Learn to Budget like a Pro

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

As my husband and myself have been learning to manage our money better, we have learned that having a place to keep everything written down is important. My health isn't awesome right now or rather it never really has been but it has come time to make sure that my husband can manage our money too.

I have taught him how to pay our bills and what dates they should be paid on, where to find the information for each bill etc. Having it written in one place is much easier for him to take the reigns when he needs to and a budgeting book like this is a good place to start. 

I love that it includes a calendar, plenty of spots to keep track of things, and even has a spot with helpful hint each month, a monthly goal, and a spot for a monthly gratitude exercise. It has just about everything you need to make sure that you can start to take control of your budget.

It also comes with 8 cash envelopes and even though we don't use cash envelopes they can be a great way to save money or even divvy out allowance to your children. Some people use the envelopes to put money aside for donating or saving up for something like a Holiday, Birthday, etc. 

Check it out below for yourself. 

Getting things back in order

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

Since we have settled in our apartment, we have been slowly replacing furniture from all of the stuff that was lost or left behind before we became homeless due to my husband's accident. Most we have gotten free along side the road, like this desk from when our new neighbors moved and had this out for free. We snatched it up quickly but it has been sitting in our bedroom with things stacked on top of  it for sometime. 

Well the time has come to turn the desk  back into a useful piece of furniture and get more organized. With this being said I like to have a base for my computer so what when I move it around I don't scratch up the surface of my desk. I was able to find this 33'x14' PU Leather desk mat at Amazon. I had to look up PU Leather to find out what it meant as I had always heard it said but had never really knew what it was. Searching on the internet for things can sure be interesting to say the least. 

My desk still has a long way to go. The pictures were actually taken with my husband's laptop which is 15.6' as opposed to mine of a different brand but same size for those wondering how their computer may look on it. I will of course be adding my sorting baskets, stapler, etc to this desk to get the look I want to achieve and then it is all business, or lately mostly teaching school work, but that is a whole different kind of conversation. 

If you are interested in this item check it out 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.

Learning while playing Games

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

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

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


Disclosure:  MarksvilleandMe received one or more of the products mentioned above as part of a promotion. Regardless, MarksvilleandMe only recommends products or services we use personally and believe will be good for our readers. Some of the links in the article may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive compensation.  If you would like MarksvilleandMe to review or promote a product or service please contact us at marksvilleandme@gmail.com.

Usable Arm Rests

My favorite review item this month is this Arm Rest Tray from bauHouse. I had originally got it for my husband so he wouldn't spill his coffee in the living room anymore but it is still on my side and I have been using it everyday. I am in love. Not sure about the rest of my readers but I love when a product actually works well, and this one does with flying colors. I can use this our couches wide arms or my chair much slimmer arm rests. 

It is so easy to use just take it out of the box and center on your couch, chair, etc for the best fit and then start using. The size of this for those who need to know is shown in the picture to the left.

Now I can have a snack and a drink without worrying about spills from it tipping off of my arm rests. Check out my video below and if you would like to get one yourself check out my link towards the bottom.

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.

Decorative Bowl Review

Recently I was able to review a really nice bowl. It is decorative and made from thick aluminum. I am really impressed with this bowl and everyone who has seen it falls in love. Right now we are keeping candy in it which really gets it seen by visitors. It stands out and has found a place at the edge of our entertainment center as you enter our living room.

I love how versatile it is and that it will go with most decor be it your living room, kitchen, dining room, or when you are entertaining. The measurements for this are 6"x 6"x 4" and holds 14 fluid ounces. You can see in the picture above just a few examples of how this bowl can be used.

This would make a great wedding, housewarming, or hostess gift. My readers can get an extra 10% off (can change at any time) with code INYOLIVE

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.

Splishing and a Splashing.

This AncordWorks Bluetooth shower speaker is great for those who need music while enjoying their bath time. Besides being Bluetooth compatible (we had a hard time getting it to sink) it has a TF memory card slot so you can have your favorite bath time tunes ready to go. 

This is a great gift idea for teens, grads who are going off to college, or anyone who enjoys tunes while bathing.  It comes with charger, suction cup, carabiner clip, and instructions. Also comes with a 100% Risk-free 12 months Manufacture Warranty. 

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.

Charge and Organize

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.

New Utensils and a Giveaway too

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.

Enter Here

Some of my readers will be able to get a 20% on the set here.

You can find out more about Bevy Luxe Home on:

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Disclosure:  MarksvilleandMe received one or more of the products mentioned above as part of a promotion. Regardless, MarksvilleandMe only recommends products or services we use personally and believe will be good for our readers. Some of the links in the article may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive compensation.  If you would like MarksvilleandMe to review or promote a product or service please contact us at marksvilleandme@gmail.com.

Keep 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.

Organizing Tiny Messes

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.

Stamp Markers for Rainy Days

Having art supplies readily available is very important to me. I grew up in house where I was well loved, but we didn't have extra money for things like art supplies. When we started to have children I wanted to make sure to have lots of things on hand to keep their growing minds busy. Some of those things include paints, construction paper, glue, magazines, crayons, and markers like these from Hapree. These markers are great because they have two purposes. One for drawing the other for stamping. 

My children have enjoyed making different projects over the years like homemade greeting cards, celebration banners, mosaics, etc. Seeing their art grow over the years has brought me many happy memories. These markers come in a nice box to keep your markers neat and tidy. They are also washable which I am sure most moms are thankful for. They write smoothly and are great for small hands.

Hapree markers can be found 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.

Setting Place

I always have a running wish list of items going both in hard copy and online. This was one of the items I had on my wish list that I was able to get to review. So excited. These little mini chalkboards with easels contain 18 chalkboards, a sponge eraser, and one stick of chalk.

Personally I like chalk markers better but this chalk writes nice and smooth. You can use these for place settings at a table, for potluck dinners so everyone knows what is available, for make your own sundae bars, hot dog bars, etc.

These would be awesome use at a sweet sixteen birthday for the candy table so everyone knew what was in the containers before filling up their treat bags. So many ideas. These would even be great for teachers. I can see lots of crafts having these incorporated in. My imagination just runs wild with items like this.

These mini chalkboards can be found on 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.

The Enchante Home Textiles Giveaway

The Enchante Home Textiles Giveaway! 1 Winner ~ $280 RV [Ends 8/17] @enchantehomeNY @SMGurusNetwork

Welcome to The Enchante Home Textiles Giveaway!

1 winner will receive a set of Vague Turkish Towels In Any Color & A Diamente Turkish Throw In Any Color!

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

This contest is hosted by the Social Media Gurus Network!

 

Host that put together this giveaway is:

Deliciously Savvy

My co-hosts for this giveaway are:

Michigan Saving and More, Missy's Views And Savings Clues, My Silly Little Gang and Amy & Aron's Real Life Reviews

 

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

A Rain of Thought, Bargnhtress, Deliciously Savvy, Easter Babe’s Theory, Heartbeats ~ Soul Stains, Giveaway Gator, Heartbeats ~ Soul Stains, Here We GO Again Ready,Java John Z’s, Lisa-Queen of Random, Living Simply | Eco Lifestyle, Michigan Saving and More, Missy's Views and Savings Clues,mom are we there yet, Momcave, My Crafty Zoo, My Silly Little Gang, Ohayo Okasan, Tales From A Southern Mom, Views and More, Welcome To My Kitchen

PLUS a Big Thank You To All Promoting Bloggers Involved In This Fabulous Giveaway!

This giveaway's Sponsor is:

WEBSITE ~ FACEBOOK ~ TWITTER ~ PINTEREST ~ INSTAGRAM

1 winner will receive a set of Enchante Home Vague Turkish Towels in any size and color PLUS a Diamente Turkish Throw [$280 TRV]!

Enchante Home Diamente Turkish Throw [Winners Choice Of Color] ~ $149 RV

Read My Review Here.

Enchante Home Vague Turkish Towel Set [2 Towels, 2 Handcloths, and 2 Washcloths ~ Any color of choice] ~ $131 RV

Read My Review Here.

This giveaway is in no way endorsed, affiliated, or associated with Facebook, Twitter or any other Social Media Networking Site. This Giveaway is valid in the United States Only and Entrants must be 18+ years of age to enter. This giveaway event will end at 11:59 PM (EST) 8/17/18. The winner will have 48 hours to email their information back to mcushing7 at hotmail dot 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 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 Melissa Cushing at mcushing7 (at)hotmail (dot) com. If you take an entry you must stay following for the entire contest or you will be disqualified.

Also we all “love it if you like us” on Facebook! If you like our blogs on social media it helps us bring you only the best giveaways and more of them!

Enter below and Good Luck!

Oh boy! I would love to wrap up in these after a bath.

MarksvilleandMe would like to wish all those who enter

Good Luck!

Entry-Form

Lighting the way

I am so excited when ever I get something like this because they have so many uses. First and foremost for power loss. Great for the kids to use. No worrying about burnt fingers, fire, or wax drips. 

These are also great for the Holidays from lighting pumpkins to making luminaries. Not to mention lighting up the dinner table, or even the bathroom while you are trying to relax. 

A little mood music and some candles can go a long way in unwinding with your spouse.

Super easy to use just take out the tab and switch to on. I really love that these come with an on and off switch which means they last even longer. Batteries are replaceable with three button cell batteries each. If interested they are available below in 12 packs. 

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

DIY Bun

I love to style my daughter's hair. Believe me with having 6 girls and 2 grand daughters I have done lots of hair. Even with that many I am still learning hair styles or easier ways of doing a style. Take buns for one. They are hard to do if you have a little one who wants one but doesn't want to stay still long enough to get one. I really believe this is where the messy bun came to be formed from. 

With bun makers like this one from Skinosm I am able to put up buns in a matter of seconds. Yes seconds and they look great. I love this set because you get 6 different colored bun makers. Think slap bracelet meets hair band. They are colored but I have found each color works well if you cover all of the edges evenly which is quite easy. 

Each one come with directions to either make a bun or a french twist. I love to put two of these in the girls hair. I start with a part and two ponytails to keep my place then I take one elastic out and follow directions for a regular but placing it where I would have one ponytail instead when I am down my girls have two cute buns on their heads. One of the favorite styles my 15 year old likes to wear.

This 6 piece set 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 SKINOSM. 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.

Protect your couch

INNX

Protective couch cover

Having moved into a new apartment after being homeless we thought things would go much smoother then they have but alas our couch won't fit through the door much less the hall way so someone gave us a love seat to use which was in great shape.

This cover from INNX was originally for our long couch but we are using it to keep the love seat in tip top shape since it is such a light color.

It doesn't look as good as the product picture above because it is on the loveseat instead of a longer couch. This cover is 69"x74". Great for protecting your furniture from pets, children, and even guests.

When having a party it is always nice to go the extra mile to protect your furniture from spills and crumbs. This is machine washable and does a good job of protecting your furniture. This can also be used to cover up an older couch that still functions well.

The INNX Protective Couch Cover can be found at my affiliate link below.

You can find out more about INNX on:

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

Meal Prep Containers

Having gone from a home with 6 plus children running around to now just having 2 plus around has left us with lots of leftovers. We like to freeze extra servings for meals throughout the month so we don't have as much waste and so there is something on hand when we are pressed for time.

Meal prep containers like this one from Yellow-Bumblebee are great for this purpose. They have three compartments one 16oz and two 8oz sections which make it easy to prepare meals ahead of time for work, school, or home.

These containers are reusable, freezer safe, dishwasher safe, microwave safe as well as being recyclable and BPA free. This set can be found at my affiliate link below.

You can find out more about Yellow-Bumblebee on:

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

Decorating new Apartment

Having finally moved into our new apartment after being homeless for more then a year we are excited to be settling in and Decorating. One way we decorate is with new bedding, curtains, maybe new throw pillows, and of course the ever blank walls. With that we spruce those up with pictures, art, shelving etc.

One way to display all of those nick nacks and pictures are with floating shelves like these photo ledges from Better Homes and Gardens. These are in Brown Marble which you can use on either side for 2 different looks. They include all of the hardware you need to install these, just add your own screwdriver and you are ready to go. 

I am in love and can not wait to get these hung. Now to just get everything out of storage so we can get those photos up. The Better Homes and Gardens Brown Marble floating picture ledges 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 Better Home and Gardens. 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. 

Stainless Steel Cups

Growing up I remember going to friends or even families houses and they had these colored metal cups to drink out of. Our family was more into glass or plastic and with my own family, we had 6 children so we did mostly plastic it just made sense, but that was because I couldn't find those metal cups I remembered as a child. 

These cups from SeaTurtle are stainless steel, much more sturdier then the cups I remember from my childhood and come in a pack of 4. Two of the cups are 16oz and the other two are 10oz great for families. What I love most is that they come with a lifetime warranty which can be worth it in the long run. 

The stainless steel cups from SeaTurtle can be found at my affiliate link below. 

You can find out more about SeaTurtle on:

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

Season 3 of HOME THE ADVENTURES OF TIP & OH

Season 3 Premieres Friday 8/11 on Netflix

Calling all Boovs and Humans! 

The intergalactic escapades of dynamic duo Tip and Oh reach new heights as these best friends head off on new adventures that push the residents of Earth and Boovsworld to their limits in all-new music-filled episodes of DreamWorks Home Adventures with Tip & Oh. There is no part of the galaxy that is out of reach as the pair find themselves on a mission to save Pig from a far off cat-planet, attending a wild alien prom, on safari on the plains of Boovsland and in a deep sea battle in the depths of Lake Michigan. 

My children and even I loved watching the movie Home. I can't believe it is already time for Season 3. Time goes by so quickly when you have children. Taking time to have special moments with your children, reading, playing, talking, and even watching a show like this can leave a lifetime of memories that you and your child will treasure. 

Check out a clip from Season 3 below.

Disclosure: 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.