The best local finds for holiday gifts and everyday delights? That’s easy when you’re as in the know as Jenine Howard, a Miami philanthropist, basketball wife and cool mom. Her eight essentials in the 305:
1. Must-have margarita at Houston’s
“The Cadillac Margarita at Houston’s is made just right! The perfect Grand Marnier-to-lime ratio. That and the artichoke dip? Nirvana.”
Houston’s, 17355 Biscayne Boulevard, North Miami Beach; 305-947-2000; houstons.com.
2. Southern-style brunch at Whisk
“Whisk is our go-to. They serve organic and seasonal Southern-style comfort food, and the service is warm and wonderful.”
Whisk, 7382 Southwest 56th Avenue, Miami; 786-268-8350; whiskgourmet.com.
3. Sneakers for the kids
“My sons Jett and Jace are sneaker collectors, and they go to SoleFly for the latest and greatest kicks.”
Air Jordan 8 Retro, $190. SoleFly, 8099 South Dixie Highway, South Miami; 305-661-3423; solefly.com.
4. Best-smelling perfume
“My signature scent is by Kilian called Straight to Heaven. It’s inspired by rum and is melded with sexy patchouli and spiced up with nutmeg. Very Caribbean — like me!”
$315. Saks Fifth Avenue at Brickell City Center, 81 Southwest Eighth Street, Miami; 786-907-3800; saksfifthavenue.com.
5. The Juice Foundation by Jenine Howard and Juwan Howard
“Our family’s cause is The Juice Foundation — it’s our seventh year partnering with the University of Miami’s Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. Our mission is to promote the importance of a healthy lifestyle.”
The Juice Foundation, juicefoundation.org.
6. Hot yoga is the way to go
“I am religious about my bikram yoga practice. It allows me to stay balanced, centered and limber. I practice at Sunshine Hot Yoga weekly.”
Sunshine Hot Yoga, 13847 South Dixie Highway, Miami; 305) 253-6978, sunshinehotyoga.net.
7. Her place for a moment of zen
“Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is located less than a mile from our home. It is a magical place that I jog through every week.”
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, 10901 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables; 305-667-1651; fairchildgarden.org.
8. Add dramatic flashes to your lashes
“I go to Ohh! Lashes to add the perfect dose of drama to my eyes. Tamara, the owner, uses hypoallergenic mink lashes to increase my length and volume.”
Ohh! Lashes, 1390 South Dixie Highway, Suite 2120, Coral Gables; 305-890-8806; ohhlashes.com.