DailyCandy Miami

Doodle Bug

2009-11-06T14:15:00Z

Lisa Marie Norton's Pet Doodles

When you doodle, it’s usually something shameful like your name with boy-of-moment’s last name. You know, just to see how it will look when you fetch the mail after you two are married with kids.

Lisa Marie Norton’s doodles have real-life inspiration.

The Michigan-based graphic designer creates noncutesy five-by-seven portraits of your dog, cat, bird, bunny, iguana, turtle, or snake. You supply her with photos; she takes pen to paper and then colors it in digitally. The depictions are modern, cartoony, and a little Japanesey.

At just $50, they’re a perfect sentimental gift for yourself or others.

Even if they’re not destined to be significant ones.

Available online at lmnoprint.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Lisa Marie Norton

One-Night Stand

2009-11-06T08:30:00Z

Sleepless Night Art Event

The last time you pulled an all-nighter, you were high on white powder.

Sugared donuts, people.

Whip out the sugar again, this time for Sleepless Night, tomorrow’s all-night cultural extravaganza from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m.

The free event — a smorgasbord of dance, art, music, film, and more — takes place throughout Miami Beach with shuttles transporting audiences to more than 150 spectacles.

Highlights include Pablo Cano’s Musical Marionettes, a surreal vaudevillian puppet show; Bounce Theory, aerial dance and acrobatics by the Animate Objects Physical Theater; and Spectropia, New York-based artist Toni Dove’s mind-bending, multimedia show.

Expect a range of music (from Jacob Jeffries Band to La Traviata by the Miami Lyric Opera), midnight museum trips (Bass is open ’til 2 a.m.), and a Whole Foods breakfast served at 6 a.m.

Assuming your appetite’s intact.

For more information, go to sleeplessnight.org.

Photo: Courtesy of Bounce Theory/sleeplessnight.org

The Weekend Guide

2009-11-05T14:15:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

It’s Gordon Ramsay’s birthday on Sunday so have a f***ing good time.

SLEEP
FJS Pillows
What: Rest your head on beautiful, hand-sewn cushions inspired by the designer’s g-ma’s hankie collection, batik shirts Spitta wore in seventh grade, and his mom’s old hippie threads.
Why: You’re feelin’ groovy.
Where: Online at fjspillows.com.

REREAD
The Classics
What: Penguin’s jazzy ten-book collection of Coralie Bickford-Smith-designed hardcovers is finally available in the U.S. of A. Titles include Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice, and Great Expectations.
Why: It’s a universally acknowledged fact that they’re awesome.
Where: Online at amazon.com.

SIGN UP
Swirl, Sample Sales by DailyCandy
What: Introducing our new sample sale e-commerce site with clothing and accessories from our fave designers — all at up to 80 percent off. Beta site (and first sale) goes up Nov. 16.
Why: DailyCandy subscribers get dibs (first 100 members get $100 gift cards).
Where: Online at swirl.com.

DONATE
Your Halloween Candy
What: Participating dentists will buy back your unopened treats and ship them to troops overseas.
Why: You’re sweet enough already.
Where: Online at halloweencandybuyback.com.

BE
A Fashion Designer
What: Stylish sketchbooks feature figure templates (that disappear when photocopied) and a notes section on every page.
Why: Unleash your inner Coco.
Where: Online at hokeycroquis.com.

BUY
The Working Proof
What: New site releases a print by an emerging artist every Tuesday. A portion of the proceeds goes to charity.
Why: The proof’s in the pudding.
Where: Online at theworkingproof.com.

Or would you rather skip town this weekend? All you need is a change of clothes and our road trip tips at dailycandy.com/guides.

Photo: Courtesy of FJS

The Weekend Guide

2009-11-05T08:30:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

We’ll tell you what we want, what we really, really want.

BUY
What Women Want
What: A shopping soiree with pop-up boutiques by Ank and Salinas swimwear and Melissa Plastic Dreams, plus a fashion show, bubbles, and cupcakes.
Why: Spend, sip, snack, repeat.
When: Sat., 6 p.m.
Where: Nikki Beach, 1 Ocean Dr., South Beach (305-538-1111).

SIGN UP
Swirl, Sample Sales by DailyCandy
What: A new sample sale website with clothing and accessories from our editors’ favorite designers at up to 80 percent off.
Why: DC subscribers get first dibs (and 100 early members get $100 gift cards).
When: Beta site (and first sale) launches Nov. 16.
Where: Online at swirl.com.

CHOOSE
Smash and Grab Party
What: Hear your raffle number then take your pick of artwork donated by worldwide talent at this fundraising fete.
Why: For art’s sake.
When: Fri., 7-10 p.m.
Where: Locust Projects, 155 NE 38th St., Design District.

SEE
The Walworth Farce
What: The critically lauded play, arriving from Ireland by way of off Broadway, takes a slapstick approach to murder and mayhem.
Why: So Farce, so good.
When: Thurs. & Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 & 8 p.m.
Where: Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, 1300 Biscayne Blvd.

TASTE
4 Orange Premium Vodka
What: The locally distilled liquor made with four types of Florida oranges hits the market — and bars like Purdy Lounge and Mansion.
Why: Taste the rainbow of fruit flavor.
When: Your Lexapro ain’t cutting it.
Where: Lakeside Liquors, 16741 NW 67 Ave., Miami Lakes (305-827-2810).

Or would you rather skip town this weekend? All you need is a change of clothes and our road trip tips at dailycandy.com/guides.

Photo: Courtesy of Melissa Plastic Dreams

Apiece Apart Clothing Fall 2009

2009-11-04T17:30:00Z

Hot Tomato

2009-11-04T17:00:00Z

Black Tomato Launches DailyCandy Travel Desk

Travel dream No. 1: India. Now, pick cities. (Jaipur? Udaipur?) Find driver. Arrange elephant ride. And sunrise mountain picnic. Mmmkay. Maybe you’ll just go to your mom’s.

Travel dream No. 2: It’s Wednesday. Your boss tore you a new one. Sure would be nice to call in sick from a beach in Mexico Friday morning.

If only? Impossible? Nope. We’re making it easier to get outta town: We just launched a partnership with Black Tomato, the travel company for the way we (that means you) travel — in totally customized trips.

Why do this? Well, someone needs to take you from A (you know where you want to go) to B (you can’t deal with the arrangements).

Why Black Tomato? You pretty much suggested it. When we published its Insider’s Guide to Indonesia last year, so many of you booked with BT — and kept booking — it’s a wonder you got any work done in 2009.

What’s in it for DailyCandy subscribers? A dedicated travel desk a call or e-mail away. Personalized service. Custom trips. And sweet extras like a free night at a hotel (or that sunrise picnic).

We’ll keep doing what we do here at DailyCandy Travel: hitting the road and reporting on the destinations we think you’ll love. Only now we’re making it easier for your getaways to happen.

Your wish, our command.

Available online at blacktomato.co.uk.

Apiece Out

2009-11-04T14:15:00Z

Apiece Apart Fall 2009 Collection

Deafening sirens, rowdy mob scenes, shrieking teenagers.

Sheesh. Can’t we get a little peace and quiet?

Actually, yes, thanks to Apiece Apart, a high-end line of sleek separates that harmonizes your wardrobe.

Designed by two NYC gals, the collection consists of everything you need (from skirts, trousers, tops, and jackets to carryalls, clutches, and belts) to look like a chic, put-together grown-up. (And really, it’s time.) Articles pair as well with each other as they do with those crazy impulse buys (hello, sequin leggings!) sitting in your closet.

The hefty price tags might feel like a problem.

But pristine cuts and luxurious fabrics make Apiece Apart of the solution.

Available online at satineboutique.com, mickmargo.com, and shopjumelle.com. To see styles, go to apieceapart.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Apiece Apart

Green Light

2009-11-04T08:30:00Z

Viva Verde Boutique Opens

Two roads diverge in Coral Gables. And we took the one less traveled by — turning off Bird Road and heading to Viva Verde.

The hidden gem offers a cheerful shopping oasis with lime and pink walls, recycled shelving and furniture, and a well-chosen selection of gift items.

Sniff house-label scented soy candles and Sinful Scrubs made (locally) of brown sugar, sea salt, and essential oils. Note how the purses, bags, and beaded bracelets perfectly accessorize the tunics, dresses, and blouses. Organic pajama sets make you want to curl up with a cup of Be Well Red Tea by The Republic of Tea.

Owner Nancy Sepulveda keeps orders limited and small, so your purchase feels unique. And everything is either organic or all natural, including cleaning supplies, water bottles, and body products.

And that has made all the difference.

Viva Verde, 4794 Southwest 72nd Avenue, Coral Gables (305-666-5202 or vivaverdeshop.com).

Photo: Margit Bisztray

Delightful Deals

2009-11-03T16:00:00Z

Aren’t we the cutest little e-mail you’ve ever seen?

Gifts for Nesters

2009-11-03T14:00:00Z

Where’s your piece of the hostessing pie? Try these gift picks, homeslice.

Cape of Good Hope

2009-11-03T08:30:00Z

The Cape Cod Room Restaurant Opens

You wouldn’t want to join any club that would have you as a member.

Until now.

Inside the infamously private The Bath Club, The Cape Cod Room opens tomorrow for dinner. Revealing the retro space to the public is Fratelli Lyon’s Ken Lyon, who splashed his New England roots all over the seafood-laden menu.

Addictive corn bread sets the stage for starters like clam chowder, Wellfleet oysters, and crab cakes. Northern staples like codfish, Nantucket bay scallops, and gray sole arrive daily. Lobster makes a welcome showing in potpie and Provincetown seafood stew. And the to-die-for Indian pudding dessert recalls homemade pumpkin pie.

From the grand arched windows and pale blue chairs to the lavish powder room and impressive foyer, the decor harks back to Miami’s Sinatra-filled past.

You’ll be president of the fan club.

The Cape Cod Room, inside The Bath Club, 5937 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach (305-864-1262).

Photo: Courtesy of John B Gynell

Fine, Have It Your Way

2009-11-02T14:15:00Z

Omne Necklace by Gemma Redux

Help! Help!

Woman screams.

Deep in the heart of Pleasantville, there’s a damsel in distress. She’s worn the same boring jewelry every day since 2007 (hold back your tears, please).

Wait what’s that? It’s a bird. It’s a plane. No, it’s Super Necklace, a.k.a. the Omne by Gemma Redux.

It morphs from chunky choker to open chain necklace to bohemian hair accessory to dangly belt in the blink of an eye — all thanks to a really strong magnet. Don’t believe it? We caught it in the act in today’s video, shot in New York City, er, Gotham.

And here’s the part that really saves the day: It retails for just $98 and up.

You know, in case you wanna hire it for birthday parties.

Available online at gemmaredux.com.

Switch-Hitter

2009-11-02T08:30:00Z

Switch Bar Opens

Lately you’ve been keeping it real classy. Frequenting underground speakeasies. Wearing a bra.

Perhaps it’s time to Switch things up. Coconut Grove’s newest bar, Switch, is old school (literally, like college).

Trade artisanal cocktails for Pabst on tap. And don’t count on ’97 Chablis. Instead, take solace in sake cocktails and infusions made with pineapple, kiwi, and watermelon. (A full liquor license is expected in January).

A twist on bar fare, the menu offers Spanish and Italian tapas like bruschetta, stuffed peppers, and Serrano and melon, along with traditional burgers and wraps. Get the chef’s specialty, paella, prepared tableside for groups of ten or more.

Expect Hurricanes games on six plasmas, DJs, local bands, and random make-out sessions.

’Cause some things never change.

Switch, 3008 Grand Avenue, Coconut Grove (305-441-1313).

Photo: Courtesy of Universal Pictures

Don't Be Yourself

2009-10-30T13:45:00Z

Last-Minute Halloween Costume Ideas

You know what was truly a fright last Halloween? Seeing a sexy Sarah Palin on every block.

This year, opt for something a little more original and a little less hockey MILF (but perhaps equally as creepy). And no, Balloon Boy isn’t what we’re getting at.

In today’s video, we show you five easy DIY costumes that you can make in less than ten minutes: a cereal killer, little white lies, swine flu (sorry, couldn’t resist), a chick in a box, and — get this — a Kraft single (you know we’d never pass up a chance to be cheesy).

The best part: You won’t need to stand in line at a Halloween superstore (which can be a scary sight on its own) for any of the above.

You’re a maverick in disguise.

For more detailed descriptions on how to make each costume, check out our photo gallery.

Strap One On

2009-10-30T13:15:00Z

Pup to Go Dog Carrier

Hey, everybody. My name’s Precious Peanut McDoggle III. May I sniff your crotch?

[Can I have a treat?]

You may think it’s easy bein’ a dog, and all I need to be happy is a snack or two (apples, Pinkberry, bread, insect bits, etc.). Not true! Although I am famished.

[Can I have a treat?]

The truth is, when you leave, I go nuts. So might I suggest you buy a Pup to Go dog carrier? So I can come with you everywhere.

[Can I have a treat?]

Basically, it’s a durable, breathable backpack for your front with my head coming out the top and arm, leg, and tail holes on the sides. It’s machine washable, comfy for us both, and available in three sizes.

[Can I have a treat?]

Sure, people might mistake me for a big, furry human baby at first.

But wouldn’t that be a treat?

Available online at puptogo.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Pup to Go

A Fromageable Opponent

2009-10-30T07:30:00Z

The Cheese Course Bistro and Market Opens

Steak house. Pizza. Steak house. Pizza.

Miami’s dining scene is stuck on repeat.

Here to break the mold: The Cheese Course, opening today in Midtown. The European-style shop stocks more than 150 artisanal cheeses and operates as both bistro (with patio seating) and gourmet market.

Fromage from fourteen countries is arranged by category (fresh, bloomy or washed rind, semihard, hard, and blue) and served by the pound. Pair it with a bottle of wine (starting at just $15); charcuterie like prosciutto di Parma, Serrano ham, and soppressata; or accompaniments both sweet (fruit preserves, caramelized nuts) and savory (sun-dried tomato pesto, olive tapenade).

Don’t know what goes with a Brie de Meaux? Let the experts arrange a tray with fig spread, green apples, and sliced baguette. The specialty cheeses also come on sandwiches and salads.

So feel free to mix things up.

The Cheese Course, 3451 Northeast First Avenue, Midtown (786-220-6681).

Photo: Courtesy of The Cheese Course

The Weekend Guide

2009-10-29T13:45:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

Be who you wanna be.

COMMISERATE
Cassette from My Ex
What: Writers (Jancee Dunn, Rick Moody) and other creative types wax nostalgic about old flames through the music they compiled.
Why: Beach ’93 (a.k.a. V-card mix) will never die.
Where: Online at amazon.com.

WRITE
Penzu
What: Record your scandalous thoughts and upload pics in a handy online diary. Unlike blogs, it’s accessible by only you unless you decide otherwise.
Why: Secrets, secrets are so fun.
Where: Online at penzu.com.

READ
Poetry of Food
What: New online magazine contains recipes, restaurant reviews, foodie recollections, and pics that’ll make you hungry.
Why: Eat these words.
Where: Online at poetryoffood.com.

PACK
Old-Fashioned Luggage
What: Although the colorful, little suitcases aren’t big enough for a vacation (let’s be real, overpackers), they’re perfect for day trips or even organizing things around the house.
Why: Stuff it.
Where: Online at landofnod.com.

WEAR
Month-of-the-Year Undies
What: Hip Portland-based site just started making timely little skivvies with leftover scraps from other projects. November and December coming soon.
Why: Don’t wear them a month straight.
Where: Online at store.makoollovesyou.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Cassette from My Ex

The Weekend Guide

2009-10-29T07:30:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

Trick or treat?

BITE
True Beach Blood
What: Indulge your vamp fetish at this fang-banger soiree hosted by Elaine Lancaster and benefiting the American Heart Association.
Why: There will be blood.
When: Thurs., 9 p.m.-midnight.
Where: The Catalina Hotel & Beach Club, 1732 Collins Ave., South Beach. Info at 305-674-1160.

PARTY
The Other Hollywood
What: Your slutty costume fits right in at this ’70s porn-themed party, where $20 buys you unlimited Leblon cachaca and 42Below vodka.
Why: Bom-chicka-bow-wow.
When: Sat., 10 p.m.-3 a.m.
Where: The Awarehouse, 550 NW 29th St., Wynwood.

The Cat’s Meow
What: Slip into a flapper dress and feather headband for a prohibition-era fete in The Raleigh’s massive penthouse.
Why: It’s a hot gin roof.
When: Sat., 9 p.m.-3 a.m.
Where: 1775 Collins Ave., South Beach (305-534-6300).

DRINK
Caviar Kaspia Happy Hour
What: The swank spot goes budget with $8 cocktails (bubbly, mojitos, martinis, beers, wines) and a $10 and under lite bites menu (think smoked salmon and blinis).
Why: Satisfy your Caviar wishes.
When: Tues.-Sat., 4-7 p.m.
Where: Inside The Webster, 1220 Collins Ave., South Beach (305-674-7899).

EAT
Salsa Fiesta Opens
What: Lime gets some competition from the new, casual Mexican eatery. (Delivery coming soon, woo-hoo.)
Why: Holy guacamole!
When: Daily, 10 a.m.-11 p.m.
Where: 2929 Biscayne Blvd., Midtown (305-400-8390).

Photo: Courtesy of HBO

Go Wilde

2009-10-28T16:00:00Z

DailyCandy Goes to Ireland

Ireland has a long history of rhyming (Wilde, Yeats, Joyce, Beckett). But there’s no East Coast-West Coast rivalry, which means you can hip-hop across the country from Dublin to Galway.

Dublin or Nothin’
Start by getting cozy. Check into Dylan (Eastmoreland Place, Dublin 4; +353-1-660-3000), a colorful boutique hotel in a renovated Victorian building not far from St. Stephen’s Green. Then head off the beaten path to the serene Irish Museum of Modern Art (Royal Hospital, Military Road, Kilmainham, Dublin 8; +353-1-612-9900) for outsider, Irish, and international art.

Now you’re ready for some Guinness. Grogans Castle Lounge (15 William Street South, Dublin 2; +353-1-677-9320) is a divey watering hole where local artists and writers will keep you entertained with stories and so-so artwork on the walls. Order another (and another) at Shebeen Chic (4 South Great Georges Street, Dublin 2; +353-1-679-9667), a gastropub decorated in thrift shop finds and clotheslines.

Prevent a hangover with classic Irish fare like black pudding and smoked haddock at The Winding Stair Restaurant + Bookshop (40 Lower Ormond Quay, Dublin 1; +353-1-872-7320). How incredibly charming and cozy is this place? Well, there’s also a great selection of hard-to-find used books.

When you’re ready to shop, hit Design Centre (59 South William Street, Dublin 2; +353-1-679-5863) for Irish labels like Philip Treacy and Pauric Sweeney and Avoca (11-13 Suffolk Street, Dublin 2; +353-1-667-4215) for housewares, boho clothing, and affordable jewelry.

And get your green on strolling the River Liffey and the many parks around town.

Such Galway
It’s dramatically gray, right on the water, and authentically Oirish. And when you hang your hat at the glam Philip Treacy-designed The G (Dublin Road, Wellpark; +353-91-865-200), you’re front and center to everything.

Galway is an incredibly walkable town. Here’s your path: Stroll along the River Corrib, over to the Claddagh (yes, of those rings), and amble along the expansive Salthill beaches next to Galway Bay.

The annual Galway Oyster Festival makes for quite a show, but you can get your aquatic fill anytime at the down-to-earth and boisterous McDonagh’s Seafood House (22 Quay Street; +353-91-565-001), where no one notices how much you eat or drink. (It. will. be. lots.)

Pop into Les Jumelles (11 Upper Abbeygate Street; +353-91-564-540) for gems from Irish designers like Lainey Keogh and Mary Grant. Come weekend, hit the centuries-old farmers market (next to St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, Mainguard and Lombard Streets) for local crafts, woolens, and the biggest carrots you’ve ever seen. Saturdays are best for food; Sundays are all about crafts.

You’ve fallen in love with the town, now hit the road. Rent a car and drive to Cliffs of Moher for breathtakingly high views and then wind around through the rocky terrain of the Burren and breathe in the fresh air. So many sheep, cows, and horses. So many green hills and dramatic waters.

Aye, it’s enough to make you wax poetic.

While you’re down there:
+ DailyCandy Goes to Edinburgh

Photos: Jupiter Images; Courtesy of Grogans Castle Lounge; Courtesy of The Winding Stair Restaurant + Bookshop; Courtesy of Avoca; Courtesy of The G; Eoin Gardiner/Flickr; Courtesy of McDonagh’s Seafood House; Courtesy of Lainey Keogh; Courtesy of Cliffs of Moher

Give Thanks

2009-10-28T13:15:00Z

Heritage Thanksgiving Turkeys

Your typical Thanksgiving meal includes mashed potatoes with a side of crazy, yams topped with family dysfunction, and turkey as dry as your parents’ sex life.

Bring some sanity to the table this year in the form of a Heritage turkey.

Grown on the Good Shepherd Turkey Ranch, the fowl is bred naturally; never fed antibiotics or animal by-products; matures at a natural rate; and, when the day comes, meets a clean end.

Pick a bird ranging from 8 to 22 pounds (one pound per person), and Heritage will include the neck and giblets for stuffing and gravy. Never frozen, the game comes on ice, sealed in a cryovaced bag with a cavity wedge to protect it from bacterial growth.

Order before they sell out, and your gobbler will arrive via FedEx Tuesday, November 24 with cooking instructions.

Oh, will you please pass the judgment?

Available online at heritagefoodsusa.com.

Photo: Getty Images