Summer reads you won't want to miss

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

I Love Strawberries is an awesome book to read and learn how to grow strawberries, or even before going to your local farm stand. Reading this one is both fun and educational. I even picked up a few hints about growing strawberries in our garden. Perfect for the start of Summer.

Side note for anyone interested the very first job that I was paid to do was to pick strawberries on a farm when I was about 12. It was hard hot work but gave me a new understanding of the work it takes to grow food.

Farm Boots is a book for anyone who has ever enjoyed spending time on a farm or has fond memories of working alongside a grandparent. It is also a book for anyone who wants to celebrate the special bond between generations, the importance of family, and the simple pleasures of life.

 For me, this book brought back memories of helping my dad on the farm with the cattle or in our backyard where we kept pigs, chickens, turkeys, rabbits, and for a short time a goat.

Both of these books can be found at most bookstores or retailers online.

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.

Eternal Spring

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

My mother was a big collector of religious knick knacks, but once my father and her passed I wanted to decorate their gravesite with both religious and colorful items they loved in real life. With that being said I found these cute little birds from Gaidenly I thought would be a perfect addition to their grave site. They also make great decor for your home, garden, potted plants etc. 

I think it will give their gravesite a little touch of eternal Spring, and a pop of color in the middle of the cold days of winter. The next time I get to visit my parents I will drop them off, but until then they are hanging around here on our entertainment center with my very own small collection of knick knacks. 

They are well made resin pieces that measure about 2.8x2 inches each. I love how you can use them all at one time or split them up around your home for a little bit of surprise here and there. A great idea would be to buy these and when giving a gift of a plant to for say a housewarming party you could stick one inside the pot for a little extra pizzazz. 

You can find this four piece bird set at Amazon.

Grow Vegetables or Flowers almost anywhere

These Growing Bags from Zyanwa are really neat and can be used in big or small spaces. Think about it. Growing vegetables on your terrace, porch, or steps.

The bags hold 5 gallons, are breathable, and come with sturdy handles in case you need to relocate your garden quickly.

I think this is great for those who can't have a traditional garden but still want to grow some fresh food, and how cute are these filled with flowers?

Quick and easy to use. I haven't used them a whole season yet but hope to get more then one year out of each bucket. You get 5 of these so you can mix it up with what ever you would like to grow.

The Zyanwa growing bags can be found at my affiliate link below.

You can find out more about Zyanwa on:

Website

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

Green Gobbler Apple Melon

* 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.  

I love this product for many reasons. The most important being that I don't have to worry about filling landfills with tons of bottles. I  can make 4-8 containers of the Green Gobbler Apple Melon all purpose cleaner with one bottle. I just fill my bottle to the neck area with warm water and put in one green pack for normal cleaning or two for heavy duty cleaning but to be honest I have never had to add 2 but the option is there. You also get 2 microfiber cloths and the bottom of the bottle holds the refills so you never have to worry where you might have stored them, and you can see right away when you need to order more. 

Because of the easy access to the bottom of the bottle I suggest keeping this as well as all cleaners out of reach of children. The spray bottle has an off, stream, and spray setting. This cleaner is great for all around house cleaning, workshop, and garden use. My other favorite part is the price you would be hard pressed to find a deal like this other then at dollar stores or with the use of coupons.

The Green Gobbler Apple Melon All Purpose Cleaner can be found at my affiliate link below.

You can find out more about Green Gobbler on:

Website

Facebook

Twitter

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

Minos Teapot And Cup For One

* 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.  

This set is so cute and so me. I often drink tea for my throat or just because, mainly the latter. I enjoy tea very much, I think it comes from my British side. Just seeing this made me giggle with glee. From the size to the pure awesomeness of it. You get your tea pot, infuser, and cup all in one little package. Great for gift giving for sure. 

My favorite part besides its looks is the interchangeable handles. You can change up the little silicone handles between, yellow, red, and blue. You can match your decor, outfit, or attitude, the choice is yours. Since this is stainless steel it is easy to use and care for. I am loving my Teapot and cup for one. 

The Minos Teapot and Cup for one can be found on my affiliate link below.

You can find out more about Minos on:

Website

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

Aulexy kitchen tool set

* 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.   

I love to get new gadgets for the kitchen so I was very excited to get this nice colorful set from Aulexy. You get a Juicer, bottle opener, corer, and a fruit/potato peeler that changes from one to the other just with a slide of the button. Easy to wash and care for this set will be a hit for years to come. 

The Aulexy 4 in 1 set can be found on my affiliate link below.

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

Haus & Garten

Spring time is here and summer is just around the corner, time to get those flowers and vegetables in the ground so you can have a colorful and bounty harvest.

I have to say with gardening pruners make a big difference in the amount of strength you have to use in order to keep your garden looking beautiful.

These are an item that will really help you in the garden, be it with flowers, fruit, or vegetables, these pruners have you covered.

I love that they are red and easy to find if you lay them down while you are working.




Link To Giveaway Below

If you are interested in these I have a giveaway going over here. Open to US residents till April 3rd 2016.

Haus & Garten bypass pruners can be found on Amazon.


What Haus & Garten has to say about their product.

The Benchmark Hand Pruner
Made for Professional & Home Use These Classic Style Heavy-Duty Pruners Are The Choice for the Toughest Gardening Challenges. Built for Hard Use, These Titanium Blade Pruning Shears Have a Smooth, Precise Cutting Action & Are Designed to Deliver Maximum Force with Minimum Pressure. Strong & Powerful to Tackle Tree Branches, Shrubs, Hedges & Orchards, Whilst Still Precise Enough For The Most Delicate Pruning of Rose Stems, Bonsai, Ornamentals & Flowers. Ideal Pruner for Men, Women & Arthritis Sufferers.

Manufactured for Excellence
The Haus & Garten Professional Pruning Shears is the Final Evolution of the Classic Style Bypass Hand Pruner. Superior Manufacturing Processes, Attention to Ergonomics & Thoughtful Design Make This An Essential Piece of Gardening Equipment For Anyone in the Gardening, landscaping profession & the Serious Home Gardener.

Features
HEAVY DUTY TITANIUM CLASSIC STYLE BYPASS PRUNING SHEARS - Increased Blade Durability & Razor Sharp Cutting Power Performance. Made of High Quality Japanese Grade Stainless Steel - More Durable Than Other Similar Traditional Hand Pruners - Protective Titanium coating decreases friction of trimmer for easier cutting & offers long-lasting protection against rust & corrosion.

ERGONOMICALLY ENGINEERED ANTI-SLIP RED CUSHIONED LONG HANDLE GRIP HAND PRUNERS WITH SHOCK ABSORBING PADS - Strong & Lightweight Drop Forged All Metal Aluminum Body & Handle Secateurs - Pruning Shear Fit Medium to Large Hands & Help Reduce Repetitive Hand Motion Injuries, Hand Fatigue & Wrist Strain - Ideal Versatile Gardening Trimmers for General Yard, Farm Work & Multi-Purpose Intensive Pruning, Arthritis Sufferers, Carpal Tunnel & Seniors with Weak Hands.

Sap Grooves Prevents the Pruning Cutters From Sticking And Saves Time By Channeling Off Sap To Keep The Bypass Blade Clean Of Debris After Each Cut - Wire Cutting Notch Is Incorporated Into The Clippers To Expedite Planting And To Protect The Cutting Edge Of The Snips.

MICROMETRIC ADJUSTABLE SYSTEM Allows Manual Adjustment And Alignment & Play of The Cutting Blade For Optimal & Precise Clean Cuts Every Time of the Scissors - Smooth & Effortless Cutting Actions Make Trimming An Easy Chore of Rose Stem, Floral Plant, Shaping Ornamental Flowers, Vines, Grape, Fruit, Tree Limb, Branch, Shrub, Bush, Hedge, Lawn, Edging & Small Trees Without Much Effort. This Trimmer Easily Powers Through Various Types of Dry, Dead and Green Wood With Ease and Does All The Work Which You Can Definitely Feel. Snippers Will Cut Through 1/2', 3/4' & 1 inch Diameter Size Branches Depending On The Wood Species.

You can find out more about Haus & Garten on:

Website

Facebook

#Hausandgarten

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

4 Way Garden Hose Splitter

This 4 way garden hose splitter is great for larger homes that need hoses to be in different spots around the home when only one spicot is available. On and off switches for each spicot which makes this easy to install and use.

Now you can have a hose in the front of your home, back of your home, near the garden, and near the flower bed all at one time.

You can find this 4 way garden hose splitter on Amazon.


What Cabin and Cave has to say about their product.

Four way garden hose splitter, easy to use and sturdy.  Made to last.  

• STURDY CONSTRUCTION. This garden hose splitter will stand up to heavy, daily use. We stand by our products and offer a two year warranty on this splitter.
  EASY TO USE. Most hose splitters have small and hard to turn levers. Ours can be moved very easily, so it is perfect for anyone with arthritis.
  ATTRACTIVE DESIGN. Smooth rubber material that will look great in your garden.
  NO LEAKS. Easy to turn connectors, and long threads protect you from annoying leaks.
  EXPANDABLE. Add additional splitters to customize your garden watering system.

You can find out more about Cabin & Cave Wholesale on:
Website
#FullBloom

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

75 Feet Expandable Garden Hose

This is a pretty big hose at 75 ft. expandable hoses are my favorite. I love that I can hang this and out of season can store it away without it taking up lots of room. Great because it isn't heavy when I am using it which is great for me since I have Fibromyalgia.

Come with all of the attachments and a hose nozzle. Everything you need to be up and going in minutes, no running around trying to find the right pieces to put your hose, nozzle and spicot together.

Easy to install, expandable hose which shrinks down small and compact. So easy to store.  I love that this hose comes with it's own spray nozzle which isn't cheap at all. Has 8 different settings. You are sure to find one that fits your needs. We love the mist and the shower function. Great for your garden, washing the car, outdoor furniture, or even the outside of your home.

You can find this 75 ft, expandable hose on Amazon.



Specifications:
-Product dimensions: Original length: 25 feet/Expanding length: 75 feet
-Package dimensions: 5.90" x 9.40" x 5.90"
-Product weight: 2.68 lbs
-Material: latex

Package Includes :
-1 x 75 ft Expandable garden hose
-1x Spray nozzle

 #greengardenhose

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

Hose Holder and Carrier for Garden Hose

Even though I read the size I didn't expect it to be as big as it was when it was delivered. I am fine with a hose holder like this but my husband wants one of those kind that wind the hose back up on it.

Until then this one will be just fine. I like how I can have this hanging where I need it and be able to take it inside for the winter.

With the expandable hoses we haven't tested to see if they can stay out in the winter or not yet and to be honest I don't want to take the chance on leaving one out and it not making it's way through the winter, being left with a damaged garden hose in the spring.

You can find this hose holder on Amazon.


Specification:
-Product dimension: 3.9" x 4.1" x 9.4"
-Package dimension: 4.3" x 4.3" x 10"
-Product weight: 0.53 lbs
-Material: ABS

Package Includes:
-1 x Hose Holder

 #hoseholder

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

Ezy Pruner

We have been looking for a pruner for our rose bush which we uprooted from one area of our house to another area several years ago. I didn't want anything huge, but kitchen shears were just not cutting it. These Ezy Pruners are perfect for the job and even do small tree limbs.

One of the things I have always wanted when we own our home (we currently rent) are some fruit trees. A few Apple, Pear, and maybe a peach tree, as well as a garden with that comes needing garden tools to be able to get the job done right. After a while we may need to buy a larger set but for now this set is just perfect.

Easy to use comes in Black or Red. We have ours in Red. I love how they ratchet and cut without having to use too much strength which I do not have.

You can find the Ezy Pruner on Amazon.


Ezy Pruner Ratchet Pruning Shears - BLKLess Effort Required for Greater Cuts 
If you've ever tried cutting medium sized branches, but have found it a struggle using regular Pruning Shears... then, you'll love using these Ezy Pruners!

Here's why... 

The way in which these Ratchet Pruners work is they have a ratcheting mechanism in place that takes care of as much as 80% of the workload for you! All you have to do is to place the jaws of the anvil blade around the object that you're wanting to cut, like you would an ordinary pruner... grip the handles, squeeze ever so gently until you hear a locking sound... and as simple as 3 easy squeezes... you'll have a nice clean cut right before you! 

No more struggling to cut tough branches of wood, and getting nowhere! 

What Kind of Cuts Can You Expect From These? 
Your Ezy Pruners will make short work of hard branches of up to 1" thick. Though, this doesn't mean you need to only save these for those bigger tasks... you will find your ratchet pruners are great for trimming flower stems, getting rid of dead plants, or any small to medium pruning task, really!

 #EzyPruners

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

Expandable Garden Hose

Are you looking for a great garden hose? You might want to try this Garden Hose out from Ohuhu. Easy to install, expandable hose which shrinks down small and compact. So easy to store.  I love that this hose comes with it's own spray nozzle which isn't cheap at all. Has 8 different settings. You are sure to find one that fits your needs. We love the mist and the shower function.

Great for your garden, washing the car, outdoor furniture, or even the outside of your home.

You can find this Ohuhu Garden Hose on Amazon.



What Ohuhu has to say about their product.

*Space-efficient design, starts out 17 ft and expands to 50 ft with water pressure, but returns to 17 ft after water out
*High pressure-resistance durable latex; Normal operating water pressure: 43.5-87PSI/3-6Bar; Safe operating water pressure: under 145PSI/10Bar
*Comes with a high quality spray nozzle with 9 adjustable patterns and brass connectors, excellent corrosion resistance and durable quality
*Never tangle, twist or kink, flexible and easy to handle and storage

#GardenHose

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

Keep your Knives Ready

If you prepare your meals from scratch often, fish, or hunt then you want to make sure that your knives are always ready when they are needed.

Having a good sharpener means that your knives will be in tip top shape when you need them. No more tearing your food apart, the knives will just glide right on through.

Easy to use has a 3 stage system so you have sharp knives when you need them. Stage 2 can also be used for Ceramic knives which are becoming more popular as well.

This also looks nice on your counter when in use. Have one for your kitchen and one for your hunter and/or fisherman.

You can find the Linkyo 3 Stage Knife Sharpener on Amazon.

What Linkyo has to say about their product.
Sharpening and maintaining your knives is easy with the LINKYO 3-Stage Knife Sharpening System! Made of stainless steel and nestled into a non-slip ABS plastic base, the sleek streamlined design fits into the décor of any kitchen. Beautiful and practical, this is a perfect gift for yourself, or for the cook in your life! Our 3-Stage sharpening system allows you to quickly and safely sharpen dull or damaged knives, then easily maintain those edges to keep your blades sharp longer. Preset angles ensure the perfect edge every single time! Simply insert the knife blade into the V-shaped slots at a 90 degree angle to the table, and pull the blade straight back towards you while applying firm light pressure.

   STAGE 1 uses coarse-grind diamond abrasives to reshape and rejuvenate damaged or extremely blunt edges. This stage should only be used for exceptionally dull knives. 
   STAGE 2 uses medium-grind diamond abrasives to sharpen knives with moderately dull edges. This stage is the beginning stage for most of your knife sharpening projects. 
   STAGE 3 uses a zirconia ceramic wheel to polish, hone and finish the edge. This is the finishing stage for all your knife sharpening projects. Keep your knives sharp longer by running them through Stage 3 after each time you use them! Perfect for light touch-ups to an already-sharp knife.

All LINKYO products are backed with a rock-solid No-Risk 2-Year 100% Quality Guarantee!   

*Measures 7.1 (L) x 2.3 (H) x 1.9(W) inches
* Designed for straight-edged blades only. Not for use on scissors or serrated edges.
* Clean with a damp cloth after each use and towel dry. Do not put the sharpener in the dishwasher!

 #B00VSDUCW4

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

Plants love this

Having a bigger garden this year made things a bit more interesting from breaking more ground, to keeping up with weeding, to making sure everything was watered properly. Having a garden hose with a good spray nozzle really helps in this department, not to mention that we can also wash our dog outside if we decided to.

I love the mist for my more delicate plants and the stronger flows for both washing the car, and outside gear. Easy to change between settings. I haven't used them all more than to try them but the mist is by far my favorite.

You can find the Careful Gardener Spray Gun on Amazon.

Garden Hose Spray Gun/ Nozzle - Premium Quality, Best for Lawns, Plants & Shrubs, Washing Cars, Dogs + Pets. Soft & Ergonomic Handle/ Easy Control Flow Settings/ Durable, Rubberised Plastic, 9 Settings. Backed by Lifetime Warranty
 
HIGH QUALITY & DURABLE - high quality, solid construction of comfortable moulded, soft touch plastic,

9 WATER SPRAY PATTERNS - Nine spray settings for maximum flexibility - from a gentle mist for flower beds and pets, to a jet for the car or other more stubborn jobs,

SOFT RUBBER COMFORT GRIP – Easy on your hands.  Soft touch plastic handles provide maximum comfort, for long watering jobs,

WATER PRESSURE CONTROL KNOB – you’re in control with flow control adjustment, and maximum water spray versatility,

AUTO SPRAY FUNCTION – with metal clip designed to save conserve strength in your hands for longer watering jobs,100% CUSTOMER SATISFACTION GUARANTEE – with all Careful Gardener products, you’re backed by a Lifetime Warranty.  We’re here to serve you with high quality products, and if you have any issue at all, we want to know, and we will fix it.

 #carefulgardener

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