How to Make the Most of Your Vacation by Staying In a Mountain Cabin

Sparkling waters of Lake Lure

If there is one thing interesting that we learned this year about vacation travel it's that, travelers are greatly influenced by the weather. It predetermines where they go, geographically. A factor we utilized in deciding where we should go for our mini-Summer vacation destination this year - away from where the swarm goes... the mountains!

So while the swarm heads to the coast, we headed up to meet the mountain fairies!

Enjoy The Last Days of Summer at Carowinds Carolina Harbor

The countdown begins until Summer bids us yet again, "adieu!" for the season. But, while the heat lingers and the kids are still home for Summer vacation, taking advantage of Carowinds Carolina Harbor while it's still open is your best approach to saying farewell to Summer, which is likewise, a fun way to start your kids off as they go back to school.

Welcome Summer with a Huge Splash at Carowinds Carolina Harbor Water Park

Carolina Harbor Water park officially opened it's gates to water-loving Carolinians today. A refreshing treat to welcome the arrival of Summer and its sometimes searing southern heat. The park comes to life to help you quench the heat - or drench it - whichever fits, even before it's officially Summer! So, you can just say "Summer, bring it on!"  - Carowind's got you covered.

Carowinds Taste of the Carolinas Makes A Flavorful Comeback

I had the opportunity to experience and savor the tasteful offerings of Taste of the Carolinas at Carowinds right on its opening weekend, and this year, it's a little more special...

Experience the Thrill of the Past at Carowinds New County Fair

Carowinds County Fair officially opened on March 25 of this year, with a promise that it will take you back in time to experience the good 'ol rides that brought tons of fun and excitement for the whole family in the olden county fairs of the past. My family and I had the opportunity to visit Carowinds on Easter weekend and witnessed the 4 classic rides of the newest attraction of the park in action.

Be prepared to have fun.

Carowinds Easter Eggstravaganza - A Fun Easter Destination For Family on Staycation

For families like us whose chosen option for their Spring vacation is your good ol' reliable Staycation - it shouldn't mean stuck bored at home. As a matter of fact, it's far from it. Staying local gives you the opportunity to discover, or rediscover the beauty of your own backyard, so to speak, and experience the fun choices available, right at your fingertips! Fun options like Carowinds Easter Eggstravaganza and their special Easter Day Brunch, new this year for 2017.

Hamilton Is Finally Coming To Charlotte - Locally Handmade Hamilton-Inspired Creations Are Ready For It!

It's awesome that Hamilton is finally coming to Charlotte! I could not wait and I have more than one reason for being so.

Since the end of last year, I had not one iota of clue what Hamilton is all about and why everyone's going crazy about it. I decided to "investigate" and voila! A new inspiration to create Hamilton-inspired items for my SteamZen shop emerged and I was in for an exhilarating ride from then on.

My creations became my breakout hit for 2017! My customers come from all corners of the country and across international waters, but oddly, not one from Charlotte.

The irony, right? But hopefully, that might change soon... I can't wait to share my creations to my fellow Hamilton-loving Charlottean.

Photography: When Winter Unleash its Wrath On Nature The Outcome Is A Beautiful Death

It's halfway through March and Winter seemingly have left for good since the onset of February. The unusually warm weather gave way to a premature Spring. Trees have bloomed. Some sprouted new leaf. Some still budding. My allergies started acting. Achoo!  It's undeniably Spring! We were beyond happy to imbibe ourselves with the comfort of warmer weather and embrace the beauty, including the unpleasant effects of Spring. But then Winter decided it's not done and made a striking comeback! So unexpected and unforgiving but for all its oddity, the white specks that enveloped the trees, its blooms, and flower-filled grounds, which speaks of death, painted a scene - a scene of a very beautiful death...

DIY: Spring-Inspired Garden Pinwheel and Wind Chime Using Upcycled Chick-Fil-A Soup Container

I always love a good challenge, especially when it's a dare on my creativity. I sort of thrive on it. Now, I openly admit that because I have a track record of going beyond the norm when it comes to upcycling certain items. One example is when I turned used fabric sheets into something beautiful - that's what I say anyway since it's my work. You can see this beautiful thing I talk about here. You're welcome. 

Now Chick-Fil-A have been coming up with good challenges like the cellphone coop, which I did here. Right now, the challenge is to upcycle their soup container. I know that as soon as I saw the container, my brain went overdrive with ideas. There were simple, straight-forward, easy-to-make ideas I toyed with but I said, "nah"... I want something unique. Something that's appropriate for the upcoming Spring season.

Gift Guide: Say I Love You This Valentine's Day - The Handmade Way

If you haven't noticed, January is gone - just like that - and here we are in the midst of February, the month of hearts. Though it's baffling how January went by so quick, there is no denying that in no time, Valentine's day will soon be here - in a blink as well. I bet some of you are already on the hunt for that unique gift to give your special Valentine.

What about I help you a bit in that department with these unique and customizable handmade accessories that I'm sure will not let you down.