All The Open Tabs

Miami Summer Date Spots

2015-07-01T14:48:00.000-07:00

Date night in Miami is never boring. With plenty of date night spots to choose from (some which come with enviable instgram post worthy views) and activities to engage in every day of the week, Miami's beautiful people always have options of different venues to tag #datenight from.

Vagabond Motel and Restaurant: Old Meets New: Rekindle old flames at this motel turned hot spot. Skip the beach on date night and you will be pleasantly surprised.

Live Music

Great Drinks

Artsy Vibes

Poolside Moments

Vagabond Restaurant- Vegetarian Options

Fabulous Cucumber Salad

Matador Room: Good friend and Miami's new it chef Jeremy Ford heads the kitchen at this Jean-Georges restaurant. Whether sitting inside or outside, this is a venue that the food is as good as the ambiance.

Tomato and Berry Gazpacho, just in time for summer

Pea Guacamole. Because I don't agree with POTUS and the NYT is a trustworthy source

Picture EditionHotels.com

Picture MatadorRoom.com

Mignonette: A little oyster spot that has the best no BS seafood, pumps 90s hits and whose hashtag is #FuckingFancy? Sold!

Little Havana: Discover a world beyond the beach and downtown by strolling down calle 8 in Little Havana. There you will find Fruteras (fruit stands that usually carry jugo de guarapo *sugar cane juice, you're welcome), Ventanitas (little windows that serve cafe cubano and pastries), cigar rolling stores and Ball & Chain, a famous live band establishment with the best refreshing mojitos.

Frutera

Ventanita

Great selfie opp

Medianoche from one of the restaurants

Azucar Ice Cream Company, where "Abuela" is queen

Ball & Chain

Fresh Mojitos at Ball & Chain

The best way to see Little Havana is with a Little Havana Culinary Tour with Miami Culinary Tours or to go down there and just explore on your own.

I hope you all enjoyed your new Miami date night options and leave comments below with what your perfect date night looks like.

Xoxo,

Jomary Jimenez

Social Media Girl (and date night connoisseur)

Free Fitness Classes Sweep Miami this Summer

2015-05-29T08:22:00.000-07:00

We all "plan to workout". We all wake up on Monday morning or go to sleep Sunday night with the promise of a healthier week upon us. Enter Tuesday. Taco Tuesday a that. With the city of Miami having daily themed epicurean offers (Bourbon & Bacon) and hard to say no to happy hours, the magic city is unarguably the worst place to keep up with your diet.

Lately, maybe answering our needs of keeping ourselves "in check" or to further add options to our already saturated personal calendars, Miami has sweeped the county (ok maybe just the cool neighborhoods) with different fitness classes that bring new meaning to the term happy hour. Best part about it? They're all FREE.

Taken at +Canvas Miami at +Jennifer Pansa's Yoga Soundscape experience

Here you will find a compiled list of free yoga classes throughout the week and not to miss fitness events for the summer (some with the detox to retox option included).

Sundays at the +Mondrian South Beach Hotel: Beautiful views and you are already feeling good about starting your new "healthy lifestyle" on Monday

Mondays & Wednesdays: Green Monkey provides free classes at the North Shore Bandshell and at Collins Park at 6pm

+Freehand Miami also offers a Mantra Monday yoga class free of charge across the beach from the hostel. ADDED BONUS: Happy Hour to follow at the new 27 Restaurant!

Yoga Sounscape Series is back with +Jennifer Pansa  and her Ansa Yoga team on June 16th! RSVP has not yet been opened, but with +Sound Off Silent Disco Events involved and Suja cold pressed cocktails, this summer event is sure to have you perfecting that downward dog in no time! Find more pictures of the 1st Yoga Soundscape experience HERE

Summer Solstice at Collins Park: Join Green Monkey and the City of Miami Beach in what promises to be an evening of yoga and community. Arrival time is 6pm and ADDED BONUS: Food Trucks!

June 20th +BarreMotionFitness host their 1-Year Anniversary Celebration co-sponsored by the +Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce --> ALL classes on Saturday will be complimentary! ADDED BONUS: mimosas, cold-pressed juices provided by +SUJA Juice, treats and prizes after each class!

Summer Soulstice at the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens: Join +Athleta to bring in the summer on June 21st at 9:30 am and join local wellness gurus and vendors while enjoying a mini concert by Nacho Londono

Yoga + Happy Hour presented by Think Red and hosted by Carol of Carolosiphy at the +Shelborne Wyndham Grand South Beach. The event goes from 7-9pm but you could definitely join me later for a little +Morimoto South Beach ;)

+lululemon Lincoln Road's run club will take you on an invigorating 3-4 mile run on Thursday June 25th then end up at +Exhale Miami - South Beach  for a nice yoga stretch and some chair massages!

South Beach Fitness Festival- July 11th: Free classes with Miami's top personal trainers, healthy snacks and clean eating lessons? Yes please!

Some more photos from Miami's free fitness events I have recently enjoyed:

#SpringHarvest free yoga +Arts + Entertainment District Miami

#LeggingsLounge at +Shelborne Wyndham Grand South Beach

A little taste of the Sound Off Yoga experience brought to us by the +Arts + Entertainment District Miami

Will I be seeing you at these yogi gatherings? What other events could you add to the list?

Xoxo,

Jomary Jimenez

Social Media Girl (and a true #DetoxToRetox participant)

Seed Food & Wine Updates: Save the Date!

2015-05-13T07:52:00.000-07:00

Hello my health conscious friends!

As a committee member of +Seed Food & Wine Festival it is my pleasure to invite you to a couple of upcoming events (all good for you of course!).

Now, most of you know 2 things about me: 1. I eat almost everything (shame on me) and 2. I complain constantly of not having good food options in Broward. After going to my first committee meeting and trying so many delicious vegan options (local and national), this has all changed. Not only were these delicious treats good for you, they are also readily available in our own neighborhoods! Shawnees Greenthumb Popcorn is a great example, available at +Whole Foods Market all throughout Florida. Warning: this popcorn is ALL organic and HIGHLY addictive! I was also told about +Green Bar & Kitchen which I have yet to try and is located in Fort Lauderdale (I'll let you know when I go, maybe you'll join).

Now for the opening and upcoming events you all came here for:

Parlour Vegan Bakery 1487 S University Drive, Plantation (in the ONE shopping center)

On May 16th from 10 A.M. to 7 P.M. come out to the Parlour Vegan Bakery's GRAND OPENING! There will be plenty of goodies for you to try and the place is super adorable. A plus? It's in Broward for all you northern folks!

On May 21st +Loren Pulitzer is hosting a cooking class and tasting at Simple Steps in Miami. At this event you will learn how to cook easy and equally delicious plant based recipes. RSVP at info@simplesteps.me, cost is $35.

SAVE THE DATE:

+Seed Food & Wine Festival is back November 18-22! With an outdoor yoga event, a burger battle, a "Sprout Day" for kids and a festival that promises to be bigger and better than last year's, Seed Food & Wine is fun for your entire healthy-living lovin' family. Learn more about this 5 day festival HERE and stay tuned for more plant-based focused events to come!

Xoxo,

Jomary Jimenez

Social Media Girl (and now participator of #meatlessmondays)

Soho Bay: New Asian Fusion Restaurant in Miami Beach

2015-04-02T20:16:00.000-07:00

After much anticipation, our friends at +Miami New Times and +Miami.com igniting our curiosity to this yummy Brazil native, and an Executive Chef straight from +50 Eggs , Inc.'s Khong River House... Soho Bay has finally arrived in Miami!

Below are 14 photos of the grand opening, their beautiful views and even better F&B. Time to add this to the #DateNight list Miami!

Enviable views

Arrive by land (like me)

Or sea as they have their own private slip

DJ Jina Marie knows nothing "beats" outdoor entertaining in Miami

Inside dining area

Nitrogen Cucumber Mojito Cocktails were a hit!

Hand crafted Caipirinha (Brazil's national drink) from the bar

Instagramable hotspot? I think so!

A mix of tequila, passion fruit and Thai chili syrup, served in a green bell pepper

Blue Fin Tuna

Soho Bay Chefs hard at work

Walnut Tofu: roasted walnut, shitake, wakame, and bonito flakes

Stay for the light show at night

Now that you've seen what to order, drink and where to have your selfie moments, make sure you make your way to Soho Bay, opening on the 7th of this month at 520 West Ave., in Miami Beach. For more information follow them on Facebook, Instagram and/or Twitter or visit their website .

Xoxo,

Jomary Jimenez

Social Media Girl (and extreme lover of sushi and outdoor dining)

Yoga Soundscape- Another Cool Event in the Arts + Entertainment Disctrict

2015-04-02T18:48:00.000-07:00

After receiving a couple of emails from the +Arts + Entertainment District Miami and Prism Music Group that included quirky, out of the ordinary events (which by the way had me with major FOMO due to something always coming up on the exact dates these too cool for the beach events were happening), I decided to finally take the time to check out the new neighborhood everybody's ~~talking~~ posting about.

After a quick RSVP to +Canvas Miami and Ansa Yoga's Yoga Soundscape event, I can tell you I am now more than ever enamored with not only the concept of silent disco (which I first was introduced to during Miami Fashion Week by +Koncept Events), but with the overall sense of community Miami exudes as well.

Where else do they offer free, soul nurturing events led by a very upbeat +Jennifer Pansa in a cool, instagram-friendly space where people can arrive solo and make new friends while dancing to beats only they can hear?

Photo by +Thank You Miami

Word on the street is, Yoga Soundscape is coming back this summer. If I were you I'd start signing up for some newsletters to find out when and to see what other cool events this hip neighborhood has up its streets http://theprismmusicgroup.com, http://aedistrictmiami.com/community. Also keep a close eye on Canvas Miami. You will get a major case of FOMO if you don't.

Xoxo,

Jomary Jimenez

Social Media Girl (who you would swear lives in Miami huh?)

Las Vegas: A Love/Hate Relationship

2015-02-18T17:19:00.000-08:00

If you've read my previous blog about Vegas, you know I'm not a fan. This time around, I had company which made the couple of days spent in the City of Sin not bad at all. I even got to taste some really good Brussels Sprouts (which I am obsessed with) in not 1 but 2 restaurants! Beyond that, I saw the side of Vegas that wasn't all day clubs and night messes.

Arrive:

Stay: (Preferably the one within, you'll see what I mean ;) )

Vegas for the Epicurious:

Remember those Brussels sprouts I mentioned above? They're below and you can find them at +Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill.

Go to +Bellagio Las Vegas. See the fountains up close and personal from Todd English's Olive. Splurge on a good Malbec recommended by your server. Do all this while taking a bite out of this Chicken Margherita sandwich full of crispy prosciutto, buffalo mozzarella, arugula, tomato fondue, basil aioli, toasted ciabatta and that comes accompanied by sweet potato fries. You're welcome.

There's the Fremont Experience. You don't have to keep your neck in pain for long. You can leave and go to Park on Fremont. If it's Tuesday get the "Street Tacos" and any of their drinks which come in cute mason jars. Then go take endless pictures of the Cinderella carriage on top of the roof and the "fucking beautiful" sign that must be instagramed. Spoiler alert: You may never get the perfect picture of the carriage due to lighting.

Park on Fremont

Street Tacos: Simply Delicious!

The Unicorn

While in Vegas, I did go and get one of these bad boys at +Yardbird Southern Table & Bar at the Venetian. Because... Bacon.

Lunch at Giadas

Rose Rabbit Lie: Brussels

Crush at the MGM: Moscow Mules and Small Plates before KÀ by Cirque du Soleil.

And of course... the theatrical dishes that surpass them all need no introductions.

Explore:

+Goorin Bros. Hats and cool décor

+The LINQ Literally be in your own bubble. With drinks and a 360 view of Las Vegas

Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat

The man himself was there: Siegfried Fischbacher

Sightsee for Free:

Fall of Atlantis Caesars Palace Forum Shops

Brahma Shrine: nestled in the Roman Plaza behind Serendipity 3

Bellagio Art, just look up

Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York

Statue of Liberty Replica in New York New York Hotel

Paris Globe at Paris Hotel

Until next time Vegas! You and I may still have a chance.

What are your thoughts on Vegas? Leave them below!

Xoxo,

Jomary Jimenez

Top things I learned at #SMSSummit

2015-02-09T11:31:00.000-08:00

Another successful Social Media Strategies Summit has ended and I couldn't express how happy I am I chose to attend a 2nd time around. With the tragedies of my first Vegas trip, I was sure that if I ever did attend this summit again, it wouldn't be in Sin City. I'm glad I did go back to the city of sin and in return got a few needed insights from people I admire and follow religiously on twitter and different views on what I already thought I knew.

Below you will find 10 things learned at #SMSSummit:

Stop stupid marketing: Provide value, listen to customers, and don’t forget why you are on the platform. Stop making it about yourself. Your goals should always be to help the customer achieve their goals. - +Pam Moore (Keynote Speaker)
Community Engagement: Inspire action, find your influencers, create a shareable customer experiences, amplify positive word of mouth - +DocuSign (Content as tasty as Bacon- Briana Dinsmore)
If you are targeting GEN Y aka Millennials you must know they reject the mundane and celebrate disruption. They also are very doubtful of overly strategized marketing tactics and pictures rule this generation and +Instagram is their platform. - +matt heindl +Razorfish
Anatomy of a good tweet: Includes call to actions, Tweets should sound human, not like an ad, Tweets should also speak to a specific audience and no more than 2 hashtags should be used. +Emily Freilino +Twitter
Build your brand on +YouTube but also use Google Hangouts on Air for creating unique video content and find quality equipment that fits your budget for both - +Grant Tilus
80% of buyers prefer to be enticed through content marketing as opposed to ordinary advertising- +TrackMaven
Globalize your social presence- Use globally used hashtags for your content and engagement strategy- +Elly Deutch +Garrett Popcorn
+Tracy Hermans loves her kale and shows us how "Messages directly engage and promotions are less liked"
Don't be afraid to give your brand personality. Be funny, sympathize, poke fun - +Likeable Media
That no matter how many times you think you have heard the same "speech"(you know the ones: "Content is king", "Be human", etc.,), there are always those people that make you see things in another perspective when presenting their knowledge and passion for social media.

What You Missed at the Hess SoBe Seafood Festival- Seafood & Sneaker Ball

2014-10-27T06:08:00.000-07:00

If you know South Beach, you know there is always something going on or in the works and this weekend was no exception. On Friday, October 24th, the "Chef Showdown" was held at the Seafood & Sneakers Ball where restaurants were in competition under the GOYA pavilion on 9th and Ocean. Rain among us, we guests shared the opportunity of walking around and enjoying tastings from the old, the new and the ever-changing participating Miami restaurants and chefs. We also enjoyed cocktails from Bacardi and Hess Collection wines (which are not bad at all may I add).

Celebrity Chef and current owner of +Naked Taco, Ralph Pagano,was there and so were his lobster empanadas. Holy Goodness! There was so much seafood around yet I knew to make my way to the table of those who brought me duck chicharrones, lime, cilantro crema & spicy cucumber all in a taco shell, as they never dissapoint me. The new Siena Tavern Miami taking over the old China Grill spot and New York Times best selling author Chef Fabio Viviani were also there showing off what we can expect from their Italian #fromscratch menu. Red the Steakhouse, Florida Cookery, Oceanaire, Dolce Italian, City Hall, Café Avanti, CIBO, and Poseidon were some of the other restaurants also present.

Chef Viviani talks seafood with host and restauranteurRalph Pagano

Naked Taco Lobster Empanada gets all my chips

While Saturday's main event was the main attraction to the festival, my experience at the "Chef Showdown" at the Seafood and Sneaker ball was def cooler. Besides, not all events I get invited to I get to wear chucks.

More seafood journeys to come my friends! It's #StoneCrabSeason after all :)

Xoxo,

Jomary Jimenez

Social Media Girl (and seafood in chucks extraordinaire)

Yoga and Our Community- Miami Beach

2014-10-26T11:36:00.000-07:00

Yoga is a discipline of exercise that is not unfamiliar among Miami locals. With free yoga on Saturdays, many yoga instructors offering classes based on donation and The James Royal Palm playing host for Wellness Days once a month, yogis can practically practice any day of the week in the 305.

One of my favorite all inclusive yogi day is at The James. Instructor Noelle Bowman is who welcomes you to your Saturday early morning practice at The James. The music is upbeat and the view is nothing less than what you expect from Miami Beach.

Breakfast is provided after your 45 minute practice by Florida Cookery, the hotel's locally-sources restaurant. Kale chips, fresh pressed juices and yogurt and fruit parfaits were offered. After they have you nice and content? They finish off with a 15 minute massage compliments of RENEW THE SPA.

The next couple of wellness days are listed below. RSVP to James@carmapr.com as space is limited.

Saturday, November 22nd
Saturday, December 13th
Saturday, December 20th

Can't wait until November 22nd? +Miami New Times shares where to get your yoga on for free or by donation only

Xoxo,

Jomary Jimenez

Social Media Girl (and your new yoga buddy)

Summer in South Florida- My 2014 Photo Recap

2014-08-31T17:26:00.000-07:00

Since moving to Florida and no matter what city I have lived in, I was always a Fort Lauderdale girl. When anybody mentioned their birthday or event would be in Miami, I remember always reconsidering how good of a friend they were if they were to have me drive "down south". I loved everything about Fort Lauderdale: From their not so original restaurants to the cool coffee shop not everybody knew about. Last year, I noticed my whole perceptive change. "Down south" was seeing me more than my original love.

This summer was my first summer official summer in Miami Beach. After working for a year as a social media manager and networking like crazy, I quickly came to realize that Miami is nothing like my slow paced Fort Lauderdale and that every day "You're in Miami Bitch".

A look back at my #summer14. A mix between good friends, sweet events and food & cocktails of course.

Skipping out on MBFW and having laughs at +Freehand Miami

Supporting Friend, Hostess and Poetess at Blend the Femme, Segovia Pagan

July 9, 2014: Malibu Island Spiced Summer Soiree at the +Mondrian South Beach Hotel with +Lauren Conrad

You're Welcome ;)

Lauren Conrad

Jilly Hendrix

Good eats with a side of trendy crafted cocktails:

Michael Mina 74 +Fontainebleau Miami Beach

Octopus Ceviche at 15 Steps

Gold rimmed smoked bourbon at 15 Steps

Fort Lauderdale catches up later in the summer with a new crafted cocktail bar, a new favorite salad and a restaurant that has become a regular:

Bar Stache, Downtown Fort Lauderdale

Smoked bourbon (because if you have it, I'm having it)

Magic Potions at Bar Stache

Crispy chunks of warm pork belly, cool crisp watermelon and feta tossed in a light vinaigrette and a hint of fresh mint from 13Even

S3 Sampler. Food is also some of the best in Fort Lauderdale!

A Perfect Day in Resorts World Bimini

2014-08-26T18:30:00.000-07:00

The most relaxing vacation you will probably ever take is only 50 miles from the coast of South Florida. Resorts World Bimini, located on North Bimini, a 7 mile long and 700 ft. wide island is a place best known as a gambler's destination. With my fabulous one night stay, I'd say that statement is questionable.

When travelling to Bimini, most choose Bimini SuperFast , which departs from the Port of Miami at 9am and reaches Resorts World Bimini at 12:30pm. I on the other hand, was lucky enough to fly over on a sea plane.

Bimini From Up Top

Half an hour and a couple of selfies later, I arrive at RWBimini and the feeling of relaxation takes over.

We (I like to travel in good company) are picked up from front desk in a black SUV and taken to our 3 bedroom 2 bathroom oceanfront villa. I was immediately enamored.

I grabbed a Kalik from the fridge and went outside. I couldn't believe I just opened the door and there it was, the Atlantic Ocean.

My first stop after choosing the best room (french doors that open out towards the ocean? Yes please!), was to feed the insatiable hunger that I possess. I stopped by The Healing Hole, an al fresco restaurant on property located next to one of two marinas. Big screens, cheerful servers and a yummy conch salad is what you can expect. There is an open BBQ grill that smelled amazing and has me regretting not having tried it. This restaurant is open daily until late and has several games you can play while you wait for your food like Dominoes and a ring toss (where a hook is mounted to the wall and the object is for you to hook a ring by tossing the ring towards it).

Fed, I moved on to yes, a little casino action... It is there after all!

Being hungry again after a nice win, I opted for dinner at Sabor, Resorts World Bimini’s signature restaurant. Helmed by Executive Chef Jimmy Sakatos, Sabor, offers Prime Aged Steak and fresh seafood in a gorgeous setting overlooking one of the property’s two pools and MegaYacht Marina.

...But not before watching the sunset.

Lamb Chops from Sabor

Beautiful Sunset Bimini

By the time I left Sabor I was ready for bed! Tomorrow was another day and my seaplane was running late due to weather. I woke up the next morning to a plate of fresh fruit and sweeping views of the Atlantic.

Though this was just a 2 day 1 night trip, the relaxing ambiance and cool island vibe made the short trip one of the most serene experiences on a vacation I have ever had. I can't wait to go back and check out their new hotel coming in the winter.

Here's the scoop on that straight from RWB:

"Coming in the winter of 2014, Resorts World Bimini’s new 305-room marina hotel will offer luxury accommodations, water views and state-of-the-art conference meeting space. Stylish and sophisticated, the hotel seamlessly blends the island's beauty with its modern interiors. Floor-to-ceiling windows in common areas offer abundant natural light, while thoughtful touches such as sleek furnishings, LED lighting and marble bathrooms create serene tropical havens in guest rooms and villas. A rooftop-pool with sweeping ocean views and in-water VIP tables will add to the hotel's elegant allure, along with a fitness center and full-service spa."

Now that you've read about my trip, how about you take a trip of your own? Have a passport? Perfect! Follow @rwbimini on instagram and repost the picture below for your chance to win a day trip for 2 to Resorts World Bimini aboard the SuperFast. The winner will be selected in a RANDOM drawing from all eligible entries on Monday, September 8th. Good luck!

Xoxo,

Jomary Jimenez

Social Media Girl

The Future of Twitter and Vine with @FashionWeekNYC

2014-07-25T19:30:00.000-07:00

With my lack of enthusiasm for the world of fashion (did you just cringe?) and having the opportunity to host a tweetologist at +Eden Roc Miami Beach, I decided to kick off #MBFWSwim with an open discussion of "The Future of Twitter & Vine". Nathan Sobezki, also known as @FashionWeekNYC on his social networks, came to Miami for +Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and was kind enough to provide us with the scoop on his start and why Twitter & Vine are his platforms of choice.

@FashionWeekNYC open discussion on Twitter & Vine

Nathan, as explained by my friend and real time connector +John Peter Mahoney, has 7 years experience as a consultant for Jennifer Black & Associates. Nathan checks the shopping malls every weekend and the pulse of the everyday consumer, overall weekly promotions, mall traffic and collects social data that is applied to the same store sales and forward looking earnings on wall street. On top of that, Nathan is also the guy whose Twitter account beat out Style.com & Vogue during Fashion Week in 2014. With an additional 5 Years experience in the social media industry, Nathan is a Tweetologist that leads the @FashionWeekNYC Twitter account with 245,000 + followers. He started Vining (is that a word?) June 4th of 2013 and currently has 6,114 followers and 414,554 loops. His vines of his stay at the Eden Roc? Over 200,000 loops.

Vine, though dying down for a bit due to instagram's launch of their video option, is back on the map as some brands have started flocking to the app to provide their audience with 6 second clips of their products/services. Their audience, very accepting, are viewing this content (multiple times) and engaging with these brands by commenting, revining or simply sharing the content via other mediums to their peers. As for community managers, the interest lies in how easy it is to track engagement (loops, revines, etc). There's a true social element to the way Vine works: Engaging your brand whether personal or professional, opens up visibility to those who take notice of innovative persons initiating creative conversations and breaking new ground in the social realm.

Twitter, on the other hand, has never really "died down". Depicted as the "Largest information center in the world" by CEO Dick Costolo, Twitter has plans in becoming even bigger than Facebook (according to +Forbes) This may just be possible with Quarter 2 kicking off with 271 million active monthly users.

Below, some pictures and takeaways of this event:

Breakfast and Plenty of Mimosas

Miami's social media enthusiasts

And now the takeaways put together by +Brenda Leguisamo:

Any events involving social media, are always of interest and rightfully my favorites. I find I have been writing so much about food and places for you all to visit, that I haven't really shared any knowledge on what I know and love best: Social Media.

I did leave a little knowledge at our discussion though: "Don't worry about losing a follower. Losing a follower is just the sound of your audience getting better"... But I think this was something that stuck with me from last year's NYUSMI class. More to come nevertheless...

Xoxo,

Jomary Jimenez

Social Media Girl

#SMWMiami Kickoff at Haven South Beach

2014-07-12T22:04:00.000-07:00

Social Media Week kicks off in Miami on September 22nd 2014 and I couldn't be more excited! Social Media week is a worldwide event that takes place twice a year where social media enthusiasts get together to hear about the impact social media has on our communities, businesses and most importantly, the world. This message is mainly delivered by influential keynote speakers we social geeks swoon over, for example, one of my favorites, Ramon De Leon, who I had the pleasure of meeting and hearing his amazing story at last year's Social Media Summit in Vegas.

Though the schedule has not been completely published, Event Crowd and Creativas Group has been working hard to provide us with the best speakers and events and also hosted a "kick-off" party last Thursday at Haven South Beach to get Miami's social influencers to come together and network with complimentary welcome cocktails provided by Finlandia.

+Ernesto Sosa getting social in real time. Picture by Cristina "Crispi" Pimenta

Last summer, I also had the pleasure of meeting Nicky Yates who was one of the keynote speakers at my NYU Social Media Intensive course and was representing SocialMediaWeek and crowd centric. This was the little gem she provided us with who still, til this day, is my favorite video to show all who question what it is that I "really do".

To learn more about social media week and how you can attend or get involved visit http://socialmediaweek.org/miami/

And Suddenly, It Was Summer in Miami...

2014-07-01T07:36:00.000-07:00

Summer came and you still have not taken time out to decide where you will be hashtagging #Summer14 from. You fear that by the time you decide where to go, Expedia will stop running those 72 hour heart pounding specials or that your local news will announce another week of rain. Don't Fear! You can still stay in South Florida and engage in the sunny (or gloomy) fun Miami Beach and some of it's surrounding cities have to offer.

So where do you find a summer vacation in a place that can't decide whether it will be sunny or gloomy for the day? RESTAURANTS AND BARS!

My choices for a quick mental getaway and #summer14 worthy pictures.

The Broken Shaker: A bar within a hostel that's a mix between your Santera's waiting room and Tinkerbell's backyard. Add $11 hand crafted (for real) cocktails, a pool, a side of cured meats and Zak the baker bread and what you have is a mini vaca where you can afford to bring all of your friends.Extra bonus? They give you a paper fan to help you beat the Miami heat (I could make a joke here, but I want you to keep reading). The broken shaker is open Monday – Friday, 6pm-2am and weekends, 2pm-2am and is located within The Freehand Miami.

The Bar

The Frenchie & Some Agave

Cute Fa n

Outside

Cured Meats & Zak The Baker Bread

Potions and Recipes

Sandbar Lounge: Located in a part of Miami you are most likely not to go to (NORTH BEACH insert cringe here), resides a bar where Natalie the bartender encourages you to take shots of Patron since you already have your suede heels in the sand. Sandbar Lounge has good music, a daily happy hour from 4pm-8pm and a complimentary buffet if you dare. Don't expect to find tourists of any nature here, unless you want to disguise yourself as one. After all, this is your summer.

Sand Covered Floor

Bar Area

ChillBar: Inside Yellow Green Farmer's Market, ChillBar is a place best explained by its title. Beyond being one of the coolest place I have ever been to, the small restaurant has amazing food and cocktails. I have only been here for Brunch but I can tell you it's all I needed for this place to make the list. If you are a locavore and enjoy organic and sustainable ingredients to make up your food, this is the place for you. If you are a person that is not satisfied with the mere bottomless Mimosas and Bloody Mary's offered at some establishments to accompany your brunch and prefer a cocktail which is both well done and artistic enough to need no filter, this place is also for you. Tip: Make reservations, this place gets packed (954) 513-3990.

Ginger and Peach Infused Mimosa, Goat Cheese and Fig Omelette, Craft Beers and Cucumber Water

Although instagram pretty, these places also provide you with good times and the feeling of a quick and much cheaper getaway. The cool factors of each place are just an added bonus.

Xoxo,

Jomary Jimenez

Social Media Girl (and your drinking/eating buddy if you'd like)

ELLE Rocs Athleta 305 Style

2014-06-30T09:02:00.000-07:00

If I'm waking up early and walking into work with yoga pants you know it's +ELLE Magazine joining +Athleta at the +Eden Roc Miami Beach for a day of yoga and rooftop socializing. Being the hotel's social media girl, it was my job to get all the bts footage and make sure everyone was having a good time and hashtagging away. The event was to celebrate Athleta Lincoln Road's store opening with Miami's beloved yogi's and to also bring awareness to the community of their new store. I couldn't resist joining in and showing off my flexible skills. Somewhat.

+Athleta Girls waiting for their yoga instructor

+Jahzel Dotel having a blast with Ariom

Me, not bad right? Thank you for the balance +Jahzel Dotel

#PowerToTheShe, +Athleta's slogan with +Thank You Miami

A Good Morning Overall

Now for some ELLE Spa rooftop fun and shameless promo:

+Thank You Miami , +Gisselle Jimenez , +Tatiana Ceballos

Me, +Thank You Miami , +Gisselle Jimenez

+Maria Tettamanti , our host, and friend

+John Peter Mahoney , +Thank You Miami , +Tatiana Ceballos

Me, +John Peter Mahoney , +Tatiana Ceballos

Me, +John Peter Mahoney , +Thank You Miami , +Gisselle Jimenez

Welcome to Miami +Athleta, I promise you'll love it here.

Xoxo,

Jomary Jimenez

Social Media Girl

To Eat This Summer, Migrate South

2014-05-30T19:47:00.001-07:00

After my last serious eating escapade and gaining 10 extra pounds this spring, I decided that my unapologetic love of good food and the restaurants that serve it deserved a list. Yes, there are millions of lists out there of "Where To Eat In Miami". And yes, at times I do get invited to taste new menus and openings of certain restaurants. To my defense, know that just as unapologetic as I am for my love of good food, I am the same regarding my opinion towards the lack of it. This list will show you raw, unscripted, iPhone 5 taken pictures and perspective of what to eat, what to expect and how instagramable these restaurants really are (it's what I do).

Disclaimer: These restaurants are only in the order of first come first serve. No reservations were taken for special seating.

Tongue & Cheek
Location: SoFi/South Beach (South of Fifth for you tourists)

Tongue & Cheek has been written about over & over. You've heard of Jamie De Rosa (and if you haven't do your homework), the great collabos and the outstanding reviews of his food. I'm just here to tell you the hype is real. I would recommend and probably go with anybody looking to indulge in amazing comfort food and a welcome tweet as soon as you check in. I have only tried brunch, but will soon return.

Any restaurant with mason jars in their decorations is worth the visit

Le' Brunch:

Eggs Benedict Brisket with the best hash brown's ever!

BLTA: Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato & Avocado

Touché
Location: Downtown Miami

Touché is not just any restaurant. Touché is a restaurant/ rooftop lounge with a retractable roof and beautiful people upstairs and apparently next door (I checked). The weekend before their grand opening, I was invited to eat at the restaurant and had the opportunity to also meet Chef Pellegrino. Both experiences were pleasurable. The restaurant itself holds maybe 50 seats but outside is made to order as well. Inside is all white and good for couples and maybe a couple of girlfriends grabbing dinner. Outside is where you want to be if the night calls for any type of celebration or you just bought a really cute dress you need to take instagramable pictures standing before a serious background that requires no filter.

Perfect View / Perfect Caption


Colorado Lamb Lollipops served with haricot vert, parma prosciutto (which I love) & caramelized onion mashed potato, veal reduction and house made mint sauce. Side of Lobster Mac & Cheese: broiled macaroni noodles and lobster medallions coated with lobster and manchego cheese sauce.

Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail & Beef Carpaccio

Atrio Restaurant and Wine Cellar

Location: Brickell +Conrad Miami

If you're a locavore and you're okay with straying from the beach, Atrio Restaurant and Wine Cellar is the place you want to visit.Two reasons: Executive Chef Virgile Brandel who solely provides locally sourced ingredients in his eclectic cuisine and the view.

Charcuterie Board

The view, the chef ,croquettes, tartar, Oh my!

Open Faced Pork Cheek Ravioli topped with escargot in a gremolata sauce. The best thing I have EVER had. #Thatserious

A chef that lets us have BTS shots get an A in my blog

Conclusion: Go to Atrio. You'll definitely fulfill your "culinary fantasies". The view also takes you somewhere outside of Miami. Go outside and enjoy!

Yard House:
Location: Miami Beach

I went to Yard House due to a happy hour +Thrillist Miami had. I wasn't really expecting to eat but so glad I did. Holy Hawaiian Poke! Yard House is full of locals and you will feel like you belong there. DON'T STAND OUT. Just kidding, they're cool with everybody. Nice presentation of food, totally instagramable pictures.

Hawaiian Poke Stack: Marinated raw ahi with crispy wontons, carrots, daikon radish, avocado, wasabi soy sauce
Lettuce Wraps: Stir fried, smoked tofu, pine nuts and green onions with three dipping sauces and choice chicken, tiger shrimp, or shiitake & portabella mushrooms
I didn't eat the pizza, ask these guys

Citrus Crush: Ketel One Citroen vodka, monin mojito, fresh mint leaves // Juniper Fusion: Hendrick's Gin, fresh strawberry & cucumber, orange bitters.

I look forward to keeping you updated with my picks and opinions about restaurants old and new, lord knows there is nothing to eat in Broward. Or is there? Stay tuned and enjoy your summer! Eat! Eff bikini season (if you're that worried, the Citrus Crush, is one of their "skinny" cocktails").

Xoxo,

Jomary Jimenez

(A much plumper) Social Media Girl

Love is Blind, Chef Morisi Brings Perspective

2014-03-26T20:41:00.000-07:00

Being the food lover that I am and not caring about the 10 extra pounds that I'm packing these days, when I recently got invited by the fabulous Liza Santana (Creativas Group) to a social tasting at Love is Blind in Coral Gables, the answer was clear. Being a fan of the Passion Group (having previously dined at LIB's sister restaurant Dolores, But You Can Call Me Lolita) and already having Crazy About You and Love Is Blind on my radar, I was excited to see what the romantically named restaurant was all about.When I walked inside, I was floored. Every detail within the restaurant had me completely enamored.

Lamps & Quotes Light Up The Entrance

Nautical Wall Art

Romantic Details, Half-Burned Candle

As they walked us to the back of the house, I was curious about what wow factor they would have in store for us as most restaurants try to take it up a notch when hosting "foodies" (Cringes at word). Well, they did have one (well, many) and all I could say is touché LIB, touché.

Casual Family Style Table, Back of The House

Chicharrones (Fried Pork Chunks) Centerpieces

As we were introduced to the owners of the restaurant and man of the hour Chef Morisi, who recently came from Italy to change things up at LIB (I'm making the acronym happen, don't judge me), we were also served up with some serious medicine. Ladies and gentlemen, may I present: Dr. Mojito.

Dr. Mojito (shot of Midori in the seringe)

Dr. Mojito was accompanied by some very tasty appetizers. Two of which, blew my mind. Guess which ones?

Prosciutto Pesto Focaccia Zeppelin

Flash Fried Asparagus and Popcorn

Pringle Calamari with Aoili

After finishing our appetizers and respective instagram posts, Chef Fabio Morisi brought out some more delicious food and intriguing stories to go along with it. Feed your hunger below.

Grilled artichokes, tomatoes, rosemary, garlic and shrimp were delivered straight from the oven... on the same paper it was grilled on! Talk about authentic.

Truffle Ravioli with Ricotta in a Madeira Sauce

As if the above wasn't enough, we were served more pasta and a theatrical tale told by Chef Morisi himself.

Strozzapreti an enlongated form of Cavatelli

Strozzapreti: or "Priest Chokers" got its name from Glutton Priests eating too fast and choking.. sometimes to death

And Lastly, dessert! A combinaiton of chocolate, gummy bears, sourpatches, fudge, etc.

Wait for the ultimate smash:

And a little bit of goodness straight from the mixing bowl!

Our time at Love is Blind was absolutely wonderful and yes, I will speak for all. Chef Morisi's persona and culinary delights are worth my drive to Coral Gables. For all of you that live there, you're welcome.

Oh! Almost forgot, shots of me and some cool, food driven people:

Photo by LIB Staff/ Monika Zdziebkowska's Phone?

Liza Santana, Romina Nabhen and I

I hear brunch is coming up. So look out for that too... and the blog to follow ;)

Xoxo,

Jomary Jimenez

Social Media Girl (Blinded by Love)

#ExpRunway a fashion soirée done right

2014-03-14T01:00:00.000-07:00

Spring has sprung in South Beach which means my inbox is filling up with more and more events to attend and I couldn't be happier. My favorite superwoman +D'ana Nunez , invited me to attend an +EXPRESS fashion show being held at the Raleigh Hotel which I attended yesterday after work in a leather Express black leather skirt and an old H&M mustard shirt. Fashionable.That's the only bad news, swear.

I gave my name to the "guy" at the door and he quickly provided me with a backstage access pass. Nice. I met up with D'ana and other fashion bloggers in a cabana set up with Express branded swag bag items and Voli Vodka next to its respective mixers. Touche Express, touche. Walking around, there were key factors to the event that as a social media freak, I would like to give extreme kudos for:

The Sand Sculpture, how many times do you think this was instagramed?

Sweet backstage access

Express and Voli= Perfect Combo

+D'ana Nunez, Fiercely pouring me a drink

A cabana next to Kate Upton

Free Manis from Candy Coat Nail Boutique

And then there was the holy grail of a call to action. The Express Runway live feed wall stood elegantly by itself encouraging you to hashtag, follow, tweet all while trying to find yourself on the incoming posts on the screen. It was all so overwhelming and absolutely perfect. This is how you throw an event. This is how you blow the mind of the girl that may not be that into fashion, but that shops your brand and that will more than likely blog about you later.

Oh yeah, this was about a fashion show. Click HERE to see a nice front row clip.

Where to next Miami?

Xoxo,

Jomary Jimenez

Social Media Girl

An Ice-top Bar, Great Conch and Massage Specials

2014-02-17T22:12:00.000-08:00

I'm a fan of travelling, but known to not enjoy cruises so much. I think they're corny, the food is bad and don't get me started on the entertainment. Following my life itinerary to always travel every 3 months, this past Valentine's weekend, I boarded +Celebrity Cruises (Century ship) and they managed to change my mind.

Celebrity Century

On February 12th, two days before Cupid's holiday, I boarded the Celebrity Century destined for the Bahamas at 12:00PM. I had reserved a room with a balcony and decided to upgrade (carpe diem!) to concierge class. Well worth it. When I entered my room a bottle of champagne and three green apples (which were replenished daily) stood elegantly on my table with "EAT ME" written all over it, well, you know, figuratively speaking. As for the room itself? A more than comfy bed, enough space to still find your way around the room regardless of how many articles of clothing you have lying on the floor and a balcony wide enough to pace back and forth on trying to cool off after still not finding an outfit for the night (even with all the over packing you have done for a 4 day cruise).

Celebrity Century, Balcony

Celebrity Century, Concierge Class

Champagne and Green Apples, Why Not?

Though I did enjoy most food served and obviously enjoyed the room upgrade, their ice-topped Martini Bar & Crush, first of its kind, has a perfectly, deliciously concocted Martini menu and was what I most enjoyed aboard the ship. The experiences on the island, food included of course, was above all, my favorite part of this trip.

Strawberry Martini topped with mint/over ice- Martini Bar & Crush

Other Favorites:

Bahamas Sand

Real Bahamian Conch Fritters From The Naughty Pirate Bar (Public Beach)

Tuna Crudo aka Better Food Than Expected

Mandara Spa, Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas

Bahamas Travel Tips:

If you are looking for things to do and you're a fan of massages, check out Mandara Spa's website, they seem to always be running specials. I got a 60 minute deep tissue massage for $99! That's $200 less than snorkeling with some dubious fishes and a whole lot more relaxing.
Don't buy anything from guys in taxi vans
$20 gets you all you can drink... of very bad liquor
Be safe. Go to The Naughty Pirate and buy your drinks. And your food (refer to voluptuous fried conch above). Extra plus? Free WiFi when you eat inside (password's on receipt)

I'd visit the Bahamas again just because it's easy, affordable and relaxing. Everything is stuck in chill mode and I'm OK with that.

Happy Travels,

Jomary Jimenez

Forever Wanderluster

Leaving Las Vegas... Possibly Never to Return Again.

2014-02-10T18:04:00.000-08:00

Needless to say by the title of this blog you already know my first experience in Vegas was a bit dreadful. The day started off with a trip to Whole Foods, my boss and I jamming in the car to "Echa Pa'lla (Manos Pa' Arriba)"by Pitbull and having no traffic whatsoever to MIA. That good vibe quickly changed when we arrived to LAS.

On February 4th, at approximately 10:29 PM, I arrived to LAS with the intentions of this being one of the best trips of my life. Not solely because it was the "City of Sin" and I had 3 nights to explore it, but because it was the first time I was going out anywhere on my very own. This was the first taste of independence I have had in a while. So I move on to go look for my bag, and to my surprise all bags were gone. I went to the claims department and noticed a black rolling suitcase that looked just like mine. A big sticker was on the bag that clearly stated Mr. Hart.

I quickly approached a young lady and asked her where my bag was and she looked at me and said "Claim ticket". I gave her my claim ticket and I told her that my bag actually looked like the one out there. She looked at me again and said "Oh an old man came looking for his bag and his name was Mr. Hart. He must have taken your bag by mistake". My heart sunk as I proceeded to ask her, "Well didn't you check his claim ticket as you checked mine?", "No, he was older, maybe we overlooked him. Besides, he thought he found his bag".

And then I proceeded to do this... Which by the way, I hate and would never do. I was just so frustrated...

Needless to say, the claims department called me every couple of hours to give me an update and even told me to go shopping for clothes until my bags came back to the airport. This made me feel a little better but I still feared for the iPad I had in my suitcase but then also felt a little relieved "he was older...". Before going to H&M and shopping away my mini depression, I opened the find my ipad app and put a message on there for Mr. Hart and went on to make sure everything was in order.

After I come back from shopping the front desk calls to say they have my bag. Now I don't know if taking it to twitter had anything to do with it, or if Mr. Hart was tech savvy enough to turn on the iPad and saw my message to call the claims department, but my fears had been relieved and my prayers answered.

With all that out of the way, I proceeded to have a better time. Here are a couple of the better things that happened in Vegas.

Staying at the Nobu Tower in Caesar's Palace

Turndown amenities Nobu Hotel (very comfy)

Japanese style breakfast, in-room dining Nobu Hotel

Attending the Social Media Strategies Summit at the Bally's Hotel

Fox Sports Keith Dobkowski

Nobu Restaurant

Bourbon Heaven Nobu Restaurant

Shopping at the Forum Shops

H&M at the Forum Shops

Leaving Las Vegas

Maybe next time, Vegas will show me a better time...

Until then, hashtag fail.

Xoxo,

Jomary Jimenez

Social Media Girl

Globetrottin'

2014-02-02T19:21:00.001-08:00

Ever since I started my current relationship, I've started travelling every 3 months or so. Just to be clear, my last name is not Trump, I do not have any kind of serious savings solely for travelling nor am I sponsored by anyone to go anywhere (I wish). I have simply found great deals and fortunately have been able to take time off and explore my inner Dora.

In the last 4 years, I have only been to New York and the Caribbean. In the next 4 years, I plan to travel throughout the United States, South America and Europe. Here's to the Universe fulfilling it's role. Next up: Vegas and the Bahamas.

Resort Worlds Bimini, Bahamas

Xoxo,

Jomary Jimenez

Social Media Girl/ Wanderluster

Fashion Happy Hour

2014-02-02T17:59:00.000-08:00

I swear after doing the Experience Eden project with +D'ana Nunez, all I did in January was attend +Miami Fashion Bloggers events. The latest one was +Valentina L's Fashion Happy Hour on January 31st. This was the first time I had been to one of her events, so I was excited to attend.

Fashion Happy Hour

My prior desire to be nowhere near anything that required shopping, has changed. As soon as I saw the vendors cute little setups I was drawn to do/buy something. Candy Coat nail boutique was the vendor that first caught my eye. Though I didn't get my nails done that day, I am surely going to visit them soon. I did buy a cute black little flower halo however from Haute Blossom.

Flower Halo's from Haute Blossom

There was also great music performed by a sultry-voiced young woman named Carly Joe. Check out this video of Carly singing Drake's "Hold On We're Going Home" hit.

Overall, I had a great time and have a feeling I will be attending many more of +Valentina L's events. Hopefully, Miami Beach will be one of the next locations Fashion Happy Hour will be held ;)

More pictures below:

@ThankYouMiami

Valeria Amaral & Christina Sears

2x1 at Red Bar

Till next time,

Xoxo,

Jomary Jimenez

Social Media Girl (now a little fashion intrigued)

What Women Want @ Nikki Beach Miami Featuring Kalil & Loin Cloth LA

2014-01-28T12:41:00.001-08:00

Though I am not a big fashion connoisseur (insert gasp here), I am a huge fan of a good girls night out. What Women Want at Nikki Beach Miami last Saturday January 18th, provided me with just that. From goodie bags to a complimentary bottle and appetizers (that's if you're part of the "chosen ones" aka a fashion blogger or a +1, like me), this event is definitely worth the traffic 1 Ocean Drive is famous for.

Above, D'ana Nunez, Margarita Wells and I posing for the camera waiting for the Kalil & Loin Cloth LA fashion show to commence. Good company, chilly nights and endless wine... What else could a woman want?

An Insalata Caprese, bacon wrapped scallops, a fresh avocado salad and enough pieces of sushi to make this girl happy that's what.

The food didn't stop there... LoinCloth LA showed off their yummy upcoming collection as well as their collaboration with Miami's very own Kalil. All Saturday Models have now been appropriately dubbed "The Breakfast Club". Sure way to make this foodie not blink an eye even when fashion is not "her thing".

Throughout the night, I met other Miami fashion mavens like Samantha Loomis, Leah Armour and Cristina "Crispi" Pimienta, who all delighted me with their ridiculous charisma and intense fashion style.

Maybe there is life beyond hiding behind the computer. Maybe Peter Thompson was right. Maybe "Social media isn't something you "do", instead you have to "be" social."

Here's to hoping "life" always comes accompanied by open WiFi networks.

'Till the next outing!

Xoxo,

Jomary Jimenez

Social Media Girl

Farm-to-Fork concept and 140 Characters

2014-01-17T22:16:00.000-08:00

Nothing gets like-minded people together like food and twitter. Last night was another perfect example of this. Thank You Miami, Social Media 305, Caviar Chronicles and I met for the first time over jazz, cocktails and another chef Jeremy Ford culinary experience. This get-together came about after the first foodie soiree at 15 steps when chef Jeremy's open faced stone crab ravioli made quite the buzz on twitter. Thank You Miami, was the first to notice, and the rest you can witness below.

"Don't forget Johnny!"- +John Peter Mahoney

Cheers- @ThankYouMiami

@CaviarChronicles loving Lucille Ball

And other new faces joined us as well @Dosilvey

Great nights like these are what make me love what I do more and more each day.

Photo cred: @ThankYouMiami

On that note, thank you internet for your magic.

Till Sunday... Where brunch and another great gathering awaits.

Tweet me if you'd like to join @Ms_J_Jimenez

Foodies Unite at 15 Steps Miami beach

2014-01-12T09:13:00.000-08:00

Last Thursday, I had the pleasure of breaking bread with some of south Florida's most critical foodies at 15 Steps. 15 Steps is a new farm-to-table restaurant located inside the Eden Roc hotel in Miami Beach which is based on the theory that it takes 15 steps to catch a fish, grow a vegetable and grill a steak.

Some of the fabulous people that joined our foodie dinner were from Thrillist Miami, South Florida Food and Wine, Clean Plate Charlie, Savor Tonight, 4 the Love of Food and Eat It Miami.

Chef Jeremy Ford spoiled us with a five course tasting menu that was paired with an array of wines served by a very attentive sommelier (not a second went by that I had an empty glass). The farm-to-table menu included a charcuterie starter, a roasted carrot salad, black truffle gnocchi, open faced stone crab ravioli (unanimous foodie favorite btw) and ridiculously refreshing dessert made with Florida grapefruit soup, tarragon sorbet, orange ice cube and coconut gelee.

I am seriously obsessed with this restaurant. It makes you let go of every inhibition you ever had about food. Pig ears for example. Foie Torchon, which, btw, is french for "fat liver". You get the point.

You can learn more about 15 steps and Chef Jeremy Ford here. Follow @15StepsMB on Twitter and tweet me if you don't mind fresh, local, creatively crafted food and you are ready to leave your inhibitions at step 1.

Jomary Jimenez

Social Media Girl