When I was blogging full-time in 2010 at StonehouseLove, I scoured the internet to share brands that I loved with my readers. My new business Urban Loft Window Treatments since rebranding in 2013 has taken over my life (in a good way) and I have not stopped experiencing these brands, but I don’t share as much because of the demands of running a crazy busy one-woman business with a small team.

This one, I can’t not share -when I was in Miami last month (my husband and I have a home in Boca Raton and I spend a lot of time in South Florida), I was making plans for dinner in Miami and I remembered the nice restaurant that my good friend had taken us to in the amazing design district in Miami. The restaurant was called Michael’s Genuine Food and Drink and boy was it good- but I wanted to try something new.

I googled restaurants in design district Miami and a new option came up, Mandolin Aegean Bistro. As soon as I saw Greek food I was in-I just love all kinds of Mediterranean delights and the picture of the place and the food spoke to me, so off we went.

O. M. G. - As soon as our Uber driver dropped us off and I went through the cute little blue door that leads to the dreamy outside patio dining room, I was transported to an island getaway in Greece. Now I have never been to Greece, it’s on my bucket list, but I am certain it looks and feels exactly like this place. I could go on forever about the delicious fresh food, the amazing decor, atmosphere and the staff, but I won’t because I am dying to tell you about their sister business, Mrs. Mandolin, their lifestyle shop and cafe down the street. I haven’t been here either because I didn’t know about it until the following day when I followed the restaurant on instagram. I have been swooning daily ever since. When I get to Florida later this month, I am bee-lining it there to see this gem in person.

I have to admit I have a girl crush on the owner, Anastasia Koutsioukis, aka Mrs. Mandolin, with her great style, amazing dresses and the overall drop-dead vibe of her lifestyle business. I mean I just want to hang out there, with her, and buy every single thing!

The feeling I get when I connect emotionally to a brand is exactly how I want my clients to feel when they connect with Urban Loft and me. I want them to know that I get them, their style and aesthetic and together, we are going to make great things happen in their home. It’s the best feeling in the world when your everything clicks with someone else’s! Do yourself a favor and follow her on instagram. See you in Miami! xocc https://www.instagram.com/mrsmandolin/