The Event: As part of Wine, Women, and Shoes, an annual fundraiser to benefit Forty Carrots Family Center, four local businesses are teaming up to create “An Evening in Provence.” The evening is set to be a feast for the senses with food and art by James Warren and the feeling of Provence created by Victoria Blooms and SRQtees, all in the beautiful and flexible Beau Monde Showroom. The Inspiration: The group has all spent time in southern France and looks forward to sharing their memories of the sights, tastes and [...]

Tropical Storm Debby-Downer’s showers may be putting a damper on the sunny Sarasota lifestyle this week, but there is a silver lining: Debby brought the rain just in time to water fresh flowers for a month-long series of flower arranging classes starting Tuesday at the Victoria Blooms downtown flower shop. After launching the popular series when the shop opened in January, floral arranger and shop owner Victoria Warren is offering a summer edition consisting of five classes that cover the ins-and-outs of the art of floral arrangement. The classes, Warren said, will cater [...]

It’s a Thursday night and I am leaving work early. It does not happen often, but this boy has plans! It is only the most fabulous event of the year, and all the young and beautiful faces of Sarasota are congregating for an amazing cause: the Designing Daughters Gala, to take place at the Sarasota Yacht Club—this year with a nautical theme. I make plans with shoe maven Tatyana Sharoubim to meet at her place and jet off to the event. I step into her gnome house at Burns Court and I am encountered by her [...]

Found yourself just a few days away from Mother’s Day with not clue on how to celebrate your mom? No need to panic! PREEN & CHIC has you covered. From brunch and dinner to those local spots that have the “it” gifts, we’ll highlight some locally owned shops that will have you coming for more all through out the year. Best of all, they are just a few blocks away from each other.   The first order of business is where to eat! And eat here has a spectacular deal for us. [...]

Our weekend highlights, hand-picked by the lovely Kirsten Sponseller, are already out the gate! There’s still time to start your Weekend in Sarasota with Kirsten if you head down to Jungle Gardens by 3 p.m. for their Easter holiday kickoff. Watch Kirsten’s video to find out what else there is to enjoy this weekend …   More links to some of Kirsten’s mentionables: – Sarasota Jungle Gardens’ “Jungle Trails & Bunny Tails” / All Faiths Food Bank – Victoria Blooms / Canta Rana – Mote Marine’s Run for the Turtles – Sarasota Film [...]

Kirsten’s looking pretty in purple this afternoon, bringing you the scoop on seven scintillating happenings. The first one kicks off in less than two hours at Victoria Blooms on Main Street, starting at 4:30 … so get ready to head out and start a beautiful weekend! Psst—the first glass of wine at the Blooms’ Happy Fl’Hour is on us. Cheers, Sarasota! Links to more of Kirsten’s mentionables: - Stitch Boutique, 1464 Main St. - Daiquiri Deck Siesta Key, 5250 Ocean Blvd. - Black Diamond Burlesque - Bootleg at Jake’s Tavern, 3218 Clark Rd. - Califlorida Surf and [...]