We hope everyone has a safe and happy day as we celebrate America's Independence. Happy 4th of July!

Portofino at Biscayne Apartments
Portofino at Biscayne Apartments Respage
We hope everyone has a safe and happy day as we celebrate America's Independence. Happy 4th of July!


HOW TO WIN THE CONTEST:
Simply send us your best vacation picture on Facebook and tell us about the picture. We will upload it to a picture folder and the picture with the most likes will WIN $200 DOLLARS!!
Rules for Contest:
– One Picture per Resident
– The winner of the contest must be a current resident at the property.
– The Contest will officially ends on Monday, July 7th 2014.
– The resident must submit the photo in a private message to our Fan Page Account on Facebook.
– The resident must submit contact information & tell us the background story behind the picture.
Baking bread at home seems difficult, but no-knead recipes make it much easier than ever before. You’ll impress your family and your guests with the scent of freshly baked bread coming from the oven, and you’ll be the only one who knows just how easy it was to prepare.
No-Knead Bread [Steamy Kitchen]
This recipe creates a rustic, gourmet-looking loaf of bread, and it’s so simple that a four year old can make it— and one has! The New York Times made this no-knead recipe famous, but its reliability is what makes it so popular.
No-Knead Bread [Smitten Kitchen]
Using instant yeast to create a fluffy, dense center and a crispy outer crust, this incredible bread recipe is the perfect addition to any sandwich or evening meal.
No-Knead Crusty White Bread [King Arthur Flour]
If you want to make a large amount of bread for a gathering or holiday party, this is the recipe to use. It makes use of the same simple no-knead technique, but this recipe yields four full-sized loaves.
How to Make No-Knead Bread [The Kitchn]
This online tutorial will show you the most important steps for making no-knead bread, with detailed pictures along the way. It also includes video tutorials for certain techniques, such as shaping the dough into a perfect ball.
This sleek, sophisticated steakhouse is located in the Four Seasons Hotel in downtown Miami. Edge's centerpiece is a horseshoe-shaped marble bar where you can refresh with one of their signature artisan cocktails like the BBQ Collins made with Knob Creek Bourbon and BBQ bitters. The food menu features expertly prepared cuts of meat and fish, charbroiled on an 1800-degree grill. Choose from Black Angus Filet Mignon, Prime Churrasco Steak, Butcher’s Cut Filet, Ahi Tuna, Aussie Lamb Chops, Florida Snapper, or the Seafood Grill with scallops, lobster, mahi-mahi, and shrimp. Stop in at lunchtime for a tantalizing roster of sandwiches, salads, burgers, grilled steaks, and seafood. Breakfast and Sunday brunch are also served. Edge is open Mondays through Sundays from 6:30 a.m. until 11 p.m.
Today we want to take time to wish all the Dads out there a very happy day! We hope all the Fathers near and far have a great day relaxing with loved ones!

If you're looking to escape the busy city of Miami for a few hours head over to SpecialTEA Lounge. This little spot may not look like much from the outside but inside is a tea lover's paradise. There are over 60 loose leaf teas available for you to taste. Coffee, frozen beverages, fruit smoothies, and Italian sodas are also available. The staff is very knowledgeable and happy to answer any questions from the staff. Panini, salads, and wraps are freshly made to order if you get hungry. Everything can be made vegan or vegetarian. If you just want a little snack while you're studying go for one of their baked goods. Regulars rave about the chocolate chip cookies. Free WiFi is available with the code printed on your receipt, and there are plenty of board games to play available behind the counter.
SpecialTEA Lounge
10766 SW 24 St
Miami, FL 33165
(305) 554-8327
http://www.yelp.com/biz/specialtea-lounge-miami
Escape from the city to an afternoon of paradise at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Coral Gables. Since 1938 this 83 acre garden has been welcoming the public to its luscious lawns and carefully curated plant collection. There are several exhibits throughout the grounds, and one favorite is the new indoor butterfly conservatory and outdoor garden. This exhibit features a small glass window where you can patiently watch butterflies emerge from their cocoons. If you're planning a day trip, you can pack your own lunch and enjoy it on a secluded bench, or stop in one of their two cafes. Admission is $25, with the fee helping to maintain the lovely property. It includes a one hour tram tour, which is a recommended way to familiarize yourself with the garden. Plan to spend several hours here, and don’t forget your camera, as most every view is beautiful.
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
10901 Old Cutler Road
Coral Gables, FL 33156
(305) 667-1651
www.fairchildgarden.org
www.yelp.com/biz/fairchild-tropical-botanic-garden-coral-gables-2
An unfortunate side effect of travel, jet lag can easily suck the fun out of the first few days in a new time zone. Whether you're planning on traveling to a new city for business or pleasure, these three tips will help expedite your acclimation.
1. Ease your body into the time zone of the city you'll be visiting.
Take a week or so before your departure to incrementally shift your sleep schedule so that upon arriving in your destination, your circadian rhythm is already in sync. Go to bed earlier for an eastward trip, later for a westward trip. If you'll be traversing multiple time zones, you may want to consider breaking up your travel into smaller flights.
2. Get outdoors.
Staying inside only worsens jet lag. Being exposed to sunlight will help stimulate a correction of your biological clock. Try taking a short walk to clear your head.
3. Stay hydrated.
Once you're in the air, drink eight ounces of water per hour. This will help curtail the dehydrating effects of cabin air. You may be tempted to reach for a cocktail, but be forewarned that alcohol worses jet lag. Avoid caffeine, as well, as it acts as a stimulant and may prevent restful sleep.
Jet Lag [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]
Jet Lag and Sleep [National Sleep Foundation]
Avoid Jet Lag with our Top 10 Tips [Fodors]

Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday as we remember all those heroes who have served our nation.

Southern-style cooking gets an update at Blue Collar. The small restaurant is open and airy with light wood floors, big glass windows, and white chairs. Service is friendly and quick. The owner of Blue Collar opened the restaurant with the goal of creating a family style restaurant where all people can enjoy the diverse food. He succeeded. The menus is full of Southern favorites and American classics like cheeseburgers and grilled cheese. Make sure you start with an order of the Shrimp and Grits with cheese, bacon, and New Orleans style BBQ sauce. If you like duck order the Duck "McMuffin" topped with duck bacon, gouda, a duck egg, and duck au jus. Make sure you check out the chalkboard behind the counter for daily specials. End your meal with a piece of the incredible Bread Pudding.
Blue Collar
6730 Biscayne Boulevard
Miami, FL 33138
(305) 756-0366
http://www.yelp.com/biz/blue-collar-miami
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