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 , ,

All That Glitters

All That Glitters

All That Glitters

All That Glitters

All That Glitters

All That Glitters

All That Glitters

All That Glitters

All That Glitters

All That Glitters

What:

Kore Boutique 2925 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, Florida 33138

Why:

I have to be honest, a part of me used to hate the holidays. I loved the idea of it, but for whatever reason, the pressure of it all really got to me. The crazy traffic, the never-ending list of gifts and holiday parties, my hectic television schedule and the fact that ALL of my family lives so far away.

For years, I battled severe depression during a time most people relished. What’s more, I was in a relationship I felt alone in. My partner preferred celebrating with his family, leaving me alone to work and feel worse than I already did. Thank god for my mother, who from across the country sent care packages stuffed with the creature comforts of Santa Fe, New Mexico (my hometown)..

Wedding cookies with chunks of homegrown pistachios, an assortment of nuts soaked in green chile, buttery piñon coffee and yummy chocolates laced with spicy red chili. It was my absolute lifeline to feeling loved. I would put the box under the tree; opening one gift on Christmas Eve and the rest on Christmas Day. It became our annual tradition.

Through the years, my mother had to master loving me from a distance, simply because she had no choice. She gave me big dreams and let me go, so, that I could live them. In television, one must be transient in order to succeed. You have to be willing to go anywhere, work any given day at any god-forsaken hour to make it. It’s just part of the business. Even if she didn’t understand, she played along and always encouraged me.

Despite the many presents my mom sent me over the last decade, though, they would not be the true gifts she imparted on me and like most things in life, it would take growing into a woman to realize her generosity. It happened slowly, but when it did…

Instead of bemoaning my loneliness, I started an annual holiday work party and my fellow employees became my extended family. I made a mature decision to leave a relationship that didn’t make me happy and found someone who relishes, cares and loves me (he even likes celebrating the holidays with me). Last but not least, instead of seeing the crazy world of television as difficult and challenging, I accepted its idiosyncrasies, embracing the roller-coaster schedules, deadlines and demands.

Strangely, going with the flow made my life so much easier and less stressful. All of those aforementioned events/actions were somehow or in someway inspired or supported by my mother. Although she never placed tenacity, strength and grit into a box and put it under a tree, they were the true gifts that she gave me. In fact, they’re the kind of gifts that keep on giving.

Don’t get me wrong, life isn’t always perfect and the holiday’s can still stress me out, but in the grand scheme of things, the depression that used to seep into my life during the holiday season, eventually dissipated.

Perhaps, it’s just maturity or as Tony Bennett says: “Life teaches you how to live it, if you’re around long enough to let it.” With that being said, during this time of year most of us just want to feel loved or be loved; better yet, give love. It’s also about feeling special. Whether that’s festively fixing up your house or your wardrobe, Kore Boutique in Miami, always makes me feel and look like the brightest fashionista in the room, especially during “the most wonderful time of the year.”

Whether it’s one of my favorite puffy skirts, a yummy candle (they have an amazing one this year perfect for a stocking stuffer), or a glittery dress for a holiday party, “Kore” has you covered and even Santa can’t compete with that (okay, maybe he can a little.) Happy Holidays! 🎁🎅

Where:

Lucky for the busy Miami shopper, “Kore” actually has a handful of locations. So, wherever you find yourself in the city, you’ll be able to do some #HardKore retail therapy. Along with the aforementioned address, there’s also 15516 Biscayne Boulevard and 99 Harbour Drive on Key Biscayne. A MIMO location is coming soon.

Shop Kore on Instagram: @KoreBoutique

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart.Helen Keller
A special thank you to our friends at Santa’s Enchanted Forest – especially Buddy – for giving us a fabulous backdrop to shoot the blog! www.santasenchantedforest.com

Photographer: James Woodley
Stylist: Alexis Nicole, On-Site Stylist: Jackie Kay
MUA: Tabitha Rey & Hair: Jess Stuver of www.zenzensalon.com
All clothing & accessories provided by Kore Boutique

Wednesday, December 16, 2015 Shireen's Favorite Things , ,

A Bohemian Winter

A Bohemian Winter

A Bohemian Winter

A Bohemian Winter

A Bohemian Winter

A Bohemian Winter

A Bohemian Winter

A Bohemian Winter

What:

Boheme Boutique, 650 Crandon Boulevard, Key Biscayne, Florida 33149

Why:

I’ve always loved the spirit and mystery surrounding a bohemian lifestyle. Perhaps, it’s because my mother is that kind of person; wandering and roaming the world as an artist, creator and nomad. Her stories and free-spirited ways have always inspired me. Truth-be-told, though, I’ve never been brave enough to live that way.

Sure, I’ve travelled the world for work, moved around the country and even given into life’s curiosities, but always in a very strict, driven to succeed, kind-of-way. Matter-of-fact, I’m the complete antithesis of my mother. She’d say I’m “uptight,” I’d say, I have a “Type A” personality.

As a television journalist: structure, self discipline, long hours and never-ending deadlines are my life. So, when I have a moment to relax, my clothes reflect the things I dream of and part of that is being like my mom, who currently resides in Santa Fe, New Mexico (on a ranch in the middle of the desert,) doing whatever she pleases; footloose and fancy free. A true bohemian.

That’s why I jumped at the chance to do this blog. Who doesn’t want to be a gypsy/bohemian princess roaming about the world in all her earthy glory? When my stylist, Jackie Kay, asked me what I envisioned for “A Bohemian Winter,” I told her point blank: “I want it to be as if I’ve just floated to land on a piece of driftwood; all while looking like a homeless gypsy meets grecian goddess.” 😁

Luckily, she didn’t think I’d totally lost my mind because she knew I had just met Edit Meurrens, the owner of Boheme Boutique; a hidden jewel of a store that epitomizes the way I’ve always dreamed of dressing. With Edit’s help and her gorgeous dresses (which are made with amazing materials, colors, detailing and by one-of-a-kind designers,) “A Bohemian Winter” isn’t just a fashionable dream anymore, it’s an effortless reality. Now, if I could just find that piece of driftwood. 🌾

Where:

The boutique is located in the lovely town of Key Biscayne; surrounded by water and shut-off from the hustle and bustle of Miami. The store is located in a shopping plaza right off Crandon Boulevard (the main road that runs through town). With a lot of nice restaurants, including the luxurious “Ritz Carlton” (which has a great bar), you can easily make a day of it. Happy Shopping!

www.bohemeboutiques.com
IG: @BohemeBoutique, Twitter: @BohemeBoutiques FB: Boheme Boutique

The woman who follows the crowd will usually go no further than the crowd. The woman who walks alone is likely to find herself in places no one has ever been before.Albert Einstein
Photographer: James Woodley
Styling: Boheme Boutique & Jackie Kay
Make-up: Tabitha Rey & Hair: Jess Stuver of www.zenzensalon.com
sandals: www.jamaicasandalco.com IG: @jasandalco

Wednesday, December 9, 2015 Shireen's Favorite Things , , , ,