Repackaged Creatism

I promise to update very soon!!!

2006-08-10T13:25:00.000-07:00

I am just now getting situated. I'm on my second move on this island and it is draining. I will send you pics of my new place. (Awesome view)
I will also change the blog skin. I am sick of theses lady bugs.

N

The Untold Story

2006-02-09T21:10:00.000-08:00

Below is an email I received from my family. My cousin, resident of Key West Florida has another interesting project. (Gigi you know Michael he is Michelle's brother) Check it out pretty neat.

Hurricane Wilma - The Untold Story DVD is now available. By utilizing local video footage from around the island, this DVD chronicles the destructive path of Wilma through the Florida Keys. From the deserted streets and power loss, to the resulting floods that devastated the island , you will witness first hand the untold story of hurricane Wilma.
Click here for a direct link to the trailer and purchasing http://www.marrerostudio.com/wilmatrailer or visit http://marrerostudio.com and click on latest news.
Thank You,Michael Marrero
Please forward this email to anyone who may be interested.

I've been tagged by Dave M. (Here are my four things...)

2006-01-28T22:37:00.000-08:00

Four jobs I have had in my life:

Buyer for Floral Distributor
Retail Store Design Rep.
Sales Manager for Mass Storage Products (Samsung, Latin American Headquarters)
Taco Viva order taker(a very long time ago) "mild, medium, hot or el scorcho"

Four movies I can watch over and over:

Steel Magnolias
Sideways
The Big Chill
Pretty In Pink
(god i have big problems)

Four places I have lived:

Key West, Florida
Miami, Florida
Coral Springs, Florida
St. Thomas Virgin Islands

Four TV shows I love to watch:

Desperate Housewives
Grays Anatomy
American Idol
Fear Factor

Four places I have been on vacation:

New York
95% of Latin America
Tennessee
Colorado

Four of my favorite foods:

Chateau Briand w/ Bernaise sauce
Rainbow Trout
Grilled Snook
Chicken Francaise

Four websites I visit daily:

Gigi (my world)
MSN News
My blog
Scrabble on line

Four places I would rather be right now:

Europe
On a boat moored somewhere with no one else around
Home
With my grandparents

Four bloggers I am tagging to do this:

Everyone else has been tagged already.
:-(

The Bubbly!! (Liquid Gold or Liquid Rose)

2006-01-23T09:50:00.000-08:00

As the most famous and prestigious wine in the world, Champagne is the perfect wine for launching ships, weddings and other special occasions. Although sparkling wine of many origins is frequently referred to as “Champagne” and may even be labeled as such, only wine produced in the actual Champagne region of Northeast France has the legal right to the lofty title.

Champagne is commonly made from a blend of both red and white wine grapes, usually pinot noir (red), pinot meunier (red) and chardonnay (white). A Champagne labeled “blanc de noirs” is made entirely from red-wine grapes and will generally have more fruit and body. A “blanc de blancs” is champagne produced entirely from chardonnay grapes, often exhibiting greater finesse and delicacy than a blanc de noirs. A rosé champagne may be faintly pink, rose-colored or even copper-hued. It derives its unique color from a short period of contact with red grape skins.

Champagne is further classified according to its dryness: Brut absolute, Brut, Extra Dry, Sec (dry), Demi-sec and Doux (sweet). Brut Absolute and Brut are the driest, while Sec, Demi-sec and Doux are considered dessert wines.
Most Champagne is a blend of still wines from different vintages. Each Champagne house carefully blends lots of different aged wines to achieve a particular style that is remarkably consistent from year to year. A non-vintage brut from a leading Champagne house represents the epitome of the blender’s art and often includes a portion of fine wine from outstanding vintages.

A much smaller percentage of champagne is made from a single vintage. Single-vintage wines, which are produced only in remarkable years, are both rarer and more expensive. Vintage Champagne also is blended from a higher percentage of premium wines, often using the best individual lots of wine from top-ranked vineyards.
Although some Champagne houses produce vintage-dated wines in less-than-stellar seasons, the leading houses produce vintage Champagne only in exceptional years. Vintage Champagne expresses the unique attributes of a single growing season and, at its best, represents the peak of power, finesse and elegance. Although its cost – two or three times the price of non-vintage

Champagne – is steep, it is rarely two or three times better than a non-vintage bottling.
Non-vintage Champagne can be found for as little as $25 in discount retail stores, but vintage Champagne from a leading house will usually cost $100 or more. Although some of the smaller Champagne houses may offer a very good vintage bottling from lesser years, the major houses offer dependably great wine and bottle vintage Champagne only in remarkable years.
The following recommended wines are from leading Champagne producers. They have a longstanding reputation for high quality and are readily available in most cases.

Premium Vintage Champagne
· The pinnacle of the Champagne maker’s art, these wines are luxurious, elegant and expensive.
· Louis Roderer Cristal 1997 ($260) and Cristal Rose 1995 ($600) – originally created for Tsar Alexander II, these sometimes scarce wines are the epitome of flavor, power and elegance
· Taittinger Comtes de Champagne 1995 ($140) – lively and elegant; very age worthy
· Moet & Chandon Dom Perignon Brut 1995 ($95) – the best-known super premium champagne, it is elegant and mouth-filling
· Taittinger Champagne Millesime 1998 ($60) – rich and sturdy with great finesse; a great value
· Krug Champagne 1990 ($190) – complex and full-bodied with elegant flavors
· Bollinger Vielle Vignes 1996 ($235) – produced from portions of three super premium vineyards, it is exceptionally full-bodied and age worthy.
· Perrier Jouet Brut 1996 ($100) – distinctive flowered bottle; complex and finely balanced
· Non-Vintage Brut
· Representing the majority of all champagne sold, these wines offer great class, dependability and value for the money.
· Louis Roderer Brut Premiere ($40) – consistently great. Richer and more full-bodied than most
· Veuve Cliquot Brut Yellow Label ($35) – reliably excellent
· Joseph Perrier Blanc de Blancs ($35) – crisp and elegant
· Laurent Perrier Grand Siecle ($75) – a blend of three vintages, it rivals vintage wines in quality
· Bollinger Champagne Special Cuveé ($45) – complex and elegant
· Perrier-Jouet Champagne Brut ($30) – great balance; full-flavored
· Brut Rosé
· For a romantic occasion, nothing enhances the mood quite like a rosé champagne.
· Laurent Perrier Rosé ($60) – zesty fruit flavors and a lovely rosé color
· Moet & Chandon Brut Rosé ($60) – subtle flavors with a copper hue
· Nicholas Feuillate Rosé ($36) – very dry and elegant; a consistently great value
· Extra-Dry
· The subtle off-dry flavor of extra dry champagne makes it an ideal aperitif.
· Mumm Champagne Extra Dry ($28) – consistently the best extra-dry Champagne; fresh and crisp with just a hint of sweetness
· Moet & Chandon White Star ($35) – the best known extra-dry; very effervescent and lightly sweet
· Dessert Wines
· Joseph Perrier Demi-Sec ($28) – medium-sweet with delicate fruit flavors
· Moet & Chandon Champagne Nectar Imperial ($36) – a soft, sweet wine with lingeringflavors

Although nothing rivals the prestige and elegance of real Champagne, a few U.S. producers offer top-notch sparkling wine at lower prices. If you want less-expensive (but high-quality) alternatives to non-vintage Champagne, try premium sparkling California wines from Pacific Echo, Iron Horse, Schrammsberg, S Anderson, Domain Chandon, Roderer Estate, Piper Sonoma and Mumm (Cuveé Napa).

No Surgery Lifts!! Huh?

2006-01-22T19:28:00.000-08:00

Ok ,
So I was contacted by a long lost friend via Classmates.com and when she sent me pictures I couldn't believe it. I asked if she had changed anything surgically. She replied (happily) No way!! Normally I leave the fashion and beauty posts to Gigi. But I couldn't help myself this
time. Ladies this may just be the answer we have all been looking for. There is a company called BringItUP. Yes that's the name. Celebrities use this for their last minute interviews or appearances. It apparently lifts your breasts, eyebrows and around the eye features. The best part is that it is affordable and it actually works. Thanks to my girlfriend allowing me to post her secret place. I felt is what my duty to let the gals know. Her breasts and eye brows look amazing. It's a clear liquid substance that melts in your pores and it is completely un noticeable. As it hardens it pulls "up" hence the name Bring It Up. Where ever it is placed it lifts. You can create an arch or place it above your breasts for an instant lift. WOW!! I have ordered the Eyebrow kit and will keep you posted. It's looks easy enough. mmmm... I wonder what it would do for men??? DAMN IT LADIES GET THIS!!!

www.bringitup.com

Glamorously!!

2006-01-21T13:55:00.000-08:00

Gigi keep this info.. You're going to see much more of this very soon. Our very own "Kelly O" has come out nationally with her Jewelry collection. Her web site in currently under construction, but it will be worth the wait. Her latest collection "Ear Candy" is just a small glimpse of what she creates. I have also posted her write up in Fashionista Inc. She can't make her Jewely fast enough to keep up with the demand. I'll let you know when she is in full force. A must "post" for your site. You will remember you were one of the first to tell the world about her "candy".
I will buy a few pieces and send them to you so you can sample.

www.karobiencollection.com

"Kelly O'Brien"

Exposures (my new favorite place to shop)

2006-01-10T19:50:00.000-08:00

Ok Mom, Dad, friends and family.

When I get settled this place has exactly whatI am looking for. Since you asked any of the items posted will do.

Check it out!! neat ( no pun) place
www.exposuresonline.com

Take Your Pet to NYC

2006-01-08T12:10:00.000-08:00

When it comes to spoiling your dog, New York City is second to none. From the store Karen For People and Pets at 1195 Lexington Avenue, which carries Swarovski crystal-studded collars and Louis XIV dog beds with carved wood frames and embroidered throw cushions, to the "Spoiled Rotten" package offered by Bonnie's K9 at 136 9th Avenue, which can include hydromassage and acupuncture treatments, the Big Apple sets the bar skyscraper high for canine indulgence.

Even though the metropolis' cornucopian offerings could keep your animal companion happily occupied and on the go morning, noon and night, he or she should not be denied the pleasures associated with a stay in a Manhattan luxury hotel. Hospitality professionals the world over dream of earning great successes here and the competitive, ambitious environment ensures that the crème de la crème do their utmost to provide dogs with a vacation experience to be cherished.
To be sure, the city is diverse. There are a few luxury hotels whose acceptance of a dog who brings his human along for a city visit is so grudging, so full of weight restrictions and non-refundable extra fees and so short on amenities that to stay in them would likely be as much fun as sarcoptic mange.
Luckily, the majority of top echelon hospitality decision makers are normal New Yorkers who love dogs. The Ritz-Carlton at 50 Central Park South sets a gold standard for accommodating canines. I don't mind sharing with you what the Ritz-Carlton's Rebecca Rand told me. "We proudly accept four legged guests that weigh up to 60 pounds and love to spoil them with pet friendly amenities."

The hotel has a V.I.P (Very Important Pooch) program catering to doggie divas which includes 22-karat gold plated identification tags, aromatherapy coat spritz treatments, ceramic dinnerware, bone-shaped plush stuffed doggy pillows, luxury quilted travel mats, ultra-chic pet carriers and home-baked dog treats and carob "bon-bons." Furthermore, should the weather be less than ideal, the concierge can loan your dog a rainproof trench coat, a leather jacket or a cashmere sweater, all from the Jazzy Couture Collection.
While all featured benefits of the Ritz-Carlton's V.I.P. program are complimentary, the hotel offers a 'Doggy & Me' package which includes luxury accommodations, a $50 gift certificate towards purchases from the Jazzy Couture Collection at Saks Fifth Avenue, a portrait of your Very Important Pooch and yourself in Central Park by pet photographer Jeff Moore and a basket of gourmet treats including doggy pizzas and black & white cookies decorated with your dog's name. Walks can be arranged, as can sessions with artist Katherine Meredith who will paint a classical portrait of the Very Important Pooch and yourself in a suite.
The Peninsula Hotel on Fifth Avenue at 55th Street prides itself on having elevated pet travel to an art form. There are no size restrictions and the hotel offers 5-star amenities. Fluffy pet beds are available in two sizes; both are Simmons Beauty Rest Doggie Mattresses with 300-thread-count sheets. Dog guests are provided with placemats and china bowls; the hotel offers a canine cuisine room service menu with a selection of appetizers, entrees and deserts including Tail Chasing Truffles. Also on offer are Rover Relaxation Massages, dog sitting and dog walking services and videos featuring canines.

One of the most attractive features of New York City for a dog is Central Park; there is no shortage of luxury hotels which have it as their yard. The Mandarin Oriental Hotel at Columbus Circle, located right at the majestic South-West opening to the park, customizes its services for four-legged clientele. For example, small dogs may use all-fabric pet houses; medium size dogs may use lamb's wool-lined beds while for the larger dog there are cushy cheetah print beds. Also available are ceramic and silver food dishes in varying sizes. Guest rooms furthermore have custom made jogging maps which will help your dog decide which part of the park he or she would like to explore most.

The Four Seasons on East 57th Street is also quite close to Central Park. Though there is a weight restriction of 25 pounds or less, if your dog is of that size he will enjoy a warm welcome at the hotel. Every dog lodging at The Four Seasons is greeted with Evian water and a silver bowl as well as a bag of treats. The concierge gladly arranges for a pet-sitter or dog walking services and beyond that, grooming and daycare facilities.
The Sherry-Netherland Hotel at 781 Fifth Avenue and 59th Street likewise is close to Central Park. Its very large rooms are particularly propitious for those bigger canine guests. The hotel caters generally to a well-heeled, low-key demographic and in keeping with that spirit, there are not elaborate ceremonies revolving around doggie visitors. Nonetheless, a hotel spokesperson told me "We will jump through hoops to provide you with what you want." Don't you agree that every dog should see a human jump through hoops at least once in its life?

The ultra-elegant Regency Hotel at 540 Park Avenue and 61st Street has no size restrictions; I asked if a Great Dane would be welcomed warmly and was told "Absolutely." Mats and bowls are provided, gourmet food is available. Walks can be arranged through the concierge. Close by on Third Avenue and 61st Street is Le Chien, an exquisite doggie boutique which carries everything from dog kimonos to faux-mink carriers, designer denim coats, a Bed Royale and Christophe, a dog perfume that is a unique blend of sandalwood and bergamot. Lechiennyc.com, the boutique's web site allows you a 360-degree panorama tour of their premises.
The Lowell Hotel at 28 East 63rd Street is very pet friendly, though it practices discrimination against dogs larger than 50 pounds. Amenities are offered upon arrival; gourmet pet snacks and bottled water. The Lowell's rooms have wood burning fireplaces; a call to the front desk summons a bell man to light the fire. Aromas and music may be selected from a Fireplace Menu -- imagine what a treat it will be for your dog to relax by the warm glow of the fire as Anne Sophie Mutter plays the violin and a clean pure fragrance of Tea Tree wafts on the air.

Many other world-class hotels in Manhattan give dogs a proper reception. The Soho Grand and TriBeCa Grand Hotels, both owned and operated by the family which previously owned Hartz Mountain, know a thing or two about pampering pups. The Muse Hotel at 130 West 46th Street besides its enticing Times Square location offers a Pampered Pooch Package with complimentary room service and dog walking service, an amenities basket and gourmet food with bottled water. The Mark at 25 East 77th Street and Madison Avenue strives to welcome dogs as it does children, though the dogs must be less than 25 pounds. The St. Regis is one of the city's loveliest spots but only accepts dogs up to 20 pounds.
Calling a New York City luxury hotel yourself to ask questions regarding how the establishment will cater to your dog is the best guide to making a decision as to which you should patronize. You might even want to factor in what the hotel offers you, but do so only after you have ascertained that your dog will get red carpet, five-diamond service.

Life's a Beach

2006-01-08T11:25:00.000-08:00

What a ride!! I have enjoyed living in paradise and although I am ready to go I will miss the beaches most of all. I don't believe any beach in Florida will and can match up to what I have experienced here. Here are some of my favorites.

Sandy Spit Beach (Jost Van Dyke)

Totally remote but within reach by boat, this spectacular beach is definitely worth the trip! Enjoy marvelous snorkeling in a relaxed atmosphere. (they filmed corona commercials here and swimsuit issues)

Apple Bay Beach (Tortola - Apple / Capoons Bay)

Apple Bay Beach is just over the hill from Long Bay. Here, on any day in season you can see at least a dozen surfers from all over the world. The bay is also known for its full moon parties at Bomba's Surfside Shack, as well as the Friday night fish fries hosted by local residents under the banyon trees. In the evenings, you can usually find music playing at one of the Bay's two hotels and several local restaurants.

White Bay Beach on Jost Van Dyke

Remote. Tranquil. Pristine. Beautiful. The beaches of the British Virgin Islands come in all shapes and sizes, and each one is unique. They are not only beautiful, but are almost always uncrowded and very often deserted. Palm-fringed, white sandy beaches, combined with a translucent ocean that teems with marine life and coral reefs, attract boaters and landlubbers alike. Snorkel, sail, sunbathe, or shell at any one of these coves. Even avid surfers will be thrilled by the long north swells that roll lazily in during the winter months on Tortola's north shore.

Loblolly Bay Beach (Anegada

Comprised of miles of secluded pristine beach, Loblolly Bay Beach is ranked as one of the world's best beaches. With a 360 degree lookout and a 50 foot walkout into the ocean, Loblolly Bay Beach features two beach bars and restaurants, as well as sun shelters and hammocks within the seagrapes.

Long Bay (Tortola - Long Bay)

Long Bay is a mile-long stretch of white sand beach, perfect for a tranquil sunset walk. A resort and several guest houses line the eastern portion of the beach. The western end, fringed with palms and seagrapes, offers greater solitude and good swimming

Since Tripp has the "Girl of the Week" I think the gals should have the "Men of the Week"

2006-01-08T08:00:00.000-08:00

Ian Lawless (lacoste model)

2006-01-08T07:39:00.000-08:00

Sean Faris

WOW!

2006-01-08T07:33:00.000-08:00

Jared

2006-01-08T07:32:00.000-08:00

Jason Lewis

Gone but not Forgotten..

2006-01-08T05:42:00.000-08:00

"May the soul of this faithjful departed, through the mercy of god, rest in peace!"

Raul Peña

Entered into Rest

December 24, 2005

New beginnings!!

2006-01-07T17:36:00.000-08:00

A first class one way ticket back to FLORIDA!!!

For those that do not know I will be heading back to sunny Florida in Mid February. Hard decision and I still have second thoughts.. A great job opportunity has been offered to me so that is making me somewhat reconsider. BUT something deep inside is calling me back.

Starting over again (AGAIN!) Yuck!! But with a little magic of cosmetic surgery that I have longed to obtain for quite sometime, (hee hee) I believe this journey will be better than ever. Look out Orlando here I come!!

Viva..LAS VEGAS!!!

2005-12-21T18:00:00.000-08:00

My parents sent me to Vegas for my birthday and it was awesome. Here are a few pics of where we stayed and what we saw. This place is so cool. There are so many restaurant and really cool casinos. Craps anyone???

I'll post more pics later, but for now here a few.

2005-12-21T17:27:00.003-08:00

Lake Mead

2005-12-21T17:27:00.002-08:00

Hoover Dam

(when you a here and looking down you know why it is one of the 7 wonders of the world)

2005-12-21T17:27:00.001-08:00

Heading To Hoover Dam and Lake Mead
(it looks like the road ends right into the water)

2005-12-21T17:27:00.000-08:00

The Aladdin Hotel (my parent's hotel)

2005-12-21T17:21:00.000-08:00

The Paris Hotel

2005-12-21T17:20:00.000-08:00

The "Palace"

I've Been Infected!! ( 5 Facts About Me)

2005-12-07T18:55:00.000-08:00

Here are the directions (according to Tripp): "Write 5 randoms facts about yourself, and then list the names of 5 whom you in turn infect. Also, leave a post to these people letting them know they have been infected."

Well I don't know how to do the last 2, so I will leave it up to one of the guys (or gals)to show me.

Here it goes...

1. I've always wanted to be a Rhythm and Blues singer. I don't have the proper vocals for pop music or any other genre. Yet singing the blues (in private) is much like reciting a poem or reading a letter. It's the passion behind each word and content that makes each song and it's lyrics. As you all know it's mostly about sorrow and struggle.

2. I have a soft spot for Senior Citizens. I enjoy spending time with them and hearing stories of their past and their eras. I've been told I have an "Old Soul" and I truly believe I was born too late.

3. I have an emotional attachment to all animals. So much so that I prefer their company over anything else. Animals touch me in a way no human possibly can. (get your minds out of the gutter)

4. When I was 18 I experienced a tragedy that has lingered and believe will affect me for the rest of my life. I wish time travel was possible. My life has taken a different turn since then.

5. These past years I realized how important Family and Friends really are. How just being a good person in "my little world" isn't enough. I realize that people I never thought would be there for me in time of need HAVE BEEN without question. And mostly I realize that life is too short and because of that CHANGE IS COMING!!! (love ya G)

Absolutely Fabulous!!

2005-11-30T17:53:00.000-08:00

"Hurricane"
"Salt Island"
"Island Panoramic"

I'd thought I'd share the most beautiful photography I have seen of this island. His name is Gary Felton. Read on.....

Photographer Gary Felton’s life has revolved around the visual and sensory experiences of the sea, and producing arresting images of the ocean and all that is related to it. A professional sailor and vessel captain for may years, Felton combines artistic sensibilities, photographic expertise, marine knowledge, engineering training and most important, a passion for the ocean, to create award-winning photos.The California native became the youngest diving instructor in the United States in 1967 and studies Oceanographic Engineering at the University of California. In 1973 he received his BA from Brooks Institute of Photography. His interest in research photography led to winning 14 underwater photography contests in two years. He continued to pursue his dual love of photography and the ocean, to include a position as photo editor of Dive magazine, prior to relocating to St. Thomas in 1986. His images have appeared in Cruising World, Sailing, Yachting, Sport Diver, & US News & World Report. Felton’s work is not only limited to the sea. He is a leading commercial photographer in the Virgin Islands, photographing just about everything from scenic scenes to jewelry. In the spring of 2003 he was awarded 3 Gold medals and a silver in the ADVI awards for photography and design.

The Cuban Celebration..

2005-11-23T22:34:00.000-08:00

Throughout history Mubans (cubans from or that have resided in Miami or central area) have celebrated the bountiful harvest with their own version of thanksgiving ceremonies.

The ceremonial tradition is to invite any family member, friends and the like form all over. Hialeah, Miami Springs, Souwesera.. Etc..
It begins with the purchase of any Instant meal in a box they could find. (after all who wanted to spend all the time in the kitchen) Mashed potatoes, stuffing and yes even the pumpkin pie filling. All purchased at "El Puble" or "Winn Dixie" Of course there were certain tribal members from Coral Gables that actually made things from scratch but those were just Mubans (pretending to be"Americanos" ) and felt it was their duty as new foundland members to "fit in" These members when surrounded by their own kind slipped into a time warp and blended in with the rest.

Turkey was served, but the main course had to be accompanied by una "pierna" or a lechon cooked for endless hours in a hole in the ground in a "caja china" (in some unfortunates family members home) Landscaping what not an issue for this tradition. This tradition entailed many Male Mubans surrounding this site. Numerous beers consumed.. Usually Busch and Michelob or the infamous Cuba Libre . These males would sit around reminiscing the old days in the mother land where everyone was a Scientist, a political figure or political prisoner and a physicist. No one was a blue collar worker in Cuba.. EVERYONE was an aristocrat. Children were not allowed to take part in this event unless the elder of the family chose a child and enticed them try the pig tail .. And witness this creature cooking in the heat and blazing fire below. Usually it is the child that had this pig running around their own backyard and named him "Piggy".
As the children ran in and out of the home and played silly games the females gathered inside strutting their newly purchased outfits and discussed recent purchases and recent home improvement projects. A tour of the hostess home usually took place while she explicitly discloses how much every item cost her .
Oh the story topping each took part in. Who could forget the gossiping of the friend or family member that did not attend. This made for entertaining conversations. The joy of this gathering..
The final preparation took place in the hostess' kitchen. In this room is where all took place. Wine and spirits were consumed while waiting for the feast that would take place at around 10pm or so. By this time card games and dominoes were played by the males as the females watched. Thanksgiving although never celebrated in Cuba became an intrical part of the Mubans lives. For this is part of their new lives and culture. They are thankful that soon in about a month "Noche Buena" will arrive and the festivities will all resume again.
So if ever a Muban is invited to a traditional American Thanksgiving and you notice some uncomfortable behavior. Fear not.. it is merely the realization of the misconstrued and disfunction of their childhood thanksgiving celebration.
For those that took advantage of the distant degree of separation applaud and embrace these individuals because til this day there is an invitation extended to each and every young adult Muban to attend this mind altering experience.

Happy Thanksgiving!!