Mike & Anne’s is tucked away behind gorgeous Olive trees and Lavender in South Pasadena.

Hanging out with my good friend Robynn, we stopped by here to grab a snack. It was such a beautiful California day and we had a ball.  Before you knew it we had to rush back to Mommyland.  But not before we polished off our fresh mint lemonades and fries!   The atmosphere is very casual.  Definitely sit outside!  The entire neighborhood is very quaint and has a certain romantic aspect to it.  On the weekend there is a phenomenal farmer’s market that you will be glad you went to!

Sweet Potato Fries w/ aioli sauce…I can’t ever get enough!

Ism…nothing can quite top good food , good friends, and good conversation.

the sophistocated, freshly organic approach to breakfast and lunch.

I am in love with this Watercress A Cafe! I discovered it one day while leaving my yoga class at Rising Lotus Yoga. It was exactly what I needed after yoga. The food is simple seasonal cuisine, yet still presented beautifully and once you take a bite you keep coming back.

I was having family day and we decided to eat at Watercress. After pondering half the menu (like I do when I am starving), I asked for the Salmon and Brie sandwich. The waiter looked at me like I was crazy! I looked at the menu and realized I misread SALAMI for salmon! LOL. He told me they could make it for me, so I said,”Why not?!”

This tastes as good as it looks!

In my opinion, the perfect Brunch sandwich! It was something I would have never put together and nothing I would have ever picked out. But that day, my angels were apparently makin’ sure I tried something different. They make delicious mouth-watering banana nut bread as well…if you can get there in time before they sell out seriously. From Frittatas to Paninis you stomach will thank you. The owner tried my sandwich and said he would put it on the menu….go in and ask for it!  Better yet, ask for “Paula’s Ism”!

Ism…SENSIBLY, break the rules sometimes!  I say “sensibly” so none of my readers do something dumb by misunderstanding my ism and where I am coming from.  That being said…next time you have the opportunity, make something up you would never d put together and embrace it.  You never know until you try something, whether or not you will like it.

It is like the CVS of eco living; a “Green” convenience store!

Green Life is a very well balanced green lifestyle store. They have a little bit of everything. But no matter what, you will walk out with something that you feel good about and that you know the environment was not harmed to make! It is one of my daughter’s favorite stores to go to because she knows she will always get what she asks for, since I can’t tell her no to anything that is good for her and the environment! Damn it she is smart!

from Hamadi to Pangea to 100% Pure your family will know how much you love them because it is obvious that Green Life cares!

They have literature on how to be more eco-conscious and live a “clean” life.

their linens are super soft and not outrageously priced.

these were just darn cute…

Ism…No more excuses people.  It is totally convenient to shop in a more healthy and all natural way.

I went by Opening Ceremony in LA to see what fabulous things they had. It is one of my favorite boutiques!  I purchased a wallet for my boyfriend a couple years ago that I absolutely love. I especially like how every time he uses it, he thinks of me! I wanted one like his but the only thing was, I didn’t want to get his exact one.  I noticed that they had one that was crocodile/snakeskin and iridescent?! When I looked closer, I realized it was not real skin, but vinyl! I fell in love with it!  When you move the wallet up and down, the print changes on the wallet, almost like it is alive and breathing.

So pretty…

if only it was turquoise or hot pink inside!…oh well, I still think it is super sexy.

Ism…A wallet can tell alot about someone.  If your wallet is tidy and organized then most look at you to be the same.  If  a wallet is disheveled and dirty, that probably goes for the owner of the wallet as well.  I like to think that anytime one invests in themselves within reason, the reward is in abundance.  I invested in a new wallet and in return I will not only be admired for having such impeccable taste, but I will also continue to have abundance in all I do.  It might sound odd or superstitious but it all comes down to worth.  I know what I am worth.

Adam Bouska is oh so talented!

I was invited by my good friend Gaby Tamayo, who is a publicist, to come and take a photo for the NOH8 campaign. I am so thankful that she always thinks of me! I, not only LOVE the photo, but met some amazing and talented men who are raising attention to a very important issue.  I support NOH8!

Ism…Love is blind. Love is pure. Love is kind. Love does not judge. All of us are deserving of the right to love and marry whomever we want. This is a freedom we should all have. It is a matter of  equality.  If two individuals  feel love so strong and desire to be united as one, then why should anyone be against that. To me it is a blessing to know and feel a LOVE so deep and true. LOVE IS LOVE.

If ya don’t know…ya gotta try!

Their salad pizza is what everyone goes in for!…seriously, don’t laugh. It is THAT good!

I didn’t feel one bit guilty and didn’t share either!

My daughter and I had a great lunch and it took care of our pizza cravings as well!  Their crust is perfectly crusty, but still soft and not too thick.  I wondered whether I should pick it up or use utensils. My daughter reminded me to use my hands because it is more fun.  She added that if  any salad fell onto my plate, she would be much obliged to eat it for me!LOL…She went with the classic kids choice, cheese pizza.  Which was also pretty delicioso!

Look at that smile….

Ism…There are so many options for toppings to put on a pizza.  Just like in life, there are so many options to how we can live our life!  Keep your eyes wide open to every possibility and opportunity.  Your life will be so much more fun and enjoyable that way.

I think I have created a love monster… part of my daughter’s name is Amor, which means “love” in spanish. Well, I guess most of you already knew that. Since she was a baby I started to pick up little things here and there that said “love”. Everytime she sees something that says “love”, she insists on having it! Her name is very well suited. She has an enormous heart and is very loving and kind to everyone she meets. One of the qualities that I admire most about my daughter is the endless amount of compassion she has for those that are economically and/or physically challenged in this world we live in. She was recently on a field trip with her class to The Watts Towers. She was touched by how the neighborhood looked different than where she lives, but was amazed that in the middle of it stood so much beauty and love. She couldn’t stop talking about how incredible the towers were. She described how a man took scraps from the neighborhood and nearby railroad tracks, found a way to recycle “trash”(someone’s trash is someone else’s treasure!) and used it as part of the stricture and decor for the towers. The thing she couldn’t make any sense out of was why the neighborhood didn’t understand the man’s vision. They were at odds with him the entire length of time it took Simon Rodia to build it. No one could see that it was a positive contribution to a vastly deteriated area in LA. Why did they drove him to leave the beautiful structures he built for over 30 years. She said, ” If I was alive then, I would have wanted to help him!”
She still points them out, although some years have passed since her visit.

When I went to an event at a gallery Royal T Cafe in Culver City, I was given this necklace. I saw that it was a LOVE necklace and was extatic to give it to Aires Amor. Once I was home I looked at it closer and realized the connection. It was meant to be worn by her for the beautiful purpose as well as the actual word.  Alexandra Grant, LA based artist, created this necklace for the LA<>ART to support the WHP(Watts Housing Project) that helps to improve the neighborhoods surrounding the historic Watts Towers. With every purchase of this necklace a portion will go towards a “LOVE” project to place this design on the roof of a home in Watts!

Ism…It is our responsibility to always be mindful and supportive of ways we can help those around us. I feel strongly about supporting causes like this that give families an opportunity to feel the “LOVE” embrace them! Spread the LOVE! and in the words of a very wise man, “Get Involved!”

You can taste the difference!

I have to admit that once summer hits, I would rather eat gelato than have actual food….it’s the kid in me. I know I will need to do some extra cardio, but it tastes soooo good!  Gelato and frozen yogurt places are the hottest thing in LA right now.  Whether you eat dairy or are vegan, there is something out there for everyone….in LA we’re known for our substitutions and choices.  So I have set out this summer to find out where all the HOTTEST spots are. I have my accomplace, my daughter Aires Amor, and we have gone far and wide in LA to find the best Gelato and the best frozen yogurt. N’ice Cream is definitely on our top ten list!  I will keep you posted on our investigative adventure!

Looks good, right?!

Ism…Connect with your inner child!  Ice Cream, Gelato, and Frozen Yogurt all give me a reason to put a lil skip in my strut.  I connect with my inner child and think back on my childhood when I enjoyed ice cream during some very hot LA summers.  I reflect on how enormous and exciting the world was when I was a little girl.  When I look at my daughter I can see that same light glowing in her eyes, and then I get a glimpse of her chocolate covered face and we just laugh!  It’s the best!

This is what LA needs more of.

I was having one of those “go wherever the wind takes me” kind of days. I was enjoying a beautiful sunny California day and some shopping, window shopping that is, when I walked past Froma on Melrose and could not resist. I love when you enter a place you aren’t familiar with and know you are going to love it!  It reminded me of the cafe/markets in Europe.

The staff is not afraid to get her hands dirty!…or to spend time explaining the variety of cheeses and boutique wines they offer.  They have an exquisite selection of artisanal foods, charcuterie, and cheeses.

If you are looking to get creative with romancing that special someone, come and gather all the necessities for a perfect picnic a la France! They have an array of authentic treats direct from Italy that would shine in any gift basket as well.

I opted for lunching at the bar and Manager Francine Diamond offered a tase of the rose they had.

It was divine! I tried their Caprino Salad…


and it was amazing!

I saw these as I explored more of the stores goodies. I used to get these while on the go in Europe during my runway days…so delicious!

Ism…it is essential to get out of your car and walk.  I would have never found this place otherwise.  I highly recommend stopping by for breakfast or lunch, or when you are needing help with gifting a foodie!  They host wine and cheese tasting every 1st/3rd Saturday of the month.

the Marrakesh in deep sea, by MiH Jeans is a must have for fall!

MiH Jeans first appeared in 1969 when denim company’s were just starting to hit the market in London. MiH, Made in Heaven, was the first British denim line. After a brief stint, the company’s legacy and reputation have been resurrected by heiress of MiH Jeans, Chloe Lonsdale. My favorite are the Marrakesh.  They fit perfectly snug on the thigh and progress to a bell shape leg.  I am also a fan of the Loon, but  am over my limit currently on wide leg denim!  I picked up my pair at Beckley Boutique on Melrose Ave, but you can also go online and shop direct.

Ism…Vintage denim is always great, but when old styles are modernized and given a little bit of TLC to keep it’s vintage integrity, that’s when the masterpiece comes back to life with a vengeance!