We had a great time aboard the Freelance this Sunday, cruising through the harbor and admiring holiday lights. Here are a few tips if you're interested in going on the Newport Beach Boat* Parade Cruise this holiday season. *note: Boat Parade is canceled (Dec 16-20). Meaning cruise is to view lights on Harbor houses only. 1. Dress warm & festive.You will be on an open-air cruise so the sea breeze at night can get a little chilly. I suggest layering up and a beanie or something to keep your head warm, maybe even a Santa hat! The Dollar Tree has tons of fun and festive hats and headbands to boost your outfit with holiday cheer. 2. Arrive EARLY.Check-in for the cruise begins 45 minutes prior to your departure time, so you'll want to arrive with enough time to park and check in, I would say 1 hour. Other people are also enjoying the lights along the harbor it may take a while to find parking. The parking lot closest to Davey's Locker and metered parking is free after 6pm. You can also use this extra time to shop a few of the small businesses that are open for shopping and take-out. We went to Balboa Candy and got a few goodies! 3. Bring cash.Once aboard you can purchase an adult beverage in the galley - cash only! They also have regular hot cocoa and sodas for my non-alcoholic peeps. The adult hot chocolate is $8 each. It is also kind to tip the crew members as you leave or in the galley tip jar. 4. Bring your sweets onboard!You are able to bring snacks onboard so bring your own from home or purchase from a small business before you board. There are several shops that are selling goodies along the pier. 5. Tickets are as low as $20My little gift to you - Use code LIGHTS20 to reserve your tickets for only $20 each.
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So we're all mandated to stay home and keep our distance from others for a minimum of two weeks. That means working from home, working out at home, cooking at home, etc. So during the times that we generally spend outside the house we now have to fill with activity or non-activity. I have come up with 5 random but productive things we should all do during quarantine. Ya know, those things you keep putting off but should really finally do. 1. UPDATE YOUR LINKEDIN ACCOUNTWhile working from home you might realize how much you enjoy working from home and maybe even consider a career shift *me.* Since you have the time, update your profile and follow a few businesses you'd consider working with. Better yet, take some of LinkedIn's "Skill Quizzes" to test your knowledge of a subject and earn a badge for your profile. You may even decide you can start a side hustle that can grown into an entrepreneurial path during this time! 2. Delete pics/video on your phone & save pics/video to an external driveWe've all experienced it - trying to take a pic only to be stopped by the dreaded "iPhone Storage Full" message. Now is the time to sit down and reminisce as you go through your pics and delete those blurry pics or find the BEST OF in your photo shoot. I save all my bests to my favorites by clicking the heart icon under the pic. That way when I am looking for one to post I can find it by going straight to my "Favorites" folder. Take it a step further an upload ALL of your pics to an external drive. That way you can start fresh and don't have to worry about losing all your pics if you lose your phone or have to transfer them to a new phone. 3. Go through your closet and donate/sellNot only do we have the time right now, but I bet you could also use the extra cash. Going through your clothes and setting aside pieces to sell and/or donate can be therapeutic ( at least for me it is). I like to take each clothing item and compare it to what I want my style to be, and if the item doesn't fit the vibe then it's out! Some easy to use apps/websites to sell your clothes are Poshmark *use referral code: reyreybac* (good for staple pieces as well as luxury brands), DePop (for trendy/vintage items), and Mercari (good for clothing and other items). 4. organize your bathroom/make-upYeah I could have said organize your house, but I'd like to zero in on the bathroom and make-up products because I feel like these items get neglected. I have way too many sample size items that I put in a basket and forget about. I feel like now is the perfect time to test that odd lipstick color or attempt a colored liner, because the only person that's gonna see it is YOU (and maybe your roommate or fam). So go through that medicine cabinet and dispose of the products that have expired and bring that moisturizer you forgot about to the front of the cupboard so you remember to use it. 5. write a letter to a loved oneI am going old school on this one! I know it's faster to text/email our loved ones but there's something special about taking a pen to paper and writing to someone. Pick a friend or relative (or two) that you are grateful for and just tell them how much you care about them. Gratitude can help lift our spirits and the recipient will appreciate getting a personal letter from you amongst the flyers and bills that they normally receive in the mail.
I turned 27 years old this year and decided that now is the time to be more intentional about PREVENTATIVE aging skin care. I have been using an all natural eye cream for my stubborn under-eye bags from Ursie's Apothecary (thanks sis!), but decided to delve a little deeper and book an appointment for a CHEMICAL PEEL facial.
A "chemical peel" sounds so intimidating, and believe me I was nervous, but I found a trusted beauty clinic recommended by the SoCal Blogger Babes - Shonan Beauty and felt more comfortable as soon as I walked into their office. Upon arrival you are required to fill out a medical history form to ensure that any cosmetic procedure you're interested in is actually safe for you. This clinic performs facial treatments, skin tightening, botox, fillers, and much more. To start the procedure I was taken into a patient room and introduced to Dr. Jacqueline Pham. Dr. Jacky explained the procedure and warned of a mild burning sensation that would occur. She conducted a test on a small patch of skin and once she confirmed that I wasn't having any adverse reaction began the first chemical layer. The pain was about a 3 on a scale from 1-10, but Dr. Jacky kept me distracted through conversation and the gentle cooling from a small fan. She conducted two more layers of the chemical peel, by this time the burning sensation was at a level 4 but not overwhelming. After the final layer Dr. Jacky applied Aquaphor ( a petroleum based ointment) and a layer of sunscreen, since my skin would be quite sensitive after the procedure. As part of the treatment my skin will begin to peel and flake off in the next week and reveal a new layer of skin. I look forward to seeing the results (I am writing this same-day as the facial) and am glad to add Shonan Beauty to my arsenal of "places of beauty!" I would be willing to try out some of their other services or even do another chemical peel. Benefits of a chemical peel:
Finding the perfect cup of coffee seems like a never-ending journey, and just when you think you’ve found it your friend tells you about a new café that you have to try. Well if you’re going to venture into the world of coffee Old Towne Orange is one of the best places to do it. With several locally brewed and unique coffee shops within walking distance you can go on a café crawl and find your new favorite! Does the perfect cup of coffee exist? Who knows, but in the meantime here are a few spots to add to your coffee treasure map. 1. Koala-ty Coffee Australia native, Gavin Wilkinson, aims to bring the Aussie coffee experience to the US with high quality coffee needing little flavor enhancers or heavy syrups. The Aussie Bean Flat White (Ristretto espresso, an even mix of steamed milk and smooth velvet foam) has been dubbed the most authentic this side of Melbourne by Aussie natives. EXPLOREYTION TIP: In true Aussie culture this café does not offer Wi-Fi in the hopes that its patrons will enjoy one another’s company as well as their coffee without checking emails. The Aussie Bean 112 E Maple Ave Orange, CA 92866 2. Coffee on Tap Specializing in hand-formulated, experimental coffee and tea brews, Contra offers tasty concoctions you may not have considered on your own. With that being said, ordering can be a bit overwhelming, do you get the Dirty Horchata or the Cartoon and Cereal? The aesthetic is very bright making it easy to curate an insta-worthy coffee picture, if you’re into that, or choose a book from their library and relax. Contra 115 N Orange St Orange, CA 92866 (714) 696-8793 3. Coffee Now, Beer Later One of the seven Portola’s Coffee Roasters, the Old Towne Orange location can be found inside Provisions Market at the Orange Circle. The café is located at the front of this market area, if you make your way back you will find beer and food offered by Provisions. This Portola is small but mighty as it boasts having one of the few gravimetric Black Eagle espresso machines in the US. If you’re unsure of the significance of that ask a coffee aficionado, or head to Portola and find out for yourself!
Portola Coffee Roasters 143 N Glassell St Orange, CA 92866 (949) 284-0596 I don't personally enjoy bra shopping, especially at the mall. Big brand stores don't carry my size and scoff when I tell them what I have measured at bra specialty shops. I have literally been sized and tried on a bra at a VERY popular lingerie store (you can guess who even though it's supposed to be a secret🧐) and was literally made into a spectacle by the store attendant. She called over another worker and they ooo-ed and awww-ed that I didn't fit into their bras. It wasn't a big deal to me at the moment, but over the years I have realized that people are quick to judge when you don't fit into the molds created by society. I recently attended an event with Create and Cultivate who partnered with Aerie to create a body positive experience in Los Angeles. I received a voucher for a free bra and panty set at any Aerie retailer, the closest for me was in Irvine. I was expecting a pleasant experience, but had a feeling it would be like all of the other times I tried to find my size in a trendy store. I was pleasantly surprised by the positivity just upon entering the store. Ads featured women of all sizes and complexions, larger sizes weren't hidden, and the store attendants were kind and non-judgemental. I immediately asked the manager if she carried my size, it was a no, but she did her absolute best to find a "sister size" and didn't react with disbelief or annoyance when I asked for my odd size. We were actually able to find a good fit and I got to redeem my bra and panty, plus a few other goodies! This overall experience and holisitc marketing from Aerie has turned me into an advocate for their brand. I hope that as young women shop and even interact with one another that we will stop comparing ourselves and celebrate our differences. Statement from Aerie website: We make intimates, apparel, activewear and swim. Every single piece is designed to make every girl feel good. #AerieREAL is about no retouching. It’s about body positivity. It’s about empowerment. We want everyone to feel confident inside and out. Let the real you shine.™
Last weekend (July 28) I attended my first, and the LA Blogger Babe's first, BABECHELLA! I found out about the "Blogger Babes" through a friend, Ali. She actually interns with the LA Blogger Babes group, so when I heard that they would be having their first Babechella I had to go! Not only did I get to meet Ali in person, we had only been internet friends before this, but I got to meet some other ladies and even ran into a friend from ELEMENTARY SCHOOL!
Upon entering the event I was greeted by a cotton candy machine and donut wall (yum!). Throughout the venue were vendors that offered samples and free experiences to try their products. I had the opportunity to make my own flower crown, which before this I had never done. It was a bit time consuming but totally worth it when you put it on. I also had my hair braided by a pro - thanks Lala! During the event there were multiple fashion shows and a musical performance (it's LA ppl). I missed all of the shows, but it was only because I was making new friends, so worth it in my opinion. S/O Eileen and Michelle! The Blogger Babes really went all out and even had food and drinks provided, and amazing food and drinks at that! My only regret is that I wish I had arrived earlier as I felt rushed to visit all of the interesting vendors. I definitely missed at least half of them. But overall, I had an amazing time meeting new people and checking out the sponsors - can't wait for the next event! Be sure to check out the @labloggerbabes on Instagram! They have various chapters, in OC, San Diego and the Inland Empire! Here are a few of the sponsors I met and recommend: 💞 💁 Braids - @natural.love.lala 😋 Food - @vchostruck (PUPUSAS) 🍪🍬 Cookies & other sweets - @sprinklesnstuff 🍹🥂 Drinks - @sugarmommawines , @kalenasparkling New Friends: 😝 Ali, @wincking Eileen, @eileentovar Michelle, @missmeesh95 Reunited Friend: 😍 Gerardo, @erosmugler I have been following Caña Rum Bar in hopes of heading to their Sunday Day-party, "Subsuelo Sundays." While gathering ideas for Donte and I's date night I came across a post about Caña's Rum-tasting. We decided to ditch our original local date night plan and head 30 mins north to the DTLA rum bar.
We arrived about 45 mins before the tasting and headed around the corner to El Cholo, a Spanish style restaurant who's origins date back to 1932, for dinner. Food and service were ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐! I loved their outdoor patio with semi-open roof and fireplace. Upon arriving at Caña we were greeted by their door person who informed us that the bar was "members only," after listening to her spiel and explaining that we were paying the non-member fee we were allowed in. As you walk in you enter a dimly-lit mirrored hallway that winds around into the small bar area. Soft Cuban-style music played in the background and small candles set throughout the bar made for a speakeasy intimate atmosphere. We were served the evening's "Welcome Punch" which, from what I observed, had gin rum and perhaps some sort of lime juice. Oh! and did I mention they also sell and allow cigar smoking here? The actual tasting took place in the back patio. A small area behind the bar which, like El Cholo, featured a semi-open roof and fireplace. We sat and enjoyed the fresh air blowing in from the open roof and observed the people chatting around us. Once the rum tasting begin I realized how little I actually know about rum and its origins. It was fun to be in a group setting learning about the Puerto Rican rums and the intricacies of a liquor that I generally would never drink outside of some sort of cocktail mix. After trying two rums Donte and I were ready to call it a night - I mean it was a Tuesday and we both had to get up early the next day. I was a bit disappointed that we didn't get to hear (and dance to) the live band that would play at 10pm, but there's always next time! My name is Rey, and I have serious FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out). Even after I deleted my social media accounts, circa 2015, that didn’t stop me from going to insta-worthy spots and taking cute pics. After encouragement from friends and family, I am back on social but this time to share my “event-researching skills” with YOU!
Here’s a little back story — I initially deleted my social media accounts to retreat from acquaintances and strangers who felt they should be informed about my personal life. My feelings about my absence from social then shifted towards more of a protest to be “different” and simply live in the moment. And now here I am, reestablishing my internet presence. I still feel that my earlier feelings linger about social media but have now come to realize that there can be a lot of GOOD that comes from being connected to others online – finding community, sharing opinions, empowering one another, advocacy – things I hope to do with my social media connections. With this blog I plan to share weekly events as well as long-standing favorites of both the Los Angeles and Orange counties. My weekend, and sometimes weekday activities, involve going to new restaurants, pop-up museums, cafes, generally insta-worthy spots. You’ll see, and hopefully you’ll partake in some of the events I share! Think of me as your anti-boredom guide! |
AuthorReyes Baca Archives
December 2020
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