Author: Nataly Juarez

Hello everyone, My name is Nataly. I'm a student at Ventura College and currently majoring in digital content marketing which will be gradating this semester, super excited for that.

Categories
community Food & Beverage Social Media

 The Social Taste Test

Nowadays, people of this generation rely on TikTok for inspiration on where to go for a chill, boring Sunday morning or for a fun going out with friends type of deal. Well, today is your lucky day, I’ve assorted four different places to try in Ventura and LA County. Two morning spots in Ventura County and two night out spots in LA County. My best friend and I decided to try some new places on a Sunday, giving people places they might not have known of before being told. 

#1: Anacappuccino (VTA)

289 E Post Hueneme Rd, Port Hueneme, Ca 93041

Anacappunccino is a cute little spot to grab a drink or even a morning snack. I got the small iced vanilla matcha which came out to $6.60. I would rate 9/10 because for starters, I’m not a big matcha person at all but I really enjoyed it. The flavors were sweet,earthy and slightly bitter. I would’ve rated it a 10/10 but because they added alot of ice, it watered down quicker then I would’ve liked.

#2: Fresco Juice Bar (VTA)

417 East Port Hueneme Road, Port Hueneme, Ca 93041

Fresco Juice Bar is more of a grab-and-go little hole in the wall. Wheather It’s going to the beach with your friends or having a chill day at home. I got the small Dubai Chocolate Acai Bowl which came out to $12.42. I would rate it a 10/10 because It was perfect amount of creamy, crunchy , and refreshing. I would definitely come back again, the staff were all very sweet and welcoming.

#3: East Street Burgers (LA)

4143 Lankershim Boulevard, Toluca Lake, Ca 91602

Easy Street Burgers is the perfect spot to munch on after a concert or sporting event. It’s a little pricey but it’s worth it. I got the double jalapeño monster meal and upgraded to cajun fries which came out to $24.12 which is not surprising for being LA. I would rate it a 10/10 because their house sauce is the perfect amount of a bitter mustard taste that goes perfect with the rest of the food. It was our first time there and we had alot of questions that the staff had no issues answering and making recommendations.

#4: Margaritaville (LA)

City Walk, Universal City, CA 91608

Margaritaville is a nice way to end the night out. Obviously for those over 21. It’s in a perfect location because It’s in City walk and theres so many other food places to eat after having a cute little drink. My friend and I both got the same two drinks. The first drink is called Blue Lagoon, which came out to $15.25 and the second is called Bama Breeze, which came out to $16.50. Blue Lagoon gave a bright citrusy vibe where Bama Breeze gave more tropical, creamy and refreshing vibe. We would rate them a 7/10 because both were really good, but the only thing was that we wished it had a bit more alcohol.

Final Thoughts

First of all, I’m thankful for my friend who accompanied me in this rating journey. It was a very fun Sunday and I’m happy to share my thoughts with other people. My friend and I were debating to stay local or to go explore which we decided on both. These are places we both have never been to but have wanted to try which were found either through friends or TikTok.

So I recommend getting a friend, going out there, and trying new things. Not only just to rate new places but to create new memories. We were having such a blast and learning new things about each other that we never would have if it weren’t for going out there to these new places. We’ve been friends for almost half a decade, and I never knew she didn’t like pineapple.

Categories
Arts & Entertainment music

What’s In Your Headphones?

As college students, we tend to get ahead of ourselves when it comes to having stress while trying to deal with anything college-related, but from experience and many friends/peers of mine, music is the number one way to destress, focus, or even just to walk around campus. I wanted to get different people’s opinions and find out their way of thinking when it comes to using music to help, so I interviewed three students to understand why they listen to the music that they do. I asked them the same five questions and got very different but interesting answers.

Interview 1: Leslie

1. Is there a certain artist that you like to listen to when you want to destress?

– Tame Impala 

2. How does that artist help you focus?

– The message in their songs, along with the beats, keeps me in the zone. The lyrics aren’t too distracting.

3. What genre of music helps you get into the focusing zone and why?

– Techno or house music. The beats keep me in a constant though instead of having lyrics steering me away from my assignments.

4. What song would you describe your college life right now and why?

– Passionfruit by Drake. It’s good vibes and I feel like I’m flowing through the school work taking it day by day.

5. What song plays in your head when you submit an assignment at 11:59?

– Only Angel by Harry Styles. It had a good mix of buildup and intensity then relief when submitting the assignment.

Interview 2: Alyssa

1. Is there a certain artist that you like to listen to when you want to destress?

– Ariana Grande and Billie Eilish 

2. How does that artist help you focus?

– Ariana Grande tends to make songs that hit emotionally, Billie Eilish makes melodies that ease my stress and calms me down. 

3. What genre of music helps you get into the focusing zone and why?

– Usually girl pop, but if I really want to get into my zone, I usually put on a lo-fi radio station, and I usually tend to put that on for when I study or do my assignments/homework.

4. What song would you describe your college life right now and why?

– My Future by Billie Eilish because It really has you thinking about not only school but life. 

5. What song plays in your head when you submit an assignment at 11:59?

– Count Contessa by Azealia Banks. It has good vibes all around and makes me feel like I’m that girl because I got it done before the deadline.

Interview 3: Ashley

1. Is there a certain artist that you like to listen to when you want to destress?

–  Taylor Swift because she has a song for every feeling. If I’m feeling stressed, I usually put on Evermore or Folklore. If I want an album to hype me up, I’ll put on Fearless because that is just such a good pop album.

2. How does that artist help you focus?

– Her music helps me focus because it creates a certain mood.

3. What genre of music helps you get into the focusing zone and why?

– Pop music for sure because it’s upbeat and motivating.

4. What song would you describe your college life right now and why?

– This Is Me Trying by Taylor Swift because I feel as though anybody can relate no matter what stage of life you’re in.

5. What song plays in your head when you submit an assignment at 11:59?

– Time Of Our Lives by Pitbull feat Ne-Yo because it’s such an uplifting song.

Quote from my interview with Leslie

“The way music has the power to transport you back to a certain feeling or time is beautiful.”

For context, this playlist is one of my favorite playlists to listen to because it’s calming music to help you focus.

Final Thoughts

After taking the time to interview these students, I reviewed everyone’s answers, played all the requested songs, and sat down with them as I listened to everyone’s choices. Even to understand the way a song can mean so much to a person. It’s crazy to think how different each person answered and the type of music each one uses to focus.