Golden Fingers

Golden Fingers

Golden Fingers

Golden Fingers

Golden Fingers

What:

Discovering Pharaoun Cocktail Rings — perfect for the woman who loves to fancy-up her fingers. Yes, that would be me. After all, I’m an unabashed ring girl. Dahhhhhling.

Why:

I don’t know how, when or why it happened, but somewhere between adolescence and womanhood, I became a bonafide #RingGirl. It’s not like I have swan hands, either. In fact, when I was growing up, my brothers bequeathed me the title “Flintstone Fingers” (the famous cartoon characters known for their chubby hands & feet.) I hated the nickname, but instead of trying to distract from my meaty digits, I celebrated them by painting my nails and wearing any kind of sparkly jewels I could get my hands on. Eventually, flashing my fingers turned into a full-blown love affair with rings. Mainly, statement ones.

For me, a ring isn’t just an extension of my personality; it reflects my mood, enhances what I’m wearing or, simply put, the presence of one on my pretty pointers makes me happy. Glam, whimsical and sophisticated is what I’m most attracted to and that’s exactly what a Pharaoun Cocktail Ring is. Designer Sergio Andrés Mendoza makes sure of that. His motto: “I want you to find a ring that symbolizes a version of yourself that you love.”

When I first read that quote, I was like, “man, he totally gets me” and I’m sure a lot of other women feel that way, too. Sergio doesn’t like suggesting which of his designs you should wear; he wants you to find it for yourself. Think of it as an emotional treasure hunt where you get in touch with your own feelings and/or inner goddess-ness. When it comes to choosing one of his creations, he told Ocean Drive Magazine: “Maybe it reflects a part of you that you don’t see often but want to be reminded of. Maybe it is your greatest strength. Maybe it is the person you want to be.”

I first learned about Pharaoun Cocktail Rings when we featured Sergio on Deco Drive, where he was quick to point out his gemstone-esque collections are made right here in Miami and if you look closely, the rings (which are perched on 22k gold over silver) are just as beautiful from the back as the front — underneath they’re decorated with intricate carvings and glass stones. It’s almost as if the ring talks out loud to its admirers, yet at the same time, whispers something special to the woman wearing it.

With collections named “Sea Urchin,” “Superpower” and “I am Beautiful,” you can’t help but feel a connection to Sergio’s jewelry. Especially, in this pop culture climate of “I am Woman hear me roar.” Who doesn’t want to feel empowered by what they’re wearing? I know I do. In fact, opening up a little black box with a Pharaoun Cocktail Ring snuggled inside can make a girl glow and that’s why “Golden Fingers” is one of my #FavoriteThings.

Shop the rings here:
https://pharaoun.com

Be Social:
IG: @pharaouncocktailrings
FB: @pharaounrings

I adore wearing gems, but not because they are mine. You cannot possess radiance; you can only admire it.Elizabeth Taylor
James Woodley Photography
Gold Body Suit: @belle_damour_lingerie
All cocktail rings are Pharaoun designed by Sergio Andres Mendoza. From left to right I’m wearing: Ovni, Starry Night, Bash, Lotus and Sea Urchin.
Prices available upon request
Hair & Make-up: Odett Hernandez
Digital Editor: Jessie Neft-Swinger
Editor: Matthew “Ringo” Auerbach

Shireen’s Spotlight: ToroToro

Shireen’s Spotlight: ToroToro

Shireen’s Spotlight: ToroToro

Shireen’s Spotlight: ToroToro

Shireen’s Spotlight: ToroToro

Shireen’s Spotlight: ToroToro

Shireen’s Spotlight: ToroToro

Shireen’s Spotlight: ToroToro

Shireen’s Spotlight: ToroToro

Shireen’s Spotlight: ToroToro

Shireen’s Spotlight: ToroToro

Shireen’s Spotlight: ToroToro

Shireen’s Spotlight: ToroToro

Shireen’s Spotlight: ToroToro

Shireen’s Spotlight: ToroToro

What:

New drinks and bar bites at Toro Toro Miami and of course, a lively late night dinner featuring the best steak this side of the Mississippi. Oh, and I have two words for you: LA BOMBA!

Why:

Toro Toro is just one of those places that gives me all the feels. It’s sexy, exciting and has what the French call: “je ne sais quoi.” Its sophisticated nightclub personality is mixed with a fabulous foodie flair — which always makes for a fun Friday night, especially when you get an invite to try out new creative cocktails and yummy additions to the already mouth-watering menu. I’ll drink to that…

And I did, with the “Lil Guavana” and all vegan drink you can really wrap your lips around, made with rum, guava and aquafaba — a frothy all-vegan ingredient that replicates egg whites. “The Last Garden” with gin, green chartreuse, cucumber water and a hint of jalapeño. is a creative combo of sweet & spicy. I sipped on both while enjoying the “Hamachi Tiradito,” marinated in habanero passion fruit juice. It comes with sweet peppers, cilantro and crunchy chile fritos. #TalkAboutTexture. #ComeToMama.

Three must-try’s on the bar bites part of the menu: “Tuna Aranitas” (oh-so fresh & spicy) “Short Rib Tacos” (hello, juicy and delicious) and my favorite, “Chicken & Chorizo Croquettes” (made with mouthwatering gruyere cheese and aji amarillo aioli.) On the lighter side of the menu: a succulent “Beet Salad” with pistachios and ricotta cheese, but it’s the aji amarillo vinaigrette that adds an incredible tangy touch.

If you like coffee with a twist, the “Estocada Double Espresso” is a great way to cleanse your palette in-between courses. The drink features espresso, Licor 43 & Pisco; it’s strong, sexy and packs a pleasant punch. If you’re a bonafide coffee feen, you could even try one for dessert. More of a drama drinker? The “Encierro,” has a smokey presentation made with bourbon, sweet vermouth & cherry liqueur.

If you’re a seafood fan, Toro Toro has a pretty good selection, with dishes like “Grilled Octopus” (in cilantro sauce) and “Chipotle Miso Chilean Seabass,” (in teriyaki sauce.) The sea bass, which is rich, moist and tender, is one of the best things on the menu. A pretty close second is the “Charred Pork Belly” served in a corn silk sauce with corn arepa.

If you really want your mind blown, the “Miyazaki Wagyu NY Strip” steak is another level of taste and quality. It’s so tender, it actually melts in your mouth. If you’ve never had an opportunity to taste Wagyu, Toro Toro is the perfect place to do it. A “Sweet Potato” side topped with Jalapeño honey butter and Mexican cheese was the perfect accompaniment.

If all of the aforementioned wasn’t enough, I had my socks totally knocked-off by the LA BOMBA. A chocolate bowl filled with berries, dulce de leche, strawberry ice cream, cream cheese mousse and almond cookie crumbs is literally dropped into the center of the table. It doesn’t end there — once it’s crashed and broken up into pieces, it’s zealously topped with caramel, vanilla and berry sauce. I’ve never seen or tasted anything like it. The delicious dessert magic is made plop possible by a thin protective plastic sheet sealed to the center of the table before it’s served. And yes, you just eat it off the table!

The magic of Toro Toro has a lot to do with the talents of Chef Jean Delgado. His charismatic personality and love of traveling is infused into his food. Not only is he passionate about what he does, he understands the chemistry behind it — it’s about the overall dining experience, which he tries to make as special as possible and that’s why Toro Toro Miami is one of my #FavoriteThings.

Where:

Toro Toro
located inside InterContinental Miami
Downtown Miami
100 Chopin Plaza
Miami, Florida 33131
305-372-4710

www.torotoromiami.com

When:

Dinner: Sunday – Wednesday: 6pm-11pm
Thursday – Saturday 6pm-12am
Celebrating Mother’s day with brunch
for other others check-out www.torotoromiami.com

Be Social:
IG: @torotoromiami
FB: @ToroToroMiami
Twitter: @ToroToroMiami

We never thought we’d get this far, but we’re here.Selena Quintanilla
James Woodley Photography
dress: @bcbg #SouthBeach #LincolnRoad
jewelry: @HouseofHarlow1960 & @BaubleBar
Hair & Make-up: Odett Hernandez
Digital Editor: Jessie Neft-Swinger
Editor: Matthew “Toro Toro, No Bull” Auerbach

Wordy Woman

Wordy Woman

Wordy Woman

Wordy Woman

Wordy Woman

Wordy Woman

Wordy Woman

Wordy Woman

Wordy Woman

Wordy Woman

Wordy Woman

What:

Words mean something — it’s a phrase that I live by, especially as a journalist. I pour over thousands and thousands of them a week; creating, crafting, writing and rewriting stories. Not just for television and #FavoriteThings, but in life, too. Intimate exchanges, friendly hello’s, meaningful conversations, spirited debates and heated arguments. Words are everything.

As a writer, they’re my sanctuary, my therapy, my comfort. The gift of self-expression in written form is a skill I’ve been honing since grade school. Back in the day, I wrote monster stories, alien stories, love stories and eventually human interest stories — which led me to journalism and now, blogging.

Words are an expression of our inner-most thoughts, feelings and emotions. They share joy, pain, sadness, empowerment and if you truly fall in love with them, they become art via poems, books, movies and oration. Yes, I am and will always be a “Wordy Woman”…

That’s why I can’t resist the latest haute couture fashion trend known as “Slogan Gowns.” The idea was birthed by Viktor & Rolf at this year’s Paris Fashion week. Big, beautiful ball gowns floated down the runway, featuring words & phrases like: “I’m not shy I just don’t like you,” “I am my own muse,” and “No photos please.” The slogan trend isn’t exactly new, especially with the whole “say how you really feel” on a T-shirt craze — which has exploded over the past decade.

Not to be outdone by sayings on coffee cups, purses, gym bags, shoes — the list goes on. This day and age, it’s all about expressing yourself and no word or saying is off-limits, especially if you add a hashtag. I’m partial to the “Slogan Gown” trend because of its quirky, unexpected nature. Pulling the look off isn’t easy, but with the help of ISA Couture Fabrics, originality is not a problem…

The boutique isn’t just a South Florida staple, it’s the best couture fabric store in Miami. Not only is it a family-owned business with more than 50 years experience; its owners, Jason & Jackie Castro, are working hard to modernize the way people understand & utilize fabric, hence the DALE’ dress.

They created it to celebrate the “Slogan Gown” trend, adding a unique Miami spin. Combining exquisite tulle and organza, they layered the dress with tropical personality. The detachable train gives it just the right amount of sophisticated drama. If you’re thinking “WOW, that’s a lot of dress,” well, that’s kind of the point. ISA Couture Fabrics can help any fashionista stand out in a crowd and that’s no easy task in a city that eats and breathes head-turning fashions.

Whether they’re customizing a special dress or elevating textiles for local, national and international designers, ISA Couture Fabrics is doing it like no other place in the Magic City. And, instead of just writing about it, this time I’m wearing it, too and that’s why “Wordy Woman” is one of my Favorite Things. DALE’!

Where:

ISA Couture Fabrics
200 NE 30th Street
Miami, Florida 33137

isafabrics.com

Be Social:
IG: @isacouturefabrics
FB: @isacouturefabrics
Twitter: @IsaCoutureMiami

I like good strong words that mean something.Louisa May Alcott, Little Women
James Woodley Photography
Dale Dress by @isacouturefabrics
earrings: @baublebar
Sunglasses @amazonfashions
Booties: @mackinj_shoes
Hair & Make-up: Odett Hernandez
Digital Editor: Jessie Neft-Swinger
Editor: Matthew “Wordsmith” Auerbach

Shireen’s Spotlight: Isabelle’s Grill Room & Garden

Shireen’s Spotlight: Isabelle’s Grill Room & Garden

Shireen’s Spotlight: Isabelle’s Grill Room & Garden

Shireen’s Spotlight: Isabelle’s Grill Room & Garden

Shireen’s Spotlight: Isabelle’s Grill Room & Garden

Shireen’s Spotlight: Isabelle’s Grill Room & Garden

Shireen’s Spotlight: Isabelle’s Grill Room & Garden

Shireen’s Spotlight: Isabelle’s Grill Room & Garden

Shireen’s Spotlight: Isabelle’s Grill Room & Garden

Shireen’s Spotlight: Isabelle’s Grill Room & Garden

Shireen’s Spotlight: Isabelle’s Grill Room & Garden

What:

An early evening dinner on the garden terrace of Isabelle’s inside the Ritz-Carlton, Coconut Grove. Pass the signature Pineapple Mojito, please! And don’t forget to share that mouth-watering Beet Salad. 🙂

Why:

If casual elegance mixed with the intimacy of a garden oasis sounds inviting, Isabelle’s Grill Room & Garden inside the Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove should definitely be on your foodie radar. Not only will you fall in love with its laid-back sophistication; their delicious dishes and creative cocktails will leave you wanting more. Speaking of…

I started my #Spotlight experience with a bubbly “Aperol Spritz” (mixed with Prosecco.) It’s a refreshing drink that’s all the rage right now. Isabelle’s version is a deep, yummy pour with just the right amount of sweetness. It also happens to pair perfectly with the “Salmon Tartare”…

Which is deliciously mixed with onions, capers and smoked mascarpone. The best part of the plate? The toasted slice of ‘everything bagel’ it’s topped with. Just crumble, mix and munch. The “Beef Carpaccio” is just as fresh and flavorful, served with crispy mushrooms, arugula, pecorino cheese and horseradish. If you’re a carpaccio fan, either dish is divine.

Before trying Isabelle’s amazing salads, I sipped on their signature “Pineapple Mojito” which is LIFE. 🙌 I’ve been on a pineapple kick lately because it’s filled with loads of healing properties like Bromelain, so why not have it in a cool rum cocktail? It’s #HeavenOnEarth with pineapple juice, mint, sugar, soda and lime.

“The Roasted Beet Salad” isn’t just beautiful, it’s incredibly tasty, too, with bite-sized apples and oranges placed on a bed of Greek yogurt. The sprinkling of pickled mustard seeds on top is the crescendo to a delightful symphony of flavors. It’s definitely a must-try on the menu.

More of a traditional herbivore? “Isabelle’s Salad” is filled with romaine, radicchio, arugula and nuggets of candied pecans, craisins, pears and pecorino. It’s tossed in a light honey mustard vinaigrette. It’s this deep, endless bowl of delicious greens, which is great to have before…

The delicate “Branzino” — served in a cherry tomato beurre blanc; think creamy butter sauce. It comes with a side of spring vegetable couscous. I gobbled both up like it was my last supper. I washed it all down with “The Peacock,” which came highly-recommended. The chic drink is made with Absolut Elyx, lavender, lemon and blood orange puree. The presentation made me feel like a Hollywood glamour girl.

The highlight of dinner was a perfectly cooked, melt-in-your-mouth “8 OZ. Filet Mignon” served with two sides: creamed spinach and Isabelle’s mac & cheese. #HelloLovah #ComeToMama
#FoodieDreamsDoComeTrue Is that too many #hashtags? 😁

I didn’t think I’d have room for dessert after my decadent dinner, but I rallied when the “Creme Brûlée” with vanilla & raspberries arrived with a glass of dessert bubbly. Which reminds me, they have an extensive wine selection worth exploring. Whether you’re a vegan, seafood lover or live for a great steak, you’ll definitely find what you’re looking for at Isabelle’s Grill Room & Garden and you’ll be surrounded by style and class while doing it — that’s why it’s one of my #FavoriteThings. Bon Appetit!

Where:

The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove
3300 SW 27th Avenue
Miami, Florida 33133

When:

Dinner: Sunday-Thursday 5:30pm-10pm
Friday & Saturday: 5:30pm-11pm
for more on breakfast, lunch & brunch: www.isabellescoconutgrove.com

Be Social:
IG: @isabellescoconutGrove
FB: @isabellesCoconutGrove

Nature always wears the colors of the spirit.Ralph Waldo Emerson
James Woodley Photography
dress: @shopkoveted www.shopkoveted.com
jewelry: @bcbg, butterfly ring: @jillzaleski, clutch: @dvf, sunnies: @amazonfashion
Hair & Make-up: Odett Hernandez
Digital Editor: Jessie Neft-Swinger
Editor: Matthew “#Hashtag” Auerbach