The Bass Museum of Art debuts their new Egyptian Gallery during "A Night at the Museum"

On Thursday, April 29th, the Bass Museum of Art hosted a members-only event to inaugurate their new Egyptian Gallery in Miami Beach. "A Night at the Museum" revealed the only mummy and Sarcophagi in Florida. The nearest Egyptian Gallery is currently located in Atlanta, Georgia so take advantage of this local exhibition. During last night's premiere, guests enjoyed cocktails by Grey Goose Vodka along with an assortment of chocolate and vanilla desserts by Stella's Sweet Shoppe. This was definitely a nice treat!

The new Egyptian gallery showcases one of the world’s oldest and most mysterious civilizations from its surviving artifacts. On your visit, you can see statues, reliefs, paintings, coffins and a mummy made in Egypt between 3000 and 332 BCE.


Ana María Canseco and Alfredo J. Gonzalez were in attendance to see the new Egyptian Gallery. Ana María is one of the television hosts on Univision's Morning Show, Despierta America. Tune in every weekday morning from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. or visit http://bit.ly/UfIbV.

Christina Getty-Maercks (Board Member and Chairperson of "A Night at the Museum") along with Bass Museum's Executive Director Silvia Cubiña.

Yolanda Berkowitz, Suzanne DeWilt and Daniela Swaebe.

Yigny, Lizzy and Valerie Restrepo

Katya Segovia, Oscar Seikaly and Gina Beekman

Jennifer Sazant, Michele Berlowitz and Hollen Rosenberg
To attend similar events, you may purchase a one year membership to the Bass Museum of Art for $125. Once you're a member, enjoy unlimited access to special events (2 guest passes per event), invitations to special receptions and reciprocal benefits at over 80 participating museums. The list of perks continues so visit www.bassmuseum.org for more information. For those who wish to visit the Egyptian Gallery: the exhibition officially opens to the public TODAY, April 30th. Swing by with your friends and admire these precious ancient artifacts. The Bass Museum of Art is located at 2121 Park Avenue in Miami Beach.

Designer Highlights from this week's eMerge Fashion Trade Show in Miami!!

After strolling through Miami's eMerge Fashion Trade Show on Tuesday, April 27th, I have decided to shed a light on my favorite designers. The event showcased the works of upcoming fashion mavens who have made their brands a household name but now seek to introduce their collections to Miami! First on my list: Jbon Clothing, based out of Cocoa, Florida. What impressed me? Their super fly hoodie (pictured above) and their colorful prints. Most recently, the brand has been expanding and gaining the support of music artists like Snoop, Ludacris and Rick Ross who all wear Jbon's apparel. To see their collection online and perhaps indulge yourself with one of their custom designs, visit http://jbonclothing.com/.
The next designer on my Top 3 List: NV Euro, based out of New Orleans, Louisiana. The picture above was recently taken in New Orleans and it features the founder of this brand, Anthony Darouiche. At eMerge, the designer debuted his new summer line called ''Gone For Now.'' Anthony's urban flare and style has captured the attention of Lil' Wayne who wore NV Euro's ''Welcome to Heartbreak'' crewneck shirt on MTV News. To view NV Euro's collection or to read their blog, visit http://alwaysnveuro.com/.

My final designer: Miss Magou, based out of London. This talented designer has traveled the world with her impressive garments. Last year, Hanan showcased her collection during her very own fashion show in Dubai! Miss Magou's style: eclectic, elegant and beautifully hand crafted. For more information on Hanan's work, visit her Facebook fan page http://bit.ly/al2X8c or email hanan@missmagou.com. Hope you enjoy exploring these up and coming designers!

Local artists unite to present a "Neil Young Tribute Show" in Miami's Design District

Are you dying to listen to live rock music but don't know where to find the perfect dose of passion and raw talent? Join Electric Piano as they present a Neil Young Tribute Show on Thursday, May 6th, at the Gibson Showroom in Miami's Design District. Neil Young is a Canadian singer-songwriter and musician who has recorded 33 studio albums in a career that spans more than 40 years! Why attend this event? There is an incredible line-up of musicians and they're all based out of MIAMI! This is your chance to familiarize yourself with the artists who make our town shine including Nil Lara, Rachel Goodrich, Jacob Jeffries, Omine, Dreaming in Stereo, King Bee, Derek Cintron, Jim Camacho, Arboles Libres, The Westar, Derric Bonnot, Bridget Davis, Sam Friend, Juke and Ex-Norwegian. Admission to the event will be $7 (all ages) and all proceeds will be donated to Neil's charity The Bridge School which is an organization that educates children with severe speech and physical impairments. The Gibson Showroom is located at 180 NE 39th Street (event runs from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.). Vic Kingsley, the creator of this event, believes that "Miami musicians have something special" that he rarely sees in musicians of other cities. Attend this tribute show and support Miami's next generation of music makers!

The Westar will be bringing you their finest performance at the Gibson Showroom next week. To check out all of their latest show updates, visit http://www.thewestar.com/. Rock on!

Rachel Goodrich will be in the house to show you how rock girls get down in Miami! Get ready to surround yourself with music innovators and Miami's unique sazon.

The Little Black Panty Tour coming to Miami!

If you haven't found the perfect black panty around town, then join Lady Lux Boutique and Priscilla Jade Lingerie on Wednesday, April 28th, for the Little Black Panty Tour! Attend the sexiest ladies night and enjoy complimentary champagne and desserts by Got Baked Goods. This month's featured designer, Priscilla Jade Lingerie, will bring her trunk show to the event to debut her latest collection of intimate apparel. Guests will also receive a 15 % discount on any purchase made during the event. Upon your departure, walk away with a fabulous goody bag (with purchase) which includes a $250 gift certificate from Body Details and a sexy surprise from Playful Loving! The event will take place from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Lady Lux Boutique located at 3660 Coral Way in Miami. To preview Priscilla Jade's collection online, visit http://www.lingeriebypj.com/. Don't miss the fun and start celebrating Mother's Day by inviting your mom to come along.

Meet the bestselling author behind Sex and The City, Candace Bushnell, in Coral Gables!

Do you find yourself counting down the days till the second Sex and The City movie debuts? Join the club! In the meantime, meet Candace Bushnell, critically acclaimed bestselling author behind the popular television show and movie, Sex and The City. On Friday, April 30th, Books & Books will host a special event at The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables to debut Bushnell's newest novel, The Carrie Diaries ($18.99). Wear your hottest 80's outfit and get ready to sip virgin Cosmos while Bushnell takes you back to Carrie Bradshaw's high school years. Throughout The Carrie Diaries, you'll enjoy reading quirky advice from Bradshaw like "I think when it comes to men, we're doomed." Both enlightening and entertaining, Bushnell will discuss her novel, answer questions from the audience and sign book copies for her guests. The event starts at 7:30 p.m. inside The Biltmore Hotel's Country Club Ballroom (1200 Anastasia Avenue; Coral Gables) . Tickets are required and may be purchased for $5 at all Books & Books stores. Your $5 ticket can be used as a credit toward any book purchase. Disclaimer: 80's attire is optional.

Meet the author who has changed our lives by creating Sex and The City's dramatic tales and iconic female characters! Candace Bushnell currently lives in New York City and has also written Lipstick Jungle, One Fifth Avenue, 4 Blondes and Trading Up. Whether you've read one or all, Bushnell always delivers fabulous wisdom. Enjoy the event and invite your dearest girlfriends! xoxo

Join the Mercedes-Benz Corporate Run

Find a running buddy and register for one of the country's top ten largest road races: Miami's Mercedes-Benz Corporate Run. Last year, more than 22,000 individuals from over 730 South Florida companies participated in the Mercedes-Benz Corporate Run Series. You don't have to be a gym buff to join the fun. At the end of the day, the run aims to provide camaraderie while promoting healthier lifestyles. Plus, this year's event will donate all funds to the American Red Cross, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and other local charities. Be proactive and encourage your company to participate in the run this year! Unemployed? Register as an individual. The run will start at 6:45 p.m. at Bayfront Park on Thursday, April 29th. Prepare to run for 3.1 miles and across the Port of Miami bridge. Most walkers finish in less than one hour so it's not as long as you may imagine. For more information or to request a registration packet, visit http://www.mercedesbenzcorporaterun.com/. Your commitment to this run can ensure that the American Red Cross will continue to respond to our neighbors in need.

eMerge Fashion Trade Show: Only for the Fab!

To my social butterflies and fashionistas: Miami's ultimate shoppers are invited to attend eMerge Fashion Trade Show at Hilton Miami Downtown on April 27th and 28th from 3 to 10 p.m. This trade show is open to the public so start rounding up your girlfriends! Here's your chance to check out various upcoming brands as they showcase their collections to local boutiques and retailers. All of the designers featured at the trade show will be selling their goods as well. Avoid paying more at the door by purchasing your tickets online (one day pass is $20 and a 2 day pass is $35). Sounds like an amazing fashion affair to me! For more information or to secure your passes online, visit http://emergetradeshow.ning.com/. Hilton Miami Downtown is located at 1601 Biscayne Boulevard. To attend the official after party for eMerge, swing by Grass Restaurant and Lounge on Tuesday, April 27th (28 NE 40th St.) after the trade show. Get pumped up, whip out your stilettos and shop till you drop! xoxo

Egyptian Artifacts coming to Miami Beach!

Take a stroll through ancient history by visiting the newest Egyptian Gallery to arrive in South Florida. The Bass Museum of Art in Miami Beach will be hosting "A Night at the Museum" on Thursday, April 29th from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. to reveal their collection of Egyptian artifacts. The evening features informal tours by Bass Museum's Executive Director Silvia Cubiña and Brooklyn Museum's Egyptologist and special exhibition curator, Dr. Edward Bleiberg. A Night at the Museum will feature cocktails by Grey Goose Vodka and tasty desserts by Stella's Sweet Shoppe. All attendees can enter a raffle to win a VIP Package for Art Basel Miami Beach. The only catch: this premiere event is exclusively for "members." To attend, you can purchase a one-year membership for the Bass Museum of Art (membership fee- $125). Your membership will admit 2 people for this event. Want to pay regular admission? The Egyptian Gallery will open to the public on April 30th. For more information, visit http://www.bassmuseum.org/.

Earth Night Celebration at The Palms Hotel

To my "green" readers: Essensia Restaurant & Lounge, AVEDA and the Everglades Foundation are hosting "Bubbles & Beats" at The Palms Hotel & Spa to celebrate Earth Day's 40th anniversary on Thursday, April 22nd from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. At the event, guests can enjoy complimentary organic cocktails, mini spa services (neck and shoulder massages) by The Palm Spa and a trunk show with eco-friendly products. The Everglades Foundation will be providing information on how you can protect Florida's water and environment. Throughout the night, you can donate $5 to support the organization's ongoing efforts to protect and restore the Everglade's Ecosystem. For my music lovers: unwind to a live performance by Agape featuring Nadia Harris, a local Miami band known for their eclectic sounds including funk, Brazilian percussion and Latin soul.

Take a look at this gorgeous restaurant! Every Thursday, in addition to the regular menu, guests can enjoy a Prix Fixe Dinner Menu at Essensia. This special 2 course dinner is $29 per person and it features a sampling of Executive Chef Frank Jeannetti's cuisine. Valet parking at The Palms Hotel & Spa will be reduced to $9 and will be complimentary for guests who arrive in a Hybrid or any other eco-friendly car. To attend, simply RSVP by April 20th and email gabriela@theagencypr.com. Essensia at The Palms is located at 3025 Collins Avenue in Miami Beach. For more information, visit www.thepalmshotel.com. Come out and celebrate our beloved Earth while you sip on organic cocktails with your friends!

1920's Inspired Soiree at Rik Rak Salon

Have you ever wanted to time travel and feel like you're living in the 1920's? Here's your chance ladies! Rik Rak Salon and Community Partnership for the Homeless (CPH) are hosting a special 20's inspired soiree on Tuesday, April 20th from 7 to 10 p.m. This event will feature eye makeovers, vintage music, classic cocktails and fashion styling tips courtesy of Raquel Watters and C. Madeleine's. By attending the event, you can help CPH raise awareness and funds for the women and children who stay at their homeless assistance center. All attendees are encouraged to bring a donation to the event. Suggested donations include personal care items, gently worn clothes or monetary gifts. Rik Rak Salon, Boutique & Bar is located at 1428 Brickell Avenue in Miami. Pass along last season's wardrobe to help homeless women feel like divas!

Journelle and La Perla host an Exclusive Shopping Event to benefit The Buoniconti Fund

On April 14th, Journelle hosted a special shopping event along with one of their sexiest brands, La Perla, at their new Lincoln Road store. All proceeds from the event benefited The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis in Miami. This non-profit organization serves as the national fundraising arm of The Miami Project and aims to reach high levels of spinal cord injury awareness within local communities. During the event, guests were treated to complimentary champagne and hor'dourves while they shopped around for their favorite lingerie pieces. Every customer received a 20% discount on their purchase along with a chance to meet members of The Buoniconti Fund. The opportunity to mingle with people who are truly committed to finding a cure for paralysis and who actively pursue ways to make a difference in our community....priceless!!

Left: Jackie Tommassino attended the event with her brother, Alex. Jackie serves as the Social Media Manager at The Buoniconti Fund.

Stephanie Sayfie Aagaard with her beautiful 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. You may also recognize Stephanie because she covers the social, celebrity, sports and charity scene in South Florida for her “Steph Sez” column every Sunday in The Miami Herald’s Tropical Life section.

Ernesto Belasques, Noelia Roman and Alexandra Santibanez were among some of the guests at Journelle. I had a great time chatting with them because we're all around the same age and let me tell you: Alexandra has an awesome sense of style. You rock!

Alex Tommasino, Luis Hernandez and Francis Wenke. Mr. Wenke is actually scheduled to appear on CBS4 News this week to talk about his involvement with the Shake a Leg Community Center in Miami. Wenke works with the center to encourage disabled soldiers from Iraq to enjoy water activities like sailing and scuba diving. For more information, visit http://www.shakealegmiami.org/.

Shopping through the La Perla section to support a great cause!

The lovely ladies from Journelle and La Perla. Cheers to a wonderful event and see you next time! Journelle is located at 1111 Lincoln Road. You may also check out their sexy lingerie online at www.Journelle.com. For more information on The Buoniconti Fund or to make a donation toward their research initiatives, visit www.TheBuonicontiFund.com.

Introducing: Morena Restaurant & Lounge

Word on the streets: Morena is the latest hot spot to hit South Beach. Catering to Miami's Latin beauties and welcoming international visitors, Morena aims to satisfy all of your nightlife needs. The restaurant and lounge provides guests with tasty cuisine as well as live music performances that are eclectic yet sophisticated. Restaurateur Alejandro Maya along with partner Hernan Caporaso opened Morena earlier this year. “Morena Restaurant and Lounge caters to Miami’s Latin Elite, VIPs and international jetsetters and fills a certain niche in South Beach” states partner Alejandro Maya. Change your social routine and check out one of their weekly events.

Thursdays: "Girls Night Out" where girls drink FREE all night! Gather your ladies and head over to Morena for a fun night of mingling and dancing.

Fridays: "Just Latin" (a.k.a. the best mix of Latin Dance Music). If you're in the mood to let your hair go wild and dance to Miami's best sazon, then this is your night!

Saturdays: "Sensazione" is a party for those who want the whole Morena experience- dinner and dancing.

For more information or to make table reservations, visit http://morenamiami.com/ or call 305-538-4165. Morena is located at 1334 Washington Avenue (Miami Beach, FL. 33139). The restaurant opens at 7 p.m. and the lounge turns into a full blown party starting at 11 p.m. Have fun and always drink responsibly! xoxo

Project Runway: Casting Fashion Designers!

If you have a sixth sense for fashion, then activate your talent by applying to compete in Bravo's hit show Project Runway. Join Heidi Klum and her team of judges as they search for the next top fashion designer in America. Similar to previous seasons, the reality show follows the lives of fashion designers who compete with each other in a series of design challenges. Of course, viewers love watching the drama that unfolds once designers start feuding over fabric choices or models. Throughout the competition, designers must think on their feet with each new project as they strive to create fashion forward pieces within a limited budget. During each episode, a fashion designer is eliminated by a panel of judges including Tim Gunn, Michael Kors and Nina Garcia. The final contestant is given the opportunity to showcase their collection at New York Fashion Week. The winner also receives $100,000 to launch their own fashion line. To apply for this chance of a lifetime, visit www.bunim-murray.com/prcasting or email prcasting@bunim-murray.com. The deadline to apply is April 22, 2010. Good luck and above all: follow your dreams!

Project Runway's panel of judges: Tim Gunn, Nina Garcia (Fashion Director at Elle & Marie Claire Magazines), Michael Kors and Heidi Klum. Don't miss your chance to become a member of the show's 8th season. Apply today!

Journelle hosts event to Help Cure Paralysis

Spring is in the air and fashion events are blooming! If you enjoyed reading my post about the new Journelle store on Lincoln Road, then here's your chance to familiarize yourself with this new hot spot. On Wednesday, April 14th, Journelle will be hosting an exclusive shopping event along with La Perla, one of the sexiest lingerie brands carried by the store. Guests will enjoy 20% off on all La Perla garments, a special drawing, champagne and hors d' oeuvres. The first 30 customers to arrive at the event will receive a complimentary La Perla gift bag. You will be happy to know that all proceeds will benefit The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis. Journelle is located at 1109 Lincoln Road in Miami Beach. The event will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. and space is limited so you must RSVP at RSVP@journelle.com. Bring your friends and help make a difference in the fight to cure paralysis.

ETRO debuts their Spring and Summer 2010 Collections at Village of Merrick Park

On Thursday, April 8th, ETRO hosted a beautiful event inside their store at Village of Merrick Park (342 San Lorenzo Avenue, Coral Gables) to officially introduce their Spring and Summer 2010 collections. ETRO is best known for their distinctive prints and elegant styles. For forty years, this Italian lifestyle brand has been led by the vision and passion of designer, Gerolamo Etro. With 200 boutiques worldwide, we are extremely lucky to have a location here in South Florida! Last night, guests arrived into ETRO to see this Spring's colorful leather handbags, accessories and apparel. The best way to describe the 2010 collection: a kaleidoscope of light, patterns and quality workmanship. The women's collection is actually headed by Gerolamo's daughter, Veronica Etro. Veronica's line offers the brand's signature paisley prints along with soft ruffles, waives and frills that add that ultimate feminine touch. Overall, it was a wonderful event which also featured a special performance by the New World Symphony. For more information on ETRO or to view online catalogs of their new collections, visit http://www.etro.com/.
The very glamorous: Rebecca Brothers, Tara Solomon (Principal of Tara Ink: http://www.taraink.com/) and Evelyn Lozada. As you may recall from one of my previous blog posts, Evelyn Lozada (right) is starring in the upcoming VHI show called "Basketball Wives." The show premieres this Sunday, April 11th at 10 pm on VH1. Last night, I also learned that Rebecca & Evelyn own Dolce Shoes on Miracle Mile! To check out their shoe boutique, visit www.dulceshoes.net or swing by 286 Miracle Mile in Coral Gables. The shoes are fabulous and so are these successful women!

Models at the event showcased ETRO's latest collection.
The New World Symphony entertained guests during the event.
Guests enjoying their shopping experience at ETRO in Coral Gables.
ETRO's men collection is sharp and stylish! Shop at the store from now until Sunday, April 11th, and a percentage of all proceeds will benefit the New World Symphony. Keep their music alive in our community and shop till you drop!

Unilever unveils their Newest Products: Read my Top 5 favorite goodies you should try at home!

Everyone loves to feel absolutely fabulous in their own skin! Last night, I attended an intimate dinner event hosted by Unilever for bloggers in Miami. During the evening, the company introduced us to their newest collection of products and informed us about the latest technologies they have developed for consumers worldwide. After trying out the products they provided me with, I have chosen my top 5 favorites which I thought I would share:

New Vaseline Sheer Infusion: Ladies! This is not your typical moisturizer by any means. If you want to feel silky without feeling sticky (something we have to watch out for in Miami's humidity!), you should try this new body lotion. It is designed to penetrate down to your third layer of skin! This is the first of its kind in the skin care market. Vaseline Sheer Infusion has two times more moisture than other lotions you may find in stores. Today, I let my mom try it and I ended up driving to the store to get her a bottle of her own!

Dove MEN+CARE Collection: Here's one for my male readers! Dove officially introduced their first-ever product line specifically created for men. Each product aim to make men feel comfortable in their own skin. In other words, guys no longer have to feel embarrassed every time they use girly body washes! Dove MEN+CARE is dermatologist recommended and clinically proven to fight skin dryness without irritation. Bottom line: men can now use skin care products that are made just for them. Plus, the soaps smell fresh and clean (in a manly sort of way).

Dove's Ultimate Go Fresh Deodorants: I was blown away by this new assortment of deodorants and body splashes. With four fruity scents to choose from, each deodorant is built with natural extract ingredients to minimize the look and feel of underarm hair over time. Did you just read what I wrote? Say goodbye to ingrown hairs and say hello to smooth skin in your underarm area. Ladies, you can thank me later!

Dove's MEN+CARE Active Clean Shower Tool:
For those men who venture and get their own body wash, you'll need something with which to scrub! You'll be happy to know that Dove has launched a tool for men who are looking to replace those funny looking luffa sponges found in most stores. For $3.99, this handy tool scrubs by using one side and lathers with the other.

Sunsilk's Captivating Curls Line:
Sunsilk has recently co-created a line of hair products along with French hairstylist, Teddy Charles. Teddy is one of the leading hairstylists in the fashion industry and he knows exactly how to control our curls by adding definition while minimizing frizz. If you purchase the shampoo, you'll learn that each bottle contains Rosemary and Chamomile to smooth hair each time you shower. It's definitely hard to find a shampoo that tames wild curly hair. Try this product for yourself and feel free to leave me your feedback on this post.

There you have it! My Top 5 favorite Unilever products. Since Unilever premiered all of their new collections in December 2009, you can shop for these items at your local food and drug stores as well as most major retailers. For a complete list of products or to learn more about Unilever, visit http://www.unilever.com/. Have fun trying these innovative products and remember to comment below! xoxo