This Little Piggy goes to the Beach

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

I am a big sucker for farm animals, but pigs are probably my favorite. So when I saw this cute pig beach pail I just had to get it for my grandchildren to play with. I didn't catch that the pig had a pour spout through his nose, that makes this so much more cute. I really like that this set can be used for water or tub play as well with all of the pour spouts build into the pieces. 

The chunky handles on the rake and shovel are really nice for small hands but also fit well into an adults hands so both parents and children can play together. I should mention that the pig pail is a bit flexible too which makes it safe with no jagged edges.  I love the going to the beach and this would be so fun to play with in the sand and easy to find your pail with it being a pig. 

Another use for this would be in the snow although I am not a big advocate for playing in the snow other then for building a snowman, but the choice is there for those who would enjoy it. This would make an awesom basket filler or just a gift all on its own. Check out this eight piece set at Amazon. 

 

15 Summer Activities for Kids

What are your kids doing this Summer? For many of us Summer time with the kids is a time to enjoy the outdoors, the sunshine and if you're lucky the ocean.

As much as kids love Summer holidays, keeping them busy can be a real chore! If you've not got the luxury of a Summer camp then it's up to you as parent to find things for the youngsters to keep busy with.

Failing that, your kids might spend all their time in front of a computer, tablet, phone or other screen and research has shown that spending too much time in front of a screen can have a detrimental effect on the health and well being of children.

Yes my girls watch Netflix and YouTube but I am blessed because they would rather be outside playing then cooped up inside. They like to swim, bike, hike, build forts etc. 

Studies have shown that taking part in nature-based activities helps people who are suffering from mental ill-health and can contribute to a reduction in levels of anxiety, stress, and depression. In fact, a daily walk in nature has showed decreased activity in a region of the brain associated with a key factor in depression.

With what our family has been through in the last year this makes so much sense. So this mom is stepping up her game, introducing more nature-based activities, while not just turning fun into learning but also providing my children with new outlooks into the world. I may not totally enjoy nature, but I want to make sure that the opportunity for my child to make a decision in what they want to do with their lives is as broad as it can be.

One in four people are estimated to experience bouts of mental ill health and it's on the rise. Prescription medication of antidepressants are also at a record high level and the demand for more invasive treatments are also on the rise. Health and social care commissioners are examining and commissioning different options for cost effective services for mental health and one of these options is a daily walk of 90 minutes or more. We need to learn from the past when kids got excited to spend their time climbing trees and building dens rather than spending hours inside.

Joe at Nature Rated understands this all too well and has put together an info-graphic on 15 Summer activities to help your kids appreciate nature.

This is what it looks like:

From baking a blackberry pie to constructing a pond or insect hotel, there's plenty for the youngsters to get up to. Head on over to his site for step by step instructions to get your kids out and about enjoying nature.

MarksvilleandMe has already taken a look and has big plans for summer time activities for my girls and my grand daughter. Here is to better mental health with the help of nature. 

OlySpeed® Alien Innovation Snorkel Mask

This sure does look like an alien when you first put it on and see yourself with it on. Very nice fit, easy to put on, snug fit, adjustable, and hooks up fast. Great for snorkeling with the kids or on your next vacation. We are going to be teaching our children to snorkel over the summer which is just around the corner. My husband was impressed that this had a snug fit even with his beard there was no water leakage which made him think it was safe to teach our kids to use these as well, so someday when we get to do it for real the kids will be ready and it won't be a crash course in learning how to use one before going out. this came with extras like swim caps and ear plugs.

The OlySpeed® Alien Innovation Snorkel Mask can be found on Amazon.

Introducing 2016 OlySpeed® Alien Innovation Snorkel and Diving Mask: The Best Way To Explore The Underwater World
Would you love to take up snorkeling, but find breathing through a tube lodged in your teeth and mouth walls uncomfortable, or even scary?
Are you an experienced snorkeler who has gone through countless masks that have left you with a sore mouth or activated your gag reflex?
Stop wasting money on inferior snorkeling gear.
Start Enjoying Snorkeling and Diving Like You Should With This Superior Mask
This mask makes a natural choice for both the uninitiated as well as seasoned sea lovers.
And Here's Why:
●Features Tube-Free Breathing, Thanks To Its Innovative, Built-In Breathing Chambers;
●Promotes Calm, Natural Breath Patterns That Decrease Fogging;
●Blocks Salt Water Ingression Through Its Smartly Engineered Breathing Tube;
●Covers Your Entire Face, Creating ZERO Pressure Points;
●Can Be Used By The Entire Family; Adjustable For Men, Women & Youth Snorkelers & Divers!
Convenient and Safe
These are the two definitive characteristics any sea life enthusiast looks for when looking for reliable gear. We are proud to offer you a snorkeling mask that combines both.

#OlySpeedReview

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

Dock & Bay

These towels are amazing. I was able to try out a striped in the large size and a plain in the extra large size. Love that they each come with their own bag to store them in. The striped towel sure fits with the beach scene, which is probably why Dock & Bay chose that pattern. Then the Extra Large towel we have from Dock & Bay is plain red but both of towels come in several colors and sizes.

Our striped towel is the large and measures 63 by 31 inches while the plain red towels which is the extra large measure in at 78 by 35 inches. The extra large towel is also great for yoga or pilates. These towels are super absorbent, light, and compact.

No more hauling huge fluffy towels to the beach and heavy soaked towels back. These towels dry ultra quick. You won't have to get a new towel for each dip in the ocean, pool, or lake, this will handle it all.

I wash ours in the washer and hang to dry, then fold and store away until their next use. So much easier with packing, and day trips to the water parks are a...well...walk in the park.

This micro towel can be found in two different sizes in several colors on Amazon.


What Dock & Bay has to say about their product.

You're off to the beach or travelling abroad. How bulky is that cotton towel? 

We know exactly how you feel. But it doesn't have to be like this 

Dock & Bay towels combine all the best features of a beach towel and a travel towel 

Absorbent. Lightweight. Quick Dry. Stylish. 

------------------------------------------------------- 

REALLY, REALLY BIG

- Extra large size 78x35in (200x90cm) covers your whole body 
- Large size 63x31in (160x80cm) for those loving something more compact 
- 220gsm suede microfiber for extra thickness, comfort and absorption 

MICROFIBER TOWELS WITH CHARACTER

- Bright, fun and fashionable beach cabana style 
- Folds up in seconds into a handy custom pouch, great for travelling 
- Handy elastic hook for hanging up off the ground 

You can find out more about Dock & Bay on:

Website

Instagram

#dockandbay

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

Carry More

You can now carry more when you are traveling just by adding this little bag bungee to your luggage, rolling backpack.

Great for travel, college, vacations, weekend getaways, and even everyday use. I have seen drug representatives use something like this as well.

Easy to use once I saw the directions. Our original strap that came with our luggage went missing so we were in the market for a new one when Ohuhu came through with one for us.

You can find the Ohuhu bungee on Amazon.


What Ohuhu has to say about their product.

Set your hands free with this Ohuhu Bag Bungee! If you've ever felt like you needed an extra hand around your luggages, buy this bag bungee and you will never feel overwhelmed or frustrated with the luggages when you're hurrying to catch your airplane.
Makes two items move as one, a must have for travelers, and an excellent travel accessory that should not be missed!

Features:
*Crafted with high quality microfiber, elastic strap and plastic locker.
*Connect two items as one, fix one bag, laptop case or other item to the wheeled travel luggage.
*Used on single pole or double pole telescoping handles of travel luggage suitcase.
*Secures 2nd bag, coat or other items, makes traveling alone easier.
*Hand wash.

Specifications:
-Product dimensions: 8.6" x 5.1" x 1.18"
-Product weight: 0.16 lbs
-Material: Microfiber + Nylon + Plastic

Package Includes:
-1 x Ohuhu Bag Bungee

#bagbungee

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. 

Packing essential

Just the right size for travel be it a weekend giveaway, sleep over, or travel by plane. To be honest I don't understand why anyone would need to take a carry on with their shampoo and conditioner on the plane where you sit. I would think bringing full size products for a trip away from home would be much more economical and would be just as safe in the cargo part of the plane. Maybe I am wrong but it just makes sense to me.

Maybe people do it because they only have a carry on, or maybe they do it because they are afraid the airport will lose their luggage, which I can understand. No one wants to go out and find shampoo and conditioner while they are on vacation, when they should be enjoying themselves.

So here are these cute little bottles that can be filled with lotion, shampoo, conditioner, or other products you might need for a short trip away. I know when I was younger my mother bought me a set that was not soft like this, the bottles were hard and rigid. I still thought they were fun and got me through lots of sleep overs and church camps through the years.


You can purchase the Vumos Travel Bottles set with bag on Amazon.



VUMOS TRAVEL BOTTLE SET: KEEP YOUR ESSENTIAL TOILETRY PRODUCTS SAFELY STORED IN YOUR CARRYON

Would you like a selection of travel bottles that can hold a variety of your toiletries?

Made of tough silicone that's been designed to last, our travel bottles can be used for storing up to 3 ounces (89ml) of shampoo, body lotion, soap, or one of your favorite face or body creams!

Their leak proof design ensures that they won't make a mess of the EVA bag (or even worse, your carry on), preventing potential product wastage that's unavoidable with most competing products!

The bottles are labeled so you can easily identify the contents - the label can be changed by twisting the collar.

The Vumos Silicone Travel Bottle Set is TSA approved as the bottles are less than 3.4oz and the high quality EVA bag is clear for easy inspection.

The travel bottles range in size (2 x 3oz, 1 x 2 oz and 1 x 1.25 oz) and are useful for shampoo, conditioner, soap, body lotion etc.

They come in a beautiful EVA bag that will keep them all stored neatly in your carryon. No more digging through the luggage for each bottle!

#vumos

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

Vacation necessities

Some people travel, vacation, or even go on business trips often. When you do these amount of traveling you need great gear to protect your clothes while doing so. Love this set of 2 garment bags and 1 shoe bag. 

The garment bags have a nice zipper, rounder shoulders and a see through window so you can see what is inside the bag without having to unzip it. The shoe bag has a draw string so you don't have to worry about your shoes tumbling around with your clothes has you travel. 

This set came just in time for a upcoming trip that our family is going to be taking. Can not wait to put them to use. These are also great for storing your suits as well between seasons or after they come back from the cleaners. 

You can purchase the garment bags and shoe bag bundle on Amazon.

What Arwins has to say about their product.
\Thinking how to carry a suit, and extra pair of shoes while you travel?
Are you tired of carrying your garments and branded shoes without 
proper protection, sabotaging their smart looks?
How many of you have regretted the idea of storing your suits, pants, shirts and dresses 
without protecting it properly?
It is time to say good-bye to all the hazards related to transporting and storing your smart and elegant garments. 

Let this set of 2 top quality suit carriers and shoe bag do the job for you!

We proudly offer your stylish suits AND shoes the protection they deserve, and let us tell you why what we offer is superior to the other offers on Amazon.
Why people are buying this bundle package?
    ✓ Guaranteed best protection 
    ✓ 110 GSM thickness 
    ✓ Nice gold metal corners, for the finished classic look 
    ✓ Metal eyelet for hanger hooks, for convenient folded over carrying 
    ✓ Highly durable and affordable 
    ✓ The complete set to transport and store your clothes and shoes without a hassle
Have you been ever frustrated just because the suit you dry-cleaned and ironed is crumpled and full of dust or eaten by moth? Why take any risk when we offer you a stylish . 
solution. This bundle of 2 cloth covers and shoe carrier is a must have if you are a college student, executive, manager, frequent traveller, or just a home maker.
The high quality acid free and breathable material of the storage bags keeps your suits, trousers, tops, shirts, dresses form getting musty and dusty while the FREE waterproof 
spacious shoe bags will secure your branded leather footwear from getting damp. Pull the drawstring or zip and eliminate any interaction with harmful elements.

#garmentbag

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

Classic Harbor Line - Boston

See Boston like you never have on this 2 hour sail aboard the Adirondack III, a wooden 80-foot pilot schooner. Within five minutes of leaving the dock, you'll forget the mayhem and noise of the City, and you'll feel the relaxing breeze of Boston Harbor! Give your child an experience that is safe, fun and unique! Join us for a Day Sail! 

Have you been to Boston? If not you might want to check out the Classic Harbor Line and see the sights from the water before enjoying them from the streets.

For my Readers  Save 15% Off Classic Harbor Line Cruises at http://www.boston-sailing.com/ Use Promo Code: Mom2015

You can find out more about Classic harbor Line Cruises on:

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Disclosure:  MarksvilleandMe received one or more of the products mentioned above as part of a promotion with USFG and Classic Harbor Line. 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. 

Dot & Dot 15 inch Packing Organizer

This has got to be one of the best pieces of organization for traveling I have ever seen. I have this in red and love it. The Dot & Dot 15 inch Packing Organizer comes with a plastic folder with directions on how to fold a shirt. If you are packing more then one think thin poster board and use the plastic instruction sheet as a template. 

When it is part way opened it looks like this and is fasted with velcro. You can pack quite a few shirts in this before running out of room.

Above you can see how the directions look like for folding and packing shirts. Awesome isn't it?

You can purchase the Dot & Dot 15 inch Packing Organizer here or on Amazon.



What Dot & Dot has to say about their product.
Each 15" Packing Folder holds up to 7 shirts or pants
Minimizes wrinkles and Maximizes space
Maintains your privacy during security inspections
Keeps your clothes organized
Includes a folding board with folding instructions

You can find out more about Dot &  Dot on:

Website

Facebook

YouTube

Pinterest

#packingfolder

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