The Palm Tree Press

Palm Tree Press Has Moved to WordPress

2010-11-18T11:38:00.000-08:00

We liked our home here on blogger but it was temporary as we were prepping our WordPress site .... so come and see us!

and change our link in your blogroll : http://thepalmtreepress.net/

Thank you and we will see you under the WordPress Palm Tree!

Do You Deserve The Royal Treatment?

2010-11-14T12:41:00.000-08:00

That's the question author, licensed massage therapist and certified integral yoga instructor Stacey Joiner poses to her readers in her wonderfully serendipitous and eminently practical book, You Deserve The Royal Treatment.

New York native Joiner, formerly a successful corporate powerhouse, traded in her conservative suits and high-heeled pumps in the mid-90s to launch a massage therapy practice after reluctantly treating herself to one while on a business trip, at the urging of a good friend.

Notes Joiner, "I felt so good after the massage, as if I was walking on a cloud. The massage therapist told me that's how we're meant to feel. It was such a novel concept, having become accustomed to carrying stress in my body. At the time I was working as an Account Executive in the Manhattan garment industry -- a frantic, fast-paced and demanding job. Like most women, I used to think it was normal to feel tense and sore all the time."

And though that breakthrough inspired her to take a leap of faith to begin an entirely new career, not everyone shared her enthusiasm.

"I remember my mother saying, 'A massage therapist? You mean you're going to touch strange people -- strange men'?" Joiner lets out a melodious laugh as she recalls the memory.

But she determinedly pursued her passion, eventually building a successful practice and becoming a certified integral yoga instructor in Manhattan. And as fate would have it, expanding her repertoire to include the ancient art also led her to make the acquaintance of Edwin Joiner, the soft-spoken Southern Gentleman who would later become her husband. The two met on a yoga retreat in Mexico and have been happily married for several years.

Then, another life-altering experience led to a dramatic change. Stacey had been conducting her weekly business networking breakfast for professionals when the first plane slammed into the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Simultaneously jarred by the horrendous event and awed by the outpouring of love and support she'd received in its aftermath, she decided it was finally time to realize her dream of living in South Florida, where she could "walk around barefoot all year long."

Stacey and Edwin settled into beautiful Boca Raton, where they continued teaching yoga, and in Stacey's case, re-building her massage practice (though Edwin recently received his massage therapy license in FL).

In 2007, Joiner set to work on her book, You Deserve The Royal Treatment (employing the editing services of yours truly), to inspire, empower and educate women on the importance of self-love and nurturing. Designed for today's harried lifestyle, each chapter ends with a section entitled Your Royal Duties, practical suggestions for better living, including breathing exercises, simple yoga stretches and journaling.

Along the way, Joiner shares touching, anecdotal stories about her real-life journey to treating herself royally. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll learn and you'll go back again and again, moved by her refreshing honesty and genuine desire to help others.

Ever the savvy businesswoman, Stacey Joiner created a complementary line of products as part of the Royal Treatment brand, including aromatherapy candles and massage oils -- all specially formulated with high-quality, natural ingredients. Find them all at her site, where you can also sign up for a complimentary guided meditation.

"It's my life's purpose to help other women learn to honor their own needs, instead of always putting everyone else at the top of their list. After all, when you take the time to love and nurture yourself, you have so much more to give to others in your life".

For more information, contact Stacey here. Don't you deserve the royal treatment?

"As Greek As It Gets" -- Chris' Taverna in Lantana

2010-11-14T05:44:00.000-08:00

It's no mystery why Chris' Taverna received the Talk of the Town Award in 2010.

Yesterday, I took some time out for a leisurely lunch at Chris' Taverna in Lantana with my good friend Tre, another Boca dweller. Since we've now officially entered beautiful weather season in South Florida, we opted for an outdoor table, the better to enjoy the balmy breezes and engage in people-watching on the sidewalk of the Lantana Pinewood Shopping Center, located at Lantana and Jog Roads.

As noted in the title of this post, Chris' brags about being "as Greek as it gets", with good reason. Tre and I hadn't dined there since last March, on an unusually blustery, cold day, requiring the restaurant to set up electronic torches outside. She'd ordered their tangy lemon chicken soup, served with warm pita bread -- and raved about it for days. I'd eaten a fresh Greek salad with strips of perfectly seasoned chicken, which rivaled even my much beloved Olympia Flame Diner in Deerfield Beach. Believe me, that's not an easy feat! (I will be posting a review of the diner in the near future...we're all about celebrating good food and service at The Palm Tree Press, after all!).

Opting to sample something new, yesterday we started off with a hummus appetizer, served with grilled red peppers, black olives and freshly baked pita. In an affront to my Italian heritage, I am not much of an olive-lover; in fact, I cannot stand them. So Tre (who is obviously a much better Italian than I) agreed to a trade: olives for peppers. And let me just say, we both savored every morsel in our own unique way -- YUM!

As for the spinach appetizer I ordered as my main course? Dee-lish!

And way too much to be eaten at once time. Unlike other Greek restaurants, Chris' does not skimp on the spinach; these babies were fully stocked with the healthy green veggie, feta cheese and the just the right mix of seasoning. Beautifully served with slices of ripe, red tomato and tzaziki sauce, half of this so-called appetizer-sized delicacy came home with me, to be later enjoyed for dinner.

Tre once again raved about the lemon chicken soup, which she paired with a gyro platter featuring strips of tender lamb and beef, garnished with sliced tomatoes and cucumbers and accompanied by two side dishes. She'd chosen the lemon herb potatoes (can you tell she's into lemon?) and string beans in tomato sauce. And like me, she also headed home with a doggy bag, the contents of which, no doubt, to be scarfed up by her adorable foodie boyfriend (who is very supportive of our occasional "girls' day out").

And if you're on a budget like us, you'll find the prices to be very reasonable, especially given the amount of food they offer in return.

So South Floridians, if you're looking for authentic Greek food, friendly service and a fun, casual atmosphere, I cannot recommend Chris' Taverna in Lantana highly enough. Oompa!

For more information, call them at (561) 964-4233

American Orchid Society - Oasis for a Day

2010-11-12T08:45:00.000-08:00

As an amateur photographer, I am always looking for new subjects and there are few places in South Florida that have more beautiful subjects than the American Orchid Society in Delray Beach. For the reasonable admission fee of $10.00, you can slip into another world inhabited by exotic creations and stunning colors.

Orchids and the other beauties that adore the South Florida humidity are spread over the 3.5 acres of gardens and in the 4000 sf greenhouse. As you enter the gardens through the gift shop (which is amazing - can you day holiday gifts?), you are given a newsletter for what is in bloom for the month so each visit is completely unique.

Events and classes are also available and if you are looking for a special place to hold an event, there are few places more beautiful! Bring a water bottle and there are water stations placed throughout the garden to fill up. Ponds, a rainforest walk, a small wetlands area and winding paths with orchids growing in trees are all experiences in the gardens.

A day away, an oasis retreat - bring your camera! Learn the language of the orchids and you will be back to talk to them over and over again.

Fine Furtography captures beautiful memories of four-legged family members

2010-11-07T07:39:00.000-08:00

Years ago, when friends suggested that animal lover Beverly Pipes turn her hobby into a business, her first reaction was "Oh, I could get paid to do this?"

A professional photographer, she'd been happily engaging in her hobby of snapping fun, unique photos of her own brood of adopted dogs and cats, mainly for the delight of her fellow pet-owner friends and family. Aside from dressing them up in holiday attire and other whimsical costumes, she'd arrange them in creative settings and poses, showcasing her talent for capturing each pet's special characteristics and personality.

The resourceful, talented Pipes had even been able to teach her dogs Ted and Mindy to play the piano and sing -- a phenomenon captured in a photograph that now appears on her Fine Furtography website.

I recently caught up with Bev -- my longtime friend and co-blogger here at The Palm Tree Press -- to get the inside scoop on what it's like to work with our furry friends and their owners in the pursuit of authentic, priceless photographs to treasure for a lifetime.

Daria: So Bev, you've been photographing pets in South Florida for seven years now and yet initially you thought your friends were a little nutty for suggesting such an enterprise. Why did you feel that way and what made you change your mind?

Bev: "Although I was having a lot of fun photographing my own pets, it just never occurred to me to parlay that into anything other than an enjoyable hobby. My thought process was, 'Well animals are funny and cute, but who's a pet photographer? People just don't do that for a living!' It was such a novel concept to me."

Daria: But now, all these years later, you're obviously finding there is a market for skilled pet photographers. Why is that?

Bev: "People LOVE their animals and they're willing to pay for beautiful photographs of them. Many of my clients use my services for Christmas cards, so I tend to be busiest in November and December. Others want a really great shot of their pet to treasure forever, long after the animal has passed on. I highly recommend hiring a pet photographer while your pet is still healthy and strong."

Daria: Why hire a pro as opposed to taking your own photos?

Bev: "A professional (pet) photographer truly gets the best shot of the pet's personality and physical characteristics like the color of their eyes and the shine of their hair, whereas amateur snapshots might not necessarily be a true representation. If you really want beautiful, authentic memories, you should hire a professional pet photographer who can capture your pet's unique, defining qualities. I've had customers happily exclaim 'That's her! That's the look she gives me!' when they see the finished product."

Daria: So how do you go about obtaining that perfect pose and shot?

Bev: "During the shoot, I speak softly to the animal and encourage the owner to do the same. The owner is usually present to help maintain control and focus their attention. We cajole them with treats, squeaky toys and other bribes' that work for each individual pet."

Daria: Where do you do your shoots? Do you go into people's homes or do they have to come to you?

Bev: "My tagline for my business is 'I bring the studio to you.' Although other photographers don't go into people's homes, I believe it's the best way to ensure a successful shoot. Keeping the pet in familiar, comfortable surroundings makes it much easier to stage and create beautiful photographs that authentically reflect his or her personality and physical traits. At the owner's request, I can also do location shoots such as a park or beach, though they are much more challenging. What dog wouldn't prefer to run free along the water's edge instead of dutifully posing for a picture?"

Daria: What geographic area do you cover?

Bev: "I travel from Jupiter to North Miami, so I cover most of South Florida."

Daria: Any tips for owners just prior to a shoot?

Bev: "Yes, I recommend walking your pet prior to a shoot, and then giving them plenty of time to rest so they're not panting when it's time to take their picture. During the shoot, talk softly to encourage them to cooperate."

Daria: Anything else you'd like potential customers to know?

Bev: "I can also photograph families with their pets, if desired. I've been an avid animal lover my entire life and at one time, I owned as many as five beautiful pets. My two beloved dogs who played the piano and sang -- Ted and Mindy -- are now in doggy heaven, and the images I'd captured of them still bring me so much joy. I understand the motivation for wanting high-quality photographs of the furry members of your family, and I take great care to deliver excellent results."

Daria: Finally Bev, how can people contact you?

Bev: "Via my website, Fine Furtography, where they will find rates starting at $189 for an in-home photo shoot that includes three poses. I can also customize packages according to owner preferences."

Ok South Florida pet owners, with the holiday season nearly upon us, I encourage you to check out Fine Furtography and set up your photo shoot with Beverly asap, before she books up. You and your pets will be awfully glad you did!

Henning Home Inventory Services offers invaluable peace of mind

2010-11-05T10:46:00.000-07:00

Living in South Florida, most of us understand the importance of hurricane preparedness during the months of June through November. We wouldn't think of neglecting to equip our homes with plenty of flashlights, bottled water, back-up generators and imperishables just in case Mother Nature might decide to unleash her fury, irrespective of the National Hurricane Center's predictions. Whether the experts have called for a typical season or an unusually active one, Floridians know the best defense is a good offense.

No doubt, those who live in other natural disaster-prone regions threatened by earthquakes, floods and tornadoes are also aware of the need to proactively mitigate material loss -- particularly for personal items possessing both monetary and sentimental value.

Yet how many of us -- no matter where we live in the USA -- forget to protect our most treasured keepsakes not just from the ravages of extreme weather, but from other inevitable life events like moving and relocating, estate planning and marital changes?

Enter Christine Henning, a local Delray resident who identified the need for all Americans (regardless of income) to document the valuable contents of their home after years of providing inventory services for one of the wealthiest, most famous women in the world. Henning set up her business, Henning Home Inventory Services, for the purpose of making such a service affordable to as many people as possible -- not just the wealthy.

But as she noted in a recent interview, getting started proved a bit daunting:

"My biggest challenge first and foremost, was getting the word out that my inventory services not only existed, but were actually affordable. There's a perception out there that only the very wealthy have the means to pay for professional cataloging and documentation, and part of my motivation in starting my business was to change that. I learned first-hand through my experience as an employee of one of the most successful entrepreneurs in history the importance of protecting one's valuables. Regardless of our financial means, most of us own items of immeasurable personal value -- from family photographs to heirloom jewelry. I decided that protection of these assets shouldn't be a luxury reserved for the rich, which is why I created Henning Home Inventory Services."

Daria: You offer both estate planning and inventory services. What's the difference between them and why are they both important?

Chris: "Estate Planning includes inventory services. Estate Planning is basically taking the inventory of the "estate", which helps the family identify what is actually in the estate and determine if they are interested in particular items. Once the family sees the inventory and the history of the inventory, they can alert other relatives of their interest in particular items. The parent or grandparent can then indicate these desires on their inventory list, denoting that a particular item must go to the person expressing interest in it. A lot of these inventories are included in the will as an 'addendum'.

On the other hand, inventory services is fundamentally photographing and describing all items in a home or business and recording them into the program for insurance purposes. Once you have this list, you present it to the insurance company and if a disaster hits, all this information is ready for reimbursement."

Daria: Are all of your clients in South Florida, or do you travel throughout the United States?

Chris: "I travel all over the USA. Just this year, I spent time with clients in Colorado and California for estate planning purposes."

Daria: I think our readers would be intrigued to know how you got into this line of work. Please share.

Chris: "For 15 years, I worked for Oprah Winfrey. Part of my job description as Oprah's personal accountant and head of household was to inventory each of her estates. As is typically the case, it was for insurance purposes and for determining the contents of each estate, so she could decide if she wanted to transfer some of the items to other properties."

Daria: Wow, that must've kept you extremely busy! What are some of the most critical things you learned from that experience? How did you transfer those lessons into your own business and what is your advice to anyone considering hiring a home inventory specialist?

Chris: "Obviously, having an inventory done is helpful after a catastrophe. When you can provide a listing of all of your inventory, you will receive at least 20% more of a reimbursement from your insurance company than you would without one. In the aftermath of a devastating event, most people will not remember every item they own, so it only makes sense to list everything.

The critical things every potential client should ask of an inventory specialist is: Are they bonded? What type of listing do they include? Are there pictures? Do the descriptions make sense? Do they have a back-up of their inventory?"

Daria: Taking inventory of someone's most cherished possessions is a highly personal task requiring a certain level of trust. How do you put your client's mind at ease?

Chris: "I am bonded and have references, which is most important. As I mentioned, I worked for Oprah Winfrey for over 15 years, and I am very proud of the fact that I have a tape of Oprah recognizing me as the most trustworthy person/employee she knows."

Daria: That is a powerful testimony! For anyone considering your services, do you offer a free consultation and/or quote?

Chris: "Absolutely! Anyone interested in contacting me can do so via my website, Henning Home Inventory Services. I look forward to meeting them and helping them decide on the right course of action, based on their unique circumstances."

Festival of the Flutes in Coral Springs benefits three South Florida Charities

2010-11-04T17:01:00.000-07:00

Friday night my friend and I drove all the way to Coral Springs (from Delray) for this annual event, organized every year by the PNA group to raise money for local charities. This year, the proceeds benefited three organizations: Coral Springs Community Chest, Lauren’s Light, Drug Free Youth In Town- DFYIT.

As we entered the ballroom, it was filled with lovely melodies of an accomplished flutest.
Although the vocalist was a tiny young woman, her powerful voice was definitely much bigger than her physical size. The moment she began to sing, everyone stopped and all eyes moved to the stage to discover the source of the beautiful sound. Lawrence Entertainment provided the entertainment.

My friend Tasha, who is a member of the PNA group, talked me into coming. She didn’t have to do much persuading because the event featured wine tasting and food samples from local restaurants, catering companies and bakeries.

And WOW, was I surprised! Both the food and wine were delicious. Even better, they didn't just serve simple creations.

All In Good Taste was our favorite. They offered a carrot ginger soup that even a meat and potatoes guy would love. As for the chocolate-covered lollipops made with cheese cake filling?Yummmmm. I would rate most of the food sponsors at this event 4 & 5s on a 5-point scale.
Really, they were de-lish.

Then there were people were dressed in costumes. There were witches, pimps, Cleopatra and a priest.

Coral Springs must be a fun place to live.

For a complete list of the purveyors of the event's fabulous food and wine, and all the sponsors who made it possible, visit Festival of the Flutes.

I think I'll be making that long drive to Coral Springs again to pick up some great dishes for my next party.

Joe Bonnie & Son: South Florida's Premier Moving and Storage Company

2010-10-28T10:18:00.000-07:00

It's no secret that finding reputable businesses can be a daunting challenge in South Florida, from contractors to home repair to kitchen remodeling. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the moving industry, however, where unsuspecting customers are frequently hoodwinked by low-ball estimates that over-promise, under-deliver and frequently destroy valuable possessions.

But whether you're moving into or out of South Florida -- or anywhere in the world for that matter -- there is an outstanding, 40 year-old, family-owned company in Delray Beach waiting to serve you, Joe Bonnie & Son Moving & Storage.

Full Disclosure: One of the company VP's happens to be one of my oldest and dearest friends, which in my opinion, only validates my review, having been privy to the company's tireless work ethic and passionate dedication to customer satisfaction.

Moving estimator Theresa Bonnie takes remarkable pride in her job, going the extra mile to provide every potential client an accurate quote and workable plan, based on their unique needs and preferences. From high-end A1A mansions and upscale art museums to one-bedroom apartments and assisted living facilities, Joe Bonnie & Son's staff of diligent workers treats everyone's valuables as if they were their own. Most employees have been on the payroll for at least five years or more -- with a few who've made Joe Bonnie their workplace of choice for over 10 years.

That legacy is a testament to the Bonnie's treatment of their employees as cherished family members, recognizing that without loyal, excellent help, no business can survive for long. By treating their workers with respect and appreciation, they've ensured repeat customers and an almost exclusively word-of-mouth advertising campaign for their thriving business.

And while it may be a cliche, the expression "You get what you pay for" definitely applies here. Joe Bonnie & Son don't claim to be the most inexpensive movers in town, but if your goal is a smooth, effortless move culminating in undamaged, intact possessions, I highly recommend giving them a call at (561) 272-2122. Moving is stressful enough; let Joe Bonnie & Son Moving & Storage put your mind at ease with quality, family-style service.

Weird Florida's Charlie Carlson reveals Florida's most haunted places

2010-10-28T06:55:00.000-07:00

Just came across a fascinating piece on a tenth-generation Florida native who also happens to be an avid ghost-hunter -- Weird Florida's Charlie Carlson. Be sure to head over to LLLipGloss to read Lola's entire interview with the state's most famous purveyor of supernatural tales, but here's a teaser to get you in the mood for Halloween. Have a Hauntingly Happy Holiday!

1. Having always had a fascination with the metaphysical as well as some powerful personal experiences with psychics, I read your biography with great interest. Your grandmother was a medium. How did she influence you growing up, and do you possess the same ability to communicate with the dead?

Yes, my grandmother professed to be a medium and practiced her gift in the spiritual settlement of Cassadaga, Florida back in the 1940s. My mother was also a medium, although she preferred being called a “sensitive.” My exposure to spiritualism was at the age of five when I attended séances and spiritualist meetings with my grandmother and mother. I recall seeing tables float off the floor and chalk writing messages on a slate. For me at age five, this was normal stuff. Both my grandmother and mother were good at telling old Florida folk tales…of course this involved many ghost yarns, too. You haven’t experienced the old Florida until you spend an evening sitting on a porch in the smoke of a smudge pot, used to keep the skeeters away, and listen to ghost stories. My grandmother lived in a cracker house with a shotgun hallway running through it, near the St. Johns River in Seminole county. I grew up listening to her tales and this probably set me on course for being both a historian as well as a writer of the unexplained. Whether I inherited any psychic traits is difficult to say, but I do believe that I have a high intuitive level and an excellent sense of direction that beats a GPS device, if that counts.

2. Being raised in the south in Sanford, Florida did you experience any kind of resistance from those who rejected the idea of psychic phenomena?

I find the South more accepting of spirits than most regions of the country. Southern folklore is filled with ghost stories and tales about things lurking in the woods, and we have more Hoodoo doctors than any other part of the country…look at New Orleans with all the Voodoo practitioners. Generally, Southerners will lean more to the believer side than to the skeptical side when it comes to strange phenomena. There are a lot of eerie stories in the backwoods of the South but folks are less likely to trust relating their encounters to an outsider. I am fortunate to be able to cross the line because I speak “Southern, y’all,” and can be as comfortable on the porch of a shack in the swamp as I would be in an upscale restaurant in South Beach…although the back country is more exciting and a great deal more genuine.

Pumpkin Patches, Trick or Treating - Halloween Events in South Florida

2010-10-27T09:50:00.000-07:00

South Florida might be missing the autumn weather but offerings for Halloween events abound!
Here are some of the top picks from the Palm Tree Press to ensure you have a delightfully ghoulish Halloween! Warm the cider, hop on the broom and HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Flamingo Gardens & Wildlife Sanctuary - Halloween Haven and Haunted Garden
3750 Flamingo Road, Davie, FL. Phone: 954-473-2955. Open October 22 , 23, 29 & 30, Beware the Lair of the Swamp Witch! Haunted garden tour through the West Arboretum, Friday and Saturday evenings, 7- 9pm. $5 entry for the night time tour only. No passes or coupons allowed. No free admissions. Not recommended for children under 12.
Story Time with the Good Witch - October 30 & 31 - Kids will love the 11:30am Costume Parade through the gardens, story time with the witches and their creepy pets, and other fun tricks and treats, too! Come in costume to receive half-price admission.

St. Ambrose Pumpkin Patch - pumpkins, picnic area
380 S Federal Highway, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441. Phone: 954-574-9215. Open: Oct. 21 through Oct. 31 2010. Directions: Call for directions. Payment: Cash, only.. Have seating area for pictures hay bales, lights and pumpkin decorations. Over 35,000 pounds of pumpkins for sale. Hay, corn stalks, mini pumpkins, WHITE PUMPKINS and more carving kits also.

Young At Art Children's Museum - Art-Rageous Halloween Party
11584 W. State Road 84, Davie, FL. Phone: 954-424-0085. Open October 29, 5 pm to 7 pm. Glow in the Dark Art Activities, Spooky Photograms in the Photo Dark Room, Not So Scary Hunted House, Treats, Games and Much More. Free with Museum Paid Admission. Ages: Fun For The Whole Family.

Metrozoo - MetroBoo - SPOOKTOBER at Zoo Miami
12400 SW 152 Street, Miami, FL. Phone: 305-251-0400. Open OCTOBER 16-31. Celebrate Halloween at the zoo with four events: Dr. Wilde’s Creepy House October 16 – 31, The Monster Masquerade October 23, Spooky Zoo Nights October 29 & 30, and Zoo Boo October 30 & 31.

Miami Seaquarium - Monster Splash,
4400 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL. Phone: 305-361-5705. Open: Friday, Saturday, Sunday October 29-31, 2010 from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00. Join us for family fun and spooky sights at Miami Seaquarium. Monster Splash is a Nighttime Bash on four nights. Monster Splash Nighttime Bash. Family friendly Halloween Event. For young ghosts and goblins: safe trick or treating, spooky stroll through 'Frightening Forest', Pirate Skelton Walk, and Little Monster Play Area. Themed marine animal shows and presentations including Flipper’s Thrills and Chills, Curse of the Sea Lion Witches and Wizards and Wands Dolphin Show. For older scare seekers on the ‘Field of Screams’ unlimited carnival rides, Haunted Houses, including the heart-stopping ‘Buried Alive’ and live DJ.

Sugar Sand Park Community Center -
300 S. Military Trail, Boca Raton, FL. Phone: 561-347-3948. See the website (click on the link above) for current dates, times, prices and other information!

More Halloween Happenings in South Florida!

Marti's Deli and Cafe: Boca's Best-Kept Secret

2010-10-27T09:17:00.000-07:00

If you've never eaten at Marti's Deli and Cafe, located at 1159 South Federal Highway (just one block south of the Camino Real "Mercado" Publix, on the east side of the road), you've been depriving yourself of some of the best, moderately priced food in Boca. Don't be misled by the word "deli" in the title: owner Ron Gentile is a chef who constantly finds new and creative ways to delight his customers, using only the freshest of ingredients and produce.

As someone who's frequented the place quite often due to its proximity to my home and my own aversion to cooking, I can personally testify to the delicious, home-cooked quality of Marti's offerings, as well as the cleanliness of the establishment. Aside from being being a fabulous chef, Ron is also quite meticulous about running a perpetually health inspector-ready operation -- one in which the spotless kitchen is in plain sight for all customers to observe.

The varied menu includes "The Best Matzo Ball Soup in Town" (accompanied daily by homemade chicken noodle soup and a soup du jour); to-die-for patty melts & burgers; crisp, healthy salads (Chicken Caprese, Chicken Greek, Chef's Salad and Cobb to name just a few); and all-day, all-American breakfasts like the hearty "2/2/2" (2 eggs any style, 2 pancakes and your choice of 2 bacon slices or 2 sausage patties).

Accompanying the wonderful food is a friendly, hometown atmosphere where everyone is greeted warmly and made to feel like one of the family. Ron's wife and co-owner Marti -- the inspiration for the deli's name -- offers a big smile and genuine welcome to all who enter. And whether you choose to sit at the counter or at a table, you'll find the "regulars" to be just as down-to-earth and approachable.

Oh, and did I mention Ron's baked goods?

From double-chocolate brownies to his signature "Morning Glory" muffins (featuring shredded carrots, raisins and other healthy ingredients), you'll find a treat to satisfy every preference.

Pressed for time?

Take-out and free delivery are available. And if you're trying to get a little work done while dining in, they also offer free WI-FI.

Hosting a big party or gala?

Be sure to ask Marti about their catering options. From corporate lunches to Jewish High Holidays and graduation celebrations, Marti's Deli and Cafe serves up delicious, elegant feasts at reasonable prices.

Stop by Marti's today, or give them a call at (561) 392-7272. Your taste buds will thank you!

Royal Nails in Boca Raton takes the "guilt" out of girly guilty pleasures

2010-10-25T07:52:00.000-07:00

If you're a girly-girl in South Florida who loves to look good (hey, doesn't that describe most females in The Sunshine State?) and enjoys the indulgence of a pampering pedicure or a delectable paraffin treatment, Royal Nails in Boca Raton is your destination for affordable beauty treatments at working-girl prices.

Owners Wa and Kim - living the American Dream since moving here from Vietnam -- offer upscale spa and salon regimens without the exorbitant price tags we're accustomed to here in Palm Beach County's most celebrated city. Their moderately priced menu of cosmetic offerings will have you looking and feeling great, while keeping your wallet intact -- an especially appealing quality in a tough economy for all of us gals who refuse to give up life's little luxuries. After all, times may be tough, but we still wanna feel pretty.

If perfectly polished acrylic nails are your passion, choose from a selection of OPI colors -- from the wild to the mild -- or go for the classic elegance of the pink-and-white (my preference since they blend well with every outfit and can last up to four weeks, while still lookin' good).

For those who favor a good, old-fashioned manicure, family member and co-worker Leslie will buff and polish until your nails are magazine-worthy. The only salon member who also does waxing, I can personally testify that Leslie is the very best at shaping eyebrows and removing unwanted lip hair. And for those ladies who desire to look sexy in their beach bikinis, she also does Brazilian waxing, along with legs, armpits and other inconvenient places.

She'll even remove your guy's unwanted back hair -- in a private room, of course -- accompanied by the relaxing melodies of jazz or classical music.

Do your feet need some pampering refreshment? Wa, Kim and Leslie all excel at spa pedicures, where they'll knead and massage aching calves, soles and toes until you feel the invigorating tingles that will make you feel as if you're walking on air.

Best of all, unlike similarly priced salons that herd the masses in and out like cattle, Royal Nails maintains a friendly, clean and comfortable atmosphere -- one in which all customers are treated respectfully. You'll never feel rushed or under-appreciated at Kim and Wa's establishment, which is why I've been a loyal customer since they opened in 2002.

Oh, and if you're hungry, neighboring Marti's Deli and Cafe will be happy to deliver!

Though they accept walk-ins, due to high volume, I recommend calling ahead for an appointment at 561-417-5525, to ensure your turn in the coveted pedicure chair.

See you at Royal Nails on Federal Highway in Boca Raton!

The Mellow Mushroom - Delray Beach

2010-07-26T13:15:00.000-07:00

I had occasion to go to the Mellow Mushroom with a large group (about 25) after our Worldwide Photowalk in Delray Beach. It is a true place for a Foodies Unite experience!

Our entire visit was outstanding and I have since taken my family back for a great time as well.

The staff is accommodating and everyone smiles! Even with a large group, they were ready for us - the wait-staff was organized and the food practically flew out of the kitchen.

We munched on pizzas (House Special and Kosmic Karma being two faves), and pretzels (crunchy and soft and awesome!), and calzones stuffed with all manner of high quality ingredients. One of the girls even ordered more of the stuffed portobellos to take home!

The atmosphere is entertaining with huge murals of the Beatles and other 60's & 70's icons. Colorful, delightful, a taste bud treat and with a beer selection to make a connoisseur weep – the Mellow Mushroom is a hit!

Mellow Mushroom Site & Menu

Jaxson Ice Cream - Dania Beach

2010-06-11T13:20:00.000-07:00

Jaxson's has been in South Florida for over 50 years defining the ice cream experience. They make their ice cream homemade on the premises every day as was explained to my son who was treated to a tour when he asked some questions!

No matter where we have lived in South Florida, we have made the drive to indulge in all of our Jaxson flavor favorites: bubble-gum, black raspberry, double chocolate chip, black cherry, banana – we have yet to find one that was not amazing!

If you are feeling very adventurous, try the Kitchen Sink served in a...kitchen sink!

If you can get past the ice cream, Jaxson's has good sandwiches, burgers and salads and an extensive menu.

The food is delivered with cheerful smiles and the restaurant is an explosion of vintage memorabilia, old-fashioned candy and nostalgia.

All in all – this is one of the best family dining out destinations in South Florida!

Jaxson's Ice Cream & Menu