Welcome to South Florida summer sunshine.  Summer is the warmest season of the year in the Southern Hemisphere.  Summer season runs June through August. So during these bright and cheerful summertime months, everyone throughout the United States experiences warmer temperatures. 

Warmer temperatures means we’re all using more energy to keep our homes cool.Florida, Power and Light  states, "Because A/C units run twice as long in the summer than during cooler months and account for more than half of your energy bill, you likely will notice your summer bills are higher than normal. Now is the time to take control of your energy use, because forecasters predict August to be another extremely hot month."

You can not control what you cannot see, so…

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South Florida's MIAMI Association of Realtors (including Jupiter/Tequesta to South Miami areas) celebrates a "milestone 90th anniversary and illustrious history of success and achievements."

 As a client of a Realtor, you can expect honest and ethical treatment in all real estate transaction-related matters. Using a professional Realtor is well advised and advantageous. They are competent members of the National Association of Realtors and here in South Florida, they are members of MIAMI as well. Realtors are not just agents. According to RealtorMag.com, Realtors make a significant difference for home buyers/sellers:

      "1). An expert guide. Selling a home usually requires dozens of forms, reports, disclosures, and other technical documents.…

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If you intend to sell your home, it might be a good idea to do a couple of renovations before listing it.  It is also wise move if you have not updated the home in several years.

Remodeling Magazine publishes an annual “Cost vs. Value Report”. The 2016 report disproves most people’s first assumption – kitchen or bathrooms being the remodels that yield the most resale value. According to this report, adding fiberglass attic insulation is the best return on investment.  This simple improvement yielded 117%. 

Renovations that are at the top of the list are:

-         Add fiberglass attic insulation with a yield of 117%.

-         Replace bottom siding on the bottom third of the house with stone veneer at 93%.

-         Exchanging garage…

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The National Association of Realtors data shows existing home sales ascended again in June 2016. They stated, “Existing home sales maintained their upward trajectory in June and increased for the fourth consecutive month.”

The National Association of Realtors, “The Voice for Realtors”, is the United States principal trade association. They represent 1.1. million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate.

“Palm Beach County’s housing market is scorching,” Ten-X, a company that has profound roots in technology and real estate, said in its report released earlier this week. Seasonally attuned home values are up 16.8 percent year-over-year, “the highest pace in the country.”

Palm Beach County has shoved its way…

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Jerry Garcia was the lead singer and lead guitarist for the Grateful Dead. The Grateful Dead was an American rock band formed in 1965 in the San Francisco area. The Grateful Dead have sold more than 35 million albums worldwide. Known for their psychedelic and varied inspirations, the band became known as “the pioneering Godfathers of the jam band world”.  

Roots Music, New Belgium Brewing and Sailor Jerry present the “Jerry Garcia Birthday Bash – Celebrating the life of Jerry Garcia (1942 – 1995).  The experience of celebrating 51 years of the iconic band the Grateful Dead and lead singer Jerry Garcia, will take place on July 31, 2016. 

The band and their fans, “Deadheads”, are widely associated with…

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Witness a very rare opportunity; observe a sea turtle hatchling release.  Loggerhead Marinelife Center (LMC) is one of Florida’s unique non-profit educational and entertaining destinations dedicated to ocean and sea turtle conservation. Their vision is, “to be recognized locally and internationally as the leading authority in sea turtle education, research, and rehabilitation.”

LMC is offering a program, which is available the entire month of August.  The program is a behind the scenes tour of the sea turtle rehabilitation-healing center and research facility located in Juno Beach. At the close of the tour, the group is escorted to the Juno Beach with a staff researcher.   At the beach, a Loggerhead staff member will release sea turtle hatchlings…

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According to Open Table, they began in 1988 with the goal of helping restaurants make on line reservations. They have narrowed down the top 5 restaurant in Southeast Florida to Miami. Miami is known for its vibrant nightlife, rooftop bars, and the most glamourous and sexiest eateries around.

#1. Red Carpet Italian Restaurant, 3438 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL.  Red Caret Italian is a place with authentic and exquisite Italian cuisine that is sure to please thru most discerning palates. It is full of wonder and ambiance. Each dish is created with the finest and freshest ingredients. Enjoy wine and pasta fests, lasagna Fridays, chef nights, and jazz. The concept at Red Carpet Italian is the final product of two brother's passion about sharing the table.…

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“Sundays on the Waterfront” is a FREE monthly concert series in South Florida featuring national and regional acts.  It takes place on the third Sunday of each month on the gorgeous waterfront in downtown West Palm Beach.  The City of West Palm Beach Department of Recreation and Strategic Innovations, Division of Community Events produce “Sundays on the Waterfront”.

The concert series is a perfect opportunity to get outside and enjoy the spectacular waterfront. Relax and chill out with family and friends on a Sunday afternoon.  Bring a blanket or chairs and enjoy the concert at Meyer Amphitheatre, 105 Evernia Street, West Palm Beach.  The show is FREE.

This Sunday, July 17, 2016, from 4:00pm – 7:00pm enjoy covers of standard Eagles hits such as…

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The fine art of Sangria blending has been around for centuries. From very humble beginnings in Spain, Sangria has become a very popular and refreshing beverage enjoyed in the Palm Beaches. The idea of mixing wine with alcohol and fruit has been around Europe for ages.  The wine bowl was the focal point of most European parties where guests would ladle the fruity wine concoction into a glass and chat.

Sangria was introduced to the United States at the 1964 World’s Fair.  The uplifting drink is traditionally made of red wine, brandy, and a variety of fruits. There is no right or wrong way to make your very own sangria. Depending on the time of year, there are countless recipes for sangria. On a hot summer day, try citrus fruits, oranges and lemon…

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Pantone Color Institute revealed the trending colors for 2016 earlier this year.   The institute is a forecasting book that provides color and direction for interior spaces and for the home.  People love to experiment with new style and color is easy. For the first time, the blending of two shades – "Rose Quartz" and "Serenity" are chosen as the PANTONE Color of the Year 2016!

Present day consumers seek mindfulness and well-being.  The importance of health and well-being are evident in the South Florida lifestyle. Because of these trends, they are becoming increasing aware of color and its impact on their home. Pantone states, "As an antidote to modern day stresses, welcoming colors that psychologically fulfill our yearning for reassurance and…

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