Monthly Archives: July 2023

Blog, Event Planning

Summer Fun! How to Organize a Neighborhood Waterslide Party

There’s a lot of planning and work that goes into any party and that multiplies when organizing a neighborhood-based event. The following are some tips for ensuring party success.

Plan Early

There’s no guarantee that the weather will cooperate, but choose the day at least three months in advance. That gives you time to schedule your waterslide rental. Waterslides are often spoken for months in advance. It’s especially important if you have a specific theme in mind.
There will certainly be a permit required and an accompanying fee that must be paid. Be sure to check your homeowner’s insurance to see if any injuries or damages will be covered for the event.

Examine the Budget

The cost of a neighborhood pool party can quickly get out of hand. You’ll need to know if you’ll be paying for the entire cost yourself, if you’ll be asking for attendees to donate toward the cause, or if it will be a potluck style event.

Know Your Guests

Define the scope of the party. Decide if it will be certain families nearby, everyone on one side of the street, or the entire block. It’s essential that you know the ages of your guests. Waterslides are available in multiple heights. A 40-ft. waterslide is not appropriate for younger children. If a model is selected that deposits guests into an in-ground pool, it’s crucial to ascertain if everyone can swim or if a life vest will be needed for some guests.

Help is Essential

There are a lot of details to be considered, from food to flyers or if individual invitations will be issued. You’re going to need help to deal with invitations, RSVPs, how music will be provided and if someone will DJ, along with how food will be provided. Assign a person to handle each task and check back with them as needed to ensure success.

Blog, Event Planning

Keeping Kids and Pets Cool in a Heat Dome

Even though South Florida is home to cooling Atlantic breezes, the state is subject to heat domes just as much as the rest of the nation. A heat dome occurs when a strong high-pressure system combines with an El Niño – particularly high Pacific water temperatures. A heat dome results, trapping the hot air inside and preventing it from dissipating. It creates extremely high temperatures that are dangerous for children and pets. There are some ways that can help keep kids and pets cool in a heat dome.

Limit Playtime

Restrict outdoor playtime for children and pets. Stay in the shade whenever possible. If youngsters or pets must go out, it’s better to do so in the early morning or later in the evening. It’s important to remember that concrete sidewalks can reach temperatures of 125° F., even without being under the influence of a heat dome. It burns paws and bare feet.

Hydration and Cooling

The body sweats to cool off, which requires drinking more water in hot weather. It’s much more difficult for pets to reduce body temperature than people. Make plain, cool water available for kids and pets. Whether it’s a child or a pet, carry a bottle of water to keep them hydrated, even if the outing is only of short duration. Remain under air-conditioning if available and don’t be reticent about seeking a cooling center. Fans are ineffective for cooling in a heat dome – they simply blow around hot air.

Stoves and Windows

Blocking windows to keep sunlight from entering will benefit children, pets and the entire household and aid in keeping it cooler. Avoid cooking on kitchen stoves whenever possible and don’t use the oven.

Waterworks

One of the easiest ways to keep kids and pets cool is through water-based activities. Individuals can make use of a wading pool for youngsters or pets. A homemade slip and slide is another option. Misting hoses and sprinkler pads are equally effective for cooling kids and pets during a heat dome event.

Blog

Why Visit a Farm Market

South Florida is a hotspot for those seeking farm fresh foods and there are multiple locations from which to choose. What many don’t now is that farm markets provide far more than a place to purchase healthy and delicious fruits and veggies. Cash is always accepted and many farmers and vendors also accept credit and debit cards, along with SNAP benefits.

Farm to Table

Fruits and vegetables don’t get any fresher than those at a farm market. The produce is grown locally and doesn’t spend days in transport to distant locations before its sold. That farm to table approach means shoppers enjoy more flavorful produce.

Support Small Family Farms

Much of the produce, herbs and spices found at farm markets is grown on small family farms. That often results in a greater diversity of products available. Supermarkets often order a specific amount of certain fruits or vegetables and when it sells out, shoppers are out of luck. Small family farms often have a greater supply for a longer period of time than supermarkets.

Flowers to Dog Treats

Individuals will find far more than fruits and vegetables at a farm market. The marketplaces are open to a wide variety of vendors and individuals seeking to share their hobby projects, launch a home business, or establish their brands. Depending on the location, shoppers will find jelly, jam, preserves and fresh honey. There’s home-baked breads, pies and desserts.

An extensive number of independent creators of arts and crafts also sell at farm markets. Products range from hand-made jewelry, soap, cards and candles to wood crafts, pottery, baskets, and dog treats. Shoppers can find the perfect flower bouquet, garden and houseplants, salsa and items that are sewn, crocheted and knitted.

Empowering Knowledge

Farmers are always willing to talk about their produce. Shoppers can learn a great deal about how their fruits and vegetables are grown, harvested and packaged.

Blog, Event Planning

Kids Party Trends for 2023

Youngsters can be fickle in their likes and dislikes. Their interests change like an Atlantic breeze. There are some staple themes and ideas that are proving popular in 2023. The key component is anything interactive and that doesn’t necessarily mean electronic entertainment, but it can be a component.

The term interactive play defines the way youngsters interact with each other and their surroundings. They’re so often told in everyday life not to touch things, that giving them objects they can touch, feel and play with will make their eyes light up. Entertainment should be the emphasis at any child’s party.

Games

Consider a rolling game “palace” for teens and tweens. Mobile home sized vehicles can be rented that bring an arcade experience to the front door. They feature hundreds of games from which to choose and touch screens in air-conditioned comfort.

Film Festival

Everyone loves a good movie and the beauty of a film festival party for teens and tweens is that streaming services have many of the must-see films available.

Arts and Crafts

Younger children love to color and that provides a wealth of possibilities. There are dozens of items that offer an opportunity for creativity. They can color or use watercolor paint to decorate party-themed items.

Backyard Carnival

A variety of inflatable carnival games are available for rent that will keep youngsters of any age occupied for hours. Individuals can choose from perennial favorites that include ring toss and balloon pop to basketball throw and ski-ball.

Superheroes

This is a theme that continues in popularity for youngsters of all ages. Bounce houses can be rented for younger children and there are inflatable obstacle courses and challenges for older kids.

Snow Day

An increasing number of parents are opting for a snowy theme for their child’s party. A snow day is something that few South Florida children ever experience. Rent a snow machine to turn a yard into a winter playground. It’s a great way to beat the heat.