Amigos for Kids hosts Miami's Most Popular Fundraiser: ING Miami Celebrity Domino Night

Sazoneros! It's that time of the year when Miami's hottest celebs, socialites and domino players unite for a wonderful cause: to prevent child abuse and neglect in our communities. Amigos for Kids is celebrating their 20th anniversary by presenting their annual ING Miami Celebrity Domino Night on Saturday, June 18th, at Jungle Island. This year's grand event is sure to keep you dancing! DJ Irie will be spinning his beats and Grammy Award winning singer, Albita, will add a special touch of sazon with a live performance. Guests will also enjoy an open bar courtesy of Bacardi USA, a stellar silent auction and a Food Pavillion featuring the best restaurants in South Florida. Amigos for Kids is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect by valuing children, strengthening families and educating communities. Since this is their largest fundraising event of the year, it is a great opportunity to join this cause by attending the event or donating online. Tickets start at $150 per person so make sure you save your spot. Guests should arrive in Tropical Chic Attire. Make your grandparents proud and practice your domino skills before the big event...good luck!

Save-the-Date: Coral Gables Restaurant Week

If you're a food lover in South Florida, get ready to experience Coral Gables Restaurant Week 2011 on June 6th through 19th. There are more than 30 restaurants ready to indulge your taste buds so watch out! This annual event is presented by Bacardi U.S.A., Inc. in an effort to offer local consumers specially-priced three course menus at an array of Coral Gables’ finest restaurants. If you haven't checked out some hot spots in the Gables, here's your chance to get a taste of fab restaurants like Anacapri on Ponce, Angelique Euro Cafe, Bangkok Bangkok, Benihana, California Pizza Kitchen, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Fritz & Franz Bierhaus, Graziano’s Restaurant, Hawa Fusion, Morton’s The Steakhouse, Norman’s 180, Ortanique on the Mile, Pardo’s Peruvian Cuisine, Pasha’s, Randazzo’s Little Italy, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Seasons 52, Talavera Cocina Mexicana and Tarpon Bend Raw Bar & Grill (to name a few). During the two weeks, participating restaurants will offer special three-course lunch and dinner menus and guests (21 years of age and older) will have the opportunity to try the Original BACARDI® Mojito Cocktail or a glass of MARTINI® Prosecco wine, the official cocktails of Coral Gables Restaurant Week, at participating restaurants with full bars. Restaurant Week menus are available for both lunch and dinner depending on the restaurant, and are now available online at www.coralgablesrestaurantweek.com. Advance reservations are recommended as many restaurants book completely during this popular promotion.

Kim Kardashian Celebrates her new Fragrance "Gold" with fans at Macy's in Aventura Mall

Kim Kardashian was in South Florida on Saturday, May 14th, to meet and greet her fans at Macy's inside Aventura Mall. The occasion? The launch of her latest fragrance, Kim Kardashian Gold! During her appearance this weekend, Kim wore a stunning multi-colored Rachel Roy dress. The business mogul's new perfume drew hundreds of fans to the department store where the first 300 customers who purchased the Kim Kardashian Fragrance Package for $130 were given a chance to meet the star and receive a complimentary photograph with her. The Kim Kardashian Fragrance Package included a 3.4 oz. Eau de Parfum Spray, and a 3.4 oz. Spray of Kim Kardashian Gold. For all of the Kardashian fans out there, you'll be happy to know that there are really cool videos out there that recap the event as well as an intimate interview with local media. If any of my Sazoneros went to the event yesterday, feel free to share your experience in the comment section below. Here are a couple more pictures for you to check out. Many thanks to Alexander Tamargo from Alta Images [Twitter: @AltaImages] for all of these fabulous shots! You can also visit his gallery on Wire Images for more photos including shots of Kim's NBA boyfriend, Kris Humphries.

Procter & Gamble hosts "Orgullosa de mi Belleza" at The Mandarin Oriental Hotel

Earlier this month I attended an event hosted by Procter & Gamble called "Orgullosa de mi Belleza" [translation: Proud of my Beauty] at the luxurious Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Brickell. The event celebrated beauty amongst influential Latinas and top beauty writers in Miami. Since it was an afternoon of pampering, guests enjoyed complimentary mini-manicures, massages, consultations and hair treatments. After experimenting with some of the new Covergirl lipstick colors in the make-up room, I had the pleasure of meeting Celebrity Hair Stylist from Pantene Pro-V, Carlos Vera, who is pictured above along with Rosa Cordero (Editor of Accidental Sexiness), myself and Jeannette Kaplun (Host of Viva la Familia on Univision). To learn about the "Orgullosa de mi Belleza" campaign, make sure to visit the official website for beauty tips and expert advice to keep you "bella" inside-and-out.

Tracy Mourning hosts the 9th Annual Honey Shine Hats Off Luncheon at Jungle Island

Get ready Miami: the Royal Wedding has started a new trend in our city. Since we don't get to wear such fabulous hats on a regular occasion, I loved the concept behind last week's 9th Annual Hats Off Luncheon benefiting Tracy Mourning's Honey Shine Mentoring Program. Members and sponsors of the organization attended the festivities at Jungle Island to support and raise funds for Honey Shine's vision which is to empower young girls to shine as women. As a program under the Alonzo Mourning Charities, Honey Shine is dedicated to enriching the lives of young girls (ages 8-18) that are living in at-risk situations in our inner-city communities. During the event, guests were able to meet some of these extraordinary young girls [who are affectionately called "Honey Bugs"]. Aside from a great cause, you can really see that the Honey Bugs love to participate in all of the bi-weekly workshops and especially their annual Camp Honey Shine that takes place every summer. To get involved with this organization or for more information, make sure you visit www.HoneyShine.org.

Above: Tracy Mourning's sister, Lisa [right], provided guests with a personalized demonstration of the new Honey Child collection.

Above Left: Bond Trisransri, owner of 2B Asian Bistro, and Norma Jean Abraham (Event Committee Member and a Double Platinum Donor). Norma has a big heart and is an imperative part of the Honey Shine family. Above Right: Sabrina Badeaux, owner of Chez Badeaux Salon, along with her friend during the Luncheon.

Tracy Mourning bidding on a handbag during the Silent Auction.

Yours truly and Celebrity Jewelry Designer, Shannon St. Clair.

Stephanie Sayfie Aagaard (right) with her mother, Suzie Sayfie (left). Stephanie is dedicated to working at The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis and The Buoniconti Fund, the world’s most comprehensive spinal cord injury research center based at the University of Miami's Miller School of Medicine.

Talk about confidence! Check out the Honey Bugs as they modeled apparel from GAP (sponsor) on the runway.

The lovely Honey Bugs "Under the Big Top" at Jungle Island! By the way, if you'd like to get a closer look at my outfit to this event, check out the Miami New Times today. They featured my entire look [from head to toe] on Cultist, Miami's culture blog. Many thanks to Jipsy Nefarious who photographed me that day. Enjoy!

Travel through Time every Wednesday Night at The Stage in Miami's Design District

In the spirit of true sazon, I wanted to share an upcoming event that will definitely spice up your life on Wednesday nights. Starting tomorrow, May 11th, The Stage (located in the Design District; 170 NE 38th Street) will be hosting a new "Show of the Year" party every Wednesday at 10 p.m. Guests can expect to experience the best in old school, hip hop, funk and soul from the 70's, 80's and 90's from famed DJ's including DJ Self Born a.k.a. "The Most Magnificent & The Most Humble DJ On The Planet;" DJ Fly Guy a.k.a “Mr. Music & Style & Charm;" and New York's DJ Johnny Walker Red. Arrive, pay no cover, and be taken back a few decades. The ambiance will definitely feel like the “good ol’ days." They’ll be some 80’s flicks playing on the big screen, a dance competition for all to gather around and plenty of reminiscing. Since this is Miami, the show will go on until 5 a.m. Get ready for a new twist to your week and bring your friends along for the ride! For more information or to find a complete calendar of upcoming events, please visit www.thestagemiami.com.

Cinco de Mayo celebration at The Ritz-Carlton's Oceanfront Mexican Restaurant, Cantina Beach!

Sazoneros! Cinco de Mayo revealed a whole new level of culinary delights in my mind. Last week I attended a fiesta hosted by The Ritz-Carlton in Key Biscayne to celebrate the infamous "Batalla de Puebla" and I fell in love with their breathtaking oceanfront Mexican restaurant called Cantina Beach. I decided to skip the usual hang out spots in Downtown Miami or South Beach to discover a new venue in my city. On Thursday, guests who attended the festivities at Cantina Beach were greeted with complimentary Guacamole and Mar Azul tequila samplings featuring exotic flavors like almond, coffee, coconut and chocolate. We also had the pleasure of meeting Chiapas-native, Chef Andres Parlange, who prepared authentic appetizers for the fiesta. For those of you who enjoy tequila, did you know that Cantina Beach offers visitors 85 premium tequila selections? It's actually the largest 100 percent Agave tequila collection in Miami. This sophisticated treasure is right in our backyard so visit their website for restaurant hours and start planning your next get together with friends. Enjoy!

Interview: Celebrity Shoe Designer Brian Atwood visits Saks Fifth Avenue at Bal Harbour

Forget diamonds! I say shoes are a woman's best friend and I'm sure there are many who would agree. Last week I had the pleasure of interviewing Brian Atwood, a celebrity shoe designer. From sketching ideas to producing his elegant masterpieces, it is evident why celebs and trendsetters flock to his new collections. On Wednesday, April 27th, I met Brian before his grand event that day which was hosted by Miami Magazine and Saks Fifth Avenue at the Bal Harbour Shops. Brian made a personal appearance and autographed shoes for those who purchased his sassy heels during the event. There were cocktails, shoes and plenty of familiar faces who attended that night [like Lea Black from The Real Housewives of Miami]. If you weren't able to meet Brian at Saks, check out a recap video [produced by the Bal Harbour Shops] at the bottom.

MBS: How would you describe this summer's Brian Atwood collection?
BA: There are some ethnic touches to the collection. Gorgeous spring colors. With me, you always find some kind of seventies, glamour, disco element in the shoes. You're always going to find high stilettos and platforms as well. Fun shoes that Miami women will definitely feel sexy wearing.

MBS: Are you involved with any philanthropic organizations? If so, why?
BA: We are collaborating with the CFDA [Council of Fashion Designers of America] and their "Fashion and Friends for Japan" campaign to raise funds for Japan. We always give back. Whenever we can help and do something for the good of others, we do.

MBS: In your mind, what components are absolutely necessary for a sexy shoe?
BA: Absolutely necessary. Well, besides an extremely high heel [a must], I would say color. I think color is sexy and you can have so much fun with it. Color really does something to people and it gives great energy as well.

MBS: Are you a fan of social media?
BA: I do have a Facebook Page that we constantly update. I also have a Twitter account and that's all me! Nowadays, you have to keep up with social media.

MBS: What do you think is important for up and coming shoe designers to keep in mind in order to be successful?
BA: I think they have to be true to themselves and know what they want to do. Never compromise what you love to do. Whether people think your designs are ugly, there's always a customer for you so know your customers!

MBS: When you're in Miami, what do you love to do and what are your favorite hot spots?
BA: I love to go to the beach. I love Mr. Chow's at the W Hotel. I love The Webster to shop. When I come to Miami, I really just love to hang out and have a good time.

All photos were provided by Anthony Jordon, Jr. Thank you!

The Vizcayans host the 14th Annual "Evening Under the Stars" at Vizcaya Museum & Gardens

On Friday, April 29th, The Vizcayans, a non-profit that works to protect, preserve and promote South Florida treasure, Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, hosted their annual spring party called "Evening Under the Stars." This is one of my favorite events to attend each year because it gives attendees a rare opportunity to tour the historic house and gardens by night while enjoying wines from Anacapri Italian Cuisine & Market, beer from Stella Artois and food by Thierry’s Catering. During the evening, I also had a chance to meet NBC Miami anchor Pam Giganti and NBC Miami reporter Roxanne Vargas [pictured above] who co-hosted the event together. If you haven't checked out the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, make sure to visit their website to see a complete list of upcoming events. This National Historic Landmark preserves the Miami estate of agricultural industrialist James Deering and it will definitely take you back to a different era in our city's history.

The grand entrance to Vizcaya looks like a painting. I love it!

The event featured a special Silent Auction to benefit The Vizcayans and included items like guitars from The Rolling Stones and artwork by Romero Britto (pictured above).

The fabulous Miss Miami USA, Melissa Ramirez, attended the event to meet and greet guests throughout the night.


Models showcasing the latest spring fashions from Hugo Boss Orange - a colorful, impressive collection of everyday wear, business-appropriate clothing and accessories. Hope you enjoyed my pictures and see you at next year's "Evening Under the Stars!"