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. 

[ Review ] Just Dance 2020 (Nintendo Switch Version): Pumped Up for Fun and Fitness

Image courtesy of Ubisoft

For a little backgrounder, it's probably safe to admit, with all my collection of the game, that I'm obsessed with the Just Dance platform. When it first came out, I was immediately hooked. Which for very obvious reason, having the Just Dance 2020 copy is pretty much self-explanatory.

Let's dissect the game.

[ Travel Review ] Georgetown Suites: A home Away from Home

Georgetown Suites Courtyard building 

Washington DC is one of those cities that can bring about a sense of intimidation even to a seasoned traveler like me when you factor in visiting there for the very first time. It may be smaller in scale to NYC, which I love, but they both share unmistakable qualities that makes them hard to navigate for a newbie outsider. They're eternally busy, fast-paced, complex, non-existent parking spaces downtown and overall, can be very expensive. It sure can be a bit confusing if you're visiting for the very first time...

[ Contributor Review ] Solo: A Rollicking Star Wars Story

Editors Note: Solo officially opened on Friday, May 25. We received a media invite to preview the movie. Our Contributor Dale covered the movie. Check out his straight-to-the-point take on Solo.

If you are an uber-Star Wars fan, have seen all the movies a gazillion times, and own one or more sets of Star Wars pajamas or bedsheets (who am I to judge), then this review will not sway you one way or the other. Stop. Go buy your tickets, if you haven’t already. Enjoy the movie, because you will enjoy the movie. Repeat. Let’s face it. You’ve already planned to see this movie more than once anyway. Right? Good. Now get out of here!

For the rest of us, let’s begin.

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!

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.

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.

The Most Versatile Swimwear For the Mommy With Some Tummy

Summer is almost here. Let's be honest. Who among you get a little stressed out about the mere thought of wearing a swimsuit? I'm sure a majority of you do. Me? - It scares me!  

Let's be real. When pregnancy occurs, it does a number on our once pristine bodies and reshapes it into a work of art that uncannily resembles our favorite bakery items! Most famous of them all? The Muffin top! If you don't have them, lucky you! But for most of us, not so much.  And worst part of it? "Traditional" swimsuits out there, they're no help at all. Que horror!

Let's be brutally honest. These regular swimsuits, they do nothing but highlight our mommy-tummy. Others, they make us look like burritos! You've seen moms who fall victim to these curse! You cringe and you die a little inside because you're also a mom and you totally can relate. I figured there must be some way around these nightmare. Well, finally, there is (especially for me anyway). Check my curated board - Ultimate Beach Mom Beach Babe Swimwear Must-have! 

Ultimate Beach Mom Beach Babe Swimwear by maricrismg 

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.

Your Travel Guide to An Unforgettable First Visit to Chimney Rock

If you're thinking of visiting Chimney Rock Park on your next family vacation and have never been there before, check the guide we put together to get the most out of your first visit - from a first-timer to another first-timer, who will soon be a second-timer.

We visited Chimney Rock during Spring break which to my book is the perfect season to take a trek up to the mountain top. The weather is cool, can be a bit windy and tad chilly at the highest point of elevation, but I won't trade cool breeze and mild weather over hot, searing Summer heat.

Things I Never Knew About My Cup of Joe That You Should Know

I always had this suspicion. Did you know that the coffee you drink every morning - or afternoon, depending on your level of addiction - is one of the most addictive substance in the world yet socially acceptable? No surprise there at all. Imagine a morning without coffee. Tragic isn't it?

My favorite excuse for this coffee addiction is when your brain functionality is way below the standard level necessary to function like a normal human being - critically and absolutely crucial in the morning - and like an automatic defense mechanism, you simply utter "I haven't have my coffee yet!" and the world instantly (no pun intended) understands. Moreover, if you're delivering this spiel to a fellow coffeeholic, you get nothing but total sympathy. You might even get a free coffee out of the deal. Yes, the whole world is a coffee addict! Starbucks can't be any happier. Kaching!

But in all seriousness, why are we morbidly addicted to coffee?

Getting Crafty with HP's New Sticky-Backed Photo Paper At My #StickaPic Party

This past Saturday, we were able to unleash the endless possibilities of HP's new sticky-backed photo paper and had tons of fun creating, DIY-ing and photo stickin'! Check out the two projects we created and be inspired. They are both timely for the upcoming holidays.


Done watching? Scroll down to see the rest of our party fun.

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.