Sometimes you just need that sweet little song to brighten up your day. Every month I share the tunes that make my life a bit happier. You’ll find a lovely set of 1970s songs in the June Jukebox below. Follow the Spotify playlist to replay whenever you need those retro vibes ?
Miami, Florida is a melting pot of cultures and subcultures alike. Different races, creeds, ages, orientations have crossed land and sea to settle under the sunny Florida weather along its southeastern coast. And with the people who contribute a little bit of every culture, Miami is constantly evolving. Yet, a certain part of its charm remains attributed to its retro vibe that can be a refreshing change of pace.
To take a leisurely trip down memory lane on your next visit to this ‘Magic City’, add these Miami gems to your itinerary that ooze nostalgia at every turn.
Image: Wikipedia
Pink pastels, hard-edged, geometric patterns adorn many of the structures along this South Beach staple in Miami Beach. Talking a walk down Ocean Drive is like getting an introductory class in Art Deco. The hotels and apartment buildings are characteristic of the 1920s art movement, which Widewalls described as a ‘celebration of modern ideas of progress’. There are walking tours around the area, but taking your own time is a preferable option. You can snap several postcard-worthy images of the Park Central Hotel, The Webster, and The Carlyle, among others. Cap off your evening in The Regent Cocktail Club with a drink, ‘Roaring Twenties’ style. If you can’t get enough of Art Deco, Nostalgiosity previously recommended staying at Hotel Croydon to make your trip full-circle.
Image: Miami Racked
It’s a whole ‘nother decade when you enter this lingerie store. L.A. Boudoir Miami can make any woman who walks in feel a little bit sultry but also like a promising Hollywood starlet of 1950s glamor. The boutique boasts an array of vintage corsets, luscious silks, and opulent lace undergarments. The interiors are decorated with striped wallpaper, dividers with floral accents, and delicate chandeliers.
Image: Sweat Records
The neighborhood of Little Haiti is also a secret hub for Miami’s growing indie crowd. One of its headquarters is the vinyl retailer, Sweat Records, owned by Lauren Reskin whose teal-dyed shop remains resilient from hurricanes and recessions (yes, that sounds like a band). The 13-year-old record store has the best selection of forgotten artists to up-and-comers in the music scene. Reskin stated to Miami New Times how the community really comes together through their shared love of music, whether it’s the hipsters or senior crowds. They also do more than sell vinyl records – they regularly host brunches, events, and workshops that cater to different groups.
Image: Miami Herald
Great, speedy service is not something you’d expect from a casino but that’s one of the things valued most at Seminole Classic Casino. It seems to be working, as what’s dubbed “Hard Rock’s Older Sister” raked in over $160 million in 2016. In other words, people are coming, going, and returning. But before Seminole offered other table games, it used to be just a humble neighborhood bingo hall. Nowadays, they are seeing a decline, which is why Seminole introduced other games, as bingo is slowly being overshadowed by its virtual equivalent. Online bingo is seeing a steady rise in players and remains a game that displays a sense of camaraderie among its players. Foxy Winners highlights the extraordinary stories of ordinary bingo players, which can be encouraging for others to continue or try playing the game, while also adding to the strength of its community. Ironically, a positive of this trend is a renewed interest in venues like Seminole. Even after its revamp, the building’s interiors are still give off that retro vibe, albeit more luminous. Though it is not filled with smoke anymore and there are more games to choose from, many of the faces remain familiar. No renovation can discard the community aspect which is the true spirit embodied by Seminole.
Image: Mac’s Club Deuce Facebook
Miami Beach’s greatest dive bar – at least according to Anthony Bourdain and thousands of Floridians – has been around since 1964. Mac’s Club Deuce is a mainstay in Miami and will continue to be so because of its authentic charm. It has a vibe that’s doesn’t overdo it despite what the flashy lights might tell you. The facade also has an Art Deco feel to it, with the interiors reminiscent of a 50s diner’s decor apart from the neon-lit signs. Aside from a refreshing respite from the Miami heat, what many treasure is the company of its owner, Mac Klein who sadly passed away at 101-years-old. Nonetheless, Mac’s Club Deuce is a long-lasting legacy that he has bestowed upon Miami.
Although not as historic as some other major cities, the nostalgic atmosphere of Miami is enough to make for an unforgettable trip. The destinations above are definitely worth checking out, but keep your eyes open as you may discover many more places that can take you on a trip down memory lane.
Ever heard of the Hollywood Regency style? Sometimes called Regency Moderne, this design style uses bold colors, metallic and glass accents to exude opulence and glamour. It is named for Hollywood’s “Golden Era” of movie-making (~1920s-1950s), and the Viceroy Hotel in Santa Monica is a perfect example of its vibrant patterns and luxe details. A true gem designed by the talented Kelly Wearstler.
Santa Monica offers a wide diversity of food options, going from casual to extremely fancy in a matter of blocks. It’s certainly confusing: one minute you’re standing in front of a laid-back beer joint and the next you see a meticulously decorated café full of sophisticated menu options. If you’re anything like me, and both of those options sound exciting, you’ll love your stay in this easy-going beach town.
Dune’s Mediterranean options are perfect for a day when you’re feeling like eating healthier. Their falafel and hummus plates are packed with flavor and organic ingredients.
Dune’s super colorful hummus plate
Their Margherita pizza, fresh pasta, and cozy ambiance make it the perfect spot for a romantic evening. After trying the food I learned that the menu came from Michelin Star Chef Luigi Fineo, and wasn’t surprised at all! The minute I saw spaghetti with lentils and roasted tomato was an option I knew there was a creative mind behind all of it.
This is The Fisherman.
Cavatelli, mixed seafood, and spicy marinated tomato
This was the very first place I visited when I arrived in Santa Monica. It’s the perfect spot for coffee, a hearty breakfast, or brunch. The place is plant-based and has locations in both New York and Venice.
Manchego is a Spanish tapas and wine bar located right in the middle of Santa Monica’s Main Street. Aside from a convenient spot, this place offers an amazing happy hour menu that you don’t want to miss. Great sangria, cheese, and curated meats in a cozy setting.
I’ll admit Venice Beach Wines wasn’t in my original plans. I was strolling around and the homey terrace caught my eye. It was definitely the best thing that could have happened to my evening! Great wine options and equally delicious appetizers to go along. I had a green hummus plate that had me Googling a similar recipe for hours.
FIG is located inside the Fairmont hotel. I went for brunch and found the décor and meal options incredibly tasty. The place is close to downtown shops and cafés, making it a great starting point for your day.
I hereby declare my love for Tocaya Orgánica. Yes, it’s a chain. Yes, I know chains sometimes mess things up. Also yes, I’ve followed this brand from coast to coast. My first Tocaya experience was in Miami (has since closed), where we were honestly tired of eating meals that felt overwhelming and excessively reliant on processed foods. Tocaya has locations all over California now and I’d suggest trying their modern and organic Mexican options.
Notable mentions
Huarique, for a quick, yet healthy bite when you’re on the boardwalk.
Rose Cafe for a nice evening with friends. Great tea!
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. for a family-friendly spot right on the pier. Bonus points for sitting on the “Forrest Gump Bench”
Around the time I turned 20 I decided to radically change the way I was protecting and nourishing my skin. The whole thing started as an inward change: if I wanted fresh, young skin I had to stop hurting it. There are so many ways we unknowingly inflict pain on our own bodies!
I noticed, for example, that every time I went through a conflictive or stressful week, my face immediately reacted with a subtle outbreak. Sometimes it started out so small that I wasn’t able to tell what had caused it when it got worse a few weeks later. But I started studying my emotions, the food I ate, and the environment I moved in for a while. What I learned was truly eye-opening: for me, healthier skin depended on a calmer life. I had to become more aware of my energy, the way my meals were prepared, and how I reacted to my surroundings.
Then, and only then, I started making outward changes to my skincare routine. These helped with the more environmental factors I mentioned before. When I traveled somewhere cold and dry, there were ways to keep my skin hydrated. When I returned to the hot and humid climate I live in most of the year, there was a different set of products that could help me balance out the need to moisturize and the need to control oil. Likewise, whenever I know I’ll be exposed to direct sunlight, there are a few go-to products that help my skin (face, hands, feet, and the rest of the body) stay fresh.
Regardless of the climate conditions, I noticed a clear difference when I switched to organic products. My skin problems slowly reacted to more natural ingredients like green tea, lavender, aloe vera, and chamomile. While those specific components might benefit my oil-prone skin, there’s a wide range of organic products targeting other skin types like dry and mixed.
I wrote this article to share that list with you, hoping that it’ll also help you control for all of the external factors hurting your skin. As you read this, remember that there are inner matters to heal and balance if you want long-term skin and health changes.
Let’s split this into products that have worked for me prior to sun exposure and right after.
Before you hit the sun:
After a day of sun:
Any other sun care products you know and love? I’d love to read about them below!
