Category Archives: Blog

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Ways for Grandparents to Connect with Grandchildren

Sometimes the generation gap can seem insurmountable for grandparents, especially if their grandchildren are tweens or teens. It’s much easier to find activities to share with youngsters when they’re young, but a loving connection is essential at any age. Grandparents can have a profound influence on their grandchildren and for those that may not know where to begin, the following are some great ways to start.

One-on-One Time

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with spending the day or engaging in an activity with just one of your grandchildren at a time instead of doing something as a group. They each have different interests that you can share and nurture. Just do the same for each one.

Activities and Hobbies

It’s never too early for children to discover new interests. It could be anything from collecting seashells or knitting to biking and horseback riding. If a grandchild is already passionate about a sport or activity, watch TV or movies about it with them, or try it with them.

Be Silly, Have Fun

A sense of humor and the ability to laugh at oneself are some of the greatest gifts you can bestow upon your grandchildren. If you like to sing or dance, do it with wild abandon. Let them see your own sense of humor shine through and teach by example – don’t be afraid to try new things.

Be Practical

There are dozens of practical things with which you can help your grandchildren. Essential things you learned as a child are often not taught or learned anymore, but they still have practical applications. Being able to make change without electronic means, create a budget, cook a meal or change a tire are just some examples.

Be Yourself

There’s been way too much hype about being the “cool” grandma or grandpa. Children know when adults are faking. Grandchildren want to see the real you, know that they’re important to you, and that you love them. Spending time with them enables you to be a major part of their life, pass on some of your knowledge and experience, and learn new things from them.

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Blog, Bounce House Rental

Throw a Fun Fall Party

Children love everything about Halloween and it’s a favorite with adults. The popularity of Halloween is second only to Christmas. A fun fall party can satisfy the fun of Halloween and celebrate the autumn season with a multitude of activities. The following are just a few of the activities that can be utilized for the trendiest fall parties.

Pumpkins

The orange fruits can be carved or painted, depending upon the ages of the children. Some innovative party planners are holding parties during which youngsters decorate their pumpkins by using a hairdryer to melt crayons and letting the wax drip over them. Don’t try this without adult supervision. For an outdoor activity, try removing the stem from mini pumpkins and try pumpkin bowling.

Scarecrows

The traditional defenders of cornfields throughout the ages are also fun decorations to make. Stuffing a life size scarecrow isn’t necessary. Mini scarecrows and versions thereof can be constructed with jars filled with candy corn, craft sticks and Styrofoam, plastic flower pots, or even paper bags and crayons for the youngest scarecrow fans. Be sure to have accessories on hand for faces and other features.

Creepy Snacks

Almost everyone has heard about peeled grapes to imitate eyeballs, but there’s a myriad of ideas to try from a spider web cake decorated with plastic arachnids to frosted Rice Krispy treats that emulate ghosts. Add some green food coloring to create a batch of toxic mac and cheese or create edible hairy spider legs with breadsticks coated with parmesan cheese.

Bounce House

For easy and convenient fall party entertainment, consider a bounce house shaped like a pumpkin, castle or haunted house. They’re popular entertainments that can be combined with carnival games, interactive activities, virtual simulators, and fun food machines if desired.

Fun Options

All the activities designed for a fun fall party can be adjusted and scaled to accommodate multiple age groups, interest levels and budgets. Autumn and Halloween are synonymous with spooky fun and as the second most popular holiday, deserves a classic party to celebrate.

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South Florida Family Outdoor Activities

Heat and humidity levels are high in South Florida and that naturally leads to a desire to cool off. That means that many of the family-friendly outdoor activities will revolve around the water. There are also dozens of other activities that are available to enjoy a fun day out for those that want a land-bound experience. The number of options is so varied that in many instances even residents may not be aware of them.

You don’t have to own a boat, personal water craft or even a paddle board to enjoy the ocean, lakes, and rivers. Numerous rentals are available for varying lengths of time whether you just want to spend a few hours of quiet fishing, go snorkeling or even learn to surf. Florida has a very active surfing community and some of the most accomplished surfers in the world trained at one time in Florida.

Kayaking/Canoeing – Rivers abound in South Florida, providing ample space and scenic views. Some areas pass through wildlife refuges and federally designated wild and scenic locales that feature unique birds, wildlife and plants.

Fishing – From largemouth bass to sea trout, South Florida has a species for a mouthwatering feast. Trophy fishing is also allowed.

Paddle boarding – Better known as standup paddle boarding (SUP), a variety of locations have been designated as good places to take a board and enjoy the scenery that includes rivers, inlets, and established paddle boarding trails.

Boating – From the ocean to dozens of quiet waterways, boating is one of the most popular activities. There are small islands to visit, park waterways to sail, and a wealth of lakes that provide the opportunity to use a personal water craft.

Snorkeling – John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is the nation’s first undersea park and offers an underwater wonderland to explore. Florida’s reefs are home to starfish, octopus and squid, rays and urchins, along with some of the most brightly colored fish in their natural habitat.

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Blog, Event Planning

Trendy Kid Costumes for 2019

Kids love the candy collected during trick-or-treating and half the fun of Halloween is dressing up as their favorite personalities from TV, movies, books and video games. Trendy costumes for 2019 encompass everything from digital characters to witches, but these aren’t the traditional “dark” characterizations of decades past.

Today’s costumes incorporate glamor, glitz, sparkles, glow-in-the-dark features, and even lights. The following kid costumes are some of the trendiest for the 2019 Halloween season.

Emmet from The LEGO Movie 2 – The construction worker and Master Builder has struck a chord with kids. The upbeat character is an ordinary guy that’s destined to become a hero.

Jasmine from Aladdin – The release of the live-action Aladdin movie starring Will Smith as the genie has rekindled interest in Princess Jasmine and all the Aladdin characters.

Pikachu – The digital character is the star of video games and movies, and the lovable Pokémon continues to be popular with the younger set.

Sharks – Kids of all ages are fascinated with the deep water fish. This year’s costumes are available for the “Baby Shark” generation to older kids.

Simba from the Lion King – Designed for younger kids, the character captured a new generation of fans with the release of the digitally animated, musical version of the original film.

Super Mario – The charismatic plumber is one of the first characters to which kids are introduced in video games and his popularity continues.

Wednesday Addams – The release of The Addams Family movie has brought the wackiness of the 1960s original TV series back in an animated form.

Wonder Woman – Girl power is alive and well and kids are flocking to Wonder Woman costumes. Complete with tiara, the costume allows girls to be powerful heroes.

The trendy kid costumes for 2019 have been influenced by films, unlike many of the costumes in the past. No matter what costume children choose for trick-or-treating, the most important aspect of Halloween festivities is staying safe.

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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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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.

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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.

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