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MSM Online

Culture, Entertainment, Fashion, MSM Online, The Issue

My Miami: Nicole Williams

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Photography by Ace Amir (NYC) Nicole Williams has been busy lately. The gorgeous Canadian-born top model–of both British and Native Indian descent–does not stop to bedazzle us in countless ad campaigns. An instant classic is the current TV commercial with Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Amy Poehler for Old Navy. Meanwhile, Nicole shows tons of glamour and personality while starring on the E! hit reality TV show WAGS. The show gives a look inside the world of today’s hottest professional athletes from the perspective of the women inside the exclusive club of spouses and girlfriends. Williams is dating Larry English, a defensive end for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The show just got picked up for another season and as always there will be plenty of glamour, laughs and, of course, drama. Being a constant jet setter across the world, Williams has fallen in love with Miami where she has found the perfect combination of relaxation and fun. We were eager to learn a bit more about “her” Miami. When in Miami you can catch me… At Miami’s top annual events like Art Basel, Miami Swim Week, or Ultra, since I love art, fashion, and music. Or you can see me at one of those cool places in Wynwood, like Wood Tavern, where I relax while eating their delicious Bok Choy and sip on their famous white Sangria. The biggest misconception about Miami is… The biggest misconception about Miami is that it has no real culture. Miami has so much more to offer especially when one takes the time to get to know the midtown area and Wynwood! The last restaurant I enjoyed in Miami was… Prime 112! It’s the hottest restaurant in Miami–in my opinion. Not only is the food delicious but also a lot of eye candy, especially for the guys–beautiful girls everywhere! It’s definitely a scene! And I do enjoy some good people watching with my meal. What surprised me most about Miami was… That if you leave South Beach and explore Brickell, Midtown Miami and even North Miami, there is a lot of art and culture. Not to mention better shopping and a completely different crowd than on the beach. It’s a lot less touristy! Aside from the weather, the best reason to return to Miami is… There are several equally good reasons to come back again and again: beautiful scenery of the people, of course Art Basel, and the other events I mentioned before. Just the whole vibe, diversity, and the incredible party life that Miami has to offer. Where else can you have this much fun by night? The first time I became really curious about Miami was… When I signed with my first Miami agency, Elite! They asked me to come and spend a couple months here to get to know the city and to see if it’s a good fit for me, so I did! It was such a pleasant experience that I fell instantly in love with the city. What happens in Miami stays in Miami…and in MSM. Any secret or funny moment you’d like to share about you and this city? What happens in Miami stays in Miami it’s true! I’m afraid I can’t spill the beans on a few Miami adventures. But, I will say I spent one New Year’s Eve there and a certain friend of mine insisted on lying down behind the Fontainebleau sign in front of the hotel to take a nap in the bushes. That’s all I can say about it [laughs]. Use your imagination… Click here to view this post in the MSM January/February 2016 digital issue

LIFESTYLE, Living, MSM Online, Real Estate, The Issue

Miami Real Estyle – Tropical Modern Architecture with Ralph Choeff

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By Angela Betancourt Award-winning architect Ralph Choeff is one of the leaders of the Tropical Modern architectural movements in South Florida. Along with his partners at the Choeff Levy Fischman Architecture & Design firm, the team has mastered the art of Tropical Modern architecture. They’ve designed some of the most celebrated homes and hotels in the city; including the Mondrian South Beach Hotel and The Anglers Hotel, both in South Beach. One of their recent projects, the Rivo Alto Island Residence in Miami Beach, is a stunning example of how well Tropical Modern architecture plays into its surroundings. The home blends the interior with the exterior by using tall and expansive windows and sliding glass doors for maximum views and enjoyment. The interior of the home radiates a Zen-like atmosphere that, as Choeff would describe it, takes the owner to a place outside the experience of the day-to-day. A native New Yorker, Choeff moved to Miami in 1978 after graduating from the Pratt Institute with a Bachelor of Architecture degree. “I believed that Miami was ready to experience real architectural growth after being stagnant for many years. I felt Miami gave me the best opportunity to succeed and offered the weather I desired,” he said. And succeed he did. Choeff has become a highly sought-after architect and has been commissioned by many celebrities and VIP’s including Cher, Matt Damon, Barry Gibb, Alex Rodriguez and many others. His work has been featured on national TV programs such as the Today Show and in various high profile design magazines like Hospitality Design. His name has become synonymous with Tropical Modern architecture in South Florida. “My biggest professional accomplishment today, I believe, is how far I have come in the evolution of my professional career and how I approach design. I am proud to have been one of the leaders in the movement of Tropical Modern architecture in South Florida,” shared Choeff. Choeff’s success in this space evolved from his love of modern architecture. In college, he began to admire the work of Walter Gropius, a German architect known as one of the pioneers of modern architecture who was also the founder of the Bauhaus School. “The modern glass skyscrapers of NYC were inspirational to me. When I moved to South Florida, I yearned for the opportunity to produce modern architecture. Once I got that and started designing modern buildings, tropical architecture evolved when technology allowed us to create vast and tall sliding glass door openings which also allowed us to take advantage of our climate. Tropical Modern architecture was a natural evolution that stemmed from that,” he said. As this New Year begins to unfold, Choeff will undoubtedly continue to make strides. He is very excited about all of the firm’s current and upcoming projects and has high ambitions for the future. His ultimate dream project is to build something so successful it will gain enough notoriety to positively inspire the industry and that is one more thing he can be proud of. For more information on Ralph Choeff & Choeff Levy Fischman Architecture & Design, please visit www.clfarchitects.com

Culture, Entertainment, MSM Online, The Issue

LuLu & LaLa: The Unstoppable Duo

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By Justina Coronel Photography by Pulse Creative With spark, energy, charisma, personality, and passion, LuLu & LaLa are the twin sisters, or better known as “Las Gemelas LuLu & LaLa,” who have captivated the Latin market with their dancing, acting, hosting appearances, and now as the newest on-air talent for HITS 97.3. These Cuban-Salvadorian sisters were born in New Jersey in 1984 as Marissa and Marianela. “Most identical twins have a twin language. Our older sister’s name is Liliana and everyone calls her Lili. So within our twin language we heard Lili all the time and then LuLu decided to name Marissa, LaLa and LaLa decided to name Marianela, LuLu.” And the names LuLu & LaLa stuck. With 10 years of professional dancing and modeling experience, these two were also gifted with the act of hosting. In 2007, the dynamic duo was hired by Univision as correspondents in the reality show, Nuestra Belleza Latina. Following that, they were regular correspondents on Univision’s highest rated national television show, El Gordo y la Flaca. This continued with many events such as Premios Juventud, Premio Lo Nuestro 2010 and 2011, Latin Grammys 2011, and the auditions for Nuestra Belleza Latina. They completed an internship with the show E-Asylum as well, which allowed them to travel across the country for a year interviewing a variety of artists, such as Justin Timberlake, Halle Berry, and Robin Williams. These two have also been endorsed and have appeared in commercials by multiple clients such as Subway and McDonald’s. LuLu and LaLa have done all of this and more together, side-by-side. “The best thing about working together is that we have perfect chemistry with each other. We both know what we each wants and we know how to bring out the good in each other. We are best friends and we have each other’s back always.” Now, this bubbly pair is working with Cox Media’s station HITS 97.3 as their new hosts. “Hosting our own show together on HITS 97.3 is a dream come true! We are very close and we know each other so well that it just works out. The company we work for, Cox Media, is amazing and they really take care of you and really want to see their talent grow and expand so we are just very happy.” At times, it wasn’t the easiest path to get there, but these girls are beyond grateful for the opportunities they have been given. “We have worked hard and hustled hard to be where we are. Starting in this career is difficult and you don’t really get paid well at first. You are practically starving in the beginning. However, we always stuck by it. We wake up every morning happy to do what we love to do and unfortunately not many people can say that about their job. We’re so grateful.” The journey for these two has been adventurous and they have hustled hard to get to where they are. These energetic, full-of-life sisters will always be by each other’s sides no matter what the future holds. “We want it all. We want to continue working with Cox Media, we would like our own TV show, a one hit wonder on the radio (yes, we sing too), and to get married, have kids, and to know we will always be able to provide for our family. Dream big, be big!” With these two, anything is possible. For more information on LuLu and LaLa, please visit www.luluylala.com Click here to view this post in the MSM January/February 2016 digital issue

Entertainment, Health & Fitness, MSM Online, Sports, The Issue

Shane Battier: Taking Charge

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By Zachary Devita Photography by Aldo Arguello Former Miami Heat player Shane Battier and his wife, Heidi, established the Battier Take Charge Foundation around six years ago and have been an integral and popular part of the Miami and Coral Gables community. “I’m a proud Miamian. I live here locally in Coral Gables and we’ve established roots here. This is home, so, I think it’s the responsibility of not just me, but everybody, to be a part of their community. To do what they can to make it better.” The Battier Take Charge Foundation mission revolves around helping troubled youth by providing the necessary tools and resources to gain a good education and develop into effective leaders in society. “When I made it to the NBA, when I made it big, I felt like it was my duty to be able to afford access and opportunity to those who needed it. We are providing a great opportunity to unlock these kids’ dreams through the power of a college education.” The foundation has graduated three kids to this point, and hold another 15 within the program and have placed them all over the country. Last month, Shane hosted the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Village of Merrick Park in cooperation with the Battier Take Charge Foundation. When asked about the Christmas Wonderland the Village put on, Shane said, “This is a fun celebratory event…when I was asked to lead the tree lighting celebration, I took it as a huge honor!” Shane’s illustrious basketball career spans back from winning a college national championship at Duke as well as Naismith College Player of the Year back in 2001 and culminated when he won back-to-back championships with the Miami Heat in 2012 and 2013. The key to his success? His parents. “They were instrumental in helping me develop into the person I am today. They instilled in me a sense of gratitude, community and an unbelievable work ethic. There’s no question I wouldn’t be here without their guidance.” Although Shane has been retired for over a year now, there are still things about the game of basketball he misses. “I miss the subtle battles in a game. The in-game adjustments you have to make against Kevin Durant, or Carmelo Anthony or some of the greatest players in the world. The small battles that really are never picked on television, that you know that you’ve won or you’ve lost in the heat of it all.” While the small battles may be over, Shane hasn’t shied away from the world of sports in retirement. “As an old retired player now I’ve taken up golf. I’m merely a single digit handicapper and so I’ve worked really hard on that. I’m improving and it’s been a fun journey.” Along with golf, Shane has put a strong focus on the foundation and expanding its efforts and events in and beyond South Florida. “Everyone in Miami knows about the success of Battier-oke. That’s been a lot of fun to bring down here and we’ve had a huge level of support for that. We’re looking to grow as a foundation, looking to add programming, looking to add more kids. There are a lot of great kids in our county and in South Florida that just need the access, need examples and need to be told, hey, someone cares about you.” As of right now the foundation is up to standards according to Shane, but their work is never done and they are looking to add more within the community. Despite the fame and the fortune that comes with a career like his, Shane remains humble, always willing to help those around him. This remains evident when asked what piece of advice he would give to future basketball players who want a career similar to his. “Learn to love to work. If you enjoy the work, then you’ll have no problem putting in the extra time it takes to make yourself a great basketball player and unlock your full potential.” It’s no surprise that Shane loved his work on the court, but it’s his work off the court that will continue his legacy for years to come. For more information on the Battier Take Charge Foundation, please visit www.takechargefoundation.org Click here to view this post in the MSM January/February 2016 digital issue

LIFESTYLE, MSM Online, The Issue, Traveler

New Year, New Adventures

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By Dawn Wilson While you’re sitting there taking stock of your life and considering what awaits you this New Year, why not consider doing something totally unexpected. You may read about some exciting and adventurous activities that people participate in and say to yourself that you could never do that. Well, think again. You can do it! Put all of your inhibitions behind you and think about how exciting it would actually be to be one of the people telling the story rather than listening to the stories. Instead of listening to everyone else’s stories, start making your own. Life can be short. No one knows or understands this better than someone who experiences an unexpected tragedy in his or her life. There is no time than the present, because tomorrow is never promised to you. Now is the time to step out on fate and just go for it! You know what they say, ‘Go big or go home!’ 2016 is a New Year offering New Adventures. Start planning yours today. Consider these over-the-top adventures for 2016: Base Jumping Tandem BASE (Twin Falls, Idaho) We often think of the most insane things that people do and base-jumping is probably one of them. However, you have to wonder what’s so exciting about throwing yourself off a bridge. You’ll never know until you try it for yourself. At Tandem BASE in Twin Falls, Idaho, you are paired with an experienced instructor who has successfully made hundreds of jumps. The jump begins 486 ft. above the Snake River Canyon, where you will eventually cascade. It isn’t unusual to have your reservations about doing something like base-jumping, however, rest assured that you are in good hands. Safety is the #1 priority of everyone at Tandem BASE. For more information, please visit www.tandembase.com Aerobatics Sky Combat Ace (Las Vegas, Nevada) Adrenaline junkies will love Sky Combat Ace. There are several exciting experiences offered to you: aerobatics, air combat, extreme sightseeing and more. Whichever you decide to do, any of these activities will surely give you bragging rights. Sky Combat Ace has a perfect safety record with no injuries since opening in 2011. Safety always has been and will continue to be a priority at Sky Combat Ace. For more information, please visit www.skycombatace.com Heli Boarding Chugach Powder Guides (Anchorage, Alaska) If you enjoy skiing or snowboarding but are looking to break out of your comfort zone, Chugach Powder Guides may be just what you are looking for. With approximately 750,000 miles of skiing terrain and 700 inches of snowfall, you have every advantage needed to start your snowcat skiing or helicopter boarding adventure. If you’ve never tried your hands at either of these before, here’s your chance. For more information, please visit www.chugachpowderguides.com Shark Diving Hawaii Shark Encounters (Oahu, Hawaii) If shark diving has been on your bucket list for a while now, why not make 2016 the year to check it off your list. You can do this when you visit Hawaii Shark Encounters. You are able to come into contact with sharks in their natural habitat, the deep blue ocean. The experience is informative and invigorating. No scuba experience is necessary to engage in this type of adventure. You have nothing to fear as the Poly Glass windows of the cage protect you from the sharks. For more information, please visit www.hawaiisharkencounters.com Zipline Along the Fastest, Longest, & Highest Canopy Tour in North America New York Zipline Adventure Tours (Hunter Mountain, New York) So you’re thinking that there is nothing to this since you’ve zip lined before. This zip line tour has a slight twist to it; it’s done at night. This means you don’t know what you’ll see as you transverse through the forest in the dark. With only the moon as your main source of light, you’ll go on 6 zip lines and 4 rope bridges. Finally, you will rappel 65 ft. to your final destination. Zip lining at night makes it much more of an adventure than doing it in the sunlight. For more information, please visit www.ziplinenewyork.com Paragliding Proflyght Paragliding (Maui, Hawaii) Soar high in the sky with Proflyght Paragliding. At Proflyght, you can paraglide with a certified instructor or learn to fly solo. There are plenty of chances to get up the nerve to take that leap of faith since Proflyght flies in every season, weather permitting. Located in Maui, Proflyght Paragliding offers you the opportunity to see the wonders of the world from the best vantage point possible, high in the sky. For more information, please visit www.paraglidemaui.com Bobsledding Utah Olympic Park (Park City, Utah) You’ve gone skiing and snowboarding so now it’s time to step things up with something a bit more unexpected, bobsledding. Can you honestly say that you know many people who have actually gone bobsledding? Not many of us can. However, when visiting Park City, Utah, you can actually go bobsledding on the 2002 Olympic Sliding Track, with a trained professional. You’ll have to do your part in steering the sled in order for it to maintain maximum speed. See how it feels to go at top speed down a narrow track confined, three people to a sled. It is an adrenaline rush that you can’t imagine. For more information, please visit www.utaholympicslegacy.org Ice Climbing Ouray Ice Park (Ouray, Colorado) Now here is something you don’t hear about people doing every day, ice climbing. If you’re considering doing something that none of your friends have ever done, ice climbing may just be the ticket. Ouray Ice Park in Ouray, Colorado, offers over 200 climbing structures, all of which are actually man-made. Several guide services operate within the park and are available to assist you in getting started on your ice climbing adventure. All you need to bring with you is a little courage, which you’ll certainly need to get through this adventure. For more information, please visit www.ourayicepark.com Click here to view this post in the MSM January/February 2016 digital issue

LIFESTYLE, Luxury, MSM Online, The Issue

Preview of the 2016 Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show

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By Zachary Devita Photography Courtesy of Miami Boat Show Known as one of the top boat shows in the world, the Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show hosts its 75th anniversary on February 11-15, 2016. Not only is this the optimal winter location to find the best in boating, but the show has moved to the renowned Miami Marine Stadium Park & Basin. This new location is just minutes from downtown Miami and allows visitors to see thousands of new boats, accessories and enjoy the full experience of life on the water. The guests can board and view more than 1,200 boats, from luxury yachts to high-speed performance boats and also take a free water taxi or shuttle bus to a second location. The second location, at Miamarina at Bayside and sailor’s paradise, features the newest sailing gear of 2015, dozens of daily seminars and more than 100 sailboats. Some of the highlights and improvements to the show include enhanced entertainment activities, which will hold state of the art air-conditioned tents for the boats and the latest boating technology, as well as boat demonstrations and sea trials for the real shoppers. Guests can also be a part of on-the-water power boating and sailing workshops along with kayaking and stand up paddle boarding, all while viewing the beautiful downtown Miami skyline. Lastly, the show will provide a full wine and dine experience, including a Beer Garden and even a place for kids to enjoy food as well. With the 75th anniversary, the boat show will feature three famous South Florida boats including the Pilar, a replica of Ernest Hemingway’s famous boat which influenced several of his books, like The Old Man and the Sea. The second boat is the original speedboat from the Miami Vice TV show. The last boat is the Carol Suzanne, one of the most prominent racing boats of the Miami Marine Stadium. To find out more information about the boat show including hours, transportation, admission and accommodations, visit www.miamiboatshow.com Click here to view this post in the MSM January/February 2016 digital issue

Culinary, Culture, MSM Online, The Issue

A Preview of the 15th Annual South Beach Wine & Food Festival

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By Justina Coronel Photography Courtesy of Getty Images The Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by FOOD & WINE (SOBEWFF) invites all food connoisseurs to the 15th Anniversary celebration in Miami Beach during February 24 – 28, 2016. From fan favorites to new and exciting vendors, more than 80 events will span between Miami-Dade and Broward counties. As if there weren’t already a variety of tastes to discover, here are a few new venues to experience during the Festival. “Exploring Israel Dinner hosted by Ashley Christensen, Alon Shaya, Michael Solomonov, and Zak Stern” is hosting the Festival’s first kosher dinner at Rok Family Shul – Chabad Downtown Jewish Center on Thursday, February 25th. Christensen, Shaya, and Solomonov will bring new innovations and discoveries from a recent Israel tour and are joined by South Florida’s own, Zak the Baker. They will present this Glatt kosher experience and unique taste to guests. “CroquetaMania hosted by Jean-Georges Vongerichten” will host this iconic Cuban snack during a late-night party in the trendy Miami Design District. The local food authority of Burger Beast organized 15 of South Florida’s best to present a creative twist on this classic recipe. “Sweet 15: A Dessert Party hosted by Duff Goldman” will take place at Miami’s iconic, The Villa, Casa Casuarina, to celebrate the Festival’s 15th anniversary by having a dozen of the nation’s top pastry chefs to whip up some delicious desserts. And if this wasn’t enough of a huge bite of some of the venues already, the returning classics will have guests craving for even more. “Amstel Light Burger Bash presented by Schweid and Sons hosted by Rachael Ray” has been a festival favorite for ten years by bringing the country’s leading burger-making beasts together to compete for your taste buds on Friday, February 26th. “Meatopia Presented by Creekstone Farms hosted by Michael Symon” will present for the second time on Saturday, February 27th. Renowned food writer, Josh Ozersky, created this vision that will feature a carnivorous’ dream of meaty dishes from more than 25 chefs. “LUCKY CHOPSTICKS: An Asian Night Market” will close out SOBEWFF. Award-winning TV personality and chef Andrew Zimmern will host this special event of Asian bites from sushi to dumplings by a collection of chefs. Since all the proceeds go to the students of the Florida International University Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management, the Festival has raised more than $22 million to date; and with a simple bite, guests can make these students’ future bright. In September 2015, BizBash named the Festival the #1 Food & Restaurant Industry event in the United States for the third year in a row; now this is a mouth-watering event, in which you must go! For more information, please visit www.sobefest.com Click here to view this post in the MSM January/February 2016 digital issue

Culinary, Culture, Health & Fitness, MSM Online, The Issue

Miami’s Top Healthy Hot Spots

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By Justina Coronel It’s the beginning of a new year and there is no better way than to fully emerge yourself into it with no fear. The best way to feel good about yourself is by feeling healthy. A great way for a fresh start is by eating fresh quality food. Take a look at our list of Miami’s Healthy Hotspots for a solution to your New Year’s Resolution. The Juicery Bar The Juicery Bar’s goal is to provide fresh juices and smoothies that are made with 100% raw unpasteurized fruits and vegetables, with no added preservatives or sweeteners. You can dive into a refreshing smoothie or even a variety of acai bowls. One acai bowl, King of the Jungle, includes papaya, kiwi, strawberry, banana, coconut, goji berries, and chia seeds. If you love a certain smoothie, you can even turn it into a bowl! The Juicery Bar is located at 635 Brickell Key Drive For more information on The Juicery Bar, please visit www.thejuicerybar.com Freshii Freshii’s motto: Eat. Energize. Their main goal is to energize people on the go and aim to provide fresh and nutritious meal choices. The menu ranges from delicious salads, to quinoa bowls, to fresh pressed juices, to custom-made green wraps. For salads, the Market salad is made of quinoa, beet and apple slaw, carrots, field greens and spinach, avocado, and it is all topped off with honey dijon dressing. For fresh pressed juices, the Green Energy Juice is perfectly blended with apple, cucumber, kale, lemon, carrot, romaine, and spinach. Just like its name, Freshii provides fresh and yummy products that have locations in over 75+ cities, including our own. Freshii is located at 2300 NW 2nd Ave For more information on Freshii, please visit www.freshii.com Jugofresh This hotspot is home to cold-pressed juices, smoothies, juice cleanses, and quality food. They are made fresh daily and are 100% organic. The juice cleanses range from beginner to highly active depending on the level of the juicer and consists of 6 to 8 juices a day. For sustenance, there’s a variety of acai bowls to pick from. The Sunset Harbor Acai bowl is made of acai berry, Brazil nut crumble, raw honey, banana, seasonal fruit, coconut flakes, and cacao nib. Another great choice would be the Acai Verde bowl with acai berry, banana, kale, spirulina, raw honey, seasonal fruit, kale-cacao granola, and coconut flakes. Jugofresh is located at 40 South Pointe Drive For more information on Jugofresh, please visit www.jugofresh.com Raw South Juice Co. This live raw food restaurant provides organic raw juices, a smoothie bar, nutritional and inventive food selections. From veggie burger salads, to cheesy vegan vegetable stuffed eggplant, to a pumpkin vegetable potage, to the classic acai bowls, Raw South Juice Co. spices up our hotspot list with some innovative products. Raw South Juice Co. is located at 9804 SW 77th Ave For more information on Raw South Juice Co., please visit their Twitter page @rawsouthjuice Click here to view this post in the MSM January/February 2016 digital issue

Health & Fitness, MSM Online, The Issue

A Workout of EPIC Proportions

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By Alyse Mier Photography by Courtney Ortiz, Courtney Studios Ten people hurtle through an obstacle course simulation, shimmying up ropes, swinging from monkey bars, jumping on and off five-foot boxes, crawling under imaginary barbed wire, all searching for their limits. These athletes, from all sorts of disciplines, are congregating at EPIC Hybrid Training Gym with the owner Alexander Nicholas cheering them on. “I opened EPIC Hybrid Training in March of 2012 because I felt the fitness industry needed a change. The camaraderie, grit, and tenacity of this growing population of obstacle racers is exciting and infectious. I get more pleasure out of helping others perform at their best and always find challenging new ways to motivate members at EPIC,” said Nicholas. At EPIC, gym goers can choose from seven workouts, one for every day of the week, with the choices rotating monthly. Every Wednesday during January, the gym is offering EPIC Obstacle Circuits, a class in which participants will hoist wreck bags on their shoulders, jump on and off five foot boxes, crawl across the gym with a power wheel and traverse along the monkey bars and rings. Come February, the workout routine you’ve grown familiar with could be moved to Tuesday, which allows an attendee to explore other workout options, like the Blast routines where participants can work on their push ups and progress from doing a push up on their knees to a plyometric push up, or clapping push up. Whether you are an obstacle race professional or a beginner that has never participated in an obstacle race, EPIC classes offer many levels so every participant can feel challenged and empowered. “I love programs where you can progress, see the progression, but then after four weeks you get to start on something new. You’re always learning new things, but you also have time to work on what you’ve been practicing,” said Nicholas. Nicholas showed a passion for fitness at a young age, and opened EPIC in 2012, in search of a program that he could truly connect to. He began competing in obstacle races and eventually won the first Spartan Stadium Race at Fenway Park, as part of the original Reebok Spartan Race Pro Team. He also went on to compete on Spike TV’s Sweat Inc. “The challenges of these races bring out the best in me, as well as the ability to motivate so many people to get in better shape,” said Nicholas. For Nicholas, EPIC Hybrid Training in Brickell is only the beginning of a list of long-term goals. “The message I want everyone to know is that EPIC is for everyone. It can look very intimidating, but there are levels for everybody from beginner to advanced. It’s a very doable program for anyone who wants to come in, work hard and better himself or herself,” said Nicholas. EPIC Hybrid Training is located at 620 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33130 For more information, please visit www.epichybridtraining.com Click here to view this post in the MSM January/February 2016 digital issue

Culinary, Culture, MSM Online, The Issue

Valentine’s Day Sweets for Your Sweetheart

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

Culinary, Culture, Film, MSM Online, Music

The Weekend Guide: 1/15-1/17

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Magic City Comic Con When: Friday, Jan. 15th–Sunday, Jan. 17th all day Where: Miami Airport Convention Center Tickets: 3-day passes: $75; Single-day passes also available Additional Information: Featuring characters from Doctor Who, Game of Thrones, S.H.I.E.L.D., the first Flash, and Bill Nye the Science Guy www.magiccitycomiccon.com Art Deco Weekend When: Friday, Jan. 15th–Sunday, Jan. 17th at 6:00pm Where: Lummus Park Admission: Free Additional Information: Screening Bugsy Malone and Bugsy Shakespeare Miami & Free Shakespeare in the Park 2016 When: Friday, Jan. 15th–Jan. 30th all day Where: The Barnacle Historic State Park Admission: Free Additional Information: 10 year anniversary of Much Ado About Nothing production www.shakespearemiami.com Food Truck Invasion When: Friday, Jan. 15 at 5:30pm Where: Rolling Oaks Park in Miami Gardens Admission: Free; Food and beverages are not Additional Information: Occurs every third Thursday of the month www.foodtruckinvasion.com Life in Color Festival When: Saturday, Jan. 16th at 2:00pm Where: Sun Life Stadium Tickets: www.licmiami.com Additional Information: “The World’s Largest Paint Party”; Featuring Skrillex and Diplo’s Jack U, Steve Aoki, Zeds Dead, Flosstradamus, Big Sean, Ruby Rose, and more Sipping Socials Presents Wine & Reggae Festival When: Sunday, Jan. 17th at 5:00pm-10:00pm Where: The Wynwood Yard Tickets: $5 per person; Free for 15 years or younger; Tickets available online or at the door Additional Information: Taste 10 wines; Food trucks on site; Nail art or braiding by Maggie Rose Salon available; Face and body painting; Wine raffles throughout the night www.sippingsocials.com

MSM Online, Traveler

Chilling: Some of the Coldest Destinations on Earth

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By Gisel Habibnejad Miami is finally facing the cold front we were looking for during the holidays. Although it is late to the party, we should still take advantage of all the benefits that come with it: scarves, stylish boots, leather jackets, hot chocolate, snuggling. Here’s a list of some of the coldest places on Earth that will make you feel grateful of our 60ºF weather. The first, Vostok, Antartica, broke the record in 1983 with -128.6ºF! 1. Antarctica 2. Verkhoyansk, Russia 3. Oymyakon, Russia 4. Rogers Pass, Montana 5. Yukon 6. Prospect Creek, Alaska 7. North Ice, Greenland 8. Eureka, Canada

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