Climbed a Tree Like a Monkey On My First Apple Picking Adventure Up in the Mountains

Of all the years I've lived in Charlotte, I will admit, I've never been to an apple orchard. Odd to say the least, considering how close we are to all the wondrous mountains of North Carolina and how much we've frequented it. City life may have left me a bit clueless on the existence of an apple orchard close by.  But not anymore...

Our Maiden Voyage with Niagara Fall's Maid of the Mist

American Falls/Niagara Falls 

Niagara Falls is one of my favorite travel destinations. It's an attraction that changes with the season. It takes on a multi-faceted appearance especially during the winter. In spite of its sheer size and raging power, the falls emanates a sense of calming effect that I can't get enough of. And the rushing water exploding on the rocks at the bottom of the falls creating those continuous thick blanket of mist certainly adds to the mystique of these iconic wonder of nature.

After going to this park for years, I decided that this year, it was time for us to get up close and personal with the falls. Time to be a tourist. Not just a "passing by" visitor anymore...

Winterfest and County Fair Returns to Carowinds for a Jam Packed Fun for the Whole Family in 2017

In all the years my family and I have been going to Carowinds, I can pretty much say that we have seen how the park evolved through the years, from when it was still owned by Paramount, to that time the park got an entire makeover, character switches, attraction name changes and transformations, when it was acquired by Cedar Fair. During those years, we had favorite attractions that didn't make the cut during the changes. One of them is Winterfest.

Unfortunately, WinterFest lasted only one season in 2005 under Paramounts flagship. The next year, in 2006, Cedar Fair acquired the park. Now Carowinds is doing a time rewind and will be bringing back not just Winterfest but also County fair! And I'm beyond excited!

Summer Travel Series: Reach for the Stars at PARI

The Carolina mountains is such a mystical place, it can easily hide gems that you won't know are there unless you really look close enough. It's like a game of hide and seek except with this one, you get unfettered help from a reliable GPS device to find your way! Thank God for GPS!  Finding a place is made easy. Places like the relatively hidden PARI (Pisqah Astronomical Research Institute). This is why, pleaseeee don't let anything, by that I mean, your husband, complicate your straightforward route... And if your husband ever decide to override the ability of your GPS and tells you "I know where I'm going"... Um, no. Just no. Trust the freakin' GPS.

So, why did we choose PARI to explore this time?

Summer Travel Series: 12 Last-Minute Destinations Before You Go Back-to-school Crazy

Devil's Head outlook in Chimney Rock

In a week, life is going to freaking flip the switch off from Summer leisure to Back-to-school chaos for me. You don't see it but I'm totally screaming in protest at the mere idea of it. Not totally prepared to give up my laid-back, Summer lazy days, sleep-till-when-mornings, and of course, the time I have my daughter home with me all day. Yes, contrary to popular belief, I do love having my child home, 24-7, and all the whip-cracking insanity that goes with it! Disclaimer: our kids are not going to stay young forever. So, I cherish every moment of it with mine with all the cray-cray-ness of it all. That, including cramming in last-minute travel adventures before chaos finally sets in. So, where do we go?

Escape The Intense Heat All Summer Long at Carowind's New Carolina Harbor Waterpark

Summer and Summer heat is upon us - and with a vengeance! It's so hot out there, it's enough to cook a pizza in the open heat! Yes, pizza. Not just eggs anymore. It's pizza! But, don't get caught under all these intense heat and melt - literally. Hiding in the comfort of your air conditioned home is not a very good Summer-long option either. Not with the kids home for the Summer and the inevitable threat of cabin fever - you've got to be kidding yourself if you opt to endure these! - You'll go nuts! Count on it.

But you don't have to. There is no need to. Here's a great option to get your family and your Summer vacation off to a great start, or Summer-long, whichever applies to you. All you need to do is go to Carowind's and take advantage of their new Carolina Harbor Waterpark. Your kids will thank you for it and so will yourself! Best of all, you won't be subjected to the nasty angst of FOMO.

Sharing Some Pixie Dust Love with a Mickey Mouse Plush Giveaway

We've been blessed to get showered with magical Pixie dust this year and we want to share some of that magical pixie dust with you as our simple way of saying THANK YOU and we appreciate you! To do that, we're giving away this cute and cuddly Authentic Disney Mickey Mouse 15" Plush toy! - The iconic symbol of Disney Parks. You must agree it's a very appropriate treat! If it doesn't make the little girl in you go "squeee!" - our, ahem, next giveaway probably will. But, for now, GO ENTER and Good luck! 

Contributor Review: Disney's The BFG is Big on Gloriumptious Fun

Editors Note: The BFG officially opens on Friday, July 1st. We received a media invite to preview the movie. Our Contributor Nigel covered the movie. Check out his hilarious take on BFG.

Be prepared to get Gobblefunked
Disney's latest adaptation of the Roald Dahl classic, The BFG, have big, funny surprises in store for you in a very GobbleFunk kind of way!

BFG which stands for Big Friendly Giant, is peppered with dialogues full of Roald Dahl's own language called Gobblefunk throughout this wonderful story that is told with amazing visuals and music woven together by the great Steven Spielberg.

Finding Dory Themed Party Kit and Recipes For Your Next Splashy Celebration

Baby Dory swam straight to our hearts and we can't get enough of her cuteness! In honor of her cuteness, here are some Finding Dory-themed party kit and recipes for you! Lucky you.

The BFG Dream Sweepstakes and Activity Sheets For You While You Wait

The BFG officially opens on July 1st but while you're waiting, here's a few sweet treat to start you and your little kiddos off.

Enter the BFG Dream Sweepstakes. All you need to do is share your dream. THAT simple. You'll win a trip for four to England and France! If I were you, I'd hurry and enter. Wait, I already did! - You can enter on Facebook or Twitter.