16: How to Handle Overwhelm

This is a snapshot of my life when things are happening. It’s an exciting time but it can also be overwhelming. From handling daily video uploads for the #5DaystoMinimalism Challenge to meetings & appointments to a new training/orientation to big deadlines to prepping for a major event… This week has been a jam-packed whirlwind of movement! I’m grateful to … Read more

14: The Rise & Fall of My Creative Ego

This week was a rollercoaster of emotions. At one point I felt so inspired, fulfilled, like I was on top of the world. And in the next moment, all of that confidence and excitement was squashed and I felt like I was worthless and ridiculous. And then I had to take some time to pick up the pieces and level myself. Let me tell you the story about what happened.

After reviewing the podcast, I do have some afterthoughts. I forgot to mention how part of that blow was that I didn't feel appreciated for my work or my help, and that added to the anger and frustration. That's another topic for another day. Today we can just focus on the creative ego aspect.

My point is, we all have issues and soft spots that we can work out. One at a time. Awareness is the first step, then rewiring your beliefs (like how I did in my digital journal afterward) is the next step.

Read more

Interview on WTF Am I Doing With My Life? Podcast w/ Kristy Arnett

I did an interview with the wonderful Kristy Arnett on her podcast WTF Am I Doing With My Life? Love Kristy. Love her podcast. You can listen to the full episode below. Make sure to check out Kristy’s story & other episodes on WTF Am I Doing With My Life? SO relatable and valuable.

13: Travel, Food, & Sustainability w/ Clarissa Wei

Today I interview the adventurous spirit that is Clarissa Wei, a freelance journalist currently backpacking through Asia. Clarissa and I met years ago when she was writing about Chinese food in LA and I was working at the largest Asian food festival in the US. We collaborated on some fun videos like ‘How to Eat Xiao Long Bao‘ and ‘Dim Sum 101.'

It's inspiring to see how far she's come since then, from appearing on The Travel Channel's Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern to speaking on panels with food critic Jonathan Gold to now living her dream life in Asia, hanging out with Tibetan monks and aboriginal tribes. Simply amazing. (Can you tell I'm a huge fan?)

Take a peek inside the current life of Clarissa Wei. She's a brilliant example of what it looks like to be a true artist of life.

Read more

11: On Motivation

Since I came back from Europe, I haven’t been motivated to work on a full podcast episode like usual. Today I just wanted to be real, raw and honest about how it feels to lose motivation in school, work, and life, and how I’ve learned to deal with it. I share one of my biggest weaknesses … Read more

8: A Lesson in Self Love w/ Kajal Pandey

“The relationship you have with yourself is the only constant relationship you’ll have in your entire life.” – Kajal Pandey Truth: This is one of my favorite episodes to date. Kajal is a spiritual life coach and self love teacher, and she has so much wisdom to share. Listen as I share my story on how I … Read more

7: Embrace Your Failures

Today I reflect on a series of failures that altered the course of my life. It was a time in my life where I felt incredibly stuck and overwhelmed with self doubt and fear, but I had to get honest with myself about what I truly wanted in life, even if it wasn’t easy. Looking back, I see … Read more

6: Learning to Love Our Bodies w/ LifebyJazz

You’re only given one body to live in for this lifetime. Love it for what it is & love it fully. In this episode of The Lavendaire Lifestyle, Aileen shares a childhood experience that sparked her body insecurities, and how her relationship with her body has grown today. Then she talks to blogger, coach and certified yoga … Read more

5: Minimalism Can Change Your Life

There are 300,000 items in the average American home. Think about everything that you own. How much of that stuff is just dead weight, taking up space in your home and cluttering your physical as well as mental space? Today’s episode of The Lavendaire Lifestyle highlights minimalism and its life-changing benefits. Listen as Aileen shares her personal story … Read more