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.

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.

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!

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.

Sneak Peek on Disney's New Upcoming Movie: Moana

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ has another new feature film in their roster of new movies for the year, slated to open in November 23, 2016. The new movie “Moana”. It is about an adventurous teenager who, with help from demigod Maui, sails out on a daring mission to prove herself a master wayfinder and save her people. Watch the official trailer below to catch a glimpse at how exciting this movie is and one worth looking forward to!


More on Moana:

How To Create Lasting Memories With Your Multicultural Tweens At Disneyworld

Harambe Village Acrobats at Animal Kingdom

When our kids get older, it's a real game changer when you factor in travel and vacation destinations. This upset in balance is due to their changing interest and maturing view of what they consider fun that is also age-appropriate for them. Even the happiest place on earth can become a challenge for a tween who have become disconnected to the captivating magic that Disney possesses. Yes it can happen. And if you've been away long enough from all that magic and pixie dust - like what occurred to us-  then that by itself will hasten the process of a dying attraction to Walt's enchanting kingdom. Although I'm sure some of you will be disagreeing about now.

But my tween is not an isolated case. The only downside is, my tween's recent disenchantment may have caused a few fairies to die. Sorry Tinkerbell... However, not everything is a total loss. We did manage to re-invigorate my tween's love for Disney and renewed that attraction to a whole new level that, hopefully, may lasts her - her entire lifetime! Fingers crossed. This is how we did it... and how you can too - if you ever needed to. And if you have multicultural tweens, the better! These tips are specially made for you! They will make your experience at the happiest place on earth beyond happy - that's what I got rewarded with for doing these things anyway. It also gives your tween or tweens a whole different perspective of fun at Disneyworld - and hopefully, appreciate every single minute of being there with you!

Do You Have The Right Sunscreen? See The 22 Top-rated sunscreen lotions for babies and kids in 2016

Summer is almost here. The weather is heating up and gearing up for the Summer season. Summer equals Sunscreen. They go together like peas in a pod. My family and I are loyal fans of this much-needed necessity. We prefer the all-natural and organic versions, but there are also other products out there that are worth your money. Check the list to see if your favorite brand made the cut.

A Ghostly Ride Aboard The Ghost Train

Ghost Train ready to take in passengers / Photo: +Maricris G 

The Ghost Train in Tweetsie Railroad is probably one of High Country's best kept secrets during Halloween season. But as you know, best ones don't stay secret for too long. This is why we found ourselves driving almost 2 hours from Charlotte to discover what makes the Ghost Train so popular.

"You can measure the popularity of an attraction by how they affect the area around them. Out of towners flock to this location and congregate in one hot spot. Hotels are an easy indication. They're all fully booked. And majority of these visitors, you'll see at Tweetsie. "

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!

Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden Now With Kid-Friendly Options

Photo: +Maricris G 

Different and kid-friendly-er are probably the two words that will pop out of your mind when you visit the Garden this year. And rightly so. I haven't been to the gardens in ages and I can definitely see the recent changes and upgrades they have done within - in my opinion - to make it more conducive to families with younger children. A good business move as well if you ask me.

Last time we were there (ages as I've mentioned), there was nothing for my young child to get "lost" into, thus making the visit rather "boring" for her. Much as we adults enjoyed the visit, we never dared go back since we didn't want to "bore" our child again and give us grief in the process. Fast forward. We went back! We had a reason to go back. And surprisingly, there was something for my kiddo. I was hopeful. She's a lot older now but is still young enough to gravitate towards "child stuffs" especially in a boring-to-a-child-garden setting.

Staycation Challenge: How to Beat The Summer Heat Without Breaking Your Bank And Losing Your Sanity

Photo: MaricrisG

We're heading into the middle of Summer and it's getting hot, hot, hot out there! The heat is on and there's no escaping it. And for those who are stuck staycation-ing, it can be a little challenging especially when the kids are home with you 24-7 and for the entire Summer. I can assure you, you'll lose your sanity pretty quick - guaranteed. But, before you lose your cool - I know how that is - do as I do. It will even save you some money. Though I can't guarantee your sanity remaining intact, you at least have some great options for your staycation challenge here besides going to your neighborhood pool or staying at home all day.

Here are places and ways to make your Summer creatively bearable and enjoyable with the rest of the family (that meant the kids of course) and saving you some money as well:

Summer Escape Plan: How to Make Use of Malls and Shopping Centers To Your Advantage

Photo: +Maricris G 

Staycationing? Then let's talk. Worn-out mom to another worn-out mom. When people mention either the Mall or Shopping Centers, which thought comes to your mind? Shopping right? Well, listen, that's already a given but if you think creatively and out of the box, you'll see that there is actually more to these shopping havens that you can take advantage of especially during the hottest season of the year, Summer! Think of it as your escape plan for beating the Summer heat and keeping your sanity intact. Remember, Kids are home all Summer. Good enough reason, no? I think so.

And here's more. Malls should not be just for shopping in your vocabulary any more. They have play areas for your young ones. Free wifi if you must need to catch up on some online work. And if you've got older kids, you can go shop-hopping with them. How fun is that? No guarantees you won't buy anything but at least you had fun with your kids. If not, you can chill at a Starbucks cafe or lounge at the mall's numerous lounging areas, with your favorite pretzels, preferably with your favorite coffee drink in hand. Maybe you can people-watch too. You didn't hear it from me, but it can be fun! I'm watching you!

Where to Watch Fireworks for July 4th 2015 Celebration in North Carolina

Photo: Marc Averette via Wikipedia commons

July 4th is right on the corner. I bet you my bottom dollar that you and your family is looking to watch a good fireworks show just like everyone else. Well, we scoured the land and found these places just for you so you know where to go and when to watch, right where you are! Or nearby.

This Yo-Gurt Is Yummy Yo!

Yes Yo!  Yo Yummy yo! And I don't say yummy that lightly especially when it comes to the business of eating yogurt. I'm a very picky brat when it comes to this type of ooey gooey snack - just ask my husband. I have not eaten any for years.  The last yogurt product I've ever liked was pulled off the shelves, permanently! And that was the end of my yogurt-eating days... until I tasted Yo Yummy's yumminess! I think I may have found a new favorite!

This Arctic Blast Got Us Into The Monster Side

Monster Coats are the newest trend in Kid's Fashion. They're unique and Monstrously fun! To get into your Monster side - without the help of Arctic Blast or Polar Vortex - check the collection at MonsterCoats.com and show off your wild side while staying warm during this Winter season!

Check us goofing out on Instagram and featured at Monster Coats.


+ Monster Coats provided the matching coat and hat for us to try this new product and experience the fun and uniqueness of it.  

The Great Pumpkin Fest Returns at Carowinds Park

It's Pumpkin season! And while Linus is yet again waiting for the Great Pumpkin to come, Carowinds Park upped the ante with the return of their annual The Great Pumpkin Fest, with a little fun twist this year!

Disney's FROZEN Fun Activity Sheets For You While You Wait

Maze and memory cards galore! Get 'em all and chill...

PRINT the entire collection: 

FROZEN MEMORY CARDS

New Vtech InnoTab3 - Learning Gadget for the Geek Child (Giveaway)

When I was growing up, my parents used to tell me and my siblings, "Good education is the best gift we can give to you"  and I wholeheartedly agree. Having a good education helped open my view of the world differently, got me a good job and brought me to places. Though If I had my way, I would have rather loved being born in this day and age - where most kids are literally born with geek gadgets. Learning hasn't been this easy and so many tech tools to achieve greater knowledge. Educational gadgets like, Vtech InnoTab 3 Learning App Tablet!**