by Mariafer Interior Stylist

2012-01-07T20:46:00.001-05:00

Thank you Hispanic Target Magazine for featuring me on the cover of the December issue as one of the Successful Hispanic Women of 2011.

Reader Before and After Tropical Patio

2012-01-03T13:55:00.000-05:00

My work featured in ELLE DECOR MAGAZINE

http://www.elledecor.com/decorating/articles/posh_patio_design

My Work Featured in the Cover of Caras Magazine-Argentina

2011-04-26T15:52:00.000-04:00

Yahoo! Interview....

2011-02-01T10:15:00.003-05:00

http://espanol.especiales.entertainment.yahoo.com/mas-con-menos/

You don't need money to create a stylish outdoor space.

2010-06-12T21:27:00.000-04:00

Painted pallets as the base for the seating, tree stomps as accent tables and a bed sheet and tree branches as a awning.... imagination is everything you need...

Photo courtesy of Home & House

Everybody together for Laurita! With love everything is possible...

2010-06-10T03:29:00.001-04:00

Laurita is a beautiful and sweet 6 year old girl who's been diagnosed with a terrible cancer. She and her mom travel from Cuba to Miami so she could receive treatment, she had her arm amputated and even know she is stabilized for now still needs to get more chemotherapy.
To help her get the funds needed, a total of 400 thousand dollars, a group of wonderful ladies headed by Soraya Alcala organized an event on June 3rd where Latin celebrities and general public donated money to help Laurita through this tough time. Laurita got a lot of attention from the media and everybody loves her, but still more people with a big heart who can donate money are needed to reach the amount Laurita needs.
If you are one of those people and want to help Laurita on this journey click on the link below, Laurita, her family and all of us who love her would appreciate your kindness.
XoXo
Mariafer.

Donate Here

Here are some pics from the event...

Laurita Mendez

Jose Antonio Alvarez, Soraya Alcala, myself, chef Sabrina and Roxana Garcia.

Age is a number and mine is unlisted!

2010-05-08T11:06:00.001-04:00

Thank you everybody for the Birthday wishes and for the emails.... xoxo, Mariafer.

DIY Outdoor Rooms

2010-03-29T01:36:00.030-04:00

With summer around the corner it is time to start thinking about planning or renovating your outdoor space. If you know me you already know that spending a lot of money to make a room pretty it's not my style but having practical, efficient low cost ideas that gets you the extra mile is always my way to go. When I did my patio a couple of years ago I'll never imagine that would gave me so many satisfactions and opportunities but what nobody could believe is that it was made for under $2500.00. The low seating area cost me a total of $400 dollars including the mattresses and fabric, the curtains and bamboo roads with their brackets have a total cost of $160, and the coffee table was made out of scrap wood from the beds and a $1 dollar beach mat. The trick was to have a very clear and specific plan, and to do must of the work myself. After receiving so many emails asking me how to do it I draw the plans and instructions and started selling them trough my website and last week I got an email from a client (now a friend) who recreated my patio in her house, BRAVO Gladys!!!! You did an awesome job. It was a great satisfaction to see it done up to the very details, I'm posting her pictures below and the link where you too can get the plans... you are not going to believe it...
Remember that you can make the most out of your room just but changing the paint color and arranging the furniture in a different way. Treat your outdoor room as a continuation of your home, work with the same style you have in the rest of your house. It should have all the elements that an inside room has like rugs and curtains and chandeliers and accessories but suitable for outdoors or weather resistant. Try to recycle stuff you already have around the house, if you like the way an object looks but don't like the color perform very cheap plastic surgery and spray paint it, use empty glass jars like the ones from tomato sauce or empty cans and transform them in candle lanterns, you can even hang them using wire. Arranging empty wine bottles displaying some greenery from your garden gives you the 'nature touch' without incurring in the cost of flowers or use the empty bottles as candle holders for a romantic tuscan style 'Al fresco' set up, sea shells and rocks in glass containers filled with water and a floating candle is beautiful for dinning time and a piece of rope is a good choice to replace napkin rings. The organic, rustic look always works well in any outdoor space. Don't go crazy... you don't need a lot of stuff or money to make your patio look like out of a magazine... Trust me.
Click here to get the platform bed plans with step by step instructions and a list of materials and tools, and build yours this coming long weekend!
XOXO
Mariafer

Some easy inexpensive ideas...

Gladys' Room... isn't AWESOME!!??!!!

Happy Weekend!

2010-03-27T08:57:00.000-04:00

Updating a Bathroom for less than 200 Dollars

2010-03-18T01:36:00.005-04:00

I have received several emails asking me for pictures of the project we talk about it last Monday on 'Efectos Secundarios' here are the before and after pictures. I hope you enjoy them!

xoxo

Mariafer.

He recibido varios correos electronicos preguntandome por fotos del proyecto del cual hablamos el pasado Lunes en "Efectos Secundarios" aqui estan las fotos del antes y el despues. Espero las disfruten!

Cariños,

Mariafer.

Before

After

Dear Friends...

2010-03-16T00:23:00.003-04:00

Hi my friends, first of all I want to say thank you! to all of you for always been so supportive of my work and for the many ways you find to show me your affection trough this blog, private messages, Facebook, RMS, Twitter, Blogloving,etc., without you and your kindness all of this would have never been possible.. THANKS!! from the bottom of my heart...

I want to invite you to listen to a new segment I'll be presenting every Monday starting today at 2.30pm ET in the first hour of the show 'Efectos Secundarios' on Radio Caracol Miami 1260am, about interior styling and decorating ideas on a budget.

you can listen online at:

http://www.caracol1260.com/programa.aspx?id=15618

Thank you!!! Hugs...

Mariafer

One Day, 250 Dollars and a Makeover....

2010-03-14T23:45:00.004-04:00

The Before...

The After...

With just an Ikea bookcase, new pillows and lamps and some accessories from around the house this bedroom has gone from boring to fun in just one day... Great if you are renting since I didn't do any painting and/or nailing into the walls.... This is how I spent part of my weekend...how was yours??
XOXO
Mariafer.

The World's Most Beautiful Crowns

2010-03-11T20:25:00.002-05:00

Are you feeling Royal??? If you live in the Miami/ Fort Lauderdale Area
from March 4th to 14 th you can visit the exhibition presented by Aventura Mall and Lakeview Home Accessories including more than 30 stunning crowns and headdresses for viewing, the admission is free. The exhibition has previously travelled to Dubai and Moscow and the latest stop represents the first time it has visited the US. For the ones who don't live in the area I'm posting some pics. I hope you enjoy them!!
(Lower Level-Center Court/ 11 a.m to 8 p.m)

XOXO
Mariafer.

The Crown of St. Wenzel

The Austrian Imperial crown

The Crown of Empresses of the Austria and the Queens of Hungary

British State Crown

The Crown of Cleopatra

St. Edward's Crown

The Crown of the Bavarian Kings.

The Holy Crown of Hungary: Crown of St. Stephen.

Tiara of the Shahbanou Farah Pahlavi

The Last Royal Crown of Prussia

Maltese Crown:Crown of Czar Paul I

Crown of the Dalai Lama

Hollywood Movie Houses to look at it on this Hollywood Night.

2010-03-07T21:09:00.002-05:00

It's Complicated (2009)

The Holiday (2006)

Nights in Rodanthe (2008)

He's just not that into you (2009)

Something's Gotta Give (2003)

Sex and the City (2008)

Perfect Porches

2010-03-01T16:20:00.003-05:00

In March 2009 I acted very misterious about a photo shoot that was taken place in my house, and the reason was that I couldn't give away any details until the book release date... well the 'day' has arrived, and my feelings are mixed since I'm very happy to have my work showcased in such a great book and at the same time it is sad since I don't live in that house anymore, it was a lovely house and I had put a lot of effort and work in it.

Remember that scene from 'Sex and the City' where Charlotte and Trey are posing for Home & Garden magazine and you can hear the voice over saying: 'By the time the magazine was out, Trey had moved away'...well It was sort of like that, except that I was the one living... well, you'll get the rest!
I want to send a big THANK YOU to all the people involved in this book and another big one to all of you for your support and for always been there with your comments and emails.. There were a couple of difficult months but things are starting to look good...
Anyway, life keeps going and having my work featured in this great book published by Random House and authored by Paula Wallace the founder and president of SCAD, is something that not only gives me happiness and joy but it is also an example that no matter what...we should do what we love in life ...
You can order the book online at Amazon by clicking on the link below the book cover...Thanks!

XOXO
Mariafer

http://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Porches-Designing-Welcoming-Outdoor/dp/030746024X/ref=pd_ybh_2?pf_rd_p=280800601&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_t=1501&pf_rd_i=ybh&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0TW8ZJQ9KX8VBBRWBNAP

Antiques Market

2010-02-22T21:48:00.003-05:00

Yesterday I was at the Lincoln Road Antiques Market and this is what I bought... I just fell in love...Not sure what to do with them yet... Suggestions are very welcome!!
XOXO
Mariafer

Happy Weekend!!

2010-02-19T13:54:00.001-05:00

New Bronze Chair

2010-02-17T13:32:00.002-05:00

Nusa Furniture

Coconut Grove Art Festival

2010-02-16T10:38:00.006-05:00

Here are some pics for this weekend Art festival @ Coconut Grove....I hope you enjoy them.
Xoxo
Mariafer.

Happy Valentine's Weekend!

2010-02-13T11:41:00.004-05:00

Alexander McQueen, R.I.P...

2010-02-12T09:00:00.002-05:00

XLIV Super Bowl events..South Beach gets ready to party...

2010-02-02T20:40:00.013-05:00

South Beach is getting ready for all the parties surrounding the XLIV Super Bowl. Madness is all around town and you can see trucks unloading stuff all day long ... and nights too. As a local I wanted to snap some pictures for my followers to see what is going on down here...I hope you enjoy them!!!

xoxo

Mariafer

Champions Arch by Gerdau Ameristeel.

Located in famed Ocean Drive the arch was created from recycled steel from the Orange Bowl and Sun Life Stadium in tribute to the region's rich tradition of hosting Super Bowls. The tribute includes smaller sculptures inspired by past Super Bowl champions and this year's team.

The Champion's Arch stands 23 ft. high on Ocean Drive and 9th street. The 12 ft steel football illuminates in various NFL team colors by LED lights.

Detail of one of the Arch's leg showing the dates the Super Bowls were played in South Florida, this year marks the number 10th.

Small Sculptures

Pit Bull and Nelly Furtado will perform in here.

The 'Tazon Latino".

The crews working.

Tazon Latino.

Art Deco welcome center transformed now in the Official merchandise superstore.

The CBS tent.

NFL Tent.

ESPN tent.

Get ready for Valentine's Day..

2010-02-02T00:10:00.002-05:00

All Saints- Lincoln Road

2010-01-25T00:21:00.007-05:00

The UK brand ALL SAINTS opened its second stand alone store in the US in Miami Beach last December. If you like fashion I'm sure you saw already thousands of blogs and posts about it, the clothes are pretty and different...but what it calls everybodie's attention is the store decorations.... literally hundreds of vintage sewing machines and clothing factory equipment are exhibit and used as display for the clothes and windows. The restored moroccan tiles and the triple-height ceilings highlights the traditional spanish arquitecture where the pristine sewing machines and industrial extended light fixtures hanging from the ceiling make the perfect complement for this stunning and unique store concept.... If you like to visit the location is 910 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL. 33139 here are some pics...enjoy it!!

xoxo

Mariafer.

Support UNICEF'S relief work in Haiti.

2010-01-17T11:55:00.001-05:00

Click on the image below to be redirected to UNICEF'S official website and help the victims of Haiti's earthquake... any contribution is much appreciated, thank you for your support.

Efectos Secundarios

2009-12-30T02:26:00.004-05:00

I'll be in "Efectos Secundarios" on 1260 am Radio Caracol for Miami and the East Coast, today December 30 at 2pm ET. Talking about the top ten decorating mistakes.

If you don't live in the area with Radio Caracol 1260 am you can listen online, go to
http://www।caracol1260.com/programa.aspx?id=15618
and click on the live stream on the left.
Don't forget...today @ 2pm. ET.... "See" you then...

Merry Christmas

2009-12-24T12:47:00.002-05:00

I wish you all a wonderful Christmas...

Love

Mariafer.

More updates...

2009-12-19T23:14:00.001-05:00

New Project & Update.

2009-12-16T20:59:00.019-05:00

This week I've been working in the remodeling of 'El Bisel', a 45 years old glass and framing store located in the famous 'Calle 8' in Miami. I'm doing small changes to update the tired look of the store. As always the two main elements are paint and lighting and we are almost done with that phase, I choose a dark chocolate for the walls to give them deepness and I painted an off white block in the opposite wall as a focal point where accessories are going to be displayed over dark brown bracket less shelves. I have to mention that we are doing this while the store is still operating and it has to be done in a week, so we have to work 'fast and furious' and without mistakes if possible. To display the frames samples I have designed 30"x60" boards covered in off white carpet that are going to be hang in the back wall surrounding by white gauze curtains. The work table and counter are going to be painted in black. I'll be posting more progress pictures around the weekend.

xoxo

Mariafer

Before

Progress

Before

Progress

Before

Progress

Behind the scene pics

2009-11-30T20:13:00.004-05:00

With Luis Fernando Medellin , Producer for Casa Club.

Shooting Day

2009-11-29T23:56:00.003-05:00

Hi everybody, tomorrow I'll be shooting a tv show called "Los Profesionales" (spanish for the professionals) and I'm very humbled that they asked me for that...I'm nervous... not going to lie but at the same time very excited and looking forward to the new experience... I'll be posting pictures and updates from the behind the scenes during the day on my Facebook page..... become a fan if you haven't yet to get the latest in this new journey...

Thanks!

xoxo

Mariafer

Kim Myles @ Fort Lauderdale Home Show

2009-11-23T11:43:00.011-05:00

With Kim Myles of HGTV's 'Myles of Style'

The show was ok, very few design stuff a lot of construction products and services offered and only 2 designers showcased. I walk the Broward Convention Center up and down and in my personal opinion this were the most interesting things in the show....

In my opinion the best booth, and the owner Jackie Liriano the nicest person...

They also carry the Tommy Bahamas fabric collection and a big selection of trimmings,

www.desigfab.com

Good quality low price patio furniture, check out later this week I'll be having a coupon code for my followers to upgrade to sunbrella fabric for free when you buy any product.

It was about time that they start imitating our loved Carrie's 'Cocoon Chair'

Pretty Closet Doors...

www.theblindbroker.com

I loved it for a small powder room

Got Tile?

2009-11-21T18:17:00.006-05:00

Catafalmo Gallery is an amazing tile store located in Fort Lauderdale. There you can find everything you have ever imagined and more.... really. Besides having a vast selection of traditional porcelains and stones, they also carry a big collection of inspiring high end products....No mater how exotic what your looking for is, ask them...I'm sure they have it.

None of the pictures below made justice to the beauty of those tiles but at least you can get an idea....

xoxo

Mariafer.

Animal print Tile

Mary was an angel, she took the time to show me around and give me details about the products.

Leather 'like' tiles.

Stainless Steel inlay on wood tiles...

Bling, Bling!! Crystal tiles...

Awesome!!! Can you imagine this tile with a colored grout?? Black?

Swarosky Tiles....

Mirrror and glass tile..

This is for me the best one....it looks like a pillow...but it's actually TILE....

Catafalmo Gallery

2534 North Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 33305

Phone: (954) 561.5770

www.catafalmogallery.com

Sneak Peek

2009-11-16T18:26:00.009-05:00

Here are some pics from the photo shoot for the book....

xoxo

Mariafer

Getting Ready...

Back and Book

2009-11-15T21:58:00.004-05:00

Hi everybody, I know it's been a long time since my last post and I apologize for that. Personal matters kept me from doing it, I hope you can all understand. But I'm back hoping to be able to keep posting like I did before.

Remember when back in March I posted about a photo shoot?? Well, at that time I couldn't give any information away but now I can....I'm very honored to announce that my work it's been published in the book "Perfect Porches: Designing Welcoming Spaces for Outdoor Living by Paula Wallace, founder and president of SCAD. I always admired Mrs. Wallace and I'm flattered by the fact that she picked my work for her book. Thank you so much Paula and a big thank you too to all the people involved in the process...

Amy Zurcher, Director of shopSCAD.

Chia Chong, Photographer

David Busch, Stylist

Anna Burgard, Director of Industry Partnerships at SCAD.

You can pre order it by clicking ">here... Thank You!

Efectos Secundarios Radio Show

2009-10-26T20:50:00.010-04:00

I'll be in the second hour of "Efectos Secundarios" on 1260 am Radio Caracol for Miami and the East Coast, today October 27th at 3pm ET.

If you like to call in the number is 305-285-1260 and if you don't live in the area with Radio Caracol 1260 am you can listen online, go to
http://www।caracol1260.com/programa.aspx?id=15618

and click on the live stream on the left.

Don't forget...today @ 3pm. ET.... "See" you then...

Hugs
Mariafer.

Summer in Miami

2009-09-13T20:22:00.003-04:00

This is what you should expect almost every day during summer if you visit Miami. Gorgeous mornings and stormy afternoons...

Happy Long Weekend!

2009-09-04T20:51:00.002-04:00

Kitchen Mini-Makeover

2009-08-24T18:33:00.006-04:00

Before

After

Ok, I have big plans for my kitchen but right now I have so many things going on in my life that getting into a project like that would be the craziest thing to do. In the meantime I did a little facelift, wasn't planned. I was at my local Costco when I saw this beautiful industrial like kitchen faucet for a fraction of its price so I bought it thinking in my next year kitchen remodel... well... couldn't wait, the faucet was installed that same night and the next day I realized I didn't like the way it looked with the cabinets on top and that I like better the idea of having open shelves instead, so.... I tiered them down. The problem was that they were part of the big ones so once the were pulled the sides of the big cabinets were gone too, living a hole ... nothing that a piece of plywood and matching paint couldn't fix, then the shelves were attached and everything was done in less than 24hrs and for under 200$. including the cabinets handles.

Tip: The stainless steel look-a-like back splash is very inexpensive roofing material glue to the wall.

XOXO

Mariafer

Brian Brigham Designs

2009-08-19T16:54:00.005-04:00

Brian is one of the most enthusiastic person I've ever known. Besides being smart and very talented, his capacity to see things in a different light is what makes him very special.

Go check out his new website or click here to visit his blog...

brian@brigsydesigns.com

Happy Weekend!

2009-08-13T23:11:00.003-04:00

Cartagena.

2009-07-31T20:35:00.016-04:00

I just came back from a trip to Colombia, one of the places I visited was Cartagena, and I fell in love with its romantic and charming 'Historic Old Walled City' with its spanish colonial architecture and colorful painted buildings. It is an unique city filled with sun, sea and history, divided by 17th century walls into the 'Historic Old City' and a 'Modern city'. Cartagena was founded in 1533 by the spanish Conquistador Don Pedro de Heredia and thanks to it's strategic location soon became one of few south american ports to export the gold and silver back to Spain and was also the main port for the infamous slave trade, with the first ship arriving in 1564 to send slaves all over south america.

French, english and pirates all attacked the city. Sir Francis Drake captured the town in 1586 and burnt down most of the city.

In 1985 was declared by UNESCO 'Historical Patrimony of Humanity'. The San Fernando de Barajas Castle is another historic building that I'll be posting about next week.

It is a lot more to say about this romantic getaway where at night all the colorful buildings are covered in a golden glow lighting and where you can dine 'al fresco' listening to local musicians ...

but I'm going to let the pictures speak for themselves. Please take a moment to watch the video at the bottom of this post.

xoxo

Mariafer.

PS. Thanks so much Patricia and Alvaro for being such a wonderful hostess and for taking the time to show us round....

One thing that caught my attention was the door knobs...

Happy 4th of July!

2009-07-03T10:33:00.003-04:00

Michael Lee's Malibu Bungalow

2009-06-27T22:52:00.002-04:00

I love the combination of colors, texture and forms and the laid back feeling.

You can read the entire article in the June issue of Coastal Living.

Thanks Woman's Day!

2009-06-05T16:03:00.007-04:00

for featuring my patio in the June 2nd issue and thanks to Wendy from Rate my Space who emailed me with the info, it was a very nice surprise!!

Remember that if you have some diy skills and want to build the seating just as I did you can click here to get the instructions, plans and list of materials for the platform beds.

Have a great weekend!

Mariafer.

Technorati Profile

♪♫ Bye, bye stripes ♫♪

2009-06-03T10:38:00.006-04:00

Planning on changing this room during the weekend. Going for a light neutral color for the walls and bedding. I will keep the area rug and furniture except for the office chair. The stripes are fun and very eye candy but after 6 years I feel like I need a change. Will see.

Current project update before and after pics

2009-05-22T20:46:00.011-04:00

Private office, After...

Before...

Showroom #2, After...

Before...

After...

Before...

After...

Private office. Before...

After...

Before...

After

Before...

After...

Before...

After...

Happy Weekend!

2009-05-22T10:16:00.003-04:00

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-10T11:59:00.000-04:00

Yes...I am a year older today..

2009-05-08T16:00:00.002-04:00

Thanks for all the beautiful emails and messages!!! Have a great weekend...

XOXO

Maria

Current project update before and after pics

2009-05-06T10:58:00.008-04:00

This are the before and after pictures of the showroom. The room didn't have any storage before, now the dark brown modular pieces on the bottom store extra sample shoes and supplies. Since it is an indoors place without any windows or natural light I decided to gave it a touch of nature by placing a bunch of green bamboo poles in tall planters, It also adds a vertical element to the otherwise horizontal design. The only architectural detail in this plain room is the column on the left, rather than try to hide it I painted it in dark chocolate to make it pop and installed a dark brown vertical bookcase on the opposite wall to mirror the column and make the room feel proportional. Later this week I will post pictures of the rest of the warehouse.

See you soon...

Mariafer.

Happy birthday little brother!!

2009-05-02T23:26:00.003-04:00

Have a wonderful birthday, love you...

Inexpensive closet doors makeover.

2009-04-21T11:35:00.009-04:00

With inexpensive materials you can change the look of your boring closet doors. I updated this doors a couple of years ago using aluminum flashing, wallpaper, plexiglass and spray paint. Cut them to fit the inside part of the louvered doors and attach using liquid nails.
Good Luck!

Mariafer.
Aluminum flashing roll from Home Depot, cut with scissors use gloves when cut them. This doors are in my son's room.
Before, boring door.
Plexiglass painted on the back side with white spray paint, use any color you want. I cut them with a dremmel router. Changing the knobs and molding makes a big difference too. This doors are in my office.
Wall paper and dark chocolate paint.

In this picture you can see the doors in the back.

Happy Easter!

2009-04-09T23:04:00.003-04:00

In Argentina we celebrate giving this chocolate eggs to ours friends and family, one for each one, on Easter Sunday, and you'll normally find a surprise inside once you break them, the bigger the egg the bigger the surprise, normally a toy in the big ones and candy in the little ones.

Hope you all have a wonderful Easter celebration!!!

Maria

Picture courtesy of Romina

On earth day and every day, every choice makes a difference

2009-04-06T10:09:00.002-04:00

April 22nd is earth day, but Earthbound Organic Farm is celebrating all month long giving away free reusable bags when you make the pledge to reduce/reuse/recycle and if you're one of the first 10,000 each week, they'll send yours free. Select Take the Pledge, then click on one of the items with a sun next to it and then select Add This To My Pledge.
Click here to go to the website.

Good Luck!

Happy Weekend!

2009-04-03T11:27:00.004-04:00

Photo shoot day

2009-03-27T11:01:00.003-04:00

Photo shoots are always crazy, and it being at my house doesn't make it any easier. I can't give you any details yet but I will... They'll be coming at noon and I'll try to snap some pictures!!

See you soon

Maria

Inexpensive DYI Headboard

2009-03-19T16:46:00.005-04:00

I was organizing my photos file and I came upon this picture from a guest room I did for a client almost seven years ago. It was on a very tight budget (under $300) and it had to be done in a day. Headboards were out of question and most of the budget went to bedding and accessories but I really wanted to have headboards so I used some leftover paint and moulding I have in my house and this was the end result, the combinations are endless, you can use any paint color/moulding combination or even use leftover fabric or wallpaper instead of paint. Paint the wall first and then install the moulding.

Good Luck!!

Little Havana and the Calle 8 Festival

2009-03-14T23:55:00.013-04:00

Last Friday I went to see a client near by the 'Little Havana' and I decide to park my car in the famous Calle 8 ( spanish for Eight Street) and walk around and take some pictures to share with you. This neighborhood in Miami with many Cuban immigrant residents is named after Havana the capital and largest city in Cuba and is well known for its social, cultural and political activities. Little Havana is characterized by the street life, excellent restaurants and the warmth of its residents.

Over 1 million people from around the planet would be attending today the biggest latin festival in the world 'The Festival of Calle 8', this street party is the culmination of the two weeks of Miami Carnival events, 23 blocks with activities for adults and children, street dancers, hundreds of kiosks of international food, but best of all this celebration is world renowned for its music, top recording hispanic artists performs from dozen of musical stages and you can see people dancing everywhere to the rhythm of salsa, merengue and reggaeton... I have never attended this event but I had a lot of fun just watching it on tv, who knows maybe one day I put on my dance shoes, grab my Cuban descendant husband and we'll go 'Living la vida Loca'...

Hope you enjoy the pics.

The Tower Theaters

The Domino Park

They get together every day just to play domino and talk about Cuba.

The walkway of the stars, I couldn't find Gloria Stefan and Celia Cruz...

Willy Chirino

a mom and pop music store

Houses

This is how many Cubans get to Miami .... no joke. Now is for sale at a car dealership as a collectors item for $150,000.00!!

Barbie, Fifty and Fabulous got real house in Malibu.

2009-03-09T10:15:00.005-04:00

Barbie's 50th Birthday is today and she got a great present. Interior Designer Jonathan Adler, decked out a real life 3,500-square-foot pad overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Malibu that looks like the doll's outrageous home. He says that took six months of planning and a few weeks to install. The house includes an original Andy Warhol portrait of Barbie valued at more than $200,000 and a chandelier made up of more than 30 blond wigs, a closet filled with 50 pairs of pink peep-toe heels, wall-to-wall pink carpeting with her initials in the bedroom and a pink Volkswagen New Beetle with a motorized pop-up vanity in the trunk. A museum inside the house features 25 vintage Barbie dolls on display. The celebrations start today with a celebrity soiree in the house and a fashion show in New York in the weeks to come.

Key Largo Boater's Flea Market

2009-02-24T22:50:00.008-05:00

We went to Key Largo last weekend. Friday we had a Birthday party at my husband's cousin house and on Saturday we went to the Boater's Flea Market (yes, the first picture is the view from the flea market, the second one the view of the house we had the party at) . Monday was back to reality.

I hope you enjoy the pics!!

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-13T20:29:00.005-05:00

Image by Faith Shoes.

THE DESIGN GEEK: shiny & new....

2009-02-13T09:09:00.000-05:00

THE DESIGN GEEK: shiny & new....

The last one.

2009-02-12T10:50:00.003-05:00

I just received the March issue of Domino Magazine, the last one as we all know. Ironically it is the best in a long time.

Project update

2009-02-10T07:55:00.004-05:00

This is how it looks today. Client still deciding on flooring. We are still working on the details, the lighting and waiting for the rest of the chairs and the special order furniture. We had to work during the weekend getting done as much as we can to live the place in working conditions by Sunday night.

Friday, late afternoon: We got rid of old shelving and wallpaper.

Saturday: Patching and sanding almost all day.

Sunday: Paint, install shelves, put together the furniture from Ikea, got rid of the carpet, clean up, put the room together (note: we did the lobby too, I'll be posting pictures soon).

Monday: I started working on the details, while the crew were doing demo in the second showroom, a smaller one that was added to the original project.

Today: Waiting for electrician to do the accent lights. Patching,sanding and paint on second showroom, second coat on doors.

Tomorrow: Install the shelves in second showroom, finish lighting and doors.

Then flooring and molding and a mini vacation for me!

Life is too short.

2009-02-04T08:54:00.002-05:00

Life is too short to wake up in the morning with regrets.

So love the people who treat you right,

forgive about the ones who don't

and believe that everything happens for a reason.

If you get a chance, take it.

If it changes your life, let it.

Nobody said that it'd be easy,

but it would be worth it.

Current project

2009-01-28T10:42:00.005-05:00

I'm currently working in the remodeling of a wholesale footwear showroom. Because most of the colors of the shoes they sell are dark, we choose a light wall color and shelving and kept everything very simple and minimalist to make the shoes the focal point. I added storage furniture and move the computer away from the focal point of the room to a nook behind a column. The upper shelves will display boots and taller shoes and the upper part of the storage furniture on the bottom the flip flops and ballet flats.

The best part.... the shoes I got yesterday.

Actual showroom

Design Board

The shoes I got yesterday

My shoe 'Library'

Blount Design

2009-01-23T14:51:00.004-05:00

I absolutely heart that bathroom.

www.blountdesign.com

We have to believe its possible

2009-01-18T22:11:00.003-05:00

Your children are not your children.
They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you,
And though they are with you yet they belong not to you.

You may give them your love but not your thoughts,
For they have their own thoughts.
You may house their bodies but not their souls,
For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow,
which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.
You may strive to be like them,
but seek not to make them like you.
For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.

You are the bows from which your children
as living arrows are sent forth.
The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite,
and He bends you with His might
that His arrows may go swift and far.
Let our bending in the archer's hand be for gladness;
For even as He loves the arrow that flies,
so He loves also the bow that is stable.

Kahlil Gibran.

Monkey Pillows from Ballard Designs

2009-01-16T22:44:00.004-05:00

I love this pillows from Ballard Design, aren't they cute??

Winter Miami Spice

2009-01-13T10:59:00.004-05:00

Ilovemiamispice.com

Taylor Howes

2009-01-06T10:26:00.006-05:00

Celebrated Interior Designers Taylor Howes designs is headed up by Gail taylor and Karen Howes providing a comprehensive design service for private clients, property developers and hoteliers. Click here to visit their website.

Peace and love in 2009

2008-12-31T14:36:00.005-05:00

Happy New Year!!!!

Thanks Desire to Inspire and Shumous Magazine

2008-12-30T10:47:00.006-05:00

Thanks Desire to Inspire for featuring my 'Unpretentious' blog on your Holiday Reading List

and Shumous Magazine for the article about my work.

Thanks a lot!!

Merry Christmas

2008-12-23T19:28:00.004-05:00

Have a wonderful Holiday Season!!!

Arlington at Christmas

2008-12-17T09:48:00.012-05:00

You may be interested to know that these wreaths -- some 5,000 -- are donated by the Worcester Wreath Co. of Harrington, Maine. The owner, Merrill Worcester, not only provides the wreaths, but covers the trucking expense as well. He's done this since 1992. A wonderful guy. Also, most years, groups of Maine school kids combine an educational trip to DC with this event to help out. Making this even more remarkable is the fact that Harrington is in one the poorest parts of the state.
Over that period of time, Worcester Wreath has donated 90,000 wreaths which were placed by volunteers in a wreath-laying ceremony each December. But as word spread, the mission to Remember; Honor; and Teach about the sacrifices made by our veterans has captured the hearts and minds of many communities across the Country.

In December 2007, 286 participating locations hosted Wreaths Across America ceremonies overseeing the placement of 32,553 wreaths on the headstones of those who served and sacrificed for our freedoms. In 2008 that number will exceed 350 locations and 100,000 wreaths placed in honor!

Worcester Wreath Company and many others have dedicated themselves to this project for many years to come.

'It is our vision that we will one day honor every veterans' memory for the holidays, as a way to show our gratitude and appreciation for the sacrifices made to preserve our freedoms.'

If you would like to help sponsor one or more wreaths to be laid at one of the over 200 state and national cemeteries all across the Country, please click here.

My home for Christmas.

2008-12-16T10:12:00.008-05:00

To my friends

2008-12-15T18:49:00.006-05:00

Holiday project from my mom's crafts file.

2008-12-08T10:59:00.003-05:00

Last year my mom spent the holidays with us and she made this roses from fresh artichokes. It is a very simple project and you only need fresh artichokes and your choice of spray paint.

Start by folding the leaves in toward the center, let it dry for at least 2 weeks and spray paint, you can use acrylic craft paint if you want to go 'green'. Good luck!!

I'm sorry that it took me so long.

2008-12-03T15:00:00.013-05:00

Last month I received an award and a tag from two wonderful persons Tardevil at Confessions of a 40-something mama and Brandi at Bishop's Room.

If you haven't been there go visit them.

The rules for the award are the following:

1. Mention 5 things I always wanted to do.

2. Contact 3 more bloggers and pass the award along to them.

Five things I always wanted to do:

1. Attend the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

2. Go to see the place where Jesus was born.

3. Go to UK and work as a nanny.

4. Take a year long vacation with my husband.

5. Write a book.

Since this is an Autumn award and most of my friends at blogland already have it I'm not passing this alone but if anyone wants to pick it up feel free to do it.

The rules for the tag are the following:

1. Mention seven little things about me

2. Passed to 5 or more bloggers.

7 Little things about me.

1. I'm not good at gardening and I don't like it.

2. I don't smoke, drink alcohol or coffee, never.

3. I'm not a morning person, at all.

4. I'm the oldest of my siblings and the only girl.

5. I love sunsets, energy drinks, Diet Coke and chocolate soy milk.

6. I don't eat red meats or any cute animals like rabbits, ducks, etc.

7. White and green are my favorites colors.

This tag now goes to:

My friend Nikki @ blah blah blah blog

My friend Natalie @ FLHomeBlog

amiable Amy @ Business Matters.

MIA

2008-12-02T10:57:00.008-05:00

A couple of weeks ago my husband and I were invited to tour the progress made in the construction/ expansion of the new Miami International Airport. Public spaces in Miami get 1.5% of construction costs of new county buildings for the purchase or commission of artworks, the 5.2 billion dollars expansion of the new MIA makes it the largest art exhibition for the Art in Public Spaces Program , most of the art is part of the infrastructure but they also have rotating exhibitions around the airport. My favorite is the coral wall. Hope you enjoy the pics!
Luis Arce, Terminal Operations supervisor. Dr. Yolanda Sanchez, Manager fine Arts and Cultural Affairs division and me.

Got any Jacks? 2004

Donald Lipsky

Miami International Airport, American Airlines concourse D.

Consisting of nearly 100 sculptures made of fish replicas, Got Any Jacks? is a tribute to Miami's miraculous aquatic environment. The fish replicas, ranging from two feet across to over fourteen feet across, are arranged in abstract, geometric patterns. Their unique arrangement throughout the concourse walls evokes sculptures that are at once fish, and abstract shapes, represent something else.

Ghost Palms, 2007.

Norie Sato

South Terminal, International Baggage Claim.

Ghost Palms combines the organic structure of palm trees with the clean lines of the terminal's architecture, producing a subtle dichotomy between the natural and man made. Sited at five locations along the 300 foot-long glass interior wall of the International Baggage Claim, Ghost Palms uses softly colored iridescent glass to create a space full of oversized 'stained glass' windows that reveal magnified fronds and branches of various types of palms trees, the artist also designed the terrazzo floor for this area that mirrors the reflection of the windows and creates the illusion of shadow cast on the floor.

A walk on the beach

Michele Oka Doner

Epoxi Terrazzo, bronze, mother-of-pearl. Concourse A MIA.

Long walks along Miami's beaches observing shells, seaweed and other marine forms deposited by the tides inspired this monumental site specific art installation. Phase I is a half mile long walkway featuring two thousand unique cast bronze elements embedded in dark grey terrazzo

Foreverglades, 2007

Barbara Neijna

MIA, South Terminal Expansion concourse J.

Text from Margory Stoneman Douglas' River of Grass is embedded into 65,000 sq. ft. of terrazzo floor running throughout the concourse. Pre-cast stone bas-relief panels interspersed with ribbons of glass, which symbolize flowing water and swaying reeds of grass are integrated into the architecture.

Coral Eden

Brad Goldberg

Miami International Airport, South Terminal.

Coral Eden is composed of two massive stone walls, each measuring approximately 30 feet wide x 90 feet high. Derived from a series of macro-photographs of coral, is carved in travertine marble from Italy. The coral relief is quiet shallow at the base of the wall and increases in depth as the stone rises, allowing the coral pattern to subtly emerge through light and shadow. As passengers gaze up at the expansive wall, the increasing depth of the form will suggest a view upward from the bottom of the ocean toward the atmosphere and sun.

Hand Painted...Painted Hand...Guido Daniele

2008-11-30T12:16:00.013-05:00

www.guidodaniele.com

John Bessler Photography

2008-11-05T09:36:00.004-05:00

Click here to visit his website

Vizcaya

2008-11-04T07:40:00.012-05:00

Vizcaya was the winter residence of American industrialist James Deering from Christmas 1916 until his death in 1925. He chose a bayfront site in Miami for his tropical winter home because of the location’s warm winter climate and his appreciation of the native hardwood hammock. In addition to the house and gardens, the complex included a farm, livestock, and a variety of other service facilities covering 180 acres.
The house was intended to appear as an Italian estate that had stood for 400 years and had been occupied and renovated by several generations of a family. It has 34 rooms with 15th through 19th century antique furnishings and art objects. The house appears to be only two stories high but between the main public rooms and the bedrooms, there is an intervening level with 12 rooms for servants and service. After Deering’s death in 1925, a minimal staff maintained the house. The hurricane of 1926, which devastated much of Miami, extensively damaged the house, surrounding grounds and formal gardens. Eventually most of the land was sold for development. In 1952, Deering’s heirs generously sold the main house and formal gardens to Dade County, for a sum below the actual value. Deering's heirs donated the estate's furnishings and art to the on condition that Vizcaya be used as a public museum in perpetuity.
Although the house’s design allowed the free flow of breezes through the open courtyard, the need to preserve the building and contents required the installation of a climate and humidity control system, including enclosing the open courtyard in glass.

Today we can only imagine how Vizcaya felt as an open-air house, with the sounds of birds and the bay, the sudden rain showers, and the fragrance of flowers. The Museum is open every day (except Christmas) from 9.30 to 4.30 and the admission is 16$ for adults (10$ for students, senior and Florida Residents) it has a small cafe/restaurant where you can have a lunch break (sandwich/salads) 'al fresco' after you toured the house and before you hit the gardens and bay.
3521 South Miami Avenue

Maze

Library

Garden View

Dinning Room

Bathroom

Gardens

Kitchen... that big black thing is the stove.

Refrigerators in the butler's pantry

Fireplace in one of the bedrooms

Bedroom

Detail of fabric in bathroom ceiling

Ceiling Detail

Guest Bedroom

Wood Bird Cage

Bedroom

Mortar and pestel.

Bathroom

Tea House

My mom posing in front of the boats dock

View from the gardens

Vote Responsibly...

2008-11-03T22:21:00.004-05:00

Picture courtesy of Patrick Leduc/flickr

How to lose a guy in 10 texts.

2008-11-03T08:53:00.004-05:00

Happy Halloween and Happy Weekend!

2008-10-31T11:40:00.003-04:00

The Standard @ Miami Beach

2008-10-31T10:31:00.006-04:00

Massage rooms hallway

Lobby

The birthday girl is the one in the center, I'm the old lady on the left all covered up!

Downtown Miami in the back

Miami Beach view

The restaurant

Downtown Miami in the back

Pathway from the hotel to the restaurant/pool area, you can see the rooms on the left

It was a little bit cold for Miami (74) but we had a great time. We were supposed to be 5 of us but one of the girls was sick and the other two never showed up... I couldn't believe it!!!
The spa have all kind of treatments and they use only natural products. At the restaurant the menu is very frugal and most of the options are organic/vegan, the chocolate vegan brownie w/soy vanilla ice cream was yummy!! But the most important thing is that my friend Alejandra was very happy... and so I was. Thanks for all the good wishes!!

The staff didn't let us use cell phone or camera inside the spa section so I snap some pictures from the outdoors I hope you like it....

Spa Day B.Day Party

2008-10-28T21:30:00.003-04:00

My good friend Alejandra is having a spa day party to celebrate her birthday tomorrow at 'The Standard' an ultra modern hotel-spa in Miami Beach. I can't wait!!!! I will try to snap some pictures... see you guys on thursday! Happy Birthday Ale!

Happy weekend!

2008-10-24T10:36:00.008-04:00

Key Biscayne, my favorite place in Miami...

Casa Casuarina

2008-10-22T21:08:00.009-04:00

A while ago my husband and I had the privilege of been invited to spend the day at Casa Casuarina, a very expensive members only club located in South Beach best known as Gianni Versace's former home and the place where he was murdered. The house is stunning in every sense, I managed to take some pictures (was not allowed). I just found out that they are now offering tours to the general public, if you are planning to travel down here don't miss it, it is really worth it. Click here to check out the website and get more info.

Pool area
Pool View
Cabana View

Indoor Patio
Access to upstairs rooms
View from the foyer

detail of wall in dinning room
Bathroom entrance

My hubby and I on the left

What a great surprise!

2008-10-20T11:26:00.009-04:00

Thank you Natalie!!!!

This morning Natalie from FL Home Blog nominated me for my very first award. I'm very honored not only because is the first one but also because comes from Natalie, I really love her blog and admire her energy and sense of humor. Click here to visit Natalie's blog.

This are the rules for passing on this award :

1. The winner can put the logo on his/her blog

2. Link the person you received your award from.

3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs.

4. Put links of those blogs on yours.

5. Leave a message on the blogs of the persons you've nominated.

I would like to nominate:

My not so pretty room.

2008-10-16T11:38:00.005-04:00

This is the room in my house that I really hate. Is a bedroom that my son uses as a tv room, and my husband refers to as the 'yellow room' but I like to call it the 'dump room' because everything that I don't like or doesn't work in any other room in the house ends up in there. I know ... it doesn't look that bad, I tried to make it work... but it doesn't flow with the rest of the house... and when someone refers to a bedroom as the 'yellow room' you know something is not right...I should put everything on craiglist!!!

Do you have a dump room too???

What a great idea for a B.Day Cake!!!

2008-10-07T20:51:00.003-04:00

Last saturday I went to a friend's 40th Birthday Party. The party was great and the best part was the monopoly board cake...every space was a picture of an event in his life or the address of a place he lived, or a school he went, all edible, I loved it!!!! I think is great idea for any gender/age party. See you soon.

Have a fun weekend!!!

2008-10-03T12:21:00.001-04:00

Mata Hina Interiors

2008-10-01T09:47:00.004-04:00

Have a sweet weekend!

2008-09-26T09:38:00.003-04:00

London pride: Lucyina Moodie Stylist

2008-09-22T07:46:00.006-04:00

Eileen Kathryn Boyd

2008-09-11T15:19:00.012-04:00

Eileen is one of New York's most prominent and innovative interior designers. She is a color expert who is best known for drawing her inspirations from the fashion runways and bringing them to life on her showroom floor. Click here to visit her website.