May Favorites
Zamn! We’re approaching the end of May. Time for a favorites post!
I got this Wet ‘n Wild Mascara Lash Renegade Mascara and now it’s my go-to! I have really short, fine lashes and this gives me the volume and length I desperately need. Plus, it’s water proof and this girl got that watery eye goin on! Especially during allergy season. Dat packaging doe!
I just starting using a tried and true scrub again recently – the St. Ives Apricot Scrub. This month my goal was to mask twice a week and exfoliate 2 other days in the week on top of my daily skincare routine. I didn’t really stick to my mask goal this month but I’ve been exfoliating regularly. This scrub does wonders for my skin! I always try different options but always go back to this. Can’t go wrong!
Speaking of skin, you guys know that I’m crazy about dry brushing. But last month I forgot to mention my exfoliating gloves! I have these gloves by Eco Tools and they’re ah-may-zing! My friend and assistant Katie told me about them and I don’t think I can ever go back to a regular loofah. Use this with you favorite body wash and after a while you’ll notice the difference. Your skin feels so smooth!
We got an essential oil diffuser for Christmas last year and we finally got around to using it! I love sitting in our “Piano Room” and turning the diffuser on while I read. So relaxing. If you’re new to essential oils this is the one we got and it comes with a variety of popular oils to start with. You can also buy the diffuser by itself.
Last but not least! Oh man. This changed the game! I know I’ve heard about Amazon Pantry and other grocery delivery services. But Instacart has won my heart (that rhymes lol!). At least for now. You can click on this link or use code CSOLOMON224119 to get $10 off your first order. I know, it’s a long code. I didn’t create it lol.
Let me know if you have any favorite products or services you’ve been using this month!
xoxo,
CSUN’s AAPI Restauranteur Panel – Home Cooked
On the 1st of the month I was invited to be speak at a panel for CSUN’s AAPI Association (Asian American Pacific Islander Association). The panel consisted of Tien Nguyen (Los Angeles Food Writer), Kristine de la Cruz (owner of Creme Caramel LA), Rayson Esquejo (co-producer of Eat Play Move LA), and myself. The panel was held at the Oviatt Library in the center of CSUN’s campus.
I honestly didn’t know what to expect. When they asked me I was actually really surprised. I knew I was passionate and had a lot to say about what I do but had no idea people were noticing it.
When I arrived the room was still empty, so I wasn’t sure how many people were going to attend. I walked away for what felt like a minute and next thing I know the room is full of people! It was nerve-racking and exciting at the same time.
The room was intimate and inviting, could fit about 50+ people. They had chairs and a couch set up for us. They made it feel like a living room which made me feel more comfortable.
The panel was a lot of fun. The organizers did a great job making us feel welcome. It felt like we were just talking amongst ourselves at someone’s house – talking about life, how our businesses evolved, and what’s become of the LA food scene. We also discussed what it was like as an Asian-American growing up as a minority and how that affects the way we’ve grown/how we perceive our businesses. Tons of good stuff! Hope the guests found it informative and fun!
We also prepared some pastries for the panel including our Ube Macaroons, Food for the Gods, Ube Custard Cake, and Barako Coffee. They were a hit! I’m so glad people enjoyed it.
What I’m really surprised about, though, is how passionate I am about my upbringing and what it’s like to be Filipino-American. I don’t know, I guess I never really thought about it. I mean it did, but I never thought about it being that pivotal or important to me until I had to talk about it. Talking about what it was like growing up, how my mom would pack me meat and rice instead of PB&J’s, the insecurity I felt, watching my parents be entrepreneurs, the gap between 1st and 2nd generation Filipinos, and the journey of eating both Filipino and non-Filipino food. Wow, it hit me like a ton of bricks. Who knew?! Well now I know, it’s important to me.
More on that later, this needs a post all in itself. In the meantime….
A big thank you to Katherine (in the yellow), Veronica (not pictured), and the entire team at CSUN for your hospitality and for inviting this girl to a big girl party. Hope to work with you again in the future!
xoxo,