Miami Shoot Magazine

Valentine’s Day

Beauty, Fashion, MSM Online

Six Superb Valentines Day Gifts With High IQ

By Nadja Atwal No, most girls don’t care for a tv promoted pj as a Valentines gift. And yes, a  teddy is cute, but should be only the accessory to the Valentines gift – not the main gift. And since most of us fashion lovers watch our figure, a box of chocolate is really not helpful. Guys are so smart and often also exceptionally creative at work – why then so many uninspired gifts? Send him the links to our gift tips. That should improve his cognitive ability to find the right thing for you. As for what to give your man on the day of love, there is a special gift tip in here that he ll never forget. And if you are single, just reward yourself – they always say we need to love ourselves first, so lets get spoiled! For her : If he does not get this piece for you, reward yourself. The  heart hair barrette  (in copper or silver) from Copper Street Studios with red Swarovski crystals is the perfect hair accessories for those who like to tame their mane in a non-vanilla way. It’s handmade and the heart shape of this gorgeous and very functional  piece softly whispers “Oh how romantic”. www.etsy.com 2.) For him and her : “Give” a wild animal. If your sweetheart is an animal lover, the symbolic species adoption from WWF is a romantic way to support global effort to protect wild animals and their habitats. It comes with an adoption certificate, photo of the animal and a matching 8 inch plush. Wanna bet this gift puts a smile on anyone with a heart for animals? https://gifts.worldwildlife.org/gift-center/ 3.)  For her (even though he may not be able to keep his hands off it as well) : The Bellini Self Tanner set is a true breakthrough product and the only self tanner I publicly endorse, since it really turns me into a beach goddess. Developed by one of the best health product and cosmetic inventors in Europe, this perfect self tanner comes in spray form and with a matching spray-on exfoliator! They work as a team and give the most natural tan within 15 minutes. Plus it is full of anti-aging ingredients and moisturizers to keep skin soft and smooth. Pssst: it also smells devine. The product just hit the stores in Europe and we are told the brand can barely keep up with the orders. And how lovely that they offer a Valentines Day Special! www.Bellini-Beauty.com 4.) For him:  If you feel your guy is less into “stuff” but more into experiences, give him something unforgettable. Guys love golf, so why not help him to amp up his game? Cloud Nine Livings motto is “Create a memory – give an experience,” so you may also consider (depending on his interests, your budget and location) a helicopter flight lesson, racing a Lamborghini or a wine tasting sail. www.cloud9living.com For her : Enough with those lingerie sets. Summer is coming and so is the next holiday trip to the beach. Oh, what to wear, what to wear to look cool by the pool ? What about a bikini that will catch all eyes when out and about and has the va-va-va-voom to seduce him in the bedroom …or any room? The Leather & Lace Collection by Monica Hansen Beachwear is true genius. And how thoughtful that the brand offers up to 75% on some of these sexy bestsellers especially for V- Day www.monicahansenbeachwear.com For her : There is lipstick and there is the Glamour Garden LE Collection from Katarina Van Derham. Not only did all of Katarina’s longtime experience as a top make up artist go into this, but the box itself is a piece of art. And with 4 versatile, gorgeous colors in one package (the colors can of course be mixed), she will always have the matching color for every outfit, mood and occasion. Truly genius. www.lasplashcosmetics.com

Culture, MSM Online, Music

Louis Amanti: Rising Star

Photography Courtesy of AR Entertainment Louis Amanti has mastered the art of song renditions with over 450 songs and 500 shows. The humbled South Florida native hit 1 million views on YouTube just last year with his outstanding vocals on Nat King Cole’s “L.O.V.E.” Being a 24-year-old in a genre made popular by Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Nat King Cole, and Dean Martin makes this rising star stand out amongst this generation. This fall, he will release his first album with Grammy Award winning songwriter Rudy Perez—there’s no telling the amount of success Louis will reach before he reaches 25. MSM: Tell us how your passion for the classic songs from the famous crooners such as Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole, came about at such a young age? Louis Amanti: You know that’s a question I get asked a lot, it’s funny because they tell me that when I was a little kid coming out of the hospital the day I was born “Frank Sinatra Live at the Sands” was playing in the car on the way back home. So I kinda feel like it was meant for me to sing since the beginning. With lots of credit to my grandparents, for teaching me all the great songs and artists of the great 20th century. MSM: At what age did you start singing and performing? LA: I can’t remember exactly when I started singing because the journey goes way back, but I do remember that I couldn’t stop singing at home, during baseball practices, in class and of course in the shower. During middle school at the end of the year awards, my teachers gave me an award for best singer and when I walked to pick up my award up on stage they made me sing in front of all the students and parents and the first song I ever sang in public was “Strangers In The Night,” and that’s where the bug bit me. MSM: You are just 24 years old, people your age like hip hop, dance, pop, techno, rock, music…how does it differ with you? Do you enjoy performing and listening to other types of music? LA: Absolutely, I love music that is great. Doesn’t matter if it’s hip hop or rock or EDM. Music is music and if you add quality and love to what you’re doing only greatness can come out of it. Having said that I am attracted to romantic music and there’s nothing more that I enjoy than beautiful melodies and lyrics. MSM: You have a song on YouTube, Nat King Cole’s “L.O.V.E.” which has gotten over 1 million views, tell us about why you recorded this and when? LA: I recorded “L.O.V.E.” two days before Valentine’s Day. I grew up listening to Nat and I always thought the way he would deliver a lyric and his phrasing was personal. Growing up “L.O.V.E.” was that one song I would think of as the theme song for Valentine’s Day. I recorded the song and made a nice little quick video the same day and posted it the day before Feb 14th. I am truly honored and blessed that it has touched so many people around the world. MSM: You look like a Hollywood heartthrob, will Louis Amanti get the acting bug? LA: You never know. My life is music, but I would not mind having the possibility of pursuing that one day. MSM: What’s next for Louis Amanti? LA: There’s a lot of great plans coming up. God has been good to me and I am lucky to be able to do what I love for a living. I expect to keep singing and giving the best of me for a long time. For more information, please visit www.louisamanti.com To watch Louis’ rendition of Nat King Cole’s “L.O.V.E.”, click here

Accessories, Fashion, LIFESTYLE, MSM Online

Perfect Gifts for Galentine’s Day

By Gisel Habibnejad Valentine’s Day is coming up and while the day is usually dedicated to your significant other, it is also appropriate to show your loved ones that you’re thinking of them today as well (making it Galentine’s Day). Let’s face it—we can leave the teddy bears, jewelry, and chocolates to our partners; for our girls, the best gifts include cute office supplies, handbags, and stationary supplies. Here is a guide to the best gifts from Ban.do and OTG/247 for Galentine’s Day: Ban.do (Available at www.bando.com): 1. Forever Girl Gang Sweatshirt / $48 2. Sip Sip Tumbler with Straw – Love Potion / $14 3. Happy Heart Porcelain Dish – Herbie the Happy Heart / $15 4. iPhone 6/6s Case – Love You Mean It / $20 5. Sweet Talk Assorted Pen Set / $14   OTG/247 (Available at www.otg247.com): 6. #3 / $45 7. The Essentials Set (1, 4, 5, 6, 8) / $225 8. Mini Luggage Tags / $30

LIFESTYLE, Living, MSM Online

Say ‘Olyve You’ This Valentine’s Day

By Gisel Habibnejad Lately, roses and flowers have taken center stage of every interior design concept. Olyve is taking it a step further by offering floral designs and cheeky vase illustrations. This Valentine’s Day, Olyve is launching a limited edition bouquet Olyve + Alexandra with the option of adding candy by Christopher Elbow Artisanal Chocolate Ganaches and a card to show extra devotion on this extra special day. They even offer a unique delivery service, for those spending Valentine’s Day away from their loved ones with a personalized video message to go along with the gift. The seasonal bouquet is offered until February 14th for $150. For more information, please visit www.olyve.com

Culinary, MSM Online

Norman Love Confections’ Limited Edition First Love Valentine’s Day Chocolate Collection

By Gisel Habibnejad Photography by Norman Love Confections is a premier chocolatier specializing in the art of dessert that is not only pleasing to the taste buds, but to the eyes. With flavors ranging from dark chocolate, milk chocolate, white chocolate, and truffles, this is the chocolate lover’s dream destination. In 2009, it was included in the “Top 10 Chocolatiers in North America” by Dessert Magazine. This Valentine’s Day they have a special treat (or 10) for you. The limited edition First Love Valentine’s Day Collection includes 5 Spice, Lime, French Silk, Gianduja, Crema Catalana, Muscadine, Éclair, Java Fudge, and Pineapple. Don’t miss out on gifting your sweetheart one of the best sweets this Valentine’s Day! For more information, please visit www.normanloveconfections.com

Culinary, Culture, MSM Online, The Issue

Valentine’s Day Sweets for Your Sweetheart

By Justina Coronel Valentine’s Day is filled with thumping hearts, cupid floating, and lots of love flowing. This special day only reinforces the love that you have for the one that you care about the most; they truly deserve a toast. But, there is no better way to show your affection than exploring the ultimate dessert destinations around Miami. Not only will your loved ones adore you, but so will your taste buds. Barton G The lavish and extraordinary display of these desserts will exceed any of your expectations. The extravagant choices include Marie Antoinette’s Head – Let Them Eat Cake, which features a head displayed with a swirl of cotton candy as hair surrounded by strawberry shortcakes, fresh berries, and schlag. The 7 Deadly Sweets has different levels of desirable desserts such as dulce de leche, la mancha-saffron apple tart, tres leches, caramel flan, tiramisu, mango cheesecake, and honey bonuelos. If that wasn’t enough, the Baked Alaskan Everglades is a seven-story red velvet ice cream cake wrapped in toasted meringue and candy apple cherry. The Sabrina Sundae also features a giant martini filled with a variety of house-made ice creams and outrageous toppings, and the Brain Freeze is a chocolate fudge mousse cake that has spiced chocolate nougat and gianduja. Barton G is located at 1427 West Ave, Miami Beach, FL For more information on Barton G, please visit www.bartong.com The Melting Pot The restaurant has a special four-course dinner for two that tends to sell out every year weeks in advance. Guests will be able to indulge in the ultimate fondue experience with a simple dip. The chocolate fondue is served with fresh strawberries, bananas, sugared marshmallow treats, pound cake, blondies, and brownies. The fondues vary on preference but guests can never go wrong with the classic Pure Chocolate, which offers milk, dark, or white chocolate that is melted to perfection, or you can have a mix of both worlds of the Yin & Yang, which has both dark and white chocolate. Guests can even call the restaurant and ask for any of the special packages provided, which can involve flowers or chocolate covered strawberries waiting on the table. The Melting Pot is located at 11520 Sunset Dr., Miami, FL For more information on The Melting Pot, please visit www.meltingpot.com Sweetness Bakeshop This award winning family owned 1950s-dinerinspired color scheme bakeshop has freshly baked products varying from delicious cupcakes to a variety of Valentine’s Day treats. The desserts include all Valentine’s Day themed desserts from chocolate-covered strawberries to Rice Krispies shaped hearts to heart-shaped cupcakes in order to provide all the sweetness that you need. Sweetness Bake Shop is located at 9549 SW 72nd St, Miami, FL For more information on Sweetness Bake Shop, please visit www.sweetnessbakeshop.net Donut Divas & Fun Foods Shop This fun-food carnival themed restaurant serves fair foods that will have you craving for more. From mini donuts that are made hot and fresh to mini funnel cakes that are fried on site. The ultimate delight, though, is the deep fried candy bars and fried Oreos/fried red velvet Oreos, in which the treats are dipped in donut batter and fried until golden. This is the ultimate food festival and carnival galore. Donut Divas & Fun Foods Shop is located at 5779 SW 8th St, Miami, FL For more information on Donut Divas & Fun Foods Shop, please visit www.donutdivas.com Click here to view this post in the MSM January/February 2016 digital issue

Accessories, Fashion, MSM Online

8 Leather Goods Women Will Love From Shinola’s Newest Collection

By Gisel Habibnejad 2016 just began but before we know it, we’re in February. We now have something else to look forward to besides Valentine’s Day—the launch of Shinola’s first ever women’s leather collection! Located in Wynwood, the boutique offers only the best in leather so MSM couldn’t wait to see what’s in store for the new collection. We were pleasantly surprised to see handbags of all shapes, sizes, colors, and uses. Each leather good screams simplicity with an edge—just right for the upcoming season. 1. Medium Tote (Natural) 2. Mini Zip Backpack (Natural) 3. Drawstring (Regatta Blue) 4. Small Envelope Messenger (Regatta Blue) 5. Accordion Clutch (Natural) 6. Small Accordion Wallet (Red) 7. Large Accordion Organizer (Black) 8. Wide Double Wrap (Black) The Shinola Wynwood boutique is located at 2399 NW 2nd Avenue For more information, please visit www.shinola.com

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