Lincoln Road

I've written about Lincoln Road many times, and there's always something new to write about or pictures to share.

In this post, I simply want to share photographs I took while strolling along one evening...

Beautiful Day on the Beach at Seacoast

Even an overcast day in Miami Beach is a beautiful day.

There are plenty of relaxing and enjoyable things to see and do.



I just bought these chaise covers and they are fantastic. They fit securely over the back and front of the chair, so they don't move at all.  I love to just hang out on the chaise and watch my children play while I read or catch up on blogging.



The newest and largest Lufthansa jet flying right over the beach on its way to Europe.

Lookin' for something yummy...

Cruise ship on the way to a new adventure.

Just chillin'

 



 

Condo Time

This year we had an opportunity to spend time at our condo again.  Every year between vacations and social, academic and career obligations we try to spend time here, even if just for a little bit.  This year we have been here off and on over 1 month. 

My husband and I go to work from here if necessary and my children attend their functions from here.  It's a longer drive for all of us but well worth it if we get to spend quality time together. 

When we come, I take the opportunity to upgrade and/or repair anything that needs to be fixed.  No matter how often I come during the year, unless I am staying here I don't really see what is needed.  You have to live here for an extended period (at least a few days) to notice things.  This year we replaced towels, the TV in the master bedroom, some linens and some items in the kitchen.  While here I also noticed the refrigerator we purchased last year (hopefully still under warranty) freezes over a little, and creates a film of ice over the inside of the freezer. This was happening last year when we received the refrigerator but I thought I was being exaggerated.

 The dishwasher is also acting a little strange, so I realized you can't "over fill it".  I am a little abusive with dishwashers...I want to put a lot of things in to avoid doing two loads, but if it gets too full, you end up doing two loads anyway to wash the items that didn't get washed in the cycle that was too full.

So there you have it.  Some of the issues I've had to deal with this year.  Very minor, thank goodness!

Being here, also helps me be a better guide, a better landlord and better travel advisor.  I get to experience things first hand and pass on the vital information to prospective clients, tenants and guests.

I hope you benefit from my posts and I hope I help you get the most from your vacation.

The beach at sunset

I took these photographs a few days ago as we were walking in from spending a few hours on the beach.  This is my favorite time to be at the beach.  Anytime after 3:00pm is great in my book.  Don't get me wrong...I love the beach at any time...but I especially love the late afternoon hours...

This time of the day is usually breezy

and calm.

At this time and for several hours before this the beach is

not crowded with sun-bathers. 

You might see joggers or yoga

classes.

If my family is around, you will definitely see a sports activity.  Either my kids are engaged alone or my husband and I join them.  Regardless there is always something happening soccer, kickball, whiffleball, badminton, kadima...you name it.  There is plenty of space, so there is no danger of hitting someone with a stray ball, and the heat is almost non-existent.  It's a perfect time for this.

This is a great time to relax, take it all in and

forget about anything stressful.

I am so thankful for all of our blessings, and this is one of them.

Miami Home and Remodeling Show

Catch up on the latest trends in residential interior design at the Miami Home Design and Remodeling Show. The show runs from Friday, March 25th through Monday, March 28th, 2011 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.


Visitors will be able to explore an international selection of products and services for residential interior design, home improvements, furnishings and accessories.

Attendees can also enjoy complimentary seminars and celebrity designer showcases.

Among the scheduled seminars are:

• Andrew Downward from HGTV’s Divine Design show will host seminars at 1:00pm and 4:00pm Saturday, March 26th and Sunday, March 27th on how to change a room for less than $100.00


• Florida Home Improvement Associates fhaproducts.com, are sponsoring this year’s seminar stage.  This stage will  feature  various seminars on home improvement and energy efficiency updates available to homeowners in South Florida.

I can’t wait to go, I’ll see you there!

Show Hours:

Friday, March 25th, 2011…Noon to 10:30pm

Saturday, March 26th, 2011…Noon to 10:30pm

Sunday, March 27th, 2011…Noon to 7:30pm

Monday, March 28th, 6:00pm to 10:30pm

For complete schedule of events and additional information, please check their website: http://homeshowspecials.com

You can also print a show discount coupon on their website, along with coupons from exhibitors for discounts on their products and services.


Come back and post your comments…

At the beach

"At the beach, life is different.

 Time doesn't move hour to hour but mood to moment.

We live by the currents, plan by the tides, and follow the sun."

- Anonymous                     

                                             

Makeover at our Miami Beach Condo

We have just undergone a big makeover at our condo.  While staying there off and on this summer, we have made several very noticeable improvements.  They are:

• purchased a flat screen, HDTV

• received a cable box from cable company this week with additional movie channels (HBO, TMC, SHO)

• changed window treatments, both rooms have blinds and curtains, for added privacy

• purchased new furniture with many drawers for added convenience for guests (we have a total of 25 new drawers between both rooms)

 

• purchased a full-size sofa bed for the master bedroom

• purchased new stainless steel appliances
• changed lighting in the kitchen
• purchased new, contemporary dining table with chairs for kitchen
• made room in the kitchen pantry to provide more space for guests' items

• have provided WIFI in addition to the original DSL connection, for added convenience

• purchased a desk and chair for 2nd bedroom, and a computer table for master bedroom

• painted the unit with neutral, light colors

• purchased a new, rectangular dining table that will seat 6-8 for the dining room

• the master bath has been redecorated

• purchased new bath towels and bed sheets

We are very excited about the new improvements to the unit.  We've received many great comments from guests and visitors.  Please check back for "before, during and after" photos.

Another beautiful day in Miami Beach

What a beautiful, sunny day here in Miami Beach.  The water is warm and there are sandbars throughout, which are great for the children.  Usually, the water is tranquil and good for lounging, however,  today its a bit rough.  There are quite a few waves, so the surf boards and boogie boards are out for added entertainment. 

A sight to be seen and enjoyed!!!!!!

Visit Miami Beach

Miami Beach with its fabulous people, fabulous beaches, fabulous shopping and fabulous restaurants is a great place to spend your vacation.

The Atlantic Ocean has warm, clear waters and it’s a wonderful place to swim, take on water sports, or participate in numerous enjoyable activities. There is plenty to do for people of all ages and activity levels.

The beach is perfect for flying a kite as the sun is setting, picking up a game of beach volleyball, football,  badminton, boogie-boarding or wake boarding, snorkeling, jet skiing, parasailing, kayaking, swimming or sun-bathing (with appropriate sun protection of course).

Another enjoyable activity for children of all ages is fishing with a hand-held net. You’d be surprised at the amazing little creatures you pick up in your net.

From South Beach to Mid Beach we have a tree-lined boardwalk which offers the possibility of walking, running, biking or rollerblading while still taking in the sites, literally surrounded by the ocean and trendy hotels and restaurants as you move along the boardwalk.

Visit our fabulous city and enjoy all it has to offer.

Van Dyke Cafe in Miami Beach, Florida

In the middle of Lincoln Road, Miami Beach's premiere pedestrian mall full of name-brand shops, small boutiques, and restaurants, Van Dyke Cafe (sister to News Cafe on Ocean Drive) is at 846 Lincoln Road.  Sitting on a corner with plenty of outdoor and indoor tables, it's also home to a live music bar upstairs and offices for the top modeling agencies in the city. 

From your typical breakfast fare to sandwiches to fish dishes, Van Dyke's has what you are craving.  When we go, we always like to eat outside as you feel like you are in the South of France. If you close your eyes and just listen to the conversations around you, you will most likely NOT hear English.  From the Spanish to the French, this cafe sitting in the middle of a beautiful tree lined street transports you to another time and place.  This is why we love Van Dyke.

Many years ago, we had a Mother's Day brunch which is always a treat on Sundays at there is Farmer's market steps away from the cafe.  We were a large group celebrating this special day and we drove almost 45 minutes to be able to share this with the family. Most of them had never been to Van Dyke, but remember Lincoln Road in the late 70s and early 80s when we would spend one week a summer on Ocean Drive.  Lincoln Road has changed and Van Dyke gives it that special touch. 

Fridays and Saturday nights you can enjoy live music upstairs.  For the latest menu and events, please go to www.thevandykecafe.com.