July 12, 2012

Huarache Azteca, Highland Park

Huarache Azteca

Huarache Azteca is a gem I have been frequenting for years but have yet to give the proper shout out on the blog. This is one of my favorite Mexican spots in all of Los Angeles, located in Highland Park, just West of the San Gabriel Valley and off the 110 for those of you on the freeway. Whether my pockets are thick or I’ve only got $7 to my name, I know I can pull up a chair at Huarache Azteca and eat like a king. My order usually goes something like this – all in Spanish to boot – 1 Huarache de Asada, 1 taco usually chorizo, tripas or adobada and 1 agua frescha, preferably watermelon or cantaloupe (sandia o melon). For those of you who love a good agua fresca, they also have piña, jamaica, and horchata.

The huarache is a must here! I probably don’t even have to tell you after that first photo. A huarache is made of fried masa (corn dough) and shares a similar shape to the sandal of the same name. Huaraches are usually topped with a savory meat, onions, cilantro and queso fresco. At this location you have the added bonus of crema on your huarache and a salsa station that would please any palette. My preferred salsa is the chipotle in oil that is sometimes on view and other times has to be requested; this is the flavor that brings most joy to my mouth!

Tacos are not to be overlooked my friends. Last night I indulged in the adobada and enjoyed a good moan or two. Adobada is usually pork marinated in red chili sauce and spices, which in my world equates two thumbs up! Are you down with tripas? I recently took my mother here and she proclaimed their tripas as some of her favorite, ever. Coming from a Mexican-American matriarch who loves all things intestinal that statement was a huge deal.

Run, don’t walk, to get your huarache love on this summer.

Huarache Azteca Salsa Bar

Huarache Azteca Agua Frescas

Huarache Azteca Tacos

Huarache Azteca
5225 York Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90042
(323) 478-9572
Neighborhood: Highland Park

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July 9, 2012

Rooftop at The Thompson Hotel

Rooftop at The Thompson Hotel

Last week I had a photography gig on the beautiful rooftop at The Thompson Hotel. Tough work, right? It has been exciting to book jobs in which I shoot plates of food around Los Angeles and it doesn’t hurt when I am encouraged to indulge in the cocktails and grub. This blog has brought me so many great opportunities, such as this, and I look forward to the many adventures the future will bring.

Keep your eyes out for my actual food post in which I gush about some amazing grilled shrimp and ceviche. In the meantime, here are some photos I snapped of the stunning rooftop pool at the The Thompson. Down below, across from the lady’s room, is a cool peep-hole where you can spy on the swimmers. I can promise you I’ll be spending some sunny afternoons lounging in the pool!

The Thompson Hotel Rooftop Pool

NJ in LA Pool

Posted in: Food, LA, LA, Travel | Tagged: , , ,

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July 2, 2012

Style 2012, v.4

Style 2012, V.4You know what RULES? Arbor Mist’s wine slushies.

Summer DrinksFavorite Summer Drinks also include: Mezcal at Las Perlas & Agua Frescas at Dorados

Style 2012, V. 4I love me a good peace sign / You’re never too old for Hello Kitty.

Instagram is the best medium for me to capture my various looks and since it isn’t as calculated as driving into the woods and posing for someone, I find that I am completely comfortable. Not feeling ridiculous is key to photo success! Style 2012 is evolving on a daily basis and most importantly I am having fun. It has definitely been interesting pulling out items of clothes I haven’t been able to wear in years – some shown here – which I still love. And on the official, my bangs are currently back to normal hair so I’ve been sporting the middle part. I’m digging it for sure.

Follow me on Instagram boo @NJinLA

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June 27, 2012

Run To This

Run to This

Last week I clocked in over 30 miles of running around my city and it looks like I will surpassing that number by this weekend. Running has made its way into my life again and I couldn’t feel better. And don’t even get me started on this bomb tan that I am sporting!

I realize that running isn’t for everyone, especially for people who didn’t live/eat/breath sports for a majority of their life, but I want to tell you it isn’t as daunting as you might have made yourself believe. My #1 tool for a successful run is M U S I C. The beat keeps me motivated, helps my legs get into a rhythm and pushes me to continue when I feel like my body is going to collapse on the sidewalk (it never does, I’m exaggerating). It is my pleasure to share with you my most current playlist. What can I say, upbeat rap really does it for me. If you only knew the scenarios and fantasies that play out in my head while I’m running to these jams, it might even make you blush. Most importantly, these songs pump me up! I present to you, Run To This, v.1

http://open.spotify.com/user/122808457/playlist/52k0lAX6w76sBLZKL3s3J0

1. I Don’t Really Care – Wacka Flocka Flame feat. Trey Songz
2. Beez In The Trap – Nicki Minaj feat. 2 Chainz
3. How Low – Ludacris
4. Liquorice – Azealia Banks
5. Birthday Cake – Rihanna
6. Mercy – Kanye West, Big Sean, 2 Chainz, Pusha T
7. No Hands – Waka Flocka Flame feat. Roscoe Dash & Wale
8. Look At Me Now – Chris Brown feat. Lil Wayne & Busta Rhymes
9. Teach Me How To Dougie – Cali Swag District
10. Street Knock – Swizz Beats & A$AP Rocky
11. Fancy – Drake, Swizz Beats, T.I.
12. Bad Girls – M.I.A.

P.S. I give you full permission to criticize my use of Chris Brown on this here playlist. I don’t like the dude (at all) and to be honest I never listened to his music. Then one day I realized all these songs I was enjoying were being sung by him. Ugh, I felt dumb. Despise the artist, enjoy the art? You tell me as this is a major conflict in my life. I do love Rosemary’s Baby.

Posted in: Fitness, Rap | Tagged: , , ,

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June 25, 2012

Madeline Poole Nails

MP Nails

Madeline Poole Nails, also known as MP Nails on Twitter & Instagram, offer up some of my favorite nail designs in Los Angeles. I was pumped when I received an email from OOGA BOOGA Bookstore on Saturday announcing a MP Nail pop up they’d be hosting the following day and I quickly put it on my list of things to do. Two accent nails for $5? Count me in buddy!

I was first turned on to the styles of MP Nails when I attended the Pretty Penny Stock launch back in March – you can see my first nail design by Madeline here. My experience was fun, easy and most important, laid back. Since I recently started following MP Nails on Instagram I knew I was in for a treat with all of her new summer styles she had been posting. It was difficult to pick out which two designs I was going to flaunt. Take a look: panda, polka dots, leopard, camo – the decision was hard, am I right? I opted for the smiley face and the drip in neon green. Since I already rolled up with neon orange nails, I thought I should just keep with the brights.

My long time pal Denise happily joined me on this nail outing as she’s been obsessed with nails ever since I can I remember. We cozied up at Madeline’s nail station and were treated to some champagne. Baller status. Our nails were painted in no time and we were both squealing with joy. Cannot wait until I hit MP Nails again! Which design is your favorite?

MP Nails by Madeline Poole Nail Menu

Madeline Poole Nails

Madeline Poole Nails Summer Designs

Madeline Poole Nails

Madeline Poole Nails Los Angeles

 

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June 22, 2012

Sound Baths Los Angeles

Sound Baths Los Angeles

You might be familiar with my love for the sound bath, as I’ve blogged about my treks out to the High Desert to enjoy the magical noise chamber known as The Integratron. I was beyond thrilled with my friend Cathy mentioned over dinner that there was a rad woman in L.A. named Jamie Bechtold who performed sound baths on the Eastside. Sound baths Los Angeles really exist! I am so thankful to have been privy to a free one on Wednesday night in celebration of Summer Solstice.

So what is a sound bath? From Jamie’s site: “During a Sound Bath participants either lie on the floor (on a yoga mat or blanket) or sit in a chair and just relax and listen. Most people close their eyes and go on an inward journey. Generally, a deep state of relaxation is achieved although some people do actually fall asleep. The sounds of the gongs and bowls take the listener on a musical journey within themselves. You leave more relaxed and peaceful than you were when you arrived.”

Jamie’s sound baths last for 60mins – unlike the 22 mins at The Integratron. It has been quite some time since I have felt so relaxed, there is just something about a sound bath my friends. The miracle of sound works on your body, mind, and stress. If you have yet to take one, I recommend you check out Sound Baths with Jaime Bechtold and then hightail it out to Landers for a desert experience!

 

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June 19, 2012

Larry’s, Venice

Larrys Venice Drink MenuLast weekend my girls and I stumbled into Larry’s Venice, having no idea what deliciousness was awaiting us. Our Yelp iphone app led us to a spot we immediately denied but the spot next door, Larry’s caught our eye. We read “truffle fries” on the menu and saw that they had beer & wine, so it was a no brainer at that point. After the difficult decision of where we’d sit, we finally cozied up with our menus, mouths agape simply with the prospect of  having something cold to drink. Three glasses of Sangria, a Beerlini and a Coco Cabana (mine) were ordered. Being quite the particular with my alcoholic beverages, I was nervous about whether my choice was right – this is one of the few areas of my life where doubt exists, mind you. Made with soju, lime, mint, and coconut cream, the CC resulted in perfection liquified. Next time I want to be transported by way of a drink from L.A. to somewhere vacation worthy, I will think of Larry’s, just steps from the Venice Boardwalk.

On to the Lunch Menu. Something light was necessary, as the night before I hit it hard at Colori Kitchen. I ordered the Niçoise salad, prepared with large bites of seared ahi tuna and the usual flavors. Eating fish by the beach is always such a giggly treat for me! The salad was legit and with crispy fries from surrounding plates passing my lips, it made for memorable lunch. If you’re looking for something on the lighter side  The star of the show though was no doubt the Organically Fried Chicken Baguette topped with a fried egg and bacon. I never met an egg I didn’t like – just look at that beaut!

Until next time Larry’s, I’m looking forward to you surprising me once more.

Larrys Venice Baguette

Larry's VeniceSHOUT OUT TO VENICE ARTISTS

Larry's Venice Salads

Larry’s Venice
24 Windward Ave
Venice, CA 90291
(310) 399-2700

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June 18, 2012

Afternoon In Venice

NJ in L.A. Venice Beach

NJ in L.A. Venice Beach Boardwalk

Afternoon ini Venice

All the girls got Friday off so that we could celebrate Taylor’s birthday with an afternoon in Venice, perusing the boardwalk and enjoying lunch encapsulated in the beautiful smell of ocean water, fog and marijuana (every other shop is a dispensary). More on the food tomorrow because the spot was bomb and I’ve got the photos to prove it. I have not been to Venice in what seems like forever and it was great to see what nutso things were going on – bath salts anyone? Too bad it was a tad bit chilly, but not so much that I couldn’t sport my magical silver sandals.

How cute are these California girls? All of us born and raised in the SGV or HP.

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June 14, 2012

Waka Flocka Triple F Life

Waka Flocka Givenchy [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kd82LSXcNw&feature=branded&w=715&h=24]

I love Waka Flocka Flame. Do you know why? Because he was one of the most positive personalities I have ever seen. Just take a look at that photo up above, the truth is in the smile. His album Triple F Life: Friends Fans Family dropped on Tuesday and I am wishing him all the best. I am so thankful to have see him last month when he was in town with my other boo Drizzy Drake. When he performed Round of Applause I pretty much lost my shit. Go ahead & play it, I triple dog dare you.

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