Prepare your palate because the inaugural Mercedes-Benz and AutoNation SEAGLASS, a Greater Fort Lauderdale Rosé Experience, is coming to town on February 8 – 9, to be held right on the sandy beaches of Fort Lauderdale. 

SEAGLASS will take place from 6 pm – 9 pm on Saturday, and from 2 pm – 5 pm on Sunday, directly across from the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort. The 180-degree Atlantic Ocean views will serve as the perfect backdrop of the first-year event as guests sip and savor the world’s most excellent rosé wines with perfectly paired culinary options throughout the weekend. The Grand Tasting on the sandy beaches will feature nearly 30 different rosé brands, with each one bringing a unique flavor and ambiance for attendees to enjoy. Guests will be given a piece of sea glass each day and invited to vote for their top choice as the fan-favorite. 

Tickets are currently on sale for the all-inclusive Rosé Experience ticket for $150 per day or $200 for both days. Guests can also opt for the luxury VIP Cabana Experience, which is $5,000 per day and includes a dedicated server, lounge chairs, tables, and early-event access for up to ten attendees. Tickets and VIP Experiences can be purchased at https://seaglassexperience.com

A portion of the proceeds will benefit DRV PNK and directed to the Dolphins Cancer Challenge, supporting much-needed cancer research and treatment right here in our local South Florida community.  

“When cancer entered my life, I had decisions to make – fight or ask why me? I chose to fight. That decision bought me time. And I was fortunate to have Mercedes-Benz and AutoNation support SEAGLASS and doubly fortunate to support the Drive Pink and Dolphin Cancer Challenge,” shared Carlos Suarez, co-founder of SEAGLASS.  

True to theme, guests are encouraged to dress in beach chic and their favorite shades of pink and white, paired with comfortable shoes as the event does take place on the sand. 

“We are going to bring our award-winning Channé Rosé and a little bit of Saint Tropez right here in our backyard for guests to enjoy,” shared Kavita Channe, founder of Channé Rosé and one of the participating local brands. 

BPT- This year you might have goals like ramping up your workout routine, increasing your self-care regimen or finding time to de-stress.

The EPA reports we spend 90 percent of our time indoors, but most people feel that spending time in nature has a positive effect on their mental well-being and stress level, according to a recent YouGov study commissioned by Velux. So, if your goal is to de-stress, here are some healthy behaviors and design tips to help you bring nature’s sanctuary indoors.

1) Fill your home with photos of nature

Surrounding yourself with images of nature can have a positive effect on wellness. Try framing some photos of special memories in nature like a hike with your family, beach sunset or mountain view.

2) Let in more fresh air and natural light

Today’s homes are built tighter and more sealed, which means they can trap toxins from daily living – such as cooking, cleaning, pets and more – inside. Adding skylights that can open is a simple home renovation project to improve fresh air flow, helping rid indoor air of pollutants. Additionally, studies show that exposure to natural light helps to sync your circadian rhythm, allowing for better sleep at night.

3) Fill your home with natural scents

Up your chef game by using fresh herbs in your cooking that will fill your kitchen with natural fragrance. Making an indoor herb garden ensures you’ll always have some on hand. You can also incorporate fresh herbs into bouquets or wreaths for a natural air freshener throughout your home.

4) Meditate or do yoga in the morning

Waking up with stretching or meditating is a great way to prepare yourself for a successful day. Open the blinds or curtains on your windows and skylights to let in early morning light and help you feel invigorated and refreshed.

5) Go green with your décor

Reap the benefits of nature by bringing it inside, adding greenery or even fruit into your décor. The possibilities are endless – use a bowl of fresh fruit as a centerpiece or mix different sizes of pots to create a succulent gallery. Little touches of green in each room will go a long way.

6) Use natural cleaning products

Many common cleaning products have harsh chemicals that can be inhaled or absorbed into your skin. Combat the dangers of these toxins by switching to natural cleaning products. You’ll feel safer and more relaxed when your home is chemical-free.

From boosting your home’s natural light to going green and adding plant life, it’s easy to turn your home into a natural oasis with these simple steps. For more information, visit whyskylights.com.

“We’re thrilled to bring our rock star hotspot to the internationally-famous Ocean Drive in South Beach,” Randy Sharpe, chief executive officer of Pink Taco, said. “With our delicious Mexican-style food and drinks, we are pleased to be an icon on the exciting Miami Beach scene.”

The South Beach location held its grand opening on January 14th and Snoop Dogg guest DJ’d at the Mexican fete. Pink Taco’s delectable offerings will be available for lunch, brunch, dinner, along with a late-night menu until 4 a.m.

Nestled in the heart of South Beach on 1200 Ocean Drive, the Miami location of Pink Taco delivers the brand’s iconic dishes and vibrant cocktails for guests to savor and delight with items such as; Lobster Enchiladas topped with jack cheese, brandy-chipotle cream sauce, avocado salsa, pico and Mexican crema ($22), Vegan Taco Bowls with grilled mushrooms, squash & zucchini, cilantro rice, bean salad, salsa verde, pico, and diced avocado ($15), and the namesake Pink Taco filled with achiote chicken, black beans, avocado, arbol salsa, cotija cheese, habanero & pickled onions ($15). 

The menu is expertly executed by Mexican American Executive Chef Erik Conaway, who was born in Puerto Rico. He started as a dishwasher at The Melting Pot, working in numerous positions including prep, line cook, sous chef, and eventually, executive chef. He served as the executive chef at multiple popular restaurants, including The Clevelander Hotel, Morton’s Steak House, and now – Pink Taco. 

Similar to the original concept on the Sunset Strip and its other locations in Boston, Chicago, and Las Vegas, the ambiance is laid-back and unpretentious with their signature Pink Taco sugar skull artwork on the walls. The new venue additionally offers hints of Miami Beach inspiration. 

The venue also has a unique offering of Margaritas on the menu including the Something Pink Margarita with Codigo 1530 Blanco with fresh prickly pear purée, served in a Pink Taco glass to take home ($18), Frozen Strawberry Margarita served in a fresh pineapple, blending Sauza Silver with fresh strawberries and organic Kelvin slush ($15), and the Avocado Chile Margarita Tequila Ocho served with a chile-lime salted rim ($13). All margaritas are concocted with house-made sweet and sour, organic agave and fresh lime.

Photo Credit: Christine Jean Chambers

The voice that greets me when I answer my phone is peacefully melodic. She literally sings her greetings as she mentions her upcoming audition that she woke up running lines for. It’s an inviting tone that she maintains throughout the entire interview that makes it easy for me to ask questions that I am usually afraid to ask most talent that I interview. 

On the cusp of the release, October 4th, of her latest role in  “A Brother’s Honor,”  Celestine Rae speaks of her character “Shana Bradford” with an infatuation that most actresses exude after literally transforming into their character for a little while.  

“I love Shana. She is a quick-witted woman. I love that she is so willing to say what is on her mind.”

 The romantic film, which is based on Brenda Jackson’s romantic novel will be available on Passionflix which is a streaming platform that is turning your favorite romantic novels into movies and series. It will be the first POC lead romantic film for Passionflix. We will see “Shana” stepping in to save a struggling family business that is also dealing with the potential loss of their beloved grandfather. In her role as a focused business savy woman, love still seems to blossom in the midst of business and tragedy. Discussing her latest role offered the most natural opening to a question that I think most people find themselves wondering when watching romantic films that feature our favorite actors who are usually married or involved with someone. How do actors balance their romantic roles with their romantic personal lives?

“That’s a great question,” Celestine said before quietly giggling.  “I think it’s about balance. Make sure you get back to reality quick and spend time with your significant other. You also need to make sure you have a romantic partner who understands your profession. But I am grateful that I have never had any issues with that.” 

Take a look at the trailer for Celestine’s upcoming role. There will be more to read about the actress in our upcoming issue of Worthy Magazine. 

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=480717209172234

By: Aurora Dominguez

Worthy Magazine recently had a chance to visit two Fort Lauderdale restaurants with a view. Below are our thoughts on them.

Bo’s Beach

Diners, rejoice! Fort Lauderdale Beach is now home to Bo’s Beach, a new two-story, casual restaurant and bar operated by former Miami Dolphins Player Kim Bokamper & PDKN Restaurant Group, of which Bokamper is one of four partners. Offering fresh local seafood, a signature wood-fired oven, refreshing cocktails and ocean-inspired classics; Bo’s Beach boasts direct ocean views and tropical breezes. The restaurant features amazing cocktails…we had a frozen margarita and a mojito…as well as delicious oysters which you have to visit to try and amazing fish tacos and a waffle enveloped burger that is just as good for dinner as it would’ve been for breakfast. Make sure to check out this spot, where sea breezes, the service and the environment, as well as their pizza, make you fall in love.

Shooters

Shooters Waterfront has launched a new menu and a new rose. Located at 3033 NE 32nd Ave., Shooters is known for its high quality, yet affordable cuisine and exquisite views of the Intracoastal Waterway. Start your dine with a Shooters Rosé, for $8 a glass and $30 a bottle. Sourced from Vranket Estates in the southern region of Camargue, France, and with a beautiful wooden pink color complemented by subtle notes of small red fruits, Shooters Rosé is perfect for moments of relaxed elegance. Shooters Rosé pairs well with the restaurant’s new food offerings, which include additions to the Raw Bar and Starters menu such as Guacamole and Taro Root Chips, creamy guacamole paired with taro root chips crisped to perfection, and Sautéed Prince Edwards Mussels, prepared with white wine, butter, garlic, shallots and crostini. New entrees include Grilled Lollipop Lamb Chops, tender lamb chops served with mint chimichurri pesto and goat cheese crumbles; Grilled Soy-Ginger Glazed Salmon, fresh salmon cooked in a warm soy, ginger glaze and served with saffron quinoa and kale ribbons; Roasted Bone-in Beef Short Rib, short rib cooked just right and served with creamy mashed potatoes and delicate heirloom carrots drizzled in a port wine demi-glace sauce. This adventure in dining will surely have you wanting to come back for seconds as you take in delicious bites with a view.

(BPT) – Despite being one of the most common genetic disorders in the world, patients with sickle cell disease frequently live their lives in the shadows – their voices going unheard, their condition may often go undertreated or ignored. A new public service announcement (PSA) campaign featuring Grammy®-nominated singer, film and Broadway star, Jordin Sparks, and five people touched by the disease, invites the public to get involved and help patients through understanding and support.

Last year, Sparks helped launch “Generation S” – a national sickle cell disease storytelling project sponsored by Novartis that encourages people touched by the disease to break their silence about the true impact of sickle cell disease. Since then, more than 750 stories about experiencing life with sickle cell disease have been submitted to JoinGenS.com.

Although sickle cell disease affects roughly 100,000 Americans, it has gone unseen by many. The general public may not understand the impact and burden of sickle cell disease. The stigma associated with the disease has left many patients under-treated and lost in the health care system.

Despite their challenges, the PSA highlights the resiliency of people touched by sickle cell disease, who are fighting the disease and starting foundations in honor of family members.

Here are some ways to join Jordin Sparks and the storytellers to help educate those who may interact with people living with sickle cell disease at work or in their personal lives:

Stay informed – What is sickle cell disease?

Sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disorder that affects the shape of red blood cells and makes blood cells stickier than usual. This can cause blockages in blood vessels and when the blood flow slows or gets blocked, there can be more health risks over time, like organ damage and organ failure and other long-term health complications.

It also can impact family and friends of those carrying the disease in profound ways. While one patient describes her condition as feeling like “shattered glass moving through my veins,” others share stories of watching loved ones struggle for years without being able to ease their suffering.

Communicate and interact

By sharing the PSA, you can help the public understand the burden and impact of the condition and the real life stories of those living with sickle cell disease.

The PSA is supported by Sickle Cell Disease Association of America (SCDAA), Sickle Cell 101, Sick Cells, the Sickle Cell Community Consortium (SCCC) and Bold Lips for Sickle Cell – all partners to Novartis’s “Generation S.” Interact with the community and view additional stories featured in the “Generation S” mosaic on the JoinGenS.com website.

Share your story

For Jordin Sparks, sickle cell disease is personal. She lost her young stepsister to the disease in 2018.

“Many people still don’t know the impact sickle cell disease has on people living with it, and their families and friends,” Sparks said. “I hope this PSA will help change our mindset regarding sickle cell and I am proud to lend my voice to shine a light on these stories.”

To learn more and share your story, visit http://www.JoinGenS.com.

Jesse’s charismatic songs have attracted a diverse group of people who continue to seek music from the up-and-coming artist. With tracks smoothly intertwining the deep emotion of jazz with the cool, humble songwriting of American soul, Jesse’sfolk-tinged country melodies in “Come Visit Soon” stand as an impressive addition to a profoundly eloquent musical catalogue. Here is our quick noteworthy exchange with the artist.

Could you finish the statement, I am worthy because

I am.

When and how did you realize that music was your passion?

It’s been a thing I’ve realized over and over again. It started when I was a little girl, about 3 years old. I saw my cousins singing together in our living room at a party and something clicked. I was also an MTV baby, part of a musical family, and extra audio absorbent. I see a similar thing happening with my younger son – he creates and repeats melodies all the time! It’s cool to watch.

You hear so many opinions about making your passion your area of study. Would you encourage others to major in their passion? How was your experience with that?

This is a big question. We’re all unique. The joy I experience making music is in communicating something that’s inside of me, rather than, for instance, playing note-for-note a song someone else wrote. For that reason, and some others, I have never been an enthusiastic formal music student. When trying to explain what I hear in my head to other musicians, the gap in my musical education sometimes creates tension in rehearsal or in the studio. (I remember one bass player who was super chart-reliant, and annoyed that I didn’t create perfect charts.) On the other hand, my lack of formal training has gifted me a fun ignorance to the rules, and that ignorance comes up with some good ideas. It’s worked to have some softness. Life itself is mostly gray area. When we are over-educated in the arts, stuffed full of other people’s ideas, we run the risk of coming up with their ideas, not our own. After the writing stage is complete, I gravitate toward people who are smarter than I am. My friend and sometimes producer Paul Redel is a perfect example of someone who is skilled and knowledgeable, and speaks the technical language, while being simultaneously inventive, tolerating and translating my language (“Can we go more yellow boom here?”). We make a great team. So whether a person hones her craft alone, or with a private instructor, or a mentor, in a field, in a basement, or in a classroom, there’s really no wrong way to eat a Reese’s. Round out your team, and do it your way. Without arrogance, be vigilant about protecting your unique take on this crazy world. That’s the only secret as far as I can tell. No good or bad, just true or false.

How would you describe your sound?

The EP I just released is Americana. The one I’m releasing in the fall or winter is more cinematic, dramatic, grandma’s attic. Lots of strings!

When it comes to managing your finances, are you more likely to be spontaneous and optimistic or stick to a formal plan? Understanding your financial personality can be important on the journey to reaching your financial goals, whether it’s something short-term like buying a home or longer term like your dream retirement. For some of us it’s simply about finding a better balance between spending and saving.

According to Charles Schwab’s Modern Wealth Quiz, designed to help people get a better grasp on their saving, spending and investing habits, about 43 percent of Americans are “Dreamers” when it comes to their finances — they tend to live in the moment but can also feel unprepared for certain life events.

Only 10 percent are considered financial “Architects” — they not only imagine the future but take pen to paper and map out a plan to make it a reality. Other personality types, according to the quiz, are Improvisers (18 percent), Organizers (11 percent), Mavericks (10 percent) and Philosophers (8 percent).

Here are some key themes the quiz explores to determine your money personality and provide tips to help you achieve your goals:

1) Is juggling your monthly bills a breeze or a tornado?

Half of Americans say they’re able to pay their monthly bills on time and even put money into savings regularly, according to Schwab’s 2019 Modern Wealth Survey, but a third of Americans say they typically don’t have any extra cash to put into savings after their basic expenses. The remainder say they even struggle to pay those expected monthly bills and often end up with unpaid balances.

Terri Kallsen, CFP^®, head of Schwab Investor Services, said that automatically depositing part of your income into a savings account each month can help make it a habit.

“Our survey shows about 40 percent of Americans set up an automatic transfer into their savings or investment accounts each month,” she said. “That way, they don’t have to make a decision to ‘spend or save’ each month — they’ve already made it.”

2) Do you set goals or go with the flow?

While most Americans say they’ve thought about their financial goals, only 28 percent have taken the time to put their goals in writing, the survey shows. Another 25 percent say they don’t have any plan at all.

“Planning can be a key indicator of your money personality, because how much you engage with your finances is often closely tied to how confident you feel about reaching your goals,” Kallsen said.

3) Are you an engaged investor or a sideline saver?

Most Americans have a traditional checking and savings account, according to the survey, but only about half have some kind of investing account.

“Savings accounts are often seen as a safe place to put your money, but to keep up with inflation and the rising cost of living, it’s also critical to invest,” Kallsen said. “The sooner you start investing, the longer your money has time to gain from rises in the market and the power of compounding and to recover from any downturns.”

Once you’re invested, it’s important to stay engaged to stay on track. Keep an eye on your investment fees and make sure to rebalance about once a year, added Kallsen.

Take Charles Schwab’s Modern Wealth Quiz and learn more about your money personality and tips and tricks to help reach your financial goals.

With a name that literally translates to “the masses” Hoy Polloy’s desire to truly reach all kinds of people seems to be the easiest way to describe the group’s core identity. As a group that infuses rock, hip hop and soul, they have fine-tuned the science of making sure every performance is different from the last making it difficult to possibly ever get bored with the group’s sound. In a recent Q&A with Worthy Magazine, The group’s lead singer  K SOS discussed the group’s latest upcoming album and the signature sound. 

I know the group is passionate about a well-rounded performance. How would you describe the standard Hoy Polloy performance?

First off, every Hoy Polloy show is different. We have never repeated a setlist in over 200 shows, and if you don’t believe us, each show is logged on our website so that people can go back and see what songs they heard the night they saw us. When we open for a more genre-specific artist we curtail our set to be more in the genre that particular artist performs in, however when we are booked to do shows on our own we do a cross between Rock and Hip Hop with sprinkles of Jazz, Dance, and other musical tones. Before you know it, you may even be lost in a 7-minute cover of Van Morrison’s “Madame George.”

What is the group dynamic like? What do you love about being in a group? What is the hardest part?

A band is like a relationship without the sexual component. Everyone brings a unique personality to the table. Some personalities are loud; some are quiet. Some are pushy, while some are submissive. Too much of any can tip the scales of balance either way. Like a relationship, it’s something you always got to work at to make sure you and your bandmates are on the same page. It is amazing what you can create on your own, but it is even more amazing when individuals come together and make something collectively. The chemistry between players is so important, and sometimes a bandmate is right for a certain era, but you all grow apart overtime on ideas of sound and vision, and that is ok too. This band has had 11 members, with only Francisco Padilla, the bands talented and humble keys player carrying the dream with frontman, K Sos, the whole way. Most of all, understanding your brand is a living organism is essential to succeeding and keeping the music at the forefront of what’s important is vital to evolving and staying engaged in what you are doing.

What are some of the greatest obstacles that you have had to overcome either personally or professionally?

Personally, is another conversation, although I will say what you go through in your personal life does shape the music you make it so many ways. I have dealt with a lot of loss, personal changes, and heartbreak, and it surely presents itself in the music in different ways. Professionally you have to acknowledge at the end of it all you’re selling a product, sometimes you get to play for 1,000 people, and sometimes it seems like you’re playing to a wall. It is the tough moments where you have to keep your vision clear and persevere to the next gig, and the next opportunity to share what you do. That is why loving what you do is especially important in the arts. There is a lot more let down than moments of success, but if you can internalize the hardships and move through them then the success become much sweeter, and you can share them with the people that helped get you there which is the best part of all.

What details can you share about Valkyrie? What can your listeners expect?  Do you already have a favorite song from the album why or why not?

Valkyrie is our latest hip hop effort due out this fall with awesome collaborations from Jadakiss, AZ, Les Nubians, Scotty ATL, as well as a slew of amazing local talent, some of which we have worked with for years. The awesome thing about making an album is a favorite doesn’t always appear early; sometimes the track that moves you the most comes alive towards the end. There are also a lot of different moods on this album, so once again depending on how your feeling you may want to listen to different songs. It’s an exciting record, one that I hope people will take the time to explore all the way through.