Welcome

Welcome 2

  • A Window to the World

    A Window to the World

    A Window to the World

    A Window to the World

    A Window to the World

    A Window to the World

    A Window to the World

    I fell in love in Paris, was awe-inspired to write in Rome, found the true meaning of history in London, was mystified by the magic of Moscow and bewitched by the beauty of Brazil. Ahhhh travel. I love it and if you read my blog on a regular basis, you know my wanderlust doesn’t stop there. A few years ago…

    On a whim (while on assignment in Scotland,) I decided to stay. I was nursing a broken heart and took refuge in a small but quaint hotel. My days were spent wandering around the lavish and lush green countryside. I’ll never forget the way the rolling hills danced their way up toward Edinburgh Castle.

    At the top, they elegantly intertwined (like long-lost lovers,) crescendoing into a perfect blend of old world charm and modern day sophistication. My respite, to the country known for its spirited people, music, whiskey, beer and the very first sighting of the Loch Ness Monster, was experiencing a particularly cold Spring that year.

    I, however, managed to find warmth by shopping along the Royal Mile and wandering in and out of pubs on Princes Street. I found joy in watching the many buskers, especially the bagpipers dressed in full regalia, playing slow and stately songs. I’m sure the endless pints of Guinness, large plates of fish and chips and the occasional hearty helping of Haggis helped, too. Yes, I really did like Haggis (and yes, I know it’s made from sheep stomach.)

    Eventually, I returned home, just in time for work to send me to “The Land Down Under.” My job, once I got around the globe, was to seek out the much talked about surf, sun and sand the Aussies are so famous for basking in. The Golden Coast didn’t disappoint. Each morning, I was greeted with the most amazing yellowy sunrise, speckled with warm chunks of amber and light orange wispy clouds.

    Read the rest of my feature on Bagghy at www.WSVN.com or shop the look at www.BAGGHY.com & www.BAGGHY.us.

    IG: @BagghyUSA
    Twitter: @BagghyUSA
    FB: Bagghy Miami USA

    Blog wardrobe provided by www.kokopalenki.com

    Twitter: @ShireenSandoval
    IG: @ShireenSandoval
    ssandoval@wsvn.com
    www.shireensandoval.com

    Photographer: James Woodley
    Twitter: @BritFloridian
    IG: @BritFloridian
    www.James-Woodley.com

    Hair & Make-up: Odette Hernandez
    Twitter: @Odettehernandz
    IG: @O.D.E.T.T

    Assist: Jackie Kay
    Blog ideas: Jackiekay211@yahoo.com

    Editor: Matthew Auerbach
    MattAuerbach@yahoo.com

    Wednesday, March 4, 2015 Shireen's Favorite Things , , , , ,

  • Shireen’s Spotlight: The Greek Place

    Shireen's Spotlight: The Greek Place

    Shireen's Spotlight: The Greek Place

    Shireen's Spotlight: The Greek Place

    Shireen's Spotlight: The Greek Place

    Shireen's Spotlight: The Greek Place

    Shireen's Spotlight: The Greek Place

    What:

    The Greek Place, 9561 Harding Avenue, Surfside, FL. 33154

    Why:

    Fresh food, wonderful people and an unpretentious atmosphere: “The Greek Place” in Surfside is truly one of my favorite things and my absolute go-to neighborhood hang-out.

    I first discovered the hidden jewel about ten years ago, while I was out and about running my usual errands. When I walked in, I was greeted with a friendly “hello” and made to feel right at home despite being alone. The food was incredibly fresh and the atmosphere was totally laid back and relaxing. I immediately became a regular and yes, just like the television show “Cheers,” it’s a place where everyone knows your name.

    These days, when I have a brief respite from my crazy-hectic schedule, I make my way to “The Greek Place” and just chill at their basic bar. I’ll sit there for hours before I order their amazing signature “Greek Salad,” with grilled shrimp, a healthy helping of Tzatziki with pita bread (when I’m counting calories, I dip with cucumbers instead) and a glass of their yummy house red wine.

    Some of their other stand-out dishes include “Octopus Salad” (it’s tangy and beyond tasty) and the “Lamb Chops” fall off the bone and marvelously melt in your mouth. If you get really lucky, the daily special will be a “Greek Beef Stew” that’s to die for. It’s succulent, flavorful and boasts secret Greek ingredients.

    Even though I’m not really a dessert person, when I’m at “The Greek Place,” their Baklava Cheesecake is a must-have. It’s probably the only sweet treat I truly enjoy. My mouth is watering just writing about it! I guess I know where I’m going tonight.

    Where:

    The Greek Place is in the quaint little seaside town of Surfside right on Harding Avenue (which is one of the main roads that runs through North Miami Beach.) Surfside has a lot of nice shops and restaurants worth visiting. “The Greek Place” is located on the east side of Harding (which is opposite the popular and always busy Starbucks.) You can park curbside or find one of the many pay to park lots around town. Every lot nearby is within walking distance.

    When:

    Monday-Saturday 11:00am-8:00pm.

    Website: www.greekplacesurfside.com (under construction)
    Takeaway: 305-866-9628
    IG: @TheGreekPlaceSurfside
    Twitter: @The_Greek_Place
    FB: The Greek Place

    One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well. Virginia Woolf

    Dress: Vintage Betsey Johnson
    Boots: Valentino (Red) www.Kokopalenki.com
    Coat: Bebe
    Purse: BCBG

    Editor: Matthew Auerbach
    Photographer: James Woodley
    Writer/Producer: Shireen Sandoval

    Friday, February 27, 2015 Shireen's Spotlight , , , , , , , ,

  • Feeling Magenta

    Feeling Magenta

    Feeling Magenta

    Feeling Magenta

    Feeling Magenta

    Feeling Magenta

    Feeling Magenta

    Despite the hustle and bustle around the television station, when I closed the door to my office, the room fell silent and my composure quickly started to crack. The brief reprieve from the buzz of the newsroom left me open to a wide range of emotions: I laughed, cried and then quickly buried my head into my hands and let out a silent scream. I was undeniably NUTS with excitement.

    Like a boxer who had just won the most important title bout of his life, I balled both of my hands up into tight fists and punched the air with an enthusiasm reserved only for the movies…”Rocky,” “Rudy” and “Chariots Of Fire” had nothing on me. It wasn’t enough, though, so I jabbed the air again, this time like an athlete who had just won an Olympic gold medal.

    One she had worked and sacrificed her entire life for. I had finally done it; won the match, earned the medal and the moment was all mine. I wanted to call someone and share it. I wanted to tell someone that the years of sacrifice, commitment and hard work had finally paid off. All the holidays I had worked through, birthday parties I had missed, family reunions I couldn’t attend and relationships I couldn’t sustain because all of my energy always went to work – I wanted to scream to anyone who would listen that it was ALL WORTH IT, but I couldn’t…

    Just minutes before my air-punching moment, the Vice President of Sunbeam Television notified me that after a rigorous two month-long audition process to become co-host of Deco Drive, I had indeed landed the job: however, until we hammered out contract details, released a formal media statement and announced it to the inner fold of Channel 7, my promotion was to be kept a secret. I obeyed as if my very career depended on it and well, it did. A few weeks later…

    Read the rest of  “Feeling Magenta” at www.WSVN.com or shop the looks featured in the blog at www.MagentaCouture.com.

    Twitter: @MagentaCouture
    IG: @MagentaCouture
    FB: Magenta Couture

    Twitter: @ShireenSandoval
    IG: @ShireenSandoval
    ssandoval@wsvn.com
    www.shireensandoval.com

    Photographer: James Woodley
    Twitter: @BritFloridian
    IG: @BritFloridian
    www.James-Woodley.com

    Hair & Make-up: Odette Hernandez
    Twitter: @Odettehernandz
    IG: @O.D.E.T.T

    Assist: Jackie Kay
    Blog ideas: Jackiekay211@yahoo.com

    Editor: Matthew Auerbach
    MattAuerbach@yahoo.com

    Thursday, February 26, 2015 Shireen's Favorite Things , , , ,