Technology moves at the speed of light, or at least that is the way it feels.  Each day we read about new technology that makes securing, cooling, and lighting your home more efficient and comfortable.  Living in an apartment, you might not be able to take advantage of all the latest gadgets, that is why we put together a list of apartment-friendly technology ideas for your apartment.

 

Jefferson Lighthouse Point Apartments offers safe apartment living in Pompano Beach, but the security conscious apartment dweller might be interested in a wireless home security alarm solution.  These new systems connect to your home’s Wi-Fi and let you check to see if doors are locked or if there is unusual activity; some of the more advanced systems learn your typical behavior and alert you via a smartphone with a recorded video notification.

Are you tired of bulky charging stations?  With a simple outlet cover, you can add a USB charging station with just a screwdriver and remove it when you leave your apartment.  SnapPower USB charger is an ideal solution.

 

Do you want quality audio sound without wires?  There are a number of compact audio solutions that let you stream music to speakers from any device.  Sony and JVC are two high-quality options.

 

Just like Siri revolutionized the smart phone Echo (she prefers to be called Alexa) is Amazon’s voice command service.  Alexa can stream music, or set timers, read headlines and control other smart devices.  Who needs a roommate when you have Alexa?

 

These smart technology ideas are perfect for your apartment.

Each Father’s Day leaves you scratching your head trying to think about what to get the man who has virtually done everything and for years has smiled as you gave him ties, money clips, hand made gifts, and tools; Dad!

Here are some ideas for gifts that Dad will REALLY love.

• All Dads shave so why not get him a membership to good grooming.  Try Birchbox for Men of the Month, a 3 month subscription is only $60.
• If Dad is a cigar smoker why not head to Smoke Inn, Prestige Import Group, or 1st Class Cigar Humidors, all  located near your Pompano Beach apartment.
• If Dad doesn’t live near you, why don’t you buy him a traveler’s bag with a note that invites him to come visit.  You can find affordable ones at Walmart or Target or splurge and buy this beautiful leather traveler’s bag from Nordstroms.
• For Dads who love coffee, you can pick up a pound of coffee at Dunkin Donuts, Starbucks, or Brazil Original and invite him over for coffee at your apartment in Pompano Beach.

 

 

Summer in Pompano Beach can be hot, but it also means fresh fruits and vegetables.  Why not get inspired and plant a herb garden on your patio.  Try these DIY herb garden ideas.

1. Purchase three different size clay pots.  Fill the bottom of the largest with dirt and then place the next size inside.  Add dirt to the sides and plant basil.  Repeat until you have three layers of wonderful fresh herbs.
2. Use a shoe rack to create a vertical herb garden. Hang the shoe rack securely to the wall of your patio and then open the pockets.  Place dirt in the bottom and then add herbs for a great space saving herb garden.
3. Plant herbs in small tin buckets and hang them on 3m hooks on the side of your patio.
4. Arrange several pots on your porch and plant herbs.  Lavender is great because of its scent and it can be used in stews and lemon grass will help with bugs and it is a great addition to Asian dishes.

Try these great tips for the perfect patio herb garden.

Pompano Beach has its fair share of bars, as a matter of fact there are more than 20 bars within minutes from your Pompano Beach apartment. But what makes a good bar?  According to Esquire magazine and TripAdvisor, there are a number of elements that make a bar stand out.  Here are the top ten elements that make a good bar!

1. Good Bar Stools – if the stools aren’t comfortable and at the right height, you just don’t want to linger long!
2. Good Bar – the best bars are interesting, whether it is wood, granite, marble, or tile, a good bar just feels right.
3. Good Drink List – a good drink list doesn’t need to be expansive, but it should make sense and have a range of types and prices.
4. Bar Menu – there really is nothing worse than having to ask about beers on tap, types or martinis, or brands of bourbon.  A good bar will have a bar menu that makes your decisions easy!
5. Tap Handles – this seems to be nitpicky, but a bar with good tap handles is a bar with character and flair!
6. Glassware – the type of glasses a bar serves tells a bit about the bar.  The drink you order should dictate the type of glassware!
7. Clientele – the reality is that you want to go to a bar where you can relate to the clientele and be comfortable.
8. Knowledgeable Staff – have you ever asked about a certain draught beer or cocktail and been told, “I don’t know, I don’t drink”? This is not a good sign; a good bar has staff that understand the nuances of the drinks they are serving.
9. Good Bathroom – this is kind of a “girl” thing, but for many a good bathroom is a sign of a good bar.
10. Coat and Pocketbook Hooks – If the bar owner cared enough to think about your coats, purses, and comfort, then they probably care about you.

Now we can’t say that these bars have all of these elements, but the reviews are good and we checked to make sure that they had at least a few of the items on our top ten list.

The Kingshead Pub Pompano Beach

900 E Atlantic Blvd
Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Website

This British Pub has good beer on draft, interesting beer taps, British pub food, European and American sports, and friendly, knowledgeable staff.

The Rusty Hook Tavern

125 N Riverside Drive
Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Website

While water view wasn’t on our list, it certainly doesn’t hurt!  This bar is right on the water, has friendly staff, good food, and signature cocktails.

 

Bangin’ Banjo Brewing Company

3200 NW 23rd Avenue
Suite 500
Pompano Beach, FL 33069

Website

There’s no need to ask the bartender what is on tap at Bangin’ Banjo Brewing Company, their beer menu is posted on a TV and the wall, they serve tastings on a Bangin’ Banjo, their taps are mounted on a piece of wood, the chairs are comfy and the staff knows a thing or two about Brew!

Greenbrier Bar

1100 S Powerline Road
Pompano Beach, FL 33069

No best bar list would be complete without a local, sports, dive bar!  That is where Greenbrier Bar fits in! This rowdy bar has darts, pool, scantily clad waitresses, and it the personification of a dive bar, but fun!

Whether you have chosen on a one, two or three-bedroom apartment, you are probably looking for ways to save space and make your apartment look bigger.  There are a lot of space saving tips to help you with this endeavor; here are five of our favorite.

1. Use Command Hooks to hang hats, belts, bags, and even pots and pans! Using the space on your walls for more than just pictures is a great way to save space and add extra storage.
2. Like so many of us, we have acquired quite a few things. Whether it is close, exercise gear, memorabilia, or school stuff, we are looking for a way to hide/store it in our apartment.  Why not try bed risers.  This ingenious invention can add up to 6 inches under your bed enabling you to store more items.
3. A shoe organizer makes the perfect behind the door storage unit. In addition to being the perfect way to store shoes, you can also use it to store toiletries, school supplies, and more.
4. Use the corners of your apartment. Look around your apartment, more than likely they are not being used.  Use these corners to store an extra chair or place a table or shelf in the corner.  You can also store rarely used items in the corner and place a room divider at an angle to hide from view.
5. If you love to cook, but find your counter tops cluttered why not use magnets! Magnets are a perfect way to store spices, coupons, pix, etc and your refrigerator is the perfect place.  You can also use magnets to adhere grooming tools to a medicine cabinet.  If you need more “sticky” surface, you can buy magnetic material and safely fasten it to the sides of furniture or appliances.

These five tips should help save space in your Pompano Beach apartment.

Flowers, chocolate, cards, and brunch are all nice ways to let Mom know how special she is on Mother’s Day, but why not step it up this year and treat her to a Florida excursion or day at the spa this year!

There are so many things to do on Mother’s Day near your Pompano Beach apartment, here are just a few!

Moms that are outdoor enthusiasts will love John U. Lloyd State Park located at Dania Beach.  There is so much to do there, you can boat, fish, swim, sun bath, walk or have a picnic!  It is also a great place to watch the cruise ships go by!

Why not try scuba diving or snorkeling?  The Pompano Beach area has a number of great companies that offer full day or ½ day trips.  Here a few top rated companies:

• Pompano Dive Center
• Force E Scuba Center
• Parrot Island Scuba Adventures

Pamper Mom to a visit to the spa!  Try these top rated spas, many have Mother’s Day specials.

• Gen Spa
• S&L Beauty Spa
• Soleil Spa Sea Gardens

Why not spend a few hours watching a feel-good movie, some soda and popcorn at the movies this Mother’s Day!  Garry Marshall’s Mother’s Day stars Julia Roberts, Kate Hudson, and Jennifer Aniston.

Jungle Book is a fun family movie.

Both movies are playing in local theaters near your apartment in Pompano Beach Florida.

The work-week is done and it is time to head out and enjoy the beautiful Florida sunshine. We have gathered a list of some fun things to do this weekend near your Pompano Beach apartment.

 

Get out and celebrate at the 32^nd Annual Pompano Beach Seafood Festival this Friday night, Saturday, and Sunday. Stroll along the Pompano Beach waterfront and Pompano Pier while you enjoy live music, great food, and fun.  The lineup this year is great with three stages and over 30 bands.  You will not believe your eyes when you see the headlining band, The Guess Who!

Purchase tickets online for $30 for all 3 days or individual day tickets. Hours are: Friday 5pm to 10pm, Saturday 10am to 10pm, and Sunday 11am to 8pm.

Website

 

If you haven’t participated in a Color Run before you should … it is a lot of fun.  This Saturday, April 23 at 7:30am at Huizenga Plaza, 32 East Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale you can  participate in a 5K to benefit area charities. Check them out online or get there early to register that day. (Be sure to check availability)

Website

 

There are still a few weeks to enjoy Pompano Beach’s Green Market.  On Saturday from 9am to 2pm you can purchase local products, arts & crafts, prepared food, and plants.  Enjoy a fun atmosphere with live entertainment.  The Market is located at NE 1^st Street and NE 1^st Avenue in Pompano Beach.

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Why not take a hike this weekend, like literally take a hike and explore the area around your Pompano Beach apartment. The spring is the perfect time to get out and explore Florida’s wildlife and flora. Florida’s mild winter and warm beginning to our spring means that wildflowers and other plants are blooming already and an early spring, typically means an early summer, so let’s get out and explore before the heat of the summer is upon us.

Fern Forest Nature Center

Just 10 miles from your Pompano Beach apartment, you will find the Fern Forest Nature Center with almost 250 acres of designated urban wilderness this is the perfect spot to discover Florida. There are over 30 species of ferns and over 200 different plant species.  You can also see wildlife, Florida birds along its many trails.

201 Lyons Rd. South, Coconut Creek, FL 33063

Website

Crystal Lake Natural Area

3299 NE 3rd Ave, Pompano Beach, FL 33064

Close to your apartment in Pompano Beach you will find Crystal Lake Natural Area and an easy, short hike that will take you through forests with native Florida fauna, birds, and wild life.

 Exotic Trail/Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

Fort Lauderdale, FL

This trail takes you through the middle of Hugh Taylor Birch State Park on either a ½ mile or 2 mile loop. The gardens are beautiful and the plants are marked for easy identification.

Website

A few years back when the economy was on a decline and the price of gas was on a sharp incline, the concept of staycations became very popular.

Well times are a bit better, but for many of us, time and budget prohibit us from taking a vacation, but still need time away from work and our daily routines.

Why not take a staycation near your Pompano Beach apartment?

Here are some tips and ideas for your next staycation.

Benefits of a staycation.

Staying at home doesn’t sound as much fun as packing up and flying some place exotic or does it?

When you take a staycation you get the chance to learn more about your hometown, you don’t have to pack and unpack, or need to find someone to watch the dog (cat or kids), you spend more time enjoying and less time traveling or in lines, you save money and what money you do spend stays local.

What a staycation is and is not!

What a staycation is not?  It is not a time to do chores, run errands or finish projects you have put off, it is a holiday, just one at home.

What a staycation is?  It is a time to leave your everyday responsibilities behind to explore your city in a whole new way and become a tourist for a day or two (or longer).

 

Here are some ideas for your next Pompano Beach staycation.

Visit a museum near Pompano Beach.

There are a number of museums in and around Pompano Beach; here are a few.

Pompano Beach Historical Museum

217 NE 4th Ave, Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Website

Broadway Costume World Collect 

 2313 NW 30th Pl, Pompano Beach, FL 33069

(954) 972-7929

South Florida Railway Museum

1300 W Hillsboro Blvd, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Website

 Butterfly World

3600 West Sample Road, Coconut Creek, FL 33073

Website

Stay at a nearby hotel.

Many area hotels have great mid-week rates, groupon discounts, and even resident rates.  Call some of the area’s hotels to ask or check out these hotels and links.

Beachcomber Resort And Villas

1200 S Ocean Blvd, Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Website

Fort Lauderdale Marriott Pompano Beach Resort & Spa

1200 North Ocean Boulevard  Pompano Beach  Florida  33062  USA

Website

Ask about a resident discount.

Check out groupon and resident discounts here

Local Resident Discounts

Groupon Discounts

Check the calendar at the Pompano Beach Ampitheater.

Website

Try a new restaurant or check out the revitalized beachfront and historic downtown like a tourist would.

 

Enjoy your staycation.