Downtown Los Angeles: Beautiful Architecture and Historic- Cultural Monuments

Downtown Los Angeles has some of the most beautiful architecture I've seen. I swear every district has buildings that have such eye-catching detail. The different styles of architecture in Downtown Los Angeles are really breath-taking and I highly recommend walking around and taking a look for yourself. And if you aren't going to be in DTLA any time soon, why not take a stroll thru your downtown and explore the architecture? :) 

Below are some of my favorite buildings in Downtown LA. Some are Historic-Cultural Monuments!

Above: Angels Flight is a funicular railway. Funicular basically means that it's a little tram that goes up a steep slope. It opened in 1901 and was designated a Historic Monument of LA on August 6, 1962. 
Location: Hill Street and 3rd Street.

Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles

Gabriel and I finally made it up to the iconic Griffith Observatory for the first time on our most recent trip to Los Angeles. We were SO thrilled to finally explore and observe the most visited public observatory in the world!!!

We decided that we were first going to take in the views from atop. We walked around the Griffith Observatory and enjoyed the astronomical views of LA, the Hollywood Sign and beyond. Yes, that little white blur in the first photo is the famous Hollywood Sign hehehe.  

After taking in the views from outside, we headed in towards the Ahmanson Hall of the Sky where we got to explore the Sun. In this hall you can learn about what causes the day and night, seasons, and Moon phases. My favorite part in the Ahmanson Hall of the Sky was being able to use the Solar telescopes to get a LIVE view of the Sun!!! 

Besides being obsessed with the Moon and the rest of Space, Gabriel and I also enjoy watching pendulums (energy), so we were excited to see the Foucault Pendulum while walking through the W.M Keck Foundation Central Rotunda towards the Wilder Hall of the Eye. You can also find beautiful Hugo Ballin Murals at the Rotunda, I fell in love with the mural on the ceiling from where the Pendulum hangs.

In the Wilder Hall of the Eye we learned how observing the Sky has changed over thousands of years and how it affects the way we perceive Earth and the universe. My favorite learning activity in this hall was the Sky dioramas, where illustrations explained how different peoples used the Sky to improve their lives. I could also sit and stare at the Tesla Coil for hours, it's so cool! :P

The Gottlieb Transit Corridor is a tool that demonstrates how the movement of the Sun, Moon and stars are linked to time and the calendar. 

Ok, so my FAVORITE section of the Griffith Observatory may be the Edge of Space because it's where I got to see a part of the MOON!!!!!! YES!!!!! Nina got to see a part of the Apollo Moon Rock up close and personal! I also got to see a Meteorite collection, Cloud and Spark Chambers and other objects from space.

And finally, the Gunther Depths of Space where we were able to explore exhibits dedicated to The Planets, Earth, Milky Way Galaxy, Stars and so much more of what's out there in the Universe!

I still can't believe that the Griffith Observatory is FREE!!!! THANK YOU Griffith J. Griffith for the amazing gift you've given to millions and millions..and millions of people. Oh, and I almost forgot to mention the view from the Roof Terrace is UNREAL. Next time we visit the Griffith Observatory I'd like to go at night to look though the telescope on the Roof Terrace. Maybe a picnic too?

Have you ever been to the Griffith Observatory?

Guisados in Los Angeles

When it comes to eating tacos, I admit I'm kind of a snob. I partially blame it on Gabriel (my husband), Pedro and Mariana (bil+sil) for always taking me to the BEST taco joints in Guadalajara, Mexico City and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. 

Some of my pre-requisites before buying/eating a taco are:

1) Tortillas must be freshly handmade 

2) Ingredients must be fresh

3) Various salsa options

4) Lots of limes handy

5) FRESHLY made hot sauce, none of this Valentina/Tapatio business

Anyways, when we were in LA, our friend took us to this taco spot called GUISADOS. Oh boy, first thing I noticed when I walked thru the doors of their Boyle Heights location was their huge comal. As I peeked over the counter, I saw the fresh tortillas being cooked, YES YES YES, I was so stoked because I love fresh tortillas hechas a mano! Also noticed that they served aguas frescas de horchata, jamaica, melon and limon! YUM! When we were looking at the menu, the lady at the cash register mentioned that everything was made fresh!!!! ^.^ 

The variety of tacos was good: Steak Picado, Bistek en Salsa Roja, Mole Poblano, Cochinita Pibil, Chicharon, Chuleta, Chorizo, Tinga, Calabacitas, Hongos con Cilantro, Frijoles con Queso, Chiles Toreados, Camarones, Pescado and Quesadilla. Each taco sold for $2.50.

They also had an option called the "Sampler" which is your choice of 6 mini tacos from the list. Gabriel and I both choose the Sampler so we could try some of our favorite kinds of tacos at Guisados for the first time! Let me tell you, I was very happy with my picks:  Mole Poblano, Cochinita Pibil, Chicharon,Tinga, Steak Picado and Bistek en Salsa Roja.  I had my limes and salsa picante handy on the side! And to wash it all down, Gabriel had bolted across the street for a 6 pack of Pacifico...the perfect pairing for tacos is always a cold cerveza ;)

If I had to pick my top two tacos from this experience at Guisados, it would be the Cochinita Pibil and Mole Poblano! Agh, just thinking of them is making my mouth water ahahaa. Guisados is by far THE BEST TACO joint we've experienced in Los Angeles.

Guisados

Boyle Heights

2100 E. Cesar Chavez Ave

LA, CA

Echo Park

1261 W. Sunset Blvd

LA, CA

Henna Art by Nena Soulfly at ArtForm Studio

While we were in Los Angeles last month, my friend Ana of Cha Cha Covers took us to an event at ArtForm Studio in the Arts District. First of all, ArtForm Studio is all sorts of CrazySexyCool (I love TLC), it's a record shop and hair salon! I think you can also get your nails done there too.

Anyways, I learned that ArtForm Studio hold monthly events where they have a DJ spinning great tunes and have several independent artists selling their handmade goods. The event we went to was a great experience, we hadn't been to something like it before. The guest DJ was RZA from Wu-Tang Clan and delicious cupcakes for sale by Noreen of Little Sweeties Cupcakes, women's jewelry and accessories by Nena Soulfly.

So besides designing dope women's jewelry and accessories with beautiful ethnic prints, she also does mehndi henna art! I was fortunate enough to squeeze in and get Nena SoulFly to express her creative fluidity thru henna on my hand!

This was my first time getting henna done and I absolutely loved it! I look forward to getting my henna done by Nena again next time we are in Los Angeles! ^.^ If you are in the LA area and want to get your henna done, make sure to visit Nena SoulFly at ArtForm Studio #201-701 E 3rd Street.

LALLBLOG: Day 2

Ana & Julie of Julie Dee's Sweets
Photo Credit: Danilo Martinez

April 28- Saturday morning started off so sweet, thanks to Julie Dee's Sweets! There were cake pops, mini cupcakes, delicious cookies and mouth watering chocolate covered pretzels! Mmm

Cake Pops by Julie Dee's Sweets
Photo Credit: Danilo Martinez

The first key note speaker of the morning was Lisa Cervantes, of Cervantes Entertainment Law. Lisa provided us with very important information about the business of blogging, like copyright laws. I found this presentation to be very informative, and learned so much! There are many ways we, as bloggers can protect ourselves from bullying, copyright infringement, and trolls. I urge you to do a little research! :)

La Guelaguetza~ Authentic Oaxacan (Mexican) Food

Photo Credit: Danilo Martinez

Lunch was provided by La Guelaguetza, a DELICIOUS Oaxacan restaurant in Downtown Los Angeles. There was tamalitos, arroz, empanaditas, chocolate flan and yummy hibiscus ice tea. Oh, and I almost forgot about the tasty pico de gallo with nopalitos!

Aminah, Jose, Margo and Ana

Photo Credit: Danilo Martinez

After lunch, we had a presentation on the ethics of blogging by Aminah Hanan, Jose Ullua, and Margo Porras. They mentioned that they are working together, with Ana to create a blogger best practices guide!

Yarel Ramos of Mun2

Photo Credit: Danilo Martinez

Yarel Ramos spoke to us about how she collaborated with others in order to make her dreams come true. The importance of networking and building relationships is very important in business.

Mezcal Tasting by La Guelaguetza

Photo Credit: Danilo Martinez

After Yarel's presentation, we had brief, yet very informative introduction to the Oaxacan region of Mexico, and the process of mezcal by La Guelaguetza's owner, Bricia Lopez. A bonus to this presentation was being able to try several kinds of mezcal! Muy rico!!

And the second national Latina Lifestyle Bloggers Conference came to a close, after our private event (fashion show and tour!) at Macy's Downtown Los Angeles! 

I can't wait til next year's conference, which will also be held in Los Angeles!

LALLBLOG DAY 1

Photo Credit: Danilo Martinez

April 27, 2012- Latina Lifestyle Bloggers is a curated group of Latina bloggers who blog about lifestyle topics such as fashion, travel, food, wine and beauty amongst other topics. 

#LALLBLOG was about "exploring the possibilities" and "going beyond the blog."  The conference consisted of a couple of individual presentation and a few panels of smart, independent and empowering women, who have turned their blogs into successful businesses. 

#LALLBLOG took place at Indie Desk, in Downtown Los Angeles. Indie Desk  is a co-working space, set up with conference rooms, desks n comfy chairs, and all of your office needs like printers, fax, and scanners! Oh yes, and wifi! The building that Indie Desk is located in has some pretty amazing architecture!

Day one started off with a bang, as soon as you walked through Indie Desk's doors you could feel the energy beaming. Everyone was getting to know each other and eager to learn about tools and tips from the experts in social media.

Shout out to my home girl Sophia from La Sophia, swear this chick is my long lost sister. I have been following Teresa Garza's blog Checa La Movie for quite some time now, so it was so awesome to finally meet my friend in person! I also met sisters Isabel and Sonia from At Home in Pleasanton, CA. It was really a pleasure meeting so many independent and inspiring women in one place! :)

Photo Credit: Danilo Martinez
Pictured Above: Ana and Erika

The morning began with a warm welcome from the very dedicated and hard working Ana Lydia Monaco and Ilse Martinez. The first keynote speaker was Erika Cervantes, the incredibly talented woman (and comedian) behind the super funny website, COMEDIVA! One of their mos recent videos is called Pinsanity, and is bananas, you gotta watch it, so funny!

Photo Credit: Danilo Martinez
Pictured Above: Deborah

Next up was the extremely vibrant and empowering motivational speaker/life coach, Deborah Deras of Synergy Unlimited. Boy were we in for a treat with Deborah, who's energy is incredibly contagious. Even before speaking, her body beamed charisma, confidence and positive vibes; I definitely took note and will be practicing! ;) You should make some vision boards, dedicate one board to your dreams, to your passion, to your travels, etc. 

Photo Credit: Danilo Martinez
Pictured Above: Ana, Lala, Serena and Shawanna

The Social Media of Blogging was the first panel for the morning. Shawanna Davis, Serena Ehrlich and Lala Castro gave us an astounding number of tips and tools for how to do use social media properly and effectively! 

Photo Credit: Danilo Martinez
Pictured Above:  Rebekka, Laura, Jasmine and Ana

Next up: Jasmine Powers, Rebekka Lien and Laura Klein who gave us some tips and tools for Using Your Blog to Sell Your Products Online. 

Photo Credit: Danilo Martinez
Pictured Above: Sylvie, Meghan and Candace

The last panel of the day was From Blog to Book: Candace Davenport, Sylvie Celis, and Meghan Cleary. Pretty cool to see and learn how people have turned their blogs into books; very interesting!

The day closed off with a walking tour from Indie Desk to the Fashion Institute of Fashion and Merchandising.

Photo Credit: Danilo Martinez
Pictured Above: Sophia, me and my husband

Photo Credit: Danilo Martinez
Pictured Above: Carlina, and I

Photo Credit: Danilo Martinez

Photo Credit: Danilo Martinez

LALLBLOG VIP KICK OFF: The Los Angeles Brewing Company and Milani Cosmetics

Photo credit: Danilo Martinez

April 27, 2012- As several of you know, I was in LA two weeks ago for the the Latina Lifestyle Blogger Confrence.  Thursday night was the VIP kick off  at The Los Angeles Brewing Company, in Downtown Los Angeles. 

The evening consisted of tastings, makeovers, and making those relationships that were made online, finally connect offline! It was an amazing experience to finally connect in person with some of the bloggers that I've had a friendship with for quite some time now. For example, my home girl Carlina from Allergic to Vanilla and I have been friends for a couple years now, and had never met til that evening! Awhh, melts my heart! I also had the pleasure of meeting some bloggers that I hadn't met online before, like Veronica, from Veronica Glam.

Oh, I was amazed to discover that The Los Angeles Brewing Company has 100 beers on tap! They provided LALLBLOG with beer and wine tastings and some delicious appetizers that included: Baked meatballs, stuffed shrooms, sliders and finger lickin' mini sandwiches. 

If you live in, or plan to visit LA, ya need to check this place out!

The Los Angeles Brewing Company

750 South Broadway

Los Angeles, CA 90014

photo credit: Danilo Martinez

Photo credit: Danilo Martinez

I also had the pleasure of meeting some of the dedicated women behind Milani Cosmetics, who also generously sponsored LALLBLOG with mini makeovers, head shots and goody bags full of their latest products.

Photo credit: Danilo Martinez

To be honest, I had never heard of Milani Cosmetics before that evening, probably because I don't invest a lot of time or money on make-up. But, I was incredibly intrigued by Milani Cosmetics for several reasons; First, their "colors with impact" are totally up my alley. I love everything bright, dark and bold! Milani do brights, darks and in betweens right. 

Second, their products are high quality and affordable; I would say that their stuff is just as good, or even better than MAC. Milani is "every woman's affordable luxury." 

Photo credit: Danilo Martinez

I was also able to try their amazing high speed, fast dry,one coat formula nail polish, and it totally rocked my world! I mean who doesn't love a one coat nail laquer that looks as if you put 2-3 coats on? I know I do, especially since I am super impatient when it comes to letting them dry, hahaha.

Anyways, there are some awesome things in the works between Milani Cosmetics and Nina on the Moon, so stay tuned ;)

Photo credit: Danilo Martinez

Truth Tuesday [#33]: I love LA

Buenos Dias, we are back from LA! The above photos are from my instagram during our stay in the beautiful City of Angels.  Truth is, I've visited Los Angeles twice before, but this trip was very different from the ones before, for several reasons, which will be highlighted this week; Santa Monica, Disneyland and California Adventure, Downtown LA architecture, Places you must see/eat, and the Latina Lifestyle Blogger Confrence. :)

besos, bendiciones y buenas vibras