Last month we talked about home security during the holidays, and I got to thinking that many small businesses might need some helpful tips to keeping their brick and mortar business safe during the holidays. Of course some of the tips for home safety can be used for small businesses, but there are a few extra tips to keep in mind. Holiday Security for your Small Business Lights – Keeping your business well lit, inside and out, is a great way to prevent after hours break-ins. If you have a business located on a busy street with large display windows make sure they are well lit during your... Read More

The holidays are a wonderful time spent with friends and family. The holidays are also a time when your home and car are more likely to be burglarized. Gifts are everywhere and people are out shopping and visiting friends across town or across the country – a perfect invitation for those who would steal your belongings. Don’t become a victim of these senseless crimes. You can protect your home and your car with a few common-sense tips this season. Keeping Your Home and Vehicle Secure During the Holidays Lights – Keep your home well lit when you are away. If you are gone for the evening keep... Read More

Halloween is one of the best events of the year for children but it can be dangerous if children aren’t cautious. Teach your kids these Halloween safety tips before they head out to trick or treat this year. Halloween Safety Tips Go in Groups – Don’t let your older child go trick or treating by himself. Make sure they go in groups and that they keep track of each other. For younger children an adult or two should be leading the group. Plan a Route – Map out the area where your kids will be trick or treating and make sure to stay on it. Little kids should stay close to home... Read More

Halloween is just around the corner, if you’re like most parents you want your kids to have fun but you also want to make sure they are safe. Below are some family friendly Halloween events taking place in Jacksonville this October. Halloween Events in Jacksonville Sykes and Cooper Farms Corn Maze 5995 Brough Rd Elkton, FL Since 2010, Sykes and Cooper Farms has been providing folks of all ages with “Agritainment”! You may wonder what this means… We combine a 9-acre corn maze full of “cornfusing” twists and turns, “live” entertainment including, Jack, the loudest hee- hawing... Read More

Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of hurricane Irma. As residents of Jacksonville, FL we know how devastating the storm and subsequent flooding has been to Jacksonville residents. Here are several resources for those in need of help and for those who would like to provide help for those in need. Help for victims of Hurricane Irma: Lodging Airbnb – If your home has been destroyed or damaged and you need a place to stay you can find many Airbnb homes available for free. Click here to see a listing of Airbnb homes available in your area. HomeAway – Find free or greatly discounted... Read More

Summer is coming to an end, the kids are going back to school soon, but there’s still plenty of family friendly fun to be had in and around Jacksonville this September. Whether you want to do a little camping with the family or take in a brewery tour with friends, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this month in Jacksonville. Events in Jacksonville this August and September Science of Parenthood When: August 19, 2017 Where: MOSH 1025 Museum Circle Jacksonville, FL Described as “The Big Bang Theory of parenting blogs,” Science of Parenthood’s contagious humor has been featured on... Read More

Summer is in full swing and odds are you’ll be going on vacation soon. Follow these tips on what to do before you go on vacation to have a stress free vacation and a stress free return. Shut off Water Main – Before you leave for your week at the beach or that camping trip, turn off the water main in your home. Nothing ruins a vacation faster than having a neighbor call to tell you you’ve sprung a leak, or worse to come home to a home filled with water. Don’t risk it, turn off the water before you leave on vacation. Stop Mail and Newspapers – Don’t let burglars... Read More

You may have heard of the Blue Whale Challenge, a “game” that kids are playing online that entices them to do increasingly dangerous tasks with the ultimate goal of causing a suicide. It’s a horrific game that started out in Russia and has made it’s way to the US recently. If you’re a parent of a young child, tween or teen you’ll want to learn all you can about this game so you can recognize it before it has progressed to dangerous levels. What is the Blue Whale Challenge? The Blue Whale Challenge was created by Phillip Budeikin who is a 21 year old Russian.... Read More

Now that summer is here, it’s important to follow some basic summertime safety tips to ensure everyone stays safe and has a great time. Whether in the water, at the beach, watching fireworks or just running errands on a hot day, there are many things you can do to ensure you, your kids and the elderly stay safe this summer. Summertime Safety Use Sunscreen – Skin cancers are on the rise, if you’re going to spend any time in the sun be sure to slather on the sunscreen. It only takes about 15 minutes to get a burn so wear it every time you spend time outdoors. Make sure the kids... Read More

It’s almost the 4th of July! Are you ready? Here are some great family friendly upcoming events in Jacksonville this July. Camping at Hanna Park When: Ongoing Where: Kathryn Abby Hanna Park 500 Wonderwood Drive Jacksonville, FL The campground at Hanna Park includes 300 sites set in a wooded area that is easiliy accessible by paved roads. RV, tent and rustic cabin camping are available. Reservations for all sites are first-come, first-served. Paw Patrol When: July 1st, 2017 Where Times-Union Center 300 West Water Street Jacksonville, FL PAW Patrol Live!, based on the hit preschool series... Read More