Friday, December 4, 2015

Unknown Museum | 67


by Mary Clark-Camargo
"What Remains to be Seen" 

(photos taken: November 1, 2015)

I want to give full credit to the artists behind these five pieces of art. These are the ones that mostly caught my attention! I don't know the name of this little art museum but it's by Placita Olvera and it was open for Dia De Los Murtos! Hope you enjoy the stories as much as I did!


by Wendy Viscarra 
"Estrano Tus Carinos"
I regret the fact that I didn't take a good picture of the description! But this was my favorite one out of all! The following is most of the description, some empty spots I couldn't see what it was. BEAUTIFUL is all I can say for this!

"This carriage lamp was inspired by a deceased loved one. It indicates on the...'Estrano tus carinos" translated to 'I miss your loving affection'".

"...on the front of the artwork indicating true love. Even though the heart is broken, the emotions and love are everlasting." 


by Tony Petborisooth 
"Pat's Run"

Heartwarming.

"Pat Tillman was a player on the Arizona State football team and later for the Arizona Cardinals. After the September 11th attack, he quit the NFL and joined the US Army and was killed in Afghanistan. 

Every year, there is a run in his memory to raise money for the Pat Tillman Foundation that is 4.2 miles and ends on the 42 yard line (42-Pat's number at ASU) with shadow races that take places in various cities across the country. As a Sun Devil alum, I picked this run honoring the memory of Pat Tillman."


by Gabriela Zapata 
"A Donde Van Los No Nacidos?
(Where Do The Unborn Go?)"

Heartbreaking.

"Where Do The Unborn Go?
I lost you in the infinite universe...
My sick body could not sustain your frail existence
Did you return to Mother Earth's womb before being born from mine? 
Where is it that the unborn go?
Perhaps the Womb of the Moon?
My heart still weeps for you..."

"A Donde Van Los No Nacidos?
Te perdi en el infinito Universo...
Mi cuerpo enfermo no pudo sustentar tu fragil existencia
Regreasaste al Vientre de la Madre Tierra antes de nacer de el mio?
A donde es que van los no nacidos?
Acaso iran al Vientre de la Luna?
Mi corazon aun te llora..."


by Mika Revell
"OuroBorus"

Fascinating. 

"OuroBorus, from the Greek language, meaning to eat one's tail symbolizes the cycle of rebirth, reincarnation and self-destruction. The figure curls backwards in a state of recreation and eternal return. The gold teeth of the figure symbolize the Chinese gold leaf on the Joss paper, burned in funeral pyres and wealth in the after-life."


DOTD 2015 | 66


(photos taken: October 26, 2015)

I won't get into what Day of the Dead is and the entire story and traditions behind it because I've already blogged about that two months ago. If you want to read that go ahead and click here :) 

Instead I'll only show pictures of the altars I saw this year. It took place at the Music Center and in Grand Park and there were some new additions. Stay tuned for the last one to see the most creative and my favorite one! ENJOY!


As an owl lover, this just made my heart happy. As this generation would say, "this is my aesthetic". 


That mustache! 


"Stop violence against women" 


"If he hits you, he doesn't love you"
"I don't want your compliment, I want your respect"






Altar for deceased pets. Complete with little dog cages, toys, and food bowls. 



Each bell thing had the names and age of cyclists who have died. Helmets to show to important it is to wear a helmet, most accidents being fatal because there had been damage to the head. 


Hit a bit close to me since both my brothers ride bikes, without helmets. 


"With love and respect always" 
Something this world needs to learn!



"Teeth" made from cassette tapes, "eyes and nose" made from CDs. Altar made for musicians.

AND NOW FOR MY FAVORITE/MOST CREATIVE ONE! 


Hint #1: Do you see it?


Hint #2: Any guesses? Look closely!


Hint #3: Do you see it now? 


TADAAAAA!!! This was sooo beautiful and if you saw closely super creative and time consuming! This entire thing was built with recyclable things: forks, spoons, cups, I think straws, even the bride and groom were built from recyclable things! Like can you imagine how much time it took to make this? Not only is it beautiful because hashtag eternal love, but it's such a creative idea! Props to the mastermind behind this!!! 









Thursday, December 3, 2015

Pizza Studio + Pazzo Gelato | 65


(photos taken: October 22, 2015)

Does this look appetizing or what? Let me just jump right into it...have you ever heard of a CHICKEN ALFREDO PIZZA!? If you have, then wow I kind of feel like a fool. But if you haven't, YES that exists! Head to Pizza Studio and try it out, I don't think you'll regret it! I can't find it on the menu, but from what I remember, and see, it has chicken obviously, it has grilled onions, bacon bits, and some green stuff and the sauce. The first bite I took, was magical! I don't want people to think I'm exaggerating, I truly enjoyed this pizza and I would definitely order it again! When I bit into it, aside from burning my tongue, it was the right amount of crunchyness and Chicken Alfredo goodness! Yes, I needed gum afterwards because of the onions, but it's definitely worth it!

I can't stop looking at the picture. I think I might need to get myself this for the weekend, or sooner! 

Okay moving on. Prior to this amazing discovery, we had gone to Pazzo Gelato! This was my first time trying gelato, I was always curious to see the what was the big fuss! You can have a little sample of the different flavors. None of the other flavors were appealing to me because they were mostly chocolate, until I saw this pretty color. Blood Orange. I immediately asked for a sample of it. I ended up getting that one because it's a bit sour but it has that sweet aftertaste! Milton got an iced coffee, I tried it and it was good! 

Is gelato worth the hype? Honestly, not for me. Would I get it again, maybe for happy hour. It's not extremely good that I MUST try again like the pizza! I mean it was delicious and the color was nice along with the cup. But I didn't really feel the difference between this and Yogurtland...but nonetheless once again, I did enjoy it. 

It was a great combination, trying out different things this day! Head to Figat7th to the food court and get yourself some Chicken Alfredo pizza and gelato for dessert if you'd like! 



Lavazza | 64



(photos taken: October 16, 2015)

LAVAZZA! The coffee here is amazinnng! This is how amazing it is: I haven't had a cup of coffee from this place because I feel I'll be anxious afterwards. 

I came across this coffee shop because I always walk pass it when I go downtown. I saw it since it was barely being constructed and I thought it would be a bar. It looked really nice though! And once I saw they were finishing it up, I knew I had to check that place out! 


So it is a bar place, sort of. During the day it's open for both drinks, coffee, and as a lunch spot. But at night it's next to The Teragram Ballroom (a showroom) so it's more like a bar at night. However, I think it's only opened to those who go to watch the show because their main entrance is closed.

I believe it was a latte that I've ordered from there. For my preference I had to add a bit of sugar, but besides that it's really good! And I was prepared to pay like $5 for that cup of coffee, came to $3, so it's reasonable! I haven't tried the food from there but from what I've seen, and smelled, it looks really delicious! I thought Lavazza was just the name of the place, until I saw it in another restaurant and it said, "now serving Lavazza coffee", apparently it's an Italian coffee company.

Interesting to think about, the band Eagles of Death Metal performed in this spot before they were in Paris during the attacks. I didn't know this, Milton had told me about it and it was kind of crazy to think about. 

Although I haven't tried much from this place, I like it because it's really chill. It's dim lighting inside, they have candles on the tables (new addition), and the bathroom is so legit! I may or may not have had a photo shoot there! They are also opening another coffee place or something soon. So I'll stay tuned for that! 


Location:  1234 W. 7th St. 90017

Monday, November 30, 2015

Farmer's Market | 63


(photo taken: September 17, 2015)

Farmer's Market! I had never been to one which is kind of lame. Living in Los Angeles there's always one within a few blocks away, but I never really went to one and looked through, I'd just pass by. This one is held on FIGat7th every Thursday. And even weird that we're always downtown, especially Target, and we always smelled fresh bread but we never stopped by. If you take away the bad effects I had, that experience was pretty cool!

We went to vlog but we didn't even get to it. I felt a bit uncomfortable because it's not so big and there were people who would stare at us when we tried doing vlogging. So we didn't vlog that. They have big bags of kettle corn which I bet tastes great because the smell is phenomenal! *props for using a different word to describe food!* Milton wanted some but it was too much for him and I'm not allowed to eat because of my braces. Which I know a lot of people who have/had braces yet they still eat everything. I'm not those type of people. I'm in the last months of it and I don't want to ruin my teeth or anything, so I'll just wait till the day I can eat kettle corn with no worries! 

They have fruit, a little pricey if you ask me. We got a sample of strawberries and they were pretty big and really good! I took a few more pictures but I accidentally deleted them and this one was the only one that survived. They sell flowers, nuts/almonds, a lot of fruit, Homeboys bakery, even tamales! I guess certain stands are not always there because when we went there was a stand for coffee and for natural juices, haven't seen those anymore. 

We immediately walked over to the coffee stand. I'm not sure, I think it was Arabic coffee, but one of the most finest/richest coffee beans picked from I don't know how many feet of altitude and stuff. I acted interested but really I just wanted some coffee! We both got an iced coffee and they had creamer on the side along with liquid sugar which I found pretty cool! I really liked the coffee, but the effects weren't good! I don't know if it was the coffee or the juice...

Next to the coffee stand was a juice stand. It was all about natural juices and how it's good for your body and all this stuff. We had some samples which were really tasteful! I decided to buy a juice because why not? It was a citrus juice with grapefruit, I think orange, I'm not sure what it consisted of. But the result was a nice pink orangeish color. We left happy, I was sure I was going to be there again next week for another juice. 

Well by the time I got home I felt super anxious. I couldn't really catch my breath, I felt a bit light headed, the same feelings I get when I drink certain coffee. I kept feeling bad and it wouldn't get better. Since I was home alone, I decided to leave the house to get some fresh air, and took a water bottle with me. I started feeling just a little bit better, so I decided to head downstairs, where there's witnesses in case I pass out! I really don't know what it was. I can't really blame one or the other because I'm not sure what it was. If the coffee was really that great and strong, then there's a chance that took a toll on me. The juice was so "natural" that it wasn't pasteurized. I didn't see it till I was home and I searched it up. Apparently juices are pasteurized by being heated to a high temperature to kill harmful bacteria. These juices that aren't pasteurized (2%) still have that bacteria that can make people sick...and it said some cases have Salmonella. Was it the juice? Was it the coffee? Who knows, all I know is that I felt really bad and had to down water to calm down and feel just a bit better. I also couldn't keep my food down, but I don't know if that was for the same thing. Moral of the story: I won't buy any of these juices again!

But nonetheless, I think farmer's markets are fun although they can be pricey. I honestly just go for the good smells and samples!   

Tribal Cafe | 62


(photo taken: September 13, 2015)

Tribal Cafe! Ohh God just thinking about this place makes me hungry...although I just ate!

The first time I ever came here was for Halloween 2014. Milton and his cousin's band performed along with other people. I'm not always good with trying new food, especially after 6pm (sensitive stomach)! Although I've only tried two of their sandwiches and coffee, I'm sure everything there is good!

It's located near the corner of Union and Temple. (Actual address: 1651 W. Temple St. 90026) It's a pretty small place but the food is amazing! I like how they're creative with the names of their sandwiches. Once you check out the menu and decided on what you want to eat, you grab a piece of paper and write down your order. The items on the menu is a letter followed by a number, example Q7. You write that down along with anything else you'd like and that's how you order your food. It might take a while, but once you bite into it, it's definitely worth it!

The first time I went there I ordered (G1) Global Warming, a ranch chicken Monterrey. It comes with herb chicken breast, sundried tomato pesto, parmesan cheese, topped with mixed greens, cucumber, tomato and ranch dressing! And let me tell you, these sandwiches are quite a good size! And they're also pretty packed! Being the first time and such a picky eater, it was a great sandwich! The second time I believe I ordered (G7) The Warming Ocean, a turkey avocado sandwich. It comes with pepper turkey, avocado, marinated red onions, balsamic vinaigrette, tribal sauce, swiss, lettuce and tomato (picture above). Also an amazing sandwich! As for the coffee, I can't find the menu, but I once ordered like a vanilla frappucino and I've also tried the iced coffee, both great and didn't give me that jittery anxious feeling! 

They have vegetarian and vegan sandwiches as well, along with paninis, wraps, salads, brunch and breakfast ohh and green juices too! Fun sandwich names include: Got Fossil Fuel, Malibu Mudslide, Obama Te Ama, The Lost Amazon and Heat Wave! Like most posts and reviews, I recommend trying this place out, you can call beforehand to order your food and then pick it up. Click here to head to their website and check out more information! Also a good spot for Open Mic! It's a must to try these sandwiches! 

Thursday, November 26, 2015

Caffe Primo | 61


(photo taken: September 11, 2015)

Let me tell you a fascinating story about a delicious smoothie that if you have braces, there's a chance it'll get stuck in there. But besides that, it's really good and I'm now craving one!

Being in downtown all the time, I always saw this place (Caffe Primo) but I didn't dare to go inside because I felt slightly intimidated. We finally decided to go check it out, and I want to go back again! I've gone about 2 or 3 times maybe, but I always get a smoothie, never actual food or a pastry. I was just checking the website to get the names of the smoothies I've bought and I just realized something. Being hispanic you know that "primo" means cousin. I knew it didn't mean "cousin caffe", so I was curious. Just now I learned that..."The definition of 'Primo' means 'Best in Class' delivering what customers truly want". My second thought was that it meant number one in caffe charts, which is pretty close to the real meaning. 

Confirmation, I've only been there twice. The two smoothies I've tried: Acai Berry and Get Skinny. Their smoothies are between $5-$6, I don't know if the price changes depending on the location (both these smoothies were $5 something). This one is on Flower, but I know they're making one on Figueroa, in front of the Convention Center. If you've seen the new apartments or condos they made, it's by there. The Acai Berry consists of apple juice, acai, blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries. The only reason I said it might get stuck between your teeth is because of the little seeds from the fruits. But it tastes really good, has a kick of sourness but it's not too much. The Get Skinny smoothie consists of orange juice, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, goji berries, banana and yogurt. Has some of the same ingredients as the Acai Berry, but it has more taste. 

Now that I look at their menu, there's sooo many food choices and they all sound so good! Click here to view the menu, remember this is for the DTLA location, it might vary depending location. If you try it let me know what you ordered and how you liked it! Also, make sure to stop by happy hour because they have some good stuff!  

Peddle Boats | 60


(photos taken: August 23, 2015)

This. Is. A. WORKOUT! Milton, my mum and I first went here during summer. It was the last day of summer and we decided, why not? What better way to say bye to the hot summer than to go on the paddle boats? I was pretty stoked! We all left soaked...rhymes. It's really fun but ohh lord it's kind of a struggle to ride them. Maybe it's just me because I'm not a "cycling" person or I'm just weak. 


This is in Echo Park btw. I think it's about $10 per person and you have a full hour to go around the lake admiring the scenery and killing your legs as well! This time that we went, we went to celebrate my grandma's birthday. No we didn't make her drive the boats lol My brother, grandma and I were in one and my dad, other brother and mum were on another boat. At first we were planning to race and see who got to the end quick, but I forgot that I struggle. My brother was a good help though! The only rules are that you can't get too close to the fountain, you can't get close to the rocks because there's a chance you'll get stuck, and also you can't get up and switch while being on the boat. 


It's also important you make sure to wear sunscreen unless you want to get burned! I usually enjoy getting burned because my skin is red/pink and I like the pain when I touch it or when I shower, yes I'm a masochist...not really. My favorite thing is going by the fountain because you can feel the breeze and you will get wet. The water is pretty cold so when it reaches you it feels like you can't breathe for a moment, at least for me! So I just turn around or put my head down. But the breeze really feels good! After a while of struggling, we realized that the boat itself moves through the water. Obviously not at a fast speed, but it's good enough so you can admire everything and relax a bit! 


The scenery is really nice! You get the view of the downtown "skyline". There's a lot of palm trees and a section that looks like a little island because of all the trees. Aside from the peddle boats, they also have a gondola and a canoe. I thought they were only open during the summer, but they run the whole year except for holidays and when there's bad weather (makes sense). They're open pretty early, I think 10AM until about an hour before the sun sets. Sunset, gondola, date idea, you're welcome! But make sure you check the website for precise details cause I may be wrong. There's people selling the usual: hotdogs, pupusas, elotes, ice cream, and a married couple who makes churros on the spot! They're fresh and so delicious, a bag of 3 for $1, really worth it! There's a small shop inside, where you enter leading to the boats, and they sell coffee some snacks and sandwiches maybe. Really recommend to go here! You might get tired if you're like me, but it's a fun time! 

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

The Classic Coffee | 59


(photos taken: August 5, 2015)

I was going to use the picture of my cup of coffee, but I don't want to use the same picture again since I already posted it on this post. Before I get started...

DISCLAIMER: Jennifer if you're reading this it's inspired by the little coffee date we had (': 

Okay, so this coffee place is beyond...I don't know the words. Cute? Tumblrish? Pinteresty? It's really nice! We decided to come here since we hadn't seen each other in forever! So after walking around trying to get here, we saw the white building. It doesn't even look like a coffee spot, it looks like an apartment complex or something! We go inside and I'm 100% sure I looked like a rookie. I was gazing at everything and touching everything they had, the workers and people there probably thought "this is exactly why we hate teenagers". But they also couldn't have said that because their place looks super Instagram worthy! 

After all the amazement, we went to make our order. There were a lot of things on the menu, but I had to be careful with what I was getting because I get anxious whenever I have coffee. And I know a lovely place like that doesn't carry "decaf"...not that I asked, I just assumed. I ended up getting a caramel cappuccino or latte, a caramel something! We saw that there was an elevator going to a second floor so I asked if we were able to go upstairs. We waited for our coffee before checking out the second floor. I struggled so bad to walk with the coffee in my hands. I mean yes they give it to you with a small plate and I had napkins, but this was the first time I got that "latte art" so I wanted it to remain beautiful! Plus it was filled up to the top so I walked pretty slow making sure I didn't spill. And to my surprise it didn't! 


We finally got to the second floor and I was amazed, again. If I thought the outside of the building and the first floor looked great, the second floor was kind of breath taking for a coffee place! It was pretty big, and so much sunlight coming in from the windows! It seemed more like the loft of those nice condos downtown! They had the famous little plants arranged on this thing (picture above) which is how Jennifer recognized the place. There was a little corner with some soft chairs and a coffee table. There was a long table behind the beautifully arranged plants. And to the far end there were more of the plants, and just really nice furniture. 

When we walked in we immediately went to this corner (picture below). Tell me that doesn't look fancy for a coffee place! I immediately sat in the egg shape "chair", thinking I was going to break it and fall down. The pillows were really comfy and just being in that spot felt really cozy. I think the natural light made the environment great! Plus, the natural lighting made it great for selfies! We had a little photo shoot taking so many pictures individually and together, no shame! 

Well time for me to talk about the actual coffee. Since I struggled to carry it, I made sure to capture it nicely and drink it slowly. Prices, I mean I can't say it's pricey because most coffee shops are like that now in days. It wasn't so hot, maybe because I spent so much time taking pictures and admiring the place. But since I ordered caramel I expected the caramel flavor, I felt it tasted gross. It didn't taste coffee bitter, it was just bitter. So I drank it not enjoying it. Towards the end, at the bottom of the cup I realized there was so much caramel sauce. Like really? I had some but it just annoyed my taste buds after a while. So I don't know, I probably had to mix it, or drink it while it's hot, or that's just the taste of it, but I didn't really enjoy it. Also, the place was nice and everything, but there was no toilet paper in the restroom! I was forced to use the toilet seat covers, TMI. Do I recommend it? Yes, I'm sure they'll have better coffee or better food! Or just buy something simple to use it as an excuse to go to the second floor and take selfies! Ohh, if you do happen to go, the wifi password is on the receipt! There wasn't great signal and I was struggling when all along the password was at the bottom of the receipt. Yes, I'm a smart bulb! 




Special Olympics 2015 | 58


(photos taken: July 31, 2015)

I've heard about the Special Olympics a while ago but I never really looked into it. Until this year when I found out they were taking place in LA! I wanted to become a volunteer (you know me, always trying to volunteer) but the website said they already had a waiting list. Exclusive! I really wanted to visit the different locations being in UCLA, USC, and a few other places nearby. The ones I went to were held at the Convention Center. I really wanted to watch bowling but the times I went it would be really packed and they weren't letting anyone go in. 


I went only two days, which were the last two days of the Special Olympics. Day 1 I went with Milton and the last day I went with my mum since she really wanted to go see the games! The games I remember seeing was volleyball, bocce, something like soccer, and I think that's it. I wanted to see weight lifting but there was a long time until the next "match". I didn't know what to expect going in there. I didn't know how it was set up. But once we were in there it felt really special! Like these kids out here are playing better than I can! They showed their dedication, how hard they practice, you can see how frustrated they were if something went wrong. Each section and the entire room was filled with enthusiasm! I had watched news specials about the players coming from different countries and how this was such a big milestone for them. You can't help but smile when you see the happiness and determination in their eyes! I don't think anyone would go there for bad intentions, but you can't say anything bad about these kids! I witnessed one of them getting hurt while playing soccer and the opponent team was there helping the injured player and helping him up. I think they get put down a lot especially the parents/families hearing ignorant comments from people. If someone were to have said something, look at you so close minded making ignorant comments while they're out there having the time of their lives and doing something they truly enjoy! 


Kids, teens, adults, elders, everyone was in the games! What I thought was pretty inspiring was hearing the families on the news saying "We're turning their disability and bringing out all the abilities they have!" Which is true, just because you're not "like the rest" doesn't mean you can't do everything things and join a sport! For the second day, the final day of the Olympics, I went with my mum and it was quite emotional! We walked around watching different sports, but the majority of the time we spent it at the awards ceremony. We were on the sides, the photographers in front, and everyone else cheering on the stands. We saw people from different race, different disability, but when they come together for something like this, it's like they're one. Although they play against each other, they're all there for the same reason sharing the same hobby! Off topic but while we were watching them play soccer there was a lady walking around with a cart and she was handing out Coke, Gatorade, and water bottles, like deyum free event and free drinks! lol But anywho, I feel the second day was maybe more touching in a way because it was the last day and we were watching them receive the medals. And I feel really thankful that the Special Olympics took place in LA this year and that I was able to go! Because I think the next Special Olympics are taking place in Australia or something. That's why you have to take advantage of things and enjoy them because you don't know if you'll get the same opportunity again! I enjoyed watching the games and I enjoyed hearing the stories about some of them and how proud they are that they get to represent their country. And most of all how great it is that they are given this opportunity, they have their own Olympics! The fact that so many people, not just family members, were there cheering them on and at every station,  seemed really beautiful! They may have a disability, but they have sooo many more abilities! 


(photo taken: August 1, 2015)

Sunday, November 22, 2015

Sky Admiration | 57


(photos taken: July 22, 2015)

Well I don't think there's much for me to say.


A picture is worth a thousand words.


I just recently became more amazed and in love with skies, mostly blue skies with no clouds!


And also sunsets. I have yet to witness a sunrise! That's on my bucket list.


(photo taken: August 19, 2015)

I'd have more pictures but they're not as great or well I don't think it goes along with it. 


(photo taken: August 30, 2015)

I still don't think these pictures make it justice! 


(photos taken: September 6, 2015)

Not cause my phone has crappy quality lol But I don't think you can compare the real thing to a camera phone! 


Looking at these pictures I feel weird saying it because I wouldn't even believe it myself!


(photos taken: September 7, 2015)

But that's how they came out and they're not edited...


(photos taken: September 10, 2015)

Except for like cropping it or making them straight, but there is no edit or filter or anything!


Aside from the beach, obviously, my favorite spot for sunsets are outside the market because the scenery is beautiful...and those palm trees give it extra points!


(photos taken: October 5, 2015)

I was pretty shocked at these two pictures in between because it was pouring rain this day!


Once it stopped I went to the street to see the sky and it was beautiful, different colors and the sun shining through.


(photo taken: October 9, 2015)

I think cotton candy skies are my favorite! I love the cotton candy sky in the picture above and then the orange sky mixed in. But like I said, these photos can't compare to the real thing!