As the holidays approach and shopping lists continue to grow, here are some of my personal favorites that may help fill up stockings for that special someone that is quite difficult to shop for.

Ciele Cosmetics Brush Collection:

Ciele Cosmetics brush collection is exquisite for the makeup aficionado on your list. From 11/24 – 11/27 on cielecosmetics.com, ciele will offer 20% off site-wide including its entire collection of innovative color cosmetics, designed with skin-driven formulas made with broad spectrum SPF and non pore-clogging, clean, vegan ingredients.

The promotion will also apply to its Brush Collection consisting of three carefully curated brushes with dual ends to work across multiple formula textures and bring natural face features forward. Each of the brushes were created with opulent synthetic hair and made to fit the needs of today’s artist and consumer.

ILIA Beauty

For those of you that relish in the no-makeup look like me, great news the makeup look is making a comeback, and ILIA Beauty’s bestsellers have caught the attention of stars like  Heidi Klum & Pamela Anderson . These celebrities are turning to ILIA for its remarkable, skin-loving ingredients to attain that perfect second-skin look.

Heidi Klum, the supermodel and TV personality, took to Instagram to reveal her must-have lip product: the ILIA Balmy Gloss Tinted Lip Oil. This incredible tinted lip oil is not only a celebrity favorite but is also packed with plumping Hyaluronic Acid and fantastic moisturizing properties that will leave your lips soft, smooth, and never sticky.

In a recent ‘What’s In My Bag’ feature on Vogue.com, actress and model Pamela Anderson shared her secret to achieving a radiant complexion –True Skin Serum Concealer! This medium-coverage concealer works wonders by instantly reducing the appearance of dark circles, discoloration, and blemishes. Packed with skin-loving ingredients like Vitamin C, Mastic, and Albizia Julibrissin Bark Extract, it doesn’t just conceal but also helps improve your skin over time.

With the ILIA Balmy Gloss Tinted Lip Oil,  True Skin Serum Concealer, In Frame Brow Gel, In Full Micro-Tip Brow Pencil, & more, you can create that second-skin effortless look right at home.

Ekos Tukumã Frescor

Transport yourself to the heart of the Brazilian Amazon Rainforest with the NEW Ekos Tukumã Frescor, a special edition eau de toilette in collaboration with Amazonian artist Winny Tapajós. The enveloping and refreshing body mist, made with 100% natural aromatic extract of Tukumã captures the invigorating freshness of an Amazon sunrise through its cheerful and versatile fragrance.This unique scent captures the creaminess of Tukumã, contrasting it with the green and fresh notes of Rhubarb, as well as the comforting notes of Sandalwood and Cumaru, an Amazonian biodiversity ingredient, known as the vanilla of the Amazon forest.

Leather Honey

As an avid vintage shopper, Leather Honey has helped bring back the luster to some of my most treasured finds.  Leather Honey has been in the business of reviving leather naturally and effectively, so it’s safe to say they know a thing or two about preserving the life of your favorite leather goods.

The family-run business has perfected an entirely toxin-free, best-selling formula that restores and protects all types and colors of leather, from furniture to cars to fashion to sporting goods. The water-repelling system offers 6 months of protection, is incredibly easy to apply, and is made of only the highest quality ingredients.Safe for kids and pets, Leather Honey soaks into leather’s pores, hydrating the individual fibers of the leather and providing a barrier that prolongs its life.

On Thursday, November 2^nd, we had the most delightful invitation to celebrate the U.S. debut of Glen Grant’s 70-Year-Old Scotch whisky, Devotion, in the Miami Design District.   Designer Lewis Miller created the most enchanting floral displays for a journey through the expressions (including the newly released 21-Year-Old). The unveiling of the distillery’s oldest expression to date was presented in a striking sculpture by artisan John Galvin, that is only available to seven decanters worldwide.

Head to Sexy Fish on Thursday, October 26, for “Scary Fish” a glamorously spooky affair, featuring a haunting theme, beats from guest DJ Natasha Diggs, ocean-inspired cocktails, and more. The best part: this fabulous costume party will benefit the The Little Lighthouse Foundation (LLF)  South Florida’s beloved, non-profit organization.

Well-known for its “Nightmare on the Beach” Halloween parties, LLF promises that Scary Fish will be equally luxurious and fun!

Guests can expect a variety of handcrafted cocktails and passed canapés, while enjoying the immersive decor, complete with a cast of scary sea creatures, while taking in the mesmerizing tunes spun by international sensation DJ Natasha Diggs. The party goes from 9PM to 1AM.

The enchanting night will include complimentary cocktails sponsored by 512 Tequila, Tito’s Vodka, and other liquor sponsors, alongside mouth-watering bites, and a “hypnotizing atmosphere that will transport guests to the deep, dark depths of the seas.” Don’t forget to dress to impress, as glamorous Halloween costumes are requested of all attendees. 

A $150 donation is required in advance for attendance; ($200 donation at the door). Visit  ScaryFish.eventbrite.com to make a donation/reservation. For VIP table reservations, email:

Jonathan@TheLittleLighthouse.org.

All proceeds from this event will go towards LLF’s Children’s Halloween Party on Saturday, October 28th. To learn more about LLF’s Do Good Feel Good Programming, please visit TheLittleLighthouse.org.

Location: 

Sexy Fish Miami

1001 South Miami Avenue

 Miami, FL 33130

Date: Thursday, October 26th, 2023

       9:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.

On Tuesday, October 10^th, CEO & founder of It’s a 10 Haircare, Carolyn Aronson, was granted the key to the city of Miami at the brand’s 7^th annual National Love Your Hair Day event!

Hosted at their headquarters in Liberty City, Miami-locals, celebs, brand fans, and more gathered to celebrate the holiday created by Aronson for people to love themselves, appreciate others and join together to impact change. The event was met with surprises at every turn including an award from Junior Achievement of South Florida, the announcement of a $100,000 donation to non-profit, Beauty Changes Lives, a special message from celeb’s Fat Joe & DJ Khaled to announce the launch of a new men’s line, Rewind it 10 and more.

And of course, with all of Carolyn’s give back efforts to the city of Miami and the nation over the years, the end of this magical evening was met with the biggest surprise of them all: the key to the city gifted by Senior Constituent Affairs Aide, Barbara Sweet-Kemp, on behalf of Mayor Francis Suarez.

The highly-anticipated South Beach Seafood Festival is making its triumphant return Wednesday, October 18th through Saturday, October 21st, promising an unforgettable celebration of ocean-fresh delicacies, live entertainment, and idyllic beachside vibes. Kicking off the start of Miami’s famed stone crab season, this exciting annual event promises an unparalleled experience for seafood enthusiasts and fun seekers alike. With four days of special programming, including endless food and beverage tastings, chef competitions, cooking demonstrations and more, this year’s festival will raise the bar for one of the country’s leading seafood events. Presented by Tequila Herradura and GOYA Foods, and hosted with the support of the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority, the four-day festival is a curated culinary showcase that couples South Florida’s bounty of seafood with the region’s most notable chefs and local restaurants. Tickets to the 11th Annual South Beach Seafood Festival are now available at sobeseafoodfest.com.

Set against the stunning backdrop and the electric energy of the city’s colorful Art Deco district, the South Beach Seafood Festival consists of four separate ticketed events taking place throughout the week. The festival begins on Wednesday, October 18th with “An Evening at Joe’s Stone Crab.” The five-course meal, hosted by Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel, showcases Executive Chef Andre Bienvenu’s cuisine paired with fine wines curated by master sommeliers. Next up, “Crabs, Slabs & Cabs,” takes place the following evening at the historic Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel. This year’s event is once again a formal sit-down, five-course dinner highlighting an international take on traditional ‘Surf n’ Turf’ interpreted by six of the Magic City’s leading chefs who join the evening’s host, GOYA Foods’ Executive Chef Fernando Desa. On Friday evening, the gloves will come off as Miami’s top chefs go head-to-head in 11 competitive seafood rounds during the annually sold-out “Chef Showdown,” coined the ultimate beach bash on South Beach. Competing at the event will be last year’s winning chefs who will return to defend their culinary crown at the festival. The excitement building up during the series of nightly events will reach a stirring culmination at the week’s main celebration, the “South Beach Seafood Festival.” The all-day affair takes place on Saturday, October 21st, and showcases a selection of pop-up-cafés and VIP samplings by prominent South Florida restaurants in partnership with signature national brands who will descend on South Beach for one weekend only. In addition to the exceptional culinary offerings, the festival will feature live music performances, engaging culinary demonstrations, interactive sponsor activations and 5 blocks of fun to be had. Attendees can also sip on refreshing beverages at various bars stationed throughout the festival grounds as the event tickets include open bar for 21+. This year’s VIP Village hosts 1 1/2 blocks of exclusive premium experiences featuring the always popular GOYA Culinary Pavilion, the Tequila Herradura Pop Up featuring Bodega Taqueria y Tequila and Jack Daniels featuring Le Chick , the all new Mountain Valley Spring Water hydration lounge, and the list continues along with sampling restaurants, to include American Social, Area 31, Estiatorio Milos, Billy G Catering, Bodega Taqueria y Tequila, Mau Miami, Osaka Nikkei, Playa, Rum Room, Smashburger, Tartufo Prestige, The Lazy Oyster, Old Lisbon and The Wagyu Bar by Meat N’ Bone, among others.

By: Dr. Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

The highly-anticipated Amigos Night took place  on Saturday, September 30, at the Hangar in Coconut Grove.

The music and entertainment were extraordinary as were the food and cocktails. The crowd of more than 1000 guests was still dancing non-stop well passed 1 am to the incomparable music of the legendary DJ Irie.

Thanks to the support of Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, title sponsor, and Bacardi USA, presenting sponsor and all of the sponsors, guests and volunteers, the evening raised over 400 thousand dollars to benefit Amigos For Kids, whose mission is to prevent child abuse and neglect.

Amigos Night featured a culinary pavilion offering dinner by the bite from some of Miami’s favorite restaurants, live music and entertainment by Extasy and an insane “hora loca” late night. The dance floor was packed the whole night. Cocktails were free-flowing, domino tables were bustling and Versailles and Papa John’s doled out delicious treats well into the morning. 

Special guests included:  Alina Garcia, Vicki Lopez, and Raquel Regalado, Gloria Ordaz, Pamela Silva, Enrique Santos, Erika Ender, Jorge Masvidal, Ingrid Hoffman, Maria Elena Salinas, Teresa Rodriguez, Neida Sandoval, Anabelle Blum and Ana Quincoces tonnage a few.

Maggie Fresen, Board Chair, expressed her gratitude, stating, “On behalf of the Board of Directors and the thousands of children we are able to reach every year, we thank our sponsors and supporters who are vital to continuing Amigos’ mission. With their support, we cultivate unity and compassion, ensuring that children have the opportunity to grow, succeed, and build a brighter future.”

For more information and to make a donation, visit amigosforkids.org and follow @AmigosForKids on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.