10 Most Tweetable Moments from #CreateCultivateDTLA

Some of my favorite moments from Create + Cultivate Los Angeles came from the keynote speakers: Jessica Alba, Rachel Zoe, and Chelsea Handler. Their words of wisdom, humble beginnings, late starts, and humorous anecdotes made for one hell of a night with advice that I will never forget!

 

13179454_860807424018863_7894954988827629756_n

On business partnerships: “I liken getting into business with someone as getting married right away, without ever dating. It’s kind of like an arranged marriage, but you’re into it. You have to communicate. You have to be in it to win it.

 

On strengths and weaknesses: “I was super insecure about not having a college degree or a conventional education. And I really thought I wasn’t smart or didn’t deserve to have a seat at the table. I felt like a fraud in business settings. It took me getting over that for the company to get on its feet. It doesn’t matter if you don’t have a degree or expertise. Surround yourself with people who have done it before and support your weaknesses with their strengths.”

 

13230324_860807694018836_2224191794880665014_n

Disclaimer: I have been obsessed with Rachel Zoe since her reality show back in the day. She was interviewed by her good friend Jennifer Meyer, and it made the conversation truly informational, entertaining, and personable. When she said ‘I die,’ I thought I was going to die.

 

On transparency: “Transparency is a pain in the butt, unless you have a slip or a camisole underneath it.”

 

On her as a boss: “Don’t micro-manage people. If you hire talented people, you have to let them be. Let them govern their time.”

 

On her brand: “At the core of my brand I’ve always wanted to speak to, empower, and motivate young women. Give them confidence to do whatever they want to do in life. The mantra of my brand has always been: Provide aspiration and inspiration, and always be accessible. Never be intimidating.”

 

13174217_860807827352156_1004687500366420326_n

 

On her candidness on social media: “I’m not a movie star or actor, I don’t need to be private.” 

“The important thing for women is to not use filters. If it’s that bad of a photo, I don’t post it. I’m not filter friendly. I’m 41 now and I want to be a real person. And tell people, this is what it looks like, and that’s how powerful I can be.”

 

On women supporting one another: “It’s important for women to know they can rely on other women because there’s nothing worse than a fucking bitch.”

 

On being a good friend: “Every time we don’t tell the people that we love what we really think, we’re putting their lives off for another 5 years.”

 

When she gets asked how her late night show differs from the rest: “There are eleven MEN doing the same exact thing every fucking night. There used to be two. Now there are eleven. I’ll break every rule to make it more interesting.”

 

 

 

*photos from Create+Cultivate

North Italia Invades California

North Italia is one of the restaurants to hit The Point in El Segundo this last summer. The shopping and dining center is the hottest new destination in the South Bay with something for everyone! You really have to stand out to keep up with the businesses that are here, and North Italia does just that.

unnamed-9

 

unnamed-10

The Truffle Garlic Bread is to die for! It is in a cast iron skillet and topped with a ton of cheese including their house made ricotta.

unnamed-11

I’ve had all of the salads offered at brunch, but the Chopped Chicken is definitely a good one! The farm greens are topped with tomatoes, toasted pine nuts, and a gorgonzola vinaigrette.

unnamed-12

Any pizza with figs on it is a friend of mine, and luckily for me, this place has a killer Prosciutto Pizza topped with figs, goat cheese, and arugula. If you’re not a fan of arugula on your pizza, there are other delish pizza options.

For more information, visit http://www.northitaliarestaurant.com/

 

Whether you are in the mood to try a new restaurant or want to catch a spin class at SoulCycle, or fulfill your sweet tooth at Sugarfina, The Point has everything you could want for a day of shopping and fun with girlfriends or a weekend date. For more information, visit http://www.thepointsb.com/

Brunch at the Races 2015

LA Weekly‘s Brunch at the Races was at Santa Anita Park on a perfect Fall Sunday morning serving the best sweet and savory dishes that LA has to offer! Below are some of my favorites!

 

unnamed-19

Who says you can’t have ice cream for breakfast?! How could I resist anything from McConnell’s?

unnamed-1

This hash from Cassell’s Hamburgers was the right amount of savory and crispy!

unnamed-4

My favorite item had to be the Squid Ink Bagel covered in salmon and labneh from Status Kuo.

unnamed-7

The Lamb Burger from 10e Restaurant.

unnamed-17

Cheese Danish with Strawberry Jam from Poppy Cake Baking Company.

unnamed-5

This Torta from Tortas Ahogadas Chago was my dad’s favorite!

unnamed-13

What you can’t see under this Peach Bomboloni is the most delicious Espresso Cream from Superba Food + Bread.

unnamed-2

This Apple French Toast from The Nickel Diner.

 

This was my first time to Santa Anita Park and it was such a great setting for this event! The booths were set up around the Infield with almost equal amounts coffee/cocktails and food. If brunch is your favorite meal, (who am I kidding, it’s everyone’s favorite), keep your eye out for next year’s details! This event is not to miss!

For more information, visit  http://www.laweekly.com/restaurants/final-restaurant-lineup-for-la-weeklys-brunch-at-the-races-includes-du-pars-and-superba-food-bread-5841192