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. 

 

Keep those points sharp

As parents soon as the kids started school we like to have a pencil sharpener available at home. Early on we decided on electric pencil sharpeners. This year we have one from Vic Tagen. Not that we needed a new one we just can't find out old one from when we moved. We know it is somewhere but no where it should have been so far so we picked this one up.

I like that it can be used in three different ways. One with 4 AA batteries, through USB, or with the included AC cord. Makes having it portable and ready great for our family.

This pencil sharpener also is safer since it will not turn on when the pencil shaving cover is not in place. Gives me a little piece of mind for when my grand daughter is over that she won't get hurt while using it.


The pencil shaving cover held about 12 pencils worth of shavings without binding up the sharpening area before having to empty. Great for home or school use. Has strongest sharpening when used with AC cord.

Now that we have all of our pencils sharpened it is homework time here in Marksville. What items do you like to have on hand for your children during school time?

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.

Electronic Needs for Back to School

With back to school it is time to make sure everyone has everything they need. This year is a bit harder with our current situation but we have made do and gotten most of what we need. With that being said I wanted to make sure the girls had headphones and chargers for their electronics so I also made sure I had a nice long cord for myself. 

This cord from PowerUp is great because it is apple certified, is 6 ft long, and has a braided cord which I think holds up much longer then the unbraided cords out there. This particular cord is in Pink and is apple certified for with iPhone 7 Plus / 7 / 6s Plus / 6s / 6 Plus / 6 / 5s / 5c / 5 / iPad Pro / iPad Air / Air 2 / iPad mini / mini 2 / mini 4 / iPad 4th gen / iPod Touch 5th gen / iPod nano 7th gen. This one cord covers many ios operating models. 

The #PowerUpCables 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 PowerUp. 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. 

Easy Bun Hairstyle

So about a month ago I learned at the age of 45 to do French Braids. With having had 4 girls you would have thought I would have learned long ago but alas I didn't and taught myself and did pretty good the very first time and it is getting easier everytime I do it. 

Now my 9 year old who asked for the French Braids wants her hair in buns all of the time, and to be honest it is just a pain in the butt. I wanted something that would give me great results with very little effort. School mornings are rushed already so I wanted to be able to give her the hairstyles she wanted as quick as possible to get her out the door on time. 

This DIY synthetic bun makers is so easy to use, it literally takes seconds to do. I start with a ponytail, then I put the ponytail between the attached bun maker and slide down to end of ponytail then start wrapping, when I get it to the base of the ponytail I let it make a circle which it will do all on it's own. You may need to adjust depending on thickness of hair and then spread the hair around the circle and you are done. This can be done low, mid, high, or even in my older daughters case if you have more then one you can do more then one in the back or with two ponytails on the sides. 

I love it when my daughter is excited about a hairstyle and mommy can actually pull them off, making her happy which makes me happy too. 

The Synthetic DIY Bun Maker can be found in 6 different colors here. 

You can find out more about the MyBruneiStore on:

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Pinterest

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

Bic Gel-ocity

I love trying new products and this new item from the Bic line is another keeper. The Gel-ocity Quick Dry gel pens are amazing. First of all they are in click form so no losing tops which is worth it's weight in gold alone. Yes I like them that much. I was sent a three pack of the pens, an activity sheet, and some coupons for free to share with friends and family. 

I wanted to get a bigger set of pens but all the stores carry are the old Bic Gel-ocity pens. They are not like the set I was sent which was a big bummer but I am hoping they get them in soon. I thought for sure these big box stores would carry this new item with back to school areas all set up, but not yet, so I am biding my time. I told my girls they can each get a set and I am getting one for myself, the rest of the coupons will be given to friends, family, and even strangers I meet in the store if they are interested in them. 

We all colored and decorated a bit on the activity sheet we were sent and this is how it turned out. The pens dry super quick no pen ink on our hands or fingers. From ages 6-45 no ink stained hands, this is awesome and a big plus for those who love to doodle, draw, decorate, journal, etc. My girls want Bic to put up more printable activity sheets, which I agree would be a great idea. 

You can find out more about Bic on:

Smiley360

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

YouTube

Disclosure:  MarksvilleandMe received one or more of the products mentioned above as part of a promotion with Smiley360 and Bic. 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. 

Crush Girl's Printed Jegging

My daughter wanted an extra pair of leggings with the denim look and Crush came along and filled that request quickly. Crush has leggings in sizes for children and adults so even my teen was able to pick up a couple pairs of the women's sizes for school too.

I have seen this style around for a few years, even buying a pair for my older daughter that my younger daughter now wears. They wash, wear, and dry well. Look great with t-shirts or sweaters, while giving the skinny jean look.

Because they stretch they are forgiving for the ever growing child and their parents budget. Great distressed detailing in front and decorative false pockets on rear.

A great extra piece of school clothing that will see them through the year and maybe longer.




Crush leggings for girls and adults can be found on Amazon.


What Crush has to say about their product.

TRENDY, FASHIONABLE & VERSATILE: Seamless Pull On Faux Designer Jeggings with Printed on Skinny Jean Designs - Ankle Length Cut; High Waist Leggings in 2 Different Denim Washes - a Lighter Blue Fade and a Darker Black Washed Look. High Stretch Recovery Rate So Your Leggings Will Always Return To Their Original Shape
SIZING: One Size Fits Most - Combo Sizes Designed to Stretch and Fit for Maximum Comfort and Growing Bodies. Flexible Sizing and Fit for an Active Lifestyle with School; Sports and More!
STYLE:Designer Inspired High Waisted Fashion Faux Skinny Jeans - Printed on 5 Pocket Design with Contrast Stitching to Make Painted on Pockets and Belt Loops - Vintage Distressed Style, Built in Holes on the Front Thighs for that "worn in" Look. Printed Back Pocket Design to Look Like Embroidery with Buttons.
COMFORT: Stretchy Spandex Fabric Keeps you Comfortable all Day into Night! Soft and Breathable Great for Warmer Days but also Spring and Fall or Layering in the Winter- Pair with other Fashion Favs like Slouchy Boots, Wedges, Crop Tops and Fringe!
MATERIALS: 92% polyester; 8% spandex - Designed with High Quality and Durable Fabrics Intended to Become an Everyday Part of Your Wardrobe and Style - A Perfect Addition to your Basics Collection.

#leggings

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

ZIPIT Talking Monstar

We try to make school as fun as possible and one way we do that is by letting our children pick a few fun items out to make their days just a bit brighter when they are at school. The ZIPIT Products not only do that for the kids, but as adults we love them too.

Awesome colors that scream play with me, and they all have their own attitude which makes them super cute. We have several of the ZIPIT products and I just ordered a few more for my daughter for next school year.

When you see something fun like this you have to jump on it quick before they sell out and I see these going quickly. I love that they have a warranty. How many school products do that? Maybe a handful.

These talking ZIPIT pouches are neat and easy to get going by downloading the app  which you can find on their site and on the product itself. The best part is you don't have to be a kid to enjoy these. Bring a little fun back into your day by grabbing some of these.

Who couldn't smile when they open their desk and pull out a pen from one of these pouches. I don't think many could, I know I certainly can't. I go so far to make up voices and whole attitudes based on their expressions. Don't forget the monster noises we can't forget those. Keep it fun and stay young at heart as long as you can.

The Zipit Monstar pencil pouches and other products can be found here.


What ZIPIT has to say about their product.

ZIPIT Monstar is the only case/bag that comes to life with a free app that lets children:
* Record a video of their Monstar repeat anything using 3 different pitches
* Play a game with their Monstar
* Snap and save photos of their Monstar
* Share their videos and photos on social Medias directly from the app
App can be downloaded here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/zipit-monstar/id914487936?mt=8

You can find out more about Zipit on:

Website

Facebook

Google+

Instagram

Pinterest

YouTube

#ZIPITMonstar

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

Gearing up for school

It is almost school time here for my children and I want to make sure their tech devices are always charged and ready to go. I try to get them to tech now when ever possible and they are pretty good with it, but when winter rolls in and there is nothing to do but shovel or be inside they tend to get a little more attached to their tech items when we aren't doing something together as a family.

This cord will have your children's tech items charged and ready to go. If your children have cell phones then you might want to make sure they are powered up in case of emergency so you can get a hold of them or they can get a hold of you.

If you have a AC wall adapter with a USB port you can charge your products even quicker. This lighting cord does not come with one but they are somewhat easy to find for a low price. I know my children have a habit of losing their cords or they break and we need to replace them quite often. Gnome Workshop helps me save money but keeping their prices low so I can keep our devices running.

You can purchase the Gnome Workshop lighting to USB cable on Amazon.



What Gnome Workshop has to say about their product.
Quality lightning cables at an affordable price!
- Are you tired of paying 20$ for lightning cables that you end up losing or breaking?
- Do you wish you could buy a quality lightning cable at an affordable price?
- Do you wish you could buy it risk free?
Now You Can!
- Gnome Workshop guarantees that your cables will work or your money back!
- Made with quality materials
- Support charging and data transfer
- 3.3 Feet long (about as long as your original iPhone/iPad cable)
Amazon Buyers trust Gnome Workshop products. We stand by everything we make and provide outstanding support for all of our products.

You can find out more about Gnome Workshop on:

Website
Facebook
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Pinterest
YouTube

#GnomeWorkshop

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

Getting ready for back to school part 1

I know many of my readers children have already made the trek back to school but here in Marksville we have 2 weeks before we start back which means getting the children and myself back into the groove of early bedtimes, early wake up calls, as well as making sure everything is ready for the first day of school and every day after that.

I used to be able to do this mom thing with my eyes closed but as I have aged and was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, on a bad day I forget just about everything, kind of go in a circle all day long in somewhat of a daze not getting anything accomplished.

So being prepared with a schedule. I am not fond of that word. The only time I ran a schedule was when I had a child care otherwise our lives have always been a bit of a hey lets do this and we do it no plan needed really. Now I need that schedule to help me get through a hour, day, week, month, season, year, I think you get the picture.

If you are finding that you need a little pick me up to your mornings why not try out Make over your mornings , you might be surprised by how much it can help you out.

Disclosure:  MarksvilleandMe received one or more of the products mentioned above as part of a promotion with Crystal Paine. 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. 

Ready for Camp and School

Last year a few days before school I ordered Labels for my girls gear. Love that the labels stand up to many washings, matter of fact none of ours have came off. Makes labeling the girl items much easier and less chance of the items getting permanently lost.

So easy to design your own, from plain labels to totally decked out labels you will be in for a treat.

What label daddy has to say.

Save 20% on Label Daddy labels! Label Daddy is the number one solution for labeling your belongings! Remember to label all clothing, sports equipment, electronics, and other personal belongings your kids bring to school, camp, sports leagues, day care, vacation, and other places. Label Daddy labels keep them from getting lost or mixed up with others. These labels are great for adults too! -- Put them on your sunglass/eyeglass case, phone, camera, sports equipment, tablet, e-reader, hats, clothing, and more.

These labels are super durable peel-and-stick washable labels -- they're washer/dryer safe, microwave safe, dishwasher safe and UV resistant! Label Daddy labels are also fun and attractive. You design your own labels! Pick from tons of colors, sizes and logos, including Disney and Marvel characters, MLB, NBA, and NHL team logos, other sport and fun logos, and more. Their exclusive laminated coating gives labels an extra layer of protection and is a must for camp! These labels are made in the USA and shipped directly to you worldwide. 

Save 20% on your entire Label Daddy order - this is the best discount available anywhere. 

Use code USFAMILY20 at checkout. 
http://www.usfamily20.labeldaddy.com

You can find out more about Label Daddy on:

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Disclosure:  MarksvilleandMe received one or more of the products mentioned above as part of a promotion with US Family Guide and label Daddy. 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. 

XTRA-Fun with Bic

Back to school shopping is always fun. This year it is more of a challenge because we don't have much money. It is actually a little worse then that, but thankfully I blog and that has helped out with some of the things the kids need. 

I like to let them choose a few fun things to have that they don't need but are just fun. That was a bit harder this year but we were able to get a few surprises for them, including these new Big Xtra-Fun #2 pencils. 

They work like they say, they sharpen well, the leads don't break, erase easily, and are super fun for the both the children as well as myself. Yes even moms like to have cool writing instruments from time to time. Who couldn't use a little Xtra-Fun in their day? 

TAKE BIC'S PLEDGE TO SAVE HANDWRITING!

& ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO

WIN a $1,200 BIC® Prize Pack

No Purch Nec., U.S. only, 18+. Ends 9/14/15.

Enter Here

You can find out more about Bic on:

Website

Bic Kids

Stationery Website

Twitter

LinkedIn

YouTube

Facebook

#GotItFree 

#BICXtraFun

 #bzzagentcampaign

 #FightForYourWrite

Disclosure:  MarksvilleandMe received one or more of the products mentioned above as part of a promotion with BIC and BzzAgent. 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. 

Glasses 4 Classes Photo Contest

I received a JCPenney gift card for the purpose of this review. This post was made possible by Mom Spark Media. Thoughts are my own.

Glasses 4 Classes Photo Contest

 Dates for entry: 7/8 – 8/16

Enter here.

How to enter: Parents need to snap a picture of their kid preparing to go back to school and share it on Twitter, Instagram, or the JCPenney Optical Facebook Wall with the hashtag #PicMyKidContest. Or they can upload it directly via the entry form on the JCPenney Optical Facebook Page.

 Twitter and Instagram accounts must be public for the entry to be official.

12 winners will be picked to each win a $30 JCPenney gift card to purchase new frames for their child.

 

You can find out more about JC Penny Optical on:

Website

Facebook

Twitter

#ad 

#spon

Disclosure: MarksvilleandMe received one or more of the products mentioned above as part of a promotion with JCPenny and Mom Spark Media. Regardless, MarksvilleandMe only recommends products or services we use personally and believe will be good for our readers. If you would like MarksvilleandMe to review a product or service please contact us at marksvilleandme@gmail.com.  

I received a JCPenney gift card for the purpose of this review. This post was made possible by Mom Spark Media. Thoughts are my own.

Glasses for Kids for $29.99

I received a JCPenney gift card for the purpose of this review. This post was made possible by Mom Spark Media. Thoughts are my own.

Are you ready for back to school?

If your child is heading back to school and wears glasses then you might want to take a trip to JCPenney to take advantage of their glasses for kids for $29.99. I do suggest going during the week like we did because it is less busy and the optical personnel have more one on one time with their clients. 

We were helped by a great lady and she allowed us to take her picture. She was polite, and generally cared that my daughter had picked the right glasses. Below she is finishing up our order. My daughter's glasses will be ready in about 10 days, just in time for school. 

I am the kind of mother who looks all year round for deals for school, birthdays, holidays, and any other times where we need to have things ready for a purpose.

Some of my children wear glasses like my husband and me. Just before school ended we found out our 5th child who is now 12 needed to get glasses. Insurance is great but ours does not pay for replacements and we can only get them every two years so I found out about this great promotion from JC Penny Optical in which you can get a complete pair of Kids' designer eyeglasses for $29.00, yes you read that right $29.99. Great deal right? 

Check out all of the frames they have available here, and a sampling of what was available at the JCPenney we visited below.

So many cute styles to choose from, my seven year old wants glasses so bad, but alas her eyes are perfect. Even though she was looking and saying over and over again I want these when I have to wear glasses. She really does not know how blessed she is not to need them. My husband has worn glasses since he was a baby while I didn't start until 4th grade. So far each of our girls has started to wear glasses sometime during their 6th grade year, while my  24 year old son still has perfect vision.

This trip was for my 12 year old and after trying on about 50 or so pairs she weeded her selection down to these three. *The Particular JCPenney Optical we visited allowed my daughter to pick from the ladies glasses up to 120.00 so ask if your child's head is more on the adult size if that is an option.

 

The final decision came down to what she liked but not before she asked the family and all of us agreed the black and blue pair were the perfect pair for her.

* Offer includes select Kids’ frames up to $120, FREE impact & scratch-resistant polycarbonate lenses, FREE UV protection and FREE eyeglass protection plan for any school-aged child 16 & under   Dates of promotion July 6th – September 15th

  Link to find a JCPenney Optical near you

 http://www.jcpenneyoptical.com/eyeglasses-store-locator.html

  

Glasses 4 Classes Photo Contest

 Dates for entry: 7/8 – 8/16

Enter here.

How to enter: Parents need to snap a picture of their kid preparing to go back to school and share it on Twitter, Instagram, or the JCPenney Optical Facebook Wall with the hashtag #PicMyKidContest. Or they can upload it directly via the entry form on the JCPenney Optical Facebook Page.

 Twitter and Instagram accounts must be public for the entry to be official.

12 winners will be picked to each win a $30 JCPenney gift card to purchase new frames for their child. 

You can find out more about JC Penny Optical on:

Website

Facebook

Twitter

#ad 

#spon

Disclosure: MarksvilleandMe received one or more of the products mentioned above as part of a promotion with JCPenny and Mom Spark Media. Regardless, MarksvilleandMe only recommends products or services we use personally and believe will be good for our readers. If you would like MarksvilleandMe to review a product or service please contact us at marksvilleandme@gmail.com.  

I received a JCPenney gift card for the purpose of this review. This post was made possible by Mom Spark Media. Thoughts are my own.