Category Archives: Blog

Blog

Best Farmers Markets from Palm Beach to Miami

Florida’s farmers markets offer a wealth of fresh fruit, vegetables and homemade goodies. It’s been said that people can find anything at a Florida farm market and it’s true. Some are a cross between a farmers market and a flea market, offering products ranging from farm fresh produce and home-baked bread to handbags and ethnic foods.

Coconut Grove Organic Farmer’s Market

Held on Saturdays at 3300 Grand Ave. in Miami, the market offers organic fruits, vegetables, seeds, grains and raw vegan foods. Visitors can find a myriad of tropical and in-season produce, along with more exotic international offerings that include favorites such as jaboticaba and durian. The market encompasses raw food pizzas, a salad bar, and raw fruit pies.

Fernandina Beach Market Place

The market brings together local growers, entrepreneurs, residents and visitors each Saturday on N. 7th St., Fernandina Beach. Visitors will find locally grown and produced items ranging from fruits and vegetables to baked goods, eggs and seafood. Though it’s a relatively new venue, it’s already garnering positive reviews. It closes for the Shrimp Festival in May.

Redland Market Village

The market is open Thursday through Sunday and is located at 24420 S. Dixie Highway in Miami. Consumers will be treated to natural and organically grown fruits, vegetables, and ethnic ingredients, along with a flea market, a fish market, plant nursery, and a Kid Zone area.

Yellow Green Farmers Market

This is South Florida’s largest farmers market and it’s open year-round on Saturday and Sunday. Located at 3080 Sheridan St. in Hollywood, visitors can shop organic fruits and veggies, herbs and micro greens, dairy and eggs, cheese, chicken, fresh fish, Amish butter, nuts, pastas, coffees, olive oils, baked goods, and wine and beer, and much more.

Something for Everyone

Farmer’s markets are large, fun-filled events in South Florida that offer some of the most flavorful produce, ingredients, and ethnic ingredients in the nation. No matter what home cooks are seeking, they’ll find plenty of old favorites and new discoveries at a Florida farm market.

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Blog

Popular South Florida Bike Paths

Biking for exercise and recreation is one of the most popular activities in the U.S. and counts among its ranks more than 47.5 million people. South Florida has some of the most beautiful bike paths in the nation where cyclists can enjoy beachside views, parks and historic sites.

Bill Baggs State Park

Towering trees and Biscayne Bay are just part of the views to enjoy. Bike rentals are available for the 1.5 mile trail and some people have even been fortunate enough to see a manatee.

Cypress Creek Greenway

The seven-mile trail goes by parks with restrooms, parking and other amenities. There’s little shade, so be sure and bring sunscreen, wear a hat, and stay hydrated.

Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail

Scenic and educational, it stretches 70 miles past historic railroad bridges, marine and wildlife refuges, and bike rentals are available.

Hollywood Beach Boardwalk

Constructed in the 1920s, the trail runs 2.5 miles past parks, shops, restaurants and hotels. It’s been recognized as one of “10 Great Public Spaces.” It’s paved in brick and can be extremely busy as pedestrians also use it. Riders can stop for a snack and go swimming if they’d like.

Jonathan Dickinson State Park

The park contains both paved and nature trails to bike. The land was once a top secret training facility for the Signal Corps during World War II for the new –at the time – development of radar.

Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail

The trail goes around Lake Okeechobee on top of the Herbert Hoover Dike. There are paved and gravel portions, and the trail diverts in some places around locks and on roadways.

Old Cutler Trail

The path is 11 miles long and bikers can see ficus and banyan trees, rest in a park, and explore the natural gifts that each park has to offer.

Shark Valley Trail

Famous for its wildlife, bikers can view a variety of birds and animals along the 15 mile loop. Cyclists can also drink in the vista at the observation tower. A hat, sunscreen and water are essential for traveling this trail.

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Getting Your Kids to Eat Veggies

Almost every parent has become frustrated with their child’s determination to ignore their vegetables. The best way to establish a life-long love of veggies is to start offering them at an early age. Kids that become accustomed to vegetables early will typically continue to eat them. However, if you already have a picky eater, there are some strategies that you can try to make veggies a healthy habit.

Finger Food Snacks

Fruits and veggies make a great finger food snack that kids can eat on the go. It will require a little work on your part to make them appealing and ready to eat. Carrot and celery sticks, jicama, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, snap peas, bell peppers, and cauliflower florets are all easy to prepare. You can also incorporate sliced versions using different cuts for a “fancy” touch. Salsa and other dips can make veggies more appealing.

Make a Salad

A salad is one of the easiest ways to get kids used to veggies and they’re not limited to plain iceberg lettuce. There’s romaine lettuce, endive, arugula, spinach, and kale – all of which can be utilized in combination for a salad that’s tasty and healthy.

You can also add peppers, mushrooms, onions, and cheese shreds. There are also convenient, pre-bagged lettuce mixtures. Be sure to try a variety of dressings to find which one strikes a chord with your child.

Veggies at Every Meal

Every meal should include at least one veggie and you can make a game of trying a new veggie each day or week. It will give kids exposure to different types of vegetables and you’ll find out which ones are their favorites for future meals. For example, use sweet potato fries instead of traditional potatoes.

Substitutions

Veggies can be more than a side dish. There are dozens of recipes in which vegetables such as zucchini can be substituted for traditional pasta such as spaghetti.

Make it Fun

Sometimes it’s all in the presentation. Different shapes and cuts can transform an ordinary vegetable into something fun to eat. You can also add veggies into dishes that you already know your child likes such as mac and cheese, tacos or pizza.

If your child doesn’t like a certain vegetable, don’t give up. Kids may like certain veggies steamed or grilled rather than raw. The cooking method can make a world of difference. Don’t forget to make full use of dips such as salsa, ranch or hummus. Kids like to dip just as much as adults.

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Blog, Event Planning

Songs of Summer

Summertime has always been a favorite subject for songs and there’s no shortage of tunes to while away the summer whether you’re a fan of oldies or the latest releases. Special songs have the ability to evoke powerful memories of people, places and experiences. They’re the soundtrack of our memory.

A summer playlist is the ideal accompaniment to any activity whether it’s a day on the beach, commuting to work, taking a road trip, or walking the dog. A song track can transport you to a time when life was simple, the poignancy of a first love, or the sheer feeling of freedom and happiness that summer represents.

There’s no time limit on the songs of summer.  You can find summer playlists on many of the most popular streaming platforms.  You can create your own “mixtape” or choose from different themes. They can be current hits or tunes that you remember from high school. The important thing is that they make you feel good. The following are just a few suggestions to consider.

  1. “Sucker” by the Jonas Brothers
  2. “Ice Cream” by Mika
  3. “There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back” by Shawn Mendes
  4. “Queen of the Night” by Whitney Houston
  5. “Ex’s & Oh’s” by Elle King
  6. “Get the Party Started” by Pink
  7. “Shape of You” by Ed Sheeran
  8. “Mic Drop” by BTS
  9. “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift
  10. “Roar” by Katy Perry

A summer playlist is easy to assemble based on your personal preferences. Don’t be afraid to include some throw-back tracks. There are tunes that make you want to get up and dance, those that are ideal for working out at the gym, and songs that make you want to “Shout it Out Loud.”

The most important thing is “That’s the Way” you like it. No one wants to listen to the same songs over and over, so make sure the list is wide-ranging – it can be as long as you want – so go out and make your summer spectacular.

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

Lightning is No Joke in Florida

Watching the powerful, hot flashes of lightning on the ocean’s surface as a storm rolls in can be exciting in Florida. However, anyone living or visiting the Sunshine State needs to understand that lightning is a form of electricity and can strike up to 10 miles away from a storm.

The state’s warm, humid weather makes it particularly vulnerable to storms with lightning. With an average of 25.3 lightning strikes for each square mile, Florida leads the nation in lightning strikes and resulting deaths.

If you hear thunder, the safest place to be is inside since the way lightning travels you can be hit when the sky is clear and blue. Immediately go indoors and never stay in the water during a storm. It’s a myth that you’re safe in rubber shoes and you should also take precautions when indoors. Stay away from doors, windows, and other objects that conduct electricity. Don’t use the phone.

The resulting electricity from lightning acts similarly to water when it travels and it will follow the path of least resistance. It can move through the ground, the electrical wiring and plumbing in your house, metal in the home and gutters, and even rebar in concrete. Victims of a lightning strike are often struck as the electrical charge travels along and through the ground.

It’s a good idea to unplug electrical devices – surge protectors are ineffective against a direct strike. Contact with washers and dryers during an electrical storm are particularly hazardous. Remember that lightning can strike in the same place twice and often does.

Victims of a lightning strike will require immediate medical care. People don’t retain a charge after being struck and it’s safe to render aid. Florida is the lightning capital of the U.S. making it imperative that you take appropriate precautions to keep yourself, loved ones and pets protected.

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Hot Dogs From Around the U.S.

Hot dogs are a staple of backyard BBQs and they’re no longer the one-size fits all that you may remember from your childhood. Available in regular lengths of six inches to foot-longs, they can be smothered in any condiment imaginable. The only unvarying constant is that hot dogs come in packs of 10 and hot dog buns remain an eight-pack.

While there are dozens of hot dog brands, some are more popular in certain regions of the U.S. and even the choice of condiments and buns can be a bone of contention among die-hard enthusiasts. The following words of authority on hot dogs come from the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council.

New York Dog

It’s topped with sautéed onions and tomato paste, sauerkraut, and spicy brown mustard, though all-beef franks are typically completed with sauerkraut, melted cheese and Thousand Island dressing.

Chicago Dog

A Chicago dog has chopped onion, pickle relish, yellow mustard, medium-hot pepper, tomato slices, and a dash of celery salt served on a poppy seed bun.

Coney Island Dog

A Michigan favorite, the hot dog is smothered in chili sauce, mustard and onion.

Cleveland Polish Boy

The Polish Boy can be a hot dog or kielbasa. It begins with the meat, followed by a layer of French fries, sweet BBQ sauce or hot sauce, and a layer of coleslaw.

Sonoran Dog

Popular throughout the southwest it originated in Hermosillo, Mexico. It’s a bacon-wrapped hot dog topped with grilled onions, green peppers, relish, chopped tomatoes, mayonnaise, mustard, jalapeno salsa, shredded cheese, and pinto beans.

Rockie Dog

The foot-longs are topped with onions, grilled peppers and sauerkraut.

New Jersey Dog

An Italian hot dog rests in a pizza bread bun, topped with onions, peppers and deep-fried potatoes.

Texas Dog

It’s a hot dog covered in chili, cheese, and jalapenos.

Kansas City Dog

These are topped with melted Swiss cheese and sauerkraut on a sesame seed bun.

Fenway Frank

Boiled and grilled, it’s served with mustard, relish, and Boston baked beans on a New England-style bun.

Reindeer Hot Dog

The hot dog is typically made of caribou, served in a steamed bun, and onions that may be sautéed in Coca-Cola®.

West Virginia Dog

The hot dog is topped with chili, coleslaw and mustard on a steamed bun.

Philadelphia Dog

This is an all-beef hot dog with a fish cake, topped with spicy mustard and sweet coleslaw.

Cincinnati Coney

Hot dogs are topped with chili and grated cheese.

Hot Dogs for All

There’s a hot dog for everyone in the U.S., from the cream cheese covered dogs in Seattle to the coleslaw and Vidalia onion-topped dogs favored in the south. No matter what they’re topped with, they’ve been a hit since German immigrant, Charles Feltman, sold the first hot dog on Coney Island in the 1860s.

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

End the Summer with a Giant Waterslide

A giant waterslide is a perfect way to end the summer season before kids return to school. It’s fun, affordable, and there’s a water slide for every age group. It’s a great way to throw an end-of-season party for friends and family that will be remembered into the school year even while children are learning the alphabet, conjugating verbs, or solving algebraic equations.

South Florida Bounce has the largest inflatable water slides available. Coming in at 40 ft. tall, the Typhoon or the Hurricane offers two-lane, side-by-side fun. The Twister is also 40 ft. tall and features a curve for additional enjoyment.

The available water slides encompass heights of 30, 35, 36 and 38 for the daring and some end with a pool at the bottom for an additional splash. Multiple brightly colored themes are offered that includes the Hulk and the Space Shuttle.

A myriad of mid-size options are available, ranging from the Tropical Cyclone, Captain America and Hoover Dam to the Log Flume, Tsunami, Pipeline and MudSlide, all at 30 ft.in height. They’re offered in single and multiple lanes for competing with friends. Water slides with heights of 18, 20, 22, 24, and 25 ft. can be customized and combined with complementary add-ons that include an obstacle course for even more fun.

There are plenty of water slides for the younger generation, too. It’s easy for kids to spend the entire day playing, sliding, and splashing down a 13 ft. tall water slide. It contains a unique ladder that makes it easy for little ones to scramble up to take their turn on the slide over and over.

There’s nothing quite like a water slide to bring people together. It’s an easy and affordable way to create a unique celebration before school starts. An added advantage is that no one has to drive long distances to have a great time.

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

Ways to Reduce Your “Single Use Plastic”

The U.S. generates more than 30 million tons of plastic waste each year and it’s not even the top producer. Those levels continue to escalate and only seven percent is recycled. It breaks into trillions of little pieces that pollute the ground, water, and kills wildlife. Plastic waste is a severe environmental hazard around the globe.

You don’t have to alter your lifestyle to be environmentally responsible. Just a few small changes can make an enormous difference. The following are some of the easiest ways to make a difference and reduce single-use plastic.

  1. Don’t use plastic straws, even at eateries. Buy a reusable glass or stainless steel straw that you can take with you anywhere you go.
  2. Buy a plastic or insulated steel water bottle instead of purchasing bottled water. It can be refilled almost anywhere and you’ll be saving money.
  3. Instead of disposable razors, invest in one that uses replaceable blades.
  4. Bring a reusable, cloth shopping bag to take home purchases at stores or farmer’s markets and remember to wash them often. Plastic grocery bags take 1,000 years to degrade. Say no to plastic produce bags and containers.
  5. Choose matches over disposable lighters or use a metal lighter that can be refilled.
  6. Forgo plastic silverware at home. You can also request that restaurants not include plastic utensils in take-out orders.
  7. Consider keeping a set of bamboo eating utensils for dining at informal eateries and on the go.
  8. Take lunches and snacks to work, school or outings in reusable plastic containers and bags.
  9. Not all plastic jugs can be recycled. Purchase products such as juice and laundry soap in recyclable packaging whenever possible.
  10. Buy fruits, veggies, pasta and cereal in bulk and repackage at home in reusable containers. It also saves money.
  11. Don’t buy fruits and veggies in individually packaged cups. Buy a large can and preserve leftovers in reusable containers.
  12. Rethink frozen meals and convenience foods.
  13. Learn what’s recyclable and what isn’t. Most cities offer curbside recycling programs.

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

Keeping Kids Safe in a Bounce House

From coast to coast, bounce houses have become a must-have item for any children’s party, fundraiser, street carnival, school festival, and business-sponsored event where kids will be present. They’re a fun amusement and taking appropriate precautions will ensure a safe time for everyone.

The most important element for bounce house safety is adult supervision. A bounce house should never be left unattended, even for a moment. It’s essential to limit the number of children that are using the bounce house at the same time, that children are all comparable in size, and that they’re using the bounce house appropriately.

Children should never enter an inflatable with shoes on. Keep all food and drink outside the bounce house and make sure youngsters don’t have any sharp object on them such as pens, pencils, keys and other items. When clients rent a bounce house from South Florida Bonce, an attendant can be provided at minimal cost to ensure safety.

Wind is the enemy of any inflatable structure, making it imperative that bounce houses are securely anchored. They should always be anchored to the ground. Bounce houses should never be erected where they’ll physically touch other objects.

The experts at South Florida Bounce provide experienced setup for bounce house rentals and all the required equipment. Clients simply need to provide an appropriately sized space clear of litter, debris and other hazards. Many individuals and companies purchase a bounce house for repeated usage. For those that do, it’s essential that all included instructions be followed to the letter to ensure safety.

A bounce house can provide children with hours of fun and healthy playtime. The critical element for ensuring safety is adult supervision. If there’s any doubt that an adult will be available at all times, hire an attendant.

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

Family Beach Essentials

Almost everyone has arrived for a day at the beach, only to discover they need something they didn’t pack or they’ve included a lot of unnecessary items. Parents are charged with remembering everything from sunscreen to toys, but they don’t have to be pack animals. With a few simple adjustments, parents can remember all the essentials, lighten their load, and have a relaxing day of sun and sand with the children.

A waterproof carryall bag should be the first thing on a beach-goer’s bucket list for every member of the family, even children. If a child wants to take sand toys to the beach, they need to carry it themselves in their own tote bag.

Sunscreen is an absolutely critical item for the beach. Be sure to have enough to apply multiple times and that it has a high SPF rating. Sunscreen will need to be reapplied frequently.

Make sure everyone has a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses that block UVB and UVA rays that damage skin. To save money and keep everyone fed and hydrated, a rolling suitcase-style insulated cooler is a must-have.

No one wants to lounge on the beach unprotected from the heat radiating from the sand. A single large beach blanket will do the trick and they’re available in materials that won’t trap sand and makes cleaning a breeze. It’s also a good idea to have a compact beach towel in which to wrap a child that’s cold from being in the water. Parents may prefer a beach chair for lounging and they’re offered in lightweight models with convenient carry straps.

Umbrellas provide shade for adults and children, but they can be limited in scope and difficult to keep anchored in the sand. For younger children, a small, popup tent can be helpful for shielding youngsters from the sun.

It’s also a good idea to invest in a waterproof and sand proof bag for phones. It will ensure the devices are safe and are always ready if needed. A day at the beach is fun for everyone and it will be more enjoyable when families take the essentials and pare down the unnecessary items they take.

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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