general is to shop around there are great fitness bands out there like this one by Trendy Pro that make the grade for dependability, affordability, and ease of use. While Trendy Pro is not made for swimming there are some out there that are make sure you take that into account if you will be using your Fitness tracker while under water.
Check out all of the specks below. My favorite is the sedentary alert to keep you active all day long.
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.
I like to multi task as much as possible, and if I an find a product that can do two things at once I am super happy. Our family misses our old house with large rooms and plenty of space for everything including a room of our very own for a home office. Gone are those days. We have gone from a 6 bedroom house to a 2 bedroom apartment. We are making due, but many of our things are still in storage while we are still finding how to put things in the space we have in our new home. We have donated many items as well having to throw out items due to mice getting into storage unit and ruining items.
So with having said that we are still trying to come up with a working plan for a home office that can handle a place for both my husband and myself to be able to have room to do our thing on the internet. While still having space to have items available for the kids crafting as well as our own do-it-yourself projects. We really are a family that needs just a bit more space maybe a home with a garage and one extra room but that is for another conversation. Back to the task on hand.
First and foremost. A spot for everyone to charge their devices where we can find them and charge them without having to hunt down a cord and if people come to visit they can hook up as well. This charger from Mstjry was just what we needed to really get us started on organizing in a smaller space. I am so excited by this and it fits everything we have in our home.
I love that if someone visits we now have a dedicated spot where they can charge so there is no chance of missing cords or electronics. Everything is super easy to find and ready to use. Comes with three IOS or apple cords and two android cords. You can also change out your own cords for the cords needed as long as it starts with the USB connector.
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.
I have several sets of utensils and find a use for each and everyone. One of my favorite kinds of utensils are silicone and bamboo, or wooden. This put two of those together in my favorite color red so this goes great with my kitchen items. I love how easily the utensils wash up after use. They are Stain Resistant. I do my dishes by hand but if I ever get a dishwasher I know it will be safe to use since they are also Dishwasher Safe.
Cooking and Baking are one of my favorite things to do with my children which is why I suppose they can all cook and bake well. None of my kids are starving as long as they can find food to make a meal with.
I hope see these utensils in more color varations in the near future but until then my readers can enter to win a 500.00 Amazon Gift Card to get their shopping started, or order their own set below. The Giveaway ends soon so make sure you enter while you can.
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.
We are loving this new folding/portable camping table. Although it is for camping we have been using this for family game nights since our old bones don't like sitting on the floor anymore as well as on our front porch. So easy to put together. Measures 27.56 x 27.56 x 27.56 inches. and holds 120 lbs. We love the included bag for portability as well as the mess storage unit under the table for extras like games, citronella candles, etc.
This is a great item for camping, BBQ, entertaining a few guests, family backyard in the evenings. I was very surprised by the stability as well as how sturdy this product it. Good quality with a table top that will last years.
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.
I bet you were thinking something totally different then sneakers. These are my daughter's new sneakers for school this year. The name is so cute Pastry POP Tart Grid. I love that they came laced, are comfortable to wear, easy for my daughter to put on or take off, while being really flexible for her ever growing feet.
This sneaker comes in several sizes and is synthetic. So if you need a pair for school, dance, or just to match your outfits these might be what you are looking for. I know my daughter has worn them several times to school getting compliments. She loves how they look and how they feel on her feet. If my daughters feet are happy I am happy.
Available at
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.
I really love lights like this one from Aostar. I have several sets from different companies but so far this is the first one that I have that has 40 clips on one string and comes with remote control. So easy to use just pop in 3 AAA batteries and you are ready to go. We have used sets like this one for displaying pictures, holiday cards through out the year, as well as birthday cards, and art projects. Our favorite is to use them to display photos of our family.
One of the ideas we have this year is to attach this to our Christmas tree, clipping on photos, holiday cards, and gift cards for our family. Of course if you would like to see this please check out my instagram around Christmas for pictures. These are also great for parties for both lighting and to hang up pictures of those who are invited or remembering. They can be used inside and outside if covered, say under a tent. The span is 16.4 feet. Great for many arts & craft ideas.
What would you use these for?
Below is video review done for me by my husband who didn't see the remote control included.
AOSTAR 40 LEDs Photo Clips String Lights (16.4ft, Warm White) Remote Control Fairy String Lights for Bedroom Hanging Photos, Cards and Artworks
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.
Having breastfed 5 children of my own, while encouraging others to try before giving up. I am pro breastfeeding. I do understand that some can not do it for obvious reasons such as taking medication, can't product milk, etc. I also understand those who could breastfeed before and not with their second or vice versa.
I would have loved this electric pump back in the day. I had a hand pump which was hard to use. This one is electric, can do two breasts at a time. Talk about time saving. It also has a massage function. Oh My Goodness. Where was this when I needed it.
There is a big difference from a child suckling and a machine pumping milk, but the massage function makes it more bearable. This is great for new moms, seasoned moms, and those who continue to keep their milk production up to donate their milk to babies in need.
Check out more information below.
A little more detail about pump.
Two-mode Technology After turning on, massage mode will keep 120s, then switch to suction mode. The massage mode acts as a warming-up phase to get breasts ready to initiate milk flow by continuously stimulating the breasts in a rapid pumping rhythm. After that, in suction phase, the pumping rhythm becomes slower to maximize the milk flow.9 Adjustable Suction Levels There are 9 suction levels to adjust, from level 1 to level 9, the suction is rising. Users can choose the most comfortable level and the level mostly fit her baby’s feeding pattern. Moreover, the intelligent breast pump has a memory function which automatically switches to the optimum suction level (current setting) after the massage.Isolated System A hygienic isolated system ensures the milk won’t go backward to tubing or motor and protect the main machine. It also prevents bacteria and mold from breeding and let the baby drink clean and hygienic milk.Measurable Milk Production Moms are not sure about whether the amount of their breast milk is enough for their babies when feeding them. Using Gland breast pumps, you can clearly see how much breast milk you produce with the scale on the bottle. Check out my un-boxing below.
This breast pump can be found below.
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.
Looking for a new to us instrument we settled on the Monkey Drum which reminds us all of a Karate' movie from years ago.
You can play it with two or one hand. My grand daughter had a ball with this one. Every time I use it the look on my face seems like it scares me but it doesn't. It is funny how our bodies react to different things that we come in contact with.
The size of this is quite nice with it being 6 inches in diameter. I do suggest if you have children to make sure you are near by just in case one of the beads or strings come loose. You just never know what a child may try to put in their mouths.
We are happy with this and my daughter plans to take this to school this year as part of show and tell. The Monkey Drum can be found below.
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.
I am blessed to have children who like to create things. Some of my children take after their father for creating art so we are always buying paper, pads, pens, markers, paints, etc.
My daughter who is entering 10th grade this year needed not for school but her creative side at home some sketch pads.
Thankfully Lasten has some great products like this double pack of pads. My oldest took the large one as I had bought her a small one to take to school for her ideas, and her younger sister took the smaller for her art projects.
I love that both of these are made from quality paper with 48 sheets in each as well as double spiral bound and carry handles on each for portability. The 2 pack of Lasten Pads can be found below.
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.
Apparently having children means replacing silverware over and over again because they just seem to disappear. Personally I think it is when the kids scrape their dishes off and it falls in the trash and they just leave it there instead of fishing it out. Either way we are always on the prowl for silverware, either free, or for sale.
These stainless steel spoons we just received are what my mom and dad called Tablespoons. Our family calls them the Ogre spoons because they are the large spoons we use for serving smaller items at the table and the kind my husband uses to eat his cereal.
I really like the plain look of these spoons because they will go with any decor. We used to have fancy decorated silverware but it just wasn't worth the cost with how often we had to replace them so we learned to use what we had or could find for an affordable price.
Do you deal with missing items you often have to replace?
These stainless steel spoons can be found below.
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.
Having a family means organizing lots of things big and small. My husband used to have a really nice way to store his tools but now that we have moved it is a whole new ball game.
Recently while unpacking. Yes 4 months later we are still making a dent into unpacking and found this bucket of mixed screws, nuts, nails, washers, and other doodads.
Having little totes like this one from Lasten on hand really helps make sense of tiny messes. These storage boxes are also great for use in tiny toy collections, hair beads, jewelry making, etc.
As you can see the after is looking a whole lot more neater and there is plenty of room for more items to be sorted. My husband is happy he doesn't have to dig anymore for what he needs and I am happy not to have to worry about the bucket tipping over and having to clean it up. What is great about this particular one is that you can change the sizes of the areas to accommodate different items.
This Storage box from Lasten can be found below.
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.
As a child I played the tambourine during church music service with my friend the Pastor's daughter and other church members. I continued to do it into adult hood. I enjoyed it very much. Somewhere along the line and moves I lost my tambourine.
When we were looking for new instruments to add to our collection one of the items we got was a 10 inch Tambourine so that the kids now they are growing can learn on a full size version.
Personally I like tambourines with double rows of cymbals but this is still great for beginners or those who like single row cymbals.
As you can see my daughter was really getting into playing it. Very easy and something she will learn in percussion. Currently she plays the flute but would love to be in Jazz band in the coming years so she has named a few instruments she would like to play some we already have and others to add to the mix. Music is such an awesome thing that can cut through boundaries and touch peoples lives in ways other things can not do.
This Tambourine can be found below.
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 Holidays and for us Birthdays are just around the corner so we are always on the lookout for quality, affordable gifts for our girls. SmitCo LLC has several different locked diary sets for girls in Emoji, and Diva themes, as well as scrapbook, nail and play dress up sets and party favors that can be used as stocking stuffers to provide hours of fun.
A huge hit is the new Pony and Mermaid themed scrapbook kits. SmitCo products also include very popular stretch jewelry sets for little girls - all packed in cute gift boxes.
Disclosure: MarksvilleandMe received one or more of the products mentioned above as part of a promotion with USFamily Guide and SmitCo LLC. 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.
We have had many children go through our home. It doesn't matter if they have been male or female each have enjoyed making pretend meals with kid sized kitchen gear. This set has a little bit of everything to make a great pretend chef.
Even though my children are older the youngest still like to play pretend from time to time. Yes they know their way around the real kitchen but they are still imaginative to play pretend with their nieces.
This is a great set which you can find out more about in the video below.
Toytree learning resources play food is available at my link below.
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.
Isn't this backpack cute? I thought so too. It comes in 7 designs and is available at the links below. This one is great for ages 18 months and above and also has the safety harness leash so when you are out and about your newly walking toddler can have a little freedom while you have the security of knowing they are within a safe range.
