Miami Beats and Sazon

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…

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…

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 benefi…

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 neigh…

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…

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.

Now that summer is officially taking over Miami, it's time to familiarize yourselves with the latest beauty products to protect your skin and body during this hot season! On Tuesday, May 11th, Ocean Drive Magazine hosted a special beauty event where readers were invited to experience everything that Miami experts have to offer! Guests arrived at the Sonesta Bayfront Hotel in Coconut Grove to meet a variety of local Dermatologists, Lasik Professionals and Anti-Aging Consultants. As you walked through the event, you could see women receiving complimentary skin services like facials or massages. There were also many vendors like my friends over at Journelle (pictured to the right). At the event, Journelle showcased brassieres from their latest collection to shoppers throughout the evening. If you missed the event and you want to browse through the sexiest brands in lingerie, shop online at http://www.journelle.com/. Ocean Drive Magazine also provided guests with complimentary appetiz…

Do you feel like you never take the time to appreciate the beautiful night skies in Miami? Join one of the most unique festivals in town called an "Evening under the Stars" at the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens! On Thursday, May 13th, enjoy an evening at this historic landmark as they open its gates for an unforgettable experience. This year's 13th annual Food and Wine Festival will feature Miami's top-tier restaurants, premium spirits from Bacardi and a wide selection of wines from around the world. For those who are looking for an entertaining night: take advantage of the rare nighttime tours of Vizcaya's Main House and Gardens. If you're in the mood to shop, then browse through their exclusive Silent Auction which will include exotic trips, luxurious jewelry and one-of-a-kind art. Who knows? You may walk out of Vizcaya with stunning jewels from Judith Ripka or artwork by famed Miami artist Romero Britto. There will also be live performances all around the…

To my shoe fanatics: Dulce Shoe Boutique in Coral Gables is the new shoe spot! On Thursday, May 6th, boutique owner, Evelyn Lozada, hosted Dulce's One Year Anniversary bash at 286 Miracle Mile. Shoenista and Reality TV Personality, Evelyn Lozada, mingled with guests as she showcased her latest collection of fabulous shoes. Evelyn's daughter Shaniece (pictured above) was in attendance along with some of her closest friends: Cynthia Rodriguez (A-Rod's ex-wife) and socialite, Lisa Pliner. For those who are addicted to watching Basketball Wives on VH1 (like myself), you'll be happy to know that some of the cast members were in Miami for the celebration. Throughout the night, Evelyn wore three of her favorite pair of shoes. Check out Beyonce (left) wearing one of the newest ankle boots carried by the boutique. This place is HOT! Make sure you visit this beautiful boutique in Coral Gables and perhaps surprise your mom's with a special Mother's Day gift. Trust me, sh…

Today I discovered a brand new event in town and I couldn't wait to write this post. Introducing: Swap Miami! The first shopping event of its kind, Swap Miami is being hosted by Super Market Creative and Creative Mafia on Saturday, May 22nd, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. This is the latest way to "reduce, reuse and recycle" in Miami! Sift through your closets and get ready to simplify your life. At the event, there will be fashion stylists, furniture designers and retailers who will appraise your items so you can swap with other guests. You are encouraged to bring quality items that have been gently used. Acceptable goods include: clothing, accessories, home decor and accent furniture. Swap Miami guests will enjoy complimentary cocktails and some light treats. All left over items will be donated to charity. Sounds like a win-win situation! Swap Miami will take place at Cafeina in the Design District (297 NW 23rd Street). Tickets may be purchased online and range from $10 to $…

After sifting through all of the Cinco de Mayo events in Miami, I recommend you check out El Scorpion on South Beach! The Mexican restaurant is hosting "Maracas & Margaritas" on Wednesday, May 5th, from 10 a.m. till 5 a.m. the next day! Arrive early because the first 50 guests will receive a FREE Corona with their purchase (not to mention there will be Tequila specials as well). Do you work till 5 p.m.? Stop by for the Mariachi Happy Hour from 5 to 7 p.m. and relax to the sounds of a live Mariachi band. Happy hour specials include 2 for 1 House Margaritas and Coronas for $2. Once you've got your drinks under control, stick around for the live DJ at 8 p.m. I'm telling you: this place has festivities lined-up for the whole night! After the DJ takes the stage, there will be a Frida Kahlo look-a-like contest where one lucky winner will receive a $100 gift card! El Scorpion (my horoscope sign- for those who may be curious) is located at 431 Washington Avenue in Miami …