Categories
Business Social Media

Who is Watching These Ads??

When you’re scrolling on TikTok or Instagram and you see a video that says “sponsored” on it, you probably scroll past it. It’s not the ad’s fault, it’s not your fault, it just happens. With the increase of advertising through social media, companies are usually required to add the sponsored feature or often add links to make it easier for viewers to access the product. Instead of responding in a positive way, most viewers find these videos an interruption to their scroll. 

There actually were studies at the University of Twente and Ruhr West University of Applied Sciences where they had tracked a number of participants’ Instagram feeds by looking at analytics and conducting interviews; The results confirmed that sponsored ads have much less watch time and overall less engagement compared to organic content. 


This raises the question of how companies will move forward in marketing through social media, and who will actually even respond. 

While I don’t have the resources these Universities have, I have a microphone and an iPhone, so I have conducted a series of short interviews with social media users of different kinds of demographics. 

I asked,

“Why do you scroll past sponsored ads on TikTok, and why do some of them catch your eye?”

This video is of an interview with my coworker and friend Kianna expressing her opinion and answering the questions above. Of the 10 people that I interviewed, all the answers were generally the same. Viewers response to authentic content is significantly better than their response to ‘hokey’ sponsored content.

Thank you for reading, and I hope that this article urges you to consider why you avoid certain ads, and why others attract you.

Categories
Business Food & Beverage Food & Dining Local Business Spotlight

Top 3 Best Breakfast Spots in The 805

Ever looking for a nice breakfast spot to eat at? Check out my favorite 3 spots to go have a nice brunch out here locally in Ventura County!

Breakfast Burrito w/ Country Potato’s

3. Mrs. Olson’s Coffee Hut
(Oxnard, CA)

One of my top 3 breakfast spots to go to is Mrs. Olson’s Coffee Hut. Located at 2800 A Harbor Blvd, Oxnard, CA, this breakfast restaurant is lovely for its outside patio because of its scenic view of being by the harbor where people dock their boats, being close to the water, and for the patio being all sand to make it feel like you are having breakfast on the beach. Mrs. Olson’s has been around for 50 years! “What started as a small coffee shop only holding 45 people, it has grown into a neighborhood favorite breakfast restaurant being able to hold 350 people” says new owner of Mrs. Olson’s Coffee Hut. “Based off our sales, The Big Basic (2 eggs, potatoes or hash browns, choice bacon sausage or turkey sausage. beef patty or ham steak with additional charge) has to be our customers favorite dish along with The Breakfast Burrito and the Chilaquiles.”

My favorite dishes at Mrs. Olson’s are:
1.Country Fried Steak and Eggs ($18)
2.Classic Eggs Benedict ($15).
3.Chilaquiles ($16)

Everything on the menu is super delicious. Great food and great customer service, hands down a beautiful environment to be eating breakfast by the beach.

2. BG’s Cafe (Oxnard,CA)

BG’s Cafe is what you really call a “Hole-In-The-Wall” breakfast joint where it is really easy to miss on the front street, but the trick is to enter through the back of the restaurant where there is more parking . Located on 428 S A St, Oxnard, CA
BG’s Cafe has been serving delicious food since 1971 in downtown Oxnard. This family-owned restaurant has the tastiest coffee I’ve ever tried , and I don’t usually have the care for drinking coffee.

My Go-To meals at BG’s Cafe are:
1. Homemade Chilaquiles with Country Potato’s and Eggs -$18 (seen in photo). This is an everyday favorite Mexican breakfast and also a customer favorite item.
2. The Ham Steak and Eggs -$20. This dish comes out with a huge slab of cooked ham and comes with a side of eggs, golden hash browns and some fruit.

BG’s Cafe is truly a hidden gem, I’ve been going here ever since I was a little kid and the food has only gotten more delicious. I highly recommend visiting this great establishment.

Chilaquiles w/ Eggs and Potato’s
New York Steak and Eggs w/ Country Potato’s

1. Arts Corner Cafe (Ventura,CA)

My personal favorite breakfast spot to go to is Arts Corner Cafe. Arts Corner Cafe is a top tier breakfast spot in Ventura. This family-owned restaurant is located on the corner at 1907 E Thompson Blvd, Ventura, CA. Arts is a lovely breakfast restaurant to go to on a date, eat with family, or just to simply get good food. They have a nice outdoor area to eat your food along with indoor seating as well, but I prefer to eat outside. They also have amazing cocktails for the 21+ crowd that comes on by. My go to drink is their Paloma $12. A customer favorite is their Mimosas that come in this big goblet for $12-$15.

The main 2 items I order are:
1. The Cinnamon Roll – $11
This big cinnamon roll is great for an appetizer or dessert so make sure to not be eating alone. Comes with this rich glazed cream and some syrup on the side. This item is a for sure another customer favorite!
2. New York Steak and Eggs w/ Country Style potato’s – $30
(seen in the photo). The juicy steak is covered with a chimichurri sauce over it and blends really well in flavor with the eggs and potato’s.

The whole menu has really great quality food and drinks. It can be expensive but that’s why you get the amazing love and quality type of food they prepare. The customer service is also welcoming to all! I suggest getting there early in the morning because they are usually packed as the day goes by.

Categories
Business Nature & Outdoors plants

Tucked Away Garden

some places sell plants. others help you grow a home. explore this garden center located at a hardware store in midtown ventura.

Do you like plants, but feel unsure of where to start? I wanted to focus on this small garden center located at Franklin’s Ace Hardware in Ventura. Miss Jackie is the wonderful human who runs it, alongside Stacey and Nick. She has helped so many clients with great tips and by boosting their confidence to start digging and planting. This is a family owned franchise. I love supporting local businesses and feeling like a part of their community.

Ace Hardware is known for their amazing customer service and that is definitely experienced at this location. They opened their doors back in October 2024. Their garden center is a newer addition. It’s only been one year of serving the community this March 2026.

As college students, we are always looking for budget friendly places and I believe this place is a great start. Miss Jackie takes amazing care of the plants and they have a small “plant recovery” section where they sell plants for a huge discount so they may be nursed back to health.

I’m not necessarily a plant guru but this place has my heart because it brings me so much peace even just walking through it and admiring all the beautiful plants and listening to the bubbling coming from all the fountains. There are disco balls glistening and birds enjoying the bird baths. It truly is a tiny magical oasis.

“I enjoy the uniqueness of our plant selection and helping customers with which plants would suit their garden the best.” – Stacey

“I love coming out here during my breaks to listen to the fountains and birds chirping in their bird baths. The ambience is everything.” – Mary

From succulents, tropical plants, jasmine trees, to petunias and marigolds, their plant selection is very vast and Miss Jackie is always taking recommendations. Come on in and get started on your gardening journey with customized picks and tips!

Categories
Business Clothing Fashion & Retail Local Business Spotlight

Express Your Individual Style with Trending Items: A Spotlight on B Max Clothing.

Have you ever found yourself spending an entire day visiting countless clothing stores in search of a pair of shoes for that dress? Or a skirt for that birthday party you were invited to next weekend? You’re probably a shopping lover (like me), but these kinds of situations can definitely be frustrating when it seems like we’ve searched the entire city and there’s not a single place that has anything worthy of our attention.

With rising prices and constantly changing fashion trends, it’s become increasingly difficult to find a place that offers clothing, accessories, and shoes worth buying at affordable prices. People today only shop online to save time, but I think it’s important to support local businesses. Besides, when it comes to buying clothes or shoes, there’s nothing better than trying them on and checking the quality in-person before you make a purchase.

I have visited numerous clothing stores throughout my life, and I can say that I always go back to those that caught my attention the first time I saw their window displays. But there is one in particular that I cannot resist visiting.

B Max Clothing is a boutique located in Fillmore, California. They have a wide range of items, including shoes, accessories, and clothing. The business targets women—from teenagers to adults—and all these beautiful ladies will undoubtedly find themselves walking out of this store with a new purchase.

A fantastic store is always up to date with the latest fashion trends. However, you may find different items or clothing colors depending on the season. For example, in fall, you might find high boots or a brown sweater, and in spring-summer, you might find a wide variety of open-toe shoes or sleeveless tops.

The in-store atmosphere has a California vibe. When you walk into the store, there is good music playing, from English pop to Spanish ballads. They also have a weekly arrivals section and a plus-sizes section. One of my favorite sections is the accessories section. Seriously, I could spend hours looking at the necklaces and earrings.

The customer service is excellent, whether you interact with a staff member or the store owner. I mention this because I have experienced it firsthand. Let me tell you about a time when I was looking for a pair of shoes to wear with a dress I had previously purchased. At the time, I wasn’t sure what color or style I was looking for, so I picked up the first pair that caught my eye. The owner was there, and I remember our interaction very well. She gave me her opinion on the right size for me and which ones would go best with my dress. To be honest, I think there’s nothing like feeling welcomed when you arrive at a shop; it definitely makes you want to come back.

You can find the store as @bmaxclothing on Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, and TikTok. I recommend checking out their Instagram (their most active social media platform) and watching the content they have posted. You can also visit their website B Max Clothing. Do not hesitate to stop by B Max Clothing the next time you want to go shopping.

Store address: 508 Santa Clara st, Fillmore, California 93015.

Hours: Mon-Sat•10am-8pm | Sun•11am-4pm.

Phone: (805) 625-7105

Categories
Business Food & Dining Local Business Spotlight

The Good, The Bad and the Hungry

“I probably go to Marco’s once, if not twice a week.”

Marco’s Pizza is a staple of quality food at an affordable restaurant in Ventura County. Although it is a chain restaurant, the closest one to here can be found in Canoga Park. Otherwise it is in a different state entirely. Recently, Marco’s has undergone several closures in other states. Upon my recent discovery, as well as many other Ventura locals and students who depend on Marco’s for a weekly pick me up (when cooking seems out of the question) – the sign on their door left in early January seemed to show that they were yet another member of the chain to experience a closure. “I probably go to Marco’s once if not twice a week,” says Angelo Zirpolo, a local mother and student. “What’s crazy is I had just got it the night before the sign went up in their door.” And Angela is not alone as 41% of Americans get pizza at least once a week. The number grows to 55 to 75% of Americans if you exclude pizza and just look at eating out once a week or more. The good news is this closure is temporary which wasn’t known until the recent sign replacing the old one informed us they are simply temporarily closed due to a change in ownership. This comes as great news as we definitely see a revolving door of restaurants coming and going in Ventura County and we myself included love our staples. The other good news is Topper’s, another (and if not more loved) pizza restaurant is alive and well until Marco’s doors open up again. The thing in my opinion that separates Marco’s from other Pizza joints is their journey as well as their vow to use organic ingredients as seen on their website. Quality ingredients (without endocrine disrupting additives like the ones seen in Dominos Pizza and Little Caesar’s) coupled with affordability seems priceless at a time when prices seem to do nothing but rise every time we blink an eye. With that being said, we look ahead and forward to the near future when Marco’s is back open.

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

Ragamuffin Coffee Roasters Has the Top 5 Beverages in Town!

Ragamuffin Coffee Roasters, located at The Collection in The Annex in Oxnard, is known for its popular and high quality drinks. The top five best selling drinks are the Cloudy Day Matcha, The VCB , Iced Shaken Expresso, Horchata Cold Brew and Bourbon Caramel Latte. The Bourbon latte ranks first because it has a smooth, sweet flavor that you can’t ever go wrong with. The iced Shaken Expresso latte ranks second and is also very popular, especially on warm days, strong with a refreshing taste. The matcha latte stands out as a unique option, not the biggest fan of matcha I rank it third and the VCB wasn’t personally a favorite of mine, it has a very bidder taste with a not so good after taste, as for the Horchata Cold Brew I was rank that last place it taste like watered down cinnamon water. Overall, these drinks represent the shop’s most popular and customer favorite choices!

The spot is a welcoming spot that makes a great study place for students. The cozy inside area and the outdoor seating give people plenty of space to sit, focus, and relax while working on homework or meeting with friends. The atmosphere feels calm and comfortable, which helps students stay productive. The pricing is also reasonable, with most drinks ranging from about $8 to $9. They offer a wide variety of drink options along with pastries, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy while studying.

The service was excellent there, they all seemed friendly to one another as well as to the customers they made conversation asking how are days went as well as other small talk.

The local barista from Ragamuffin Coffee Roasters Alexis says, “Not only do we serve fresh coffee everyday we also have a great connection with our loyal customers and that’s something that I can say why we’re the best coffee spot in town.”

Once again, here’s the Top 5 coffee beverages at Ragamuffin:

  • Cloudy Day Matcha
  • The VCB
  • Horchata Cold Brew
  • Iced Shaken Expresso
  • The Bourbon latte
Categories
Arts & Entertainment Business Fashion & Retail

The 3 Best Vintage Shops in Ventura, and Why You Should Ditch Fast Fashion

Location: Olive’s Vintage

If your first thought after reading the title is that you would never shop second hand, this article probably isn’t what you want to read. I think that is exactly why you should continue reading. 

Ventura has some of the most unique and wonderful vintage shops for being a quiet beach town. That alone is all the more reason to check them out. What is there to do for fun in a small town? Vintage and antique stores bring a lot of charm to the area, and people’s lives. If you’ve never been to a vintage shop before or are just curious, let me be your guide to the top 3 in this nook of Southern California.

My first recommendation is Poppies Vintage, located in midtown Ventura. This store carries such gorgeous pieces, and the whole spot is full of color and life. Garments, shoes, and bags that date back to the 60s and 70s! Even if you just enjoy aesthetic interior, you would likely be fond of Poppies Vintage. To top it off, there is a section dedicated to local business’ merchandise for purchase, such as handmade candles and novelties. Poppies is warm and inviting, and you wouldn’t regret a visit. 

Location: Poppies Vintage

My next pick would have to be Out West Market, which seems to be growing a wider customer base through social media. This shop is special, not only for their curated one of a kind items, but the space itself. Out West has a lovely western theme, with decor of all kinds on every inch of the walls. One of the highlights being an indoor and outdoor area, which is sweet if you want to enjoy browsing on a sunny day. OW also offers bins with bargain prices, so you can shop even with just $5 in your wallet. 

Last but not least, and my personal favorite choice, Olive’s Vintage. There may or may not be a hint of bias here, but I encourage you to hear me out. Olive’s Vintage is located downtown and owned by the lovely Jeannie Rollo, kind-hearted and knows a gem when she sees it. Jeannie has been collecting knickknacks, clothes, art, and everything under the sun, pretty much her whole life. I asked her why she decided to start selling vintage. 

“I had so much of it. I thought I should share it with other people, and give it a new life. So that this collection can get a new home”

With such a wide range and variety of Jeannie’s collection, the space feels authentic and true to what vintage is all about. Vintage items can be best described as timeless, whimsical, and chock-full of stories. Jeannie has an eye for art, whether it’s for sale or just decor. She also has her own pieces hanging around, along with her previous studio that appeals to many visitors. For Jeannie, it’s truly not about a sale, as she keeps her prices more affordable than most and tailored to each item. I wanted to know if Jeannie had any insight for why vintage is a better alternative than fast fashion and big retail.

“It has a past life. Vintage is just made better, and made to last, even all this time. You can tell how much people have put work in to make these things. They are like pieces of art, that you just treasure more.”

Whether you have been shopping vintage for a while, or you don’t know much about it, I urge you to take a visit to a local vintage store (even if it’s not on this list). Purchasing antique and vintage items, especially clothing, helps reduce waste and promotes sustainability. By shopping vintage, you purchase with intention. You are taking home an item with a story behind it, and the quality to last you just possibly another generation. If you do it right, you may even find it saves you money long term. Instead of buying poorly made, new retail clothes that need frequent replacing, you have something that dazzles your wardrobe or home for years to come. Bring some whimsy into your life! 

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

Best Ventura County Hidden Gem

If you have been looking for the perfect coffee shop in Ventura County let me introduce you to Heritage Coffee & Gifts. This family owned coffee shop is located on 210 W 7th Street in Oxnard, California. You can find it as one of the many establishments in Heritage Square. It is owned and managed by Fernando and Teresa Larios and their son Carlos Larios. They offer specialty espresso and coffee drinks, as well as sandwiches and pastries.

While I was here, I ordered two drinks and a sandwich to really try this place out and give it an honest review. The drinks that I ordered were a honey lavender latte and a turmeric latte. I also got their caprese panini.

I decided on the honey lavender latte (pictured on the left) because the barista said that one was her favorite, so I had to give it a try. I loved that it was not overly sweet. I find that a lot of coffee places have overly sweet drinks where you can barely taste the coffee. This drink had the perfect subtle sweet with a dash of florals from the lavender. I can definitely see why this was one of her favorites.

I ordered the turmeric latte (pictured above on the right) because I had never seen or heard of anything like that before. I was so intrigued that I had to try it. I’m surprised to say it was really good. I thought it was not going to taste the best because turmeric is generally supposed to have a warm, bitter, earthy taste to it. I can definitely pick up hints of that but in a good way. The warmth was very slight and after the first few sips you could barely notice it. I quite enjoyed the earthy taste of it. I’d say the turmeric latte is on the same level of earthy flavor as a Thai tea would be.

I very much enjoyed both of those drinks and would get them again. I got my drinks with oat milk instead of cows milk and I am so thankful that they had other options. As someone who is both vegetarian and lactose intolerant, I am grateful when places have accommodations.

In addition to the drinks, I also got their caprese panini which has pesto, mozzarella cheese, and sun dried tomatoes on sourdough bread. The panini was freshly made to order so it was warm and melty. The bread was toasted to perfection with satisfying char marks on the side. Honestly one of the best sandwiches I’ve had in a while. There is something to great when a simple recipe is done well.

I had the pleasure of getting to speak to Mr. Carlos Larios (owner/manager) when I went into the store to try it out. He was very kind and a great conversationalists. We started talking about what exactly they sell, when he said something that made me smile.

“More than anything, we really want to create a friendly and welcoming environment for everyone who comes in.”

I can say that they 100% accomplish that feeling. From the second I stepped foot inside, the room was filled with people talking and laughing. There was only one open table, which told me that business was going well. What makes this place feel so homey and unique is because it is in an actual house. All of Heritage Square is made of old houses turned into shops or businesses. The coffee shop is where a front living room would essentially be. Make sure to check out the video below to get a peak of what the inside looks like.

Inside, there is a fire place with a TV above it that plays calming and relaxing music on Spotify so people can see what they are listening to. In front of the fireplace is a coffee table that is surrounded by sofas. It really helps to bring that warm and welcoming feeling in. It truly does feel like you just stepped into someone’s home. They even have a counter designated for other local businesses cards so their customers can see and take them. The video also highlights the gift shop that is connected to the coffee shop. The gift shop features all handmade items. Some of them were even made by the owner Teresa Larios.

If you are in the area, this place is a can’t miss! I might have found my new favorite go to spot and I can’t wait to try out the other things they have to offer. Make sure to also follow them on their social media, linked below.

Categories
Business Student Life at VC

Top 5 Ways An Auto Detailer Can Save Your Car And Your Wallet!

Our car’s value is always a big deal, especially if eventually there will be a time where you want to sell it. Scratches, stains, and damage from the sun can all be solved, but when it’s not, then your car’s value can really drop! Especially here in Ventura County where we have year-round sun, sand from the beach, and dirt from our fields that could really damage a vehicle over time if not maintained. That’s where professional auto detailing comes in. Auto detailing isn’t just just about giving people a clean car, it’s also about protecting your car and keeping its value. With that being said lets jump into the top 5 things a detailer can do to save your car and your wallet!

1.) Paint Protection

Let’s be honest, when we look at a car the paint is almost always the first thing we really look at. When it’s exposed to UV rays all day there can be swirls on it, there can be bird droppings that burn through your paint, and tons of dust and dirt from the agriculture in our city. These things slowly make your car oxidize or even fade. What we do is use things like wax, paint sealants, and ceramic protection. These things are like different layers of shielding for your car. Preventing paint damage monthly saves you from expensive repainting later and just value drops in general.

Lets hear what a dealership used car manager says about this service

“When someone brings in a car for trade in, the first thing we notice is the exterior condition. If the paint is faded or scratched up, the value drops almost right away .”

2.) Interior Work

Cracked dashboards and worn out leather seats are the worst, especially since it’s so easy to avoid. They don’t just show up out of nowhere; it happens from all the heat and neglect. Interior work like conditioning the leather and protecting interior dashes and materials keeps them soft, clean, and will prevent cracks that make your car look 5 years older. “Cars that are maintained regularly almost always bring the strongest offers,” the dealership manager explains.

3.) Wheel Protection

Brake dust builds up super fast every time you drive, and it’s actually corrosive. If you ignore it, it can permanently stain and damage your wheels. A proper wheel cleaning removes all that buildup safely and can protect the finish of them.

4.) Keeping The Engine Clean

In all honesty, unless your car is a show car or has an impressive engine most people will never really think about the engine bay, but dealerships definitely do. A clean engine compartment shows that the owner cared about the vehicle and it also really helps with spotting leaks or problems early before they become expensive repairs. A good detailer will use degreaser to remove all the corrosive gunk that will build up in the engine and will remove all the debris.

5.) Consistency

The key to keeping your cars value is just plain consistency. Regular washes, interior cleanings, and all the things mentioned above really do prevent small issues from turning into big ones. As  Jeff Myers, the used car manger, said from our interview “It’s much cheaper to maintain than to hire someone else to restore our inventory.” Detailing once every few years just can’t undo years of neglect and use so the best solution is just to keep it maintained year round.

Categories
Advice Arts & Entertainment Business Food & Beverage Food & Dining Local Business Spotlight Nature & Outdoors Student Life at VC

Livin’ Large on Laundry Money

Broke… but romanticizing it.

You might be like most college students, experiencing a specific type of broke that comes in the form of realizing that you have exactly enough money for gas… and maybe laundry. Between classes, textbooks, and trying to have some sort of social life, “fun” starts to feel like a luxury you might not be able to afford.

So I decided to test something: Could I spend and entire day exploring Ventura with just $20?

In the words of Sia, “I love cheap thrills.” This challenge felt like the perfect way to find them. The day started as a budgeting experiment but became a reminder that Ventura is uniquely suited for inexpensive fun. We’ve got ocean views that don’t cost a thing, locally owned coffee shops that still feel personal, and small businesses that remember your face.

Preparation: What you actually need

Before setting out, I kept it simple- A $20 bill, a jacket (because Ventura is a bit unpredictable sometimes), a water bottle, and a small packed sandwich to hold me over.

Packing something small ahead of time helps stretch the budget without taking away from the experience. We’re not trying to “go without”, just spending intentionally.

Morning: Donuts, Coffee, Views

First stop – KD Donuts on Telegraph Road. Not only are you getting what I will confidently call the actual best donut in town, but you’re also supporting a family-owned business that has been part of Ventura for nearly 40 years. It’s a win-win, you get an awesome treat, and you can feel good about where your money’s going. An insider tip: If you’re nice, she might throw in a few donut holes. And let me be clear — it is a requirement that you order the apple fritter. It’s massive. You won’t feel cheated once you feel the weight of it in that little paper sleeve. At $1.75, you kinda feel like you’re getting away with highway robbery. As soon as we drove up, the owner smiled and said,

“I haven’t seen you guys in a while. Did you move? How are you? Come back more often.”

That one comment says everything about why local businesses matter. It doesn’t feel like a transaction, it feels like building community. Our total came to $1.89.

Stop #2 – Daylight & Moon cafe on Loma Vista Road. The space is bright and clean, the staff are genuinely friendly, and they actually care about the quality of what they serve, even if it’s just drip coffee (which is what we’re getting). The coffee is strong and punchy which is perfect to pair with our sweet treat. My drip came out to $3.77.

Running total: $5.66

Stop #3 – With coffee and donut in hand, we set out for Cemetery Memorial Park. This might be one of Ventura’s most underrated spots. There’s something about the grass, sunshine, and island views (all completely free might I add). That’s the thing about this challenge: the best parts of the day were free. We sat, talked, took our time, and genuinely enjoyed it.

Afternoon: More Views, Treasure Hunts, Wandering

After our slow morning, it felt right to lean into another one of Ventura’s natural beauties. We headed up to the Botanical Gardens (which are free on Fridays). If you can time your visit right, it’s one of the best free experiences. The trails wind up the hillside with ocean views that will force you to come back at your earliest opportunity. And if it’s not Friday? I recommend Arroyo Verde Park. Still beautiful. Still completely free.

Stop #5 – The $3 thrift challenge. A challenge within a challenge. To keep things interesting, I added a rule: If you’re going to buy something, it has to be under $3, and it HAS to be something you love – not just something cheap. So you either get to walk out proud that you saved your money… or you find a hidden gem that you really treasure. After scanning shelves and digging a little, I found what I’m pretty sure is a shot glass. But for me, I will be using my $2.14 tiny mug to pot a succulent. If you aren’t as successful as me, you still get some great entertainment and to browse with a purpose.

Next was wandering through downtown. We continue the browsing- but window shopping only this time. Downtown is built for strolling, so you won’t feel like you stand out for not buying anything.

Running total: $7.80

Botanical Gardens.

Walking Downtown.

Evening: Tacos, Layers, and a Sunset Finale

Now’s a good time to bring out that jacket. We made our way down to Beach House Tacos along the promenade. Tacos and ocean views are always a winning combination for me, so this felt like the right place to close out the day. The menu has plenty of options, but this is where things got interesting. While we were in line, I mentioned the $20 challenge to another customer. She immediately leaned in and said,

“Order the kids street tacos. I got them for my kid once and they were so good I started ordering them for myself too. It’s the best deal on the menu.”

And she was right. The kids street taco plate was $6, simple, flavorful, and more filling than expected. Add a coke for $4, and dinner came out to $10.78. And best of all, it still felt like a real “going out” meal.

Talking to people, exploring your options, and staying open, will all help you find better ways to spend your money.

We took our tacos further out on the Ventura Pier and sat watching the waves roll in as the sun set. Tacos and ocean air. Not bad for laundry money.

The Final Tally

{Morning: $5.66} {Afternoon: $2.14} {Evening: $10.78}

Total spent: $18.58

Money left: $1.42

We stayed under budget and had so. much. fun.

Another great thing about this day was noticing how much Ventura offers when you slow down enough to look for it. Supporting family-owned businesses, talking to strangers, walking instead of rushing, hunting instead of impulse buying. If you’re a VC student who feels like fun is getting too expensive, I’d encourage you to try something like this, maybe not the exact same stops, but your own version. Pick a number, pick a jacket, bring a friend, see what you find. Ventura makes it easier than you think.