The Best of Add to Cart: SuChin in Paris--18 Bottles of Sleeping Pills

Summary

Podcast Summary: "The Best of Add to Cart: SuChin in Paris--18 Bottles of Sleeping Pills"

Episode Information:

• Title: The Best of Add to Cart: SuChin in Paris--18 Bottles of Sleeping Pills
• Hosts: Kulap Vilaysack & SuChin Pak
• Release Date: July 29, 2025
• Producer: Lemonada Media

---

Introduction

In this standout episode of Add to Cart, hosts Kulap Vilaysack and veteran journalist SuChin Pak delve into SuChin's memorable trip to Paris. The conversation weaves through humorous anecdotes, cultural observations, and the quirks of consumerism in the City of Light. The episode is infused with candid moments and insightful commentary, capturing the essence of what it means to "add to cart" both literally and metaphorically.

---

Anniversary Announcement [03:22 - 04:34]

Before diving into SuChin's Parisian adventures, the hosts excitedly announce their upcoming one-year anniversary milestone. They share hints about a special surprise planned for their listeners, encouraging fans to follow them on Instagram (@cartpod) to stay updated.

SuChin Pak [03:22]: "We are approaching our one-year milestone and Ku and I have something very special planned for you guys."

---

SuChin's Paris Trip Overview [05:49 - 14:25]

SuChin Pak recounts her journey to Paris, sparked by a combination of personal reasons and a serendipitous invitation from iconic influencer Criselle Lim to attend Paris Fashion Week. The trip was her first extended vacation in years, offering a much-needed break from quarantining with her two children during a bout of COVID-19.

Accommodations and First Impressions [07:10 - 09:36]

Staying at the luxurious Le Maurice Hotel, SuChin juxtaposes her modest packing list against the opulence surrounding her. She humorously describes waiting for Criselle after shows, feeling out of place amidst the city's chic lifestyle.

SuChin Pak [08:02]: "I had to bring the things I know I cannot get in Paris. I brought 30 sleeping pills because I just didn't know how long I'd be out."

Packing Essentials and Customs Challenges [10:07 - 14:14]

SuChin details her meticulous packing strategy, emphasizing items she couldn't find in Paris, such as specific sleeping aids. Her overpacking leads to humorous reflections on navigating customs with 18 bottles of sleeping pills.

SuChin Pak [11:15]: "I brought 18 bottles or containers from maybe eight different brands."

---

City Pharmacy Adventures [17:20 - 22:29]

A highlight of SuChin's trip was her daily visits to City Pharmacy, a sprawling three-story establishment renowned for its vast selection of beauty products, health aids, and, notably, French sleeping pills. SuChin shares her fascination with the variety and potency of European sleep aids compared to those available in the U.S.

SuChin Pak [20:56]: "I probably have 18 bottles or containers from maybe eight different brands."

She reflects on the differences in product formulations and the overwhelming choices, advising future travelers to come prepared with a shopping list to avoid unnecessary purchases and suitcase clutter.

---

Monoprix Shopping Experiences [24:15 - 26:58]

Monoprix, Paris's version of Target, becomes SuChin's go-to for children's clothing and quirky kitchen utensils. Her enthusiasm for the store's offerings is palpable as she describes the unique styles and high-quality items she procures for her children.

SuChin Pak [25:16]: "I never passed Amona Prix without going into it."

She humorously recounts the challenge of fitting large kitchen items like pasta strainers into her suitcase, highlighting the practical yet stylish nature of Monoprix products.

---

Bully Apothecary - A Parisian Gem [36:13 - 37:54]

One of the episode's standout segments is SuChin's visit to Bully Apothecary, a historic French store dating back to 1803. She praises the personalized shopping experience, where products like soaps and perfumes are beautifully wrapped and customized with calligraphy.

SuChin Pak [37:21]: "Wrapping up what we love about shopping. But also just what Paris is."

This segment underscores the cultural appreciation for quality and heritage in Parisian consumerism, contrasting it with the more utilitarian shopping experiences elsewhere.

---

Candid Moments and Humor [33:08 - 35:56]

Throughout the episode, SuChin and Kulap engage in lighthearted banter, sharing funny stories about navigating high-fashion environments and the challenges of blending into Parisian elegance. SuChin's mishaps with wardrobe changes and her inventive use of accessories add a relatable and humorous touch to her luxurious surroundings.

Kulap Vilaysack [34:08]: "There was a look of panic in her eyes as I was standing there with a bib of lace and my collar."

---

Engagement and Listener Interaction [40:35 - 42:09]

As the episode nears its end, Kulap and SuChin address listener feedback, emphasizing the importance of community engagement. They encourage listeners to check the show notes for links to products discussed and to follow them on Instagram for visuals and updates.

Kulap Vilaysack [40:38]: "This is why we do this podcast. What is more intimate than somebody's shopping list from their first mad foray overseas?"

---

Conclusion and Farewell [42:23 - 43:55]

The episode wraps up with gratitude towards their listeners and a playful sign-off. SuChin teases more engaging content to come, leaving listeners eager for future episodes.

SuChin Pak [39:54]: "Au revoir. I hope that you're in a Monaprix, wherever you are."

---

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• SuChin Pak [03:22]: "We are approaching our one-year milestone and Ku and I have something very special planned for you guys."
• SuChin Pak [11:15]: "I brought 18 bottles or containers from maybe eight different brands."
• SuChin Pak [20:56]: "I probably have 18 bottles or containers from maybe eight different brands."
• SuChin Pak [25:16]: "I never passed Amona Prix without going into it."
• SuChin Pak [37:21]: "Wrapping up what we love about shopping. But also just what Paris is."
• Kulap Vilaysack [34:08]: "There was a look of panic in her eyes as I was standing there with a bib of lace and my collar."
• Kulap Vilaysack [40:38]: "This is why we do this podcast. What is more intimate than somebody's shopping list from their first mad foray overseas?"

---

Key Takeaways

1. Cultural Consumerism: SuChin's experiences highlight the unique qualities of Parisian shopping, emphasizing quality, heritage, and personalized service.
2. Preparation is Key: The importance of planning and having a shopping list to navigate extensive stores and avoid overpacking.
3. Humorous Adaptations: Balancing high-fashion environments with practical needs brings humor and relatability to the narrative.
4. Community Engagement: Encouraging listeners to engage through social media and share their own shopping stories strengthens the podcast's connection with its audience.

---

Conclusion

This episode of Add to Cart offers a delightful blend of personal travel stories, cultural insights, and the hosts' signature humor. SuChin Pak's Parisian adventure serves as a microcosm of the broader themes of consumerism and self-expression, making it a compelling listen for both regular fans and newcomers alike.

---

Follow Us:

• Instagram: @cartpod
• Website: Lemonada Media
• Listen Everywhere: Available on all major podcast platforms.

Transcript

[Lemonada Media]

Want to listen to your favorite Lemonada shows without the ads? Subscribe to Lemonada Premium On Apple Podcasts. You'll get ad free episodes and exclusive bonus content from shows like Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis Dreyfus, Fail Better with David Duchovny, the Sarah Silverman podcast, and so many more. It's a great way to support the work we do and treat yourself to a smoother, uninterrupted listening experience. Just head to any Lemonada show feed on Apple podcasts and hit subscribe. Make life suck less with fewer ads with Lemonada Premium.

[Suchin Pak]

Lemonada.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

Also with that fire boy.

[Suchin Pak]

Wait.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

Hello. Welcome to another episode of Add to cart, a show about the things we buy and buy into and what they say about who we are.

[Suchin Pak]

I'm Culotte Vilay Sac. Oh, bonjour, Coulape. Je m' appelle sugine. You know, croissants et chocolat a.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

Fromage a la bista.

[Suchin Pak]

Cafe. Une cafe, s' il vous plait. So, as you can tell, I'm back from Paris. Yes. I still got a little Paris in me. You know what I mean? I'm fresh. Fresh off of the Paris trip.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

I was re listening to last week's episode with Casey Wilson and all we can say about your trip, we keep repeating baguette as if that is the one thing about Paris and that's all we can think about. We're just like, Suchin's having a baguette. Trust us, we're not taking her away from her baguettes.

[Suchin Pak]

By the way, you aren't wrong.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

The whole thing was such a cliche.

[Suchin Pak]

Like, I mean, I ate baguettes. I saw people on bikes with baguettes. I saw people pulling out trays of baguettes, and I was like, am I in the wrong part of town? I kid you not. I saw people in wearing berets. I saw it with my mine own eyes.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

I think you could pull a beret off. Like, real talk. All jokes aside, I, I actually think you could like you. We could have you be a little Asian Amalie. Oh, my God. Or Mat.

[Suchin Pak]

Oh, my God. A little orphan girl.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

A little French orphan girl named Suchin.

[Suchin Pak]

I mean, basically, yes, it was, it.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

Was just, it was.

[Suchin Pak]

It was less Amelie in Paris than ajumas in Paris. Sure, sure. But we'll get into all of that. I ate. I, I, I had, I had espresso. I said that in the Spanish way. I realized that, but it doesn't matter. And, and lots of baguettes.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

I mean, when in Europe, you know, it's an international city. I can't wait to hear more about it. But add to cars. Before we dive deeper into Sue's trip, we have excited, exciting news for you.

[Suchin Pak]

Yes. So our anniversary is coming up. We are approaching our one year milestone and Ku and I have something very special planned for you guys. We actually, actually have put quite a bit of effort into this. Yeah, I'm surprised mostly at myself, but this is gonna be major.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

And again, just a. A reminder to everybody, we intended not to exhibit much effort when we began this podcast. And in true Ajama and Lao auntie style, we only effort. We so much effort, we brainstorm more ways to effort.

[Suchin Pak]

And so of course, for our one year celebration of this show, but also of the people that are have been listening to this show, thank God for you.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

Thank God for you all, you sweet, sweet gems.

[Suchin Pak]

I. We had to do something special. I'm so excited. We're not going to let you know what it is right away because, you know, we gotta, we gotta squeeze this out. Who knows when we'll effort this hard again.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

That's right.

[Suchin Pak]

Oh, well, year two, if we make it, and if we have anything else.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

Left to give.

[Suchin Pak]

After this one, this is, this is major. A little clue. My house is filled with, with just little things that I'm so happy to see and I can't wait to share with you guys. But first, the first step to partake in our efforting is to follow us on Instagram to Cartpod, because that's where we're going to drop all the details. You know, that's how the young people do it. You know, we wanted to just. Just give it away, but the young people said, oh, no, aunties, you got to tease it out for the young. Got to put it on the soch. That's right, the Sochmeads.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

Our auntie's noticed that for so many people who listen to the show, it doesn't necessarily correlate to our Instagram followers. Do you see? There is an ulterior motive here as well. We'll say more about it all in the coming weeks, but that's the first step. Okay, now, setting location. Paris.

[Suchin Pak]

If I am in the periphery of your consciousness at all, y' all know I went to Paris. I posted about it, I storied it, I even attempted to reel it. That one didn't make it. So anyway, went to Paris. I went to Paris for many reasons. One, as some of you may know, I had Covid. Yeah, I had Covid with my Two children at the same time. And we were alone. Quarantined alone in a hotel room for 10 days. Yeah. So I went to Paris. I also went to Paris because I was thinking about it, and I think it's been at least four years since I took a vacation for more than two or three days without the kids. And lastly, I went to Paris because when a media mogul went on and when an influencer as iconic as Ms. Criselle Lim, who has been on this show says, hey, hey, I have an idea. Why don't you come to Paris Fashion Week and crash at my very fancy hotel I'll never be able to afford? And I said, oui, take me to Paris, lady.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

Say the name of the hotel.

[Suchin Pak]

The name of the hotel is Le Maurice. Yeah.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

Le Sue.

[Suchin Pak]

Yeah.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

I had no idea who Criselle was until you.

[Suchin Pak]

And.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

And then my niece Data, whom you've met, who has taught us the importance of reels.

[Suchin Pak]

Yes.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

She was like, I love Criselle. Criselle's huge. I used to see Criselle at Fashion Week when I worked for an influencer. And I was like, oh, cool, cool, cool. And then, of course, I follow her now, and I am watching her in Paris, and I was like, oh, oh, okay, now I understand.

[Suchin Pak]

I mean, I didn't understand. And it's not like, you know, I'm new. New to this. New to this little game.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

No, you're an icon. Mtv, come on.

[Suchin Pak]

Not much impresses me, you know, But I have to say, when Criselle goes to Paris Fashion Week, Paris opens its arms.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

Holy cow. Yes.

[Suchin Pak]

Maybe it's legs. Lovingly my eyes. Embraces.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

Both are so wide right now. My eyes and my legs.

[Suchin Pak]

I mean, I. So good to be back in between your legs.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

So I'm like a koala grasping onto my sue returned.

[Suchin Pak]

Like, you know, remember we used to.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

Ride in the swing, you know, face to face to face, just holding each.

[Suchin Pak]

Other, swaying in the wind, like. Like 2, 2, 2, 2. Two spiders. Two daddy long legs. That's right. Yeah. You know, I arrived in Paris, she had been there for a while, you know, I mean, she's at Chanel, she's at Givenchy. She's at a hotel where they have a woman that comes and changes your flowers, you know, it was amazing. And me, me so happy. Like a pig in shit, you know, while I waited for her to come back from her shows, like, in between, just like, bonjour, welcome. I haven't left the hotel. Apparently, there's a city out there.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

Wait, apparently.

[Suchin Pak]

Apparently that that Eiffel Tower thing outside of our window, you can see it closer. I said, no, thank you.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

I never left the house. Not true. Because I saw Chris so do a story of her in a car on a way to a fashion show, passing by you, trying to work a bike.

[Suchin Pak]

And her cackling and bullying, really bullying me outside of a window as she careened off to the Chanel fashion show, you know, And I said, oh, have fun. I'm just trying to figure out this lime bicycle app. Listen, when you're flying that high, right, right. You gotta have someone or around just.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

A little so you can really appreciate it.

[Suchin Pak]

A little? Yes, A little nugget, a little widget, you know, just hanging around at your feets, you know, making sure that you've got matching socks and underwear, which I did, you know, I, I, I did the sock runs and I was glad to do the, the underwear runs when, when she was wearing an outfit. And I said, you can't. You must have a different pair. Let me go to the Mona Pre, which I'll tell you about, and get you underwear. It was just divine. I like to think I, I kept that trip grounded. They may not have needed that, you know, they may wanted to fly a bit higher. And I said, you shan't fly too high. Icarus. Yes, Icarus.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

Icarus. Wait, wait.

[Suchin Pak]

Let me weigh you down with my sleeping mask and all of my, all of my sleep apparati, my sound machines galore. She was like, what have you packed?

[Kulap Vilaysack]

How many domes did you bring? Be honest.

[Suchin Pak]

First of all, let me tell you. I had one carry on suitcase and then one empty duffel bag which I rolled. And in that carry on suitcase, I had room for just a few of the essentials. Two dome sound machines, one by my bed, and one portable. And then, you know, I had to bring so many fucking poise back because they don't cut that shit in Paris.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

Are you certain that's, how do you say, how do you say poise in Paris?

[Suchin Pak]

They will laugh me. They would kick me out of the country. They would be disgusted. They would be mortified.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

It's a French word. I just want to go on record, no, that the word poise is, is French, okay? The word poise may be French, okay?

[Suchin Pak]

But the actual device is not French.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

Not a device, Not a device.

[Suchin Pak]

The technology is not French. And that is groundbreaking technology. Don't you dare.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

Certainly bottom breaking.

[Suchin Pak]

And let me tell you, I knew that that wasn't going to happen. You think those chic women in leather.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

Leggings no, they're not.

[Suchin Pak]

No, no. And so I said, let me bring the things I know I cannot get in Paris. I can get underwear in Paris. I can. I can get T shirts in Paris. I can get shampoo, and I cannot get boy spads in Paris. So I brought 30 because I just didn't know how long I'd be out. Turns out. Turns out. Turns out I brought too many, but that's okay. Okay. All right. Just so you know, you guys, let's keep it chill.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

Okay?

[Suchin Pak]

So anyway, I don't know how we got derailed again on this damn topic. Nobody wants to hear more about God and I don't want to talk about. Anyway, so I brought those. Okay. You can't buy those in Paris. Right.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

Okay, noted. Checked, covered.

[Suchin Pak]

Oh, yeah. And I mean, I love socks in Paris, but they're gonna be thin and beautiful. They're not gonna be my hiking socks, so had to bring my dickies. And that takes up a lot of room. Balled up. So anyway, I open my bag in Paris, and I'm sure. Sweet criselle.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

Wait, wait, wait, wait. Yeah, that's it. In the carry on. I mean, what type of clothes?

[Suchin Pak]

I brought some fancy shoes I never wore. I had a pair of jeans. Okay. And I mean, not much else.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

A couple tops.

[Suchin Pak]

Yeah. Like some T shirts. Because I was. I was going there to fill up luggage.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

Yep. Right. Okay.

[Suchin Pak]

I wasn't going there with my old fair. My old.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

And skin care, I'm assuming.

[Suchin Pak]

Oh, no, I'm going to fill up there. No, I brought nothing.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

All right, all right.

[Suchin Pak]

I didn't even bring my cellar water, you guys. I didn't even bring. Bring my cellar water because I just knew my first stop was going to be in a. In a pharmacy.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

Wow. Okay. Okay.

[Suchin Pak]

So anyway, you. This is gonna. This is gonna take. This is already deranged. I didn't know that Paris Trip edition was gonna be deranged. Well, we have to move through this.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

This is our brand. It's deranged. And.

[Lemonada Media]

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[Sean Pyles]

Today's episode is sponsored by NerdWallet's Smart Money podcast. Money can be confusing. Should you invest in ETFs, get a travel rewards credit card, buy a house or just build a really fancy pillow fort?

[Kulap Vilaysack]

That could work.

[Elizabeth Ayola]

No shame and pillow fort game. Or you could just tune in for clear research backed financial insights.

[Sean Pyles]

I'm Sean Pyles, a certified Financial Planner professional.

[Elizabeth Ayola]

And I'm Elizabeth Ayola. We're the hosts of NerdWallet Smart Money podcast where you bring the money questions and we bring trustworthy information backed by NerdWallet's expert analysis.

[Sean Pyles]

Our nerds do the research so you don't have to. We'll help you understand your options so you can make the best decision for your situation. From optimizing your investments and maximizing credit card rewards to making big money moves with confidence. Whether you're planning for retirement, weighing a big purchase, or just want to make your money work harder for you, we've got insights that you can use in real life.

[Elizabeth Ayola]

So if you want practical, straightforward and actually useful financial knowledge, plus a little bit of fun along the way, follow NerdWallet's Smart Money podcast on your favorite podcast app.

[Sean Pyles]

Future you will. Thank you.

[Suchin Pak]

Are you waxed? No, I'm unwaxed. Hi guys, I'm Sophia. And I'm Sistine Stallone and this is Unwaxed. We are less judgmental than your best friend, way cheaper than a therapist, and less painful than a wax. Join us every Tuesday where we discuss dating, bettering yourself and hilarious stories. So listen to Unwax from Lemonade Media wherever you get your podcasts or check us out on YouTube to see the video version and we will see you next Tuesday.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

Bye.

[Suchin Pak]

Let me add to cart number one City Pharmacy legend. You've been there? Have you been there?

[Kulap Vilaysack]

I've not. I've only heard of it. I've only heard tales. I've only been to Paris once.

[Suchin Pak]

I had been to pharmacies pretty much every day because I was popping in just to see the see the inventory. But then my friend Annie got into town. She said no, no, we are going to go to City Pharmacy. It. You can't go to Paris without Going to City Pharmacy if you like. I mean, you just can't. If you like to clean, brush your teeth, comb your hair, put serums on your face, deodorant on your feet. I don't care. This is. I. I think I want to say it's three or four stories. And the thing about City Pharmacy, besides the. The selection is, is that it's cheap. See, that's what I didn't understand. I didn't understand people who were going there because it was cheaper than America. But what am I getting at a pharmacy? And every pharmacy I went into Paris, I probably went into a dozen pharmacies, which are French sleeping pills. Why whenever I'm in Europe and I go to a pharmacy, I like to try out the local sleeping pills because the. Okay.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

Sue.

[Suchin Pak]

What? I don't drink wine. I am not a wine connoisseur.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

I did not know you were gonna connect it to wine. I had no idea that that was the.

[Suchin Pak]

The alt.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

The alternative.

[Suchin Pak]

Show me what you got. Okay. I like to go to different countries. What I like to do. I like to really get in there with the people, and I like to know what they're sleeping on. You know, what's the new in Paris? You know what I mean? How's everybody sleeping in this town? Let's hear it. Give it to me. Okay. So I go up there and I say, madame Tablet. Poor Dormir. I don't know if that's French or Spanish, okay? And I just do the universal language. I put my head on my hand and I go. And they say. And they take me to the aisle. I mean, aisles. Of various concoctions of natural sleep aids. They do it differently, but in Europe, you know, they have different standards, right?

[Kulap Vilaysack]

Stronger.

[Suchin Pak]

It's cleaner. They're stronger. They're cleaner. They like to do things without chemicals, okay? So they're gonna experiment more with. Oh, this one has a little bit of valerium, but it also has the melatonin. That's. That's the connoisseur that I am. You know what I mean? I'm saying. Ooh, does this have tryptophan? Oh, my goodness. Is this valerian? Oh, that's an interesting combination. I've never tried that.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

Oh, is there top notes of.

[Suchin Pak]

Top notes of chamomile. Oh. Oh, citrate. Interesting.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

This one has no legs.

[Suchin Pak]

You get it, Kula.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

You understand?

[Suchin Pak]

But. And yet you're.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

It cannot be said enough. You are a unique person. There is only one such.

[Suchin Pak]

And Pak, I have to post it on our Instagrams at Add to Cartpod. If you're not following, you're not going to see how many different variations of sleeping pills that I got.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

Give me. Give me a number. Give me a possible bottle number.

[Suchin Pak]

Well, I probably have 18 bottles or, you know, containers from maybe eight different brands. Nine, I'm not sure.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

18 bottles, nine different brands.

[Suchin Pak]

You know, at City Pharmacy, I was asking questions. At first I'm buying things willy nilly, you know, and now I'm like, I can't. Nope. I don't need tinctures. I don't need any more drops. I need the tablets. Okay. I need to be able to travel. Right. What do you got? What do you. Dry goods. Give me the dry goods. Give me the stuff. The high, high, high grade stuff. Anyway, so City Pharmacy. And you get all the serums? I got all the serums. I got all the sunblocks. I got all the masks.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

Okay, okay.

[Suchin Pak]

I got. I got all the foot creams, but I also got all the sleeping pills. Okay. Add to cart that.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

Okay, okay, okay. What are SkinCuticles for? 50 less.

[Suchin Pak]

Okay. So SkinCeuticals is like the premier. You know, if you want to get a vitamin C serum, every beauty editor will tell you this is sort of the gold standard. And I've never been able to buy it myself because it's probably anywhere between 160 and 180 a bottle. Holy. And there it was, 1 24. Okay. And I didn't get it.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

What?

[Suchin Pak]

Damn it. That's what I regret that, you know, I. I didn't do the math correctly. Okay.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

Okay.

[Suchin Pak]

And I was really focused, like I said, on a very specific thing. And, you know, you're looking at your basket and you're like, I have to actually get this home.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

Yeah.

[Suchin Pak]

And.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

Yeah.

[Suchin Pak]

And go through customs. So I was like, I can just get that in America. And then, of course, I went home immediately and went on to, like, derm store and looked how much at how much they were selling it for. Have I been frantically texting Annie, who was still somewhere in Europe, saying, if you do go to City Pharmacy, will you pick me up a bottle of the skinceuticals?

[Kulap Vilaysack]

I'm just picturing this sort of image where sue has. Has dumped out all that she had in her carry on, except for, you know, the six poise pads that are left. The rest is just 18 bottles of sleeping pills. She gets pulled just in a random bag check. They open it up and she has to go tablet Paul Dormir.

[Suchin Pak]

And by the way, they'd be like, oh, yeah, no one wants this stuff. You can take it. You know, again, I was overwhelmed. It's so overwhelming in there. You have to go in there. Please don't go in there without a list. Don't do that to yourself.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

Sue, how many tubes of toothpaste did you purchase?

[Suchin Pak]

Oh, so many tubes. And you shall be getting one. And you shall thank me on your knees. And it will be so satisfying. We'll post that. How about we reel that, Dana?

[Kulap Vilaysack]

We can reel that.

[Suchin Pak]

Reels that one. Okay. Oh, there. They had a corner, two walls. They met at a corner. Two walls of just all the toothpastes. I didn't know. Am I Parisian? Have I this whole time, have I just been chic and I didn't know it?

[Kulap Vilaysack]

You're pretty chic.

[Suchin Pak]

I had no idea that they loved toothpaste, you know? So I just kind of got the best of the best and then again had to think about, what am I filling my suitcase with?

[Kulap Vilaysack]

So I feel like the inside of your mind is a citi famousie.

[Suchin Pak]

A. Oui, oui. Or it may be a monopri. Now tell me you know what a monopri is.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

Can I guess based on your energy?

[Suchin Pak]

Oh, my God. Oh, my God. Oh, my God. Oh, my God.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

Are you still posting the kids clothes that you got?

[Suchin Pak]

Oh, my God. I gotta take my sweater off. I'm sweating about it.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

Monapri is like a Belizean. All French Uniqlo go lower.

[Suchin Pak]

That's too high. It's too high, baby. Okay, I did not hit every Monoprix in Paris for the Paris Uniqlo. It's the Paris Target.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

How. How many did you go into, Sue? Oh.

[Suchin Pak]

Oh, so many.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

How many?

[Suchin Pak]

Minimum. I was in a Mona Prix once a day. Minimum. Minimum. I never passed Amona Prix without going into it. I. Okay, so you're gonna get at Monopri. Guys, listen up, okay? You wanna hit a Monoprix. You wanna get there for the kids clothes? I don't care if you have kids. You know someone that has kids. Did I bring home a pasta utensil that strains pasta as you scoop it up and then you can rest it on your pot? Never seen that in America.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

Why are you mad?

[Suchin Pak]

Cause I had to bring this shit into a suitcase. It was so cumbersome. I was like, am I going to be bringing home a giant pasta spoon? Yes. Okay, so that's the Mona Priest, right? Did I go into a Louis Vuitton? No. Did I go into Vanessa Bruno? No. Okay, I am on. On my haunches, squatting in the Aisles, Asian squatting in a Mona Pre, digging through their kids clothes and their kitchen utensils. That's what I do.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

Let me ask you, when you came home and excitedly presented these said kids clothes to your children, what were their reactions?

[Suchin Pak]

Oh, Kai was less impressed, but Zoe. Oh, my goodness. She's an artist. She's an artiste. Okay? And I know, I know, I know her. Her style. Her style is masculine meets Amish countryside. Wow.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

Okay, okay.

[Suchin Pak]

She likes to be covered head to toe like mama. In some sort of matching.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

Like Mama.

[Suchin Pak]

I didn't think about that. In some sort of matching fabric in a masculine color. Okay. Whatever that may be. So the boy stuff there. The boy stuff, you know? Yep, yep. I know we're being very gender traditional here, but it's so great. It's so, so much more styled than the stuff that we get here. That it was. Oh, she loved it. She loved it. I came back with a whole new wardrobe. That's where I'm gonna go, you know, for my daughter. I don't buy her anything, but this is where I buy her stuff.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

I mean, that's very glamorous. By the way. Mommy buys my stuff in France.

[Suchin Pak]

By the way. She loves it. She says it with as much pretension and snobbiness as you could muster. That child will be flying really high in life. I don't know where she gets that, but she likes it. She likes it special, she likes it catered, and she likes it at the exact temperature that she wants it, you know, because her birthday is maybe April 28th. Yes.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

And she is a Taurus.

[Suchin Pak]

Thank you. She's a Taurus. Case closed. Yes, she is. So she's living with all 18 senses. Okay. I only have three. Wet, dry, cold.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

And when you had Covid. No senses. Zero.

[Suchin Pak]

None. Like a. Like a blind mole rat.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

Oh, God.

[Suchin Pak]

Trying to make my way through a Christmas ornament store. You should be able to relate to that. Just shattering ornaments along the way.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

Can relate. Can relate.

[Hasan Minhaj]

I'm Hasan Minhaj, and I have been lying to you. I only pretended to be a comedian so I could trick important people into coming on my podcast. Hasan Minhaj doesn't know to ask them the tough questions that real journalists are way too afraid to ask. People like Senator Elizabeth Warren. Is America too dumb for democracy?

[Suchin Pak]

Outrageous.

[Hasan Minhaj]

Parenting expert Dr. Becky, how do you skip consequences without raising a psychopath?

[Suchin Pak]

That's a good question.

[Hasan Minhaj]

Listen to Hasan Minhaj. Doesn't know. From Lemonada Media. Wherever you get your podcasts.

[Suchin Pak]

I'm just gonna do one More.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

No, disagree.

[Suchin Pak]

Because we gotta wrap this up. I disagree. No, one more.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

I'm not sharing anything this week.

[Suchin Pak]

Oh, my God.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

No, I want to hear about the flea market.

[Suchin Pak]

Oh, the flea market. Well, I don't know if you know this fun fact, but the word flea market comes from the Parisian flea market. That's where that word is invented. And so there's one flea market. It's very well known, and, you know, it's on the outskirts of Paris, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, and. Wow. How do Parisians do flea markets? Parisians do flea markets with Hermes scarves. Did I get an original drawing of a Longvance scarf from the 70s? Did I have to lug that home in a giant poster tube that my friend then had to rig up some sort of strap? I did do that. Because when you're at a Paris flea market, all sanity, all reason, all logic flies out the window because you cannot believe what you're seeing.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

Another way of thinking about it is, is that you're a type of athlete and that you've been training all this time. Well, as Jenny Yang said, if you stay ready, you don't have to get ready. Right?

[Suchin Pak]

That's right.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

Right. And preparation meets opportunity.

[Suchin Pak]

Yes.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

Right. And so this was the big show. This is your Olympics. You are Suni Lee.

[Suchin Pak]

Yes. Yes, that's right. Wings, wings ablaze. Let me tell you, hot tip that I will be doing if I'm ever invited back to Paris, which is questionable, is. Wait.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

Do you feel that the city has voted?

[Suchin Pak]

Maybe the city has voted. Maybe Criselle has voted. I don't know. I'm not sure. I'm not sure if she wants an old, old Asian lady in her giant bed at her fancy French hotel, never leaving, never leaving that womb. I didn't leave for the first two days, I walked in straight lines. Just. It's a long story, but it was scary. And so I would just walk in a straight line for 30 minutes, then come back in a straight line so as to not lose the way. You know, I've got. I've got issues with the. With directions, and I. And I wasn't sure yet. And so I would just walk straight and then be like, oh, I should go back.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

Yeah.

[Suchin Pak]

And then when Annie got there, she was like, it's time to make a left turn. And I said, I've. I've been waiting. So we made lots of turns, but. So the Paris.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

Sorry, real quick, could you kind of reenact Criselle her taking in all of your sleep aparati you putting on The Dickies. Could you just give us a little bit of a flavor, a feel for that initial moment?

[Suchin Pak]

Well, let me say this. First of all, she's very busy, and I'm very sneaky. You know, you come into someone's home as beautiful as that, and you. And you know, what you're bringing in, It's a bunch of trash. So it's not like I was like, hey, look at this. Look at all these. These urine pads I brought. Ha ha ha. You know what I mean? That's. I'm not you guys. I know I laugh and joke about it here. It's because I'm encouraged to do so. You know, out in the real world, I, I. I do find myself a bit embarrassed at times.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

You're more buttoned up.

[Suchin Pak]

I am human up to the neck. You're the collar to the neck. She did. Wait, wait.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

There was.

[Suchin Pak]

So I'm, you know, I've. I've. I, like, spy out the darkest corner in her giant suite, and I, you know, post up my suitcase there. I'm not unzipping that thing in front of anyone, you know, I'm just peeking into it, pulling things out, you know, in the dark. And there was one day, though, so she went out her show, and I said, okay, we'll meet you downstairs for dinner. And I. I did bring. See, this is how I hack it. You know, I did. I did bring my. My shirt bibs. Mama, bro. Mama brought all four of her shirt bibs, right?

[Kulap Vilaysack]

You know, because they're easy to pack.

[Suchin Pak]

They roll up into a band aid, you know what I mean? And you can bring, as I did, one black sweater, and you just switch out the collars.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

I hear you, I hear you, but what did Criselle say about that?

[Suchin Pak]

So she. I came down, and I was wearing the same black sweater, but I had put on a little. A little lace thing, you know, just a little. Kind of a mock lace half shirt. And she said, oh, is that the same shirt you were wearing today? And I said, oh, yes. I just, you know, I put this thing on under. And she didn't quite understand. She was like, oh, it looks really cute. I was like, oh, well, merci. So we go upstairs and we're undressing, you know, for nighttime. And I took my sweatshirt off, and I do have to say I saw a look of what one, some would say is panic in her eyes as I was standing there with a bib of lace and my collar and, you know, and then my sweat bottoms.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

And she was like, what is that? Like A normal person would ask, right?

[Suchin Pak]

And. And then, of course, my answer is, oh, I know, right? I. I brought four of these. She was like, oh, okay. She didn't seem so. To ask so much more about my shirt collars after that, I do have to say, yeah, probably not the best look in front of a fashion influencer icon. Do not bring out your half shirts, okay? And start brushing your teeth in them.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

Well, and sue, to be fair, calling them half shirts is quite generous.

[Suchin Pak]

What are they? Right? I didn't want people to confuse my top dickies with my bottom dickies.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

They are bibs, my friend. They are bibs.

[Suchin Pak]

Shirt bibs. Yes, yes, yes, yes.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

There's no back.

[Suchin Pak]

They.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

Your armpits are not covered.

[Suchin Pak]

No, no, no, no. Free a half shirt.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

Maybe people thinking, oh, is it a crop top? Oh, no, no, no, no.

[Suchin Pak]

You're on the wrong podcast. You got the wrong lady on the mic. Crop top. Get out of here. Okay, so anyway, that's that. I don't even know where we are anymore. We're not doing the whole list.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

I will start.

[Suchin Pak]

No, I will do. I will do bully. I don't even know how to pronounce that. Bully.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

Oh, okay, fine. Let's do bully.

[Suchin Pak]

Okay, the last one. Last. Add to cart, guys. Bully, spelled B U L Y, is a French apothecary that dates back to 1803. They have soaps, perfume, candles, floss, toothpaste, all of the kind of things. And let me tell you why. This, to me, was one of the best shopping experiences in Paris. And that is saying a lot. It checks off a lot of boxes of how I like to add to cartoon. Okay, is it practical? Slash. Does it have good value? Is it special? And then is it effective? It doesn't have to be necessarily cheap, you know, meaning price. It could be an expensive thing that I think is so special, is so effective. You know, something so beyond that, whatever price I'm paying for it, it's a complete steal. Do you know what I mean? It's like one of those.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

It holds value.

[Suchin Pak]

It is for you. The packaging, beautiful.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

Looking at it right now, you go.

[Suchin Pak]

Into Buli and you pick out your items. Then they ask you your name, because what they're going to do is they're going to wrap it and take an old calligraphy pen and write your name on the packaging in calligraphy after you've chosen the special sticker that goes on the, you know, packaging. I mean, the whole experience of this place.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

Oh, my God.

[Suchin Pak]

To me. Wraps up what we love about shopping. But also just what Paris is. You know, for someone that's never really been there, you know, this was like my first real trip to Paris. And just, like, the attention to quality and detail and heritage and all of that. It sounds so pretentious, but when you're watching a woman wrap a bar of soap, you know, in the most beautiful paper, and then taking an old calligraphy pen and dipping it in ink and writing your name in it, and everything that goes into this bar of soap, the way that it smells, the ingredients, the effectiveness of it, is just the highest quality that you can get. I. I did feel high shopping at that place, and. And it's all practical stuff, stuff one would use, but it's just such a special experience. I think I can't wait to gift it. It was wonderful. I probably spent two and a half hours in there buying soaps and toothpastes for.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

More toothpaste?

[Suchin Pak]

No, you laugh now. Just you wait.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

How many toothpaste am I getting?

[Suchin Pak]

Just you wait. You're so excited.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

I am. I am.

[Suchin Pak]

You're so excited. You're so excited.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

All of my gifts.

[Suchin Pak]

I can't wait till you open your package from Bully. Okay, so go. Please tell me you had something to add. I know you had some. Add to cart.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

No, no, honey, we're.

[Suchin Pak]

This is the end of the show. Like, we've already gone, and we didn't even get through.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

Get through my entire Paris list because.

[Suchin Pak]

There'S just so much.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

Yeah, but it's all good stuff. So right now, Sujin, this is what we bid our listeners.

[Suchin Pak]

Au revoir.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

I.

[Suchin Pak]

You know, I. I hope. I hope that you're in a Mona Prix, wherever you are. That's my only wish for our add to Carter is that they. That they one day make it to the mecca called Mona Prix, the target of Paris. You know, tag me if you're there.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

There were.

[Suchin Pak]

There were a few folks that, while I was there, was like, oh, I'm going to Paris next week. You know, where was that vintage shop you went to? Or I did so much vintage shopping. And where's that pharmacy? And what did you get there?

[Kulap Vilaysack]

So the people want it. There's your answer.

[Suchin Pak]

Three people, you know, but three people.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

Each person represents one million.

[Suchin Pak]

Oh, really?

[Kulap Vilaysack]

The silent majority.

[Suchin Pak]

The silent majority. No, I. Listen, I get it. You know, this is. This is why we do this podcast. What is more intimate than somebody's shopping list from their first mad foray overseas in, you know, four years?

[Kulap Vilaysack]

What is the show if not that, though, Sujin, speaking of one person making a comment. Somebody mentioned that it's hard for them to find like our links. So if you weren't aware, our producer Claire puts links to everything we talk about all of the products in the show notes. So wherever you're listening to this podcast, if you scroll down, the link should be there. Also, it's on the Lemonada Media website under our show. Make sure you go there.

[Suchin Pak]

Of course.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

Follow Cartpod for all of the visuals.

[Suchin Pak]

There are so many ways to get in touch with us and dive into our world of pads and serums. You can leave us a voicemail at 833-453-66662. We love hearing your voices. I love hearing the bright, cheery excitement when you're talking about international pasta spoons. You know, I love hearing that.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

No, sue, that's you.

[Suchin Pak]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

This is you.

[Suchin Pak]

We're going to get it. We're going to get it.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

You were the one who was like, why do people bring up pads? I feel like you're really always driving that convo.

[Suchin Pak]

I know. I feel too comfortable here. We have to make this less comfortable for me.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

Bye, everyone. Bisou Bisou Au Voi.

[Suchin Pak]

Add to Cart is a production of Lemonada Media. Our producer is Claire Jones and our editor is Ivan Kurev. The music is by Wasabi and produced by LA Made it and oh so familiar with additional music by APM Music. Executive producers are Coolip, Vlasak, Sujinpop, Jessica Cordova Kramer and Stephanie Whittles Wax.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

Be sure to check out all the items we mentioned today on our Instagram dtocartpod. Also, please take a moment to rate, review and subscribe to this show. Wherever you get your podcasts.

[Suchin Pak]

It'S easy to feel helpless these days. So take a break from the bad news and hear from people who are doing good things to address big problems. We care about abortion access. We care about slowing down, reversing climate change. That's the approach we need to these long term systemic problems. We need the fixers. Feel empowered to take action. Listen to good things from Lemonada Media. Available wherever you get your podcasts.

[Sarah Silverman]

Hey y', all, it's your old pal Sarah Silverman. And I came on here to tell.

[Suchin Pak]

You that I have a podcast and.

[Sarah Silverman]

It'S called the Sarah Silver Podcast. Aren't I a genius on the show? I take your calls about the best ways to pee night bras, hala bread. I also give my advice to the best of my abilities. Sometimes I'm not so good at it. Sometimes we even have hilarious guests on the show like Jeff Ross, Robbie Hoffman, Rory Albanese.

[Kulap Vilaysack]

That's awesome.

[Sarah Silverman]

You can hear new episodes of the Sarah Silverman Podcast ad free on Amazon Music, along with many of your favorite other Lemonada shows. Just ask Alexa play the Sarah Silverman Podcast on Amazon Music and then she'll do it.