The South Florida Traveler » News

Hearts and Hope

Sat, 12 Jul 2008 03:14:47 +0000

There are certain times in life when you just feel the need to reach out to others - one, to create a feel good sense in yourself and two, because there are others out there that need you and the love you can bring them. Today, as I was attending an event at Pistache in West Palm Beach, I met a woman who worked with Hearts and Hope of West Palm Beach. Although I have yet to visit the facility, I received extremely positive vibes about this organization.

This not-for-profit organization is dedicated to providing children from the age of 3 to 17, and their families who have experienced the death of a loved one, a place to receive and share support while going through this difficult grieving process. Hearts and Hope is centered around the house where children and their families come in to attend group sessions to help in the grieving process.These groups are split up into different age groups so the issues are dealt with accordingly. Music, art, movement, writing and peer interaction are all part of the mix. Along with the groups, when each child enters the home they are given a teddy bear to call their own. They focus on this being something for children to hug during happy times and to hold during the sad times.

Hearts and Hope is supported by grants and through private donations. For more information, visit Hearts and Hope online. Hearts and Hope is one of many non-profits around that is looking for people to help out. If you have had that feel-good bug attach on to you lately, and are looking for a way to help out in the community, a good place to go is to Volunteer Match. This site pairs up non-profits with people who are looking for opportunities making for a perfect match.

Post from: The South Florida Traveler

Happy Father’s Day

Sun, 15 Jun 2008 15:23:57 +0000

Father’s Day is just not the same when your father lives thousands of miles away, but still, its a great time to reflect on everything that he has done for you over the years. Here’s to you dad and to all the fathers out there.

Image Credit [kate.net]

Post from: The South Florida Traveler

Best of the Best

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 17:15:35 +0000

We are overwhelmed by media. Day in and day out TV Commercials, Internet ads, radio and magazines cross our paths. How do we know what to believe as being factual and the true opinions of the editors and how do we know which is simply paid advertising? It’s hard to distinguish between. That’s why I get excited when I see The Reader’s Choice Awards come out and today WPBF 25 came out with their 2008 A-List – a list of the best local establishments and the winners were selected by the readers.

Here is a round up of the winners:

Gaming – Palm Beach Princess

Museum – The Flagler Museum

Theater – Kravis Center for the Performing Arts

Comedy Club – Palm Beach Improv

Beauty

Day Spa – Alesandra Day Spa

Hair Salon – Christopher Stephans Salon and Spa

Manicure and Pedicure – Nails by Rachel

Restaurants -

BBQ – Park Avenue BBQ

Brunch – Sundy House

Thai – Thai-Sakura Restaurant

Sushi – Sushi Jo

Fashion

Men’s Clothing – Maus and Hoffman

Vintage – Red Balloon Consignment

Shoes – The Shoe Spa

For a complete list, visit WPBF 25.

Post from: The South Florida Traveler

What Happened to Miami Ink?

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 20:54:39 +0000

I was never a huge fan of Miami Ink. These artists were amazing, but I’d rather not sit and watch someone get their body designed. It just looks painful. But when I read about the Miami Ink going off the air a few weeks ago, it made me kind of sad. This is a landmark in Miami on Washington Avenue that people flock to. Whether it is to take pictures and hope to capture one of the famous artists or to hope to get a new tattoo, it attracted a lot of traffic.

Miami Ink, the reality show aired on TLC, began in July 2005. In August 2007, LA Ink premiered and in September of 2007, London Ink began. On April 24, 2008 Miami Ink entered their 4th season, but it has abruptly come to an end. According to the Miami Herald, “Ami James said he and co-star Chris Nunez declined to extend Discovery Communicaitons’ option to order more episodes of the TLC show after the network delayed signing them on for another season. He said no talks are under way to shoot more episodes of their lives as south Beach tattoo artists.”

Discovery owns the rights to the “Miami Ink” brand, but luckily James and Nunez opened another tattoo studio just down the block called – Love Hate Tattoos. The Miami Ink location is actually just a gift shop now.

Time will tell as to what will happen to the Miami Ink name, but there is a huge amount of tension that exists as James states that he was unhappy with the way he was treated. Wait and see if Discovery finds a new tattoo studio to work with in Miami or if you’ll have to stick to reruns.

Photo Credit: [miami-inked.com]

Post from: The South Florida Traveler