As a fellow mom of three, I understand the struggles that come with low self-esteem. Theresa Aqui’s story about growing up with acne and wearing makeup to cover it up really resonated with me. Many of you can relate to feeling self-conscious about your appearance and worrying about how others perceive you.
VaniTEE Skincare Studio in Chula Vista just opened this month
The great news is that Theresa found a way to boost her confidence and now wants to help other moms do the same! She opened her own skincare studio, VaniTEE, right here in Chula Vista. Theresa Aqui opened her new studio in San Miguel Ranch area this month. This adorable little studio offers treatments like PRP therapy, fillers, thread lifts, and more to help you achieve glowing, rejuvenated skin. You can book your appointments on their website here. I highly recommened you also follow Theresa Aqui on her Instagram profile.
But VaniTEE isn’t just about looking better on the outside – it’s about radiating self-love and confidence from within! Theresa takes the time to really listen and bond with her clients over shared experiences. She wants this to be a safe, empowering space for moms to feel their most beautiful, inside and out. As one happy client shared, “Tee always works so passionately to ensure her clients get the best experience and insight, and we are reaping the rewards from your efforts! Her professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to client/patient satisfaction put me at ease throughout the entire process. I highly recommend Theresa Aqui and her staff at Vanitee.”
The Diamond Glow Plus Package at VaniTEE Skincare Studio in Chula Vista is awesome.
Even if you don’t get treatment, I love that Theresa emphasizes the importance of learning to build self-confidence. As moms, we must set a positive example for our kids and show them how to love themselves. A skin treatment may give you a boost, but true confidence comes from within.
So if you’re looking for a little self-care pick-me-up, head to VaniTEE and see what it’s all about. Theresa offers free consultations, so there’s no pressure. Feel free to share your self-esteem tips on our Instagram or Facebook page! We’re all in this together.
The Bonitafest event is back, bringing the community together like never before! Please mark your calendars for September 23rd, when Bonitafest returns with its signature Twilight Parade and a host of creative and cultural performances by our very own residents. This year promises to be a compact yet incredibly fun-filled celebration that’s sure to make every local proud.
Twilight Parade and Street Party
Bonitafest Chairman Max Branscomb is excited about what’s in store for 2023: “Bonitafest event 2023 will be a bit more compact, but lots of fun,” he said. After the Twilight Parade, get ready for an evening street party featuring Music Machine, Sound Unlimited performances, and other talented local artists. And if that’s not enough to get you out the door, there’s also a generous book giveaway and plenty of snacks to keep everyone fueled for fun.
Be sure to follow Bonitafest on their Instagram page here. As the event approaches, they will post more about it.
I don’t think we will ever see the days of the massive parade down Bonita Rd. like we did in 2006. The parade was a lot of fun and I always wanted to see it return to the area.
The 46th Bonitafest Melodrama: “Ms. Sweetwater Valley”
For those who love a good story, don’t miss the 46th Bonitafest Melodrama, Ms. Sweetwater Valley, running from September 27th to 30th at the Sweetwater Community Church Theater. This musical comedy, based on the true story of a titleholder with an inspiring yet controversial journey, promises to entertain and inspire. This production is a must-see. It was written by Bonitafest Melodrama Artistic Director Dr. Max Branscomb and directed by Ken Santillan. It’s not just a play—it’s a community tradition brought to life by local talent and supported by the San Diego County Community Enhancement Program.
Honoring Community Heroes: Grand Marshals and Award Recipients
This year’s Bonitafest Grand Marshals, Dr. John and Harriet Golliet-Taylor, are shining examples of dedication and service. Their leadership in community initiatives like Preserve South Bay and the Sweetwater Community Planning Group has had a lasting impact. The Bonitafest Committee couldn’t have chosen better representatives for this year’s celebration. As Chairman Branscomb noted, “They are more than pillars of the community. They are often the people propping up the pillars.”
Bonitafest event also honors Tony and Judith Tieber as this year’s hosts, recognizing their significant contributions to the community. Meanwhile, Roxanne Ronacher is this year’s Humanitarian, celebrated for her philanthropic work, and Ray Ymzon is honored as the Pioneer for his invaluable contributions and institutional memory.
Spotlight on Youth Ambassadors
Our community’s future looks bright with this year’s Youth Ambassadors, Emily Ingco, Trever Braaton, and Ella Aldridge. These young leaders are making waves in their respective fields, from journalism to the performing arts. Their accomplishments are a testament to the strength and potential of the next generation in our community.
Emily Ingco
A standout athlete and honor student at Bonita Vista High School, Emily is now the editor-in-chief of the Southwestern College Sun and a President’s List Scholar. Her achievements speak volumes about her dedication and hard work.
Trever Braaton
Trever is not just a singer, dancer, and actor—he’s a leader. As the 2023/24 assistant director of the Music Machine at Bonita Vista High School, he’s helping to revitalize the school’s Vocal Music Department.
Ella Aldridge
At just 15, Ella is already a seasoned performer with several leading roles under her belt at the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts. She’s a two-time finalist for the San Diego County Remarkable Teenagers award, and her future in the arts looks incredibly promising.
Join the Fun at Bonitafest Event 2023!
Whether you’re there for the parade, the performances, the Melodrama, or to soak in the community spirit, Bonitafest 2023 is an event you won’t want to miss. Come out and celebrate with us on September 23rd—there’s something for everyone, and it’s all about coming together to celebrate the best of our community. See you there Chula Vista!
Remember that we have added many Chula Vista events to our new calendar. This is perfect for those looking to get out and enjoy all these fun activities.
As a lover of Mexican cuisine in Chula Vista, I’m always searching for hidden gems that serve tantalizing, authentic meals. Recently, whispers of a remarkable food haunt named Baja Lounge reached my ears, piquing my curiosity and setting my taste buds aflame with anticipation. Nestled inconspicuously within a bustling strip mall located in Bonita area in Chula Vista, this humble taco shop may be easy to overlook amid a sea of storefronts. Yet, those who venture into its welcoming premises are rewarded with a symphony of vibrant flavors that boldly challenge the notion of judging a book by its cover, or in this case, a restaurant by its facade. Baja Lounge is a testament to the thrilling culinary adventures that await those daring enough to venture off the beaten path in their pursuit of gastronomical delights.
The vibe at Baja Lounge
As soon as I walked into Baja Lounge, I was greeted with a warm “homey” atmosphere. The staff is friendly and welcoming, popping open a cold beer for me as soon as I sat down. With spacious indoor seating and ample outdoor seating available, it’s a comfortable spot to kick back and enjoy some authentic Baja cuisine. One reviewer said, “This place has such a “home” atmosphere. I felt so comfortable as soon as I walked in.”
Be sure to give them a follow at their Instagram account here. They always post up yummy images of their food and drinks. Their website has online ordering, but we are not sure it is working so I would just call ahead if you want to get a to go order.
Check out the selections at Baja Lounge in Chula Vista. Photo property of @bajalounge on Instagram
My favorites at Baja Lounge
While everything I tried was fresh and delicious, a few items stood out. The beer-battered fish tacos were perfectly crispy with fresh, flaky fish inside. At under $3 per taco, they are a total steal. The birria and quesabirria tacos were also incredible – juicy, savory beef that lives up to the highest birria standards. And I can’t forget Baja Lounge’s heavenly salsa that I wanted to put on everything! Made in-house, it had the perfect blend of spice and flavor. As one reviewer raved, “The complimentary chips and salsa were amazing as well – clearly homemade.”
Baja Lounge in Chula Vista is a great spot for spicy shrimp tacos. Photo property of @bajalounge on Instagram
They have more than just tacos
While the tacos were the highlight, Baja Lounge has much more to offer on its extensive menu. Other hits included the ceviche, shrimp cocktail, and sizable burritos loaded with meat and extras. The chilaquiles are calling my name for a future visit! One diner reported, “The Cócteles were fresh and no complaints. The food it is always delicious.”
Make sure you check out the Baja Lounge next time you’re in the Bonita area
To sum it all up, Baja Lounge is an unassuming treasure trove of authentic Mexican cuisine in the Bonita area of Chula Vista. Its inviting ambiance, friendly staff, and extensive menu offering delectable delights are a testament to its dedication to providing an unrivaled dining experience. From the crispness of the beer-battered fish tacos, the savory allure of the birria, to the refreshing zing of the ceviche—each dish is a flavorful journey that leaves you yearning for the next bite. As a lover of Mexican cuisine, I can confidently say that the Baja Lounge is a must-visit for any food enthusiast looking to tantalize their taste buds with bona fide Baja fare.
Where should I go next? If you have a favorite spot that is hidden away or hasn’t gotten the love it deserves then let me know. Hit us up on all the social media channels and we just might visit there next.
The 26th Annual Chula Vista Lemon Festival in Chula Vista was a success with a larger turnout than last year.
The event drew famous vendors, including Toyota, Dunkin Doughnuts, CBS8 News, and Tesla, who showcased their products.
The food selection was vast, with a special mention of the woodfired pizza food truck and delectable lemonade. A Tequila tasting cart was also present.
For the 2024 Lemon Festival, suggestions include featuring low-riders and classic cars, more performances by community groups, and fun contests such as pie-eating or lemon-squeezing.
Community input is encouraged for future event planning, with a call to action to leave comments or engage on social media platforms.
Chula Vista Living will continue to update followers on upcoming community events.
What an amazing event yesterday. The 26th Annual Chula Vista Lemon Festival took place on Saturday, another great event in the community. So many people turned out for the festival. The weather was perfect, and it made for a fun lemon-filled day. I love attending this event every year. It has become a community staple in August and I can’t wait to see how much more this grows.
As you know, Chula Vista has a long history of being the lemon capital of the world a long time ago. Before there was the Chula Vista Center Mall or The Chula Vista Nature Center, there were lemon trees as far as the eye could see. This festival is a great way to honor that history and remind us of the roots of our city.
For those who missed out on the event this year, I wanted to give you an idea of what I liked and would love to see in future events. I will also post this question to Facebook, so if you went to the event, let everyone know what you thought of the event. Maybe the Third Avenue Association organizers will hear our ideas and implement them next year.
What I loved at the 2023 Chula Vista Lemon Festival
First, the biggest thing I loved to see was the turnout. The streets were filled with people enjoying the event. It was great to know that we are getting the word out and people are listening. Last year was tough and they didn’t get a huge turnout. This year it was 100% better, and everyone was having a good time.
I also loved they had so many vendors there. Up and down Third Avenue, you had so much to see and buy. I saw all kinds of vendors, and they were all busy. Even some of the more prominent name vendors, brands like Toyota, Dunkin Doughnuts, and CBS8 News, were out there. Even Tesla was out there showing off their cars. It’s great to see big names like this participating in and supporting Chula Vista events.
Live music is always a big part of the Chula Vista Lemon Festival; they had two stages this year. Everyone loves to grab a drink and listen to some good live music. Well, this year, they had two locations, each with a different genre of music. I wish they had more local artists, but we will go over that later.
The delicious food!! You can not go wrong at the festival with good food. There were so many options to choose from, along with the regular downtown restaurants. I went with this woodfired pizza food truck, and it was delicious. Of course you can’t go to the Lemon Festival without getting the freshly made Lemonade; so good. This year they even had a Tequila tasting cart which was super cool.
One thing I love to see at 2023 Chula Vista Lemon Festival is the Chalk Art.
What I want them to have for the 2024 Lemon Festival
There are only a few things I want to see them have next year, and these are just suggestions. One of them is low-riders and or classic cars. I think this would be a big draw for people. Everyone loves to look at shiny classic cars. They don’t need to have a lot, just a single-car club out there showcasing their member’s cars. We have so many in the south bay that I’m sure would love to come out.
More community groups performing on the stages. In years past, the Lemon Festival was the premier location for many school and community groups to come out and perform in front of the public. There would be dance groups, Folklorico dancers, and more putting on a show. It didn’t take much to setup or get going, so they could easily have five groups taking turns performing. It’s also an instant crowd with family members coming out to see their kids participating in the festival. They could have this in between bands so there was still something to enjoy while they moved around the equipment.
The last thing I would love to see at the Chula Vista Lemon Festival would be a fun contest people could take part in. While there, I bumped into a good friend, and he missed the pie-eating contest they used to have. That was a fun contest that everyone would stop and enjoy. I heard there was a lemon-squeezing contest, but I didn’t see it. I know they also had a best dressed for the Lemon Fest, but that was not on the main stage; it was just a voting thing. I’m not even sure who won. Fun games or contests on one of the stages would be a perfect crowd-pleaser. If they did bring back the pie-eating contest, I might even give it a shot.
What were your hits or misses at this year’s Chula Vista Lemon Festival?
Now that you know my list, what would you like to see next year? Comment below and let us know your ideas. I’m sure the organizers are listening, so don’t be shy! Let’s make this next festival even bigger and better than before. You can check us out on Facebook, Instagram or even YouTube and let us know your thoughts.
Make sure you keep following Chula Vista Living. Many more events are coming, and I will keep you posted on them.
