portofino

Clutter Cramping Your Style? Here’s How to Get It Under Control!

August 25, 2015 by portofino

So you might not be the neatest person in the world, but that doesn’t mean that you have to deal with clutter cramping the style in your apartment. There are a number of smart, simple ways to de-clutter your space without spending hours cleaning every day. Here are just a few tips for managing the mess.

Think function, not fashion. Sure, that matching furniture set might look great, but that doesn’t mean that it actually works in the room. Having too large furniture (or even too much furniture) is a surefire way to make a room look cluttered. Downsize to maximize your space.
Create a place for everything. Go through your home and make a note of everything that doesn’t have its own designated space, from the stack of mail to your everyday beauty products. Invest in small bins or drawer organizers where you can toss things to keep them out of sight.
Add shelving. Keep things off of the floor by adding shelving anywhere that clutter frequently accumulates. Add attractive bins or boxes that you can put things in.
Spend a few minutes. Take a few minutes before bed each night to make one final sweep of your home, putting things away and getting organized. Waking up to a tidy house will make you want to get in the habit of de-cluttering.

Clear Clutter and Take Control of Your Life [All You]
Clutter Control in 10 Steps [Family Circle]
25 Ways to Clear Clutter [Style at Home]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr Jamesthe1st

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: Apartment Decoration, Crafts, DIY, Organization

Pasion del Cielo: Coffee in Coral Gables

August 12, 2015 by portofino

Satisfy your passion for great coffee at Pasion del Cielo. Located at the corner of Giralda Avenue and Merrick Way, Pasion del Cielo isn’t just a place to stop in a grab a cup for the ride into work. This is the place you want to go to relax and enjoy a cup of fine roasted coffee. The ambiance of the coffee house will immediately put you in the mood to relax, with rustic brick walls, comfortable tables and even more comfy chairs and sofas. It’s like a home away from home! It gets even better when you see the selection of espresso drinks, frappes and iced coffees, made from coffee beans procured from around the world. Bring your friends or just come alone and sit back with a good book, or enjoy the free wifi.

Pasion del Cielo
100 Giralda Avenue
Coral Gables, FL 33134
(305) 448-0007
http://www.yelp.com/biz/pasi%C3%B3n-del-cielo-coral-gables-2

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr marfis75

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: Coffeehouses, Pasion del Cielo, Things to Do in Coral Gables

How to Exercise Outdoors Safely During the Summer

July 28, 2015 by portofino

While running outdoors in the summer can be more enjoyable than in the winter, it comes with its own set of adjustments and safety hazards. Whether you already have a set running schedule or you’re looking to begin a morning jogging routine this summer, here are a few things that you should know to help beat the heat.

Choose the right time of day. Instead of running during your lunch break when the sun is at its hottest, opt instead for an early morning or late afternoon jog. As a general rule, avoid running during the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Wear sunscreen. You might not think about it like you would, say, at the beach, but you’re at just as much risk for sunburn while running. Be sure to wear something around SPF 45.
Stay hydrated from the get-go. Most runners recommend drinking a full glass of water before you even set out on your run to avoid dehydration. While running, stop for a drink every 15 minutes (even if you’re not thirsty).
Pay attention to your body. If you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or nauseated while running, slow to a walk (or stop running altogether) and seek out a shaded spot to rest.

8 Tips for Exercising in Summer Heat [Active.com]
20 Ways To Have a Rockin' Outdoor Workout [Greatist.com]
Summer Safety: 8 Outdoor Fitness Training Tips To Help You Keep Cool [Medical Daily]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr Phil Roeder

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: Exercise, Fitness, Health, Wellness

Check Out These Creative Uses for Wallpaper

July 21, 2015 by portofino

If the thought of adding wallpaper to your home makes you cringe, you may want to rethink your opinions on this seemingly outdated wall covering. There are a number of creative uses for wallpaper that have nothing to do with your walls, and don’t worry: there’s no outdated paisley print here.

Line a bookcase. If you have a hand-me-down bookcase that’s a bit of an eyesore, dress it up with a fun, colorful wallpaper backdrop. Simply remove the shelves and stick on a solid or printed wallpaper that goes with the rest of the room’s decor.
Line drawers. Instead of lining your drawers with plain old drawer liners, get a bit more creative by lining them with leftover wallpaper.
Dress up a dresser. Cover an entire dresser, the sides, or just the drawer fronts to bring a bit of color and a pop of pattern to your bedroom.
Transform tray tables. If you want to add chic side tables to your living room but you’re on a bit of a budget, make over affordable tray tables using wallpaper. Simply stick the wallpaper to the tops of the tables, then create an attractive vignette using books, a lamp, or a few romantic candles.
Frame it. If you have a very small amount of wallpaper that you love, turn it into a piece of DIY art using a simple, store-bought frame.

12 "Off the Wall" Places to Put Wallpaper [Bob Vila]
Unexpected Uses for Leftover Wallpaper [Real Simple]
9 Unexpected Ways to Decorate With Wallpaper [Good Housekeeping]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/mckaysavage

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: Apartment Decoration, DIY, Home Decor, How-To

Bite Into a Patacon at the Colorful Tacos and Tattoos

July 14, 2015 by portofino

Within its first two months of business, Tacos and Tattoos racked up more than 150 reviews—a feat some restaurants don't accomplish over the course of their entire lifetime. The trending eatery doesn't actually double as a tattoo parlor, though. Despite the name, the latter half of "Tacos and Tattoos" actually seems to refer to the contemporary art on the walls. Many of the pieces look ready to be stenciled right onto a bicep, like a skull outlined in a rainbow of colors.

Don't get so distracted by the artwork that you forget to order, though, because the fare at Tacos and Tattoos is just as colorful as the atmosphere. Regulars highly recommend the patacon, a flattened and fried plantain topped with your choice of meat, cheese, and a signature sauce. Tacos also land on the menu, of course, as do desserts such as the popular fried Oreos with ice cream.

Tacos and Tattoos
10720 SW 113th Place
Miami, FL 33176
(786) 803-8316
tacosandtattoos.com
www.yelp.com/biz/tacos-and-tattoos-miami-2

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr blu_pineappl3

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: Miami Dining, Restaurants in Miami, Tacos and Tattoos

Gear Up for an Adventure at X-treme Rock Climbing

July 7, 2015 by portofino

Never travel the same route twice at X-treme Rock Climbing. The gym's nationally certified route setters rework the arrangement of its foot- and handholds all the time, so there's always a new adventure to be had at the 14,000-square-foot rock climbing gym. With overhangs and roofs for the more seasoned climbers to attempt, as well as easier routes for the less experienced, climbers of all abilities can embark on a fun workout at X-treme.

The climbing walls aren't the only spot to work out, either. X-treme also boasts a full gym, including a recently added yoga studio. So if you don't feel like harnessing up and going for a climb, maybe you'll want to attend a relaxing yoga class with one of X-treme's highly trained instructors. The gym also has Wi-Fi for those who are just coming to observe a friend.

X-treme Rock Climbing
13972 SW 139 Court
Miami, FL 33186
(305) 233-6623
www.x-tremerock.com
www.yelp.com/biz/x-treme-rock-climbing-miami-2

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr Brisbane City Council

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: Miami Attractions, Things to Do in Miami, X-treme Rock Climbing

Happy Independence Day!

July 4, 2015 by portofino

We hope everyone enjoys a fun and relaxing time with family and friends as we celebrate America's freedom.

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

Take in the Sights at Tropical Park

June 30, 2015 by portofino

Most local parks can't boast an annual guest list that exceeds a million people, but Tropical Park can. The breathtaking Miami park attracts about 1.5 million people every year, to be more precise. Some of that foot traffic can probably be attributed to the Miami International Agriculture and Cattle Show, which is held at Tropical Park's Ronald Reagan Equestrian Center each year. Still more may be due to the Southwest Community Farmers Market unfolding at Tropical Park each weekend. Even without these special events, though, chances are the space would still draw a crowd.

That's because it's so rich in natural beauty. Dip your toes in the pristine lake, the water so clear that it looks more like a tropical ocean than an oversized pond. Explore and appreciate the colorful mosaics throughout the park, including a tiled mural on the wall of the racquetball courts. Or just claim a patch of grass and enjoy a picnic beside the lake, possible with a pooch worn out from his time at the dog park.

Tropical Park
7900 SW 40th Street
Miami, FL 33155
(305) 226-8315
www.miamidade.gov/parks/tropical.asp
www.yelp.com/biz/tropical-park-miami

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr vastateparksstaff

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: Miami Attractions, Things to Do in Miami, Tropical Park

Easy DIY Home Decor Projects You Can Complete in a Day

June 23, 2015 by portofino

If you want to give your home a quick makeover, you’ll be happy to know that there are a number of ways to make a big impact in just a few hours. Here are just a few simple DIY projects that you can do in one day.

Make over your drapes. By simply switching out your window treatments, you can let more light into your home and make a room feel more elegant. Choose bamboo blinds, floor-length sheers, or panels in a light color scheme.
Create a foyer. If your home doesn’t have a designated foyer, you can create one yourself by simply adding some sort of seating, a mirror, and a console table to your doorway.
Hang mirrors. To create the illusion of more space in a room, add a mirror in a strategic spot. Hang one at the end of a hallway or directly across from a window.
Create a coffee table vignette. To make your living room feel more polished, add a stack of books, a bright green plant, and an elegant candle to your coffee table.
Build a bar cart. Everyone loves a classic bar cart, so create your own by re-doing a vintage find from your local thrift store. Then top it with pretty glasses and your favorite spirits.

11 Foolproof Decorating Tips [This Old House]
10 Simple Rules for Foolproof Decorating [Real Simple]
Foolproof Formulas for Home Decorating [Southern Living]