The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne hosts "Mixologist Mix Off" at Dune Oceanfront Burger Lounge

Sazoneros! Don't let the rainy weather keep you indoors. On Sunday, May 20th, I had the pleasure of enjoying a sunny afternoon at the beautiful Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne where Brett Graff  (pictured to the left on the right hand side), Editor of Social Key Biscayne, hosted a special "Mixologist Mix Off." Guests arrived at Dune Oceanfront Burger Lounge to witness an intense face-off between four of the resort's mixologists who endured a one-on-one challenge to see who would create the most popular cocktail among the crowd. After tasting delicious samples from all of the mixologists, Frank Smith of Cantina Beach, received the most votes for his signature cocktail and he was awarded with a $150 gift card! Check out my pictures from the event below and yes, the view from the Ritz is stunning and the cocktails were definitely fun to taste.

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens hosts their 15th Annual "Evening Under the Stars" Party

Sazoneros! You all know by now that I love writing about fabulous soirées in town. On Friday, May 11th, I attended the 15th Annual "Evening Under the Stars" event at Vizcaya Museum & Gardens. This ultra chic event was hosted by The Vizcayans who strive to preserve Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, a coveted national historic landmark, through their annual events, advocacy and support. During the evening, guests enjoyed Indian and Italian cuisine provided by Thierry's Catering along with tasty cocktails, wine and champagne. The party also featured live music by the Leo Casino Band and a special set by DJ Crunchtime. If you've followed my blog for the past few years, you'll notice that this is an event I never miss! The romantic ambiance of Vizcaya is memorizing and I thoroughly enjoy meeting new people during the course of the night! Check out my pictures from the evening and visit Vizcaya's website for a list of upcoming events or to see the museum's schedule.

Above: Yours truly along with Leslie Bowe, President of The Vizacayans. Leslie knows how to host a great party in Miami!

Above: William Meyersohn, Lynn Summers, Norma Quintero and Leslie Bowe, President of The Vizcayans (photo by Nathan Valentine; WorldRedEye.com).

Above: A beautiful picture of the scenery at Vizcaya's "Evening Under the Stars" party right before the sunset came around (photo by Nathan Valentine; WorldRedEye.com). 

Above: Striking a pose with the lovely Lauren Zipper (left) and my friend Veronica Gaspa (right) at Vizcaya.

Above: Katie Ainsworth, Cammie Gestewitz and Kelly Casey enjoying an "Evening Under the Stars" at Vizcaya Museum & Gardens (photo by Nathan Valentine; WorldRedEye.com). Cheers to Mr. James Deering for building a beautiful landmark in our city!

Sensato kicks off the Billboard Latin Music Awards tonight with a Performance with Pitbull

Sazoneros! You've been hearing a lot of buzz about tonight's Billboard Latin Music Awards right? Well, the big show airs tonight, April 26th, on Telemundo starting at 7 p.m. (EST). During my visit to the Billboard Latin Music Conference yesterday at the JW Marriot Marquis Miami, I had the opportunity to meet and interview one of my favorite Latin artists, Sensato! The Dominican born Sensato Del Patio was raised in the Bronx but has quickly made his mark in the music industry after his mainstream introduction in August 2009 with his smash hit “Watagatapitusberry.” If you don't know what that word means, that's the whole point of the song! It's a catchy phrase which left fans wanting more of Sensato's crazy cool lyrics and his unique hip hop twist. For all of my music lovers out there, you'll be happy to know that Sensato will be opening tonight's Billboard Latin Music Awards with Mr. Worldwide himself, Pitbull. Check out my interview below:


MBS: Are you excited about opening the Billboard Latin Music Awards and what are you most looking forward to during the show?
Sensato: Well, I'm very happy and I'm feeling very blessed to be here in Miami for the show. It's going to be a big show tonight. Pitbull and I will be performing "Crazy People" so you know we're going to shut it down for all the crazy people out there!

MBS: Why did you want to collaborate with Pitbull (pictured on the left) on the song you'll be performing tonight?
Sensato: I think Pitbull is someone to look up to in this industry. He's a Cuban from Miami that made it in the hip hop game and now he crossed over to Mr. Worldwide! I couldn't get a better feature for a track like "Crazy People."

MBS: Where do you most enjoy performing: an intimate lounge or during a tour concert?
Sensato: A performance during world tours. It's an experience that you really have to live it to know what it feels like. I love being on the bus, going from city to city and performing inside different arenas. Luckily, I had the opportunity to go on tour with Pitbull. We recently performed "Crazy People" and "Latinos in Paris" in Canada which was a great experience for me.

MBS: What are your top 5 hot spots in Miami?

Sensato: KOD, Puerto Sagua Restaurant, Pinolandia, South Beach (of course) and Pollo Tropical.

Thanks for showing Miami love Sensato! Rock out tonight!!!

Niki Taylor is coming to Miami to Participate in the March of Dimes March for Babies Walk

Internationally famed supermodel, Niki Taylor, will be in Miami next weekend to participate in the March of Dimes annual "March for Babies Walk." The walk is taking place on Saturday, April 28th, at Tropical Park (7900 SW 40th Street) in order to help raise awareness and critical funds for stronger, healthier babies. March for Babies is one of America’s best loved fundraising events. In Miami, thousands of volunteers and supporters participate in the three-mile walk to help more than 231,000 Florida babies born every year survive and thrive. “As a mom of four healthy children, I am grateful to know the March of Dimes is tireless in their fight to improve the health of all babies” said Taylor who will be joining the opening ceremonies and leading the walk in Miami, close to where she grew up. March for Babies funds programs of research, community services, education, and advocacy to prevent birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality. This year’s March for Babies will gather some of Miami’s top socialites, corporate and community leaders. There is no cost to participate, but all walkers are asked to raise a minimum of $200. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and the walk officially begins at 9 a.m. Ready to walk for a great cause? Please register by visiting www.marchforbabies.org or call (305) 477-1192.

Above: Niki Taylor and her husband along with their children: a five month old son, a three year old daughter, and two 17 year old twin boys. Taylor connects with the cause and the need for people to sign up for the walk and fundraise. “I am proud to bring my own young ones out to be part of this event. Together we will walk for healthier babies and for those born too soon.”

Rag & Bone presents their Spring 2012 Collection at the Soho House in Miami Beach

Ocean Drive Magazine and Saks Fifth Avenue Bal Harbour hosted Rag & Bone's Spring 2012 fashion show at the uber exclusive Soho Beach House on Thursday, April 12th. After watching this amazing collection unfold on the catwalk, I had the opportunity to meet the talented British designers, Marcus Wainwright and David Naville (pictured above; photo by Orlando L. Garcia/ Saks Fifth Avenue). This was the first fashion show ever held at the Soho Beach House so I felt pretty lucky to be at this inaugural event! The hosts for the night were Suzy Buckley, Rebecca Gentry, Jillian Jacobson, Cory Papunen, DJ Rascal, Alan Roth, Nikki Simkins, Deborah Slack and Josh Wagner. Throughout the breezy evening, guests enjoyed cocktails provided by Grey Goose Vodka and prosecco courtesy of La Marca. Check out my pictures from the show below and make sure to swing by Saks at Bal Harbour to try on your favorite looks from Rag & Bone.

My fab poolside view of the show at the Soho Beach House.

Fashionistas lounging and mingling before the show.

This orange dress was my favorite look from the collection. I love the contrast created by the thick white lines on the back.

Wide legged and silky pants are the new hot trend ladies!

I took this picture with instagram and I think it's fashionably artsy!

Over 500 people came out to meet the designers and experience the world of Rag & Bone. The designers have officially launched their highly anticipated Rag & Bone shop at Saks Fifth Avenue Bal Harbour so let the shopping begin!!!

Ocean Drive Magazine and Adriana Castro host Jimmy Choo event to benefit St. Jude

Bal Harbour Art Nights was filled with art and fashion lovers last night as the shopping destination turned its retail stores into swanky art activations featuring local artists. After browsing around the shops, I ventured into the grand re-opening of the Jimmy Choo boutique where Ocean Drive Magazine and celebrity handbag designer, Adriana Castro (pictured on the left), and Claudia de Souza were hosting a special charity event. During the event, guests enjoyed champagne, white wine and specialty cocktails as they shopped for their favorite Spring shoes and accessories. You'll be happy to know that 15% of all sales were donated to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. This is a wonderful organization that helps young children with cancer through research and treatment. Their mission is to never deny a child treatment based on race, religion or a family's ability to pay. Make sure you check out their website to see how you can donate or become involved.

Above: Suzy Buckley (left), Editor-in-Chief of Ocean Drive Magazine, enjoying the Jimmy Choo event with her friends.

Above right: Anthony Spinello and Miami based graffiti street artist and illustrator, Santiago Rubino. Santiago's artwork was displayed inside the boutique as part of Bal Harbour Art Nights.

I loved the Jimmy Choo bags and so did this fab shopper!

Above: I love this fab picture of Susan Stipcianos (left) and Laura Mejia Cruz (second from the right), founders of The Dream Team Agency, striking a pose with their favorite Jimmy Choo shades!!!

Ocean Drive Mag, shoes, charity, art and a whole lot of sazon!

The Buoniconti Fund kicks off Destination Fashion 2012 at the Villa by Barton G.

Last week, I attended a beautiful cocktail reception hosted by The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis at the Villa by Barton G, formerly the Versace mansion, to kick-off Destination Fashion 2012. Presenting sponsors Micky and Madeleine Arison were honored that evening by Nick Buoniconti (pictured above; photo by Rob Camarena) for their continuous support of the organization. Destination Fashion is an annual event which will completely take over the luxurious Bal Harbour Shops on November 10th, 2012. During the cocktail reception, The Buoniconti Fund revealed this year's Women of Substance and Style Honorees as well as the musical performers for Destination Fashion's live concert: Miami's own Enrique Iglesias and Pitbull! If you're excited to see this sexy duo in action, make sure you save your spot for the event. For more information, sponsorships, table or ticket reservations, please call Stephanie Sayfie Aagard at 305-243-4656 or saagaard@miami.edu. See you in November!

Above: A glimpse into the scene during the cocktail reception at the Villa by Barton G. If you want top learn more about the research and the dedication that takes place at The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis in Miami, watch this touching video and learn how your contribution can help find a cure for paralysis.

"Magic City" Screening at The Colony Theatre

Miami is getting sexier by the minute! On Sunday, March 4th, I attended the Miami International Film Festival's premiere event at The Colony Theatre for "Magic City," the highly anticipated original Starz series. This thrilling show will take you back to 1959 while giving you a glimpse into the life of Ike Evans (portrayed by Jeffrey Dean Morgan) who owns the luxurious Miramar Playa Hotel. It’s a tumultuous time in Miami and abroad as racial and religious segregation are at their pinnacle in the U.S., while 90 miles away in Cuba, Castro’s rebels are closing in on Havana. Regardless, Miami is still THE place to be and the Miramar Playa is where all of the drama unfolds! During Sunday's event, I had the pleasure of meeting Mitch Glazer (pictured above; Photo by Nathan Valentine/ Starz), the show’s creator/executive producer and Miami native, who was extremely proud to represent his hometown and present this new series to his colleagues. Check out my pictures from the red carpet below and make sure to watch the debut of “Magic City” on Friday, April 6 at 10 pm ET/PT, exclusively on Starz. Trust me, you will definitely want to watch all 10 episodes of this show. Let's just say there's a whole lot of sexy tanning scenes, romantic story lines and glamorous parties to keep your eyes on.

Above Left: The beautiful Elena Satine (plays Judi Silver on Magic City) on the red carpet. Above Right: Jeffrey Dean Morgan (plays Ike Evans; photo by Nathan Valentine/ Starz) arrives at The Colony Theatre on Lincoln Road. If you can't wait another month till the premiere of Magic City, here's a little taste of the action!


A close up of Jeffrey Dean Morgan working the red carpet!

Above: Magic City cast members Yul Vazquez, Dominik Garcia-Lorida (Daughter of Actor, Andy Garcia) and Elena Satine striking a pose for Miami Beats and Sazon during the after party at the Raleigh Hotel on South Beach. The poolside party featured a live Cuban band and a spectacular reunion of the show's cast and crew. Overall, watching the pilot episode of "Magic City" was an incredible experience. As a Miami native, it was interesting to see how life was different "back in the day." Since I fell in love with the glamour inside the Miramar Playa Hotel, I thought I'd share how Magic City became one of the largest sets ever built in Florida.

Giveaway: Tickets to the Screening of "Magic City" at the Colony Theatre in Miami Beach!

I never thought my first giveaway on Miami Beats and Sazon would be this AMAZING!!! I'm happy to announce that I'm giving one of my lucky readers a chance to attend an exclusive screening of the new television series, "Magic City," along with a guest on Sunday, March 4th. The winner (+ one guest) will get to see all of the action on the red carpet (starting at 3:30 pm) and later watch the world premiere screening of "Magic City" at 5pm. This incredibly thrilling original series by Starz captures our "Magic City" during a period set in 1959 Miami. The screening is taking place at The Colony Theatre on Lincoln Road so expect to see sexy leading actors, swanky hotels, timeless cars and music, and a sultry edge that can only be found in Miami. That's what I call sazon! Since this event is taking place during the Miami Film Festival, you'll be happy to know that Mitch Glazer, Creator of Magic City, will be attending the screening along with members of the cast. Are you ready to enter the giveaway?
Step 1: Find your favorite picture of MIAMI! When I say picture, it has to embody everything you love about our magic city ok? For example, it can be a picture of you at the beach or a picture of your favorite landmark. Step 2: Email your photo to editor@miamibeatsandsazon.com by tonight at 11pm. Please include "Facebook Photo Contest" on the subject line. In the email, you must include your full name + the best email address where you can be reached. Please note: I will only accept entries submitted from readers in South Florida. Step 3: I will create a photo album by 9 a.m. tomorrow (Friday, March 2nd) on Miami Beats and Sazon's Facebook Page and write your name on the photo you submitted. Step 4: Share your photo with your friends on Facebook & Twitter & anywhere else you can think of! The person with the most likes by 5 p.m. tomorrow (Friday, March 2nd) will win the two tickets!!!! I will email the winner with instructions on how to claim your tickets. May the best photo win...GOOD LUCK and thanks for being amazing Sazoneros!!!

"It Girl Expo" is coming to Miami on Febrary 29!

I'm happy to announce that I will be participating in a fashion filled event next week so I want my Sazoneros to join me! On Wednesday, February 29th, and Thursday, March 1st, South Florida fashionistas are invited to attend the It Girl Spring Shopping Expo at SOHO Studios (2136 NW 1st Avenue, Miami) to shop from a variety of vendors that will be featuring the latest fashions, accessories, beauty products and fitness apparel. All guests will also have the opportunity to mingle, nibble on bites from some of hottest food trucks as well as sip complimentary cocktails throughout the evening. Come visit me at the Blogger's Corner along with my fabulous blogger friends: Annie Vazquez, Ginger Harris, Maria Tettamanti and Simonett Pereira (just to name a few). The It Girl Expo will begin at 6:30 pm and run till 11 pm on both days. I'll be there on Wednesday so make sure you swing by and say hello. In the meantime, make sure you purchase your tickets online and use my special promo code (SUSSET) to receive a $5 discount on your VIP pass or your general admission ticket. See you next week and get ready to shop!!!

Interview: Loren Ridinger and La La Anthony launch Motives for La La during Market America's 2012 World Conference in Miami

Make-up that enhances a woman's natural beauty is always a favorite in my book. La La Anthony, TV personality, actress and wife of basketball star Carmelo Anthony, was recently in Miami to launch her new make-up collection called Motives for La La during this year's Market America World Conference at the American Airlines Arena. The make-up line is an extension of the award-winning Motives® By Loren Ridinger® cosmetics brand. Loren Ridinger, Senior Vice President of Market America and Shop.com, was eager to announce her collaboration with La La because they finally created a collection for Motives that emphasizes colors and products for African American and Latina women. During the conference, the duo's celebrity friends came to support the new collection like Kim Kardashian, Jonathan Cheban, Fat Joe, Larsa and Scottie Pippen (among others). To see all of the behind the scenes action and to see all the fun La La had during the launch of Motives for La La, check out Seth Browarnik's pictures on WorldRedEye.com (pictures shown below are by Seth as well). After La La and Loren presented the new collection, I headed to the beauty suite to interview Loren about this venture. Enjoy!

MBS: How was the Motives for La La collection born? Why did you want to collaborate with La La in particular?
Loren: Aside from La La being one of my closest friends, she is a very hard worker and reminds me a lot of myself. While hanging out in New York one night, La La and I talked about the idea of having a cosmetic line for women of color. I knew there was a void for this in the market place and something that Motives didn’t have to offer at the moment. Immediately, we began to brainstorm and it just happened.

MBS: Will you be traveling the country with La La to promote the new collection?
Loren: La La and I will kick off our promotional tour for Motives starting in March. We are first heading to London. Then, Hong Kong followed by Taiwan in which we have another conference of over 22,000 people attending. The people there are very excited and eager to see us. Additionally, we are constantly connected to our fans using social media and we're promoting our lines through Facebook and Twitter to millions of followers in many countries.

MBS: What was your favorite product from La La’s collection?
Loren: All of them! But, if I had to choose, I would probably say the following:
La La’s Court Eye Shadow Palette – the colors are perfect for any occasion and they're a great transition to use from Winter to Spring. La La’s Mineral Blush in Vanity – this color just gives you the right amount of bronzed shimmer on your cheeks and it's great on any skin tone.
La La’s Lipstick Fire – red is one of the hottest colors for Spring. La La’s Celeb Lip Shine – I really love this color, it’s one of those shades that just looks good with any outfit.

MBS: What makes this collection stand out from the competition?
Loren: I think the line is perfect for any shade. Although, the line is made to target a specific market, I feel that there is a little bit of everything for anyone no matter your skin type.

Above: The beauty suite at the Market America World Conference featuring all of the products from Motives for La La.

Above: Loren Ridinger, Fat Joe and La La Anthony.

Make sure to check out Motives for La La online and see which products will become your favorites! I already fell in love with the lip glosses!!! Let me know if you've tried any of La La's make-up products below. Cheers to fabulous make-up and to beautiful friendships!