- We were actually feeling ourselves that day.
- The lighting was doing us a favor.
- Or, most likely, we were feeling sentimental enough to override our usual "no photos" policy.
PiNLUX
Snapshots and stories from an imperfect life.
Friday, February 21, 2025
Why I Post More Food Than Faces (And Why You Probably Prefer It That Way)
The Cable Hoarder’s Survival Kit: Are You Also Guilty?
Why do we keep them? Because one day—maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow—but one day, we might need to connect a device we haven’t touched in over a decade. And on that day, my friends, we will be ready.
This is doomsday prepping, but for tech. A survival kit for the modern digital archaeologist. 😂
Somewhere in The Box, there’s probably:
- A 30-pin iPod charger from 2006
- An Ethernet cable that’s at least 50 feet long (because who doesn’t love hardwiring their connection when Wi-Fi inevitably fails?)
- A power brick from a device you swore you were going to fix someday
- A headphone adapter for a phone you haven’t owned in years
- A random coaxial cable—because why not?
Should You Declutter? …Probably Not
- Wrap cables neatly with Velcro ties (future-you will thank you).
- Label the obscure ones (because guessing games aren’t fun in a tech emergency).
- Keep only one of each common type (do you really need six micro-USB cables?).
- Donate the excess—some electronics recyclers or makerspaces would love your spares.
Tech hoarders, unite. Stay strong. And may your cables always be untangled.
Wednesday, February 19, 2025
First World Beauty Problems, Theme Park Edition
You know you’ve been spending too much time at Knott’s Berry Farm when your foundation no longer matches your face. Seriously, I went to do my makeup the other day and realized my foundation is at least two shades too light. Now I look like one of those aunties who refuse to acknowledge that their skin has seen the sun.
This is what happens when you go full theme park mode—running around in the California sun, stuffing your face with boysenberry treats, and completely forgetting that SPF is not, in fact, a one-and-done situation. Reapplication? Never heard of her.
The Curse of the Accidental Tan
I started noticing something was off when I caught my reflection in a bathroom mirror at Knott’s. Under that unflattering fluorescent lighting, it hit me—my face and neck were living completely separate lives. My body has fully embraced its sun-kissed glow, while my face? A ghostly reminder of my winter complexion.
I don’t even tan on purpose! But between waiting in lines, walking from one ride to the next, and spending an unreasonable amount of time debating whether I should get another boysenberry soft serve (spoiler: I always do), my skin has naturally leveled up a shade or two.
First World Beauty Problems, Theme Park Edition
This is peak first-world problems. I mean, in the grand scheme of things, accidentally turning into two different skin tones isn’t exactly a crisis. But still! My carefully curated makeup routine? Wrecked. My foundation, my concealer—useless. Now I have two choices:
Buy a darker foundation to match my new summer shade.
Accept my fate and just blend down to my chest like my life depends on it.
Buy a darker foundation to match my new summer shade.
Accept my fate and just blend down to my chest like my life depends on it.
Neither of these options change the fact that I’ll probably forget to reapply sunscreen again next weekend and continue this never-ending cycle.
Lessons Learned (Or Not)
Let’s be real—am I going to start carrying around a travel-sized sunscreen and actually use it? Probably not. But in case you’re smarter than me, here are some quick survival tips for anyone who practically lives at a theme park:
Reapply Sunscreen Like It’s Your Job – Every two hours, especially if you’re sweating or eating anything messy (which, let’s face it, you are).
Find a Foundation with SPF – It’s not a replacement for sunscreen, but every little bit helps.
Embrace the Tan – Maybe it’s time to lean into that post-theme park glow and stop fighting it.
Reapply Sunscreen Like It’s Your Job – Every two hours, especially if you’re sweating or eating anything messy (which, let’s face it, you are).
Find a Foundation with SPF – It’s not a replacement for sunscreen, but every little bit helps.
Embrace the Tan – Maybe it’s time to lean into that post-theme park glow and stop fighting it.
So, will this makeup dilemma stop me from going to Knott’s every weekend? Absolutely not. But will I be the person in line at GhostRider with a half-blended face and a mild identity crisis? Also yes.
If you’ve ever had your theme park obsession mess with your beauty routine, tell me in the comments so I know I’m not alone! And if you see me at Knott’s, just pretend my face and neck match, okay?
Thursday, February 13, 2025
How Art School Made Me Better at Taking Criticism
One of the most valuable things I took away from art school wasn’t just technical skill—it was learning how to take criticism. If you’ve ever been through an art critique, you know it’s not for the faint of heart. Every few weeks, we’d pin our work up on the wall, stand back, and brace ourselves as classmates and professors tore it apart. At first, it felt personal. But over time, I realized something: critique wasn’t about tearing me down—it was data I could use to improve.
Seeing Criticism as Data, Not an Attack
In the beginning, every comment felt like a gut punch. I had poured hours into my work, and someone pointing out its flaws felt like they were questioning my talent. But as the critiques continued, I started to shift my perspective. I realized that every piece of feedback was a new piece of data—something I could analyze, learn from, and use to refine my work. The more I embraced it, the more my skills improved.
This mindset shift has been invaluable, not just in my artistic career but in life in general. Whether it’s client feedback, social media comments, or even just unsolicited opinions, I now view criticism as neutral information. It’s up to me to decide what’s useful and what’s not.
Consider the Source: Is This Someone You Want to Be?
Not all feedback is created equal. In art school, I quickly learned that while everyone had an opinion, not everyone’s opinion was worth the same weight. A classmate who struggled with composition wasn’t the best source for composition advice. A professor with decades of experience? That was worth listening to.
Now, whenever I receive feedback, I ask myself: Is this person where I want to be? If the answer is yes, I pay close attention. If not, I take their input with a grain of salt. That doesn’t mean I dismiss all criticism, but I do filter it through the lens of the person giving it.
How to Respond to Criticism Like a Pro
Handling criticism well is a skill, and like any skill, it gets easier with practice. Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way:
Pause Before Reacting – It’s natural to feel defensive, but don’t respond emotionally. Take a breath, absorb the feedback, and give yourself time to process it before replying.
Ask Clarifying Questions – If the feedback isn’t clear, ask for specifics. “Can you elaborate on what you mean by that?” or “Do you have suggestions on how I could improve this?” can turn vague criticism into actionable advice.
Look for Patterns – One person’s opinion is just that—an opinion. But if multiple people point out the same issue, it’s worth paying attention to.
Separate Yourself from Your Work – Your work is not you. Critique of your work is not a critique of your value as a person or artist.
Know When to Let It Go – Not all feedback is helpful. If the criticism isn’t constructive or comes from someone who isn’t where you want to be, you don’t have to take it to heart.
Art school was tough, but it taught me resilience. Learning to handle criticism with grace and discernment has made me a stronger artist, entrepreneur, and person. Now, instead of dreading feedback, I welcome it. Because every critique—good or bad—is just another piece of data that can help me grow.
If you struggle with criticism, start small. Shift your perspective, filter the noise, and remember: the best artists, creatives, and professionals in any field are the ones who never stop learning.
Sunday, February 02, 2025
Barrel Tasting in Temecula: Wine, Food, and a Whole Lot of Fun!
Ahh, that magical time of year when wine lovers flock to Southern California’s very own wine country—Temecula—for an event unlike any other: Barrel Tasting Weekend! If you’ve never been, let me paint you a picture. Imagine swirling, sipping, and savoring wine straight from the barrel before it’s officially bottled, getting a sneak peek at what’s to come. Now add delicious food pairings, breathtaking vineyard views, and a whole lot of laughter with friends. Yep, that’s exactly what went down!
The Lowdown on Barrel Tasting Weekend
Hosted by the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association, this two-day event (held on Saturday and Sunday) features around three dozen wineries opening their cellars and barrels for wine enthusiasts to explore. The festivities kick off at 11 AM and wrap up at 4 PM, giving you five glorious hours each day to make the rounds, sip amazing wine, and indulge in gourmet bites carefully crafted to complement each pour.
My friends and I set out on a mission: Hit as many wineries as possible while still finding time to actually enjoy the experience. Easier said than done, but hey, we love a challenge! And if you’re anything like me, you’ll strategically bring a friend or two who don’t always use all their drink tickets… you know, for a little extra ‘research.’
What to Expect at Each Winery
Each participating winery offers one tasting from a barrel plus three additional tastings of their finished and newly released wines. Every tasting is one ounce, and let’s just say—by the end of the day, after eight wineries, I was probably one sip away from dancing on a tabletop.
While some people meticulously plan their route based on wine preferences, my friends and I had slightly different priorities: food pairings. Because let’s be real, good wine is great, but good wine with amazing food? That’s a whole new level of happiness.
Here’s where we ended up this year:
🍷 Cougar Winery – Known for their Italian varietals and generous pours, Cougar set the bar high with their rich reds and perfectly paired bites.
🍷 Europa Village – A little slice of Europe in Temecula! The ambiance, the wines, the cheese—everything about this place screamed sophistication.
🍷 Bel Vino Winery – Cozy vibes and bold wines made this stop a must. Their Syrah straight from the barrel? Chef’s kiss.
🍷 Lorimar Winery – If you love live music with your wine, Lorimar is a must-visit. Bonus points for their perfectly paired small bites!
🍷 Wilson Creek Winery – Famous for their almond sparkling wine, but their barrel tasting was equally impressive. This is always a crowd-pleaser!
🍷 Oak Mountain Winery – Home to Temecula’s only wine cave! Sipping barrel wine in an underground cave? Yes, please!
🍷 Leoness Cellars – A fan favorite for a reason! Their barrel-aged reds were smooth and delicious, and the food? Let’s just say we considered sneaking seconds.
🍷 Masia De La Vinya Winery – A hidden gem with Spanish-style wines and a laid-back vibe. Their Tempranillo was bold and delicious, perfectly complemented by a well-thought-out food pairing.
By the end of the day, our wine glasses were empty, our stomachs were full, and our spirits were high. Barrel Tasting Weekend in Temecula is an absolute must for anyone who loves wine, food, and a fun-filled weekend in beautiful wine country. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or just in it for the vibes, this event never disappoints.
And I don't know if this counts as a 9th winery or not, but we ended the day in Greg's living room which happens to be a Satalite tasting room for Chapin Winery.
Pro Tips for Next Year: ✔️ Pace yourself – It’s a marathon, not a sprint. ✔️ Stay hydrated – Water is your best friend. ✔️ Plan your route – Prioritize wineries with the best food pairings (trust me on this one). ✔️ Bring a designated driver – Safety first! Or better yet, book a wine tour shuttle and sip stress-free.
So, who’s coming with me next year? 🍷🥂
Saturday, January 25, 2025
🚗🌮 Fueling Up My Car and My Belly? Yes, Please!
Taqueria Las Comadres #3 |
If you know me, you know I’ve been a loyal customer at Taqueria Las Comadres #1 in La Mirada for over a decade. And if you really know me, you know I’m all about finding good food in unexpected places. So when I found out that Taqueria Las Comadres opened a 3rd location in Fullerton—inside a gas station, right next to a car wash—I was way too excited. Did I mention the lovely outdoor seating option?
Lovely outdoor seating option. |
Think about it: I can now get my car washed, fill up my tank, and treat myself to some top-tier tacos all in one stop. This is peak efficiency, people! Forget drive-thrus—this is the ultimate multitasking food experience.
Food made to order. |
A New Location With Exclusive Eats
While the new spot still has all the classics that made me fall in love with Taqueria Las Comadres in the first place, the Fullerton location also features a few exclusive menu items. So naturally, Sal and I had to check it out and do some very important food research (aka stuffing our faces). Some of our picks were for immediate consumption, while the rest were strategically saved for dinner later—because smart decisions were made.
Located inside the gas station. |
And, of course, in true Taqueria fashion, everything is made fresh to order, the service is fast, and the flavors do not disappoint. Here’s the lineup of what we tried:
🍔 Hamburger
Yes, Hamberger—not a typo. And let’s talk about the real crime here: Sal doesn’t like cheese. I know. I was just as shocked. It’s pure blasphemy, but I try to be a supportive partner and let him live his cheeseless life.
Some for now, some for later. |
🦐 Super Burger (with Shrimp!)
This one is a game-changer! It’s already packed with flavor, but we decided to take it up a notch and add shrimp (because why not?). No regrets—highly recommend customizing your order like this if you’re feeling fancy.
Super Burger (with Shrimp added) |
🐔 Chicken Sandwich
Crispy, juicy, and just the right amount of seasoning. It’s giving comfort food perfection. I added cheese because, unlike Sal, I'm all about that cheesy goodness.
Grilled Chicken Sandwich (with cheese added) |
🍤 Shrimp Ceviche (New Recipe!)
This was a pleasant surprise! The Fullerton location has a new recipe for their shrimp ceviche, and honestly? I think it’s even better than the original. It’s fresh, zesty, and the perfect balance of citrusy goodness. 10/10 would eat again.
Worth the Stop? 1000% Yes!
If you’re ever in the Fullerton area (or just looking for an excuse to make a food trip), this new Taqueria Las Comadres spot is definitely worth checking out. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite between errands or just want to treat yourself to some seriously good food, this place delivers.
So, who’s coming with me next time? 👀🔥