In the realm of real estate, few names carry as much weight as Ruthie and Ethan Assouline, the dynamic duo behind The Assouline Team at Douglas Elliman. With their impressive track record of headline-making deals, the husband-wife team have made waves from New York City to South Florida, and solidified their position as the reigning king and queen of Bal Harbour. Photo credit: Rachel Fellig Photography Situated on the northern tip of Miami Beach and recognized as one of that country’s most sought-after neighborhoods, Bal Harbour is an elite, gated community comprised of less than 10 streets that offers beautiful waterfront properties, security and ultra-luxury amenities including a residents-only yacht marina and park. Ruthie and Ethan put down roots in the neighborhood and have been dominating the real estate scene ever since. “Living and selling in the Bal Harbour, we fell in love with the area and discovered our niche at the same time,” said Ruthie Assouline who was born and raised in South Florida. “From the iconic shopping destination of Bal Harbour Shops, to its pristine beaches, private police force, immaculate landscaping and walkability factor, not many places can offer the same level of lifestyle. There is no doubt that Bal Harbour is one of the top places to live in the country.” Oceana South Tower - Photo credit: Become Legendary Photography Marking over $100 Million in recent transactions in Bal Harbour alone, Ruthie and Ethan leverage their combined strengths and industry knowledge to guide clients–with a knack for off-market deals. “Being ingrained in the community and truly understanding all of the nuances of the neighborhood allows us to deliver exceptional, results-driven service for our clients,” said Ethan Assouline. “Knowing our markets and inventory is integral in navigating the real-estate landscape and securing opportunities for both buyers and sellers.” The top-producing duo recently sold a penthouse at Oceana Bal Harbour for a record-breaking $22 million. “Our client purchased the unit for $14.9 million and we resold it less than 2 years later for $22 million,” added Ethan. “The sale set a new value benchmark for Bal Harbour properties.” Rivage Bal Harbour One of The Assouline Team’s current projects is the newest development on one of Miami’s last remaining stretches of beachfront property – Rivage Bal Harbour. Serving as key members of the on-site sales team, they call the luxury residences a “once-in-a-generation project.” “This condo surpasses all neighboring residences in every aspect – from its awe-inspiring beauty, opulent amenities and its seamless connection to the ocean, it’s an absolute standout,” said Ruthie. Nestled on 200 feet of uninterrupted oceanfront, the development is designed by an all-star team including Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), Rottet Studio and Enzo Enea along with industry-leading Related Group, Two Roads Development, and Rockpoint. With only 56 expansive homes in the sky, each residence ranges from 3,300 to 12,500-square feet with in-unit elevator access and sprawling living rooms that open to oversized terraces with direct views of the Atlantic and nearby Biscayne Bay. Spanning an impressive 25,000-square feet the on-site amenities will include a state-of-the-art fitness pavilion, hammam spa, pickle and paddle ball courts, a kids’ playroom and more. The team says the project will redefine the area and serve as a beacon for the future of South Florida luxury living. @assoulineteam By ML Staff. Images courtesy of The Assouline Team

Rather than cutting carbs out of your diet, eat them in their original fiber packaging instead. Image by Suheyl Burak, Unsplash Fiber might just be the key to healthy weight management – and nature packages it in perfectly balanced ratios with carbs when you eat them as whole foods. Think unprocessed fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds. Research suggests that carbohydrates are meant to come packaged in nature-balanced ratios of total carbohydrates to fiber. In fact, certain types of fiber affect how completely your body absorbs carbohydrates and tells your cells how to process them once they are absorbed. Fiber slows the absorption of sugar in your gut. It also orchestrates the fundamental biology that recent blockbuster weight loss drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic tap into, but in a natural way. Your microbiome transforms fiber into signals that stimulate the gut hormones that are the natural forms of these drugs. These in turn regulate how rapidly your stomach empties, how tightly your blood sugar levels are controlled and even how hungry you feel. It’s as if unprocessed carbohydrates naturally come wrapped and packaged with their own instruction manual for your body on how to digest them. I am a physician scientist and gastroenterologist who has spent over 20 years studying how food affects the gut microbiome and metabolism. The research is clear – fiber is important not just for happy bowel movements, but also for your blood sugar, weight and overall health. Image by Mariana Medvedeva, Unsplash Carbohydrates without their wrappers Unfortunately, most Americans get the majority of their carbohydrates stripped of their natural fibers. Modern processed grains like white rice and white flour as well as many ultraprocessed foods like some sugary breakfast cereals, packaged snacks and juices have removed these fibers. They essentially come unwrapped and without instructions for the body on how much it should absorb and how it should process them. In fact, only 5% of Americans eat the recommended amount of carbohydrates with enough of their natural packaging intact. Guidelines recommend at least 25 to 30 grams of fiber a day from food. It may not be surprising that lack of fiber contributes to diabetes and obesity. What is surprising is that the fiber gap also likely contributes to heart disease, certain types of cancer and maybe even Alzheimer’s disease. One popular approach to mitigating some of the ill health effects of low fiber and high refined carbohydrates has been to limit carbohydrate intake. Such approaches include the low-carb, keto, paleo and Atkins diets. Each diet is a variation on a similar theme of limiting carbohydrates to varying amounts in different ways. There is scientific backing to the benefits of some of these diets. Research shows that limiting carbohydrates induces ketosis, a biological process that frees energy from fat reserves during starvation and prolonged exercise. Low-carbohydrate diets can also help people lose weight and lead to improvements in blood pressure and inflammation. That said, some keto diets may have negative effects on gut health. It is also unknown how they may affect heart health, some forms of cancer and other conditions in the long term. Even more confusing, research shows that people with diets high in plant-sourced carbohydrates, like the Mediterranean diet, tend to lead the longest and healthiest lives. How can this be reconciled with studies that suggest that low-carbohydrate diets can benefit metabolic health? Is a carb a carb? The answer may have to do with the types of carbohydrates that studies are evaluating. Limiting simple sugars and refined carbohydrates may improve certain aspects of metabolic health, as these are some of the most easily digested and absorbed calories. But a more sustainable and comprehensive way of improving health may be increasing the percentage of unprocessed, more complex and slowly absorbed carbohydrates that come with their natural packages and instructions intact – those that have fiber. These natural carbohydrates can be found in whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables. They come in ratios of total carbohydrate to fiber that rarely exceed 10-to-1 and are often 5-to-1 or lower. Eating mostly whole foods is a simple way to ensure you’re consuming quality carbohydrates with the right ratios. Image by Nordwood Themes, Unsplash But who doesn’t like to have a big bowl of pasta or cake with ice cream on occasion? Focusing on packaged processed foods that maintain carb-to-fiber ratios of at least as low as 10-to-1 or ideally 5-to-1 can help you make the best choices when picking more processed foods at the store. Take a look at the nutrition facts label and simply divide total carbohydrates by dietary fiber. On occasions when you’re eating out or celebrating someone’s birthday, consider taking a fiber supplement with your meal. One pilot study found that a supplement containing a blend of fibers decreased the blood sugar spike – an increase in glucose levels in the blood that if too high can damage the body over time – after a meal in healthy individuals by roughly 30%. Listen to your body While almost all fiber is generally good for health in most people, not all fiber affects the body in the same way. Consuming a range of different types of fiber generally helps ensure a diverse microbiome, which is linked to gut and overall health. But certain medical conditions might preclude consuming certain types of fiber. For example, some people can be particularly sensitive to one class of fiber called FODMAPS – fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols – that are more readily fermented in the upper part of the gut and can contribute to symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome like bloating and diarrhea. High-FODMAP foods include many processed foods that contain inulin, garlic powder and onion powder, as well as whole foods including those in the onion family, dairy products, some fruits and vegetables. Listen to how your body responds to different high-fiber foods. Start low and go slow as you reintroduce foods like beans, seeds, nuts, fruits and vegetables to your diet. If you have trouble increasing your fiber intake, talk with your health care provider. Tools like this online calculator I’ve created can also help you find the highest-quality foods with healthy fiber and other nutrient ratios. It can also show you what proportions of fiber to add back to sugary foods to help achieve healthy ratios. I wouldn’t endorse eating sweets all the time, but as my three daughters like to remind me, it’s important to enjoy yourself every once in a while. And when you do, consider putting the carbs back in their fiber wrappers. It’s hard to improve upon nature’s design. By Christopher Damman, Associate Professor of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, University of Washington

Brightline welcomed Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, members of the Tampa Bay Partnership and Tampa and Hillsborough County elected officials and business leaders onboard to experience the new connection from South Florida to Orlando and explore future options for the Tampa extension. The group of nearly 50 was greeted at the Miami Airport by Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava before joining Brightline leadership for breakfast at MiamiCentral. The delegation traveled from Brightline MiamiCentral to West Palm Beach, where they were met by City of West Palm Beach Mayor Keith James. Mayor James provided an overview on the development seen by the City since the introduction of Brightline. The group toured the Brightline station, which is expected to be similar in scope to a future Tampa station. The group made their final stop, arriving at the Orlando station just after 3 o’clock in the afternoon where they were welcomed by Kevin Thibault, Executive Director and CEO, of Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, Jim Gray, Orlando City Commissioner, as well as representatives from Congressman Darren Soto and Representative Rita Harris’ offices, community leaders and Brightline staff. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Brightline

The Miami International Piano Festival (MIPF) presents an unprecedented number of 19 piano recitals showcasing accomplished veterans and emerging young pianists during its 25th anniversary in 2023-2024. After the spectacular opening Concerto Evening on October 22 in a unique format, featuring 3 great pianists with 3 different piano concertos under the leadership of Maestro Hobart Earle music director and Principal conductor of the Odessa Philharmonic. This performance will be followed by 18 piano recitals featuring some of the most compelling pianists in the world today. Six world-class pianists at the Aventura Arts and Cultural Center, and six extraordinary artists making their debut at the Wolfsonian Museum in Miami Beach. Our international talent will captivate attending classical music lovers. Nothing can substitute for the experience of being there when one marvel appears after another. The MIPFA is also presenting a series of seven consecutive recitals in January as part of the MIPFA Winter Program in Miami Beach, sponsored by the City of Miami Beach and the Cadet Hotel. CLASSICAL SUNDAYS AT 5 PM, AVENTURA ARTS AND CULTURAL CENTER 3385 NE 188th St. Aventura, FL All concerts at 5:00 PM November 19, 2023 KENNETH BROBERG (USA) Silver medal winner of the 2018 Van Cliburn Competition and Gold medal winner of the 2021 American Pianists Awards, Bronze Medal of the Tchaikovsky Competition. FRANK/BAUER Prelude, fugue, et Variation, Op 18, MOZART Sonata in IN D Major, K 311, MEDTNER Fairy tales, CHOPIN Polonaise Fantasie, Op. 61/ SCHUMANN Fantasie in C Major, Op. 17 January 7, 2024 CHELSEA GUO (USA) (Pianist and Opera Singer) Luis Urbina (Piano) "Chelsea Guo is a rare and impressive young artist in that her prodigious and affecting gifts are reflected equally in her captivating performances both as a pianist and singer.” Edna Landau PIANO BRAHMS Variations on an Original Theme Op. 21 No. 1 /SCHUMANN Romances Op. 21 RACHMANINOFF Selections from Op. 3 Elegie, Melodya, Polichinelle SONGS RACHMANINOFF Oh, do not sing, my beauty, Spring Waters, Lilacs, How Fair this Spot BRAHMS Meine liebe ist grün, Wie Melodien SCHUMANN Frauenliebe und Leben February 25, 2024 ARISTO SHAM (Hong Kong) “This young artist’s potential is boundless.” Aristo Sham showed tremendous command and involvement, passion, and pianism” The New York Concert Review HANDEL Suite in E major "The Harmonious Blacksmith", HWV 430/ SCHUMANN Three Fantasiestücke, Op. 111 BEETHOVEN Sonata No. 21 in C major "Waldstein", Op. 53 /VILLA – LOBOS Suíte Floral, W117 / WANGHUA Jasmine Flower Fantasia (2003) / RAVEL Gaspard de la nuit March 24, 2024 KEMAL GECKIC (Croatia) “Gekic rides the charismatic edge of genius” R. Dyer, Boston Globe “He is something like a general who has learned all the rules in the book and is therefore free to ignore them in the time of war” James Roos, Miami Herald MOZART Sonata A-major, KV 331/ BEETHOVEN Sonata F-minor, Op.57/CHOPIN Sonata B-minor, Op.58 PROKOFIEV: Sonata B-major, Op.83 April 28, 2024 ALBERT CANO SMITH (SPAIN) Cano Smit is ablaze with creativity, He is an extraordinary musician, intensely personal in its conception. Walter Ponce, Pianist & author of "The Tyranny of Tradition in Piano Teaching" BEETHOVEN Piano Sonata No. 32 in C minor, Op. 111 /SCHUBERT Piano Sonata in A minor, D784 FAURE Improvisation in C sharp minor, Op.84 N.5/ DEBUSSY La Plus que Lente / FAURE Romance sans Paroles, Op.17 N.3 / GRANADOS Los Requiebros/ El Pelele from Goyescas May 19, 2024 AVERY GAGLIAN0 (USA) “Avery Gagliano is a distinctive young talent who has already graduated to the big league of professional pianists while still a student at music college.” – International Piano magazine BACH French Suite No. 4 in Eb/ BEETHOVEN Sonata in D Major, Op. 28/ PADEREWSKI Nocturne Op. 16, No. 4 SCHUMANN Humoresque, Op. 20 The crown jewel of the festival, the DISCOVERY SERIES, held at the Wolfsonian-Florida International University (FIU) museum in the heart of the Art Deco District in Miami Beach, will present three weekends introducing six new artists to our audience. DISCOVERY SERIES AT THE WOLFSONIAN-FIU MUSEUM 1001 Washington Ave. Miami Beach, FL THREE INSPIRING WEEKENDS All concerts at 7:30 PM January 27 JACOB MASON (USA) Mason’s rock-solid technique and attention to detail are impressive. He brings real personality when he performs …” Larry Budmen, Florida Classical Review BACH Overture in the French Style, BWV 831/ BRAHMS Study No. 5 (for left hand alone) after Bach's Chaconne, BWV 1016 / DENNIS KAM Prelude no. IV: Lovingly, tenderly, hauntingly/ TANIA LEON Tumbao/ JEAN-HENRI D’ANGLEVERT Passacaille d’Armide de M. de Lully/ BRAHMS 4 Klavierstücke, Op. 119” January 28 ILLIA OVCHARENKO (Ukraine) “The Complete Artist” Ovcharenko embodies Honens’ ideal with his technical mastery, perseverance against adversity, and an understanding of musical text that is intellectual and emotional.” BACH – BUSONI Chorale “Nun komm der Heiden heiland” /CHOPIN Heroic Polonaise” Op.53, Nocturne in E-Minor Op. Posth, Scherzo No.2 in B-flat minor Op.31/ GINASTERA Piano Sonata No.1 in C-Major D. SCARLATTI Piano Sonata in B-Minor K.87 /LISZT Sonata in B-minor March 9 CHRISTIAN BUDU (Brazil) “… a stunningly original pianist with musical insight and maturity comparable to colleagues twice his age.” Gramophone CPE BACH Fantasy in C major, H. 284/SCHUMANN Arabeske, Op. 18, Kreisleriana, Op. 16 DEBUSSY Estampes/ CAMARGO GUARNIERI 4 Ponteios (n. 30, 40, 45 & 49)/ VILLALOBOS Brazilian Cycle (excerpts): Impressões Seresteiras & Festa no Sertão March 10 SERGEY BELYAVSKY (Russia) “He offers sonorities of a surprising diversity and complementarity, combined with finesse and precision.” Bachtrack BRAHMS 2 Rhapsodies Op.79/ SCHUMANN Symphonic Etudes 34/ SCHUMANN/LISZT Widmung, Fruhlingsnacht / LISZT Sonata in B minor S.17 April 13 WOUTER VALVEKENS (Belgium) Wouter Valvekens searches for structure in the piece and plays authentically without misplaced sentimentality. Konzerthaus Dortmund MOMPOU Variations on a theme of Chopin / SZYMANOWSKI Masques, Op.34 CHOPIN Barcarolle, Op. 60/ SCHUMANN Fantasy 0p. 17 April 14 ANTONY RATINOV (USA) “….class, style, technical mastery, and solo prowess in his lyrical and also incisive version of Prokofiev's Third Piano Concerto” (Beckmesser). ALBENIZ Iberia Book 4 – X. Málaga, XI. Jerez / SCHUMANN Kreisleriana, Op. 16 / BACH–BUSONI Chorale Preludes – No. 3 in G minor, No. 4 in G Major, No. 5 in F minor BEETHOVEN Piano Sonata No. 32 in C minor, Op. 111 MIAMI INTERNATIONAL PIANO FESTIVAL WINTER ACADEMY 2024 SEVEN Extraordinary Piano Recitals January 3 – January 9 Miami Beach Woman's Club 2401 Pine Tree Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33140 All Recitals are at 7:00 PM January 3 JOSU DE SOLAUN (SPAIN) "Fury, demonically charged and technically staggering.” Harold Schonberg January 4 VYACHESLAV GRYASNOV (Russia) “Extraordinarily inventive, a leading voice and one of the great wonders of modern pianism.” Musical Life January 5 Special Celebration STEPHEN BEUS (USA) “Spectacular.…it was like he had placed the orchestra in the middle of a gigantic centrifuge and pushed start.” Copenhagen Post REED TETZLOFF (USA) “A musician of great authority.” Richard Goode January 6 KEMAL GEKIC (Croatia) “Gekic rides the charismatic edge of genius” R. Dyer, Boston Globe “ January 8 CARLES MARIN (Spain) January 9 STUDENT RECITAL Mission of Patrons of Exceptional Artists Exceptionally talented pianists devote their entire youth to the development of their skills, abiding by rigid and demanding schedules and focusing on achieving a successful career in music. During this arduous process, they find themselves lost without the support and understanding of a benefactor. That is where the mission and purpose of Patrons of Exceptional Artists comes in, an organization that for the last 25 years has exposed the talent of countless deserving pianists to the attention of the public, conductors, and agents. Many of our artists are now in the international circuit represented by top management. In order to further its mission, in 1998, Patrons of Exceptional Artists branched out to create the Miami International Piano Festival, (MIPF), which resulted in highly popular and inspiring summer academies held at Nova Southern University in Florida. This summer, however, MIPF offered students exposure to the most accomplished international faculty in the beautiful region of Briosco, Italy, at Villa Medici Giulini, a historical building that houses an astonishing collection of keyboard instruments. We also expanded our outreach through an online state-of-the-art virtual platform that continues to evolve, creating an archive and visual library of these activities. The goal is to provide global exposure to our artists while allowing music lovers around the world the opportunity to enjoy our concerts, lectures, and masterclasses. Giselle Brodsky, founder and artistic director of Patrons of Exceptional Artists, spends hundreds of hours listening to innumerable performances of hopeful entries to select the artists that will inspire our audience and students with their passion and commitment to the expression of music. The Miami International Piano Festival concerts are interactive experiences that engage our audiences and enhance their appreciation of music in its infinite prism of ideas and emotions. Patrons Of Exceptional Artists is a 501 (C)(3) non-profit organization. For more information, contact Giselle Brodsk, at info@miamipianofest.com or visit our website at www.miamipianofest.com. By ML Staff. Image courtesy of Unsplash

Dua Lipa carried a Gucci Horsebit Chain shoulder bag in silver leather while out in London, England on November 10, 2023. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Gucci/IPA Agency

Notables from the art, film, fashion, and entertainment industries united at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) to honor artist Judy Baca and filmmaker David Fincher. Gala co-chairs included LACMA trustee Eva Chow and actor Leonardo DiCaprio, Gucci Creative Director Sabato De Sarno, who was joined by Gucci President & CEO Jean-François Palus. A special performance by Lenny Kravitz followed the dinner prepared by three-time Michelin Star Award Winner Chef Mattia Agazzi of Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura in Beverly Hills. Gucci brought the runway to the museum with the introduction of Gucci Ancora Notte, the first Eveningwear Collection designed by Sabato De Sarno. A few weeks after Gucci Ancora, the debut show that defined the codes of the House’s new wardrobe for the day, Ancora Notte continues to enrich Gucci’s new vision with an ode to life after dark. Gucci Ancora Notte was worn by top models Mariacarla Boscono, Vittoria Ceretti, Kirsty Hume and Abbey Lee, and new faces that debuted at the Gucci Ancora runway including Jiahui Zhang, Fadia Ghaab, Nyajuok, Violet Hume, Heather Strongarm, Agel Akol, Camilla Orner, and Sam Case. Further debuting at the Gala, talent including A$AP Rocky, Elliot Page, Andrew Garfield, and Pedro Pascal revealed Sabato De Sarno’s first steps into formal menswear, highlighting the classic italian ‘90s straight fit, enriched with the archival Round Interlocking G button—making a comeback as a signature piece. The following guests wore Gucci to the event: Art+Film Gala Co-chairs Eva Chow and Leonardo DiCaprio, Honorees Judy Baca and David Fincher, A$AP Rocky, Abbey Lee, Andrew Garfield, Antwaun Sargent, Ben Affleck, Billie Eilish, Brad Pitt, Daisy Edgar-Jones, Da’vine Joy Randolph (Gucci accessories), DDG, Elliot Page, Emma Chamberlain, Greta Lee, Halle Bailey, Jennifer Lopez, Jesse Plemons, Jessica Chastain, Jodie Comer, Jodie Turner Smith, Julia Garner, Katherine Ross, Keanu Reaves, Kirsten Dunst, Kirsty Hume, Lee Jung-Jae, Lenny Kravitz, Lily Gladstone, Lim Se-Ryung, Lupita Nyong’o, Lykke Li, Mark Foster, Michael Govan, Mariacarla Boscono, Mustafa Ahmed, Odessa A’zion, Pedro Pascal, Peter Sarsgaard, Salma Hayek Pinault, Samara Weaving, Soo Joo Park, Sofia Boutella, Violet Hume,Vittoria Ceretti,Yara Shahidi Other notable attendees include: Adam Silverman, Angela Davis, Anna Weyant, Allison Berg, Alessio Vannetti (Chief Brand Officer, Gucci), Analia Saban, Ashley Merrill, Ava DuVernay, Awol Erizku, Boojin Lee, Brendan Fernandes, Catherine Opie, Carter Reum, Celine Song, Charles Gaines, Chase Hall, Cheech Marin, Chloe Domont, Claudia Gutierrez, Colleen Bell, Colman Domingo, Daniel Kwan, Deana Lawson, Diedrick Brackens, Ed Ruscha, Elaine Wynn, Elizabeth Alexander, Emilie Cotter (Chief Marketing Officer, Audi), Eva Longoria, Ewa Juszkiewicz, François-Henri Pinault, Fred Wilson, George C. Wolfe, Glenn Ligon, Heidi Klum, Helen Pashgian, Holly J. Mitchell, Inez Van Lamsweerde & Vinoodh Matadin, Jane Fonda, James Goldstein, Janine Barrois, Jeff Yabuki, Jim Tananbaum, Jon Hamm, Jonas Wood, Jordan Wolfson, Kathy Hilton, Ke Huy Quan, Kenny Scharf, Kim Kardashian, Laura Harrier, Lauren Halsey, Lesley Vance, Leta Grzan, Louise Bonnet, Lukas Haas, Lyndon J. Barrois, Maciej Szarosyk, Maggie Tsai, Mary Weatherford, Mert Alas, Marc Merrill, Meredith Darrow, Nathaniel Mary Quinn, Nikki S. Lee, Paris Hilton, Paul Mpagi Sepuya, Praya Lundberg, Quinta Brunson, Ricky Swallow, Rosé, Sam Osborn, Shinique Smith, Stella Maxwell, Taylor Abbey, Thomas Houseago, Tobey Maguire, Ulysses de Santi, Vincent Valdez, Vivi Nevo, Wemimo Abbey, Yoo Teo, Yoshiki Hiyash, and more By ML Staff. Images courtesy of LACMA/Getty Images

The Design Center of the Americas is inviting members of the design community and industry insiders to Epicenter D’Elegance: The Ultimate Kitchen, Bath and Cabinetry Showcase taking place on the Dania Beach campus next Wednesday, November 15 beginning at 9:30 am. DCOTA’s Fall Event “Where Creativity and Innovation Converge”—presented in cooperation with NKBA (National Kitchen & Bath Association) and ASID (American Society of Interior Design), with notable participation by magazines DESIGN+DÉCOR and FLORIDA DESIGN—will be a fun and informative all-day event offering a series of engaging sessions with top-notch designers, insightful panels, and opportunities for design professionals to earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs). 9:30 am Morning Reception Location: Crestron Showroom, Suite B-108 10 to 11 am Keynote Panel: The Heart of the Home Distinguished panelists include Sandra Diaz-Velasco from EoloDesign, Jerry Zalin and Josh Fein from FZ Interiors, and Shelley McCormick from DESIGN + DÉCOR. Location: DCOTA ATRIUM C 11 am to Noon Design for Culinary Enthusiasts Presented by SNAIDERO Featuring Lauren Czarniecki from Czar Interiors, Reginald Dunlap from Reginald Dunlap Interior Design, and Paul de Andrade from Studio Kestrel. Location: SNAIDERO Showroom, Suite C-270 Noon to 1 pm CEU: The Art of Veneer Presented by FLORIDA DESIGN Location: EGGERSMANN Showroom, Suite C-262 1 to 1:30 pm Lunch Break Locations: · DCOTA CAY for Special Menu, Atrium B · CBAR for Coffee and Pastries, Atrium C 1:30 pm to 2 pm Innovations in Bathrooms 2024 Presented by Sherle Wagner Featuring Melanie Turner, Global Director of Sales. Location: Sherle Wagner Showroom, Suite C-166 2 to 3 pm Keeping it Kosher Presented by Downsview Kitchens Featuring Sarah Zahar from SarahZ Design Location: Downsview Kitchens Showroom, Suite C-212 3 to 4 pm CEU: Design Basic for Sintered Stone Presented by NEOLITH Location: SIEMATIC Showroom, Suite C-336 4 to 5 pm Cabinetry Couture Presented by John Rosselli & Associates Featuring Keith Fritz from Keith Fritz Fine Furnishings and Todd Davis from Brown Davis Architecture & Interiors Location: John Rosselli & Associates, Suite C-100 All Day Events Art & Unique Kitchen Accessories Location: Unique Art & Design Gallery, Suite C-214 The Smart Home Experience Location: Crestron Showroom, Suite B-108 Outdoor Kitchen Furniture Ideas Location: Gloster Showroom, Suite C-114 Live Edge Wood Exhibit Location: HOLZSCH Showroom, Suite C-272 To RSVP for DCOTA’s Epicenter D’Elegance on November 15, click here. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Design Center of the Americas

Jingle all the way to the beach! Ann Storck Center – a Fort Lauderdale-based private nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching lives of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities – is excited to host its Deck The Volleyballs tournament on Saturday, Dec. 9 on Pompano Beach. All proceeds will go towards purchasing holiday gifts for the children and residents of Ann Storck Center. Participants may also bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate. The community event will feature a fun-filled day of volleyball, a raffle, prizes, lunch and more for a good cause. Co-ed 4’s volleyball teams are invited to participate in the beach volleyball tournament in competitive or recreational divisions. Teams must consist of a minimum of four players and can be a maximum of five players. Players under 18 years old must sign a waiver. Sponsorship opportunities are available and range from $100-$5,000. Individual tournament entry is a gift, a gift card or $50 entry fee per person. Registration includes lunch. Proceeds benefit Ann Storck Center, which accommodates 96 residents and serves more than 300 individuals daily through an array of critical care, learning and ability focused programs. For more information about the event or to purchase a sponsorship, please visit https://www.annstorckcenter.org/deckthevolleyballs. By ML Staff. Image courtesy of Unsplash

In the dynamic world of digital content creation, Fernanda Ramirez shines as an inspiration for Gen Z and beyond. A popular content creator and the ultimate YouTube star, her journey exemplifies the power of pursuing dreams and self-discovery. Renowned for her authentic and captivating fashion, lifestyle, and self-care vlogs, Fernanda's charismatic presence has won her a massive following on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. Furthermore, she recently entered the podcasting realm with "A Better You," sharing wisdom on self-improvement, wellness, and life's twists and turns. In this exclusive interview with Miami Living Magazine, we explore Fernanda's remarkable rise, her insights on self-improvement, and her affinity for travel. Get ready to be inspired by the "It Girl of YouTube" as we delve into her experiences, aspirations, and impassioned advice for those ready to chase their dreams and embrace a life full of possibilities. Miami Living: Your journey as a content creator has been truly inspiring. Could you share the story of how you got started and what motivated you to pursue a career in style-related content and travel vlogs? Fernanda Ramirez: It was always a dream of mine to share my life and post YouTube videos. There were so many instances in my youth where I would pretend to be filming videos with no camera, explaining my makeup routine out loud to myself, playing around with cameras, and making up a fake intro as if I was a youtuber, etc. I grew up on the platform and finally when I was 17, I got the courage to post my first video. I remember after I posted it, I immediately felt so proud and happy! I wrote a journal entry that day saying I was over the moon with the editing process and that I hoped this was something I would stick with. Three and a half years later and it feels like I just started yesterday! I enjoy lifestyle-related content as it shows my everyday life and whatever I'm most inspired to talk about in that moment. ML: You often emphasize the importance of becoming the best version of yourself. What are some practical tips or advice you would offer to our readers for self-improvement and personal growth? FR: I would highly recommend being mindful about the people you surround yourself with and the content you consume. To be the best version of yourself, you must surround yourself with positive, supportive, uplifting people so you can inspire each other to be better than you were the day before. I encourage my viewers to listen to music that makes them feel good and to even listen to podcasts or YouTube videos that help them stay motivated and on track. I also suggest setting goals every month to track your growth and to stay excited and disciplined for the future! ML: You recently launched your podcast, "A Better You," where you are vibrantly covering lifestyle, wellness, and self-help topics. Can you tell us more about your vision for the podcast and share any specific shows you have been most excited to present to your listeners? FR: My goal for my podcast is to help others with actionable steps to improve their lives! This could be through how to guide holistic approaches to their lifestyle, or simply by providing inspiration. I’ve seen the responses I get from the podcast over social media and in person and it means so much to me, so I continue to post this kind of content! My vision is to expand "A Better You" to being everyone's one-stop podcast and platform for all things aesthetics, self-improvement, and build that sense of community we all crave! ML: Travel is a significant aspect of your content. What are some of the most memorable experiences or destinations you've encountered during your travels, and how have they shaped your perspective on life and self-discovery? FR: This year I was able to travel to Costa Rica and it really made an impact on my perspective for how life can be lived. I saw how others spend their time day to day and it really made me think about my priorities in life. I admire how the people there are so kindhearted and always make time for their friends and family. I also appreciated the amount of love they had for their own country and how much they cherished the nature and wildlife that pertains to the area. ML: Self-care is a favorite theme in your platforms. Could you share some of your favorite self-care routines and practices that have been particularly beneficial for you? FR: One of my favorite self-care rituals is taking “me” time in the mornings to slow down and feel my best. I try to wake up early, do my skincare, drink water, take my vitamins, ice roll my face, and then get ready for the gym. I love going to work out classes with friends, visiting different gyms, or even going on walks! Anything that gets my heart rate up and releases serotonin. I feel so light, happy, and excited after taking some time to focus on my wellbeing that I think I become more productive during the day. ML: Your video "Trying the Victoria Secret Model Diet and Workouts for a Week (Hard)" has garnered over 4 million views, making it a standout favorite among your audience. How "hard" was it really and can you share any unexpected challenges or memorable moments from the experience that your fans might not know about? FR: At the time I posted this video I didn’t work out that much on my own, so the challenge was quite hard for me. I tried running outdoors and boxing, which are both a type of workout that I wasn't used to at the time, so it definitely gave me an idea of how hard these girls work for their lifestyle. I also was learning how to cook more meals and fun recipes so that was a great learning time for me! ML: Miami is known for its vibrant fashion and lifestyle scene. Have you had any memorable experiences in Miami that left a lasting impression on you, and has the city influenced yourcontent and style at all? FR: I have not yet been to Miami, but I am planning my first trip! I’ve heard so many stories about the lifestyle there and every time I hear stories from there, I feel as though I would really thrive in that environment! I love how vibrant the style is and how freely others express themselves. It just feels like everyone is happy to be there and is enjoying themselves. The style influences me to incorporate colors into my outfits and it also inspires me in the sense that they have such a rich heritage and many cultural influences. They have a high population of Spanish-speakers and as a Latina, this makes me want to show off my heritage more and learn more about different Latin countries! Instagram: @fernandaramirez By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Georgia Love

In an exclusive interview with Miami Living Magazine, we sat down with the comedic geniuses behind the sensational AreYouKiddingTV: Joey Gizzi and Steven Lannum. With over 9 million followers and a staggering 600 million engagements, their uproarious videos and remarkable brand collaborations have taken the digital world by storm. Join us as we dive into their journey from college antics to global fame and discover what's next for this unstoppable comedic duo. ML: Congratulations on the incredible success of AreYouKiddingTV! You've amassed an impressive following of over 9 million and have reached an astounding 600 million engagements. What do you think has been the key to your massive growth and popularity? JG & SL: While there are several aspects that contribute to the success, we think being consistent with uploads and finding a unique concept that separates us from other creators has played a big factor. ML: You started creating comedy videos back in college, but it was after uploading your content to YouTube in 2016 that things really took off. Can you share with us the moment you realized you had struck a chord with your audience and that AreYouKiddingTV was going to be something big? JG & SL: We actually started posting to YouTube in 2016 during college and kept going until we graduated in 2018. While we did grow to over 20,000 YouTube subscribers, we realized it wasn’t something we could do as our full-time job right out of college. In 2020 during Covid and the growth of TikTok, we decided to re-edit our old YouTube clips into vertical, short form content, and after a few posts we started to grow pretty fast on that platform. Once our videos continued to get many views and positive feedback, we realized we had a chance to get back into making videos and turn our brand into something big. ML: You are also affectionately known as "The Sign Guys" due to the challenges you have people complete for prizes. How did this unique concept come about, and what do you believe makes these challenges so engaging for your audience? JG & SL: When we first started making videos, we were filming classic prank videos where we would approach strangers and do something funny, while also trying to be respectful about it. One day, we thought of the idea to stand on our college campus with a sign that said “Take The Dollar” and hold out a dollar bill, seeing who would take it. This concept was how our sign videos originated, and we realized there was potential for so many variations of the format. These challenges are engaging for our audience because they’re simple, entertaining, and it’s always funny watching how strangers will react to a random challenge opportunity. It also makes a lot of viewers hope to walk by us someday and get to participate in one of the videos. ML: Over the years, you've collaborated with prominent brands like Dr. Pepper, United Airlines, Brooks Brothers, and even big studios like Paramount. How do you choose the brands and projects you collaborate with, and what has been the most memorable collaboration so far? JG & SL: There are several factors that go into choosing the brands we work with, whether it’s on the business or creative side, but if we have a chance to work with a brand we both love, it makes the decision much easier. One of our most memorable collaborations so far was Dr Pepper; we were able to give $23,000 in tuition money to the winner of a contest, which was a very rewarding opportunity for us. ML: Your journey from creating videos at Elon University to finding massive success on TikTok during the pandemic is truly remarkable. How has your content evolved over time, and how has your audience influenced the direction you take with your videos? JG & SL: Over time, we have made higher quality videos, both in terms of production and creative content. We went from our sign saying “Take the Dollar,” to “Do 5 pushups, get $5,” to “First person to bring us cooked mac and cheese, throw a book in the air, and then dump this bucket of apple juice on their head gets a brand new MacBook Air.” We also evolved to doing challenges that took our adventures off-screen, like “First person to agree to give us your dog for 24 hours gets $1,000.’ This change gave us the ability to create a new style of videos, while still staying true to our overall brand. We’ll often look at the comments from our audience and use that feedback to decide which kind of content we should continue to make going forward, and what we should hold back on. ML: With the stakes getting higher as your following grows, could you tell us about one of the most challenging or adventurous video shoots you've undertaken? What made it stand out for you? JG & SL: One of our most challenging shoots was a video we did at East Carolina University, where people had to find a clear key in a giant pool set up on the campus. We gave out $5,000 for this challenge, by far our biggest prize yet, and we only had one take to get the intro done, with over a hundred students ready to run over and participate. We thought it went well overall, but that was probably our most challenging video to shoot. ML: Building such a strong online presence and maintaining engagement with millions of followers is no small feat. Can you share some of the strategies you use to keep your audience entertained and connected to your content? JG & SL: Our biggest strategy is making sure we continue to change up our videos with fresh, creative ideas. While our sign format is pretty simple and repetitive, we’re able to continue changing things up with the unique ideas we come up with, which we believe our audience appreciates and keeps them entertained and coming back to watch more. ML: With all your success, what are your future plans for AreYouKiddingTV? Do you have any exciting projects or new directions you're looking to explore? JG & SL: We plan on continuing to make bigger and bolder videos, while raising the stakes and giving out larger prizes. While we will continue our short form videos, we also want to expand to bigger long form YouTube videos and grow our following there. We’re also consistently looking at new opportunities, whether it be posting on new platforms, creating products, or attending events. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Austin Lord

America’s leading menswear designer, Todd Snyder, has opened his first retail location in Miami at the world renowned Bal Harbour Shops. As a New York City based brand, Todd Snyder has spent the past twelve years solidifying his presence as a New York retail institution. Snyder’s decision to expand to Miami was a very strategic one and is part of a national expansion that began in 2021 after the brand announced plans to open fifteen stores across major metropolitan markets. “We’ve taken our time expanding outside the New York Metro market and have been very strategic when choosing new locations by carefully assessing each city and where our key demographic is more apt to shop.” says Todd. “We’ve spent a lot of time growing our customers here and know there is still an endless opportunity to attract a fresh new audience locally and internationally. Bal Harbour Shops is a retail institution and we are honored to join the ranks of other premiere luxury brands here.” The 2,700-square-foot shop is located at Bal Harbour Shops and will serve as a one-stop-shop for all your wardrobe needs and as a destination for discovery for locals and travelers to experience the world of Todd Snyder. When designing the space, Todd used his signature mid-century meets utility interior aesthetic and updated it with a fresh new look for Miami. “I design all of my stores with the intent of transporting the customer into my world. For me, that means mid-century influences with a utilitarian twist and of course, attention to quality and craftsmanship.” says Snyder. “We spent a lot of time meticulously selecting every detail, while honoring the rich history of design that Miami continues to influence.” The storefront is eye-catching floor-to-ceiling tiles, manufactured by a London-based company, in a custom green–accented by custom solid walnut and glass doors. Upon entering you are greeted by a coastal neutral palette, accented with the bold colors of Miami. The space is illuminated by light fixtures from Romand and William Guild, highlighting custom-built stained oak lower walls and white-painted board and batten walls and archways. The upper walls are finished in custom Portola finished plaster and the floors complete with custom terrazzo tile floors with accents of Todd’s signature Snyder Olive. The rear of the space displays a hand carved walnut cash wrap and stocked bar, adorned with carrera marble and brass display showcasing one-of-a-kind vintage watches & jewelry sourced by NYC based brand Foundwell. The walnut paneling continues into the fitting rooms, accented by ratan wallpaper and coffered ceilings. Todd partnered with design duo Jeanne Martin-Taton and Marie-Marie Vergne of Les Crafties, the Brussels-based design studio, to develop custom hand-finished curtains portraying abstract scenes inspired by the Miami coastline using fabric sourced from interior designer Rose Uniacke of London. As with every location, Todd’s signature attention to detail is evident in the finishing touches. Each room balances utility-inspired details with rare mid-century furniture and artwork, sourced from places around the world like Corey Daniels Gallery in Maine, Hudson, NY based dealers Finch and The 818 Collective. The rooms are accented with tabletops of rare books available for purchase and rugs from NYC-based ABC Carpet & Home. The assortment is the very best of the brand’s signature Americana style, from re-engineered American classics, refined tailoring, utility inspired workwear and sportswear. Todd’s iconic suede Dylan Jacket, will sit alongside stacks of Japanese and Made in USA Denim, to Made in L.A. tees and luxe essentials like swimwear, Portuguese linen, Italian Cashmere, Italian Sportcoats and luxe Italian tailoring. The Americana aesthetic is not complete without a hand curated selection of third-party brands and exclusive collaborations, like their long standing collaboration with Champion Sportswear, D.S. & Durga, Bennett Winch travel, and a shoe shop featuring iconic American brands like New Balance, Vans, Converse, Alden and more. The space will also highlight Todd’s longtime partnership with Aesop, with a shop-in-shop of high-quality apothecary products. “As we expand into key growth markets, the design of our stores and how they support our sales goals are extremely important. A Todd Snyder store will bring consumers into the world of Todd Snyder, showcasing our attention to quality and crafting, adding in hospitality aspects or partnering with brands like Aesop to open shop-in-shops within our stores.” says Todd. “We are strategic about using our shops as a hub for goods and services that will naturally bring people through the door and convert them into a Todd Snyder customer.” This location offers same-day courier services, private shopping appointments and stylist studio services. Todd Snyder at Bal Harbour Shops is now open to the public. Todd Snyder at Bal Harbour Shops 9700 Collins Ave, Bal Harbour, FL 33154 www.toddsnyder.com @toddsnyderny By ML staff. Images courtesy of Todd Snyder.

On view through March 17, 2024 The Museum of Contemporary Art, North Miami (MOCA) is pleased to debut Jamea Richmond-Edwards: Ancient Future. Open October 25, Ancient Future will also be celebrated during Miami Art Week with a public opening on Tuesday, December 5, followed by a curator-led walkthrough on Saturday, December 9. Jamea Richmond-Edwards.Dark Night of the Soul, 2023, acrylic, gold leaf, glitter, mixed media collage and soft sculpture on canvas. 96 x 360 inches overall. Photo by Zachary Balber. Ancient Future is Richmond-Edwards’ largest solo exhibition to date. Spanning large-scale assemblages and immersive new installations, the exhibition explores the realms of Afro-futurism and mythologies through the lens of the rising artist’s bespoke visual idiom. Curated by MOCA’s Adeze Wilford, the exhibition is a product of new thematic elements, assembling a selection of never-before-seen artworks in dialogue with the artist’s signature oeuvre. One of the show’s centerpieces includes a new monumental painting scaling up to 30 feet. “Ancient Future presents an opportunity to explore the concept of radical imagination and the possibility of reconfiguring a future released from the confines of racial and gender binaries,” said Adeze Wilford, MOCA Curator. “When you think about significant art historical movements, especially Afrofuturism, it’s relevant to recognize the nuance of including Miami among this group. In developing this exhibition with Jamea, it was important that the show is a reflection of these complexities.” Premiering with the exhibition, a newly commissioned film documents a former drum major from Jackson State University alongside Atlanta’s Dancing Dolls. The seven-minute film explores aesthetics of beauty and fashion across decades. Born and raised in Detroit, Richmond-Edwards’ practice has long-been informed by the city’s folk arts scene, weaving materiality and everyday objects into the technical training of her fine arts degrees from Jackson State University and Howard University. In the last decade, her works have received national and international recognition at the Delaware Art Museum, California African American Museum, Charles H. Wright Museum, and most recently in her reimagining of The Color Purple through cover art for a new publication honoring the film’s 40th anniversary. In Ancient Future, Richmond-Edwards employs current and historical cultural references to imagine a more hopeful future for communities that counters the often negative sentiments of today’s news cycle. The exhibition not only marks Richmond-Edwards’ first solo show at a major institution, but it also launches the artist into the global art world. “This show is an expansion of my maturing as an artist as I consider space, both liminal and physical, and how my works can occupy it,” said Richmond-Edwards. “Staging my work at an institution like MOCA also feels especially significant and timely because of what that space and this opportunity has allowed for my practice. This exhibition is a reminder that I still have the capacity to dream and exist as an artist, just as we as a society have the capacity to grow and imagine.” Accompanying Richmond-Edwards’ show, a full-colored catalog will be published, championing the important scholarship related to the exhibition with new texts and essays by curators and scholars. Jamea Richmond-Edwards: Ancient Future is published by MOCA and features essays by Taylor Aldridge, Niama Safia Sandy and Adeze Wilford. Miami Art Week Programming and Schedule: MOCA will celebrate their fall exhibitions with a Miami Art Week reception on Tuesday, Dec. 5 to include a private VIP reception (invitation only) from 6–8 p.m., and open to the public from 8–10 p.m. The museum will also hold an Artist and Curator-led Exhibition Tour on Saturday, Dec. 9 at 11 a.m. The museum will also offer extended hours throughout the week. In MOCA’s continued efforts to include diverse voices and perspectives, the exhibitions will be accompanied by a robust series of educational and public programming. The museum’s extended hours for Miami Art Week: Saturday, Dec. 2 : 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3 : 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 4: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5: 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. *MIAMI ART WEEK RECEPTION 6 –8 p.m. (VIP), 8 –10 p.m. (Public) RSVP: https://111401.blackbaudhosting.com/111401/Art-Week-2023-Public-Opening Wednesday, Dec. 6: 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Thursday Dec. 7: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Public Reception: $15 Early bird rate (valid until 11:59pm on December 4), $20 on December 5 (online and at the door), $10 for seniors, students, and visitors with disabilities; and free for MOCA Members, City of North Miami residents and City of North Miami Employees. About the Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami MOCA North Miami presents contemporary art and its historical influences through exhibitions, educational programs, and collections. Inspired by its surrounding communities, MOCA connects diverse audiences and cultures by providing a welcoming place to encounter new ideas and voices and nurturing a lifelong love of the arts. MOCA developed from the Center of Contemporary Art which was inaugurated in 1981. The establishment of the permanent collection coincided with the institution’s move into their current building designed by Charles Gwathmey of GSNY in 1996. Under the direction of Executive Director Chana Sheldon and a newly installed Board of Trustees, MOCA showcased My Name is Maryan curated by Alison Gingeras during Miami Art Week in 2021, which traveled to the Tel Aviv Museum of Art in late 2022. An accompanying exhibition catalog highlighting key works will be published, along with other archival imagery and critical essays. The museum also premiered AFRICOBRA: Messages to the People during Art Basel Miami Beach in 2018. AFRICOBRA: Nation Time, the next chapter of the exhibition, was selected as an official Collateral Event of Biennale Arte 2019 in Venice, Italy. Other original exhibitions include: Didier William: Nou Kite Tout Sa Dèyè curated by Erica Moiah James, Ph.D (2022), Michael Richards: Are You Down? co-curated by Alex Fialho and Melissa Levin (2021), Raul de Nieves: Eternal Return and The Obsidian Heart curated by Risa Puleo (2020), and Alice Rahon: Poetic Invocations curated by Teresa Arcq (2019). Support: Jamea Richmond-Edwards: Ancient Future is made possible with major support from The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts and Kravets Wehby Gallery. Additional support provided by MOCA Visionaries. MOCA North Miami is generously funded by​ the North Miami Mayor and Council and the City of North Miami; the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation; and the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners. MOCA is sponsored in part by the State of Florida through the Division of Arts and Culture and the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional support is provided by the Fine & Greenwald Foundation and the Sol Taplin Charitable Foundation. Founding support for the MOCA Sustainability Fund provided by the Green Family Foundation Trust. We also thank our Board of Trustees, Curator’s Circle, and MOCA Members for their meaningful support. www.mocanomi.org | @mocanomi Press Contacts: Akilah Child Director of Communications achild@mocanomi.org Jackie Anyanwu Senior Account Executive, Cultural Counsel jackie@culturalcounsel.com Rachel Roberts Account Executive, Cultural Counsel rachel@culturalcounsel.com Jane Drinkard Account Coordinator, Cultural Counsel jane@culturalcounsel.com By ML staff. Image courtesy of Zachary Balber