Essential Beach Day Playlist That Pairs Perfectly w/ Butter Chardonnay

Thank you JaM Cellars for sponsoring this post. Looking for JaM Cabernet and Butter Chardonnay near you? Check out their easy-to-use Store Locator! Just pop in your zip code and the wines will be waiting!

Late Summer Day Tripping w/ ButterCans

Thank you JaM Cellars for sponsoring this post. Find ButterCans by popping in your zip code in the JaM Store Locator!

Maximize your closet space with California Closets

 Thank you California Closets for sponsoring this post.

Holiday Season with Cameron Hughes

Thank you Cameron Hughes for sponsoring this post. Capture the celebratory spirit of the holidays, and toast to the season with Cameron Hughes wine!
 

Brickell City Center | Father's Day

Poolside Prosecco | VOVETI

Thank you VOVETI for sponsoring this post. Elevate your entertaining this Spring & Summer with VOVETI Prosecco

Dove Advanced Care Antiperspirant

With March well on its way, it's a pretty good time to check in on those resolutions, huh? In terms of beauty resolutions this year, skincare tops the list.

GEORGES DUBOEUF 2016 BEAUJOLAIS NOUVEAU

Just how we need a cup of coffee every now and again to get us going and start the day, a glass of wine is just as appreciated to wind down and end a night. Who doesn't enjoy a glass of wine? It for sure works its magic most especially after a long day! And while we all have our go-tos, finding a new wine to sip on never gets old, which is why I'm pretty excited to share with you guys a current favorite of mine: Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau 2016. 

Silk'n Solution

Let's face it, a woman's beauty regimen is serious business. It's safe to say that we all try our best in maintaining ourselves, but at times, it's not as easy as it seems to keep up.

DoSomething.org

Ladies, straight to the point! Let's talk periods. Yup, we're going there. Some think its TMI, but having tricks up your sleeve for that time of the month is never TMI, right? By this point, we all know the deal and routine, but sharing tips always help. 

Hellooo Barbados | JetBlue Getaways

SOBEFEST 2016

If there ever was a must-go-to festival, South Beach Wine and Food Festival on Miami Beach is it.

Network TV stars, culinary geniuses, world-renowned restaurateurs, gourmet food and, of course, the wines.

SOBEfest draws foodies from all over the globe to attend the scrumptious events throughout the four-day festival. From daytime demos to late-night tastings, one of more than 80 events is sure to please anyone’s taste buds. 

I have teamed up with Visit Florida to cover this amazing weekend!  I started my SobeFest experience... wining! I attended the Copper Cane Wines & Provisions event at their bungalow. Favorite drink of the evening? Winemaker Joseph Wagner's new sparkling wine, Steorra. It’s a mix of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Yum!

Since I wasn't out walking on the beach for the events that night, I went for a simple dolled-up look with a flowy turquoise maxi and a pair of heels.

Stepping out your comfort zone

There are two outcomes that come from taking a risk. You win or you learn. It's not as black and white as winning or "losing". If you succeed, you'll be happy. If you don't, you'll be wise.

A lot of people, me being the first, would consider going on a national reality TV competition show as a risk. When I was approached for a spot on the show, it was very random and unexpected, and I was hesitant to say the least. Watching a reality show is one thing, but being in one? It wasn't my sort of thing, so I thought. After thinking it over, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and just go for it. For three months, every move I made and word I said was recorded 24/7 for the whole world to see and to eventually criticize. Risky? 100%. Do I have any regrets?

Hanes Holiday Survival Kit

With Christmas eve tonight, and New Years around the corner, who's ready to take on the holidays? Which ever holiday you may be celebrating, being surrounded by family and friends during these special moments of the year means it's the perfect time to doll yourself up. I mean, think of all the family pictures and selfies waiting to be taken, you gotta look on point! To help you out a little bit this season, I've teamed up with Hanes to put together a survival kit with items that have proven itself to me to be the ultimate holiday essentials!

1. Hanes Shape wear Opaque Tights
If you're rockin' a dress but your legs aren't ready to bare it all and brave the cool breeze, reach for every girls go-to this time of year: tights. And when it comes to tights, Hanes always, always delivers. The material is ultra soft yet noticeably durable, so of course it has a spot as a staple in my closet because of it's long wear. Oh, and feel free to go for seconds at the dinner table cause these tights are shape wear and have the most comfortable control top, so even if you feel like you ate too much, you'll be lookin' lean! Comfort, durable, & always in style, exactly why Hanes' tights are a classic! 

2. GlaMer Lips lipscrub and lip balm
Two words come to mind in midst of the winter season. Chapped lips. Red lipstick on top of chapped lips? Nuh-uh! GlaMer Lips lip scrub is organic and PETA Certified Animal Cruelty Free; I currently have the Peppermint Holiday Edition flavor. This lip scrub and lip balm combo will get rid of all the dead skin cells and leave your lips super smooth and hydrated. Underneath the mistletoe you go!

3. Mini hair straightener
Ever had a bad hair moment on a night out or at a holiday party where you can't escape the pictures? The winter weather causing all sorts of fly-aways? Go ahead and get yourself a mini hair straightener and pop it in your purse! It can straighten, curl, or wave whenever your hair doesn't cooperate.  I love the new Amika Mini Flat Iron, it goes up to 400°F. Trust me on how useful this fun sized tool turns out to be! 

4. Sunglasses
Let's get real here. Living in the sunshine state means gray skies don't come by too often. So to all my girls living where you can still bum it at the beach in December, a pair of shades is still needed this time of year.

5. Clutch
And of course, a clutch that will give the finishing touch to your outfit and fit everything too!  I love this clutch from New York & Company which has a detachable shoulder strap; glamorous and practical, its a WIN WIN! and its currently on sale, get it while its hot! 

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Thank you to Hanes for kindly sponsoring this post. All opinions are 100% honest & completely my own. 

Baseling | Art Basel 2015

It's no secret how big a deal Art Basel is. 

Artists, collectors, curators, celebrities, fashion designers, everyday art enthusiasts, (the list goes on...) you name it, they've got a ticket to see this spectacular annual fine art show. 

Pretty much, Art Basel takes over Miami Beach and Miami. Parties, dinners, and scores of other events related to Art Basel pop up everywhere! 

But, if the nightlife and social scene isn't your thing and you're genuinely there to appreciate the art, you will not be disappointed.   

Exhibitions are all around, and best of all, no matter your taste in art, it's guaranteed you'll find a piece you love. Whether it's out-of-the-box and thought provoking or urban and contemporary, Art Basel has a little bit of something for everyone.

It's no surprise that I, teaming up with VISIT FLORIDA, kicked off my Basel experience at the "Art Hearts Fashion" fashion show event at Spectrum. As they say, "fashion is art.”

The fashion event showcased four international designers (House of Li Jon, Diana Couture, Mister Triple X, and Amato Haute Couture) and their couture collections. Now let me tell you, the collections from all four designers were absolutely gorgeous! A few designs definitely caught my eye. A little blue and black number from House of Li Jon, I particularly found beautifulllll. House of Li Jon is known for sculptured couture made of crystal and metal details. From the chic hand-made design of the dress to the unique material (and the sparkles! lol), no wonder they say fashion is art. It truly is! 

                                          

Another day into my Basel experience, I went over to the Miami Convention Center to check out the main event; art exhibitions. I was mellow in yellow for my fit of the day. I decided on a canary yellow cross halterneck dress. It was sheer material on the bottom, so perfectly light and flowy, perefect for spending time walking around taking in the art. And how cute is the back tie of the dress? Whether an artwork or an outfit, it's all in the details I tell you! I went with gold heels to compliment the yellow, and for a fun pop of contrast I chose turquoise earrings with an adorable turquoise clutch to match. And a casual braided up-do to finish the look.

Art Basel is an international art show with 267 of the world's leading galleries displaying artwork by more than 4,000 artists. With that in mind, walking into the Miami Convention Center (one of the many spaces hosting the galleries/exhibitions), I was like a kid in a candy store. With all the innovative work and creative pieces, there was so much ground to cover! Here's some of my favorite art that was featured at the center.

It's not everyday you see two ombré polar bears having a standoff in Miami, so of course this display byPaolaPivi titled "Beautiful Day" stopped people in their tracks.

Another favorite of mine were the neon quotes and sayings found throughout the Convention Center. In Kendell Geers' sign titled "Temene," the words sacred and scared were repeated. A sign by Tracey Eminsaid"I can feel you everywhere." For both signs, the bright neon caught my gaze but the phrases are what intrigued me. It's amazing how simple the words are, but we can each have our own perspective and interpretation of them.

Some displays I just loved didn't call for my deep thought, but were more of eye candy. In the Alan Cristea gallery, Michael Craig-Martin's display "Kabinett" was a fun pop of color. In the Almine Rechgallery, I came across the most beautiful kaleidoscope canvas by painter Jean-Baptiste Bernadet. Can we talk about the colors? As vibrant as Miami.

I have one word for the exhibition: stunning. Some artworks make you think, some make you laugh, some pieces you might just like simply because of the pretty colors. 

But that's the beauty of art. Simple or complex, it can make you feel something. Blunt or abstract, it makes you think. But most of all, it can inspire.

Art Basel is a beautiful experience, whether you're an art connoisseur or just a friend tagging along, and by the end of the day you'll find yourself leaving with an appreciation of it all. 

Art Basel Miami should definitely be on your checklist to see one day, and who really needs an excuse to visit Miami? ;)

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This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of VISIT FLORIDA.  The opinions and text are all mine.

 

His + Hers | Holiday Style Guide

Anyone else is super excited that it's holiday season? Family get-togethers, yummy home cooked meals, and a happy spirit all around. Not to mention, the holiday parties!  

When I think of what to wear to a holiday party, one of the first things that come to mind is...a little sparkle. Sequins, ladies! There's so many subtle ways to go if you wanna rock some shine, but if you're "glamming" out with a fully sequined dress, there's a couple rules I like to go by. 

First off, stick to one color, if not at least complimentary colors, obviously. Sequins are already a statement, so the last thing you'd want is to walk in a room lookin' like a glitter rainbow (but hey, if you think you can pull it off, why not lol). Second, go for a classic fit/design. Trendy hemlines and necklines or cut outs here and there I feel would give a busy look. Keep it simple! I went with a high neck, turquoise sequined dress and paired it with nude pumps.

Now for the men in your life who need some assistance in the holiday look department, there is one wardrobe essential: a V-neck sweater. Super versatile, it can be dressed up or down for probably any occasion. Wear it on its own with jeans for a casual look, over a polo/dress shirt for a semi-casual feel, or throw on a suit if you're going formal. Seriously, it's a guy's go-to! Manuel is rockin' a navy suit over a beige v-neck sweater (navy and beige compliment each other beautifully). And there you have it! Who's ready to go for the holidays? :)

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