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Today I present to you a whole lot of saucy deliciousness from POT. If you love Korean food and you live in LA then there’s no need for me to introduce the chef behind these amazing dishes, Roy Choi (the genius behind the Kogi food truck).

We recently announced that we will be hosting our We All Grow conference at the Line Hotel in K-Town, which is also the home of POT restaurant. The hotel itself has a swanky vibe when you first enter but upon further inspection it echoes much of the Latino and Asian sub-cultures of LA (more on the hotel in another post), which includes every day objects like bodega items, toys and balloons deliberately placed within the sleek design of the hotel. It is not the Standard by any means, which is perfect for this native New Yorker who misses the gritty beauty of the city and the savory joy of eating at a restaurant that embodies the local community. If you’re looking for a food and cultural experience, then this is for you. If you want romance and ambiance, you may need to keep driving down Wilshire.

I’m not a food critic and can’t say that I’m versed in Korean cuisine (whether it’s from Seoul or LA) by an means, but I like food with a kick and a lot of soul – and this certainly delivers. I’ve been to POT three times already and I can’t leave without ordering the steamed dumplings and the Old School, which is marinated rib-eye bulgogi mixed with noodles, kimchi, scallions and sesame. And, yes, it reheats well. Nothing like having this for lunch the next day. The servings are not small so that’s an important one to know.

My last visit was for a work meeting so I got to try a few new things from the menu, like their BBQ Galbi and the Redono Beach, which is a pot of spicy crab mixed with bean sprouts, onions, tofu and mira. The dish was good but not my favorite, as I tend to favor the BBQ dishes. But worth a try if you’re a seafood lover.

While you’re enjoying your dish, take a second to look at the details that make this place all the more personal. Each table has cubbyholes underneath to store bowls, cups and chopsticks because there will not be a whole lot of room on your table for such clutter. And take a look at the walls (2nd picture on top). The decor may look like floral wall paper from afar but what you see are actual real dried flowers pressed into the walls, which gives the space that homey feeling you get when you’re eating a local comfort food spot after an exhausting day. You know that feeling.

No matter what you order, you have to get it with the Kimchi fried rice. I can eat this whole thing alone. It’s so good, and I’m super excited that I will be able to share these meals with my blogger friends from all the country in a few short months. Blogger or not, you have to give this place a try.

POT is open daily from 11 AM-11 PM.

My friend (and awesome recipe developer) Nicole makes an amazingly delicious chipotle mac salad, which officially became one of my favorite side dishes ever since I had a taste of it during a trip to Santa Barbara. The salad is in fact so yummy, that Fresh & Easy stores packaged it and it’s now available for purchase. I immediately grabbed one for us to have but needed to make something to go with it (although I could easily sit and eat the container ala carte if no one was looking). I was going to default into making a burger but was really in the mood for a BBQ flavored sandwich – but with no grill – I used my slow cooker to make BBQ pork sliders. With 4th of July around the corner, I think this is a great idea if you’re having friends over.

Ingredients:
Pork butt (I bought one that was 2.58 lbs, which makes about 10-12 servings)
1 large yellow onion (chopped)
1 bottle of Fresh and Easy whiskey BBQ sauce
1 cup of water
1 tspn of bay leaf
1 tspn thyme leaves
1 tbspn minced garlic
1 tspn black pepper

If you’re going to use pork butt or shoulder, I highly suggest removing the layer of fat on top.

Cooking directions:
Before placing the meat into slower cooker with water, I seasoned it with the ingredients listed (as if I were making it in the oven, poking holes and inserting the ingredients into the meat). I let it cook for about 4 hours on high before shredding the meat in the slow cooker. I added the BBQ sauce and let it cook for another 2-3 hours on low, occasionally breaking up the meat. Once it was perfectly shredded, I toasted the buns in the oven for about 10 minutes, added pickles and dinner was served.

And because you cannot possibly have sliders without macaroni salad, I recommend you try the chipotle version I raved about. You can get all of those details on Presley’s Pantry. Hope you have a wonderfully, delicious 4th of July celebration!

Right after 9/11, a friend of mine and I curated a show that focused on the stereotypes of Islamic cultures by featuring artists/photographers/film makers whose work represented the larger discussions that were taking place during the time. Our show “Body” had a very successful turnout with artists who taught us so much about the misconceptions of Islamic cultures. Although New York/New Jersey is a “melting pot”, there is much segregation and stereotyping within the local communities themselves (even if they look diverse on the outside). Fortunately, I was in the museum field at the time, so the conversations taking place around me (Shirin Neshat being my biggest eye opener) were void of sensationalism – Unlike today’s social media world (the field I am currently in). I have to sift through memes and misinformation on Facebook just to see Neshat’s updates, which just goes to show the state of conversations today and how quickly misinformation can spread. As an art historian, a witness to how art can redirect/shape dialogues and a strong believer that knowledge gives birth to empowerment, I want to share this extraordinary museum initiative called LA / Islam Arts.

Underscoring Los Angeles’s role as one of the epicenters of visual constructions regarding Islam and the Middle East, through architecture, film and its large Middle Eastern and Islamic populations, LA/Islam Arts Initiative will take over Los Angeles from October-December with a series of events including video installations, scholarly symposia, films, concerts, performances, and more. If you live in LA, I strongly encourage being a part of this much-needed museum conversation. The first of these shows are Doris Duke’s Shangri La and Shangri La: Imagined Cities, which are currently on view at Barnsdall. Both shows anchor this highly anticipated initiative and provides a collective overview of contemporary works that produce a multiplicity of worlds, interpretations, and investigations without ignoring the implications of organizing around particular geographic or religious lines. If you want to see the schedule of events, visit LA Islam Arts for more info!

(Doris Duke Earrings and Hand Mirror)

Remember that POT restaurant post? The one with the amazing Korean dishes like BBQ Galbi and Kimchi fried rice? Well, that restaurant is located at the LINE Hotel, where the We All Grow Summit (W.A.G) is going to take place (I write all about the summit here). We’re very excited to have this conference at the LINE in Koreatown. It’s so important for us to show the different cultures of LA. The ones you don’t see on TV and hear about in music. When I first moved here, it was either the west side or the valley … and nothing in between. That is, until I started going to art shows around the city, which gave me a whole new perspective about this new place I call home.

The LINE is perfect for W.A.G. From the Sydell Group, Roy Choi, Houston Brothers, Sean Knibb and Poketo, the hotel defines collaboration and vision. Latina Bloggers Connect was founded on that principal – Community. Together, we support bloggers and brands in building authentic collaborations. When the two meet, lots of magic happens – stories are shared and long-term relationships are developed. And like LBC, the LINE is loud and proud about its cultural pride, diversity and roots. Every where you turn, you will be reminded of the area’s many cultures and urban subcultures illustrated by the strategically placed religious candelas, bowls of fruit, lollipop roses, tamarind sticks, stickers and bodega bowls of candy placed around the bar.

Then there are the outdoor areas like the Commissary, which is a greenhouse focused on fruits and vegetables and homage to all the people and families in Southern California who work on farms to bring food to the table. What’s there not to love about that?

Aaaah, the accommodations. These beautifully designed concrete rooms have a fantastic view of the Hollywood Hills and city sky line. With desks as headboards (which is an awesome use of space), it’s perfect for those, like us, who need our laptops to pay the bills. I’ve spent many nights during travel on the computer in an uncomfortable chair. I really like how you can face the sunshine while you get that to-do list done. Also, note the upholstered chair in a vintage Mexican serape. Another added touch that celebrates the cultures of the community.

You’ve probably seen this picture before. It was shot during my first visit to the LINE when Ana introduced me to the space to check out all the cool things W.A.G. guests will be a part of. This random picture is actually one of my favs, as it features art (Curtis Jere Birds In Flight) and my work (which also takes place on my phone)

Too bad the conference takes place in February or you would have found me by the pool the whole time. Surrounded by citrus trees, flowers and the Commissary, this might be may favorite spot in the entire hotel. The jury is still out on that one. I will need to test this out during warmer seasons.

And, finally, here’s part of the WAG and LBC team taking it all in by doing something we rarely do – Relax. Like I said, we’re excited (nervous, anxious) for the launch of this summit. Moreso, the opportunity to unite with old friends, colleagues and meet new talent and future partners. Great hotel for this kind of reunion. If you want more info, check out the LINE hotel site. Until the next post!

Let’s talk about beauty priorities for a second, shall we? As I’ve gotten older, my taste, outlook and appreciation for the practice of beautifying oneself has evolved drastically. Over the years, makeup has become my pick-me-up friend – the one who tells me you still got it, let’s be fun, girly, flirty, vampy or sexy. It’s also that friend that reminds me that I need to take care of my skin if I want my look to be flawless and that all I need to do is add a touch here and there to enhance my own natural beauty. Sometimes it protects me from looking utterly exhausted, which is what this here post is about (sort of). I spend a lot of hours working in front of a computer and the wear shows on my eyes at the end of each day. My word of advice for something like this would be take moments to breathe, drink lots of water, eat well and try relaxation techniques to help soothe eye strain. My second word of advice – if you need to go out but don’t want to look like you’ve never slept – is to learn a few simple yet very effective makeup tips.
I give a full breakdown on (Oh yes, there’s a before shot in case you wondered), but you only need a few products and about 15 minutes to go from tired to refreshed (well, on the outside at least. Get your sleep!). When I’ve been working for a long time, and need to make an evening work event or PTA meeting (I chair an arts program at my son’s school), I do a few basic steps to get ready. I exfoliate my face and moisturize (you can use a BB cream), apply my foundation, add my concealer (in a v-shape for better coverage on those big eye sockets of mine), dab a bit of neutral light shimmer on the inner corners of my eye and brow bone. I use neutral tone (a shade darker than my skin) on my eye crease and a lighter color (a shade lighter than my skin) for the eye lid. This basically gives the very subtle illusion of a refreshed eye. For your makeup, all you need is a simple cat eye and a bit of liner on your lower lid (stay away from the water line for this one and let your upper lid liner do its job). Lightly color in your brow, add mascara, blush and gloss. These basic products should be separated from your makeup case, and placed in a convenient spot so you can do it quickly with no fuss. Like I said in the beginning of this post, my relationship with makeup and beauty has changed so much over the years. And I often wonder why many beauty brands don’t work with women of all ages as much. As a 41 year old woman, I can tell you that I love to look and feel just as beautiful as I did when I was 25. I can also tell you that I’m a much smarter consumer today than I was back then and I know what suits me and works for me way more than I ever did. I would also like to share that most of the hits to my blog come from two slideshows I did – Style Blogs for Women Over 40 and Beauty Blogs for Women 40 and Up. Yet, brands are using their budgets for the younger demographic (for the exception of a few beauty bloggers I know, who have a huge following because readers trust their knowledge). It was a point I briefly brought up in this month’s issue of iBlog magazine. I was asked about the obstacles a style blogger (or any niche, really) faces when trying to create a business out of it. Here’s what I said … The blogging business is a booming one. In fact, it’s why my eyes are so tired most of the time. There’s room for everyone but not every path is the same and not every brand is going to ‘get’ it right away. Marketing traditions are very hard to change. But I have seen a huge evolution online and am honored to work with and for campaigns that focus on women empowerment. We’re getting there, and I commend all the women out there who have used their platforms to change old ideals about aging, beauty and the way brands view women in this age of technology.

I’ve gone cauliflower mad. Seriously, I have it as a snack with hummus and I use as a substitute for mashed potatoes. Since dealing with this TMJD issue, not only do I need to eat softer foods, but I also need eat to very healthy dishes. I’m discovering new ways to eat and I’m beyond excited about it. Well, I didn’t just discover it. I had a bit of help …

For years, I’d been seeing an Osteopath and absolutely loved the care that I received. However, I wanted someone a bit more hands-on. I really wanted to be educated about my body and how to best take care of it along side a medical practitioner. Welp, ask and you shall receive! I put it out there and found an amazing functional medicine doctor, who sat down with me for three hours during my first visit to talk about the body, nutrition, our nervous system and our emotions. After some labs, I discovered that I had a gluten sensitivity, which in itself could be a contributor to so many factors. I would have to do an entirely different post about all that. To sum it up, my body wasn’t taking in nutrients and I wasn’t digesting properly. This brought to mind the Ted Talk that I saw when I was at the height of my agony featuring . That talk resonated with me so much. I teared up when she said that in order to be really well and whole you need have/do the following – Healthy relationships, healthy professional life, express yourself creatively, be spirituality connected, have a healthy sex life, be healthy financially, live in a healthy environment, be mentally healthy and then follow the rules of traditional health (supplements, doctor visits). She really broke down what was missing in the medical profession and why we, as patients, are just not feeling better even if we’re doing what we think we’re supposed to. From that moment on, I knew I wanted to change things and that it was going to be quite a journey to really heal my body inside and out. So what does any of this have to do with cauliflower? I started changing my eating habits by going down the Paleo path, and this was one of the first recipes I followed from Nom Nom Paleo, which is easy to make and simply delicious. And as I mentioned in my last post, I’m going to start sharing my journey with you all.

If you’d like to substitute your mashed potatoes (they make me so bloated), cauliflower is perfect. I pretty much followed this recipe, but didn’t add the nutmeg. Just chop up a head of cauliflower and steam the florets with a few garlic cloves and sea salt. When the florets are soft, go ahead and put them into your blender with butter ( I used Organic Valley). That’s it!

The consistency is a matter of preference. In my case, if I want to have chicken or beef, I try to keep my side dishes very pureed as to not irritate my jaw. But coming from someone who loves mashed potatoes, I will vouch for this mashed cauliflower dish. This beautiful vegetable is also rich in calcium, helps detoxify the body and promotes heart health. Bon Appétit!

If there’s one thing Los Angeles has it’s good food and great restaurants that are impeccably designed. Interior design is something I’ve always been fascinated with, primarily because it’s something I don’t think I’m very good at. Being surrounded by beautiful art most of my life certainly didn’t rub off on me when it comes to coordinating furniture pieces, textures and patterns, I’m afraid to say (but I’m working on it). I over-think it to a point of stagnation. I’ve been saying I’m going to design my home for years now, and have not taken the plunge. I admire and respect those who have the foresight to see how a space can be transformed. It’s something that’s been on my mind as of late, and I made it a point to share all these woes over the weekend with Heather Ashton, who is the designer behind Caulfield’s Restaurant in Beverly Hills. She suggested that I just go for it starting with a coat of paint. She also shared how she mixes vintage accessories, art and New York style into her designs as you can see by these images. As we sat and talked over a cup of coffee, I felt like I was at a bistro in midtown, relaxed in my leather armchair taking in the ambiance and listening to the soft hum of conversation around me. And that is exactly what I admire about interior design – the way it resonates with people and impacts your overall mood and experience.



The owners of Caulfied’s Bar and Dining Room reached out to Heather to help refresh their restaurant, which is located at Thompson Beverly Hills. Upon entering the dining room, I noticed a chic banquette, beautiful antique mirrors, art work (I spied a print of The Absinthe Drinker by Degas), the lighting installation, window treatments and the leather armchairs and tables, which were custom designed. I also loved the antique white brick walls, which made the restaurant feel warm and cozy.

Now all I need to do is head back with friends. I found a perfect spot for a celebration dinner! To see more of Heather’s work, check out her portfolio.

This post is in collaboration with Latina Bloggers Connect and Dove. The post is all me.

Can’t say I thought 40 would come this soon, let me tell you. I’m so glad I never had habits like cigarette smoking or sun bathing because it really does damage the skin. However, my biggest vice, ever since I got my first job in Wall Street in my 20s while waiting for my art teaching credentials, is coffee. Going for a cup of coffee was break-time, and I’ve been addicted ever since. This habit can leave your skin dry and dull. I find myself constantly having to moisturize my skin or try natural remedies to keep it rejuvenated. Drinking lots of water is especially important when you’re ingesting so much caffeine!

A few weeks ago, we hosted a Twitter Party with and (who is known for her amazing beauty tips), and one of things that was emphasized was moisturizing. This simple act helps keep your skin glowing and luminous. And if you can use a lotion with SPF – even better. Even though its Fall/Winter and our skin is covered, the sun can still damage collagen, which results in spots and wrinkles. The Party was so informative, not only did I grab a few tips for beautiful skin during Winter, I even learned more about Dove’s Clear Tone deodorant (which I talk about HERE and HERE). I mean, deodorant is deodorant, right? You have good ones and bad ones. I can’t say I ever really thought about them as anything other what they were intended for. But – I learned that Clear Tone is the only deodorant in the US designed to visibly reduce red spots and has calendula and sunflower seed to help speed up the process of skin regeneration. Calendula is a healing herb that can be used for beautification purposes, to tone and moisturize the skin. And, yes, that’s important for those arms of yours. Think of that crisp white shirt you’d love to wear or the strapless dress you’ve had your eye on. It’s important to care for every inch of your skin. Not just your face, hands and neck. Exfoliate your skin a few times a week, wash your face thoroughly every night before bed, moisturize (night and morning), wear SPF and drink lots of water to keep your skin looking its best. Sounds simple but we get so busy sometimes, it’s easy to let these routines go. But its so important to squeeze in a a bit of me time!