Aside from my beautiful Instagram photos, traveling with Remote Year hasn’t been easy. I get homesick, I miss out on major milestones with friends and family, I have deadlines in different time zones, I am overlooked for promotions, I am easily overwhelmed with social anxiety, I break down with language barriers, and I also get burnt out more often than you think because I’m only human. On the other hand, I didn’t sign up for this one-year program because I thought it would be easy. I signed up because I felt that I wasn’t growing personally and professionally and wanted to push myself outside of my comfort zone. As an artist, I am a curious being by default with a need to break complacency. I wanted a global perspective and an intense immersion into cultures I wouldn’t have fully gotten to experience if I stayed in my bougie Los Angeles neighborhood. I am now well aware that I should be careful what I wish for because this so-called glamorous year also comes with a heavy dose of fatigue, struggle, rejection, headaches, late-night crying, and loneliness. Traveling to a new city, sometimes new country each month with multiple side trips in between takes a toll on your health and well-being but is also something that I’ve recently accepted as part of my new life.
Ajiaco is a classic chicken and potato soup from the mountains around Bogotá. I had it several times living in the city, and it quickly became a staple in my diet. This soup is about as simple, delicious, and comforting as food gets.
Traveling can be stressful and overwhelming at times. From the long lines to crowded spaces with unfiltered air, it can take a toll on your mental health and overall well-being. It is always best to pack light with items and products that will benefit or enhance your travel experience. When boarding a flight or bus, here are some musts that I can easily throw in my bag for ultimate comfort:
- Burberry: Reversible Merino Wool Cape
- Bach: Bach Rescue Remedy Natural Stress Relief Pastilles Lemon Flavor 1.7 oz
- Caudalie: Caudalie Beauty Elixir – 1 oz
- Dr. Bronner’s: Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps Lavender Hand Sanitizer – 2 Ounce
- Brookstone: Night Flight Travel Sleep Mask
- Egyptian Magic: Egyptian Magic All Purpose Skin Cream | Natural Healing for Skin, Hair, Anti Aging, Stretch Marks, Cellulite, Irritations, and more | 100% Natural Ingredients | 6oz Bundle (Pack of 2)
Note pictured, but equally as important: lots and lots of water!
Chrissy Teigen’s Skillet-Charred Fish Tacos
Fish tacos are my favorite! And these from Chrissy Teigen’s new #CravingsCookbook did NOT disappoint. I love the spices and fresh vegetables. Plus these are super easy to assemble and devour. I made homemade tortillas and paired them with Mich’s Margs which completely made everything so much more enjoyable.
The bright orange spicy root featured in Indian and Thai curries, turmeric has been trending for thousands of years thanks to its high levels of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. In traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric has been used to aid digestion and liver function, relieve arthritis pain, and regulate menstruation. Turmeric contains curcumin, the polyphenol identified as its primary active component and which exhibits 600 potential health benefits of turmeric.
I use it for cooking in foods like curries and as an herbal remedy. Golden Milk is a great way to get the benefits of turmeric daily. I love drinking this before bed as it aids relaxation and helps boost the immune system while sleeping.
In 2013, I completed my 200-hour yoga teacher training in Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. It was one of the most growth-filled, healing, and positive experiences of my life. Not to mention, emotionally and physically difficult as well. During that time I was able to learn so much about myself. Not only did I study the origins and philosophy of yoga as well as develop a better understanding of human physiology, I was able to awaken my heart, embody my mind, and transform from the inside out. Even though I am not teaching at this time, I still incorporate yoga into my everyday life from the physical practice to simple breathing exercises. I received my training in Ashtanga Yoga, but I recommend practicing all types of yoga from Kundalini to Iyengar to Hatha. Each practice brings something different to the table which is so important because to me, yoga is about going outside of your comfort zone and having new experiences in order to make changes. Here are some of my favorite yoga essentials:
- Manduka: Pro Yoga Mat
- Kafu: Meditation Cushion
- B. K. S. Iyengar: Light on Yoga
- Kooshoo: Enso Classic Headband
- Deep Relief: Essential Oil Roll On
It’s finally spring here in Los Angeles! Everything is in bloom and there are vendors with buckets of flowers back at the farmers markets. Over the weekend, I was inspired by the bunches of fresh lavender I saw and picked one up thinking it would be delicious in homemade granola. The addition of lavender really enhances the granola by giving it a light and floral flavor and a wonderful indigo appearance. It takes no time at all putting it together because you simply pour the ingredients in a bowl, mix and bake. Not to mention, my apartment currently smells delightful after baking a batch!
These crunchy brunch muffins are quick and easy to make and seriously delicious. I had a bunch of overripe bananas and decided to throw in some extra pantry ingredients into the mix to change my typical banana bread recipe up a little bit. The granola and coconut really help enhance the banana flavoring, and the cupcake liners make them easy to grab and go as a pre or post-workout class snack.
Almost every single day of the year, there is a farmers market happening in Southern California. Again, this is just another reason I love living in a climate where year-round there is the opportunity to buy local and organic produce. It is so much fun to stroll the different aisles at the market, meet the farmers, taste the baked goods and fruits, and get creative with the ingredients in your meal plan. Before moving to California, I had never used persimmons and now I can’t imagine the harvest season without them. Here are my top five East LA markets: