Author: Ashley Cisneros

Ashley Cisneros is a student at Ventura College majoring in Social Media Marketing and Communications. She plans to become a licensed esthetician in the future and is interested in content creation, branding, and learning how to effectively market herself to a target audience. Through her digital content marketing coursework, Ashley is building skills in social media strategy, creativity, and audience engagement that will support her future in the beauty and skincare industry.

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community Food & Beverage Local Business Spotlight

Balancing It All On A Busy Saturday

Morning Routine

I usually start my day pretty early, especially when I know I have a lot to get done. One thing that helps me get into a good mindset is going to Ragamuffin before work. I like getting a drink and something small to eat and just sitting down to get some homework done before the day gets busy.

That morning, I got an iced matcha and a muffin and worked on a couple of assignments. Being in that kind of environment helps me focus way more than being at home, and I was actually able to finish two assignments before 9:30 a.m. Starting my day like that made me feel really productive and set a good tone for everything else I had going on.

Work Life

After that, I went straight to work and clocked in at 9:45. It was supposed to be a shorter shift, but it ended up being really busy, which made it feel longer than it actually was. We had multiple parties come in, including one with 31 people, so the restaurant was pretty packed.

It definitely got a little stressful at times, but I am used to that kind of environment. Working while being in school has taught me how to manage my time better and stay on top of things, even when it feels a little overwhelming.

Spending Time With Friends

When I got off around 2, I went home to pick up my dogs and then headed to Ventura Harbor to meet up with a couple of my classmates. They were there covering an event called “Short Dawgs In Da House,” which was honestly really cute.

Even though I got there toward the end, it was still fun. My dog loved it because she is really social and got to be around a bunch of other dogs. After the event, we walked around the harbor and got some ice cream since it was pretty hot out. It was a really simple moment, but after a busy day, it felt nice to just slow down and hang out.

Time To Reset

Later, I went to a yoga class at Grassroots Yoga, and it ended up being one of the best parts of my day. The class focused on breathwork and a sound bath, and it was exactly what I needed after such a busy day.

The whole atmosphere was really calming, and I felt relaxed the entire time. It was a nice break from how busy the rest of my day had been, and it helped me slow down and just be present for a bit. The staff there were also really welcoming, which made the experience even better. It is definitely a place I want to keep going back to.

Ending Of The Day

After yoga, I went to the beach for a little bit just to be by myself and relax. The sunset was really pretty, and being there helped me clear my head after such a long day.

When I got home, I made some tea and watched Law & Order: SVU, which is one of my favorite shows. It is kind of my go-to way to end the day and just fully relax.

Reflection

Saturdays are usually my busiest days because I try to fit everything in, including work, spending time with friends, and catching up on homework. It can feel like a lot when the day is packed from morning to night, but it is also the day where I feel the most productive.

Even though it gets overwhelming at times, I have learned how important it is to balance everything instead of just focusing on one thing. Being able to get my work done, still have a social life, and take time for myself all in one day makes it feel worth it. Days like this are busy, but they also remind me that I am capable of handling a lot at once.

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Food & Beverage Local Business Spotlight

My Go-To Coffee Spots in Ventura County

I feel like I am always trying new coffee spots, especially during the semester when I need a change of scenery. Sometimes I just do not want to sit at home and study, and I focus better when I get out of the house. I decided to check out three coffee shops in Ventura County: Ragamuffin in Oxnard, Caje in Ventura, and Honey Cup in Oxnard. Even though they are all pretty close to each other, they each have a pretty different vibe.

Ragamuffin, Oxnard

Ragamuffin is located within The Annex at The Collection in Oxnard, and the first thing I noticed was how much seating there is. It feels open and not cramped, which I really liked. Some coffee shops can feel crowded fast, but here there is a ton of space to actually sit and stay for a while.

Another thing I liked is that The Annex has a lot of other food spots inside. So if you go to Ragamuffin for a drink, you can walk across and grab food from somewhere else. That makes it convenient if you are meeting friends or planning to stay longer.

I ordered a vanilla matcha and it was really good. The vanilla did not overpower the matcha, which I liked. It tasted smooth and balanced without being overly sweet. It was simple but still really good and I will for sure be ordering it again.

Caje, Ventura

Caje is honestly one of my favorite coffee shops in Ventura County. The vibe is so cute and since it’s downtown, you can grab your drink then walk around Main Street for a while.

I tried their lavender matcha and I loved it. Lavender can sometimes taste too strong but theirs was balanced well. You can actually taste the lavender without it overpowering the matcha. Out of everything I tried, this one was definitely my favorite.

I also felt like I was able to focus more while studying at Caje. They have seating that is more tucked into a corner, so it feels a little more private. I did not feel as distracted, which is a bit surprising since it is downtown and usually busier.

Another thing that makes Caje stand out is that it is also a cocktail bar so you can go during the day for coffee and go at night for a cute cocktail. I think this makes it stand out from other coffee shops within the area.

Honey Cup, Oxnard

Honey Cup is a smaller coffee shop, so there is not as much seating. It is not really a place you would go to study for hours, but it is still really cute and inviting.

They have good coffee, but the cinnamon roll is what got me. It is honestly one of the best cinnamon rolls I’ve tried. It was soft, flavorful, and not dry at all. When I go back, I will for sure be ordering it again.

Final Thoughts

After going to all three, I realized how much the environment changes the entire experience.

Ragamuffin feels more open and convenient. Caje feels more trendy and has my favorite matcha. Honey Cup feels smaller and more cozy, with the best cinnamon roll.

They are all in Ventura County, but give off different moods depending on what you are looking for that day.