Mums for Mom

And so the countdown begins. . .to Mother's Day (my mom's favorite holiday behind her birthday and Christmas). So, I guess I probably shouldn't get her the same set of flowers I gave her last year, right? In that case, I'll head over to LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics in Aventura Mall to pickup some fun goodies for her. In fact, I heard through the grapevine that they are planning a special Mother's Day Celebration on the big day!

So instead of the same 'ole roses, I'll give her LUSH's mum products -- cute flower-inspired bath bombs and more (which I received to try out). Check out LUSH.com for more information. . .or catch me and my mom at their Mother's day Celebration on May 8th at the LUSH store in Aventura.

See ya there!

Essential Miami Summer Tools

Miami summers are brutal...especially to our skin. Excessive exposure to the sun and the ridiculous MIA temperatures burn and dry our skin and it is not pretty.

So I introduce (or re-introduce...for those of you who already use these products) to you Vaseline's new Aloe Fresh line that protects, hydrates, and moisturizes your skin*

The line consists of:

• Vaseline® Aloe Fresh Hydrating Lotion:This body lotion hydrates and leaves your skin feeling light and not sticky (which is a plus since Miami summers=muginess which =stickiness).
  
• Vaseline® Aloe Fresh Moisturizing Gel: This gel is the perfect soother for those long days out on the beach, boat, or pool where a) you think you're too cool for sunscreen b) fell asleep out in the sun or c)too drunk to notice/care (happens more often than you think) and you get home looking like a lobster and in lots of pain.
  
• Vaseline® Aloe Fresh Protecting Lotion with SPF 15: This one was our favorite. Leaves the skin hydrated, isn't sticky, and most importantly...it HAS SPF! I put it on for an outdoor party recently because I didn't want to burn but I also didn't want to smell like sunscreen and this lotion did the trick.

This summer...these products should be just as essential to us as our tans and accents.

*strictlyMIA recently went to dinner with other Miami-based bloggers hosted by Unilever (such a good time!) and received a bag (I'm talking the mother of all goodie bags) filled with Unilever products to try out.

Just in Time for Summer: Miami's First Alcoholic Ice Pops

I'll admit it, I'm still a kid at heart. To this day, I eat Fla-vor-Ice (you know, the flavored icee sticks that were a must-have for your Miami summers) with the enjoyment of a twelve year old. I'm surprised I hadn't come up with the idea of mixing a bit of alcohol with it, but thank goodness someone else did -- well, sorta.

Some Miami folks created FrostShot -- the perfect combination of alcohol and flavored ice. With five flavors such as Caribbean Passion, Extreme Lime and Cherry Bomb and an alcohol content of 10 percent, this is a necessary addition to the beach must-have list. Make your way over to Crown Wine and Spirits in North Miami to try it out for yourself.

Sincerely,
strictlyMIA's newest blogger. . . .Black Bombshell

Seven at The Raleigh

In honor of their 70th anniversary this year, The Raleigh is offering $7 :

• Martinis
• Cocktails
• Small Bites
• Valet Parking

Available seven days a week (throughout the year) from 4pm – 8pm.

The Raleigh: 1775 Collins Ave. [Miami Beach]

Artwalk Detour

While you're out on your much anticipated "Second-Saturday of every month" artwalk this weekend, make sure to stop by Cafeina Gallery and check out Crystal Monoliths, a group exhibition brought you by Morfiq Studio (8-12 pm).

The exhibit showcases contemporary artists whose work is of a clear distinct voice and technical execution.

Some of the extremely talented artists showcasing that night include:

• Jose Mertz
• Johnny Robles
• Francesco LoCastro

For more info, visit morfiqstudio.com

Cafeina Gallery: 297 NW 23rd St. [Wynwood]

Project Prom Dress

Ladies, have any prom dresses, bridesmaid dresses, and formalwear hanging in your closet collecting dust? I've got the perfect thing for you...Project Prom Dress at Village of Merrick Park.

From April 8th through April 11th (12 pm to 7 pm), pass by Village of Merrick Park and drop off your gently-worn evening gowns and accessories. The gowns and accessories donated will give girls from the Women of Tomorrow Mentor & Scholarship Program the opportunity to create their ideal prom look.

Project Prom Dress collected over 400 gowns last year so let's try to top that this year.

Drop Off Location: Village of Merrick Park
Garden Level, next to Coach
358 San Lorenzo Avenue
Coral Gables, Florida

Wii Love It!

Nintendo recently sent us over the new Wii Fit Plus to check out and we loved its new features! I've owned a Wii now for about two years now and its my favorite console out there after the Nintendo SNES (I had mine until recently but it finally broke...needless to say I was devastated).

One of the first games we bought was the Wii Fit because my mom and I were trying to lose weight in the comfort of our home. I must admit I only lost three pounds but I definitely had fun doing so with all the activities it provides.

Fast forward two years and along comes the Wii Fit Plus, which includes new balance and aerobic games and new strength training and yoga activities . Some of the new added features that I love are the calorie counter and the free run, which lets you run for longer periods of time at your own pace (I was recently training for a 5K and this option helped alot).

To learn more about the Wii Fit Plus, click here.

Note: While Nintendo did send us the Wii Fit Plus, it in no way swayed the fact we've always been a huge fan of Nintendo.

Donut Divas

My mom recently introduced me to Donut Divas, a fun Miami-based catering company with a unique concept. I'm kind of upset that I just found out about them since they've been popping up all over Miami for some time now.

For those of you left in the dark too, Donut Divas caters (to any event & venue) fun foods like:

• Mini doughnuts
• Funnel Cakes
• Fried Candy Bars (Oreos, Snickers, etc.)
• Churros

The "fun foods" are made to order on the spot and even provide to-go boxes.

My mouth is watering as I type this...can't wait to try them.

For more info, click here or call 786-486-2709.

Downtown Miami....Meet Your Neighbors!

If you live/work/or will be near the downtown area this afternoon, check this out:

The Downtown Miami Partnership, Miami Downtown Development Authority and GREY GOOSE Vodka hosts the 13th “Meet Your Neighbors” block party.

From 5:30 to 8:00 pm, you can enjoy the iconic Miami Downtown backdrop while mingling and making new friends and sipping on some delicious GREY GOOSE.

For more information, please visit http://www.downtownmiami.com./

RSVP to 305-379-7070 or to info@downtownmiami.net.

270 East Flagler Street & Southeast 3rd Avenue

$20 make you wanna holla...

Visit Sunset Tavern tonight from 7-10 p.m. and enjoy 15 beers, plus some yummy food, for only $20. Need I say more?? Sign up online and they'll even throw in a free beer mug!

Happy Hump Day!

Details:

Sunset Tavern

7230 SW 59th Ave. South Miami

305.665.0606

7 PM

Purchase tix: http://www.delilane.com/