I love being part of a writers' group. One of my friends there, Lisbeth Coiman, is Venezuelan. I had the luxury of being treated to her home-cooked arepas. Arepas: tasty "pancakes" made with maize dough I don't quite know how to describe these puffy bits of dough. They're maybe akin to pupusas and have a biscuit-like texture. However, they're not flaky. There's a heartiness to them as you bite in. Arepas can act like bread, and you make sandwiches with them. A lot of times, the interior … [Read more...]
Mercado La Paloma
June 13, 2018 2 Comments
"You are broad minded and socially active." I love living in Los Angeles because of its multitude of cultures. One lively gathering place is the Mercado La Paloma. This area in the South Figueroa Corridor historically suffers from a lack of business opportunities and community spaces. The Esperanza Community Housing Corp decided to renovate an old garment factory to revitalize the area, and this project finished in 2001. The Mercado La Paloma is now home to yummy eateries and unique retail … [Read more...]
Foodie Friday: Bird’s Nest Soup
June 1, 2018 Leave a Comment
Bird's nest soup: Broth made using the saliva of birds Bird's nest soup is a delicacy. It can cost a fortune to obtain the saliva that makes up the nest of these special birds. The bird is a swiftlet, a type of swallow. It lives in coastal caves in Southeast Asia. People nowadays also farm these birds to obtain the nests. Bird's nest must be soaked overnight to properly cook. The next day, it is made into a simple broth, often with just the addition of a bit of rock sugar. Hailed for its … [Read more...]
Pre-Orders!
May 14, 2018 Leave a Comment
Hi All, The sci-fi anthology I'm a part of is ready for pre-orders! Remember: this anthology features teen girl heroines. Plus, the proceeds go to a scholarship fund for the Society of Women Engineers. Order today to help current and future science and tech leaders! The following retailers can be used: Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CWM3FMK/ Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1128616257 Kobo: … [Read more...]
Renn Faire
May 7, 2018 Leave a Comment
"You will step on many soils of many countries." Yes, I've been living in L.A. for years, but I never visited the Renaissance Faire until now. Located in a vast recreational area in Irwindale, the official name is The Renaissance Pleasure Faire. I admit it. The word "pleasure" threw me off, and I wondered if the festival would be too risque for me. Well, there is a pub crawl and corseted ladies walking about, but it was actually quite family-friendly when I went. Festival-goers dressed up … [Read more...]
#BookReview: The Hate U Give
April 30, 2018 4 Comments
"You have a deep appreciation of the arts and music." The Hate U Give 4 stars Genre: YA contemporary Pros: A real protagonist Deep issues Exploration of family Cons: Quite dark for 8th graders I’ve heard so much about The Hate U Give. It lives up to its hype. I love the setting of this novel and how real it is. The struggle that Starr battles within herself and in her community also feels authentic. I did take off a star for the beginning portion of this book. … [Read more...]
Festival of Books
April 20, 2018 Leave a Comment
Hi, folks! Just a quick note to say I'll be at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books THIS SUNDAY (4/22) from 4pm-5pm! If you're checking out books and authors on the USC campus, come swing by. I'll be at booth #367 (Sisters in Crime). Thanks! P.S. Here's a pic of me from last year: … [Read more...]
