The secret of travel success is all based on who you know, and Malaka Hilton has spent her lifetime forging relationships with everyone from heads of state in Egypt to Salvatore Ferragamo in Italy. So when Malaka says, “There’s a trip you’ve got to try,” TWIS Travelers always listen.

The 2013 Pantone color of the year is Emerald 17-5641. This jewel tone might seem a bit hard to wear, but allow PREEN & CHIC to show you certain ways to paint the town green without looking like you just jumped out of a Lucky Charms cereal box.

Dear Readers, Before our team takes a much-deserved break for the Thanksgiving holiday, we need to tell you how thankful we are to every one of you. When each article goes live throughout the week, time and time again your interest, enthusiasm and support confirm for us why we’re doing what we do. We love our community. We love to showcase its best, and to talk about how to make it better. Thank you for joining us in that dialogue—for swapping fashion and style tips with PREEN & CHIC. For showing [...]

  I wasn’t planning on doing any writing today, but I could only shake my head in disbelief when I visited the Sarasota Herald-Tribune website and read the cover story about a homeless man being arrested for “stealing utilities” Sunday night because he was charging his cell phone at an electrical outlet in the Gillespie Park gazebo. Thankfully, Judge Charles Wilson dismissed the case against 28-year-old Darren Kersey on Monday, citing “a lack of probable cause” in Sgt. Anthony Frangioni’s bogus arrest.  Kersey spent Sunday night in jail and had [...]

On Tuesday, Oct. 30, during the one week of early voting in Sarasota, I cast my vote for President Barack Obama. I voted for President Obama because I believe he is an honest and decent man who makes policy decisions based on what he believes is best for the United States of America—as opposed to what’s best for Big Business America, as is the case with Mitt Romney. I also admire Mr. Obama’s intelligence, sense of humor and sense of grace under pressure. Last week, the latest edition of Rolling Stone magazine [...]

Since its inaugural year in 2009, the Ringling International Arts Festival has never been one to cut any corners when it comes to style and pizzazz, and Wednesday’s RIAF Inspires Opening Night event had no trouble meeting the standards set by its forbearers: RIAF put on the Ritz to set the tone for what promises to be yet another unforgettable festival. As the sun began to dip below the horizon at the Ringling estate, the fourth annual Ringling International Arts Festival celebrated its kickoff with a glamorous cocktail reception on the grounds of the [...]