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Follow These Tutorials to a Cool and Kitschy Macrame Plant Hanger

December 8, 2015 by

Macramé may have originally gained popularity back in the 1970s, but the kitschy weaving craft is coming back in a big way. If you love plants and you’re always looking for fun new ways to display them, you may even want to try making a macramé plant hanger of your own. Here are a few tutorials to help you get started!

Colorful Polyester Rope Hanger [hgtv.com]
With this tutorial, you’ll learn how to make a macramé hanger using only a few colors of polyester rope, a carabiner, and a screw hook. The actual plant hanger itself is fairly simple, but wrapping the multicolored string around the top adds a fun pop of color.

Sturdy Macramé Plant Hanger [lowes.com]
If you’re looking for something that’s a bit sturdier to hang a particularly heavy plant, this is a great tutorial. It uses clothesline instead of the usual yarn or polyester rope, as well as 18-gauge steel wire and a chain ring for added reinforcement.

Mini String Planters [blog.freepeople.com]
For something quicker and easier, this cute tutorial from the Free People blog uses standard yarn that you might already have stashed away at home. This is a fun tutorial to do while you relax in front of the TV, and the finished product is a great way to hang small air plants or succulents in miniature pots.

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Happy Thanksgiving!

November 26, 2015 by

We hope everyone has a wonderful day celebrating with family and friends! What are you thankful for this year?

Filed Under: Life at Portofino at Biscayne Apartments Tagged With:

Pro Tips for Keeping Your Bedroom Neat and Organized

November 24, 2015 by

​Even if you’re not a particularly neat person by nature, it’s important to keep your bedroom organized in order to promote a better night’s sleep and help you to get ready faster in the mornings. Here are a few smart tips from the pros that will show you how to make your bedroom look neat and tidy by bedtime tonight.

  1. Clear out anything that isn’t meant to be there. Many people fall into a habit of dragging unused belongings into the bedroom (or the bedroom closet), and putting them in their rightful places will leave you with a blank slate.
  2. Take a peek into your closet and consider the storage options. Add additional shelving, drawers or storage bins to make your closet work better for you—and your wardrobe.
  3. Invest in a hamper. If you don’t already have a designated space for your dirty laundry that you can easily reach for, get one. In fact, get two hampers so that you can separate your lights and darks as soon as you take off your dirty clothes.
  4. Minimize furniture. Most people have far too much furniture in their bedrooms, so get rid of anything that you don’t actually need. You’ll be amazed at how much extra space you have!
  5. Make the bed. This is one of the quickest and simplest things that you can do to create the illusion of an organized bedroom.

7 Tips to Keep Your Bedroom Clean and Organized [Eversave]
Achieve Better Sleep: 7 Tips for a Cleaner and Healthier Bedroom [HuffPost Healthy Living]
Tips for an Organized Bedroom [One Good Thing]

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Tasty Turkey Alternatives for Vegetarians

November 17, 2015 by

Thanksgiving isn’t traditionally the most vegetarian-friendly holiday, but there are now a number of ways to make your feast enjoyable for vegetarian guests. These meat-free alternatives to the usual Thanksgiving turkey are both delicious and easy to make.

Acorn Squash Over Penne [health.com]
Who says that you can’t have pasta on Thanksgiving? This autumnal entree includes sweet acorn squash and nutrient-dense kale seasoned with crushed red pepper for a bit of warming spice, and it is served with whole wheat penne for a boost of fiber.

Glazed Lentil Walnut Apple Loaf [ohsheglows.com]
Although this hearty vegetarian dish seems more like meatloaf than Thanksgiving turkey, it’s so delicious that your vegetarian guests won’t mind one bit. Lentils and breadcrumbs give it a texture that’s much like meat, while the unique balsamic apple glaze is perfect for fall.

Ricotta and Fontina Stuffed Shells [foodandwine.com]
This veggie take on traditional stuffed shells is made with two types of rich cheeses and more vegetables than you can count. Simply pop the whole pan in the oven for 40 minutes and you’ll have a quick and easy entree that vegetarian guests will love.

Roasted Parsnip Bread Pudding [marthastewart.com]
Instead of the usual stuffing, which is usually cooked in chicken broth, this vegetarian version is seasoned with grated cheese and fresh thyme. Use it to stuff the Thanksgiving tofurkey and you won’t miss the meat at all.

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Diced Does Fast Food Differently

November 11, 2015 by

Diced hasn't been open in Miami for very long, but already it's catching the eye of local eaters. That's because the new eatery's brand of fast food isn't really like the greasy burgers and fries most of them have come to expect. Instead the spot dishes out chicken quinoa bowls, brown rice loaded with tender steak, and other comparably healthy eats.

Its regular patrons appreciate the nutritious options, especially when juxtaposed against the fatty, salt-laden alternatives at other restaurants, but insist that the healthy fare still has plenty of flavor. Diced offers a few signature sauces that really amp up the taste factor in each of the dishes, from the chicken bowl with tons of colorful veggies to the steak wrap. So if you're looking for something full of color, flavor, and plenty of nutrients, consider swinging by Diced for lunch or dinner.

Diced
2342 SW 67 Avenue
Miami, FL 33155
(786) 773-2190
www.yelp.com/biz/diced-miami

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: , ,

Happy Veterans day!

November 11, 2015 by

Today is a day to honor the men and women who have bravely fought and continue to fight for our country. Thank you for your service!

Filed Under: Life at Portofino at Biscayne Apartments Tagged With:

Lounge on the Dock at David Kennedy Park

November 4, 2015 by

The breeze weaves through your hair. The warm sun washes your back. The gentle ebb of the water lulls you into a near sleep. At David Kenney Park, this is a pretty common scene. The park resides in Coconut Grove along the bay, offering soothing sights and sounds to anyone who ventures here. And since wooden docks just right out onto the water, you're welcome to simply soak up some sun and kick back.

Of course, you can also take advantage of David Kennedy Park's other amenities. It also features outdoor exercise equipment for adults, not to mention a running path and outdoor track, as well as a play area for your little ones. If you bring a pup along, head to the dog park and throw a frisbee around while he makes some new furry friends. You can also play beach volleyball or simply spread out a blanket and picnic at David Kennedy Park.

David Kennedy Park
2600 S. Bayshore Drive
Miami, FL 3313
(305) 854-3859
www.miamiandbeaches.com/parks/david-kennedy-park/101628
www.yelp.com/biz/david-t-kennedy-park-miami

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: , ,

Election Day

November 3, 2015 by

Today is Election Day. Be sure to get out and vote!

Filed Under: Life at Portofino at Biscayne Apartments Tagged With:

Mr. and Mrs. Bun: Don’t Miss the Blueberry Ketchup

October 30, 2015 by

Short ribs. Pork belly. Barbecue chicken. They're all standard sandwich stuffings at Mr. and Mrs. Bun, a Peruvian sandwich shop in Miami that does things a bit differently. Instead of just offering typical bread-bookended eats, it dishes out some authentic Peruvian fare (think asado sandwiches and spinach empanadas), as well as inventive new American creations.

Have you ever tasted a dollop of sweet-tangy blueberry ketchup? If the answer is no, then you're missing out on one of Mr. and Mrs. Bun's most condiments. Try it with the signature sweet potato fries or squeeze it right on top of your boneless buffalo wing sandwich. Save some room for one of the eatery's sweet treats, too, like the Nutella mason jar—it's decadent enough to sate even the most persistent sweet tooth.

Mr. and Mrs. Bun
15572 SW 72 Street
Miami, FL 33193
(786) 717-6244
www.facebook.com/misterandmissesbun
www.yelp.com/biz/mr-and-mrs-bun-miami

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: , ,

3 Interior Decorator Secrets Everyone Should Know

October 27, 2015 by

So you’re not an interior decorator by trade? No sweat! When it comes to decorating your rental, all it takes are a few tricks from the professionals to make your home look like it belongs on the pages of a design magazine. Here are a few secrets that interior decorators don’t mind sharing.

  1. Arrange furniture in the way that makes the most sense. If you’re constantly tripping over furniture or struggling to reach things on shelves, you likely don’t have your room arranged in the most functional way. Don’t be afraid to rearrange the room until it works — or even to get rid of pieces that you don’t really need.
  2. Add good lighting. If you’re lucky enough to have lots of windows in your apartment, play up the natural light with sheer curtains or neutral-colored blinds. If you don’t have much natural light, fake it with daylight-imitating light bulbs.
  3. Use light or neutral colors. Choose furnishings in light or neutral colors to create an airy, open feeling.
  4. Add art. Adding framed art to every wall is a great way to decorate your apartment without taking up precious space. Create an eclectic gallery wall or add a series of three large frames to create the illusion of depth. Don't forget to add mirrors!

11 Foolproof Decorating Tips [This Old House]
20 Decorating Secrets [House Beautiful]
9 Interior Decorator Secrets [Woman’s Day]

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