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A DIVA’S
NECESSARY EXTRAVAGANCES
Puerto Fino
I needed to purchase a hat for a charity event held this past Sunday. My friend Ann and I were told of this hat store located in North Miami Beach so we went last Thursday to check it out. Where else do you find hats anymore?
This little hat store had more hats than I have ever seen! In any color, shape and size....if you needed a hat, you would definitely find more than one here. Not only that, they are so accommodating in helping you - I happen to have a larger sized head - they actually have hats that can be adjusted to most sizes. Who would have ever thought that was possible.
Another thing....the prices are extremely reasonable. So, I would highly recommend that if you are needing a hat, please try Hats and Hats (Puerto Fino)!
Puerto Fino
1836 N.E. 163rd Street
North Miami Beach, FL 33162
Phone: 305-944-8202
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, what can I say about this beautiful, warm and friendly island that is very close to Florida too! How close you ask? just 2 ½ hour flight, straight from Fort Lauderdale | Hollywood International Airport. Spirit Air has the direct flight to St. Thomas. And, boy, you couldn’t get there any faster!
Not only do they have great duty free shopping, gorgeous beaches, wonderfully warm and nice people, but they are also so close to all the other Caribbean Islands right near St. Thomas. My friend, Carolyn, who lives there, took her car onto the ferry. In about a half hour we drove out onto St. John, which is another gorgeous island, with great shopping, terrific beaches, and also very warm people who live there. We drove to Caneel Bay which offers a gorgeous beach and a most delicious buffet restaurant there. it was to die for!
Of course, quiet, demure Helene, spoke with all sorts of people who were also visitors from all parts of the world. They too loved the peace and quiet of this sunny, gorgeous, quiet island.
While In St. Thomas, I stayed at the fabulous Ritz Carlton Residence. (I've also stayed at many other Hotels on occasion and had a fantastic time) The Ritz Is on the opposite side of the island, so you will need to rent a car, but that’s why this article is called “A Diva’s Necessary Extravagances.”!
The Ritz Carlton offers so many amenities, such as swimming pools, hot tubs, spas, beauty salons, and much more! They have an absolutely wonderful restaurant with many bars and also great lunch and dinner menus. The thing I love most is that you can take your food and drinks to either the swimming pool area or the beach area. You are never confined to just one area. After all.. it's St. Thomas. They want visitors to be happy and enjoy themselves no matter what.
I know that you also will love visiting, shopping and relaxing in St. Thomas. When you get there, tell them Helene sent you! So pack those bags and give it a try. Enjoy!
Casbah Spa & Salon
Do you want to treat yourself to the most relaxing place in the world? If you answered YES, then I have the place for you. I'm talking of course about The Casbah Spa & Salon located in Fort Lauderdale. I found it to be the 'most relaxing', get-a-way place that i have been to in a while. What I found quite interesting is that they serve cucumber, lemon or lime water. I never heard of cucumber water, and it was not that bad either. The Spa is very holistic in every way. They use all natural products that is good for you and the environment.
I went here to get away to relax and get a massage. So that's exactly what I did. For an absolute amazing massage, you must ask for Holly. That is if you can even get a schedule with her. Casbah Spa & Salon offers different types of massages. They include, traditional Hot Stone Massages, Hot ‘n’ Cold Stone Massage, Relax & Release Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Neuro-Muscular - Therapeutic Sports Massage, and Aromatherapy massages (just to name a few).
Looking for a great facial? Then ask for Nanette for one of her many specialty facials and delicate skin care treatments. Her treatments include: Essential Facial, Ultimate Facial, Eminence Signature Facial or Eminence Paprika Facials.
Does a pedicure sound good? Then go see Annette and have your nails and toes done. Annette offers many different types of pedicures and nail care treatments for you. They include: a classic manicure, a paraffin manicure, glycolic hand peel, or even a café latte manicure, or you can choose a spa pedicure, glycolic foot peel, therapeutic sports pedicure, paraffin pedicures. They offer so many more types of pedicures, so ask and see which one is for you!
Last minute hair cut or trim on your mind? Casbah Spa & Salon has many types of haircuts, hair coloring, and many types of salon services. One of the handful of many stylists will be happy to give you the look you are going for!
With all the types of services and treatments Casbah Spa & Salon offers you can't go wrong. They even offer waxings, make-up artistry, bridal packages, body treatments, men’s retreats, innovative cosmetic procedures, and much more! You can literally get lost in the Casbah Spa & Salon. You make the choice. You will just adore the staff of the Casbah Spa & Salon too! It was a wonderful experience and you can count on it that I will be back again, soon... very soon!
Casbah Spa & Salon
Sunrise Harbor
1000 Seminole Drive, Suite 200
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
954-630-0633
CasbahSpaSalon.com
Stefano Paturi
Boy, do I have a fantastic designer for you! Stefano Paturi, a designer from Rome, Italy, is working at Fine Design, which is an old-time, famous design company located in Fort Lauderdale.
Stefano who is so nice, is what i call “out of the box” for fine design. Since I have never worked with a designer, I really didn’t know what to expect. After originally meeting Stefano, I knew that we would “click” and work very well together. I told him my colors, my tastes and ideas and he listened. We settled somewhere in the middle, and my new condo will now be a gorgeous home.
Stefano has excellent visual skills and style development. He has created a coherent balance in proportions, color and characteristics for my new condo. He has creative strengths in setting direction in all aspects of design and architecture. He has been a Fine Design Senior Designer for over a year now. Prior to Fine Design, Stefano was Vice President and Creative Director for a design group in Miami (and he has designed for some VERY famous people, who shall remain anonymous...)
Stefano also was a co-Art Director and Set Designer for RAI, Televisione Italiana and US projects, which is where he created and developed sets, props and wardrobe for live television in Italy for over 12 years. Stefano's education comes from Italy with a Master’s Degree in Architecture. Stefano has a Diploma in Fashion Design from the GTM School in Rome. And, if that isn’t enough, he also has a Diploma in Fine Art Painting, from the Academy of Beaux Art, in Rome.
To top all this off, Stefano speaks Italian, Spanish and English. What a doll this guy is! If anyone is looking for a great designer, go and see Stefano. What a great guy, fabulous designer (and already a great friend!). What a perfect person to help design your home, office, or condo! You won't regret having working with Stefano.
Stefano Paturi at Fine Design
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Oriental Warehouse
Do you like Asian furniture, statues, bronze vases, glass vases, and various other fine Oriental objects? Do you happen to love being eclectic? Well…. Do I have a place for you! I welcome you to 'Oriental Warehouse'...my new find for fun and intriguing oriental home decor.
I just happen to be buying a new condo, and i'm so excited! i love shopping especial for NEW home decor! I am going to a much larger place, therefore, I need more “stuff”.
Some of my picks at the Oriental Warehouse have been “life size” silver with black spotted cheetah for the new patio, an Antique table and various other items like an antique Oriental head pillow that people actually used to use. Different looking Asian bronze statues, plant container (made also out of bronze), and there is so much more I cannot remember them all. As i said before..'i love to shop'!
If you do like the 'stuff' that could fill a corner, inside or out, this is the place to go! I’m sure you would love Oriental Warehouse and what it has to offer. The manager of the store is Peter Krawczyk, and he would be pleased to help you with questions, concerns and product knowledge of anything in the store. There is a ton of different items from which to choose from. I know you will just 'love' this place! I know I did! I can’t imagine that you wouldn’t also. Give it a try! Tell them 'FortLauderdaleBites' sent you.
Oriental Warehouse
60 South Federal Highway
Boca Raton, FL
Ph. 561.394.0656
SALON PIERRE & CO.
The best colorist that I go to is Pierre, the owner and greatest hairdresser of SALON PIERRE & CO.. NOT only is Pierre the “BEST”, but he also serves fresh fruit, bagels and cream cheese, coffee, liquors, and other goodies; (so when you go, don’t eat before you arrive!)
Pierre is such a nice man from Lebanon, his wife sometimes pops in and out, I’ve met one of his children, a daughter, also artistically talented, while she entertained herself that day. The only service that I use with Pierre is the “Brazilian” hair straightening (without formaldehyde) which is MUCH safer and doesn’t have that terrible odor that the other type of straightener’s do. The Salon also offers a full array of services, such as Skin Care Services, Makeup Services, complete Foot Care Services, Massage Services, Waxing is offered and Nail Services. They also have a small, but “trendy” boutique area (which I have found several adorable “cutesy” items, which were actually on sale) in addition to cool outfits, tops, sweatshirts, etc.
When a Salon offers an unconditionally guarantee on each of their services because they back them up with pride. “We aren’t satisfied unless you are delighted. If you are not fully satisfied (and you will be) with their services, you just let them know within one week so they can correct it! How many Salon’s do you go to who offer this guarantee? I don’t think many.
Salon Pierre & Co. are closed Sundays & Mondays (they are at the beach). Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday they are open from 10:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. Thursday is their late night, from 10:00 a.m. until late night. Saturday is from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.
I was highly recommended to Pierre by my personal trainer Christine, in my building. I’m just sorry that I waited so long to go to Salon Pierre & Co.. On top of all this, I had to get up enough nerve to change from my original hairdresser and colorist. When I walked into my “old” beautician’s spa, my “old” hairdresser/colorist said, “I could have done that.” And I asked myself “then why didn’t you do it?”
Make certain you put Boca Raton into your loop, as I did. I know you will love Pierre and all the staff of Salon Pierre & Co. too!
Salon Pierre & Co.
96 South Federal Highway
Boca Raton, FL
Ph. 561.392.4247
SalonPierre.com
Mervyn Hurwitz, DDS
A few weeks ago was my birthday, so I decided to throw myself a party with my small group of friends (8 including me). I hired a limo and took all of them to a very over-the-top restaurant in Miami.
When I got into the limo with them, my best friend was constantly staring at me. He smiled and said “You had Botox!” I told him NO and continued to smile again and again, and he couldn’t figure it out. I finally told him that I had gone to my dentist. All of them commented that he did a wonderous job! I had gotten Lumineer Veneers on my top and bottom teeth.
Within 2-3 weeks, I absolutely DID look a lot younger! It was suggested to go to my Periodontist first, which I did, to have my upper gums “sculpted.” It sounds bad, but it wasn’t. A few weeks after, I went back to the Periodontist to double-check my gums (Because they can grow over the teeth, which mine did. Then I went directly to Dr. Hurwitz to have my molds made. And, two weeks later….they were put in. It was just 2 visits! Dr. Hurwitz and his wonderfully talented wife Melanie, who greets you with a warm smile, are originally from South Africa, and she is a very talented photographer. Needless to say, all over the office are pictures of African animals of all types, sizes, shapes. It’s quite pleasant and relaxing to stare at these gorgeous pictures, you feel as though you are right there in front of the real thing!
My friends told me that I looked 10 years younger! (Why didn’t I have them done before)? You should really look into having Lumineer Veneers made for you... and when you do, there is only one place to go for amazing service with and with a SMILE!
Mervyn Hurwitz, DDS
3015 Bayview Drive
Ft. Lauderdale
Ph. 954.566.1548
Fx. 954.566.8055
Dr Mervyn Hurwitz DDS
Family Pet Medical Center
Do you own a pet? A Dog or a Cat perhaps? Then you will understand this story if you vote yes to either one. Rudy Kazootie (my 11-year-old, 14 pound delicious dog) and I were walking. When all of a sudden, he sat down and refused to go any further; I turned around and to my amazement, he sat there with his right shoulder sticking all the way out into an 90 degree angle! I quickly picked him up, carried him in my arms, just about crying and hurried back to my condo. I called my Veterinarian, Dr. Sharon Glass, DVM, to take care of my little guy. r. Glass is a genius! I have been using her Medical Center since Rudy Patootie-Cutey and I moved to Florida. The office staff are ALL like my family members. I even brought her my MRI’s to read and she did. How great is that?
She took xrays and they showed that my “Sweet Pea” had dislocated his shoulder. She kept him at the Medical Center as I am having some surgery next Tuesday and I really can’t walk him 4-times a day myself right now. He’s going to be walking on 3 feet, due to the injury. I feel so sad….but knowing he is in terrific hands…i feel much better! Everyone just adores my puppy. When I met with my surgeon today, I requested a 2 for 1 offering him to do my surgery and Rudy’s. Of course, I was joking! I still have a good sense of humor and can still smile. That’s great!
So, if you are looking for a terrific Veterinarian, look into Family Pet Medical Center. Tell them Bites! sent you!!!
Family Pet Medical Center
2750 North Federal Highway
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
954.567.2500
Java Cat & Dog Spa
Do anyone of you own a cat or dog that needs pet grooming services? If your delicious pampered pet needs grooming, do I have a place for you! The owner and head groomer, Melissa Avolio, and her assistant Annette are both the best that money can buy for Fort Lauderdale Pet Care. They not only groom your dog and (or) cat, but they have a list of services that they provide as well:
Brushing teeth ($5.00)
Nails Clipped ($10.00)
Anals Expressed ($10.00)
Nail & Anal combination ($15.00)
Polished Manicure (Would you believe at a cost of $7.00)
French manicure ($10.00)
Dematting ($5.00 and up)
Flea Baths ($5.00)
Tick Removal ($5.00 and up)
Medicated Bath ($5.00)
They feature “The Famous Java Lion Cut” for cats (both long and short hair). They also offer great Fort Lauderdale Pet Boarding. The quality dog grooming “at it’s best” is for all breeds with hand blown drying and scissor cut finishing which is recommended by veterinarians.
The absolutely greatest thing about Java Cat & Dog Spa is the fact that they DO NOT CRATE YOUR “CHILD” afterwards, while they wait to be picked up. They can run around with all the other different sized pampered pets. How great is that! AND my cost is $40.00 for a small to mediuml sized Maltese of 14 pounds.
You MUST TRY this wonderful place!
Java Cat & Dog Spa
3318 N.E. 33rd Street
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
PH. 954.566.8874
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