Hobby Horsing

I haven't done many life updates lately, as I have been keeping myself busy with doing product, movie, and book reviews. I appreciate everyone who takes the time to like, comment, or even click through my links. It really does help out more than you can realize.

I wanted to take a minute and share my granddaughter Bean's new love of Hobby Horsing

(Hobby horsing is a hybrid sport and hobby that combines traditional equestrian events such as show jumping and dressage with gymnastics. Participants "ride" handmade, plush hobby horses on sticks, running, trotting, and clearing obstacles using their own physical abilities.)

This picture is from when she was in, I believe, Rhode Island, where she took several ribbons, including First Place. She also makes great therian masks and sells them. I will share that information at a different time for anyone interested. 

Bean, I am so very proud of your accomplishments and your artistic abilities. I still think you should do track and field for hurdle jumping!

SHARKFEST

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

Welcome to the SHARKFEST Five-Book Giveaway! 

Hosted by MarksvilleandMe

Co-hosted by Reviews by Dennis

This giveaway is part of our 2024 Back To School Gift Guide – Stop by to see all the giveaways and great products.

Below is a list of all the bloggers involved in the gift guide.

A Rain of Thought, Beautiful Touches, Contest Corner, Deliciously Savvy, Freebies Deals & Steals, Giveaway Gator, Golden Goose Giveaways, Home Jobs by Mom, Honey Can Do It, MarksvilleandMe, My Silly Little Gang, Pink Ninja Blog, Sweeps Madness, The Stuff of Success, This Frugal Grandmom, This Frugal Family, Versatileer

One winner will receive this 5 Book Collection from National Geographic Kids with an ARV of 65.95.

1,000 Facts About Sharks

Discover 1,000 sensational facts about these fierce and fascinating predators, from great whites to whale sharks, reef sharks, goblin sharks, and more! Each page of this book is brimming with bite-sized facts, incredible shark stats, and unbelievable photos of sharks in the wild. Inside, you’ll glimpse fossils of prehistoric sharks, learn exactly how many pointy teeth are in this apex predator’s mouth, and meet awesome shark relatives, like stingrays. With a fun-fact format that makes learning feel like a breeze, and expert-vetted, up-to-date shark info—plus backmatter about shark anatomy, genealogy, and more—this book is your go-to reference for shark enthusiasts young and old. 

5-Minute Shark Stories 

Dive into amazing true tales about baby sharks, surprising shark friendships, daring shark rescues, swimming with sharks, and more about these fierce and fascinating fish. These 12 fin-tastic true tales about sharks are all the ideal length to be read aloud in five minutes, making them perfect for bedtime, story time, or any time. Illustrated with colorful photographs of one of the planet’s top predators, these awe-inspiring true stories are perfect for a jaw-some reading adventure. Shark-crazy kids and other animal lovers will want to repeatedly dip into this collection of true stories!

 

The Ultimate Book of Sharks 

Get up close to learn the truth behind these fantastic, ferocious fish with famed National Geographic photographer and explorer Brian Skerry. Join this amazing underwater adventure to track the sharks of the world, from the teeniest dogfish to the ever-feared great white. This ultimate book features every species of shark on the planet, with awesome photos, fascinating facts, the latest science, and firsthand stories of real-life encounters with these incredible creatures. Learn how sharks live, how they eat, the challenges they face, and whether or not you are actually on the menu. 

 

Weird But True Sharks 

From bizarre creatures in the ocean today to gigantic prehistoric sharks and even some pop culture shark weirdness, this portable, browsable, supercool book is full of incredible facts, amazing photos, and fun illustrations about everything sharks. It’s the perfect book for shark superfans, trivia buffs, reluctant readers, and animal-loving kids of all kinds.

 

Sharks Sticker Activity Book 

Rule the ocean in this shark-tastic sticker and activity book from National Geographic Kids! This super engaging activity book is packed with mazes, spelling and pattern games, drawing activities, shark facts, and more. Shark-crazy kids are sure to love these pages loaded with fun, learning as they go!

 

 Open To US entrants and must be 18+ to enter

Giveaway Dates ~ 7/7 12:00 AM EST through 7/31 12:00 AM EST

MarksvilleandMe would like to wish all those who enter

Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: This giveaway/sweepstakes is not endorsed, affiliated, or associated with Facebook, Twitter, or any other Social Media Networking Site. This Giveaway is valid to continental United States residents only, Entrants must be 18+ years of age to enter. This giveaway event will end at 12:00 AM (EST) 7/31/24. The winner will have 48 hours to email their information back to marksvilleandme@gmail.com or a new winner will be drawn, you may want to put this email address as safe as it could go to spam. The giveaway is not valid where prohibited! By entering you are authorizing us to collect the information on the form below, this information is used only to contact the winner! No purchase is necessary, Void where prohibited by law, and the number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Winners are chosen randomly by the RaffleCopter Tools program. The sponsors are each responsible for shipping the above prizes. No blog associated with this contest is responsible for prize fulfillment. If you would like to be a sponsor in a giveaway like this please email Pamela Marks at marksvilleandme@gmail.com. If you take an entry you must stay following for the entire contest or you will be disqualified.

 

Where I am today

 I thought I would update everyone on how everything is going. One thing I want to reflect on is my fight for disability. I was told when I was 11 years old that I should never work. Did I listen? No, I held down several jobs on farms, babysitting, and working in mom & pop stores as a teenager. Once I was married I worked in a grocery store, mom & pop store, ran my own child care for many years, worked with mentally and physically handicapped children and adults, worked for a movie theater, and did several freelance jobs. 

 When I was pregnant with our 6th biological child my Dr. made me promise once I had her I would not work anymore. I still tried to do freelance jobs which only caused me to get more sick until I just couldn't even do those anymore. 

 As you can see I have tried to make something of my blog but to be honest I don't make very much not enough to pay the bills but enough to get gifts for my family, but that isn't from what I write. That comes from doing surveys which takes time and you don't get rich from that, at least I haven't found a way to. 

 Then I do product reviews which is fun. I get to try out lots of products and introduce my family, friends, and readers to what is available and how I like it. Along with that, I am able to do giveaways for some of the companies as well as work with a whole assortment of bloggers in helping them with their giveaways. Again no payment just free items but it keeps me busy and I can work it around my being ill so often. 

 So back to my disability fight. It took me getting cancer for them to finally put it through. I am considered disabled for the rest of my life. We thought it would be the answer to our financial needs, and I would feel like I was contributing to our family's income. Sadly I was a wee bit short of the points to get SSI on my own. I know I may mess up the different programs up so I apologize, they are confusing enough. So they tried getting me money from another source and they say my husband already brings home too much in his own disability so I am not eligible. I am also not eligible for Medicare so I have to keep applying for Medicaid. 

 It certainly was not the answer we wanted, but it is what it is and has changed our future plans quite a bit, but we are going with it as the path we are supposed to be on and will keep plugging along. The worse part is my lawyer worked for over 7 years on my case and doesn't understand it all either. These are the only cases she does and has never seen one turn out like mine. She was only to get paid if I got money and I didn't so she literally spent years on my case for nothing in return. 

 I had planned to go see the Ocean which I have never seen when I made it through my treatments. We planned to make a big trip next Spring, but I don't think it will happen quite like we wanted it to. We wanted to stop at different places along the way to visit friends, family, and destinations. I know I'll make it to the ocean someday even if that is my children putting my ashes in the Ocean after I am gone. 

Today I awoke so my time here is not done. Thank you to those who stayed long enough to read and hope you will come back again. Hugs. 

Help for thin or thinning hair

 

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

Just before I got my cancer diagnosis and everything moved so fast and got behind on everything including product reviews I was sent Maximilian Biotin & Collagen Shampoo and Conditioner. I still have a long way to go but wanted to start to get back into doing my reviews especially the ones like this one that are so very late. Maximilian Biotin & Collagen Shampoo and Conditioner which helps to infuse nutrients into every strand creates the appearance of thicker, fuller, and healthier looking hair came just at the right time. Oddly enough with my hair loss from Chemotherapy Shampoos like this are encouraged by others who have gone through Chemotherapy and the loss or thinning of hair till their hair grew in. 

I am at the stage where my hair is thin and I have a few bald spots. I am glad I was able to use this Shampoo and Conditioner so I knew what to expect. The scent is pleasant and not too strong which is perfect for me. This formula is thin. I really like a thicker formula so it doesn't run off my hand in the shower but by being careful I am still able to wash my hair with minimal help from my family. 

I look forward to continued use of this Shampoo and Conditioner as well as others like it for the next few years at least. If you are interested in checking it out for yourself I have a link below, or you can use this one Maximilian Biotin & Collagen Shampoo and Conditioner.

National Geographic Kids Shark-tastic

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

Welcome to the National Geographic Kids Shark-tastic Prize Pack Giveaway! 

Hosted by MarksvilleandMe

Co-hosted by Reviews by Dennis

Sponsored by National Geographic Kids Books

This giveaway is part of our 2021 Back to School Gift Guide – Stop by to see all the giveaways and great products.

Below is a list of all the bloggers involved in the gift guide.

A Nation of Moms, A Rain of Thought, Deliciously Savvy, Giveaway Gator Home Jobs by Mom, Jessica Inspired by Faith, MarksvilleandMe, Michigan Saving and More, My Silly Little Gang, Tales From A Southern Mom, The Stuff of Success, This Frugal Family

One winner will recieve this 6 Book Collection from National Geographic Kids with an ARV of 71.00.

Check out my reviews here.

Check out this video featuring National Geographic Explorer Brian Skerry photographing Tiger Sharks. 

A little about the collection.

The Ultimate Book of Sharks (ages 9-12, hardcover, $19.99) by internationally acclaimed marine photographer and National Geographic Explorer Brian Skerry is an underwater adventure like no other.  With exclusive photographs and personal insight from Skerry, this book takes the reader below the surface and into the minds of these spectacular predators.  Beyond the feared fins and terrifying teeth, readers will learn what its like to swim with these amazing fish, how they live, what they eat, their superhero-like senses and better understand why these graceful, confident, perfectly sculpted predators are also vulnerable animals that we need to protect.  

NG Kids Sharks Sticker Activity Book  (ages 4-8, paperback, $6.99) Rule the ocean in this activity book from National Geographic Kids that features over 1,000 stickers! This boredom busting activity book is packed with mazes, spelling and pattern games, drawing activities, shark facts, and more. Shark-crazy kids are sure to love these pages loaded with fun, learning as they go.

Little Kids First Big Book of the Ocean (ages 4-8, hardcover, $14.95 ) - An adorable animal reference that includes the sea's high-interest animals, such as dolphins, sharks, sea otters, and penguins, and introduces kids to some of its lesser-known creatures. More than 100 charming animal photos illustrate the profiles, with facts about the creatures' sizes, diets, homes, and more. This book will quickly become a favorite at storytime, bedtime, and any other time.

Extreme Ocean: Amazing Animals, High-Tech Gear, Record-Breaking Depths and Much More by National Geographic Explorer Sylvia A. Earle (ages 8-12, paperback, $12.99)  An action-packed combination of science and adventure, famed National Geographic Explorer Sylvia Earle leads readers on an in-depth tour of life beneath the waves. Come face-to-face with whales and sharks, learn about the newest and most hi-tech ocean gear and gadgets, experiment with hands-on activities, and join Earle as she recounts her most daring dives. Packed with fascinating tidbits, animal profiles, and up-to-date science, each chapter combines stunning photography with fun, accessible text. Perfect for curious kids, ocean lovers, young explorers, and the classroom. Extreme Ocean reveals the mystery, majesty, danger, and — above all --the importance of our ocean.

So Cool! Sharks (ages 3-7, hardcover, $6.99 ) - Sharks are among the world's top predators, but that's just ONE reason why they are SO COOL. So who wouldn't want to hang out with them to learn more! These books blend awesome animal photos with silly quips and info that will delight young readers and animal enthusiasts. For example, kids can catch the hunting habits of a great white shark while learning that its true nature is as chill as a frozen fish stick. This is the perfect little reader to get their brain buzzing and keep them laughing during their downtime.  

Weird But True!: Ocean (ages 8-12, paperback, $8.99) Dive into these fishy facts: Did you know that the prehistoric shark, megalodon, had jaws so big that it could swallow a car? Or that goats, pigs, dogs, cats, and even an alpaca have all learned how to surf? And if that's not weird enough for you, one man even rowed solo across the Pacific Ocean for 312 days!  In this book filled with 300 facts and pictures, you'll glimpse the ocean's weirdest wildlife, uncover shocking shipwrecks, and meet sensational seafarers, from pirates and sailors to ground-breaking marine scientists. Perfect for ocean enthusiasts and trivia-loving landlubbers alike!

 Open To US entrants and must be 18+ to enter

Giveaway Dates ~ 8/2 12:00AM EST through 9/1 11:59PM EST

MarksvilleandMe would like to wish all those who enter

Good Luck!a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: This giveaway/sweepstakes is in no way endorsed, affiliated, or associated with Facebook, Twitter or any other Social Media Networking Site. This Giveaway is valid to continental United States residents only, Entrants must be 18+ years of age to enter. This giveaway event will end at 12:00 AM (EST) 8/31/21. The winner will have 48 hours to email their information back to marksvilleandme@gmail.com or a new winner will be drawn, you may want to put this email address as safe as it could go to spam. The giveaway is not valid where prohibited! By entering you are authorizing us to collect the information on the form below, this information is used only to contact the winner! No purchase necessary, Void where prohibited by law, and the number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Winners are chosen randomly by the RaffleCopter Tools program. The sponsors are each responsible for shipping of the above prizes. No blog associated with this contests are responsible for prize fulfillment. If you would like to be a sponsor in a giveaway like this please email Pamela Marks at marksvilleandme@gmail.com. If you take an entry you must stay following for the entire contest or you will be disqualified.

Nat Geo Kids DinoMAYnia

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

Welcome to the National Geographic Kids DinoMAYnia Giveaway

Hosted by MarksvilleandMe  

Co-hosted by Reviews by Dennis 

Sponsored by National Geographic Kids Books

 

This giveaway is part of our Dads and Grads Gift Guide – Stop by to see all the giveaways and great products.

Below is a list of all the bloggers involved in the gift guide.

A Nation of Moms, A Rain of Thought, Deliciously Savvy, Giveaway Gator Home Jobs by Mom, Jessica Inspired by Faith, MarksvilleandMe, Michigan Saving and More, My Silly Little Gang, Tales From A Southern Mom, The Stuff of Success, This Frugal Family

One winner will recieve one of each of the books for a ARV of 80.00.

Prizes Include The Following Books:

Little Kids First Big Book of Dinosaurs (ages 4-8)

Dino Records: The Most Amazing Prehistoric Creatures Ever to Have Lived on Earth! (ages 8-12)

Ultimate Dinopedia, 2nd ED (ages 7-10)

Weird But True! Dinosaurs (ages 8-12)

You Can Be a Paleontologist! with Dr. Scott (ages 4-8)

Find all these great DinoMAYnia books on Amazon

Check out my reviews here.

INTERNATIONAL DINOSAUR DAY is MAY 18TH

Open To US entrants and must be 18+ to enter

Giveaway Dates ~ 5/8/21 12:00AM EST through 5/31/21 11:59PM EST

MarksvilleandMe would like to wish all those who enter

Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway Disclosure: This giveaway/sweepstakes is in no way endorsed, affiliated, or associated with Facebook, Twitter or any other Social Media Networking Site. This Giveaway is valid to continental United States residents only, Entrants must be 18+ years of age to enter. This giveaway event will end at 12:00 AM (EST)5/31/21. The winner will have 48 hours to email their information back to marksvilleandme@gmail.com or a new winner will be drawn, you may want to put this email address as safe as it could go to spam. The giveaway is not valid where prohibited! By entering you are authorizing us to collect the information on the form below, this information is used only to contact the winner! No purchase necessary, Void where prohibited by law, and the number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Winners are chosen randomly by the RaffleCopter Tools program. The sponsors are each responsible for shipping of the above prizes. No blog associated with this contests are responsible for prize fulfillment. If you would like to be a sponsor in a giveaway like this please email Pamela Marks at marksvilleandme@gmail.com. If you take an entry you must stay following for the entire contest or you will be disqualified.

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Terry Treetop and The Snow Goose

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

MarksvilleandMe

reviews

Terry Treetop and The Snow Goose 

written by 

Tali Carmi

I am so happy to introduce my readers to yet another installment to the Terry Treetop Series. My family are big fans of Terry and the author Tali Carmi. She has many good books out there written for children. You can see some of my other reviews here. Now onto Terry Treetop and The Snow Goose.

We know that Terry Treetop is always watching and watch he did as the Geese went by. He decided to set up a place for them to rest inbetween their flights. Little did he know what would happen which will be a surprize till you read the rest. 

As always Terry is always keeping a watchful eye and wants to help out those in need. In this story he does what he needs to make sure everyone is happy. My now 13 year old daughter and 9 year old grand daughter still love hearing books read and each liked the part where he is making a place for the Geese to Rest. 

Check out Terrty Treetop and The Snow Goose which is avilable below.

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 at:

Pinterest

Twitter

Amazon

Mailing List

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.

National Geographic Easter Basket

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

Welcome to the National Geographic Easter Basket Prize Giveaway

Hosted by MarksvilleandMe

Co-hosted by Reviews by Dennis

sponsored by National Geographic Kids Books

This giveaway is part of our Spring Gift Guide – Stop by to see all the giveaways and great products.

Below is a list of all the bloggers involved in the gift guide.

A Nation of Moms, A Rain of Thought, Deliciously Savvy, Giveaway Gator Home Jobs by Mom, Jessica Inspired by Faith, MarksvilleandMe, Michigan Saving and More, My Silly Little Gang, Tales From A Southern Mom, The Stuff of Success, This Frugal Family

One winner will recieve one of each of the books below for a ARV of 75.00.

Check out my reviews here.

Celebrate Easter (ages 6-9) - The joyous celebration of Easter is seen through a global perspective in this National Geographic volume featuring over 25 vibrant photographs. Witness the holiest day on the Christian calendar as it is celebrated throughout the world: from the famous Easter Egg Roll at the White House to the traditional bonfires throughout Europe, to colorful customs, to the universally popular dying of eggshells worldwide. The first-person narrative leads young readers through the origins and traditions of this springtime festival of rebirth and hope and a special note by Reverend George Handzo gives parents and teachers a historical and cultural background.

NG Kids Baby Animal Sticker Activity Book (ages 4-8) With 1,000 stickers and fantastic graphics and text, these high quality, super fun sticker books are a great way for kids to learn about animals and the natural world. The Baby Animals sticker book is chock-full of the cutest creatures on the planet: pandas, piglets, wolf cubs, ponies, polar bears, elephants, bunnies, kittens, puppies, and many more. With a fun, brightly colored design and loaded with animal facts and games--such as mazes, counting, matching and more--this book is sure to provide endless entertainment.

National Geographic Pre-Reader: Ducks (ages 2-5) - From fuzzy ducklings to graceful birds, waddle your way into this adorable early reader, all about ducks!
Perfect for beginning and young readers, National Geographic Pre-readers include simple, expert-vetted text and large, engaging photos on every page. A vocabulary tree at the beginning of the book introduces kids to key words in concept groups, helping kids make connections between words. Plus, a wrap-up activity gives kids a chance to use what they've learned, while expanding their understanding of the world.

Cutest Animals on the Planet (ages 8-12) - NEW SERIES ALERT! Meet the world's most adorable animals and learn fun stuff about them in this aww-some first book in a brand-new series from National Geographic Kids.  Whether you like mammals, aquatic creatures, insects, birds, amphibians, or reptiles, this browsable book contains kids' favorite animals that would ALL be contenders for the grand prize in a cute competition. Big photos pair with upbeat descriptions that highlight each critter's crazy cool skills and unique behaviors. This adorable book showcases popular animals such as hedgehogs and pandas as well as unusual species such as tapirs, kakapos, and pangolins. Special features include a head-to-head cute-off, sure to keep readers amused and informed. Perfect for curious tweens, animal lovers, and future veterinarians alike.

Treasury of Bible Stories by Donna Jo Napoli, illus. by Christina Balit (ages 8-12) 

A worthy cultural treasury with appeal to both the faithful and irreligious.” — Kirkus

Noah's Ark, Moses, David and Goliath, the ten plagues, Daniel and the lions' den, Jonah and the giant fish, and many more of the Bible's most powerful stories — 27 in all — are compellingly retold in this beautifully illustrated treasury. Readers will be fascinated by the ancient people and events they encounter, surprised by some of the lesser known accounts revealed, and inspired by the lessons these tales impart. Stories cover important ground beyond religion, such as culture, history, and geography, and they touch on issues that remain relevant today--faith, loyalty, kindness, violence, generosity, greed, jealousy, and more. These accessible, readable stories give kids a rich picture of biblical times, which encourages them to think about our role in the world and to learn more.

Napoli's magical storytelling is sure to ignite children's imaginations. Along with Balit's stunning art, this is a book kids will want to explore again and again--a classic that families can read aloud together.

5,000 Awesome Facts About Everything (ages 8-12) This book is literally busting its covers with fascinating, fun-tastic facts on super, sensational topics that kids love. Who knew that there were so many sweet things to learn about chocolate or that a dozen delicious details about peanut butter would show up on a page with a few splotches of jelly to whet our appetites? Keep turning and a terrifyingly toothy shark tells you all about himself, while other spreads lay out tons of tips on toys and games, mysteries of history, robots and reptiles, sports and spies and wacky words.   A visual feast of colorful photographs surrounded by swirling, tipping, expanding, and climbing bits of information in a high-energy design, this book will satisfy both the casual browser and the truly fact obsessed.

Open To US entrants and must be 18+ to enter

Giveaway Dates ~ 3/19 12:00AM EST through 3/30 11:59PM EST

MarksvilleandMe would like to wish all those who enter

Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: This giveaway/sweepstakes is in no way endorsed, affiliated, or associated with Facebook, Twitter or any other Social Media Networking Site. This Giveaway is valid to continental United States residents only, Entrants must be 18+ years of age to enter. This giveaway event will end at 12:00 AM (EST) 3/30/21. The winner will have 48 hours to email their information back to marksvilleandme@gmail.com or a new winner will be drawn, you may want to put this email address as safe as it could go to spam. The giveaway is not valid where prohibited! By entering you are authorizing us to collect the information on the form below, this information is used only to contact the winner! No purchase necessary, Void where prohibited by law, and the number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Winners are chosen randomly by the RaffleCopter Tools program. The sponsors are each responsible for shipping of the above prizes. No blog associated with this contests are responsible for prize fulfillment. If you would like to be a sponsor in a giveaway like this please email Pamela Marks at marksvilleandme@gmail.com. If you take an entry you must stay following for the entire contest or you will be disqualified.