Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Easy weekend meals: from Spain and Lebanon to the world!!!!

I love to cook elaborate meals, but I love even more these simple dishes that can be made in no time and are so delicious. 

I made Tabbouleh salad for Saturday lunch.  I love Lebanese food, it brings so many memories from Brazil, since we used to have it at least once a week at home.  I know for you my Brazilian friends it might be easier to just have it delivered, but making it from scratch is so easy and yummy!!!


At dinner, I made the famous "Tortilla Espanola".  I learned it from my brother in law, who prepares it for us every time we are in Spain.  Paired with a crunchy baguette and some Tempranillo, it is one of my favorite tapas meal.



If you want the recipes or have your own to share let me know.  I'd love to hear form you. 
Cheers.

Friday, May 27, 2011

Movie in the park Miami Beach style.

If you ever wondered what was like back in the 60's with no cinemas where people had to watch movies in those driven-in set-ups, well, you can have a taste of the past with a modern twist.  Miami Beach has "Movie in the Park" nights once a week featuring state of art surround sound and blue ray projection.




I went this week with my family to watch "Sound of Music".  People from all ages including residents and tourists flocked to the park with their picnic baskets and wine glasses to hang out with friends and have a good time. 



If you are local or just visiting Miami Beach, I encourage you to go to one of the movies.  The park is at the brand new World Center facility across the street from Lincoln Road.  See you there, cheers!!!
xoxo

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

LinkedIn IPO: can this social media tool help you?

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Shares of LinkedIn (LNKD) went public in the NYSE last week in what was the biggest IPO for a tech company since Google listed in 2004.  LinkedIn, also known as the social network for business may not be as popular as Facebook, Groupon and other social media companies lined up to make their debut in the NYSE, but nonetheless it doubled in value in its first day of trading.

So, everybody is asking if this is a new tech bubble?  Well, the sentiment is very different from the boom in 2000, where many companies went public without real business models or even decent revenue streams.  LinkedIn for instance, has over $200M in revenue from 3 diversified streams: advertising, subscription and recruiting contributing to a $15M bottom line profit.  However, the company is expected to post a loss in the next fiscal year due to heavy organic investment to boost its long term growth.

I can go on talking about whether the underwriting banks priced the shares correctly or whether the current valuation of 521 times earnings is too high, but this information is all out there.  I would like to end this by focusing on the real features of LinkedIn and how it has worked for me.  I am a big social media believer and LinkedIn is a great tool for me to expand my professional network which comes in handy when you are looking for a job or promoting your own business.  I have a lot of my US friends in my network but I would love to have my Brazilian friends as well, so I am sharing a video to get all of you up and running with this tool. 




Let me know what you think about LinkedIn.  Meus amigos, espero que conectem no LinkedIn comigo e me deixem saber o que pensam.
xoxo

Friday, May 20, 2011

Oscar de la Renta in Miami

I just had the privilege to meet Oscar de la Renta, a Dominican Republic native and fashion designer icon for more than four decades.  He was at his signature store in Bal Harbour in a meet and greet thas has taken 6 years in the making. 



Looks from the Oscar de la Renta Pre-Fall 2011 Collection. 

Looks from the Oscar de la Renta Pre-Fall 2011 Collection. 

All I can say is WOW, he is as charming and bold as his clothing line.  The store was filled with one of a kind  couture gows, shoes and accessories.  The atmosphere was fun and people dressed up in pretty bold colored pumps to greet the designer.  Here are my favorite picks...






Do you have your colored flats or pumps ready to show off?  I know I have to start looking for mine.
xoxo