Tea Time, My Time.

A couple of months ago my sister purchased a Groupon for a tea house in Seal Beach and it was going to expire this past Saturday. We finally decided to use up the voucher and enjoy an afternoon tea. I'm not sure why it took us so long to redeem the voucher, but I'm glad we did. The place we went to was McKenna's Tea Cottage and it was just the cutest. In addition to the seating area, it had a cute little shop area where you can buy all sorts of goodies like candy, accessories and tea related items.

Anyways, it was nice to do something with my mom and sister. I always feel like I'm rushing my time to meet my husband for some sort of outing when I'm with them. So this time I told my husband not to make any plans because I was taking my time. I need to do this more often. I constantly feel like I'm in a hurry or being rushed, I don't even know why because I don't have kids. 

Night on Broadway

So this year I decided to skip the whole New Years Resolution's drama, instead I decided to do one thing a month that was something that I truly wanted to do for myself. Whether its something fun, pampering or personal but its something selfish for myself. The reason for this is because sometimes we get so caught up with our daily lives that before you know it the month has gone by and you didn't do anything for yourself and your left with "one day I will...". So I guess you can say 2017 is a going to be a very selfish year for me. Now don't get me wrong, these 12 things I plan to do I don't necessarily plan to do them all by myself, I will definitely enjoy the company of others. These 12 things are just things that I'm going to make sure I carve time to do for myself. 

Okay, so now that I've explained my 12 things theory lets jump into my first thing I did for myself for the month of January. It was something I've wanted to do for the past 2 years and it involves food, downtown, lights, carnival rides, and much more. Downtown Los Angeles has created a festival that takes you back to Broadway, a street that holds historic theaters and businesses that have amazing architecture and history. The festival is for all ages and all cultures. The entertainment ranges from chess boxing to Mariachi performers. So this year my husband and I jumped on the metro and headed downtown. Our first glimpse of this festival was boxing.

 I don't know if these are professional boxers, but it was fun to watch. 

Oh you know, just some Lucha Libre fighters having a conversation. I wonder what they were talking about. 🤔

The first theater we entered was The Million Dollar Theater. It was so nice to walk into this theater and listen to Mariachi music. The singer had an amazing voice and the mariachi performed flawlessly. It was amazing to see that people of all cultures were enjoying the performance. I wish I would've had better pictures of the performance to share with you guys but I was enjoying the show and honestly didn't have the opportunity to snap better pictures.  

We decided to eat dinner at the festival, in search of what to eat we decided to go into Grand Central Market just to take a looksey of possible food options. Of course we found lots of options but we decided to keep walking and circle back if nothing on broadway was enticing. As we kept going we saw so many interesting people and acts. 

After walking a few blocks we decided a cheeseburger was the way to go. Oh my GOD you guys, this burger was so good.

When my dad was still alive, we would go to downtown every so often and he would like to drive down Broadway and tell us how when he first came to the United States he would shop on this street, and watch acts at these amazing theaters. He would talk about how clean and new it all looked, and how he was in awe of this amazing city. So for me to walk down these streets and finally walk into these theaters was very emotional. I held it together and thought of him along the way. 😢 Lets keep going because I didn't want this to be a sad post. 😉

Some of the artwork that was on display that night. 

As the night ended we made our way to the metro station and jumped on the subway. 

Heritage

Hispanic heritage month end this Wednesday, so along with three other Hispanics we headed to the most popular place in Los Angeles that represents the Hispanic community, El Pueblo/Olvera Street. 

My parents came from Mexico to the United States and have lived in California for more than half of their lives. Living in Los Angeles I was exposed to my Mexican heritage on the regular. As a kid, my sister and I had your typical toys every girl had, you know Barbies, Barbie's Dream House, Rainbow Brite, My Little Pony, Cabbage Patch Kids, okay you get it we were spoiled. But we also had things that represent our Mexican heritage. 

I know I had a small leather purse and a Oaxacan style rag doll...

and lets not forget the ceramic piggy bank.

We grew up watching telenovelas and comedy series that are  timeless classics. These pencil toppers were crafted to resemble those funny characters that every Mexican knows. 

We ate candies that were dipped in chili powder

and candy made from peanuts. 

Walking around El Pueblo/Olvera street I noticed that the Mexican culture is so colorful.I guess I never really paid much attention but how could I have never noticed, I mean look at these guitars!

I didn't do any shopping during my visit but I think I have to go back and pick up some items. I was eyeing the popular stripped serapes...

perhaps a floral table runner, look at those colors...

or some hand painted mugs to drink hot chocolate? 

Before I wrap things up here, I should mention the amazing leather products made in Mexico. I fell in love these clutches...

and this purse!! 

I was also reminded of the corn husk calla lilies, so colorful and pretty. I definitely need these in my home. 

Oh and if you find yourself wandering El Pueblo, be sure to stop at "Mr. Churro". They have some delicious churros filled with cajeta, strawberry, lechera milk  or any other yummy fillings that will make your mouth water. 

 I am proud to say I am Hispanic and these pictures represent my colorful Mexican culture. If you would like more information on El Pueblo/Olvera street click here.