New York Marathon race day. New York City, November 2, 2014. Getting to the start line was crazy.
Since Justin was about 8, people have been telling him he should be in pictures. He’s got that innocent face, but also possesses an exotic look. He got his dad’s good looks and facial structure with my Asian eyes and lips. I like to call him “Little Dave with an Asian flair.” A few months ago, Justin expressed his interest in trying some modeling.
We jumped on this and hired Benjamin Benoit Photography to take headshots. We thought if Justin could build some confidence for himself, it would help him with the growing pains that come with adolescence. The tween to teen years are so tough. Trying to figure out who you are and to fit into the world, all while having your body and face change so fast. Remember your youth? I do. Mine was stormy. I wish I had role models and more positivity when I was younger. I am so glad Justin has people to look up to all around him.
One of my closest friends, Pauline Saltzmann is a fashionista extraordinaire (She is also a frequent author of the Style section of Oz of Salt). She went shopping with us to pick out some outfits for the session.
She picked a few looks: 1) Edgy 2) Sophisticated 3) Trendy 4) Preppy. Zara has a great selection of boys clothing, so we were able to find all our outfits there. For shoes, we picked up a pair of Vans and flip flops and were good to go.
Next was the haircut by a “real” salon. He rejected Super Cuts! This is in the waiting area right before the cut. He was so excited.
Jun from Kasai did a great job.
Day of shoot. Winds were 25 mph so we weren’t sure how this was going to go. But Ben said it would all work out, and he was right. Ben is not only a photographer but is also a successful model. He was able to coach Justin how to stand, where to look, how to hold his head and the way to smile. Justin was loving Ben’s tutelage.
And Fashion Director, Pauline Saltzmann was, of course, on site to manage Justin’s look.
Jennifer Oliak | OUNCE OF SALT
We ended up with some great shots, thanks to Ben! Brand Talent was the agency we were hoping would sign Justin. They loved his look, so we met with them in the beginning of May and it was a success. Justin is now represented by Brand! Justin is so excited. Look out world. A model is born!
Lately, my fitness goals have changed from running to strength training. Now that I am in my 40’s, I feel that strength training is becoming more and more important.
My son, Justin is the pickiest eater I know. He doesn’t like his food to touch on his plate. He will not eat chicken or fish, pizza, hot dogs or hamburgers. He does not like soup or any food with chunks with the exception of ground beef.
The only vegetables he likes are iceberg lettuce and grilled artichokes. Yes, grilled artichokes! His favorite food: pasta with butter and salt.
Needless to say, I was ecstatic when Justin wanted to make these Panda Seaweed Rice Balls for dinner.
We bought the mold on Amazon . It takes a few weeks to ship, so don’t expect 2 day shipping on this one! But when we received it, it was well worth the wait.
A rice cooker is a great appliance to have if your family likes to eat rice. Nori can be purchased at Whole Foods or an Asian market.
Justin made the rice in the rice cooker, cut the nori into the the shapes from the mold for ears, arms, feet and tail, and was very precise in measuring the rice for the mold in order to make the perfect panda bodies.
We made some fried egg for protein to add to the panda rice balls. He ate so many I lost count!
He was so excited to make them that he made about 15 more for neighbors and friends!
One of his friends he delivered to, sent this picture.
If your kids like rice and seaweed, make some panda rice balls! There are other shapes too on Amazon.
Have fun!