32 Summer Products For Homebodies
A lightweight, hypoallergenic heat-absorbing cooling blanket — one side is made of 100% Egyptian cotton, while the other has "Arc-Chill" cooling fibers that absorb your body heat and wick away moisture, instantly cooling you by 4–9 degrees. It's perfect for hot sleepers who love to snuggle but hate waking up sweaty!
A 10-foot USB-C cable so you can continue scrolling deep in the TikTok vortex without worrying about your phone's battery entering the red zone. With this gloriously long piece of charging magic, you can stay snuggled in your "you-shaped" dent without ever having to budge. (Oh, and if you're rocking an older iPhone model, here's a version for that!)
A cool-to-the-touch bamboo fabric sleep set that'll have you counting down the minutes until you can slip into it. Made with light, breathable fabric, this set is perfect for anyone who always runs hot and needs a little extra help staying cool and comfortable in bed.
A bestselling double cotton hammock so you can kick back in your own cozy cocoon without a care in the world. This sturdy steel setup is your quick fix to the age-old "no trees to hang a hammock" problem, making your dream of lounging in a hanging haven a reality.
An oscillating tower fan that's apparently so good, one reviewer crowned it "THE GLACIER." This fan has six different speeds and can blow cool air up to 30 feet away. Plus, it comes with four modes to choose from, so you can customize the breeze just how you like it, and reviewers rave about how incredibly quiet it is. No more annoying fan noise while you're trying to relax or sleep!
A set of waterproof, rechargeable "flaming" Bluetooth speakers perfect for unwinding with some soothing lo-fi beats as the sun sets — they even have a flame lighting mode that makes them flicker like real torches. You can place them on your table, dangle from a ceiling or tree, or stake them into the ground.
A Ninja Slushi maker slushifying literally anything you can dream of — wine, coffee, soda, juice, even chocolate milk. Just pour your liquid of choice in, pick one of the five preset settings, and let the magic happen. It's the perfect excuse to invite your pals over for a movie marathon, with frosty, delicious creations in hand. Frozen margs on demand in this heat? Um, YES PLEASE!!!
An inflatable pool if you're anything like me and ready to bust out the swimsuit as soon as the temperature hits 65 degrees. Now you can kick back and sip on a glass of lemonade while cooling off, even if you've only got a tiny backyard.
An outdoor fan just waiting to be mounted in a corner of your deck, sending the perfect breeze your way. Someone's asking if you want to hit up that crowded rooftop bar? Just say, "Nah, I'm good right here," and keep enjoying your chill vibes.
A copy of Small Batch Bakes, which helps you create delightful treats perfectly portioned for one to six people at most, so even if you're not leaving the house or baking for a crowd, you can satisfy your sweet tooth. We're talking scrumptious delights like zesty lime and coconut macaroons, creamy mango pudding, and the sweet bliss of peach crumb cake. Plus, with minimal equipment required, you can whip up these goodies with ease, making it perfect for a relaxing day inside.
Along with a fun reverse coloring book so you can showcase your inner Picasso by drawing lines around colors that are already there. If your dream day involves cozying up with a snack stash and zero plans, this is your ticket to creative bliss without any haunting adult pressures.
And a set of vibrant 120 acrylic paint markers that glide on like a dream and blend effortlessly, turning anything you doodle into a masterpiece that'll have you clearing wall space for your very own gallery.
An LED light net to give your pergola, deck, carport, or gazebo the magical effect of a starry night sky. With eight different lighting modes available, you can switch up the atmosphere to suit your mood. Plus, the timer and memory functions mean you can set it up once and let it do its thing — it'll operate on a schedule using your preferred setting.
A padded chaise lounge chair equipped with a genius "face cavity" that lets you lie flat on your belly so you can sunbathe comfortably. There's five adjustable back positions and three footrest settings, ensuring you find your *perfect* lounge angle, plus a handy cup holder and zippered side pocket for stashing items.
Along with an adjustable mister made to cool you (and your surroundings) off by up to 20 degrees. Whether you're catching some rays on a lounge chair or just chilling on your patio, this mister can stand on its own or wrap around a structure with ease.
A Dazzle Dry Mini Kit, because sometimes the best summer plans involve chilling at home doing your nails. This kit includes everything you need for a flawless mani: a nail prep solution, a base coat, a chic nail polish color, a top coat, and a special "reviving solution" to keep things fresh. And! The polish dries in under five minutes, so you don't have to awkwardly fling your hands arond to make them dry faster.
A Biodance overnight collagen mask if you'd rather skip the scorching sun and enjoy in some self-care instead. Starting off as a milky hydrogel, it magically turns clear as it works its magic on your skin. It's packed with three kinds of probiotics, plus low-molecular-weight collagen and hyaluronic acid that dive deep to boost elasticity, refine pores, and smooth those fine lines.
An automatic ball launcher so you can turn your backyard into a private pickleball court, sparing you the wait at crowded gyms. With three adjustable angles and four different speeds, plus an oscillating feature, this gadget is like your personal coach, ready to help you master those forehands and backhands. It releases a ball every four seconds and can hold up to 19 balls.
An unbelievably fast and easy-to-use Yonanas soft-serve maker so you can whip up your own oat milk ice cream and create a Choco Taco without trekking to Cold Stone. This nifty gadget is great if you have any specific dietary needs or preferences (like avoiding dairy or nuts), live with a picky eater, or just want a healthier alternative to ice cream that's still cold and refreshing and satisfies your sweet tooth.
An Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K allowing you to stream all of your favorite entertainment...like watching every season of Love Island for 10 hours straight. You can also use voice commands to control settings with ease, and (pro tip) you can even order pizza!
A PopLite personal popcorn maker that can churn out eight cups of that buttery, crunchy goodness in just two minutes. This bad boy is so easy to use, you could probably do it in your sleep. Just pop in some kernels, press a button, and boom – fresh, hot popcorn that's ready to devour straight out of the built-in serving bowl.
A deluxe Cup Cozy to become the new HQ for your phone, TV remote, and your trio of bevs, because you always need your iced coffee, lemon water, and your *fun juice* close by. You need options, am I right? And thanks to the supportive material, it keeps those precious drinks safe from any accidental spills.
And an eight-compartment snack box that's basically a treasure chest of your favorite goodies, ready to be devoured. When you can't settle on which treat you want for your bed snacking, reach for this and you can just have them all — instant happiness in the form of chips, chocolate, or whatever floats your snack boat.
An inflatable pool cooler if you've ever been lounging in your pool on a hot day, only to realize you have to get out and trudge back to the house to grab a cold drink or snack. This cute, nifty thing will keep all your essentials chilled *and* afloat so you can continue relaxing in your pool without a care in the world.
A sunshade triangle that creates a shaded area for when you need to escape the blazing hot sun. Hang it over a section of your pool or strategically place several to transform your patio into a cozy retreat.
A "Nap Guardian" doorbell cover — a godsend for all the parents, pet owners, and nap aficionados out there. This helps prevent your doorbell from being rung at the most inconvenient time, interrupting your peace and quiet. Your little ones can snooze soundly, your overly excited fur babies can stay blissfully on the couch, and you? You can finally get that glorious shut-eye you've been dreaming about!
A chic cooler designed to keep your drinks ice cold and at your fingertips while lounging outside. As a bonus, just close the lid up and the cooler becomes a sleek side table.
A rechargeable mosquito repellent patio shield creating an invisible 20-foot barrier, keeping those pesky skeeters away without the need for bug spray or citronella candles. Think of it as having your own personal force field that lets you actually enjoy your time outside.
A set of blackout thermal curtains designed to help insulate your room, blocking out that hot, glaring sunlight while keeping in your cool air as your AC works its magic. Bonus: No more being woken up with the sun if you like to sleep in on the weekends.
A gaming/reading/laptop pillow so you can prop your hands up and play video games, type, or read on your Kindle or iPad from bed or the couch in an ~ergonomically friendly~ way that won't catch up with you (or your joints) a few years down the line. It even has a little side pocket ideal for stashing things like your remote controls, glasses, and emergency treats.
A nifty little book tracker bookmark so you can keep track of all the literary worlds you've explored without having to actually leave your cozy little nook. This can also motivate you to tackle that ever-growing pile of unread books so you can fill out your cute "bookshelf."
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Buzz Feed
an hour ago
- Buzz Feed
If You're Committed To Scrolling Less, Here Are 31 Screen-Free Activities That'll Capture Your Attention
The Kanoodle Ultimate Champion game that'll provide a *much*-needed reprieve from endless screen time — it's an updated version of the TikTok classic you might already be familiar with. This one has 500 2D and 3D puzzles as well as a timer to really put your skills to the test. Murdle, Volume 1 — a compilation of murder mystery–themed logic puzzles from the creator of Murdle, which is a daily puzzle site similar to Wordle but with a heaping side of murder mystery fun! You'll use your deductive (and detective) skills to solve the puzzle with the provided clues and nab the perp. It has four levels of difficulty to keep you on your toes. A buildable Lego succulent set if you'd love to add some pops of plant-like color to your space *without* the responsibility of caring for a live one. There are nine plants in the set that you can display together or solo, so you can place the finished products all around the house if you wish! A copy of Burn After Writing when your ideal night is spent curled up at home in a cozy robe with a thought-provoking activity in hand — no scrolling required. You'll go through a series of questions and experiments to help explore your feelings in a meaningful way. OR The Book of Myself: A Do-It-Yourself Autobiography in 201 Questions to help commemorate your fave experiences so you can look back on 'em later. If you want, you could even share these with future generations of the family! I can just picture you in your rocking chair holding this book and saying, "Back in my day..." A beginner's sushi-making kit both newbies and seasoned sushi lovers will appreciate. Now you'll have the basic tools they need to meld your go-to ingredients and enjoy a scrumptious spicy tuna roll whenever the craving hits — yes, even at midnight! The cutest beginner's crochet kit your hobby-loving self will appreciate, especially if you like to start small so you don't get overwhelmed. It has everything you need to see it through *and* step-by-step tutorials to guide you along the way. A mini Bob Ross paint-by-numbers kit so tiny and precious, you'll probably have to buy one for everyone you know. It includes three different numbered canvas designs, a mini brush, seven paint bots, and an easel to display your completed masterpiece with pride! Small Batch Bakes because you can absolutely pick up a new cooking hobby without feeling like you're drowning in leftovers by the end of it. This is perf for anyone who lives alone or simply prefers small-batch cooking with a LOT less mess. It contains a variety of sweet (and some savory!) recipes that serve between one and six people with minimal equipment needed. A complete candle-making kit, which may result in you wanting to start a small business because of how fun and fulfilling it is. Rather than scrolling to find a *single* candle to spend your hard-earned money on, you could create SEVEN of your own! It even comes with dried flowers to elevate the ~aesthetic~ of your candle. A beginner's embroidery kit for adults for a fun new activity to keep your hands busy while engaging your mind. You could even do it while listening to a true crime podcast and claim that you were *actually* productive. OR! A transparent embroidery kit using see-through mesh that'll look so elegant hanging in your bedroom, bathroom, or anywhere that needs a touch of floral fun. A screen-free activity that ends in a pretty piece of home decor? Yes, please! A 5-pound bucket of Crayola Air Dry Clay if you've always wanted to try pottery but you'd prefer to start small so you don't get intimidated. This is perf for making a trinket tray as a gift or some candle holders just in time for a dinner party. Once you pull the clay outta the bucket to shape it, it'll air dry and harden on its own. No oven needed OR waiting days to see your masterpiece! OR a beginner-friendly mini pottery wheel kit so you can channel Demi Moore in Ghost and really dive right into the pottery world at home. You'll have everything you need to begin crafting some lovely pieces with your bare hands. Whether you make a jewelry dish or a coffee mug, you'll proudly shout, "I made that" whenever you see it. A paint-by-sticker set, which consists of 12 vintage-style poster paintings that come to life when you peel and place the stickers on the page. You'll basically take a quick trip around the world from the comfort of your humble abode. Bonus: The pages are perforated so you can display your stunning posters on the wall when you're done. Or a customized pet paint-by-number — maybe you don't wanna waste your time on an activity that doesn't somehow include your fave four-legged creature! You can even frame your artwork and proudly display it in your home as a reminder to everyone who the real head of household is. An efficient and visually appealing reading journal you'll wonder how you ever existed without, especially if you're an avid reader. It has space for 52 in-depth book reviews and offers various challenges and lists for Books I've Read, Finished, Favorites, Did Not Finish, Lent, Borrowed, and more! A mushroom growing kit, aka a match made in heaven for anyone who prefers to grow and cook their own food. Once they're ready to eat, simply roast, sauté, or air fry 'em right up so you can add that mouthwatering umami flavor to all your fave meals. A SUPER bright Lite Brite: Disney edition, a blast from the past that'll teleport you right back to childhood. You'll keep your hands *and* mind busy without scrolling. Plus, it's designed with a new snap-on grid that places the template underneath so your art really shines through. It comes in other cute options, like a Pokémon edition and a Hello Kitty edition! A tiger face punch-needle kit when you're feeling feisty and would love to make a piece of art that'll have you going "RAWR!" as soon as you finish it. This is a fun, relaxing activity that'll be super rewarding when you see the final result! Hues and Cues that may just be the perfect board game for the color-obsessed person seeking a challenging new activity. You'll use one- and two-word clues for players to try and guess the hue from 480 colors. The closer the guess is to the target hue, the more points you get! A succulent monster needle-felting kit even total novices will appreciate because any gremlin is a cute gremlin, am I right? It'll be hard to mess these lil' dudes up, and if you do, you have at least four opportunities to get it right! You'll be so busy perfectin' your very own monster (a plant you can't kill, by the way!) that you'll totally forget about screens for a bit. A teeny-tiny DIY cheese kit packed with the essentials so you can learn to make FOUR batches of delectable ricotta and farmer's cheeses! And it'll only take 30 minutes, which makes it an excellent hobby for those with a short attention span. Or this delicious DYI mochi ice cream kit that can make up to 32 pieces of your favorite sweet treat, which will probably become a repeat activity after you experience the tastiness firsthand. You'll be a mochi ice cream expert in no time and can keep using this kit to experiment with new flavor combos in the future! A DIY terrarium kit — what better way to keep yourself occupied than forming your very own lil' ecosystem from the ground up? You'll probably feel more connected to the earth, and you don't even have to leave the couch to do it! The kit comes with everything you need to get started, including an adorable glass bubble vase to proudly display your terrarium in. An easy-to-use origami starter kit complete with everything you need to ~fold~ yourself into a new hobby — yes, even the authentic origami paper! Both kids and adults can enjoy this activity as it comes with detailed instructions for creating a variety of projects, like swans, pine trees, fox puppets, and more. A Silk + Sonder subscription that'll encourage you to keep track of pretty much everything going on in your life *without* your phone! You'll get a brand spankin' new planner each month filled with guided prompts, dated calendars, and wellness trackers. Your stress levels (and screen time) are about to go wayyy down thanks to this thing. A glass mosaic tile coaster kit because store-bought coasters simply do not compare to the DIY versions! Your coffee table will get soo many more compliments with these vibrant beauties on display. This will be a fun activity for artsy folks who are getting a tad bored with their typical outlets, like coloring books and crocheting. A DIY macramé wall hanging kit if you're looking for an activity that will quickly escalate to one of your fave hobbies. And you get a gorgeous piece of wall art out of it! This is a great way to keep your hands busy for a hot minute so that scrolling is the last thing on your mind. You might even look up after a few hours and be like, "Umm, where's my phone?" A beginner's wood carving kit, which is a wonderfully satisfying activity you've probably thought about trying at least once. It comes with two wooden blocks, a carving knife, and all the supplies you need to start. Glue the pattern to the wood, carve along the lines, sand it down, and add finish! Being able to show off the completed birdie will be more than worth it. A pickling starter kit so you can be extra adventurous with your newfound fermenting obsession — you can get into delicious kimchi and sauerkraut or try your hand at the more traditional route with cucumbers and red onions. The possibilities are endless!
Buzz Feed
3 hours ago
- Buzz Feed
32 Summer Products For Homebodies
A portable 120-inch screen bringing the cinematic experience of a drive-in to you. Set it up with a mini Bluetooth projector (compatible with TV sticks, gaming consoles, laptops, your phone, and more) and enjoy entertainment under the stars with family and friends (or solo). A lightweight, hypoallergenic heat-absorbing cooling blanket — one side is made of 100% Egyptian cotton, while the other has "Arc-Chill" cooling fibers that absorb your body heat and wick away moisture, instantly cooling you by 4–9 degrees. It's perfect for hot sleepers who love to snuggle but hate waking up sweaty! A 10-foot USB-C cable so you can continue scrolling deep in the TikTok vortex without worrying about your phone's battery entering the red zone. With this gloriously long piece of charging magic, you can stay snuggled in your "you-shaped" dent without ever having to budge. (Oh, and if you're rocking an older iPhone model, here's a version for that!) A cool-to-the-touch bamboo fabric sleep set that'll have you counting down the minutes until you can slip into it. Made with light, breathable fabric, this set is perfect for anyone who always runs hot and needs a little extra help staying cool and comfortable in bed. A bestselling double cotton hammock so you can kick back in your own cozy cocoon without a care in the world. This sturdy steel setup is your quick fix to the age-old "no trees to hang a hammock" problem, making your dream of lounging in a hanging haven a reality. An oscillating tower fan that's apparently so good, one reviewer crowned it "THE GLACIER." This fan has six different speeds and can blow cool air up to 30 feet away. Plus, it comes with four modes to choose from, so you can customize the breeze just how you like it, and reviewers rave about how incredibly quiet it is. No more annoying fan noise while you're trying to relax or sleep! A set of waterproof, rechargeable "flaming" Bluetooth speakers perfect for unwinding with some soothing lo-fi beats as the sun sets — they even have a flame lighting mode that makes them flicker like real torches. You can place them on your table, dangle from a ceiling or tree, or stake them into the ground. A Ninja Slushi maker slushifying literally anything you can dream of — wine, coffee, soda, juice, even chocolate milk. Just pour your liquid of choice in, pick one of the five preset settings, and let the magic happen. It's the perfect excuse to invite your pals over for a movie marathon, with frosty, delicious creations in hand. Frozen margs on demand in this heat? Um, YES PLEASE!!! An inflatable pool if you're anything like me and ready to bust out the swimsuit as soon as the temperature hits 65 degrees. Now you can kick back and sip on a glass of lemonade while cooling off, even if you've only got a tiny backyard. An outdoor fan just waiting to be mounted in a corner of your deck, sending the perfect breeze your way. Someone's asking if you want to hit up that crowded rooftop bar? Just say, "Nah, I'm good right here," and keep enjoying your chill vibes. A copy of Small Batch Bakes, which helps you create delightful treats perfectly portioned for one to six people at most, so even if you're not leaving the house or baking for a crowd, you can satisfy your sweet tooth. We're talking scrumptious delights like zesty lime and coconut macaroons, creamy mango pudding, and the sweet bliss of peach crumb cake. Plus, with minimal equipment required, you can whip up these goodies with ease, making it perfect for a relaxing day inside. Along with a fun reverse coloring book so you can showcase your inner Picasso by drawing lines around colors that are already there. If your dream day involves cozying up with a snack stash and zero plans, this is your ticket to creative bliss without any haunting adult pressures. And a set of vibrant 120 acrylic paint markers that glide on like a dream and blend effortlessly, turning anything you doodle into a masterpiece that'll have you clearing wall space for your very own gallery. An LED light net to give your pergola, deck, carport, or gazebo the magical effect of a starry night sky. With eight different lighting modes available, you can switch up the atmosphere to suit your mood. Plus, the timer and memory functions mean you can set it up once and let it do its thing — it'll operate on a schedule using your preferred setting. A padded chaise lounge chair equipped with a genius "face cavity" that lets you lie flat on your belly so you can sunbathe comfortably. There's five adjustable back positions and three footrest settings, ensuring you find your *perfect* lounge angle, plus a handy cup holder and zippered side pocket for stashing items. Along with an adjustable mister made to cool you (and your surroundings) off by up to 20 degrees. Whether you're catching some rays on a lounge chair or just chilling on your patio, this mister can stand on its own or wrap around a structure with ease. A Dazzle Dry Mini Kit, because sometimes the best summer plans involve chilling at home doing your nails. This kit includes everything you need for a flawless mani: a nail prep solution, a base coat, a chic nail polish color, a top coat, and a special "reviving solution" to keep things fresh. And! The polish dries in under five minutes, so you don't have to awkwardly fling your hands arond to make them dry faster. A Biodance overnight collagen mask if you'd rather skip the scorching sun and enjoy in some self-care instead. Starting off as a milky hydrogel, it magically turns clear as it works its magic on your skin. It's packed with three kinds of probiotics, plus low-molecular-weight collagen and hyaluronic acid that dive deep to boost elasticity, refine pores, and smooth those fine lines. An automatic ball launcher so you can turn your backyard into a private pickleball court, sparing you the wait at crowded gyms. With three adjustable angles and four different speeds, plus an oscillating feature, this gadget is like your personal coach, ready to help you master those forehands and backhands. It releases a ball every four seconds and can hold up to 19 balls. An unbelievably fast and easy-to-use Yonanas soft-serve maker so you can whip up your own oat milk ice cream and create a Choco Taco without trekking to Cold Stone. This nifty gadget is great if you have any specific dietary needs or preferences (like avoiding dairy or nuts), live with a picky eater, or just want a healthier alternative to ice cream that's still cold and refreshing and satisfies your sweet tooth. An Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K allowing you to stream all of your favorite watching every season of Love Island for 10 hours straight. You can also use voice commands to control settings with ease, and (pro tip) you can even order pizza! A PopLite personal popcorn maker that can churn out eight cups of that buttery, crunchy goodness in just two minutes. This bad boy is so easy to use, you could probably do it in your sleep. Just pop in some kernels, press a button, and boom – fresh, hot popcorn that's ready to devour straight out of the built-in serving bowl. A deluxe Cup Cozy to become the new HQ for your phone, TV remote, and your trio of bevs, because you always need your iced coffee, lemon water, and your *fun juice* close by. You need options, am I right? And thanks to the supportive material, it keeps those precious drinks safe from any accidental spills. And an eight-compartment snack box that's basically a treasure chest of your favorite goodies, ready to be devoured. When you can't settle on which treat you want for your bed snacking, reach for this and you can just have them all — instant happiness in the form of chips, chocolate, or whatever floats your snack boat. An inflatable pool cooler if you've ever been lounging in your pool on a hot day, only to realize you have to get out and trudge back to the house to grab a cold drink or snack. This cute, nifty thing will keep all your essentials chilled *and* afloat so you can continue relaxing in your pool without a care in the world. A sunshade triangle that creates a shaded area for when you need to escape the blazing hot sun. Hang it over a section of your pool or strategically place several to transform your patio into a cozy retreat. A "Nap Guardian" doorbell cover — a godsend for all the parents, pet owners, and nap aficionados out there. This helps prevent your doorbell from being rung at the most inconvenient time, interrupting your peace and quiet. Your little ones can snooze soundly, your overly excited fur babies can stay blissfully on the couch, and you? You can finally get that glorious shut-eye you've been dreaming about! A chic cooler designed to keep your drinks ice cold and at your fingertips while lounging outside. As a bonus, just close the lid up and the cooler becomes a sleek side table. A rechargeable mosquito repellent patio shield creating an invisible 20-foot barrier, keeping those pesky skeeters away without the need for bug spray or citronella candles. Think of it as having your own personal force field that lets you actually enjoy your time outside. A set of blackout thermal curtains designed to help insulate your room, blocking out that hot, glaring sunlight while keeping in your cool air as your AC works its magic. Bonus: No more being woken up with the sun if you like to sleep in on the weekends. A gaming/reading/laptop pillow so you can prop your hands up and play video games, type, or read on your Kindle or iPad from bed or the couch in an ~ergonomically friendly~ way that won't catch up with you (or your joints) a few years down the line. It even has a little side pocket ideal for stashing things like your remote controls, glasses, and emergency treats. A nifty little book tracker bookmark so you can keep track of all the literary worlds you've explored without having to actually leave your cozy little nook. This can also motivate you to tackle that ever-growing pile of unread books so you can fill out your cute "bookshelf."
New York Post
8 hours ago
- New York Post
Cooked: Celebrated Chef exits new venture after allegedly balking at free food for influencer because she wasn't famous enough
A prominent San Francisco chef threw in the apron at his newly opened cafe after allegedly belittling a TikTok influencer during a tense exchange over her follower count aired out in a viral video. The incident unfolded Wednesday at Kis Cafe in Hayes Valley, when 'micro-influencer' @itskarlabb described how she had pre-arranged a collab with the restaurant's team and showed up early to film content, according to a video she posted to her platform. 3 Influencer @itskarlabb was allegedly belittled by top chef Luke Sung over her supposedly low follower count, leaving her running from his new California restaurant in tears. itskarlabb/tiktok The influencer, known as Karla, claimed that a man — later identified as celebrated James Beard Award-nominated chef and co-owner Luke Sung — questioned her 15,000-follower count and told staff it was a 'mistake' to invite an influencer so small. 'I know they're talking about me, because I can hear them saying 'TikTok, views, followers' ,' she said in a later video, which has racked up more than 20 million views. The influencer said that when she introduced herself, Sung grilled her over whether she had researched the restaurant, a wine bar serving small bites. She insisted she knew the menu and the vibe, but Sung disagreed and began scrolling through her TikTok feed at full volume within earshot, the influencer said. 'After scrolling like, two times, he says to me that he doesn't think my videos are at the level which he wants his restaurant represented,' she recalled. 'It seemed like he was insinuating that my followers would not be able to afford to eat at this restaurant.' 3 Sung couldn't take the heat after the pair's alleged exchange went viral and left his new venture. San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images Sung then reportedly asked, 'Do you know who I am?' and told Karla he was a two-time James Beard Award finalist and that his daughter is Big Apple vlogger, Isa Sung, who has 600,000 TikTok followers. He also dismissed the influencer's cooking videos she posted to her platform, dissing them as 'homey,' Karla said. The belittling exchange left her in tears, she said. 'I told him I felt disrespected and didn't want to collaborate anymore,' the influencer said. Karla's follower count has since skyrocketed to more than 350,000 since she shared the story on TikTok. The influencer said she wants to 'be an advocate for micro influencers' who don't receive as many handouts. 'You don't need to have a million followers to be respected or feel like you're making a difference,' she said. 3 Kis Cafe, which opened in May, announced that Sung had left as chef and co-owner. FOX By Friday, Kis Cafe's was getting cooked on Yelp, where its rating plunged from four to five stars to just over two stars, and reviews for 'Isa '– a 'pioneering' Cal-French restaurant that Sung previously opened and named after his influencer daughter — grew with haters lambasting the chef for his behavior. Kis Cafe, which opened in May, soon announced that Sung had left as a chef and co-owner, later clarifying he had done so of his 'own accord' and was not technically fired. 'Our chef's behavior was unacceptable, and he is no longer a part of the team,' Kis Cafe wrote in an Instagram post Thursday. The restaurant said it has now temporarily closed to 'restructure.' 'We want to create a space that's welcoming and respectful to everyone. In this instance, we failed to do so,' Kis Cafe said in a statement.
