1. Wear sunscreen and reapply often – Sunscreen not only protects you from nasty sunburns but also skin cancer. Make sure you reapply every two hours (or as often as the instructions say on your particular brand). For ages 6 months and up, SPF 30 or more is recommended for the best protection. Children under 6 months should avoid sunscreen and instead, stay in the shade.
2. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. – If you are thirsty, you are already starting to slip into dehydration. Make sure you drink plenty of water (note. WATER, not coffee, sports drinks, soda…you get the point). Water is the best way to hydrate. Fun fact. Your body will benefit more from drinking room-temperature water than ice-cold water because your body will absorb it quicker.
3. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, especially during peak hours (10 am to 4 pm). – The sun is at it's strongest between 10 am and 4 pm. Try to avoid being out for too long during those periods of time. There is plenty of sunlight in the early morning hours to enjoy without the fear of getting hit with those stronger sun rays.
4. Wear light-colored and loose-fitting clothing to keep cool. – Dark colors absorb the sun's rays and tight-fitting clothes don't let your skin breathe while out in the heat. Add some color to your summer wardrobe and leave the darker colors for the fall. Bonus points if you can find clothing that is rated for UV protection.
5. Put shoes on your pet – Yes. You read that right. Put shoes on your pet if you plan to take them outside on the hot pavement. A way to tell if the pavement is too hot for your furry friend is to put the back of your hand on the pavement and hold it there for seven seconds. If you can't hold your hand there for the full seven seconds, it's too hot for your fur friend's paw pads and they need protection.
6. Use insect repellent to prevent bug bites. – Just like with sunscreen, make sure to read the instructions when applying and reapplying. It's suggested you only apply bud repellent to your clothes and exposed skin. Avoid your eyes, ears, nose, and mouth as well as any areas that are irritated. And never apply near open flames or lit cigarettes.
7. Be cautious around bodies of water, and never swim alone.- Alone time is great, but when it comes to swimming, having a buddy nearby is best. If you plan to go into the water, have someone else around just in case something happens. Especially when swimming in bodies of water that have a current and can pull you away from the safety of the shoreline.
8. Keep food and beverages properly refrigerated to avoid food poisoning. – Summer picnics are a great way to spend time outdoors. Avoid food poisoning by keeping food at the right temperature. A good rule of thumb is whatever temperature it's bought at, it should be kept at. Cold foods should stay cold and hot foods hot. Always read your labels just in case something should be refrigerated after opening.
9. Stay informed about weather conditions and take appropriate precautions during extreme heat or storms. – Turn on your notifications for weather alerts and download a reliable weather service app.
10. Practice fire safety when grilling – Keep a spray bottle with water on hand to keep the smaller flames from getting too big and a fire extinguisher just in case anything gets out of hand.

No matter how you spend your summer, make sure to play it safe.

The post Top 10 Summer Safety Tips appeared first on Concord Management Blog.

1. Visit the Springs: There are several natural springs in Florida that are perfect for a refreshing swim on a hot summer day. Some popular ones include De Leon Springs, Kelly Park, Wekiva Springs State Park, and Blue Spring State Park.
2. Take a Hike: Look up one of the many beautiful hiking trails. Check out the Black Bear Wilderness Area in Sanford or the Lake Apopka Loop Trail in Apopka for some scenic views and a good workout. Don't forget a picnic lunch, sunscreen, and bug spray!
3. Explore Downtown Orlando: Downtown Orlando has a lot to offer, from art galleries and museums to trendy restaurants and bars. Take a stroll down Orange Avenue and check out the local scene. During the day, this is a family-friendly activity. At night, it switches gears into a fun adult night out.
4. Hit the Beach: Cocoa Beach, New Smyrna Beach, or Daytona Beach are all just a relaxing drive away for some family fun in the sun. Daytona Beach has a pier with activities for all ages.
5. Go Kayaking: Rent a kayak and explore the local waterways. You can paddle down the Wekiva River or the Econlockhatchee River for a fun and peaceful adventure. Enjoy the relaxing stroll down the waterway and look out for the local wildlife in the water. 
6. Attend a Local Festival: Central Florida hosts a variety of festivals throughout the summer, from food and wine festivals to music and arts festivals. Check out the Florida Music Festival in Orlando or the Mount Dora Seafood Festival for some fun and entertainment.
7. Go Fishing: Central Florida has some great fishing spots, including Lake Tohopekaliga in Kissimmee and Lake Monroe in Sanford. Rent a boat or bring your own gear and spend a relaxing day on the water.
8. Check out a Farmer's Market: Central Florida is home to several farmer's markets that offer fresh produce, artisanal goods, and live music. Check out the Winter Park Farmer's Market or the Sanford Farmer's Market for a fun and unique experience. Get there early for the best chance at a good parking spot and walk the shops of Park Avenue when you are done. The Writer's Block bookstore is a fun shop with books of all ages and a coffee shop in the back.
9. Get your spooky on at the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum: This site offers a glimpse into the maritime history of the area, including the chance to climb to the top of the lighthouse for panoramic views. Families can also participate in interactive exhibits and educational programs. While in the area, check out the fort and the interactive pirate museum, both within walking distance of each other and close to the beach.
10. Check out the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens: The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens offers a variety of exhibits featuring animals such as giraffes, rhinoceroses, and cheetahs, as well as a hands-on petting zoo and a splash park.

The post Affordable Summer Fun For All Ages appeared first on Concord Management Blog.

Walt Disney World Resort Gingerbread Displays

When: November 11th – January 1st
Where: Walt Disney World Resort

Did you know you can visit the Walt Disney Resorts for free? Yup. Stroll through the wonderful decorations at the Walt Disney World resorts. The Gingerbread displays are back this year and better than ever. Head over to the Grand Floridian to take in the life-sized gingerbread house and sample a taste of the shingles (for sale in the gingerbread house itself!). Other resorts participating in the gingerbread wonder include:

• Animal Kingdom Lodge
• Beach Club Resort
• Boardwalk Inn
• Contemporary Resort
• Polynesian Resort

Each resort has a different opening day for its gingerbread displays, but it's safe to say they will all be up by December 1st. Don't fret about parking because you can take a bus from Disney Springs to any resort and hop around from there. For example, take a bus to the Contemporary Resort and then use the monorail (free) to Grand Floridian Resort and the Polynesian Resort for fun.

Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll

When: November 11th – January 1st
Where: 1486 Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

They should call this the Christmas Tree Hide-And-Seek because that's what you are doing. Once inside Disney Springs (parking is free!), head to the Welcome Center, House of Blues, 12 Days of Christmas store, or The Marketplace Co-Op and get your free map, complete with stickers to mark when you've found a tree. Previously, you could show your completed map and get a button. Parking is free at any of the parking garages (If you park at Orange, you will be able to walk the entire area without backtracking).

Holidays at Cranes Roost Park, Altamonte Springs

When: November 24th, 2022 - January 1st
Where: 274 Cranes Roost Blvd, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701

his year the Plaza Fountain will feature special shows complete with dancing water and festive lights, all done to holiday tunes. Shows happen nightly at 6, 7, 8, and 9 PM. Also happening at Cranes Roost Park (specifically at the Eddie Rose Amphitheater) are free holiday music performances at the Eddie Rose Amphitheater. Happening December 4, 11 & 18, 7 PM – 9 PM

Snow Falling Nightly in Celebration at Celebration Town Center

When: November 26th, 2022 – December 31st, 2022
Where: 610 Sycamore St, Celebration, Fl 34747

Nightly snowfall hourly from 6 to 9 PM The Town of Celebration has some of the best light displays in Central Florida. The residents go all out for their neighborhood competition, with some having real people as part of their display. Last year, my family saw Mr. and Mrs. Claus greet people passing by. And at Celebration Town Center, you can get some of the best "snow" on this side of the Georgia state line as it falls from the main street.

A Merry Winter Garden Light Show at City Hall

When: December 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 23, 2022, 6–9 PM
Where: 300 W Plant St, Winter Garden, FL

This year the Winter Garden City Hall has a festive light show planned on select nights from 6 to 9 PM. In addition to the light show, there will also be holiday decorations and an area for children to have fun. Enjoy strolling through all of Winter Garden as they shine this holiday season.

Eola Wonderland Christmas Tree Show

When: December 2nd – January 6th
Where: Lake Eola Park, 512 E Washington St, Orlando 32801

Starting on December 2nd, the Lake Eola Wonderland Christmas Tree will come to life with synchronized light and music. Shows will happen at 5:45 PM, 6:45 PM, 7:45 PM, 8:45 PM, and 9:45 PM. The Christmas Tree is located by E. Washington St. and N. Rosalind Ave.

Downtown Orlando Snowfall

When: Select Dates December 2nd – December 23rd
Where: 512 Eola Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32801 (Lake Eola House)

Snow in Florida? Head over to experience snowfall in Downtown Orlando this holiday season when it falls on Washington St. by the Lake Eola House (located near the intersection of E. Washington St. and N. Eola Dr.). The snowfall will happen in 15-minute increments and is scheduled to fall on Fridays and Saturdays: 5:30 PM, 6:30 PM, 7:30 PM, 8:30 PM Sundays: 5:30 PM, 6:30 PM, 7:30 PM

Meet Santa

When: Select Dates December 3rd – December 23rd
Where: 512 Eola Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32801 (Lake Eola House)

Meet Santa at the Eola House (512 E. Washington St., Orlando, FL 32801) at the Eola House on December 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 23. Fridays and Saturdays: 4:30 PM – 9 PM Sundays: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

A December to Remember at the Riverfront Esplanade

When: December 7th – December 25th
Where: 249 N. Beach Street, Daytona Beach, FL, 32114

The Riverfront Esplanade has several free activities for all ages this holiday season. From Santa sightings to movies on the lawn to fun community events, if you are in the Daytona area, check them out starting December 7th.

The post Free Central Florida Holiday Happenings appeared first on Concord Management Blog.

Here are our top 10 tips for planning a Friendsgiving celebration! 

1. Get your buddies together and decide who is going to host. The host should have space for all the guests and the food. The great thing about hosting a Friendsgiving is that the host is only responsible for the turkey. The side dishes are the responsibility of the other guests. We will get to that in a moment.
    
2. Send out the invites. Every party needs invitations to tell people when, where, and what time. Decide if you will go old-school and snail mail your invites or use an online RSVP service like Facebook events or Eventbrite (both are free to use). 
    
3. Start the conversation about the menu. Once your guests are confirmed, get out your tool of choice to keep track of who is bringing what and who will need kitchen space/time to prepare their dish before the meal. I recommend Google Docs because it's free and easy to use. Make a spreadsheet with the confirmed guests' names and columns for what they are bringing and if they have any allergies or dietary restrictions. This will help ensure you don't have three variations of sweet potato casserole and only one vegetable on the table. 
    
4. Get the space ready. A few days before, clean the area and prepare for all the fun. Determine the seating arrangements and if you need to borrow another table or more chairs from a friend. Give the kitchen a deep clean so it's primed and ready for anyone who needs to prepare their dish before the party starts. 
    
5. Get to decorating! Go to your local party store and pick up some festive decor. Tip. Keep more oversized decorations out of high-traffic areas that could cause a tripping hazard or would be in the way of counter space. And make sure you use wall-friendly products that won't cause any damage to your lovely walls. 
    
6. Figure out the parking situation. Encourage your guests to carpool or take a ride-share service to reduce the chance of any parking issues. Apartment complexes can get busy during the holidays due to family and friends visiting. Encourage your guests to carpool or take a ride-share service to avoid having your guests drive around for a spot or risk being towed. 
    
7. Plan out before and after-dinner activities. Who doesn't love games, right? So ask your guests to bring their favorite group game or break out a few of your own that you can all do before or after the meal. The simpler, the better, so you can jump right into playing. 
    
8. Have a festive playlist. Pick out your favorite albums and spin the tunes. I'm not talking about a dance party. Just something to have as background music to prevent awkward silence while everyone hangs out. Spotify, Pandora, and Apple Music have great pre-set holiday playlists. 
    
9. Everybody clean up. That's right. Everyone should help pitch in and clean up at the night's end. Using throw-away-china (A.K.A paper or plastic) will make this a breeze. This is also where everyone grabs their to-go containers and divides up the rest of the goods for the next day's lunch. Bonus if you have containers with your guests' names on them, so everyone gets a fair shot at the goods.  
    
10. Make time to sit and relax. A lot of times, the host doesn't get to enjoy the party. Rotate out the responsibilities so that everyone has a chance to sit, talk, and relax. 

However you celebrate, make sure to have fun and enjoy yourself, and may your Friendsgiving be blessed with an attitude of gratitude. 
 

The post Top 10 Tips For Planning A Friendsgiving appeared first on Concord Management Blog.

Organize Your Pup's Toys

Designate a specific box, bin, or area of the apartment to store your dog's toys, balls, and other items. Avoid tennis balls and other small toys that may cause choking. This is especially important if you plan on leaving your dog home alone.

Keep Food and Snacks Sealed

To avoid unwanted infestations, seal your dog's food and treats properly. Store your dog's treats in plastic containers with sealed lids … this keeps your pup's food safe and healthy, and saves you money in the long run.

Potty Train Your Pooch

You will need to train them on how, when, and where to use the bathroom. Depending on the age and where you got your dog, they may already be trained. Your dog may go to the door and bark or scratch, while others may grab their leash and bring it to you. If you have a puppy, you may need to teach these things using plenty of patience, practice, and treats. Creating a routine helps too.

Keep Barking to a Minimum

This isn't always easy. After all, barking is one way that dogs communicate. There are a few ways to minimize the amount your dog barks. When it comes time to play, don't get your dog too riled up or excited which may cause them to bark loudly. Training your dog not to bark using treats, and command words like "quiet", and other methods also work well.

Decorate Your Dog Apartment Carefully

Even the most well-trained dogs make mistakes and have accidents. Your pup might accidentally go on the carpet, jump on the couch, or chew your favorite shoe. Decorate your apartment as a dog owner. Don't invest in expensive furniture for the rooms your dog likes best. Keep valuable items and clothing on high shelves or in closed closets. Purchase inexpensive rugs that can easily be replaced.

Hide Your Trash Can

Dogs are notorious for going through the trash. Help your pooch avoid temptation by storing your trash can somewhere safe and secure. The most common spot is underneath the kitchen sink. If you don't have space beneath your sink, try a nearby closet or pantry. When all else fails, purchase a trash can with a tightly-fitted lid. Secure your bathroom and bedroom trash cans as well. Whenever possible, take the garbage out before leaving your dog home alone.

Establish Rules About Furniture

Some pet owners love for their dog to snuggle up beside them on the couch or in bed. Others have a strict "no dogs on the furniture" policy. Whichever describes you, choose a side and stick with it! There are pros and cons to allowing your pup on the furniture. Whatever you decide, be consistent … dogs are easily confused when one minute it's okay to pounce on you and the next minute they're being scolded for it.

Balancing Dog Ownership and Apartment Living

Apartment living with a dog is all about mutual respect – respecting your neighbors and guests and your pup's needs. If you have a roommate, make sure they're comfortable with the living situation as well.

Source: daroapartments.com

The post Living with a Pet appeared first on Concord Management Blog.

Portable space heaters are responsible for an average of 1,700 house
fires a year, resulting in 80 deaths and 160 injuries, according to the
Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you rely on a portable heater
during Florida's cooler months, it's important to make space heater
safety a priority. Following are tips for safe space heater operation.

• Place the heater on a hard, level, and nonflammable surface.
• Establish a 3-foot kid-and-pet-free zone around the heater, and
never put a space heater in a child's room.
• Keep the space heater at least 3 feet away from combustible
materials, such as furniture, bedding, and curtains.
• Turn it off when you leave the room or go to bed.
• Unplug the heater when it's not in use by pulling the plug straight
from the outlet-don't use the heater if the cord is frayed or worn.
• Don't plug another electrical device or an extension cord into the
same outlet as a heater-that can cause overheating.
• A smart sensor that automatically shuts off a heater when it
overheats is a must. You'll also want a tip-over switch that does the
same if the heater is knocked over.
• Most space heaters come with a cord that's 6-feet long. To prevent
overheating, never use an extension cord or a power strip with an
electric heater.

~Source: consumerreports.org

The post Using a Space Heater Safely appeared first on Concord Management Blog.

Chess

This timeless game is perfect for getting the brain going in the morning. It is easy to learn but takes years to master.

Recommended players: 2. Price: $5+

Spaceteam

"Activate the Quasiturbine!" "Set the Hyperhydrant to three!" These are some of the things you may shout to your family members as you work together to navigate space in this cooperative party game or app.

Recommended players: 2-8. Price: Free (Mobile app), $25 (Card game)

Heads Up!

A family fun app where one person holds up a word and has to guess what the word is based on clues given by the other players. They have 60 seconds to guess as many as they can, or skip if they don't know!

Recommended players: 2+. Price: Free

Codenames

In Codenames, split your family into two teams and give each other one-word clues that can point to multiple words on the board, then guess the correct words to give points to your team.

Recommended players: 2+. Price: $10

Coup

Coup is a card game of strategy, luck, and bluffing. The goal of the game is to be the last one left. If your family is looking to get a little competition going, this is a fun and quick game to play.

Recommended players: 2-6. Price: $15

The post Affordable Games for the Family appeared first on Concord Management Blog.