Present Joys Featured Guest: Carolyn Schneider
This week we welcome Carolyn Schneider to share her present joys with us.
Carolyn Schneider is the founder of Corner Booth, a creative hospitality agency dedicated to thoughtful and meaningful collaboration. She combines creative foresight with operational savvy, knowing exactly what—and who—it takes to shape a meaningful experience. Whether it’s a hotel, restaurant, flower shop, bar, or bodega, Corner Booth helps turn ideas into warm, welcoming places people love to gather. Read on to see what’s bringing Carolyn joy!
The Queen of the Night
When I was growing up in Los Angeles, my mom had a plant called The Queen of the Night, that was very much a figure in our household. Once a year at night, the plant blooms into a gorgeous prehistoric looking and very fragrant flower. At midnight (or close to it) it promptly dies. If we missed it, in the morning we’d find the sad bulbs with heads drooped. But if we were paying attention, we’d party with her. My mom would host dinner parties to celebrate, and we’d invite the neighbors over. Pre-Instagram, everyone was there to simply enjoy the evening and watch this spectacle of nature take place.
Recently, I was at a friend’s house when her older neighbor called over the fence “She’s blooming” We hopped over and saw a crew of old ladies drinking wine with ice cubes and admiring the several Queens who had made their evening appearance. Such a pure, but also magical way to spend an evening.
Sparkles, Glitter, Unicorns and giant lollipops
My three year old daughter has re-introduced me to the joy of sparkles, glitter, unicorns and oversized lollipops. The sparkles usually come in the form of stickers, coloring books, cheap backpacks, bedazzled Crocs etc. The sweets are oversized (or teensy tiny), glossy and neon colored. It tickles me that the pure giddiness over these things is universal amongst kids, but also hard not for an adult also to understand how it sparks so much joy. The saccharine sweet Lisa Frank vibes are actually bringing me joy as well. You think you’re going to be a neutral color palette-chic-natural-wood toys-organic only mom until unicorns enter the chat. But I’m happy they have.
Gildas
A skewer stacked with an olive, an anchovy, a spicy pepper…if you’re lucky, even more. I spend a lot of time in the South of Spain and discovered Gildas as my favorite snack to enjoy with a cold glass of Albariño. Recently, I’ve seen them pop up on many menus in Los Angeles too (Queens Raw Bar, Bar Siesta…) and I’m thrilled that Angelenos have graduated from wine/cheese to pintxos.
Pink Flamingos
A sentence I never thought I’d write: Recently over drinks with friends at a castle in the South of Spain, I saw a flock of 8 pink flamingos fly overhead. It was dark out but they were illuminated by the castle lights and I felt like we were on another planet. I’d only ever seen flamingos in a zoo or perched in a fountain in Miami. That summer evening with wild flamingos flapping above made me feel like I was in Narnia or Game of Thrones and I’ll never forget it.
Dim Sum
My favorite thing to eat. Carts are a must. It’s entertainment, sport and cuisine all in one. I go crazy for har gow and the flat shrimp noodle-like dumpling. All of the shapes and textures and flavors. A perfect vehicle for condiments like hot sauce, mustard, soy. I love the décor of a dim sum restaurant; the giant round tables with white table cloths, graphic floor to floor carpet, lazy susans, chandeliers. It’s so uniquely of that setting and the ballroom-vibe makes the meal even more of an event. It’s a social meal – not really one that you’d do solo, so you have to gather up a crew. I like that you end up trying things you might not usually. It’s so much fun to see your favorite dumpling fly by on a cart and hope to flag ‘em down for round two. My dream come true as a wedding guest: My extra chic New York City bestie, Jenna Rubenstein, recently had her rehearsal dinner at the iconic dim sum spot, the Golden Unicorn. Vogue even published the photos.
A few more joys from Michelle and Joyce…
Oyster Shell Fidget Spinner Van and I went to Neptune Oyster during our recent trip to Boston. I kept an oyster shell as a memento of our evening and the conversation we shared. For the remainder of the trip, I kept the shell in my pocket where it revealed another satisfying purpose as a secret fidget spinner.
Gropius House I love me a docent-led tour so it was a highlight of our Boston trip to get to tour the Gropius House which is preserved with all of their original furnishings.
Neighborhood Run-ins Van and I met a couple at Lil East a few weeks ago and ran into them again on an evening outing to Fosselman’s. It felt special to see them again and share conversation that skipped right past small talk.
Shrimp Cocktail It’s so simple yet satisfying to fulfill a food craving. Shrimp cocktail had been on my mind recently so I picked up a pack from Bristol Farms to bring to a lovely sunset picnic with my friend Tiffanie.
Norton Simon Film Series Our friend Asta recently invited us to watch Grey Gardens (1975) at the Norton Simon as part of their Summer Film Series. I particularly enjoyed the introduction by ArtCenter faculty Joe Petricca which set you up with clear context for what you were about to watch. Film screenings are included with the price of admission so you can browse the galleries before or after the show. I’ll definitely be back. Perhaps for this or this.
Katherine Bernhardt I was grabbing a cup of coffee at Desert’s when I saw a print by the artist Katherine Bernhardt on the wall. I immediately looked her up and then spent an hour that night diving into her colorful world. She sealed the deal for me when I learned that she listens to reggaeton while painting.
The Japanese Sweet Potato Dish at Sam’s Place Crispy, cozy, soft, and spicy, how can I make this at home?
At Home Manicures There’s something about a simple, at home manicure that immediately lifts my spirits. I love a good semi-sheer polish that lets your natural nailbed pigment come through while still feeling, well, polished! Bonus if it strengthens your nails too.
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