Everything listed under: Los Angeles

During my most recent trip to Los Angeles, no less than five people asked/told me to move back. And I am tempted. During a run on the beach last week, the sun sparkling on the crashing waves, traces of salt water, literally, splashing on my face turned up toward the setting sun, I thought to myself, this is heaven. But this was heaven at that time. I've also had moments when I've truly felt no more at peace and at home than in the middle of the hustle and bustle of NYC. As I was staring into the sun across the sea, I was moved, literally, to tears. Miranda Lambert’s most recent song entitled, “The House That Built Me” popped on my iPod. A song about a woman who seems to have lost her authenticity returns home one last time to find some sense of who she is. As a tear rolled down my cheek, I myself felt confused and questioned, "Where is home? Where do I feel most at peace?" So many have called me a ‘wanderer’. Someone who never settles in one place, as if I am constantly looking for or chasing something. Often I’ve felt uncomfortable with that description and felt the need to defend myself. But in that instance, I a revelation came to me. As clear as the day is long. It doesn't matter what coast I'm on. I spent over 11 years of my life in Los Angeles and built a world for myself here where amazing things have happened and dreams have come true. At the same time, when I’m in NYC, I am reminded of my roots and the house and people who have built ME. Without those, I would not have been able to spread my wings, explore unchartered waters and fly. And the many opportunities that still lie ahead.

The answer is that I can feel at home and at peace either place and anywhere.I have always followed my heart when deciding on a place to live or a job to take. I’ve tried to let opportunities direct me and to take advantage of them without fear. And I will continue to do so, no matter where the path leads: Los Angeles, New York, New England or Timbuktu.
Yes, some may call it wandering. I prefer to call it living.

My last day here in Los Angeles and I'll be boarding another plane in just a few short hours. I'm tired of traveling and can't wait to be home in NYC where I can begin preparing my own food again and pay attention to my nutrition to really get my body back to optimum functioning capacity. This week has been disastrous for me. It has proven the necessity for me to be on a disciplined diet, not from a 'low-fat, carb cutting, calorie watching' perspective. But to be more mindful of making the best possible choices for me and my body. Pay attention: This does not necessarily equate with RESTRICTION or DEPRIVATION. All I'm saying is I know what my body needs to run like a well oiled machine and I haven't been giving it that. My energy is low, I've been supplementing with more caffeine, (never a good option) and feeling, well, just blah. Next week, I'm home and going to kick off Spring with a 3 day cleanse from my favorite provider of all things good and fresh, Blue Print Cleanse and so I don't feel completely deprived, am planning on testing out their new program, the  Juice til Dinner package which is more up my alley. I know it's not the BEST way to eat, and contrary to what all the other 'experts' out there proclaim, but I can make it through my day with very little sustenance and really need some nourishment come 6pm or so. I am constantly on the go, teaching, taking classes, etc. and for the most part, a heavy lunch does not sit well with me. Hey, cut me some slack. I just started eating breakfast a little over a year ago. Anyway, judge if you'd like. It works for ME, but I am not recommending it for everyone. If you are able to sit and digest your food in the afternoon, or do your workouts in the morning or plan your workouts for after work, then, absolutely. A good filling, satisfying lunch is best. Period. End of story. Ok then. Enough about future plans and on to the present. While I'm in LA, I, unfortunately rarely cook. My breakfasts usually consist of my morning latte (those of you who read my blogs or writings frequently know what this is all about!) and a raw food bar and/or a piece of spelt bread with some almond butter slathered on it. Lunch, well, we've already discussed that above. I'm usually running around picking up a snack here and there from Whole Foods or Erewhon or wherever else I can pull over and pick up something to eat in the car (I know, I know . . . ). Dinner is my time to sit with friends that I haven't seen and catch up. The usual haunts? Real Food Daily, M Cafe, blah, blah, blah. But I was over them this week. I needed a fresh perspective, something new. And I found a few great places this trip. First and foremost, my new favorite,  CRU in Silverlake. It's a little out of the way for me, but worth the drive. This vegan and mostly gluten free restaurant serves up both raw and cooked food. It's AH-MAAAA-ZING! I started with the raw squash and curry soup last night and chose the mushroom and asparagus crepes for my main course. Caroline, my wonderful friend, had the risotto. To DIE for. And of course, being the dessert whores we both are, Caroline ordered this 'off the menu' treat of yummy-ness with carmelized manna bread, raw vanilla ice cream and homemade caramel sauce. (Our waiter actually apologized for the wait on our dessert because the kitchen was making some fresh caramel sauce. Uh, we forgive you.) I love three hour dinners with nourishing tasty food and wonderful company. Thank you to Cru, Chef Rachel and Caroline for making my final LA meal memorable. (FYI, Cru also offers kick ass cooking classes every Sunday. Check it out!) Some other new and noteworthy joints in my Los Angeles restaurant book: HealthyCa in North Hollywood for those of you on the 'other side' of the hill, and, for something with a little more atmosphere and a great place for both vegetarians and none alike, AKASHA in Culver City (some of the BEST sweet potato fries I've ever had my hands on!) Akasha also makes KILLER drinks with all organic ingredients and fresh squeezed juices. You have to have the 'Emerald City' with Tru organic gin, house made basil elixir and fresh lime. Seriously? It's too good. Be careful! If anyone else has some recommendations whether in LA or your city of choice, post them here! I love to hear from people in the know about where to go! Happy Passover/Easter everyone and have a great weekend! 

Ok, get your minds out of the gutter! I'm talking about a quick, up and at em, grab it, out the door snack. I thought I'd get in one last little blog before I fly off to Los Angeles this afternoon (then back to NYC then back to Phoenix then back to L.A. ... it's going to be a long two weeks!) Anyway, I am very excited about all the work and the opportunities that have blessed me lately but I've got to stay hydrated and fueled and well rested, for sure, if I'm going to be on the top of my game with all this traveling. 
This week, I'll be shooting a commercial for POLANER SUGAR FREE with Fiber in Los Angeles to be airing in several national markets this month! (Talk about a quick turn around.) I am very excited about this partnership and grateful they chose ME to represent the company. Stay tuned for the commercial on a television near you. 
So before I say bon voyage to the chilly air of NYC, I wanted to share my latest favorite snack. Granted, the recipe is not going to break any ground in the culinary world, but it is simple, healthy and an oh so TASTY twist on everyone's favorite PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLY. Please, I haven't met a jar of all natural peanut butter I didn't love. Not to mention a Peanut M&M or a Reese's Pieces. But I digress . . . ok, back to the task at hand. Here you go!

As you can see from the photo, you've got everything you need right here. Just 
grab a spoon and dig in!  You can imagine, it's very complicated. But in case     you need some help: 

2 of your favorite rice cakes/spelt cakes OR
1 piece spelt bread (toasted is wonderful)
Almond Butter (I like the creamy, salted from T.Joe's)
2 tsp. favorite flavor Polaner Sugar Free with Fiber (I'm digging the Apricot!)

Take out a cake or two (My favorite, Suzie's, pictured, are thin so I'll go for two, thank you.) Slather on a generous amount of Almond Butter and top with PSF with Fiber. Done. Just make sure you have some water handy to wash down the yummy gooy-ness that may stick around. A great quick breakfast, pre workout snack or anytime you think it may be wrong to eat almond butter straight out of the jar with a spoon like I do! Gotta run . . . running behind as usual!