Crack Pies LA by Lalaine V. Felipe Artist Highlight

A week ago today my Crack Pie was born. Lalaine birthed this culinary masterpiece seven days ago. Today I am enjoying the last small slice. I wanted to see how this deliciousness called Crack Pie would hold up over time. It is magnificent! Well I should go back to when my Crack Pie and I first met. It was on a Sunday at the incredible Arts Open House and Ke-ola Rehab Fundraiser. I was so busy that day that I was not able to stop and have a taste. It wasn't until Monday night that my family and I were all together that we were able to taste our beautiful heart shaped crack pie. We couldn't find the drizzle so I had my first slice plain. 


The moment the creamy goodness of the cheesecake touched my tongue I was hooked. The flavor was rich and textured yet with a lightness that almost floated weightlessly down my throat. I am a cheesecake lover but this isn't just cheesecake...it is Crack Pie! I haven't tried another Cheesecake quite like this one. I was left so immersed in the experience of savoring every bite that between my family and I, we ate the ENTIRE CRACK PIE without one picture taken. I admire those with the self-restraint to take time to document their Crack Pie experience for posterity. I will need to order another and try again...

This is what I wrote on Lalaine's FB the first time I tried her creation, "I have no words to describe what I am experiencing as I let your Crack Pie melt in my mouth! I'll take a nice picture and post it tomorrow...right now I just want to relish this experience. I'm hooked!!! (And the picture never happened)


The next time I had a piece we had found the lemon drizzle. Wow! It became a new experience. I prefer to be sparing with my drizzle as the taste and texture of the Crack Pie itself is heaven to my taste buds. My husband on the other hand adds a layer of drizzle and loves it that way. I think that's another reason I enjoy the experience because the flavors and textures are so wonderfully unexpected, yet Lalaine honors our unique perspective and likes by giving us the power to choose our drizzle. 

I'm not done yet, I haven't talked about the crust! I don't know how she makes it taste so light and crispy at the same time. It has a hint of sweetness yet provides a beautiful flavor balance for the airy-velvety goodness of the filling. It's like the perfect "gift wrap" on the best birthday present...It really is that good. 





About Lalaine V. Felipe:

Lalaine was born in the Philippines and came to the states when she was three. She has a 9 year old daughter who is the love of her life.She is also a fitness instructor for 24 Hour Fitness and teaches Zumba and U-Jam Fitness.

About Crack Pies L.A.

Alexis Bellino of
TRHO Orange County

Lalaine is not a professionally trained baker, chef, or cook.  She learned how to cook at a very young age (5) and took her first Home Ec class in 7th grade.  For years she watched her aunts and her dad cook, but baking didn't come to her until 7th grade, and even then it was sporadic at best. Lalaine says,  "Even as an adult, she would bake the usual brownies and Betty Crocker cakes, etc.  Nothing extraordinary, nothing fancy.

Andrew Bryniarski (Leatherface)

I started baking cheesecake almost 10 years ago because my ex-fiance loved cheesecake, and I thought, "What better birthday gift for him than to make him his favorite dessert."  So, I learned how to bake cheesecake. 

In 2010, I actually stopped baking for a while.  I couldn't seem to bring myself to bake my cheesecake for a few years.  It wasn't until 2013 did I start baking again ...  but only for Christmas, making mini-mascarpone cheesecakes for family.

Joel Lambert (Manhunt)

2014 was different ... My cheesecakes took on a whole different look and a whole different life ... It was if God had breathed life in to them.  I don't know how else to describe it.  I've said many times, "I just bake ... He does everything else." 

Geri Jewell (The Facts Of Life)

I never imagined that I'd ever be turning this in to a business.  But, my turning point came on December 31, 2014 when I brought a cheesecake to a dear friend of mine in L.A.  I'd never baked for her before, and this was the very first time she'd ever tasted anything that I'd made.  She took one bit, looked at me, said, "Oh my God this is soooo good!", then she said, "This is a business ... "  And the rest is history ... I believe that God works in His ways, and puts things in to place and in to work.  

Bill Blair (Star Trek)Photo by Denise at {DL} Arts Photography

I've always loved and enjoyed watching people eat the food I've made.  It's always been like Christmas to me watching people enjoy.  It's like giving a gift and receiving one, but I feel almost guilty because sometimes I feel like I get more satisfaction out of the whole thing than the person eating.


Now, I get to deliver happiness to people one bite at a time."

To try Crack Pie LA for yourself or to see what others are saying about it...

Website: http://www.crackpiesla.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crackpiesla/timeline
email: CrackPiesLA@gmail.com

Contact Info for In the Flow Studios Arts

Website: http://intheflowstudios.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheFlowStudioArts

Instagram: http://instagram.com/speakyourart or @SpeakYourArt 

Contact Info for I Love Shelter Dogs
Blog: http://iloveshelterdogs.blogspot.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iloveshelterdogs

"In the Flow Studios is a grassroots organization dedicated to empowering the arts, the artist and worthy causes."

POI

About our Arts Open House and Ke-ola Rehab Fundraiser

Nick, Saving dogs like Ke-ola Everyday

Sadly over 1.2 million dogs are "put to sleep" in US shelters every year. The breeds or dog types that suffer the greatest casualties are Pit Bulls, Chihuahuas and their mixes. Shows like The Dog Whisperer, Shelter Dogs, Lucky Dog and others have shown the general public that shelter dogs make great family additions. They've let us see how even the most neglected and abused dogs can learn to trust again and find balance and love. We agree with Nick Martinez and have faith he'll be able to help Ke-ola an ex-shelter dog find his trust and heal his heart.

About Ke-ola: "Ke-ola is a pit bull mix and had a very difficult life before we fostered him and eventually adopted him. He was found on the streets of Carson injured, hurt and very sick. It took us 6 months before Ke-ola was cleared from quarantine and almost a year before he had regained his health. Here’s a link with info about Ke-ola’s rescue and journey to health One Year Anniversarry of Ke-ola...Life. As he became healthier his energy and intensity also became stronger. We have consulted with several dog trainers that specialize in rehabilitating abused dogs and all have concluded that he is a good dog but is in need of specialized training and rehabilitation with a balanced dog pack and intensive training by an expert." ~Ke-ola's family. You can visit our event for more information about his rehabilitation: Arts Open House and Ke-ola Rehab Fundraiser 

Arts Open House Ke-ola Rehab Fundraiser

In the Flow Studios Arts and I Love Shelter Dogs is hosting an afternoon filled with art, heart and positivity to help this very special dog get the rehabilitation he needs. We will have live music, poetry, photography, cultural dance, paintings, sculpture, martial arts, fire, artisan booths and a raffle with amazing prizes. Our event is authentically grassroots as it will be held in a back yard. The dress is casual and the environment welcoming, inspiring and friendly. We will have a variety of styles and mediums and people from all walks of life. Our events are about coming together as a community to celebrate art, support artists, inspire ourselves and help contribute to worthy causes. 

We are grateful to the talented and generous artists that have volunteered to donate their talents for our special event. Check out some of the incredible artists that will be participating. 

Arleen Hurtado Artist Highlight 

Arleen Hurtado is one of our favorite artists. Her live performances are charged with passion and precision. When she dances she brings forth the strength and graces of her Iberian ancestors. She transports her audiences to another place and time. Arleen’s flamenco is the embodiment of the powerful force of nature that is the feminine. She uses her body to tell the age-old stories of distant lands, of battles won and lost, of heartbreak, of triumph and of culture. Even in her subtle hand movements she brings intention and expression. Her passionate interpretation of traditional flamenco has brought me to tears on more than one occasion. While Arleen’s technical ability is superb, it’s her passion that distinguishes her art. “Great dancers are not great because of their technique, they are great because of their passion.” Martha Graham

Speak Your Art- Poetry & Musings

Aurora Ferrer is the owner of Mana Keepers', Dewdrops Images and Kadan Martial Arts Studios. She is the founder of In the Flow Studios Arts & Body, Self-Actualization thru Women's Empowerment and the creative director for PaaMano Eskrima Performing Arts. Aurora also created and is a main contributor to I Love Shelter Dogs Blog. She is the author of Dewdrops of Inspiration, Arco Iris del Ser, a contributing author to Miracles One at a Time and contributing poet to Complex Allegiances. "Through my blogs, organizations, projects, books, films and businesses I hope to contribute my talents in my small way for the betterment of our collective and personal human experience. I hope you’ll join me on this journey of self-realization and service. I look forward to experiencing your unique talents and gifts…the world needs YOU and you are not alone." ~Aurora Ferrer

Cooper/Something Else's Artist Highlight

Cooper Streegan-Hagen is an inspired 23-year-old musician from Southern California. He is a graduate from Cerritos College and is transferring to Cal State Long Beach in the Fall. He divides most of his time between church, his girlfriend and Tiger, his 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard Reissue Guitar. Cooper is an example of courage and living with an open heart as he has never shared his music with an audience nor has he ever performed in front of a crowd yet when he heard about Ke-ola’s story he put all doubts and fears aside to come to the aid of another. He will be sharing 4 of his songs at our Arts Open House and Ke-ola Rehab Fundraiser on May 31st. He attributes a great deal of gratitude to his close friend, Evan and his father Mike, not only for agreeing to play in his band “Something Else” but for their generous support of his music. 

Dash Najarian - Visual Arts

{DL} Art,Photography & Design 

Denise Luce of {DL} Art Photography & Design brings her creative touch and compassionate eye to everything she does. Her work is a reflection of the depths of her soul, her strength and her unique perspective of life. Denise’s passion for photography was born because of her love of the feminine form. She is an advocate for the beauty found in all women. She feels a commitment to helping women of all ages, shapes, colors, and sizes see their beauty by using her photography knowledge and skills. Denise draws inspiration for her art from a variety of places like nature, fantasy and the unconventional. She is equally as inspired in a field of flowers as she is in old graveyards...maybe it's the Gemini in her or maybe she can see beauty everywhere.

Island Fitness by Ilima

Ilima Pumphrey of Island Fitness by Ilima is a fourth generation Polynesian dancer, performer and instructor. She is the founder of Island Fitness by Ilima and lead dancer for Nonosina. Ilima brings her 20+ years of experience to everything she does. Island Fitness by Ilima "An effective Polynesian workout" Island drum beats, intense hip shaking and lyrical ground movements make Island Fitness a unique, exciting and fun choose of training. 


"To share my culture and spirit of aloha is my mission." ~ Ilima

Joan G. Grand Music

Jon Luce Artist Highlight

Jon Luce has an unconventional spirit and it translates into his art. His art is a dichotomy. While his work is always refined and aesthetically beautiful he enjoys challenging us with shocking or unexpected subject matter. He asks us through his work to look past convention, to push past our comfort zones and to explore the truth that only our “shadow selves” can provide. When he is not drawing and tattooing ideas for other people, he spends his time creating his own weird and twisted art. “I have a strange view of things sometimes and grew up with strange influences such as H.R. Giger and Clive Barker and movies like Hellraiser and Nightmare on Elm Street. I am slightly morbid and dark sometimes, like my suicidal veggie line of paintings, but also love to see beauty in all things, not just what is typical or popular.” JL

Kadante's Artist Highlight

Kadante Ferrer, founder of Hip Hop Martial Arts is one of our featured performers. He'll be bringing the elements of fire, air, earth and metal to the show.  Hip Hop Martial Arts™ is an original art style that combines aspects of Hip Hop, Martial Arts, Tricking, Breaking, Self-defense, Weaponry and more, into creative & effective movement. 

“You must understand that there is more than one path to the top of the mountain” ― Miyamoto Musashi, A Book of Five Rings

Lalaine V. Felipe - Crack Pies LA

Kip Henderson - Visual Arts

Mahea Mogote Artist Highlight 

Mahea Mogote is a graceful as well as powerful young artist. She has multifaceted talents and interests. As a dancer she communicates her emotions flawlessly through her movement as she shares her ancestral heritage, as a martial artist she brings grace to efficiency and demonstrates the power of the feminine beautifully, as a painter she draws from her heart with vibrancy, honesty and history. She is a renaissance artist and woman holding fast to her cultural roots and at the same time reaching out to the world and learning new things. Mahea will be performing as well as showing at our Arts Open House and Ke-ola Rehab Fundraiser. 

www.manakeepers.com

Mana Keepers & Dewdrops Images will be showing beautiful natural treasures in the form of rocks, minerals and images. They will also be offering many for sale at our event and 100% of all sales will goto Ke-ola's Rehabilitation. Mana Keepers offers crystals, rocks, books, music, prints, cards, and art-work from local and international nature-loving artists. Dewdrops Images offers original nature inspired: prints, postcards, greeting cards and inspirational photo books. We're honored to bring a little bit of nature's peace into everyday lives.

Mark Bupp Artist Highlight

Mark Bupp and Digital Productions have kindly agreed to come out and film our event! They are donating their time and services to document the performances for In the Flow Studios and I Love Shelter Dogs. Digital Productions was born out of Mark's love and passion for photography and videography. Mark is dedicated to capturing and persevering your important life moments and events for more over 7 years.

Thank you Mark Bupp & Digital Productions! 

Myranda Josephson Artist Highlight

Myranda Josephson is a freelance photographer based in Southern California. She is the founder of Myranda Josephson Photography, specializing in portrait and couples documentation. She is best known for her ability to capture important and intimate life events with beauty and sincerity. She has a versatile style all her own and makes everyone of her subjects feel like Rock Stars. http://www.myrandajosephsonphotography.com

Ricky Cole - Soul Fresh, Most Wanted, WOD

Roland Ferrer Sr. shares his 40 plus years of martial arts experience teaching classes, workshops, programs, blogs and pages. He lives and breaths the Martial Flow. He is also a seasoned dancer and performer. He created his own style of Filipino Martial Arts called PaaMano Eskrima. He is the Master Instructor at Kadan Martial Arts. He shares his passion for the martial arts through Roland's Martial Flow. 

Roland H. Ferrer Artsist Highlight

Roland H. S. Ferrer of Sound of Zero is a multitalented and versatile artist. He will be participating in Filipino martial arts, harp performances and sculpture. His sculptures are surreal and layered. He made a special piece titled "Forgotten Angels", because every dog PTS is an angel lost to the world. Roland is best known for his music. He is a professional harpist, specializing in free-flow. He is a composer and has recorded his first original full length CD titled "Rise". You can find him at https://www.facebook.com/RolandHFerrer?ref_type=bookmark.

Tepeyolotl Mallinalli Highlight

One of our featured Artisans, Ruben Palma, also known by his Aztec or *Nahuatl name Tepeyolotl Mallinalli, is an amazing craftsman. He is also very active in the local Aztec Community and participates in traditional holidays and celebrations. He is an avid Aztec Dancer and lives to share his cultural heritage through performances and his traditional artwork and handcrafts. A respect for all that Mother Nature represents is a cornerstone in his work. 






Tracy Trinh and her piano trio - Performing Arts 



We are grateful to our generous donors for our event raffle! Thank you for your kindness donors. We'll have more raffle prizes to choose from at the event .

1. Photo Shoot with Denise at DL Art-Photography
2. Original Painting by Jon Luce
3. Necklace and Earrings by Lisa Bupp
4. Private Reiki Cleansing Session by Aurora Ferrer
5. Delicious Crack Pie by Lalaine Felipe of Crack Pies LA
6. One Month of Martial Arts Training by Roland Ferrer

7. Beautiful Natural Crystal by Mana Keepers

We hope you are inspired to join us at the Arts Open House & Ke-ola Rehab Fundraiser on Sunday, May 31st in La Mirada, CA. Entrance is $10 adult $5 12 and under. Visual Arts are from 3:30pm - 4:30pm and the performing arts are from 5pm-7:30pm. For more information or for location address please email ManaKeeper@gmail.com. 

Contact Info for In the Flow Studios Arts

Website: http://intheflowstudios.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheFlowStudioArts

Instagram: http://instagram.com/speakyourart or @SpeakYourArt 

Contact Info for I Love Shelter Dogs
Blog: http://iloveshelterdogs.blogspot.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iloveshelterdogs

"In the Flow Studios is a grassroots organization dedicated to empowering the arts, the artist and worthy causes."

POI

Māhea Temanu Mogote Artist Highlight

Mahea Mogote is a graceful as well as powerful young artist. She has multifaceted talents and interests. As a dancer she communicates her emotions flawlessly through her movement as she shares her ancestral heritage, as a martial artist she brings grace to efficiency and demonstrates the power of the feminine beautifully, as a painter she draws from her heart with vibrancy, honesty and history. She is a renaissance artist and woman holding fast to her cultural roots and at the same time reaching out to the world and learning new things.  


She has always felt at home in nature, as a young child she could be found in a corner of the yard communing with a praying mantis or admiring a butterfly. Even now she is happy to share an outdoor lunch with the random rattlesnake. This connection with the natural world feeds her MANA and has given her a special understanding of movement and form. “Look deep into nature and you will understand everything better.” ~ Albert Einstein

Mahea is a fifth generation Polynesian dancer. She dances with the world-renowned Polynesian dance group Nonosina. Nonosina was founded by Mahea’s great-grandmother, Estella Nonosina Reid, and they are blessed to still have her love and guidance today. She loves dancing with her family’s group and sharing her culture in places like Hawai’i, ‘Oahu, Tahiti, Mo’orea and all over California. Her most recent performance was on Merrie Monarchs big stage in Hilo Hawai’i where she was honored to be the youngest dancer of her Nonosina group.

Growing up Mahea was greatly influenced by her Polynesian side. She has completed numerous Kamehameha schools explorations camps- Ho’omaka’ika’i, Ho’olauna and Kulia Ika Pono. These camps are only offered to those of Hawaiian heritage. Her Polynesian heritage is the inspiration for most of her paintings and sketches.

Mahea is also an accomplished martial artist. She chose to learn more about her Filipino heritage through training and eventually earning her Black Belt in a Filipino Martial Arts system called PaaMano Eskrima. She boldly represented women in the art as many times she was the only girl in a class full of men. Even at a young age Mahea wanted to prove that women and girls had a rightful place in the male dominated martial arts arena. 


She was also part of the PaaMano Eskrima and Performing Arts 2012 Company that toured California from San Francisco to San Diego. The PME Performing Arts company not only shared the Filipino Martial Arts but also honored important historical figures, brought awareness for endangered species (Haring Ibon or Philippines Eagle) and shared the beauty of the Filipino culture. Mahea proudly represented the great female warrior Gabriela Silang. 

As a visual artist Mahea works mainly with acrylic & oil paints. Her work is bold and is clearly influenced by her love of nature and her love of everything Polynesian. Her paintings have a beautiful simplicity and authenticity. Gazing into one of her works, one is transported to a place where the air is balmy and the water is clear and warm. Mahea’s paintings and drawings are reminiscent of Kristian Zambucka’s.  

Mahea will be performing as well as showing at our Arts Open House and Ke-ola Rehab Fundraiser. We look forward to seeing what incredible things this young artists shares and to following her career. 

For more info about our upcoming event goto Arts Open House and Ke-ola Rehab Fundraiser 

Contact Info for In the Flow Studios Arts

Website: http://intheflowstudios.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheFlowStudioArts

Instagram: http://instagram.com/speakyourart

Facebook Events: https://www.facebook.com/events/979319725413761/

"In the Flow Studios is a grassroots organization dedicated to empowering the arts, the artist and worthy causes."

POI

Jon Luce Artist Highlight

Jon Luce has an unconventional spirit and it translates into his art. His art is a dichotomy. While his work is always refined and aesthetically beautiful he enjoys challenging us with shocking or unexpected subject matter. He asks us through his work to look past convention, to push past our comfort zones and to explore the truth that only our “shadow selves” can provide. 

Jon’s perspective of himself being an artist was much the same as most of us. Growing up he always loved the arts and enjoyed being creative but never thought of himself as an artist. It took meeting his muse and soul mate as an adult to help him awaken the slumbering artist that had always been inside of him. 

He was born and raised in Southern California. Jon’s family was always supportive of any artistic endeavors he had as a kid. He played several instruments, switching almost every year to a new one and yet his family never complained. He started where most kids do - loving cartoons, video games and comics. His favorites were Garfield comic strips and superhero comics like Spiderman, X-Men and Spawn. 

At an early age Jon was able to see art that inspired him in things that most people considered kid’s stuff. He appreciated the great art that he found in unexpected places. Artists like Todd McFarlane, Jim Lee, Frank Miller, Stephen Platt and Simon Bisley began to fill his comic book bins solely for the art. 

Jon was equally inspired when he found a new type of cartoon, Anime and most importantly, 'Akira'. He says, ‘Akira’ was the anime that changed my life. To see the level of artistic talent, the lifelike characters, the shadows and movement. I was shown more about art than I could fully appreciate at that age, I didn't realize what possibilities could be yet”. 

He dabbled with art classes in high school, but took them no more seriously than his guitar classes. They were like hobbies to him at the time, not really believing he could do anything with either of them. He tried starting bands with friends and wrote comic books in garages, but never got anything really going. 

He 'grew up' as most people do and got a job at the end of high school, moving through different careers and positions of all types. He worked fast food, escrow, courier, waiter, security, telemarketing, video game tester, database manager, theft deterrent, etc. All the while he would doodle or draw funny pictures for friends and family, still not considering that he could be an artist. During this time he met his wife and soul mate Denise. Jon says, “If not for meeting someone like her and being all I can be for her, I may have never tried to be an artist. I married my perfect bride on Halloween, also one of our favorite holidays, as again we don’t always find the typical as inviting as others may.”

His friends encouraged him to do tattoos. He had loved some of the evolving artists like Paul Booth and Carl Grace, so with his wife's encouragement and his friends connections, fate led him to an apprenticeship. One requirement that his mentor Nate had was that Jon needed to go to school while apprenticing to further develop his art. That experience shifted Jon’s paradigm. He began to see other great artists besides the well-known Picasso, DaVinci, etc. He saw a plethora of art in many forms. He not only got to meet and appreciate the work of old masters previously unknown to him but was equally inspired by some of the students sitting right next to him in class. Jon says from that experience, “The artist was born and I have not looked back since then”. JL

Jon is an eternal student, after graduating apprenticeship, he has continued his learning and schooling and continues to this day. He is a freelance tattoo artist and could not be happier. “I love being able to take a cherished memory or idea and give it to someone forever. Making them feel whole, or healed again after having a bad tattoo experience. Whether the experience be from a bad artist, having to cover the name of an ex, or to help cover a scar.”  JL

When he is not drawing and tattooing ideas for other people, he spends his time creating his own weird and twisted art. “I have a strange view of things sometimes and grew up with strange influences such as H.R. Giger and Clive Barker and movies like Hellraiser and Nightmare on Elm Street. I am slightly morbid and dark sometimes, like my suicidal veggie line of paintings, but also love to see beauty in all things, not just what is typical or popular.” JL

Jon is now pushing past his own artistic boundaries and his personal comfort zone by sharing more of his work with the public. “I am trying to do more of my own art and put my work out to others, letting them see some of the beauty I see in things not typically noted as such.” JL


Jon will be showing his art at the Arts Open House and Ke-ola Rehab Fundraiser and has also generously offered to donate an original painting. Thank you Jon!

Arts Open House and Ke-ola Rehab Fundraiser event on Facebook.

Contact Info for Jon:
www.facebook.com/jonluceart
jonluceart.blogspot.com
jonluceart@gmail.com

Contact Info for In the Flow Studios Arts

Website: http://intheflowstudios.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheFlowStudioArts

Instagram: http://instagram.com/speakyourart or @SpeakYourArt 

Contact Info for I Love Shelter Dogs
Blog: http://iloveshelterdogs.blogspot.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iloveshelterdogs

"In the Flow Studios is a grassroots organization dedicated to empowering the arts, the artist and worthy causes."

POI