Hispanic Scholarship Fund Leaders in Education Awards 2013: Paving the Way for Higher Education

Hispanic Scholarship Fund Leaders in Education Awards 2013: Paving the Way for Higher Education

By Erin

Hispanic Scholarship Fund

As an educator and teacher myself, I truly appreciate all the efforts of organizations that invest in our future and help students achieve their dreams and goals through their generous support of financial aid. Without these outlets for students to turn to, many would not be able to pursue higher education and earn advanced degrees that they are otherwise very capable of achieving if it weren’t for that financial gap, especially with today’s ever increasing price of a college education. I am ecstatic to partner up with the Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) to raise awareness of their dedication and commitment to helping students and their families navigate collegiate life. From getting that acceptance letter and securing financial aid to finding that first job and gaining employment after graduation. We teach because we have a passion and we love our kids in the community. Any way we can help them succeed has my full and 110% support.

Here is a little bit more about the Hispanic Scholarship Foundation:

The Hispanic Scholarship Fund is the nation’s largest not-for-profit organization supporting Hispanic higher education. They are committed to strengthening America through supporting Latino academic advancement.

Founded in 1975, HSF provides American families with the financial and educational resources they need to achieve a college education to help America be more competitive.

At present HSF has awarded over $360 million in scholarships and supported a broad range of outreach as well as education programs to help students and their families.

Their Mission: To increase the number of Hispanic college graduates by providing scholarships and assistance to students and their families.

Their Vision: Is a college degree in every Latino household.

The HSF Leaders in Education Awards (LEA) was held at the JW Marriott at L.A. Live in downtown Los Angeles the other day on Thursday, April 18th, 2013. This year marked their third year of having this annual LEA luncheon to raise awareness for HSF and I was lucky enough to attend and meet all of these very inspirational students, educators, parents, and volunteers/mentors that are leading the way for our future. These outstanding Southern California individuals were celebrated for their exemplary efforts of perseverance through their hard work and leadership to succeed in meeting and exceeding their goals. HSF works hard to recognize the contributions of leaders in the community and their impact in education and the nation.

Now meet just a few of HSF’s fabulous Sponsors that were in attendance: Toyota, Coca-Cola, & Wells Fargo.

HSPSponsors

Continue reading »

Haute Cuisine with Dominique’s Kitchen!

Haute Cuisine  with Dominique’s Kitchen!

By: Erin

Are you ready to go on an adventure to Paris that will delight your taste buds?  Do you have your passport ready to go? Well, if you don’t (at least if you are in the US)  you are in luck! Dominique’s Kitchen in Redondo Beach, CA is here!! Opening in October of 2012, this is an absolute jewel of a restaurant tucked in on the famous Pacific Coast Highway just minutes from the ocean & pier. Walking in, you truly feel transformed as if you are leaving the L.A. area and entering another country. Dominique’s is an intimate bistro, the tables are close & cozy to one another & the warm family atmosphere makes you feel right at home. Be ready to make some new friends when you visit Dominique’s! I have been to Paris, France before, so walking into this blissful place brought back many happy memories. I felt like I really was back in Paris.

The restaurant space is small enough to enjoy an intimate dinner, yet large enough to not feel claustrophobic. There is patio seating for the warmer summer days and nights outside as well as an indoor type patio that is covered with heaters should it get too cold.

DominiquesKitchenWhen the opportunity arose to review Dominique’s I jumped at the chance to try out this new Euro-French restaurant. A French restaurant, here, nearby? I didn’t have to fly to Paris for some good French food? Yes, Please! I have been craving a trip back to France, so this was a wonderful  substitute. Now, anytime I’m missing Paris, I just need to hop in the car and my new-found Paris vacation is just a hop, skip, and jump away at Dominique’s in Redondo Beach! I brought my fellow blogging buddy and dear friend Kirsten over at SoCal Kids Outdoor Adventures with me as I knew she could use a vacation just as much as I did and she loves to be adventurous and try out new things! 😉

DominiquesKitchen 2

Continue reading »

Lotus Salon & Spa: A Sanctuary of Beauty

Lotus Salon & Spa: A Sanctuary of Beauty

By: Erin

At the Lotus Spa & Salon in Orange County, upon entering you will enter a serene, chic and fashionable environment, where you will be greeted with friendly smiles from their awesome stylists. If  you are looking for the latest fashion forward cuts and color trends that will bring out your natural beauty, then you will love this place as much as I did.  Lotus Salon is chalk full of talented artists that are experts in their craft. Your stylist will help you achieve your desired look with your hair.

Besides hair, you can relax at Lotus Salon & Spa and enjoy the serenity of their spa treatment rooms as well. With a team of licensed estheticians at your side, your skin treatment goals can easily be met. Their services here range from body and facial waxing, eyelash extensions, chemical peels, micro dermabrasion, and calming and effective facials.

I was here for their Open House night the other month and we were all given the royal treatment. Besides getting to choose from a service such as a blowout, hair styling, mini-facials, manicures, hair braiding, or from some other cool options, they had plenty of things to keep everyone occupied out front with a DJ, pizza and salad from Artisan Pizza, lush drinks compliments of Skinny Girl, and a silent auction for several gorgeous gift baskets.

Here are some photographs from Lotus Salon that showcase their stylist skills with hair and just how much fun it was to visit them!

The beautiful ambiance of the night!

IMG_6499

Loved these Lotus Cookies! Very clever.

IMG_6496

Continue reading »