July is Miami Spa Month
Pamper your body and spirit with a spa treatment for only $99 at premiere locations.
Click here for more information.

July, Tango Lessons Every Tuesday at the Biltmore
Enjoy unequivocal class and elegance and an evening of passion by taking tango lessons at the landmark Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables. Beginner lessons commence at 9pm-10pm and Intermediate from 8pm-9pm. Cost is $15/person for the class and milonga which starts at 10pm. There is valet parking or free parking on the east lot. Contact the elegant and competitive winner, Monica Llobet at monicallobet@yahoo.com.

July 6- 23
July 26 - Aug 3
French Language Summer Camp for Kids
Parents alas a summer camp that fulfills your dream. Like many parents, you want your children to learn a second or third language. And in the summer you want to keep them occupied. Well here you have it! Through Alliance Francaise this isn't your typical classroom language instruction. No monsieur. No Madame! After two hours of language lessons, kids participate in other fun activities but only speaking in French. Hurry to register your kids! Click here for more information.

July, Chocolate Lessons for Kids
Another creative, educational, and tasty way for kids to spend part of their summer is learning to create chocolate at the famous Schakolad Factory in Davie, Florida. Click here for more information.

July 8-11, Babalu
If you've taken my Art Deco Tour then you'll know that Desi Arnaz was discovered in Miami Beach. And now his daughter, Lucy Arnaz (also daughter of iconic American comedienne, Lucille Ball) will perform for four days at the Arsht Center in downtown Miami. An EMMY award-winning actress and Broadway star, Lucy celebrates the music of her legendary father. Songs include all time favorites "Cuban Pete", his signature Conga "Babalu" and the theme song from "I Love Lucy". Special guest star is none other than Desi Arnaz Jr.  Click here for more information.


July 10, Lady Godiva Day at World Erotic Art Museum
Who best to celebrate this erotic beauty than the WEAM in South Beach, the only exclusively erotic art museum in the U.S. Take a guided tour by the founder, Miss Naomi Wilzig and become enchanted with a new art exhibit at its finest. Tour begins at 6pm. Godiva chocolates and wine will be served after the tour.
Admission: $15/person. Click here for more information.

July 11-12, Mango Festival at Fairchild
A favorite annual festival that refreshes and enlightens. The 18th Annual Mango Festival at the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens features the mangos of India.  In addition to regular features of lectures, workshops, tree sales, and cooking demonstrations, this year includes new surprises. A mango medic will be on hand to answer your questions about growing or ailing mango trees. Since mangos need mother earth for nourishment, this year the Green Mobility Network is rewarding attendees who ride their bikes to the festival. Receive $5 off the admission for your efforts to go green!

July 13, Bastille Day
Come with friends and families for a traditional celebration at the Alliance Francaise. Live music, cash bar and delicacies for purchase round out the experience.
Click here for more information.

July 20, Egyptian Revival Architecture in America
If you've taken my Art Deco Walking Tour, then you know there is an Egyptian influence as one of the embellishments of Art Deco buildings.  Expanding on that theme, the Miami Design Preservation League is hosting a lecture by Dr. Adrienne von Lates, Director of Education at the Bass Museum of Art, who will illustrate where Egyptian revival architecture and design can be found throughout the US and Europe.

Time: 7pm
Location: Art Deco Welcome Center Lecture Hall in South Beach
1001 Ocean Drive
Miami Beach, FL 33139
Parking along streets.

July 23, Coco and Igor
A French film (with English subtitles) spotlights the historic romance between Empress Coco Chanel and composer Igor Stravinsky. Buy your tickets early to participate in the wine reception and networking beginning at 5:45pm. Movie starts at 6:45pm. Click here for more information.

July, World Cup Viewing
Watching the games with a crowd of strangers is as exhilirating as going to the movies, but even better when there's a competition! Visit any of these restaurants in Downtown Miami to watch these spirited games with flatscreen TVs, great food, and new friends!
 Blue Martini
 Brickell Capri Pasta & Grill
 Finnegans on the River
 Graziano's
 Segafredo
 Novecento
 Zucchero (only $3.00 valet parking) ***Christine's favorite ***

Whether you're a local or tourist, we have all wished for transportation to zip us around South Beach, and we're not talking about scooters, not in 4 -inch  heels and South Beach bitty dresses.

Perhaps you parked at the south end of Collins Avenue and ended several dazed-by-the-heat blocks away. Or maybe you were visiting South Beach without renting a car and bravely thought your feet would bounce after the pedicure foot massage. No such luck.

Aaah but your luck is about to change. Introducing Swoop Miami, a new concept for providing a covered -but- open- air, zippy electric car to transport you from bar to restaurant to museum to the beach. Yes that means it's environmental friendly!

So what's the catch? No catch. Costs are paid with advertising but please have the courtesy to tip the driver. He just saved you from a $75 foot massage and a new pair of Jimmy Choo shoes.

Well when news spread,  I hope they have a fleet of the swoop cars because in this heat and threat of rain, Swoop will be in demand.

Give it a try and visit this posting and post your comments below!

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This summer, I had the unique opportunity to fly a small airplane for the very first time. Miamifly.com offers flight instruction and aerial tours for any person and just about any age from 16 years old to 80+ years young. Really!

The experience is like no other and surreal. You are flying like a bird in control of your flight and destination. The sense of freedom and learning a new skill set is what makes this investment worth every penny. Besides, you never forget a first experience.

This Father's Day, I highly recommend Miamifly.com as a gift for Dad if he loves adventure (and is not afraid of heights). Believe me, he will remember this experience forever and love you for it. Forget the fancy watch or cologne or other material item your scratching your head about getting.

Even more, I recommend this for other women to get out of their comfort zone and try something new and exhilirating.

Miamifly.com sells gift certificates that you can use at a later date. Therefore, order your GIFT CERTIFICATE NOW before the price goes up in January for the high season! The value is great--$130 for up to three people for one hour. That's less expensive than a dinner at a nice restaurant. Visit http://www.miamifly.com/.

Below are two videos I took during my flight instruction. Check them out!
Happy Landings!



To see more pictures, CLICK HERE for my photo journal.

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TANGO LESSONS, Tuesdays at the Biltmore Hotel

Alma de Tango is bringing the romance, passion and elegance of Tango to South Florida.
Every Tuesday in the intimate atmosphere of a Buenos Aires Milonga transported to the sophisticated Danielson Gallery inside the Historic Biltmore Hotel.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Will be a beautiful night graced with unequivocal luxury and class! There will be no escaping the passion of tango specially with DJ Claudio Ponce's romantic selection of classic music by top tango orchestras. To continue with the theme of the night, the hotel will have a selection of Argentine wines, and you won't want to miss our signature raffle (Sunday Brunch certificates for 2! )

Intermediate Group Class 8:00pm - 9:00pm
Beginners Group Class 9:00pm - 10:00pm
Milonga 10:00pm - 1:00am

$15.00 for Class and Milonga, Cash Bar

There is Valet Parking or Free parking in the east parking lot.

In the mean time remember to always
Keep Dancing,
Monica Llobet

Biltmore Hotel
1200 Anastasia Avenue
Coral Gables, Florida 33134
305 445-1926
http://www.biltmorehotel.com/


CHOCOLATE FIELD TRIPS FOR KIDS, June 24 & 29
Here's a creative way for children to spend their free summer time. Create, mold and bake chocolate treats!
Click here for more information!

WORLD CUP --Where to Watch the Game
Zucchero in Brickell is celebrating the World Cup in style and treating true fans with two for one drinks and free appetizers. But you must wear the team's T-shirt!

Zucchero is located at 2525 SW 3rd Avenue and Valet is only $3.00! Morning, afternoon or evening--the games are on at Zucchero!
Hosted by http://www.fabulousmiami.com/

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For Memorial Day weekend I enjoyed a staycation in my backyard at the Canyon Ranch Hotel & Spa. On Sunday I treated myself to a day spa including exercise classes, use of the gym equipment, the pool and my beauty treatment--a massage. Overall it was heavenly and I highly recommend this hotel for a getaway. Even for a local, I felt transported to another place, another paradise.

If you are not a guest of the hotel, you are asked to check in at the front desk reception. This is so they can obtain your credit card for any incidentals and issue you a locker room key.

So was my day of sweating, tanning and pampering entirely perfect? Well close to it. The attentive service by all the spa attendants and pool boys was exceptional. They regularly checked on my comfort, my needs, my wants.

Canyon Ranch's Fitness Center offers an impressive list of exercise classes ranging from new-age style Yoga, to low-impact cardio, to strictly toning, to dance your butt off classes. There was something for everyone.

A highlight was the Buff, Ballet, Booty class. Taught by a former male ballet dance from the Boston Ballet, the class was low impact and made you sweat! Incorporating ballet movements, the class is designed to help build balance and tone muscles. With a dash of Lady Gaga music and contemporary moves to take our heartrate to peak, it was the perfect class. I'm anxious to return again.

In my circuit of visiting various spas, my only criticism is that the instructors primarily watched themselves in the mirror.  Speaking as a former, certified fitness instructor and consultant for many years, the primary goal is to instruct the class and ensure the participants are performing the movements correctly to prevent injury and feel comfortable enough to return again--motivation!

This "stare-at-myself instructor trap" happened twice, with both the ballet instructor and the next class that followed.  The young female instructor for the dance cardio class (although there were no choreographed dance moves), stared at herself in the mirror and continued the routine in high impact.  I felt bad for the two ladies that were struggling. It was clear that most students were accustomed to following routines in high impact. The instructor should have performed both low impact and high impact version at tandem to best assist the new participants in following the class and getting the most of their workout, especially at these resort rates.

After two classes, my adrenaline was still rising and so I checked out the gym equipment. Canyon Ranch offers a  healthy range of equipment with smooth range of motion. Speaking of which, the machines are automated and indicate your range of motion and number of repetitions. So you can focus on form and breathing and let the machine do the counting. I love it! High marks for the brand and type of equipment. They even had an adductor (inner thigh) and abductor (outer thigh)  machine--a favorite of mine. Few exercises keep those inner flabby thighs firm, except for regular sex.

After the gym I finally was ready to relax and sunbathe. But which to choose, beach or pool? It was a hot steamy day so I opted for the pool for regular dips without the sand. Besides, just over the sand dune and sea grass, was a view of the ocean.

Fellow poolside sunbathers were all hotel guests visiting from New York. Suddenly I didn't feel like I was in Florida but an enclave resort off the Big Apple.

For lunch I opted for the Tropical Caesar Chicken Salad--light, filling, low calorie and tasty! Great recipe. Bits of Mango and croutons were made of crunchy banana bread, hence a sweet surprise. Delish!   Canyon Ranch is known as a healthy spa destination and I agree!



After my sunbathe-dip -into- pool routine, the summer Florida sun was draining m energy reserves. So I donned my pareo beach skirt and sandals and ambled indoors to cool off in time for my treatment.

My Canyon Ranch massage was a combination of a Swedish massage and aromatherapy. Pinpointing those bands of tight muscles with the wafting scent of lavender was soothing and destressing. I almost fell asleep.

A day at the spa includes:
* Welcome refresher upon arrival
* The Aquavana® experience – access to their exclusive suite of aquatic environments
* Full use of the fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment by Technogym
* More than 40 fitness classes and outdoor activities daily, use of the Sunrise Pool
* Selection of yoga and breathing classes
* Complimentary valet parking

I believe a spa day is beneficial in many ways and encourage it at least three times a year for women and men.  The best ones are usually in your own city where you minimize any stressful travel from jetting around.

Take some time for your yourself. Breathe, Relax, and Breathe again as their slogan says.

Friday and Saturday: June 11 & 12

2010 FOUNTAIN MERCURY KING BUSTER 400
Put your fishing skills to the test in the premiere Southern Kingfish competition of the year - with over $175,000 in cash and prizes! The tournament kicks off on Wednesday with a children's fishing outing from the St. Augustine Municipal Marina, located at Avenida Menendez and the Bridge of Lions. The King Buster 400 is limited to 400 boats. There are Captains' Meetings on Thursday at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Fishing days are Friday and Saturday. There will be a party with live music Friday from 5:30 to 9 p.m. and prizes will be awarded Saturday evening. Tournament entry fees are $449.50. Lady Anglers register for free. For more information, call 904.759.6588 or visit www.kingbuster400.com .


Friday, Saturday and Sunday: June 11-13

LIMELIGHT THEATRE: DEATH OF A SALESMAN
Enjoy the classic Arthur Miller's drama about Willy Loman, a salesman who is past his prime and sinking fast. The show takes place through June 20, at Limelight Theatre, located at 11 Old Mission Road in St. Augustine. Show times are Tuesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday 2 p.m. matinees only. Tickets are $25 for adults, $22 for seniors and $20 for students and military. For more information, call 904.825.1164 or visit www.limelight-theatre.org.

Saturday: June 12

CHANGING OF THE GUARD
As a typical day in 1740 St. Augustine draws to a close, soldiers guarding the Governors House are dismissed for the night by their replacements. As they retire for the evening, the soldiers fall into formation and fire a volley of musketry that assures residents that the city of San Agustin is secure for the night. This authentic re-enactment begins at 6:30 p.m. when the St. Augustine Garrison begins their march from the Taberna del Gallo, 35 St. George Street, to the Government House located at the Plaza de la Constitucion. For more information call 904.819.0332or visit http://staugustinegarrison.com.

NATIONAL MARINA DAY
Celebrate National Marina Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor at the base of the Vilano Bridge in St. Augustine. Live music. DJ., food and drinks, nautical flea market, and lots of pirates doing piratical things. Plus, there will be a blindfolded dingy race and a homemade sailboat race. For more information, call 904.829.5676.

In the heart of South Beach,  is a popular restaurant, TAP TAP, which offers authentic Haitain food.  Housed in a non-conspicuous building that you can miss in the blink of the eye, the fanfare decor is all inside.


On the north side of 5th street, (right next to Shell gas station), is the porch entrance and painted mural on one wall. As you walk up the steps, you soon discover every inch of wall, tables and chairs are hand painted by Haitian artists 15 years ago when they fled Haiti. Exuberant, colorful, portly figures and landscape were painted in every room of the restaurant.  It's a humble, happy place.

Appetizer: Pumpkin Soup ($6.00)
The texture was more similar to a chicken soup, stocked with cabbage, yuca, malanga (another root vegetable like the potato) and noodles. There was slight taste of pumpkin with a hint of a spice perhaps clove.  But no dairy or cream is used to make this soup. Definitely different and tasty, hearty and healthy!



We also ordered a medley of appetizers (see photo below) which included the fried slices of sweet potatoe, fried green plantain (which is called tostones in some Spanish-speaking countries), malanga fritters, and goat tidbits. The dipping sauces include a sweet watercress sauce, a spicy cabbage mix (very spicy), and a red creole sauce (non spicy). All were tasty. My  favorite combination was a tie between the fried green plantain dipped in the watercress sauce and the bits of goat meat dipped in creole sauce. Price: $8.00



Malanga is a vegetable root similar to the potato. Here the malanga is cooked, mashed and fried with some cornmeal that it indeed took on that fritter look and taste. Eat it plain or dip it into sauce.

Goat cheese is my weakness but I had never tried goat meat. Tasty, a little tough but I enjoyed every morsel.

For the main course I chose the shrimp in a red creole and coconut sauce accompanied by a soupy cornmeal with beans, which the waitress called a polenta stew for an accurate description. While not packed with flavors or spices, the side dish alone would suffice for a small meal with its rich, thick body of cornmeal and red beans.  Authentic, homemade dishes are not always about powerhouse flavor--but texture, and blend of ingredients that were most likely the only ingredients available in a small town or village.


The red, coconut sauce that engulfed the shrimp was a perfect marriage packed with incredible flavors. After eating the five shrimps, I grabbed the remaining appetizer pieces and dipped them in the creole/coconut sauce. 

The restaurant is fifteen years old and popular with locals.  If you're adventurous and love to try new authentic, ethnic dishes, Tap Tap is a must.

Best time to go? Lunch time is almost empty. I took some clients and there was only one other couple inside. But at night, it's a popular restaurant for locals and it gets pretty crowded.

What does Tap Tap mean? It means a local bus, just like "gua gua" (pronounced wa wa) means bus in Puerto Rico. Below is a picture of their artistically painted jitney.



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What a treat for children this summer to escape the heat, remain indoors, and continue using those mental and creative skills and learn how to make chocolate! At the Schakolad Factory in Davie, Florida.