MY MIAMI!!

Thursday, December 08, 2011

Hey everyone, I feel like it's been forever since I've blogged. I'm truly blessed to be busy and have the ability to do the things I love with the people that I love. As a friend of mine recently said to me, "If you have the ability to do something good, then just do it." So many people dream about what they would do if.... The 'if' can be anything, but usually the reason why people don't do what they really want is because they fear some type of failure or rejection.  The most successful people feel exactly the same way; they just push through and do whatever it is they dream to do. That being said...I've been busy!

This past week I flew to Miami with a few friends for the end of the Design Miami/Art Basil exhibit and some much needed relaxation. My good old iPhone captured some breathtaking photos to share with you. But here's the thing: I really wasn't sure if I should post my pics from Miami because not everyone can easily get away. I simply wanted to share the beauty of my experience. I also hoped to inspire you to take your own well deserved 'vacations'. Even if you can't get away, once in a while, try to escape to something as simple as a soothing drive with just yourself and great music, a warm bubble bath or a coffee date with friends.

As a woman, I feel it's important to emphasize the concept of taking a break. So many women NEVER think about themselves, and it's extremely counterproductive to effectively fulfilling all of our responsibilities. After I had my first child, my pediatrician (who I've been with for 21 years)  told me that I must get out by myself for a few hours every week and never feel guilty. This was a great foundation for the healthy way that I raise my kids. They know that I take some time for myself and it's ok, because I'm a much better mom before and after.

Now my Miami!

THE BEACH:
The colors in Miami are so vibrant!



ELLE DECOR MIAMI SHOWHOUSE:
Because the showhouse will be seen in a future Elle Decor, no photos were allowed, and the security people were following me and my iPhone around to enforce this rule. I was only able to get a few shots...
The show 'house' was actually a fabulous penthouse condo on the bay.

The view from one of the full length windows

Imagine living in a place where you feel like you're flying over the water!


Hand painted glass panels decorate the outside deck. I love this blue/yellow/red color combo...just perfect for a sunny climate!

What a fabulous idea for a room divider. It's amazing when simple items are used in such a creative way.

Oversized lanterns make a gorgeous centerpiece.
I swooned over this custom table with orange lucite legs.
ART BASIL:
I could do an entire post on this art event alone. I had seen the Miami Art Basil event advertised for many years, and I was so excited to finally be able to attend. I never truly understood why people pay so much for art but this time I experienced the intensity and depth of the many types of art that was displayed. My friends and I each encountered different and unique experiences, but we all agreed that true art comes from a very deep emotional place. My general impression was not a very positive one. Although some of the pieces were happy and pretty (of course those were the ones I was attracted to), most were dark and bit disturbing. The experience was almost like getting into the artist's deepest emotional state.  I guess people pay a lot of money for raw emotions, but I'd rather stick with hope, positivity and beauty. What's your take on this?

Here are some of my favorites:






THE W HOTEL SOUTH BEACH
It was amazing to be able to stay in this creatively designed hotel (thank you yg!). There were just so many great elements combined in a random fashion that somehow worked and felt fabulous!




The garden area was whimsical and cozy.


Gorgeous florals against a backdrop of etched mirrors...heaven!

The hotel had quite a collection of its own amazing art.
THE FOUNTAINBLEAU (MY FAVE!)
We spent our last day at one of our favorite places, The Fountainbleau Hotel. Although its recent renovation turned this famed hotel into one of the most glamorous places in the world, the original structure and flavor remain the same.

The pool area is so divine...and completely modernized!
After having all my jewelry stolen it was great to finally rock an oversized ring again! I found this one  on Lincoln Road for $10!

My friends and I fell in love with the aqua blue boutique on the pool level. I dream of redecorating with some blue fabric and a can of white spray paint!



I hope you enjoyed this virtual tour of some of the pretty things I discovered on my trip to Miami. Let me know which photos were your favorites. How do you feel about vacations? How do you feel about art? I'd love to hear your comments!
Like my blog? Please tell your friends and share my link!
Like on FACEBOOK
Follow on TWITTER

  • Share:

You Might Also Like

9 comments

  1. Miss you Miami, thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  2. these are amazing photos

    ReplyDelete
  3. next time call me. i live right near where you were!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Love your Miami and you look so glamorous and fit right in! I can almost feel the warm sunshine...and we need some its a cold blistery 40 degrees here today!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Amazing photos! Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Sharon, you are totally right, time alone is CRITICAL for mothers/women. So delighted for you and your little getaway with friends. And BTW, that ring rocks! $10?!!! May the effects of your R&R last a long while.

    xo,
    O

    ReplyDelete
  7. So many great pics(always love the water and interiors of Miami) but my favorite was the garden, where I think I could curl up and read all day! Also love anything lucite!! Glad you had a good time after your awful week before.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Lucky you to have been able to get away to Miami. Looks like it was fun and relaxing!

    Happy Friday!
    Debra

    ReplyDelete
  9. Gorgeous pictures, makes me want to visit Florida even more. I love the painting with the colorful vertical stripes. Have a great weekend :)

    ReplyDelete