Category Archives: Blog

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3 Frozen Mocktails to Kick Off Summer

Summer has arrived and the desire for drinks and beverages will be at peak demand. For those that don’t partake of alcohol and parents responsible for small children, a frozen mocktail can be a key element in summer celebrations or relaxing at home. The following are just 3 options that are appropriate for anyone and offer a fun and refreshing beverage after work, at parties or lounging around the pool. The drinks can be made fresh for consumption or for a special treat, very lightly freeze them before serving and sip as they thaw. Mango Mule You’ll need 4-5 slices of cucumber, 1 oz. honey syrup, 1.5 oz. mango puree, 1.5 oz. fresh lime juice, 1.5 oz. of ginger beer and ice. Muddle honey syrup and cucumber in the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Add the mango puree, lime juice, ice, and shake vigorously. Strain the mixture into a copper mug, top with ginger beer and stir. Mock Shirley Temple Topped with a maraschino cherry, this is a colorful drink with just a few ingredients. You’ll need 4 cups of lemon lime ginger beer, 1 cup of club soda, 3 tablespoons lime juice and .25 cup grenadine. Stir ginger beer, lime juice, grenadine and club soda in a pitcher. Serve over ice in tall glasses. Garnish with lime rounds and top with a maraschino cherry. Lemon Pineapple-ita This recipe requires no special ingredients and they can all be obtained at the local supermarket. Chances are you’ll have many of these already on hand. All you need is 1 cup lemonade, 1 cup pineapple juice, 1 cup of ice, and ½ cup frozen pineapple. Just place all the ingredients in a blender and pulse the blender until the ice is crushed. If you have a crushed ice maker, even better. Pour in a glass, rim the glass with salt, and decorate with a lemon wedge if desired.

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Blog, Event Planning

Social Media Etiquette for Children’s Parties

Social media has become a popular way to invite guests to children’s parties. Keep in mind that blasting a message to all of your friends can be a risky endeavor, resulting in dozens of guests for which you haven’t planned and are unprepared. It can also be extremely hurtful to any children that are left off the guest list. It costs nothing to be kind. Consider how your own child would feel in the same circumstances. Post Carefully Remember that social media messages are public and can be seen by anyone – including perfect strangers. Don’t post personal information such as your phone number or email address, or the time, date and location of the event. Even with the filters and settings available, there’s a significant amount of information that can be gleaned from your profile. Contacts Only Social media is fast and convenient. Chances are that you’re going to know the parents of the children you’re inviting and have their contact information. Consider contacting them directly via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram to issue the invitation. Direct messaging is an excellent way to ensure the parent receives the invitation – and only those that will be invited. RSVP Unfortunately, some people will never let you know if their child will be attending or not. Many are still reluctant to allow their child to attend events in an age of COVID-19. Make sure you include a phone number or email for parental responses or questions. It can be helpful to include a response option using the term “regrets” for those that won’t be attending. Also be prepared to contact several parents, as there will be some that forget to respond or don’t respond by the RSVP date. Party Pictures There will always be party pictures taken and it can be embarrassing and hurtful – especially for teens and tweens – to suddenly see those pictures popping up in their social media feed. It’s far better to email copies only to those who were in attendance.

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Hottest Waterslides for Summer Heat

One of the best ways to beat summer heat is with an inflatable waterslide. They can be used wet or dry, and have splash pools at the end. In some models, the splash pool can be eliminated, the slide can be affixed to an inground pool, and guests are deposited directly into the swimming pool for the ultimate pool party. There are a variety of models to accommodate any size gathering and multiple age groups to ensure everyone has fun. 40 Ft. The Twister is South Florida’s largest inflatable waterslide, featuring a 40 ft. drop and a curve at the end. The waterslide can be set up without the curve for a watery ride of 110 ft. The Hurricane is another choice that’s highlighted with a 40 ft. drop. The Typhoon is a two-lane slide with a 40 ft. drop for competitive fun that’s great for fundraisers. 38 Ft. Designed with an astronaut theme, the 38 ft. Space Shuttle waterslide offers two lanes and is decorated with replicas of the space shuttle and the Earth. 36 Ft. The Tidal Wave is a dual lane slide with a 32 ft. drop, while The Hulk features a blue and green 36 ft. drop and over 100 feet of dual slides. 32 Ft. The Black Pearl has a 32 ft. drop that takes riders on a ride through a pirate ship themed slide. The All American celebrates the red, white and blue with a hump at the beginning to blast riders down a 70 ft. long slide. All Sizes There are a number of options ranging from a 30 ft. drop to a drop of 14 ft. for smaller children. There are models that combine the fun of a waterslide with that of an obstacle course, along with those with two types of ladders – one is a rock climb and the other is steps to the water slide. Individuals can also choose slip and slides of 35 ft. long.

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Blog, Bounce House Rental

Who Invented the Bounce House?

Bounce houses are a favorite entertainment for youngsters around the world and have brought joy to children for decades. John Scurlock invented the first bounce house in 1959 in Shreveport, LA, but that’s not what he set out to do. Scurlock was an engineer and professor experimenting with inflatable structures, specifically for tennis courts. He also did work creating products for NASA and the oil and gas industry. His goal was to invent a tennis court cover that could be deployed quickly, rapidly deflated, and then compacted down for easy storage. The inventor was working with different types of plastics and one of his creations was a plastic cushion known as the Space Pillow. It was really more of a mattress at that point. The idea for the bounce house came to him after watching his employees, then his friends and children, bouncing on the device. He observed the fun they were having and an idea was born. Scurlock began manufacturing his Space Pillow in a factory in New Orleans, LA, where horse pads were created. His invention proved popular, but was dangerous and bore little resemblance to the bounce houses of today. It had no walls, no netting, and no safety features. Scurlock’s wife, Frances, is actually credited with getting the bounce house business off the ground and turning the business into a rental operation called Space Walk in 1968. She began renting out the devices for birthday parties, fund-raising events and similar events. The family continued to improve on the design and released a model in 1974 with safety netting and inflatable columns they dubbed the Jupiter Jump. The bounce house was a success and began appearing at carnivals and county fairs, to name a few. However, that’s not the end of the Scurlock story. In 1976, the family company expanded into a custom facility. When John and Frances Scurlock retired, their son, Frank, took over the business. In 1986, Frank Scurlock invented the first indoor amusement center, a model that’s been recreated numerous times by various companies. He followed that up in 1991 by inventing the first inflatable water slide and the family’s Space Walk company invented the first inflatable photo booth in 2012. Inflatables of all types are now available and the entertainments are offered as rentals at more than 200 locations across the U.S. Today, there are inflatable bounce houses, water slides, mazes, obstacle courses, human-sized lawn games and interactive options. Individuals can rent inflatable photo booths, carnival games, mini bars, and extreme sports activities. Scurlock’s legacy continues to live on.

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Blog, Event Planning

What to Include in Your Outdoor Event Budget

There are dozens of details to consider when planning an outdoor event and one of the most important is your budget. Knowing how much you have to spend will affect every aspect of the event and its ultimate success. Food Feeding guests is going to be a major part of your expenses. Always plan on extra food. Serving a simple menu can help cut costs. Burgers, hotdogs and punch are far less expensive than steak, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages. Find out if any guests are vegan or have food allergies and plan for some options that meet their dietary requirements. Peruse dollar stores for low-cost table service. Entertainment Instead of a band or DJ, consider creating a playlist that can be broadcast over your stereo. If dancing is on the agenda, rent a portable dance floor. Inflatables can provide hours of fun and they’re economical compared to other types of entertainments. Consider if you’re going to decorate for the event. There are dozens of dollar stores that offer economical decorations. Location Depending on the size of your guest list, consider holding the event at a public park. They may be free to use, even for larger groups. Holding an event at home is even more budget-friendly, assuming you have the space. Permits and Insurance If a park is the event destination, you may need a permit. Some public spaces issue permits for a nominal fee. It may not be much, but the cost should be figured into your budget. Don’t assume that your homeowner’s insurance will cover any damages or injuries incurred at an at-home party – there may be exclusions. Sun and Rain Blazing sun and unexpected rain present a problem. Tents or canopies provide essential shade if no natural shade is available. They also provide shelter from the rain. It can take a significant bite out of your budget, but it’s well-worth the expense.

For More Information on our rental equipment or to reserve your bounce house or waterslide rental today, visit our website at https://www.southfloridabounce.com/

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Blog, Bounce House Rental

Why Include an Inflatable for Your Tween’s Party

Everyone knows how popular inflatables are for younger children, but they’re equally applicable for tweens. There’s a wide range of inflatables that can be rented, including those to delight tweens. The selection of modern inflatables enables parents to throw a tween party that will be a treasured memory for years to come. Pure Joy Anyone that’s ever watched a youngster of any age play on an inflatable knows the look of indescribable joy that comes over a child’s face. Economical Renting an inflatable for home use saves parents money and enables them to customize the celebration to their child’s particular interests. Convenience Holding a tween party with inflatables at home is far more convenient than trying to book a local venue and there’s less for parents to worry about. The inflatable company provides everything needed, delivers the selected amusement and returns to pick it up. Selection The selection of inflatables has progressed far beyond simple bounce houses. Individuals now have inflatable wet and dry water slides, mazes, obstacle courses, interactive sports, and human-sized lawn games. Virtual and mechanical games can also be selected and they’re available in multiple themes. Health Benefits Running, jumping and competing against friends with inflatables is an excellent aerobic workout. It strengthens muscles, stimulates the circulatory system, and enhances the respiratory system. Inflatables also stimulate the brain and memory. Tweens that typically prefer more sedate activities can’t resist the lure of an inflatable. Socialization Even shy tweens will be drawn out of their shell when they encounter an inflatable and will be eager to join in the fun. Inflatables encourage social activities encompassing talking and laughing with peers, empathy and sharing. Stress Relief Tweens feel stress just as acutely as their parents. The opportunities offered by inflatables provides tweens with a fun, safe and acceptable means of releasing that stress.

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Blog, Event Planning

Family Vacation Planning Post COVID

In the post COVID-19 pandemic environment, travel isn’t as simple as it was in the past. Those planning on a family vacation will have many more things to consider and requirements to meet than before. One simple omission could put the brakes on a well-deserved respite. Passport Travel outside the U.S. requires a passport. If you’re applying for the first time or need to renew, begin the process early. The U.S. Department of State is behind. Routine processing can take up to 3 months. Expedited processing, which costs extra, can take up to 2 months. Vaccine Cards and Masks A vaccination card is critical and travelers should be current on all boosters. COVID-related requirements vary widely among countries. Some require a negative test within a specified number of days prior to boarding a plane, while others require a minimum quarantine time upon arrival. Some countries still have mask requirements in place within certain indoor areas or when utilizing public transportation. Masks should be worn over the nose and mouth. Be prepared for changes. Countries can, and do, change their rules according to rates of infection and the situation can change at a moment’s notice. Travel bans may be instituted. Rates The cost of airfare and accommodations have increased significantly. Be prepared to pay more, but still shop around for the best rates. Deals are still available, but individuals will need to do the legwork online to find them – or book with a travel agent who should be able to keep you advised of current COVID requirements. Travel Insurance Be aware that not all travel insurance plans cover COVID-related interruptions or cancellations, while others cover some situations but not all. Purchasing “cancel for any reason” coverage will provide individuals with some reimbursement, even if it doesn’t cover the full cost. Travel insurance may or may not include quarantine-related delays and losses. Some of the policies provide benefits ranging from $100 to $2,000 per day, along with medical coverage for quarantine or hospitalization. Choose “interruption for any reason” coverage.

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Best Springs to Visit in Florida 2022

Florida is well-known for its water-related activities, beautiful beaches and the Everglades. What many don’t know is that the state is also home to almost 700 natural freshwater springs, many of which also have underwater caves where individuals can go snorkeling. Three Sisters Springs Located in Crystal River, the site features pristine water and the opportunity to view manatees. The only way to access the springs is by canoe, kayak or paddleboard. Madison Blue Spring State Park The spring’s waters are crystal clear, with a depth of 25 ft. and a width of almost 82 ft. Visitors can swim, dive, or see the underwater caves. A variety of land and aquatic wildlife reside there, including catfish, sunfish and turtles. Ginnie Springs Scuba diving, snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking and canoeing are just some of the activities that can be enjoyed in the turquoise water. Rafting and tubing are also popular pastimes at the springs. Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park The site is actually a combination of nearly 30 individual springs. One of the springs releases 100 cubic ft. of water per second. Visitors will find fresh and saltwater wildlife, including the West Indian manatee, that can be viewed through an underwater observatory. Land animals include black bears, the Florida panther, red wolves and a resident hippo. Rainbow Springs The spring has a history going back 10,000 years and maintains a temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. They range in depth from 5 to 18 ft. in depth. The site includes waterfalls, the opportunity to go tubing, camping, snorkeling and scuba diving. A rainbow of blossoms is on display during the spring. Devil’s Den Spring Located in a prehistoric cave, the water is a pleasing 72 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. Swimming isn’t allowed and the company that owns it charges an admission fee, but it can be well worth the experience for scuba divers. Silver Glen Springs Take a glass bottom boat ride for a view of manatees and a wealth of aquatic wildlife. Visitors can also stop in at the Silver River Museum and Cracker Village that’s a recreation of a 19th century pioneer village.

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Blog, Bounce House Rental

Who Should Not Use a Bounce House

Bounce houses are extremely popular, as evidenced by the long lines of children waiting to use them. Bounce houses are safe to use with proper supervision and provide a fun entertainment for at home or for any special event. However, there are some children that shouldn’t be allowed to use a bounce house for their own safety or under certain circumstances. The first rule of safety for a bounce house is to have a responsible adult monitor it at all times. That includes controlling the number of children inside at one time and watching for those that aren’t following the rules. An adult should be on duty at all times in the event that a problem with inflation occurs or a storm blows in. Mixing Younger and Older Children Mixing children of different sizes is dangerous. Safely using a bounce house means having users of similar age and size using it and the same time. Large Groups Bounce house participants should be limited to small groups, preferably of the same relative size and weight. Youngsters can get overly enthusiastic with their jumps and bounds, which can lead to falls and broken limbs. Shoes and Sharp Objects Children should never enter a bounce house while wearing shoes. It’s detrimental to the bounce house and can result in an injury to other youngsters. Users should remove jewelry and be free of sharp objects in pockets. Wind and Rain No child should be allowed to play in a bounce house when it’s windy or raining. A breeze that can blow paper, sand or dirt around is strong enough to move around a bounce house, even when appropriately anchored. Moisture coming in on children’s feet makes for an extremely slippery surface that can result in any number of injuries.

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Crocs Have Made a Comeback!

Love them or hate them, Crocs™ are here to stay and the brand is stronger than ever. The foam clogs were making a comeback and the COVID-19 pandemic helped propel the trend. People became more interested in comfort while working from home and women, in particular, were happy to kick the high heel habit. Crocs™ had $1.1 billion in revenue during the last half of 2021. The lightweight shoes were originally designed for boating, featuring a secure grip and odor resistance. However, the footwear quickly gained popularity as standard fare for all types of recreational pursuits and even in professional environments. They lost favor among wearers for a while, but they’re back with a vengeance. More than 300 million pairs of the brightly colored footwear have been sold and they’re now offered in glittery styles and emblazoned with popular superheroes and Disney characters. Rhinestone-encrusted Crocs™ even had their day on the catwalk during London Fashion Week thanks to British designer, Christopher Kane. A shimmering gold version even appeared on the red carpet at the Academy Awards in 2021, worn by musician Questlove. Crocs™ has counted among its fans movie stars to presidents. Different collections are available ranging from a Bistro line to All-Terrain Terrazzo. The brand is also popular with those who value environmentally-friendly options, as the company is poised to be a Net Zero brand by 2030 with sustainable ingredients, packaging and responsible use of resources. Comfort and durability are two of the primary reasons people flock to Crocs™. They also appreciate the waterproof aspect, along with the ease with which the shoes can be cleaned. Consumers have more than 50 designs from which to choose and the more streamlined design is reminiscent of Italian styling. The brand’s footwear has been controversial since its founding, due to the clog’s appearance. That no longer seems to be a problem for a nation seeking an all-around, alternative footwear solution that’s focused on comfort. Just don’t forget some Jibbitz charms to dress up and customize the Crocs™.

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