Miami Beats and Sazon

I love social gatherings so I couldn't miss this special event at the Bal Harbour Shops! On Friday, December 17th, Oxygene Boutique and Miami Magazine hosted an exclusive trunk show to debut the latest hand crafted jewelry collection by Loree Rodkin. During the event, guests sipped on Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte while enjoying a variety of hors d'oeuvres. A portion from the evening's VIP preview reception benefited Tracy Mourning's (pictured on the left) Honey Shine Mentoring Program, a program of Alonzo Mourning Charities. Honey Shine provides a platform for young girls to develop their own voice as women. The program provides "Honey Bugs" [participants] with mentors, bi-weekly workshops and a chance to attend the most anticipated event of the year: Camp Honey Shine! To learn how you can become involved with this program, visit their website. In the words of Tracy Mourning, "I invite and encourage other women to join me in shining their light to bright…

Are you ready for a new type of sazon? Here's an event I've been looking forward to attending: the glamorous Full Moon Party at The Ritz-Carlton in Ft. Lauderdale. I couldn't wait to share this one-of-a-kind soiree on my blog! On Tuesday, December 21st, join The Ritz-Carlton Ft. Lauderdale as they host the third Full Moon Party which takes place on the 7th floor Tropical Pool Deck [pictured above] from 7 to 10 p.m. Prepare for a casual, chic and stylish gathering of locals [like Alice Battern and Tina Torrey pictured on the right] who don't have to worry about the velvet rope, cover charge or expensive valet parking [rates will be reduced for the event]. This month's party features Ketel One Oranje with $7 cocktails including Full Moon Fizz, South Florida Sunset, Man on the Moon Mojito and more! Do you need any more convincing? Okay, here's another perk: guests receive a complimentary cocktail when they donate one unwrapped toy [for children ages 2-18] benefiti…

On Friday, December 10th, I had the pleasure of meeting and interviewing Recording Artist, Entrepreneur & Philanthropist Trina during the 3rd Annual Jingle Bell Toy Drive at Club Play in Miami Beach. Trina's Diamond Doll Foundation in association with the Florida Entertainment Summit and Kim's Closet Boutique presented an evening of holiday fashion while collecting toys. Guests enjoyed complimentary admission when donating a new unwrapped toy to support the toy drive benefiting Miami Dade County Foster & Adoptive Parent Association [a nonprofit organization composed of more than 4,300 youth who are part of Miami Dade County's foster care system]. Here's my interview with Miami's hometown rapper, Trina:

MBS: What inspired you to start Diamond Doll Foundation?
Trina: Diamond Doll Foundation was inspired by my passion for helping the youth and inner city girls. The goal is to motivate and uplift today's youth. It's a beautiful foundation I started three…

Sazoneros: In honor of Miami Beats and Sazon's one year anniversary, I officially hosted my first event this week! On Wednesday, December 8th, Co'Coon Body presented a special event at Blue Martini Brickell to celebrate the holidays. Co'Coon Body's Holiday Bazaar Extravaganza showcased the newest trends in shapewear while providing shoppers with an incredible holiday celebration [a special thank you to the Co'Coon Bodymodels from A Concept Fashion Group (pictured above) who struck a pose for MBS]. Throughout the evening, guests purchased their favorite holiday goodies from vendors like Elite Fitness Connection, Robbie Lip Gloss, Cocoa Couture Miami, TAudrey, Razzledazzle Barbershop and Mizmi Label by Danittza Zimic [to name a few]. Blue Martini also treated everyone to delicious hors d' oeuvres and two complimentary drinks. I'm really happy that many of my friends came out to support this event [like my beautiful friend Melissa Exposito- pictured above] be…

Sanriois celebrating their 50th Year Anniversary during Art Basel so make sure to catch your favorite characters and the coolest art exhibits before 7 p.m. today! On Thursday, December 2nd, I attended their opening night party with my girlfriends. We loved every second of this "Hello Kitty Heaven" [like my friend Maria called it]. Sanrio completely transformed a warehouse in Miami's Wynwood Art District to provide Hello Kitty fans with a full fledged 50th Anniversary Bash! Here are some fun photos from the night:

After checking out the Sanrio Smart Cars on our way into the event, we couldn't help but notice the incredible history behind Sanrio. Small Gift Miami actually features a 35-foot wall with a time line of characters (pictured above). Did I mention that my friends and I marveled over the Hello Kitty chandeliers throughout the ceiling?

Here's a sample of the incredible works of art on display.


My friends and I enjoying Sanrio's Small Gift Miami Art Exhibit…

Art Basel is still in full effect in Miami: I hope everyone has been enjoying the events and most of all....the art! On Thursday, December 2nd, Michael Yo hosted a special 5th Year Anniversary Party for Original Penguin at their Lincoln Road store (925 Lincoln Road). During the event, shoppers enjoyed cupcakes by Sweet Street Desserts along with cocktails by Chambord, Korbel Champagne and 42 Below Vodka. Guests also received a 30% discount with their purchases so it was the perfect time to shop while listening to beats of DJ Dank. If you missed the anniversary bash and would like to check out Original Penguin's holiday collection, visit their website www.OriginalPenguin.com for more holiday promotions. In case you're wondering who is pictured above: Diaset Cabrera [my sister], Michael Yo, yours truly [Susset] and James Brown, Retail Marketing Director of Perry Ellis, Original Penguin and Cubavera. The picture on the top left: One of South Beach's hot divas, ADORA, alo…

Art Basel has taken over Miami and the VOGUELounge at The Raleigh Hotelis one of the hot spots you cannot miss! On Wednesday, December 1st, Miami's trendsetters and fashionistas attended the VOGUELounge's cocktail reception for an exclusive shopping preview of the season's most inspiring fashion, beauty and lifestyle trends. Guests were able to visit stylish shopping booths by Sam Edelman, Curve Boutique, Bebe, Trina Turk and Tracy Mourning's Honey Child Collection which features a wonderful assortment of moisturizers and body oils (Tracy and Alonzo Mourning are pictured above with one of the sprays). For those who want to check out the VOGUE Lounge, today is the last day to swing by The Raleigh Hotel (open to the public from 12 pm till 9 pm). Enjoy!

Above: Here's a special glimpse of Tracy Mourning's Honey Child Collection which is exclusively available throughout Miami. Make sure to visit her website for a list of the locations. Tracy was kind enough to person…