“World's Most Complete Neighborpedia”
Explore:   What's happening in your neck of the woods?

Rick & Ines - Miami Beach Real Estate

Shores Pediatrics - Dr. Laura Fernandez-Ortiz opens in Miami Shores

shores-pediatrics-collage

I am so happy to announce that Shores Pediatrics recently had its Grand Opening in Miami Shores! Dr. Laura Fernandez-Ortiz re-opened her office on February 2nd, 2009 at 9715 NE 2nd Avenue in downtown Miami Shores and her new phone number is 305.757.8040 - there is plenty of free parking in the back of the building and we now have a local Miami Shores Pediatrician that is not only trustworthy and experienced, but also accessible and convenient….. don’t know about you, but I’ve been waiting for this for years.

picture-24So what makes Dr. Laura different than the other pediatricians? and why am I such an advocate for her?

Easy….. she’s one of us! Not only does she have children of her own, she’s involved in the community and you can bump into her at school, Publix or the fields at any given time. It’s so great to see the “human” side to your doctor, the one you entrust your children’s health to. Dr. Laura will treat your child like it was one of her own and she will give you the time you need to understand any health concerns or questions you may have. Dr. Laura is down to earth and approachable and you can’t beat that in a doctor.

Here’s what Shores Pediatric’s website says about Dr. Laura:

Dr. Laura Fernandez-Ortiz is a pediatrician practicing in Miami Shores, Fl. She has been in private practice since 2001. She graduated from the University of Miami with a B.A and a B.S. and from the University of Oklahoma with a medical degree. She completed her internship and residency in Tulsa, Oklahoma and is board-certified in pediatrics. She is excited about opening up her own office as a solo practitioner and strives to always offer the best medical care possible. She is so excited about opening up her office in her own community of Miami Shores. She is also a wife and mother of three beautiful girls. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading and exercising.

In the photo above, you have the whole office staff: (from left to right) - Rosa Ramos (front desk/receptionist), Lilly White (office manager), Cynthia Malena (billing), Dr. Laura and Phyllis Barnes (medical assistant). The office is magnificent and your child should feel right at home. From the moment you walk in, friendly murals and a circus ticket counter welcomes you and there are themed patient rooms for every child’s taste.

shores-pediatrics-patient-rooms

Here’s what a patient, Lorraine Nowakowski, has to say about Dr. Laura Fernandez-Ortiz and Shores Pediatrics’ Grand Opening in Miami Shores:

Dr. Fernandez is a great physician in the sense of her medical expertise combined with her love of children - add to that her compassion and empathy and you have an outstanding pediatrician. She is always available and has an open door policy and visiting her office is always a pleasant experience, one that I have never felt in any other doctor’s office.

Shores Pediatrics
Laura Fernandez-Ortiz, M.D.
9715 NE 2nd Avenue
Miami Shores, FL 33138
305.757.8040
www.ShoresPediatrics.com

**original blog-post written at Miamism.com **

Blog Action Day - Poverty

When you think about Poverty, do you discard it and think

 

"It doesn't involve me....there's nothing I can do?"

 

Think again - think of the Power of Intention and know that everything you do makes a difference.

 

Poverty is not only a pressing issue, it is a complex one. It's easy to think that there isn’t much an individual can do. Fortunately this isn’t the case at all. With activities ranging from advocacy and professional contribution to charity and financing, there is in fact many ways that we can act.

 

You can make a difference - if enough of us take the time to give back, we can change the world.  Here are some things you can do:

  • Donate money to a worthy cause
  • Volunteer
  • get involved with local organizations like Habitat for Humanity
  • help someone that needs you

 

Miami Residents are the best looking in the US

According to the latest on-line poll by Travel + Leisure where 125,000 people were asked to rate cities in the US - Miami Residents scored number 1 in the most attractive category!  Did you have any doubts?  : )

No wonder why Miami Beach Real Estate is still a top destination!  People from all over the world relocate to Miami to either be surrounded by beauty, or to be part of it.

Travel + Leisure Top Cities

Miami ranked number 1 for most attractive people, number 2 for most stylish, number 3 for wild weekend and best weather but they dissed us with the second to last place in intelligence - OUCH!!  (Only behind Las Vegas and ahead of our Los Angeles friends).

Miamians win the title for America's most attractive people, and second place for their stylishness. Visitors also noted the city's good weather (No. 3), but it's not the spot to see historic sites and monuments (No. 23).

Funny is how each city is ranked by visitors and residents and some opinions are so out there!  Visitors ranked Miami number 4 in the Late-night/club scene while residents ranked the same category number 2.....I guess there should have also been a category for egocentric.  Take a loot at the rankings.

Check out also the City Guide - which tells you what to do, where to stay and where to eat in Miami. (Including places like The Biltmore, Genius Jones and Garcia's Seafood Grill and Fish Market).

Here's other stats from the same article that I found hilarious:

  • Friendly people - Charleston won followed by Austin (Miami did not do well in that category...I wonder why because I'm friendly)
  • Intelligent - Seattle (think Rich Jacobsen) and Minneapolis/St. Paul (think Teresa Boardman)
  • Athletic - Denver (go Kristal Kraft) and Austin (Agent Genius Benn and Lani....really?)
  • Diverse - New York (Colleen Kulikowski)
  • Best Weather - Honolulu (our own Sally ....ok it's not Milinani, but close ;) )and San Diego (Brian Brady)

Go take a look and have a good laugh and see if you agree with any of the rankings - but do NOT question Miamians being HOT!

 

Thank you Shailesh Ghimire, Arizona Mortgage Guru, for the heads up on the Reuter's Article.

Cuban Tile Flooring - historic and green (LOCALISM FEATURED)

You know I love old homes and have a passion for historic preservation. Cuban Tile is one of the popular flooring materials of the known "Spanish Mediterranean Revival" homes found in Miami - not to be confused with Historic Cuban Barrel Tile used for roofs (see article).

Cuban Tile Floors

*photo courtesy El Nuevo Herald - FOTOSGALERIA - losas de la Habana*

Cuban Tile flooring is popular in South Florida and found in historic 20's homes as well as 30's, 40's and 50's and although the patterns are not as intricate as their historic counterparts, it's a great material nevertheless.

Trying to find the history of Cuban Tile, my mom brought me an article written by Sarah Moreno for El Nuevo Herald that gives great information from a gentleman by the name of Arturo Hernandez who has researched and documented these beautiful historic floors. Hernandez claims that Cuban Tile known also as cement tile, Encaustic Cement Tile or Hydraulic Mosaic Tile can be traced to Cataluña back to mid 19th century where The Industrial Revolution allowed for the technical innovation and mass production of these tiles that did not need to be fired. Even known architect Gaudi, designed floors with cement tiles that looked like Persian rugs.

I was also recently contacted by Lundy Wilder, a maker of cement tile who has a beautiful site that includes not only history, but also an array of patterns for modern installation.

Until the 1920's, colorful mosaico encaustic tiles were considered high-end ultimate flooring that decorated the palaces of the Tsars, the mansions of the Côte d'Azure, Gaudi's Barcelona and Berlin's official buildings. Later on, the encaustic cement tile expanded as a creative and durable flooring all over Europe, and the French, Spanish and Portuguese colonies. Around the 1950's the mosaic hydraulic lost importance and was replaced by less labor intensive, and less colorful floors. The beginning of this century, the trend for authentic products and 'green' flooring has brought attention back to the encaustic cement tile. Recent storms along the Gulf Coast have raised awareness of durable, waterproof architecture. We hope to spread the word. We have first hand knowledge of the need for sensible flooring along coastal U.S. Additionally; this type of tile flooring is perfect for high traffic areas and any place where discriminating people gather.

Cuban tile is a mixture of Portland cement, marble powder and earth pigments for coloring. The end result can be as shiny as Terrazzo floors and as beautiful as hand painted tiles. The restoration of Cuban Tile Floors can be an intricate project depending on the tile design, but I have now given you a great resource if you need to replace or compliment existing flooring with www.VillaLagoonTile.com

The material is easy to make and fairly inexpensive, does not require heavy machinery and is considered green because of the recycled marble powder and the fact that it does not require firing. The endurance is amazing - to think that all those historic homes were thinking "green" and didn't even know it!

There are many stories why cement tile is called "Cuban Tile" here in Miami and one of the theories is that Cuban Tile was entrusted as a special order to Cuban manufacturers who would hand make these tiles for residential applications in Miami. Next time you walk into a historic home in Miami or read a miami real estate description that includes "cuban tile", you will know a little about the history of Cuban Tile, how these were made and how it is possible to restore them.

Thanks again to Lundy for sharing his beautiful website, and here's a silent video on the making of cement tiles in Morocco.

Other Historic Preservation Posts:

3301 NE 1st Avenue, unit 2615 - Miami, Florida 33137 - Midtown Miami **improved price**

Midtown Miami - bay views

We wanted to share a Miami real estate deal for sale now in 4 Midtown, one of Midtown Miami's new highrise buildings. This tower received its certificate of occupancy in February 2008 and people are already moving in and making this fabulous building their home.

How do we define a Miami Condo Deal?

In our opinion, a deal is when you can purchase a property for a lot less than similar properties in the same building. In the case of a high-rise like 4 Midtown, we look at the same line of units and see what these are priced at.

4 Midtown Miami

A little history on the project

4 Midtown was designed by John R. Nichols of Nichols Brosch Sandoval & Associates, Inc. architects and planners, based in Coral Gables, Florida - and its concept is:

Midtown's urban design is reminiscent of New York SoHo district with a Miami Twist. The pool deck is a true urban oasis nestled seven stories high. The architecture with it's wide expansive opening that emphasizes the panoramic views of Downtown and Biscayne Bay. With a modern minimalist lobby, and custom finishes that pay attention to detail.

Midtown Miami - 4 Midtown exterior

Details about this Miami-Condo Deal

3301 NE 1st Avenue, unit 2615 - Miami, Florida 33137

Priced at $425,000 $400,000

Unbelievable bay and city views from this 26th floor new, and never lived in Midtown 4 condo. Full-amenity building just South of Miami's Design District, centrally located close to Miami Beach, Downtown Miami and both airports. Two bedroom, two bathroom condo with split bedroom plan, high ceilings, Italian kitchen, porcelain tile floors and wrap around balcony overlooking Biscayne Bay.

Similar units in the same line are priced as follows:

  • Unit number 1515 $490,000
  • Unit number 1715 $500,000
  • Unit number 1815 $505,000
  • Unit number 2015 $515,000
  • Unit number 2215 $525,000
  • Unit number 2315 $530,000
  • Unit number 2715 $545,000
  • Unit number 2918 $550,000

Unit 2615 is being sold for $45,000 under pre-construction price, and although the seller is selling for less than he paid, this sale is not contingent on lender approval.

Midtown Miami - 2615 floorplan

Midtown Miami - interior features

Midtown Miami - interior features

Unit Features

  • Floor-to-ceiling impact-resistant glass windows
  • Generous private terraces
  • Italian kitchens with stainless steel appliances, custom cabinetry and stone counter tops
  • High-end energy-efficient appliance package
  • Nine foot high exposed concrete ceilings
  • Master baths with ceramic tile flooring and modern fixtures
  • Spacious walk-in closets
  • Pre-wired for electric, cable, high-speed Internet
  • 1,371 square feet with 270 sq.ft. balcony
  • 2 bedrooms / 2 bathrooms
  • Built in 2008

Building Amenities

  • Modern minimalistic Lobby
  • Custom finishes
  • Rooftop swimming pool with Downtown and Bay views
  • Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room
  • State-of-the-art fitness center overlooking the pool
  • Out-door gathering spaces
  • High speed elevators
  • Covered parking
  • Concierge
  • Valet
  • Private storage facilities
  • Ground-level retail 24-hour security

Midtown Miami - building amenities

Midtown Miami - lobby

Midtown Miami - building amenities

Contact Rick & Ines Search the MLS