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5 Fun Outdoor Fall Activities for Kids

5 Fun Outdoor Fall Activities for Kids

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Just because the summer is well behind us, doesn’t mean it’s time to pack up and head indoors. There’s tons of exciting outdoor fall activities you and your kids to explore. So, throw on your favorite sweater and enjoy these great fall activities from Hussain al Nowais:

  1. Go Apple Picking

Apple picking is an enjoyable activity the whole family will love! You can spend time enjoying the fresh air and brisk weather, and stock up on fresh, delicious apples. You can use your apples to whip up yummy treats with the kids on the next rainy day, including apple cobbler, salsa, cider, pie or bread. Find an orchard in your area that offers apple picking to the public. Along with apple picking, orchards typically offer other activities as well, such as feeding the farm animals, hayrides and corn mazes.

  1. Decorate a Pumpkin

In addition to apple picking, many orchards and farms offer pumpkin picking. You and the kids can take a hayride out to the pumpkin patch and pick your favorite pumpkins for carving. Or, head to the local grocery store for a good selection of pumpkins. There you can buy kid-friendly carving kits that come with cute and spooky patterns, or grab some paint and brushes for the little ones. And, don’t forget to save the seeds for roasted pumpkin seeds!

  1. Take a Hike

A leisurely hike is a fun way to get a healthy dose of exercise and explore the beautiful fall foliage. Make a day of it by heading to a nearby park and bringing along a picnic and lawn games.

  1. Make a Scavenger Hunt

Create a list of fall-themed items and search for them in your backyard. It’s an exciting activity that gets you and the kids outdoors, and you can customize the scavenger hunt for kids of all ages. Some things you can include in your scavenger hunt are something red, something yellow, a pumpkin, a pinecone, a haystack and a scarecrow.

  1. Have a Bonfire

Fall is the perfect time of year to snuggle up by the bonfire. You and your family can make s’mores and enjoy apple cider made from your fresh orchard apples.

Which of these fall activities from Hussain al Nowais are you most looking forward to?

 

 

 

Top September Events in Miami

Top September Events in Miami

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If you’ll be in Miami during September, you’re in luck. There are tons of fun events planned over the course of the month; so whether you are a local like Hussain al Nowais or just visiting, you’ll want to check out these great events.

Brazilian Film Festival

From Sept. 12 to 19 be sure to check out the 19th Annual Brazilian Film Festival. The film festival will feature a colorful dose of Brazilian culture on the big screen, including 25 short and featured films that are premiering in Florida for the first time. The audience will also get the chance to vote for their favorite feature and short films. The eight-day event will be held at the Colony Theatre. Contact 305-579-9030 for more information.

Miami Fashion Film Festival

Along with the Brazilian Film Festival, you’ll want to attend the Miami Fashion Film Festival, which is being held from Sept. 17 to 19 at the Miami Beach Cinematheque on Washington Ave. You’ll see the fashion industry through screenings of short films, documentaries and fashion movie classics. The Miami Film Festival benefits the nonprofit group Fashion Inspires Me, which is dedicated to expanding the fashion dialogue through art, technology and education. For more information, call 305-673-4567.

Miami Beach Food Truck and Music Fest

On the fourth Wednesday of every month, Miami Beach’s North Shore Park Bandshell Ocean Terrace hosts the Miami Beach Food Truck and Music Fest. This month’s event will be held on Sept. 23 from 5 to 10 p.m. There you can enjoy great Latin music and tasty cuisine. The park is located at Collins Avenue and 73rd Street. For this month’s participating restaurants, visit www.mbculture.com.

Summer Butterfly Walk

If you have children, they’ll be sure to enjoy the Summer Butterfly Walk on Sept. 26. From 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Deering Estate at Cutler, you can explore various habitats in search of 40 different butterfly species, including the Dina Yellow, Dingy Purplewing, and Atala butterflies. Call 305-235-1668 for more information.

 

 

3 Tips for a Stress-free Airport Experience

3 Tips for a Stress-free Airport Experience

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In a perfect world, you’d arrive at the airport to check in and make it through security in minimal time. You’d also have the plenty of time to grab a drink or bite to eat before your flight boards and leaves on time. While this situation is ideal, it almost never occurs. Travelers, whether traveling for business or vacation, experience long check-in and security lines, crowded airport terminals and flight delays. While you can’t entirely control your airport experience, there are some steps you can take to make it more pleasurable and less stressful. For a stress-free airport experience, consider the following tips from frequent traveler Hussain al Nowais.

  1. Check in online – Most airlines let you check in online 24 hours prior to your flight’s departure time. Checking in online will save you time at the airport, especially if you aren’t checking a bag. Simply go to the airline’s website and enter your name and flight number to proceed with the check in process, which will take less than 5 minutes. By checking in online you can print your boarding pass and even pick your seat for an additional fee.
  1. Leave early enough – Rushing to the airport will may leave you feeling stressed and anxious. Be sure to leave early to allow yourself enough time at the airport for checking in, going through security, grabbing a book or snack, and heading to your gate. It’s recommended to arrive 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight.
  1. Know TSA carry-on regulations – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has strict regulations on what you can bring past security. Along with the obvious items like knives and razors, you are not allowed to bring liquids, aerosols or creams that are larger than 3.4 ounces in your carry-on bag. All of your travel size products must be stored in one quart sized, clear zip-top bag. If you are unsure about an item, it’s best to put it in your checked bag. Otherwise, it may be confiscated and discarded by a TSA officer.

With these tips from Hussain al Nowais, your next airport experience is guaranteed to be more pleasurable.

 

4 Great Fourth of July Celebrations in Miami

4 Great Fourth of July Celebrations in Miami

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This Fourth of July marks America’s 239th birthday. Are you ready to celebrate? The Greater Miami Area has tons of great Independence Day events planned, including parades, barbeques and magnificent firework displays. If you haven’t already made your plans, enjoy the excitement and patriotism of Independence Day at one of these wonderful Miami events from Hussain al Nowais.

  1. America’s Birthday Bash – Hosted by Bayfront Park and Bayside Marketplace, America’s Birthday Bash promises South Florida’s largest fireworks display. The fun will begin at Bayfront Park with a kids’ zone, petting zoo, live music, giveaways and food and beverages. The night will end with the spectacular fireworks display, which can be viewed from the park, Bayfront Marketplace or abroad the SeaFair yacht.
  1. Fire on the Fourth Festival – Celebrate the Fourth of July at the City of Miami Beach’s annual Fire on the Fourth Festival. The event will be held at the North Shore Park Bandshell at 73rd Street and Collins Avenue, where you can enjoy food trucks, live music and DJs. Watch the fireworks light up the sky from the beach. The fireworks display will begin at 9 p.m.
  1. Fourth of July Parade – The Village of Key Biscayne will be hosting the 56th Annual Fourth of July Parade. The parade will begin at 11 a.m. and take place along Crandon Boulevard from Harbor Drive to West Enid. The parade will feature traditional floats, bands and decorated golf carts and will be immediately followed by the Kiwanis Picnic on the Village Green. The magnificent fireworks display will begin at 9 p.m.
  1. Race to the Fourth – The Homestead Miami Speedway will be hosting the 6th Annual Race to the Fourth event. The event will feature live concerts, food trucks, rides for the kids, a rock-climbing wall, and games. Admission is free, and the wonderful fireworks display will begin at 9 p.m.

 

Top Things to Do in Central Park

Top Things to Do in Central Park

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Whether you’re a New Yorker or a tourist, there are plenty of exciting things to do in Central Park. The 843-acre park has tons of walking and running trails where you can explore the beautiful scenery of the park. The park is also home to about 50 foundations, landmarks and sculptures, the Central Park Zoo and more than 20 playgrounds. Check out these top things to do in Central Park from Hussain al Nowais, a former New York resident and business owner.

  1. Have a picnic – Enjoy the fresh air and magnificent scenery surrounding you by having a picnic in the park. Bring along your favorite snacks and a picnic blanket. Once you’ve enjoyed your picnic, you can sit back and relax, enjoy your favorite book, fly a kite or walk the trails.
  1. Visit the Central Park Zoo – The Central Park Zoo is one of Hussain al Nowais’s favorite places to bring his grandchildren. Located at the south end of the park, the Central Park Zoo is 6.5-acre zoo that houses animals from tropical, temperate and polar zones all over the world. The zoo showcases a wide range of animals, including sea lions, penguins, snow monkeys, snow leopards, grizzly bears, lemurs and more.
  1. Take a carriage ride – If this is your first time to the park, consider taking a carriage ride through the park. Since the park is so large, it’s nearly impossible to see the whole park in just one day. A carriage ride will take you through most of the park, so you can see get a full glimpse of the park.
  1. Ice skate at Wollman Rink – In the winter time, ice skating at Wollman Rink in Central Park is a New York tradition. You can bring your own skates or rent some at the rink.
  1. Tour the park’s statues and landmarks – As previously stated, the park has about 50 fountains and sculptures, including the famous Balto and Alice in Wonderland statues. Find out which landmarks you are most interested in visiting and spend a day stopping at all of them.

What are you favorite things to do in Central Park?

 

 

Buying Commerical Real Estate

Buying Commerical Real Estate

Tips for Buying Commercial Real Estate

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Whether you’re expanding your company or starting a new business, one of the most important facets of the progress is choosing your commercial property. Regardless of your industry, buying commercial real estate for your business is a huge investment, so you want to make sure you choose the right property. You commercial property should be well equipped with all the amenities and features your business needs to operate efficiently, as well as enough space should you need to expand your enterprise in the future.

To help you choose the perfect commercial real estate for your business, follow these tips from Hussain al Nowais. Al Nowais is a former-chef who operated his own restaurant in New York City for many years. Through searching for the right property for his restaurant, he learned the ins and outs of finding the best commercial property.

  • Budget – Before you can set out hunting for new real estate, you have to review your finances and establish a budget. Chances are you won’t be paying for the commercial space up front, so you’ll need to make sure you can pay for the down payment. Also review your credit score to make sure you’ll qualify for a loan. Once you understand how you will finance the space and what type of space you can afford, you can begin your search.
  • Location – Depending on what type of business you own, the location may be what sets your business up for success. For instance, if you own a restaurant or a retail store, you’ll need a property that’s visible and easily accessible. Properties that can be viewed from the street are great because they can attract consumers who are driving by. Maybe your business will perform best if located in a high-traffic shopping area, where shoppers always frequent. Your property should also have plenty of parking spaces. You don’t want to lose out on potential sales due to lack of parking. Likewise, if you own a business that often meets with clients, your business should also be easily to find. All businesses should consider a location that’s safe and provides an easy commute for employees.
  • Amenities – Once you find a space you like, you must make sure it has all the amenities your business needs to run successfully. Things to check for are if the building has a security system, central air and an HVAC system, and pre-wiring for internet access. As the property owner, you’ll also be responsible for maintenance, such as repairs, snow removal and landscaping, so be sure to factor those additions into your budget.
  • Growth potential – When buying commercial real estate, you need to consider the future. Think about where you’d like your business to be in the next year or so. Hopefully, you’d like your business to grow. If so, you need a space that can accommodate that growth.

When you set out on your search for the perfect commercial real estate, be sure to keep these 4 factors in the back of your mind.

Best Neighborhoods in Miami

Best Neighborhoods in Miami

4 Best Neighborhoods in Miami

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With its beautiful sunny skies and miles of white sandy beaches, Miami is prime travel destination. It’s difficult not to fall in love with Miami’s scenic views, unique culture and plethora of activities. It’s no wonder why so many people choose to purchase vacation homes and retire here.

If you’re planning on purchasing residential real estate in Miami, consider one of these top neighborhoods from Miami resident Hussain al Nowais.

  1. Downtown Miami – As the most walkable place in the city, Downtown Miami is a beautiful and exciting place to live. It’s the heart of Miami, as well as the commercial center of South Florida, where you’ll find many businesses, banks, shops, entertainment centers, parks, museums and real estate. About 14,000 people live downtown, and homes here range from historic buildings to modern apartments.
  1. Coral Gables – Located 6 miles southwest of Downtown Miami is Coral Gables. You may know it as the home of the University of Miami or by its nickname The City Beautiful. The neighborhood is lined with lush banyan trees and beautiful Mediterranean Revival style architecture. Coral Gables is home to many thriving corporations, as well as great shopping, hotels, golfing, and restaurants. Here you can find a range of modern apartments, single-family homes and lavish houses.
  1. Little Havana – Situated west of Downtown Miami and south of the Miami River is Little Havana. Approximately 76,000 people live in this neighborhood, and many of them are Cubans. The schools here are operated by the Miami-Dade County Public Schools system, and the neighborhood is known for its vibrant culture and great sense of community.
  1. Coconut Grove – Coconut Grove has a relaxed and laid-back vibe with beautiful views of lush tropical foliage and easy access to the beach. The neighborhood has several private schools and a variety of different style homes, including cottages, historic homes, modern condos, and Mediterranean villas. Here you’ll find many great activities like art festivals, fresh markets, and great museums and shopping.

What’s your favorite neighborhood in Miami?

Why New York City Bagels Are the Best

Why New York City Bagels Are the Best

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Have you ever heard a New Yorker say New York City bagels are the best? If you don’t live in or near the city, then maybe you’ve simply brushed off this claim. But, if you’ve ever tried a NYC bagel, then you understand.

What makes NYC bagels so great?

Classic NYC bagels are fresh out of the oven and require certain preparation and ingredients. Bakers use high-gluten flour, water, yeast, salt and barely malt. The malt creates the smooth sweetness that gives NYC bagels their infamous great taste.

NYC bagels are typically shaped by hand. Once shaped, the dough is left for about 12 hours so it can rise. They are then boiled in water, pressed and baked. When bagels first took over the city, there were four main flavors: plain, sesame, poppy and salt. Today, you can find all sorts of flavors in NYC bagel shops, including garlic, onion, chocolate chip, wheat, everything and cinnamon raisin.
The NYC bagel tradition stems back to Poland in the 1700s. Eastern Europeans started immigrating to NYC in the 1880s, and brought with them their bagel craft.

Top NYC Bagel Shops

Today, amongst all the authentic NYC bagel shops, you may also find chain bagel stores that mass produce bagels, without putting added time or effort into the bagel making process. To help you differentiate the good from the bad, here is a list of the top bagel shops in NYC from Hussain al Nowais, a retired Manhattan chef and restaurant owner. At these bagel shops, you’ll get a taste of old-world New York and understand why NYC bagels are simply the best in the world.

  • Absolute Bagels – Situated at 2788 Broadway on the Upper West Side, this bagel shop usually has a line out the door. Here the bagels are always coming fresh out of the oven, and you’re likely to get one when it’s still piping hot. When bagels were first introduced to NYC they were 3 ounces instead of 7. At this bagel shop you can get the traditional 3-ounce bagel.
  • Barney Greengrass – Since its humble beginnings in 1908, this bagel shop has served up some of the best bagels in the city. Located at 541 Amsterdam Avenue on the Upper West, this shop is famous for its Jewish specialties. Try a bagel topped with Nova Scotia salmon or chopping herring salad.
  • Russ and Daughter’s – This shop is a must-visit foodie destination, located at 179 E Houston Street on the Lower East Side. The shop is famous for its Jewish delicacies, which it has been serving up since 1914. This shop gets their bagels fresh from Bagel Hole in Brooklyn and finishes them off with their signature Nova lox and Ben’s Cream Cheese.

What’s your favorite bagel shop in NYC?