The Sweet Life

The Sweet Life

The Sweet Life

The Sweet Life

The Sweet Life

The Sweet Life

The Sweet Life

The Sweet Life

The Sweet Life

The Sweet Life

The Sweet Life

What:

Cupcake Galleria, 6947 Stirling Road, Davie, Florida 33314

Why:

Even though I’ve already made my New Year resolutions (get in touch with my sexy side and spend more time in The Florida Keys), as of late I’ve found myself on a bit of a health kick, too. I’m working out, trying to make better food choices and drinking less vodka (replaced by wine, mind you). Yeah, gotta work on that last one. No matter how hard I try, though, sweets seem to be all around me.

Deco Drive recently celebrated its 20th birthday with a BIG, cray-cray multi-layered cake. I mean, I couldn’t NOT have a piece! It’s a major milestone for a little TV show that thought it could and did and continues to do so. Not only that…

I happen to stumble upon the cutest sweets boutique called “Cupcake Galleria.” It makes the most insane-tasting cupcakes with flavors like Blue Velvet, Hot Fudge Sundae, Cookie Monster, S’mores and Peanut Butter Cup (just to name a few).

If you think those sound yummy, well, that’s nothing compared to their “Cake Shake” (be still, my beating heart). It’s basically a milkshake with chunks of cake in it which you suck up through a gi-normous straw.

Needless to say, the aforementioned has put quite the strain on my NEW healthy way of life. The thing is, I’m not sorry for indulging, cheating or enjoying myself. Instead, I view it as a gift; a small reminder of how I used to be a few years ago when I was incredibly sick and nothing tasted good and I was desperate to put weight on my frail frame.

Now, my milkshake runneth over. I’m healthy and I’m afforded the choice to actually work-out and eat a flipping cupcake. I mean, how cool is that? Sometimes, it’s the smallest of things we take for granted. The sweet smell of vanilla, the incredible taste of moist cake and the ability to just be in the moment and enjoy it all.

I’m so lucky to do what I do and to find places like “Cupcake Galleria,” whose mission is to bring pure joy and happiness to all the taste buds it comes in contact with. Diet or not, one thing’s for sure: “The Sweet Life” is something we should all use our extra calories for.

When:

Monday-Wednesday 10am-7pm, Thursday-Saturday 10am-8pm, Sunday Closed.

Where:

Cupcake Galleria is NOT in Miami, but it’s well-worth the trip to Davie. It’s snuggled inside “The Shops at Sterling Place.” The boutique is small but lovely. You can take your cupcakes to go or sit inside and enjoy the quaint atmosphere (pastel-colored walls, the thick aroma of vanilla and lively music.) Bon appetite!

www.thecupcakegalleria.com
Twitter: @cupcake_eat
Instagram: @cupcakegalleria
Facebook: The Cupcake Galleria

All clothing & accessories provided by L.A. Boudoir Miami. Shop the looks at www.laboudoirmiami.com or on their Instagram: @laboudoirmiami

A balanced diet is having a cupcake in each hand.Anonymous
Photographer/Videographer: James Woodley
Styling: Jackie Kay
Hair, MUA: Odett Hernandez
Editor: Matthew Auerbach
Special thanks: Lauren Arkin
Wednesday, January 13, 2016 Shireen's Favorite Things , ,

Garden of Dreams w/ Banyan Tree Boutique

Garden of Dreams w/ Banyan Tree Boutique

Garden of Dreams w/ Banyan Tree Boutique

Garden of Dreams w/ Banyan Tree Boutique

Garden of Dreams w/ Banyan Tree Boutique

Garden of Dreams w/ Banyan Tree Boutique

Garden of Dreams w/ Banyan Tree Boutique

Garden of Dreams w/ Banyan Tree Boutique

What:

The Banyan Tree, 81197 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, Florida 33036

Why:

I love driving to The Keys with my windows rolled down and Tina Turner blaring on my iPod. It’s the most freeing feeling; leaving Miami in my rearview mirror and exploring a place I hope to call home one day. Each trip always brings the most unique discoveries and “Banyan Tree Boutique,” in Islamorada is one of them.

For years, on my way to Key West I would zoom by it (not even knowing it was a store.) Something about it, though, always caught my attention; beckoning me from the highway. It took awhile, but eventually, I’d slow down just before passing it. No matter how hard I’d crank my neck around to get a glimpse (which was all kinds of cra), it still didn’t allow me to see through the lush green canopy.

So, a few months ago, I FINALLY STOPPED and walked in.

Yeah, that’s right…I told my Type A (gotta get back to the big city) self to pipe down. What’s more, I talked myself into taking time to stop and smell the roses, so to speak and believe you me, I’m glad I did and for the record, when I was there, I smelled waaayy more than just roses. 🌿🌻🌳💐 I knew immediately that I had to go back and do a blog!

The “Banyan Tree Boutique” is snuggled into an expansive garden, filled with orchids, succulents and locally made pottery. Staying true to its namesake there’s a huge Banyan tree smack dab in the middle of it all. Every nook and cranny of the place holds a charming secret waiting to be discovered. With magical wind chimes, ceramic creatures and fabulous art, there’s something for everyone. Did I mention the retail therapy?

Inside, you’ll find beautiful clothing, gorgeous jewelry and gifts galore: candles, journals, purses and other unique trappings made by local artisans. Not only will you find the unusual, you’ll also find first class quality. Everything I’m wearing in the blog (even the accessories), are all from “Banyan Tree Boutique.”

The entire premise of the place is built around everything I adore. More specifically, my hobbies; including gardening, art and fashion. Adjacent to the boutique is a make-shift studio where you can take art classes (drawing or painting.)

If you’re looking for a little bohemian slice of heaven when you’re in The Keys or you just need to get away for the day, the “Banyan Tree Boutique” is my quintessential “Garden of Dreams” and that’s why it’s one of my favorite things. I think it’s the perfect place to see in 2016. Happy New Year!

When:

Monday-Saturday 10-am-5pm (Closed on Sundays)

Where:

The “Banyan Tree Boutique” is located in Islamorada (which means “Island Home”) in the Florida keys. It’s also called the “Village of Islands” because it consists of five different keys. I love that it’s only an hour and a half from Miami; making for an easy get away. The boutique is right off the Overseas Highway on the east side of the road.

FB: @TheBanyanTree, IG: @BanyanTreeBoutique, Twitter: @BanyanTreeKeys
Shop the blog looks on-line: www.banyantreeboutique.com

I didn’t want someone who would buy me roses. I wanted someone who would plant them, knowing that I would be there when they blossomed.Unknown
Photographer/Videographer: James Woodley
Styling: Jackie Kay
Hair, MUA: Odett Hernandez
(all clothing & accessories provided by Banyan Tree Boutique)
Wednesday, December 30, 2015 Shireen's Favorite Things , , , ,

Shireen’s Spotlight: Oltremare inside Amara Cay Resort

Shireen's Spotlight: Oltremare inside Amara Cay Resort

Shireen's Spotlight: Oltremare inside Amara Cay Resort

Shireen's Spotlight: Oltremare inside Amara Cay Resort

Shireen's Spotlight: Oltremare inside Amara Cay Resort

Shireen's Spotlight: Oltremare inside Amara Cay Resort

What:

Oltremare, 80001 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, Florida 33036

Why:

Oltremare Ristorante inside Amara Cay Resort is my last food blog of the year and man, what a way to go out. The Italian eatery has a warm atmosphere with a sophisticated flair, but it’s the food that’s truly fabulous. What’s more, it’s made with passion and pure love by Executive Chef Dario Olivera.

After shooting my “Dress to Impress” New Year’s Eve fashion blog with “Hot Miami Styles” at the resort, I was hungry and thirsty! That’s not always a good thing when I do Spotlight. I always tell my crew: “It’s about tasting not eating,” but not to worry because on Chef Dario’s watch NO ONE leaves hungry.

I started my evening with three yummy drinks, “The Blood-Lime” which is their signature cocktail, was definitely my favorite (made with deep eddy ruby red, fever tree elderflower tonic, Campari and key lime.) The “Zugroni” & “Naughty and Spice” were both sweet enough to put me in a jolly holiday mood.

My first appetizer, “Sea Salt Roasted Beets” (made with greek yogurt, honey cured pistachio and blood orange syrup) was the perfect balance of sweet and savory. The “Grilled Octopus,” plated in a yummy winter squash puree came with a side of crispy chips; adding extra texture. My favorite app (and it was hard to choose) was the gorgeous Antipasto plate. Hmmm… I’m a sucker for finger food.

The main courses were to die for, usually I take a bite, pass the plate and remain noncommittal, but I wouldn’t let our server take ANY of the dishes away. 😁 The “Lasagnette” (made with wild mushrooms) was dreamy and the “Gnocchi” with rabbit was extra sumptuous.

My absolute favorites: the “Orecchiette” (scallops, rock shrimp in a parmesan tomato broth) and “Caramelle” (with duck confit, Swiss chard, cranberries and reggiano). My tastebuds are forever spoiled. The chef wanted us to have more than carbs, so, he sent out one of his favorite plates “Grilled Cobia” (made with melted leeks). This is perfect for the non-pasta lover.

The “Tiramisu” and “Zeppoli” (deep-fried dough balls served with a Nutella dip) were beyond decadent and the perfect sweet treats to end our feast. The friendly staff, chic atmosphere and incredible pasta definitely make “Oltremare” one of my new favorite things.

Where:

Oltremare is located inside the Amara Cay Resort. The entire property is gorgeous and snuggled into a little slice of heaven in The Florida Keys. More specifically, Islamorada.

When:

Dinner 5pm-10pm. Reservations are suggested: 305-664-0073

www.amaracayresort.com/oltremare-ristorante
Instagram: @Oltremare_Ristorante

Count your nights by stars, not shadows; count your life with smiles, not tearsItalian Proverb
Photographer: James Woodley
Stylist: Jackie Kay
Wardrobe: Hot Miami Styles
(shop the look www.HotMiamiStyles.com)
Thursday, December 24, 2015 Shireen's Spotlight , , , , , , ,

Dress to Impress: #NewYearsEve 2015

Dress to Impress: #NewYearsEve 2015

Dress to Impress: #NewYearsEve 2015

Dress to Impress: #NewYearsEve 2015

Dress to Impress: #NewYearsEve 2015

Dress to Impress: #NewYearsEve 2015

Dress to Impress: #NewYearsEve 2015

Dress to Impress: #NewYearsEve 2015

Dress to Impress: #NewYearsEve 2015

Dress to Impress: #NewYearsEve 2015

What:

Hot Miami Styles

Why:

I make the same two New Year’s resolutions every year; wear an amazing dress/outfit to ring in the new year and get in shape! Not at the same time, mind you…there’s always next year, though. 😬

The outfit thing is my way of ushering in the next 12 months with fashionable and fabulous clothing karma. Since I have a pretty decent reputation when it comes to the wardrobe thing (a fashion blog will do that to you), that particular resolution kind of takes care of itself. The fitness thing? Well…

I’ve continuously and miserably failed at that one! Matter-of-fact, I’m currently in the worse shape of my life. That whole getting sick and almost dying thing (GBS) really threw a wrench in my fitness plans and then there’s the knee surgery I had a few months ago. Yeah, a torn meniscus. That sucked. Don’t get me wrong, physical therapy helped my knee. My rear end ? Eh, not so much.

I guess one out of two resolutions isn’t bad. Or is it? I decided to ask my colleagues at WSVN/DECO DRIVE about their resolutions. More specifically, do they make them and if so, do they actually keep them? I promised to keep everyone’s identity secret (so they’d be more forthcoming) and then I divided the answers into two categories: guys and girls, but honestly, it should have been more like, young and old.

At the top of the list for both sexes: losing weight and getting in shape. That relieved my guilt a little, but it was the older or shall I say, more seasoned people in life who really caught my attention with their responses. “There’s no time like the present,” one of my senior co-workers mused, another one said: “Why set myself up to fail, life is hard enough.” I heard those same two answers quite a bit (in different variations), from co-workers older than me. Note to self, carpe diem and guilt is a useless emotion.

There were others ones, too like: learn a new language, get out of debt, do more charity work, be a better person, get on with my family better, get a new job and start driving for Uber. Ha ha! Gotta love journalists. By the way, those answers were from younger people. At the end of the day (no matter the age), I took away one message…we’re all striving for some sort of SELF ACCEPTANCE.

Whether it’s taking things at face value (without a resolution) or tweaking the things in life that’ll make us happier (with a resolution), it’s all about saying: “I’m good enough” or “I’m working on being good enough” and for me, that’s a beautiful thing. I love that the new year brings endless possibilities; wiping the slate clean with a new beginning or in some cases, picking up where you left off or just doing the things you’ve always wanted to do…

With that being said, “Dress to Impress” is about re-evaluating and reinventing my resolutions. I’m looking forward to changing up my personal goals (realistically). While I love looking pretty, as of late I’ve wanted to feel and look sexier. Perhaps, it’s because I’m getting older (and youth is fleeting) or maybe it’s because I’m finally getting over being sick for so long.

Whatever the reason, “Hot Miami Styles” has provided me with an awakening of sorts. I love their sexy, unapologetic clothing and their “I’m a woman here me roar” kind of style. Wearing one of their gorgeous dresses to ring in the New Year is the perfect way to start my 2016.

Another thing I want more of? THE FLORIDA KEYS. I guess at heart, I’m just a small town girl. When I head south, my troubles and nervousness disappears and everything just slows down a little. So, why not combine the two? With a car full of gorgeous gowns from HMS, I headed to Islamorada last weekend. Destination? Amara Cay Resort.

The fairly new seaside retreat is (for the most part), an undiscovered South Florida jewel; chic, modern, glamorous and accessible to the working professional. Along with a private beach, charmingly sleek rooms and a great restaurant (Oltremare, which I’m featuring this week on Spotlight,) it’s the great escape I’ve been looking for or at least another reason to keep my newest resolutions…

“Dress to Impress” in HMS and spending more time in the Florida Keys are two promises I’m pretty sure I can keep. Not only that, I’m actually looking forward to it! Whatever you have planned for the New Year, I hope it greets you with health, happiness and a big dose of self acceptance. Happy 2016!

Where:

For the latest and greatest in New Year’s Eve fashions, you can shop “Hot Miami Styles” on-line www.hotmiamistyles.com or follow them on FB, Twitter or IG @hotmiamistyles.

shot on location at www.amaracayresort.com in Islamorada, The Florida Keys.
FB, Twitter, IG: @amaracayresort or reservations@amaracayresort.com

Although no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.Carl Bard
Photographer: James Woodley
Styling: Jackie Kay
Hair, MUA: Odett Hernandez
(clothing & shoes provided by Hot Miami Styles)

(A big thank you to everyone who has participated in ‘Favorite Things’ this year. I have so many fabulous fashionable memories and I couldn’t have done it without you!)

Wednesday, December 23, 2015 Shireen's Favorite Things , ,