I planned to post something for you on Friday but I was so busy with an event on Thursday evening and conference on Friday I’m just now getting to it. Thursday evening, I sponsored a reception for A Connected Affair,  Women in PR BootCamp Summit. The reception was held at the Terrell Moore Art Gallery in Downtown, Los Angeles. The event was planned by YES Productions & Concierge and The Kartel Company. The evening was was intimate, full of electricity and the perfect place to connect with women putting action behind their words when it comes to building a business that thrives in this economy. The BootCamp Summit was geared towards PR and Event planners with the purpose of going over all the details of planning special events and obtaining sponsorship. I was able to attend a portion of the Bootcamp which focused on event sponsorship. I am so happy to have found the Women in PR organization. they are an amazing resource from PR professionals as well as entrepreneurs who handle their own PR. The organization fosters growth and encourages it’s member’s to give back in the rapidly changing world of public relations. Although I could only attend for 2 hours, I picked up so much information to use for many of my upcoming LA Girls Do Cook events. This year is all about growth and taking calculated risks to get my business to the next level. I was able to meet some amazing Publicists who work are responsible for a host of Celebrity hosted red carpet events. I even met someone from the Food Network. I often have Chefs and other entrepreneurs asking me the steps on how to work with celebrities or get press. It’s by knowing the right people, building lasting relationships, strategy and a lot of prayer. Out of this event, I met a dozen publicists who work with celebrities and some of the most sought after brands. Did I mention I have a tasting scheduled Thursday for one of the publicists clients who will be having a major party in Vegas?!!!! I can’t wait to blow the client away with my food and presentation. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world to get paid to do what I love and to be able to make others feel special. I’ve gotta run but I want to leave you with a few pics from past events. Next week I’ll post the albums so you can view the complete gallery. When I receive my pictures from A Connected Affair event from my Photographer, I’ll post them.

Much Love & Light,

Chef Ameera

Can you believe there is only one week left in January? That’s right, the month is almost over and before you know it summer will be here. You know I’m right. For those of you who have made the resolution to work out and get in the best shape of your life, don’t forget that nutrition is more important than exercise when it comes to weight loss. If you want results fast, there are certain foods you should eat that help melt belly fat. If you want it keep it little in the middle, incorporate the following foods in your daily diet.

• Protein Powders – These amino acids can be found in many forms. Try think Thin meal replacement bars which contain 20grams of protein per serving, are gluten-free and have 0 grams of sugar! The best think of all is that they taste amazing.

• Apples- They are packed with fiber and have the ability to fill you up and alleviate hunger pangs.

• Avocado – excellent source of fiber as well as mono-saturated fats. Your heart will love the healthy fats and it does wonders for the skin.

• Green Veggies – Packed with vitamins and minerals, these superfoods are also loaded with fiber to fill you up with fewer calories!

• Green Tea -  Rich in antioxidants, which speeds up metabolism. Drink plain for the best results. It raises the rate of burning calories about 6 percent.

• Fish – Rich in Omega 3 fatty acids is one of my favorite choices. They help regulate stress chemicals that lead to fat abs.

Just remember, balance is everything. Never deny yourself something, just eat it in moderation. If you have to lose weight in a short amount of time, I would suggest you eliminate some items to get the weight off faster. Until next time, stay focused on your goals.

Update:

I am guest posting on Sandra’s Easy Cooking

xoxo,

Chef Ameera

xoxo,

Chef Ameera

Egg Rolls

Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce

I would like to wish all of you a Happy New Year!  May this year be filled with tons of positive energy and many blessings. 2011 was a year of growth and i’m ready to put action behind all my goals I have set for 2012. Trying to find the balance with work and blogging is a major one. When I’m cooking back to back for weeks at a time, it’s a struggle to come home and take pretty pics of food! my kids don’t even care what the plate looks like, they just want to be fed. If you haven’t written down your goals, I suggest you do so. Once you write it down, it sends a message out to the universe saying you are ready for your dreams to manifest themselves. Over the next week and beyond, I’ll be sharing pictures from my past events that I have catered and have attended. Until next time, be inspired…

xoxo,

Chef Ameera

Ladies, if you really want to learn how to roll out the red carpet and have your friends completely jealous of your hosting skills, then this is the event for you! Fellas, If you want to impress the girl of your dreams, then we’re here to answer your prayers! On December 16th, LA Girls DO Cook will be hosting “Candor, Cocktails, and Culinary Concoctions” at the Pottery Barn in Beverly Hills! While the housewives may not be there, we have some standout culinary celebrities bringing their flair, charisma and whimsy to this much anticipated event!

We’re excited to announce renowned Chef Ameera will be our guide through the world of Culinary Concoctions. She brings her fun and outgoing personality to the panel and is the mastermind behind the seemingly simplistic yet mouth watering dishes that she will create and demonstrate for the event.
We’re thrilled to bring Alie ‘N’ Georgia on board for this night of creativity. Featured on many a blogs, and even the food network. They are known for their unique mixology methods. We guarantee that they will bring things to the table that you have never seen before! Plus they are as sweet as pie and double the fun!
We are ecstatic to have booked Carlos Rios for this event also! Carlos is an expert on party design! His goal is to leave you with some party tricks so that your the setup and execution for your party is functional, fashionable, and classically elegant.

We just can’t contain our excitement for this event! We have many more surprises n store, but we can’t just give all our goodies away on this blog! Be sure to check out the event schedule for Pottery Barn for more information! We hope you are as rev’ed up as we are! It is definitely going to be an event to remember!!!

The true mark of an LA Girl is that she is fierce, sassy, and sexy at all times. Many women struggle with different aspects of their health. We are so immersed in caring for others that we neglect ourselves ( it’s our amazing selfless nature). Don’t put yourself on the back burner. If you want to continue caring for your loved ones and taking care of those around you, you have to take care of YOU first. It is not selfish, it is a reality. The best investment you can make is within yourself! So to prepare you for this self care regimen L.A Girls Do Cook is happily passing along our tried and true mini check list of things to aid you on your road to healthy.

1. A Mental Diagnostic- Many women spend very little time figuring out what exactly is causing their decline in health. For example, for many women it is overeating (ourselves included). Have you ever thought about why you overeat? Is it out of nervousness or social courtesy? Did someone tell you as a child to always finish your plate because other starving children would appreciate it more? Whatever the reason is for your ailment, many times if you give it some thought, you can pinpoint the culprit of your stressors. It is a great starting point! We suggest journaling to track your feelings and habits when you engage in unhealthy activities like over eating.

2. An Appointment- Don’t do it alone! There are huge advantages to seeing a medical professional to help in your journey. They can give you insight on what kind of legwork you have to do to remedy the problem. In the case of overeating, they can formulate a diet regimen for you to follow to attain your goals! The care plan is completely tailored to you, and is much safer than taking another person’s word for it.

3.Commitment to a Routine- Do you ever watch horror films and there is always that one character who doesn’t stick to the plan and their fate goes horribly awry? This is not the type of situation. Your habits are your habits and they take time to break, so give yourself wiggle room for a period of adjustment (be sensible). Make up your mind that you are going to put you first! Stick to the plan! The impending results will create a desire to continue in your routine.

There are infinite possibilities in you for displaying your best self! The world deserves a chance to bask in your presence while you are radiating your most attractive, positive energy! That’s what being an LA Girl is all about! 

Ever wonder why your crazy aunt who wears the Christmas bell sweaters at Thanksgiving gets invited to dinner and you’re last to know or not invited at all? Well LA Girls DO Cook is here to let you know that it takes more than your pretty face to be a favorable guest. We have some guest tips that is sure to have you looking like the classy rock star that we know you can be for these festive holiday occasions.

1. RSVP!!! We can’t stress enough the importance of how this common courtesy not only plays into the perception what kind of guest you are, but it allows the host to know the quantity of preparation required for the evening.If you’re bringing a guest make that known too! It’s rude to show up and take Grandma Eunice’s plate and leave her with nothing to eat.

2. Timing is Everything- If the get together time is listed at 6pm, don’t show up at 7:30 when the food is ready to be served. You’re completely undermining the deeper purpose of socialization that Thanksgiving gathering stands for. The food is not the reason for the gathering, the people are.

3. Offer to Bring Something-  We don’t care if it is napkins, or your finest port wine, make it known that you wish to be a contribution to the occassion and not just leech off the host’s efforts. The key word is OFFER. Don’t force your offerings upon the host. Your intention may be just enough.
 
4. Dress Like You Have Sense- This is not the club, nor are you applying to be a nun. Wear something comfortable and casual. Traditionally appropriate attire consists of skirts just above the knee or dresses at the calf. Rule of thumb: It is better to over dress for the occasion than under dress.  

5. Please and Thank You’s - These simple words were taught when you were 5 years old, yet the magic of them never ceases. Use them often and sincerely.

 6. Offer to Assist in the Clean Up- The worst thing a guest can do is dine and ditch. If you have to cut the evening in that household short, offer to clean up along the way by at least collecting the plates after the meal. There is always something that can be done to aid the host.

7. Let’s Talk Turkey- Let’s NOT talk about politics, religion, or re-live the drama cousin Archie caused some 3 years ago. The conversation should be light, positive, and uplifting. The host puts a lot of work in to making the day into a positive memory. The only pot stirring should be the one in the kitchen.

8. Don’t be that Lingering Guest- Don’t be the straggler guest that won’t leave well after the group has gone ( unless you’re helping to clean up). The host is tired and will most likely entertain your lengthy stay out of obligation. Don’t force yourself on anybody. Leave graciously and in a timely manner.

You can be the life of the party… these tips just help make sure you get invited back to the next party. CHEERS and Happy Thanksgiving Day! 

Summertime is gone, school is back in session and the holiday season is upon us. Holidays and delicious food goes in tandem, so how do you navigate through the sea of decadent treats and emerge from the holiday season victorious and slim? To keep your body in summer shape implement a few simple changes and you’ll see a difference in your waistline.

• Eat Breakfast - I know you’ve heard it before, “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day!” Well, it is! Eating your first meal early prevents “starvation eating” and revs up your metabolism.

• Increase your Veggie Intake - Vegetables fill you up without increasing your “Bottom Line”. Strive for eating two to three cups daily. Try veggie patties instead of a regular meat pattie! You can season it to your liking.

• Use a Smaller Plate - The only thing that should be stuffed is the turkey! Using a smaller plate helps with portion size control.  It can even serve as a great gift idea for your friends. See if you can start a healthy trend among your loved ones. Note: This will not work if you vertically pile the whole buffet onto this small plate.

• Eat a Small Piece of Fruit Before Bedtime - Use this tip only if you feel hungry before bed; If you go to bed hungry, then your body’s metabolism will slow down and save the calories you accumulated throughout the day to compensate for the starvation time during your sleep. Choose your snack wisely! Just because french fries are made from potatoes doesn’t means its a go-to snack.

• Become Best Friends with Mr. Sandman - Seriously, lack of sleep can increase your appetite which can lead to an extra 500 calories a day. Try for at least 7 hours a night. Nothing is open late except fast food so if you are asleep, you’re not binge eating.

• Add Vitamin D to your diet - Best known as the “sunshine vitamin” because our bodies make it when exposed to sunlight and it helps to shed pounds. Experts recommend daily supplements of up to 2,000 milligrams. Being active also helps your body process vitamin D more efficiently, so get in the sun and have some winter fun!

• Cooking at Home - When you cook your food at home, you control what you are putting into your body. Most restaurants are not calorie conscious and meals tend to be a little bit higher in fat. By bringing out your own inner chef, you’re doing your body some good!

•  Drink Neurotrim - Do you ever walk into the holidays with a strict plan and once you get around all the delectables you can’t control yourself? Neurotrim is our standout recommendation against food gorging. It acts as a yummy appetite suppressant and a boost of fiber to your diet! A must have 30 minutes before walking into “Temptation Central”!

• Laugh -  One more excuse to sit next to that Uncle who makes all the jokes and all the funny holiday stories. A 10 minute round of laughter can shave off 10-40 calories.

• Slow Down - The slower you eat, the less food you will consume. Your stomach has stretch receptors that tell your brain when your body is full. It takes about 20 minutes for the cycle to take effect, so savor those holiday flavors!

We love hearing from you! Use these tips and let us know how they are working for you!

Thank you all for visiting me..We had so much one at this event, and we can’t wait until next year!!!!

xoxo,

Chef Ameera