You’re Not Who You Think You Are—and That’s Ok.

Your Inner Critic is Standing Between You and Your Life.

Are you familiar with your “inner roommate?”  You know, the dweller inside your head who always has something to say, provides an overwhelming amount of unsolicited advice, and somehow wields enough power to dictate your feelings, emotions, and actions; otherwise known as the “inner critic.” For those of us aware of our relentless antagonist, we are intimately familiar with the struggle, often questioning if this inner voice is representative of who we really are—our “true” self.

I’ve spent much of my adult life trying to understand my inner critic. Why is she there? Why is she so critical and judgemental? Why does she always think of the worst possible scenarios?

And through all the work, I have realized that she is not me, I am me, and I give her power.

As renowned spiritual teacher and best-selling author, Michael Singer, states in his book The Unteathered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself:

“There is nothing more important to true growth than realizing that you are not the voice of the mind – you are the one who hears it.”

A mentor of mine asked me to start looking at my inner critic as a rebellious child that passes judgment out of fear, not rationality. And, like a child, needs to be reparented, which is the practice of giving yourself the discipline, attention and care you lacked in childhood. This shift in my perception and looking at my inner critic as a child desperately in need of direction has allowed me to regain control. When my inner critic starts getting out of hand, I simply think of it as a child acting out of turn and respond to it with a loving, but firm tone. This gives me the ability to not bend to the whims of tantrums, which is how I perceive the outbursts of my inner critic.

Controlling our inner critic and creating an inner dialogue of compassion and support is key to experiencing a different level of freedom in our lives. Just think about the possibilities if we moved through the fear our inner critic has instilled to take a chance on that passion project, writing that book, taking that trip, reaching out to that person, or whatever has been put on the shelf because our inner critic said so. Imagine the joy we’d feel!

Now, I want to be realistic. Regaining control of our inner critic is hard work and requires that thing that is so hard to attain and maintain: discipline. But, once in practice, it has the power to change lives. Yes it’s a challenge, but weighing that against a lifetime of facing barriers between me and the life I want? That’s a challenge I’m willing to take on.

As Michael Singer says, “…there are two ways you can live: you can devote your life to staying in your comfort zone, or you can work on your freedom.”

I choose freedom and I hope you do, too.

Article originally posted Here

Three Reasons Why It’s Time to Retreat and Reconnect.

Throughout history, women have come together to support each other in an array of intimate facets of life, ranging from fertility cycles to emotional and physical healing. However, as society grew, we grew apart. The idea of individualism took over and caused a detrimental wedge among us that negatively impacts our ability to thrive and nurture our well-being. And as a result of this disconnection, we are left feeling depleted, overwhelmed and longing for reconnection.

As I write this, I can’t help but reflect on the fact that I am in exactly this state. I cannot remember the last time I was alone with myself and my thoughts. And like most women I know, it is not often that we get – or take- the opportunities to reconnect with ourselves and others, which is why, as I write this, I am simultaneously Googling wellness retreats for women. And, there are so many to choose from.

The recent surge in the female-driven wellness and self-care movement has reignited our natural inclination to unite and engage in restorative, healing practices and seek solace from the monotony of our daily lives. So, if you’ve been on the fence about booking that retreat, here are three reasons why you shouldn’t wait any longer:

1. We NEED time to rejuvenate – Whether we are parents, professionals, partners, friends, siblings or a combination of all of these, we tend to get overwhelmed with our obligations to others, leaving no time to replenish the energy we give.

2. We NEED to connect with other women – Sisterhood doesn’t have to be biological. Sisterhood represents a connection we establish with our fellow females. A retreat is a great way to meet and bond with women who are on the same, if not very similar path as you.3

3. We DESERVE it – We can always find reasons to neglect our self-care. If you have ever said “It’s too expensive,” “I have to take care of (partner, kids, parents, etc.),” “I just don’t have time,” “I’m so busy,” you have put yourself aside for far too long, and a getaway just may be what you need.

As we continue on our journey of self-care, I find it inevitable that a resurrection of the female connection to each other and ourselves will continue to emerge. Women of today cannot afford to keep-on-keeping-on the way we’ve been: overworked, overstressed, overlooked, overprescribed, and overwhelmed. We have no choice but to regain control over our health and well-being and reestablish our connection to other like-minded women.

Article originally posted HERE

Global Street Foods Unite at Mambo International Kitchen.

When you combine some of the best street food dishes from around the globe and a shabby chic farmhouse atmosphere, you get Mambo International Restaurant in Northridge, California. The menu is a collection of Filipino, Mediterranean, Korean and Indian favorites: Deep fried Lumpia, Tapsilog, Chicken Tikka Masala, and Falafel, just to name a few.

If you aren’t familiar with the neighborhood, the restaurant can be a little hard to find. It is located on the corner of a busy intersection in an elaborate building that looks to have been transplanted from a Swedish village and stands out among the surrounding fast food joints and strip malls. But once you’ve found it, you’ll be sure not to forget it.

Upon entering Mambo, you are greeted with a warm and welcoming ambiance. The décor is colorful, without being too overbearing and has just the right amount of ‘Instagrammable’ vibes, without being obnoxious. Being first-timers, the ordering process was a bit confusing. With such a robust menu, that offers premade dishes as well as ‘build your own’ bowls, it can be tough to decide where to start. But, with a little help, we were soon able to figure it out.

Mambo’s specialty is Filipino cuisine, so we kicked off our international feast with a couple traditional Filipino favorites: Tapsilog, a popular breakfast dish which consists of thinly sliced pieces of cured, seasoned beef, garlic rice topped with a sunny side up egg; and Pork Adobo, which included braised pork with a salted egg salsa and finished off with fried garlic pieces. For the next round, we opted for an array of globally inspired tacos: beef bulgogi topped with Asian pickles (Korea); chicken tikka masala with cilantro (India); and a Vietnamese inspired taco with sweet pork, hoisin, chicharron and Asian pickles. We concluded our lunch with a couple of Mediterranean staple dishes: Falafel and what is on the menu as ‘Vito’s Pita Wrap’ which is a spiced beef kabob wrapped in a warm soft pita topped with tomato, onion, lettuce and white sauce.

Now, someone who visits Mambo for the first time may be overwhelmed, and somewhat confused, by the diverse menu selections – as I was too at first. As a lover of all of the cuisines featured on the menu, I was slightly wary about how well each dish would compare to their ‘authentic’ counterpart. After each introduction to Mambo’s interpretation of some of my favorite dishes, I was pleasantly surprised. The flavor profiles were consistent and the quality of ingredients and presentation was on point. 

See, what makes Mambo unique is that the chef prepares the food that he genuinely loves, and that is obvious with every bite.

Mambo International Kitchen is located at 8300 Tampa Ave, Northridge, CA 91324. They are open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and until 3 p.m. on Sunday. For more information on the restaurant visit www.mamboresto.com or follow them on Instagram at @mamboresto.

Article originally posted HERE

‘I Love Being A Woman.’

I love being a woman. It has taken me over three decades to understand the power that being a woman epitomizes, but now that I am aware and continue to develop my sense of womanhood, I fully embrace it in all its glory.

Yes, periods and cellulite suck, and it is overwhelming to be expected to adhere and abide by all of the rules, standards, expectations, and roles that are assigned to us by others and society; but there is nothing more divine than being a woman. We are educators, caregivers, communicators, relationship developers, life sources, and liberators. We are mothers, sisters, partners, friends, and pillars of support; we are a force to be reckoned with.

In honor of International Women’s Month, I would like to share the four reasons why we should all be proud to be women. There is still a lot of work that needs to be done on a larger scale to support us in our existence, but to establish personal empowerment and cultivate the state of mind that we are worthy begins with us.

1. Perseverance – Women throughout history have regularly broke barriers, pushed boundaries, and continued to strive for equality and justice in the face of great adversity. It is because of this determination that progress has been made.

2. Strength – No strength compares to that of a woman. The power we embody to endure the physical pain of childbirth to the emotional strength we have to overcome suffering, violence, and discrimination and remain a source of strength for those closest to us, now that is strength.

3. Passion – And I’m not just talking about in the bedroom. Passion has been a characteristic that has been negated by society, when in fact it should be fostered. To be passionate means you have a strong belief in something, and when you have unwavering faith, action follows. As the saying goes, “well-behaved women rarely make history.”

4. Nurturers – Whether we choose to have children or not, our tendency to nurture is intrinsic. This quality enables us to establish connections on deeper levels, whether it be with nature or others and supports healthy emotional and social development.

There are many more reasons why I love being a woman and these four are just a snapshot. Each one of us embodies what it means to be female in our way, and that is our right. Society doesn’t have the right to dictate our womanhood and men don’t either. It is us that determine what it means to be a woman, and there is no one size fits all. So, in conclusion, I would like to say to all the women, past and present, who have dedicated their lives to our advancement, given their lives to the support of their children and others, and those who have lost their lives because of their womanhood, we honor you today and every day.

Article originally posted HERE.

Are You A Confident Person? Tips to Build Self-Confidence.

If someone were to ask if you considered yourself a confident person, what would you say? The majority of us would probably respond with a yes, because responding with a no, would reveal a vulnerability that we’d rather keep to ourselves. But, do we really understand what it means to have true self-confidence?

It is common to think of self-confidence in terms of specific personality traits such as charisma, assertiveness, and extrovert tendencies. However, confidence is not a trait at all; instead, it is something that is cultivated and developed over time through experience and failures. 

The definition of self-confidence is trusting our abilities, qualities, and judgment, which means that we feel worthy, willing, and capable regardless of how challenging a situation might be. These feelings, in turn, enable us to nurture our authenticity and adaptability – which are the hallmarks of confidence. 

So, how do we cultivate confidence? 

According to renowned High-Performance coach and New York Times best-selling author, Brendon Burchard, five human drives lead us towards confidence:

1. 1. Exercising control over our thought processes, habits and behavior: This control encourages our engagement in positive actions, which lead to a positive state of mind.

1. 2. Fostering competence: It is critical for us to consistently educate ourselves and hone our skills to function successfully and efficiently.

1. 3. Maintaining congruence: Living in alignment with our ideal self and who we present to the world alleviates anxiety and reinforces the value that we hold for ourselves. Authenticity is a critical component of self-confidence.

1. 4. Caring for ourselves and others: Self-care plays a crucial role in leading a healthy and bountiful life. It is essential to our well-being that we prioritize our needs, which allow us to reinvigorate our energy and be more receptive to the needs of others.

1. 5. Establishing a positive connection: As humans, having positive connectivity to others is a vital component of our ability to thrive and grow as individuals. Surround yourself with others that inspire and motivate you to be your best self.

Embarking on the journey to build self-confidence, is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires us to connect with the most sensitive parts of ourselves, which we have been conditioned to keep highly guarded. But, as I have experienced through my journey, this awareness and connection has allowed me to be more honest and compassionate with myself. I have come to understand that we can figure things out, and that vulnerability is not a weakness, but a strength. Always remember, you got this!

Article originally posted HERE

Ditch Those Resolutions! (And Set Intentions Instead.)

2019 is here. And, though it arrived in a whirlwind, I am glad it has finally come.

For some, myself included, the transition to a new year signifies a time of renewal; a chance to shed the proverbial skin of the previous year’s self. It serves as a time for reflection when we honor our accomplishments, confront personal vices, and recognize mistakes.  Overall, the new year gives us consent to make a significant change. 

We have been conditioned to believe that each new year should be welcomed with a laundry list of goals, and very high expectations, that will ultimately lead to living our ideal lives and achieving our perfect self. 

You might recognize the pattern. It goes:

1.    Set astronomical personal goals

2.    Execute them for a short period

3.    Lose momentum after goals are failed to be met

4.    Fall back into old patterns

5.    Drown in guilt, and resume negative thought patterns

6.    Repeat cycle the following year

Sound familiar?

Now, there are those that are successful at accomplishing their resolutions, and for that, deserve an applause for their achievements; however, that does not represent the majority of us. What I have learned throughout my own pattern of setting and failing numerous resolutions, is that we immediately set ourselves up for failure when we assign our personal value to the high expectations we hold ourselves to; when we base our worth on how many goals we can check off our list. That is where we do ourselves a disservice.

Which is why setting intentions, rather than resolutions, leads to greater fulfillment and success. The world-renowned pioneer of integrative medicine and personal transformation, Deepak Chopra, states that an “intention is the starting point of every dream. It is the creative power that fulfills all of our needs, whether for money, relationships, spiritual awakening, or love.”

Here are three reasons why 2019 should be the year you should ditch resolutions and start setting intentions. Or, if you must, make a resolution to stop making resolutions, and begin setting intentions instead.

1.    Our intentions are a reflection of our true authentic self, versus resolutions, which often mirror the superficial version of self. An example would be instead of aiming to lose 20 pounds, set the intention to be more mindful of the food you eat and show yourself kindness by making better food choices. 

2.    Author, and intention setting guru, Chandresh Bhardwaj, states that “setting an intention is like drawing a map of where you wish to go — it becomes the driving force of your higher consciousness. Without an intention, there is no map, and you’re just driving down a road with no destination in mind.” Who doesn’t need direction?

3.    Setting intentions gives you the chance to take a closer look at the things that motivate you, and what aspects of your life are most important. Realizing our true motivators, aid us in deciding what we really aim to achieve, versus what society tells us we need to achieve, to be deemed successful.

So, make this year, a year of abundance, happiness and ultimate fulfillment. And, in the words of the amazing Oprah Winfrey, “Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.”

Article originally posted HERE.

The Five Friends You Keep Matter More Than You Think.

I recently had a conversation with a mentor of mine regarding friendships. I was expressing my concern about the difficulty of meeting new people in this phase of my life (late thirties) who share the same interests and who can inspire my creativity. She gave me some sound advice, and also said something that resonated with me.

“You’re an amalgamation of the five people you spend the most time with.” 

Really?? Then I must be a healthy combination of my toddler, teenager, mother, and husband. Which in retrospect, is pretty accurate assessment, even though that’s only four. 

However, this did inspire me to start thinking about my circle of friends, and how they impact my life in different ways.

According to the renowned motivational speaker, Jim Rohn, the five people we spend the most time with directly influence our self-perception, confidence, interests, hobbies, decision making and behavior. Your immediate surroundings affect many aspects of your life; therefore, a regular check-in and assessment on your squad is in order. 

Many of the friends we decide to keep in our lives for long, or short, periods of time vary on the purpose that they serve for us. In assessing your circle, here are five types of friends that play an essential role:

The Blunt One

Never one to mince words, she always speaks her mind and often says what everyone else is thinking…but wouldn’t dare say. The honesty you receive from this one is authentic, straightforward, and real. This friend typically stays around the longest because the trust runs deep. If you’re the type that can take criticism, then this is the friend you must have in your corner…if your skin is tough enough.

The Matriarch

Everyone calls her “mom” and may come off as having a Mother Theresa complex. She wants to serve as everyone’s conscious and maybe a bit of a downer; however, she is often sympathetic and whether you like it or not, the voice of reason.

The Go-Getter

She is regularly embarking on a new quest, whether it be taking a new class, traveling to some obscure place, or consistently adopting new hobbies. Complacency is not in her vocabulary. Nothing is too challenging; everything is a challenge accepted.

The Optimist

She is the “ray of sunshine” and can find the bright side of things, often to the point of annoyance. Despite, the fact that her infinite capacity for positivity can become downright annoying, you need to have a friend like this. They may be your only insight into what good is left in the world.

The Soul Searcher

When times are at their lowest, she is the one you call when you’re in need of a heart to heart. Life holds a deeper meaning for this friend, and shallowness is not an option. She is the one, who by proxy of her journey, is more than willing to bring you along for the ride.

So, to be more concise:

•    The blunt one will never lie to you

•    The matriarch will always take care of you

•    The go-getter will encourage you to challenge yourself and push your boundaries

•    The optimist will enable you to see the good in all

•    The soul searcher will help you discover your value

If you’ve already have these five friends (most of us do, without realizing it) keep them close.

Article originally posted HERE

Chef Jose Andres Kicks Off LA Foodbowl

Waste is Wrong: that was Chef Jose Andres main message at the iconic Wiltern Theatre Monday night, in a spectacular event which kicked off the LA Times  Food Bowl, 31 days of great food, fascinating chef dialogues and more events than we can count.  

In the United States, it is estimated that between 30-40% of the food supply ends up in landfills instead of on dinner tables. In Los Angeles alone, more than half a million households live 300 percent below poverty level and often have to choose between putting food on their table or paying the rent. And according to renowned chef and philanthropist Chef Jose Andres, that is absolutely unacceptable.

Chef Andres along with L.A. Kitchen founder Robert Egger, Los Angeles restaurant critic Jonathan Gold and other prominent names in the Los Angeles food scene, took to the stage to raise awareness about the importance of food security and the Power of Food. Other guests included New Girl actress and The Farm Project co-founder Zooey Deschanel and Border Grill co-founder Susan Feniger.

The event featured a panel discussion on the topics of food sustainability and accessibility and a sous chef cook-off, where the challenge was to create a dish of limited ingredients that can be distributed to thousands of people during a post-disaster relief effort.

This event launched the Los Angeles Times Food Bowl, a month-long food extravaganza, in partnerships with LA’s best bars, cafes, hotels, markets, restaurants and top chefs, to raise awareness and funds to combat food waste, hunger, food insecurity and promote sustainability.

Food at the event was prepared and served by L.A. Food Kitchen students and Los Angeles restaurant Todo Verde and Everytable.

The Los Angeles Times Food Bowl runs the entire month of May at various locations around Los Angeles. To check out the schedule of events visit www.lafoodbowl.com/.

Article originally posted HERE

You Don’t Have to be a “Hardcore” Vegan to enjoy the Vegan Street Fair

For the carnivores out there, the term may incite images of bland, weirdly textured food items made from pulverized vegetables and nuts. But for the staunch herbivores or adventurous omnivores, we know that menu options have vastly expanded (beyond just tofu) and that some of the most beloved animal protein based dishes have been “veganized” and taste so close to the original recipe you find yourself asking “Are you SURE there is no meat in this?” 

Established for vegans and non-vegans alike, the Vegan Street Fair has something for everyone and is a great opportunity to venture out and experience all things vegan in your city! The fair brings together local vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants, vendors, and products in one place. Guests are able to sample a plethora of food options, either in full or bite-size portions, as well as a variety of vegan-friendly products.

Ceviche de Palmitas

The first fair to kick off the series took place in Los Angeles on March 25th and featured over 200 vendors from the Los Angeles and Orange County areas. Though it was virtually impossible to eat my way through the entire event (but not without the lack of trying), I was able to experience some amazing plant-based dishes! 

Food Art by Lauren’s beautifully plated “Popcorn Chik-In” is made with tender cauliflower florets breaded and fried to a golden brown served with a tangy buffalo sauce. The savory Mac and Cheese bites from the Word of Mouth food truck was fried to crunchy perfection and served with a delicious cashew ranch. The mouthwatering shitake dumplings from Bling Bling Dumplings were so tasty and tender, that I went back for seconds.  And, Todo Verde’s fresh and vibrantly flavored Ceviche de Palmitas, a vegan twist on traditional seafood ceviche, was made with hearts of palm, tomato, avocado, cucumber, cilantro, and lime juice. The vegan dessert options were plentiful as well. My favorite, and my toddler concurs, was the gluten free Karma Cakes from Karma Baker. It looks like the Hostess Cupcake you ate as a kid, but a lot healthier and without sacrificing the taste!

Author’s son Jackson with ‘Karma Cake’

The Vegan Street Fair will be back in Los Angeles for a LA Nights event on September 1 and 2. They will also host events in New York, San Diego, Las Vegas and Seattle. Visit www.veganstreetfair.com for more information.

Article originally posted HERE