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!
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.
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.
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.
Here at home in Ventura County, a family-owned flower distribution company has grown into one of the largest companies of its kind in California. What some may not realize is that behind the warehouses, cold storage units, and daily shipments is a former nursing student whose career path did a complete 180 in 2020.
Channel Islands Flowers began in August of 2020 during a time of extreme uncertainty for Manuel Ayala and his family. After the company where he had been working for many years shut down, Manuel Ayala, my best friend’s father, was suddenly left without a job. When his former boss offered him the opportunity to purchase the suffering business, it was a major risk, but one he was willing to take. A few months prior, his daughter, Valerie, had moved back home from Santa Barbara, where she had been studying nursing at Santa Barbara City College. As the pandemic completely interrupted her education, she enrolled at Ventura College to continue nursing while also nannying full-time. At the same time, she began helping her father rebuild the newly purchased business from the ground up, a decision that would ultimately alter the entire trajectory of their lives.
Reflecting on those early days, she describes the company as something that needed to be rebuilt almost entirely. “We had about 11 employees at the time, and we rebuilt and expanded completely,” she said. “Now we have over 100 employees, multiple field locations, and a warehouse. Back then, it felt like we were gathering the marbles that were dropped everywhere.”
For the Ayala’s, their growth came about from years sacrifice. “When they got here, they started working super young,” she said about her parents’ immigrant journey from Michoacan to the United States. “They have always had a strong work ethic, and without that, they wouldn’t have been able to accomplish anything they have so far.” That same mindset shaped her own turning point in early 2022. While balancing nursing school, nannying from 7AM to 3:30PM, evening classes at Ventura College, and late nights working for her family business, she realized that she was no longer able to spread her time. “My workload with the business became so much that I had to quit my nanny job and shortly after, I dropped out of school,” she said. “That’s when I realized, this is what I am doing now.”
Today, Channel Islands Flowers is recognized as one of the largest distributors in California. On a scale of one to ten, she rates the company at an eight. The business supplies florists and other flower companies with stems like Ranunculus, Calla Lilies, Lisianthus, Delphiniums, Hybrid Lilies, and a variety of other seasonal flowers. A majority of their products are sold throughout various sellers in the Los Angeles Flower Market, one of the largest wholesale flower markets in the country. Additional distribution is sold in major grocery stores like Trader Joes and Vons. Despite the company’s scale, Valerie remains very humble about her position. “It’s very eye-opening,” she said. “I think we’re still in the stage of imposter syndrome… but our family is very supportive, which allows us to continue to do what we do.”
What started as a risky decision during the pandemic has grown into one of Ventura County’s most successful distribution companies. From balancing nursing school and long workdays to stepping fully into leadership, her journey reflects the unpredictable nature of growth. Channel Islands Flowers continues to bloom each day because the Ayala family chose to plant those roots.
As a college student, I find that I spend a lot of time sitting down; whether it’s in front of my computer or in class, I don’t really give my body the movement it requires on a daily basis. I enjoy scrolling and watching countless hours of media on my phone as much as the next person. Recently I realized the negative impact all of this lack of movement was having on me both mentally and physically, so I decided to act. I conducted some research on various hiking trails in Ventura County, and I’ve been tackling them one by one, feeling incredibly motivated as each week passes by. The moment I reach the highest point of elevation in a trail truly feels liberating, and the scenery is unlike anything else. The fresh breeze is genuinely the best de-stress tool out there. As we enter the last month of this spring semester and stress levels increase with final projects, assignment due dates, and exams, I thought of sharing some of these hiking trails with everyone in hopes that someone finds it beneficial.
I currently own zero hiking equipment. I’ve used my Hoka running shoes up until now because they’re incredibly lightweight and comfortable (not an ad), except for the previous two falls in which those features didn’t help much. But in all seriousness, for my future safety, I will be purchasing some highly recommended slip-resistant hiking shoes. Now I’m not saying everyone should purchase some quality shoes because that comes down to individual opinion; I’m simply sharing my experiences.
Preparation Suggestions:
While indulging in some vitamin D brought to you by the sunny California weather, it’s crucial to take sun-protective measures seriously. Apply your sunscreen, wear a hat, and protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses. Personally, I try to embark on these trails in the mornings to avoid the midday heat. I highly encourage everyone to carry water at all times to avoid heat exhaustion. Preparation is the key to enjoying the outdoors.
Remember to respect the park rangers and the signs; please do not litter. In simple words, respect nature at all times.
Now let’s get to these hiking recommendations! PSA: These trails are not arranged in any order of difficulty.
Mugu Peak
Located:Pt. Mugu State Park (off the PCH)
Difficulty: Hard
Length: 2.0 miles
Time to Complete:2 hrs. approx.
Pet Friendly: No
Trail Route Type: Out & Back, or you can take this 0.8-mile longer loop trail.
2. Ray Miller Backbone Trail
Located:Pt. Mugu State Park (off the PCH)
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 5.4 miles
Time to Complete:2 hrs. 40 min. approx.
Pet Friendly: No
Trail Route Type: Out & Back
3. Arroyo Verde Trail
Located:Arroyo Verde Park in Ventura
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 2.3 miles
Time to Complete: 1 hr. approx.
Pet Friendly: Dogs on a leash
Trail Route Type: Loop
4. Paradise Falls
Located:Wildwood Regional Park in Thousand Oaks
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 4.1 miles
Time to Complete:1 hr. 50 min. approx.
Pet Friendly: Yes. Dogs must be on a leash.
Trail Route Type: Loop
5. The 102 Trail and Price Family Loop
Located:Harmon Canyon Preserve in Ventura
(Offers many paths, but some aren’t currently accessible; this one is!)
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 4.3 miles
Time to Complete:2 hrs. approx.
Pet Friendly: Yes. Dogs must be on a leash; they’re not allowed past the 1.8-mile mark.
Trail Route Type: Loop
Overall, whether I’m out there by myself or with others, hiking truly gets rid of every ounce of anxiety and stress in my body. There are numerous trails out there to embark on rather than simply sit around and worry about what can go wrong. I hope this article has sparked some interest in you; don’t be afraid to take some time to create some memorable outdoor moments.
Any hiking trail recommendations are welcomed. Thank you!
In this first project I get professional advice on how to build a raised flower bed for my patio. Construction veteran Kirk Coffield from Coffield Construction answers my questions while I get a crash course in carpentry.
Have you ever wondered which coastal destination is next on your vacation list? Sometimes deciding can feel overwhelming when two destinations are fairly close to each other. Baja California Sur is home to a number of Mexico’s well-known, lovely beach destinations, two of them being Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo—these locations are separated by an estimate of 30 minutes, and they offer travelers completely distinct atmospheres. Cabo San Lucas is prominent for its energetic atmosphere, active nightlife, and luxury resorts. On the contrary, San José del Cabo offers a serene atmosphere, cultural richness, and local artistry. This blog post will provide informative details gathered through personal experience where I compare these coastal towns in hopes that an interested traveler finds it convenient.
Atmospheres, Aesthetics, and Tourist Popularity
San José del Cabo’s center offers colorful cobblestone streets made up of numerous restaurants, boutique shops, drinking bars, and cafés, all within walking distance. You will spot small numbers of tourists walking these streets during the day and only increase slightly towards the night. The town presents an Instagram-worthy aesthetic with its marvelous and vibrant wall art. As someone who loves to capture moments, I was constantly mesmerized by all of the story-telling art I encountered in this town.
Having said that, sky-high luxury hotel buildings cram the town of Cabo San Lucas. The powerful beach waves send an ocean breeze scent that fills the air. Music-filled streets add to the lively atmosphere. Both high-end restaurants and food stalls fill their cobblestone streets. This town is perfect for the socializers out there because it is often busy with a diverse mix of visitors. Peak seasons might feel overwhelming when trying to book reservations of any type.
Things to do
San Jose del Cabo offers a variety of activities, from beach clubs to art galleries; here are just some personal recommendations:
For art lovers out there, here are some art galleries recommended by other travelers.
Veleros Beach Club is located at La Playa, and it is one of the very few swimmable beaches in Los Cabos. Its low tourist population contributes to its relaxing atmosphere.
San Jose Del Cabo Art Walk is an open air even that’s free to attend every Thursday from 5pm to 9pm, from November to June. Indulge in art galleries, food, and live music.
Cabo San Lucas offers an assortment of activities, from outdoor water ventures to laying beachside; here are some recommendations:
The Arch of Cabo San Lucas, or “El Arco,” is a captivating natural wonder carved by wind, waves, and erosion millions of years ago. I suggest walking through the harbor if you prefer booking a boat tour in person.
Corazón Beach Club is located at Medano Beach, and it offers delicious food and drinks, but I will say the multitude of tourists can become overwhelming if your intention is to relax or catch an unobstructed view of the ocean.
Book a whale watching tour from January to March (abundant in early March) for a spectacular experience.
Check out this seasonal calendar that may influence your decision on the timing of your visit!
Restaurants and Nightlife
Cabo has a mix of affordable and pricey restaurants; it simply depends on your cuisine interests. As previously mentioned, you will have fun anywhere you decide to go, as Cabo’s energetic and active nightlife is alluring. But please take precautionary actions if you’re planning a night out.
Here are the top 3 personal recommendations on lovely dining and nightlife attractions:
The Office is an unforgettable beachside restaurant that offers scrumptious food at a reasonable price. Highly recommend making a reservation around sunset to enjoy a beautiful view.
Edith is an astonishing restaurant with savory dishes. Their prices are considerably high, but their service is impeccable.
La Vaquita—if you’re a fan of old school R&B, reggaeton, and Latin music, it’s safe to say you’ll enjoy your time here.
El Squid Roe is party-central. Enjoy your time here as you order a rib eye with a side of bottle service.
Just as Cabo, San José offers a variety of cuisines for a multitude of palate interests. Prices range from high to low. I suggest searching through Yelp, as many restaurants include their prices on their online menus. Opposite of Cabo, San José’s nightlife is mellow and typically involves going out for some drinks and ending the night right after.
Here are the top 3 personal recommendations on lovely dining and nightlife attractions:
Visit Jazmin’s Restaurant for some delicious authentic Mexican food. Though it is on the pricier side, I loved my breakfast chilaquiles and thought the restaurant interior was beautiful.
Osteria 107—Visit this Italian kitchen for some flavorful pasta, fresh seafood, a glass of wine, and a picture-perfect interior.
Nomada Bar De Origen—this bar offers a mellow atmosphere where you can grab a drink during the nighttime. Imagine catching up with someone else on a warm night and house music playing lightly in the background. I don’t know…it seems pleasant to me!
Top 5 Accommodation Options:
Now, I think this will be the section that will conclude your decision-making. Price rates vary by season; expect higher prices during high season. Below you will find rates for 1 room, 1 night.
Only take car rides from licensed taxi drivers or Ubers (I used Uber during my entire stay and had no issue with the service).
Watch for pickpockets in the nightlife areas.
It is crucially important to not beach walk at the water’s edge on the Pacific side, as huge waves may come ashore with little to no notice!
In short, both Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo welcome multitudes of diverse travelers every day. Whether you’re traveling solo, with a couple, or as a family, I hope this has helped you finalize a decision by now. If you are still undecided, do not worry, as their accessible distance makes it simple for everyone to get a glimpse of both. Lastly, I invite you to visit these coastal towns and create your own memories.
Feel free to contact me for any further questions.
Have you ever wanted to travel but felt like something was holding you back? Maybe you want to go with friends or significant other, but there is always an excuse. Do you want to prove that you can be independent? Or maybe you want to take a break from people and the drama. Well, how about I share what I have learned from my time abroad? Within the last seven years, I have completed twelve countries alone. I will share the pros and cons, smart and dumb choices and decisions that I have made, and finally, some tips and tricks. Traveling by yourself is not easy and can be very stressful, but it can be very rewarding and exciting. But this is why you have me, and in this article, I’m going to share the nitty and grittiness of solo adventures. Now, let’s see if you got what it takes to be a solo traveler!
Let’s start with the pros and cons of solo traveling:
For the pros, individuals can go at their own pace. Maybe you want to do something relaxing and lounge at the beach, or you might want to go sightseeing and see as much as possible while being fast and efficient. This can help you realize what is important to you personally and do what you want. Continuing to gain more insight about yourself, if you do your research and figure out the logistics, you can get more of a feel of what it can be like to be a local.
Now, to move on to the stressors of traveling, AKA the cons:
I want to point out or remind you that things do not always go to plan, so be prepared to have a backup plan or two! An example might be how you thought about the logistics of how to get from one place to another. What if you missed that train, or what if your phone is not working because your phone is not covered in that location? The moral of the point is that things can be very stressful, so be open-minded and try to think ahead! This is something that I have learned the hard way. Another lesson I learned is that not every situation is black and white. If you only focus on the negative outcomes, you’ll miss out on many things. Maybe you might get distracted and get lost, or maybe you might miss an opportunity to do something unique.
To help you change your mind frame, think about the moral of the story. Try to see if there is a lesson that can be learned, that way you can prevent it from happening again. I know this is easier said than done, but it is possible, you just need to be patient with yourself. Try to think that something can always be learned from any stressful situation. I now tend to think about what opportunity this frustrating event created in a positive manner.
Here, let me give you an example!
I went to Europe for the first time by myself. The first place I went to in Europe was Paris, France. Things went smoothly until there was an issue with the plane, and the flight landed at Heathrow Airport in London, England. I had no idea what to do or where to go. I had to figure out how to get from Heathrow Airport to London St Pancras International Station to take a high-speed train to Paris Gare du Nord station within four hours!
I dealt with two additional issues I did not expect. First, my phone was not working, so I considered it a “paperweight” because it did nothing. I knew my cellphone provider worked there, but I had no idea what was wrong with it. But I made due by asking employees how to get to the next place. My second issue was that I had to make the last train from London to Paris, or I would have to wait until morning to get the next train. To make things even more stressful, the only tickets left were for business class seats and I had to run to make that train. Along the way, my backpack somehow got unzipped while running to make the train, so I lost half of my things on the train track. Luckily, an employee saw this and delayed the train since objects were on the track. I ended up getting all of my things back and making the train.
Although this was very stressful, and to be honest, I cried a lot once I got to my seat and sipped on my complimentary business class champagne… But this is where I realized I needed to find the positive out of the negative moments. Without this event, I would never have gone through the English Chunnel. Yes, “Chunnel,” not “channel.” This is because the channel is the water above, and the “chunnel” is the tunnel under the channel. Here’s a diagram of the tunnel!
Now, going back to other cons, I learned how traveling alone can be lonely. I knew this going in, but I knew I needed it. This might sound odd, but I needed to learn how to not depend on others, and I also needed to have some self-discovery. If solitude is not something that might not phase you, you need to remember that being alone can make you a target. What I mean by being a target is not just about taking the risk of being kidnapped, but even things such as scams. So don’t wear your earbuds when you’re bored, you will seem distracted and honestly will be with the loud music. Knowing this, you must always be careful and “stay on your toes” even if you are bored.
It is easy to make a bad choice when making decisions abroad. So, let me tell you what I learned about decision-making. To start, here are some smart choices to make and why.
It should be safe to say that not every place will be the same. So, it’s good to do your research to determine the local scams and crimes. Let’s use Europe again as an example. It is well-known that in Europe, there is a lot of pickpocketing and people stealing purses. Some not so well known scams are when locals try to give you, whether that be a bracelet or flowers, trick you into thinking that is a kind gift they are giving you, but once you take the object, they demand that you give them money for it or they will get the police.
Another example is when you mind your own business walking in the city, and you have to be careful of where you walk, or you might step on someone’s artwork; this is another cause of scam because if you step on the artwork, you then have to pay for it.
Here’s one last example: have you ever heard of throwing the baby? This scam is a common scam among gypsies in Europe. What they will do is they will literally throw their child at you in hopes that your reaction is to catch the baby to prevent them from falling onto the floor. If you do have that reaction of grabbing the child, this is when another person will pickpocket you because you got distracted saving the baby.
Moving onto dumb decisions, One of the dumbest things I did and immediately learned from was not looking at what was going on at the place I was planning to travel to. This can include different things such as holidays, religious events, sports, political conflicts, Etc.
My example is when I was in Brussels, Belgium, in 2022. I did not consider if any significant events were going on, such as when Belgium was against Morocco for the World Cup for football, AKA soccer. The day this tournament was held was my first day in the city. Morocco won the game, and anyone celebrating this victory got way out of hand. There were many riots and many different types of violent behavior. The city became very scary as people were driving on the sidewalks, throwing bottles, shooting fireworks, and many other behaviors that ended up resulting in a gas line blowing up. This crazy behavior obviously needed local law enforcement and their K9s to be deployed. It got to a point where the police ended up using teargas and water cannons to break up the violence.
So please learn from this scary and dumb mistake and research what is going on before going.
Now moving on to some tips and tricks to make your adventures easier. Let’s start by having apps pre-downloaded and set up so you’re good to go. Some beneficial ones I constantly use are Google Maps, Google Translate, Currency Exchange, Uber, Expedia or Viator, the airlines I would be using, and Fountain Finder.
Here’s a fun tip for you to stay safe: lie. Yes, lie. Growing up, you get told that lying is bad, but not this time. For me being a young solo female traveler, people have asked me where my group is. Lying that you are meeting up with someone means you are to be expected soon, and if you don’t show up, people get involved. More than likely, these people don’t need to know your business. So, in this case, lying can keep you safe. So, the trick to making lying work is to have a loose story planned out in advance. I do not like to give out my first and last name when traveling, so I come up with a different last name and use my middle name as my first name. Then, to top it off, I changed how I talk by using an accent and changing my terminology and phrasing. You might wonder why I would do this and make things even more complicated versus just telling the straightforward truth because I do not want to sound American. I do not want to sound like a tourist and have others use stereotypes against me, like being naive and stupid, and so on. Not every culture likes Americans. I learned it is best not to act and look like an American. You can end up being perceived as naive or be targeted for a list of many reasons. So this trick is not to look so American. So smile rarely, have a stern and confident demeanor, be careful of what you say and how you say it, respect customs, and finally, don’t wear your athletic wear and flip-flops everywhere.
Now, let’s move to the fun stuff, shall we? Why is going traveling alone actually awesome!
Well,I love how I get to customize my adventures. I greatly enjoy history, nature, interacting with different customs, seeing museums with all the art, and trying different food. You can say that I like to do a lot of everything. I like to learn, which sometimes means I must get out of my comfort zone. The empowerment I have gained has helped me immensely because of the unforgettable memories and valuable life lessons I learned. One goal of mine is to improve myself constantly. I change myself for myself, not for others. I want to create my happiness and realize that solo traveling has helped me. When I am alone, I do not have to deal with the drama in my life, and I can gain peace. I love staying in a state of “aw” and “wow”!
For example, last September, I was in Europe. Who would have thought that I would be back in Europe? Isn’t this so shocking?! Moving on. So the plan I had made with friends ended up getting canceled when I was already there in Europe. Instead of being mad, I went into a rapid brainstorming session about what I could do. So I decided to do a “holiday within a holiday,” one might say. I learned in that research binge that the Aurora borealis season had just started, and I knew right away that I had to go to Norway to see them. So I did just that and saw them!
I felt like I was in heaven because this whole experience happened because of canceled plans. If it weren’t for the change of plans, I would never have gotten to check another thing off of my bucket list. I am so grateful for the cancellation because I would never have gotten this! Never did I think that I would get this beautiful opportunity.
I can easily keep going and share more experiences with all of you, but I will save them for another time. I hope this was helpful and made you consider if this is something you want to explore! The world is exciting and oh-so beautiful because of all the many cultures and what makes them. So don’t let anything hold you back if it is something you really want, just remember to be smart and stay safe!
If you have any comments, questions, or just want to hear more. You can contact me at:
A new small and local business that just recently opened in the Market Place in Oxnard, CA is waiting for business to take off!!
Do not let the name mislead you. Surfko is a general clothing store that sells primarily women and men’s clothing. They also sell children’s clothing. Surfko is a store for all beautiful ages. This store recently launched men’s shorts for the beach. These shorts are two in one. Not only are they every day walking shorts, but they are also board shorts. Wait until you hear how affordable these one of a kind shorts are. For only $10, you get stylish every day lounge wear and waterproof swim trunks!
Gray Surfko shorts: $10Green Surfko shorts: $10
The prices at this store are out of this world. Not only are the prices cheap, but everything in the store ranges from $2-$10. There is nothing in the store that costs more than $10! These prices are like no other 💸.
History 📜
Surfko’s very first location started back in 2012 at the Camarillo Outlets. The store was located by the well known UGG store and the food court. The company first started off as a surf company that manufactured T-shirts and sweatshirts. As business was growing, Surfko was able to expand to a more general clothing selection. Thanks to being at the Camarillo Outlets for 12 years, they are now able to have a wide variety of affordable clothing. Some clothing products that Surfko sells in store includes:
Hawaiian shirts
Jackets
Denim Jeans
Joggers
Fleece pants
Sweatshirts
Hoodies
T-shirts
Pajamas
Tank tops
Leggings
Skirts
Shorts
Dresses
Unfortunately, due to recent inflation and rent prices sky rocketing the owner decided not to pay the expensive rent prices at the Outlets. This is the reason they are at a new location in Oxnard, CA. They need all the support they can get right now!
🗣️Surfko’s Motto 🗣️
At Surfko they believe it is important to have good quality, fabrics, and great designs. Plus, the best deals on clothing items, so that we as customers can save money.
💵Forms of Payment 💳
Surfko accepts many forms of payments via:
American Express
Apple Pay
Visa
Venmo
Google pay
PayPal
Mastercard
Shop
Meta Pay
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Don’t forget to check out surfko whenever you are in oxnard, ca… guaranteed you will find something you like + it is affordable 🎉!
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Finals week is coming, and those sleepless nights are upon us. The next two weeks is a time of studying late at night, eating junk food, and drinking so much coffee! For those who are graduating, and those who will register for classes next semester, this is a stressful time, yes its temporary, but still stressful. With this academic year coming to a close: full of successes and stresses, going to Ventura Beach will help you manage stress and self care.
Here’s a list of why and how walking or sitting on a bench at Ventura beach will help you destress and make your finals week a memorable one:
The Smell: The scent of the sea is refreshing. Take a few deep breaths and take in the fresh and salty aroma. Taking deep breaths improves lung function, lowers stress, and improves concentration.
The Touch: If you walk barefoot or bury your hands in the sand, its’ particles will stimulate your psyche and your skin.
The Sound: The sound of the waves will help you feel optimistic and positive about your upcoming finals. The sound of nature will help soothe your body and relax your mind.
The Sight: You’ll see many people walking/jogging, long palm trees, and very talented surfers. If you catch a sunrise or a luminous sunset your body will relax and reduce stress. Watching the waves will boost your confidence going into finals, you will crush them!
Make sure you add some beach time to your finals study plans, or go afterwards with friends or alone. Surviving these next two weeks will set you up for a successful future in your awesome future academic endeavors, and it doesn’t have to be chaotic or full of stress.
What do you think about One Bowl One Spoon Living? Does “one bowl, one spoon” 🥣 resonate with your practical experience and beliefs? Can we all eat from the same spoon, the same bowl, the same watershed, the same planet? Ideally, yes we can and we do. However, practically speaking, our mobility and the time and spatial scales of our perception blind us to the reality of one bowl, one spoon.
Our groundwater contamination today may move so slowly that our grandchildren may suffer after we are long gone. Do you love the idea of sharing as much as you find implementation of one bowl one spoon thinking painfully impractical? If so, I feel your pain. May I empathize with your situation more?
Emerging from COVID, most people insist on their own spoon and their own bowl to make sure we aren’t the next ones to die from contagion or at least don’t get inconvenient viruses. Yet how many millions of plastic spoons, bowls, and even gloves have been added to the Pacific Gyre Plastic patch since 2019? If that plastic shows up in the fish we eat as microplastics, that’s bad and sad. So can we agree we need convenient ways to expend less plastic and also keep it out of our oceans?
How can we correct and atone for our and our family’s pollution-sins of the past? Separation for the sake of survival and convenience was important to help us get through the short term emergency of the COVID Pandemic. We survived.
2024 presents longer term threats; slower moving train wrecks. Our emissions of Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), r410a refrigerant, sulfuryl fluoride, and other Greenhouse Gases have intensified our weather and our climate. Storms arrive with more intense rain, more powerful winds, droughts last longer with lower humidity and higher maximum temperatures … and in some cases lower minimum temperatures. Bursting water pipes in surprise Texas freezes caused by an unstable jet stream remind us how Climate Change is a more helpful term than Global Warming. Does your (and our) behavior contribute to the Climate Emergency? Can your (and our) choices make a positive or negative difference that is significant? Our tragic, common “too small to matter but too common to not matter” reality of burning and releasing GHG’s merits attention: what we do DOES matter to our climate here, now, and in the near and distant future. Our example to others matters in our community and there are more personal, immediate effects.
As one of 8,000,000,000 people on Earth, can anyone seriously say that a monthly burning of $70 of gasoline, $70 of natural gas for water heating, cooking and clothes drying makes any significant difference to solve our current Climate Crisis? While I admit it is difficult to grasp, the answer is “Yes.” I believe it does make a difference. COVID helped show how. Combustion byproducts from natural gas cooking and clothes-drying have a real effect on millions of asthma victims. People exposed to higher levels of combustion byproducts, including particulate pollution, for longer durations died and experienced complications from COVID at significantly higher rates. Hypocrisy results when we are forced to choose between inconvenient results and convenient bad behavior. Most people choose what is convenient…particularly those who earn less or those who possess less wealth…but also those who have so much income and/or wealth that they are unaccustomed to being held to account for their impacts on others.
We are constantly rewarded when we respond quickly and early to opportunities as they arise, with seemingly no time to pause to observe and consider the effect of our exhaust. The struggle is real. With pressure to do more, stay up later, yet still arrive to appointments on-time it is so common to feel that pressure to drive what ever car we can afford. With electric cars generally costing over $20,000 used and over $40,000 new the shift from gasoline to battery-powered is challenging, with or without range anxiety. The financial barriers to converting are significant and compelling. More financially accessible options include:
$7 to eat a meal (or cake+ice cream?) with less meat, fewer food-miles, and/or prepared with 100% Renewable Clean Power Alliance electricity…you know, compassionate eats.
$70 +/- induction plate to cook with Clean Power Alliance 100% renewable electricity,
$700 e-bike to commute carefully with commutes twice as long as car commutes,
$70 monthly bus pass with commutes that involve meeting new friends on the bus,
$700 electric clothes dryer,
$700 upgrade for your home/apartment’s electric panel to power electric dryer &/or car charger,
$70-700 of air-sealing and insulation improvements,
$700+ portable dual function heat pump air conditioner plus heater with air filters,
$70 Lyft or Uber rides where you specifically request or select electric only options.
$170 or less on a good pair of running shoes (good for you and your planet!).
FREE and FUN: collaborate with your neighboring renters to lobby your land-lord’s conversion to 100% Renewable Clean Power Alliance Electricity.
May I challenge you to cut your CO2e in half every year? Meet your needs, while considering Our Earth Community’s needs. If you do, you might just learn valuable expertise and meet interesting friends to help you build a more compassionate and abundant reality for you and those you affect. When it gets challenging, please know I feel it too and reach out to friends to talk about your struggle and successes.
May you Balance2thrive®
G Naugles, MSBio, MBA, GISP, M.Ed., CalBRE, RCE, BSCE, CPHT
VC Social 