Curated List of Shows To Watch on Netflix While on Extended Lockdown

I have been stuck at home like you. And one of the things I ended up doing a lot of, which will be obvious in a minute, is scour my Roku player for shows to watch, either on Netflix or Prime Video. These, among other entertainment apps I have on the player to save me from pulling my hair out. But before you judge me, this is not all I do each day! However, I'll be honest. Me and my Roku? We're best buds now.

And you're welcome! I've compiled list of shows which I think you'll find worth watching because, yes, we're in this together. I gotcha! Just one piece of warning though, some of these shows says, "your discretion advised". You know the drill. You must first double-check the show before you cozy up on that couch with your kids. If not, all consequence is your fault. No kids? Then, lucky you. Grab the popcorn and start binge-watching! Stat.

Entertainment Hotlist on Netflix:
Curated for your binging pleasure. Please note. Some are subtitled or dubbed.

Surviving the Plague with a Dose of Common Sense and a Grain of Creativity

Scene outside of Costco implementing social distancing due to Covid19 / photo by MaricrisG

So, we're heading into our 3rd week of "house arrest" - don't it feel like that to you? - well, me too. I'm an introvert and shouldn't be bothered with self-isolation, but at this point even an introvert out there I'm pretty sure is already feeling claustrophobic. Have you become best friends with your pantry? Got engaged with your couch? Or got married to your kitchen? Ok, I'm not here to judge. But please, go easy on the muffins! That's me yelling at you...and at myself. You know someone's got to because my weighing scale obviously won't.

Anyway, no denying. This Covid-19 pandemic is badass! And if you're not freaking out now, you're probably from outer space. You extroverts must be getting the worst brunt of it. Has it driven you up the wall yet? Poor thing. I feel your pain. At home with kids? I double, triple, feel your pain. I'll drink more Margarita in your behalf and eat more muffins, because I can. What else is there to do, right? We're in this together.

It's no joke though that we literally have a deadly executioner prowling the streets and after our pretty heads. And yet some people pretend like there's none of that at all. What's wrong with these idjits? They're like, "I'm having none of that nonsense. I'll go lick products at the store." Or, "I'll go hold a large Sunday service." If only common sense was a medicine. A lot of people out there apparently, need to take one, stat.

So, what's helping you? Me. I watch a lot of shows on my Roku. I run. I walk. I eat. I forget to eat. I sometimes go around in circles - but only because I dance in my living room and don't have enough space. I sneeze - a lot. I itch a lot - my eyes, silly. Thanks Pollen. But I also did some other things that you can also do. Check below:

[ Entertainment Review ] OVO - Cirque Du Soleil : Delightfully Mesmerizing

Juggling human insects, anyone? / Photo courtesy of Cirque Du Soleil

As we entered the arena, right there in the middle of the stage, a huge, no, gigantic, egg sits silently. It does nothing, yet its stillness commands an imposing presence. An air of control that immediately captures your attention and gnaws at your curiosity. Then I saw insects...and my skin crawled. 

[ Contributor Review ] Cirque Du Soleil Corteo: Engaging, Mysterious, Fun

Editors Note: We received a media invite to preview the show in Charlotte NC. Our Contributor Dale shares his personal experience of the entertainment. Check his story below. 

Imagine, if you will, you’re laying in bed. You feel the tug of slumber pulling at you and you begin to fall into the Sandman’s warm embrace. Your dream begins with you lying in bed with a stream of people, your friends and family, walking towards you wailing and sobbing. One by one they approach you, touching your hand, kissing your forehead, and whispering tearful farewells.

It’s then you realize you’re dead. But you’re dreaming. Right?

And that’s how Cirque du Soleil’s Corteo begins...

All Things Wonderful at Carowinds Winterfest

The much-awaited Carowinds Winterfest has finally opened its enchanting door to bring delight, entertainment and tons of Winter wonderland fun to the whole family. If you haven't visited yet, here's an inside look at the fun stuffs to be had at this magical attraction at the park. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves, so, feast your eyes!

Unique Handmade Collectible Gifts at Carowinds Winterfest Artisan Alley

After 12 years, Winterfest finally made its magical winter wonderland way back to Carowinds to offer fun and enchantment to each and everyone. An attraction that have been much-anticipated by those who experienced it in 2005, like me - its first and last year. Now the great thing about this year's Winterfest is that it's bigger, it's brighter and it offers more fun options for the family - including an Artisan Alley featuring unique handmade items from local and small business owner designers!

Fun and shopping rolled into one
What more can you ask for? Fun at the park and shopping! These unique items are a great buy even if you're not looking for something special for holiday gifts. Some of them are just worth having. The Artisans will be there until December 30th so, check them out and show them love and support by purchasing an item or two!

5 Myths We Busted At Scarowinds

In the Carolinas, Scarowinds is the ultimate Halloween fun destination where every year, people flock to the park to partake in its yearly transformation from a theme park to a "scream park". However, that wasn't the case for me and my family. For a little scream-worthy confession, I will tell you that for years, we avoided it like a plague - this I'm totally blaming the "chickens" for! Yes, you know, them chickens. Those that instill their fear on you. I bet you know a few of them too.

Now before you go all Judge-y, judge-y with us and the level of our scare meter, you should know that we do love scary schtuffs too. A lot. But, back then, we also have a valid reason for not going, AKA my child was too young and we were afraid there were nothing fun for us there at all. Talk about being misinformed! Then there's the, we kinda, sorta, you know, lost track and kept missing it every year... But, not this year! - oh boy! We missed out on a lot...darn chickens! 

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 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...

Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of "The Great Pumpkin" At Carowinds Great Pumpkin Fest - On Us!

It's hard to believe that October is here. But that just means Fall has come. It also means it's the season for the Great Pumpkin Fest at Carowinds!

This year marks the 50th Anniversary celebration of "It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown", and Carowinds is celebrating in with their ultimate annual fall festival - The Great Pumpkin Fest! Think super-Halloween-goodness in one fun place.

With that, we want you to be a part of this family-friendly daytime event celebrations that includes Halloween-themed live shows, a pumpkin patch, a hay bale maze, trick-or-treating, a petting zoo and so much more! Your favorite rides will be open during the day, including the award-winning Planet Snoopy kids' area as well.  All this - ON US! 

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: 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.

Carowinds Alert: Snag your Season Pass Before Price Hike

Haven't gotten your Season Pass for the year yet? 
Well, you better sprint to Carowinds soon or you'll miss your chance of getting a golden deal on your passes.  The prices of 2016 Season Passes goes up on May 31st.

The Great Pumpkin Fest 2015 Last Hurrah For The Season This Weekend

Girls having fun at the Bubble Machine / Photo: +Maricris G 

This is the last week before Carowinds closes it's spooktacular gates for the season. If you haven't yet, this week is your last chance to go and have fun at The Great Pumpkin Fest with your little and not-so-little-ones. And I should say, this is the best week to go because it's Halloween weekend! A great way to end the season with Carowinds.

Now take a quick look inside The Great Pumpkin Fest to help you plan your visit this weekend. My #1 tip? Bring a change of clothes for the wee ones! You'll need them at the Foam zone. Trust me. You will.

Not showing? Watch directly on our channel: The Great Pumpkin Fest

And if you don't know yet, see what Carowinds have in store for you in 2016! Tons of great additions ahead!

Carowinds Revealed Another Secret to Knock You Off Your Seats in 2016

Literally. During their official announcement of Carolina Harbor, they ended their video presentation with a cliffhanger showing a picture of a crossed-out leaf and a distinct zombie growl. We had no idea what to make out of it, but that was basically the clue which is now unveiled! How does Plants Vs. Zombies sounding like to you?

Tech Talk: 10 Best Local Places To Get WiFi When You're In Dire Need of One

Peace and Quiet + Free Wifi at the Library for the win!

Before you jump to the list, let me give your brain a little visual stimulation. Imagine yourself on a tight deadline. You're typing mercilessly on your laptop keyboard like a mad woman. You hit save and boom! Blank screen stared back at you with a message yelling at you saying, "you don't have internet connection!"

The shock for heart attack! It's like having a really bad nightmare, except awake, doesn't it? I knew the feeling too well. I had to suffer and endure it for 3 days. Thanks to careless city government workers, they cut my internet cable while digging my neighbors driveway! However, it was not the end of my world. It just meant I have to invoke my creative thinking to resolve my problem while waiting to get the mess fixed.

So, I went to hunt. And fortunately, it yielded a great bounty.

The Great Pumpkin Fest at Carowinds - Charlotte’s Can’t Miss Fall Festival

Photo: Carowinds

Summer is gone but that doesn’t mean the fun is over. The truth is, it’s just getting started. Think of all the fun stuff that fall brings. I can think of a few to get you started. Halloween, Hay Bale Mazes, Pumpkin Patches, Petting Zoo, live shows and the PEANUTS gang, yes, Charlie Brown! - getting excited yet? I am. And you know what? You can have them all - and more - in one place. Yes. One place. Where? The Great Pumpkin Fest  at Carowinds!