Which one of these delicious new Smirnoff(R) Sorbet Light Infused Vodkas will I try first hmm…

Cocktails and Conversations with SMIRNOFF® Sorbet Light is an event concept I thought up because there are common complaints I hear often about Miami. First, the dating scene sucks, women are psycho, user golddiggers, the guys don’t know how to court or seduce women and are only interested in sex. Second, the job market is an atrocity and if you aren’t 27 ok with making 45k a year because you live with your parents or a 45 year old who is sponsoring you, you may as well join the rest in hustling for crumbs. No one values nor wants to pay for senor level, solid talent, and finally…no one here helps one another professionally. The emphasis is on the social aspect of life and the educated, professionals hide in their own exclusive clubs and networks. Thankfully, I’ve finally made friends with someone who runs in those circles but…who will actually make introductions. I pray it leads to something. There’s a lot of full of shit people in Miami and where I come from, (New York) a person’s klout isn’t based on who they know and what names they drip but how influential they are in helping others know who they know so they can also succeed thus attracting more success and building their own network. My blog gives me the benefit of trying and promoting different products (I’m a marketer for hire), and my background is in PR (18 year career with consumer brands), and my passion is writing about the hot button issues that people have strong opinions and insights on, I figured why not create an event that allows intelligent, professionals to mix, mingle, sample free booze and have meaningful discussions and help one another. The first event, Cocktails and Conversations with SMIRNOFF® Sorbet Light resulted in tasty vodka sampling and awesome conversation. The hot topic of course was dating and how there’s such a disconnect between men and women.

Plenty more where that came from. Join the conversation and taste!!

With each sip of these refreshingly delicious infused vodkas, more and more was revealed and the conversation really got interesting. What is it about cocktails that bonds people, strangers especially and makes them more comfortable around one another? Well let’s investigate with a look at what is in these new vodkas and how they are made. That may explain a lot.

SMIRNOFF® Sorbet Light is triple distilled for exceptional smoothness and ten times filtered in a unique process for supreme clarity. That basically means you can drink it, not feel gross the next day with a banging headache. SMIRNOFF Sorbet Light is infused with the natural flavoring of fresh-tasting berries, luscious mangos, juicy passion fruits and zesty lemons.  The mango one was the winner at this first event but they were all delicious. Best part all you need is a splash of seltzer or Sprite or straight over ice and it’s refreshing and delicious. Now they say Miami is the city of the beautiful people. In my observations I find the beautiful women to men ratio is about a 5:1 which means for every 5 smokin hot women, there’s only 1 guy equally as attractive.  This is great for the men but crappy for the women, especially this woman. I work out and keep myself fit and healthy so I was very very pleased to learn that the each vodka specialty is 25% lower in calories, with only 78 calories per 1.5 oz. serving. This means I can get my drink on, pregame at my place, spend no money, and not pack on the calories. Win Win situation!!

Delicious fruity taste, and 25% less calories. Whoo hooo!!

AN INVITATION:

EVERY MONDAY NIGHT 8-10pm Cocktails and Conversations hosted by me, LisaTakesMiami.

·        Open to men and women

·        Awesome networking in a smaller, more intimate setting.

·        Free Booze

·        Centrally Located on South Beach easy to get to via walking or taxi or via SWOOP Miami find them here: http://www.swoopmiami.com/

·        Guests are encouraged to write a hot topic they wish to discuss and drop it in a bowl that will be provided at the event.  I then randomly pick from the bowl and the topic is discussed, then another paper is selected a few minutes later as a way to shift the conversation and cover different things. Any question on any topic is fair game. I provide the cocktails and my guests, the conversations.

·        Confidentiality…while the topics discussed and photos taken may reach social media guests are protected and whatever is discussed in the group is between the group.

·        Feel free to tell friends and bring friends. If the group grows and catches on GREAT! If you are a restaurant, hotel lounge, liquor brand or consumer product interested in getting involved (sponsorship, sampling) drop me a note. I’ll write about your brand and share the messages about it with my guests.

Why Cocktails and Conversations??

1. ·        Something to do on a Monday night between 8 and 10pm.
2. ·        A reason to look forward to Monday’s.
3. ·        A great way to network and meet smart women.
4. ·        A great way for ladies to get a men’s point of view.
5. ·        A fantastic way to form friendships.

 Not everyone wants to go out at 11pm. People have jobs and responsibilities yet, they still want to engage socially. Cocktails and Conversations is a way to do exactly that.

Interested in attending?? Text 201-406-7690 or email LisaTheMarketingChick@gmail.com for address details.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored blog post by Smirnoff Sorbet Light.  All reviews/opinions expressed in this post are unbiased & based on my personal view. The vodka is delicious, chillin in my fridge and I need some awesome people to help me drink it all.

Cheers!!

Smirnoff Social Media:

Smirnoff has over 9.3 million in social media following

o   Follow @SmirnoffUS on twitter and use the hashtag #SmirnoffSorbet

o   https://twitter.com/smirnoffus

o   http://www.facebook.com/smirnoffus

o   http://pinterest.com/smirnoffvodka/

The post COCKTAILS AND CONVERSATIONS with Smirnoff® Sorbet Light appeared first on Lisa Takes Miami.

THE DISH on CASABLANCA ON THE BAY by Lisa Concepcion

Octopus has got to be made right. Casablanca on the Bay nails it. WOW!

When I dine at establishments I speak of my experience. I am not by any means a food critic so I just report and allow my readers to get enough info and then decide based on what I share if they want to try the place out or not. This is the dish on Casablanca on the Bay.

First, it is very very VERY Latin. I went on the night of a special event so I’m not sure there’s always very very VERY loud Spanish music on but that night there was. I prefer a different vibe when eating but like I said, call ahead to ask if there’s any event and what the vibe will be like before going.

The menu is mostly seafood, steaks, chicken dishes, pasta dishes, raw bar, tiraditos. There is a LOT to choose from and parents don’t feed your kids off the kiddie menu. Don’t order them anything. Just get side plates and teach your kids early how to appreciate different foods. Kiddie menus have ruined America. I stand behind that statement and wish every restaurant would do away with kiddie menus. Anyway yes, order lots and taste and eat family style. This place is perfect for larger groups.

These clams were cooked to perfection and are a great appetizer portion to share.

The food is good. Not sure if the atmosphere matches the higher price point, but the quality of the food is top notch. Everything I ate was delicious and well presented. I had the clams which were delicious, the octopus which was really good, fresh and prepared to perfection, and then the paella. I’m not a fan of peas but I picked them aside and devoured this amazing paella dish filled with not only fish but chicken and chorizo. WOW! It was really good. Portion is HUGE and can be shared as an entrée with 2 appetizers. This way you can taste even more!!

Paella… mmmm such a huge portion and really tasty. I prefer my rice less sticky but this risotto style rice was great too.

The dessert selection is plentiful and you seriously can come here for a meal to share and then 4 desserts to sample them. I had caramel flan because I love flan and was in the mood for it. Then we also had this fantastic apple cinnamon cream stuffed pastry which was heaven on a place. WOW!

Apple Crisp Pastry from heaven. EAT THIS for SURE!!

Mmmm flan. Can never go wrong.

Casablanca on the Bay is a perfect place to come if you’re Latin and are entertaining out of town guests. It’s also a very big space so I’d imagine they can accommodate baby shower lunches or other celebrations. I’d be curious to know when their most quiet time is and come back to see what it’s like. It’s unfortunate that they are located in a hotel that is in desperate need of a complete makeover. But it is kind of nostalgic as it reminded me of a 1983 shopping mall. I LOVED their sister location on the Miami River. So you can try both.

Casablanca on the Bay is open daily and is located at 1717 N. Bayshore Drive, 2nd Floor, Miami, Florida 33132. Reservations are not required but recommended for large groups. (305) 371-4930.

Find them here: http://www.yelp.com/biz/casablanca-on-the-bay-miami

And here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Casablanca-on-The-Bay/235385093157033

The post THE DISH on CASABLANCA ON THE BAY appeared first on Lisa Takes Miami.

COCHON 555 TAKES MIAMI by Lisa Concepcion — Here piggy piggy. One thing Miami is BIG on and I mean BIG is the pig. There’s some serious pig worship going on in this town which makes it a MUST STOP along the national tour that is COCHON. Held at the Four Seasons, this year is the 5^th one hence the title “COCHON 555.” The press release said that the event challenges chefs to participate in “nose to tail” pig preparation. COCHON 555 TAKES MIAMI in a very big way.

This little piggy ate and ate and ate all the way home

Crowds formed around the pig carving. This lady was no joke. Girlpower!!

BREAK IT OPEN whoa!

This year 5 chefs from 5 top restaurants and 5 winemakers offered hundreds a top notch culinary feast filled with creativity and fun. The chefs had to create a menu using family-raised heritage bred pigs. Now as you know, I’m an eater so it was amazing to sample tastes from the best in pig. Some highlights: BACON!!! Pork rinds seasoned with pig’s blood salt, WOW! The pork corn dog’s with lard mustard aioli were delicious, and there was even piggy desserts. Chocolate bacon brownies infused with pig’s blood. I know sounds gross but SO GOOD!

The COCHON 5 Chefs were: Aaron Brooks of The EDGE Steakhouse, Timon Balloo of Sugarcane Raw Bar & Grill, Jeffrey McInnis of Yardbird, David Thomas of The Bazaar, and Cesar Zapata of The Federal. Each had a vision and a team to carry it out the whole day to perfection. Guests got to vote for their fave taste and in the end it was home field advantage. Chef Aaron Brooks of EDGE Steakhouse was crowned the Prince of Pork Miami beating out the stiff competition.

Chef Aaron! The winner and Prince of the Pig

Oddest bite hands down was David Thomas’ table which served Dragon’s Breath Pork Rinds, a crispy morsel cooked in nitrous liquid, which froze my tongue but allowed me to blow smoke even out of my nose.  Whoa! Probably one of the most interesting things I’ve had in my mouth in months.

Smokey ball of pork goodness. But whoa was it cold.

Me mid chew… or shall I say mid blow?

Now I love Yardbird, and their Cochon 555 presence was pretty amazing. Jeff McInnis is genius and a nice guy too so of course if he’s cooking, I am eating. I ate the “Wonder Bread” Pillows which were dumplings of heavenly barbecued pulled pork, and the corn dogs were divine.

I also LOVE cheese so I was mousing down on that too. I literally had a bite of everything. My parents would be so proud.

Chef Brooks, aka the crowned Cochon 555 Prince of Pig WOWED the crowd and people (myself included) returned for seconds and thirds. I ate the kielbasa bites which were sweet from the Pink Lady apples and smoky maple syrup glaze. The mix of sweet and salty speaks to my soul. YUM! Then there was the pork and clams with roasted garlic, chillies and coconut. Amazing! I had two of those. The porchetta sandwich and the chocolate bacon brownie alongside pig’s blood ice cream was a mystery as in I ate first, asked questions later.

I left stuffed and happy. Some pics of the action!!

delicious!

heavenly

About Cochon

Created by Taste Network’s Brady Lowe in 2009 in response to the lack of consumer education around heritage breeds, Cochon is a national event series that takes place in 14 major markets. Each year, Cochon 555 embarks on a 10-city culinary competition and tasting tour where 50 chefs are selected to prepare a “snout-to-tail” menu created from heritage breed pigs. The 10 winners from each regional event are flown to Aspen for the Food & Wine Classic for the final competition, Grand Cochon. Cochon All-Star, Cochon Heritage Fire and a BBQ competition are also slated for 2013. Since its launch in 2009, Cochon 555 and its programs such as Chef’s Course have supported responsible family farming across the country. As a result, 35,000 people have tasted heritage pigs – more than at any other event in the country; charities have received more than $270,000, and more than $400,000 has gone directly to great farmers across the country. For more details about the events, visit http://www.cochon555.com/  or follow @cochon555 on Twitter.

perfection

Special thanks and a photo credit to blogger bud and fellow marketer, Jason Inasi whose full coverage of the event with more images can be found here: http://www.digestmiami.com/out-and-about/cochon555-5th-annual Thanks Dude xo.

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THE SUPPLY AND DEMAND OF DATING

By Lisa Concepcion 

While in New York and New Jersey for a family wedding, I had the pleasure of catching up with my cousin. We’re 9 months apart, went to Rutgers University at the same time and have many memories of fun. We got to talking about dating and relationships (shocker) and what I call, the supply and demand of dating. Basically there are comparisons between economics and what we see going on across the country in the dating world. EVERYONE IS BROKE and the good news is that WOMEN have the power to change this. 

Why settle for mediocre emotionless sex when you can hold out for greatness?

The supply side speaks to women and their reduction of self worth. There are plenty of women who quite frankly give up sex too soon. They spread their legs for a tic-tac, want to be liked more than respected, and are flat out dysfunctional. This dysfunction drives DOWN the value of the supply. In other words the value of the commodity, the vagina, is diminished. When this happens you hear men say things like…

 “There aren’t any good girls out there.”

Translation: Women give up sex to easily and the challenge and the hunt are gone.

This leads men to get lazy. Why is he going to make an effort for you when there’s another girl he can text and have over sucking him off for ice cream in two seconds? DO NOT BUY INTO THIS TRAP OF DESPERATION. I’ve heard women say, “well if I don’t have sex he’ll move on to someone else who will.” TOODALOO! Send him on his way. The bond through courtship needs to be formed so that BOTH sides can determine if things should even get physical. I know it’s tough. TRUST ME. You see a guy and think OOOH yeah, LOOK AT HIM. Ok fine he’s hot but what else does he have going on? Before you have sex with him FIND OUT all you can. When I say courtship I mean the time to gather data and get to know one another BEFORE things get serious with sex. I’m talking about phone conversations, outings, all sorts of fun, JUST NO INTERCOURSE.

Try to reach back into your past back to when you were a virgin and knew what a big deal it was to give it up. Your first love, the guy who you lost your virginity to had to wait and show you he cared about YOU. There had to be trust! It was a big deal. Well guess what folks,  IT STILL IS!! YOU ARE A VERY BIG DEAL and now you’re a woman with a life and a career and wisdom. YOU HAVE PLENTY TO OFFER and when you give it all up, YOU ARE DEVALUED. Giving in, sexually only perpetuates the drop of the VAGINA STOCK (NASDAQ: VAG).

Ladies, I BEG YOU stop hopping in the sack with any guy who looks your way, buys you a drink, and takes you to dinner 3 times. Sex is a beautiful expression of love between two people based on a bond of respect and trust. It shouldn’t be a vice, something that is done to fill a void. If that’s what you are seeking then you need to seek inward not outward. What is going on with you where you have urge for sub par sex. You can convince yourself otherwise all you want. Sex without love is a release. Better, safer and far more dignified to pleasure yourself. So get to the core of what’s going on with you, own it and nurture yourself. TAKE CARE OF YOU. Going to a lounge and finding strange penis isn’t where you should set your sights.

If you channeled your sexual dry spell into a gym membership, you’d tone up and would probably increase your chances of attracting men and not because you’d have a smoking hot body but because you won’t care so much about what they think of you. You’ll be too focused on your mind and health and building an incredible life. When you build a full life for yourself, a woman becomes waaaay more selective of she invites into her life, her home and especially her vagina. I realize the economy is crap. I realize it would be easier for a man to provide for you and rescue you from bills and bullshit worry. However, putting all of your eggs in that basket is absurd not to mention insane. NEVER ever put the fate of your happiness in someone else’s hands…ever. As for the women who want to be mothers remember, if you don’t want to be a single mom, don’t have a kid because there aren’t any guarantees. Instead, attract a man you want to spend your life with and make sure he shares in the same life plan as you do. Guys change their minds about kids. Men are practical and let’s face it, things are expensive and kids require a lot of things. BE SMART

Cher from Clueless has it right yet adult women forget their values as they become more desperate for babies and financial stability.

I said it earlier, sex with no strings is always mediocre. It’s usually faster, no eye contact, zero tenderness, it’s like a dildo but with more emotional fallout. I’m not interested in mediocre sex. I’m not into mediocre anything. Why settle? I’m interested in deep soulful connected sex, LOVEMAKING actually. This only happens when BOTH people share the will and desire to explore LOVE. This doesn’t happen when one person wants a relationship, kind of sort of maybe, and the other person is afraid to leave their comfort zone and questions their level of interest. That might lead to fun sex for a while and yeah you’ll bond on a certain level, but ultimately unless both people want the same thing, at the same time, best to take the physical OFF THE TABLE and be friends. This accomplishes two things 1. No more mediocre sex and 2. The value of the sex goes up and so YOUR value goes up. He’ll never know what that kind of soulful, deep connected sex could be like with you. And you?? Well, you’re holding out for greatness so anything less is beneath you.

ARE YOU A KNOCK OFF OR THE REAL THING?? When it comes to handbags, fine fragrance and watches, I will not ever wear a knockoff. First, counterfeit merchandise funds terrorism. Secondly, knockoffs  REDUCES THE SPECIALNESS AND OVERALL VALUE OF THE PRODUCT ITSELF!! You are the product. You are a brand. Don’t reduce your value. Don’t be the $100 Gucci you buy at a “pocketbook party.” Be the $3500 Gucci that someone has to REALLY THINK ABOUT before purchasing, the bag that gets a special spot on the shelf, is put in a cloth bag, and handled with care.  BE THAT!! BE THE WOMAN THAT A MAN HANDLES WITH CARE.

Charlotte from Sex and the City was considered the prude.

The supply and demand of dating says that if you don’t spread your legs, he’ll leave you and find someone who will. THIS IS WHY WE, AS WOMEN need a new revolution. WE NEED TO TAKE BACK THE VAGINA. It’s ours. It’s powerful and we have to stop devaluing ourselves and our quiet grace and strength by behaving desperately. The thinking is I will make him like me with sex. The thinking should be I will gather data about this person to decide IF HE IS A FIT FOR ME. If feelings are mutual then we proceed to bond, fall for one another and the reward, in time, will be sex.

Somewhere along the way women got really independent, really self reliant and it made them think they can bang a guy they meet at a party or club and then see if a relationship can happen. The order of things is all wrong. It needs to stop. It’s messing with our value. Further, it’s perpetuating a generation of men who lack the desire to be men, to pursue, to chase, to hunt, to seduce, to lure women by getting into her head. Win a woman’s soul and the body will follow. It’s like Gladiator. Win the crowd and you win Rome. The vagina is ROME and men need to learn how to fight for it with all the energy and might they can muster. HOLD OUT FOR GREATNESS! BE GREAT YOURSELF!

Guys also say, “women are all psychos and drama.”

Translation: We want to have fun with you, not be your shrink.

Ladies stop looking for a man to listen to every problem, psychosis and complaint. Men don’t want to be burdened with that crap. Men want to have fun with you and you need to be the calm in the storm of his life, his rock and not the CAT 5 Hurricane that adds more bullshit to his already busy life. Look at your man as the person who brings you happiness. He’s not your shrink, your father, your girlfriend. HE IS A MAN. Treat him like one. I’m not saying to bury your feelings. I’m saying when you have beef be honest, be authentic, spill it, squish it and move on. I’m also saying develop a rich network of friends that you can turn to. Have a work friend you can text with and commiserate with about work. Find a sibling or a cousin, someone who can deal with your rants about family and get where you’re coming from. This way when you see your man you’ll be ready to focus on him and what you both want from one another. Trust me you don’t want your man to be your sounding board for all that sucks in your life. That drains energy. A man would rather you come to him to ask his opinion on something you are pondering. So, what do you think about my wanting to ask for a raise? How should I go about it? Any advice? That’s an empowering question. But whining about how you hate your job and how your bosses are idiots will only make your partner question the level of confidence you have in yourself.

It is simple economics. The greater the value placed on sex, the more of a bond required to get it.

PLEASE LEARN FROM MY MISTAKES. I did all of the things and they resulted in a ball of stress, drama and crap. Ladies drama causes tears and tears cause wrinkles. You want to look young CRY LESS!  When you know better you can do better and ooof I know better. Took me 42 years but a light bulb went off. It started a year ago but I wasn’t ready to take bold action. I know I’ll be tested, then again probably not because I am very picky. Bottom line, even if I find a guy who has the look I like, I am to be treated a certain way and if I’m not, then not a fit into the friendzone. You can’t blow off my birthday, not give me a card and think I’m going to continue to get naked with you. We teach people how to treat us and someone who isn’t that into you shouldn’t get to be in you. Ya follow? Nothing would devalue me more than to allow mediocre treatment and then reward it with mediocre sex. NO MORE!

Another thing I hear guys say (which infuriates me) is, “I just don’t want to put forth the effort.” To these men I remind them that anything worth anything great requires great effort. Now I’m not saying a man should be a doormat and he should continue to chase a woman who is aloof and standoffish. NO! Not at all! When a girl is cool, giving, and there’s attraction and chemistry PURSUE HER!! If you can’t muster up the effort to research a few places to go for a simple meal, or find a recipe to cook together, or find a few local attractions you’d like to see (sports event, art exhibit, music concert, charity event figure it out) then don’t bother dating at all. You’re living a boring, mundane, life and no woman wants to be a part of that, especially of she’s holding out for greatness herself.

 If you are BORING, alone, and do NOTHING in your life how the hell is some woman supposed to get a tickle in her panty about the life you lead? What do you do for fun? If you can’t answer that don’t date anyone until you can?  What are you going to talk about besides your JOB? You better have more to bring to the table than that especially if you want her to be this outgoing, dynamic, smart witty conversationalist. How will you seduce her? How will you COURT HER and grow to care for her for the person she is and not what resides between her legs. Effort doesn’t have to cost money, but it costs TIME and THOUGHT and if you don’t have the bandwidth for that, then get some lube and some porn and call it a night.

FACT: Most women want to see a man at least 3 times per week. PERIOD. This is the amount of time needed to maintain some space yet form a significant bond. If you can’t hack that, then get the KY. Don’t bother engaging in some half-assed connection just because you want the feeling of human flesh. GROW UP. Deep down men want a woman to give them permission to pursue her. It is in a man’s biological nature to HUNT. When a woman shows interest, men must understand that’s not the green light for sex. She’s giving you permission to show her who you are so she can get more information and FALL HEAD OVER HEELS IN LOVE WITH YOU. If you can’t hack that, then stick to lube, porn and meaningless hookups.

TRUE the ladies are the gatekeepers of the sweet vageene but if a man can’t commit to the woman, he can’t commit to her vagina. It’s called COURTSHIP and it is the BEDROCK that relationship foundations are built on. The longer the COURTSHIP, the longer and stronger the relationship. NEVER stop courting your woman EVER. Problems in marriage arise when partners stop treating one another as TOP PRIORITY. During the courtship phase you drop anything for the other person. You make an effort to be thoughtful, you offer to fold his laundry just cause it’s sitting there in the basket so you just start folding in themiddle of your conversation. He then thanks you, stops the conversation walks over to you and hugs you and thanks you for folding his laundry. You both are grateful for one another and your actions show it. NEVER stop.

Guys also have said “women want their asses kissed and won’t show any effort.”

Translation: I’m broke and can’t take a woman out 3 times a week so please, can’t we just stay in?

A man who knows how to cook, clean and take care of himself is SEXY.

Ladies, for the love of all that is good, LEARN HOW TO COOK!!! Your mommies aren’t here to feed and clean for you. It is time for you to grow up and COOK. If you want to be a wife and/or a mother someday, you have to learn how to cook and clean. MEN, THIS GOES FOR YOU TOO!! If you want a woman to have a career, put time in at the gym to keep her body on point, then you need to know dirty clothes go in a hamper and that glasses and dishes go in the sink or dishwasher. BE A TEAM! When people feel more like a parent than a partner, respect and admiration starts to fade. Have eachother’s backs. Be a force to be reckoned with. If you are a woman who wants a man to “take care of you” and have your back, he needs to feel “taken care of in return.” For men, that translates into hot meals and hot sex and free time on his own to be an individual. Provide both of those things and you’ll raise your value.

Ladies, stop being spoiled immature brats and pick up a spatula.

When the value of the vagina is LOW men don’t behave as gentlemen. I HAVE WITNESSED THIS. WE ALL HAVE. Then women complain that men aren’t gentlemen anymore and all they want is sex. WELL DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!! Be the example of a woman who HOLDS OUT FOR GREATNESS and wants a man interested in doing the same. Honey if he’s looking to get into your panties, he’s approaching every woman that way. Don’t devalue yourself and your fellow women. STOP ACTING DESPERATE. STOP CARING OF HE’S INTO YOU. ASK YOURSELF IF YOU’RE EVEN INTO HIM!! 

And ladies get your manners on point so you can hold out for greatness when it comes to manners in men. When he doesn’t open a door for you, STAND THERE, smile and be pleasant. LOOK AT THE DOOR and then LOOK AT HIM and revel in your ability to keep cool and be a lady requiring gentlemanly treatment. In 2 seconds he’ll catch on and will open the door for you and trust me, he will ALWAYS open the door for you from that point on. ESTABLISH YOUR WORTH and HOW YOU ARE TO BE TREATED. MEN are all about competition. GIVE THEM A REASON TO WIN YOU OVER. I don’t mean. This isn’t about games. This is about developing standards of how you are to be treated and with all good treatment comes great rewards and benefits. TRUST ME ON THIS.

You want this? PUT FORTH EFFORT. Ladies, get fit, get healthy and hold out for greatness. NO MORE EASY SEX

Over the last month I have yet again, done some mental inventory and ask myself some pretty hard questions. That’s the only way I can OWN IT, own my life, be authentic, call myself on my own shit, make peace with it, take care of myself, and do better moving forward. If you WANT different DO different. Guys if you don’t want psycho women then stop searching for women with your dick and instead use your mind and soul. We are all contributing to this AWFUL dating economy. Women have the power to change what is and men will follow our lead. The world and how we relate to one another will improve. My value is way way UP! I decided to hold out for GREATNESS. I’m not here to entertain or to be liked. I’m here to be me and be loved. I always want to grow and improve and have people in my life that help me along and open me up to new thinking. But notice… I SAID PEOPLE. I am open to PEOPLE. That can mean friends, colleagues, clients, family not everything is wrapped up in a relationship box with a bow. If it isn’t greatness it isn’t for me. Simple.

I want a relationship and before I denied this. I bought into the Miami machine that relationships are baaaad and it’s far better to want one but remain the SAME and not grow change and deny LOVE. When I’m approached by men for a casual FUN TIME, which in this town is often (because women have made it too easy for men to get laid), I tell them that I’m flattered that they find me fun and attractive but, I’m looking for a relationship so I’m going to politely decline a causal hang out at his place. If it’s a group of friends then fine, I’m always up for being social, but I’m not going to be alone with a man unless we’re bonded already by friendship, trust, respect and most importantly, we both want the same things. I am looking for my hair to be blown back by someone and keeping in line with economics, I know that when this is found, how to value it. I drive a 2005 BMW which I paid for myself. It’s not a Ferrari but I cover him (my car is a boy) with a car cover because I VALUE MY CAR and the amount of TIME it took to save up for him. What is VALUED is PROTECTED! I think I can hold out for something valuable. Working on valuing YOURSELF and truly holding out for greatness brings exactly that…greatness…in every aspect of your life, GREAT friends and and GREAT job with people who value you and teach you and push you to succeed.

 I am a total work in progress. But when something doesn’t work then I make changes. See what comes after a small tweak and keep moving forward. ALWAYS. HOLD OUT FOR GREATNESS!! 

Lisa Concepcion is a marketer, and editor of the popular lifestyle blog http://www.lisatakesmiami.com Find her on twitter @lisatakesmiami.com

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Happiness is a Spa Robe. I love to be pampered. Ahhh.

I’ll begin this blog with stating a fact…WE CREATE AND ATTRACT OUR REALITIES every day. Now I am a huge fan of CVS. When it comes to cosmetics and beauty care not to mention candy, and Vitamin water, pens and cleaning supplies, CVS is my spot. I like Walgreens too but I’m a CVS girl, always was since a teen. I saw the Nuance line there and was very curious. I saw Salma promoting it a few months back on TV. So when I received an email from Matter Communications a PR firm out of Boston, inviting me to The Mandarin Oriental Miami for a spa massage and pedicure to celebrate the Nuance line by Salma Hayek, I was so psyched. Yes please! The Nuance by Salma Hayek event at Mandarin Oriental, Miami was a total treat. I was curious about this brand and am psyched to now be able to try several products out.

I was psyched to arrive to see a spread of sushi and snacks and wine. The Matter Communications people planned a flawless event. I’m a PR person (which is how I make $$) so I always pay attention to how events are executed. This Matter Communications team gets high fives. They gathered several influential bloggers in Miami for a few hours of pampering. It was loads of fun and I was so happy to see familiar faces and meet new ones.

Me with Rosa Cordero and Dee Trillo part of the Miami Blogger Mafia “MBM”

Ok so NUANCE… it’s a really really solid line and it’s not tested on animals. It features a lot of really good, healthy ingredients in the products, like shea butter and oils. First was my pedicure. Here are some details about the Nuance nail lacquers. They’re fortified with nourishing oils and natural botanicals so this means the stuff is actually good for my nails. A vitamin-rich top coat adds strength and a botanical-infused base coat provides protection from staining and discoloration. This is awesome because I hate it when my nails are stained and dull. There are 32 colors in the Nuance line and they did a great job of including a mix of trendy colors. I channeled my Grandma and chose a silver metallic color that after one week of Miami open toe life, are still shiny and not chipped.

Ahh pedicure heaven…

Platinum toes was a signature of my grandma. RIP Grammie.

Why do we have such a hard time choosing a color?

Next came my massage. Delightful.  The massage therapist was excellent. I told her where to focus her attention and I had a kink that she got out. The world is sort of on my shoulders these last few years and I’ve been stressing (like many people who have been ROCKED by the economy). So yes, massages are always welcomed and necessary. When I made 115k doing media relations and publicity strategy in NY, I didn’t get enough massages. When I’m back to sugarmomma status again, I’m getting a massage on a monthly basis. PERIOD. I learned too much in the last 4 years and one great big lesson was TO TREAT MYSELF to massages.

I noticed in the massage room there was a full sized Nuance Dark Cacao and Coffee Firming Body Cream. Hello? Yes please. Excuse me as I spackle this stuff onto my butt and thighs. Smelled amazing. Never too sure about creams for cellulite. I mean nothing kills cellulite except for time travel backwards to age 19 or 3 hours daily at the gym and since I don’t have a time machine nor a rich husband who can afford a lifestyle where I can work out 3 hours per day, I’ll take some cream. These creams have ingredients in them that reduce the appearance and smoothes things out a bit so hey, I’ll take any extra help I can find.

Creams formulated to tighten and tone. YES PLEASE! Give me that!

After hanging out in our spa robes, drinking white wine, eating sushi enjoying the treatments we were pleasantly surprised when we each received a goodie bag with FULL sized products. I plan to use them and do follow up articles in the months ahead as I dig in and use these products. I will say that I was in need for a good hand cream and am LOVING the Secret Super Brightening Hand Cream. I keep it by my kitchen sink and when I do dishes I nourish my hands with this stuff and my hands feel soft and my cuticles have gotten way better since using it. Shea Butter and Honey help nourish for continuous hydration while Palm and Safflower Seed Oils blend with Vitamin E to help restore moisture and protect and soothe hands. That explains how my hands instantly feel ahhhh after they’ve been rinsing dishes. Vitamin E helps protects against damage from free radicals which is KEY in Miami given sun exposure. Evening Primrose, Licorice Root and Brown Seaweed help brighten to reduce appearance of age spots. Keeping hands young is important. Guys are starting to ask me to show them my hands because they can’t believe I’m 42. So when I show my hands they have to look good.  A unique a blend of Passion Flower Seed, Acai and Rice Bran provide antioxidant protection to soothe, hydrate and firm and it’s paraben-free, hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested and not tested on animals.

Swag baby Swag!! Can’t wait to try all of it.

In the months ahead I’m going to review all of the products I was so generously given to try. I’ll also promote them on social media and dish to my 2300+ followers. If the rest of the line is anything like that hand cream then the Nuance line is one to try for sure. The cosmetics comes in great colors perfect for olive complexions like mine.

So stay tuned for more product reviews as I explore the Nuance line.

Special thanks again for the Matter Communications team for the invite and generosity.

Links and info:

You can shop Nuance here: http://www.cvs.com/shop/brand-shop/N/Nuance-Salma-Hayek/_/N-3qZ4lgha or visit your local CVS. All of the products are available on-line while some stores only carry some of the products.

Some must try products featured in my goodie bag are:

Hand Cream: http://www.cvs.com/shop/product-detail/Nuance-Salma-Hayek-My-Secret-Super-Brightening-Hand-Cream?skuId=895380

Nail Polish: http://www.cvs.com/search/_/N-0?searchTerm=nuance+nail&pt=global&pageNum=1&sortBy=&navNum=20

Cleanser: http://www.cvs.com/shop/product-detail/Nuance-Salma-Hayek-Ageless-Clarity-Gel-Cleanser?skuId=912001

Spot Corrector: http://www.cvs.com/shop/product-detail/Nuance-Salma-Hayek-Renewed-Radiance-Dark-Spot-Corrector?skuId=907911

AM/PM Moisturizer: http://www.cvs.com/shop/product-detail/Nuance-Salma-Hayek-AMPM-Anti-Aging-Super-Lotion?skuId=892206

Hair Volumizing Tonic: http://www.cvs.com/shop/product-detail/Nuance-Salma-Hayek-Root-Boosting-Volumizing-Tonic?skuId=910485

Other blogs worth your eye:

Dee Trillo, http://hautefrugalista.com/

Rosa Cordero, http://www.accidentalsexiness.com/

Special Thanks to:

Matter Communications, http://www.matternow.com/

Mandarin Oriental Miami, http://www.mandarinoriental.com/miami/luxury-spa/

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Cheers to another AMAAAAAZING Zonin event

On March 12^th just two days after my birthday I had the great pleasure to sample a tasting with Eating House Executive Chef, Giorgio Rapicavoli. The food was delicious but what really stood out to me was Chef Giorgio’s deep sense of self. You see Chef Giorgio always knew he wanted to cook. Problem was, he wasn’t a big fan of studying. School wasn’t his thing. He watched cooking shows on TV, learned from Grandma and never agreed with what he was being taught in school. It didn’t feel right. He never aspired to be another chef’s clone. He wanted to blaze trail and cook like Giorgio Rapicavoli. Well, thank God for that because the meal he prepared me and the dozens of other guests of Casa Vinicola Zonin and The Miami Culinary Institute, was absolute heaven on a plate.

Chef Giorgio Rapicavoli is not even 30 but knows he is doing what he was born to do.

Eating House is in Coral Gables at 8^th and Ponce DeLeon (#804).  It’s a small menu that changes. There’s dinner and brunch and they play old school hip hop music there so of course my NYC roots loves that. http://eatinghousemiami.com/

Chef G is all about blazing his own trail.

More facts about Chef Giorgio:

• One of his favorite food shows is Unique Eats on The Cooking Channel
• If he had to pick another profession other than being a chef he’d be in fashion using his creative brain.
• He doesn’t cook with pepper and doesn’t use thermometers or timers.
• He loves to grill and does so at home.
• He thinks the best comfort food is a simple bowl of pasta.
• As a kid his favorite cereal was Cap’n Crunch and Eating House serves Cap’n Crunch Pancakes for brunch.
• He was on the TV show Chopped.
• For more on this young dynamic, chef click here http://eatinghousemiami.com/our-chef.html

Here is what Chef G prepared for us. All I can say was WOW! Kudos to my friends at Zonin for presenting Eating House, a perfect out-of-the-box choice for this wonderful event.

Aperitivo (Welcome) / Zonin Prosecco / Salad of Tomato, Peanut and Coconut

My favorite Prosecco. You can find it at Publix or Whole Foods for about $12. Delicious!

Juicy tomatoes with a sweet peanutty flavor. Everything worked so well together.

Antipasto (Appetizer) / Award Winning Rocca Di Montemassi Calasole 2011 / Blue Crab, Yuzu, Grapefruit, Yogurt, English Cucumber, Green Onion and Almond Oil

Kind of like ceviche or citrusy tuna. Yum!

PRIMO (First Course) / Rocca Di Montemassi Le Focaie 2011 / Pork Loin, Smoked Sweet Potao, Miso sweetened with Dr. Pepper syrup served with Corn Bread.

This was so delicious. The smoky flavor is such a great compliment to the pork. Perfection!

SECONDO (Second Course) / Rocca Di Montemassi Sassabruna 2010 / General Tso’s Ox Tail braised in garlic, ginger and soy and Coca Cola, Riceless Fried Rice made with cauliflower

This was the first time I ever had Ox Tail and WOW! it was so good.

Picky eater as a kid and now I eat it all!!

DOLCE (Dessert) / Castello D’Alboa Vin Santo 2003 / “The Dirty Cup” Top Selling Dessert at Eating House chocolate, hazelnut (Nutela)and caramel add in vanilla gelato, salt, pretzel crumbs, smashed Oreo.

Now THIS is some serious dessert. WOW!

Anyone need a drink?

Close up of the dessert. One of the BEST in all of Miami.

The post A Tasting With EATING HOUSE Executive Chef, Giorgio Rapicavoli appeared first on Lisa Takes Miami.

Lloyd Dobbler had swagger and so can you.

Dating and Communication Coaching

Far too many people have come to me with dating and relationship issues for me NOT to offer to help. I recently got a note from a reader in Ghana (evidently I’m going global) and the gentleman told me he read my article on swagger (and a few others) and wanted to know how much I would charge to do SKYPE sessions with him to enhance his social and communications skills with women. Simply put the guy wants to get game. Well come to mama cause I will teach. I couldn’t help but wonder…should I offer Dating and Communication Coaching?? I have a gift. I know this. I have been told this. It’s a bit of a tough love approach but it’s highly effective. Your confidence will be raised and you will begin to emote this air of confidence. You won’t have to approach anyone, you’ll have to shoo them away and escape for some peace and privacy. You will be magnetic and most importantly, you will attract goodness because you will walk with a vibe of goodness.

I offer several different classes for both men and women and I also offer general consulting which is custom tailored to meet your specific needs. Some examples.

SWAGGER 101: Which explores communication skills, conversation openers, approach, and the best part you’ll be able to make corrections and get tools that will charm women and not repel them. You will learn everything from how to arrange your living situation, how to put yourself together, how to speak, think, act and react all in a manner that exudes irresistible charisma.

DIVINE DATING: This is the next level where you’re out there, you’re dating. First if you’re on-line dating I lend my wordsmithing (and 17 years of marketing experience) to write your profile. It’s all about the first 10 seconds so I approach YOU as I would a brand and sell you as the greatest thing since sliced bread. I write in a manner that weeds out the people that you WANT to get to know. Once dating I offer advice on where to go, what to wear, topics of conversation, and any other specific thing you want to know. I customize and create a special session just for you.

REAL RELATIONSHIPS: Ready to get real? Before you pick you bone with her rehearse with me. Get a strategy. Get what you want. Effective communication goes a long long way.

TEXT / CALL / SOCIAL MEDIA: Session in navigating the technology age and simple do’s and don’ts in each category.

ETIQUETTE and REFINEMENT: Basic social skills that for some reason were taught as children (or perhaps not).

RATES: $50 for an hour session 4 session minimum. Each session ends with a recap report and next steps.

$100 for an in the field observation and analysis. This means I go out with you and friends and observe who you approach and how you approach them. This is totally confidential and totally legit. I’m a marketer. PERIOD.

$100 for a 2 hour shopping excursion. Men cannot shop for more than 2 hours nor should they. I’m efficient and swift and I’ll have you in an out in 2 hours with several outfits within a set budget.

$100 for a 2 hour closet assessment. What to keep what to get rid of and how to dress to turn heads.

Interested in taking your game to a whole other level? Drop me a note. Trust me on this. I get people to move up in their careers, to different cities, to the gym, to dye their hair, to do different make up, to think about who they want and how to be what they want to attract.

I recently saw a client’s photograph on facebook. I was amazed at his vibe in this photo. He had self imposed issues about his height. I told him PITBULL is sexy as all get out and he’s a lawn jockey. He OWNS his space. He’s got confidence, swagger. Well something I told my client stuck because I swear to GOD I thought the guy in the photo was PITTBULL and my client was just joking. He seems happy and my hope is a Lisa earworm managed it’s way in and some of my wisdom stays with him and has helped him.

Dating and Communication Coaching helps improve yourself and improve your outcome. Reach out to me and let’s begin LisaTheMarketingChick@gmail.com

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Eyelash Extensions at NailBar and Beauty Lounge Miami are totally worth it.

The lovely Ms. Desiree Berindoague Parth is an absolutely beautiful working mother. Her son is adorable and her husband is a true gentleman. Over the past year she’s graciously invited me to various events and even to her lovely home on New Year’s eve. As the busy owner of NailBar and Beauty Lounge in midtown Miami, she’s become Miami’s queen of nail art and lash extensions. She had a vision and amassed a top notch team of beauty pros all operating out of her chic midtown outpost. NailBar and Beauty Lounge offers loads of services and this time around, Desi was dying to amp up my already ok lashes and take them to another level and so began my adventures in lash extensions.

Desi and I before my eyelash adventures begun.

I had no idea what to expect. Were they glued on? Would they last? How long? Would they survive my lifestyle of beach, gym, nights out dancing? It’s March! This is my birthday month which totally underscores the whole comes in like a lion and out like a lamb expression. March is hardcore! There’s lots going on in Miami and birthday month is like one big party with each weekend filled with fun places to go. Would my lashes last the whole 6 weeks as I was told (provided I take care of them). I was instructed not to use oil based cream or cleanser ( I swear by Ponds Cold Cream eeek). No beach and no wetting them for 8-10 hours (ok I can handle  that). No wiping, touching or rubbing.

Me before my lash extensions. No eye makeup and average lashes.

I’ll also add that when it comes to beauty and maintenance I am a total illusion. I look like I spend a whole lot more money and time on myself. Truth is I don’t. At all. The glow of my skin? Tanning bed? Never. Self tanner eww please. My skin tone and texture comes from the sunshine and body cream mixed with baby oil, plus good genes. The hair? That would be dye out of a box in my bathroom. Haircuts are done by whoever I can find on Groupon or Living Social for under $40 cut and blowdry. Nails? I do them myself and have done my own mani-pedis since I was about 11 years old. So when it comes to beauty I’m an easy going, pull it together myself and go kinda girl.

The lashes intrigued me because with them I wouldn’t need mascara which meant no need for eye make-up, which meant I can get ready quicker. It also meant a new beauty adventure and blog topic. So of course I was in!

My lashes were applied by the fantastic Erika Conde who is a beauty Jedi on Desi’s team of talented beauty experts. So far Erika has done my nails (she’s amazing with the nail art), a facial (which was soooo nice) and now lashes.

It takes a super steady hand to adhere one lash at a time. You pay for the effort. The process is about an hour.

The process overall took about an hour for a full set. At the time of my lashes there was a special $150 for a full set and then you maintain them from there at a lower price. Call for pricing: (305) 514-0305 and tell them blogger LisaTakesMiami sent you.

Tape is placed under your eyes then Erika gets to work. Teeny lashes, tweezer-like instrument and a steady hand and the transformation begins. Big, thick, bombshell lashes. I was worried I might look like a tranny. I’ve done photo shoots and have had my make-up done where they apply fake lashes and I look like a Vegas showgirl and a tranny. Not good. The lashes Erika applied to me were long and lush with curve. They took some getting used to but unlike other lashes these looked really natural. Also without make-up, they made my eyes look well rested and youthful. WIN WIN!!

My first stop was to say hey to Alex and his co-workers at Capture Pod (if you need a cool photo booth for an event or want to buy one this is the place to go). I grabbed lunch, ate it there and didn’t say anything about my lashes until Alex asked me where I was. I said, I was at NailBar and Beauty Lounge. He looked at my nails. “That’s the same nail polish you had on the other day.” The man is incredibly observant. “I was getting lash extensions. See.” –And then I blinked. “That’s ridiculous, how long do they last?” “Six weeks but only if I follow the instructions and don’t ruin them.”

All the little lashes. Different sizes and curve is what makes them look lush and more natural.

The next day was the Hearts and Stars Gala aka the PROM of MIAMI (I need a whole other blog article for that one). Actually no, I kind of don’t. Imagine a mansion, people walking around looking for booze and food, a club built on the grounds and people taking themselves way way wayyyy too seriously. There’s the typical Miami disparity between hot women and troll men with money who buy these women and hang them on each arm like Christmas tree ornaments of the ego. So yeah Hearts and Stars, done, crossed off the bucket list. Other charity events that are um… how shall I put this, a bit more highbrow are plentiful in Miami. So me and my lashes shall hold out for those. I bailed from the gala by around 1am and was happily dancing to Tribe Called Quest at my new favorite spot Rec Room at The Gail Hotel.

The following day was my beach party for my 24^th dyslexic birthday (I’m 42). I was 48 hours in with my new lashes so beach time was allowed. It was fun. A glorious sunny day and this birthday girl was at the beach loving life.

My lash extensions are ready for the beach. Happy Birthday to meeeee!

A week went by and lashes shed a bit but not that bad. WMC was met with a late night at LIV and a few other social functions. So far so good. They do fall out but there are plenty more where those came from. And they feel like nothing. They don’t have that unnatural heavy feeling of fake strip lashes. I put mascara on my bottom lashes and when I do my eye make-up my eyes look waaay better and more intense than they did before. Not sure if I’m going to continue with them maybe once I set myself up with stable consistent income and have more in the pot of beauty I can indulge. Lash extensions look amazing. When they are applied correctly with great care and an eye for detail and consideration of your eye size and shape they really can add some serious oomph to your eyes.

Me sippin on a Bacardi and 7 at LIV. Lashes in tact at 2 am.

To Like NailBar on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MidtownNailBar?sid=0.14660860936496123

For info on Capture Pod Photo Booths click: http://www.capturepod.com/

THANK YOU SO SO MUCH TO DESI of NailBar and Beauty Lounge and Erika for your care and attention. You ladies are great! xo

Lash extensions must be applied by someone who knows what they are doing to get this fullness.

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Zoya in Storm is the perfect SEXY black with sparkle idea for Miami nightlife.

THE BEST OF ZOYA NAIL POLISH

Anyone who knows me from way way way back when knows that I always had my finger and toe nails kept pristine. They also know I am a do it myselfer when it comes to manicures and pedicures. It’s great to pamper myself by going to the pros and when i do I hit Nail Bar and Beauty Lounge in Midtown Miami because they use Zoya Nail Polish and I adore their colors, how long they last and most of all the fact that Zoya Nail Polish is a nail polish free of toluene, formaldehyde, DBP (phthalates) and camphor. Here is a showcase of The Best of Zoya NailPolish. Be sure to follow Zoya on twitter here: https://twitter.com/ZoyaNailPolish and like them on facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/ZoyaNailPolish

Living in Miami I tend to like colors that are bright and sexy although when cold snaps come it’s fun to wear dark colors. Here are some photos of my faves.

New Pixie Dust is AWESOME!! Nail Bar and Beauty Lounge says it’s already in demand in Miami.

Zoya Pixie Dust has the coolest texture. Here are some looks.

I also like to paint my ring finger a different yet combining complimentary color. Here are my blogger fingers in action. To get the look try Zoya in Suri (purple metallic) and for the Orange go with Myrta.

All colors and 300 more can be found on http://www.zoya.com

Type Type Type

Going on vacation?? For a super sexy red that is AMAZING with a suntan go with Elisa. It’s a favorite for sure.

Sexy red for olive complexions go with Zoya in Elisa

Zoya Electra is what I go to when I want to play it a bit light but fun! It’s a party on your fingertips.

It’s like a confetti party for your nails with Zoya Electra polish.

My pedi loves Zoya in Daul and Miami sunshine.

I LOVE to layer so here I tool Zoya in Toni which on it’s own is this gorgeous winey purple color then layered it with Daul which on it’s own is this really cool iridescent golden lilac. Find them here:

http://www.zoya.com/content/38/item/Zoya/Zoya-Nail-Polish-Toni-ZP627.html

http://www.zoya.com/content/38/item/Zoya/Zoya-Nail-Polish-Daul-ZP637.html

2 coats of tZoya in Toni and one of Daul gives this glittery look.

Another look at this hot combo of Zoya Daul and Toni.

Love this look. Layering is a fun way to experiment with Zoya Nail polish colors.

The post THE BEST OF ZOYA NAIL POLISH appeared first on Lisa Takes Miami.

I LOVE wearing hats! This fedora is the perfect blend of sexy and laid back denim. In addition to appreciating jewelry, I love a sexy hat.

What is it about women and jewelry? They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend and a dog is man’s best friend. Well there ya have it. Blog over. There’s your answer right there. I’m the worst of them all cause I’m a lady who loves dogs and my fair share of bling. When my client invited me to come play fantasy jewelry box at Cabochon Concept Store in lovely Sunny Isles I jumped at the chance to put on some baubles and invite a bit of elegant opulence into my afternoon.

These earrings are about $6,000. The gemstones are all real, all precious. Stunning.

Here’s my take on the whole jewelry thing. Some women are into jewelry and others can take it or leave it. I think it’s a lifestyle thing. I mean if I was going to gala events every other weekend then yeah I’d probably like to rock some jewelry along with my evening gown or dress. But when running errands, working, living my rather down to earth life then I’m cool with some silver hoop earrings, a banging watch (I have a thing for watches) and maybe a bracelet or necklace that has some meaning to it.

I’m not into the Cleopatra type jewelry. It’s too much and I’m little so I feel weighed down with too much. But certainly some pieces are spectacular.

A closer look. Gorgeous!

These diamond twist hoops are unique and the earrings I would want most. They go with everything!!

In addition to jewelry I’m also big into hats. I wore hats more in New York and gave some away once I moved to Miami. I held onto a favorite hat I scored at Banana Republic a few years back for like $20. It was just thrown there in a basket on the bottom of a shelf. I picked it up, put it on and the sales guy said, “ok finally, the owner of that hat came to claim it. Oh honey, that’s your hat. It’s been here for months!”

Me in one of my favorite hats.

Cabochon has a great selection of fun, stylish hats. I tried on a bunch and adored these denim ones. These are the kind of hats that are unique, well made and that people will ask about.

Another great hat involving denim. Perfect for Miami. LOVE it!

I can’t wait to go back to Cabochon and see what other fun finds I can play with. For info on Cabochon and a map to it click here. https://plus.google.com/105167335393767652745/about?gl=us&hl=en

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