Categories
community Student Life at VC

Inside the Shelter: The Work Behind Caring for Animals Like Chipotle

Meet Chipotle! She is a 5 year old pitbull currently at the Ventura County Animal shelter. She is a staff favorite there at the shelter, known for loving to cuddle and everyone she meets, even new faces. She even helps welcome new volunteers on their first day. She loves plushies, ear scratches, and is very friendly towards all.

Chipotle’s daily life at the shelter is simple. Living her days in an outdoor kennel, going on walks, and interacting with staff and volunteers when possible. She lives in a busy and loud environment, like many animals in the shelter, which can affect their wellbeing. It can be stressful, yet still, when given those moments of attention from people, it can make a big difference in her day.

We treat people and animals with dignity, empathy, and kindness.

VCAS

The Ventura County Animal Services’ mission is to improve the lives and well-being of the animals in their care while they wait for adoption. Staff and Volunteers provide food, medical care, cleaning, and assistance in finding potential homes. They strive to show compassion in the community and educate pet families to support the human-animal bond.

Chipotle has been at the shelter since December 17, 2024, 486 days. Even though she is well-loved at the shelter and very friendly, she has yet to find her forever home due to misconceptions about her breed. The other main reasons for this are that she struggles with other dogs and can pull on the leash during walks. Despite these challenges that can be worked with, Chipotle has shown how she would love to be a part of a family (as a couch potato).

Volunteers play a big role in supporting the shelter’s daily work. Nicole, a VC student, explained why she decided to volunteer.

“I had some downtime, and having visited the shelter a couple times, I was really interested in volunteering.”

“For my English class, we had this assignment where we’d write an essay about something we’ve never done before…so for that assignment I volunteered!”

She described how volunteer work depends on what the shelter needs each day. “You refer to what’s on the schedule or whiteboard and allocate yourself to where you’re needed,” she explained. Tasks can include laundry, donations, dish washing, kennel washing, and refilling treats. This depends on what needs help with at the moment. As Nicole told me, “Everyone’s doing something.”

Volunteer and Mercury!
(fellow dog in shelter)
Sabrina Carpenter, the Bearded Dragon
Volunteer Tasks

Some volunteers also work directly with animals through walking and enrichment activities. Nicole explained that the enrichment helps keep the dogs engaged while they wait to be adopted. This includes playtime and training-based activities like “click for quiet,” which rewards calm behavior.

Balancing school, volunteering, work, and personal life can be difficult. For example, even with the little time Nicole has had since picking up more hours at her job while being in school at the same time, she still dedicates her downtime to doing 2-3 hours a week. This shows just how much effort a volunteer has to make to help out. Everyone has different circumstances, yet they still do their utmost to contribute in any way they can to help these animals in need.

Overall, the Ventura County Animal Shelter relies on both staff and volunteers to care for animals like Chipotle. While she waits to find a home she’s supported by people who help out in many different ways.

The community can help to make a difference, like volunteering, adopting instead of shopping, or just helping spread awareness. Even a small amount of help can have a positive impact, especially with issues like overcrowding in shelters.

Links to their website and Socials!

Categories
Beauty & Wellness Business community Local Business Spotlight

More Than a Workout: The Story Behind The Routine in Ventura

If you’ve ever walked into a workout class and instantly felt out of place, you know how intimidating fitness spaces can be. That’s exactly what Karen, a Ventura College alumna and owner of The Routine in Ventura, wanted to change.

Karen didn’t always plan on opening a Pilates studio. She actually owned a beauty business in downtown Ventura for about 10 years, spending long days doing lash extensions. Over time, the work became physically demanding and pushed her to look for new ways to move and feel better.

So she started trying different ways to move her body going to the gym, taking group classes, doing yoga. But nothing really stuck until she found Pilates. She said she immediately loved it. It didn’t just feel like a workout. It made her feel good, energized, and actually excited to move. The only problem? The closest studios were far away.

So instead of settling for that, she decided to bring Pilates to Ventura herself.

When she first opened The Routine, it wasn’t perfect and she knew it wouldn’t be. Teaching was new, and things didn’t go exactly how she expected. But she leaned on her community, built a team, and now about nine instructors are still with her today. She strongly emphasized how important her team is to her, and how much they’ve helped shape The Routine into what it is today.

What really makes The Routine stand out isn’t just the workouts, it’s the environment. It’s supportive, safe, and welcoming. People start recognizing each other, building real connections, and it begins to feel like a second home.

Now The Routine is expanding to Santa Barbara, something her clients actually pushed for. For Karen, it’s about stepping out of her comfort zone and bringing something new to a different community. She said what excites her most is connecting with new people and making their day better.

At the end of the day, her story is simple: don’t wait for perfect. Believe in your idea, take the risk, and don’t be afraid to fail. Because sometimes the best things start with just trying something new.

Follow her journey here:

Instagram

Categories
community Food & Beverage Food & Dining Local Business Spotlight Student Life at VC

Top 3 Places to Eat or have a snack at VC before or after class

at number 3 I have the Multidisciplinary Center West building located at the north part of campus by N campus way. This spot is a solid choice for students who want something quick and convenient without having to leave campus. It’s especially useful if you’re in a rush between classes or don’t have time to go off campus. Since it’s located in a more so call chill area, it can also be a good place to sit down, relax, and eat without too much noise or distraction. Overall, it’s not the most exciting option, but it definitely gets the job done when you need something fast and easy.

At the number 2 I have Starbucks by TELEGRAPH and DAY RD which is a 8 minute walk and a 1 minute drive from the Ventura college and makes it very easy to get to and easy to grab. This location is perfect for students who want something familiar and reliable. Whether it’s coffee to wake you up in the morning or a small snack to hold you over, Starbucks has a variety of options that fit different needs. It’s also a good spot to meet up with friends or get some quick studying done. Even though it can get busy at times, the convenience and consistency make it one of the top choices near campus.

At number 1 I have L&T catering which is a catering truck that sells on campus and they have a lot of food options for a very solid price. This is easily one of the best places to grab food at VC because it offers both quality and value. Students can choose from a wide range of meals, making it a great option no matter what you’re in the mood for. Since it’s right on campus, you don’t have to worry about traveling far or wasting time. The combination of good portions, fair prices, and convenience makes it stand out as the number one pick.

Honorable mention: Food trucks that come to sell their products for students to grab and they are very noticeable and the lines that form will tell you that they are selling some good products. These food trucks add variety and excitement to the usual food options on campus. Since they rotate and bring different types of food, students get the chance to try something new almost every time. The long lines are usually a good sign that the food is worth the wait. Even though they aren’t always there, they’re definitely something to look out for when they show up. There’s always an option which are near by fast food places if you have the time and the willingness to grab something from a local or big named fast food place.

Categories
Food & Beverage Local Business Spotlight

Tony’s Pizzaria: One of Ventura’s Longest Standing Small Businesses

Tony’s Pizzaria, a Ventura Staple Since 1959

If you’ve lived in Ventura for any amount of time, you’ve probably been to Tony’s Pizzaria or at least heard of it. Located on Thompson Blvd just down the street from the beach, Tony’s is more than just a pizza place it’s a part of Ventura’s history and has been serving the community for over 60 years.

Tony’s first opened in 1959 and was founded by Johnny ‘Tony’ Barrios. What started as a small family business quickly became a local favorite, and what makes it even more special is that it’s still in the same location today. In a world where restaurants come and go, that says a lot about how strong this business really is.

One of the reasons Tony’s has lasted so long is because it has stayed family-owned. The recipes, traditions, and values have been passed down through generations, keeping everything authentic. The current owner, Bruce Barrios, is actually my spouse’s old friend. They knew each other from back in the day when they both used to DJ at Skating Plus, which makes this place feel even more personal to us.

We actually went there a couple weeks ago to celebrate a birthday, and we even got to visit with Tony himself. That experience really shows how connected this business still is to its roots and the community.

The food is another big reason people keep coming back. Tony’s is known for its New York-style, hand-tossed pizza with fresh dough made daily. The menu also includes wings, salads, and other simple favorites. It’s not trying to be fancy it just focuses on good, consistent food. The bonus part is, Tony’s serves their pizza in paper bags to keep it warm while letting steam escape, which helps prevent the crust from getting soggy and keeps it crispy. Yum, my type of pizza!

The atmosphere is what really makes it stand out. Being so close to the beach gives it that relaxed Ventura vibe. There are palm trees, outdoor seating, fun decorations, and even games you can play. They also have live music sometimes, which makes it feel more like a place to hang out than just eat.

You’ll see locals, families, students, and tourists all in one place. It really brings people together.

Tony’s has also helped the community in a lot of ways over the years. It’s provided jobs, supported local events, and stayed a reliable place people can count on. In a time where big chain restaurants are everywhere, Tony’s shows how important small, family owned businesses are to a city.

At the end of the day, Tony’s Pizzaria isn’t just about pizza, it’s about family, history, and community. The fact that it’s been around for over 60 years shows how much people love and support it, and why it continues to be such an important part of Ventura.

“If you’re ever in Ventura, it’s definitely a spot worth checking out.”



https://www.tonyspizzaria.net/
Categories
community Student Life at VC Study Spots

The Ultimate Study Spot Guide: Ventura College & Local Hidden Gems

Finding a good place to study isn’t always easy. A lot of spots look great at first, but end up having uncomfortable seating, too much noise, no WIFI, or nowhere to plug in your charger. All of that can make it hard to stay focused and actually get work done. To make things easier, I went out to find different study locations around the Ventura College campus and throughout Ventura County. After spending time in a variety of spots, I put together a list of places that are actually worth your time, whether you’re looking for something quiet, comfortable, or just a change of scenery.

Ventura College Campus Study Spots

The library quiet areas and reading room are easily the most reliable study spots on campus. If your goal is to really lock in and focus, this is where you want to be. The second floor is especially quiet with many areas to sit. The WIFI is strong, there are plenty of outlets, and the desks are big enough to spread out your work and study comfortably. The overall environment is calm and peaceful, which makes it easier to stay on task. This is the best option for things like studying for exams, writing essays, or anything that requires full concentration. Rank: #1

The library study rooms are another great option, especially if you need a private space. I noticed the rooms don’t block out noise very well, but if you just need a space to yourself or with a group, this is the spot for you. They come with a large table, outlets, and a whiteboard. The WIFI is just as strong as the rest of the library, and having your own space makes it easier to stay focused for longer periods of time. The only downside is that they aren’t always available and need to be reserved, but when you can get one, they’re one of the best spots on campus. Rank: #2

The Learning Resource Center (LRC) on the first floor is a good middle ground if you don’t mind a little background noise. It’s more of a collaborative space, so people are talking and working together. Because of that, it’s not the best for deep focus, but it works really well for getting assignments done, using computers, or studying. The WIFI is strong, there are plenty of outlets, and you also have access to tutoring and other resources. If you like a space that feels productive but not completely silent, this is a great choice. Rank: #3

The outdoor tables around campus, especially the ones farther away from the main walkways, are another great option. These spots can be surprisingly peaceful if you choose the right location and time of day. They’re great for casual studying, reviewing notes, or working on assignments when the weather is nice. The downside is that there is no outlets and noise levels can vary depending on how busy campus is. Still, if you find a quieter area, it can be a really good place to stay productive without feeling stuck inside. Rank: #4

Local Hidden Study Spots

Switching to off campus spots, some of these places are a little more hidden and sometimes unpredictable in the best way. And by hidden, I mean those tucked away spots you’d probably walk right past without thinking twice, like small cafes or quiet corners between businesses. I wanted to showcase places you might not usually consider, but once you try them, they end up becoming your go to study spot.

Tree Lounge in Camarillo is a great option if you’re looking for a calm and comfortable place to study. The atmosphere is very relaxed, which makes it easy to focus without feeling overwhelmed or distracted. They offer WIFI and outlets, which makes it a reliable spot for longer study sessions. One thing that really makes this place stand out is that it’s accommodating for students who have kids. There’s a coloring area for children with paper and markers, so it’s a good choice if you need to study but also keep your child occupied. They also have outdoor seating with access to outlets, which is perfect if you want some fresh air while working. It rarely gets too busy, so you can usually count on it being a peaceful and comfortable place to get your work done. Rank: #1

Tifa Chocolate & Gelato in Camarillo is a great study spot, especially if you’re looking for something fun and relaxing. The atmosphere is warm and comforting, which makes it easy to settle in and stay for a while. Inside, the tables are set up with board and card games like chess, checkers, connect 4, and more, which can actually be a nice way to take a break if you’re studying with friends. They also have WIFI and a good amount of outlets. If you want some fresh air or a quieter space, there is an outdoor seating area tucked between the building and a grocery store, which makes it feel more private and less crowded. Overall, this spot works really well for both group study sessions and more relaxed solo work. Rank: #2

Palm & Boy Coffee and Acai in Ventura is another great option if you’re more focused on the overall vibe. its located on Main Street but tucked away at the end of the El Jardin Courtyard, so it feels a bit hidden. The outdoor seating area is really nice and gives the place a cozy, aesthetic feel. But the seating is pretty limited, which can be a downside. they offer free WIFI, but there aren’t any outlets, so it’s not ideal for long sessions if your laptop needs charging. It can also get a little busy, so it’s not the best choice if you need complete silence. Still, if you’re just looking for a comfortable place with good energy to get some work done, this is the place for you. Rank: #3

Valle Lindo Park in Camarillo is a good option if you want a completely different kind of study environment. It’s a very peaceful park with large open grass areas, that are perfect for a picnic style studying session, with long bench tables that work well for groups. The bench areas do require reservations, but the park itself stays pretty quiet overall, especially away from the playground. One thing that helps is that there are rules in place that limit loud music and certain activities, so it doesn’t get too chaotic. There isn’t any WIFI or outlets, so its not the best spot if you need your laptop for a long period of time, but if you just need a calm space to read, write, or review notes, its a great option. Rank: #4

At the end of the day, the best study spot really comes down to what helps you stay focused and comfortable. Everyone studies a little differently, so it’s worth trying out a few of these places and seeing what works best for you. Hopefully, you found a new study spot that you can try out and make your own.

Categories
Food & Beverage

What Places in the 805 Do Strawberry Matcha Right?

Before diving into this, all the criteria I have for this are:

  1. Taste and Color– 9 times out of 10, the color can indicate how good the matcha actually ends up tasting (greener means better).
  2. Is it genuine and organic, or just for aesthetic purposes?

That’s all.

Potheads Matcha with Strawberry Cold Foam

7.5/10


To me, this place definitely had the creamiest texture. However, it was also the sweetest I’ve got to taste. The color was not light, but wasn’t dark either. It felt in the middle and tasted great. The strawberry cold foam was bright, and it tasted good.

Oralia’s Bakery Strawberry Matcha with Strawberry Cold Foam

10/10

I had the chance to try this place exactly a week after they opened the bakery. This was one of those places that felt more authentic. They only offer their drinks in one size, which is a perfect indication if you’re looking for good matcha. Their strawberry matcha was the perfect shade of green, as it was deep. The taste of matcha was perfect. They hand-make their strawberry puree, and it was amazing. You could also taste the strawberry cold foam. Overall, it was perfect. This is the place I personally go to the most.

Poppin’ Coffee’s Strawberry Matcha

5/10

Given the name of the drink, I thought it would have a type of strawberry syrup, or puree, it was just matcha with cold foam. The color was mid-range (despite the pictures lighting). I couldn’t pick up much of a taste, and I also felt it was a little powdery. As far as the strawberry cold foam goes, I could not taste it either. I was in disbelief for a drink that was $9; I wanted to like it. So much so I went back a different time, but it was the exact same taste. I’m sure they’ve definitely got some poppin coffee, but not so much matcha.

Marie’s Berry Matcha

7/10

It was too powdery and not whisked well enough. There was a kind of puree at the bottom, but very little, and that had no taste to it. This truck was one that had been recommended to me by different people, so I had expectations for this one. As far as the taste and color of the matcha goes, it was great, and you could taste the strawberry cold foam.

Ohlala’s Barbie Matcha

6/10

The color of the matcha was on the lighter side. With that being said, it didn’t have so much flavor, but it was okay. The first thing that caught my attention though, was the “strawberry” parts of the drink. From how bright the pink was, it looked very artificial. I would think maybe if they’re using artificial flavoring, it would be to enhance the strawberry taste, but there wasn’t much to taste.

Makenna’s Love at First Sip

8/10

The strawberry they use for the drink is like an artificial syrup, but it is very delicious. I will also say the texture for this one was smooth as well. When we get into the color, it was one of the lightest I’ve tried, so there wasn’t much of the grassy flavor I look for, but overall it still tasted good. It started as a seasonal drink, part of their Valentine’s Day collection, so while it’s not seen on their menu anymore, if you ask for it, they will still make it for you.

Dolce Vita’s Matcha with Strawberry Syrup

10/10

From the moment I got there, it was more of an authentic place, and I saw one of the owners whisking properly in a stainless steel chawan. I knew right then and there, before receiving my drink, that this was going to be good. They met all the criteria: The color/taste were perfect, and the strawberry puree was homemade. While it did look a little light, that took nothing away from giving it the perfect taste.

Something I felt that was also worth mentioning is that if you are looking for really good quality matcha, a place that only offers one size cup, around 12 oz, means they care. They know how many grams you should be consuming for daily intake, so in order for them to give you something that isn’t watered down, cheap quality, or artificial, they must stick to only serving that one size. There were only two places on this list that did just that: Oralia’s and Dolce Vita.

It also goes to show that all you need for good-tasting matcha is heritage and passion. I had the opportunity to speak with Myrka from Oralia’s Bakery and she tells me:

“Our shop is mostly run by family and close family friends, where we treat one another like family, and our goal for the bakery & cafe is to create a friendly, social environment for everyone to enjoy as well.”

All their recipes are homemade and authentic, straight from Mexico, and passed down for generations to enjoy. With her father being a third-generation baker, Myrka is now the fourth! Everything they have to offer is made from scratch.

“Our foams and some of our syrups are made every day with fresh ingredients.”

“My parents taught me everything I know, from the work ethic to pouring love back into the community. We love remembering names, and we will definitely remember your order! Our promise is to come through with quality you can taste.”

I made this list not so much to critique, but more as a rundown. My thoughts and opinions can be very different from what you may be looking for in a strawberry matcha, but I hope, in what it is YOU are looking for, this list was helpful.

If there are any places you favor that were not mentioned, please feel free to share in the comments!

For real, raw, genuine, organic, Grade A, all-around PERFECT: Oralia’s Bakery and Dolce Vita

It’s not organic, but is definitely good: Makenna’s and Potheads (if a little unsweetened)

The perfect color green: Oralia’s, Marie’s, and Dolce Vita

Categories
Advice Beauty & Wellness reading Social Media Student Life at VC

The Sunday Reset Lie: Soft Aesthetics, Hard Expectations

If you’ve ever opened TikTok or Instagram on a Sunday Morning and suddenly felt the urge to get your life together, you’re not alone. What starts as a quick scroll down your “For You Page” can quickly snowball into watching video after video of perfectly curated influencer routines. You might see freshly cleaned rooms with wrinkle-free bedding and matching pillows, elaborate skincare regimens, an iced matcha in aesthetically designed glasses, or a perfectly planned to-do list for the upcoming week outlining tasks to be done in preparation. Sunday resets have become a trending phenomenon, creating more pressure to do more in preparation for the upcoming week and setting unrealistic expectations for the average college student. As viewers engage with these videos, they may find them calming, yet also subconsciously internalize pressure to complete the same tasks within a day and adopt unrealistic expectations of what their lives should look like. 

These types of short -form videos have taken over our feeds, showcasing a mix of productivity and self-care. As we watch these influencer “resets”, we subtly compare them to our own lack thereof. While they may appear to be simple lifestyle content, there is more happening beneath the surface. This trend has contributed to the inauthenticity surrounding the concept of what it means to be an influencer.

Through visually appealing content, the facade of “relatable” habits, and subtle product placements, these routines do not truly inspire viewers to replicate them— they instead influence consumers to purchase featured products while simultaneously creating pressure for the average person. What were once simple, mundane tasks have been transformed by social media, reshaping the meaning of productivity and giving rise to an unrealistic and unattainable lifestyle over time.

So, why are we addicted to watching this niche genre of videos when there is such an absence of reality?

For Gen- Z viewers such as myself, the “Sunday Reset” trend resonates so hard because it hits the holy trifecta of productivity, self-care, and aesthetic lifestyle content— all without feeling overwhelming due to it’s calming combination of visually appealing clips and carefully chosen audio. This draws us in as an audience, creating a sudden urge of motivation as we think, “Hey, if they can do it, so can I!” However, achieving this sense of accomplishment comes with potential downsides when attempting to replicate what these influencers have done. The average college student doesn’t have the luxury of dedicating an entire day to household tasks, a 10-step skincare routine, or purchasing overpriced groceries and meticulously organizing each item. In reality, we can often complete a portion of these activities while juggling the unpredictability that is life. Time and time again, these influencers live up to their title, as their content is primarily meant to be consumed rather than realistically replicated from a college student’s perspective. 

The real kicker of the “Sunday Reset” trend and its high performance on our feeds is the “soft selling” embedded through influencer-generated content and the products they subtly incorporate into their routines. I’ve fallen victim to a few of these products— such as skincare or household gadgets— because I was drawn watching them being used in real time, often paired with a trendy song playing in the background. That combination creates a powerful setup that encourages audiences to purchase without hesitation. It’s easy to see how absorbed we can become, especially given how accessible it is to buy the items featured in these videos. Much of this is driven by features like the TikTok Shop, where a simple tap allows you to continue watching a video while adding items to your cart. Instead of explicitly saying “buy this,” influencers seamlessly embed products into their routine, shifting the message from a clear promotion to something that feels like a natural part of their lives. Gen- Z viewers, who are often wary of traditional advertising, tend to distrust anything that feels overly promotional. As a result, soft selling comes across as more authentic and unscripted, reinforcing trust in the influencers they follow. This relationship- building between influencer and follower creates a domino effect, leading the follower to become a frequent consumer of the promoted brand.

Targeted ad of under eye patches found on the TikTok Shop
Targeted ad of a supplement powder found on the TikTok Shop

To piggyback on the strong effects of “soft selling,” influencers carefully curate their image to align with their niche, aesthetic, and branding. They achieve this through neatly arranged products, cohesive color palettes, minimalist setups, and bright lighting. This visual clarity brings a sense of calm to a chaotic feed, encouraging viewers to stop and watch — often without realizing how much time has passed. Much of “Sunday Reset” content taps into these polished, effortless vibes such as glowing skin (as a result of an elaborate skincare routine), athlesuire outfits for casual outings like getting iced coffee, and ASMR-like clips cleaning and organizing their environment. All of these elements subtly communicate the idea that “this is what having your life together looks like.” That image is then perceived as both inspirational and attractive, while capturing the audience’s attention and keeps them coming back for more. 

Influencer @amandaedins on TikTok
Aesthetic/Inspo account @dollicqte on TikTok

While “Sunday Reset” content is meant to feel calming and productive, it can also set an unspoken standard for what a “successful” day should look like. For majority of viewers, such as community college students, that standard isn’t realistic in a weekly basis. We have to manage our time carefully across multiple responsibilities— completing assignments, working shifts, and maintaining a social life. Instead of feeling motivated, some people end up experiencing guilt, telling themselves, “I didn’t do enough today” or “My life doesn’t look like that.”

This creates a harmful cycle in which content intended to inspire leads to comparison and self-doubt. These influencers “resets” function as highlight reels, presenting a highly curated version of their lives and creating a disconnect from reality. By turning self-care into performative tasks, they can make everyday activities feel like obligations tied to fitting into an idealized lifestyle. Before we know it, rest and relaxation becomes scheduled, and Sundays are filled with stress instead of serving as time to recharge. In this way, even “soft” productivity trends can add to the mental load rather than relieving it. 

After posting an Instagram story questionnaire asking what typical Sundays look like for Gen-Z community college students, these were a few responses I had received. 

“Grabbing a matcha, grocery shopping and finding somewhere to watch a sunset! This is what a Sunday of protecting my peace looks like,” said Julia Lopez, a former graduate of UCI.

Another contributor said “Bedrot,” which is a slang term for spending an extensive amount of time in bed— that involves scrolling on your phone, watching shows, or simply doing nothing. 

Valeria Montes, a community college student attending Ventura College stated how “spending time with relatives,” is a typical Sunday activity she stresses the importance of. 

“Going to the gym, [walking my] dogs, [hanging] out with friends,” was another response submitted by Grace Pacheco, a former graduate of SDSU.

At the end of the day, the “Sunday Reset” craze reflects exactly what it is: simply a trend that will pass as the next big thing emerges.  As community college students, we can navigate this tone-deaf phenomena by recognizing its disconnect from reality. We understand that influencers spend hours curating these videos and are not authentically portraying what their lives actually look like. Instead of striving for perfection, the concept of a “reset’ should be tailored to our lives— focusing on how we can take care of ourselves, mentally and physically, to the best of our abilities. 

Check out https://www.instagram.com/calmlivingdiary?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== for a fresh perspective of realistic self-care, reminders for when you need it most, and viewing content that will inspire you to live softly under your own terms 🙂

I decided to give this trend a try and created a TikTok for what a Sunday looks like in my life, filmed clips of the activities I had done, while putting my own flare to the music choice and how I edited it as something others can say “Hey, my days kind of look like that too!”

Next time Sunday rolls around and you find yourself struggling to do a couple errands, household chores, or getting on track before the new week arrives, here’s a playlist to fuel those tasks you’ve been putting off!

Categories
Business Food & Beverage Food & Dining Local Business Spotlight Social Media

The Best At Home Coffee Business In Camarillo!

My friend’s at home coffee business, Cafe Solace, is honestly one of the best hidden gems around. Every drink is made with so much care and attention to detail, and you can really taste the difference compared to big coffee shops. From the quality of the ingredients to the way each cup looks aesthetic and Instagram worthy, Cafe Solace delivers both flavor and good customer service. It’s the kind of coffee that makes you want to keep coming back, and once you try it, you’ll see why it stands out as one of the best small coffee spots.

Top #1 Seller Cookie Butter Latte!

One of the best things about Cafe Solace is how many drinks and add ons she offers. There’s something for everyone. Whether you’re into coffee, chai, matcha, or something refreshing, the menu has so many creative options and you can customize your drink however you like. My personal favorites are the Cookie Butter Chai Latte, Dulce de Leche Latte , and the Strawberry Coconut Lemonade! They’re all super flavorful and unique. She also has matcha, which is actually her top seller, and it’s so smooth and well made. And if you’re not in the mood for coffee, the strawberry coconut lemonade is a must it’s honestly my favorite lemonade ever. Cafe Solace isn’t just a coffee spot, it’s a whole experience with fun, different drinks you won’t find anywhere else. The coffees are affordable and they range from $6-$8.

Matcha w/ Banana Pudding

The drink itself has an earthy taste with a very sweet creamy Banana taste to it. It’s not overly sweet, perfect balance with the matcha included.

Iced Vanilla Latte w/ Banana Pudding

Rich creamy Vanilla Latte is so delicious! Especially with the pudding it adds a creamy smooth texture to the drink!

Café Solace, you can tell everything is made with love. From the fresh strawberry purée made from scratch to all her homemade syrups, nothing feels basic or rushed. Even the pudding is made by her, which just makes the drinks taste even better and more special. You can really tell she puts time and care into everything, and it makes every drink feel more personal and worth it. My top 3 drinks would probably have to be, the Strawberry Coconut Lemonade its literally amazing I can’t even explain it, it’s sweet but still refreshing, and the shredded coconut makes it even better. It also has this slightly thicker texture that just makes it feel extra good. The Cookie Butter Chai Latte reminds me of gingerbread, super cozy and creamy with a really nice coffee flavor. And the Dulce De Leche is so yummy too, it has that smooth, milky sweetness that just hits every time.

  • Strawberry Coconut Lemonade
  • Cookie Butter Chai Latte
  • Dulce De Leche

Joselyn the owner of Cafe Solace says “I’m so excited to start this coffee business, not just for quick money like a lot of people, but because I genuinely love creating drinks and seeing people enjoy them. For me it’s about the experience, the creativity, and building something that feels personal and real. I want every cup to feel like it was made with care”

The best drinks you won’t regret getting! So many drinks and flavors to choose from!

https://www.instagram.com/cafesolace_?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

<—- Instagram @Cafesolace!

Categories
Advice Arts & Entertainment music

Top Essentials & Attending a Festival on a Budget

In this episode, we discuss our personal top 5 essentials and we also reached out to our audience for their opinions. We also go into detail about our wonderful experience on how we indulged on our last festival on a budget. 

Meet the hosts:

Mary A. IG-  ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/pinkchampxgne?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr⁠⁠

vc social page- ⁠About Me

Sidney P. IG- ⁠https://www.instagram.com/sid_posey16?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==⁠

links:

where to find volunteering opportunities-  ⁠⁠https://www.shifthappensvolunteers.com/⁠⁠

my fave brand of ear protection- https://us.loopearplugs.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_id=23480220875&utm_campaign=&utm_content=188816043021&utm_term=loop+earplugs&gadid=793652174105&cq_src=google_ads&cq_cmp=23480220875&cq_con=188816043021&cq_term=loop+earplugs&cq_med=&cq_plac=&cq_net=g&cq_plt=gp&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23480220875&gbraid=0AAAAACj0PVxGyBFykOPDhpAMrrRoNtemj&gclid=Cj0KCQjw1ZjOBhCmARIsADDuFTDag2lxd0OgIR4c7Najz-2A15Ui0e5xQMoinKzwUCWPCr-HJo9JXegaAkb9EALw_wcB

my fave festival- ⁠⁠https://www.ssbdfest.com/⁠⁠

Categories
Podcasts

Top 10 Movies & Shows

In this episode we will be discussing our top 10 favorite movies and shows. This can range from comedy, action, or even childhood shows and movies that we may have watched growing up.

Socials

Joey Root – David Rivera

vcsocial.biz/about-joey-root/

vcsocial.biz/about-david-rivera/

https://www.instagram.com/joeytheroot?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

David’s Instagram