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

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

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.

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

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

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

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