In Love With the Everglades

I don't know why it took me four months since moving to Miami to check out the Everglades, but it was absolutely worth the trip! I am officially obsessed with the swampy, hick-ish environment just forty minutes west of my home (there were several overall and plaid sightings and crowds shotgunning beers in the parking lot). It's like a different world out there. While there are several parks to visit within the everglades, we chose to visit Sawgrass Recreational Park. Before we even boarded our airboat, I spotted an alligator in the wild. The 30 minute airboat ride was an absolute blast. You speed through the water so fast it's as if you're on a roller coaster, just gliding above the water. The tour is both educational and fascinating, and we spotted another alligator hiding in the grass along with plenty of other birds and wildlife. After the thrilling boat ride, we headed over to the exotic wildlife exhibit, which showcases live alligators, giant tortoises, a leopard, cheetah, and a plethora of other reptiles. I was lucky enough to hold a baby alligator! This was an incredibly fun and exciting way to experience a different side of Miami, and I would highly recommend making the short drive to the Everglades.

Do you see the alligator hiding in the water?

Alligator hidden amongst the grass

Front row on the airboat ride

Our boat driver



Up close and personal with the gators

Alligator show at the wildlife exhibit

SOBE Wine & Food Festival

Last weekend was the ideal time to have a guest visit me in Miami so we could celebrate the annual South Beach Wine and Food Festival. With famous chefs and tv personalities swarming the Miami scene, it's the perfect time of year to visit, not to mention enjoy the 85 degree weather! The event we got tickets to attend was the Godiva Chocolate and Wine Pairing event at the W South Beach. With the entertaining hosts Andrea Robinson, master sommelier, and Godiva chocolatier David Funaro, it was a fun and exciting way to learn about wine pairing. The event included pairings of 6 wines matched with complimentary Godiva chocolates. Among these, I especially loved the Beringer Vinyards Sbragia Chardonnay with the Godiva salted caramel milk chocolate, Mondavi Moscato D'oro paired with the Godiva dark chocolate orange, and the Sandeman 30 yr old Tawny Port paired with the Godiva extra creamy hazelnut. It was the perfect event for a wine loving sweet tooth like myself!

New Designs on Etsy

$55 on Etsy

Check out my new designs on Etsy! I have added a beautiful cream leather crossbody purse that has crocheted and bead embellishments. I also added a 20"x 20" ultra suede white pillow with metallic turquoise hand painted medallion detail, which was inspired by my trip to Portugal. I hope you enjoy!

$80 on Etsy