MIA's Mercedes-Benz Corporate Run

Last night was the Mercedes-Benz Corporate Run and what a crazy time! It was my first time participating in the run and I really could not believe how many people and companies come out. More pictures to come but wanted to post this quick video I took pre-race of all the tents and teams at Bayfront Park.The music in the background is courtesy of a nice group of men playing the bagpipes. Such a spectacle!

Earth Day Yoga

Since the Wanderlust Festival, I've been dedicating more time to my yoga practice. There were a ton of events taking place in Miami to celebrate Earth Day but I decided to check out YogaBliss at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden.

The free class was taught by Keith Fox and held outside on the lawn with live music. It was my first time visiting the Botanical Gardens - I had no idea such a peaceful green space existed in the heart of South Beach. Keith led about 200 or so fellow yogis through an hour and a half of vinyasa flow. It was a hot day (I left with an intense sports bra sunburn) but thankfully there was a little breeze and the sponsors (Zico and Mix1) were nice enough to walk around and leave ice cold beverages on our mats. After the class, a free yoga retreat in Costa Rica was raffled off, which I sadly did not win, but all the money from the raffle went to benefit the MahaShakti Foundation - an organization that spreads yoga throughout South Florida especially to those in need. Here are some shots from the day.

Morning Sunrise

Woke up this morning, looked out the window, and Monday didn't feel so bad. Maybe it was all the rain yesterday, not exactly sure, but the sun looked brighter and bigger than most mornings. Grabbed my iPhone and managed to get this shot. Try waking up a little earlier tomorrow, like around 6:45am and see it for yourself. Will probably make your day a tidbit happier.

Pie Perfection

It's nice to have girlfriends who will share their Sex & the City DVD box set and their key lime pie recipe - all in one night. I'm so proud of our masterpiece, which is even prettier (and tastier in person). We followed this recipe from The Capitol Baker. The hardest part was juicing all the limes because my thumb started going numb from all the pressing and grinding. Everything else was pretty easy, including the homemade whipped cream.

Happy Thoughts

Thought I'd share a few things that are currently making me happy, starting off with this beautiful black semi lace dress which I have been eyeing at The Dressing Room - a cute locally-owned boutique in South Miami. Knew this beauty had to be mine after spotting it in the window when the shop was closed. 

Sadly, one of my orchids that I've had for six months took a turn for the worst this weekend. In just two days all the blooms wilted and fell off. So here is its replacement which I got from a vendor today at the Mary Brickell Village Farmer's Market. 

My girlfriend Eleni is going to teach me how to make her famous Key Lime Pie! I bought the ingredients over the weekend, including a whole bag of key limes. My mouth is salivating already.

Ta da! Here is my first attempt at making Red Velvet Cake Balls, inspired by Bakerella. While simple, this was a whole day process, but in the end totally worth it. Now I just have to get these cake balls out of my house, quickly, before I eat them all and gain 10 lbs.

Out & About

Feel like a slacker for neglecting my blog but the truth is that I have been out and about, just keep forgetting to bring my camera along. Still, I've been able to snap some decent pics with my iPhone, especially with the Pano app (my favorite photography app of them all). Here's a collection of my whereabouts.

View from my balcony during a Brickell sunset. Really can't beat this. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else in Miami.

Paid my first visit to The Filling Station, a local joint downtown that just started to stay open on the weekends. Guess they realized people actually live, not just work, in this part of town. Well, I'm glad they did because their spicy jerk chicken wings set my mouth on fire and the ice cold Milk Stout was just what I needed to keep my lips from not burning off. I'll definitely be back to this place, and perhaps on karaoke night. 

Miami Circle Park (behind the Icon) is now finally open after 12 years in the making. Taxpayers bought this ancient site for $27 million to save it from becoming a plot for another high-rise condo. This Miami Herald article does a great job detailing the park's history, dating back 2,000 years ago when Miami’s first settlers, the Tequesta tribe, were believed to have engaged in reverential ceremony. It's so nice to have this little slice of green to enjoy. Situated in the heart of the city, and just a few steps from my front door, I like to come here after work with Rusty. 

Now this is pretty. I took this picture right before we sailed off on our cruise to Cozumel, Mexico. Now, I'm not much of a cruise person (overwhelming buffets, cheesy entertainment, touristy destinations) but truly enjoyed getting away for a few days to celebrate my birthday. When we docked back at the Port of Miami, we looked at each other and decided we have to do this more often. Good book + sunny lounge chair + fruity drink + ocean view = happy place.