Top Netflix Picks For 2017 #StreamTeam @Netflix #Ad

    Before the credits roll in 2017, I wanted to take a look back at all of our favorite Netflix moments this year. From the very best binges to conquering family TV time, there was truly something for everyone. So, without further ado, here are the shows that filled our family's must-watch list this past year: Sneaking in some me-time with Orange is the New Black. Choosing what’s next with Puss in Book: Trapped in an Epic Tale. Binge racing through all episodes of Stranger Things 2 in one sitting.     Celebrating New Year’s with your kids can get exhausting. Fast. While they may think they’re staying up until midnight, little do they know the secret weapon you have in your pocket: Netflix New Year’s Eve Countdowns. With nine countdowns to choose from, you can press play on the night’s festivities whenever and however you want, so they’re off to bed sooner and you can pop a bottle of bubbles—now that’s a cause for celebration.     Featuring a cast of faces familiar and … [Read more...]

Hallmark Channel’s “Christmas at Holly Lodge” Premiering this Sunday, Dec 3rd at 8pm/7c! #ChristmasAtHollyLodge @HallmarkChannel #Giveaway #Ad

    It's official, the Christmas season is upon us and that means that all of my favorite holiday shows will be available for me to binge watch during the weekends when I am off from work. Every year, I look forward to Hallmark Channel's Christmas programming because it is always family-friendly and it allows me to spend quality time with my husband and sons watching movies that really embody the Christmas spirit.     We will be kicking off  this family tradition during this first weekend in December by watching Christmas at Holly Lodge which is premiering this Sunday, December 3rd at 8pm/7c! The movie is about a major developer who sends Evan to evaluate the value of Holly Lodge, he and lodge owner Sophie have an instant attraction. But when Sophie realizes the reason for Evan’s stay, she must convince him the lodge is a bad investment -- while trying not to fall in love. It stars Alison Sweeney, Jordan Bridges, and Sheryl Lee Ralph. I've always loved these actors and I'm a sucker … [Read more...]

Stranger Things Season 2 Is Coming To Netflix! #StreamTeam @Netflix

    Most of you have probably heart that Stranger Things Season 2 is coming to Netflix! The timing is excellent since Halloween is right around the corner and we all enjoy spooky programming during this time of the year. If you have not watched season 1 yet, you should probably start binge watching so you are ready in time to enjoy season 2!     The story is set in the town of Hawkins, Indiana in 1984. It focuses on the supernatural forces and strange events that continue to haunt this town and all of its residents. We can all expect to see all of the characters back from season 1 and also be introduced to some new characters including tomboy Max and her older step-brother Billy, a woman named Roman who has a connection to Hawkins Lab, RadioShack manager Bob Newby, Department of Energy agent Dr. Owens and  journalist-turned-conspiracy theorist Murray Bauman.     Stranger Things is like a time machine back to the 80’s. Now you can also play along with this super rad, nostalgic … [Read more...]

Practice The Art Of Persuasion With Netflix! #StreamTeam @Netflix #Ad

    I love to discover a new favorite show or movie on Netflix but I hate to watch it alone. My sons love to binge watch their favorite cartoons and shows too so I am always trying to recruit them as my watch partners. They always try to give me a hard time initially, however, they are powerless to resist my persuasive techniques for too much time. There are many ways that you can convince your friends and loved ones to join you when you are enjoying Netflix and I am just the person to show you how this is done! Chef's Table? You don’t have to know how to whip up a 5-star meal to watch someone else do it. Follow the recipe below to get the rest of the family onboard for a truly Michelin worthy experience. Need to convince someone to travel to a galaxy far, far away with you? Hyperdrive below for a map that will take your kids, spouse or parents from a Padawan to a Jedi Master. Repeat after me: Cartoons are not just for kids. If that’s not working for you, let … [Read more...]

Introducing Anne With An E On Netflix! #StreamTeam #Giveaway @Netflix #Ad

    Are you ready for the exciting next chapter in Netflix content?  I am so excited about being a part of celebrating the debut of the Netflix original series, Anne With an E, based on the beloved book series Anne of Green Gables.  As a Literacy Specialist, I always enjoy when some of my favorite books are made into television series that different generations can enjoy and fall in love with.     Anne With an E is a coming-of-age story about an outsider who, against all odds and many challenges, fights for love and acceptance and her place in the world. Set in Prince Edward Island in the late 1890s, the series centers on Anne Shirley (Amybeth McNulty), a young orphaned girl who, after an abusive childhood spent in orphanages and the homes of strangers, is mistakenly sent to live with an aging sister and brother.     Over time, 13-year-old Anne will transform the lives of Marilla (Geraldine James) and Matthew Cuthbert (R.H. Thomson) and eventually the entire small town in which they … [Read more...]

Connect With Your Teen! #StreamTeam @Netflix #Ad

    Recently my son approached me and asked me if I was familiar with the Netflix original show, 13 Reasons Why.  Honestly, I had heard a little about it from some of my high school students but I had not watched the show myself.  He proceeded to tell me that the theme of the show was suicide and how he and all his friends were talking about it at school.     As parents, we sometimes are at a loss on how to broach some of the heavy topics that affect our adolescent children.  It has a lot to do with being conflicted over wanting to protect our children from some of the scary realities of life and wanting to educate them so they can make the best decisions as they grow into adulthood.  It goes without saying that discussing mental health issues and suicide is not really something that any parent is fully prepared for.  Being able to discuss his thoughts on the Netflix original series, 13 Reasons Why opened the door for us to have an open dialogue about a very sensitive topic.     … [Read more...]

Teach Your Kids To Overcome Gender Stereotypes! #StreamTeam @Netflix #Ad

    Growing up, our mother was not raising my sister and I to be damsels in distress.  I can still remember her telling us how important it would be to get an education and to always be independent women.  It might seem unbelievable but studies have shown that girls are being influenced by gender stereotypes from as young as six years old.  That is why it is so important that they have access to positive role models in the media and within the entertainment programming that they are being exposed to.     Thankfully, Netflix is home to girls who mean business and that’s something all kids can get behind.  Whether it’s Violet’s quick wit, Elena’s activist mentality, or Deidra & Laney’s unorthodox thinking, there’s something for every girl to relate to.  Strong female characters aren’t just important for girls.  Boys are growing up with Eleven saving the crew and Tip showing that true friendship knows no bounds.     … [Read more...]

Are You A Netflix Cheater? #StreamTeam @Netflix #Ad

    It feels like I can never enjoy my favorite Netflix shows because my husband always ends us liking what I'm watching and then tells me not to keep watching without him.  Now, it is not that I don't want to spend time with my Hubby but our schedules sometimes conflict and I find myself wanting to watch without him.       Yes, I admit it, I have been tempted to become a Netflix cheater!  However, I have not given in to these desires or, at the very least, I've never gotten caught cheating, wink, wink.  That is why it was so upsetting to find out that my beloved spouse has been cheating on me behind my back and watching OUR Netflix shows without me.  You would think that there would be more trust between us after eighteen years.     The truth is that we have all cheated. In fact, 46% of viewers are cheating right now—with their favorite Netflix shows. And it’s not just parents who are culprits of the crime, cheaters come in … [Read more...]

Tackle Those Tough Conversations With Your Teen! #StreamTeam @Netflix #Ad

    My oldest son will be graduating from the eighth grade this June.  He has always been very independent and wise for his age even when he was younger.  Now that he is a teenager, we have open conversations about earning privileges and how getting older comes with a lot of responsibility.  There are many hard-to-discuss topics around sexuality and current events that have been made much easier in part thanks to having access to an educational platform like Netflix.       Some of the mature themes that are explored through Netflix original series like One Day At A Time and the dark comedy depicted in A Series of Unfortunate Events have lent themselves organically to some of our most in-depth conversations.  The question that arises with most parents as their kids get older like my son, is how to identify when their kids are ready to watch television shows that contain mature themes or content.  Much of their apprehension stems from … [Read more...]

Ring In The New Year With Netflix! #StreamTeam @Netflix #Ad

    Tonight is New Year's Eve and, since we are nearing the end of holiday vacation, we know it's not long before the first "I'M BORED" will escape our kids' lips. That's why, this past week, Netflix and DreamWorks Animation Television started treating families to 13 hours of adventure, suspense and limitless imagination with the all-new series DreamWorks Trollhunters.       Millions of kids are out of school and the threat of boredom looms but Netflix is helping us parents keep the whole clan excited with 250+ inspiring moments from the epic saga, DreamWorks Trollhunters. And parents, apparently this show is not only for kids, you're just as likely to get hooked.     For those of you who are visiting family this weekend, great news!  Just in time for long holiday trips, Netflix recently announced that members can now download many of their favorite series and movies at no extra cost.  To start downloading today, make sure your Netflix … [Read more...]