"SATC2 Movie & a Makeover" hosted by Chevrolet and Rik Rak Salon, Boutique and Bar!

On Thursday, May 27th, Chevrolet and Rik Rak Salon, Boutique & Bar hosted a special "Movie & a Makeover" event for bloggers in Miami. All of the fabulous ladies were invited to attend the salon for a little pampering before watching the anticipated premiere of Sex and the City 2! At the salon, Rik Rak provided complimentary manicures and blowouts for their guests. In my case, I received a serious case of volume and what I like to call: "va-va-voom." My hair looked amazing! For those who haven't checked out this Miami salon, you have to swing by one of their 3 locations (Brickell, Four Seasons Hotel and The Sagamore Hotel). Rik Rak, owned by Ric and Raquel Watters, is a full service upscale salon that features a full bar as well as a variety of accessories, apparel and shoes. It's literally a one stop shop! To find a Rik Rak near you or to see a complete list of services, visit http://www.rikrak.com/site/.

These are the lovely ladies I met last night at Rik Rak Salon. On the left, that's Jeile Marie from "Go Live Miami." Yours truly is dressed in purple and to my right is Annie Vazquez who writes for NBC 6 in Miami. Finally, to the right of Annie is Mrs. Sagz who writes a blog called "Your not so Desperate Housewife" and Mabel from Strictly MIA. Check out their blogs and get to know these ladies!

Rik Rak Salon, Boutique & Bar has awesome accessories!

Rik Rak's Boutique features unique garments throughout the salon.

These were all the ladies who came out to celebrate the premiere of SATC2 in Miami. On my right, check out my friend Mitch who writes her own celebrity gossip blog called "Mitch's Daily Dish." Upon our departure, we were whisked away in a chauffeured Chevy Tahoe to the movie theater on Lincoln Road. Thank you Chevy for a fabulous ride and cheers to an amazing experience!

At the movies, I saw plenty of fashionistas waiting for the big premiere. This is why I love Miami: the ladies are always full of style and sazon! Hope you enjoy your own SATC2 experience this weekend and feel free to share your reactions below.

Memorial Day Weekend...Miami Style!

Okay Sazoneros, it's time to start devising your Memorial Day Weekend plans right? I've decided to present you with a few plan "B's" in case your plan "A's" don't make the cut! You may already know that this week is officially titled "Urban Beach Week 2010." If you're interested in attending one of the many beach parties around town, check out The Miami New Times and their calendar of events. For those who are looking for something outside of Miami's nightlife, here are some options:

For film and music lovers: swing by The DocMiami International Film Festival. This three day event (May 27-30) fuses emerging documentary filmmakers, students’ grades 6-12, as well as film and music enthusiasts. Guests can enjoy performances by Melton Mustafa, Tito Puente Jr. and Fito Espinola who are contributing their talents to benefit Brick by Brick for Tanzania, a non-profit organization. The festival will take place at the Doral Golf Resort and Spa located at 4400 N.W. 87 Avenue in Miami.
Finally, for a real taste of Miami's sazon, you cannot miss this month's "Viernes Culturales" in Little Havana. On Friday, May 27th, head to the infamous Calle Ocho to experience every aspect of Miami's diverse culture. There will be food, art, dominoes and a great mix of people from all over South Florida. The event starts at 6 p.m. and runs till midnight. You'll know you've arrived when you hear the music playing on S.W. 8th Street between I-95 and 27th Avenue. Enjoy your long weekend and when all else fails...just hit the beach!

Meet Laura and Jenna Bush at Books & Books

On Friday, May 28th, Laura Bush will be stopping by Miami this week to sign copies of her deeply personal memoir, Spoken from the Heart ($30), at Books & Books (265 Aragon Avenue; Coral Gables). Jenna Bush will be joining her mother to meet readers and sign autographs at 1 p.m. This anticipated memoir reveals the personal details of Laura's devastating high school car accident which killed one of her close friends. The book offers readers a glimpse into life at the White House, from presidential finances to stories about White House guests. Tickets will be required for this event and may be purchased at all Books & Books locations. To secure your spot in the signing line, purchase your ticket online at www.BooksandBooks.com or call 305-442-4408 to reserve your copy. There will be books available during the event as well (while supplies last). You must show your ticket and receipt to enter the line on Friday. Mrs. Bush will not be able to personalize memorabilia or pose for pictures. However, guests will be allowed to take photos of Laura and Jenna Bush as they make their way through the line. Enjoy the event!!!

This week: Brazilian Boutique, Osklen, Celebrates their Grand Opening on Lincoln Road!

On Wednesday, May 19th, Oskar Metsavaht, Founder and Creative Director of Osklen together with Daniella Sredni, Katya Segovia and Marcus Panthera (all pictured above: photo courtesy of Zoltan Photography) hosted a launch party for the new Osklen boutique on 1111 Lincoln Road. This contemporary Brazilian brand has over 50 stores in Brazil, Italy, Japan, Switzerland Portugal and the United States. The new flagship store on South Beach marks Osklen's second location in the states (kind of a big deal)!!!

The boutique features men’s and women’s collections, casual wear, accessories, shoes, handbags, jewelry and swimwear. Once you enter the boutique, you'll notice an amazing interior design conceived by Osklen’s design team under the supervision of creative director Oskar Metsavaht. Each wall has a pattern that mimics Rio de Janeiro’s iconic Ipanema beach sidewalk, the black and white geometric wave in Portuguese pavement. You have to check it out!

Guests Erika Cohen, Robert Wennett, Eva Hughes and Kelly Talamas (photo courtesy of Zoltan Photography).



Above: Christiano Piquet, Nazare Metsavaht, Christina Coelho and Ricardo Coelho posed for a picture during the celebration (photo courtesy of Zoltan Photography). This is definitely the newest Brazilian sazon to hit South Florida so take advantage and stop by for a visit. “A Miami location was always part of our long-term plans,” says Metsavaht, “Miami’s casual and sophisticated beach lifestyle fits in perfectly with the Osklen ethos.” For more information on Osklen or to see their collections online, visit www.Osklen.com.

Audition to be the first ever MIAMI IDOL!!!

To my talented Sazoneros: Want to win a recording contract for a radio-ready single from Velvet Basement along with your very own music video produced by BocaRaton.com?
Live auditions will be held before a panel of local celebrity judges on Saturday, May 22nd, from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Tobacco Road (626 South Miami Avenue). The audition will be limited to the first 200 people who arrive on site! Contestants will not be allowed to bring any musical tracks (must sing 30 second acapella performance). To make the event extra special, CBS4's Jorge Estevez will host the first ever Miami Idol! You may purchase your audition entry online for $50 and secure your spot for Saturday OR you can create a Facebook audition and pay a $30 entry fee (find the "Miami Idol" Facebook fan page and upload your 30 second video). PLEASE READ ALL RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR MORE DETAILS ON HOW TO ENTER. All of the prizes and costs have been donated and all of the proceeds for this event will benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Good luck to all of my talented singers out there and sing your heart out for a good cause!

Meet Miami's Hippest Designer: Jimmy Vega

If you're gearing up for Miami's HOT summer and you find yourself shopping around for cool clothes (literally), then check out the latest styles by local designer Jimmy Vega. Vega began his career as a passionate artist who admired everything about Miami including its beautiful beaches and rich diversity. After combining his love of art and fashion, Vega developed his own t-shirt brand called Jimi Vee. For my fashionistas who are looking for the perfect summer dress, Vega recently released his One Step at a Time tank dress which is available on his website. Vega's philosophy: "Why make art to decorate a home when you can create art that is wearable and simple just like Miami's laid back lifestyle!"

The One Step at a Time cotton dress is made with fabric from American Apparel and it can be worn over a pair of skinny jeans or used as a beach cover up. On Jimi Vee's website, you'll also find a "Hope for Haiti Tee." In an effort to help our neighbors in need, Vega designed a powerful message of hope on these v-neck tees and he also agreed to donate 100% of the proceeds to the American Red Cross' Haiti relief campaign.

Where can you find Jimi Vee in Miami? The brand is carried by several boutiques in town including The Dressing Room, The Closet Boutique, Lady Lux Boutique, MINA and M-M Couture. For a complete list of boutiques or to shop online, visit www.JimiVee.com. Miami is getting hotter by the minute and so are Vega's tees!

Jason and Katina Taylor host their "Nothing but the Best Celebrity Golf Classic" Dinner Party

On Sunday, May 16th, the Jason Taylor Foundation celebrated their 7th annual charity dinner & auction at the new Martorano's Italian-American Kitchen located at the Seminole Paradise Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, FL. This dinner event kicked off Jason Taylor's Celebrity Golf Classic and was appropriately titled "Nothing but the Best!" The owner of the restaurant, Steve Martorano, was not kidding when he said his restaurant is known for their delicious meatballs. During the night, many of Jason Taylor's close friends and fellow football players were in attendance to support his foundation. This annual two-day event benefits the Jason Taylor Foundation, Holtz Children's Hospital and Take Stock in Children.

In 2009, the Jason Taylor Foundation contributed nearly $350,000 in programs and services to a variety of organizations dedicated to serving our community's children in need. The foundation also donated $50,000 to the Jason Taylor Children's Learning Center (located at the Holtz Children's Hospital) in Miami to provide an educational and recreational haven for hospitalized children facing extensive stays.


My sister and I with the lovely Katina Taylor.

Today, Jason Taylor is best known for his role as an all-pro linebacker and defensive end for the New York Jets. But in 2004, Jason started his own foundation along with his wife, Katina. The Jason Taylor Foundation's mission is to support and create programs that facilitate the personal growth and empowerment of South Florida's children in need. Even though Jason no longer plays for the Miami Dolphins, he has always kept our city in his heart! For more information on the organization or to become involved with their programs, visit http://www.jasontaylorfoundation.com.

For those who may be wondering about the red "We Want Wade" sign, check out the Miami Heat's new campaign to bring Dwyane Wade back to Miami! Left: Shannon Hori, anchor of CBS4 News, attended the dinner event to support the Jason Taylor Foundation. I'm a big fan of Shannon and her twin boys (read her blog about motherhood). Tune in to CBS4 News every weekday to watch Shannon on the 5, 6 and 11 p.m. newscasts along with Antonio Mora! Right: Zach Thomas showing D. Wade his support.

Dan Marino attended the Jason Taylor Foundation dinner.

Ricky Williams also attended the event. For a closer glimpse into this star-studded dinner event, watch this video by Tiffany Ellis.

Photographer, Seth Browarnik, launches WorldRedEye.com at the Raleigh Penthouse

On Friday, May 14th, Miami's best-known celebrity photographer Seth Browarnik celebrated his birthday and the launch of his new website at the famous Raleigh Penthouse in Miami Beach. Seth's website is called World Red Eye. This visual lifestyle journal is actually a very cool concept! Make sure you check out the site and see their photos from the launch party. Here are some of the celebs and special guests I captured throughout the night:

Al Reynolds and Evelyn Lozada strike a pose with Seth (right).

Left: DJ Irie, the official DJ of the Miami Heat, shows some love for MBS. Right: Evelyn Lozada, star of VH1's Basketball Wives, wore her fabulous Alexander McQueen Booties which are actually available at her high end shoe boutique, Dulce.

My sister and I with Tara Solomon (middle) from Tara Ink.

The 8th Annual Angels & Stars Gala presented by FedEx and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

On Saturday, May 15th, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and FedEx held their 8th annual Angels & Stars Gala at the InterContinental Miami Hotel. During the gala, Latin Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Juanes was honored with the 2010 "Al-Rashid Hope Award." The award recognized Juanes for his international humanitarian efforts and his quest to help bring awareness to children's causes. Model and television host, Daisy Fuentes, was also in attendance to support St. Jude and serve as a hostess for the evening. When asked about the gala, Daisy stated that she is "elated to see how the Hispanic community in Miami and around the country has embraced the mission of St. Jude so dearly." Events of this caliber help to support life-saving initiatives such as the St. Jude International Outreach Program, which has dramatically increased the survival rates for children with cancer around the world. This program has partnered with clinics in more than 15 countries including Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Honduras, Chile and Brazil. Overall, an amazing mission for amazing children!!!



Daisy Fuentes, Juanes and his beautiful wife, actress Karen Martinez. The theme of the gala was "Masquerade." There was a live and silent auction as well as a wide assortment of colorful masks for guests.



Left: Evelyn Lozada (photo courtesy of Alta Images), owner of Dulce Shoes in Coral Gables and star of VH1's Basketball Wives. Evelyn looked stunning in her gown by Puerto Rican designer, Stella Nolasco. Right: Karla Martinez, co-host on Univision's morning show called Despierta America.



Guests at the gala enjoying the Masquerade theme.





St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is internationally recognized for their pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer. St. Jude is the first and only pediatric cancer center to be designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute. For more information on this wonderful organization and to support their mission, visit www.stjude.org.