I've been living in the Miami area working for L'OREAL for about 20 years. Originally I'm from the Midwest. I enjoy showing people the amazing things this city has to offer. I speak English as my only language. I'm passionate about kitesurfing and boating and try to go every weekend when the weather permits.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I enjoy meeting people from different cultures and learning about their lives, experiences and journeys. I feel that this is an opportunity to give back for the blessings I've received.

Interests

Boating, kitesurfing , bike riding, fashion, exercise.

What there is to do in Miami (taken from my buddy Brett URY who has hosted hundreds of groups):

Miami to do:

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, is the former villa and estate of businessman James Deering, of the Deering McCormick-International Harvester fortune, on Biscayne Bay in the present day Coconut Grove neighborhood of Miami, Florida. The early 20th century Vizcaya estate also includes: extensive Italian Renaissance gardens; native woodland landscape; and a historic village outbuildings compound. The landscape and architecture were influenced by Veneto and Tuscan Italian Renaissance models and designed in the Mediterranean Revival architecture style, with Baroque elements. Paul Chalfin was the design director. Truly a special place and my favorite place to take vistors to Miami. Google it, and check it out

Wynwood - is an art district with some cool galleries, tons of awesome graffiti & great bars like “Wood”, “Butcher Shop”, “Cafeina”, “Gramps”, “El Patio”, “Barrio” and near by Wynwood is a very popular lounge called “Bardot”. Very interesting area. Coyo Taco has a hidden lounge with DJ in the back, just go through the door in the back of the restaurant that says do not enter.

Key Biscayne - great beaches uand a very cool old lighthouse circa 1825 at Bill Baggs State Park. Have a drink at the “Rusty Pelican” over looking Downtown, day or night is beautiful. Rent Stand Up Paddle boards on Hobe Bch.

Virginia Key (on Key Biscayne) - http://www.visitflorida.com/en-us/videos/16/escape-to-miamis-virginia-key.html

Oleta State Park - rent kayaks & SUP and paddle the park and into the Intracoastel and hit beer can Island, mountain bikes available with all level of trails available

Brickell Ave area - an area full of bars and restaurants near downtown, and has the new complex called City Center. “East” Hotel located there and they have a super hot lounge called “Sugar” on the top of the building.

Lincoln Road (on South Bch) - In South Beach. Full of people, stores, restaurants & bars. Close to the W.

Everglades - Shark Valley is cool. Airboat rides near by as well. Also in Everglades National Park is the HM-69 Nike Hercules missle site left over from the Cold War days

The Barnacle House - Coconut Grove. The oldest house in Miami. Coconut Grove is a nice neighborhood, on the water with cafe's and shops too.

Fairchild Tropical Gardens - huge botanical garden, very nice way to spend half a day. Amazing! Great Butterfly exhibit year round there too.

Deering Estate in South Miami (Cutler Bay south of Miami). Hiostoric area with nice park and great old home.

Redlands - area south of Miami. Farms mostly, but there is a “Fruit & Spice Park” thats interesting. 24801 SW 187 ave in Homestead 305-247-5727 http://www.floridatravellife.com/articles/day-trips-perfect-sunday-drive

Coral Gables - see the Venitian Pool and the Biltmore Hotel, both built in the early to mid 1900’s and very beautiful

Miami Beach:

Some popular bars in South Bch: The Broken Shaker,The Regent Cocktail Bar, Radio Bar, Nikki Beach, Sky Bar @ The Shore Club Hotel, Mynt, FDR @ The Delano Hotel. The nightclub Wall is at the W, Liv is at the Fountainbleu, ORA, Mynt, Bagatelle, Rockwell, Story, Komodo, Sugar, Bodega are all popular clubs / lounges, Google for more info on them. The Delano, Shoreclub & The W are all near each other, and worth a visit. There is a boardwalk that runs from the W along the beach all the way south to 5 street. The “art deco district” runs from 5 street to about 14 th street on Ocean Drive. Can be very touristy, but still worth a walk by, especially at night when the building are lit up.

Miami Beach caters to an international crowd ready to mix and mingle on vacation. Wander into the Art Deco boutique hotels and swanky luxury high rises where stunning hotel bars run the gamut from historic glitz to poolside tiki.

The Fontainebleau Miami Beach was one of the world’s most popular places to see-and-be-seen throughout the 1950s and 60s. Hang out at Bleau Bar inside the iconic lobby where Frank Sinatra and The Rat Pack ruled and Elvis performed. It was even the location for the opening scene of the James Bond film Goldfinger. After reopening in 2008, it’s as star-studded as ever with visits by Diddy, Michael Phelps, Kim Kardashian, Adam Sandler and even President Barack Obama.

Try the Rose Bar inside the Delano’s dramatic lobby or the romantic indoor/outdoor Sunset Lounge at the Mondrian South Beach.

Rum lovers will also want to check out Rum Line, a hidden outdoor tiki bar at the Loews Hotel. Sip drinks from fun looking glasses and get a designated driver if you try the Zombie.

Raise a glass to your vacation at the Lapidus Lounge at The Ritz-Carlton South Beach.

Dives like Mac’s Club Deuce, Abbey Brewing Company, Purdy Lounge and Radio Bar cater to a laid-back local crowd. On Lincoln Road, Haven Kitchen & Lounge is known for its variety of libations and a chef who turns out delicious bar bites.

For 1920’s speakeasy chill, checkout the Regent Cocktail Club at the Hotel Gale South Beach.

The Broken Shaker took Miami’s mixology scene by storm when they opened a pop-up cocktail lounge inside the historic Indian Creek Hotel. It’s located at Freehand Miami, a high-design hostel catering to hip, budget-minded tourists and savvy locals.

WunderBar at Circa39 boutique hotel is a friendly, intimate craft cocktail bar with an emphasis on rum specialties.

The Thompson Miami Beach is where you’ll find the 1930s House, a restored Florida-style bungalow. Step beyond Seagrape restaurant and you’ll find a cozily furnished living room with wood beam ceilings, a Cuban tile floor and Deco fireplace. Settle yourself into a club chair and enjoy inventive cocktails like the Hemingway Royal (made with aged rum and prosecco) and tapas-style bar bites. 1930s House looks like the kind of place where Papa Hemingway could have knocked back a few daiquiris while telling fish tales to his friends.

Downtown, Brickell and Little Havana:

For the discerning drinker, a domestic beer or a standard well drink might not do the trick. Be wowed by Miami’s haute cocktail scene where bartenders are replaced by trained mixologists. Titillate your taste buds and surprise your senses with unique combinations of cocktails and surprising takes on your classic favorites.

In Downtown Miami, check out locals’ favorite, Blackbird Ordinary, which is a favorite for both the late-night and happy hour crowds.

MO Bar & Lounge, at the Mandarin Oriental hotel on Brickell Key, offers spectacular skyline views and a solid lineup of craft cocktails.

For Miami River views and live jazz music, head for the circular bar at LILT Lounge at the EPIC Hotel. Or head up to Area 31, also at the EPIC and check out the panoramic views of Brickell and Downtown.

Other popular Brickell hang outs include Batch Gastropub and American Social.

Ball & Chain heats things up in Little Havana. This newly revived historic bar once played host to the likes of Billie Holiday, Chet Baker and Count Basie. Now it’s a mix of hipsters, tourists, Brickell office types, and everyone else who craves Latin music and live jazz, Cuban-style bar bites and cool cocktails. If you’re doing a Downtown Miami pub crawl, it’s a great spot to end the night.

Wynwood and the Design District:

Wynwood, one of Miami’s hottest neighborhoods, was once a quiet warehouse zone. Now it’s home to vivid murals, art galleries and a growing roster of hipster bars. You can start or end an evening here, or find a place that fits your mood and stay put.

Cheap drinks, great music and multiple patios for hanging out with your friends make Wood Tavern a locals’ favorite.

A dive bar with a hipster vibe, Gramps attracts a young crowd who enjoy the wide range of music and craft cocktails with whimsical names like Rosemary’s Baby and Shipfaced. Gramps’ patio out back is a great spot for chilling out.

The Butcher Shop is a German-style beer garden with a long list of brews as well as Angus beef, German pretzels and rib sticking entrees and bar bites.

Coconut Grove, Coral Gables:

Head off the beach and explore the mainland’s favorite drinking spots. Coconut Grove, a village by the bay, is a college hangout where University of Miami students take advantage of specials at the laid-back dives that line the streets at places like the Sandbar and Monty’s Raw Bar.

Bar 50 at Hyatt Regency in Coral Gables is frequented by business professionals. Other popular after work bars in Coral Gables include The Bar, The Local, Tarpon Bend, The Globe and Fritz & Franz Bierhaus.

The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables has been a war hospital, the backdrop to movies, and, most notably, a luxury hotel and country club. Enjoy the history and the high-end ambiance with a poolside cocktail, a cigar and a smooth glass of wine. The Biltmore has a few restaurants and bars on their grounds, including The Cellar Club for wine lovers, The Biltmore Bar for a sophisticated environment and the majestic lobby for afternoon tea.

Key Largo to do:

On your way to the keys - Alabama Jack's along Card Sound Road – aka the scenic route from Miami to Key Largo – you'll find a lone outdoor roadhouse set right on a mangrove-lined canal. It's Alabama Jack's, a time warp to Florida before the days of air conditioning and bug spray, where swampy rednecks dance to a live country band and folks on their way to and from the Keys sip beers by the water. The crowd is a perfect cross-section of Florida, with fisherman drinking next to tourists drinking next to people who've lived in the swamp for generations. Though it's only about an hour's drive from Miami it feels decades away, and it probably the most authentically Floridian experience one can have on a vacation to the southern tip of the Sunshine State.

John Pennekamp is a great State Park with tons of reefs. You can see them in a glass bottom boat, snorkel or scuba dive them.

The Encore - great fresh seafood

Jimmy Johnson’s Big Chill - pool bar and restaurant and great in door sports bar and out door tiki bar

Holiday Isle - great out door pool bar and charter fishing

Much more to see and do here…..

Key West to do:

I LOVE Key West and go 2 times a year generally. I have some great places that you should try to check out.

Blue Heaven 729 Thomas st. (corner of Thomas & Petronia) 296-8666 (breakfest, lunch & dinner). I eat breakfest there EVERY morning I am in Key West. It's so damn charming and funky. You MUST go there at some point. It's an old house, has chickens running around. I LOVE this place, and the food is great.

Louie's Back Yard - really nice for dinner, has great food. It's on the water. The nicest place in Key West. Reservations a must usually.

Great Bar with Live Music (a real locals place) is The Green Parrot 601 Whitehead street 305-294-6133. Miami based bands The Spam Allstars and Suenalo play there from time to time. Fun place.

If you have the time, take the ferry (or sea plane) to Fort Jefferson in the Dry Tourtugas. It's an amazing old Fort dating back into the 1800's.

Historic Sea Port is great to check out. Has some good bars and it's a nice place to walk around a bit. Can also go out on a catamaran for snorkeling or a sunset booze crusie.

The Schooner Bar - open air rustic bar with an open air second level that has a great view of the marina. Live music in the day time. Great place to grab a beer in the day time and at sunset. Has great view of the marina.

The best restaurant at the seaport is: Alonzos and A & B Lobster House (Alonzo's is down stairs and a GREAT place to go for happy hour (4-6 I think). All appetizers are 50% off, and they have some great apps like fresh beer steamed shrimp and much more.

Best Key Lime Pie (and good food) is at Pepe's. It's the oldest restaurant in Key West. It's just accross from the Historic Sea Port.

Go out on a snorkeling trip via a catamaran (Fury is a good one). They have all the gear you will need.

The Aquarium is small but still very cool.

I always rent bikes. It's great to get around. It allows you to cover a lot of ground and not worry about parking.

Places to stay:

If you want a great place to stay, I usually use a company called Center Court. They manage all kinds of properties, from lg condos to cottages and even houses. There web site is easy to use and shows you what's available and has pictures and info on each property. There web site address is: http://www.centercourtkw.com/

The Pier House is a very nice hotel in a great location.
http://www.pierhouse.com/

Make sure you do Mallory Square about 30 mins beofre Sunset. Have all kinds of street performers there and lots of people to see them and the sunset. Cool out door bar there called Cayo Hueso too.

Blue Heaven 729 Thomas st. (& Petronia) 296-8666 (breakfest & lunch)
Louie's Back Yard - nice for dinner
Turtle's Krawl at the historic seaport
Alonzos and A & B Lobster house
Green Parrot 601 whitehead st & Southard 294-6133

Great link of things to do here in Miami area:
http://www.timeout.com/miami/things-to-do/20-essential-things-to-do-in-miami

Awesome list of things to do in Florida:

Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park - Key Largo, FL - http://www.pennekamppark.com/

Jungle Island - Miami, FL - http://www.jungleisland.com/

Miami Seaquarium - Miami, FL - http://www.miamiseaquarium.com/

Monkey Jungle - Miami, Fl - http://www.monkeyjungle.com/

Venetian Pools - Coral Gables, FL - http://www.coralgablesvenetianpool.com/index.html

Town of Murals – Lake Placid, FL - http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/335989/lake_placid_floridas_town_of_murals.html?cat=16

Miami Metrozoo – Miami, FL - http://www.miamimetrozoo.com/visit-the-zoo.asp

Everglades National Park - http://www.nps.gov/ever/index.htm

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary – Naples, FL - http://www.corkscrew.audubon.org/

Dry Tortugas – Key West, FL - http://www.nps.gov/drto/index.htm

Miami Museum of Science – Miami, FL - http://www.miamisci.org/

Miami Children’s Museum – Miami, FL - http://www.miamichildrensmuseum.org/

Coral Castle Museum – Homestead, FL - http://coralcastle.com/

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens – Miami, FL - http://www.miamidade.gov/vizcaya/

Everglades Alligator Farm – Florida City, FL - http://www.everglades.com/

Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens – Delray Beach, FL - http://www.morikami.org/

Key West Aquarium – Key West, FL - http://www.keywestaquarium.com/

Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden – Miami, FL - http://www.fairchildgarden.org/

Historical Museum of Southern Florida – Miami, FL - http://www.hmsf.org/

Norton Museum of Art – West Palm Beach, FL - http://www.norton.org/

MacArthur Beach State Park - Palm Beach, FL - http://macarthurbeach.org/

Bathtub Beach - Stuart, FL - http://blog.placesaroundflorida.com/index.php/2007/08/28/bathtub-reef-in-stuart-one-of-floridas-best-beaches/

Lion Country Safari - Loxahatchee, FL - http://www.lioncountrysafari.com/

Blowing Rocks Preserve – Jupiter Island, FL - http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/florida/preserves/art5522.html

Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge – Hobe Sound, FL - http://www.fws.gov/refuges/profiles/index.cfm?id=41561

Jonathan Dickinson State Park – Hobe Sound, FL - http://www.floridastateparks.org/jonathandickinson/

Palm Beach Zoo – West Palm Beach, FL - http://www.palmbeachzoo.org/

Loxahatchee River Center – Jupiter, FL - http://www.loxahatcheeriver.org/environmental_center.php

Mounts Botanical Garden – West Palm Beach - http://www.mounts.org/home.asp

Ernest Hemingway House – Key West, FL - http://www.hemingwayhome.com/HTML/main_menu.html

Bahia Honda State Park – Big Pine Key, FL - http://www.bahiahondapark.com/

Audubon House & Gardens – Key West, FL - http://www.audubonhouse.com/

Key West Lighthouse – Key West, FL - http://www.kwahs.com/lighthouse.htm

Pigeon Key Foundation – Marathon Island, FL - http://www.pigeonkey.net/home.html

Butterfly Estates – Fort Myers, FL - http://thebutterflyestates.com/public/welcome.asp

Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium – Fort Myers, FL - http://www.calusanature.com/

Imaginarium Hands on Museum and Aquarium – Fort Myers, FL - http://www.imaginariumfortmyers.com/

Ostego Bay Marine Science Center – Fort Myers Beach, FL - http://www.ostegobay.org/

Sanibel Lighthouse & Beach – Sanibel Island, FL - http://www.sanibeltrails.com/sanibel-lighthouse.aspx

Sun Splash Family Water park – Cape Coral, FL - http://www.capecoral.net/SunSplash/Home/tabid/979/Default.aspx

Tarpon Bay Explorers – Sanibel Island, FL - http://www.tarponbayexplorers.com/

Barefoot Beach – Bonita Springs, FL - http://www.colliergov.net/Index.aspx?page=455

Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens – Naples, FL - http://www.caribbeangardens.com/

Collier-Seminole State Park – Naples, FL - http://www.floridastateparks.org/collierseminole/default.cfm

Naples Botanical Garden – Naples, FL - http://www.naplesgarden.org/

Fruit & Spice Park – Homestead, FL - http://fruitandspicepark.org/friends/

Boca Chita Key & Lighthouse – Homestead, FL - http://www.key-biscayne.com/kb/keys/bocachita/index.html

Biscayne National Park – Homestead, FL - http://www.nps.gov/bisc/index.htm

Lowe Art Museum – Coral Gables, FL - http://www6.miami.edu/lowe/

Alhambra Water Tower – Coral Gables, FL - http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WM3ZR0

Seminole Tribe of Florida Museum – Hollywood, FL - http://www.ahtahthiki.com/

Anne Kolb Nature Center – Hollywood, FL - http://www.visithollywoodfl.org/anne_kolb.aspx

Jungle Queen Riverboat – Fort Lauderdale, FL - http://www.junglequeen.com/

Buehler Planetarium & Observatory – Davie, FL - http://www.iloveplanets.com/

Flamingo Gardens – Davie, FL - http://www.flamingogardens.org/

Museum of Art – Fort Lauderdale, FL - http://moaflnsu.org/

Museum of Discovery & Science – Fort Lauderdale, FL - http://www.mods.org/home.htm

Stranahan House – Fort Lauderdale, FL - http://stranahanhouse.org/

Topeekeegee Yugnee Park – Hollywood, FL - http://www.broward.org/Parks/TopeekeegeeYugneePark/Pages/Default.aspx

Water Taxi – Fort Lauderdale, FL - http://www.watertaxi.com/

Fern Forest Nature Park – Coconut Creek, FL - http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-2818874-fern_forest_nature_park_fort_lauderdale-i

Gumbo Limbo Nature Center – Boca Raton, FL - http://gumbolimbo.org/

Boca Raton Children’s Museum – Boca Raton, FL - http://www.cmboca.org/

Boca Raton Museum of Art – Boca Raton, FL - http://www.bocamuseum.org/

Coconut Cove Water Park – Boca Raton, FL - http://www.pbcgov.com/parks/aquatics/waterparks/coconutcove/

Sports Immortals Museum – Boca Raton, FL - http://www.sportsimmortals.com/

Daggerwing Nature Center – Boca Raton, FL - http://www.pbcgov.com/parks/nature/daggerwing_nature_center/

Wakodahatchee Wetlands – Delray Beach, FL - http://www.pbcgov.com/waterutilities/wakodahatchee/

McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary – West Palm Beach, FL - http://www.mccarthyswildlife.com/

Peanut Island – West Palm Beach, FL - http://www.pbcgov.com/parks/peanutisland/

Rapids Water Park – West Palm Beach, FL - http://www.rapidswaterpark.com/

Okleeheelee Nature Center – West Palm Beach, FL - http://www.co.palm-beach.fl.us/parks/nature/okeeheelee_nature_center/

South Florida Science Museum – West Palm Beach, FL - http://www.sfsm.org/planetarium

Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum – Jupiter, FL - http://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=363

Music, Movies, and Books

Like all types of music and funny movies.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I was just selected by L’Oréal as the only Sales Person in company that deals with Professional Haircare Nationwide to give a TEDx talk.

https://youtu.be/Qol0hDo2Efo

Teach, Learn, Share

I'd like to teach my guests that paying it forward is a rewarding experience. I'd like to learn about the adventures my guests have been on. I'd like to share the life lessons I've learned that have helped me achieve a greater understanding of communication and success.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can share stories, inspiration, culture, and the American way.

I live on Biscayne Bay in the center of Miami. It is 10 min from the airport in one direction and 10 min from Beach in the other.

I'm very near Midtown, Design District and Wynwood. I'd suggest checking out some of the attractions happening in those areas (especially the hip Wynwood galleries, restaurants and live music venues).

Countries I’ve Visited

Costa Rica, France, Grenada, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, Puerto Rico, Saint Martin (French part), Trinidad and Tobago, United States, Virgin Islands, U.S.