Out and About with EC: Saying goodbye to 2012!

I actually started my blog "Out and About with EC" in Jan.2012 and I can't believe I'm still here.  I also can't believe "you guys" are still here with me.  The support of so many friends and new friends I've picked up along the way has given me the strength to keep going and not quit.  It has been an amazing experience.  6 months ago I had 8,000 views and now almost a year I have 15,000.  Thanks to all that have supported me and still continue to read and be entertained by my findings.  This actually opened the door to new opportunities and I now design and am in charge of my daughter's magnet school facebook page something I very much enjoy!!!!

 
So 2013 is almost knocking on our door and I guess its time to reflect on 2012.

 Somebody close to me told me that I needed to find my passion.  That I needed to find in my heart what truly makes me happy, gives me purpose and it made me think.  It's been a  tough year to say the least, actually it's been a tough 2 years!  My dad passed away one year ago and I still think about him everyday.  Although it took me a while to make peace and accept the demons it hasn't been easy.  It's true what they say you don't realize how important a person is in your life until they are gone.  How important a piece they play in the puzzle of life it's amazing!  Dad, I love you and miss you so much!!

Another rude awakening for me this year was loosing my job.  This wasn't just any job to me it was my perfect job.  I know your probably saying perfect, really? But yes to me PERFECT! I worked for a company of architects called APEC Consultants.  I worked with them for 16 years up until I was let go in July.  I always said to myself and others who was surprised I was still there that we were just floating.  I knew one day that floating would stop and it did and even though I always had it in the back of my mind when it happened I wasn't ready at all.  I was very lucky that I wasn't out of work for too long but what an agonizing experience it was.  I hadn't realized how different getting a job was in this day and age.  The interviewing process was hell to say the least but I survived and won my present job over.  I now work for a new company and although it hasn't been easy with the traffic, long hours, and stress it has proven to be a challenge I have risen to.

Loosing my job has been a tough lesson for me.  I've had to learn to count on other people "my hubby" and he has had to take the role of mom in a lot of instances and for that I can't thank him enough.  I've had to make peace that I can't make it to every recital, school party, award show or honor roll ceremony and that for me is soo..sooo.. hard but I've survived and so have my kids.  I've had to learn the hard way that I can't be supermom that now it has to be superdad and that's ok as well.  Yup 2012 has not been easy but I think I've adjusted...I mean I had no choice....and most importantly I had to be happy or at least find a happy median.   

2012 brought us lots of news worthy stories from Kate Middleton to the Summer Olympics, Whitney Houston's death to the all famous Gangnam style.  Hurricane Sandy, One Direction, someone called Honey Boo Boo, the release of the Iphone 5, the Samsung Galaxy, Kony 2012, the presidential debates and the re-election of Obama, the break up of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes & Chad Ochocinco and Evelyn, the Miami Heat winning an NBA Championship, the Penn State Scandal, The Trayvon Martin Shooting, the Hunger Games just to name a few and the devastating story that left everyone in shock and disbelief the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting. I think we can all agree that for that one moment, on that day, it made us kiss our children and hold them tighter and it made us all remember how precious our children's lives really are.  It also brought to light the dedication and compassion that our teachers play in the role of our children.  How important they are and how precious! 

2012 had my youngest daughter, Adriana start Kindergarten and I can't tell you how worried I was but she has proven to be a "model student" as she puts it.  She has amazed me and I am so proud of her.  My older daughter, Elizabeth entered 7th grade and although I'm starting to realize that my baby is not a baby anymore she is growing up to be an amazing, smart, eccentric young woman.  She's had her ups and downs this year, some harsh realities with life lessons mainly friendships that have not been easy at all but she's smart and headstrong and she will be ok.  She's got a long way to go and a lot more hardache to endure......From coloring her hair(rainbow bright is her preference) to her clothes not matching, to her artistic fashionista style coming out in full force, yup I've got my hands full but I am also so..so proud of her and I wouldn't have it any other way.

My hubby has been my major support system for such a long time but the support he has shown me this year has been more than words can say.  It has not been easy with transitions we've had to endure but he's been there 100% guiding us and showing us that family and being happy is what it is all about!  He is indeed my rock and I don't know what I would do without him.  17 years and counting yup...my soulmate!!   

2012 also gave me an opportunity to do something different, something a lot of people doubted I couldn't do, but I proved everyone wrong.  I participated in my first 3mile mud race with obstacles and all and I crossed the finish line! Yes, I did it!!! "Pretty Muddy was awesome". Looking forward to my next race soon, hopefully.

Oops...I almost forgot and how can I forget the most important event of 2012 -The ending of the world according to the Mayans...December 21, 2012.  Still here!!!!!!! Doomsday didn't happen and if I understand all this nonsense it just means that a new cycle will begin...Curious to see when the new date for the next end of the world will be lol.  I think Robert Frost had it right when he wrote: "Some say the world will end in fire, some say in ice," but that was a poem to warn that hate was the danger, not some ancient prophecy.

..and so amongst the good and the bad, all the prophecies and the horrible tragedies we move forward to 2013.  We hopefully move forward with faith and hope that 2013 will be one of the best years yet.

Out and About with EC would like to wish each and every one of you a very Happy New Year and all the best for 2013!

Fairchild Challenge: Botanical Fashion Show 12/15/12

Words cannot describe how proud I am of my daughter, Elizabeth Costa.  She had the privelidge this year of representing her school magnet: C@T & CIE program South Miami K-8 by participating in the Fairchild Challenge Botanical Fashion Show at Farichild Tropical Gardens .  It was simply amazing!!!!!! At first I was skeptical because of the challenge.  They were to design an outfit using real leaves or recycled materials.  The outfit had to be for a boy and a girl. They did amazing!  It wasn't easy by any means but they all came together and did a magnificent job!!!!  Elizabeth got chosen to be the model and I underestimated her because when I saw her all dressed up in the finished outfit, with her makeup and hair done I was blown away.  Proud mother doesn't even cut it!  I was in awe! 

If your a parent you know you love for moments like these.  Moments like these really make you see that all the hard work, sacrifice and dedication really does pay off.  Whether they win or not (since we have to wait for the final scores) in my book they did amazing!  These group of kids will go a long way someday.....

Here are the designs they came up with:

Here are pictures from the actual event:

Male Model: Salvadore Arias

The gang! Participants

Chris Abella, the Designer and the proud Dad with models

Awesome C@T & CIE magnet students: South Miami K-8

...a week after we got word that we made the Neighbors section of the Miami Herald.  Couldn't be any prouder!!!

City of Coral Gables News!!!

Junior Orange Bowl Parade Sails To New Adventures
On Sunday, December 30 At 4 p.m.

On Sunday, December 30, beginning at 4 p.m., the streets of Downtown Coral Gables will be filled with marching bands, colorful floats, community groups and creative parade units, all part of the 64th Junior Orange Bowl Parade. The parade begins at 4 p.m. along Miracle Mile in Downtown Coral Gables. This year’s parade theme is “Sailing to New Adventures” which commemorates the 500 anniversary of Ponce de Leon’s discovery of Florida. To reserve grandstand tickets please call the Junior Orange Bowl Office at 305-662-1210. You can also watch the parade live on Coral Gables Television, Channel 77 if you’re a Comcast subscriber or via live streaming at www.coralgables.com. For more information on the JOB Parade, click here.

 

View, Climb & Explore! At The Big Toy Extravaganza
On Saturday, January 5

Join the City of Coral Gables to celebrate becoming one of 100 Best Communities for Young People in America, awarded by America’s Promise Alliance. The first-ever Big Toy Extrava­ganza takes place at Coral Gables City Hall, 405 Biltmore Way, on Saturday, January 5, 2013, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Children will have the opportunity to view, climb and explore all kinds of fun stuff. It’s like a petting zoo for cars, trucks, and super-sized and specialized vehicles! The Big Toy Extravaganza also features food trucks, face painting, remote control car races, and inflatable games. For more information, call the City of Coral Gables Parks and Recreation at 305-460-5600.

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Free UM Basketball Game Tickets For Residents Only

If you’re a Coral Gables resident you can receive up to four free tickets per household for upcoming Canes Men's and Women’s Basketball games. This special offer is made possible thanks to the 20-year Development Agreement between the City of Coral Gables and the University of Miami. Tickets for the following games are available:

Men’s Basketball:

• Game 1: Sunday, January 13 at 8 p.m. University of Miami vs. Maryland. Only 250 tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, beginning Wednesday, January 2 at 8 a.m.
• Game 2: Sunday, January 27 at 6 p.m. University of Miami vs. Florida State University. Only 250 tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, beginning Tuesday, January 15 at 8 a.m.
• Game 3: Wednesday, February 27 at 7 p.m. University of Miami vs. Virginia Tech. Only 250 tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, beginning Wednesday, February 13 at 8 a.m.
• Game 4: Saturday, March 9 at 2:30 p.m. University of Miami vs. Clemson. Only 250 tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, beginning Thursday, February 28 at 8 a.m.

Women’s Basketball:

• Game 1: Sunday, January 6 at 1 p.m. University of Miami vs. Virginia. Only 250 tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, beginning Wednesday, December 19 at 8 a.m.
• Game 2: Sunday, January 27 at 2 p.m. University of Miami vs. University of North Carolina. Only 250 tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, beginning Wednesday, January 16 at 8 a.m.
• Game 3: Sunday, February 10 at 2 p.m. University of Miami vs. Florida State. Only 250 tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, beginning Monday, January 28 at 8 a.m.
• Game 4: Sunday, February 17 at 2 p.m. University of Miami vs. Boston College. Only 250 tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, beginning Monday, February 4 at 8 a.m.

The games will be played at the BankUnited Center on the University of Miami campus. Tickets will be distributed in person at the War Memorial Youth Center, 405 University Drive, no earlier than the designated distribution date. Residents must show proof of residential address. Tickets are limited to four per household. For additional information, contact the Parks and Recreation Division at 305-460-5600.


Photo credit: HurricaneSports.com 

Residents Can Buy-One, Get-One Free Ticket
For UM’s Lowe Museum Exhibit

Coral Gables residents can take advantage of a special discounted opportunity to visit the Christo and Jeanne Claude: Prints and Objects exhibit at the Lowe Art Museum. Residents, with proof of residential address, can purchase one admission ticket and receive one free admission to the exhibit. They will also receive a 10% discount in the Lowe Art Museum Store. This offer is valid from December 21 through January 13, 2013. Famous for the wrapped pink islands in Biscayne Bay, the Sydney Opera House, and Central Park, this exhibit showcases the drawings and sketches that helped create those famous works from Christo and Jeanne Claude, as well as photos of the finished product. Tickets can be purchased at the Museum’s front desk, located at 1301 Stanford Drive on the University of Miami campus. For more information, click here.

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New Years Eve

http://gomiami.about.com/od/thingstodo/a/NewYearsEve.htm

http://www.soulofmiami.org/category/new-years-eve/

New Year’s Eve Special Edition Celebrate New Year's Eve the way you actually want to. Whether it's a trendy club or a charity gala, we've hand-picked events to help you find the New Year's Eve celebration that will start the year right.

The 3rd Annual New Year's Eve Masquerade Ball  See More

The Fifth Annual New Year's Forever  See More

A Society of Sobriety - New Year's Eve. Potluck and Game Night  See More

Rooftop Eve 2013  See More

New Year's Eve HYSTERIA: A Private Soirée  See More

Dirty Disco NYE '13 Ball at Exit 66  See More

Oshogatsu 2013 - New Year's Celebration  See More

New Year's Eve 2013 at Passion Nightclub Hosted by "KID ROCK" See More

Beau Joie New Year's Eve at Tantra Miami Beach  See More

December Events

December is Miami's most beautiful month. The weather is crisp, and the world flocks here for a variety of international events. As events come up I will be posting on my facebook page so please make sure to check.  Thank you and Happy Holidays!!!!!

Deering Holiday Wonderland
Daily, Dec. 1 -31, 2012 10 am-4 pmFree with Estate Admission
Visitors can tour the elegant and historic houses of the Deering Estate as they come alive with holiday accents and decorations, created by local garden clubs and community organizations. Guests can explore the beautifully landscaped main grounds and historic buildings at leisure, or enjoy a guided house tour of the estate. Historic House Tours are held daily at 10:30 am & 3:00 pm. The Natural Areas Tour is held daily at 12:30 pm. Guided Tours are Free with Estate admission. Santa Story-Time & Kids Crafts
Satuday, December 8 & December 15, 2012
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Free with Estate admission; Free for Foundation Members.
Santa Claus will be visiting the Deering Estate for story-time in the historic Stone House Ballroom. Children can also participate in holiday arts & crafts activities.  

Holiday Bay Cruise
Sunday, December 16, 2012
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm (please arrive at 1:30 pm)
$35 per personTake a break from your holiday shopping and enjoy a relaxing cruise on the Bay!

http://www.miamichildrensmuseum.org/visit/whatshappening.html

Miami Children's Museum December Events

http://www.miamimetrozoo.com/articles.asp?Id=851&categoryId=1

Zoo Miami December Events

Dolphin Mall’s Pet Nights with Santa
Wednesday, Dec 12 7:30p to 9:30p
at Dolphin Mall, Miami, FLDogs and cats can bring their owners to visit Santa at the Ice Palace, on the 2nd floor of the Ramblas Plaza. Visitors can select from an array of state-of-the-art digital photographs offered during the traditional photo shoot with Santa. Pet owners will receive a free pet food bowl with the purchase of a photo package on the dates and times of the pet event, while supplies last.


Free Family Fest@Arsht Center: Justin Roberts & The Not Ready for Naptime Players
Outdoor Activities

THOMSON PLAZA FOR THE ARTS
Saturday, December 15, 2012, 11:30am - 1:00pm

FREE Performance

KNIGHT CONCERT HALL
Saturday, December 15, 2012, 1:30pm

Sears Kids Workshop
Saturday, Dec 15 12:00p to 3:00p
at Sears, Miami, FL

Snow Mountain X-Travaganza
Saturday, Dec 15 2:00p to 10:00p
at The Shops at Sunset Place, Miami, FL

http://snowmountainxtravaganza.eventbrite.com/# 

The Miami Outboard Club Holiday Boat Parade & Bayfront Park’s Tree Lighting
Saturday, Dec 15 6:00p to 10:00p
at Bayfront Park, Miami, FL

Breakfast with Santa at Conrad Miami
Sunday, Dec 16 9:00a to 12:00p
at Conrad Miami, Miami, FL 

http://conradhotels3.hilton.com/en/hotels/florida/conrad-miami-MIACICI/index.html#/en/hotels/florida/conrad-miami-MIACICI/events/social.html 

SCAS Winter Solstice Star Party

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20th, 5-9 p.m. SCAS Astros & Park Rangers will host a WINTER SOLSTICE STAR PARTY, at Bill Baggs State Park, Cape Florida, at the southern end of Key Biscayne.  Celebrate the Winter Solstice (that actually occurs at 6:12 a.m. Dec. 21st) with spectacular views of brilliant southern winter night skies in hi-tech SCAS equipment.  Bring family, friends, your picnic, binoculars, telescopes, chairs, bug repellant to the Bayside SW Pavilion and enjoy fantastic views of boats, birds, sunset and picturesque Miami skyline.  Sunset admission: $4.00 per car 5-6 p.m.

Regular admission: $8.00 per car.  Park gate closes 8 p.m.  Rickenbacker Causeway toll: $1.50.  Public parking near the historic Key Biscayne Lighthouse.  Stroll to the telescope observing area.  No lights, lasers, litter, alcohol, pets or grilles.  Rain date: Thursday, December 27th.

SCAS: 305-661-1375  State Park: 305-361-8779.

Movies on the Plaza: A Christmas Story
Friday, Dec 21 7:00p
at Brickell World Plaza, Miami, FL


Coconut Grove Candy Cane Village
Friday, Dec 21-23 5:00p to 10:00p
at Peacock Park - Coconut Grove, Miami, FL

http://www.coconutgrovecandycanevillage.com/ 

Viernes Culturales / Cultural Fridays
December 28, 2012
Monthly cultural event and street fair on the last Friday of each month showcasing music, dance, poetry, and the visual arts.

Miami Daily Deals For December 10

http://miamiflonthecheap.com/2012/12/10/miami-daily-deals-for-december-6-3/

Pinecrest Gardens - December Events!

December Events are in Full Bloom!
Let the Holiday Celebrations ContinueFeatured This Month46 Nights of Lights; Jazz at Pinecrest Gardens; Holiday Festival and Gift Bazaar; Flamenco; Greater Miami Symphonic Band; Nutcracker; Chick Flick Wednesday; Family Friday; Horticulture Lecture Series; Gardens Gallery;
Botanical Arts & Crafts;
...and a Special Benefit Holiday Concert with Nicole Henry...

46 Nights of Lights A Holiday Light Festival Nightly, 6:00 - 10:00 p.m.

Click on image for information This brilliant and beautiful festival featuring over 60 glittering and larger than life light installations will continue to be open every night at the Gardens for visitors from 6:00 p.m.- 10:00 p.m. through January 6th. Many of the evenings we will be featuring entertainment for children including storytelling, puppetry, performances by the Miamians and Miami Children’s Theater, holiday chorale music and more. For entertainment schedule click here. Macy's Catering will be providing sweet treats and snacks including delicious eggnog and hot cocoa. Celebrate the season in our tropical winter wonderland. General Admission is $5, children under 2 enter free.

Flamenco Puro Saturday, December 1, 8:00 p.m.

Click the image for information Pinecrest Gardens presents the world-renown, Flamenco Puro Dance Company featuring Artistic Director, Choreographer and Dancer Clarita Filgueiras. For 25 years Clarita has performed through Europe, Latin America and the US. Among her many credits include touring with the Gypsy Kings. Join us Saturday, December 1st at 8 p.m. when this extraordinary company of dancers, singers and musicians bring all of the magic and allure of Spain to the Banyan Bowl, for one night only. This show is sure to be sold out so we would recommend purchasing tickets early by clicking here.

Rodriguez Brothers Jazz Quintet Saturday, December 8, 8:00 p.m.

Click on image for full season Jazz at Pinecrest Gardens welcomes back the incredible Rodriguez Brothers Jazz Quintet direct from NYC. Recently off an international tour that included the opening of the new Jazz At Lincoln Center Club Dohain in Qatar, the Taiwan jazz Festival and their newly released album, Mood Swing…these masters of Afro-Cuban jazz tempered with traditional jazz elements continue to garner critical acclaim for their recordings and live performances. Recently hailed by the New York Times as “sophisticated…incredibly gifted players” you can see them in concert, for one night only. For tickets click here.

Holiday Festival and Gift Bazaar Sunday December 2, 11:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Click the image for details Join us for a day-long celebration featuring activities for the whole family including kids arts and crafts, face painting and more. There’ll be storytelling, puppet shows, holiday family photos, model train displays, both Hanukkah and Christmas festivities, delicious food and many artisans selling hand-crafted gifts. The Banyan Bowl is programmed from noon until 6:30 with the Maria Verdeja School of Dance, Miami Children’s Theater, Gospel and Hanukkah Choirs and a special performance by The Greater Miami Youth Symphony and The Greater Miami Youth Jazz Band. We’ll light up the entire park in full holiday splendor at 5:45 p.m. while being serenaded by the Miamians. General admission $5, children under 2 free.

A Different Kind of The Nutcracker Friday, December 14, 7:00 PM

Join us for this unique approach to the traditional story—“A Different Kind of Nutcracker”, featuring a string quartet, three actors, four dancers and directed by What if Works Artistic Director, Phillip M. Church. This breathtaking rendition of Tchaikovsky's holiday classic, features young local musicians, actors, and dancers, with projected illustrations by South Florida middle school students. Proceeds will contribute toward a collective benefit for Easter Seals, ROXY Performing Arts Scholarships, and The Children's Movement. Tickets are available at Pinecrest Gardens Box Office. For more information, please call 305-669-6990.

Nicole Henry Holiday Concert, presented by The Community Foundation of Pinecrest Saturday, December 15, 7:30 p.m.

Click on the image to purchase tickets. The Community Foundation of Pinecrest is bringing sexy jazz diva Nicole Henry back to the Banyan Bowl at Pinecrest Gardens for its 2nd Annual Holiday Concert Under the Stars. This wonderful event will also include hors d'oeuvres, wine and much more. Tickets are $45, reserved seating only. Group event and sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact CFP Chairman Steve Bailey at 305.200.5322 for details. To purchase tickets online click here or call 1-877-496-8499.

Greater Miami Symphonic Band Sunday, December 16, 3:00 p.m.

Click on image for information. Bring the entire family to a celebration of the Holiday Season. Enjoy all of the music and merriment as you sing along to your favorite songs at this fun and festive concert. The Greater Miami Symphonic Band began in 1979, and has grown to 85 members strong. The Band performs publicly on a regular basis at various indoor and outdoor locations, giving Miami audiences an opportunity to hear all the beauty and diversity of the symphonic band repertoire. Get in the spirit and join us at this wonderful Sunday afternoon concert; a guaranteed crowd pleaser! Adults $15, students $5, for tickets click here.

Family Friday at the Gardens Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted Friday, December 7, 8:00 p.m

For information click the image Family Fridays continue with Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted. Colin Covert of the Minneapolis Star Tribune calls Madagascar 3 the kind of fantasy where "Your brain goes breathless and giddy struggling to keep up.” This wonderful animated film features the voices of Ben Stiller, Jada Pinkett Smith and Chris Rock. Flashlight Tours at 7:00 & 7:30 p.m., the movie begins about 8:00 p.m. and we serve the best hotdogs and popcorn in town. General admission, $5 and children under 2 enter free.

Chick-Flicks at the Gardens Bridget Jones Diary Wednesday, December 19, 8:00 p.m.

Click image for information It’s an evening of live music, martinis and a movie under the stars. This month we’re featuring Bridget Jones Diary, a delicious romantic comedy starring Renee Zellweger and Colin Firth. Anna Smith, of Film4, quotes “A cheerfully frothy romantic comedy that benefits from sharp writing, lively performances and touching characterization." Gates open at 6:30 p.m. for live, unplugged guitar, cocktails and tapas, and our film begins at 8:00 p.m. It’s holiday week, everyone…take a breather and some quality personal time before all the madness begins. Admission $5.

Gardens Gallery Berry Van Boekel Top 100

Image: John Coltrane and Miles Davis, 13.25" x 10", oil on wood, 2008 For 30 years Dutch painter, Berry Van Boekel, has been working on his Top 100 series. This ongoing project is a testament to Berry’s love of music. Every year he compiles a list of the 100 most listened to songs and proceeds to paint the musicians. The Top 100 show at the Gardens will consist of 100 paintings selected from over 2,000 in Berry’s collection as well as several large scale paintings inspired by the natural beauty surrounding his home in Ft. Myers, Florida. Berry Van Boekel discusses his work as a professional visual artist and the process of his Top 100 project...on Sunday, December 9th at 4:00 p.m. The show will continue through to January 3rd, 2013.

From the Ground Up--A Garden Re-Imagined Vegetable Gardening & Coffee with the Plant Guy Gardens Gallery, Hibiscus Room

Click on image for information This month’s topic is Vegetable Gardening in the Home Garden. Join Pinecrest Gardens’ own horticulturist, Craig Morell, on Wednesday the 12th at 10:00 a.m. and on Thursday the 27th at 6:30 p.m. Growing your own food is enjoying a surge in popularity. It trims grocery budgets and provides reassurance about where food comes from. Whether you're ready to plant your first crops or have been growing food for years, you'll find new ideas to keep you going (and growing). Growing fresh vegetables, herbs, or fruits provides a great sense of joy and accomplishment…and one thing for sure… vegetables from the supermarket cannot compare in taste, quality, or freshness with vegetables grown in the home garden. The $5 fee per class includes “Coffee with Craig”. To register, please call 305-669-6990.

Kids Cooking Class Cake Bites Bonanza Saturday, December 8, 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.

Click image for full schedule Come join us at the Gardens for our first baking workshop with guest Holstein Housewares on Saturday, December 8th from 2 pm-3:30 pm. It will be a fun-filled day for all as we simplify life in the kitchen by introducing children 6-11 years old to preparing easy cake batters and baking without the use of an oven! Once cake pops have baked, kids will have a great time decorating their delicious Cake Bite creations (reindeer themed) that will satisfy their sweet tooth this Holiday season. Only $5 per class, includes supplies. Class sizes are limited to 20, so call (305) 669-6990 to reserve your space today!

Farmers Market: Fresh Produce & More Sundays 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Click on image for information Enjoy the fresh air while selecting your fresh produce, spices, home-baked breads, hand-made pastas, organic products and much more at Pinecrest Gardens' Farmers Market, every Sunday. The market is open from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. and admission is Free. Relax, take a stroll--and while you are there, enjoy the purchases you have made at one of our many picnic areas in the Gardens, or overlooking the magnificent view on Lakeview Terrace.

Give the Gift of the Gardens When You Give a Gift of Membership

If you are looking for that last-minute special gift or stocking stuffer for your immediate family, a grandparent, or just for yourself...the Gardens is now offering a range of membership packages starting at just $25 for an entire year. All membership levels include unlimited visits for the year, and the family memberships include unlimited Splash 'N Play for all children, ages 2-12 living in your household. For details call 305-669-6990 on weekdays 9-4 p.m. or click here for an application.

COMING NEXT MONTH William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night

Shakespeare Miami’s hilarious new production of Twelfth Night tells the tale of a shipwreck and separated twins, cross-dressing lovers, lovesick lotharios, social climbing servants and possibly the greatest practical joke ever played. Director, Colleen Stovall pairs Shakespeare’s accessible language and broad humor with the red hot jazz of the roaring twenties to make an irresistible comedic event. Featuring a full cast, period music, song and dance, the production is fast paced, family friendly and funny. There will be seven performances for the general public between January 11th - 20th and you can only obtain guaranteed seating with a $5 advanced ticket.