Seafood City is the largest Filipino supermarket chain in America with 38 locations across the country. They offer a wide selection of fresh produce, meats, seafood, pantry staples, international snacks, and more. At Seafood City, there are favorites from various cuisines all under one roof. Whether you are looking for a high-quality fish sauce, seaweed salad, or are in the mood for some instant noodles and snacks you cannot get elsewhere, this is easily the best place to stop by. Apart from groceries, Seafood City also carries kitchen supplies as well as prepared foods. However, it is vital to note that Asian grocery stores are more than just a grocery storeーthey serve as a community hub for people to gather together and appreciate their own or different cultures through food, which has the power to connect us all. The heart of Seafood City resides in their commitment to bringing authentic Filipino flavors to every meal, which includes their in-store dining experiences such as Bakers Avenue, Grill City, and Noodle Street.
On April 23, Zach and I visited our local Seafood City in Oxnard and, ambitiously, set out to cook a 6-course meal. Upon entering, we were in awe of the tremendous selection and it was difficult sticking to our original grocery list when presented with tantalizing items such as ube cookies, fruity soju, and entire coconuts with straws to drink from. Our goal was to represent a multitude of cultures, so the dishes we landed on were miso soup (Japanese), spicy rice cakes (Korean), shrimp spring rolls (Vietnamese), steamed fish (Cantonese), and mango sticky rice (Thai) for dessert.
For your viewing pleasure, here is our documented experience!
Snapper Jack’s Taco Shack is currently celebrating their 25th anniversary. They offer a mix of Mexican and seafood from three different locations. These locations are in Venture, Camarillo and Thousand Oaks. With a wide variety of items on their menu, and nine different savory salsas to spice up any item on the menu at their salsa bar. In this episode we dive right into the core of customer experience—from the ocean-themed ambiance to the enticing sound of fresh fish cooking on the grill to welcoming smiles, the relaxed beach-town vibe, or the ideal Baja-style taco, which embodies Snapper Jack’s positive vibes.
Jaydin, Itzel, and Joselyn spent Easter Eve wrapped in the warm charm of the Heaven Made Market, where the coffee is rich, the flowers are fresh, and every small business feels like family. We found the sweetest vintage pieces, got permanent jewelry with meaning, and treated ourselves to cookies that tasted like childhood.
Come along in the vlog — it’s one of those days we’ll never forget.
Don’t forget to follow these vibrant vendors on their Instagram pages below! ↓
We’ve all had those bad hair days! When no product seems to work, and your hair has a mind of its own. Hair is often seen as a reflection of our identity and health, yet many people don’t truly understand what their hair needs to thrive. Effective hair care starts with knowing your hair type, scalp condition, and the ingredients that actually make a difference. But what if the secret to great hair isn’t in how much you use, but how well you understand your hair’s unique needs?
𝐇𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲
Hair porosity refers to how quickly your hair will take in and retain moisture. It is predicated on the well-being of the outer sheath of your hair, which is the cuticle, which opens and shuts to take in or out water. There are three levels of hair porosity:
𝙇𝙤𝙬 𝙋𝙤𝙧𝙤𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙮
Cuticles are tightly closed.
Hair tends to resist moisture, making it harder for water or products to penetrate.
It may take a long time for hair to get wet and also to dry.
Signs: Product buildup, water beads on hair, hair feels dry but is hard to moisturize.
Tips: Use lightweight, water-based products. Apply heat (like warm water or a steamer) when deep conditioning to help open the cuticle.
𝙈𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙪𝙢 𝙋𝙤𝙧𝙤𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙮 = 𝙉𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙡 𝙃𝙖𝙞𝙧
Cuticles are slightly open, allowing moisture in and out with ease.
Hair is generally healthy, manageable, and holds styles well.
Signs: Accepts moisture easily, dries at a normal rate, doesn’t tangle too much.
Tips: Stick to a balanced routine-moisturize regularly, and avoid excessive heat or chemicals to maintain porosity.
𝙃𝙞𝙜𝙝 𝙋𝙤𝙧𝙤𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙮
Cuticles are raised or damaged, often due to heat, color treatments, or genetics.
Hair absorbs moisture quickly but loses it just as fast.
Signs: Frizz, tangling, dryness, and quick drying time.
Tips: Use heavier products like creams, oils, and protein treatments to seal in moisture and strengthen the hair. Avoid heat and harsh chemicals when possible.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐬𝐭 :
It’s a simple way to figure out how well your hair absorbs and holds moisture. Here’s the most common method:
Important tip: Make sure your hair is freshly washed before testing! Oils and products can mess with the result.
𝐇𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐓𝐲𝐩𝐞𝐬
Hair type refers to the natural shape or pattern of your hair strands, and it plays a big role in how your hair behaves, what products work best, and how to care for it. Hair types are usually categorized into four main groups (Type 1 to Type 4), with subcategories (A, B, C) to describe the texture more specifically.
Hair color analysis is the method of determining the colors and tones that most suit your natural coloring- such as your skin tone, eye color, and natural hair color. It assists individuals in selecting hair colors (and sometimes makeup or attire) that improve their overall appearance. This is sometimes associated with the idea of seasonal color analysis, which categorizes individuals as spring, summer, autumn, or winter.
Determine Your Skin Tone:
Cool undertones: Pink, red, or bluish hues. Veins may appear blue. Skin burns easily.
Warm undertones: Golden, peachy, or yellow hues. Veins may look green. Skin tans easily.
Neutral undertones: A mix of warm and cool.
2. Match Hair Color to Undertones:
Cool undertones: Look best with ashy blondes, cool browns, jet black, or cool reds like burgundy.
Warm undertones: Look good with golden blondes, honey browns, copper, and warm reds.
Neutral undertones: Can wear a wide range of colors, both warm and cool.
3. Consider Eye Color:
Cool-toned eyes: Icy blue, grey, deep brown.
Warm-toned eyes: Amber, hazel with gold or green, light brown.
4. Seasonal Analysis:
Spring: Light eyes, fair warm skin. Best with warm blondes, strawberry blondes, and light golden browns.
Summer: Cool undertones, soft features. Best with ash blondes, cool browns, and rose golds.
Autumn: Warm undertones, deep eye color. Best with rich auburn, copper, and chestnut browns.
Winter: Cool undertones, high contrast (pale skin/dark hair). Best with deep blacks, cool browns, and icy blondes.
Why is a Hair Color Analysis Important?
It prevents the use of colors that don’t go well with your skin tone (which would leave your complexion dull or pale) and instead enhances your own natural glow. It’s particularly helpful before significant color transitions or lightening/darkening (or vice versa).
In today’s day and age, we as people are so accustomed to the food we eat being fast, industrialized, machine made and lacking any soul. Fast food chains litter towns and cities as the easy, on-the-go spot to grab a bite to eat. Dining culture in the United States made that shift in the 1960’s when places like McDonalds opened their doors and the world was first exposed to how cheap, quick and reliable food could be. It seems that since that time, real dining experiences and food culture have been lost to some extent and everyplace must feel as streamlined as possible. In this article, We will discuss some of the best dining experiences in Ventura County that bring food and experience to the forefront and offer guests with meals that’ll have them returning over and over.
The first restaurant on this list is Azafran. A family owned Spanish-Peruvian Fusion restaurant located in Camarillo’s old town. Azafran offers a cozy ambiance and stunning menu with dishes ranging from blackened octopus, prosciutto toast, Shrimp tacos, Peruvian ceviche, and French press coffee to go along with it all.
Photo Via Visit Camarillo
The spot offers a breakfast/brunch service as well as dinner with a small menu that is perfected by the chef. Even with the smaller sized menu, there are still options for everyone with dietary restrictions in mind.
Plenty of satisfying vegetarian options like Chaufa, a vegetable fried rice or the Pulpo, a confit potato dish with white bean puree and cherry tomatoes. Pictures of their dishes, although plated marvelously, still can’t express how flavorful, and delicious the dishes are. The cozy atmosphere mixed with the open kitchen design and almost home-interior like layout, Azafran truly makes you feel like you’re at home with some of the best food you could possibly imagine.
The next restaurant is Am Noodle, located off telephone road in Ventura. Thai restaurants are in no shortage in the area, but few offer the more traditional style of dishes as Am Noodle does.
What brought the restaurant to my attention initially was people raving about how a dish they grew up with was finally done right again, which soon after, prompted a visit with some friends. The place is small, only seating around 20 people, but the food and overall atmosphere makes up for it. Thai food is easily accommodated to almost anyone’s food needs whether that be vegetarian, vegan, or any allergies. I’ve tried many different Thai curries at various places but almost nothing compares to their Panang Curry. A thick, red curry with much more citrus and zest than it’s counterparts. Served steaming hot with a heart shaped mound of white rice on the side, every bite is as good as the last one and will keep you wanting more.
A place I find to have had a redemption from an earlier time, The Greek, located at the Ventura harbor had had its ups and downs but has seen itself still thriving to this day and remains a place that stands out in the city.
The Greek opened its doors in 1994, making it the oldest location on this list. In 2011 the restaurant was featured on Gordan Ramsey’s “Kitchen Nightmares” where he went around the country to various struggling restaurants and helped lift them out of the chaos. The Greek, which has been family run, was in turmoil and the food was poorly rated at the time, but since that time, the restaurant has been one of the few from the show to survive the test of time and flourish since then. When dining here you are greeted with the scenic view of the Ventura Harbor which radiates in the sun during the day time, and glows with the lights of boats and the harbor walkway at night. The restaurant features a large outdoor patio, perfectly suited for its environment as well as a cozy interior that shimmers with the blues and white that resemble the Greek flag. The food is some of the best Greek and Mediterranean cuisine in town and offers authentic flavors as well as globally known delights like Souvlaki and Moussaka. If you are looking for fresh caught seafood or great quality steak, The Greek is for you. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as supplying guests with a full bar, the restaurant also offers live music and dancing at nights, taking advantage of their location size and setting by the water. The Greek is one of those places you could take a date, or a group of your friends and enjoy a great meal, great atmosphere and a great view.
The last place, while not in Ventura County proper, but still within the boundaries of the “805” is The Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach. Tucked away in a small cove a few miles from Santa Barbara’s State Street, the Boathouse is an upscale seafood spot that although bustling, is still loungy in nature.
This is the most expensive and upscale place on this list, and although it’s not a family owned restaurant like that others, it is still a place that serves tremendous food that is perfect for a special occasion type of meal. They boast a menu that ranges from eggs benedict for breakfast to a seared mahi mahi and lobster risotto for dinner as well as a raw bar that brings oysters, clams, mussels and anything else you could want. Similar to The Greek, the view and setting of this restaurant makes it stand out against other places. Tucked away in a quiet cove, the restaurant has a massive gallery window looking out towards the ocean. Upon my visit here, it was a clear evening with a bit of swell in the water which provided the view of a few surfers out in the water, with the backdrop of the setting sun. The view alone is enough to make you enjoy your experience, but the food will keep you wanting to come back every chance you get.
With summer quickly approaching, it is the perfect time to begin prioritizing health, fitness, and most importantly… YOU. With this in mind, I took my first-ever Pilates class at the Pilates Lab in Ventura.
The studio, located at 2415 E Main St in Ventura, is nestled above an OBGYN office. Pilates Lab is a woman-owned business that opened its doors in February of 2024 by owner Shannon Barbaro.
Let’s be honest, the hashtag # PilatesPrincess circulating on my Instagram feed inspired me to take a Pilates class. After careful research on the Pilates studios Ventura has to offer, I finalized my decision on Pilates Lab.
With this in mind, I reached out to my cousin Cheri Hays, who is an instructor at the studio. This studio has all glowing 5-star reviews from customers who rave about the offered classes, amenities, and instructors.
My cousin Cheri and I took Jaime’s 8:30am class on Saturday, and let me tell you, the reviews were right! After my 50-minute class, thanks to the controlled movements and deep body alignment my body felt powerful. Mentally, I felt a sense of calmness and mindfulness.
Pictured on the left is Jaime Clark, in the middle is Cheri Hays, and on the right is owner, Shannon Barbaro.
I’d like to point out that I am not the kind of girl who is ready to slay the day at 8:30am. However, afterwards I felt uplifted inside and out, feeling good about myself. You know what they say, look good, feel good.
How my 8:30AM class looked
The studio is beautifully decorated with greenery and fosters a relaxing environment as soon as you step through the doors. In the picture above is an iconic piece of Pilates equipment known as the Reformer. During our class, we used the reformers to engage our quads, core, and arms. It was unlike any workout I have experienced before.
What sets Pilates Lab apart from other studios in Ventura? Shannon Barbaro focuses on biohacking, which she describes as the “full body, anything done to improve the qualities and capabilities of a living organism” (Barbaro). The studio uses “Theralight 360 whole-body light therapy, NuCalm sound healing, and Power Plate to help you achieve your best possible results” (Barbaro). Follow this link to their website to learn more about their class offerings and how these therapeutic machines transform your body.
For anyone like me, who was curious to learn more about Pilates or even take their first class, I recommend trying Pilates Lab in Ventura! Click here to find Pilates Lab via Instagram, or click this to visit instructor Cheri’s Instagram page. Now, stop pilating around and book a class!
There’s something incredibly magical about being in a room with people who love the same things you do. That’s exactly how it felt walking into Smitten Bookstore for the release party of Emily Henry’s new novel, Great Big Beautiful Life.
I went with three of my friends and honestly, just being surrounded by a bunch of other Em Hen fans felt like its own kind of celebration. It wasn’t just about the book (even though obviously, we were all really hyped for it). It was about being around people who know the feeling of falling headfirst into a story you love.
Smitten is not just your ordinary, run-of-the-mill bookstore. It’s a romance and women’s literature store, and let me tell you, the vibe is unmatched. The owner, May, has curated every book on the shelf with so much care, and it shows; you can see it reflected in everything that is offered at Smitten. The store isn’t just a place to buy books; whether it’s your first time there or you’re one of The Regulars, it feels like home — warm, inviting, and familiar. You can feel how much love and passion May has poured into this store.
Not only do you get to connect with other Emily Henry fans (or just romance fans in general), but Smitten runs a seriously great trivia night. Like, stump-even-the-biggest-Em-Hen-fans kind of great. Some of the questions had us second-guessing everything we thought we knew! A huge bonus: yours truly won a signed copy of the book for scoring 16/30 😎
One of my favorite parts of the night was just hanging out with my friends and chatting with other book lovers (iykyk!) There’s something so easy and fun about meeting people who instantly get why you’re so excited.
I left Smitten that night with my brand new book, and that giddy, can’t-wait-to-read feeling.
Events like this remind me why local bookstores matter so much. They’re not just places to buy books; they’re places to celebrate them — and to find the kind of connection that reminds you life is, indeed, a great big beautiful thing.
This beloved family-owned taco shack has been delighting the community of Ventura County with its mouthwatering food since the year 2000! Snapper Jack’s is joyfully celebrating their 25th anniversary this year. They proudly offer a delightful blend of Mexican and seafood dishes at their three fantastic locations in Ventura, Camarillo, and Thousand Oaks. With an exciting array of items on their menu, plus special offerings from time to time, and nine different savory salsas to elevate any dish, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Among the nine salsas, their Secret Shack Sauce and Yolandas stand out as the fan favorites!
Legendary Salsa Bar
I had the wonderful opportunity to meet with Cinthya, the incredible store manager at the Ventura location. She embarked on her journey with Snapper Jacks at just 19 years old back in 2016, starting at their original location in Ventura. Later that same year, she transitioned to the dearly missed Downtown Ventura location to lend a hand, showcasing her dedication. Cinthya truly enjoys the vibrant environment, appreciating how Snapper Jacks genuinely cares for and values its employees. The company offers great growth opportunities, promoting employees from assistant manager to a possible store manager. Snapper Jacks has flourished within the community by hosting fundraisers and providing support and donations in various ways. Even during COVID, they continued to serve the community through DoorDash and online orders. Cinthya describes the atmosphere as beachy, infused with 60’s and 70’s surfing and skating vibes. She values bravery, outgoing personalities, charisma, and teamwork in potential new employees, taking her time to get to know them and ensuring they prioritize customer service. From her perspective, the best-selling item is the Jacks Combo, featuring a choice of any two tacos (grilled or battered fish, chicken, steak, or potato) accompanied by rice and beans. For newcomers, Cinthya is the go-to person for recommendations, providing informative answers to any questions. Her favorite menu item is the Cancun burrito, which she describes as “like fireworks in your mouth, bursting with flavors and a perfect mix of seafood and Mexican food.” The Cancun burrito includes sautéed shrimp, real crab, rice, jack cheese, sour cream, pico de gallo, and avocado slices. When I asked her to encapsulate Snapper Jacks in a single sentence, she joyfully replied, “Overall welcoming, warm, and eye-catching.”
Snapper Jacks is brimming with hardworking staff who bring positivity and dedication to their roles. The kitchen team arrives bright and early each morning to craft everything fresh from scratch, ensuring quality and flavor. Complementing them is a wonderful group of devoted cashiers and managers, all eager to serve the community. Their warm, caring, and attentive nature creates a friendly atmosphere, always greeting customers with a bright smile. Snapper Jacks has recently introduced delicious Chile Relleno items, and I highly recommend heading over to give these delightful dishes a try!
Nestor is a senior manager thriving at all three locations of Snapper Jacks, a company he absolutely loves being part of, thanks to their fantastic flexibility with his schedule. He proudly joined the team through his father, who was a chef for Snapper Jacks, and since 2011, he has witnessed remarkable growth over the years. The working environment radiates warmth and camaraderie, with everyone collaborating joyfully. Nestor has seen Snapper Jacks blossom within the community, understanding that this vibrant spirit is the heart and soul of the business. It’s uplifting to watch people come and go, sharing their delightful stories of frequent visits over generations and recounting how Snapper Jacks has been their treasured first stop in town. New customers often walk in, excited for their first adventure and eagerly seeking recommendations. Nestor happily suggests the nachos with chicken and also recommends the Mahi tacos, filled with cabbage, cheese, and Shack sauce, while they’re still available. His personal favorite is the scrumptious Chicken Caesar burrito, packed with chicken, caesar, romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and tortilla strips. When asked to describe Snapper Jacks in one sentence, he beamed, “Very welcoming, a great place for some delicious food!”
I had the fantastic opportunity of speaking with Jarrid, the general manager of Snapper Jacks, who has been a beloved part of the Snapper Jacks family since 2000, just three months after the opening. He truly enjoys working for Jack and Laura, as they are incredibly gracious and appreciative of their entire team. Across all their locations, there’s a joyful commitment to maintaining the original vibe and environment. With the lively 60’s music, charming decor, vintage Schwinn bicycles, classic longboards, and nostalgic surf movies from the 50’s and 60’s, guests can feel that they’re stepping into a space where the timeless surfer spirit thrives. Snapper Jacks has joyfully expanded through Ventura County, opening a location in Camarillo in 2006, followed by another vibrant spot in Thousand Oaks in 2011. Laura’s philosophy centers on the power of word-of-mouth, allowing Snapper Jacks to flourish through the loyalty of delighted customers. If a visitor truly enjoys their experience, they’re eager to share it with others. Described as a “great family atmosphere with excellent service and delicious food at a reasonable price,” Snapper Jacks offers a delightful fusion of Mexican American flavors, famous for its amazing fish tacos.
Sara, Samantha, Brooke, Ella, and Jaime visit Ex Voto Chocolate Shop to talk with owner Jennifer about all things chocolate. Trying different treats, like chocolates and gelato. Click the video below to see our reactions and the chocolate-making process.
Special thanks to Jennifer and the Ex Voto staff for all your help and delicious chocolate.
Contributors: Ex Voto Owner: Jennifer Smith Ex Voto Employees Featured: Sophia Soule & Kate Main Cinematographer: Sara Bowman Students Featured: Brooke Wiley, Ella Morgan, Jaime Adame, Samantha Sarti, & Sara Bowman. Editor: Brooke Wiley
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