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.

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.

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.

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.

40 Watt Hot Glue Gun

* 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.  

Being that our family loves to do arts & crafts, a glue gun is a must. We have small glue guns that do low and high temperatures and now we have a large glue gun that does high temperatures too. Much more friendly to the adult hand then our smaller glue guns which are great for smaller hands.

Glue guns are great for all kinds of crafts and even handy for fixing things around the home. This glue gun comes with extra glue sticks whicn means you don't have to run out right away to get more. The glue gun also has a nice kickstand so you can place it down when you are in between pieces or when you are letting it heat up or cool down. 

Remember to supervise children closely with items like this, they can really burn you badly.

The CDL Brands glue gun can be found on the affiliate link below.

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

Sitting in style and comfort

* 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.  

Being a blogger means lots of writing, usually while seated. Sure there are pictures to take, places to visit, etc, but when it gets right down to it there is a lot of sitting evolved which works best for me since I have Fibromyalgia. I also have arthritis of the lower lumber so having support plus comfort is key. 

Having a support memory foam pillow like this is great for when you are sitting a lot, either by traveling by car, or sitting in an office all day. This is also great if you have problems with your Coccyx. 

The most important part is to make sure when you sit on this you place the pillow so the open end is against the back of where you are going to sit. I see tons of people that use this the other way around but the proper way is to have the opening towards the back not the front. 

What I love about this memory foam cushion from Konnor is that it has a cover that can be taken off and washed, I hang to dry. It also has a non -skid pattern on the bottom so that if you have this on a metal or wood surface it won't slip around. 

Working or in my case writing can be fun but not when it is a pain in the rear, this cushion can help with that.

The Konnor memory foam cushion 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 Konnor. 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.

Lumbar Support

* 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.  

Personally I have Arthritis of the Lower Lumbar. I was diagnose in my early 20's with it. It is genetic in our family with my Grandfather, Uncle, Father, and now myself. I am sure other family members have it they are just the few I know have confirmed cases. 

Support is very important as is walking, and exercises for the back. Without these the arthritis can get out of hand to the point of causing paralysis from the waist down. With having 6 children and 2 grandchildren it has been my job to make sure that this does not happen. My back health is very important to my quality of life. 

This lumbar support from Konnor is great because it is sturdy, with a memory foam core. I love that this has straps so that it keeps your support pillow in place so you don't have to constantly readjust it. Great for office or home chairs, traveling, auto, and of course anywhere else you might need support during the day. It also has a zippered cover that can be washed which means that you can keep this looking great longer.

This Lumbar Support can be found at my affiliate link below.

What Konnor has to say about their product.

※ 100% PU memory foam, durable and not deformed and high resilience.
※ Support your lumbar and relax your back and the spine, relieves your back tightness, pressure and pain. it soothes your tired / aching back.
※ Very suitable for improving your posture, reduce stress to the back and alleviates lower back pain
※ The user-friendly contoured shape design for this lumbar pillow ensures an anatomically correct posture for long term benefits. Benefit for your life.
※ It can be useful in anywhere you like. Such as home, car, office, outdoor camping and so on, very convenient.
※ Perfect gray color matching makes it dirt-proof and stable and calm. And soft velvet, comfortable and warmth.
※ The pillow case is breathable, removable and machine washable (not include the pillow inside)
※ Suitable for most people. Essential for computer operators, computer and console games players, anyone who drives, back pain sufferers etc
※ Do not hesitate; This high-quality lumbar pillow is very suitable for you, hurry to buy it.
※ Find a warm embrace for your lumbar. Specification
※Color: Gray
※Weight:0.56kg/1.2 ounces
※Material: Fabric and PU foam, Zipper
※Item size：34cmx12.5cmx37cm/13.4inx4.9inx14.6in

What's in the package:
※Lumbar pillow x1 
Note: Please do not wash pillow inside.
Do not put it in a damp place for a long time.
Please keep it away from fire

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

EV Beauty Flat Iron Hair Straightener

* 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.

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I never had a hair straightener growing up but I did have a device that crimped my hair. When my gir oldest daughter was growing up she wanted one and believe it or not I hadn't tried one on my own hair till we got this one. I don't use it often because it really is for my younger girls. This hair straightener works well and I like the compact design. Very easy to use. 

The EV Beauty Flat Iron Hair Straightener can be found on my affiliate link below.

What EV Beauty has to say about their product.

PROFESSIONAL RESULTS - salon-grade tool lets you straighten, curl and flip, create the volume and texture you want without damaging or drying your hair, enjoy sleek & sexy shine, saves you time and hassle • SMART DESIGN provides ultimate versatility: adjustable temperature up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, heats quickly in under a minute with no cold spots, 110-220v design • ULTIMATE CONVENIENCE - 1-inch ceramic-tourmaline ion plate is the perfect size: wide enough for all hair types and allows you to reach down to your roots safely, slim enough to manage bangs and tight curls, protects delicate hair follicles from damage • HIGHEST QUALITY materials & construction, designed for outstanding performance and built to last, 1-year manufacturer's warranty included, best flat iron hair straightener value on Amazon • SALON STYLES made simple, do-it-yourself the easy, fun, super-sexy EV Beauty Proline way!

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

DoSensePro Monthly Calendar Chalkboard Planner

* 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 self stick things like this monthly calendar which is great for school, home, work, etc. You can even get several of these and do more then one month a time not to mention it would like nice too. Great for when you are renting when you move you just peel off and leave a nice clean wall with no holes behind. Very easy to apply. We measure where we want it to go and we start peeling a little of the paper back while smoothing and unrolling at the same time. Because of the size of 18" x 23" a yard stick or dowel does a great job at keeping it smooth and straight while adhering to wall. 

What I was really excited about was the 4 included chalk pens which really pop when use on this calendar. 

The DoSensePro chalkboard planner 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 DoSensePro. 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.

DR Magnum Magnifying Glass

As a child I always like to play with a magnifying glass because I loved to pretend I was Nancy Drew than as I have grown older I find that magnifying glasses are more then a toy. I remember as a child watching Mama Meisner read her paper with it while eating her voortman cookies. My husband recently had to get bifocals so that he can read the small print on items while for me the smaller the print the clearer it is without my glasses on. Eyes are a peculiar thing if you ask me. My husband and I are a day apart and by our eyes you would think we were worlds apart. 

When this magnifying glass came I was excited to have one mainly to just have on hand in case. It was packaged well with instructions, and a mini flat credit card size magnifying glass which I really like. This has 3x and 45x magnifier. I like that this has a 3x led for night time reading as well. Lots of people have to take meds at night so this is great because you always want to read you are taking the right medication. 

This does require 3AAA batteries which are not included to use the 3x led light. The weight of the magnifying glass is just right and it works great we all gave it a test ride. This makes a great gift for someone with eyesight problems or just someone interested in checking out tiny objects say an ant hill, bugs, or even a patch of moss. 

You can find the DR Magnum magnifying glass on my affiliate link below.

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

Valet Tray

If you are looking for a great gift for your groomsmen or even just for that special guy in your life, this might be the ticket. A great item comes flat and just snaps together to form a nice valet tray for your entrance way, bedroom, or office. Can store your keys, watch, phone, change, or whatever might be in your pockets.

I love that this is in black letter which means it will look great with pretty much any decor. Classic details make this the perfect touch.

This Valet tray can be found on Amazon.


What Mens Bodega has to say about their product.

• MUST HAVE: Provides Convenient Catch-all for Loose Change, Keys, Wallet, Phone, etc.
  
  LUXURIOUS CRAFTSMANSHIP: Contrast and Elegant White Stitching Allows You to Place the Tray in Visible Areas.

     PERFECT SIZE: 5 x 5 x 1.5 When Snapped Together.

     GIFT BOX INCLUDED: Product Arrives Handsomely in a White Box Ready for Gift Wrapping.

     OFFICIAL PRODUCT: Official Puentes Denver Logo Tastefully Embossed at the Bottom of the Tray.

You can find out more about Mens Bodega on:

Website

#valettray

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

Small Electric pencil sharpener

Love that this pencil sharpener is electric,but can be used either in your USB port or in a regular outlet. Now I don't have to worry about the kids taking my large pencil sharpener off of my desk, they can just grab this and do their homework, drawing, or use it to just sharpen all of their colored pencils for school.

Great for home, office, school, college, etc. Has Three setting for different pencil tip settings blunt, medium, sharp.

You can find this pencil sharpener on Amazon.


What Imikas has to say about their product.

A High Quality Electric and Battery operated pencils sharpener from ImiKas featuring three sharpness settings (blunt, medium and sharp) and a unique stainless steel helical blade to give a smooth uniform cut.

Small, lightweight and truly portable, great for the desk, classroom or trips outside.

You can find out more about Imikas on:

Website

#sharpenerimikas

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

Stainless Steel Step Trash Can

Love this trash can although I wouldn't mind having a larger one for my kitchen this works great for our bathroom. We will be using this for our bathroom compostable products such as dryer lint, toilet paper tubes, hair, etc.

Also would work great in a home office, or even in a bedroom. The can is a 3 gallon size with a inside removable pail with handle. Great for easy recycling, or in our case composting. Easy remove pail is also easy to clean.

Step Trash Cans are great for lower garbage cans like this because you don't have to bend down to open up the top to get your trash, recyclable material, or compost in side. Lightweight so you don't have to worry about moving anything heavy around.

You can find the Estilo Stainless Steel Step Trash Can on Amazon.



What Estilo has to say about their product.

classic round can has a compact size that's perfect for small spaces, such as under a desk, kitchen or in a bathroom. Durable steel pedal and stainless steel construction. A removable inner bucket makes trash disposal easy. Made of high quality brushed stainless steel to resist fingerprints and rust. Super strong stainless steel pedal. Non-skid base with rubber pads is gentle on floors. "Removable inner bucket" makes it easy to remove bag and clean. Dimensions: 9.8 inches diameter, 15.5 inches height.

 #can12L

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

Automatic Touchless Soap Dispenser

Love this for the kitchen the most, but it great anywhere in your home, office, bathroom, etc. Great for use in the kitchen where your hands might be gooked with things you don't want to leave on your soap dispenser. In steps the Automatic soap dispenser by Simple One and everything is fine and safe.

Runs with 4 AAA batteries not included.

The best part is that you can fill this with liquid soap or hand sanitizer.

You can purchase the Automatic Touchless Soap Dispenser on Amazon.

Automatic Touchless Soap Dispenser by SimpleOne Brand - Stylish Design

• Touch-free: place your hand under the sensor to dispense soap or sanitizer automatically
  Motion sensor technology provides sanitary, touch-free operation.
  Energy efficient: Lasts up to 1 year with 4 alkaline AA batteries (not included)
  Modern Design. Available in Artic White and in Liquid Silver
  No messy spills - wide opening makes refills fast, easy and spill-free
   

Product Description

A silicone valve prevents messy drips and clogs, while the wide opening makes refills fast, easy and mess-free. Never touch a dirty or germy soap pump again. The SimpleOne no-touch automatic hand soap dispensor helps eliminate the millions of germs that your hands can pick up each day. It automatically senses hands and dispenses just the right amount of soap. Hand washing is one of the most important things you and your children can do to help you stay healthy and with the SimpleOne touch-free soap dispenser, you and your family will never have to touch a dirty or germy soap pump again. No more gummy sludge from soap bars to clean from the sinks or soap dishes. The SimpleOne automatic soap dispenser is ideal for use in the kitchen or bathroom. SimpleOne soap dispensing pump uses Infrared Sensor Technology to ensures a consistent and even amount of soap every time. Save money by using any refill soap of your choice - works with liquid soap, shampoo, kitchen hand soap, foam soap and hand sanitizer. The SimpleOne liquid soap dispenser has a windowed slot so you can see how much soap is left. Easy to clean exterior - simply wipe the surface with a damp cloth. With a large capacity, refillable tank, you has a large capacity so it doesn't have to be refilled very often FEATURES: - Modern Designer Style Design - Easy To Set Up, Use, And Refill - Large Capacity Container - Choose The Liquid Soap Of Your Choice - 100% Money Back Satisfaction Guarantee! - One Year Warranty

#soapdispenser

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

Premium Office Chair Caster Wheel

When our wheels broke on our office chair we put it in the back and bring it out only when we need an extra chair. Now that we have these Premium Office Chair Caster Wheels we are back in business. We couldn't believe they fit perfectly and took our broken chair and made it totally usable to us. 

You can purchase Premium Office Chair Caster Wheel on Amazon.


Features
- Premium casters made specifically to protect hardwood, laminate, tile, slate, and all other hard floors 
- Made With Highest Quality Materials Available 
- Soft Polyurethane wheels prevent scratches and damage to hardwood floor 
- Beautiful Design in Black and Gray Color.

Benefits
- Eliminates need for floor mats at home and office 
- Polyurethane wheels prevent scratches and damage to hardwood floor 
- Very Easy To Clean 
- Lithium based grease lubricated for smooth movement

Measures:
- Inches: 7/16" Steam Diameter x 7/16" Steam Length 
- mm: 11mm Steam Diameter x 22mm Steam Length

#zitriom

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.