Much Ado About Nothing

 MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHIN - Bring a blanket, picnic dinner and a bottle of your favorite cool beverage to the Old School School Square  Cultural Arts Center Entertainment Pavillion in downtown Delray Beach.  This Friday and Saturday, May 18th at 8pm.  Enjoy this fast-paced approach using a cast of only SIX actors to play more than 15 roles!You will want to get there early to gain a good spot and please no pets….they probably wouldn’t understand Shakespeare anyway!

This is a fun family-oriented event. The price is a suggested donation of $5.       ____________________________________________________________________________________

Zimmerman Advertising’s Race for the Taste

Race for the Taste

On your mark, get set, go… catch the action as 500+ cycling racers from across the state of Florida will go head-to-head at speeds in excess of 40+ mph on a Mizner Park racecourse for the state title at the Zimmerman Advertising’s Race for the Taste. Watch for the victor of what is described as NASCAR on two wheels. In addition to the cycling component, restaurants and shops at Mizner Park and Downtown Boca Raton will have race specials for all spectators. The event is FREE. For more information go to zimmermanstatecrit.com. ____________________________________________________________________________________

Summer Thyme GreenMarket on the West Palm Beach Waterfront

Summer Thyme Green Market

West Palm Beach’s Waterfront GreenMarket will will host its first and highly anticipated “Summer Thyme” season from May 23- Sept. 19, 2012. The GreenMarket will be “Fresh on Wednesday” evenings from 5 to 8 p.m. so guests can beat the heat while shopping during the summer months. Visitors can browse more than 60 vendors offering fresh fruits and vegetables, bakery and confectionary items, flowers, orchids, plants and trees and gourmet foods. Enjoy free entertainment and activities each week. ____________________________________________________________________________________

A Taste of West Palm Beach Annual Gala at the Waterfront on Saturday Waterfront West Palm Beach! If you are looking for a plan for Saturday night, start your evening at the Annual West Palm 100 A Taste of West Palm Gala which will be held at the Lakeside Pavilion. Get a taste of the West Palm Beach flavor fromEnjoy the Lake Pavilion and our beautiful new waterfront while dining on food and cocktails from local venues. such as World of Beer, Pistache, Don Ramon’s, Luigi’s, Gratify, Malakor, Bahama Mama to name a few. Relax on comfy creations by Design Within Reach and enjoy a smooth cocktail made with Blue Feather Vodka. West Palm Beach 100 is a local non-profit philanthropic organization for local professionals who love to give back to the community.  Through grants, service projects, and monthly “happy hours for a cause”, this organization is one that just can’t be overlooked.  This is sure to be a great time for all who attend.  The money raised will benefit local organizations in need. Ticket prices will be $95 and $125 day of the event And for more of what’s happening this weekend and more, check the PALM BEACH HAPPENING calendar!

Here are some events you won’t want to miss…

SUN FEST 2012

If you haven’t heard, SUN FEST 2012 is already underway and rocking the waterfront in West Palm Beach. SUN FESTwill be going on thru Sunday, May 6th, so there is still time to get a ticket and check out the art, eats and music!   

Palm Beach Happening 2012

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It’s CINCO de MAYO!

An historic date celebrated nationwide  as a celebration of Mexican pride and heritage. A commemoration to the cause of freedom and democracy during the first years of the American Civil War.  And so we celebrate!   

Cinco de Mayo!

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AND don’t forget your MOTHER!

MOTHER’S DAY is MAY 13th

Palm Beach County has a plethora of great restaurants to choose from but we have picked a few of our favorites below.  You can also find them on “Open Table”.  Be sure to make reservations now for a nice brunch or dinner with MOM!

 The Atlantic Grille – The Seagate Hotel & Spa

Bimini Twist

Address:  8480 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33411

Cuisine:  Seafood

Price: $30 and under

Café Auribeau

Address:  209 SE 1st Ave, Boca Raton, FL 33432

Cuisine:  French

Price: $30 and under

To celebrate Mother’s Day, we are offering a Special Prix Fixe 3 course Brunch for $29.00 per person. Two seatings available for 12:00pm and 2:00pm.          

City Oyster & Sushi Bar

 Address:  213 East Atlantic Ave, Delray Beach, FL 33444

Cuisine:  Seafood

Price: $30 and under

Mother’s get Complimentary Unlimitted Mimosa’s during Brunch. Kids 10 & Under eat Free All Day! Dinner Specials : Seafood Salad $14, Veal St. Tropez $32, Shrimp & Bucatini $26

III Forks Palm Beach Gardens

 Address:  4645 PGA Blvd. ,Building M, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418

Cuisine:  Steak

Price: $31 to $50

Join us Mother’s Day from 11:00 am until 8:00 pm for a special 3 course Pre-Fixe menu at $44.95 Adults, $15.95 Children. Also serving our regular menu.

Prime – Delray Beach

 Address:  110 East Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33444

Cuisine:  Steakhouse

Price: $31 to $50

Treat mom to a decadent buffet brunch at PRIME from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. or join us in PRIME’s stylish atmosphere for a memorable dinner. 

The Restaurant at Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach

 Address:  2800 South Ocean Blvd, Palm Beach, FL 33480

Cuisine:  Seafood

Price: $31 to $50

Enjoy street food themes with multiple action stations featuring Florida seafood, made to order omelettes, and carved Beef Tenderloin $100 for adults, $35 for kids.

SoLita – Delray Beach

 Address:  25 NE 2nd Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33444

Cuisine:  Italian

Price: $31 to $50

Enjoy a special dinner from our family to yours! Complementy Glass of Champagne for all the mom’s enjoying Mothers Day dinner at SoLita. 

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and a Preview of Summer Events…starting with Sushi & Stroll at the Morikami Museum

Summer at the Morikami Museum

Summer nights in South Florida are something special, especially when they are augmented with taiko drums and a cultural backdrop that can’t be beat! Add a cold drink, a breathtaking sunset and a walking path through a tranquil garden, and you’ve got Sushi & Stroll Summer Walks!
Enjoy Sushi & Stroll all summer long on May 11, June 8, July 13, August 24, and September 14, 2012. 

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          May 5th (aka Cinqo de Mayo) is just around the corner and what better way to celebrate than with a Margarita!  Make that a Beer Margarita in an ever-handy Mason Jar.  They are the perfect vehicle to serve them.  

Just measure out your ingredients, screw on the lid and Party ON!

Here is the easy recipe you can follow for some yummy BEER MARGARITAS:

Mason Jar Margaritas

1 (12 oz.) can of frozen limeade concentrate

12 oz. Patrone Tequila

12 oz. water

1 (12 oz) bottle of Corona Beer

1 lime

Kosher salt

Mix all of the first four ingredients together in a pitcher.  (You will need 6 Mason Jars for this particular recipe.  Recipe makes six 1 cup servings.)

Chill the liquid for about an hour in the refrigerator.  Slice lime into six wedges and run each wedge along the lip of each glass.  Dip each Mason Jar rim in the Kosher Salt.  Pour the liquid into each glass and hook a lime on it.  Taking your drinks with you – put a lid on them and put them on ice in a cooler!

 FIESTA!

Ride Free, Ride Safe

It was just a few weeks ago when a 28 year old man in his Honda Accord killed a 61 year old cyclist as he was driving North on A1A.  The cyclist was in the bike lane and the driver crossed over into the bike lane knocking the  cyclist across the front of his car and landing hard on the pavement.  Was it reckless?  NO!  It was DEADLY!  The point is, there are rules, guidelines and CAUTION that we need to consider  when we are on the road.  

If you live in Palm Beach County, chances are you, too, own a bike.  If you don’t own a bike, you should still keep reading! 

Just how well do you know the Rules of the Road?  Whether you are on a bike or in the car sharing the road with the person on a bike, everyone on the road should follow the same rules.

Here is a list of things you should know:

BICYCLE RULES

• A bicyclist must obey all traffic signs and signals.
• A bicyclist must use a fixed, regular seat for riding.
• A bike with one seat is meant to carry only ONE person.  Two seats, two persons.  No More.  Handlebars do not count.
• At least one hand must be kept on the handlebars while riding.  
• Parents and guardians must not knowingly allow a child or minor ward to violate any provisions of this section.
• Every bike must be equipped with a brake or brakes which allow the rider to stop within 25 feet from a speed of 10 miles per hour on dry, level, clean pavement.

RIDING ON THE SIDEWALK

• Bicyclists and pedestrians have the same right when riding on sidewalks and crosswalks;  they have the right of way.

• Bicyclists riding on the sidewalks or in crosswalks must yield  to pedestrians and must give an audible signal before passing.

LIGHTING

• If riding a bike between sunset and sunrise, it must be equipped with a light on the front that has a white light  visible from 500 feet to the front.  As well as, both a red reflector and a tail light on the rear with a red light visible from 600 feet to the rear.
• Any additional light is always recommended.  

The Bike Lane

POSITION ON THE ROAD

• If you are not able to ride the same speed as traffic, then you must use the designated BIKE LANE or ride as close as possible to the edge of the road.  
• A bicyclist may leave the right-most portion of the road in the following situations:   when passing, making a left turn, to avoid road hazards or when a lane is too narrow for a bicycle and a car to share safely.

• If riding a bike on a one-way street with two or more traffic lanes, you may ride as close to the left-hand edge of the road as practicable.
• Persons riding bicycles upon a roadway shall not ride more than two abreast except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles. Persons riding two abreast shall not impede traffic when traveling at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions existing, and shall ride within a single lane. 

TURNING LEFT

• Making a left turn on a bike, you are entitled to full use of the lane from which the turn is made. After scanning, signaling, and moving to the center of that lane, the bicyclist must check the signal, then proceed when it is green and safe to do so.  Always proceed with CAUTION!
• Also, while making a left turn on a bike, you may proceed through the right-most portion of the intersection and turn as close to the curb or edge as possible at the far side. After complying with any official traffic signal, the bicyclist may proceed in the new direction.

SIGNALING TURNS

• A signal of intention to turn must be given during the last 100 feet traveled by the vehicle before turning. Should the bicyclist need both hands for control, the signal need not be given continuously.
• A bicyclist may signal intent to turn right either by extending the left hand and arm upward or by extending the right hand and arm horizontally to the right side of the bicycle.

HEADPHONES WHILE RIDING

• Earbuds for your iPod, headsets or other listening devices - other than a hearing aid are NOT ALLOWED when riding a bike.  A headset can block out important audio clues needed to detect the presence of other traffic.

TEXTING/TALKING ON A CELL PHONE WHILE RIDING A BIKE

• While there is not a law against talking on the cell phone or texting while riding a bicycle;  a bicyclist should have all of their attention on the road and other vehicles around them.  

Fire in the Sky

Enjoy this photo by Robin Dannahower from Vero Beach, Florida.  This is just one  captured moment of the many beautiful skies that surround our coast.  

If you have a photo that you would like to share on Palm Beach Happening, e-mail it to:  info@palmbeachhappening.com

The same old spot

If dinner and a movie have become the ritual of  your dating activities, you might want to consider switching it up once in awhile. 

Take the “hum-drum” out of going to the same old spot.  If you are on a budget, don’t worry.  You won’t have to break the bank to have a great time.  There are plenty of places in Palm Beach County for you to try!  Here are three ideas for you to consider: 

Art in Boca

1)  MUSEUMS: Palm Beach County hosts some great museums of all kinds.  From art museums like the Norton or Boca Museums of Art, to the Delray Beach Historical Society or the Children’s Museum and Museum of Lifestyle and Fashion.  There is a museum with a little bit of something for everyone.  The cost varies from museum to museum but they usually have a discounted or free rate at least one day of the week.  Also, they tend to offer events that sometimes include a cash bar and live music.  Be sure to check our website for a listing of the museums of Palm Beach County under the “GUIDES” section.  Look for the event calendar on the museum’s site that catches your interest.

Deals!

2)  USE ENTERTAINMENT COUPONS:   Websites like GROUPON.com or LIVINGSOCIAL.com are a great resource for what’s going on in Palm Beach County, at a discount.  You can purchase, goods, services, and even tickets for concerts or theatre shows, movies or even sporting events, all at a discounted rate.  If you have a Smartphone, even better!  You can use these sites’ mobile apps to keep up with the latest deals.  If you don’t see what you are looking for, there are always the entertainment books that schools or some local businesses sell for a low $15-20.00 and are loaded with great deals, as well.

Participate in Community Events

3)  BE ACTIVE IN THE COMMUNITY:   Cities of Palm Beach County that have an active community development committee are known to host all kinds of community events to engage the locals and help with creating a neighborhood feel for the area. Events at venues like Northwood Village’s Art & Wine Promenade or Mizner Park often include a variety of popular live musical acts, art, food, wine, fashion, comedy, open mic nights and more. You will have plenty to see and do!

Hopefully, you will find something or several things that suit your interests and make your date night a special time for you both!                                           

For thirty years, SUN FEST has been Florida’s largest waterfront music and art festival.  The ritual that started in 1982, has been held annually in downtown West Palm Beach, Florida during the first week of May (May 2nd – 6th).  Attracting over 270,000 people SUN FEST has a 5K Run to kick off the fun, and a lineup of musical guests and artists that will not disappoint!

PALM BEACH COUNTY’S ONLY 5K THAT INCLUDES ACCESS TO

THE BIGGEST POST RACE PARTY

Run your way into Sunfest 2012 and kick off Florida’s largest music festival weekend.

Be sure to purchase your Early Bird passes until April 28th.  

With a music lineup like this, you will definitely want to have a ticket!

A Rocket To The Moon
All American Rejects
Cielo
Coheed & Cambria
Common Ground
Connor Christian & Southern Gothic
Counting Crows
Creed
Cris Cab
Cypress
D.V.N.O.
Eve to Adam
Foreigner
Girl Talk
Grahams Number
Herbie Hancock
Jessie Baylin
Joan Jett & The Blackheart
LP
Matisyahu
Mean Creek
Michael Franti & Spearhead
NEEDTOBREATHE
Oval Red
Passion Pit
Paul Rodgers
Pitbull
Qwote
Ratham Stone
Remove Before Flight
Seminole Casino Coconut Creek Shootout Winner
Simplified
Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds
Snoop Dogg
Sound Express
Stop The Presses
Taylor Road
The Deep Dark Woods
The Fab Four
The Fray
The Marshall Tucker Band
The Mighty Mighty Bosstones
The Outlaws
The Rosco Martinez Band
Third Eye Blind
Tribute to Journey Odyssey Road
Urban Gypsy
We Are One
Wiz Khalifa
Young Man Pit

See the site for ALL OF THE DETAILS!

 http://sunfest.com/

Beautiful Bromeliads

Spring is finally here.  This is the time of year when I find myself making a  trip to the local garden center.  While my gardening style has even killed some silk plants, each year I seem to give it the “old college try” …one more time.

This year, though,I have been doing some research before making an investment.  (It can cost a lot of “green” to pretend to have a green thumb!)  Conclusive in my research, I have settled on Bromeliads as the perfect “plant victim” for my garden project.  They are easy to find for sale in places like a Farmer’s Market, Publix, Wal-mart, Home Depot or even your local Botanical Garden and they are reasonably inexpensive.

Bromeliad colors

Usually, you will find Bromeliads for sale in local stores already in bloom, (and what interesting blooms they are!)  There are so many different types of Bromeliads that you will find.  Actually, Spanish Moss and Pineapples are both kinds of Bromeliads.

Pineapple Bromeliad

Often, they’re so colorful and exotic they look like they might be fake but not even the silk ones can compare to Mother Nature’s artistic talents.  The bloom of a Bromeliad is the end of the life cylce yet,  the plant may live for another year or two.  Once a plant has flowered it will produce off-shoots or “pups”. When the pups are about half the size of the mother, cut the pups away with a sharp knife as close to the mother plant as possible and plant them in a container or strap them to a tree.

Bromeliads used to be considered expert houseplants or more fit for a greenhouse than a home.  However, the reality is that they can be very adaptable to regular home conditions.   While they might do better if the climate were that of a tropical rainforest, Bromeliads are very adaptable  and it is actually better to grow them in a rich, fast-draining potting soil than it is to attempt to duplicate their native conditions.

Central Cup

Growing tips for the best results from your Bromeliad plant:  

Light:  The bloom cycle for a Bromeliad varies from genus to genus however, all are affected by the length of day.  Generally speaking, they love a bright lit window sill but not direct sun light.  A South, West or East window should suffice in order to keep their leaves a steady shade of bright green.  Leaves that are turning a light yellow are receiving too much light and leaves that are too dark of green are not getting enough.

Temperature:  Tolerant to fluctuating temperatures, he most favorable temperature for a Bromeliad to grown is between 55 and 80 degrees.  The hotter the temperature, the more humidity they will need.  Do not expose them to temperatures below 40 degrees.

Water:  While in their natural conditions, Bromeliads can be very tolerant of drought.  In a home environment, however, if the conditions are right with the light temperature and humidity, you can keep the central cup filled with water.  You never want the plant to rest in standing water so a regular watering weekly during growing season and reduce watering during the winter rest period is sufficient.  Should you use the central cup for watering, be sure to flush out any build up of salts, from any standing water, that might be evident.

Free-form Bromeliads

Potting Soil:  The best soil for growing Bromeliads is a fast-draining potting soil.  A mixture of 1/3 sand and 2/3 peat-based soil mix is a good mix.  Because they are epiphytic (meaning they can grow on top of another plant without attaching itself to it for nutrition), they can also be strapped to a tree, as mentioned above, or place on boards and logs.  If not planted in soil, you will need to water them more often and consistently all year long.

Fertilizer:  As you can tell, these plants are pretty low maintenance.  That said, you will want to fertilize them during the growing season.  Use a liquid fertilizer at 1/4 or 1/2 strength. Using a slow-release pellet fertilizer and water the central cup, a single pellet dropped into the cup will suffice for a season.  Slow-release pellets can also be mixed into the soil compost.

While the Bromeliads are tropical in nature, their beautiful blooms can last up to six months, making even the most novice gardener look like a pro!  (Keeping my fingers crossed again this year. )

Paint Dancing!

If you like to paint and listen to some good tunes, you will love Paint Dancing!  It’s called Paint Dancing because you can express yourself in two different mediums (Painting and Dancing) at the same time…NOW THAT’S SOME TALENT!

 These events are coordinated to get people together to have some fun, create some art and the Palm Beach Paint Dancing proceeds help support area food banks.

All non-toxic paint, brushes, paper and great music (Latin, Pop, Dance, World, Rock, R&B, CLassical, Jazz, Blues, Hip-Hop, Electronica and more).  Wear comfy clothes that you can move in but make sure you don’t care if they get paint on them….You will probably end up getting paint on them!

You don’t need to know how to paint or dance to have a great time Paint Dancing.  You just need to show up and have fun!  International Paint Dancing has spread to cities across the country and around the world, bringing diverse groups together for fun and self-expression, and supporting the efforts of mashedpotatoes.org to provide hunger relief.

If you are interested in joining in the fun with the Palm Beach Paint Dancers, check them out on Meetup.com at:  http://www.meetup.com/groupart-21/.

Their next get-together is April 28th at 2pm.

You can find them at:   1160 West 13th Street, Riviera Beach, FL.

for a night geared especially towards man’s best friend. On the second Saturday game of every

month during the minor league season, Roger Dean Stadium goes to the dogs!

They’ll have special “Dog Friendly Sections” for dog owners to sit with their pets, as well as special treats,

promotions and giveaways all night long! For just $5, you can get a Pooch Pass, which gives your dog

access to all five of this year’s Dog Days of Summer games. Proceeds from the Pooch Pass go to local

dog- and animal-friendly charities.

2012 Dog Days of Summer

all games scheduled for 6:35pm starts, with gates opening at 5:35pm

Saturday, April 21:   Jupiter Hammerheads vs. Charlotte Stone Crabs
Saturday, May 12:   Palm Beach Cardinals vs. Jupiter Hammerheads
Saturday, June 2:   Jupiter Hammerheads vs. Lakeland Flying Tigers
Saturday, July 21:   Jupiter Hammerheads vs. Daytona Cubs
Saturday, August 11:   Palm Beach Cardinals vs. Bradenton Marauders