Ocean Drive Magazine hosts their April Latin Issue Party at The Epic Hotel's Area31

Ocean Drive Magazine celebrated "All Things Glamorously Latin and Fascinante" this past Tuesday, April 26th, at The Epic Hotel's Area 31. The exclusive rooftop event was hosted by Miami's "It Girls" who are featured in this month's Ocean Drive Magazine: Pamela Silva Conde [pictured on the left with husband, Cesar Conde, President of Univision Networks], Alexandra Cervera, Carla DeFortuna, Elizabeth Rodrigues, Joyce Chehebar and Zoe Nouet. The ladies hosted a stellar event alongside Miami's Latin trendsetters and television personalities. Guests enjoyed specialty drinks by Dewars and hors d'ouevres by Area 31's Executive Chef Michael Reidt. Enjoy the pictures and make sure to pick up the April issue of Ocean Drive to acquaint yourselves with the "It Girls."

Above: "It Girls" Pamela Silva Conde and Lourdes Valls. Lourdes's family owns one of Miami's most renowned Cuban restaurants Versailles. Remember my interview with Bobbie Thomas [Style Guide on NBC's Today Show]? Versailles was her favorite restaurant in Miami!! If you haven't tried their food, it's a must.

Above Left: Azucena Cierco, News Anchor on Telemundo's "Al Rojo Vivo." Above Right: Actress Ivelin Giro and her daughter, Zoe Nouet, who is one of Ocean Drive's "It Girls."

The amazing view of Downtown Miami from Area 31's rooftop.

Above: Ocean Drive Magazine's Editor-In-Chief, Suzy Buckley, strikes a pose for Miami Beats and Sazon along with one of the "It Girls" Joyce Chehebar.

Above Left: Yours truly and Grammy Award Winning Singer, Jon Secada, who also attended the Ocean Drive Magazine Party. Above Right: My beautiful friends Jenisei Couso and Melissa Marty, former Nuestra Belleza Latina winner and current TV Host on Galavision.

Above: Alexandra Cervera [pictured second from the left] is another fabulous "It Girl" I ran into at the Ocean Drive Party. Alexandra is 24 years old and she is the Project Manager at the Epic Residences.

Above: My friends striking a pose for Miami Beats and Sazon!!! Love them and hope you enjoyed my pictures! xo

Ocean Drive Magazine Celebrates their April Latin Issue with Artist Miguel Paredes

On Thursday, April 21st, Ocean Drive Magazine hosted an event in the heart of Miami's Wynwood Arts District to celebrate their April Latin Issue. Since Ocean Drive Magazine featured Miguel Paredes as one of this month's "Miami Faces," the event was held at the Miguel Peredes Fine Art Gallery (173 NW 23rd Street). Paredes [pictured on the right alongside the glamorous Elaine Lancaster] is an Urban Realist who combines cutting edge techniques of street art, pop art and Japanese animation to create his one-of-a-kind pieces. During the event, guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d'oeuvres while checking out the beautiful artwork on display. This event not only honored Paredes but it also benefited St. Jude Children's Research Hospital because 10% of the evening's art sales were donated to the organization. If you didn't get a chance to attend this event, you can visit the Miguel Paredes Fine Art Gallery during Wynwood's Art Walk on Saturday, May 14th, from 5-10 p.m. There will be food and drinks for all guests so make sure you RSVP early [email rsvp@miguelparedes.com]. Here's a glimpse of the gallery:





Above Right: My beautiful friend Natalie Arroyave and her friend attended the event to support Miguel Paredes. Natalie is the host of Miami Music Television. Love her!!!

Don't forget to pick up a copy of Ocean Drive Magazine's April Latin Issue to read how Miguel Paredes juggles art and entrepreneurship. For more information on the mission of the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or to donate online, visit their website and help make a difference in the lives of kids with cancer.

Save-the-Date: "Evening Under the Stars" at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens on April 29th!

There are so many beautiful places to visit in Miami but none as special as the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, a National Historic Landmark that preserves the Miami estate of agricultural industrialist James Deering. Luckily, the estate is open to the public during museum hours as well as for special events. One of my favorite events is actually happening next week: The Vizcayans , a non-profit that works to protect, preserve and promote the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens takes their annual spring party, Evening Under the Stars, to new heights on Friday, April 29th, from 7:30 to 11 p.m. This rare opportunity to tour the historic house and gardens by night allows guests to enjoy food, wine and entertainment amidst a chic cocktail atmosphere. In honor of the world's most anticipated wedding [of course I'm talking about Prince William and Kate Middleton], the wedding will be shown on a large screen all night long. This definitely sounds like a win-win situation to me!

Evening Under the Stars will be star-powered by NBC Miami anchor Pam Giganti and host Roxanne Vargas. Attendees must be 21 years of age and should dress to impress. The event will take place rain or shine. All proceeds benefit The Vizcayans’ mission to support Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. Please visit www.vizcayans.org to purchase your tickets or renew/upgrade your membership. Tickets are $75 for members and $100 for non-members for advance purchase [on the night of the event, they will cost $125 at door]. Join the Vizcayans and celebrate the royal wedding in true style...under the stars!

Casa Bikini debuts their Designer Swimsuits for this Summer at Havana Nine's Mojito Bar

In case you don't live in the M.I.A....we're officially in summer mode! Everyone knows Miami never experiences a real change in temperature. Our beaches are warm and our skies are clear every weekend! That's why swimsuits are invading our shopping centers and our local boutiques. Last Sunday I attended a sexy bikini fashion show presented by Casa Bikini at Havana Nine's Mojito Bar located inside Bayside Marketplace. Casa Bikini showcased their latest designer swimsuits right after the Miami Heat game which attracted a large crowd of fans! Get ready to see bikinis, mojitos [courtesy of Mojito Bar] and fun accessories [fedoras provided by Havana Nines and bracelets by Endless C Reations]. For more information on Casa Bikini, you can find them on Facebook and Twitter aside from their website. Andrea Amorosi, Founder of Casa Bikini, continuously announces upcoming trunk shows and fashion shows so stay connected to this talented entrepreneur. Enjoy the photos and I hope it inspires you to start shopping for that perfect summer bikini!



Casa Bikini models turning up the heat at Mojito Bar!

ABOVE: Andrea Amorosi (pictured on the left), Founder of Casa Bikini, strikes a pose with her models during the show.


Above: DJ M Dot from The Miami Heat and Sebastian Rusk, CEO of SocialBuzzTV.com, attended the swimwear fashion show.


In spirit of today's first playoff game for The Miami HEAT, I couldn't help but share this HEAT fan with my readers! Let's go HEAT!

Interview: Loren Ridinger shares her thoughts on Success, Charities and Miami!

Success can be achieved through hard work and dedication. That is exactly what I learned after hearing Loren Ridinger speak at an event hosted by the University of Miami's Launch Pad on Tuesday, April 4th. After speaking to an auditorium full of future entrepreneurs, Loren's message was loud and clear: "believe in your dreams." Loren Ridinger is the Senior Vice President of the internet giants MarketAmerica.com and SHOP.com. Loren is also the Creator of the award winning cosmetic line Motives® by Loren Ridinger, the luxurious skincare line Cellular Laboratories™, the solution-oriented product line Fixx, and Founder of the exquisite jewelry collection, Loren Jewels®. Talk about a business mogul! During her speech at UM, Loren spoke about the struggles and the successes she has encountered over the years. Although Loren is definitely a strong woman, she did create her success alongside her business partner and husband, JR Ridinger (pictured on the right), President of MarketAmerica.com. If you haven't had the opportunity to meet Loren, then read my interview with the internet icon who has been named one of Vogue’s Top 100 most influential women. Loren is an innovator, a philanthropist and a trendsetter. At the end of the day, Loren's passion is to give back to others. Therefore, Loren is involved with many charitable causes including Rally for Kids with Cancer, which she co-Chairs with Eva Longoria, American Heart Association, from whom she received the 2010 Big Heart Humanitarian award, the Make-a-Wish Foundation, the Jennifer Lopez Foundation, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and many others.MBS: Can you share your favorite beauty secret with my readers?
LOREN: I think it’s more of a daily regimen than a beauty secret. I use Matraskin, a liquid serum collagen that has changed my skin completely. Never go to sleep with make-up on and make sure you get an early start on your skin care regimen. Most people start to take care of their skin when they're in their 30’s. It is important for women to begin this regimen early in life [even in your teens].

MBS: How can consumers learn about your various personal brands?
LOREN: Consumer can access my brands through MarketAmerica.com and individual websites like MotivesCosmetics.com & LorenJewels.com. I’m a social media addict so I’m constantly promoting my products through the social networks such as Facebook, Twitter and my own personal blogs like MyFashionCents.com and LorensWorld.com. But, most important than all mentioned is through people power, Market America has 180,000 distributors that are knowledgeable of the product and are constantly promoting and educating others on my brands and with this you can’t compete in the stores.
MBS: What is the best advice you constantly give your celebrity friends? (Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, Eva Longoria, etc.)
LOREN: It’s not so much about the advice for us. Instead, it’s about reminding each to take time for ourselves. We all have similar personalities and we are workaholics so it’s important to communicate with one another and be supportive.

MBS: What is the most recent product you have launched?
LOREN: Fixx solution oriented products, they are products that actually “fix” stuff. We have Fixx Argan Oil Shampoo which contains Moroccan argan oil [one of the rarest and most sought-after ingredients in the personal care industry]. Fixx Thick Hair Shampoo & Conditioner with stinging nettle extract that cleans and stimulates the scalp hair to make it look thicker and fuller. Fixx Lash Extend which provides you with thicker, longer looking lashes and brows in just two weeks.
MBS: Why did you become involved with the American Heart Association and why is it an important cause?
LOREN: Because my mother passed away at the young age of 42 so I feel it's important for everyone to know how heart disease can change your life. It's important for women to identify the risk associated and it’s proven that women are more at risk with heart failure than men.

MBS: Since this year's Rally for Kids event is quickly approaching (April 29 & 30), is there anything in particular that you're looking forward to?
LOREN: Yes! There is nothing more rewarding than putting a smile on a kids face. This charity is fun, and fulfilling and you get to have a great time. I can’t wait to watch my husband JR and Eva win lol… This charity is all about competing, having fun all while benefiting the children.
MBS: After living in Miami, what are your top 5 hot spots?
LOREN: Casa Tua we get to eat and dance at the same place with amazing food and an amazing host like Mickey; The Forge it’s a Miami institution and Shareef Malnik is the ultimate host and friend; W Hotel because I think it’s so beautiful with a chic and hot bar; Soho House without a question is the place to be seen but not everyone can get in; Sugarcane in the Design District is great for a casual dinner; and Mandarin Oriental for its spa.

I hope my interview has inspired you to dream BIG like Loren! Make sure to follow Loren Ridinger on Twitter and check out the video from her presentation at the University of Miami.

Venue Magazine hosts "The Real Housewives of Miami Cover Party" at Tempo Miami

It's only been a couple of days since the grand finale of The Real Housewives of Miami and I know you're probably experiencing withdrawals by now! Venue Magazine hosted the hottest party in town on Friday, April 8th, as they honored The Real Housewives of Miami during their March/ April 2011 Cover Party at Tempo Miami. Venue Magazine's Excutive Editor and Real Housewife of Miami, Alexia Echevarria, was accompanied by her husband, Herman Echevarria. Lea Black also attended the event with her husband, Roy Black, and their son. Alexia and Lea were later joined by fellow Housewife Marysol Patton [pictured above with Alexia], President of The Patton Group. To all of the Elsa Patton fans out there: Elsa was also at the party looking very chic! For those of you who want to see the ladies in action, I've included a special video at the bottom of this post [produced by Venue Magazine] which features all of the "behind the scenes" footage from this month's cover shoot. Although cast members Larsa Pippen and Cristy Rice were definitely missed at the party, it was a beautiful night in Miami and everyone enjoyed the music, appetizers, cocktails and entertainment. Talk about major sazon!

Above Left: Elsa Patton along with yours truly! Above Right: Marysol Patton arriving to the Venue Magazine Cover Party.

Above: Real Housewife of Miami Adriana de Moura [right] arriving at Tempo Miami along with Frederic [left] and her son.

Above Right: Host of NBC Miami's South Florida Today Show, Nathalie Pozo, attended the Venue Magazine Cover Party along with Eddie. Tune in to NBC and watch her at 11 a.m. on weekdays.

Above Left: Lea and Roy Black. Roy told me he actually writes his own legal blog called "Black's Law." I thought that was pretty cool!

My friends and I at the Venue Cover Party! Love my girls!