As we stepped onto the sandy shores of the stylish Joia Beach, we were delighted by all of the beautifully branded Viktor&Rolf umbrellas and decor in honor of the brand’s unveiling of its latest olfactory masterpiece: Flowerbomb Tiger Lily. The scene was set like a page out of a summer romance novel—an exclusive, private party under the setting Miami sun, where the air was filled with the scent of tiger lilies- which were ever present- on the displays, bars and cocktail tables.
The guest list included influencers: Batsheva Haart, Valerie Domínguez, Alejandra Divo, Lisa Opie, Paula Macher, Christie Ferrari, and Moira Tumas, who mingled, and toasted to the new takeover, while sampling the fragrances and taking plenty of insta-worthy photos.
As we marveled at the Miami skyline at dusk, while swinging on rope swings by the ocean, we could sense the buzz of the stylish crowd, as they sipped signature cocktails and sampled the Flowerbomb and Spicebomb collections; their senses alight with the rich, floral, and spicy notes.
Cocktails flowed freely, each one as beautifully crafted as the fragrances themselves. And then, as the sun dipped below the horizon, the music took over. Puerto Rican singer RaiNao serenaded us with her sultry voice, while Coco&Breezy spun beats that kept everyone dancing well into the night.
Fortunately, the Flowerbomb Tiger Lily Beach Club pop-up will continue through August 18th.
Guests will have a chance to lounge by the water, cocktail in hand, while enjoying the scents of tiger lily wafting through the air at this tropical oasis right in the heart of Miami. Be sure to visit to sample the full Flowerbomb collection, and shop to your heart’s content.
We are sure you’ll agree: Flowerbomb Tiger Lily isn’t just a perfume, it’s the scent of summer in a bottle.
Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On July - 22 - 2024
From golden-hour strolls to underground soirées, this is your curated guide to Paris-filled with beauty, art, food, fashion and all-night parties.
In Paris, every corner turns like a page from a novel. The light is golden, the fashion is effortless, and the air—thick with perfume, croissants, flowers and possibility—whispers in French. Whether you’re wandering cobblestone streets or clinking glasses in a candlelit lounge, the city invites you to live beautifully, one moment at a time.
Where to Stay: Stylish, Sultry, and Central
Hotel Baume Set in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, this Art Deco jewel blends elegance with intimacy. Each room is dressed in vintage tones and velvet textures, with views of Paris rooftops and the Odeon Theatre. The staff is friendly and the accommodations are impeccable. Breakfast is available daily- we recommend having it en suite on your rose covered terrace. Call: +33 1 53 10 28 50
Golden Hour Glamour: The Sunset Ritual
As dusk paints the sky, head to the Tuileries Gardens for a golden stroll. Cross the Pont Alexandre III and follow the Seine until the Eiffel Tower begins to shimmer. The tower sparkles for five minutes at the top of every hour starting at 10 PM.
Fashion, Darling
La Galerie Dior Part museum, part dream, the Dior museum is a celebration of couture and creativity. Walk through mirrored tunnels, study Monsieur Dior’s sketches, and marvel at the iconic gowns. Call: +33 1 40 73 53 42
Dinner, Dancing & Decadence
Matignon Start with a posh, clubby dinner—think foie gras and truffle risotto—and then descend into one of Paris’s sexiest secrets: an underground nightclub that’s a fashion-forward party every single night of the week. Call: +33 1 42 89 64 72
Silencio Founded by filmmaker David Lynch, this club is a cultural cabaret—film screenings, art shows, live music, and velvet everything. VIP-only until midnight, then it turns into one of the world’s most exclusive nightclubs. Want the ultimate night? Ask for Rodolphe, the club’s General Manager—he’ll make sure your night is next-level with true VIP treatment. Call: +33 1 40 13 12 33
Hôtel Costes Slip into something stylish and settle in for champagne, cocktails and bites beneath chandeliers and roses. The lounge is dark, sexy, and always full of fashion’s finest. Perfect to start your night—with champagne, of course. Call: +33 1 44 94 35 00
Le Colonia (Secret Club) No signs. No website. Just a hidden door to a stunning, tile-laden perfume shop with a nightly password. Press the magic tile to enter a cavernous den of music, style and all-night revelry. Equal parts downstairs speakeasy and runway show— si tu sais, tu sais. @le_colonia_Paris_
Café Culture & Historic Glamour
Café Beaubourg Across from Centre Pompidou, this glass-front café is a chic multilevel bookstore turned restaurant that serves authentic French food. It’s an ideal spot to people-watch, sip Kir Royals, and feel très Parisienne. Don’t miss out on the profiteroles.
Le Procope The oldest café in Paris. Voltaire, Napoleon, and Benjamin Franklin once dined here. You’ll feel the centuries in the red velvet and chandeliers. The French onion soup and escargot are the best in town and the steak frites are de regueur. Call: +33 1 40 46 79 00
Le Marais
Le Marais is where old-world Paris meets contemporary cool—an effortlessly chic district that’s equal parts historic and cutting-edge. Cobblestone streets wind past 17th-century mansions turned into art galleries and indie boutiques. It’s one of the best neighborhoods in Paris for shopping, whether you’re browsing designer vintage, French concept stores, or emerging local labels. Hungry? You’re in luck. Le Marais also boasts the city’s highest concentration of ethnic restaurants, from falafel joints on Rue des Rosiers to upscale Israeli, North African, and Thai spots, all packed shoulder to shoulder. It’s a global flavor tour, no Metro ticket required.
For the Culture Lovers
– Musée d’Orsay: Impressionist heaven – The Louvre: Mona Lisa, Winged Nike, Venus de Milo – Fondation Louis Vuitton: Gehry’s glass art vessel in the Bois de Boulogne Call: +33 1 40 69 96 00
More Musts in the City of Light
Jardin du Luxembourg A Parisian classic—perfect for a sunny afternoon stroll, a quiet book under the chestnut trees, or a game of chess with locals. With its manicured lawns, ornate fountains, and statues of queens, it’s where elegance meets everyday life.
Notre-Dame de Paris
Recently reopened and more breathtaking than ever. Step inside to marvel at the restored stained glass, soaring arches, and Gothic majesty that has inspired poets for centuries. The marvel is a powerful, spiritual pause in the heart of the city.
Bonnie Atop the SO/ Paris Hotel, Bonnie is a retro-chic rooftop bar and restaurant with a panoramic view of the skyline—and a front-row seat to the Eiffel Tower’s glittering light show. Come for cocktails, stay for the vibe. Call: +33 1 78 90 74 60
Les Trois Mailletz A bohemian piano bar in the Latin Quarter with live jazz, singing and piano performances in an underground wine cave that hosts some of the best late-night jam sessions in the city. Think Édith Piaf meets Paris jazz underground. Call: +33 1 43 54 00 79
In Paris, the days are dreamy—but the nights are everything. From secret clubs to sparkling towers, this city doesn’t sleep, it seduces.
For insider tips from a local, contact: @yanariabtsun; website: planvoyage.fr
Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On July - 1 - 2024
If you’re looking for an unforgettable dining experience in the Florida Keys, look no further than the newly re-opened Papa Joe’s Waterfront in Islamorada. Renowned for its breathtaking sunset views, we’re talking the sun melting into the ocean, Papa Joe’s offers an ideal spot to unwind and soak in the natural beauty of the area.
The menu is a delightful celebration of fresh seafood and local ingredients, and an array of signature cocktails, each crafted to enhance your dining experience while you take in the picturesque scenery of the waterfront property.
Papa Joe’s offers a distinctive menu that showcases both local seafood and premium meats. Highlights include: Not Yo Average Tuna Nachos, Creekstone Farms Churrasco and the Plantain Crusted Chicken. The Everglades Style Triple Tail was fresh and expertly prepared with unique ingredients.
These dishes, combined with signature cocktails such as the PJ’s Sunset, Goldrush and Papa’s Pain Pillar and the stunning sunset views, make Papa Joe’s a standout dining destination in the Florida Keys.
Papa Joe’s is not just about the food and views; it’s also about history and community. Owned by Captain Charles Hertel, who has deep roots in the area, the property has been transformed from its original incarnation as Fowler’s Fish Camp, established in 1938. Charles, inspired by his parents George and Dorothy Hertel—founders of the Islamorada Fish Company—has revived this historic property with the help of partners Bob Lee and Mica Perry. Together, they’ve created a modern destination that honors the rich history of the Florida Keys.
Whether you’re visiting for the food, stunning sunsets, or the charming history, Papa Joe’s Waterfront promises a memorable dining experience in a truly stunning location.
For more detailed information and to view the full menu, you can visit their official website here.
